Kal had his reservations about going even deeper into civilization to a much larger city, but if that's where this journey was to take them then so be it. The fast pace of events over the previous week or so hadn't given him much time to stop and think, least of all about what happened to him in those ruins and the larger threat they now faced. As they leave, his thoughts turn to the rest of his order. What they were now up against was exactly the sort of thing it was established for. As they leave the Lady's chambers, Kal will mention his intentions to the others. "When we reach Sonatide, I need to get a message to my order. Lyla's Gift is...Difficult to reach in the winter, but the knight commander needs to be made aware of what's going on. There aren't many of us, but the other knights may have knowledge we find helpful."
Before they depart Silverfair, he would want to stop by a weaponsmith and buy a few javelins. Over their trip, he'll spend some time reading Iven's book to try and get a sense of the training he received.
Silthras is able to easily buy back the items previously sold - the shops have seen little business as of late. You're able to find the items you need(make sure you add them to your inventory and deduct the gold).
Sylnora identifies the two items of interest, the Cat's Eye Ring(cannot be linked, has been added to Usul's inventory). And a pair of Spider Climb Boots.
With your final preparations made, you make one last stop on your way out of Silverfair with a carefully disguised Eraine in tow. You spend about an hour of the morning at Sybil's, filling her in on what you've figured out and what your next plans are. Out of respect for their privacy, you do not mention that the boy with you is the Baroness' son. When she finds a moment, she pulls Silthras aside to tell him: "I still have my people looking, and I mean it when I say I'll stay on top of it. If I find anything, I'll send a message to this House Belerac. If that fails...I'll find a way to get in touch with you." You say your final goodbyes, and begin your journey to the city of Sonatide...
Over the course of the journey, Usul spends his time bouncing between fiddling with his puzzle box, getting to know Eraine, and telling the others about Sonatide.
With a newfound focus, Usul blitzes through another three layers of the puzzle box. He finds the correct combination and sequence of the rotating brass rods. The rods retract back into the rectangular box. You hear clicking as some internal mechanism works. On one side of the box, the face quickly flips over to reveal a circular carving. After staring at it for another day, he figures that its a maze. Using a small twig he found, he starts in the center and traces his way to the outside. It takes a while, as the maze is incredibly dense with lines for the small space it occupies. As he finishes, the maze carving flashes and the face of the box flips backs inside. Once again you hear clicking noises. On the opposite side of the box, the face flips over to reveal a sliding puzzle. Taking a few days, you solve it, revealing a depiction of a blazing sun. In fashion you've gotten used to now, the solved face flips back over, and some internal machinery whirs about. A new face of the puzzle box flips over. It is another carving, though this time there is no maze, merely a depiction of a running stream. On the final day of travel, you mull over on what you might do to solve it, but nothing comes to mind.
Eraine is shy at first, spending the first few days only solemnly replying to direct questions. On the third day however, Usul is able to crack his shell. The boy has only vague impressions of his father, who passed away when he was but a toddler. He's maintained a close relationship with his mother, who's general dislike of the politics of court life has clearly rubbed off on him. From what you can tell, the Sholtes are a fairly insular family, maintaining only a few very close friends, and tenuous relationships with the rest of the noble families. You learn a bit about the Beleracs, whom are Anet's closest and most trusted friends. Corra is a warrior-type like Anet Sholte. They fought together to hold back the forces of Ghorzadia decades ago, during the famed battle of the Andenian Pass. In private, Corra and her husband Jalen are similar to the Sholtes in their disdain of court politics, though publicly they are much better at putting on a mask to play the game.
While Usul plays host, and messes with his puzzle box, Kal and Silthras take upon the task of trying to find more information about their world's calamity ridden past. Kal begins the first two days with utilizing spellwork to read the first book of the Amah Watcher named Leucius.
It takes time to read through this book, as the newly found magic at Kal's disposal is useful, it does have limitations. While you can now comprehend the words, many of the places or things mentioned to you seem foreign. Without a meaningful reference, the age of the book is also rather uncertain. It could be tens of thousands of years old easily.
