“Yes, thank you Lord Baelfire! You’ve truly shown the good of your faith, I think your colleague is a little..... off putting. You say they’re hiding knowledge? I.... I know my abilities have spread the darkness and I want to make up for it, is there any knowledge of reversing the effects?”
"She's likely vulnerable after the death of her father," he begins. "She seemed genuinely distressed during the questioning. But still, to turn on your family that quickly, a cynic might suggest she was after the throne for herself. I hope she will be in the apartments. That would be a good sign."
OOC: Varen you know Opal best of all outside her family and no not at all. Opal wishes to join the church as a paladin of the Lightbringer to go on crusade against the Darkness but has been continual thwarted by her obligation to marry well to serve the family. Remember this tournament was her last hurrah before putting up her armor for a wedding gown! Opal seemed to pointedly not look at any of you but especially you.
OOC: Everyone remember ANY checks you want to make roll them. Best to roll them ask then miss an opportunity to make a skill check!!
Jubel and his knights usher the party to another hallway and out to the grounds. They pass a set of high king's guard that nod at Jubel allowing passage before stepping back in front of the door after the last of the party exits.
"Master Ronegan you'd be surprised how short that women's reach really is," Jubel replies looking to Kiran. "You join them then? Do you see the folly in your service? The hypocrisy of judging the good along with the truly wicked," he adds firmly. He then turns to Varen as the knights usher everyone along. "I think the Darkness is served by those who do evil. We...we don't know what caused it...not really," he adds looking genuinely apologetic. "Some of us do what we can to humble those who should know better," he adds as Zala nods giving Varen a wink as he kisses his great sword. Esrah chuckles as Idemiah shakes her head moving with the king, Petal, and Ronegan whose speed isn't the same as everyone else's. "I preach and truly believe," Jubel stops everyone, "the Lightbringer is in the hearts of anyone who wishes to help and strive each day to do right," he explains as his knights look at him a little awestruck including Zala! "The tents are set up. I think you will find all provided will aid you in the tournament. I will leave two of my compatriots with you but must myself do my duty in lieu of the high king," he nods at everyone. "Steel your hearts. I fear the events today are only a small ripple in a vast ocean of trouble to come. Take solace in your companions and your faith..." he pauses looking to Petal and Ronegan, "where ever your gifts come from if they aid the Light then the must be rooted in goodness," he adds giving a curt nod to all. "King Onyx...you seem to command the loyalty of a fine group of individuals. I believe if you support them they will have your back regardless the enormity foe," he adds his hand clapped on to Onyx's shoulder. "Good luck to all in the tournament. Trust each other and know you have a friend in myself and the high king," he adds before he walks off as Idemiah follows him as does Zala with five others leaving Juno and Esrah with the party.
"Shall we...your tent your highness is this way," Juno a female halfling paladin gestures for the king to follow.
"Yes, yes of course," Onyx replies. He still seems detached almost lost. Looking to Ran he frowns. "We need to hold tradition. I...I will loose allies and will seem guilty if we don't stand with the other houses," he adds next.
Juno leads and Esrah flanks as they move the party around a outer wall and finally to where Ran and Petal recognize the entrance to the tournament grounds. They lead the party towards the crowds. No one seems the wiser to the events earlier but the presence of Juno and Esrah seem to gather a bit of awe from the crowds as your party moves through heading towards the tents in Firstforge colors flying Firstforge banners surrounded by bannermen.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Elavor will look around, noticing if anything seems odd or strange about the tents, seeing if there's anything amiss or threatening. He'll also keep an eye out for any markings from the underworld or thieves, etc.
As the group heads to the tournament grounds, Varen keeps an eye out for similar sigils as the ones they previously followed to Malcom’s Aromatics in the Bazaar. She won't follow up on any she sees, but she will at least note them for later.
Perception 8 (or Investigation would be an additional +1)
Varen continues her conversation with Ran after Jubel makes his departure.
"It... doesn't quite fit. Opal wants to join the church as a paladin, to crusade against the darkness."She gives a subtle nod to Juno and Esrah. "She would give almost anything to be in their shoes, slinging her axe alongside Jubel Baelfire! Not wearing a queen's mantle and locked away in court after being married off." Varen gives a small smirk, considering that she and Opal had spent many a night over a bottle of whiskey talking about grand plans that involved disappointing their respective fathers by not being good little noblewomen. "It's... a feeling we'd shared, though our desired endings were different."
