Inamorata IC

[3SecondCultist]

"Inamorata"



Tybalt Soulsinner (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=166111) and Avarice Spelide (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=166133)
The torches have been lit in the great hall of Fairhold. Here and there, servants scurry about unseen - but you can hear their footsteps echo across finely paneled wood, hear their whispers through half-closed doors. This palace has a mind of its own, the beating heart of the Aundairian capital.

Your appointment has kept you waiting for the better part of an hour, but as soon as you are about to leave, the two of you are met with a stern looking lieutenant. He seems to be wearing the right colors, and he gestures with a practiced bow that the two of you should follow him into the audience chamber. However, he doesn't lead you through the main doors towards the great hall, but instead through a series of increasingly elaborate and stuffy passageways that includes two flights of stairs. If you weren't actively paying attention, the details of this construct of intrigue would have been lost on you. But the two of you are more observant than that. As you walk, you notice that what you originally took for cold fortitude is in fact a kind of nervousness. He won't look either of you in the eye, and he seems determined on making the journey in silence. Eventually, you come to a single wooden door. Judging by the disturbances in the dust around here, this passage wasn't used for a long time until quite recently, wherein it has seen a great deal more activity than before. Nodding at you, the guard takes his leave and steps into the shadows in case he is needed.

Through the door, you find yourselves standing on a balcony of all places, overlooking what appears to be an indoor garden. Everbright lanterns flank the neatly combed gravel pathways, and as you look up you can see a great reinforced glass skylight protecting this section of the palace from the elements. Not three feet away stands another figure, a woman in a fine evening gown that manages to be both modest and alluring at the same time. The blonde woman has a half-smile on her face as she looks you over. The royal finery she wears—gems on top of gold on top of silk—is so dazzling that you almost don’t realize that her smile doesn’t extend to her eyes. But once you do notice, you can’t help but stare back, looking into predatory gray orbs without a trace of joy or amusement.

"I was starting to think that nobody was coming."

The Queen of Aundair, Aurala ir’Wynarn, is known for her eloquence. In fact, her enemies sometimes claim that she talked her way out of the Last War. When Aurala was younger, her suitors considered her attractive and charismatic, but they never realized how cautious and clever she was in playing them against each other—a talent she has cultivated ever since. She has ruled Aundair for the past 14 years, and although her reign towards the end of the Last War has seen the country in decline, she is still quite adored and respected by most of her populace. For all of her politicking, she is still seen as one of the fairest and kindest rulers remaining on Khorvaire.

[Writtensanity]

Avarice did her best to keep still in the great hall of Fairhold. She hadn't been here for a long while, and had decided that she wanted to be back more often. For the moment, though, it was professional. She wasn't aware of who was watching her, but the Eyes usually appreciated a sense of professionalism in the people that they summoned.

Avarice made a slew of comments along the way, things along the line of "I'm pretty sure this is the path they bring in the misfits." Though it quikcly became obvious that this sort of thing was frowned upon by the disturbingly nervous man, so she turned to speaking to Tybalt instead.

"Hey, should I be Ava for this thing? I mean, is it deceit to walk into a room while looking like someone that you aren't?" She kept pace, bringing her eyes to a classic changeling white rather than her usual sharp blue, "but then again I usually go everywhere as Avarice so,"

She was cut off by the hallway stopping, ending with a door that they were aparrently supposed to open. She did, not exactly something hard to do. Though she did half expect to get a dose of black lotus venom and die then and there.

The door creaked open to reveal a stunning woman, clad in finery that would make a treasure cave blush. She had an inkling as to who she was, but Avarice wasn't about to assume anything.

After the 'Queen's' comment, Avarice bit her tongue for half a moment, "I can't make a snide comment, I can't make a snide comment, I -"

"Honestly, we got a little lost on the way. Figured it would be a bigger door to find you."

GOD DAMMIT AVARICE

"What I meant to say was, sorry for the delay My Lady"

[Writtensanity]

Rolling diplomacy to shmooze [roll0]

[GameOfChampions]

Walking beside Avarice and hearing her nervous prattle was nothing new to Tybalt, though he pitied the man leading them because it took him years to get used to Avarice's particular charm. He starts to tune it out as he takes in the the elaborate tunnels they were traveling through. 'Well isn't this mysterious, well we can't break tradition lets go add to the dozens of secrets this place definitely holds.'

Tybalt zones back in when he hears his name "Ohh well I always like you as Avarice. You know I like the blue though." he says with a smile.

As they enter the room and see the stunning women in the beautiful gown all he can think is 'That has got to be the second most expensive piece of clothing I've ever seen.' with a glance at Avarice's cloak and a wry smile at the memory of his reaction when she bought it.

After the Queen speaks all he can think is 'Don't do it Ava, please don't do it.' Then he hears Avarice's comment and thinks 'Ohh nope she did it. Well the women did just low ball it to her.' then he just mentally sighs while pinching the bridge of his nose. 'Well she made a good recovery.' and he adds his own greeting "At your service my lady." With a stiff little bow, the bear minimum he can get away with without being rude.

[3SecondCultist]

The queen adopts another smile, this one decidedly more genuine. At least, you can only assume it is, since she seems to be holding back a peal of bright laughter at Avarice's attempts at courtly manners.

"No need to be so formal here: we are as alone as we are ever going to get inside these walls. This balcony is proofed against listening, magical or otherwise, and anyone looking up from the gardens will only see an empty platform. Do you know why I have summoned you here?" Clearly not in the business of waiting, the Queen pulls out a plain white envelope from the folds of her gown and hands them to the changeling in disguise. Inside, you find a worn copy of what looks like some kind of military report. The letterhead has been painstakingly carved off, and the names have been struck from the record to preserve some kind of anonymity, but it quickly becomes clear what it is you're reading.

Six hours since the event. Rubble still being cleared from [REDACTED] – many artifacts and civilians unaccounted for. Residual fires have all been suppressed, and all injured parties treated by House Jorasco healers at the scene. Bodies of all the deceased currently being stored in [REDACTED]. Estimated casualties of the event in the low triple digits. Curator of the museum presumed deceased. Four squadrons of [REDACTED] dispatched to help with security.

Witnesses in [REDACTED] saw suspect – hereafter referred to as ‘Assailant’ – enter the central atrium just after twelfth hour. Assailant was described as human male, dark hair, average height and build. Was wearing long cloak over civilian clothes, no visible weapons. Did not engage anyone once inside the premises. Assailant was seen smiling, walking into the middle of the crowd. Screaming followed, reported right before the event. Primary incendiary explosion went off immediately, with a sixty-foot primary radius. No survivors. Fire spread quickly to first and second floor wings of the museum. Ensuing structural damage collapsed atrium roof, blocking museum doors. Nearly ten minutes before guards arrived. No further sign of Assailant.

