"I think we risk exhausting ourselves and the horses if we try and push onward toward tonight."Kal says, going over the math in his head. "We can try anyway, and stop if anyone feels like they're pushing too hard."
After getting Eraine settled onto the spare steed, the rest of you mount up and set your horses on a quick pace through the trees east, heading back to the main road.
You blaze through the woods in no time at all, the trees passing by as a blur. You're only on the road back north for about 30 minutes however when Velyra and Silthras call to stop, the beginnings of exhaustion starting to show on their faces.
The first decent site you find you make a camp, and settle in for the night. Your watches go by without incident, and the last one up wakes the others as soon as possible, before the sun even hits the horizon.
(Take a Long Rest)
Once more, you pushes the horses as hard as you can for the first hour, covering twice the ground you normally would. Another four hours passes before Silverfair comes into view, the sun now tracing its lazy path through the sky. Eraine pulls the hood of the borrowed cloak up as you approach the gate. You are surprised - or perhaps not - to find it is exceedingly well manned, with four guards where there would normally be only two. In addition, the men manning it do not wear the uniforms of the city guard, but rather of the Baroness' own personal garrison.
Initially they deny you entry, quickly changing their tune as Silthras flashes the emblem given by Lady Anet. From there it's a fairly quick ride to the keep, where you again make use of the crest to gain entry past the walls. As you cross the bailey however, you can see at least a dozen a bodies lined up against the wall, with cloth linens draped over them.
One of the Baroness' men sprints ahead of you inside to announce your arrival, while another accompanies you. There are dark circles under the soldier's eyes, and you can see bloodstains on his tabard. The Baroness' son throws his hood back as cross into the keep proper. Servants and soldiers alike bow or give affirmative nods to the young man as you walk past, though the mood in the castle still seems somber.
You see evidence of the fight as you walk through the first floor. Dried blood, ripped tapestries, smashed furniture, and a few loose crossbow bolts scattered across the floor. You're lead up the stairs eventually, to the top floor of the keep. At the end of a long hall the solider knocks on an ornate door, and hear the Baroness' voice beckon you inside. You're ushered into what is probably the most lavish room in the entire castle. Lady Anet Sholte sits on a stool near the center of the room, partly lifting her top while another woman fusses over bandages around her abdomen. The bandages are tinged red with blood, and the Lady herself looks pale and sweaty.
A number of emotions run across her face as she sees her son. Relief. Then worry. Then finally rage as she takes in the breadth of his current state. He goes to her and after a brief hushed conversation, he goes through another door to the side, lead by another of the Baroness' aides into what is some kind of side room.
Anet finally turns to you, motioning for you to come closer as she waves the other woman away, pulling her tunic down over the injury. "You are a sight for sore eyes."
"You have my gratitude for bringing my son back to me. Though in hindsight it appears sending you was a mistake on my part. Those men...They fought like demons."
She shifts uncomfortably, putting a hand to the wound's location on her side. "I don't know how it happened. But one of them made it over the wall. Killed the guardsmen on duty and lifted the portcullis. We didn't realize something was wrong until they had made it into the keep itself."
The Baroness pauses for a moment, before saying with quiet rage, "Calmaius is dead. They died for it, but those men - if you can call them that - killed him. I don't think they even expected to make it out here alive themselves."
Before resting at night, Silthras would do what he could for Eraine's wounds, obviously the effects of long-term mistreatment and malnourishment will take longer to heal, but at least a fall from a horse won't kill him.
Once inside the keep, and seeing the wounds on the Baroness, he says "I have some skills at healing. If you or your men should need it." He winces looking at the bloody wound, and moves closer -- cautiously, seeking permission -- his hands beginning to glow with a hint of magical energy. Probably make me heal her people first, but better if she stays clear-headed. He tries to assess from a distance if the wound has been tended well, or just patched up for the field.
As she speaks he nods, "Aye, there is nothing natural about any of them. But we should search their bodies, and maybe track them back. There may be clues to how they communicate -- and how they knew where to find him. Were they the tongueless ones?"
(( Happy for Silthras to spend time resting/healing/talking with the injured troops as he did in Feycrest ))
Usul walks in following the group, wide eyed as he assesses the extent of the chaos from the previous night. He, too, was about to ask about the 'men' that attacked the keep but Silthras, as always, was quick thinking and spoke first. Instead he says, more serious than normal, "Where did their scout get over the wall? We'd like to see if there are marks of their climb."
