The shopkeeper appears to be telling the truth or at least Tock is certain he would be very surprised to find the flute came from anywhere other than Alciondria.
“fellas.... thanks. Sometimes, I find that I’m not very suited to being around people. I get frustrated, and have to be alone, or I feel just - drained. I’ll make it up to you.” Martin tries to get back to the kitchen area to start cooking these fish. Forgiveness over permission style of borrowing the kitchen.
Dog responds to Martin with a silent, drawn out, "ooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh," as if getting the joke for the first time. When he recovers, he smiles a bit, and goes to Nev and Genny and Bulwark and Althus. He explains the teleportation goose chase and how they have what might actually be an item from Alciondria. "Nev, we'll have to wait a day or two for the helm to have enough power to bring us to the capital, but I think we can get you there. Have you thought of what you'll say to the mage king?"
So, one charge will get 8 people to Alciondria. You have 8 exactly but also several mounts and you would have no way to leave if the location was wrong. What'll it be?
Dog will spend these days waiting on the helm to look through more books from the library about the mage king, the history of his reign, his family, precious royal marriages, his age, his allies, his enemies, and his impact on Alciondria itself. Since Nev is a translator and bookish person, he invites her to help in the project, as will as anyone else who’s interested.
OOC: nerdy Dog burying himself is books reminds me of those acting roles when Dave Bautista wears glasses and is reserved - Blade Runner 2020 being one. Still a massive muscled guy, but very calming and sedate.
He’ll idly bounce Genny on his knee with a book propped up, massive hands up in a cat’s cradle position while Genny strings twine between his hands. Or play tag with her outside and use prestidigitation for special effects. He will also try to catch up with each member of the party, asking them what they will do in the capital city, and if they have any hopes or goals should Nev get happily installed with the Mage King as steward.
Finding work describing King Haddian the First is easily done. Much has been written on the beloved king and it is almost all glowing praise.
King Haddian, son of Prince Harvell the Second, grandson of King Harvell the First, adopted son (and distant cousin) of Queen Margeta the Fourth. Haddian's grandfather was the center of a royal battle for the throne. Queen Margeta IV never bore children of her own and despised the next three people in line for her seat of power. When her second cousin and her cousin's husband died of the Seeping Plague, Margeta IV adopted her cousin's child, Harvell, often referred to as a distant nephew but in fact a second cousin once removed. She asserted his place in line for the throne with force, imprisoning and executing those who challenged this assertion. Many of the noble families fell in line and Harvell the First was ultimately crowned king.
Harvell was seen as a tough but fair ruler, whose own son, Harvell the II was expected to take his place on the throne. Harvell the Second died when Haddian was very young, leaving his older brother, Harvell the Third, in line for the throne. Harvell the First then did something unexpected. Seeing Haddian's potential, he took after Margeta IV and adopted his grandson, asserting the boy's right to inherit the throne. Since this only circumvented Harvell the Third, there was little outcry regarding Harvell's political maneuver. Harvell the III has lived a luxurious life as prince and, through whatever negotiations with his grandfather is, by all appearances, satisfied being passed over for the throne.
King Haddian has been a strong and wise leader. He is highly educated, even by royal standards. Since he did not expect to inherit the throne, Haddian began training as a mage early in life. He is, by all accounts, a highly skilled and potent wizard, respected by magic users all over the known world. Before Harvell the First died and Haddian ascended to the throne, he met and wed princess Duliani, now Queen Duliani, of the neighboring kingdom of Poria. The couple have never borne any children and, despite having five nieces and nephews via Harvell the Third, many fear Haddian will follow his grandfather's and great-grandmother's example and adopt an heir to the throne. This has led to some strife among nieces, nephews, and cousins in the royal family, who vie for his affection, but no overt play for the throne has resulted from this uncertainty.
King Haddian has many accomplishments as ruler of Alcion. He has balanced the tax code to lessen the burden in some areas of commerce and increase it elsewhere. He has employed mages and clerics to help alleviate disease and natural disasters throughout the kingdom. He has invested heavily in roads, most notably the Long Road, stretching far into the interior of the kingdom. This has also broadened the tax base, as taxes are collected more easily and fairly throughout the kingdom. Taxes have declined during his rule as a result.
Many social reforms, begun by Harvell the First and expanded by Haddian, have seen tribal people granted citizenship (further expanding the tax base), constructs granted sentience status and citizenship, and some degree of peace made with some species of giants and metallic dragons. Women have also seen many new freedoms in the colleges and guilds. There has been push back against much of Harvell and Haddian's social reform, but Harvell the First, like Margeta IV, squashed insurrection swiftly and decisively. Haddian has been able to take more diplomatic routes in assuaging the fears of his opponents. Not only is Haddian beloved by his citizens, he is well-liked among the leaders of the guilds and nobility. Every few years there seems to be outrage at some new policy or grand work that Haddian has proposed and Haddian always wins over his opponents, usually through persuasion and diplomacy. As such, his 25 year rule has been one of peace, prosperity, and progress. At 43 years old Haddian has accomplished more on the throne than any before him.