Questions in the issue of timing: the [REDACTED] new gala opening likely an attractive factor in terms of location. Assailant wanted to exact maximum casualties. Reports further suggest Assailant different in appearance from other attackers. Possible suicide, will need to investigate further.
"By now, everyone across Khorvaire knows about these attacks. A first in Stormhome, and then here in Fairhaven, followed by one in Korth and another in Wroat. Nobody knows what to make of them: they're exactly two weeks apart, and nobody has stepped forward to claim responsibility. Meanwhile, Thrane and Karrnath are at each others' throats. Each believes the other is responsible, and they're prepared to drag us back into a war that nobody is prepared for. I've been speaking to Boranel and Kaius of late, and our respective intelligence agencies put together a team of..." she pauses disdainfully, "specialists for the task. I have my own assets keeping tabs on them. But I've brought you two here because I think I've found a new lead in this case. You have proven loyal to my cause in the past, and here is a chance to prove your worth."

Aurala takes a deep breath, looking out at the night sky beyond. The twelve moons of Eberron wheel high in the sky tonight, darkening the starry clouds until you can barely see their light seeping through the panes and into the greenery far below. "I suspect the attacks might be connected to my own military forces. I don't know how far this goes, but my arcane research budget these past few quarters have been higher than usual. I won't bore you with exact figures of fortunes, but suffice to say that it's entirely possible that somebody is siphoning funds from my treasury in order to start a war. I want to know who, and I want that person brought to justice."

[Writtensanity]

Avarice reads the notice with cold efficiency, running over everything in her head before even thinking about speaking. It was one thing to crack a joke to a Queen, it was a different thing to inturrupt an assignment.

It was only after the Queen was done speaking that she spoke, slow first, "Alright, let's say this is a really simple job, and you already have an idea of who it might be, and it's the first person on that list."

She turns to Tybalt and shrugs, "Assuming you," she says, still referring to the Queen, "have a short list of people who have power over that sort of thing."

Avarice looks over the sheet one last time, before handing it to Tybalt, "Look over this for a second honey, see if you can see anything I might be missing."

[GameOfChampions]

Tybalt takes the report from Avarice and starts to re-read it more thoroughly. "Well the obvious answer is the head of this project. So he'll be at the head of this list right? Also do you have information or agents available to provide information about any of the top suspects?"

He looks back down at the report for a second he then asks "If you think that these attacks are connected to your own forces then could we possibly try to bait out the next attack with some sort of similar event and then after the attempt happens try to either capture or follow the person or persons." He looks at the Queen directly "Also what specifically makes you think that your forces are connected? Do you have any evidence?"

[3SecondCultist]

The Queen nods at Tybalt's follow up to Avarice about authority figures. "I do have a short list of suspects, largely officers with ties to magical developmental projects. My top agent in the Arcanix towers tells me that people there are tight lipped, and nobody is talking when asked. Whoever is behind this, they've got enough weight behind them to compel members of the Arcane Congress to keep quiet. There are only two people in Aundair - besides myself, of course - with that kind of political capital."

"The first possibility is Second Warlord Darro ir'Lain, Commander of the Knights Arcane. My sources tell me he is is currently in Passage, completing a southern recruitment tour. I sent him on that assignment myself, because his Knight Phantoms are the fastest and most durable spellcasters in the country and he has proven his talent for diplomatic matters. He should be returning to his castle in Windshire in a week or so, and will be launching a new strike against the Eldeen Reaches." She smiles again, this time in anticipation. "Over the years, we have come to share a disdain for those peasants. Change is coming their way, and quickly. But back to the matter at hand."

"The other suspect is even more... troublesome. Adal is my First Warlord, commander of my military forces. Only I outrank him. He's also my Royal Minister for Magic, which means he has absolute control over all these projects. The second most powerful person in Aundair besides myself, he would certainly have the means and the knowledge to orchestrate this. He is also my younger brother. Of course, I hope he isn't involved in this. This is probably all a coincidence. But there are those on my staff who say coincidences don't exist, and so I am forced to call on you to root through the affairs of two men who mean a great deal to me." She looks away again, obviously trying to compose herself. Taking a deep breath, she finally returns to herself from what seems very far away. You can see the first sign of an angry tear on her left cheek.

"Find out if they're responsible, please. I need to know, as a queen, as a friend and a sister. Will you help me?"

You can tell that her motives aren't exactly pure here. Throughout her description of these two, you're sure that she is exaggerating their level of power in order to deliberately overstate the danger of the situation as well as evoking a sense of closeness that isn't there in order to play up the 'personal betrayal' angle. And she doesn't seem to care about the lives lost in the attack as she claims, but is more interested in using this as an opportunity to neutralize and/or threaten her rivals.

[GameOfChampions]

Tybalt says nothing as he watches her reactions to everything she is saying. He just studies her while metally planning what he would need to pack for this trip. 'I should probably bring my back up holy symbol, also my new crossbow. Maybe I'll get tot try it out! Ohh and can't forget to pay someone to clean the house while we're gone.'

After a moment he gives up on studying her and asks "What will our payment be for this mission? And what resources will we have access to? Will the Eye be able to provide us with personal information about the two suspects?"



[roll0]

[Writtensanity]

For Sense Motive
[roll0]

For Bluff to keep calm about the phantoms.
[roll1]


So I failed the sense, passed the bluff with flying colours.


Avarice coughs at the mention of the Knights Phantom's. She had met several of them during her time at the Arcanix, and she knew that it was going to be a challenge if they were invovled in this sort of thing. All the Queen had done was mention some of the most powerful people in the entire country. There was the issue of whether Tybalt and herself could even do anything about them, but that wasn't what the Queen needed to hear. Avarice kept her cool.

"Oh! We could throw a party!" Avarcie looked over to Tybalt before getting a blank state, "What I mean is that we could throw a party as bait, if they are looking for mass casualties it would be a good target." Avarice paused for half a moment before continuing, "and there are definitely places where we could set it up so that one of the two wouldn't dare attack."

She looked to the queen, "It's not a bad palce to start, worst comes to worst we throw a party and raise morale before the Eldeen Reaches."

[3SecondCultist]

The Queen of Aundair paces once again, her expression unreadable. Whatever emotion she displayed even a minute ago is largely gone now, although her cheek remains wet. "A party... it's intriguing to be certain. Although I'm not certain it will do that much good. The attacks have been occurring exactly two weeks apart, with the next to happen in two days' time. No doubt whoever is behind these attacks will have already chosen their next target very carefully." She pauses, as though unsure whether or not to continue. "Besides, I have heard from Boranel that his team have headed to Flamekeep, as they believe the next attack will ensue in Thrane instead. It makes sense, I suppose. An attack on the capitals of each of the old Five Nations of Galifar." She chuckles mirthlessly at the poetry.

