A large group of guards are gathered here and Paren is able to tell that these are the guards that were in the room when the event happened. He also sees the group of people sitting to the sides of the Duke that he hadn't see before entering the room. They all seem to be people of some level of importance within Thousand Steps.
The decor of this room is extremely bare. Only the pieces need to serve as places to sit can be found here along with the raised table where the Duke sits like a judge. The walls are all bare and there are only three doorways out of this room. They all seem to be similar in shape and size. It's hard to tell where they lead but you're certain that you're very high within Thousand Steps.
"Thank you. It's an unfortunate thing but Candase, and Jonathan, are the latest casualties in a war between the new gods and the old gods. So far the new gods seem to be winning, destroying holy sites to the old gods. What happened here is likely one of the old gods attempts to fight back. The stone that Candase touched, and used to kill Jonathan, is a fragment of an obelisk to the old god of death, Mervielle. We have heard from one of our former travelling companions that Mervielle can use the proximity to the stones to influence people, though it doesn't always go how he seems to want it too. My best guess is that Mervielle was trying to use the stone to change Jonathan somehow. Now, before we entered the room we heard another voice, which I assume to be one of the new gods. Based on the ward that has been placed over Jonathan's body I assume that they showed up and stopped the change, effectively killing him in the process."
Paren takes another short step out of the crowd and looks directly at Candase. "She may have been the one who struck the blow that killed my friend but I do not hold her responsible. She was simply another unwilling pawn in this war."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
A large group of guards are gathered here and Tanni is able to tell that these are the guards that were in the room when the event happened. She also sees the group of people sitting to the sides of the Duke that she hadn't seen before entering the room. They all seem to be people of some level of importance within Thousand Steps. All of the guards are armed with blades similar to the one you now carry. You see the expressions of some of the guards and it seems like they're wondering if they'll be put on trial next for assisting in the murder.
The decor of this room is extremely bare. Only the pieces needed to serve as places to sit can be found here along with the raised table where the Duke sits like a judge. The walls are all bare and there are only three doorways out of this room. They all seem to be similar in shape and size. It's hard to tell where they lead but you're certain that you're very high within Thousand Steps.
Looking at Candise and the Duke, you can't help but to notice very slight similarities between the half-orc and the half-elf. The Duke seems to be showing her more compassion that you thought that he might given the situation.
As Paren speaks, you can see the stranger next to the guard master has taken a keen interest in the story. You're unsure if he's judging it for truthfulness or if he's just listening very intently.
Falaine would see...
A large group of guards are gathered here and Falaine is able to tell that these are the guards that were in the room when the event happened. All of the guards are armed with blades similar to the one you now carry. You see the expressions of some of the guards and it seems like they're wondering if they'll be put on trial next for assisting in the murder. The glances that the Duke casts to them makes you believe that their sentencing will be coming soon enough but he needs them to recount what they experienced first.
She also sees the group of people sitting to the sides of the Duke that she hadn't seen before entering the room. They all seem to be people of some level of importance within Thousand Steps. Looking at their attire, it seems like each controls a certain portion of the leadership role within the walls. It would provide Falaine comfort in knowing that the Duke had a council that he could work with when determining policy and rules for his lands. The council was made up of more common races to Koresica and included a dwarf, elf, and two humans. They all looked to have experienced quite a bit in their lives but they're all dressed in extremely fine clothing making their status apparent.
The decor of this room is extremely bare. Only the pieces needed to serve as places to sit can be found here along with the raised table where the Duke sits like a judge. The walls are all bare and there are only three doorways out of this room. They all seem to be similar in shape and size. It's hard to tell where they lead but you're certain that you're very high within Thousand Steps. All of the doors in this room opened toward the interior except for one which looked to open outward. It seemed like an odd choice to not have consistency in the door hinges. When Falaine recalls the servants earlier talking about a rat being dropped, Falaine began to wonder if the door opened to the cliffs below.
Looking at Candise and the Duke, you start to notice very slight similarities between the half-orc and the half-elf. The Duke seems to be showing her more compassion that you thought that he might given the situation. You'd known the Duke to be a rather caring ruler, but this seems to be a connection beyond that. Is this another of the Duke's offspring? Does Candise even know?