"But... people prey on sadness, on grief. They see a weakness that they exploit. Turn grief to anger, sadness to fear. That is what I'm afraid of."
Varen looks to the entrance of the tournament tent. "I hope she joins us today."
OOC: What time of day is it? Is there an opportunity for a short rest prior to the start of the tournament? Are there any private spaces within the Firstforge tent area?
Varen will try to acquire equipment she will need for her respective events: half plate and lance for jousting, longbow and arrows for archery. She will also try to squeeze in a Short Rest and brew up a new mutagen if there is time and/or a private space she can do so in.
"I think whatever we do today, that inquisitor will try to use it against us. If we do poorly she will probably say we deserved that outcome because of our evil ways. If we do well she'll probably accuse us of using dark magic," Ran says as they walk to the tent. "But perhaps doing well will add another layer of armor. The more people who watch us the fewer opportunities she will have to make us disappear."
He's still not sure about Jubel and what motivates the man. It may just be a genuine desire to do the right thing. But he could be a good actor as well. Ran keeps that idea to himself. He may be turning too cynical.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Petal was trying to hurry along, so she could hear what Baelfire is saying. When he leaves, she turns to Ronegan “That Baelfire.... he really has a way of putting you at ease. I was starting to think maybe my magic really was evil, with all the terrible things that have come from me using it. But he... he really put it in to perspective for me.”
Petal looks around to see if anybody is watching them or trying to eavesdrop, and if confident enough she will say to Ronegan “Now... a lot of people are going to be watching us today. If we use magic in the trial, we could get in a lot of trouble. Have you read up on what we’ll be facing? I’m not bad with my Scimitar but I do worry for you.”
OOC: Uh my kingdom for an insight check on anyone? Anyone?
Elavor and Varen seem too distracted by the early mornings events to really notice anything out of the ordinary outside or upon entry.
Varen does find an area that's separated with a hanging wall of fabric for modesty.
OOC: Gnome power *80s guitar riffs*
Petal notices that there are other houses, mostly ones she's seen at the Firstforge high table, looking just as ill at ease as the party. They Marshfield family and the Turco however are the only ones with similar additional protections like the party has with knights similar to Juno and Esrah. There's not anyone particularly interested in the party going into the tent however at first but then you catch a glimpse of a human boy who notes the party then dashes off. He's wearing no visible house colors however unlike most who are in the tournament grounds.
Kiran doesn't enter the tent however he lingers outside with a bowed head.
"I feel that having me with you does you no great service and I feel my place ultimately is with the church. I am sorry I never fully gained your trust but I do hope in time all comes out right," the monk says before disappearing in the crowds of people now entering the tournament grounds.
"We gain and loss allies each day," Juno says poking her head inside the tent. "Focus on the events. I have the lists just here," she adds handing over the events schedule to king Onyx.
Which reads as follows:
Day 1
Archery
Hand to Hand
Day 2
The joust
Melee
Day 3
The gauntlet
OOC: I had an uber fancy list but my crap laptop ate it. *sigh* I figured everyone would want a game plan before I head off to bed!!
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Varen can't help but give a sigh of relief, but she wonders when next the monk might show up.
As Varen looks over the list next to Onyx, she speaks to the paladin. "Lady Juno, tell me. Have you fought alongside Ser Baelfire much? Any campaigns of note you can tell me about? I'm curious what you think of him, and what all happened in the Cathedral today."
Insight 7OOC will take a hint when I get one...
As she looks over the list, she realizes that Kiran had signed up for hand-to-hand and the Gauntlet. Along with Opal...
"Your majesty, I can take Kiran's place in hand-to-hand. I hope your sister joins us as well... we will need her help in the gauntlet."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ronegan stares after the monk. He had been uncomfortable around Kiran for so long, but after the tension of their last conversation, he had felt...different about things, learning that they had been fighting towards the same ends. Looking at Baelfire and his nights, the little halfling felt that he had been wrong about a lot lately. Opal had hurt his heart a bit, as he had seen the child practically grow up, but rather than dwell on it too much, he gives Onyx a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. "Things well work out, your majesty. We will get to the bottom of this, one way or another." Lowering his voice so only the king can hear, he adds. "We should talk later. Varen, Elavor, and I discovered some interesting things that you should be aware of."