"No, I need you to focus on this internal matter. If it is tied to the bombings like I suspect it is, then you will know soon enough. Follow the money trail, and things should become clear. My treasury secretary will be able to meet with you in the morning, if you wish? He will be able to provide a more reliable account of the matters at hand."

[Writtensanity]

Avarice grinned, back at the Queen, "The treasury secretary would be a great help, thanks. AS long as you are able to trust them." She mutters to herself for a moment, tryingt o get all of her ideas out of her head, "Should we be speaking to the eyes about this sort of thing? Or is their involvement frowned upon?"

[GameOfChampions]

Tybalt nods his head in agreement with Avarice and then asks "Would it also be OK if we underwent our own security measures when interviewing him just to be sure he's telling the truth? We promise it includes no harm in any way. We just need to be sure he is telling the truth."

'I'm going to need to prepare some new spells in the morning.' Tybalt smiles with excitement just thinking about his new spells.

[Writtensanity]

"Oh! Yeah, of course we wouldn't be hurting anyone, but Tybalt's right about making sure he is telling the truth. With the type of possible treason you're speaking of it wouldn't be hard to suspect the accountant of helping launder money."

[3SecondCultist]

One of the most powerful monarchs on the continent pauses nearly imperceptibly, before giving you a slight nod. "Of course. It's not customary, but then again this is hardly the usual assignment. There ought to be no secrets between us. My Royal Eyes will of course be watching and will extend aid if I ask them to, but I don't want to bother Thuel with this matter - " Aurala pauses, pulling out a gold coin that looks just like any other, handing it to Avarice after a moment's thought and a gracious smile in Tybalt's direction. Up close, the head of the coin looks incredibly ancient, displaying the profile of Galifar himself. It must be hundreds of years old, at least. Along the edges are an inscription in a language that no longer exists.

"If you wish to get in contact with my head of personal security, the coin needs to be in complete darkness. Once you've done that, whisper the name 'Anariel', and help will arrive shortly. I must warn you not to use this frivolously, as he does not much enjoy being toyed with." Even alone, her voice is little more than a whisper. That done, she gives you the address of the office of the Royal Treasurer - also found in Fairhold - tells you that they're usually open around eight in the morning, and that they will be expecting you. A slight pause ensues, and then she turns to you again. "Will you be requiring accommodations in the palace itself? I understand that you live in the city, but perhaps a set of quarters drawn up for you here will be kinder and more discrete than your current residence."

Spy Master Thuel Racannoch manages the network of the Royal Eyes and keeps track of Aundair’s many agents. He’s utterly loyal to Queen Aurala; her every word is an order to him. While his loyalty is beyond question, he’s cautious when he’s unsure of the queen’s wishes. Some of the assistant spy masters would like the Royal Eyes to do more on their own initiative and less at the behest of the queen. Thuel has a curt reply for his subordinates: “They call it the Royal Eyes for a reason." Like the rest of his organization, Thuel resides in the Tower of the Eyes, also found in the Royal Court.

[Writtensanity]

"Yes absolutely!" Avarice hopped off the ground as she said this, landing with a beaming smile. It took a second for her to compose herself, coughing before she did, "Quite a few people know where we live, mostly in the Arcanix, so if the Knights Pahntom are involved in the conspiricy somehow, it's probably a good tactic to keep us away from there. Though there is some equipment that I would need to grab from home."

[GameOfChampions]

"Thank you for the offer of accommodations Your Majesty. We will gladly stay here and we will begin early tomorrow and leave word if our work takes us out of the city." Tybalt gives a low bow before starting to leave reaching for Avarice's hand as he does.

[3SecondCultist]

"Excellent." The Queen's face has returned to an impassive mask, but she wears a decorous smile that wouldn't be out of place at a charity function. "I believe that concludes our business for tonight. Styn will show you to your rooms." She nods at the lieutenant who led you to this meeting, as he appears as if out of nowhere. A member of the Eyes, most likely. "Good luck to the both of you. I hope you know, before you leave, how much your help and discretion in this matter is appreciated." She looks meaningfully at Tybalt's features. "I will be arranging for special payment upon the completion of your mission, along with a significant cash bonus. We can discuss the numbers at a later date, but suffice it to say that I'm confident we should be able to address your particular problem." She nods to the lieutenant again, as though to signal that the conversation is over without saying farewell. You've been dismissed.

Styn doesn't talk to either of you as he leads you back the way you came, but takes a sharp left at one of the corners and down a long corridor. You begin to notice that the style of the paintings on the walls have changed, from lighter pre-war pastoral pieces to something a good deal more abstract. It takes a few more minutes of walking until you reach a set of wooden double doors that lead into an anteroom. The chambers beyond... it's hard to imagine something as lascivious outside the walls of the palace. You can see a fully stocked kitchen area in the back, a fully furnished foyer with exquisite crystalware, and an open archway into a darkened bedroom, complete with a grand four poster bed. The only incongruous element to all this is a massive painting in the main room. In keeping with the apparent style of this wing, there is a painting of what could be Sharn. Well, you're not sure. It is formed of red cuboid shapes that seem to floating just off of the canvas. As you watch, they collapse only to reform into another version of the famed City of Towers, and as they move, it looks disturbingly like blood. Surely, the Queen might have had other rooms available?

As the two of you unwind, perhaps open a bottle of the fine Aundairian red behind the counter and begin to enjoy yourselves, you hear a voice. Just the once - it never happens again - but you're certain you heard it. It has the phantom rasp of a knife being drawn against rock. And you're just as certain that the voice did not speak aloud. You already know the source.

Welcome to Fairhold.

You're free to sleep this night without any assassination attempts. You can prepare new spells as normal for the next day. 750 xp for the audience with the Queen! Written, make sure to add 'Anduriel' to your equipment sheet.

[GameOfChampions]

As Tybalt gets to the rooms he opens the bottle of red and sits down after pouring himself and Avarice a glass before sitting down. Ever since his 'incident' sleep has eluded him more and more so he stays up late into the night mulling over his wine. As the night wears on his mind starts to wander and as he starts to wander through the foreign landscapes that now populate his mind, the words permeate his consciousness as usual 'Thief... Heretic... Murderer' thankfully they're not very loud at this moment.

A short while later as the the voices start getting more intense due to the acquisition of his spells for the day. The voices slither through his mind with aggressive force fogging his mind and then suddenly the voices vanished for a few brief seconds and in his suddenly clear head he hears 'Welcome to Fairhold'

[Writtensanity]

Avarice bowed quietly to the Queen and kept generally to herself on the way back into the depths of the castle. Walking past art and culture that was surely years before her time, and generally not of interest to her. She wasn't exactly the kind or person who grew attached to art, as she was the kind of person who accidentally scorched a lot of it.

The room was, interesting. A strange potrait on the wall comamnding Avarice's attention for all of a moment before she flopped herself down on the bed to figure out what a royal blanket felt like.