Kal thinks back to the things they found on the other two men, then carefully approaches the Baroness after Silthras. "They might have used poison on their weapons." He says, noting her pallor look. "That's something I can handle easily."If allowed, he follows the half-elf with a healing hand of his own, drawing the poison out if there is any.
As to their current inquiries, he recalls their first solo meeting with Lady Anet, at dinner where he had seen the invisible sensor. "We were being spied on back then. Naturally I think we assumed it to be Calmaius, but it may have been someone else. They could have used the same trick to inform those men."
"They're right though. We should check the bodies still and try to figure out how they got over. We can handle that while you take some time to rest."
Lady Anet waves Silthras away with a hand as he might have expected, "there are others more injured. This is a scratch." Though as she says it, her body is wracked with a shiver. Prideful as she may be, she was not dumb enough to refuse help she actually needed. As Kal steps forward as well, she nods. The wound itself is not deep as she said, but the skin around it is an angry red and inflamed. Even the most untrained eye would assume poison.
A faint glow emanates from his hand over the wounded area, drawing out a clear fluid into a hovering sphere in his hand. The radiant light flares, evaporating the liquid before winking out.
"I'll not turn down your offer of help to my people. There are a few with worrisome injuries in the barracks. You have my gratitude for helping them."
"They were just as you described when you came back with Calmaius. One who was came over the wall was slain in the courtyard, we've left him there. Some of the other men might be able to tell you where exactly he came over. The other two are in the dungeon with Calmaius. Take care of your step down there, the stones are soaked in blood."
As you speak, a bit of color seems to have returned to her face, and her breathing seems less labored. "Damning magic. I need to find a new arcanist. One who can proof these walls against that infernal trick."
"Go do whatever investigations you wish. When you're finished, return to me. We have much to discuss still."
Silthras nods to the Baroness, then addresses Kal and Usul, "I'll check on the wounded. But what puzzles me is how they found Calmaius. He only missed one contact, and last they knew he was headed to the ruins. So they must have had a way to track him, or he had a way to contact them." He turns back to the Baroness, speaking softly, "As Kal says, there may yet be spies."
He heads to the barracks, pondering the situation as he readies himself to help the wounded soldiery. He will start by healing the two most wounded, slowly examining the wounds and talking to them and the medics as he works, gathering what he can of the details of the attack and the way the enemy fights -- how coordinated they were. Are they telepathic? He wonders. Did they make sounds? Call out to each other? Any and all information is valuable, and the fresher the better. Make sense of it later.
As he works, he also looks for signs of poisoning, mentioning it to the medics and suggesting they send someone for Kal if needed.
When he has done with the first two, he rests, talking idly to them, trying to reassure and encourage them as best he can, before he begins with the next two.
Persuasion/deception (both same): 20 (for bedside manner; passive 18, if such exists or makes sense); if actually healing them gives him advantage, then second roll 14
Note: if there are more than two near death's door, he will use more spell slots, but would prefer 2/hour.
"I can go with Usul to check out our climber. If you need me you'll know where to find me then." Kal says. Once they're outside and investigating the assailant's body, he'll use Detect Magic to help Usul and look over anything they find on him. If he gets an aura, he'll set the item aside for Syl to investigate later.
If any soldiers need to be cured of poisoning, he'll use what's left of his Lay on Hands and burn the two spells he has for Lesser Restoration.
Usul heads over to Kal to look at the bodies of the monsters left to ensure that they are, in fact, the same thing they've faced before, and then heads up the wall to see if he can learn anything about how they were able to scale the walls, and if this gives him any ideas on how they could further protect the city from future attacks.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"We'll go check out the other two."Sylnora says, motioning for Velyra to follow. Before they start checking the bodies, she'll take 10 minutes to cast Detect Magic as a ritual before going over them. If anything magical stands out, she sets it aside to get a closer look at later.
Silthras is lead to the barracks, where the wounded are being kept. There are about a dozen with serious injuries, though most can be handled properly without the use of magic. Three demand more immediate, and the fetching of Kal to draw poison from their bodies.
((15 points from Lay on Hands, and 3 slots needed for healing))
After Kal heads back out, Silthras remains to help tend some of the lesser injuries, forgoing his magic unless needed. Talking to the men and women in the barracks, he gathers the following details:
Throughout the attack, the trio never spoke to one another or signaled one another. Once they were inside the keep's walls, it was like they knew exactly where they needed to go.
They attacked with a barbaric ferocity, forgoing any sense of self-preservation, aiming for the dungeon with extreme determination.