Ronegan turns to Petal and shrugs. "Unfortunately, my much anticipated trip to the Grand library was delayed so I am afraid I am in the dark. I will not be in much trouble for a few days until we get to the Gauntlet. By then, hopefully, I will have a solution. Perhaps, I will have discovered means to transform myself into a Troll!" Ronegan jokes, trying to lighten the mood. Everyone had been so grim, so serious since the old King had died. Onyx needed a bit of levity. They all did.
As things settle down and the rest of the House begins their preparations, Ronegan stand at the tent flap, watching the Turco and particularly Marshfield tents, looking for anyone he knows or anything he recognizes.
Noting Kiran's absence, Elavor shrugs. He was one of those hardliners, where everything is black or white. Right or wrong. With no room for the grey or the shadows.
Elavor reviews the list, and seeing as he's up for today's archery, finds a small stool or bench in a corner and prepares his gear for the event. He stares at Ronegan for a moment while he stands at the flap of the tent and then returns to his gear and preparations.
Petal let’s out a muted laugh. ”I’m sure that will go down a treat! By the way, did you notice the other houses? It seems like the Marshfields and Turcos have a similar escort to us. I wonder if they have magic users with them too?”
As Ronegan heads outside to look at the other houses, Petal heads over to the King. “Um... your highness, I spotted somebody spying on us. They weren’t wearing house colours, and I’m pretty sure I could track them with your permission and someone’s help, perhaps Varen or Ellie? It’s just... I could really track them a lot better if I.... wasn’t a gnome.
As Ronegan speaks to King Onyx, Varen nods. "It would be good if all of us were in that conversation, Ronegan. After the inquisition, it's obvious we all ride together or we all die together. And if Kiran has indeed left... well... I feel less concerned about the remainder of the party finding out. But probably not the place to discuss that here."
She looks at Petal. "There is a private area in the tent that we can sequester ourselves off in. Make sure no guards disturb our... modesty." Varen gives the gnome a little wink. "Is our new friend still out there?"
Ronegan nods his assent to Varen. "Right you are, Lady Varen. Confidentially, I had hoped our 'presentation' in our little trial back there caught some eyes in that delightful little spot. Yelena said we need to be proven worthy before we can find another access point. Hopefully, another opportunity will present itself to visit, at least with Petal and our King here in tow. We can discuss at our victory banquet tonight!" He says loudly, rubbing his stomach. "My mouth waters over the possibilities." He is about to talk more about the food when a thought occurs to him.
"That said -- if one of you wins an event, you are allowed to nominate a successor to the High King, yes? I believe that's how it works? Who is our candidate? I am not sure King Onyx necessarily wants it -- not now anyway, and neither am I certain we should declare for Opal without knowing what is going on in that whole situation." He looks at Onyx, and softens, knowing the boy was struggling, being pushed in the deep end so quickly as a ruler. "What do you think, your Highness?"
(OOC: DM, please correct me if my understanding of the tournament rules are wrong.)
OOC: Who is Varen trying to determine the intentions or truth from? PAst conversations with Baelfire or current goings-on with Juno/Esrah.
Ducking into the tent again Juno, the female halfing with dark short-cropped hair, nods her usually jovial expression becoming rather serious.
"Yes, his prowess on the battfleid is unmatched. I...follow him out of respect but also because well he saved my life...all of us gifted folk..." Juno looks to Esrah who nods with a soft smile at her. The seven-foot Dragonborn looks comical standing beside the woman basically who comes up to his hip! Esrah's hands on the hilts of his scimitars as he returns to attention to the outside of the tent looking over the tournament grounds alert to each person or persons who pass the tent. "Jubel saved us all from ruination and obscurity," she explains as Esrah visible nods again. "I...I would have died alone and afraid had he not lifted me up and shone me the Lightbringer but also....how to understand my gifts and not...not let others make me ashamed of myself," she adds her eyes darting to Petal, Ronegan, and Onyx before settling back on Varen. "The Darkness indeed seems to feed off of the arcane magic that much we understand but it also exists in the absence of it. We can all conjure it by casting but I will say it doesn't reach everyone who wields these gifts which one should find puzzling and want to understand," she adds.