It felt like blanket.

She sat up as Tybalt grabbed a bottle of wine, shaking it at her as an offer. She shakes her head, he pours it anywyas because he knows she will grab it in twenty minutes if he doesn't.

She tries to go straight to sleep, knowing an early morning is coming, and that her first time out adventuring in years was beyond it. Avarice holds her hands under the blanket, hiding their shaking as Tybalt broods over the desk. She was used to this routine, doing her best to 'just fall asleep' while he struggled with it.

Welcome to Fairhold


That was the last straw for Avarice, she sat up, looking at Tybalt at the desk, mulling over the glass of wine and Avarice's full one just beside it.

"Are we in over our heads?" she asks, softspoken.

[GameOfChampions]

Hearing Avarice murmur from the bed Tybalt looks up from his wine with blurry eyes and sighs. Ignoring the question he walks over and sits down on the bed beside her and smooths back her bed head with a small sad smile before asking "What are you still doing up Ava, you need your rest for tomorrow." He sits with her for a while and as the night slowly wears on he whispers underneath his breath "I don't know."

[3SecondCultist]

One restless night later, and the two of you awake to find sunlight streaming through the curtains by your sumptuous bedside. You might have arisen sometime during the night to the feeling of being watched with a kind of curious intent... but it was probably nothing. There was nobody there, after all. It might have taken a toll on your sleep, but the light seems to dispel any residual fear or discomfort that lurked by your pillow.

After you finish preparing your spells and performing any other morning rituals, you exit the bedroom and are met with a breakfast tray. Warm pastries from the Brelish heartland, with elderberry jam and juice from the Eldeen Reaches, as well as farmer's eggs and a cheese platter are served on the finest china plates. There is also a large saucer of cream, with ground coffee beans exported all the way from Stormreach in the tropical fields on the dark continent of Xen'drik. Truly, the queen has spared no expense to make sure you're comfortable. But you never heard the door to your chambers open or close last night, so how did the food get here?

Outside, you find a footman waiting on you. Once you've come up with a plan of attack, he gives the two of you directions to the office of the Royal Treasurer.

[GameOfChampions]

Tybalt has a light breakfast before having a quick word with Avarice to watch over him while he is casting his spell. As he casts his spell he fixes his question in his mind as the magic takes him down the well traveled paths to the gods vast mind 'Does our path for this quest lead through the Queens accountant or does he have information that will lead us to our path?'

The magic quickly guides Tybalt through the gods mind faster then he could have traveled on his own, taking him through seemingly forgotten passages and short cuts until he arrives at a massive structure. Tybalt enters and moves as quickly and quietly as he can, much as a mouse moves when trying to avoid the cat. The spell guides him past messages written in foreign tongues long forgotten and messages that must have been meant for those long forgotten and those yet to be born before he is lead to one passage that has the answer he seeks. However as he gets closer the structure starts to rumble and the walls and floor start to crack and give way. Recognizing that his unwanted presence had been noticed he leaves before the gods mindscape melts his spirit into ethereal mush.

Returning to his body with a sad sigh tells Avarice all she needs to know about his success before wordlessly he starts to cast another spell on each of them in preperation for their meeting. After he sits alone to collect his thoughts before they head out, just needing a minute to adjust back to his own head-space.

That is Divination with a 79% chance to succeed and a guidence of the avatar for each of us.

[Writtensanity]

Avarice sits wordlessly as Tybalt takes on another adventure into the mind of a god. Looking to find out their fate with the accountant. She was used to this downtime, but she didn't like it. Absently mindedly flicking her eyes around the room and looking for something interesting. Half the time she was just hoping that something dangerous would happen to liven things up.

Even as these thoughts crossed her mind, she kept her right hand clasped around her wrist, keeping it from shaking as it had been all day. She kept throwing glances to Tybalt during breakfast, looking for a sign of worry on his face, but nothing. He, unlike her, seemed simply glad to be back in action. For her the anxiety of things being important again was slowly getting to her.

Tybalt shot open his eyes, and passed on the information to Avarice, failure, an uncommon but annoying thing for the two of them. At least they could ask a different question later. She whispers the words to her guarding spells over both of them, making sure to cast the stronger of the two on Tybalt. She couldn't tell if he noticed, but it had become habit to give him the little extra protection.

She smiles at Tybalt, "Divination or not, back in the saddle again."


Casting Mage Armor on myself and Greater mage armor on Tybalt.

[3SecondCultist]

Even without Tybalt's divination, the two of you manage to make your way to the office of the Royal Treasurer. The footman opens the door, standing silently outside as is custom.

Somehow, the musty room full of books and scattered papers is exactly what you were expecting, but the being behind the shelf is giant. Quite literally so, as you realize that he is very likely a half-giant from Xen'drik. Dressed in a red doublet, he is busy filing a stack of books on a shelf that is nearly ten feet tall. As you step forward, you see shards of broken glass on the floor, being swept up by an invisible force. Most likely, this Royal Treasurer has some knowledge and experience of the unseen servant spell. Another thing you notice is the fact that there are no everbright lanterns in here, only little torches. It lends the proceedings a kind of sombre character. Even at the very distinctive sound of the closing door, he does not look up, so focused is he on his task.

"What do you want?" It takes a moment, and you eventually realize that he is in fact speaking to you.

[Writtensanity]

Avarice slipped into the room, taking just a moment to look around and cast her eyes across the glass sweeping itself away on the floor, she smiled at the spell and made a note to buy a scroll of it when they got back to their normal lives. Shouldn't be too long anyways.

"Morning," Avarice chimed, her voice the sing-song babble of a spring brook. She wasn't sure exactly how to handle a giant, and since she had become a married woman she had carried her most powerful, assets, closer to her chest (or less pushed up). Plus, there wasn't much of a point to that, they had been sent by the Queen, and if the treasurer had agreed to speak to them he had to be at least indifferent didn't he?

Nothing that a smile and a cheerful personality couldn't fix right up.

"We're here to discuss a few expenses that might have gotten out of hand. Mostly for magical development," Avarice checks behind her to make sure the door is closed, "It's alright if I assume you've been breifed about why we are here and who we are?"

[GameOfChampions]

As Avarice starts to work her charm on the indifferent treasurer Tybalt walks in and leans against the back wall not saying much but letting his eyes sweep over the room before settling on the half-giant to gauge his reactions to the discussion.

This was the way things always worked with the two of them. Avarice would be the 'face' talking and worming her way into their hearts with her cheery personality and bright smile while Tybalt would hang back and judge the opposition and be ready to leap in to help Avarice if something went wrong, which happened a little to often for Tybalts liking.

Tybalt makes some skill checks.

Sense Motive: [roll0]
Spot: [roll1]

[3SecondCultist]

"Apologies." The half-giant clears his throat, as though consciously raising his voice to speak at an audible volume.