As Paren speaks, you can see the stranger next to the guard master has taken a keen interest in the story. He seems to be listening very intently and you can see him trying to make sense of it all. This person is clearly not from here based on their attire and you're not sure why the Duke would allow an outsider in a preceding like this. In fact, you notice the Duke casting very confused looks to the guard master occasionally as he tries to understand who this guest is as well.
The Duke nods as if accepting Paren's words into the record of the trial.
"Thank you for your words." He looks out over the audience gathered here and says, "Is there anyone else that would like to speak for the accused?"
One of the guards nervously steps forward and recounts what they experienced in the servant chambers. "I rushed to help when I heard the calls but something grabbed me like a puppeteer pulling my strings. I could feel my body moving but not of my own control. I could see and hear everything but could not fight against the control. I remember tossing all of their belongings but I don't know why. Suddenly the control brought me to the center chamber where I saw it happen. She drove the stone right into his chest. His whole body slowly started to turn an odd color. That's when she appeared and smashed a giant shield into Candise causing us all to get knocked back. That's all I remember."
Another speaks up. "She was in armor. Head to toe plate of pure white light. To look on her was like looking at the sun. She stopped the changing of the body and looked on it with love like a mother looking at her dying child. I think she knew him. She was so angry when she yelled at Candise, but I don't think she was actually talking to her. I think she was talking to whatever was controlling us." The guard pauses. "Please don't punish Candise for something she had no control over. She's only ever been kind and loving since she arrived at the castle. This wasn't her fault."
The elf of the council lets out a soft sigh before saying, "A noble's son has died while under the protection of our guard in our castle. Wars have been started for less. If we do not provide Baron Narthel with the guilty party, we can expect repercussions."
You all can see the guard master glaring at the elven adviser.
The Duke almost seems to snarl as he says, "The Baron will be compensated for his loss. I will deal with him when I return."
The dwarf on the council speaks up. "If the stone is what caused all of this and it came from these mysterious travelers, the repercussions of the death should fall on them. Why don't we just send them to the Baron so that he may enact his own justice for his own son?"
The Duke growls seeming more and more irritated with his council of advisers. "I am responsible for what happens in my lands. If I have to kill a god to protect my people, so be it. I'm not going to send our guests to be some Baron's play things." He gives Falaine a very protective look. "Is there anyone else that wishes to speak for the accused?," he says again trying to get the subject back to the trial of Candise.
[All may roll an insight check to gauge one person's response to Paren's statement. Make the roll and say who you're watching]
that this dwarf seemed to be Highland raised. He was a bit taller which meant he had plenty of room to grow and probably didn't live in the confines of the caves and tunnels under the Suncrest Mountains. The dwarf seemed to have a fair bit of coin judging by his clothes and he spoke like someone that had been schooled properly instead of being raised by the forge like the Lowland dwarves often were. The way the dwarf looks at the group tells Tanni that he cares little for the group and would rather be in bed than dealing with this annoyance of a trial. It's clear that he and most likely the others on the council are only here as required by tradition. Tanni can tell that the dwarf would turn them over to the Baron if he thought it'd make his own life easier. The dwarf doesn't have any markings of the trade guilds she would often seen the dwarves wearing so proudly.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Falaine speaks up. "Under your discretion my Lord, may I inquire at this one?" she points to the stranger near the guard master "They are clearly not a member of his Lordship's court and with so much happening I believe it best all parties know all who are attending this trial."
Paren listened to what the second guard had said during their statement trying to match it to his own findings,
This guard seemed to have faired better than the others in the room. She must not have been very closer to what happened or even late to gathering around the event that had unfolded. It's clear that the guard is very confident in what they saw. Their description of the events sounded as though some sort of angel had come to stop the ritual that was being undertaken. The statement seems to express that this armored person had a deep bond with Jonathan for some reason and couldn't stand to see what was happening to him. Paren thinks back to what he heard this figure shout and began to wonder if she had been talking directly to Merveille through the eyes of the Candise who was under some sort of manifestation of the stone.
Falaine gives the stranger a look over and finds...
