Sure, Jahren will share a bit about the tails on him lately and where he traced them back to. He suggests not murdering them just yet, but does appreciate the offer for an alibi!
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
73
----- During the day -----
Jahren notes that both of the agents are trailing them to the stables. However, when he misleads them, they both continue to follow his fake illusion rather than splitting up. He leads them both on a merry chase before the illusion fades away into the crowd and they're left, once again, having completely lost the slippery bard.
20 vs. 10
During the day, while FinFin is flying through the air and scouting ahead, the clever pseudo-dragon notices two riders that are consistently a mile behind the group and following on the road. With so much traffic in the area, it's not obvious to those on the ground, but to the dragon in the air, the tail is obvious. No doubt the parties vanishing act into the magical mansion will confound them.
At The Stop, Jahren's kindness draws a lot of attention. Luckily all of it is good, as people thank him profusely. There are a few wary watchers around the edges of the crowds but Jahren's tactic of average pay, and giving out food seem to keep the vultures from descending upon the already down trodden.
Tic seems to very much enjoy the interactions with Jezun, and Jezun notes his quick wit and polite, kind responses. The copy of Toc nods and listens intently to the conversation about gardening, showing an intense interest in the topic and, despite his assertion, is clearly able to absorb some of the information as the discussion moves along.
----- That night -----
Toc responds to Fianna, "I'm afraid the spell I'm using is too powerful for most magicians. There is maybe one or two casters in 100 miles that can cast these spells, so....not enough to help Phlan. Besides, the issue has never been resources. Hillsfar could absorb The Stop or build it up with little impact to their economy. No, the problem is the distribution of resources. It is concentrated in the very few who have much, and are simply unwilling to share it with others. I hate to say it, but even we could be considered the problem. Look at us....we are adorned in a kingdoms wealth of magical items. We could, if we chose, sell half of our gear and lift The Stop and other regions out of the muck. But, we justify that we will do more good if we keep it and continue fighting evil. Which....honestly, I believe. If we'd been in Phlan as a group when the dragon arrived, I feel strongly we could have driven him away....which would have prevented this whole refugee situation. I'm left looking at a world of grey and wondering how best to affect real change...and I've landed on fighting evil. A millennia of prosperous elven living destroyed by some focused concentrated evil. Lives ended, families destroyed, a city crushed to dust...nay...two cities crushed to dust..for the sake of one creatures hubris. I've decided how I'll invest my time, and it will be destroying the evil of this world that would cause more unneeded death and destruction as a side affect of their own desires. I'm sure you all agree, which is why I'm honored to have you with me. Sorry...please excuse me."
Everyone stares at Toc who broke into a sudden passionate speech. He stands up, nodding stiffly to the group before walking out and heading to his room.
Tic looks around the group, and...in an out of character turn of events says something, "He is still suffering. Myth Drannor is but yesterday for him. Forgive his outburst." He then smiles kindly at Jezun and passes a bowl of chocolate pudding, "This is probably quite tasty by the way."
Just then, Jahren, you feel a voice in your mind. It is that of High Mage Bahedron, "Jahren, please meet my man at the Silver Crust on Arcane Street and Alchemy ave near Hillsfar Square in one hour." You know you have 25 words with which to reply.
Thinking of the many friends, depending on how you want to define friendship in various cases, Jahren has made all over the world the bard replies "oh, you have no idea!"
"Not an outburst, a sound look at reality. Unsurprising, of course." Mirica even met Tic's eyes without usual frown. "You can treat the symptoms or the cause. Can try both - this is the best way in most of the situations, but rarely possible for one person and Toc made his choice. Seems the right one too. Phlan will rebuilt - if memory serves, that city was destroyed more times than even elves can remember. But if we fail, it would not last long."
Fianna of course relays the news of the riders tailing the party to Jahren. As there is every reason to believe it is him they are tailing, not the group, she leaves it to him to decide if the information should be shared or not.
Regarding the sharing of resources or not, Fianna will admit she has a certain indifference towards those in need. "Don't get me wrong," Fianna assured those still in the discussion, "I wish them no ill at all. I will aid in small ways where and when I can and I have nothing but respect for those who do more. But my allegiance is... elsewhere. I am not free to indulge my every whim or concern. My will is my Lady's to dictate, my whims and desires are secondary concerns unless they are shared by she."
((Barring getting involved in some scheme with Jahren regarding the tail, or the mental instructions he received, Fianna will relax, enjoy the luxuries of the mansion, and basically rest.))
"Should we have a chat with them?" asks Jahren with regard to the new tails on the road.
Receiving the message from High Mage Bahedron, Jahren simply replies "I'll be there. Thank you."