The first parts of this tome make no mention of Leucius, instead diving into descriptions of a civilization far more advanced than anything you might have dreamed. It speaks of technology and magic beyond your comprehension, and a society at the pinnacle of its power. With little else to discover in the material, researchers turned their eyes to the divine realm. In their arrogance, they sought to touch the divine capital of the celestial realm. Most were turned from this endeavor by warnings from the Architect - the prime deity worshiped during this time period.
20 men and women defied these warnings, crafting the necessary ritual to transport themselves into the heavily warded realm. Their spell was initially successful landing them at the very feet of the Architect - but the moment their feet touched the holy ground, it ran wild, cascading out of control. The feedback of the errant spell blasted them back down to the material plane, dragging them through the Abyss in the process. Their forms were changed beyond recognition as their bodies were broken apart and then remade, corrupted by the foul matter of the Abyss. These magi were to become the Unmade. Their corrupted forms were swallowed by the earth, and they fell into a deep slumber.
The misfiring spell also ran in the celestial plane, and as the Architect tried to contain it, they were shattered into splinters, coalescing into 8 deities that would become the pantheon you know today.
The Unmade's arrival on the material plane tore at the very seams of the world, allowing the Abyss and all its horrors to leak in. A new barrier was planned between the material plane and the celestial realm, both to prevent the Abyss from reaching the celestials, and to prevent the mortals from ever repeating what they did. But the new pantheon were still sympathetic to those they had watched over as the Architect, and they knew the Unmade would not stay inactive forever.
Before the barrier went up - an act which would limit their ability to directly affect the material plane - they splintered themselves once more, entrusting these divine sparks to worthy mortals of their choosing. They would become the Watchers, and under the direction of the pantheon they built the Infinite Ark, through which they could channel their divine power to permanently destroy the Unmade as they woke.
This began the cycle you've received a glimpse of. Eras of peace, interrupted by the awakening of an Unmade, followed by a calamitous war to destroy them. A cycle broken by the events during the last Watchers' tenure.
There's more information contained in here that Kal would have learned. But this is getting long. If you have specific questions, we can go from there.
Between Eraine and Usul, you're given a rough outline of life in Sonatide:
As a port city it is a natural hub of trade, and also lends its docks as a repair service to the empire's fleet. The city is enigmatic in its method of governance. Though it does house many noble families, they are not the natural rulers of Sonatide. Split into eight wards, each elects a member to a central council that acts as the city's executive. Nobles, merchants, tradesmen and even farmers take part in the politics of this grand city, encouraging a more fair quality of living for the masses.
The Hearth Ward is the newest addition to Sonatide, built in the last century to serve as a safe haven for those in the countryside should the old Silvershard kingdom ever face an invasion. Though the ward is dense with buildings, the vast majority are unoccupied at this time.
Despite it's riches and the relatively equal footing involved with its politics, the city is not without its hardships. There are many in Sonatide trapped in poverty, unable to find work outside of their own thievery or involvement with organized criminal elements.
The Beleracs reside in the Council Ward along with most other of the nobles. This Ward also contains the grounds for the seat of the city's government.
Velyra, describe your Sending to your archaeologist contact.
With the week's travel over, you find yourselves approaching the Council Ward entrance from the western road. The city's great stone walls tower over you as reach the gate, manned by a city guard checkpoint of four guards. Eraine takes the lead here, flashing his own crest to get you all through. As you enter the city, you're met by the sight of a district filled with the great estates of nobles. A neat paved stone road cuts neat paths through fenced in fields of grass and garden landscapes. Great mansions and manors surround you on all sides, as far as you can see the far walls.
The young noble leads you right at the first crossroads, then left at the second, taking you to an estate at the far end of the road. After dealing with a servant at the gate, who quickly retreats back towards the Belerac's manor, he turns to you all. "I'm going to go ahead and tell them we're here. Did you want to stay and meet them now or did you have other business to take care of first?"
Eraine nods, "of course." You are only at the gate for a few minutes before the servant returns, ready to take you inside. The manor you approach is larger than any you saw Silverfair, towering up to three stories and stretching well over a 100 feet along the length. The man leading you opens the door to the foyer, then leaves to return to his post at the gate. Another man waits for you inside, slightly over middle age similar to Anet Sholte, with gray-streaked blonde hair pulled into a ponytail. He wears fine clothes of blue and silver threads, and a great smile breaks out on his face as he sees Eraine. "My boy, what a surprise! Excellent to see you!" He spreads his arm wide as the two meet, pulling him into a bear hug. The smile fades slightly as he looks over the youth's shoulder, seeing your party. "And this is...Your escort?"