That they seem very out of place here. They do not carry the same privilege found with the council and they're certainly not dressed in clothes fitting of someone in such company. While the others speak, the stranger seems to be absorbing everything said and logging it to memory with intense focus to retain it for a time that it would be helpful. It's unclear why they're here, but they do not seem to be a threat based on their body language. If anything, it seems that the guard master has taken this outsider as a sort of adviser of his own sort but for what purpose remains to be seen.
In response to Falaine's statement, the Duke looks to his guard master with a similar expression of confusion.
The bland garbed gent looks to the guard master. "It was not my intent to survey your politics, I care little if at all for it."He mentions quietly. "You requested my presence to be brought to your master's attention, yes? If we are done here then I can return and examine your circles. Then I won't be a party present and it will no longer matter."His voice in very monotone and drab, and his sunken eyes seem to lack any expression either.
The guard master seems somewhat irritated with the change of topic from the trial of a murderer to questioning his guest. "Your Grace, I believe we should resolve one thing before another. This man here may be able to provide some answers that we are lacking in regards to the circle below. You see, one of my guards found him down in that very room as he was clearing the bodies of the only people in this entire castle that could tell us what that circle is and who may be using it. He had every opportunity to do ill to the guard but assured him that he was not the assassin that came through earlier in the day."There is a long pause before he says. "And we could use all the help we can get right now with the guards being split between the expedition and here. I don't have the time to handle the lock down of the castle and managing trying to find another to research this hell of a situation we've found ourselves."
You all can tell that the guard master's patience is growing thin. He's lost some under his command today as well as people he was charged with protecting. A good nights rest would do most the people in this room some good.
The Duke responds to his guard master and says, "I've had enough of people using that gate to get into my castle without my permission. I order that it be sealed away and never to be made accessible again so long as Thousand Steps watches over the sea. I want this done tonight. I don't care how tired you all are. We can't risk more enemies coming through the gate while we sleep."
The Duke looks to the stranger and says, "You will have answering to do, but Tyler is right. Does anyone else have anything to add to what happened in the servant quarters? If not, I am ready to make my ruling."
It is now that you realize that the sobbing had subsided for a while but it returns in full force.
Paren steps back and close to Tanni. He whispers quietly, "Should we leave before they seal the gate? I can take us to two different places, or we can stay and try to find answers here. I'm curious about this new fellow. Someone came through the gate before us, maybe it was him."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Tanni whispers back, "I'll be kicking myself for this, but I think we should stay, for now." She thinks for a moment and steps forward, her thumbs tucked to her belt and addresses the trial. "Tanni Thornhill, late Jonathan's friend. Here's my two bits: Ultimately the one responsible for the death of my friend and the brave guards is Mervielle. This does not mean that Candise is innocent, she could very well be secretly a servant of his. She should at least be imprisoned until Mervielle is dealt with, for her safety and others. To that end, I offer you my aid in ending the threat of this conflict between Mervielle and Shamara. I'm sure my remaining companions share my offer." She stands firm, staring confidently at each member of the council.
When Tanni mentions Candise being secrety a servant of Merveille, you see the stranger turn toward the guard caption and say with a passive tone, "There are spells that can sort out those issues, why not use them?"
Tyler seems to be in agreement. "Your Grace, if we were able to guarantee what she says is true, would that allow you to better make a ruling?
You see the Duke pause for a moment. "I'd prefer to not manipulate people into being honest, but I feel it may make things easier and my day had already been long enough as it is. Is there anyone here able to use such magics? I'm afraid the few people I'd normally count on for this sort of thing were murdered today by what I'm assuming is yet another person lurking within my castles walls." You can see exhaustion wearing on the Duke as he remembers that someone came through the portal causing all of this mayhem in the first place.
Paren steps up beside Tanni. "Alright. If that's the call I'll be right beside you." He raises his voice to address the duke. "From what our friend told us, now that the shard is gone Candise should be more a threat than she was before, unless Tanni is right about her serving Mervielle. As for the other part, you have my help as well, though I cannot say I'm as enthusiastic about punishing Mervielle, as a follower of one of the old gods. I will do all I can to end the war between the gods, I have already lost my home and my friend, that is too much for me. You have my word as the last Sentinel of the Red Grove, whatever that means to you."
Paren thinks over what he as learned from Lugh through their journey. "Duke, I believe if we were allowed to rest first I could cast the spell you need. I would need time to commune with my god to prepare it properly."
The Duke seems to appreciate Tanni's statement. "I have no quarrel in this war of gods and hadn't experienced anything of the sort until the gate started producing threats to my lands. Should you be able to resolve whatever dispute these two seem to be having, that can only mean good things for my people. I would be most grateful Tanni Thornhill."
Tanni would be able to tell that...
the Duke is being friendlier to the group than how most nobles would be reacting to the chaos that's unfolded since their arrival. It seems like the Duke would be willing to hire the entire group on for tasks of this sort if they showed interest.
The Duke looks back to Candise and says, "It's had grown too late to determine the life of a person I've found only to have goodness in her heart. We will continue tomorrow once this Sentinel of the Red Grove has the ability. Until then, two guards will be stationed outside of your room. You are not to leave. Your responsibilities will be given to your son and you shall have no contact with anyone except for the guards that I send to you. When the sun rises in the east, you will know your fate. Guards..."
Several guards escort Candise out of the chamber through the door the group entered through earlier. As soon as Candise is gone, the council stand from their seats and exit similarly. They're over the festivities of the day and look to be a few hours past their bed times. The guards involved in the searching of the group's chambers get a rather stern talking to from the gaurd master regarding the personal property of guests in the Duke's castle. From the sounds of it, there will be a training process to be completed after the expedition to make sure everyone is aware of the proper etiquette.
Remaining in the chamber is the group along with the Duke, Tyler, and the stranger. Just about everyone here seems to be long due for some rest especially after the celebrations that had been unfolding just a few hours earlier. With a slight sense of relief, the Duke drops his formal etiquette and calms. He looks to Tyler and says,"No more surprise guests in front of the council please. They already think I'm doing a terrible job at ruling as it is. They don't need more stones to throw. I trust your judgement, but today's not the day for surprises."
Tyler nods and says, "Of course, your Grace. I just thought he'd be helpful if the circle was mentioned. Our friends here," He gestures toward the group. "Don't seem to understand the circle and I know you're ready to seal it away. What if there's a reason it's here. What if we're supposed to have it to reach whatever god supports us? This war of the gods this one speaks of could need our help.
The Duke sighs. "You need rest Tyler. You're not a spiritual man but all this has you rambling like a madman. We have our own war brewing and I need you and your men ready."
The Duke looks to the stranger and says, "Well? Have a name? Why are you here?"The Duke's normal cheery personality has fallen away as exhaustion weighs on his mind and body.
"Yes, I believe I have a name." The stranger replies to the duke, his tone still and flat."I cannot claim to know why I am here, outside of at the request of your guard captain. I have no intention of being in Thousand Hills, so unless the whim of these gods is attempting to pull people here I should take my leave. Your guard captain also requested I theorise the potential threat of this circle beneath your homestead, and you appear weary of my presence already."
"Duke, if I may, I have learned some things about the circles since our arrival. They are old teleportation circles used by followers of Lugh, like me, to transport between holy sites. As faith in Lugh and the old gods has declined their use has fallen away. I'm sorry I could not tell you more before but the Sentinel responsible for my training passed away before it was completed so I'm afraid there are large gaps in my knowledge." Paren tries to speak in as gentle and authoritative a manner as he knows how.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
The Duke looks to Paren and questions, "How did you come of this realization? Did you make it to my library and find a book that I'd forgotten about? Or, did you return to the circle to study it? Did you see what happened to my wizards while you were there? Three wizards. I sent all of my wizards to one place. I deserve what happened to them. I'm starting to think the Northern Settlements are just not meant to be. I can't let the others take the land and enslave the people though. Someone has to fight for them."The Duke seems to be trailing off as he fights rest.
"So you're saying another follower of Lugh came into my castle and started killing my guards and wizards? What would cause them to do such a thing. Isn't your faith based on protecting?"The Duke rubs his head trying to understand what Paren is saying. "How many of these circles are there. Did you learn how to control where you end up? Is there a way to turn off one of the circles so it can't just be teleported to by anyone seeking a back door into my castle?"
The Duke nods and says, "You have the floor."
Paren would see...
A large group of guards are gathered here and Paren is able to tell that these are the guards that were in the room when the event happened. He also sees the group of people sitting to the sides of the Duke that he hadn't see before entering the room. They all seem to be people of some level of importance within Thousand Steps.
The decor of this room is extremely bare. Only the pieces need to serve as places to sit can be found here along with the raised table where the Duke sits like a judge. The walls are all bare and there are only three doorways out of this room. They all seem to be similar in shape and size. It's hard to tell where they lead but you're certain that you're very high within Thousand Steps.
Perception check: 15
"Thank you. It's an unfortunate thing but Candase, and Jonathan, are the latest casualties in a war between the new gods and the old gods. So far the new gods seem to be winning, destroying holy sites to the old gods. What happened here is likely one of the old gods attempts to fight back. The stone that Candase touched, and used to kill Jonathan, is a fragment of an obelisk to the old god of death, Mervielle. We have heard from one of our former travelling companions that Mervielle can use the proximity to the stones to influence people, though it doesn't always go how he seems to want it too. My best guess is that Mervielle was trying to use the stone to change Jonathan somehow. Now, before we entered the room we heard another voice, which I assume to be one of the new gods. Based on the ward that has been placed over Jonathan's body I assume that they showed up and stopped the change, effectively killing him in the process."
Paren takes another short step out of the crowd and looks directly at Candase. "She may have been the one who struck the blow that killed my friend but I do not hold her responsible. She was simply another unwilling pawn in this war."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Perception: 25
Tanni would see...
A large group of guards are gathered here and Tanni is able to tell that these are the guards that were in the room when the event happened. She also sees the group of people sitting to the sides of the Duke that she hadn't seen before entering the room. They all seem to be people of some level of importance within Thousand Steps. All of the guards are armed with blades similar to the one you now carry. You see the expressions of some of the guards and it seems like they're wondering if they'll be put on trial next for assisting in the murder.
The decor of this room is extremely bare. Only the pieces needed to serve as places to sit can be found here along with the raised table where the Duke sits like a judge. The walls are all bare and there are only three doorways out of this room. They all seem to be similar in shape and size. It's hard to tell where they lead but you're certain that you're very high within Thousand Steps.
Looking at Candise and the Duke, you can't help but to notice very slight similarities between the half-orc and the half-elf. The Duke seems to be showing her more compassion that you thought that he might given the situation.
As Paren speaks, you can see the stranger next to the guard master has taken a keen interest in the story. You're unsure if he's judging it for truthfulness or if he's just listening very intently.
Falaine would see...
A large group of guards are gathered here and Falaine is able to tell that these are the guards that were in the room when the event happened. All of the guards are armed with blades similar to the one you now carry. You see the expressions of some of the guards and it seems like they're wondering if they'll be put on trial next for assisting in the murder. The glances that the Duke casts to them makes you believe that their sentencing will be coming soon enough but he needs them to recount what they experienced first.
She also sees the group of people sitting to the sides of the Duke that she hadn't seen before entering the room. They all seem to be people of some level of importance within Thousand Steps. Looking at their attire, it seems like each controls a certain portion of the leadership role within the walls. It would provide Falaine comfort in knowing that the Duke had a council that he could work with when determining policy and rules for his lands. The council was made up of more common races to Koresica and included a dwarf, elf, and two humans. They all looked to have experienced quite a bit in their lives but they're all dressed in extremely fine clothing making their status apparent.
The decor of this room is extremely bare. Only the pieces needed to serve as places to sit can be found here along with the raised table where the Duke sits like a judge. The walls are all bare and there are only three doorways out of this room. They all seem to be similar in shape and size. It's hard to tell where they lead but you're certain that you're very high within Thousand Steps. All of the doors in this room opened toward the interior except for one which looked to open outward. It seemed like an odd choice to not have consistency in the door hinges. When Falaine recalls the servants earlier talking about a rat being dropped, Falaine began to wonder if the door opened to the cliffs below.
Looking at Candise and the Duke, you start to notice very slight similarities between the half-orc and the half-elf. The Duke seems to be showing her more compassion that you thought that he might given the situation. You'd known the Duke to be a rather caring ruler, but this seems to be a connection beyond that. Is this another of the Duke's offspring? Does Candise even know?
As Paren speaks, you can see the stranger next to the guard master has taken a keen interest in the story. He seems to be listening very intently and you can see him trying to make sense of it all. This person is clearly not from here based on their attire and you're not sure why the Duke would allow an outsider in a preceding like this. In fact, you notice the Duke casting very confused looks to the guard master occasionally as he tries to understand who this guest is as well.
The Duke nods as if accepting Paren's words into the record of the trial.
"Thank you for your words." He looks out over the audience gathered here and says, "Is there anyone else that would like to speak for the accused?"
One of the guards nervously steps forward and recounts what they experienced in the servant chambers. "I rushed to help when I heard the calls but something grabbed me like a puppeteer pulling my strings. I could feel my body moving but not of my own control. I could see and hear everything but could not fight against the control. I remember tossing all of their belongings but I don't know why. Suddenly the control brought me to the center chamber where I saw it happen. She drove the stone right into his chest. His whole body slowly started to turn an odd color. That's when she appeared and smashed a giant shield into Candise causing us all to get knocked back. That's all I remember."
Another speaks up. "She was in armor. Head to toe plate of pure white light. To look on her was like looking at the sun. She stopped the changing of the body and looked on it with love like a mother looking at her dying child. I think she knew him. She was so angry when she yelled at Candise, but I don't think she was actually talking to her. I think she was talking to whatever was controlling us." The guard pauses. "Please don't punish Candise for something she had no control over. She's only ever been kind and loving since she arrived at the castle. This wasn't her fault."
The elf of the council lets out a soft sigh before saying, "A noble's son has died while under the protection of our guard in our castle. Wars have been started for less. If we do not provide Baron Narthel with the guilty party, we can expect repercussions."
You all can see the guard master glaring at the elven adviser.
The Duke almost seems to snarl as he says, "The Baron will be compensated for his loss. I will deal with him when I return."
The dwarf on the council speaks up. "If the stone is what caused all of this and it came from these mysterious travelers, the repercussions of the death should fall on them. Why don't we just send them to the Baron so that he may enact his own justice for his own son?"
The Duke growls seeming more and more irritated with his council of advisers. "I am responsible for what happens in my lands. If I have to kill a god to protect my people, so be it. I'm not going to send our guests to be some Baron's play things." He gives Falaine a very protective look. "Is there anyone else that wishes to speak for the accused?," he says again trying to get the subject back to the trial of Candise.
[All may roll an insight check to gauge one person's response to Paren's statement. Make the roll and say who you're watching]
Insight check on the dwarf: 12
Tanni would find...
that this dwarf seemed to be Highland raised. He was a bit taller which meant he had plenty of room to grow and probably didn't live in the confines of the caves and tunnels under the Suncrest Mountains. The dwarf seemed to have a fair bit of coin judging by his clothes and he spoke like someone that had been schooled properly instead of being raised by the forge like the Lowland dwarves often were. The way the dwarf looks at the group tells Tanni that he cares little for the group and would rather be in bed than dealing with this annoyance of a trial. It's clear that he and most likely the others on the council are only here as required by tradition. Tanni can tell that the dwarf would turn them over to the Baron if he thought it'd make his own life easier. The dwarf doesn't have any markings of the trade guilds she would often seen the dwarves wearing so proudly.
Falaine insight: 18
Eying the stranger next to the guard master. Falaine has been slowly moving closer to them during the proceedings.
Insight on the yellow guard: 20
Paren raises his head to say something smart to the dwarf but for once in his life thinks better of insulting a noble.
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Falaine speaks up. "Under your discretion my Lord, may I inquire at this one?" she points to the stranger near the guard master "They are clearly not a member of his Lordship's court and with so much happening I believe it best all parties know all who are attending this trial."
persuasion: 7
Paren listened to what the second guard had said during their statement trying to match it to his own findings,
This guard seemed to have faired better than the others in the room. She must not have been very closer to what happened or even late to gathering around the event that had unfolded. It's clear that the guard is very confident in what they saw. Their description of the events sounded as though some sort of angel had come to stop the ritual that was being undertaken. The statement seems to express that this armored person had a deep bond with Jonathan for some reason and couldn't stand to see what was happening to him. Paren thinks back to what he heard this figure shout and began to wonder if she had been talking directly to Merveille through the eyes of the Candise who was under some sort of manifestation of the stone.
Falaine gives the stranger a look over and finds...
That they seem very out of place here. They do not carry the same privilege found with the council and they're certainly not dressed in clothes fitting of someone in such company. While the others speak, the stranger seems to be absorbing everything said and logging it to memory with intense focus to retain it for a time that it would be helpful. It's unclear why they're here, but they do not seem to be a threat based on their body language. If anything, it seems that the guard master has taken this outsider as a sort of adviser of his own sort but for what purpose remains to be seen.
In response to Falaine's statement, the Duke looks to his guard master with a similar expression of confusion.
The bland garbed gent looks to the guard master. "It was not my intent to survey your politics, I care little if at all for it." He mentions quietly. "You requested my presence to be brought to your master's attention, yes? If we are done here then I can return and examine your circles. Then I won't be a party present and it will no longer matter." His voice in very monotone and drab, and his sunken eyes seem to lack any expression either.
The guard master seems somewhat irritated with the change of topic from the trial of a murderer to questioning his guest. "Your Grace, I believe we should resolve one thing before another. This man here may be able to provide some answers that we are lacking in regards to the circle below. You see, one of my guards found him down in that very room as he was clearing the bodies of the only people in this entire castle that could tell us what that circle is and who may be using it. He had every opportunity to do ill to the guard but assured him that he was not the assassin that came through earlier in the day." There is a long pause before he says. "And we could use all the help we can get right now with the guards being split between the expedition and here. I don't have the time to handle the lock down of the castle and managing trying to find another to research this hell of a situation we've found ourselves."
You all can tell that the guard master's patience is growing thin. He's lost some under his command today as well as people he was charged with protecting. A good nights rest would do most the people in this room some good.
The Duke responds to his guard master and says, "I've had enough of people using that gate to get into my castle without my permission. I order that it be sealed away and never to be made accessible again so long as Thousand Steps watches over the sea. I want this done tonight. I don't care how tired you all are. We can't risk more enemies coming through the gate while we sleep."
The Duke looks to the stranger and says, "You will have answering to do, but Tyler is right. Does anyone else have anything to add to what happened in the servant quarters? If not, I am ready to make my ruling."
It is now that you realize that the sobbing had subsided for a while but it returns in full force.
Paren steps back and close to Tanni. He whispers quietly, "Should we leave before they seal the gate? I can take us to two different places, or we can stay and try to find answers here. I'm curious about this new fellow. Someone came through the gate before us, maybe it was him."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Tanni whispers back, "I'll be kicking myself for this, but I think we should stay, for now." She thinks for a moment and steps forward, her thumbs tucked to her belt and addresses the trial. "Tanni Thornhill, late Jonathan's friend. Here's my two bits: Ultimately the one responsible for the death of my friend and the brave guards is Mervielle. This does not mean that Candise is innocent, she could very well be secretly a servant of his. She should at least be imprisoned until Mervielle is dealt with, for her safety and others. To that end, I offer you my aid in ending the threat of this conflict between Mervielle and Shamara. I'm sure my remaining companions share my offer." She stands firm, staring confidently at each member of the council.
When Tanni mentions Candise being secrety a servant of Merveille, you see the stranger turn toward the guard caption and say with a passive tone, "There are spells that can sort out those issues, why not use them?"
Tyler seems to be in agreement. "Your Grace, if we were able to guarantee what she says is true, would that allow you to better make a ruling?
You see the Duke pause for a moment. "I'd prefer to not manipulate people into being honest, but I feel it may make things easier and my day had already been long enough as it is. Is there anyone here able to use such magics? I'm afraid the few people I'd normally count on for this sort of thing were murdered today by what I'm assuming is yet another person lurking within my castles walls." You can see exhaustion wearing on the Duke as he remembers that someone came through the portal causing all of this mayhem in the first place.
Paren steps up beside Tanni. "Alright. If that's the call I'll be right beside you." He raises his voice to address the duke. "From what our friend told us, now that the shard is gone Candise should be more a threat than she was before, unless Tanni is right about her serving Mervielle. As for the other part, you have my help as well, though I cannot say I'm as enthusiastic about punishing Mervielle, as a follower of one of the old gods. I will do all I can to end the war between the gods, I have already lost my home and my friend, that is too much for me. You have my word as the last Sentinel of the Red Grove, whatever that means to you."
Paren thinks over what he as learned from Lugh through their journey. "Duke, I believe if we were allowed to rest first I could cast the spell you need. I would need time to commune with my god to prepare it properly."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
The Duke seems to appreciate Tanni's statement. "I have no quarrel in this war of gods and hadn't experienced anything of the sort until the gate started producing threats to my lands. Should you be able to resolve whatever dispute these two seem to be having, that can only mean good things for my people. I would be most grateful Tanni Thornhill."
Tanni would be able to tell that...
the Duke is being friendlier to the group than how most nobles would be reacting to the chaos that's unfolded since their arrival. It seems like the Duke would be willing to hire the entire group on for tasks of this sort if they showed interest.
The Duke looks back to Candise and says, "It's had grown too late to determine the life of a person I've found only to have goodness in her heart. We will continue tomorrow once this Sentinel of the Red Grove has the ability. Until then, two guards will be stationed outside of your room. You are not to leave. Your responsibilities will be given to your son and you shall have no contact with anyone except for the guards that I send to you. When the sun rises in the east, you will know your fate. Guards..."
Several guards escort Candise out of the chamber through the door the group entered through earlier. As soon as Candise is gone, the council stand from their seats and exit similarly. They're over the festivities of the day and look to be a few hours past their bed times. The guards involved in the searching of the group's chambers get a rather stern talking to from the gaurd master regarding the personal property of guests in the Duke's castle. From the sounds of it, there will be a training process to be completed after the expedition to make sure everyone is aware of the proper etiquette.
Remaining in the chamber is the group along with the Duke, Tyler, and the stranger. Just about everyone here seems to be long due for some rest especially after the celebrations that had been unfolding just a few hours earlier. With a slight sense of relief, the Duke drops his formal etiquette and calms. He looks to Tyler and says, "No more surprise guests in front of the council please. They already think I'm doing a terrible job at ruling as it is. They don't need more stones to throw. I trust your judgement, but today's not the day for surprises."
Tyler nods and says, "Of course, your Grace. I just thought he'd be helpful if the circle was mentioned. Our friends here," He gestures toward the group. "Don't seem to understand the circle and I know you're ready to seal it away. What if there's a reason it's here. What if we're supposed to have it to reach whatever god supports us? This war of the gods this one speaks of could need our help.
The Duke sighs. "You need rest Tyler. You're not a spiritual man but all this has you rambling like a madman. We have our own war brewing and I need you and your men ready."
The Duke looks to the stranger and says, "Well? Have a name? Why are you here?" The Duke's normal cheery personality has fallen away as exhaustion weighs on his mind and body.
"Yes, I believe I have a name." The stranger replies to the duke, his tone still and flat. "I cannot claim to know why I am here, outside of at the request of your guard captain. I have no intention of being in Thousand Hills, so unless the whim of these gods is attempting to pull people here I should take my leave. Your guard captain also requested I theorise the potential threat of this circle beneath your homestead, and you appear weary of my presence already."
"Duke, if I may, I have learned some things about the circles since our arrival. They are old teleportation circles used by followers of Lugh, like me, to transport between holy sites. As faith in Lugh and the old gods has declined their use has fallen away. I'm sorry I could not tell you more before but the Sentinel responsible for my training passed away before it was completed so I'm afraid there are large gaps in my knowledge." Paren tries to speak in as gentle and authoritative a manner as he knows how.
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
The Duke looks to Paren and questions, "How did you come of this realization? Did you make it to my library and find a book that I'd forgotten about? Or, did you return to the circle to study it? Did you see what happened to my wizards while you were there? Three wizards. I sent all of my wizards to one place. I deserve what happened to them. I'm starting to think the Northern Settlements are just not meant to be. I can't let the others take the land and enslave the people though. Someone has to fight for them." The Duke seems to be trailing off as he fights rest.
"So you're saying another follower of Lugh came into my castle and started killing my guards and wizards? What would cause them to do such a thing. Isn't your faith based on protecting?" The Duke rubs his head trying to understand what Paren is saying. "How many of these circles are there. Did you learn how to control where you end up? Is there a way to turn off one of the circles so it can't just be teleported to by anyone seeking a back door into my castle?"