Jahren then informs the others that he needs to step out for a bit, but will be back by morning. He asks Fianna if now is a good time to take her up on her offer to watch his back, or if it best that she remain behind and focus on FinFin's tracking. Jahren then goes and knocks on Toc's door. "Sorry to bother you, but I need to leave." He then tells Toc that he needs to teleport back to Hillsfar for a meeting. He can Teleport himself, but if Toc has an item from the house to make it easier, Jahren might borrow it if that's ok. Additionally if Toc would teleport him there, Jahren could make the return trip in as little as a couple of hours. Otherwise he'll have to wait until morning.
Before departing, Jahren turns himself invisible and steps outside. He glances about for the watches that FinFin is, in turn, watching. The invisible bard finds a suitable 'associated object' for his return Teleport, such as a flower, blade of grass or unique stone marking their current location.
Toc opens his door to Jahren, "Hmmm, I have an object from the house...one moment." He goes into his room and comes back with a book. "This spends most of its time at the house and should serve your needs. When you get there, you should go to the basement. Under the carpet there is a permanent circle. Study it's ruins and you should be able to return to town going forward without risk. Unfortunately when I cast this mansion, it replaces my ability to teleport us places. Good luck, and see you in the morning."
Jahren, invisible, emerges from the dimensional mansion and glances around. The sun has slipped behind the eastern hills, the sky still a dull blue above him with reddish grey clouds hanging in the sky. He reaches down, grabbing a flower from the ditch nearby, and then with a word of power spoken, reality twists around him. He appears standing in the front room of the house, next to the bookshelf. He heads down into the basement and examines the magical circle on the ground under the carpet, confident he'll be able to unerringly return here, then heads upstairs. Lacy is standing there, looking around, her eyes darting about the room. Jahren stays quiet for a short time, and she eventually heads back into the kitchen. In minutes Jahren is outside, silently and invisibly closing the door and on his way to his meeting. Along the way he finds an inconspicuous place to become visible. The Silver Crust appears to be a combination theater hall, pub, and restaurant with a large central common room situation around a stage where three contortionists in skin tight clothes are moving each other around in a display of impressive balance, strength, and flexibility. People sit in tables all around. Outside of that, the three main outer walls are pockets of private booths, separated by walls with curtains that can be drawn across. Half of them are closed, though as one opens Jahren sees that private dancers are a feature of this place. When he enters there is a concierge who welcomes him and asks for his name and if he has a reservation. The place looks busy and full.
Jahren says his name and the concierge nods, "Yes, of course sir, this way." He leads you upstairs where more private booths line the upstairs, with their own private bannisters looking down onto the action. A hallway guarded by a well dressed but alert soldier type leads to booth 12 where you're admitted. A human man in a purple vest sits inside. He looks to be in his 30's, is human, with dirty blond hair and a short trimmed blonde beard. He wears a white buttoned shirt underneath the vest, with the sleeves rolled up. Arcane symbols are tattooed along the inside of his forearms and obviously continue up his arms. He looks over as Jahren enters, "Ahhh, welcome." He holds out his hand, "My name is Candour. So, Bahedron wanted us to chat, and perhaps form a bit of a working relationship. I'm part of the military, its arcane core. I work directly for Bahedron. Thank you for coming. I'm glad you were able to make this meeting. As far as it goes, Bahedron briefed me on your meeting, and wanted me to tell you that he and Yestrel are both of the same mind regarding the elves, and that he would be pleased if you would help act as an emissary between them and Yestrel. Of course Yestrel will take meetings when things get close of official, but if you'd be willing to help get things to that point, he'd be very appreciative. They're willing to give you latitude to do some early dealing, but they'll need to know what's on the table for the negotiation before they give you any leash as it were. Speaking of which, Bahedron wants to know what your skin in the game is regarding this situation and if any sort of debt or payment is expected on your part for this work. Other than that....you can leave messages for me here if you need to reach me. They have some runners here whom can get me messages. I can communicate with Sending spells as well if you're so inclined. As the tempo of things increase, I'll be open to a daily magical checkin. Any other questions for me?"
"These conversations always remind me that I should take more notice of gold and currency,"Jezun says, looking at his staff, bracers, cloak and boots as if he's only now just seeing them. He had not seemingly considered in some time that they could be sold for money.
When Tic offers the pudding, Jezun asks him if he cannot taste, and what other senses he has.
A short time after, he seeks out Toc, troubled that the elf is still troubled. If Toc answers his knock, he will offer to listen to any story about Myth Drannor, or comparative morality, or the wisdom that comes and does not come with longevity, or people he has learned from, or really anything else on Toc's mind. Jezun is an excellent, patient, and generous listener. "You need not apologize for sharing wisdom with friends, even new ones. I for one found it illuminating, and I agree with you. It's important to be able to see the whole chessboard, and not get lost in minor skirmishes when they are not necessary."He tells him of the dominion of Shar's hold that has spread over his land, and how he could not get lost in squabbles among the people trying to fight off the yoke. Ideally, he'd find the one responsible, and, if he could not convince them to change their ways, then remove them from the chessboard.