The most recent strife Haddian has stirred up is his efforts to negotiate with the tribal people to the northeast of Alcion. He has met with little success thus far but his patience and kind demeanor have earned him a lot of trust in efforts such as these. Thus, there has been only a little criticism to Haddian's current efforts. Haddian has been likened to an expert painter or a gifted architect in his ability to negotiate the political landscape and he is viewed as a brilliant accountant or college teacher in his ability to identify and improve upon areas of weakness in the kingdom. This appears to be a rather widespread view, leaving few notable political or familial enemies to the Mage King.
Tock would like to seek out the local temple of Tymora if there is one (forgot) or go to the temple of Helm he already knows. He's looking to learn more about life on the long road, how the seat of power being very far affects it, etc.
Essentially doing his own research on the King and the capital city, but from the street level.
At the Temple of Helm, there is nothing but praise for Haddian. Some form of road has always passed through Tinosa on the way to Masa from the capital but Haddian has worked to both expand it and improve and maintain it. When Haddian began taxing the temples 20 years ago, it was wildly unpopular, but time and persuasion by Haddian and Queen Duliani have brought almost everyone around on the idea. The temples receive support from the crown, both politically and financially, which has allowed their rapid expansion deep into Alcion and, in some cases, into the wildlands to the northeast.
People still talk about Haddian's and Duliani's visit to Tinosa and Masa two years ago with great enthusiasm. He is clearly a beloved ruler, seen from the street level as wildly innovative, exceedingly charming, and almost a mythical figure to some. While he is not viewed as a man of the people, he IS viewed as one who cares deeply for the people and uses his gifts for the good of his subjects.
Haddian and Duliani have no children. While Haddian is not old, he is not young and many do not expect Duliani (who is in her late 30s) to bear an heir to the throne. Thus, there is some uncertainty about who will follow Haddian someday. Nobody expects Haddian to be succeeded by anyone of his caliber. They only hope that whomever is next in line does not undo the peace and prosperity that Haddian has brought to Alcion.
Tockgoes back to the others and impatiently waits for the magical items to recharge. He is very much looking forward to meeting the royal family and low-key gushing over it.
The shopkeeper appears to be telling the truth or at least Tock is certain he would be very surprised to find the flute came from anywhere other than Alciondria.
Dog gives Tock a look that seems to say, “oh if you insist,” as haughtily as he can.
Tock pays for the flute and shrugs, "It is what it is. Lets get back to where we started."
Retrieving their fourth, now with 5 fish in hand, the quartet activate the final charge on the helmet, reappearing in Tinosa outside the White Crane.
“fellas.... thanks. Sometimes, I find that I’m not very suited to being around people. I get frustrated, and have to be alone, or I feel just - drained. I’ll make it up to you.” Martin tries to get back to the kitchen area to start cooking these fish. Forgiveness over permission style of borrowing the kitchen.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Dog responds to Martin with a silent, drawn out, "ooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh," as if getting the joke for the first time. When he recovers, he smiles a bit, and goes to Nev and Genny and Bulwark and Althus. He explains the teleportation goose chase and how they have what might actually be an item from Alciondria. "Nev, we'll have to wait a day or two for the helm to have enough power to bring us to the capital, but I think we can get you there. Have you thought of what you'll say to the mage king?"
Number of charges replenished in the helmet: 1
Neventi shakes her head. "How do you plan for something like that?"
So, one charge will get 8 people to Alciondria. You have 8 exactly but also several mounts and you would have no way to leave if the location was wrong. What'll it be?
Can we wait a couple more days for more charges?
Paladin - warforged - orange
Whatever you like!
The next day, 1 charge returns to the helm.
Dog will spend these days waiting on the helm to look through more books from the library about the mage king, the history of his reign, his family, precious royal marriages, his age, his allies, his enemies, and his impact on Alciondria itself. Since Nev is a translator and bookish person, he invites her to help in the project, as will as anyone else who’s interested.
OOC: nerdy Dog burying himself is books reminds me of those acting roles when Dave Bautista wears glasses and is reserved - Blade Runner 2020 being one. Still a massive muscled guy, but very calming and sedate.
He’ll idly bounce Genny on his knee with a book propped up, massive hands up in a cat’s cradle position while Genny strings twine between his hands. Or play tag with her outside and use prestidigitation for special effects. He will also try to catch up with each member of the party, asking them what they will do in the capital city, and if they have any hopes or goals should Nev get happily installed with the Mage King as steward.
Dog:
Finding work describing King Haddian the First is easily done. Much has been written on the beloved king and it is almost all glowing praise.
King Haddian, son of Prince Harvell the Second, grandson of King Harvell the First, adopted son (and distant cousin) of Queen Margeta the Fourth. Haddian's grandfather was the center of a royal battle for the throne. Queen Margeta IV never bore children of her own and despised the next three people in line for her seat of power. When her second cousin and her cousin's husband died of the Seeping Plague, Margeta IV adopted her cousin's child, Harvell, often referred to as a distant nephew but in fact a second cousin once removed. She asserted his place in line for the throne with force, imprisoning and executing those who challenged this assertion. Many of the noble families fell in line and Harvell the First was ultimately crowned king.