"The Queen sent you, yes? You're here about last quarter's report. I have a brief right here." Rummaging through the array of papers at the desk, he produces a large leather folder and slides it over. He looks Avarice over once, ignoring Tybalt before grunting and going back to reorganizing his books.

The file itself is little more than a ledger of expenses from the Aundairian crown, but that alone is staggering. 998 has not been a good harvest year, and Fairhold has subsidized fsrming in the southern regions so as to reduce imports from other countries like Breland. If you have a head for macroeconomics, you can see a distinct strategy at work here, aiming at increasing Aundair's self reliance. And the section on military and arcane research expenditures seem quite high, with nearly 3 million gold pieces being spent this year alone. In particular, research costs have gone up by more than 500,000 since the last quarter. This is clearly a country getting ready to be on a war footing.

As you watch the half-giant's movements and body language, you can see him watching you out of the corner of his eye. He seems incredibly wary of your presence near the back of the room, and there is a distinct tension in his shoulders. Something about him is off, and the way he is interacting with you suggests that he is deliberately acting casual to mask this.

[GameOfChampions]

After watching the half-giant for a few moments Tybalt sees nothing of interest in the half-giants demeanor but just as he was about to give up he feels a nudge at the back of his mind and godly magic floods through him guiding his vision back the the large accountant and now he feels whispers telling him of the little quirks of his movement and the way he is sweating, this is a man who knows something. Tybalt casually backs off the wall and joins Avarice at the desk. While pretending to look over the financials from the last year he subtly nudges the women with his foot and looks at her briefly while flickering his eyes to the accountant along with a small nod. After he's sure he has caught her attention he walks over to the just before the door and starts just relaxing on the closest wall there.

[Writtensanity]

Avarice looked over the sheet. Had she context about how grievous the overspending was, she might have been more worried, but as it was she could see the pattern. Obviously somebody was going on a bit of a spending spree with her tax dollars, which bothered her to no end, a personal vendetta beyond the job.

Just as Tybalt was taking a step back, he nudged her foot. It was their universal sign for "Something". It wasn't descriptive as she would have liked, but it wasn't like they could exchange notes. Avarice didn't have a knack for catching the small things that Tybalt could see. She just handled social situations by making people like her so god-damn much. Now that she knew something was up, at least she had a better chance of noticing it.

[roll0]

In the end it wasn't really a matter of seeing what they already knew, it was a matter of feeling out the situation and tryingt o figure out something that they DIDN'T already know. For example, if the reason Tybalt tapped her was becuase the accountant was in on it.

"Thanks," Avarice handed the sheet back to Tybalt, needing to stretch a little to reach him, "but all that's telling us is a lot of what I alreay know, or at least that's all that I can see." She walked over to one of the many bookshelves that lined the room and surveyed the titles, each as unimaginative as the next, "What I'm really here to know is what you see. I'm guessing you're the one who brought this the Queen's attention?"

As she spoke, she felt her cloak enchanting her tongue, keeping her rhythm perfect, and speech like a song. If nothing else she would keep someone's rapt attention, but she was looking to influence the man, make him another note on her long list of allies. Tybalt's spell pressed against the tip of her tongue and offered it's help, she swallowed it. They might need it for something more pressing in a few minutes.

[roll]1d20+13

[Writtensanity]

[roll0]


Avarice bit her tongue for a moment, finding herself unable to call upon the forces of diplomacy because a force beyond herself couldn't type properly.

[3SecondCultist]

The accountant frowns. "Of course I brought it to the Queen's attention. The irregularity is clear: somebody involved in this country's arcane research program has been spending a great deal of money. More so than the historical trends. No orders for extra requisitions or additional funding have come across my desk in this time, which begs the question of where this money came from in the first place. I've been running the numbers, and they didn't come from Aundair's coffers."

Loping across the room, the half giant picks up a pair of spectacles from the desk that are almost as wide as either of your faces. It gives his own features a strange sense of regality. "With the presentation of my findings to the court in three days, I have been incredibly busy meeting with my staff. No doubt, the Queen has given you an assignment regarding these files. You likely have a few leads already, knowing her methods." He motions at the papers with a casual wave - but his eyes never leave yours. "Those are a copy, but they are not to be shared with the public. Do you understand?"

To the best of your knowledge, he isn't lying to you, but you can tell that he's leaving something out of all of this.

[GameOfChampions]

Looking at Avarice and rolling his eyes at the accountants lack of co-operation he takes a couple quick steps up into the accountants space and starts speaking to him for the first time in a low threatening growl "Look how many times are we going to go through this. Tell us EVERYTHING you know and we will be perfectly nice but if you keep trying to deceive us or withhold information we need." Pausing for a second he raises his right hand and it starts to glow a dark grey with wisps of fog coming off of it and Tybalt starts smiling, however it doesn't reach his eyes. Then he continues "If you keep trying to get in our way then I will fill you with unbelievable pain, and as an added bonus you will suddenly find out you are sterile or come down with some uncomfortable sicknesses. This option is enjoyable for me but I think you should just tell us everything."


[/roll]1d20+5[roll]

[GameOfChampions]

Rolls attempt #2

[roll0]

[Writtensanity]

Avarice clicked her tongue in the ensuing silence. Letting the half giant think over the things that were just said to him. "I would reassure you," Avarice finally chirps up, "but I'm pretty sure he was serious about the sterile thing."

Though she didn't show it, inside she was smirking, it had been a while since Tybalt had gotten to go off on someone, and the darker side of him was at least entertainingly creative. Even if it wasn't the most tatical.

"Honestly, I'm a good character, but he's a good judge of character. I'm going to defer to him on whether we should be trusting you," she shrugs at him, "you know, whole truth and nothing but the truth kinda stuff."

[3SecondCultist]

The half-giant's frown deepens as Tybalt gets into his personal space. Far from flinching from his approach, he stands firm. At this level of proximity, the height disparity is even more pronounced, and you can see his eyes glow with a silver sheen as he prepares his own countermeasures.

"I suggest you back off. Now. I am acting in accordance with the highest authority, and have had enough interference for the time being. Who do you think you are, walking in here and threatening me? Clearly, your elders never taught you any manners." You can see faint traces of a sneer on his features, as though he has already assessed the two of you and found you wanting.

[Writtensanity]

Avarice moved slowly, putting herself between the goliath of a man and Tybalt, staring nearly striaght up at him. She licked her lips, tongue coloured bright green by the acid that she was letting drip in her mouth for effect, "You might be acting with the highest authority, but keeping **** from us isn't in the highest interest of the crown. We are willing to fight for it, and if you're keeping things from us that we need to know, we need to fight you" she ends with a shrug, licking the droplets of acid off her lips as she does, "it's not that we want to, it's that this is too important to waste time bickering about".