(( Ordinarily Silthras would let his lordship answer, but I am assuming this question was addressed to us ))
Silthras nods, and displays the signet ring from the chain around his neck, "Her ladyship entrusted us with the task of protecting her son." He manages a slight bow, "I am Silthras Greyhame, lately of Silverfair, at your service. And whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?"
At some point during the voyage journey, Silthras becomes concerned over the distance that Eraine seems to keep. Quietly one evening he talks to Kal and Velyra, careful to exclude Usul because the young gnome seems to be genuinely close to the lad, and that could be good for both of the.
He moves a little awaye from the camp site and looks around to be sure no-one can hear them above the sound of the wind, "Suspicion has been my job since I was called back to my mother's side. I've seen prisoners, hurt beyond belief, take on the causes of the captors. And I've seen prisoners resist, but never recover their sanity. Are we sure...can you be sure or somehow check...that Eraine is not in either of those camps?"
Peering into the manor on tip toes, as this is an area of town that Usul rarely visited, his eyes are wide in excitement and curiosity. As the man looks to them he extends a hand to shake and says simply, "Usul! Nice t'meet'cha.'then goes back to looking around.
I didn't see the ring in my inventory change... I do already have the 'cats eye ring' in my pouch, but that's what I added a while back. Also - though Sil is being careful, and Usul is happy to just hang out with the boy, he is rather insightful passively, so if anything might ping him as less trustworthy let me know.
In the Past Kal would consider Silthras concerns, and offer a shrug. "Short of Velyra stuffing him inside another one of the truth zone circles, all we can really do is keep an eye on him."
Now
As they approached the city, Kal would have taken off his armor and switched into some more presentable clothes. Today he wore the uniform, if it could be called that, for his order. Matching dark gray pants and a tunic, with a sapphire blue rose patch threaded onto the shoulders. Using a strip of cloth, he pulled his white streaked black hair back into a bun. Given what they had just been through, and how much time he typically spent in the wilds, it was probably the nicest he looked in years.
"My name is Kal Vorni, Knight of the Frozen Rose." He says, likewise showing the signet ring they received from the Baroness of Silverfair.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
With a passive insight of 18, Usul wouldn't cast anything Eraine acted like as suspicious. The boy is a bit twitchy, and had quite a bit of trouble sleeping during your journey. He's clearly been traumatized by the experience, but you don't really get the sense that he's been "broken" in any fashion.
As they settle down for the evening meal, Silthras is idly drawing illusions in the air, practicing mimicing the way the sparks fly from the fire when he pauses and says, "So tell me, Eraine , I know it must have been difficult, but how do you feel about Calmaius and his cause, now that he is dead?" There is something about the way he asks the question that lends it greater weight.
19
The spell takes hold of the young man, who hadn't even realize Silthras had cast anything besides the idle illusions he'd been playing with. "I uh..." The question takes him off guard, and a bit of a panic begins to form on his face, and he starts to take quick shallow breaths. "I hate the man. I'm glad he's dead." He forces out, drawing his cloak around him protectively. "I never even knew what that madman wanted until my mother told me. It was insanity, his plan."
19
The man lets Eraine out of the embrace, stepping to the side to take you all in. His eyes widen at the sight of the rings, as if that alone was enough to alert him to the gravity of your presence. "Entrusted you indeed..." He murmurs, casting a questioning glance at the young noble. "My name is Jalen Belerac. And if she has sent you here, then I must assume something very grave has happened."
"Let's move somewhere else," He says, and turns to lead you deeper into the manor. As you move out of the foyer, you pass by grand rooms on either side as you walk through the hall, before he takes you to the far northeastern corner of the building, through a door into what appears to be a "small" study relative to the size of the other rooms. There's not a bare wall in sight, only filled bookshelves. There are several cushioned chairs around the room, and a writing desk at the back wall. Jalen takes one last glance out the door after you all walk in before closing it.
"So," he begins, "what trouble has our dear Anet stirred up now?"