Harvell was seen as a tough but fair ruler, whose own son, Harvell the II was expected to take his place on the throne. Harvell the Second died when Haddian was very young, leaving his older brother, Harvell the Third, in line for the throne. Harvell the First then did something unexpected. Seeing Haddian's potential, he took after Margeta IV and adopted his grandson, asserting the boy's right to inherit the throne. Since this only circumvented Harvell the Third, there was little outcry regarding Harvell's political maneuver. Harvell the III has lived a luxurious life as prince and, through whatever negotiations with his grandfather is, by all appearances, satisfied being passed over for the throne.
King Haddian has been a strong and wise leader. He is highly educated, even by royal standards. Since he did not expect to inherit the throne, Haddian began training as a mage early in life. He is, by all accounts, a highly skilled and potent wizard, respected by magic users all over the known world. Before Harvell the First died and Haddian ascended to the throne, he met and wed princess Duliani, now Queen Duliani, of the neighboring kingdom of Poria. The couple have never borne any children and, despite having five nieces and nephews via Harvell the Third, many fear Haddian will follow his grandfather's and great-grandmother's example and adopt an heir to the throne. This has led to some strife among nieces, nephews, and cousins in the royal family, who vie for his affection, but no overt play for the throne has resulted from this uncertainty.
King Haddian has many accomplishments as ruler of Alcion. He has balanced the tax code to lessen the burden in some areas of commerce and increase it elsewhere. He has employed mages and clerics to help alleviate disease and natural disasters throughout the kingdom. He has invested heavily in roads, most notably the Long Road, stretching far into the interior of the kingdom. This has also broadened the tax base, as taxes are collected more easily and fairly throughout the kingdom. Taxes have declined during his rule as a result.
Many social reforms, begun by Harvell the First and expanded by Haddian, have seen tribal people granted citizenship (further expanding the tax base), constructs granted sentience status and citizenship, and some degree of peace made with some species of giants and metallic dragons. Women have also seen many new freedoms in the colleges and guilds. There has been push back against much of Harvell and Haddian's social reform, but Harvell the First, like Margeta IV, squashed insurrection swiftly and decisively. Haddian has been able to take more diplomatic routes in assuaging the fears of his opponents. Not only is Haddian beloved by his citizens, he is well-liked among the leaders of the guilds and nobility. Every few years there seems to be outrage at some new policy or grand work that Haddian has proposed and Haddian always wins over his opponents, usually through persuasion and diplomacy. As such, his 25 year rule has been one of peace, prosperity, and progress. At 43 years old Haddian has accomplished more on the throne than any before him.
The most recent strife Haddian has stirred up is his efforts to negotiate with the tribal people to the northeast of Alcion. He has met with little success thus far but his patience and kind demeanor have earned him a lot of trust in efforts such as these. Thus, there has been only a little criticism to Haddian's current efforts. Haddian has been likened to an expert painter or a gifted architect in his ability to negotiate the political landscape and he is viewed as a brilliant accountant or college teacher in his ability to identify and improve upon areas of weakness in the kingdom. This appears to be a rather widespread view, leaving few notable political or familial enemies to the Mage King.
Tock would like to seek out the local temple of Tymora if there is one (forgot) or go to the temple of Helm he already knows. He's looking to learn more about life on the long road, how the seat of power being very far affects it, etc.
Essentially doing his own research on the King and the capital city, but from the street level.
Tock:
At the Temple of Helm, there is nothing but praise for Haddian. Some form of road has always passed through Tinosa on the way to Masa from the capital but Haddian has worked to both expand it and improve and maintain it. When Haddian began taxing the temples 20 years ago, it was wildly unpopular, but time and persuasion by Haddian and Queen Duliani have brought almost everyone around on the idea. The temples receive support from the crown, both politically and financially, which has allowed their rapid expansion deep into Alcion and, in some cases, into the wildlands to the northeast.
People still talk about Haddian's and Duliani's visit to Tinosa and Masa two years ago with great enthusiasm. He is clearly a beloved ruler, seen from the street level as wildly innovative, exceedingly charming, and almost a mythical figure to some. While he is not viewed as a man of the people, he IS viewed as one who cares deeply for the people and uses his gifts for the good of his subjects.
Haddian and Duliani have no children. While Haddian is not old, he is not young and many do not expect Duliani (who is in her late 30s) to bear an heir to the throne. Thus, there is some uncertainty about who will follow Haddian someday. Nobody expects Haddian to be succeeded by anyone of his caliber. They only hope that whomever is next in line does not undo the peace and prosperity that Haddian has brought to Alcion.
Tock goes back to the others and impatiently waits for the magical items to recharge. He is very much looking forward to meeting the royal family and low-key gushing over it.
(I think we need to wait one more day to teleport some people, the mounts, then come back, then take the rest back.)
"Should we bring gifts? Isn't that something you do for a King?"
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
Tock says, "We should actually check where this thing takes us first. The last two were supposed to take us to Alciondria, but didn't."
"We'll take a scouting team again, and if we're in the right spot, or close enough... We follow through, if not we come back."
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
Dog has relayed all the rich detail in the spoiler text above to the group about the king etc...