Later on, before bed, he'll ask again. "So are we going to the goblin, or are we back to the dragon?"
Tic shrugs, "I can taste...I just don't need food, nor do I need sustenance. I suppose I could chew it around in my mouth then spit it out, but I would imagine that would make for a poor dinner companion."
He tracks down Toc, "Thank you for seeking me out Jezun. I appreciate your compassion in this matter, and your attempt to share common ground. It's difficult to equate loss, for its all so personal. But, imagine if your family, and all of your friends, and their friends, and everyone you ever knew was crushed to death by Shar to satisfy Shar's ego. And imagine the rest of the world watched on and offered no assistance, no words of grief, just....shrugging and going about their lives. Somedays I don't think about it and feel normal. Other days it comes into sharp relief and it is best if I am alone for a time. Thank you again for checking on me. Good night." His door clicks shut as he closes it, a quiet sound as the door locks.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Fianna of course accepts Jahren’s invitation and accompanied him back to Hillsfar. First she advises Mirica and asks her to keep an eye out regarding the tail. “It seems they are following him, not the rest of us, but you should still be ready just in case.”
Fianna will spend a few minutes before they leave to use Find Familiar to change FinFin fyy try on a pseudodragon to s as n imp. FinFin isn’t pleased about this and immediately turns invisible, but still climbs up onto Fianna’s shoulder.
Before they reach the Silver Crust they’ll take a minute to game plan. “How close fo you want us? Either myself or FinFin could accompany you, invisible or not. Or we could give you a bit of privacy and be inside but stay our distance unless you need us... “
If Jahren is not expecting trouble she would suggest herself inside as a customer within sight or earshot, FinFin outside watching the door and street. “But it’s your dance, I’ll follow your lead...”
"I'll keep an eye out. Just be careful there." Mirica did not plan to actually spy on their spies, but if there was a possibility to watch the surroundings of the mansion without leaving it - she would do so.
Fianna's suggestion was exactly what Jahren was thinking, especially after seeing the size of the venue they had been sent to. Fianna inside disguised as a patron with FinFin as a wildcard, anywhere between being a watch outside to a tenant of the bard's shoulder.
Jahren uses all of his experience and social skill in greeting Candour, but no deception. He genuinely is pleased with this development. He tells Candour that he desires no payment, debt, or anything of the sort, but would gladly accept the friendship of Yestrel, Behedron, and Candour himself if all goes well for everyone involved. In his own, somehow at least reasonably humble way, Jahren explains that he asks for nothing, other than that which is needed from one to help another, yet feels he is as rich as any man. There is little he could not obtain if he wanted it through good will, and he hasn't been so humble as to turn down a few special gifts along the way, mostly those that aid him in staying alive and helping more people, referring to his shield, instrument, and carpet.
Jahren and Candour discuss the current local situation and Jahren learns all he can. He explains that the challenge seems to be that the elves need many of the same things that Yestrel and Hillsfar do, namely security and enough martial strength to secure the region, so this will be no simple swap of abundance of wealth in one area to shore up a need elsewhere, so far at least. He does suggest that an alliance may help all the same, as surely efficiencies can be found in a unified effort to patrol the region rather than two separate strategies. Furthermore there is a third party in play, Jahren's current companions including Toc, who will work to remove some of the larger threats to ease the burden on all. In the meantime he asks Candour what resources, knowledge, etc. might Yestral and Behedron have available to assist the elves that he may not be aware of. Perhaps there are less obvious strengths either side could lend to the cause that the other lacks beyond coin, men and swords.
Fianna and Jahren have their meeting at the Silver Crust without incident. Candour seems quick to make friends and he and Jahren do a bit of brainstorming on the situation. It seems clear that the instability caused by the dragons raiding, in addition to other foul creatures that seem to be trying to settle in Cormanthor, not to mention those that have somehow spawned or originated from either the crashed city of Shade or the underdark beneath the forest, are stressing the capabilities of both Hillsfar and the Semberholme elves. Most important though is that there appears to be no obvious simple answer. Though, the dragons in particular are a real problem, since they're elusive, powerful, and seem to have quite the web of underlings. Candour is concerned that if they "dig in" and lair, they might become very difficult to dislodge.
The meeting done, Candour promises to keep in touch and keep working on the issue with Jahren. Jahren and Fianna return back to the house, and rest up for the night. The next morning, pulling out the small flower, Jahren and Fianna return to the road and enter the mansion.
