The Broken Chalice

[The_Grim]

The blood red sunset peels across the rooftops of Fathe. The Blazing Beacon of the Church Towers above the city, catching the warm glow of the suns last breath in its arches. Workers, exhausted from their daily drudge, wade through the crowds, the evenings chill beginning to nip at their heels.
Those who claim the night as their working hours slink from pleasure houses and darkened alleys, ready to peddle a far different product than the now deserted market.
Even with the death of the day, Fathe keeps moving, changing, evolving.

You can see that from your vantage point amongst the Wardens Keep, wherein the three of you have been summoned. A single letter stamped with the mark of the Lord High Warden himself.

"You are expected at the Wardens keep on the Seventh day of the Fourth month. Come with the setting of the sun."

You came, for one reason or another you were drawn to the meeting. So now you sit upon chairs of wicker and iron, in the meeting hall of the Keep. Bar yourselves a fire is the only company, though you were shown to the hall by Warden initiates, you were left alone.

Despite the fact you arrived alone at different times, you now sit together, waiting.

[Severance28]

Daeth is uneasy. Normally upon meeting new people, he would jump into conversation, usually looking for a job, singing, instruments, even as a private dancer sometimes. But this didn't feel like the time for that. The two men sitting directly across from him didn't look like the type for friendly conversation, at least to his eye. The small one was wrapped in leathers and covered in robes. He has been staring at his hands with an oddly blank expression on his face for a few minutes. Daeth wasn't sure he wanted to talk. The other one was tall, but slight, and his face was all but obscured by the hood on the cloak he wore. Two swords lined his belt, and a powerful longbow sat on the floor by where he sat. A bounty hunter, Daeth guessed. Or an assassin. The small one looked equally deadly to Daeth's eyes. He wasn't making a show of wearing weapons, but the way he held himself showed confidence, and Daeth was sure there was plenty of room for something hidden underneath the folds of that robe.

How silly he must look, his little dagger and violin case, to these two professionals. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to see his reflection in the iron lining his chair. Why had he been summoned along with these two? He had thought this was his big break, he had made it into the life of a court musician or even a jester, but he knew now that wasn't the case. He started talking, almost impulsively, to the room at large.

"Sure is a lovely place they've had us wait in isn't it? The fire and chairs are... quite nice, extravagant really. You think if I asked they would tell me who their carpenter is? I could use these in my boudoir. So where are you from?" he asked, still not addressing anyone in particular, "I only ask because I think there may have been a mistake about my current involvement judging from the uh, demeanor of you two gentlemen. Not to say it's bad, oh no, just... I worry there's been a mistake, as I said previously..."

[Cadian 9th]

Kabo smiles in acknowledgment. He takes a moment, nodding, then sighs a little. I'm quite sure this the end of the line for me. I'm, or was, depending on what happens next, an admittedly dark merchant of sorts. . He reaches for the harness holding a standard, light crossbow to his back and loosens it as he's talking, ending his speech with a solid sounding clunk as he lays it upon the ground.

[Vaarsuvio]

Last Breath (Lauren), with her acoustic mask (has the effect of speaking into a Pringles can) and and after deepening her voice looks up at Daeth and speaks. "I would not worry. Were they intending to detain us or rend unto us bodily harm they would have surely disarmed us. If they do intend to imprison us I will either knock them unconcious... or otherwise incapacitate them."

[Severance28]

Whoa, he thinks, that one is scarier than I thought.

"Well that's very comforting thank you," Daeth says, somewhat emboldened by their lack of trying-to-kill-him, How about a light?," he says, reaching for his pocket, and pauses, "Maybe none for you though. You sound like you've had more than your fair share. Premium cigars straight from Ingis. No one knows how to roll a cigar quite like a blacksmith I'll tell you that." He frowns at his empty pocket: "What? Did that brat from the Rusted Bull run off with my cigars? Last time I share with a barmaid... and she said she was a lady." he sighs and leans back in his chair: "Don't know the next time I'll be there again, I'll have to pick some up next chance I get."