"He's...the only human I trust," Esrah says looking at Varen without skipping a beat. "He's a good leader and doesn't mind getting in the muck with the common folk. I was raised in a fine house and nothing much was expected of me and then...well I began to hear voices in the darkness after joining the church. I thought I was mad! Jubel help me understand that was the voice of the Lightbringer I was hearing. Jubel...heals people. He gives counsel and shields those who seek him out with gifts the church would punish. He doesn't claim to speak for the Lightbringer unlike...well most of our higher clergy. He genuinely wants a fair and equal footing for all Emberans," the bronze scaled Dragonborn adds. "You can trust him," he adds firmly as if it's a given fact looking into Varen's eyes. "The high king lives because of his gifts," he adds curtly as Juno's head snaps to look at Esrah who shrugs but does not continue.
Meanwhile, Ronegan stands at the tent flaps his short stature allowed him to see much but especially no one he recognized.
As Petal calls to Onyx, he seems to come out of a daze.
"Hmmm...yes what? You mean take on an animal form," Onyx says worrying his short beard that looks like it needs some grooming. Onyx looks haggard as if he's aged a decade in the last few days. "I..." his eyes travel over the paladins before meeting Petal's eyes again, "I don't think it's wise to advertise our gifts here," he adds next while his expression and tone advising caution as much as his words. He then looks at Varen. "We will try to take the field in whatever events we can," he says fishing in the robes he's wearing from something as if he's just remembered it! "My sister....surely she will aid us...I hope she will," he adds as if reassuring himself more than the group.
Looking to Ronegan next and allowing him to speak Onyx seems to fall quiet-looking rather introspective.
"Before my father died he told me about this," Onyx said producing a letter and holding it out to Ronegan. "I only found it this morning and was whisked off to the courts before I could make sense of it or share it with anyone else. As for my candidate for high king," he says glancing at Juno and Esrah at the tent flaps, "I would choose Jubel based on his aid these last few days but also from the endorsement of my father before me for Jubel's rightful claim," he adds.
Ronegan takes the parchment now smooth from being read and carried....
My dear friend Malachite,
I write this as I might not be of this world when you are finally able to reach me my friend. You have always given me fair and honest consel. You have always expressed a great caution for the church to rule beside me even with your piety. I fear your forsight was right my friend and that our kingdoms may soon cease to exist with the clergy's continued reach. I fear for those who are close to me, who know my weaknesses, and who know our intentions friend. As most of us wish to give the kingdoms back to their rightful leaders and to dismisinish this zealotry that now plagues the lands we fought to save from the Darkness. Great minds and warriors like yourself and your late father before you we know what the Darkness can do. We also now see the divison that it causes and how it can control the better judgement of our spirtual leaders. I wish you to know I have named Jubel Baefire, grand cleric of the Lightbringer, and my friend, to take my place. Jubel knows and respects our wishes to refocus the faith on combating the Darkness and not this persuit of those who use the arcane. I do not see it's one in the same as most of my spirtual counselors. I wish to devote time to understanding the Darkness by any means necessary but not at the expense of the lives of our people. We must find a way to fight the Darkness without persecuting those who could help us finally vanquish it for good.
Take care on the roads my friend. Ospel has become a teachrous city. Enemies are closer than you think.
High King Aralarys Vahar first of his name
Onyx waits for Ronegan to read the letter as well as the others for their reactions.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Prior to Onyx handing Ronegan the letter, Varen will continue speaking with Juno and Esrah. She wonders if they are zealots of their own kind.
"It sounds like Lord Baelfire lead you both from a dark place into the light." She pauses, examining them carefully. "I know it's asking a lot, but are you willing to talk more about that? Where it is you found yourself when you thought you were lost, and when Jubel guided you with the light? You have nothing to fear from us." She glances over at Petal, then at the tent entrance, hoping Opal will stride in, armored and axe at hand. "I just feel that some of my friends might feel lost as well. And I want to help them where I can."
Ran has been distracted since the events of the morning then the sudden departure of Kiran. He can’t help but think the monk was still giving information to the inquisitors. It was just as likely he who tipped off the grand inquisitor.
He finally comes out of his own thoughts to find Varen talking to the paladins and Ronegan reading a letter Onyx handed him. Ran looks over Ronegan’s shoulder to see the letter but seeing the length of it, he know he isn’t going to have much luck deciphering it. Short simple sentences he can sometimes puzzle out, but this, he might as well be trying to understand a horse.
But he gathers from what Onyx has said, it must make a case for Jubel to be high king.
”Maybe if he was high king there would be an end to those inquisitions. But I can’t imagine the inquisitors letting that power go easily. And after what he did today, the grand inquisitor is going to want his head.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Elavor listens and watches from his spot in the rear of the tent. Absorbing their conversation and political intrigue.