The rest of the group sleeps safe and sound inside the mansion and have a lovely breakfast. When Jahren and Fianna return everyone packs up and then leads the horses out to continue your journey. The conversation with Candour nibbles at Jahren's mind, but a few days hunting some problematic goblins shouldn't make much of a difference.
The group reaches the ruins of Yulath later that day. The ruins are surrounded by a tall wall...that is backwards. The steps leading up to the walkways are on the outside, and the walksways are likewise on the outside. The red plume soldiers from Hillsfar that man the walls all look inwards, and their semi-permanent sprawling camp is outside the ruins. Fianna relays the details. Apparently this city was taken over from underneath, as demons and strange creatures poured up from the Underdark beneath. Yestrel was in charge of the military at the time and managed to fight the creatures back, but the entrances to Underdark could not be closed and so this wall solution was put in place and built over the past year.
The group passes by the strange ruins and its contingent of soldiers and heads west towards Voonlar. The road here is quieter, and the farmsteads set out on the open grasslands are fewer and far between. Toc makes a turn to the south down a side road that heads directly towards the northern edge of the forest, though still miles away. The dirt road winds lazily down into a wide vale, at the bottom of which rest three modest buildings— homes, from the look of them—and a large barn. Beyond the buildings, the vale widens into a vast plain full of gently-swaying wheat. A thin tendril of smoke curls from the chimney of the largest of the three houses. As you crest the hill and begin your descent into the vale, dark spots appear in the midst of the sea of amber grasses and begin to move towards you. As they emerge from the field’s border, you realize that they are halflings.
The halflings wait on the roadside just outside the edge of the wheat field and chitter amongst themselves, clearly excited, though as you get closer, the look on their faces aren't joy, but rather relief. They have what appears to be a large wooden platter with some cheese, and bread on it, and another holds some stacked wooden cups and a water skin.
One of the halflings steps forward, "Greetings! My name is Garkin! Welcome to Harl Farmstead! It took a while, but we sure are happy to see you!"
Another steps forward, "Why did you take so long?" One of the others, "It's a long way fool!" Garkin, "It's not that far....they could have come from Yulath." The four one, "They're not red plumes fool." Another one, "They're not even human, do you think they're even Hillsfarian?" Garkin, "Wait, are we offering food to strangers?" The other, "She's very pretty." Another slaps in in the head. Another, "They can help though, look at them." Another, "They're elven, look at the horses braids.." Another, "Even better, they know the forest!" The seem as if they'll continuing muttering amongst themselves for quite some time......
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
“Would you not offer a stranger food?” Fianna asks curiously. “Odd that, I had always heard the easiest way to become friends with a halfling was to share a meal with them.... Disappointing to hear that’s untrue.”
“Still and all, we are not who you’ve been waiting for, I’m afraid. Doesn’t mean we can’t maybe help anyway. What seems to be the problem that has you so stingy with food and introductions?”
Jahren assures Candour that he knows just the people to deal with the dragons and will try to ensure it is made a priority. He is eager to keep in touch with his new contact and find solutions together.
(I love these halflings aready!)
Jahren dismounts and cheerfully greets the halflings, shaking hands and whatnot as appropriate and complimenting their food.
Jahren had also wondered aloud about the tail a mile behind them, whether FinFin had eyes on them again this morning. Now that they approached these halflings he also hoped the tail wouldn't come through and give them a hard time if not dealt with. When not near the halflings he asks the group if they should have a little chat with those tailing them.
((I assume Fianna would have again had FinFin patrolling a wide circle as they trailed, specifically looking for a tail since there was one previously. If spotted it would of course be shared with Jahren, and Toc as well.))
"By talk I presume you mean persuade to tell us everything they know, through charm or harm, and then ponder whether to let live or feed the trees..." Fianna says with a mirthful grin. "Yes, I think that needs be done, probably sooner rather than later. We'll lead them into things they cannot handle eventually and then we'd never get to question them."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"How could we help?"Jezun says calmly, looking at the group with trust, though still curious if this is a ploy or there is more going on than is immediately apparent.
"Pretty much" replies Jahren. "While I may not carry a mighty sword in favor of other avenues, I also admit I cannot simply convince everyone I might meet to hug and love one another. Often those trees must be fed to allow them to compete for the sunlight."
Mirica just smiled to the halflings, waiting for them to answer Fianna's question - adorable folk (in general) and incredibly useful too. If they needed help she would inclined to spare a day or two even if it would postpone goblin-hunting, though hints on the army involvement sounded like the group and the halflings were after the same thing.
Sure, Jahren will share a bit about the tails on him lately and where he traced them back to. He suggests not murdering them just yet, but does appreciate the offer for an alibi!
