The Wildemount Irregulars (2020)

Alton takes the map back and looks it over to make sure it really is his family's map. Once he knows that it is, he folds the map up and tucks it away letting out a sigh of relief. "Thank you. I still wish I know why he took the map in the first place and how he even knew about it. Up until he took it, I didn't tell anyone that I even had a map." 

Well, as for that... the Lawmaster and Starosta exchange a glance before the Lawmaster continues to speak: it's out of our hands now.  Master Hellet seems to have friends in high places.  You noticed the elven gentleman on the way in, I suppose?  That... is a representative of a member of the Cerberus Assembly.  I have been instructed to release Master Hallet into his custody, and have done so.  That, I'm afraid, is all I can say on the matter.


(If you are from the Empire, which I think is most of you, you would know that the Cerberus Assembly is the powerful organisation of mages in the Dwendalian Empire.  Otherwise, you would need to make a History check.)

Alton gives his topknot a tug, "First the Seekers of Shadows and now the Cerberus Assembly. Things just keep getting interesting for us."

History 3 

ooc:
History check: 15

Silent and Balassar, it's someting to do with wizards.  Not your wheelhouse.

In any case, and this time it is Starosta Whisperthin who continues, there is a more important and more urgent matter than one over-privileged half-elf.  He sighs, and seems to find the next words difficult:

Yesterday the Dwendalian Empire declared war upon Xhorhas.

Balassar just shrugs it off, it was something he didn’t necessarily like about the empire. The rich seems to control everything, though he was glad that his friends were okay. As the declaration of war came out of there lips though his fist tightened again “What caused the powder keg to explode?”

Are we being drafted?

If Silent could blanche he would, though his skin pigmentation is so dark that it's probably hard to tell. He says nothing, grinding his teeth. 

Alton shifts uncomfortably in his chair. 

Wash winces noticeably at the mention of war being declared and asks "Do you know what sparked the empire to declare war?"

[Invisible Sprite Trogdor's rolls for earlier: Perception: 5 Stealth: 25]

To Balassar and Wash, the Starosta scowls and replies.  Tension has been building for a long time, but we've avoided all-out war until now.  The spark?  An incident in Zadash perhaps, but then, some have suspected war was brewing for some time.  The cricks are a menace, always have been.  I'm surprised the king waited so long.

To Magnum, the Lawmaster replies.  No.  But also yes.  No, you are not being conscripted into the Righteous Brand, if that is what you meant.  I do not believe it will come to that; Xhorhas, for all their bluster and menace, are unlikely to stand against our forces in the end. But you understand that we cannot simply allow armed bands to wander around the country during war time.  And we do have need of your services.

Balassar's expression turns to concern as Zadash is mentioned "What happened in Zadash? I have family in that area."

In the Tri-Spire? the Starosta says.  Where is your family's home?  

(Balassar's family home and forge is on a small alley off the Pentamarket, not in the Tri-Spire.)

Balassar just breathes a sigh of relief "No they were in the Pentamarket area."

Silent's lip twitches when the Starosta mentions the "cricks". Finally deciding to speak up, he says, Who are these armed bands you need our help with? Xhorhasians, bandits from the Empire, or some more undead spooks like the ones we chopped up before? 

Alton just sits quietly in his chair, feeling this is more Balassar's, Silent's, and Wash's territory. 

Magnum whispers, I thought we were the armed band.

Silent looks at Magnum in contemplation for a second before the lightbulb goes off. Ah. Right. We do have arms and... yeah. He looks back at the Starosta. You're sayin' we can't walk outta here free without supporting your cause?