He doesn't know enough about court-life to even form an opinion about these matters, and decides to remain silent...
Elavor overhears Petal, and her wish to track the spy who was looking at them... and then recalls a very detailed map he had of this very area, including shortcuts and landmarks not known about by the normal Ospel citizen. Elavor can't recall if he turned that map in, or held on to the original... but maybe, just maybe...
(OOC: Using Cartographer's Map Case: DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check : 11 )
“Yes, thank you Lord Baelfire! You’ve truly shown the good of your faith, I think your colleague is a little..... off putting. You say they’re hiding knowledge? I.... I know my abilities have spread the darkness and I want to make up for it, is there any knowledge of reversing the effects?”
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
She follows up with Ran, quietly, "I worry about Opal... And if the inquisitor is trying to poison her against her friends and family."
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Ran nods to Varen.
"She's likely vulnerable after the death of her father," he begins. "She seemed genuinely distressed during the questioning. But still, to turn on your family that quickly, a cynic might suggest she was after the throne for herself. I hope she will be in the apartments. That would be a good sign."
OOC: Varen you know Opal best of all outside her family and no not at all. Opal wishes to join the church as a paladin of the Lightbringer to go on crusade against the Darkness but has been continual thwarted by her obligation to marry well to serve the family. Remember this tournament was her last hurrah before putting up her armor for a wedding gown! Opal seemed to pointedly not look at any of you but especially you.
OOC: Everyone remember ANY checks you want to make roll them. Best to roll them ask then miss an opportunity to make a skill check!!
Jubel and his knights usher the party to another hallway and out to the grounds. They pass a set of high king's guard that nod at Jubel allowing passage before stepping back in front of the door after the last of the party exits.
"Master Ronegan you'd be surprised how short that women's reach really is," Jubel replies looking to Kiran. "You join them then? Do you see the folly in your service? The hypocrisy of judging the good along with the truly wicked," he adds firmly. He then turns to Varen as the knights usher everyone along. "I think the Darkness is served by those who do evil. We...we don't know what caused it...not really," he adds looking genuinely apologetic. "Some of us do what we can to humble those who should know better," he adds as Zala nods giving Varen a wink as he kisses his great sword. Esrah chuckles as Idemiah shakes her head moving with the king, Petal, and Ronegan whose speed isn't the same as everyone else's. "I preach and truly believe," Jubel stops everyone, "the Lightbringer is in the hearts of anyone who wishes to help and strive each day to do right," he explains as his knights look at him a little awestruck including Zala! "The tents are set up. I think you will find all provided will aid you in the tournament. I will leave two of my compatriots with you but must myself do my duty in lieu of the high king," he nods at everyone. "Steel your hearts. I fear the events today are only a small ripple in a vast ocean of trouble to come. Take solace in your companions and your faith..." he pauses looking to Petal and Ronegan, "where ever your gifts come from if they aid the Light then the must be rooted in goodness," he adds giving a curt nod to all. "King Onyx...you seem to command the loyalty of a fine group of individuals. I believe if you support them they will have your back regardless the enormity foe," he adds his hand clapped on to Onyx's shoulder. "Good luck to all in the tournament. Trust each other and know you have a friend in myself and the high king," he adds before he walks off as Idemiah follows him as does Zala with five others leaving Juno and Esrah with the party.
"Shall we...your tent your highness is this way," Juno a female halfling paladin gestures for the king to follow.
"Yes, yes of course," Onyx replies. He still seems detached almost lost. Looking to Ran he frowns. "We need to hold tradition. I...I will loose allies and will seem guilty if we don't stand with the other houses," he adds next.
Juno leads and Esrah flanks as they move the party around a outer wall and finally to where Ran and Petal recognize the entrance to the tournament grounds. They lead the party towards the crowds. No one seems the wiser to the events earlier but the presence of Juno and Esrah seem to gather a bit of awe from the crowds as your party moves through heading towards the tents in Firstforge colors flying Firstforge banners surrounded by bannermen.
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Elavor will look around, noticing if anything seems odd or strange about the tents, seeing if there's anything amiss or threatening. He'll also keep an eye out for any markings from the underworld or thieves, etc.
(Perception : 8 )
As the group heads to the tournament grounds, Varen keeps an eye out for similar sigils as the ones they previously followed to Malcom’s Aromatics in the Bazaar. She won't follow up on any she sees, but she will at least note them for later.