For the Rest
On all three bodies you find similar outfitting to those you fought before. Hand crossbows, bolts, shortswords, and emptied vials used to hold the poisons they use on their weapons. The two inside the danger carry nothing else remarkable on them. Their bodies are covered in stab wounds, while Calmaius lays slain with a slit throat.
Outside, Usul and Kal find the third body turned on its belly, with two arrows sticking of its back. After going over the simple armaments he carried, Kal casts his spell to give the slain man a once over. Immediately the man's boots flare up with the orange aura of Transmutation magic.
As you investigate both sides of the wall where he might have come over, you find no markings of any sort of climbing gear being used. Slipping the boots off for Sylnora to identify later, you all head back in to meet with the Baroness again.
If you wanted to do anything else before meeting with her again, let me know and we'll backtrack.
As you reenter Lady Anet's chambers, you find a small table has been set up to the side. Five coin purses sit on the table, and before them are five signet rings with the Sholte crest on it. The Baroness herself emerges from a side room a few minutes after you enter, dressed plainly this time. She looks much better than when you saw her earlier - a combination of the relief of having her son back, and the poison being gone.
"Payment, for the services you've done for Silverfair and the surrounding towns." She says, gesturing towards the coin purses on the table. "The rings...Those are payment for the services you've done for me. Handling that bastard Calmaius, bringing my son back to me..." Trailing off, she bows graciously. "You'll find my crest carries a hefty weight in most circles. And since I doubt you plan on dropping off this conspiracy you've uncovered, I believe you'll need that kind of authority to throw around."
Inside the coin purses, you find 80 platinum pieces in each. The rings are made of silver, and sized appropriately for each of you.
"Whether this is some freak cult that's infiltrated high places, or a rot that comes from the very center of House Astre, we're going to need allies. Now I wouldn't blame you for making for Cynosure straight away, to see if you can track down this priest Calmaius spoke of. But I would caution that you very well may be walking into the lion's den. How widespread this conspiracy goes is a mystery to us right now. Every noble in that damned capital could be the enemy."
"This needs to be brought before Lidae, games in the shadows such as this are not my favored terrain. I would have this madness brought to light, confronted head on. However I can't afford to leave right now, and my son...Well he's in no state to be involved in such business."
"I have allies in Sonatide. People that we can trust, and that will believe us. They're the kind of people you would want at your back in a king's court. There are others I can send on this task, but I believe it is best in your hands."
"Corra and Jalen of House Belerac are the two I would have you seek out. From there, they would accompany you to Isonrence(capital of the Silvershard region), and help you navigate the politics of King Lidae's court."
"I understand a decision like this requires discussion. If you need time amongst yourselves, you have it."
Usul slips the ring on his finger, glad for the fit, considering the Cat's Eye ring, and Signet ring from the Advisor are both large on on his thumbs, and says, "We'd be glad to go back to Sonatide for a short rest and to see some people. Then we can also see if our package arrived safely. And more friends on our side would be great."
When he is done with the business of healing, Silthras tries to assess the mood of the survivors before rejoining his friends. He grins and nods when he sees Usul and Dib, then relates what he has learned to all of the others before they go to meet the baroness. He seems tired and a little subdued.
As the baroness speaks he gathers up the purse and puts it inside his armour. The ring goes on his finger, at least in the short term, and he bows low in thanks, mustering his best courtly manners, such as they are.
When the Baroness finishes he stares at the ring for a time before speaking, "I for one will gladly continue; there are things here of importance to me, to my family and to the nation, if not to the world. And these..." he holds up the ring, "... are a generous gift. They will no doubt open doors for us; but they will also mark us." He glances at Usul as he speaks, "We'd best to be careful in displaying them openly." Need to get a chain to hang it on. No point in attracting daggers in the night.
At the mention of Sonatide he nods, "I think we already have several reasons for going to Sonatide..." he glances at Usul and catches Velyra's eye briefly , then continues slowly and cautiously, "Perhaps while we go to the King's court and before we go 'step into the lion's den' in Cynosure-- you might be able to gather information? We should be able to keep in contact, I think." Again, he glances at Velyra, questioning.
"As to Corra and Jalen is there some way we can be sure of their identities? I ... recent events make me distrustful of people I have not previously met. Anyone may have been replaced."
He relates all he has learned above, at least including:
Throughout the attack, the trio never spoke to one another or signaled one another. Once they were inside the keep's walls, it was like they knew exactly where they needed to go.