He takes a moment to look between one and the other. Hopefully it was something where they were on his side: "My name's Daeth. What should I call you two?"

[Vaarsuvio]

Whoa, he thinks, that one is scarier than I thought.

"Well that's very comforting thank you," Daeth says, somewhat emboldened by their lack of trying-to-kill-him, How about a light?," he says, reaching for his pocket, and pauses, "Maybe none for you though. You sound like you've had more than your fair share. Premium cigars straight from Ingis. No one knows how to roll a cigar quite like a blacksmith I'll tell you that." He frowns at his empty pocket: "What? Did that brat from the Rusted Bull run off with my cigars? Last time I share with a barmaid... and she said she was a lady." he sighs and leans back in his chair: "Don't know the next time I'll be there again, I'll have to pick some up next chance I get."

He takes a moment to look between one and the other. Hopefully it was something where they were on his side: "My name's Daeth. What should I call you two?"

Lauren growls a bit angrily. "I am not some pig controlled by unhealthy addictions. I neither smoke nor drink. You may call me what others do, "Oh gods no!", or, if you prefer, Last."

[The_Grim]

As you talk, one of the doors silently opens and a young man enters. In his hands he bears a single silver platter, upon which a decanter and three tumblers sit. With eye's lowered to the floor he moves across the room, stepping to Kabo first and placing a crystalline tumbler before you.
With clearly practised grace he unplugs the stopper on the decanter and pours a rich brown liquid into the tumbler, filling it halfway before moving away. Twice more does he do this, moving to Daeth and 'Last' last. Then, without a word he moves to the end of the table, filling one more glass that you had yet to notice.

[Severance28]

Daeth opens his mouth to apologize, but is interrupted by the man's presence. He watches the man pour, and doesn't reach to touch his glass.

"So," he asks, "what is this all about?"

[The_Grim]

The youth finishes pouring the drink before responding, his eyes still averted.

"Begging your pardon Sir." He says, you can't place the accent."I'm just a page. The Commander shall be here shortly."

[Cadian 9th]

Kabo glances at his drink, before observing the newcomer. Thank you, what's your name?

sense motive]

[The_Grim]

The lad shifts awkwardly in place, clearly uncomfortable with the attention he was garnering.

"My name? John Holt, if it pleases Sir."

He places the stopper back into the decanter and stands illy at ease. The sound of conversation leaks in from the far door, raised voices echoing from some distance.

[Vaarsuvio]

Last picks up her bow and slings it over her back. She starts walking to the open doorway.

Listen:[roll0]
Spot:[roll1]
Sense Motive:[roll2]
Search:[roll3]

EDIT: Ooh, nat 20 on Listen.

[The_Grim]

As you pull to your feet, Holt puts his hand up, dropping his composure.

"Please remain in your seat!" He begins to hurry across the room, seeking to block your path as you go. As his footsteps echo across the greeting hall, you hear the drifting voices peel though the doorway.

"I do not approve of these methods Commander, nor would the High Warden."

"Frankly Henrich, I fail to care what you do or don't approve of. This matter has nothing to do with you until the time of its resolution. So kindly step to one side, I have work to do. "

With the end of the second man's speech you hear a flustered string of rhetoric and the rapid sounds of someone marching towards the door.

[The_Grim]

The echoing footsteps become more clear as Holt attempts to navigate Last back to her seat, barely moment's pass before a sharply dressed man marches through the doorway. He is adorned in slate grey military attire, the Wardens crest prominently emblazoned across his heart.
A plain longsword is strapped to his side, his hand comfortably rests on its pommel. When he passes the threshold of the room he moves directly to the head of the table, pausing only briefly as Holt snaps to attention.
Once in place he scans the three of you with tired eyes, clasps and drains the tumbler before him in one smooth motion and focuses on Last.

"Please take a seat so we can begin."

[Severance28]

Daeth stays in his chair, and starts to sip at his tumbler. It was harsher than he was used to, but good. He reasoned that if anyone meant to do him harm here, they would be able to with or without his intoxication, and whether or not the drink was drugged. Might as well enjoy himself.