Perception 8 (or Investigation would be an additional +1)
Varen continues her conversation with Ran after Jubel makes his departure.
"It... doesn't quite fit. Opal wants to join the church as a paladin, to crusade against the darkness." She gives a subtle nod to Juno and Esrah. "She would give almost anything to be in their shoes, slinging her axe alongside Jubel Baelfire! Not wearing a queen's mantle and locked away in court after being married off." Varen gives a small smirk, considering that she and Opal had spent many a night over a bottle of whiskey talking about grand plans that involved disappointing their respective fathers by not being good little noblewomen. "It's... a feeling we'd shared, though our desired endings were different."
"But... people prey on sadness, on grief. They see a weakness that they exploit. Turn grief to anger, sadness to fear. That is what I'm afraid of."
Varen looks to the entrance of the tournament tent. "I hope she joins us today."
OOC: What time of day is it? Is there an opportunity for a short rest prior to the start of the tournament? Are there any private spaces within the Firstforge tent area?
Varen will try to acquire equipment she will need for her respective events: half plate and lance for jousting, longbow and arrows for archery. She will also try to squeeze in a Short Rest and brew up a new mutagen if there is time and/or a private space she can do so in.
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
"I think whatever we do today, that inquisitor will try to use it against us. If we do poorly she will probably say we deserved that outcome because of our evil ways. If we do well she'll probably accuse us of using dark magic," Ran says as they walk to the tent. "But perhaps doing well will add another layer of armor. The more people who watch us the fewer opportunities she will have to make us disappear."
He's still not sure about Jubel and what motivates the man. It may just be a genuine desire to do the right thing. But he could be a good actor as well. Ran keeps that idea to himself. He may be turning too cynical.
Petal was trying to hurry along, so she could hear what Baelfire is saying. When he leaves, she turns to Ronegan “That Baelfire.... he really has a way of putting you at ease. I was starting to think maybe my magic really was evil, with all the terrible things that have come from me using it. But he... he really put it in to perspective for me.”
Petal looks around to see if anybody is watching them or trying to eavesdrop, and if confident enough she will say to Ronegan “Now... a lot of people are going to be watching us today. If we use magic in the trial, we could get in a lot of trouble. Have you read up on what we’ll be facing? I’m not bad with my Scimitar but I do worry for you.”
percepttion 21
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
As Ran ponders.
OOC: Uh my kingdom for an insight check on anyone? Anyone?
Elavor and Varen seem too distracted by the early mornings events to really notice anything out of the ordinary outside or upon entry.
Varen does find an area that's separated with a hanging wall of fabric for modesty.
OOC: Gnome power *80s guitar riffs*
Petal notices that there are other houses, mostly ones she's seen at the Firstforge high table, looking just as ill at ease as the party. They Marshfield family and the Turco however are the only ones with similar additional protections like the party has with knights similar to Juno and Esrah. There's not anyone particularly interested in the party going into the tent however at first but then you catch a glimpse of a human boy who notes the party then dashes off. He's wearing no visible house colors however unlike most who are in the tournament grounds.
Kiran doesn't enter the tent however he lingers outside with a bowed head.
"I feel that having me with you does you no great service and I feel my place ultimately is with the church. I am sorry I never fully gained your trust but I do hope in time all comes out right," the monk says before disappearing in the crowds of people now entering the tournament grounds.
"We gain and loss allies each day," Juno says poking her head inside the tent. "Focus on the events. I have the lists just here," she adds handing over the events schedule to king Onyx.
Which reads as follows:
OOC: I had an uber fancy list but my crap laptop ate it. *sigh* I figured everyone would want a game plan before I head off to bed!!
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Varen can't help but give a sigh of relief, but she wonders when next the monk might show up.
As Varen looks over the list next to Onyx, she speaks to the paladin. "Lady Juno, tell me. Have you fought alongside Ser Baelfire much? Any campaigns of note you can tell me about? I'm curious what you think of him, and what all happened in the Cathedral today."
Insight 7 OOC will take a hint when I get one...
As she looks over the list, she realizes that Kiran had signed up for hand-to-hand and the Gauntlet. Along with Opal...
"Your majesty, I can take Kiran's place in hand-to-hand. I hope your sister joins us as well... we will need her help in the gauntlet."