Jezun replies to Jahren after his invisible tail Mislead caper, "you have some very strange friends."
Later, at dinner, he nods and eagerly listens to the stories of how the group met each other.
73
----- During the day -----
Jahren notes that both of the agents are trailing them to the stables. However, when he misleads them, they both continue to follow his fake illusion rather than splitting up. He leads them both on a merry chase before the illusion fades away into the crowd and they're left, once again, having completely lost the slippery bard.
20 vs. 10
During the day, while FinFin is flying through the air and scouting ahead, the clever pseudo-dragon notices two riders that are consistently a mile behind the group and following on the road. With so much traffic in the area, it's not obvious to those on the ground, but to the dragon in the air, the tail is obvious. No doubt the parties vanishing act into the magical mansion will confound them.
At The Stop, Jahren's kindness draws a lot of attention. Luckily all of it is good, as people thank him profusely. There are a few wary watchers around the edges of the crowds but Jahren's tactic of average pay, and giving out food seem to keep the vultures from descending upon the already down trodden.
Tic seems to very much enjoy the interactions with Jezun, and Jezun notes his quick wit and polite, kind responses. The copy of Toc nods and listens intently to the conversation about gardening, showing an intense interest in the topic and, despite his assertion, is clearly able to absorb some of the information as the discussion moves along.
----- That night -----
Toc responds to Fianna, "I'm afraid the spell I'm using is too powerful for most magicians. There is maybe one or two casters in 100 miles that can cast these spells, so....not enough to help Phlan. Besides, the issue has never been resources. Hillsfar could absorb The Stop or build it up with little impact to their economy. No, the problem is the distribution of resources. It is concentrated in the very few who have much, and are simply unwilling to share it with others. I hate to say it, but even we could be considered the problem. Look at us....we are adorned in a kingdoms wealth of magical items. We could, if we chose, sell half of our gear and lift The Stop and other regions out of the muck. But, we justify that we will do more good if we keep it and continue fighting evil. Which....honestly, I believe. If we'd been in Phlan as a group when the dragon arrived, I feel strongly we could have driven him away....which would have prevented this whole refugee situation. I'm left looking at a world of grey and wondering how best to affect real change...and I've landed on fighting evil. A millennia of prosperous elven living destroyed by some focused concentrated evil. Lives ended, families destroyed, a city crushed to dust...nay...two cities crushed to dust..for the sake of one creatures hubris. I've decided how I'll invest my time, and it will be destroying the evil of this world that would cause more unneeded death and destruction as a side affect of their own desires. I'm sure you all agree, which is why I'm honored to have you with me. Sorry...please excuse me."
Everyone stares at Toc who broke into a sudden passionate speech. He stands up, nodding stiffly to the group before walking out and heading to his room.
Tic looks around the group, and...in an out of character turn of events says something, "He is still suffering. Myth Drannor is but yesterday for him. Forgive his outburst." He then smiles kindly at Jezun and passes a bowl of chocolate pudding, "This is probably quite tasty by the way."
Just then, Jahren, you feel a voice in your mind. It is that of High Mage Bahedron, "Jahren, please meet my man at the Silver Crust on Arcane Street and Alchemy ave near Hillsfar Square in one hour." You know you have 25 words with which to reply.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Thinking of the many friends, depending on how you want to define friendship in various cases, Jahren has made all over the world the bard replies "oh, you have no idea!"
"Not an outburst, a sound look at reality. Unsurprising, of course." Mirica even met Tic's eyes without usual frown. "You can treat the symptoms or the cause. Can try both - this is the best way in most of the situations, but rarely possible for one person and Toc made his choice. Seems the right one too. Phlan will rebuilt - if memory serves, that city was destroyed more times than even elves can remember. But if we fail, it would not last long."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Fianna of course relays the news of the riders tailing the party to Jahren. As there is every reason to believe it is him they are tailing, not the group, she leaves it to him to decide if the information should be shared or not.
Regarding the sharing of resources or not, Fianna will admit she has a certain indifference towards those in need. "Don't get me wrong," Fianna assured those still in the discussion, "I wish them no ill at all. I will aid in small ways where and when I can and I have nothing but respect for those who do more. But my allegiance is... elsewhere. I am not free to indulge my every whim or concern. My will is my Lady's to dictate, my whims and desires are secondary concerns unless they are shared by she."
((Barring getting involved in some scheme with Jahren regarding the tail, or the mental instructions he received, Fianna will relax, enjoy the luxuries of the mansion, and basically rest.))
"Should we have a chat with them?" asks Jahren with regard to the new tails on the road.
Receiving the message from High Mage Bahedron, Jahren simply replies "I'll be there. Thank you."