They attacked with a barbaric ferocity, forgoing any sense of self-preservation, aiming for the dungeon with extreme determination.
@DM: If he has spent any spells, he will use the briefing as a short rest, if he can.
Velyra turns the ringer over in her hand before slipping it on her finger, following Silthras' lead with a bow. She listens to the woman speak, finding herself in agreement with much of what she has to say.
"I'm with him. It would be difficult to go back to studying the ruin of one civilization while ours stands on the precipice of the same disaster." Her eyes go down to the ring again as Silthras warns of the danger they present, and nods. "You're right. But we may already be marked. From what the advisor sounded like, their plans here were of great importance. And if they can spy on us at any time...Well they may know what we look like already."
She nods along with what the half-elvish man is saying, "I have Sending magic. We can pass information to you as we discover it. Though it may be difficult for you to do the same without your arcanist. I can check in regularly, once a week perhaps?"
Lady Anet raises an eyebrow, "ah that's right, you mentioned before that you were from Sonatide. So you'll already have friends in the city - and the rest of you will have a guide. You'll find it much larger and denser than here. The pride of Silvershard it may be, but I never cared for it too much."
"Display them as you wish. Though I hate to admit it, it's possible parts of this conspiracy reach Sonatide and beyond to Isonrence. We just don't know." The Baroness looks thoughtful for a moment, then nods. "Ask Corra to tell you about the captive we interrogated at the Andenian Pass. Red hair. Some bloodsucking lieutenant. Name was Ashton."
She tilts her head towards Velyra, "a weekly update will work. I can't say I'll be getting a new one anytime soon. There aren't many mages I know, let alone trust."
"There is...One more thing. I'd like to send my son with you. Just to Sonatide - he'll be much safer there, clearly. He'd also be able to tell if Corra and Jalen are imposters. He's known them his whole life."
Silthras nods, "Very well. Will he stay stay with House Belerac in Sonatide, or should we take him elsewhere?"
When he has learned what he needs to know, he pauses for a moment, brows furrowed. "You mentioned needing an Arcanist...and one just left town: Elyxir. We could contact her, if you had an opening?" He shrugs, "Just a thought, and I suspect she has many reasons for leaving."
“Oh! Maybe Mr. Kwiz has some friend’s that are looking for work. We’ll ask him when we’re back in ‘tide.”Usul says, a bit too excitedly considering the gravity of the situation. He then adds, “We’ll all take good care of Eraine on the road. He can tell us what life was like here in the Keep. No doubt it’s different from Ma’s back in ‘tide.”
"With House Belerac. I trust them more than any blood family." At the suggestion of Elyxir, the Baroness raises a brow. "I'm familiar with her. That one is...Enigmatic to say the least. I doubt she would even entertain the offer in the first place, but you're welcome to try if you think her trustworthy."
Anet gives a sort of half-smile to Usul, clearly torn on the idea of sending her son away after just getting him back. "I'll certainly feel better knowing he's in your hands."
With that, your party takes your leave from her chambers, off to make preparations for your journey while she does the same for Eraine.
Once gathered in your own rooms(or wherever you wish to go for the night), Velyra takes a brief moment to make contact with the other party through the Sending Stone. The voice on the other side responds quickly, "whatever you were able to recover. The more personal the better. We have a way of sending off our own."
Silthras was already unsure of his own suggestion, and the Baroness' words rang true: the edgy drow certainly seemed to dance to her own tune, and would be a difficult addition to the austere household. Besides, Usul's suggestion seemed a good one: A fresh face, a fresh start, and perhaps -- if Kal and Velyra did some vetting for the baroness -- it might work out for the best. Vetting would be important; better safe than sorry.
As his thoughts turned to the road and to the demands of the strange presence with which Velyra was communicating, he started itemizing the things they might need. Dwarven whiskey figured high on the list, if the captain had not drunk it all already, but he focused on more mundane needs. Sturdy silver chains -- one for young Usul -- food, arrows, check his tent and bedroll, retrieve some of the things he had sold only yesterday...it seemed so long ago!
It was easy and strangely comforting to lose himself in the familiar planning, for though he had not been in the town long, it would be sad to leave. He felt connected to it is ways that he had not felt for a long time. He respected the leader, admired the resilience of the townsfolk, and found it refreshing to be recognized as much as paid. Though the money was good, he had to admit that. True to her word, that one. Rare.
Another time, another world, another him might have stayed on. Helped the baroness. Settled.