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Ronegan stares after the monk. He had been uncomfortable around Kiran for so long, but after the tension of their last conversation, he had felt...different about things, learning that they had been fighting towards the same ends. Looking at Baelfire and his nights, the little halfling felt that he had been wrong about a lot lately. Opal had hurt his heart a bit, as he had seen the child practically grow up, but rather than dwell on it too much, he gives Onyx a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. "Things well work out, your majesty. We will get to the bottom of this, one way or another." Lowering his voice so only the king can hear, he adds. "We should talk later. Varen, Elavor, and I discovered some interesting things that you should be aware of."
Ronegan turns to Petal and shrugs. "Unfortunately, my much anticipated trip to the Grand library was delayed so I am afraid I am in the dark. I will not be in much trouble for a few days until we get to the Gauntlet. By then, hopefully, I will have a solution. Perhaps, I will have discovered means to transform myself into a Troll!" Ronegan jokes, trying to lighten the mood. Everyone had been so grim, so serious since the old King had died. Onyx needed a bit of levity. They all did.
As things settle down and the rest of the House begins their preparations, Ronegan stand at the tent flap, watching the Turco and particularly Marshfield tents, looking for anyone he knows or anything he recognizes.
Perception: 3
Noting Kiran's absence, Elavor shrugs. He was one of those hardliners, where everything is black or white. Right or wrong. With no room for the grey or the shadows.
Elavor reviews the list, and seeing as he's up for today's archery, finds a small stool or bench in a corner and prepares his gear for the event. He stares at Ronegan for a moment while he stands at the flap of the tent and then returns to his gear and preparations.
Petal let’s out a muted laugh. ”I’m sure that will go down a treat! By the way, did you notice the other houses? It seems like the Marshfields and Turcos have a similar escort to us. I wonder if they have magic users with them too?”
As Ronegan heads outside to look at the other houses, Petal heads over to the King. “Um... your highness, I spotted somebody spying on us. They weren’t wearing house colours, and I’m pretty sure I could track them with your permission and someone’s help, perhaps Varen or Ellie? It’s just... I could really track them a lot better if I.... wasn’t a gnome.
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
As Ronegan speaks to King Onyx, Varen nods. "It would be good if all of us were in that conversation, Ronegan. After the inquisition, it's obvious we all ride together or we all die together. And if Kiran has indeed left... well... I feel less concerned about the remainder of the party finding out. But probably not the place to discuss that here."
She looks at Petal. "There is a private area in the tent that we can sequester ourselves off in. Make sure no guards disturb our... modesty." Varen gives the gnome a little wink. "Is our new friend still out there?"
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
“No, but I saw where he darted off towards, maybe he left some tracks and I can try to sniff him out.” She taps her nose and winks.
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
Ronegan nods his assent to Varen. "Right you are, Lady Varen. Confidentially, I had hoped our 'presentation' in our little trial back there caught some eyes in that delightful little spot. Yelena said we need to be proven worthy before we can find another access point. Hopefully, another opportunity will present itself to visit, at least with Petal and our King here in tow. We can discuss at our victory banquet tonight!" He says loudly, rubbing his stomach. "My mouth waters over the possibilities." He is about to talk more about the food when a thought occurs to him.
"That said -- if one of you wins an event, you are allowed to nominate a successor to the High King, yes? I believe that's how it works? Who is our candidate? I am not sure King Onyx necessarily wants it -- not now anyway, and neither am I certain we should declare for Opal without knowing what is going on in that whole situation." He looks at Onyx, and softens, knowing the boy was struggling, being pushed in the deep end so quickly as a ruler. "What do you think, your Highness?"
(OOC: DM, please correct me if my understanding of the tournament rules are wrong.)
OOC: Who is Varen trying to determine the intentions or truth from? PAst conversations with Baelfire or current goings-on with Juno/Esrah.
Ducking into the tent again Juno, the female halfing with dark short-cropped hair, nods her usually jovial expression becoming rather serious.
"Yes, his prowess on the battfleid is unmatched. I...follow him out of respect but also because well he saved my life...all of us gifted folk..." Juno looks to Esrah who nods with a soft smile at her. The seven-foot Dragonborn looks comical standing beside the woman basically who comes up to his hip! Esrah's hands on the hilts of his scimitars as he returns to attention to the outside of the tent looking over the tournament grounds alert to each person or persons who pass the tent. "Jubel saved us all from ruination and obscurity," she explains as Esrah visible nods again. "I...I would have died alone and afraid had he not lifted me up and shone me the Lightbringer but also....how to understand my gifts and not...not let others make me ashamed of myself," she adds her eyes darting to Petal, Ronegan, and Onyx before settling back on Varen. "The Darkness indeed seems to feed off of the arcane magic that much we understand but it also exists in the absence of it. We can all conjure it by casting but I will say it doesn't reach everyone who wields these gifts which one should find puzzling and want to understand," she adds.