Jahren then informs the others that he needs to step out for a bit, but will be back by morning. He asks Fianna if now is a good time to take her up on her offer to watch his back, or if it best that she remain behind and focus on FinFin's tracking. Jahren then goes and knocks on Toc's door. "Sorry to bother you, but I need to leave." He then tells Toc that he needs to teleport back to Hillsfar for a meeting. He can Teleport himself, but if Toc has an item from the house to make it easier, Jahren might borrow it if that's ok. Additionally if Toc would teleport him there, Jahren could make the return trip in as little as a couple of hours. Otherwise he'll have to wait until morning.
Before departing, Jahren turns himself invisible and steps outside. He glances about for the watches that FinFin is, in turn, watching. The invisible bard finds a suitable 'associated object' for his return Teleport, such as a flower, blade of grass or unique stone marking their current location.
Toc opens his door to Jahren, "Hmmm, I have an object from the house...one moment." He goes into his room and comes back with a book. "This spends most of its time at the house and should serve your needs. When you get there, you should go to the basement. Under the carpet there is a permanent circle. Study it's ruins and you should be able to return to town going forward without risk. Unfortunately when I cast this mansion, it replaces my ability to teleport us places. Good luck, and see you in the morning."
Jahren, invisible, emerges from the dimensional mansion and glances around. The sun has slipped behind the eastern hills, the sky still a dull blue above him with reddish grey clouds hanging in the sky. He reaches down, grabbing a flower from the ditch nearby, and then with a word of power spoken, reality twists around him. He appears standing in the front room of the house, next to the bookshelf. He heads down into the basement and examines the magical circle on the ground under the carpet, confident he'll be able to unerringly return here, then heads upstairs. Lacy is standing there, looking around, her eyes darting about the room. Jahren stays quiet for a short time, and she eventually heads back into the kitchen. In minutes Jahren is outside, silently and invisibly closing the door and on his way to his meeting. Along the way he finds an inconspicuous place to become visible. The Silver Crust appears to be a combination theater hall, pub, and restaurant with a large central common room situation around a stage where three contortionists in skin tight clothes are moving each other around in a display of impressive balance, strength, and flexibility. People sit in tables all around. Outside of that, the three main outer walls are pockets of private booths, separated by walls with curtains that can be drawn across. Half of them are closed, though as one opens Jahren sees that private dancers are a feature of this place. When he enters there is a concierge who welcomes him and asks for his name and if he has a reservation. The place looks busy and full.
Jahren says his name and the concierge nods, "Yes, of course sir, this way." He leads you upstairs where more private booths line the upstairs, with their own private bannisters looking down onto the action. A hallway guarded by a well dressed but alert soldier type leads to booth 12 where you're admitted. A human man in a purple vest sits inside. He looks to be in his 30's, is human, with dirty blond hair and a short trimmed blonde beard. He wears a white buttoned shirt underneath the vest, with the sleeves rolled up. Arcane symbols are tattooed along the inside of his forearms and obviously continue up his arms. He looks over as Jahren enters, "Ahhh, welcome." He holds out his hand, "My name is Candour. So, Bahedron wanted us to chat, and perhaps form a bit of a working relationship. I'm part of the military, its arcane core. I work directly for Bahedron. Thank you for coming. I'm glad you were able to make this meeting. As far as it goes, Bahedron briefed me on your meeting, and wanted me to tell you that he and Yestrel are both of the same mind regarding the elves, and that he would be pleased if you would help act as an emissary between them and Yestrel. Of course Yestrel will take meetings when things get close of official, but if you'd be willing to help get things to that point, he'd be very appreciative. They're willing to give you latitude to do some early dealing, but they'll need to know what's on the table for the negotiation before they give you any leash as it were. Speaking of which, Bahedron wants to know what your skin in the game is regarding this situation and if any sort of debt or payment is expected on your part for this work. Other than that....you can leave messages for me here if you need to reach me. They have some runners here whom can get me messages. I can communicate with Sending spells as well if you're so inclined. As the tempo of things increase, I'll be open to a daily magical checkin. Any other questions for me?"
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"These conversations always remind me that I should take more notice of gold and currency," Jezun says, looking at his staff, bracers, cloak and boots as if he's only now just seeing them. He had not seemingly considered in some time that they could be sold for money.
When Tic offers the pudding, Jezun asks him if he cannot taste, and what other senses he has.