He came to Silverfair looking for rumours of his mentor and one-time lover, and was leaving no closer to that goal, but with so many more things -- seemingly far more important -- on his mind. Though the task seemed daunting, together with his new companions he felt he had a fighting chance.
"I think we risk exhausting ourselves and the horses if we try and push onward toward tonight." Kal says, going over the math in his head. "We can try anyway, and stop if anyone feels like they're pushing too hard."
After getting Eraine settled onto the spare steed, the rest of you mount up and set your horses on a quick pace through the trees east, heading back to the main road.
Con Saves
DC 11:
Kal: 15
Syl: 21
Velyra: 7
Silthras: 8
Usul: 16
You blaze through the woods in no time at all, the trees passing by as a blur. You're only on the road back north for about 30 minutes however when Velyra and Silthras call to stop, the beginnings of exhaustion starting to show on their faces.
The first decent site you find you make a camp, and settle in for the night. Your watches go by without incident, and the last one up wakes the others as soon as possible, before the sun even hits the horizon.
(Take a Long Rest)
Once more, you pushes the horses as hard as you can for the first hour, covering twice the ground you normally would. Another four hours passes before Silverfair comes into view, the sun now tracing its lazy path through the sky. Eraine pulls the hood of the borrowed cloak up as you approach the gate. You are surprised - or perhaps not - to find it is exceedingly well manned, with four guards where there would normally be only two. In addition, the men manning it do not wear the uniforms of the city guard, but rather of the Baroness' own personal garrison.
Initially they deny you entry, quickly changing their tune as Silthras flashes the emblem given by Lady Anet. From there it's a fairly quick ride to the keep, where you again make use of the crest to gain entry past the walls. As you cross the bailey however, you can see at least a dozen a bodies lined up against the wall, with cloth linens draped over them.
One of the Baroness' men sprints ahead of you inside to announce your arrival, while another accompanies you. There are dark circles under the soldier's eyes, and you can see bloodstains on his tabard. The Baroness' son throws his hood back as cross into the keep proper. Servants and soldiers alike bow or give affirmative nods to the young man as you walk past, though the mood in the castle still seems somber.
You see evidence of the fight as you walk through the first floor. Dried blood, ripped tapestries, smashed furniture, and a few loose crossbow bolts scattered across the floor. You're lead up the stairs eventually, to the top floor of the keep. At the end of a long hall the solider knocks on an ornate door, and hear the Baroness' voice beckon you inside. You're ushered into what is probably the most lavish room in the entire castle. Lady Anet Sholte sits on a stool near the center of the room, partly lifting her top while another woman fusses over bandages around her abdomen. The bandages are tinged red with blood, and the Lady herself looks pale and sweaty.
A number of emotions run across her face as she sees her son. Relief. Then worry. Then finally rage as she takes in the breadth of his current state. He goes to her and after a brief hushed conversation, he goes through another door to the side, lead by another of the Baroness' aides into what is some kind of side room.
Anet finally turns to you, motioning for you to come closer as she waves the other woman away, pulling her tunic down over the injury. "You are a sight for sore eyes."
"You have my gratitude for bringing my son back to me. Though in hindsight it appears sending you was a mistake on my part. Those men...They fought like demons."
She shifts uncomfortably, putting a hand to the wound's location on her side. "I don't know how it happened. But one of them made it over the wall. Killed the guardsmen on duty and lifted the portcullis. We didn't realize something was wrong until they had made it into the keep itself."
The Baroness pauses for a moment, before saying with quiet rage, "Calmaius is dead. They died for it, but those men - if you can call them that - killed him. I don't think they even expected to make it out here alive themselves."
Before resting at night, Silthras would do what he could for Eraine's wounds, obviously the effects of long-term mistreatment and malnourishment will take longer to heal, but at least a fall from a horse won't kill him.
Once inside the keep, and seeing the wounds on the Baroness, he says "I have some skills at healing. If you or your men should need it." He winces looking at the bloody wound, and moves closer -- cautiously, seeking permission -- his hands beginning to glow with a hint of magical energy. Probably make me heal her people first, but better if she stays clear-headed. He tries to assess from a distance if the wound has been tended well, or just patched up for the field.
As she speaks he nods, "Aye, there is nothing natural about any of them. But we should search their bodies, and maybe track them back. There may be clues to how they communicate -- and how they knew where to find him. Were they the tongueless ones?"