Tybalt cut in, "Are you sure you don't want me to make him start rolling on the floor, bleeding from the eyes?"

"I think we're good sweetie," Avarice doesn't take her eyes off the man as she says this, keeping her head craned back to get as close to eye contact as she can, "If we're already fighting people on the inside, I don't think it's a good idea to hurt our friends."

She finally takes a step back, moving Tybalt as she does so that they are an arms length away from the man, "Now," she holds out a hand, "Let's help each other catch a maniac."


1d20+2+13+20

[Writtensanity]

Well I am still bad at this, sorry for breaking the narrative everyone!
[roll0]

[3SecondCultist]

The half-giant's eyes seem to fade, as the latent divine energies in Tybalt's spell, channeled through Avarice's words bend the laws of the universe and he actually manages a smile now. Reaching out, his hand completely envelops those of the sorceress.

"My apologies, I wasn't thinking clearly. I will tell you what I know. Three days ago, I was approached by a messenger. Wouldn't give me his name, but he delivered me a package." Stepping suddenly away for a moment, he pulls out a key from his belt and unlocks one of the drawers at his desk. He places a fairly nondescript wooden box atop the desk surface, unclipping the latches to let you see what's inside.

The entirety of the container is filled with bars of pure platinum.

"A bribe, obviously. I've counted them out - there are fifty in there - each worth over a thousand gold pieces on their own. They haven't been stamped or sealed yet, which tells me that they came directly from the manufacturer. I think the implication was that, due to my position here in Fairhold, I could direct this income wherever I pleased. The messenger told me all I needed to do was wait for further instructions. He also warned me that I was being monitored, so I couldn't flee before I was called on to do... whatever it is they want of me. So far, I haven't been asked to do anything beyond my official duties as Royal Treasurer." Nevertheless, the bespectacled half-giant looks worried. "I'm sure the Queen already knows about this. In fact, I'm half-convinced this is a test of loyalty on her part. I was on my way to tell her this morning, right after this appointment in fact."

He looks at the two of you for a moment, as though appraising you for the first time. In fact, he looks somewhat... sheepish. "I'm sorry, I never actually gave you my name, did I? It's Eranthus."

[GameOfChampions]

Tybalt approaches the box of platinum bars while still casting a slightly wary glance at Eranthus. "Well if it's OK then I'm going to check the bars for magic and see if there are any spells on them." Focusing on the bars his eyes flash a bright red as he looks at the bars and around the room.

After he finishes his inspection he looks at Avarice and the half-giant "Well everything seems to be pointing towards the Queens brother Adal. She said he would be one of the only people in the country that have the political capital to pull off something like this and as Eranthus just said" At this point Tybalt gives a nod to the large accountant "Adal seems to be mysteriously producing huge sums of money for his projects and then shortly before you make your presentation about the suspicious money you get large a box of platinum."

He shrugs "I really think we should look into this guy more."

He uses detect magic and looks at the box and then scans the rest of the room.

[GameOfChampions]

Caster level Check
[roll0]

[GameOfChampions]

Tybalt curses as his spell fizzles and tries again.

Cast detect magic again. [roll0]

[3SecondCultist]

Eranthus stares at the two of you for a moment, as though what you've said has actually put him off balance.

Adal, you say? He would have the reach to pull off something like this. But why send an obvious bribe my way? It only serves to narrow the suspect pool, and ultimately make him look more culpable."

After a few magical scans of the platinum, you discover a hidden magical signature on a few of the bars. It's definitely illusory in nature, although it would require an arcane mind to divine the spell's exact purpose.

[Writtensanity]

"Oh and lo-behold we weren't just given a bunch of bars of free platinum. Shame, I would have loved a new dress."

Avarice held her hand towards the platinum box, it flashed a bright green before a gout of acid-like energy shot from her hand. Wrapping around the bars and breaking the illusions on them, she turns towards the half-giant, "Don't worry, I'm just dispeling the magic, everything I do looks a little acid-y."

Casting Dispel Magic on the bars.

[Writtensanity]

Rolling for Dispel Magic
[roll0]

[3SecondCultist]

As the residual magic around the bars begins to fade, you can make out what look like characters on several of the pieces of platinum. The magical lettering glows a faint blue, and persists to the naked eye as both of your magical energies together manage to leave it open to the naked eye. Laying them out, you can see that exactly twenty of the bars - just under half - carry the same magical signature. Tracing them out, you can see the letters 'J', 'E', 'B', 'T', 'N', and 'E' on them.

For his part, the giant just seems confused. "Can somebody tell me what this means? I thought I was getting a bribe, but from the looks of it, somebody was trying to send me a message."

[Writtensanity]

"You know, I've never been on for riddles." Avarice takes a step back from the bars, looking over the message. The gnomes of Zilargo couldn't have figured out the gears that were turning in her head. unfortunatley for Avarice, neither could she, "Monks never really appreciated me for my wisdom."

She turns to Tybalt, looking him over, "The more worrying part here is that they weren't making this message easy for you" she nods at the half giant, "to read, as much as they were making it easy for US to read," she motions to the group, "maybe it's just coincidence, but they definitely knew that you would have someon else to dispel the magic for you."

She sighs, finally taking a breath, "Tybalt, be a dear and solve the message."

[GameOfChampions]

Tybalt just rolls his eyes at Avarice "I guess but don't expect any miracles here, at the end of my stay at the monastery I was a less then diligent disciple. Instead of training my mind at the monastery like a good little monk I was how would you say it... enjoying the delights of worldly pleasures." He raises an eyebrow at Avarice.

He walks over and studies the bars and tries rearranging them in different orders to see if anything pops out at him. "Give a couple minutes and I'll see if anything pops out at me. If not we can come back here tomorrow with a whole new batch of spells to try again."


[roll0]

[Writtensanity]

"Don't go blaming me for your lack of discipline. I'm not the one who made the choice to run away, I just invited you." Avarice mubles to herself, looking over Tybalt's shoudler to get a look at his possible solutions.


[roll0]

[Writtensanity]

"Alright, so riddles aren't our speciality. So what? Got anything big guy?"

[3SecondCultist]

Upon further examination of the puzzle, Eranthus' eyes light up with sudden comprehension.

"I may be wrong, but this seems to be a letter-substitution code. Each of the characters represents something else." He pulls out a piece of parchment and a quill, jotting down a few possibilities while consulting one of the bars to make sure his estimates are on point. After a minute or so, he turns to you with a superior smile.

On the parchment is written the word 'WROGAR'.

Int check: [roll0]

[GameOfChampions]

"Wait I know this! The head monk taught me this when i was still in lessons." Tybalt wracks his mind to try and remember What exactly it was that he had heard.

"Wrogar was one of the princes in the war. He supported the rightful heir to Galifer but made himself king of Aundair with the blessing of the Queen. He also died suspiciously i think though I'm not sure on that last bit."