Silthras breathes a huge sigh of relief and he closes his eyes for a moment, sorry for the ordeal the lad has been through and the way he dredged it up. He resumes playing with his illusions, as he speaks "He was a madman, and what he did was evil. He is dead, and we will do our best to deliver the same fate to those he worked with." A little later he asks, "So...tell me...what would you like to do when we get to Sonatide?"
(( No compulsions...just trying to give him a chance to take a bit of control etc...no need to respond tho I'd be curious as to his plans ))
(( In the present ))
As they walk to the room, Silthras look around and asks, "We were told to expect another here. Corra, I think the name was?" He also glances at Kal and shrugs.
Once he gets to Sonatide - which he would have told Usul this - Eraine mostly wants to lay low. He doesn't say it outright, but the prospect of going anywhere in the city alone seems like a terrifying prospect to him.
Jalen looks a bit miffed that his own question wasn't answered, crossing his arms as he eyes the half-elf with a sharp look. "My wife yes. You'll have to wait another few weeks still to see her. Currently indisposed across the pond at Fort Sheen." He takes another questioning glance at Eraine. "Anything that'll be said to her will reach my ears anyway, we've no time for secrets between each other. Now what's going on here?" The young noble looks like a startled deer, glancing between Silthras and Jalen, unsure if he should say anything.
edit: ((Sheesh you posted at the same time as me lol))
Kal's divine sense flares, and he detects no undead or desecration in this room.
"Velyra Arnketh," she says in introduction before following the others through the manor. As the tense conversation in the study unfolds, she cuts in apologetically, "I'm sorry, if I may Lord Belerac...How familiar are you with the arcane? Do you know how a Zone of Truth works?"
Jalen opens his mouth and closes it a few times, the situation having put him at a loss of words. "I'm beginning to think I don't even want to hear this tale." He finally mutters. Glancing towards the elvish woman, he nods. "I've seen them used at the courthouse in particularly large cases. Why?"
Usul would have told Eraine that he'd be happy to show him around the city, and would could introduce him to some other nice people, even though he clearly already has family here.
For some background, though Usul is a 'rogue' and grew up all sneaky and occasionally stealing from people, he wasn't into any thieves guilds or anything like that. He was mostly on his own. For locations/safe houses, he really only knows the orphanage, an Inn run by a kindly older woman who everyone just calls Ma who gives shelter to those who need it, and the mage Mr. Kwiz.
In the room, Usul is looking around for any snacks, but mostly is keeping quiet while the others do what they do best.
Velyra casts a Zone of Truth on the floor of the study, and immediately stepping inside it. "Since you're familiar with them, you should know the longer I stand here, the less likely it is I've resisted the effect. Now, we'll give you the truth..." With that, she'll start at the very beginning, when they first arrived in Silverfair. If the spell runs out, she'll recast it as needed. She'll skip over certain details, such as the Watcher they found in the ruins, as well as what happened to Kal. The meeting they're supposed to be having with that other group is something she'll also leave out.
As she ends with explaining what happened back the keep at Silverfair, she'll say. "So. When my friend Silthras said you would understand why...This is what he meant. It's not exaggerating to say that the danger surfacing is a threat to all of Ravere. Lady Anet believed you could help us garner more allies, and look after her son."
She steps out of the glowing circle on the flow, motioning to him. "But the enemy is cunning, and given the depth of this conspiracy, we need to be sure you aren't a part of it already."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The nobleman raises a questioning eyebrow as the elvish woman casts the circle onto the floor and steps inside of it. His expression changing from one of rising irritation to genuine curiosity. He listens intently to the tale with his arms crossed over his chest. You see his fists clench when you mention the capture of Eraine, and the state the boy was found in. As you finish your story, he lets out a long winded sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "By the *******...Gods. She has found herself some trouble indeed." He mutters. From a nearby table - unfortunately lacking anything in the way of snacks that Usul had been searching for - he grabs a decanter filled with an amber liquid and pours some into a glass, taking a long drink before refilling it. He moves away, gesturing towards the liquor in offering to you all as he walks towards the circle.
Wisdom Save: 13 Wisdom Save 2: 8 Wisdom Save 3: 8 Wisdom Save 4: 19
At first he seems to resist the spells effects, through no conscious effort of his own mind you. The man simply seems to possess an iron will. Nevertheless, you do eventually feel the magic take hold, and signal him to speak. "Whatever plot it is you've uncovered here with these...Unmade creatures. We've not heard of it before now, nor are we a part of it. But I can promise, you will have House Belerac's aid in whatever is to come next."