A short time after, he seeks out Toc, troubled that the elf is still troubled. If Toc answers his knock, he will offer to listen to any story about Myth Drannor, or comparative morality, or the wisdom that comes and does not come with longevity, or people he has learned from, or really anything else on Toc's mind. Jezun is an excellent, patient, and generous listener. "You need not apologize for sharing wisdom with friends, even new ones. I for one found it illuminating, and I agree with you. It's important to be able to see the whole chessboard, and not get lost in minor skirmishes when they are not necessary." He tells him of the dominion of Shar's hold that has spread over his land, and how he could not get lost in squabbles among the people trying to fight off the yoke. Ideally, he'd find the one responsible, and, if he could not convince them to change their ways, then remove them from the chessboard.
Later on, before bed, he'll ask again. "So are we going to the goblin, or are we back to the dragon?"
Tic shrugs, "I can taste...I just don't need food, nor do I need sustenance. I suppose I could chew it around in my mouth then spit it out, but I would imagine that would make for a poor dinner companion."
He tracks down Toc, "Thank you for seeking me out Jezun. I appreciate your compassion in this matter, and your attempt to share common ground. It's difficult to equate loss, for its all so personal. But, imagine if your family, and all of your friends, and their friends, and everyone you ever knew was crushed to death by Shar to satisfy Shar's ego. And imagine the rest of the world watched on and offered no assistance, no words of grief, just....shrugging and going about their lives. Somedays I don't think about it and feel normal. Other days it comes into sharp relief and it is best if I am alone for a time. Thank you again for checking on me. Good night." His door clicks shut as he closes it, a quiet sound as the door locks.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Fianna of course accepts Jahren’s invitation and accompanied him back to Hillsfar. First she advises Mirica and asks her to keep an eye out regarding the tail. “It seems they are following him, not the rest of us, but you should still be ready just in case.”
Fianna will spend a few minutes before they leave to use Find Familiar to change FinFin fyy try on a pseudodragon to s as n imp. FinFin isn’t pleased about this and immediately turns invisible, but still climbs up onto Fianna’s shoulder.
Before they reach the Silver Crust they’ll take a minute to game plan. “How close fo you want us? Either myself or FinFin could accompany you, invisible or not. Or we could give you a bit of privacy and be inside but stay our distance unless you need us... “
If Jahren is not expecting trouble she would suggest herself inside as a customer within sight or earshot, FinFin outside watching the door and street. “But it’s your dance, I’ll follow your lead...”
"I'll keep an eye out. Just be careful there." Mirica did not plan to actually spy on their spies, but if there was a possibility to watch the surroundings of the mansion without leaving it - she would do so.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Fianna's suggestion was exactly what Jahren was thinking, especially after seeing the size of the venue they had been sent to. Fianna inside disguised as a patron with FinFin as a wildcard, anywhere between being a watch outside to a tenant of the bard's shoulder.
Jahren uses all of his experience and social skill in greeting Candour, but no deception. He genuinely is pleased with this development. He tells Candour that he desires no payment, debt, or anything of the sort, but would gladly accept the friendship of Yestrel, Behedron, and Candour himself if all goes well for everyone involved. In his own, somehow at least reasonably humble way, Jahren explains that he asks for nothing, other than that which is needed from one to help another, yet feels he is as rich as any man. There is little he could not obtain if he wanted it through good will, and he hasn't been so humble as to turn down a few special gifts along the way, mostly those that aid him in staying alive and helping more people, referring to his shield, instrument, and carpet.
Jahren and Candour discuss the current local situation and Jahren learns all he can. He explains that the challenge seems to be that the elves need many of the same things that Yestrel and Hillsfar do, namely security and enough martial strength to secure the region, so this will be no simple swap of abundance of wealth in one area to shore up a need elsewhere, so far at least. He does suggest that an alliance may help all the same, as surely efficiencies can be found in a unified effort to patrol the region rather than two separate strategies. Furthermore there is a third party in play, Jahren's current companions including Toc, who will work to remove some of the larger threats to ease the burden on all. In the meantime he asks Candour what resources, knowledge, etc. might Yestral and Behedron have available to assist the elves that he may not be aware of. Perhaps there are less obvious strengths either side could lend to the cause that the other lacks beyond coin, men and swords.
Fianna and Jahren have their meeting at the Silver Crust without incident. Candour seems quick to make friends and he and Jahren do a bit of brainstorming on the situation. It seems clear that the instability caused by the dragons raiding, in addition to other foul creatures that seem to be trying to settle in Cormanthor, not to mention those that have somehow spawned or originated from either the crashed city of Shade or the underdark beneath the forest, are stressing the capabilities of both Hillsfar and the Semberholme elves. Most important though is that there appears to be no obvious simple answer. Though, the dragons in particular are a real problem, since they're elusive, powerful, and seem to have quite the web of underlings. Candour is concerned that if they "dig in" and lair, they might become very difficult to dislodge.