Local
[roll0]
History
[roll1]

[Writtensanity]

"So then," Avarice began, after hearing about Wrogar for the first time through her husband's half-remembered comments, "he's someone important. Royal, he has a house somewhere, probably big, like a whole castle or something. Keep? I don't know if keep would be the word but at the same time I didn't know Wrogar was a word."

She looks down at the floor for a second and then begins to pace, "Well I mean, it's not, it's a name, but my point stands. Anyways, we get to the keep, find the person who was looking for Eranthus, probably fall right into their trap. I burn everything down with acid as Tybalt tries despratley to keep me alive, he probably flays someone with his mind, but that part is neither here nor there."

Avarice moves to the door, "Then we pull whoever threw us into the trap back by their legs, and get them back to the keep so that they can learn what acid does to your eyes," She turns back to Eranthus, "I know I seem obsessed with acid, but it's becuase it's the only kind of spell I can cast at the moment," she grabs the door handle, "so, Tybalt, Eranthus, you coming?"

Before waiting for a response Avarice opens the door and takes her first step out of the room. Right before she exits, her voice takes a serious tone, "and if you're listening Adal, you'd better hope your innocent."


1d20+7

[3SecondCultist]

After a long pause, Eranthus nods. The half-giant seems to have come to a decision.

"I believe you are right. The evidence is all pointing to Fort Wrogar, which worries me." He glances over at Tybalt once, before continuing. "If this is all some elaborate trap, it was certainly an expensive one. And if this platinum is tagged, then why use it at all? Much more convenient to use an alloy of some kind, using a cheaper metal like tin or even silver. Too many things don't add up here. I will delegate my duties to my assistants until our return to the capital. I will uncover whoever is behind this."

He moves to leave, and pauses. A sly grin spreads across his face.

"And I have a plan that I believe will get us there unnoticed."


Although the sun set less than an hour ago, the Aundairian hills are already awash with the inky colors that herald the coming of night. The purple radiant corona that saw the sun's departure is all but gone now, leaving the glimmering band of Eberron's twelve moons and the seemingly infinite stars beyond. Here and there, you can make out the pinpricks of light that represent a wayward village or town in the countryside. Fairhaven is far behind you now. Everything looks so small.

Of course, from six thousand feet up, everything is bound to change in perspective somewhat.

At the airship's bow banister, Eranthus stands tall, surveying the landscape beneath you. The psion's mood has picked up since leaving the sights and smells of the city, his giant heritage no doubt embracing the chance to be outdoors. Not to mention, his plan seems to be working so far. Once you had left his office, the half-giant brought you to the docking tower. He informed you of a privately chartered airship that was regularly used by the Queen's 'diplomatic staff' in a standing agreement with House Lyrandar. A newer model, it uses air instead of fire elementals - not quite as flashy, but less temperamental and a good deal easier to conceal for secret night-time raids on nearby forts. Eranthus explained that the roads around Fort Wrogar are always heavily patrolled, and by dropping into the facility, you will be bypassing most of its outer defenses.

The trip has taken most of the afternoon, and the crew have largely kept to themselves, leaving the two of you alone. They have given the two of you a shared bunk in the passenger's quarters, which isn't quite as nice as the one in Fairhold but given the circumstances is still fairly luxurious. And both of you have recieved a life ring: a minor magical item, it will activate a feather fall effect as a one-time boon to survive your drop. You can see Eranthus clasping his own, as the lights of Fort Wrogar come into view.

"Are you almost ready? We'll be ascending into that cloud bank up there. Jump in two minutes."

[Writtensanity]

"Oh, boy..." Avarice trailed off as she looked over the edge of the airship, wind whipping her hair enough to inspire her to shorten it. She had been on her fiar share of airships back and fourth to the Arcanix, usually when she got bored of the lightning rail, but usually she had planned to stay on top of them.

She had already cast mage armor on both she and Tybalt several minutes ago, preparing for the fight that was almost assuredly waiting below. There were two reasons she was sure about it, the first was that a trap was almost definite when you needed to take a stealth ship somewhere. The second was that she had yet to have an adventure that didn't have an entire fight for the first day, it would be really out of pace to have it be so.

She grasped the charm in her hand tightly, hoping and praying that the caster who had made it wasn't one of the many hacks she had seen walk though the walls of the Arcanix calling themselves 'Artificers'. If she was going to die, it was going to be in a blaze of glory, or acidic pool of glory, knowing her.

She turned to Tybalt and held him close for a moment, before walking over to the railing of the ship and climbing up onto it. One foot firmly on the deck and the other on the railing. She flashed her eyes green for style points, "Let's kick some ass."

[GameOfChampions]

Just before Avarice pulls away from their embrace he pulls her closer "Can't forget this. Your blind as a bat so I prepared this this handy little spell." Tyablt puts pointer finger and his middle finger over her eyes and chants a few words under his breath. As she opens her eyes they glow a cat like green for a second before reverting to their normal color.

As he follows her to the railing he stares down at the massive drop awaiting them and takes several deep breathes as one thought dominates his mind 'pleasenopleasenopleasenopleasenopleasenopleaseno' .

Taking one last deep breathe he grabs Avarice, holds her close and jumps off while screaming incoherently and holding onto his wife.

Cast Ebon eyes on Avarice for 90 min

[3SecondCultist]

Matching your respective grin and expression of abject terror with a stoic nod, the half-giant psion steps off the bow of the airship after you. His body plummets through the evening air, quickly catching up with your own descent. Without saying a word, he begins to angle his fall, and as the clouds part, you can see Fort Wrogar spread out beneath you like a map.

The outer curtain wall spans for several miles, leaving a large enclosed area within. There are the lights of patrols at regular intervals, and you can make out other, bulkier shapes perching on the turrets in the dark. Whatever they are, they don't need light to see. Each of the three gates through the outer perimeter gives way to a road that winds inward, past the stables and warehouses, farm yards and wells. It is more of a self-sustaining community than a fortress. At least, until you turn your attention to the central compound. Two more layers of walls, each taller than the last, are built in an interlocking five-pointed star shape around a solid stone keep easily over a hundred feet tall. A series of ramps and ditches make up elaborate earthworks around the first of the compound walls, which can no doubt be flooded with men or unsavoury liquids at a moment's notice. The entire area is awash in light and noise - it will be incredibly hard to make it there unseen.

Following Eranthus' trajectory, you can see a clearing not too far from the northern edge of the outermost wall of the Fort. There are less lights in that area, and you can see several trees that will provide cover. However, as you fall you can make out small shapes soaring through the skies directly above the Fort's entire surface area. You will need to land and hide quickly, or else be seen.