(( Happy for Silthras to spend time resting/healing/talking with the injured troops as he did in Feycrest ))
Usul walks in following the group, wide eyed as he assesses the extent of the chaos from the previous night. He, too, was about to ask about the 'men' that attacked the keep but Silthras, as always, was quick thinking and spoke first. Instead he says, more serious than normal, "Where did their scout get over the wall? We'd like to see if there are marks of their climb."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Kal thinks back to the things they found on the other two men, then carefully approaches the Baroness after Silthras. "They might have used poison on their weapons." He says, noting her pallor look. "That's something I can handle easily." If allowed, he follows the half-elf with a healing hand of his own, drawing the poison out if there is any.
As to their current inquiries, he recalls their first solo meeting with Lady Anet, at dinner where he had seen the invisible sensor. "We were being spied on back then. Naturally I think we assumed it to be Calmaius, but it may have been someone else. They could have used the same trick to inform those men."
"They're right though. We should check the bodies still and try to figure out how they got over. We can handle that while you take some time to rest."
Lady Anet waves Silthras away with a hand as he might have expected, "there are others more injured. This is a scratch." Though as she says it, her body is wracked with a shiver. Prideful as she may be, she was not dumb enough to refuse help she actually needed. As Kal steps forward as well, she nods. The wound itself is not deep as she said, but the skin around it is an angry red and inflamed. Even the most untrained eye would assume poison.
A faint glow emanates from his hand over the wounded area, drawing out a clear fluid into a hovering sphere in his hand. The radiant light flares, evaporating the liquid before winking out.
"I'll not turn down your offer of help to my people. There are a few with worrisome injuries in the barracks. You have my gratitude for helping them."
"They were just as you described when you came back with Calmaius. One who was came over the wall was slain in the courtyard, we've left him there. Some of the other men might be able to tell you where exactly he came over. The other two are in the dungeon with Calmaius. Take care of your step down there, the stones are soaked in blood."
As you speak, a bit of color seems to have returned to her face, and her breathing seems less labored. "Damning magic. I need to find a new arcanist. One who can proof these walls against that infernal trick."
"Go do whatever investigations you wish. When you're finished, return to me. We have much to discuss still."
Silthras nods to the Baroness, then addresses Kal and Usul, "I'll check on the wounded. But what puzzles me is how they found Calmaius. He only missed one contact, and last they knew he was headed to the ruins. So they must have had a way to track him, or he had a way to contact them." He turns back to the Baroness, speaking softly, "As Kal says, there may yet be spies."
He heads to the barracks, pondering the situation as he readies himself to help the wounded soldiery. He will start by healing the two most wounded, slowly examining the wounds and talking to them and the medics as he works, gathering what he can of the details of the attack and the way the enemy fights -- how coordinated they were. Are they telepathic? He wonders. Did they make sounds? Call out to each other? Any and all information is valuable, and the fresher the better. Make sense of it later.
As he works, he also looks for signs of poisoning, mentioning it to the medics and suggesting they send someone for Kal if needed.
When he has done with the first two, he rests, talking idly to them, trying to reassure and encourage them as best he can, before he begins with the next two.
Persuasion/deception (both same): 20 (for bedside manner; passive 18, if such exists or makes sense); if actually healing them gives him advantage, then second roll 14
Note: if there are more than two near death's door, he will use more spell slots, but would prefer 2/hour.
"I can go with Usul to check out our climber. If you need me you'll know where to find me then." Kal says. Once they're outside and investigating the assailant's body, he'll use Detect Magic to help Usul and look over anything they find on him. If he gets an aura, he'll set the item aside for Syl to investigate later.
If any soldiers need to be cured of poisoning, he'll use what's left of his Lay on Hands and burn the two spells he has for Lesser Restoration.
helping Usul.
Usul heads over to Kal to look at the bodies of the monsters left to ensure that they are, in fact, the same thing they've faced before, and then heads up the wall to see if he can learn anything about how they were able to scale the walls, and if this gives him any ideas on how they could further protect the city from future attacks.
investigation 20; if Kal is 'help'ing 25
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"We'll go check out the other two." Sylnora says, motioning for Velyra to follow. Before they start checking the bodies, she'll take 10 minutes to cast Detect Magic as a ritual before going over them. If anything magical stands out, she sets it aside to get a closer look at later.
Investigation: 25
2
Silthras is lead to the barracks, where the wounded are being kept. There are about a dozen with serious injuries, though most can be handled properly without the use of magic. Three demand more immediate, and the fetching of Kal to draw poison from their bodies.