This was obviously something to do with the military, and he was almost completely sure by now they had the wrong guy. They might notice sooner or later, but he wasn't going to turn up his nose at their hospitality. Perhaps he could turn this around into a real job after all...

[The_Grim]

The greying man leaves a lingering gaze on Last, before sighing and gesturing to Holt. The youth moves to him, takes a small slip of parchment from his hand and moves to leave. Politely bowing to each of you as he closes the door.

With him gone the man turns back. Placing both hands flat on the table and clearing his throat.

"Firstly, thank you for joining me today. I hope that the trip was none too straining. Secondly I feel I should introduce myself, my name is Matthias Wolfe, I am the current Warden Commander, Second to the High Warden and General of the Armies of Chalice. I of course know of each of you, but I expect none of you know of me or why you have been summoned. Am I correct?"

[Severance28]

"Actually, I think there's been some sort of mistake," Daeth says, "I've never been in the military, or... fighting, really, for that matter. I got into a scuffle in a bar once... and... lost. So you may have me confused with someone else, sir High Warden. I know a Daeth that does armor repairs, maybe it's him you meant to summon. In fact, I could just go get him for you..."

[The_Grim]

Commander Wolfe raises an open palm in Daeth's direction.

"We have not made any mistake. I know exactly who you are, I know exactly what you have done. More importantly, I know how you can aid Chalice." Once more the door opens and Holt returns, placing a stack of papers onto the table besides the Commander, who briefly regards them.

"And it's Commander Wolfe. Not High Warden."

[Severance28]

"My apologies Commander. What did you call us in here for?"

[The_Grim]

He clears his throat before starting.

"Each of you have been summoned here to do a service for our Great Nation. A service the High Warden and I need dealt with discreetly, something I understand the three of you specialise in." He thumbs the papers to his side, looking over them as he speaks.

"You will be investigating the recent actions of the Church. Moreover, the actions of the Inquisitors they sent to the Settlement of Sparrowfall, which can be located in the far North of Seigheim. We would like to know what happened there three weeks ago today. In intricate detail if you please." He looks up at the three of you, a slight smile etched onto his lips.

"I expect a fully detailed report from each of you in no less than two months. Do you have any questions? "

[Cadian 9th]

Kabo, silently observing, frowns slightly. I assume discretion is desired, I may have to ask what capacity, we... he says, glancing at the others. .. Would be operating in.

[The_Grim]

"As far as anyone outside of this room is concerned, you have no ties to the Wardens. Nor should you expect any further aid from us after you leave here. I shall ensure that you are all given a stipend of 100 Stel's which should cover any lodgings you require. There is also a well bred house awaiting each of you in our stables. " He folds his hands on the table and shifts his weight.

"As you may well imagine, there is significant political pressure involved. So your highest level of discretion is not only needed, but expected."

[Severance28]

"That's perfectly understood. Discretion is something I erm, have some experience with. But, I guess the question everyone here is wondering, and I myself feel obligated to ask, is what does our compensation look like for this kind of job? It sounds like we'll be out there, risking our necks for the wardens. Now I love my country the same as the next patriot, but isn't this a government official's task?""

[The_Grim]

Wolfe raises an eyebrow, as if confused by the question.

"Compensation? My dear Mr. Daeth, your reward is not rotting away in some black cell. If each of you do as I have asked you will receive a full pardon from the state. A noble gesture considering your pasts." He places his hand once more on the stack o

[Severance28]

Ah, so that's why he's called me here. I didn't think anyone knew about that

"Very well," Daeth says, nodding and sitting up in his seat, "With that in mind, we should probably leave at once."

[Severance28]

Ah, so that's why he's called me here. I didn't think anyone knew about that

"Very well," Daeth says, nodding and sitting up in his seat, "With that in mind, we should probably leave at once."

[Vaarsuvio]

Last speaks up and looks at the Warden. "Hmm, normally I do not respond well to threats, but my father ingrained in me a rather patriotic worldview, so I'll do this for the state. Would we allowed to employ. ah. Fatal solutions to problems that may arise?"