The Wildemount Irregulars (2020)

Balassar just listens taking a sip "I don't believe in the war either. To be honest, live and let live. However, being a fugitive means being hunted even when the war is finished and the longer you stay a fugitive the higher the bounty to catch you. I'd rather not live looking over my shoulder the rest of my life wondering if tomorrow will be the last day of freedom." he just looks around "My personal thoughts though it's the duty of the strong, like us in this group, to keep people safe Wash. If you all want to be conduits of change and peace, you sure can't do that running and with a face of a fugitive. However, a face of the people, figures they can look to..." he pauses looking around to ensure no one is listening before finishing his sentence "carries more weight at times then a Straosta himself, especially during war time. Think about it, no one remembers politicians besides kings and queens - they remember heroes and those who had the interest of the people at heart." he just smirks finishing his drink "But I'm just a lowborn dragonborn from Zadash, what would I know about becoming a hero or public figure. Give me a sword, smith hammer, or some ale and I'm happy as can be."

Magnum thanks the Lawmaster and leaves.  He looks for Silent to tell him he’s remaining in Felderwin and won’t be traveling with him if he opts to leave.  He shakes Silent’s hand and goes back to his room to start the process of deactivating and removing his armor and weapons. 

Silent shakes Magnum's hand with two of his own, managing a small grin. Hearing that Magnum was permitted to lay down his weapons and join the workforce gives Silent pause, but he eventually says, Thanks for sticking with me this far, friend, and fair fortune on your road ahead. I'm not ready to lay down my sword just yet. You met me when I was running from some old ghosts, and now we're all getting haunted by new ones. My head's tellin' me that this "deal" is gonna screw us... but my gut's saying that I gotta choose the lesser evil and try to make things at least a little better while I'm still a free man.  

Eh, give it some time and I'll piss off the wrong important person or try to back out and they'll string me up anyway. May as well have some fun along the way, right? If I make it through alive I'll come find you in Hupperdook. Always said we were gonna visit your folks, right? 

Before leaving, he gives Magnum the Port Damali skyport souvenir that Pockets bought him some time ago. Somethin' to hang onto - that's from another old friend who split. I know you'll keep it safe. He claps the construct on the shoulder, considers giving him a hug then thinks better of it and leaves, looking for the tavern where he left Balassar and Wash. 

As Magnum leaves the Lawmaster's house, it's at about this time that Alton, in his disguise, arrives there.  The lone guard looks at you curiously as you approach, if you do indeed approach.

Silent, you return to find Balassar and Wash where you left them.

Alton is surprised to see Magnum leave the Lawmaster's house as he did not expect to see him here. Continuing forward he approaches the guard and with what he thinks would be an grumpy old man's voice says, "The Lawmaster tis watin' for me. Wantin' to tell me off again 'bout yellin' at them kids to get off me lawn or some such. Ain't my fault kids these days don't have respect for an old man's lawn."

Deception: 21

Silent buys himself another mug of the hardest liquor on tap and sits down heavily at Balassar and Wash's table, slouching in his seat. 

Magnum's out. Lawmaster allowed him to lay down his arms since he's a dab hand with all those... magicky tool things he's got. Can't say I blame him for standin' by his principles. 

I'm still in though, at least for now. That ends when the Starosta or any other Empire bigshot tells us to take an offensive role in the war instead of defending innocents. Or when I can see an exit point, or when we figure out what in the Nine Hells Art and his undead buddies have to do with this. But so long as we're tryin' to help folk and you're willin' to take a big gamble by working with me, you've got my sword. 

Guard's Insight 1

I'm sorry, sir.  I'll have to ask you to wait out here.  Perhaps I can send word to the Lawmaster.  What's your name?

Alton, the guard very firmly blocks your access to the house.

[Given Magnum mentioned Hupperdook and working on weapons development, Wash will speak to Magnum before he leaves (for good) and suggest that he visit's the Goldcannon manor and drops his name. He will also ask Magnum to pass on a message to Bririck about the mess that they have got into.]  

Alton pauses for a moment, "Jenkins. Just Jenkins."

Wait here, Mr. Jenkins.

The guard disappears into the building for a couple of minutes.  Do you wait for him to come back, or follow?

Alton will just wait until the guard come back. 

(Also, is the house one or two floors?)

It's two floors.

The guard returns.  I'm sorry, Mr. Jenkins, the Lawmaster is busy today with matters concerning the war.  He can see you the day after tomorrow. 

The guard smiles apologetically and waits for you to leave.

"Don't be lockin' me up if those kids come a cryin' then." Alton hobbles off back to his companions.

You return to the tavern through the increasingly busy streets.  Food is being moved.  Stocks are being secured.  Inventories are being taken.  Suddenly the little town of Felderwin is getting ready for a far away war.

You sit, the four of you, together in the tavern.  What would you like to do?

Silent looks to Alton as he returns. How'd it go? 

Alton shakes his head, "I couldn't get in disguised. I did see Magnum leave though. Is he not back yet?"

Silent shifts in his chair uncomfortably. He won't be coming back, Alton. You musta seen him just after the Lawmaster agreed to have him lay down his arms and join the assembly lines makin' widgets for the war effort. For what it's worth I'm still here and I'm willin' to venture out along with you fellas, if you'll have me. 

Alton looks down at the table, "Oh, I see. If that is what he thinks is best for himself. I'm sorry Silent, it sounded like you both were buddies for some time." He looks up and gives everyone a smile, "Well hopefully they send him to Hupperdook to work with Sleese and Nima, I bet he would like them. You're welcome to stay with us as long as you'd like Silent." Alton looks over to Balassar and Wash, "What about you two? Are you guys going to stay? Also, it looks like word of a pending war as already started to make its way through town. A lot of the shops were busy with taking count of their wares. I think if we need to stock up on any supplies we should do it soon."

Balassar just nods "Yeah I'm willing to stay and agree. If we want to get good equipment before the order comes out to provide the military we may want to hit the streets now. Then go let the Starosta know our decision."

Silent nods and will head out of the tavern. He is primarily looking around for any vendors selling equipment that seems arcane in nature - healing potions, or anything of similar design to the tools he has seen Magnum make and use.