[3SecondCultist]

E: [roll0]
A: [roll1]
T: [roll2]

[GameOfChampions]

Tybalt takes a couple deep breaths and tries to calm himself as they fall through the sky. 'Get a grip on yourself man! I secretly travel highly forbidden ethereal planes of a gods mind, I'm an experienced spy now sponsored by the Queen, and I'm married! I will not be afraid of falling through the sky.'

Using his breathing meditations, which are usually reserved for his return from his trips to godly minds where he needs to calm down or murder something, he calms down and watches the castle come closer and closer.

[Writtensanity]

Inches from slapping her husband, Avarice was glad to watch him calm down. After being as nervous as she had been for the fall, it was surprisingly calming to fall when there was such a far seperataton between you are the ground. As some travelling bard had told her in a bar, it's not the fall that kills you, it's the landing.

For that part they had the little charms, one-time use. Anytime something is made to break after a single use it really felt like it was less likely to work the first time. One of the two of them splatters on the ground and Euanthus goes, "Oh ****, I guess I must have used that one last air raid."

A shriek pierces the sky and one of the birds changes it's trajectory, Avarice can't tell whether they have already been seen, of if it was just making a turn for the hell of it, but it didn't really matter, either way it wasn't good.

She attempted to turn herself in mid air for offensive action, but couldn't manage to, so she instead opted to project a bright light on a different path from them, hopefully bright enough to distract the bird so they could hide after landing.

Casting Dancing Lights near the birdy,

[3SecondCultist]

As Avarice's spell erupts into being, you get a good look at the avian patroller. The bird of prey is enormous, and you recognize it immediately as Aundair's status symbol made flesh: a dragonhawk. Its beak is heavy and sharply pointed, its head tufted with long, pointed feathers, and its eyes bright yellow with irregularly-shaped pupils. A single long, gently curved feather juts up above its four nostrils at the base of its beak. Its wings are patterned in shades of brown, and a large claw juts from the joint of each wing. But that's not all the light reveals. You can see an armored man on the bird's back, his own frame hunched down to the great saddle around the dragonhawk's chest. He carries a longbow, but it isn't loaded. With a tug on the reins, the great bird begins to angle east, out of the light. You're not sure if he has seen you, but he absolutely saw the effects of the spell.

Thankfully, your own fall has proven to be without incident, as the charm sets you down on the ground near the copse of trees without incident. The dragonhawk and its rider are a good deal farther away now, at least 500 ft up and out. Not ten paces away, Eranthus stands and dusts off his pants where he stumbled after he made his feather fall landing. At the edge of the grove, the half-giant looks just like a little tree. "Well that was... interesting. He's probably going off to sound the alarm: they'll be back in numbers. We should make our way south, and quickly. I assume you have magic and tricks that will keep you from being seen from afar? I always forget that not everyone can turn invisible whenever they please."

[Writtensanity]

Avarice looked up at the hawks circling around as she stretched, exaggerating how still she was from the fall down, perhaps it was the fact that she had been holding her breath, but it felt like they had been falling for a month, only now landing to continue the mission.

As Eranthus spoke, Avarice almost broke out into laugher. It wasn't strange for people to assume that she was the kind of person who would know an invisibility spell, but they usually figured out what kind of mage she was within a few minutes, "I don't think changing to look like someone is going to matter much here, eh?" She took a second to try to think of a plan, "If I can get a better look at one of the guards I can look like I'm one of them and talk my way in, but I don't have anything that can make ME go away as a person," she shook her head, hair shortening into a style that wouldn't get in the way during battle, "ya know, except for acid, but that kills me."

[GameOfChampions]

Tybalt coughs awkwardly "Uhh I don't actually have any ways to conceal myself today. My spell list wasn't crafted today with stealth or infiltration in mind... So if either of you could help me out a bit with stealth then I would be appreciative."

"Especially given how close the dragonhawk is." Tybalt says as he looks at the distant flyer with worry.

[3SecondCultist]

The half-giant sits in silence for about thirty seconds. At first, you might think that he's just thinking of his next move, but if you look closer, you can see the incredible focus in his gaze, the distance of his face. He is manifesting a power of some kind, and is clearly seeing something other than the wooded slope.

"Slightly under six feet tall. Wavy light brown hair, parted to the left with a cowlick above the temple. Hazel eyes, fair skin with freckles on the bridge of the nose. A strong anvil jaw, clean shaven and a high brow line. Crooked teeth. Favors his left side - clearly left handed. And he's wearing a standard issue Aundairian guard uniform." Eranthus recites the description almost under his breath; it's likely you can only hear him due to how quiet it is. Blinking twice, the treasurer re-situates himself. He points to a moving island of light to the southwest. It seems to be heading up towards the edge of the outer wall, not too far from your position. "There's a four man patrol there, and that man is the most senior of their number. We're going to take them out first, then disguise ourselves. Sound good?"

[GameOfChampions]

Tybalt grins a little bit as he flexes his fingers "I might not be equipped to sneak around but I'm always ready to fight. It's been a while but I'm sure I'll make due somehow."

The grinning hellbred fidgets with his broken reliquary symbol as he pulls out his crossbow and loads it while murmuring the same thing to himself under his breath to calm himself "I'm not a murderer, I'm not a murderer."

[Writtensanity]

Avarice cracked her neck to either side, throwing an arm around Eurhanthus and smiling, "You know I thought you would never ask me to do something I was actually good at."

She let go, dropping down from her tiptoes, "Let's this."

[3SecondCultist]

The half-giant moves quickly through the darkness, and it seems for a moment as though he has some training outside of psychic powers. Still, he can't quite keep up with Tybalt as you make your way to another hill, not far from where the guard patrol is. It is also very likely that he just knows the terrain better than either of you. As you get closer, you can hear the voices of the patrol wafting through the Aundairian evening.

"... and then she brought in her sister! I tell you, that was one hell of a night."

"Shut up, Namor. Nobody believes you, anyway. Have you ever not told a story without exaggerating?"

"It's true, I swear!"

"Right. Does anyone have any more wine?" The second voice is followed by the distinct 'popping' sound of a skein being opened. A heavy gulping ensues, and the faint splash of liquid on stone followed by a curse.

"Aw, hells. Sorry, ir'Vaelin."

"Are you seriously telling me you spilled the last of it?! Next time, aim for your mouth! Moron. You owe me when we get back to the barracks."

"Be happy too - can't be soon enough. It's damned muggy out here." The sources are about forty years away, and you get a better look at them. The first one - Namor - appears to be a rather pudgy looking man, filling out his tunic more broadly than in length. His sword is sheathed, and he is the one carrying the torch aloft. The other pair, those whose names haven't been spoken, both wear heavier armor with shields and long halberds. The final officer, who you immediately recognize from Eranthus' description, hangs further back and carries a rather large looking bow and arrow. He must be ir'Vaelin.

Alright, I'm going to put up a map of some sort on Google Docs. Also, I'll need Hide and Move Silently checks from now on, to set up an ambush against these guys.