((15 points from Lay on Hands, and 3 slots needed for healing))
After Kal heads back out, Silthras remains to help tend some of the lesser injuries, forgoing his magic unless needed. Talking to the men and women in the barracks, he gathers the following details:
For the Rest
On all three bodies you find similar outfitting to those you fought before. Hand crossbows, bolts, shortswords, and emptied vials used to hold the poisons they use on their weapons. The two inside the danger carry nothing else remarkable on them. Their bodies are covered in stab wounds, while Calmaius lays slain with a slit throat.
Outside, Usul and Kal find the third body turned on its belly, with two arrows sticking of its back. After going over the simple armaments he carried, Kal casts his spell to give the slain man a once over. Immediately the man's boots flare up with the orange aura of Transmutation magic.
As you investigate both sides of the wall where he might have come over, you find no markings of any sort of climbing gear being used. Slipping the boots off for Sylnora to identify later, you all head back in to meet with the Baroness again.
If you wanted to do anything else before meeting with her again, let me know and we'll backtrack.
As you reenter Lady Anet's chambers, you find a small table has been set up to the side. Five coin purses sit on the table, and before them are five signet rings with the Sholte crest on it. The Baroness herself emerges from a side room a few minutes after you enter, dressed plainly this time. She looks much better than when you saw her earlier - a combination of the relief of having her son back, and the poison being gone.
"Payment, for the services you've done for Silverfair and the surrounding towns." She says, gesturing towards the coin purses on the table. "The rings...Those are payment for the services you've done for me. Handling that bastard Calmaius, bringing my son back to me..." Trailing off, she bows graciously. "You'll find my crest carries a hefty weight in most circles. And since I doubt you plan on dropping off this conspiracy you've uncovered, I believe you'll need that kind of authority to throw around."
Inside the coin purses, you find 80 platinum pieces in each. The rings are made of silver, and sized appropriately for each of you.
"Whether this is some freak cult that's infiltrated high places, or a rot that comes from the very center of House Astre, we're going to need allies. Now I wouldn't blame you for making for Cynosure straight away, to see if you can track down this priest Calmaius spoke of. But I would caution that you very well may be walking into the lion's den. How widespread this conspiracy goes is a mystery to us right now. Every noble in that damned capital could be the enemy."
"This needs to be brought before Lidae, games in the shadows such as this are not my favored terrain. I would have this madness brought to light, confronted head on. However I can't afford to leave right now, and my son...Well he's in no state to be involved in such business."
"I have allies in Sonatide. People that we can trust, and that will believe us. They're the kind of people you would want at your back in a king's court. There are others I can send on this task, but I believe it is best in your hands."
"Corra and Jalen of House Belerac are the two I would have you seek out. From there, they would accompany you to Isonrence(capital of the Silvershard region), and help you navigate the politics of King Lidae's court."
"I understand a decision like this requires discussion. If you need time amongst yourselves, you have it."
Usul slips the ring on his finger, glad for the fit, considering the Cat's Eye ring, and Signet ring from the Advisor are both large on on his thumbs, and says, "We'd be glad to go back to Sonatide for a short rest and to see some people. Then we can also see if our package arrived safely. And more friends on our side would be great."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
When he is done with the business of healing, Silthras tries to assess the mood of the survivors before rejoining his friends. He grins and nods when he sees Usul and Dib, then relates what he has learned to all of the others before they go to meet the baroness. He seems tired and a little subdued.
As the baroness speaks he gathers up the purse and puts it inside his armour. The ring goes on his finger, at least in the short term, and he bows low in thanks, mustering his best courtly manners, such as they are.
When the Baroness finishes he stares at the ring for a time before speaking, "I for one will gladly continue; there are things here of importance to me, to my family and to the nation, if not to the world. And these..." he holds up the ring, "... are a generous gift. They will no doubt open doors for us; but they will also mark us." He glances at Usul as he speaks, "We'd best to be careful in displaying them openly." Need to get a chain to hang it on. No point in attracting daggers in the night.
At the mention of Sonatide he nods, "I think we already have several reasons for going to Sonatide..." he glances at Usul and catches Velyra's eye briefly , then continues slowly and cautiously, "Perhaps while we go to the King's court and before we go 'step into the lion's den' in Cynosure-- you might be able to gather information? We should be able to keep in contact, I think." Again, he glances at Velyra, questioning.
"As to Corra and Jalen is there some way we can be sure of their identities? I ... recent events make me distrustful of people I have not previously met. Anyone may have been replaced."
He relates all he has learned above, at least including:
@DM: If he has spent any spells, he will use the briefing as a short rest, if he can.
Velyra turns the ringer over in her hand before slipping it on her finger, following Silthras' lead with a bow. She listens to the woman speak, finding herself in agreement with much of what she has to say.
"I'm with him. It would be difficult to go back to studying the ruin of one civilization while ours stands on the precipice of the same disaster." Her eyes go down to the ring again as Silthras warns of the danger they present, and nods. "You're right. But we may already be marked. From what the advisor sounded like, their plans here were of great importance. And if they can spy on us at any time...Well they may know what we look like already."
She nods along with what the half-elvish man is saying, "I have Sending magic. We can pass information to you as we discover it. Though it may be difficult for you to do the same without your arcanist. I can check in regularly, once a week perhaps?"
Lady Anet raises an eyebrow, "ah that's right, you mentioned before that you were from Sonatide. So you'll already have friends in the city - and the rest of you will have a guide. You'll find it much larger and denser than here. The pride of Silvershard it may be, but I never cared for it too much."
"Display them as you wish. Though I hate to admit it, it's possible parts of this conspiracy reach Sonatide and beyond to Isonrence. We just don't know." The Baroness looks thoughtful for a moment, then nods. "Ask Corra to tell you about the captive we interrogated at the Andenian Pass. Red hair. Some bloodsucking lieutenant. Name was Ashton."
She tilts her head towards Velyra, "a weekly update will work. I can't say I'll be getting a new one anytime soon. There aren't many mages I know, let alone trust."
"There is...One more thing. I'd like to send my son with you. Just to Sonatide - he'll be much safer there, clearly. He'd also be able to tell if Corra and Jalen are imposters. He's known them his whole life."
Silthras nods, "Very well. Will he stay stay with House Belerac in Sonatide, or should we take him elsewhere?"
When he has learned what he needs to know, he pauses for a moment, brows furrowed. "You mentioned needing an Arcanist...and one just left town: Elyxir. We could contact her, if you had an opening?" He shrugs, "Just a thought, and I suspect she has many reasons for leaving."
“Oh! Maybe Mr. Kwiz has some friend’s that are looking for work. We’ll ask him when we’re back in ‘tide.” Usul says, a bit too excitedly considering the gravity of the situation. He then adds, “We’ll all take good care of Eraine on the road. He can tell us what life was like here in the Keep. No doubt it’s different from Ma’s back in ‘tide.”
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"With House Belerac. I trust them more than any blood family." At the suggestion of Elyxir, the Baroness raises a brow. "I'm familiar with her. That one is...Enigmatic to say the least. I doubt she would even entertain the offer in the first place, but you're welcome to try if you think her trustworthy."
Anet gives a sort of half-smile to Usul, clearly torn on the idea of sending her son away after just getting him back. "I'll certainly feel better knowing he's in your hands."
With that, your party takes your leave from her chambers, off to make preparations for your journey while she does the same for Eraine.
Once gathered in your own rooms(or wherever you wish to go for the night), Velyra takes a brief moment to make contact with the other party through the Sending Stone. The voice on the other side responds quickly, "whatever you were able to recover. The more personal the better. We have a way of sending off our own."
Silthras was already unsure of his own suggestion, and the Baroness' words rang true: the edgy drow certainly seemed to dance to her own tune, and would be a difficult addition to the austere household. Besides, Usul's suggestion seemed a good one: A fresh face, a fresh start, and perhaps -- if Kal and Velyra did some vetting for the baroness -- it might work out for the best. Vetting would be important; better safe than sorry.
As his thoughts turned to the road and to the demands of the strange presence with which Velyra was communicating, he started itemizing the things they might need. Dwarven whiskey figured high on the list, if the captain had not drunk it all already, but he focused on more mundane needs. Sturdy silver chains -- one for young Usul -- food, arrows, check his tent and bedroll, retrieve some of the things he had sold only yesterday...it seemed so long ago!
It was easy and strangely comforting to lose himself in the familiar planning, for though he had not been in the town long, it would be sad to leave. He felt connected to it is ways that he had not felt for a long time. He respected the leader, admired the resilience of the townsfolk, and found it refreshing to be recognized as much as paid. Though the money was good, he had to admit that. True to her word, that one. Rare.
Another time, another world, another him might have stayed on. Helped the baroness. Settled.
He came to Silverfair looking for rumours of his mentor and one-time lover, and was leaving no closer to that goal, but with so many more things -- seemingly far more important -- on his mind. Though the task seemed daunting, together with his new companions he felt he had a fighting chance.