The meeting done, Candour promises to keep in touch and keep working on the issue with Jahren. Jahren and Fianna return back to the house, and rest up for the night. The next morning, pulling out the small flower, Jahren and Fianna return to the road and enter the mansion.
The rest of the group sleeps safe and sound inside the mansion and have a lovely breakfast. When Jahren and Fianna return everyone packs up and then leads the horses out to continue your journey. The conversation with Candour nibbles at Jahren's mind, but a few days hunting some problematic goblins shouldn't make much of a difference.
The group reaches the ruins of Yulath later that day. The ruins are surrounded by a tall wall...that is backwards. The steps leading up to the walkways are on the outside, and the walksways are likewise on the outside. The red plume soldiers from Hillsfar that man the walls all look inwards, and their semi-permanent sprawling camp is outside the ruins. Fianna relays the details. Apparently this city was taken over from underneath, as demons and strange creatures poured up from the Underdark beneath. Yestrel was in charge of the military at the time and managed to fight the creatures back, but the entrances to Underdark could not be closed and so this wall solution was put in place and built over the past year.
The group passes by the strange ruins and its contingent of soldiers and heads west towards Voonlar. The road here is quieter, and the farmsteads set out on the open grasslands are fewer and far between. Toc makes a turn to the south down a side road that heads directly towards the northern edge of the forest, though still miles away. The dirt road winds lazily down into a wide vale, at the bottom of which rest three modest buildings— homes, from the look of them—and a large barn. Beyond the buildings, the vale widens into a vast plain full of gently-swaying wheat. A thin tendril of smoke curls from the chimney of the largest of the three houses. As you crest the hill and begin your descent into the vale, dark spots appear in the midst of the sea of amber grasses and begin to move towards you. As they emerge from the field’s border, you realize that they are halflings.
The halflings wait on the roadside just outside the edge of the wheat field and chitter amongst themselves, clearly excited, though as you get closer, the look on their faces aren't joy, but rather relief. They have what appears to be a large wooden platter with some cheese, and bread on it, and another holds some stacked wooden cups and a water skin.
One of the halflings steps forward, "Greetings! My name is Garkin! Welcome to Harl Farmstead! It took a while, but we sure are happy to see you!"
Another steps forward, "Why did you take so long?" One of the others, "It's a long way fool!" Garkin, "It's not that far....they could have come from Yulath." The four one, "They're not red plumes fool." Another one, "They're not even human, do you think they're even Hillsfarian?" Garkin, "Wait, are we offering food to strangers?" The other, "She's very pretty." Another slaps in in the head. Another, "They can help though, look at them." Another, "They're elven, look at the horses braids.." Another, "Even better, they know the forest!" The seem as if they'll continuing muttering amongst themselves for quite some time......
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
“Would you not offer a stranger food?” Fianna asks curiously. “Odd that, I had always heard the easiest way to become friends with a halfling was to share a meal with them.... Disappointing to hear that’s untrue.”
“Still and all, we are not who you’ve been waiting for, I’m afraid. Doesn’t mean we can’t maybe help anyway. What seems to be the problem that has you so stingy with food and introductions?”
Jahren assures Candour that he knows just the people to deal with the dragons and will try to ensure it is made a priority. He is eager to keep in touch with his new contact and find solutions together.
(I love these halflings aready!)
Jahren dismounts and cheerfully greets the halflings, shaking hands and whatnot as appropriate and complimenting their food.
Jahren had also wondered aloud about the tail a mile behind them, whether FinFin had eyes on them again this morning. Now that they approached these halflings he also hoped the tail wouldn't come through and give them a hard time if not dealt with. When not near the halflings he asks the group if they should have a little chat with those tailing them.
((I assume Fianna would have again had FinFin patrolling a wide circle as they trailed, specifically looking for a tail since there was one previously. If spotted it would of course be shared with Jahren, and Toc as well.))
"By talk I presume you mean persuade to tell us everything they know, through charm or harm, and then ponder whether to let live or feed the trees..." Fianna says with a mirthful grin. "Yes, I think that needs be done, probably sooner rather than later. We'll lead them into things they cannot handle eventually and then we'd never get to question them."
"How could we help?" Jezun says calmly, looking at the group with trust, though still curious if this is a ploy or there is more going on than is immediately apparent.
Insight: 30
"Pretty much" replies Jahren. "While I may not carry a mighty sword in favor of other avenues, I also admit I cannot simply convince everyone I might meet to hug and love one another. Often those trees must be fed to allow them to compete for the sunlight."
Mirica just smiled to the halflings, waiting for them to answer Fianna's question - adorable folk (in general) and incredibly useful too. If they needed help she would inclined to spare a day or two even if it would postpone goblin-hunting, though hints on the army involvement sounded like the group and the halflings were after the same thing.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice