Ashourina! All Hail! (IC 2)

[rweird]

Everyone excepts Cordelia: Ashourina has summoned you to Grimfell, from where she rules in Cordelia's absence. Her reason wasn't given, but she has designs for all of you. For centuries she has labored, and now her plans are coming to fruition.

Cordelia:
The door smashes (technically you'd need to FA/power attack and stuff to do that, but a single blow is more cinematic, and it isn't like you'll miss the door).

Ralidar pushes open the main doors and steps out into the storm, rising into the air. "Come see Morvalent. See what Ashourina did to it." He calls, as thunder rumbles behind him.

There is rain and severe winds. (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/weather.htm) I don't remember if you have a way to not fail fortitude saves on a natural 1, if so, you can pretty much ignore it, if not, the wind might blow you around occasionally (it is a fortitude save to negate the effect, although the DC is trivial). Ralidar is some 150 ft in the air, as high as the highest towers of Morvalent.

Doxkid's Homebrew Rulings (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19850814&postcount=755)
Recruitment Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?435138-3-5-Epic-Gestalt-Hail-the-Immortal-Queen-Ashourina)
First In Character Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?454114-Ashourina!-(In-Character))
First Out of Character Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?453309-Hail-Ashourina!-Forever-Shall-She-Reign-Out-of-Character)
Second Out of Character Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?492520-Hail-Ashourina-2!-Hail-Harder-Out-of-Character)
Second Recruitment (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?511168-Ashourina-the-Immortal-re-recruiting-3-5-epic-gestalt)

[Sir Grave]

Higher and higher through the storm, the Lady of the Black Rose followed her enemy. The rain and wind was harsh, cold, and unforgiving, as winter was. As Ashourina was. To Cordelia, it was a cleansing experience.

She had soon caught up with Ralidar. Her wings were not exactly suited for this environment, but she adapted like any experienced fighter. She looked upon the Immortal Queen's former champion in his state: worn, decaying, and beaten. It would be easy for her to finish him now.

Her sword arm tensed. So easy...

But she stayed her hand. Perhaps it was a desire to honor his last request. Or she was simply curious at what he had to say.

"...Very well."

She looked upon Morvalent from above.

[Bad Wolf]

Though he would never admit, Ailde was nervous. As Her Inquisition's leader he was no stranger to meetings with the Lich Queen, but something was different about this. He could practically taste it.

Ailde glanced over at the messenger, who stinked of fear and hate. "Well done." He tossed him a gold coin as he brushed past him.

The halls of the Inquisition were abuzz. Three mages had been caught conspiring against Ashourina this week, which meant documentation of their full magic abilities, the confiscation of any magic items they had, and interrogation to find any possible​ accomplices. From what he could tell, they were just a few sorcerers over from Joyfields, nothing special. Still, procedure was procedure. Instructing them to contact him if anything unusual came up, he teleported to meet the Queen.


The moment he arrived on the steps outside, he could tell he would not be the sole focus of Ashourina's attention. There were other scents there, unfamiliar ones. It was hard to focus. The ever-prevalent scent of death clouded his nose. He didn't like going into a place blind, but he had no choice. Taking off his mask and cowl he strolled into the room, bowing before Ashourina.

"My Queen. As always, I am yours to command."

[rweird]

Cordelia:
Morvalent stretches out below. A few bones are visible, still unburied, although worn by countless storms. The docks are rotting, a single galley shifts at its mooring. Worn away by time, but still faintly visible is the remnants of the town of Morvalent, little more than a pile of stones, rusted metal and rotting wood. The entire island is desolate.

"Behold the glory of Ashourina's dominion. Morvalent fell into decay under Ashourina's rule. It is only matter of time until the same happens to Grimfell... and perhaps, eventually, the world." Ralidar's sword reappears in his hand. "Do you know what Morvalent was like before she came?"

[Don nadie]

Eos, was the Queen well knows, is a man who likes to appear with dramatic simplicity. One second there's nothing under the shade of a pillar, the next the Master of Whispers is leaning on it as if he'd been there the whole time.

He comes out of the shade. He strides calmly and confidently, sure of his own worth. His steps are marked by the tapping of his silvery cane as it falls on the stone floor. As his eyes fall on the shade of the Queen's throne, though, his expression is suitably awed. Eos may be able to bend shade and light, but Ashourina holds the keys of life and dead... A much more dangerous possession.

My Queen, he says bowing with the elegance of an experienced courtier. He stands straight next to Ailde. The Master of Whispers doesn't seem surprised that there are others in this audience... Then again, not being surprised is part of his occupation.

[Raunchel]

Ashourina, the Lady of the Winds, the Rivers, and the Seas, Mistress of the Worlds, Queen of Kings, the Ray of the Sun, Great of Magic, Living Forever, Tyrant of Every Land, Saviour Goddess, Giver of Life, Lawgiver, and a thousand more titles sits perfectly still on her throne, watching them enter. One by one, they come. Her servants. These however are more than ordinary servants, much more even. They are the greatest. Beings of immense power and ability, some of the few who she can truly send on any task. She has much to say, but she will not waste words on a mere few of them, she will speak once, and so she remains still, waiting a few more moments for the others.

I'm sorry about the titles, but I have been writing a story about Cleopatra Philopator, and that means that I got to know quite a few Egyptian royal titles, which I thought would also fit someone like Ashourina.

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle

Alistaire loved being summoned to anything. He took particular delight in frightening whomever the poor soul was that had been tasked to knock on the door to his coffin. This messenger had been particularly dissatisfying, however, fainting before he'd even finished knocking on the door. The vampire lord took the note from the messenger's hand and read it thoughtfully. "Oh. A summons from the Queen herself?" A dastardly, yet charming, smile spread across his face. "How interesting."

Taking care to select his favorite high-collar cloak and having a servant polish his boots, Alistaire exited his abode looking as though he were going to attend the ball of the century. He stalked through the streets in a fashion that made him look like an enormous bat, until he reached the lady Ashourina's throne room. He adjusted his collar and had the door man announce his presence before he strode into the room. He smiled when he saw that others had been summoned. "How interesting." He said to no one in particular.

"Dear lady," He said grandly, taking a courtly bow. "the Lord of Vampires answers your call."

[Starmage21]

The Archwizard Aldik Adath

A brilliant flash of rainbow light momentarily blinds those in The Queen's chambers. When their vision returns, Aldik is there, kneeling before the queen in his familiar dark red cloak, and brighter flame colored robe. Aldik's skeletal head is tilted downwards, but he has no eyes to reveal where exactly his gaze falls in respect to his empty eye sockets.

"My Queen, you called, and your humble servant arrives to do your bidding."

Aldik waits a moment, then stands and turns a few degrees and steps at a normal walking pace to take his place at The Queen's left hand, his ruby-topped staff letting out a mild metal-on-stone 'clink' with each step. He passes the queen, and then turns to face the court from behind her throne. He looks around, taking in the forms of the new figures in the court.



A perfectly bleached white human skeleton adorned with magical trinkets and bric-a-brac. He has no human-like features to speak of, and his eyes are nothing but pinpoints of crimson light in empty eye sockets. Paint and arcane markings adorn his skull and bones that are typically covered by his deep red cloak and bright red robes. He carries with him a staff that holds atop it a deep red ruby of gigantic size, and no other obvious adventuring gear adorns him, even his spell books.

[Sir Grave]

Cordelia:
Morvalent stretches out below. A few bones are visible, still unburied, although worn by countless storms. The docks are rotting, a single galley shifts at its mooring. Worn away by time, but still faintly visible is the remnants of the town of Morvalent, little more than a pile of stones, rusted metal and rotting wood. The entire island is desolate.

"Behold the glory of Ashourina's dominion. Morvalent fell into decay under Ashourina's rule. It is only matter of time until the same happens to Grimfell... and perhaps, eventually, the world." Ralidar's sword reappears in his hand. "Do you know what Morvalent was like before she came?"

Cordelia looked down upon the desolation that was Ralidar's home. It was empty, void of life. What was worth protecting here? How could Ralidar allow his home to fall into such a state?

Before she responded, she felt something twist in her heart, a moment where she knew she would regret hearing what he was about to say.

"...No."

[ValarMorgulis]

Stilltongue

To Stilltongue's senses, Aldik's arrival was less a flash of bright light than a swift retreat of shadow.

He waited in his customary spot, in the shadows of one of the mighty stone pillars that supported the great hall's roof many stories above. He observed the others arriving and greeting their Queen with courteous deference. Black-hearted vampire lords and archmages of nearly unfathomable power, they all bowed to Ashourina. But a few were missing... most notably the Lady of the Black Rose, the Queen's right hand. The master assassin sneered. How irresponsible Lady Cordelia had been of late -- how weak. Did the Queen not know that her own stature would be diminished were she to allow such behavior to continue? But of course she knew...

[rweird]

Cordelia:
"Morvalent was always harsh, but it was home to a hardy people. We weren't wealthy, but we had enough. A hundred years ago I would look out this window during storms." He gestures to a window in the tower below overlooking the ruined town. "I would see boats swaying at their moorings, light streaming from the houses. I remember when children would chase each other by the docks when the weather was fair... and I remember the day that ended. Skeletons crawled onto shore, wave upon wave, like all the drowned of the oceans were set against us. They butchered the children on the docks, the sick in their beds, everyone. They rose again, as mindless slaves. They had no need of food or shelter, they would stand all day and night, unmoving, on the watch. Over the next century, the weather wore the town away, but Morvalent died the day Ashourina came. It didn't matter that she destroyed it, the only think that mattered was it was hers. That is all that matters to her."

[Sir Grave]

Cordelia:
"Morvalent was always harsh, but it was home to a hardy people. We weren't wealthy, but we had enough. A hundred years ago I would look out this window during storms." He gestures to a window in the tower below overlooking the ruined town. "I would see boats swaying at their moorings, light streaming from the houses. I remember when children would chase each other by the docks when the weather was fair... and I remember the day that ended. Skeletons crawled onto shore, wave upon wave, like all the drowned of the oceans were set against us. They butchered the children on the docks, the sick in their beds, everyone. They rose again, as mindless slaves. They had no need of food or shelter, they would stand all day and night, unmoving, on the watch. Over the next century, the weather wore the town away, but Morvalent died the day Ashourina came. It didn't matter that she destroyed it, the only think that mattered was it was hers. That is all that matters to her."

"..."


His words brought on memories of Grimmfell's fall. Her undead were just as merciless. It mattered not her efforts to spare the innocent. It ended, to a point, and many people avoided the fate of the dead. But she had always felt the cost was too much. And it was her doing.


But she looked upon Morvalent's home now, and she saw ruin. And until now, Ralidar had served loyally. All Cordelia had done... was it just to delay the inevitable ruin of her own kingdom? Was it only to deny that one day, her usefulness would come to an end, and she would be banished from her presence? To live a life of solitude and loneliness until at last someone came to destroy her?


It was no secret that Ashourina was a cold and harsh Queen. But she served her faithfully. She obeyed her.


She loves her.


But the evidence was staring her in the face. This is how her servants are rewarded in the end.


They are nothing.

Nothing more than tools. Than weapons. To be thrown away at the first sign of wear.


And Cordelia had known this all along.


She looked away. "...If what you say is true, then I've already damned myself to hell."


"There is no escape."

[rweird]

Cordelia:
Ralidar sighs. "And you'll just let it happen." Shaking his head, he turns back to the ruins of the town, dejected.

[Sir Grave]

"..."

Anger and fear broiled within her.

Divine energy surged through her, and she assaulted Ralidar with a power unlike any other.

(Miracle: Lion's Charge (I need a way of doing that all the time :D))

"NO!"

Attack 1
A[roll0]
D[roll1]
Crit Chance[roll2]
Crit Damage[roll3]
Cold[roll4]
Icy Burst[roll5]
Intimidate[roll6]
Inflict 1 negative level

"I..."

Attack 2
A[roll7]
D[roll8]
Crit Chance[roll9]
Crit Damage[roll10]
Cold[roll11]
Icy Burst[roll12]
Intimidate[roll13]
Inflict 1 negative level

"WILL NOT..."

Attack 3
A[roll14]
D[roll15]
Crit Chance[roll16]
Crit Damage[roll17]
Cold[roll18]
Icy Burst[roll19]
Intimidate[roll20]
Inflict 1 negative level

"END UP..."

Attack 4
A[roll21]
D[roll22]
Crit Chance[roll23]
Crit Damage[roll24]
Cold[roll25]
Icy Burst[roll26]
Intimidate[roll27]
Inflict 1 negative level




"...LIKE YOU!!"

Attack 5
A[roll28]
D[roll29]
Crit Chance[roll30]
Crit Damage[roll31]
Cold[roll32]
Icy Burst[roll33]
Intimidate[roll34]
Inflict 1 negative level

Damage x2 Valorous.

[rweird]

Cordelia:
Ralidar turns towards Cordelia as the first blow strikes him in the chest, grunting in pain as the second strikes him in the arm as his sword slips from his grasp. "I can only-urgh he begins as the third strikes him in the leg. Like lightning you whirl around striking his other shoulder. "...hope you're- Your final blow severs his head as his body plunges towards the earth in the storm.

[Sir Grave]

Ralidar was slain.

An unease stirred in her mind. She saw her future. The fate of all of Ashourina's champions. She could not deny the truth.

It was all she knew. All she ever wanted. To serve her Queen. To bask in her presence. To prove her worth.

But now she knew it would all end. One day.

She could not allow this to happen. She couldn't allow herself to be forsaken. It is a fate worse than death.

She descended downward, towards the fortress. She'd claim a few undead to direct her to Ralidar's treasury and armory first.
Then she would return to Grimmfell.

She would have words with her.

[Raunchel]

One by one they entered, her servants. She knows them all, perhaps even better than they know themselves. They are capable. Cordelia isn't there, she is on her mission, just as she has been commanded to. Naturally, she will succeed, but that is not what matters. What is one fortress compared to a champion? To someone with the strength of will and heart to break armies, to take a hundred of the greatest keeps? Someone like those who are gathered before her now. "Joy is brought to our hearts by your coming. Our eternal realm is at war, and in war there are only two courses. To attack, or to suffer defeat. Once the sword has been drawn, once the foe has seen it, there is no other way. To wait is to allow the foe to strike, and to strike again and again. The way to victory is to attack. And attack we will."

She takes all of them in, observing as always. She learned to observe before anything else, and it is what she always does. "And now the time has come. We would hear your opinions on the war, but know this, the goal is clear. All shall be made to bow, none shall be given mercy if they choose to stand against the truth. This is our will."

[rweird]

Cordelia:
The vault is small, sturdy, and empty. The dead have no use for money, it is likely Ashourina took it long ago. The armory is well-stocked with weapons and armor, it seems the undead do work to keep the weapons in fairly good condition.

Do you have any way to identify magical items?

[Sir Grave]

Cordelia:
The vault is small, sturdy, and empty. The dead have no use for money, it is likely Ashourina took it long ago. The armory is well-stocked with weapons and armor, it seems the undead do work to keep the weapons in fairly good condition.

Do you have any way to identify magical items?

(OOC: I do! 3 scrolls of identify.
im also hoping... Kinda out of character... That a certain gauntlet is here. So if there's like a special looking gauntlet anywhere, I'll be taking 20 on my search.
Also, I'll make it a point to collect my mask which I sort of dropped.
Oh, and I wonder if I'd be able to locate Ralidar's head? I'd like it for RP purposes.)

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle

The vampire lord looks around to the other summoned champions. "No one? I guess I'll go first." He smiles at the lady and stands tall. "If you plan to attack an opponent, I have no doubt you could crush any force in the known world, my lady." He motions to the others and to himself. "Even with a quarter of us at your command, you hold a considerable force and you may command the dead of the enemy." He pouts a little. "Although the typical zombie does make for poor conversation."

This is where Alistaire liked to be, the spotlight. "I've seen my fair share of battles." His face hardens. "I would request to be briefed on your battle plans and strategies before you ask me to pass judgement on the war." His tone is much different than before, taking on a wiser and more senior tone. "No war is won by force alone, for even the mightiest of mountains will bow before the constant ebb and flow of the ocean." He smiles, once more regaining his charm. "I'd like to make sure we're the ocean."

[rweird]

Cordelia:
You detect magical auras on some 10 spears, 5 crossbows, 5 longswords, and a set of full plate (the weapons are all wielded by skeletons). All the auras are faint besides the full plate, which is moderate.

Yeah, you can find the head and can collect the mask.

Are you searching the rest of the castle or anything?

[Bad Wolf]

The scent of boot polish was particularly pungent to Ailde's senses, even more so than the pervasive smell of undeath that seemed to cling to everything in these lands. One was an inevitable fact of serving Her.

"A wise observation, Whitecastle. But humans-living ones, to be specific-are quite predictable. The fools see Undeath as one of the most grievous sins, and will resist the truth at all costs. Even if that cost is their life.

We must crush their priests, their leaders, those they put upon a pedestal above all others. And when we show that not even the strongest among them are safe, only then they will accept the truth of Our Majesty."

He finished it off with a nod towards Alistaire, and a bow towards Ashourina. Then, he decided to gamble.

"If I may be so bold, Your Grace, I was hoping to have the pleasure of meeting the Lady of the Black Rose. Might I ask what service keeps her away?"

[Sir Grave]

Cordelia:
You detect magical auras on some 10 spears, 5 crossbows, 5 longswords, and a set of full plate (the weapons are all wielded by skeletons). All the auras are faint besides the full plate, which is moderate.

Yeah, you can find the head and can collect the mask.

Are you searching the rest of the castle or anything?

OOC: Searching the rest of the castle. But I'll go ahead and cut to the next scene, and we'll sort out what I found out of character)



The doors to the throne room swung open. SLAM.


The Lady Cordelia of Grimmfell, otherwise known as the Lady of the Black Rose, had entered in quite a state due to her mission. It was difficult at first to make out who it was at first for some, for the figure was clad in dark armor, hooded and masked. Upon closer inspection it seemed she had just literally weathered a storm, water dripped from her feathery, black wings. But it was not simply water, no... there was blood also. There were wounds that her opponent inflicted that she could not heal, yet she stood tall. Pain was an old friend.

The soft clanking of her armor as she walked towards the Queen's throne was heard by all. Her head was bowed the whole way. In one hand, she carried a strange, red ribbon. In the other, a rather ordinary sack. Whatever was in it was dripping through the bottom...

She stopped at the appropriate distance from her queen before she looked at her. Her Queen could tell something was different. She seemed stronger than she was. But there was a quiet anger residing within. She removed her hood and mask, revealing her face, beautiful, stern and cold. Her steely eyes met Ashourina's. And she knelt.

"My Queen."

She tucked away her mask and reached into the bag. "I present to you Lord Ralidar of Morvalent."

She beheld the head of her enemy. "Your former Champion, and my predecessor, slain at your command."

"May this be the fate of any who dare betray the Immortal Queen."

[Bad Wolf]

Maybe it was the boot polish. Maybe it was the rain. Whatever it was, Ailde merely sensed the new arrival moments before the doors slammed open, revealing an imposing figure. Cordelia, now known as the Lady of the Black Rose.

"Ah, apologies, Your Grace."

He turned to face Cordelia. "The Lady of the Black Rose. An honor. You know me as Sir Eonan, of-"

Cordelia brushed past him, kneeling before the Queen, as one would expect. What he didn't expect, was the head she placed before Ashourina.

Ashourina's former champion? Judging by the amount of blood he could smell on her, not all of which was his, he had once been worthy of the title. Ailde never had the opportunity to meet him. Now he supposed, he never would. It was poetic, in a sense, for his successor to be the one who slew him.

He stepped back, and waited for the Queen to speak.

[Raunchel]

Ashourina doesn't show a hint of a reaction when Cordelia enters, but in her head, she smiles. Another enemy fallen, another step taken in Cordelia's path to Ashourina's greatness. She doesn't care for any of them, but that knowledge lies deep in her heart, far away from all this. In her place of inner peace.

"We welcome you back, our Lady of the Black Rose. Your victory over those who refuse to see reason is most welcome at this hour, and the return of Morvalent to our fold is welcomed with the happiness of our heart. You, our lady, are truly worthy of the title granted to you, as you have done your duty as was commanded."

It was dangerous, the queen knew that, but she knew that it was the way to shatter the last of Cordelia's resistance. Or failing that, to remove her as an impurity, and to seek a new champion. There certainly were those who would serve as they must, even if it takes some years. But what are years to her, who has seen as many years as there are grains of sand in the desert.

[Sir Grave]

"I am your righteous weapon, my Queen.


"To be used..."


She looked towards the ground.


"...or to be disposed of, as you see fit."


She stood, taking her place by Ashourina's side. A servant discreetly stepped out and took the head, perhaps for Ashourina's later use.


Now it was time to address the members of the Court.


"...Forgive me. Clearly I am late.


"I see new faces. Agents who have ascended to the Court of the Immortal Queen. Welcome.


"Let us continue these proceedings."

[ValarMorgulis]

The gloom stifled a scowl as Ralidar's head was presented. Twice he had requested of Queen Ashourina her approval to murder the former Champion? And twice he had been denied by her. He had an inkling of her reasons, though she did not preesnt them to him, and now it was confirmed. He was not meant to murder Ralidar of Morvalent because it was for Lady Cordelia to do. As the Queen's right-hand, it made sense that she should dispose of the one who once held her position.

But Stilltongue could sense something in Cordelia's voice... a hint of despair.

[Drako_Beoulve]

From Cordelia's shadow, a human being is suddenly materialized.

"Hello big sis!". She gives Ashourina a friendly smile.

"Cordelia", and she lowered her voice "Nice scene back there, always love see you in action". As she was summoned, she first stop by to throw an eye to Cordelia and witnessed the killing.

"And....others!...." she slowly take a look to the other people present.

[Sir Grave]

Used to Stilltongue lurking from every shadow, Cordelia was not startled. The one who emerged, however, came as a surprise.

"...Madeline?"

What was she doing here...?

[Sir Grave]

Cordelia only allowed herself to be distracted for an instant. "...Right."

"We've placed many pieces on the board thus far. The plans for Nokoria were, last I checked, a dead end. I've yet to receive any update from King Velduvian, who is thus far, absent."

"The legacy of Sal'Veen is all but behind us... however, the assassin who impersonated Sal'veen is still at large. By any means, I want him found, and interrogated.

"There is, however, plenty of room to expand, now that you're all here."

"Allistaire Whitecastle, you might provide me an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. Originally, I had intended on leading a small force of mercenaries to liberate the halfling nation of Malgragaxia, to earn us some very grateful slaves.

"I've found I do not truly care for what happens to them. They may provide you with a good resource, and benefit the whole of Ashourina's Kingdom. In truth, I really wouldn't mind it if that whole damnable province were bled dry. The world would be better off without them. At your disposal are clansman of the orc and dwarven lands, as well as a mercenary group employed by Stonebiter. In addition, Thuraxalon, a White Dragon who has obliged to help us in exchange for kobold worshipers.

"This will allow me to handle a more... personal matter. To which, I refer to the Joyfields.

"They harbor traitors to Grimmfell, from what Stilltongue has informed me. The Joyfields, as you are all aware, has taken a firm stance against the Immortal Queen. And it is high time I accept their challenge with the overwhelming might of the Queen's armies. Her forces, combined with mine, will be more than a match for them.

This leaves two other neighboring kingdoms: Noft, and Veocral. Both do not necessarily require force. Noft has been in a state of civil war and could conceivably be brought into our fold through more subtle means. Veocral could easily become our ally in exchange for wealth and land. They are wise enough not to challenge us.

"While this area is expanded, I expect there will be a strategy to tackle the more remote areas of the world, considering the additional resources at our disposal once the first phase is complete."

[Don nadie]

Eos's expression becomes a carefully measured form of amusement, as the head of Cordellia's predecesor is so dramatically presented. He must remember to order some of the Whispers to compose a song for this occassion, perhaps one that exalts the virtues of the Dame and the treachery of her victim.

He assists calmly to her exposition. Then, with a nod, the Master of Whispers interjects.

I believe I could be useful for two of the issues you raise, Lady Cordellia... With the Queen's blessing, of course, he adds with a sly inclination of his head towards Her Majesty. Firstly, I could offer my assistance to master Stilltongue in the matter of the assassin. I do not doubt we could work well together.

I believe, however, I may be most useful dealing with our two not-so-hostile neighbours: Noft and Veocral. It may be possible to direct a few embassies towards them. As an initial approach, I may suggest offering whichever of the two submits first rights over some land taken from the other. Of course, to ensure the cooperation of the loser, we may first need to find a faction within whose land could be reappropriated without raising great complaints. That and a parallell demonstration of force against a third enemy could prove fruitful.

Alternatively, I could imagine in Rolf, a territory ravaged by civil war, the spontaneous and entirely independent uprising of commoners. Tired of their ruler's, they want a new hope... Which Her Majesty may inmediately provide, if such was her pleasure. Thus we'd have a reason to overtake the current rulers, with a mostly willing population.

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde looked towards the Master of Shadows, who smelled somewhat...Odd. If darkness had a scent, Eos would be indistinguishable from it.

"While I have no doubt in your more than adequate powers, I believe I would be more suited for the task of tracking down this impersonator. One would have been disguising themselves through magical means, and I am Her Grace's chief magehunter, after all."

"Though I suppose I could use some more information." he said, turning back to Cordelia.

Perhaps after this meeting is over?"

[ValarMorgulis]

"I leave the assassin to you", Stilltongue replies, although it's not entirely clear who he is referring to. He then resumes his customary silence.

[Sir Grave]

Cordelia addressed the two warlocks. "In that case. Eos, you'll be expected to deliver on bringing Noft and Veocral into submission. if there is anything you require to succeed, we will accommodate you.

"Ailde, we will speak further on the assasin once this meeting is concluded. But I want him alive."

She turned her attention to the Gloom. "Stilltongue. I'll require you to look into the Nokorian front. Velduvian has yet to deliver and I want to know why.
"In addition, I'll be stopping by your monastary to collect Sir Leonne."

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle

Alistaire takes in all the words of Cordelia before replying. "I see." He nods. "I believe that it well within my ability, more so with the resources provided." Crossing his arms and eyeing Cordelia with scrutiny. "What are our current relations with Malgragaxia?" His mind running over tactical options and ways to preserve as many assets as possible. "I don't often find myself in the company of... halflings."

[Sir Grave]

Alistaire Whitecastle

Alistaire takes in all the words of Cordelia before replying. "I see." He nods. "I believe that it well within my ability, more so with the resources provided." Crossing his arms and eyeing Cordelia with scrutiny. "What are our current relations with Malgragaxia?" His mind running over tactical options and ways to preserve as many assets as possible. "I don't often find myself in the company of... halflings."

She turned her attention to Alistaire. "We've had a few brief encounters with them. But they were hardly noteworthy encounters.

"King Velduvian had mentioned he helped them slay a dragon, but he was in disguise and they likely do not know of us.
"Frankly, I doubt they will be useful to us in any way, and we should just be rid of them before they become a nuisance in the long term."

[ValarMorgulis]

At hearing Lady Cordelia's instructions, and never one to follow the commands of any but the Queen herself, Stilltongue nods his head towards Queen Ashourina to see if she agrees. With her assent, he turns back to Lady Cordelia.

"It shall be done, once my current business is finished. The monastary awaits your collection of the prisoner."

[Sir Grave]

At hearing Lady Cordelia's instructions, and never one to follow the commands of any but the Queen herself, Stilltongue nods his head towards Queen Ashourina to see if she agrees. With her assent, he turns back to Lady Cordelia.

"It shall be done, once my current business is finished. The monastary awaits your collection of the prisoner."

She maintained her cold demeanor as she saw Stilltounge completely disregarded her. Not to say she didn't find it annoying and condescending, but she wasn't here to complain about how her immortal colleagues treated her.

"Consider it an oppurtunity to succeed where Velduvian is failing, if you're so hesitant to trust my judgement, Stilltongue.
"I speak for the Queen's interests. Nothing more.


She seemed unafraid of challenge. In fact she seemed welcoming of it. Anything to show her strength of will, and her quality.

[ValarMorgulis]

"Trust is a fool's sentiment."

The gloom begins to fade into the shadows. "I will await you at the monastery", he says before making a slight bow towards Queen Ashourina. A moment later, he is gone.

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle

The vampire lord pondered his options. Taking the land by force would be easy and quash any future threats, but could destroy a good resource. Enslaving the halflings would also be easy, but slaves revolt and he had little-to-no use for halfling slaves. Perhaps a diplomatic partnership? Perhaps they had a useful resource. Alistaire was quite adept at making friends, and even the most evil beings could become diplomatic allies with less evil beings.

"I will accept this mission. Though I'll first study the landscape and their culture." He nods, thoughtfully. "It sounds to me like you're saying they'll hardly be a noteworthy challenge." His eyebrow raises. "I've found, in my extensive time on this planet, that sometimes it takes little people to do little things." He smiles with that creepily charming vampire smile of his, flashing his sharp fangs. "With Lady Ashourina's approval, I'd like to first try the diplomatic approach. After all, I can't imagine a legion of halfling zombies would be of much more value than a country of halfling allies?" He doesn't disregard Cordelia's authority, but with the mysterious voice speaking out to confirm with the Queen he clearly sees the procedure around the court.

[Sir Grave]

Cordelia's stern expression remained even with Stilltongue's parting words. Pity.

Whitecastle of course meant no disrespect. Protocol did indeed have to be considered. But she at least needed to explain her reasoning.

"We can't share the land with everyone. There must be room to expand ourselves. Our legions must grow. Where shall we keep them, do you think?

"I've allowed room for negotiations with more resourceful provinces. The weak must simply fall away to make room for the strong."

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde let out an almost imperceptible sight of relief as Stilltongue vanished. He had laughed in the face of wyrms and the greatest of the fey courts alike, but the Gloom had always managed to unsettle him.

As for the mission...It rubbed him the wrong way to be taking orders from a human, even if she was just a mouth piece for the Immortal Queen. Though to be fair, Cordelia was not just any human, he reminded himself.

Who would impersonate Sal'Veen? Even the humblest commoner had heard of the Paladin, who was known for his force devotion to Heironeous. Not one of his allies, certainly. A follower of the god of Chivalry and Honor would never deflect the blame on to his peer. So it must have been someone else. But again, why impersonate the Saint?

Ailde shook his head. He knew better than to start passing judgement without a shred of evidence. He'd need to speak to Cordelia first, after this meeting was concluded.

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle

Frowning, he shook his head. Destruction for the sake of expansion seemed like a waste. All creatures could be made into investments, even meager ones such as halflings. Halflings were born to be decent rogues, a halfling ally could make for a decent spy even. After all, enemies would never suspect Alistaire to keep halflings as cohorts. But he'd say no more on the matter, if Ashourina would prefer them destroyed, he'd do so. But he'd certainly note the waste of potential, something he's come to value with his experience since time immortal.

[Sir Grave]

She would allow the Queen to decide. This was a discussion for how they would allocate the Queen's resources, after all.

Once she would not make such a cruel proposition. Not even to slavers. But she had to speak from the perspective of the sword hand. The world should know of Ashourina's grace, yes. But they should also know of her wrath.

And Malgragaxia was certainly deserving of Ashourina's wrath.

[Starmage21]

The Archwizard Aldik Adath

Aldik stood silently at The Queen's left hand, listening to all conversations presented. He never moved, standing there with an unnatural statuesque stillness. The pinpoints of crimson flame within his skull were the only indication of his changes in focus as each member of the court took their turn to speak.

Aldik waited for the next pause in the conversation between the members of the court before thrice tapping his staff upon the floor; the metal-on-stone 'clinking' noise calling all attention to him.

His deep, raspy voice echoed from within his skull though his jaw did not move

"I question any action that includes simply crushing any or all enemies. Enemies are the natural result of making decisions from a position of power such as we. If we were to crush them all, we would quickly find ourselves in command of a world whose existence is entirely devoid of life. Each of those here should know that each of the others has the power to perhaps crush a nation on their own, for we could each easily annihilate the leadership and assume command. If we were to follow such a course of action, resistance would never end. Though it may be anecdotal, I have seen this happen, and even participated in it. That world, which was once a lush green verdant paradise is now a husk of its former glory, a desert world slowly dying as those who remain fight for whats left. It is The Queen's vision that I serve willingly."

"I will advise against any such plans that will lead to the eventual ruin of this world. I would suggest instead that we focus on the things which motivate all mortals, of which can be used to encourage all those we wish for our queen to rule over to choose. The power to influence choices of other free-willed beings is where real power is. Not that which you can smash into dust, or coerce into service. Such things are temporary. Choice is powerful, and who could say that any being would ever betray their own choices? You cannot do this, I say."

[Sir Grave]

The Archwizard Aldik Adath

Aldik stood silently at The Queen's left hand, listening to all conversations presented. He never moved, standing there with an unnatural statuesque stillness. The pinpoints of crimson flame within his skull were the only indication of his changes in focus as each member of the court took their turn to speak.

Aldik waited for the next pause in the conversation between the members of the court before thrice tapping his staff upon the floor; the metal-on-stone 'clinking' noise calling all attention to him.

His deep, raspy voice echoed from within his skull though his jaw did not move

"I question any action that includes simply crushing any or all enemies. Enemies are the natural result of making decisions from a position of power such as we. If we were to crush them all, we would quickly find ourselves in command of a world whose existence is entirely devoid of life. Each of those here should know that each of the others has the power to perhaps crush a nation on their own, for we could each easily annihilate the leadership and assume command. If we were to follow such a course of action, resistance would never end. Though it may be anecdotal, I have seen this happen, and even participated in it. That world, which was once a lush green verdant paradise is now a husk of its former glory, a desert world slowly dying as those who remain fight for whats left. It is The Queen's vision that I serve willingly."

"I will advise against any such plans that will lead to the eventual ruin of this world. I would suggest instead that we focus on the things which motivate all mortals, of which can be used to encourage all those we wish for our queen to rule over to choose. The power to influence choices of other free-willed beings is where real power is. Not that which you can smash into dust, or coerce into service. Such things are temporary. Choice is powerful, and who could say that any being would ever betray their own choices? You cannot do this, I say."

Cordelia turned her attention to Aldik. "With all due respect, Aldik, your way to an extreme is too slow. It is evident to the fact that ever since we took Sal'Veen's fortress, our conquest has crawled to a snail's pace. As if this Court has no sense of urgency.


"Unfortunately, our enemy does. And that cannot be taken lightly. Once they sniff out a potential threat on the horizon, they will band together and retaliate. We will be overwhelmed if we maintain our current pace."

"I say nothing of genocide. Only that we relieve these halflings of their lands."

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle

The vampire lord smiles widely. "Oh now this is interesting." He says in a clearly excited voice. "Discord in the court of the Queen? Fascinating." He ponders his next words carefully. "Please, wonderful lady Cordelia, do not take my next words as insensitive." He looks her over fiercely, but honestly. "Many of us are not plagued by time and can watch society crumble, rise, and crumble again with little mark against our time on this world."

"As for the wise fellow on the Queen's left, I sympathize with his statement greatly. As an immortal undead that's been around for an extraordinary amount of time, I can assure you that ruling over a husk is... dissatisfying." He frowns. "I am confident I can find some use for the halfling lands and their inhabitants. In the event I cannot, I shall personally uproot their kingdom. All I ask is the chance to prove that preservation of their culture could make our illustrious lady's grasp on the world all the more powerful."

[Sir Grave]

Alistaire Whitecastle

The vampire lord smiles widely. "Oh now this is interesting." He says in a clearly excited voice. "Discord in the court of the Queen? Fascinating." He ponders his next words carefully. "Please, wonderful lady Cordelia, do not take my next words as insensitive." He looks her over fiercely, but honestly. "Many of us are not plagued by time and can watch society crumble, rise, and crumble again with little mark against our time on this world."



"Really?"

Her words were like an icy bite.

"Well, I can't.

"But I have little intention on delaying my Queen's dream. I will see her symbol within all cities, in all kingdoms.

"And thus, I will be the voice of haste, and action."

Her thoughts went to the revelation of Ralidar. Then back to the day where she fell to Ashourina's ambush. I will not be abandoned.

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle

Tapping his foot, Alistaire raises an eyebrow at Cordelia. "I do not believe action for the sake of haste is a healthy procedure." He'd intended to merely state his honest opinion that had been formed over many years, not offend Cordelia. "Seeing the Queen's symbol raised within all cities is the goal, but I'd hardly call a pile of rubble a city. I'd imagine a being as radiant as the Queen would prefer to rule a world, not a miserable pile formed from the dregs of humanity." The vampire lord is clearly dissatisfied. He'd been excited to offer years of experience and political know-how to the Queen, not be used as a primitive force of destruction.

[Sir Grave]

Cordelia was all but unfazed on the outside. But she felt the urge to break the wall on the far side of the throne room with her bare fists. This was, of course, not Allistaire's fault. She was speaking more from a place of desperation.

"...We've made our arguments, Allistaire. Aldik.

"We'll let the Queen decide the best course of action."

Her blood boiled in anticipation. Her only wish was her Queen's favor. To deliver her the world. If only she could see...

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde folded his arms. Now this was interesting. While he laughed at the pitiful lifespans of the mortal races, he had to admit that it gave them a certain drive. He had seen many of his immortal brethren succumb to ennui, becoming unresponsive to anything outside of their own.

Though many mortals died with their dreams unfilled, while immortals had all the time in the world to complete their goals.

He would leave this to Ashourina, as one should.

But Aldik's response gave him pause. He came from another world, one that was now barren and lifeless? That would explain many things. He'd need to question him about it, which he imagined would be like trying to spark a fire using ice.

[Sir Grave]

It was difficult for anyone to reach the monastery without invitation. But Cordelia was invited. Not that she liked it much here.

She entered. In spite of the suspense, she pressed on, unafraid, expecting Stilltongue to greet her.

[ValarMorgulis]

The House of Silence, once home to several hundred monks of X -- now a tomb where the sound is that of the howling mountain winds and cracking ice during the cold, dark winters.

Cordelia arrives at the base of a long, winding staircase, slick with rime and treacherous, loose stones. Crumbling watchtowers guard the outer permiter of the monastery, which is in a similarly decrepit state.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/04/5c/e3/045ce37ffc2295e084165de4e6125537.jpg

[Sir Grave]

The House of Silence, once home to several hundred monks of X -- now a tomb where the sound is that of the howling mountain winds and cracking ice during the cold, dark winters.

Cordelia arrives at the base of a long, winding staircase, slick with rime and treacherous, loose stones. Crumbling watchtowers guard the outer permiter of the monastery, which is in a similarly decrepit state.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/04/5c/e3/045ce37ffc2295e084165de4e6125537.jpg

Cordelia continued to walk the treacherous steps. One she was at the entrance, she awaited the doors to open.

[ValarMorgulis]

Just inside the entrance hall, where the feeble light from the tall, but narrow windows is quickly swallowed up by cloying darkness -- a somewhat treacherous looking old man waits.

He smiles as Lady Cordelia arrives.

"Are you ready?"

https://files.slack.com/files-pri/T3PBB8RB9-F4XDXDSAY/elodan.jpg?pub_secret=6113666495

[Sir Grave]

Just inside the entrance hall, where the feeble light from the tall, but narrow windows is quickly swallowed up by cloying darkness -- a somewhat treacherous looking old man waits.

He smiles as Lady Cordelia arrives.

"Are you ready?"

Cordelia looked at the old man. Unfazed. "...Sure."

[ValarMorgulis]

The old man lifts his hands from his sides, and as he does so the darkness reaches with him, rushing forward to envelop him and Lady Cordelia in a cocoon of shadows.

Then, as the darkness recedes, Lady Cordelia sees that she is in the same spot, but not quite the same place. She still stands in the entrance hall, but it is as if all color has been leached out, leaving only shades of gray. The light entering the hall is even more feeble than before, struggling to reach even a few feet into the room before succumbing to the everpresent dark.

Most interestingly, the entrance hall is no longer empty, as creatures amble through the darkness in near silence -- with only a few whispers and the rustle of clothing betraying their presence.

The old man reaches into his robes and takes out a small figurine; a crude basalt carving of a humanoid figure holding a dagger against his chest, point down.

"You will need this", he whispers in his low, gravely voice. "And call me Elodan, if you must call me anything."

[Sir Grave]

The old man lifts his hands from his sides, and as he does so the darkness reaches with him, rushing forward to envelop him and Lady Cordelia in a cocoon of shadows.

Then, as the darkness recedes, Lady Cordelia sees that she is in the same spot, but not quite the same place. She still stands in the entrance hall, but it is as if all color has been leached out, leaving only shades of gray. The light entering the hall is even more feeble than before, struggling to reach even a few feet into the room before succumbing to the everpresent dark.

Most interestingly, the entrance hall is no longer empty, as creatures amble through the darkness in near silence -- with only a few whispers and the rustle of clothing betraying their presence.

The old man reaches into his robes and takes out a small figurine; a crude basalt carving of a humanoid figure holding a dagger against his chest, point down.

"You will need this", he whispers in his low, gravely voice. "And call me Elodan, if you must call me anything."




Cordelia took the carving. "Thank you, Elodan."

This was Stiltongue's domain. A place of darkness. Few mortals would survive long here.

But it she was Ashourina's Champion.

"Is your master ready to see me?"

OOC: SO casting darkvision.

[ValarMorgulis]

Elodan walks down the hall, Lady Cordelia at his side. Her footsteps echo loudly off the stone floor, and she feels the eyes of the other beings in the hall as they glare at her with milky white eyes -- their diminuitive bodies wrapped nearly from head to toe in filthy rags. A few similarly dressed, but significantly taller humanoids also watch from the distance.

Soon they reach a side passage and then a stone door, inlaid with arcane runes, guarded on each side by the dessicated corpse of a former monk.

"Show them the figurine", he whispers.

The door swings silently open at their arrival and Elodan slips through, waiting for Cordelia to follow.

Once past the door, they descend a long, spiraling stairway. Elodan doesn't seem at all affected by the complete lack of light, and his footsteps, light as they were, fade to complete silence.

[Sir Grave]

As they walked, Cordelia smirked. "Remind me to praise Master Stilltongue for the warming air of hospitality in his home."

[Don nadie]

Eos responds to the Lady's words with a soft inclination of his head. Unlike Stilltongue, however, he doesn't inmediately abandon the throne room. He seems quite interested in the discussion between Aldik and Cordelia. He's naturally a cautious man, and thus inclined towards the Archwizard's position... Finally, he offers his opinion:

Myself, I'd prefer caution and to avoid devastation... If only because enslaved villages and razed cities make for excellent propaganda in the hands of our enemies. People must submit to the glorious Queen, but the best slave is always the one who chooses his own chains, he adds with a sly smile.

-------------

When the Queen's servants begin to leave, Eos joins them. He bows himself before the throne one last time.

I shall deliver you both realms, my Queen... If possible, by their own volition.

With a few words, Eos steps into the shadows and he too dissapears. A few minutes later he emerges into the stronghold of the Queen's Whispers, Silversheen Mannor. It is a mansion in the Astral Plane from which Eos's followers are dispatched. The arquitecture is daunting and impossible, with columns and arches which defy gravity and sense.

Eos begins by sending a few of his followers for some information... Knowing is, after all, half the battle. They scout the archives of the Mannor, convoluted corridors which seem connected to one another in a non-linear way. Eventually, his followers return with a few of the documents, which Eos begins to study.


So... I'd like Eos to use Knowledge (local) to learn more about the two kingdoms he's been tasked with.
I'm presuming its local, though feel free to correct me. Main concerns for Eos are:

-Reasons for the recent civil war in Rolf (and factions of it)
-Goverment of Veocral
-Relations between the two kingdoms
-Important people to begin checking out...

Though of course you may give whatever info is good for the plot from your point of view :) Anyhow,
rolling:

[roll0]

[Raunchel]

The queen listens in silently, taking in all the information. The discord is unfortunate, but she doesn't know a way to avoid it. Not without killing all but one of her underlings. And what would then be the point of having a court? No. She must act, she must choose.

"It is our desire to welcome all peoples into our protection. We wish to see these halflings brought to submission. We are merciful and kind, but if they will not submit freely, it is our command that they will be made to see reason, even if it means their removal from life or other such measures. Lord Whitecastle and the master of Silversheen Manor will complete this task."

She looks over everyone, containing herself. "It furthermore is our wish that Ailde finds the imposter, and removes this individual. We will not tolerate such opposition. The Archwizard will lend his assistance where his expertise is most needed, and Madeline shall lend her assistance in flushing out the assassin, as we believe that it will be proper entertainment. For now, we wish the Lady of the Black Rose to remain with us, there are matters that must be spoken of."

[ValarMorgulis]

The old man chuckles softly at Cordelia's words, but says nothing.

The two traverse the winding stairways and narrow corridors deep in the bowels of the monastery, passing by many magical guardian runes and other deadly traps. Finally, they reach the dungeon. Elodan stops at one of the cells.

"Sir Leonne. What's left of him, anyways."

[Sir Grave]

The queen listens in silently, taking in all the information. The discord is unfortunate, but she doesn't know a way to avoid it. Not without killing all but one of her underlings. And what would then be the point of having a court? No. She must act, she must choose.

"It is our desire to welcome all peoples into our protection. We wish to see these halflings brought to submission. We are merciful and kind, but if they will not submit freely, it is our command that they will be made to see reason, even if it means their removal from life or other such measures. Lord Whitecastle and the master of Silversheen Manor will complete this task."

She looks over everyone, containing herself. "It furthermore is our wish that Ailde finds the imposter, and removes this individual. We will not tolerate such opposition. The Archwizard will lend his assistance where his expertise is most needed, and Madeline shall lend her assistance in flushing out the assassin, as we believe that it will be proper entertainment. For now, we wish the Lady of the Black Rose to remain with us, there are matters that must be spoken of."
It was no suprise that Ashourina took the side of the majority when it came to Malgragaxia. She allowed her ego to be set aside on that front.


But she immediatley realized that she mentioned nothing of Cordelia's proposed plans for the Joyfields. Her confusion as she looked at her Queen was completely visible.


"..."


Was she completely disregarded?


"...as... you wish."


There was anger. But fear and despair as well. She had only wished to prove she could be more than a simple tool. She wished to prove she could be more to her. But her desires continue to go unanswered. What could she do to make her see?







The old man chuckles softly at Cordelia's words, but says nothing.

The two traverse the winding stairways and narrow corridors deep in the bowels of the monastery, passing by many magical guardian runes and other deadly traps. Finally, they reach the dungeon. Elodan stops at one of the cells.

"Sir Leonne. What's left of him, anyways."

Cordelia looked upon Leonne. Naturally, he looked like hell. Stilltongue's realm has a tendency to do that to those who tarry long. Which Cordelia had no desire to do.

She lifted Leonne by the arm. "Come, Sir Leonne. It's time."

[Drako_Beoulve]

Madeline Shadowstrings

She became too quiet that everyone in the room almost forget she was there.

"As you please big sister!" and she bowed.



There was anger. But fear and despair as well. She had only wished to prove she could be more than a simple tool. She wished to prove she could be more to her. But her desires continue to go unanswered. What could she do to make her see?


Madeline, knowing Cordelia very well, noted she is pissed off with the outcome, and wanted to comfort her but business isn't over yet and both have to go different ways again.

[rweird]

OoC: Eos is the master of Silversheen Manor.

Cordelia:
"Well past time, I would say." he leans heavily on you, he seems weak, and probably undernourished.

Eos:
OoC: For one thing, it is Noft, not Roft. The first page of the OoC thread under Ashourizar's Immediate Neighbors gives some information, although I'll give more in-depth stuff.

The civil war in Noft started some 35 years ago, although its roots go back almost 60 years. King Gewith had six children, each of which was married to a major house to secure the throne. This would have been a good idea, had the succession not ran into problems. Following King Gewith's death (about 40 years ago), his firstborn (who had fathered a child of his own the previous year) was crowned and went on a tour of the country. During his tour, an inn he was staying in caught fire. He, his child, wife, and several servants all perished. King Gewith's next oldest children were his twin daughters Eylahan and Sibwegh, both of whom claimed to be the rightful heir. Eventually the sisters agreed to rule jointly, and that the throne would pass down the line of the latter one to die. Initially, this seemed to end the conflict, but over the next few years, the sisters grew increasingly at odds as it came to tax policy, and policy towards Veacrol. Sibwegh supported expansion into Veacrol, and believed plunder from Veacrol could pay for the expedition. Eylahan wanted to improve border defenses and thought a war would be too costly. Duke Raymond, who stood to benefit from the war ordered the assassination of Eylahan. Raymond was married to Vaneth, Gewith's forth child.

When vengeance was demanded against Raymond, he claimed he was acting on Sibwegh's orders, which caused Eylahan's heir Donson to declare the agreement to be illegitimate, and claimed to be the rightful king. Sibwegh denied having anything to do with her sister's assassination, and asserted that she was the rightful queen. Raymond, to protect himself, argued that Sibwegh's assassination invalidated her claim, but at the same time, the as Eylahan predeceased her, the throne would not pass to Donson, and that Vaneth was the rightful queen. This started the civil war, nobles joining one of these three factions. Gewith's fifth born supported Donson, while his youngest remained neutral. As the civil war progressed, with further marriages for alliances, the number of claimants multiplied as the power of each faction weakened, giving weaker and weaker nobles an opportunity to press their own claims.

Donson II currently rules as king, being crowned two months ago, and established a truce, pardoning everyone in exchange for peace. However, he is practically bankrupt, and unable to pay his debts, his faction is fracturing and power dwindles. Other nobles are unwilling to pay higher taxes to fund his administration, so it looks like soon the realm will return to war. Factions change quickly, and allegiances between them, there is a saying among the peasantry that you can't throw a stone without hitting a king or queen, as by now, practically every noble house has a claim of some validity. Currently however, major ones include the Eylahanian faction, which follows the line of succession as if Eylahan was the true queen. Raymond's son also still has significant support, claiming to be the rightful queen, his claimed passed from Vaneth. The Gewithians, who follow the descendants of Gewith's sixth son, claiming that bloodshed between kin is an abomination and disqualified everyone who initially participated in the war support Yindil. The Johnsonites have a very dubious claim, stemming from a marriage of Gewith's grandmother, traced down several generations, but during previous truces, managed to get members of house Johnson on the throne. Finally, peasants have grown quite sick of the war, and the taxes required to pay for it, and while not exactly organized, there have been a number of tax revolts.

Veacrol is smaller than Noft, but much more stable. It has been a period of peace (until recently) for nearly a hundred years, with a peaceful transition of power. Previously however, the realm was rather decentralized, the crown exerting little power over the nobility. With queen Julia's ascension, she has managed to significantly centralize. She is a very charismatic leader, and well connected. With this, and a series of political maneuvers to destroy potential rivals, she has expanded royal holdings, and asserted new royal prerogatives, which the nobility essentially accepted. Seeing Noft's turmoil, in the past five years she has conquered significant parts of Noft, nearly unopposed.

Important people to look into for...
Veacrol: Julia
Noft: Leaders of the aforementioned factions, Donson II, Durond Greenwood (an as-of-yet unaligned noble, and probably the richest nobles in Noft)

Did I miss anything?

[Bad Wolf]

"As you wish, Your Grace." He bowed deeply, leaving the room after. As much as he wished to hear the undoubtedly heated conversation that was to follow, the Queen's Word was the Law.

-------

As Cordelia left the throne room (or stomped out, one might say), Ailde fell into step beside her.

"Three questions about this assassin. When did this happen, what, if any, magic was used,
and what did they say? Oh, and if there were any other witnesses I'll need to talk to them too."

[ValarMorgulis]

Elodan hands Cordelia a hood to put over Sir Leonne's head.

What will you do with him?", he asks, although it doesn't sound like he particularly cares about the answer.

[Sir Grave]

OoC: Eos is the master of Silversheen Manor.

Cordelia:
"Well past time, I would say." he leans heavily on you, he seems weak, and probably undernourished.




Elodan hands Cordelia a hood to put over Sir Leonne's head.

"What will you do with him?", he asks, although it doesn't sound like he particularly cares about the answer.

"He is a traitor to the Queen. He must be made an example of."

She spoke with Leonne softly. "...If only I could have helped the conditions of your prison. For this, I apologize."


"As you wish, Your Grace." He bowed deeply, leaving the room after. As much as he wished to hear the undoubtedly heated conversation that was to follow, the Queen's Word was the Law.

-------

As Cordelia left the throne room (or stomped out, one might say), Ailde fell into step beside her.

"Three questions about this assassin. When did this happen, what, if any, magic was used,
and what did they say? Oh, and if there were any other witnesses I'll need to talk to them too."

The door creaked open after quite some time in there. Cordelia didn't seem angry. More disturbed, than anything. But she attempted to hold herself together. It was so difficult with these wounds...

"...Weeks ago. In the dead of night. The day we claimed victory over Thryvaak Sal'Veen.

"Swarms of centipedes were conjured into my chambers. But I was also left with a warning. A visage of Sal'veen... who I knew to be dead.

"He warned me of knives in the dark. That I would be subject to attempts on my life, and to those I care about."

"...The only other one who was with me was my handmaiden, Anna. She was in bed with me when it happened... I saved her life."

Her eyes darkened. "...If you need to question her, I'd suggest you do it soon."

"Is that all?"

[Raunchel]

Ashourina remains with Cordelia, she has matters to discuss with her champion. Once all the others are gone, she stands up, lightly stepping towards her champion. She brushes her fingers across her face, mystical energy flowing from them, removing her injuries. "Cordelia, our beloved champion, our Lady of the Black Rose. Something is troubling you."

[Sir Grave]

Ashourina remains with Cordelia, she has matters to discuss with her champion. Once all the others are gone, she stands up, lightly stepping towards her champion. She brushes her fingers across her face, mystical energy flowing from them, removing her injuries. "Cordelia, our beloved champion, our Lady of the Black Rose. Something is troubling you."

Cordelia breathed in, slowly, and exhaled. First, protocol.


"...May I speak freely?"

[Raunchel]

"You may. You are high in our esteem, and we are eager to hear what you have to say.", the Queen replied kindly.

[Bad Wolf]

A swarm of centipedes? Humans had their flaws, surely, but even he was skeptical. It would most likely take a little bit more to put down the Lady of the Black Rose. Perhaps it was for Anna, her lover, who would have proved far more susceptible. But like she had explained, Cordelia was able to save her.

Most likely it was some sort of psychological attack. The warnings of further attempts on her and her loved ones, the sight of an enemy thought to be dead....

It seemed less likely that it had been Sal'Veen (his code of honour seemed to clash with these actions), though he could not rule it out entirely. He would need to talk to Anna.

"Yes, I suppose. I'm sure Anna can answer any other questions I have."

Ailde paused for a moment. He didn't entirely trust Cordelia. She seemed too brash, too ready to pick up a sword when a quill would do. But he felt it needed to be said.

"I do this out of no ill-will towards you, Lady Cordelia...but I feel that it would be best to talk to Anna alone."

[Sir Grave]

"You may. You are high in our esteem, and we are eager to hear what you have to say.", the Queen replied kindly.

Cordelia had no desire to disrespect her queen. No desire to threaten her. She turned away.


"You speak those words, Queen, but I feel you do not mean them. And don't bother to deny.

"You can only lie enough times before I simply piece the evidence together myself.

"You don't hold me in high esteem. You see me as a tool. A means to an end.

"I've always known this. Do you truly think I am so naive? That I don't understand that I'm just some insignificant drop of water amidst your vast ocean of life as it were?

"Yet I still serve. I remain loyal. In the hopes that you will see how worthy I am. How I can be more.


She had paced her way to one of the pillars on the left side of the room.


"But then, how can I be different from the ones before me? They served loyally. They loved you.

"Where was Ralidar? Where did he end up?

"Cast out from your presence! Left to suffer in a barren wasteland that was once his home! Waiting for me to kill him!

"Is this how your devoted servants are rewarded?! Is this what will happen to me?!"


CRACK!!


Her fist slammed into the pillar, the strength of her blow left a spidering crack as stone crumpled to the ground.


"...You swore... you would never abandon me.

"You took me, a broken woman, forsaken by all that she loved. And you swore you would never abandon me.

"You could have just let me die.

"But you wanted to use me..."



Her trembling hand fell to the side, and she turned to her queen.


"...I had hoped it was more. I ignored the truth.

"I only wanted to see you smile. I only wanted you to be happy."


She approached her Queen. She felt the need to touch her, just to graze her hand across her cheek.

"...I..."

Cordelia could not say it. She resisted, kneeling instead.

"Tell me I can be more to you. Tell me how I can be worthy of your love.

"Tell me what I must do."



A swarm of centipedes? Humans had their flaws, surely, but even he was skeptical. It would most likely take a little bit more to put down the Lady of the Black Rose. Perhaps it was for Anna, her lover, who would have proved far more susceptible. But like she had explained, Cordelia was able to save her.

Most likely it was some sort of psychological attack. The warnings of further attempts on her and her loved ones, the sight of an enemy thought to be dead....

It seemed less likely that it had been Sal'Veen (his code of honour seemed to clash with these actions), though he could not rule it out entirely. He would need to talk to Anna.

"Yes, I suppose. I'm sure Anna can answer any other questions I have."

Ailde paused for a moment. He didn't entirely trust Cordelia. She seemed too brash, too ready to pick up a sword when a quill would do. But he felt it needed to be said.

"I do this out of no ill-will towards you, Lady Cordelia...but I feel that it would be best to talk to Anna alone."

Cordelia's steely eyes met Ailde's gaze, to clearly communicate her resentment. "I can manage without your coddling. Thank you."

She walked past the mage-hunter, the soft clanking of her boots echoing through the halls. "Do what you must. I've other matters to attend to."

[Raunchel]

Ashourina could be described as many things, and one of the most common was heartless. There were only a few who knew the truth, who knew that she loved, that she cared. It was a hidden place, far away from mortal eyes. She doesn't love Cordelia, she sees her as a tool. But some tools are more valuable than others, and so, for the first time in the presence of her champion, the queen shows shock on her face. And not merely shock, there is a deep sadness, along with pain.

"Cordelia, I...", she lets a silence drop, showing her confusion.

After a pause, she breathes in deeply before continuing in a weak voice, filled with emotion: "Please, don't say such things. We, I, I care deeply for you. More than you can imagine. You aren't like the others, because there is something in you, something that I saw once, a long time ago. I, I am sorry for making you feel like this. But everything I did, I did it to help you. To let you become who you are. Ralidar was different, he lacked the heart that you have. He didn't believe in my vision for the world. You're not like that, Cordelia."

Again, she pauses, standing in front of Cordelia with slumped shoulders, looking down at her champion. Slowly, she squats down, placing her thin fingers on her cheeks: "I don't need you to prove your worthiness, because you are more than worthy. But, I have a confession to make."

She looks into Cordelia's eyes: "We are surrounded by treason. You and me both. I, I wanted to spare you this, I planned on arranging an accident to spare you the pain. Anna, the girl who has drawn your eye. She, she. No, I should not tell you. I should spare you."

[Sir Grave]

For the first time, It seemed, her words broke through the Ashourina's icy shell, and she was heard. But before Cordelia had time to process the Queen's change in tone, she had brought up Anna.

"..."

"What has she done?"

[Raunchel]

"She, she has been plotting. She works with those who resist my rule.", Ashourina said, almost whispering it, "She has a mission, and that is to take you away, my dearest Cordelia. She has been sent and trained to win you over, to seek to undo all that we have worked on. I am sorry."

[Sir Grave]

"..."

Could that be true?

From the moment she had met Anna, she was taken to her. Perhaps it was simply her appearance... she had almost looked like her Queen, and she had slept with her at a time where she felt scorned by Ashourina. Or it was the fact she felt the overwhelming need to protect someone, to have them under her care. Perhaps it was simple lonliness, or depression. The longing for a life she once had.

The attempts on her life. Turning her against other members of the court. Portraying Ashourina as threatening her. Just the other day she had been found with another in her own chambers.

Had she simply turned a blind eye to it?

...Or was this simply another lie?

Who should she believe?

One thing was for certain. There was a choice. Perhaps it wasn't a matter of whom she should believe.

Perhaps it was more of a matter of who she wished to believe.

This was the Queen's test of will. Who would keep Cordelia's heart? Anna? Or Ashourina?

It was for Cordelia to decide.

"...I see."

She stood."...you've shown me much, my Queen.

"...I must meditate on this. Decide where I should place my faith. For I do not see the way.

[Bad Wolf]

He nodded, once again wondering what had transpired. Perhaps, he would ask the Queen, when he brought her the head of the 'assassin'. "I have no doubt of that, I..."

But by then she had already walked away.

"Very well." Ailde could live with hurting a human's feelings. He walked further into the castle, finding a guard who didn't look too stupid.

"Take me to Lady Cordelia's room. I must speak with her handmaiden Anna."

[rweird]

Ailde:
The guard leads you up a tower to Cordelia's chambers. Anna is looking out the window over Grimfell. She turns as you enter with a start, stumbling backwards, back pressed against the wall.

Cordelia:
"I think I've been in a gilded prison long enough, but thank you for your concern."

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde stepped in, dismissing the guard.

"I mean you no harm. I am Ailde Eònan, in service to the Queen. Im conducting an investigation into the attack you and Cordelia suffered a while ago. Your assistance would be appreciated." Conjuring a high-backed chair from nothingness, he sat down and made another for Anna.

"Please, sit down."

As he has a constant Greater Arcane Sight active, he quickly looks her over for anything unusual.

[rweird]

Ailde: The only notable thing about Anna is a crystal on her forehead, although you don't detect any magical auras.

Anna approaches tentatively. She gives a start when you mention "the Queen" and a second when you conjure a chair. She sits on the edge of the bed instead, obviously suspicious. "How can I be of assistance?" she asks warily. "Where is Cordelia?"

[Bad Wolf]

"She's busy, on other important matters for the Queen. And I wished to speak to you alone. On that note, nothing you say to me will be told to to anyone else, except the Queen should she ask about you in particular. Though I expect you are not in her realm of focus."

As he paused, he looked around the room. Nothing he found particularly interesting.

"I was wondering who knows about your relationship with Lady Cordelia. Friends, other servants, perhaps family...?"

[rweird]

Ailde:
At the mention of wanting to talk alone she gives another start, rising and making for the door. It is obvious Anna doesn't believe you when claim she is "not in [Ashourina's] realm of focus." "Other servants almost certainly. Soldiers, hell, it probably is the gossip of the entire city by now if not beyond. Velduvian, his fey, the Queen, at least one shape changer who takes Cordelia's form. Possibly a second. On one occasion it seduced me, on another it reported to Cordelia something about traitors."

Anna seems uncomfortable with this, like you are playing at something to torment her. She also seems to be trying to deflect attention away from people she knows well, although she doesn't think any of them would be responsible for the assassination attempts. She also seems suspicious of your claim that this is confidential, or that Cordelia would approve. While in recent days she's had no shortage of powerful figures popping in and out of her life, there is little indication that she knows who you are, and she obviously doesn't trust you one bit.

OoC: I believe the room has some magical auras in it. I think like a permanent private sanctum, maybe forbiddance or some other sort of defensive spell like that which can be made permanent. Sorry I neglected to mention that earlier.

[Bad Wolf]

At the mention of the Fey King's name, Ailde could barely hide his look of disgust. The Courts of Pandemonium and Arborea escaped his onslaught, hidden with powerful magic, but he had heard tales of the hundreds upon hundreds that were not so lucky. Both of them served the Queen for now, however...

Well, that train of thought went nowhere. As efficient as his inquisitors were, even they could not process the entire city.

Ailde composed himself. "I know that you don't believe me, but I swear on The Blood that I am trying to help you. Would you be more comfortable talking in another place, perhaps? I don't believe Cordelia is available, but anywhere else is available."

[rweird]

"You think I'm withholding information about who tried to kill me?" Anna asks incredulously. "Why are you really here? To help me?" She scoffs. She seems uncomfortable with you maintaining what she obviously views as a charade.

Her making for the door was to get away from you, rather than to go anywhere else.

[Sir Grave]

The room Cordelia meditated in was secluded, dark and cold. She had avoided this practice often, usually she was not able to quiet her mind. But now, it was necessary in order to proceed.
The smell of the incense flooded her nostrils. She breathed. And then she began observing.

Her heart was split between her Queen, and her handmaiden. It has caused much conflict as of late. She had no desire to give up either, but the time had come where she needed to make a choice.

But who loved her? Who lied to her?

This was the wrong train of thought, she found. She cannot reasonably assess what was reality in this scenario. She continued to observe, going deeper than her thoughts.

What did she want?
Why does she serve Ashourina? To Cordelia, Ashourina is everything. Her sense of purpose. The reason she does what she does. There isn't a moment where Ashourina strays from her thoughts.

Why does she serve Anna? Anna listened to her. She dared to love Cordelia in spite of everything she took from her. She is kind, affectionate.

... or was that only because Cordelia needed her to be these things?

This was a time where it seemed Ashourina did not truly love Cordelia. She thought herself as nothing but a weapon and needed a moment where she felt human. She needed someone's affection. Someone to love her. And it was so easy to simply invite a handmaiden into her chambers, and then into her life.

But now... now she wonders if Ashourina is more than what she seems. She saw for herself. She emoted with Cordelia. What she felt was impossible had become possible.
Was there hope? Could Cordelia prove her worthiness to Ashourina? Could Ashourina be come to love Cordelia the way Cordelia loved her?

Did she really need Anna?

But she swore to protect her...
...


An hour had passed. She stood.
She knew what she had to do.

[Bad Wolf]

For a moment, he thought about merely crushing her will and getting the information he wanted through magic. No, that would just turn Cordelia against me.

Ailde sighed, getting up. Shapechangers and tyrants. It was enough to make anyone paranoid, especially a simple handmaiden. "Very well. I can see I'm not getting anywhere. If there's anything you find later that you wish to tell me, Cordelia can contact me. A pleasure to meet you."

He bowed slightly, leaving the room. A moment later, the two chairs vanished, as if they had never existed at all.

What to do now? Sal'Veen's fortress had been overrun days ago, but there might be some valuable clues there. Though if Sal'Veen was still alive, he would be an idiot to return to a fortress that was razed to the ground.

Still, it was better than nothing. Returning back home, he fetched his staff and readied his magic for whatever task was ahead.

Realized I didn't prepare my Tome Ranger spells,
so I'm doing it now. Using up one charge from the Staff of Passage for Teleporting to Sal'Veen's fortress.

[Sir Grave]

Later, Cordelia went to her chambers, where she would find Anna. Her steps were soft. Her expression calm.

She opened the door. Saw her handmaiden. Though she had become so much more to her.

"...Anna."

Anna at first seemed paranoid or concerned, but it fell away when Cordelia arrived. She smiled, approaching Cordelia and kissing her. "I'm really glad you're back. How was the mission?"

Cordelia looked away. "...successful."

There was an awkward pause. Anna noticed something was off. "...Cordelia, what's the matter?"

Cordelia was compelled to memorize the details of Anna's face. Especially her eyes. There was something she hadn't noticed before... her eyes were slightly different from her Queen's. Slightly more green.

"I..."

Cordelia placed a hand on Anna's cheek. "I love you, Anna. You know this, right?"

"No matter what happens, I will always love you."

Anna was concerned. "...I know you do.
"What's wrong?"

Cordelia took Anna in her embrace. She wished to hold her. She held on for a long few moments, to soak her in, to feel her warmth.

A tear strolled down Cordelia's cheek before her eyes darkened...

"...I'm sorry."

Her powers manifested, the necromancy flooded Anna's body and soul. Cordelia had hoped it would be quick. Her regret was that it wasn't. Anna somehow managed to resist, she struggled in vain to escape Cordelia's hold.

"No Anna! Please... just let go..."

She continued to drain her life force. "...Just let go..."

"It'll be over soon..."

The struggle became less, until it was no more.

Anna had died.

Cordelia knelt, holding Anna's body in her arms before gently placing her on floor. She stared long at her pale, lifeless face, staring blankly at nothing.

Cordelia closed Anna's eyes as a pair of guards came charging in. "Milady! We heard distress! What happened?"

She grazed her hand across Anna's cheek.

"...She was a traitor to the Queen."

[rweird]

Ailde:
Sal'Veen's fortress is relatively intact, although damage is visible on the tower and the wall on top of the gate. moderate abjuration is present in some parts of the fortress, and in a large part of the sky above, although parts are removed. The area is still Hallowed (IIRC). Aldik has been working to dismantle Sal'Veen's wards. I don't remember if the slain were animated or not, I think they weren't, but don't really recall.

[Sir Grave]

Anna's remains were being handled by her guards. They would see to it she recieved a proper burial.

In the meantime, there was much to prepare for. She made her way for the platform of etheral jaunting to collect Sir Leonne. The whole way, she was deep into her thoughts.

Well, there's no denying it now.

I'm a monster.

She had passed by two of her Knights of the Black Rose. They took the time to salute their Lady before moving on.

It's high time I owned up to it. I've made my choice.

Who knows? Perhaps Ashourina was right about Anna. Perhaps she was a traitor and I did the right thing.

Regardless, there's no point in ignoring who and what I am.

I am Ashourina's sword, a manifestation of her will. And her will be done.

I can't have regrets.

She opened the doors that accessed one of the higher towers. She made her way up the spiraling steps.

No.

I have no regrets.

Ashourina is everything. Anna...

...Anna is nothing...

...was nothing to me.

My people are nothing compared to my Queen. They don't deserve my patience. My mercy. For all I have shown them, they spit in my face.

No more.

She made it to the top of the tower. Activated the platform of etheral jaunting.

I tire of traitors, spies and assassins. I tire of my people's ungratefulness.

They want a tyrant?

Well...

She stepped onto the platform, which whisked her away to Stilltongue's monastery.

They'll have one.

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle

The lord of vampires takes a knee when Ashourina speaks to him. "Your will be done, my lady." He smiles, face turned towards the ground. "I thank you for this opportunity."

He bows and, assuming it is appropriate, takes leave of the room in search of a war room to plan with Eos.

[Bad Wolf]

The scent of the long dead was actually a blessing compared to the stench of undead. Putting on his mask and cowl he walked along the walls, analyzing the magic used. Sal'Veen had some powerful friends.

He stopped at one section of the wall that had it's wards removed, and blasted through it with Eldritch energy. Neatly stepping through the Ailde-sized hole, he made his way to the inside of the keep, having an eye out for any more magical traps.


Greater Arcane Sight allows me to automatically see what spells are active so he's relying on that rather than making any spot checks.

[rweird]

Ailde:
Out of Character: There was a plan to eventually repair and garrison the fortress with your people at some point. The fortress wasn't very badly damaged in the battle. Also, the fortress walls are built around walls of force, so I don't think you really could eldritch blast your way in (not to mention wall sections having hundreds of hp and taking multiple eldritch blasts). Just flying over would work better. There is enough room between the forbiddance in the sky and the top of the walls.

This all is largely irrelevant though, you can search the fortress as much as you'd like, but there is no sign of it being inhabited by anyone other than Aldik since Sal'Veen's demise. There might be a few Sacred Items left lying around, and a couple of areas still might be enchanted by celestial brilliance, and there are some continual flames and glowing orbs to provide illumination. Aldik I think is about halfway through the process of disjoining all this stuff to destroy the wards, so the sacred items/celestial brilliance's and such would overlap with the areas inside the forbiddance effect.

I'm not sure if Ailde would know this, but Cordelia essentially deceived Sal'Veen, claiming she was going to send help (Sal'Veen didn't know Grimfell had fallen), and planned on her soldiers attacking once inside the fortress, although they preemptively attacked the fortress after someone started opening gates spewing holy water and lava in the middle of Ashourina's throne room, although Cordelia still felt kind of guilty about the deception.

A projected image taking the form of Sal'Veen had appeared earlier after another knight failed to kill Cordelia with a poisoned sword, and summoned an Air Elemental Monolith which used the sword and nearly killed her, before trapping her in a dimensionally locked forcecage (with the help of traitorous knights) and generally taunted Cordelia about abandoning her duty. When the court killed Sal'Veen, Sal'Veen appeared surprised that Cordelia had betrayed Grimfell and expressed regret, which implies the impostor was the one who attacked Cordelia earlier. The knights, when questioned, believed that they were working with Sal'Veen, so it is possible the impostor assumed the guise of someone honorable to help conspire with other people with their own (twisted) sense of honor. The illusionary Sal'Veen also lacked various noticeable enchantments (Celestial Brilliance being active on a lot of his items) that the real one had no more than a few minutes later.

[Sir Grave]

Cordelia looked at the old man. "..."

"Such a pity.

"I was hoping to be welcomed by your master personally."

[ValarMorgulis]

Like ink running on wet parchment, Elodan's features become increasingly drab and indistinct, until he is no longer recognizable as anyone in particular. The transformation continues, however, and Cordelia recognizes the creature now moving beside her as the gloom assassin, Stilltongue. He subtly waves a hand at Sir Leonne.

"Did I not say that I would await you here? I expected you to be more perceptive..."

Using silence ability on Sir Leonne so he can't hear our conversation

[Sir Grave]

Like ink running on wet parchment, Elodan's features become increasingly drab and indistinct, until he is no longer recognizable as anyone in particular. The transformation continues, however, and Cordelia recognizes the creature now moving beside her as the gloom assassin, Stilltongue. He subtly waves a hand at Sir Leonne.

"Did I not say that I would await you here? I expected you to be more perceptive..."

Using silence ability on Sir Leonne so he can't hear our conversation

Her expression remained unchanged. "You are beyond any concept of perception, Stilltongue. Like something unknown in the void."

"Especially your... intentions."

She paused.

"...You must have taken great pleasure, instilling fear into the hearts of my men, or so they once were."

[ValarMorgulis]

The gloom chuckled dryly. "Yes, some, Lady of the Black Rose. And I am not finished with them yet. I have barely begun. There was much I would have liked to do to this one."

[Sir Grave]

The gloom chuckled dryly. "Yes, some, Lady of the Black Rose. And I am not finished with them yet. I have barely begun. There was much I would have liked to do to this one."

"One day, perhaps, there will be no need for such cruelty in Ashourina's World.

"But I suppose, for now, it is necessary.

"...Tell me.

"Does the Queen have anything to fear from you?"

[ValarMorgulis]

"Yes, as all things do. Does that worry you, Lady of the Black Rose?"

[Sir Grave]

"Yes, as all things do. Does that worry you, Lady of the Black Rose?"

"Hardly. You would not be so foolish to challenge the Immortal Queen, and all she has at her disposal. If you did, your best chance would be to hide, and to never resurface, for as long as this existence provides.


"And you most certainly hold no terror over me."

[Don nadie]

-----------In Silversheen Mannor-----------

Eos spends most of that afternoon going through documents, taking notes of characters of note and possible weaknesses. It is, in its own right, a thrilling exercise. Few would imagine that the social butterfly of Eos would enjoy solitude and silence so much. But the promises those notes contain, how they slowly but surely reveal the strings of entire countries... It is a thrill.

Finally, deep at night (not that the term has much meaning in the Ethereal), Eos leaves his office. He walks through the Mannor, its corridors twisting themselves to anticipate his needs and make his access easier. Pieces of art he is particularly fond of come to his sight, shoothing gardes emerge arround the corner with illusory birds of all colours that sing the most beautiful ancient melodies. Statues and protraits, ancient relics, all come to find their Master.

His cane taps on the marble floor, he passes all with but a second of appreciation.

He finally arrives at his destiny, opens the door without calling and is received by a voice.

-Darling you are here... What an unexpected thrill.

The one who speaks thus is M, a tall humanoid being of greyish skin and empty black eyes. The doppleganger bends with the elbows on its desk, its long clawed hands intertwining. M's eyes glisten with attention, its voice is sweet and mellow like fresh honey.

-Unexpected? - Eos asks, playfully. He knows there's very little M wouldn't expect. - You dissapoint me, dearest.

They play arround each other for a few minutes, a flirtatious dance that is almost authomatic for both but which they nevertheless enjoy. Once, not so long ago, M was a rival of the Queen and, by extension, of Eos. It was the one who plucked Eos's eye out, though admittedly it was also M who substituted it with a much more efficient version. By now, both would trust each other with their lives. They often do.

- But business is, as usual, dreadfully intricate - M complains softly and not entirely seriusly. - Are you intending to add some more elements for me to keep track of?

- I'm afraid that is the case. The Queen wishes to get a pair of our neighbours to join her glorious domain. Needless to say, it falls to us to ensure the transition takes place with as little bloodshed as possible. Otherwise we'll be facing conquest war, the inevitable rebels, the constant expediture of keeping the population under control... Terribly wasteful all of it.

M nods slowly. It makes a slight gesture over a paper next to it and swift notes begin to write themselves on it with the doppleganger's personal code and intricate caligraphy.

- It would be wasteful, indeed. But I presume if you're telling me this, my sweet friend, is because you do have a plan?

- The beginning of one - Eos admits with a shrug and a sly smile. - We'll need to use money, however, and quite a bit of it. For a start, I want you to deploy half of our best agents in Noft. Their target are villagers and the mercantile classes of cities. Their aim is to exploit local jokes about the nobility, and to increase discontent against their missuse of funds, their missmanagement of the country, and the territories lost to Veacrol. I also want you to use our commercial agents and buy a significant amount of the grain headed to Noft or produced within. Make sure that by the next week the prize has grown by a third. Then I'll take the liberty to offer the king himself a loan...

M nods. One he cannot refuse, I guess?

-Precisely. It is important, however, to ensure that the richest nobles don't take it on as their patriotic duty to save the country from bankrupcy. Gain some foothold on the holdings of Durond Greenwood. I'll pay him a visit after I've got a better idea of the situation in Veacrol.

After this, Eos and M share some tea while going into the plans in more detail. M will take care of sending associates to Noft and giving them as much information as they need, the doppleganger being the head of their organization as far as most of them are concerned.

Finally, Eos says goodbye to his dearest ally and takes another walk through the Mannor. This time his movements are calm and aimless, walking and enjoying the pleasures Silversheen has. He is thinking about his mission. Noft will be relatively easy, barring some unexpected interference. A kingdom can survive economical weakness or popular discontent, but not both at once. It seems ripe in many ways, weak and ready for the taking.

Veacrol is another matter entirely. A queen who's managed to centralize the country and put the nobility under her belt? Who's just encountered military victory against a weak neighbour and with a presumably stronger economy? That might be a little harder to handle. But handle it Eos must, or else the Queen might decide to take more forceful action.

Some leg work is required. Eos walks through the Mannor again until he reaches the Hall, were several doors lead to whatever destination the Whispers need to reach. With a whisper of the right command words, Eos opens a gateway to Veacrol's capital. As it always happens, Eos emerges from an unnatended door which, previously, connected somewhere more mundane. As the door closes behind him, all returns to normal.

Eos stands tall, on his cane. He takes a moment to look at the sky, the sun raises from the east, filling everything with pink hues. The air is clean, there's still peace though one soon to be shattered. Bakers and merchants begin to set their stalls. Some early birds make their purchases while drunkards expelled off inns vomit in the side-streets.

Soon there will be crowds. Eos, calmly, walks towards the palace. He's eager to see the Queen's Court in motion and, if possible, get an audience.


For the next week, regarding Noft:
-Spread discontent against the nobility (use followers to give speeches, sing parodic songs, simply have conversations in the market, etc)
-Make sure the prize of food becomes prohibitive for peasants (use cohort, simply buy several shipments at a higher prize and, for the moment, hold it in some granary).
-Gain some footing on Duron Greenwood's business (becoming partners, using several different apparently unrelated merchants). I dunno how developed the economy of this realms is, but assuming it's simply medieval style, the Whisper's can loan money to help Greenwood's operations, become buyers of Greenwoods products and offer Greenwood attractive partnerships (perhaps importing stuff from the Eternal Queen's realm?)

I'm assuming for this that the Whispers can use the wealth of M and the wealth leftovers from Eos... I'd understand if you'd like me to actually calculate the cost of the Mannor and the few items within, though, to keep a better track of cash flows... Just let me know. It may slow my posting a little bit more though :S I don't have that much time these days...

In one week's time, Eos can get an update on the situation and take a more direct approach.

For this week, time to do some leg-work with Queen Julia! Is it possible to attend her Court and see the proceeds?

[ValarMorgulis]

Stilltongue says nothing in response to Cordelia's words. As they pass through the doors that first led them into the outer sanctum, he speaks.

"My loyalty has been proven over centuries. How long will you need so that you can prove yours?"

He reaches over to Sir Leonne and briefly places a black hand on the top of the man's head.

"You will be able to use your planar transportation magic now."

[Sir Grave]

Stilltongue says nothing in response to Cordelia's words. As they pass through the doors that first led them into the outer sanctum, he speaks.

"My loyalty has been proven over centuries. How long will you need so that you can prove yours?"

He reaches over to Sir Leonne and briefly places a black hand on the top of the man's head.

"You will be able to use your planar transportation magic now."


"The only thing that you've proven, Stilltongue, is that after centuries of service to our Queen, she still knows little to nothing about you. And you can't trust what you don't know, no matter how many executions you carry out supposedly in her name.

"The Queen knows who I am. I have nothing to prove. My loyalty is undeniable. I would sacrifice anything for her."

She and Leonne began to fade from this plane of existence.

"Just ask Anna."

They were gone.

[ValarMorgulis]

Stilltongue smiled, a grotesque grin that nearly bisected his face. Cordelia had spoken the truth, she was more loyal than he. But what she failed to understand was that there were traits more valuable to Queen Ashourina than mere unswering loyalty. She would learn... or she would be cast aside as her predeccesor was. It mattered little to the gloom.

He thought for a moment about Cordelia's mention of Anna. Perhaps I shall, Lady of the Black Rose...

But not right now. He had other tasks at hand that required his attention.

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde searched the abandoned fortress for a while, but he could see little inhabitance of anything other than the odd rat. Not that he expected to find Sal'Veen in the middle of writing a diary entry on how he had attacked Cordelia, but finding nothing at all was a bit disappointing.

He considered his options. He could go check on Anna again, but she was unlikely to speak to him without Cordelia present, who was Pelor-knows-where. One of his inquisitors could get any and all information she had in a matter of hours, but he suspected her lover may not be so happy about that.

So...

Ailde snapped his fingers, calling an imp to his service. He had no protective abjurations at his command here, but he could very well manage without them. Besides, the irony of summoning a friend within a celestial bastion was too delicious to pass on.

There's like a DC 34 to resist, which an imp isnt likely to succeed on. Don't think there's really any way for it to harm me, considering its CR.

[rweird]

Ailde:
Out of Character: Planar binding says "Casting this spell attempts a dangerous act: to lure a creature from another plane to a specifically prepared trap, which must lie within the spell’s range. The called creature is held in the trap until it agrees to perform one service in return for its freedom." When I said "you'd still need to create a real magic circle to bind it in" I meant, for the spell to work at all. Its like how Wall of Stone needs to be attached to existing stone, the Planar Binding Line needs to have a magic circle to bind the creature in.

[Sir Grave]

The tower bells rang in a dreary mid-day. The bells summoned Grimmfell's citizens to the front gates of the palace. Her usual guards were not present, they were replaced by hooded and masked knights who stood stalwartly and setting their gaze upon the crowd. Her Knights of the Black Rose, conditioned to serve and kill in Ashourina's name.

Cordelia stepped out of her palace walls, with Leonne in hand. She remained masked. She would henceforth remain masked to her people, to send them a clear message.

Once there were enough spectators, the Lady of the Black Rose forced Leonne to his knees, his head bent low. He knew what would come next. Likely he was prepared. Such a proud knight. Such a proud remnant of Old Grimmfell.

But those days were no more.

Lucius stepped forth, his ghoulish skeletal face plain for all to see. "Sir Leonne of Winterhaven. You are found guilty of conspiracy against your Lady of the Black Rose, and treason against the Immortal Queen.

"The penalty is death.

"May your soul find its way into Ashourina's sweet embrace, and know peace."

There was only one executioner in the City of Grimmfell. The Lady of the Black Rose herself. But of course, who better than Ashourina's Champion, her swift and merciful blade?

Cordelia drew Soulfang. She had already heard Leonne's final words. His last wishes. There was nothing more to be said.

SHINK!

In one swift motion, Leonne's head was removed. His body slumped to the ground. With the flick of her wrist, the blood was shaken from her sword.

She gazed upon the murmuring crowd. Her wings expanded.

"...I have been patient.

"I have endured endless plots. Attempts on my life. And in response, I have been understanding.

"I have wounded you. Yes. But I have sought to mend those wounds. To create a better tomorrow.

"And in turn, you have wounded me."

"This has taught me that the more I allow your defiance, the more patience and mercy I show, the longer this cycle persists.

"I will tolerate it no further."

She points her sword at Leonne's corpse. "This is clearly what you wanted.

"This is what you wished for me to be."

"So be it.

"May Leonne's death be my final act of mercy.

"I am no longer one of you. I will be your overlord. Your villain. Your tyrant.

"Henceforth, those who are found responsible for treason and conspiracy against the Court of Ashourina will suffer a fate far worse than a swift kill.

"I will make you suffer. I will take your very souls to do what I please with them. Do you truly believe you've seen the worst?

"The day I took this city, I could have killed you all. I could have razed this gods forsaken place to the ground. And I still can.

"The Immortal Queen cannot be defied. Perish any thought, hope or delusion otherwise. That is your only salvation. Because I am done trying to be reasonable with you.

"This lasts for however long you allow it to last. It is completely within your hands.

"If I find you have accepted your circumstances, that you have chosen to coexist with your Queen and her subjects, then I will relent.

"Until then, this is the way things are."

"If you've any problems with this...

"...you can say it to my face."

She turned, heading back into the palace. The doors shut with a slam.

She made her way to the throne room. To seek Ashourina's next command.

[Bad Wolf]

"Wait, that wouldn't work." A Planar Binding would require a very specific Abjuration, one that he was unable to duplicate. So here he was, stuck at an impasse again.

With a sigh, he decided to go seek Aldik. No doubt the lich would be displeased at Ailde interrupting his meditation or whatever Archmage did, but he was carrying out the Queen's orders. And he had no doubt of his loyalty.

As a precautionary measure he stepped out of the fortress, only then teleporting to see Aldik.

[Raunchel]

"Once again, I am deeply sorry for not telling you about this earlier. But, you are correct. You should think, you should meditate. "

Once Cordelia had departed, she retreated again, into herself, into her thoughts. Waiting for the return of her champion.

[Starmage21]

The Archwizard Aldik Adath

Aldik can be found in his workshop, resting in his chair. Attempting to teleport directly to his chambers results in your teleportation being redirected to a specific spot outside his chambers. Ciaran arrives within a hallway, directly centered on a magic circle carved into the stone that glows a faint purple with the magic that energizes it. It doesnt seem to affect Ciaran at all. Down the hall, several volumes can be seen floating apparently of their own volition, a page turning here or there on occasion. As he proceeds into the room, Aldik sits in a stone chair that is carved with The Queen's heraldry and appears to be not designed for human comfort in the slightest. Aldik is unmoving, his staff leaning against the left side of the chair, locked into a pair of notches that were carved specifically to hold the staff. His head does not turn, nor do his eyes avert from the volumes in front of him, but the same deep raspy voice issues forth addressing Ciaran.

"Ahhhh, Ciaran. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company? I have many volumes on many magical subjects if you are seeking knowledge. Some of these tomes are not even from this world."

[Bad Wolf]

Aramil Ciaran Lightflower. It had been a while since he had heard his birth name, a long-dead name that only existed between him and the Queen. Or so he thought. It seems the Archmage was full of surprises.

"While my power does not exactly compare to yours, one of the benefits of it is an instinctive understanding. It is my own, and books can only do so little. Though I must admit I'm quite keen on learning about your world. Perhaps another time."

He took off his mask and cowl. It was unlikely anything could affect his mind, and the sheer magical energy present in the room was giving him a headache.

"As you know, Her Grace has tasked me with finding Cordelia's would-be assassin. I won't bore you with all the mundane details, but I've arrived at a impasse. Would you happen to have a Communing scroll that I could use? For adequate compensation,
of course."

He's looking for Contact Other Plane,
specifically. Wasn't sure how to fluff it's name. Also his name is Ailde, but I'm taking that misstep and running with it.

[Sir Grave]

The Lady of the Black Rose entered the throne room. Her steps were deliberate as she walked towards her Queen. Removing her mask she knelt.

"My Queen.

"Anna is dead.

"She can no longer threaten us."

To an extent, this was true. Cordelia had no way of knowing if she truly was a traitor. But she had felt that Anna was competing with her Queen in earning her loyalty and love. And now, there was only Ashourina.

"I am ready to serve. What is your bidding?"

[ValarMorgulis]

Stilltongue transports himself back to the chamber where he abducted the lumi.

Hiding, greater invisibility, nondetection and all that

[rweird]

Stilltongue:
The prismatic spheres exist, as before. The nimblewright is nowhere to be seen. The invisible sphere is still there as well. Do you have any sort of extra-sensory perception? The area is now also covered by alarm spells, some with permanency on them. I don't think you have any way to notice them while inside a wall incorporeally, and I think you still would trigger them when you enter the chamber. Is this incorrect?

[Starmage21]

The Archwizard Aldik Adath

A nearby set of shelves which contain a myriad of scroll cases of different designs and structural materials begins to stir as one of the scroll cases comes free of the piles of apparently its own volition. The scroll case floats over to Ailde as if controlled through some nonvisible force. It hovers in front of Ailde waiting for him to take it.

Aldik has not moved from his spot or shifted in any way since Ailde's arrival. The same raspy voice comes sounding from within him.

"Contact Other Plane is a risky spell to cast in any event. There are powers out there that are connected to the fabric of the universe that know things that happen even if they werent there, but opening your consciousness to them can leave you weakened and drained just from processing all the information involved. Tell me, what is your approach to finding this information should you fail to achieve results with this spell?"

[ValarMorgulis]

Yeah, unfortunately, there isn't really a way to get around an alarm spell that I know of. So it would probably be triggered.

[rweird]

Stilltongue:
I suppose it'd be time to roll initiative then, although you'll go first regardless, so I guess, post your actions.

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde put on his mask, then opened up the scroll case with his now-freed hand, taking the scroll inside.

"I'm well aware of the risks."

He opened up the scroll. Perfectly written, just as expected.

"At first i thought it might be Sal'Veen, back from the dead for vengeance. But say what you will about the fool, he would not attack a fool that is sleeping unaware. Nor would one of his allies dare take on his form to do such a cowardly deed. And of the attack itself, it does not seem it was meant to kill. One would not simply send a swarm of centipedes to kill Ashourina's Champion.

So perhaps the target was Anna, Cordelia's...handmaiden. I tried speaking to her earlier, but she seemed frightened without Cordelia present. By now the Lady of the Black Rose will most likely have completed her take, and will be available."

He rolled it back up. "Thank you Aldik. Is there anything else you wished to discuss with me?"

In truth, he was a bit anxious to leave. He had spend far too much time crammed up in rooms with undead. What he wouldn't do for an interrogation session held instead in a warm sunny clearing somewhere.

[ValarMorgulis]

Sensing something in the prismatic sphere, Stilltongue retreats back into the wall, casts a quick spell, and teleports through the shadows into the sphere.

[Don nadie]

Eos makes his way to the palace with the attitude of someone on a stroll. Slowly his silvery cane taps on the road's pebbles. The Master of Whispers' dark eye slides through the landscape, admiring the local variations on architecture. There's so much beauty here, as everywhere else... Particularly in the palace's construction. Wealth and peace are most certainly good for a country's aesthetics.

It would be such a shame for war to break it all.

As he reaches the palace, Eos waits in line for the chamberlain and guards to take note of his origin and intentions. The Master of Whispers is not an impatient man and, in fact, quite enjoys beginning conversations with the rest of men and women waiting. As an attentive and witty man, Eos does his best to extract information from other people, particularly interested in their opinion of their queen. Most likely, they are happy about her.

Finally, he reaches the chamberlain. When asked about his intentions, Eos answers softly and kindly.

I'd like to obtain an audience with queen Julia. I represent an Empress and it is my sincere belief that our lands ought to initiate diplomatic negociations as soon as humanely possible. Of course, I understand that the queen's agenda must be terribly busy, he adds with a smile. But I'm sure a man of your position has gathered quite a wealth of political experience... And understands how to best organize events according to their importance. My meeting, I can assure you, is enormously relevant. After all, diplomatic relations between two powerful neighbours are essential to keeping the peace and prosperity of the kingdom, wouldn't you agree? While I wait, however, I'll be happy to attend queen Julia's court. I'm most interested in the proceedings... I've heard it is quite an expectacle of proper ettiquette and manners.

Eos is speaking politely, even flattering the chamberlain by commenting positively on his responsibilities.... but there's something else going on. As the chamberlain responds, the man finds himself looking into Eos's eyes. There are words coming to his mind, natural and obvious but somehow insistent: Meeting a new Empress is important. I should give him an audience quickly.


I hope its alright if I took the liberty to presume queue and chamberlain. Just trying to move it a bit along :)

So, I'm mixing two things here:

First and attempt to persuade the man and improve his disposition. Diplomacy: [roll0]

Then, a Insidious suggestion cast as an Still and Silent spell (aka, a level 7 one). The man has to save 30 times (once per round) as if against a Suggestion until he fails (DC 33). Unless he's inmune of course. This is presuming that a Still and Silent spell does not create obvious signs... And that there aren't obvious signs of magical wards/guards arround the place (Eos has Arcane Sight as a whole-day buff).

If you want to add those, I can happily edit this post :)

[Raunchel]

"Good.", Ashourina replies to her champion, turning to her with a look of sadness on her face: "It must have hurt you, but it had to be done. She was hurting you in terrible ways, and would have driven you to lose yourself. Beware of the temptations of those who feign innocence, they often hide the darkest natures, while those who admit the truth about themselves are the ones who will bring the whole world into the light."

[Starmage21]

The Archwizard Aldik Adath

Without moving, and otherwise maintaining an absolute stillness, his eyes not leaving the pages in front of him, he responds

"The Lady's handmaiden was approached by Velduvian and he was no less than abusive. Furthermore she knows of us, and is under no illusions about our nature. The idea of a lich or similar is always terrifying to the common layperson. Ancient 'monsters' of any kind harbor nearly hardwired reactions that interfere with their ability to process events around them in a pragmatic and rational way. Anna's reaction is natural, and it should be expected with any interactions that some level of subtlety is required with those like her. I would not go traipsing through town bearing no guise but my own unless the look of fear and horror was not exactly what I desired, for example."

[Sir Grave]

"Good.", Ashourina replies to her champion, turning to her with a look of sadness on her face: "It must have hurt you, but it had to be done. She was hurting you in terrible ways, and would have driven you to lose yourself. Beware of the temptations of those who feign innocence, they often hide the darkest natures, while those who admit the truth about themselves are the ones who will bring the whole world into the light."

"Pain is temporary. Your reign is forever."

"I will not stray from the path again."

Cordelia remained kneeling. She wished to carry out Ashourina's will. She had no desire to remain behind these walls.

[Raunchel]

"You will overcome. That is your strength, you overcome. Your heart unburdened by mortal pains and doubts. That is who you are, Cordelia, and that is who this world needs most of all."

For a moment, she places her hand on Cordelia's shoulder: "This world is filled with troubles. There are a thousand and one places that are on our mind, but one at this moment is foremost. The Joyfields. These must be brought to obedience, and that is what we ask of you. Be our sword, deliver our vengeance with one hand, and our justice with the other."

[Sir Grave]

"They will submit, or they will die, my Queen."


She rises, bowing before she turns to leave. Before she opens the doors, she pauses, wondering something.


"...Queen... if I may ask...


"...Why is Madeline here?"

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde sighed. Of course. Not that he expected Velduvian to be gentle.

"Due to a natural illusion, I appear as a human to any human, but that did not soothe her worries. Though I suppose I may not thought to take proper precautions. She mentioned Velduvian, but did not mention much about him..."

The masked Fey paused, apparently deep in thought.

"Did I ever tell you how the Winter and Summer courts escaped his grasp? They sealed off the ley lines, closed up the patches in the Hedge. Essentially, we locked ourselves in a gilded cage."

"Some argued against that. We were alive, to be sure, but what kind of life was that?"

He stood there silent, lost in thought. He shook himself out of it after a few seconds. "Sorry, monologuing. Happens to the best of us. Anyway, I'll have one of my men send you compensation, along with an update. Cheers."

Ailde made his way back to the teleportation spot, returning to Grimfell.

[Raunchel]

"She is here because she has chosen to follow the path of justice, she has seen wisdom, and has chosen to act on it. Her abilities are great, far beyond those of many others, and so she has been welcomed into our court."

[Sir Grave]

It was as clear of an answer she would recieve. She nodded. "...Understood, My Queen."


She left the throne room, thinking on her way. It was true that Madeline was equal in power as the rest of them Court. What her concern was, however, was that Madeline was a distraction. Her ways were based on her mood; whatever she felt, she would act on it. Often, she was in the mood to please Cordelia for reasons beyond her understanding. Madeline knew her far too well for an associate... what Cordelia was feeling, what buttons to press, how to placate her...


She wouldn't dwell on it. There was a mission to complete. A kingdom to claim.


She approached Lucius, who was making his rounds in the castle.


"Assemble our knights to the court yard. We have a target."


"At once, Milady," Lucius nodded.


Cordelia needed to make a few stops before heading out. The first was her chambers to collect a few scrolls.

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle

Alistaire will wait in Grimmfell's war room for Eos. Upon his arrival, he'll issue the following statement: "Greetings! It would seem we are bound together as partners, friend."

[Don nadie]

Meeting in the War Room (Before going to Silversheen Mannor; with Alistaire)

Sir Alistaire, the Master of Whisper bows calmly to his colleague. As always, it is a pleasure to work by your side.

Eos takes a moment to spread a map of the region before them. In it, the nearby kingdoms are represented perfectly, marking also with great detail the different fortifications and roads that either keep the neighbours away or bring them together.

Our objective is to drop these kingdoms into the fair hands of our Empress like fruit. If you don't mind my indulging botanic metaphores, though, I'd say both need to be ripe. At the moment, I am most interested in finding sufficient information. I believe Noft might be easiest to control: political and economical instability should be easy to weave to our advantage. I suspect a economic attack on their interests might give us an opening. I'd have to consult with my right hand, but the Whispers should have sufficient discretionary funds to spread some trouble... Perhaps famine. Famine tends to work quite well, he says with a sly smile.

Veacrol might be more difficult, as the Queen's only weakness might be the nobility and, perhaps, herlself. I believe it may be interesting to contact her personally. Perhaps we could intimidate her, promising a certain level of independence. In an ideal world, the Queen would bow to our Empress only to die of natural causes shortly afterwards and be replaced by a much more malleable young heir... But this is not an ideal world. Some improvisation might be needed.

Now, what resources do you have availible? What type of strategy would you favor?


I didn't advance much after the initial meeting, so all you've missed is Eos looking for info, which he will inmediately rely to you, so check it in the OOC here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=21904451&postcount=66). He's also discussed this same plan in more detail with his cohort here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=21919637&postcount=102) and is now (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=21940304&postcount=121)visiting Veacrol to see if he can get to meet the queen.

Feel free to introduce Alistaire where you'd find coolest, while also continuing with our conversation in this timeline. Time is, after all, relative :P

[Bad Wolf]

When Ailde arrived back at his headquarters, Cassandra, his second-in-command was waiting outside his office. If he didn't know the battle-hardened Karsite better, he'd say she was nervous.

Ailde frowned. "Cass. Something wrong?"

She looked up, nodding respectfully. "Um, not exactly. Sir. It's a bit hard to tell at the moment. May I come in?"

"Of course. You know my door is always open to you." Ailde opened the door, settling into his comfortable, elegantly carved chair. Cassandra settled down in the one opposite to him.

"Now then," He said as he took off his mask and cowl, "What's the issue?"

"A little while after you left, Lady Cordelia summoned the citizens of Grimfell to her front gates. She had a man with him, Sir Leonne of Winterhaven."

Winterhaven....The name sounded familiar, but he couldn't place it at the moment. He motioned for Cassandra to continue.

"She executed him right there on the palace steps. Then went to talk on about how she would have no mercy towards them, the citizens that is,
and said that she would be their tyrant."

Just when he thought Cordelia was doing exceptionally, she went ahead and did something like this. "Hmm. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. You're dismissed."

As soon as Cassandra left, he let out a Sylvan curse. Just what he needed now. Tensions were already high with the Inquisition, now they would be fearing her. More than they already did, of course.

Ailde sighed. He'd need to talk to her. After this divination was over, of course.

-------------------------

Ailde opened up the scroll, mentally preparing himself for his task. Going for a greater deity or even an intermediate, would be a challenge that he wasn't sure he could meet. No a lesser would do fine.

He cast out his mind. Past the Material, past the Elemental planes, arriving at the Outer Planes.

There, he felt a presence. An alien mind, wondering what insignificant little mortal dared to brush up against it.

A mere warlock, seeking questions.

He felt a grudging acceptance of his terms.

I come seeking questions about the Lady of the Black Rose, who was attacked by an unknown assailant. Was it by someone who was known to her?

[roll0]

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle
Grimmfell War Room (Before departure to Malgraxia.)

The vampire pauses, he was quiet impressed with Eos' wealth of knowledge. "I don't mind metaphors at all. Being a vampire, many of my kin refer to mortals as food items already..." He waves his hand dismissively and chuckles. "I do like your plan, but I had a small variation to make."

He stands over the map and smiles at his options. "I have a relatively large force at my command and, not to be a braggart, but you and I are a force to be reckoned with as well." He looks at the nobles arrangement and fortifications. "If we're to believe Malgraxia is in dire financial needs, I say that we assist Eylahan rise to the position of queen." He nods thoughtfully and then continues. "In exchange for said assistance, she unites with our lady's empire. I see two options at that point." He holds up two fingers. "We either keep her under our thumb with looming threat of her being discovered as a scheming usurper of the throne." He lowers a finger. "Or, we use my kind's favorite means of controlling individuals." He flashes his fangs with a large smile.

All of the above is assuming Eos relayed information to Alistaire.

[Don nadie]

Alistaire Whitecastle
Grimmfell War Room (Before departure to Veacrol.)

Eos seems to ponder his suggestion for a moment. His expression is similar to that of a child, delighted turning a candy over and over in his mouth to get the full taste. Finally he nods and begins to speak.

Yes, we could of course make sure Eylahan got to the throne. However, I must admit my preference for taking foreign rulers entirely out of the matter. A king can always rebel, even one taken through your... ability. If Empress Ashourina's right to rule the territory comes from the people itself, furthermore, we have easy justification for whatever we'd like. In the long term, for instance, dissenters can be punished by presenting them as deviations from the majority of the "People". Eos pronounces this with no small amount of irony. I do agree, however, that we could certainly come in to aid the People depose their noble rulers and, at the same time, save Eylahan and keep her under our care. It is always good to hedge bets, and were the People to be deposed... We'd have the most direct heir to the throne in our control.

I just simply think that, in the case of Noft, the population is (or can be made to be) sufficiently tired of their rulers to consider joining our Queen... And thus allowing us to bypass kings and queens alltogether.

Eos drags his fingers through the frontier's of Noft to the territory currently conquered by Veacrol. Of course, we may have to rely on our shared forces at some point. It is not impossible that a moment of weakness in Noft is taken by their neighbours as permission to conquer. How do you think it would be best to deal with Queen Julia? I'm inclined towards inciting the nobility against her,
but perhaps you have other ideas.

[Bad Wolf]

"Ah, to hell with the scroll. It's not going anywhere. Ailde tossed it down on his desk, storming out of the office.

He had heard of her folly beforehand, where she had revealed Grimfell's allegiance too quickly. That, was forgiveable by one with more mercy than him. He could see no reason for panicking the city into a rebellion.

Snapping at one of the guards, Ailde ordered him to take him to the Lady of the Black Rose.



Ailde stood just outside the door, arms crossed with a look of faint annoyance. "I was not even gone a week, and already we may have the embers of rebellion growing. What led to the idea of publicly executing a man? To make your subjects fear you even more? My job is hard enough without a panic."

[Sir Grave]

The Lady of the Black Rose glanced breifly at the mage hunter to acknowledge him, rolling up a scroll she was studying.

"Sir Leonne of Winterhaven was a traitor to the Queen, and was executed according to Grimmfell's customs.

"Examples must be made of those who defy the Immortal Queen's rule. Treachery will not be tolerated. I can't make it any simpler."

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde entered the room, still sticking by the door. She seemed...calmer than he expected. "Naturally. But a public execution? I must say, I wonder what Anna thinks of the whole show. What does she think of you threatening her friends and family?"

[Sir Grave]

"Anna is dead."

"I killed her."

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde had been to both the Seven Heavens and the Nine Hells, to the Ever-Changing Chaos of Limbo and the Clockwork Nirvana of Mechanus. After centuries of living, nothing really surprised him anymore.

But even he had to admit, that had him off-guard.

A rare flicker of surprise appeared across his face, and then vanished as quickly as it had came.

"...I see."

"What happened? You decide to get all your executions out in one day?"

[Sir Grave]

Ailde had been to both the Seven Heavens and the Nine Hells, to the Ever-Changing Chaos of Limbo and the Clockwork Nirvana of Mechanus. After centuries of living, nothing really surprised him anymore.

But even he had to admit, that had him off-guard.

A rare flicker of surprise appeared across his face, and then vanished as quickly as it had came.

"...I see."

"What happened? You decide to get all your executions out in one day?"


She turned her head to look at Ailde. Her mask made it difficult to determine what she was feeling. All it revealed were her eyes, which gazed coldly at him.

She brushed past his question. "My apologies, Ailde. It seems my actions have made things complicated for you.

"Perhaps I should advise the Queen to assign someone more suited to your task, considering your disapproval of this change in circumstance.

"Maybe Stilltongue? I'm certain he would have no objections."

Her wings shifted as she turned to give Ailde her full attention. "Otherwise, I would advise you to adapt. You were chosen to serve the Queen as one of the highest ranking agents in her arsenal because you have perfected your methods. You should have no trouble carrying out the Queen's will simply because I aroused potential upstarts who would have revolted even without my help.

"Now, is there anything else I can help you with? I do have an invasion to plan."

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde smiled. "Of course. I would hardly consider myself a member of the Court if couldn't get over one little rebellion. Good luck on your mission,
Lady of the Black Rose." He bowed, turning for the door.

He paused there, however, turning back around.

"I must admit my curiosity. How exactly did you kill Anna? Did she suffer? Did she beg for her life, wondering why the one person she loved would betray her?"

[Sir Grave]

As Ailde spoke, she stepped slowly towards him. (clank... clank...clank...) She didn't break eye contact. Her steely resolve remained. She's suffered all manner of wounds, physical, mental and emotional alike. They were beginning to seem dull to her.


Still, there were certain lines you should never cross.


"Tell me...


Her wings expanded slightly. "Just how badly do you wish to know?"

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde's smile didn't change at all, but his eyes grew as cold as ice.

"Careful there, Cordelia. You may be Ashourina's Champion, but I am still a member of Her court. Any attack would be unwise."

He didn't know what would happen next. He thought Cordelia would be too wise to try anything, but that was before he learned about Anna.

[Sir Grave]

Her finger presses forcefully against his chest. "You want to speak to me about wisdom?


"You come here, to my home... no, to my chambers... and you think it's a good idea to antagonize me. And why?


"To flaunt your superiority? To prove you can manipulate my emotions? To test the limits of my patience? Frankly, I don't care. You're all the same: arrogant pricks so full of themselves that they think they can avoid being eaten alive when they poke the beast. Keep poking me, you condescending fool. I would very much love to find out what the consequences are for ripping a piece of filth like you apart and putting you back together. Ashourina can do whatever she likes. She at least knows how much idiocy I can put up with."


She removed her mask. "As for Anna, if you insist, yes. There was pain.


"There was suffering. I'm sure she did wonder why I betrayed her. But guess what?


"I would do it again.


"I would raze this entire city to the ground, kill all of it's citezens down to the last child for my queen, without hesitation, and bear no regrets."


"Does that satisfy your curiosity, or do you wish to keep going down this path?"

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde felt a very rare emotion surface.

It was the tiniest, most inconsequential spark of fear.

But it was there.

His smile dropped instantly off his face.
"I..I'm sorry. I let my emotions cloud my judgement."

He stepped back, his arrogance gone. "I've acquired a scroll to commune with planar entities in search of your nocturnal attacker. With an intellectual far greater than mine, he should be found promptly."

[Sir Grave]

Cordelia inhaled. Then exhaled. The aggression was gone. She turned away, donning her mask again.

''...that sounds promising.''

[Bad Wolf]

"I hope so."

Without another word, he left Cordelia to her thoughts.

Once he was back in his office, Ailde let out a huge sigh of relief. As weak as humans tended to be, Cordelia was very clearly cut from a different cloth. He wouldn't want to see which one of them would survive a fight.

He reached for the scroll. Time to get this over with.

[rweird]

Ailde:
"No"
What is the CL of the scroll? 9.

Eos:
"And who should the audience be for?"

Stilltongue:
The sphere is DC 40, assume that you aren't sent to another plane. I'll let you figure out what effects you suffer. CL 30 for the purposes of overcoming SR.

When you appear in the sphere, there are three Shadesteel Golems, although at your appearance, a storm of magical. energy springs into being (4 Earthbound Maws of Chaos). The golems also spring at you and attack.

Each Maw is CL 27, and DC 36.
Maw 1: damage, will negates daze effect.
Maw 2: [roll1] damage, will negates daze effect.
Maw 3: [roll2] damage, will negates daze effect.
Maw 4: [roll3] damage, will negates daze effect.

You hear sounds of movement outside the sphere from the other spheres, and from the direction you teleported from.

All this is ongoing damage for the purpose of concentration checks and such. You also need to make a DC 25 + spell level concentration check to cast spells in the area.

Shadesteel Golem beatdown attempts:
Golem 1 slam: [roll4]
[roll]2d6+31 damage
Golem 2 slam:
[roll]2d6+31 damage
Golem 3 slam:
[roll]2d6+31 damage

Weapons are magic and ghost touch (but not epic or any special material) to overcome DR/incorporeality.

Out of Character: I think I responded to everyone, let me know if I missed something you did.

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde:
"No"
What is the CL of the scroll? 9.



Well, that was disappointing. Of course the deity could be mistaken, but this spell was more often correct than not.

IWas the attacker at any point an ally of the saint Sal'Veen?

[rweird]

Ailde:
"Yes."

Question 2/4

[ValarMorgulis]

Leaping through the shadows into the sphere, the gloom is bombarded with a cacophonous maelstrom of magical energy, powerful enough to rend even his adamantium-hard flesh. And he is not alone. Three shadesteel golems, somehow alerted to his presence, ambush him with powerful slam attacks. One even manages to connect, eliciting a furious hiss from the master assassin.

What truly annoys him, however, is that his quarry is not in the sphere, and that his enemies are using golems of his own race's creation to attack him. With a snarl, he leaps through the shadows and back into the cavern.

Rolls are in the OOC thread. Stilltongue is teleporting as a free action into a shadowy area of the cavern, preferably not where he hears the presence of other creatures. He has used a move and two free actions, and still has several actions remaining. Reminder, he is still invisible and will attempt to hide in plain sight.

[Bad Wolf]

Was the attacker a knight of Grimfell, formerly or currently?

[rweird]

Stilltongue:
You appear on the other side of the spheres, triggering another alarm. The spheres, blocking line of sight, to whatever is on the other side.

[Sir Grave]

Cordelia had found what she needed in her chambers, and set aside her thoughts on her tense exchange with Ailde. It was a necessary measure for a human in a court of immortals to prove she was not weak, or unworthy of the queen's favor. She would not be subject to such manipulation.

Her next stop was to visit Aldik. To besiege a city would require more than a sizeable army. She needed engines of war.

She stepped out onto the balcony of her chambers and flew to the top of one of her towers, to the platform of ethereal jaunting. From there, she would transport herself to Aldik's workshop.