Kal had his reservations about going even deeper into civilization to a much larger city, but if that's where this journey was to take them then so be it. The fast pace of events over the previous week or so hadn't given him much time to stop and think, least of all about what happened to him in those ruins and the larger threat they now faced. As they leave, his thoughts turn to the rest of his order. What they were now up against was exactly the sort of thing it was established for. As they leave the Lady's chambers, Kal will mention his intentions to the others. "When we reach Sonatide, I need to get a message to my order. Lyla's Gift is...Difficult to reach in the winter, but the knight commander needs to be made aware of what's going on. There aren't many of us, but the other knights may have knowledge we find helpful."
Before they depart Silverfair, he would want to stop by a weaponsmith and buy a few javelins. Over their trip, he'll spend some time reading Iven's book to try and get a sense of the training he received.
Rolls for Stuff
Usul Puzzle Box Investigation(We'll say 1 per day):
11 F
25 P
21 F
27 P
12 F
26 P
17 F
Velyra's "I Know Someone" Cha:
4
Kal's Wild Magic Surge(For Comprehend Languages)
Day 1
Counter 1: 20
Counter 2: 16
Counter 3: 1
Does a Surge Happen Roll: 20
Counter 4: 4
Day 2
Counter 5: 19
Counter 6: 1
Does a Surge Happen Roll: 10
Counter 7: 7
Counter 8: 17
Silthras is able to easily buy back the items previously sold - the shops have seen little business as of late. You're able to find the items you need(make sure you add them to your inventory and deduct the gold).
Sylnora identifies the two items of interest, the Cat's Eye Ring(cannot be linked, has been added to Usul's inventory). And a pair of Spider Climb Boots.
With your final preparations made, you make one last stop on your way out of Silverfair with a carefully disguised Eraine in tow. You spend about an hour of the morning at Sybil's, filling her in on what you've figured out and what your next plans are. Out of respect for their privacy, you do not mention that the boy with you is the Baroness' son. When she finds a moment, she pulls Silthras aside to tell him: "I still have my people looking, and I mean it when I say I'll stay on top of it. If I find anything, I'll send a message to this House Belerac. If that fails...I'll find a way to get in touch with you." You say your final goodbyes, and begin your journey to the city of Sonatide...
Over the course of the journey, Usul spends his time bouncing between fiddling with his puzzle box, getting to know Eraine, and telling the others about Sonatide.
While Usul plays host, and messes with his puzzle box, Kal and Silthras take upon the task of trying to find more information about their world's calamity ridden past. Kal begins the first two days with utilizing spellwork to read the first book of the Amah Watcher named Leucius.
Between Eraine and Usul, you're given a rough outline of life in Sonatide:
The Hearth Ward is the newest addition to Sonatide, built in the last century to serve as a safe haven for those in the countryside should the old Silvershard kingdom ever face an invasion. Though the ward is dense with buildings, the vast majority are unoccupied at this time.
Despite it's riches and the relatively equal footing involved with its politics, the city is not without its hardships. There are many in Sonatide trapped in poverty, unable to find work outside of their own thievery or involvement with organized criminal elements.
The Beleracs reside in the Council Ward along with most other of the nobles. This Ward also contains the grounds for the seat of the city's government.
Velyra, describe your Sending to your archaeologist contact.
The young noble leads you right at the first crossroads, then left at the second, taking you to an estate at the far end of the road. After dealing with a servant at the gate, who quickly retreats back towards the Belerac's manor, he turns to you all. "I'm going to go ahead and tell them we're here. Did you want to stay and meet them now or did you have other business to take care of first?"
Silthras looks a little awkward, "Meet them. We need to ensure that they are who they say they are."