"He's...the only human I trust," Esrah says looking at Varen without skipping a beat. "He's a good leader and doesn't mind getting in the muck with the common folk. I was raised in a fine house and nothing much was expected of me and then...well I began to hear voices in the darkness after joining the church. I thought I was mad! Jubel help me understand that was the voice of the Lightbringer I was hearing. Jubel...heals people. He gives counsel and shields those who seek him out with gifts the church would punish. He doesn't claim to speak for the Lightbringer unlike...well most of our higher clergy. He genuinely wants a fair and equal footing for all Emberans," the bronze scaled Dragonborn adds. "You can trust him," he adds firmly as if it's a given fact looking into Varen's eyes. "The high king lives because of his gifts," he adds curtly as Juno's head snaps to look at Esrah who shrugs but does not continue.
Meanwhile, Ronegan stands at the tent flaps his short stature allowed him to see much but especially no one he recognized.
As Petal calls to Onyx, he seems to come out of a daze.
"Hmmm...yes what? You mean take on an animal form," Onyx says worrying his short beard that looks like it needs some grooming. Onyx looks haggard as if he's aged a decade in the last few days. "I..." his eyes travel over the paladins before meeting Petal's eyes again, "I don't think it's wise to advertise our gifts here," he adds next while his expression and tone advising caution as much as his words. He then looks at Varen. "We will try to take the field in whatever events we can," he says fishing in the robes he's wearing from something as if he's just remembered it! "My sister....surely she will aid us...I hope she will," he adds as if reassuring himself more than the group.
Looking to Ronegan next and allowing him to speak Onyx seems to fall quiet-looking rather introspective.
"Before my father died he told me about this," Onyx said producing a letter and holding it out to Ronegan. "I only found it this morning and was whisked off to the courts before I could make sense of it or share it with anyone else. As for my candidate for high king," he says glancing at Juno and Esrah at the tent flaps, "I would choose Jubel based on his aid these last few days but also from the endorsement of my father before me for Jubel's rightful claim," he adds.
Ronegan takes the parchment now smooth from being read and carried....
Onyx waits for Ronegan to read the letter as well as the others for their reactions.
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Prior to Onyx handing Ronegan the letter, Varen will continue speaking with Juno and Esrah. She wonders if they are zealots of their own kind.
"It sounds like Lord Baelfire lead you both from a dark place into the light." She pauses, examining them carefully. "I know it's asking a lot, but are you willing to talk more about that? Where it is you found yourself when you thought you were lost, and when Jubel guided you with the light? You have nothing to fear from us." She glances over at Petal, then at the tent entrance, hoping Opal will stride in, armored and axe at hand. "I just feel that some of my friends might feel lost as well. And I want to help them where I can."
Persuasion 13
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Ran has been distracted since the events of the morning then the sudden departure of Kiran. He can’t help but think the monk was still giving information to the inquisitors. It was just as likely he who tipped off the grand inquisitor.
He finally comes out of his own thoughts to find Varen talking to the paladins and Ronegan reading a letter Onyx handed him. Ran looks over Ronegan’s shoulder to see the letter but seeing the length of it, he know he isn’t going to have much luck deciphering it. Short simple sentences he can sometimes puzzle out, but this, he might as well be trying to understand a horse.
But he gathers from what Onyx has said, it must make a case for Jubel to be high king.
”Maybe if he was high king there would be an end to those inquisitions. But I can’t imagine the inquisitors letting that power go easily. And after what he did today, the grand inquisitor is going to want his head.”
Elavor listens and watches from his spot in the rear of the tent. Absorbing their conversation and political intrigue.
He doesn't know enough about court-life to even form an opinion about these matters, and decides to remain silent...
Elavor overhears Petal, and her wish to track the spy who was looking at them... and then recalls a very detailed map he had of this very area, including shortcuts and landmarks not known about by the normal Ospel citizen. Elavor can't recall if he turned that map in, or held on to the original... but maybe, just maybe...
(OOC: Using Cartographer's Map Case: DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check : 11 )
Elavor grins... "Petal, c'mere..." he whispers