The Wildemount Irregulars (2020)

"Well, I thought that in the morning you could send a guard to the inn my friends and I stayed at where we first met Art and talk to them. That is where he took Wash's horse and that map from me. You could also send a guard to my family that lives out here in the Tillage and have one of them confirm that the map is mine. Oh, with everything going on I forgot to tell you who I am; I am Alton Wildcloak." Alton puts his hand out to shake her hand. "On a side note my friends, Wash and Balassar, and myself were actually on our way to Felderwin. We were hired by Mr. Goldcannon in Hupperdook to run an errand for him. I guess you could have someone talk with him too about the horses, they are his after all; we are just borrowing them to make our trip faster. Oh, and if someone does go to Hupperdook, they could talk with Watchmaster Gulchswattle, my friends and I did some work for him too. If possible, could you let one of us finish the job Mr. Goldcannon sent us to do, please." Alton gives her a hopeful smile.

(I can't remember if we had a specific time to deliver the package by or not.)

Captain Ressin shakes her head does not accept Alton's hand. Son, you and your friends have been accused of a crime.  Until the Lawmaster's had his say, I won't be sending my guards off on errands for you or for mister... what was your name again,  boy?  she asks Art.  

Artori Hellet, Art replies looking annoyed.

Mister Hellet either.  Don't worry, I'm not arresting you.  Doubt I could - lotsa big folks with big weapons here.  She eyes Silent and Balassar in particular as she says this.  But I warn you - all of you.  Don't try and make a run for it.  Running from the King's law - not a good idea.  You'll get a fair hearing in Felderwin, and that's as much as I can say.  As for your buddy's business, that's none of mine, if you get my meaning.  You lads better get some rest tonight - you've a long walk tomorrow.  You... and she points at Art.  You better spend the night with us.  Where I can see you.  No funny business.

In a slightly more conciliatory tone, and after Art has been led away, she says to Alton:  Those are all good ideas.  If it comes to it, I know folk in Hupperdook I can ask questions to.  If you're telling the truth, I'll make sure it all works out.  But it's the Lawmaster first.  

Alton puts his hand down and nods. He goes back to where his companions are to help finish setting up camp. As they sit around before going to bed, he pulls his pan flute out and starts playing a soft melody that brings a nostalgia of warm beds, hot home cooked meals, and just all around comfort. As the music plays on it stays light but becomes more upbeat telling of the promise of adventure, wonder and that excited feeling to see what is over the next hill.

Performance: 23

During the long rest, Magnum makes small adjustments to his armor, effectively swapping out snare for expeditious retreat.  He’ll also ask Auspex to keep an eye on Art.

Silent has been very quiet and rather withdrawn as the recent events have progressed but perks up significantly when Alton brings out his pan flute. After listening for a break in the music, he'll say You're a dab hand with that flute and no mistake, friend. There was a town some ways back where me and Magnum got to listen to some real top o' the line musicians - you'd stack up with 'em and that's sayin' something. 

As inconspicuously as possible, Magnum speaks to Silent. 

You seem worried. What concerns you? Is it your sword skills, so to speak?

Alton gives a bow of his head to Silent, "I am humbled by your compliment. I'm not much of a musician, but I like to use some music when I tell stories." 

Silent grins at Alton and, in response to Magnum's question, will pull him aside before going to sleep. 

In a low voice, he mutters, The dragonborn fellow, Balassar - he was stationed at Ashguard, he's fought Xhorhasians who do the magicky stuff that I can, he knows what I am. Hell, some of our old squad mates might've killed each other. And now with Crownsguard sniffing around... this could get ugly if they find out.

Anyway, don't let yourself get locked in an Empire cell on my account. If things go south, you gotta run for it man. 

I'm not going to let some broken judicial system send you away without at least putting up a fight. I mean, I've seen you try to do the right thing over and over. That has to be worth something. 

The guards complete their preparations, and you all settle in for the night.  With twelve people, you are a large and armed group so no predators attempt to approach you.

You wake in the morning having completed a long rest.

You have a day's journey to Felderwin.  There are not enough horses for you all to ride, but the guard captain takes a direct line to the town and seems to know the countryside well - you can make excellent time and arrive just before sunset.

Is there anything you would like to do during the journey.  You can talk to each other, or to the guards if you wish.  They are keeping you away from Art though, and keeping very close watch on him.

Silent keeps his distance from the guards, but he will spend some time asking Balassar, Wash and Alton about their previous adventures. 

How'd all three of you end up working together? And how'd you run into the idiot? (he jerks his head in Art's direction). 

Wash starts to answer Silent, then realises that he is about to share information that is confidential and instead indicates in a hushed tone "I take it from your interesting techniques that you are either from the Dynasty or have spent some time in their military. I also know you would not use those techniques so freely in mixed company if you were a Kryn spy. I ask then, are you an agent of peace or an agent of war?"

Silent pauses for a long moment before finally whispering, I know I can cause some problems just by being in Empire territory, but I ain't no warmonger. I'm a soldier who got kicked out of his regiment because he made some mistakes. Tryin' to make less of 'em now but... he shrugs, easier said than done. 

If you're Empire soldiers I won't ask you to trust me. Just gimme a heads up if you're gonna try to arrest me, yeah? His frown twists into a grin. 

Magnum stands close to Silent in solidarity.  Hopefully this all works out in the end, but however it goes, I'm with him.

Balassar will just keep to his companions as they wake and gather their things "Looks like we are all in for some journey." He just stays near Wash listening "As long as you aren't lying to us we have no problem. If you did something to get kicked out of there then your good in my books." he just looks around. He just gives them a nod as he begins to fasten his sword and shield to his body.

Wash indicates "to answer your earlier question then, we met doing some work which allowed us to stop - or at least delay - a war breaking out between the Dynasty and Empire. We did not know that was what we were doing, but that was the fortunate consequence. I personally hope to never have to serve again, I have seen too many killed and maimed from both sides just from border conflicts. If you are on the side of peace, then we are on the same side, regardless of where you were born." 

Alton joins up with his companions as the large group makes their way to Felderwin, "I'm sorry I got you all into this mess." He turns to Silent and Magnum, "And I'm sorry that you two got dragged into this too." He gives a small chuckle, "I didn't think I could feel smaller than I already am."

Silent nods at Wash's words. I got kicked out because I got tired of takin' the wrong orders. Figured there were good Kryn and good Empire folk and all of 'em were getting screwed by their crazy leaders. If you're trying to keep these folks safe from some stupid war... you've got my sword for whatever it's worth. 

To Alton he says The two of us are real used to gettin' dragged into stuff, ain't that right Magnum? 

Magnum nods with resignation, as if to say that it is all he knows. 

Balassar just continues to walk as an uncertain feeling sets over their situation "Kinda weird though how he is so willing to face the law master isn't it. Wouldn't most criminals be trying to negotiate their way out of this situation." he says thinking out loud to the rest of his group "I mean probably nothing, but just seems weird is all."