Eraine nods, "of course." You are only at the gate for a few minutes before the servant returns, ready to take you inside. The manor you approach is larger than any you saw Silverfair, towering up to three stories and stretching well over a 100 feet along the length. The man leading you opens the door to the foyer, then leaves to return to his post at the gate. Another man waits for you inside, slightly over middle age similar to Anet Sholte, with gray-streaked blonde hair pulled into a ponytail. He wears fine clothes of blue and silver threads, and a great smile breaks out on his face as he sees Eraine. "My boy, what a surprise! Excellent to see you!" He spreads his arm wide as the two meet, pulling him into a bear hug. The smile fades slightly as he looks over the youth's shoulder, seeing your party. "And this is...Your escort?"
(( Ordinarily Silthras would let his lordship answer, but I am assuming this question was addressed to us ))
Silthras nods, and displays the signet ring from the chain around his neck, "Her ladyship entrusted us with the task of protecting her son." He manages a slight bow, "I am Silthras Greyhame, lately of Silverfair, at your service. And whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?"
(( Minor retrospective ))
At some point during the
voyagejourney, Silthras becomes concerned over the distance that Eraine seems to keep. Quietly one evening he talks to Kal and Velyra, careful to exclude Usul because the young gnome seems to be genuinely close to the lad, and that could be good for both of the.He moves a little awaye from the camp site and looks around to be sure no-one can hear them above the sound of the wind, "Suspicion has been my job since I was called back to my mother's side. I've seen prisoners, hurt beyond belief, take on the causes of the captors. And I've seen prisoners resist, but never recover their sanity. Are we sure...can you be sure or somehow check...that Eraine is not in either of those camps?"
(( Edit: Oops, not a voyage ))
Peering into the manor on tip toes, as this is an area of town that Usul rarely visited, his eyes are wide in excitement and curiosity. As the man looks to them he extends a hand to shake and says simply, "Usul! Nice t'meet'cha.' then goes back to looking around.
I didn't see the ring in my inventory change... I do already have the 'cats eye ring' in my pouch, but that's what I added a while back.
Also - though Sil is being careful, and Usul is happy to just hang out with the boy, he is rather insightful passively, so if anything might ping him as less trustworthy let me know.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
In the Past
Kal would consider Silthras concerns, and offer a shrug. "Short of Velyra stuffing him inside another one of the truth zone circles, all we can really do is keep an eye on him."
Now
As they approached the city, Kal would have taken off his armor and switched into some more presentable clothes. Today he wore the uniform, if it could be called that, for his order. Matching dark gray pants and a tunic, with a sapphire blue rose patch threaded onto the shoulders. Using a strip of cloth, he pulled his white streaked black hair back into a bun. Given what they had just been through, and how much time he typically spent in the wilds, it was probably the nicest he looked in years.
"My name is Kal Vorni, Knight of the Frozen Rose." He says, likewise showing the signet ring they received from the Baroness of Silverfair.
With a passive insight of 18, Usul wouldn't cast anything Eraine acted like as suspicious. The boy is a bit twitchy, and had quite a bit of trouble sleeping during your journey. He's clearly been traumatized by the experience, but you don't really get the sense that he's been "broken" in any fashion.
The man lets Eraine out of the embrace, stepping to the side to take you all in. His eyes widen at the sight of the rings, as if that alone was enough to alert him to the gravity of your presence. "Entrusted you indeed..." He murmurs, casting a questioning glance at the young noble. "My name is Jalen Belerac. And if she has sent you here, then I must assume something very grave has happened."
"Let's move somewhere else," He says, and turns to lead you deeper into the manor. As you move out of the foyer, you pass by grand rooms on either side as you walk through the hall, before he takes you to the far northeastern corner of the building, through a door into what appears to be a "small" study relative to the size of the other rooms. There's not a bare wall in sight, only filled bookshelves. There are several cushioned chairs around the room, and a writing desk at the back wall. Jalen takes one last glance out the door after you all walk in before closing it.
"So," he begins, "what trouble has our dear Anet stirred up now?"
(( In the past ))
Silthras breathes a huge sigh of relief and he closes his eyes for a moment, sorry for the ordeal the lad has been through and the way he dredged it up. He resumes playing with his illusions, as he speaks "He was a madman, and what he did was evil. He is dead, and we will do our best to deliver the same fate to those he worked with." A little later he asks, "So...tell me...what would you like to do when we get to Sonatide?"
(( No compulsions...just trying to give him a chance to take a bit of control etc...no need to respond tho I'd be curious as to his plans ))
(( In the present ))
As they walk to the room, Silthras look around and asks, "We were told to expect another here. Corra, I think the name was?" He also glances at Kal and shrugs.
Before saying anything, Kal will use his divine sense to check if the man claiming to be Jalen is undead.
Once he gets to Sonatide - which he would have told Usul this - Eraine mostly wants to lay low. He doesn't say it outright, but the prospect of going anywhere in the city alone seems like a terrifying prospect to him.
Jalen looks a bit miffed that his own question wasn't answered, crossing his arms as he eyes the half-elf with a sharp look. "My wife yes. You'll have to wait another few weeks still to see her. Currently indisposed across the pond at Fort Sheen." He takes another questioning glance at Eraine. "Anything that'll be said to her will reach my ears anyway, we've no time for secrets between each other. Now what's going on here?" The young noble looks like a startled deer, glancing between Silthras and Jalen, unsure if he should say anything.
edit: ((Sheesh you posted at the same time as me lol))
Kal's divine sense flares, and he detects no undead or desecration in this room.
Silthras nods, "I see. I do apologise for my directness, sir, but when we have finished our tale, you will understand why."
"Velyra Arnketh," she says in introduction before following the others through the manor. As the tense conversation in the study unfolds, she cuts in apologetically, "I'm sorry, if I may Lord Belerac...How familiar are you with the arcane? Do you know how a Zone of Truth works?"
Jalen opens his mouth and closes it a few times, the situation having put him at a loss of words. "I'm beginning to think I don't even want to hear this tale." He finally mutters. Glancing towards the elvish woman, he nods. "I've seen them used at the courthouse in particularly large cases. Why?"
Usul would have told Eraine that he'd be happy to show him around the city, and would could introduce him to some other nice people, even though he clearly already has family here.
For some background, though Usul is a 'rogue' and grew up all sneaky and occasionally stealing from people, he wasn't into any thieves guilds or anything like that. He was mostly on his own. For locations/safe houses, he really only knows the orphanage, an Inn run by a kindly older woman who everyone just calls Ma who gives shelter to those who need it, and the mage Mr. Kwiz.
In the room, Usul is looking around for any snacks, but mostly is keeping quiet while the others do what they do best.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Velyra casts a Zone of Truth on the floor of the study, and immediately stepping inside it. "Since you're familiar with them, you should know the longer I stand here, the less likely it is I've resisted the effect. Now, we'll give you the truth..." With that, she'll start at the very beginning, when they first arrived in Silverfair. If the spell runs out, she'll recast it as needed. She'll skip over certain details, such as the Watcher they found in the ruins, as well as what happened to Kal. The meeting they're supposed to be having with that other group is something she'll also leave out.
As she ends with explaining what happened back the keep at Silverfair, she'll say. "So. When my friend Silthras said you would understand why...This is what he meant. It's not exaggerating to say that the danger surfacing is a threat to all of Ravere. Lady Anet believed you could help us garner more allies, and look after her son."
She steps out of the glowing circle on the flow, motioning to him. "But the enemy is cunning, and given the depth of this conspiracy, we need to be sure you aren't a part of it already."
The nobleman raises a questioning eyebrow as the elvish woman casts the circle onto the floor and steps inside of it. His expression changing from one of rising irritation to genuine curiosity. He listens intently to the tale with his arms crossed over his chest. You see his fists clench when you mention the capture of Eraine, and the state the boy was found in. As you finish your story, he lets out a long winded sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "By the *******...Gods. She has found herself some trouble indeed." He mutters. From a nearby table - unfortunately lacking anything in the way of snacks that Usul had been searching for - he grabs a decanter filled with an amber liquid and pours some into a glass, taking a long drink before refilling it. He moves away, gesturing towards the liquor in offering to you all as he walks towards the circle.
Wisdom Save: 13
Wisdom Save 2: 8
Wisdom Save 3: 8
Wisdom Save 4: 19
At first he seems to resist the spells effects, through no conscious effort of his own mind you. The man simply seems to possess an iron will. Nevertheless, you do eventually feel the magic take hold, and signal him to speak. "Whatever plot it is you've uncovered here with these...Unmade creatures. We've not heard of it before now, nor are we a part of it. But I can promise, you will have House Belerac's aid in whatever is to come next."
"What exactly do you need from us?"