Aldik could hear the soft clanking of her boots as she approached. (clank. clank. clank.)

She approached, her masked donned. Aldik possibly noted that he could not pierce her thoughts as he once did, for the Third Eye she had given Anna was back in her possession.

"Aldik.

"I hope I am not intruding on anything of great importance."

[rweird]

Ailde:
"Unknown." (as in, d100 roll gives "don't know")

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde sighed in frustration, leaning back against his chair as the link broke. If only. He could've had his work cut in half with one question. Oh well. Life was life.

So. He knew three things. Cordelia didn't know the assailant, they were one of Sal'Veen's allies, and they were currently or formerly a Knight of Grimfell.

"So working theory here. The knight, who we'll call A, was in service when Cordelia took power. He threw his lot in with Sal'Veen, but then decided to take revenge at the time of the saint's death."

It sounded plausible. He'd need to sniff around, metaphorically.

He raised his voice. "Cassandra!"

She was there in seconds. "Yes sir?"

"Get me the Knight-Commander of Grimfell. Or whatever he's called. Whoever's in charge of her knights, bring them here."

[Don nadie]

Veacrol - Preparing to meet Queen Julia

To Eos and Alistaire Whitecastle, says the Master of Whispers.


I take the liberty of assuming Alistaire does come with Eos to this first contact thing :P

[ValarMorgulis]

Stilltongue draws on his dark powers to summon invisible stalkers, which he sends out to do a bit of recon.

Use summon monster IX SLA to summon [roll0] invisible stalkers. They will look for enemies and report back to the gloom.

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle
Previously, in the war room of Grimmfell

Alistaire nods in agreement to Eos. "I agree with turning the nobility against Julia." He ponders for a moment. "I don't believe it would be hard to win a bankrupt nation over. We may even occupy it under the guise of 'protection'. A symbol of good faith to the newly absorbed country? That would provide us space for troops, as the lady Cordelia would like and keep it safe from invasion." He pauses, tapping his finger on the table.

"I'd like to win the nation under thunderous applause, not screams of terror. If we could be hailed as 'heroes' of the realm, we'd be given information freely and loved by all." He frowns, his mind going through many strategic options. "If we go in to rule as tyrants, we may as well kill the residents or enslave them." Exasperated, he sighs. "I suppose we should also realize we'll be dealing with halflings. Perhaps meeting halfway? We install Eylahan as prime minister of the realm, leaving Ashourina as the queen of our 'alliance'."


Veacrol - Preparing to meet Queen Julia

To Eos and Alistaire Whitecastle, says the Master of Whispers.


I take the liberty of assuming Alistaire does come with Eos to this first contact thing :P
He does!

[Don nadie]

Alistaire Whitecastle and Eos
Previously, in the war room of Grimmfell

Eos seems to ponder his companion's words for a second, though it is clear from the way he's arched his eyebrows that he is pleased with the feedback.

I think that is quite a wonderful idea, Alistaire. We'd just need to convince Eylahan of the appeal, but I am certain that can be done. The Master of Whispers stands up again. With this in mind, I'd propose we meet again tomorrow morning... We'll get together to meet Queen Julia. Once we have seen her with our own eyes, we'll hopefully be able to see how much of a threat she can be.


Let's move to the present :D

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle
Previously, in the war room of Grimmfell

Alistaire bows graciously. "It is a pleasure working with you, Eos." He smiles pleasantly. "I shall see you in the morning."

[rweird]

Eos and Alistaire:
"Yes lord Whitecastle. Please wait here." The chamberlain goes off into another room, presumably to inform queen Julia of your arrival.

About five minutes later he returns. "Queen Julia will see you tomorrow at the stroke of eight, if that works for your lordships."

Stilltongue:
I'm assuming they are just yelling stuff out. If not, we can ret-con this. "There is some bird-thing behind the globe. Its big." one of them calls back. (invisible stalkers aren't knowledgeable to know what it is).

[Sir Grave]

"No, no no no. The thirteenth stands over there! Next to those training dummies! The Eighth stands by the wall of the barracks! How hard is this, honestly?! You! You belong in the second! Can't you people count?!"

If it were possible to give expressions, Lucius' face would be beet red with frustration. He wished these knights had the sense of organization he had, but apparently that was lost on them... unless they were specifically trying to annoy him.

A Guard approached. "General."

Lucius was jumping up and down at this point. "Oh! You wouldn't do this around the Lady of the Black Rose, but with me, it's all fun and games, isn't it?! Or are you all just a bunch of incompetent, muscle-headed turds?!"


The guard cleared his throat. "Sir."

"THIS is why I will never understand why we don't just kill you and raise you as undead! At least mindless zombies know where to stand when they're in a group!"

"Uh...Sir?"

Lucius' head jerked quite suddenly to look at the guard. "WHAT?!"

snap!

The deathnight had twisted his grinning skull around so hard that a bone in his neck became dislodged. The head rolled off of his shoulders and onto the ground, getting a good laugh fro the rest of the knights.

"Er..."

Lucius spoke even in his humiliating position. "Speak, you idiot!"

"Sir. Lord Ailde has summoned you."

Lucius gazed from his empty eye sockets at the guard.

"I see."

Lucius's arm pointed at apparently nothing. "...get my head back on."

The guard looked puzzled. "Er... who are you talking to, sir-"

"YOU! CAN'T YOU SEE I'M POINTING AT YOU?!"

"Uh...! Yes sir. Right away."


***

(Lucius uses the platform of etheral jaunting to arrive at Ailde's place.)

Once he was in Ailde's presence, he bowed. "Milord."

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde was reading his weekly report when the Deathknight arrived. Allowing the silence to stretch on a moment longer to finish the paragraph, he set it aside and gave him his full attention.

Sir Lucius the Deathknight, Commander of Grimfell's forces ever since Cordelia came to power. Or maybe even before? He could certainly see the appeal in reanimating a knight to serve even beyond death.

"Thank you for joining me. I'd offer you a seat, but I doubt you need much comfort." He got up to close the door, taking the opportunity to examine the deathknight more closely. Nothing special.

Sitting back down, he continued. "I'll try not to waste your time. How many knights do you have that were serving before Cordelia invaded?"

[Sir Grave]

Ailde was reading his weekly report when the Deathknight arrived. Allowing the silence to stretch on a moment longer to finish the paragraph, he set it aside and gave him his full attention.

Sir Lucius the Deathknight, Commander of Grimfell's forces ever since Cordelia came to power. Or maybe even before? He could certainly see the appeal in reanimating a knight to serve even beyond death.

"Thank you for joining me. I'd offer you a seat, but I doubt you need much comfort." He got up to close the door, taking the opportunity to examine the deathknight more closely. Nothing special.

Sitting back down, he continued. "I'll try not to waste your time. How many knights do you have that were serving before Cordelia invaded?"

"One hundred-sixtey knights proper. Seventy who have been conditioned to serve as a Knight of the Black Rose, the Lady's most devoted."

[Bad Wolf]

"A wise decision. I prefer my followers' loyalty to be uncompelled, though that's not always a choice. Which brings me to why i brought you here."

"I'm sure you know about the attack suffered upon Cordelia and the late Lady Anna a few weeks ago. In my investigation, I've determined that there's a good chance that the perpetrator is a Knight of Grimfell. Or was, at least."

Ailde got up, starting to walk around his spacious office. "And that's where you come in. I need a list of all knights who were serving when our dear Lady of the Black Rose arrived. I'd like to question all of them, but I suppose the conditioned ones are a low priority."

He sat back down again, when an idea struck him. "Who was that knight that challenged Cordelia to a duel a while back? Sir Highrock or something? Unless my information is incorrect,
I believe he swayed a few knights to his side. I'd need those two."

I have only a vague memory of that whole duel, if you could call it that, so I may have gotten some details wrong.

[Don nadie]

Veacrol - Preparing to meet Queen Julia

Eos nods calmly. I think we will be able to wait, he says to the chamberlain politely.

Once they're out of the palace, he turns to his companion. A few posibilities open before us while we wait. I was thinking I could shadow the Queen herself, through both magic and stealth, and see what I can learn of use. It risks being discovered, but I'm fairly certain my magic can keep me hidden. Perhaps you could find your way into the nobility's circles and get a taste for their opinion of the queen.

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle
Veacrol - Preparing to meet Queen Julia

Alistaire nods his head in agreement. "Yes, we'll reconvene in the early morning." He flashes a toothy smile. "I'll make sure that we're well liked." He chuckles and sets off.

Do I know the location of any nobles in particular?

Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty)
[roll0]

[rweird]

Alistaire:
The obvious answer is in Julia's court, although most important nobles have residences in the capital, although they also have estates in their respective territories. Duchess Brilden is one of the more prominent nobles and Julia's treasurer, and is known to spend most of her time in the capital, but at this hour, she is probably still at home. Baron Godfrey is another prominent noble and rarely appears in court. He is the spymaster of Veacrol. Karl count of Fourbrooks holds no official position in court, but knows much of the goings on in the city, as he prefers urban life to the rural county of Fourbrooks he rules.

[LoyalPaladin]

The obvious answer is in Julia's court, although most important nobles have residences in the capital, although they also have estates in their respective territories. Duchess Brilden is one of the more prominent nobles and Julia's treasurer, and is known to spend most of her time in the capital, but at this hour, she is probably still at home. Baron Godfrey is another prominent noble and rarely appears in court. He is the spymaster of Veacrol. Karl count of Fourbrooks holds no official position in court, but knows much of the goings on in the city, as he prefers urban life to the rural county of Fourbrooks he rules.
Alistaire will seek audience with Duchess Brilden!

[rweird]

Alistaire:
OoC: Are you at all disguised, or are you showing up like "Hey, I'm a famous vampire, I want to talk." People are at least vaguely aware of vampire powers, and don't exactly relish the idea of speaking with a vampire, especially without any sort of protection.

Stilltongue:
A Chronotyryn rises into the air from behind the prismatic sphere, chanting two twinned, maximized, extended Maws of Chaos in the area of the alarm spell you triggered, with a quickened True Casting before each. It ignores the invisible stalkers. Radiating from the Chronotyryn is a Extended Greater Anticipate Teleportation.

Maw of Chaos 1: 174 damage, overcoming SR: [roll0]
Maw of Chaos 2: 174 damage, overcoming SR: [roll1]
Maw of Chaos 3: 174 damage, overcoming SR: [roll2]
Maw of Chaos 4: 174 damage, overcoming SR: [roll3]
Saves against daze DC 36.

[LoyalPaladin]

OoC: Are you at all disguised, or are you showing up like "Hey, I'm a famous vampire, I want to talk." People are at least vaguely aware of vampire powers, and don't exactly relish the idea of speaking with a vampire, especially without any sort of protection.
"Alistaire Whitecastle does not hide behind a disguise! How... how demeaning!"

Alistaire isn't particularly murdery and is very honorable. He's definitely evil, but he's not famous for being some sort of serial killer. This is just diplomacy for him.

[ValarMorgulis]

Despite the Chronotyryn's all-out assault, Stilltongues numerous protections held strong. He commanded his invisible stalkers to spread out, intending for them to trigger as many alarm spells as possible.

A dangerous foe.

Stilltongue moves out of the roiling magical energy and into one of the cavern walls. There, he draws upon more of his dark power to prepare for the battle to come.

Move into the wall (or floor). Standard Action: Use foresight SLA. 2nd Standard Action: Reset incorporeality for 10 more rounds.

[Don nadie]

Veacrol - Stalking the Queen

Eos finds himself a good spot to perform his changes in secrecy. Rather than weaving any spell, though, the Master of Whispers takes out some materials and begins to improvise a disguise. As he acts, his left onyx eye is activated, flooding his mind with his own image, showing how to best use light and shadow to change his features...

By the time Eos is done, he seems like an entirely different man. Sometimes, magic isn't really needed.

With a new face, Eos makes his way back to the palace. This time though he is moving silently. His feet make no sound, he is difficult to even notice: almost ever behind a crate or dissimulated within a larger group. Thus, Eos tries to make his way to Queen Julia's court, via the servant's quarters.


So, Eos is using it all on making a good disguise: Onyx eye (+5), Guidance of the Avatar (+20), Inspiration (+30) [roll0]
Also trying to get into court without anybody noticing. Hide [roll1] Move silently [roll2]. The idea is to stalk Queen Julia for a while. Maybe also use some Brain spider spell on the noblemen talking to her to see what kind of secrets they're hiding.
If possible, I'd also like to keep using Arcane sight to see if there's any magical effects both on the Queen and in the castle.

[rweird]

Alistaire:
Still... vampire. The whole "don't invite a vampire in" is definitely a thing they'd consider, and that vampires. can mind-control people. It'd be more like meeting a mob boss, regardless of reputation. Your kind have a reputation for drinking blood, and possess supernatural abilities that make them a threat, even if unarmed.

Once you appear and inquire about speaking with the duchess, a messenger runs off to convey the message. The messenger returns a few minutes later, inquiring as to the reason for your visit, with a fair bit of fear.

Eos:
Are you trying to appear as another noble, a servant, something else? Also, hiding requires having cover/concealment to hide behind/in. The entrance to the castle has neither.

What is the reason you said "I'd also like to keep using Arcane sight?" Is something preventing you from doing this?

Stilltongue:
Considering you're in the wall and can't really perceive things, your turn again.

[Don nadie]

I'd like to disguise as a cortesan/page. I think Eos would require too big a change of costume to pull off the actual servant.

And no, nothing prevents it :S I just wanted to remind you that Eos is paying attention for magical effects.

[LoyalPaladin]

Still... vampire. The whole "don't invite a vampire in" is definitely a thing they'd consider, and that vampires. can mind-control people. It'd be more like meeting a mob boss, regardless of reputation. Your kind have a reputation for drinking blood, and possess supernatural abilities that make them a threat, even if unarmed.

Once you appear and inquire about speaking with the duchess, a messenger runs off to convey the message. The messenger returns a few minutes later, inquiring as to the reason for your visit, with a fair bit of fear.
Alistaire Whitecastle

Alistaire taps his foot on the ground while he waits for the messenger to return. Upon his fearful arrival, Alistaire does his best to remove his fears. "I'd like to speak to her about the state of the treasury. I hear it is in... despair." He smiles honestly. "Look, I get it. Famous vampire show up on your door step unannounced, definitely cause for concern. But if I was here with hostile intent, half the guard would be dead and the other half would be dominated." He gestures around the immediate area. "There's a severe lack of death and domination. I'm just here to talk and, to be perfectly honest, kill a little time."

He pauses for a moment. "Tell the lady that she has my honor, as a knight, that I shall bring no harm while I am her guest."
Diplomacy
[roll0]

[Sir Grave]

"A wise decision. I prefer my followers' loyalty to be uncompelled, though that's not always a choice. Which brings me to why i brought you here."

"I'm sure you know about the attack suffered upon Cordelia and the late Lady Anna a few weeks ago. In my investigation, I've determined that there's a good chance that the perpetrator is a Knight of Grimfell. Or was, at least."

Ailde got up, starting to walk around his spacious office. "And that's where you come in. I need a list of all knights who were serving when our dear Lady of the Black Rose arrived. I'd like to question all of them, but I suppose the conditioned ones are a low priority."

He sat back down again, when an idea struck him. "Who was that knight that challenged Cordelia to a duel a while back? Sir Highrock or something? Unless my information is incorrect,
I believe he swayed a few knights to his side. I'd need those two."

I have only a vague memory of that whole duel, if you could call it that, so I may have gotten some details wrong.

Lucius stared blankly at the mage hunter. "I will accommodate you to the best of my abilities. I keep extensive records of all of Grimmfell's military resources.

"Highrock challenged The Lady of the Black Rose in hopes of succeeding her as Governor of Grimmfell, or so he thought when he allied himself with Thryvaak Sal'Veen. I imagine the late Saint of Heironeous anticipated he would not succeed in killing her, instead using his fall as a means of bringing to question The Lady of the Black Rose's honor or right to rule.Or perhaps it was meant to provoke her. Regardless, It was enough to inspire seven knights, or perhaps more who have yet to step forward, to abandon their oaths to Ashourina, though most are dead,or possibly in hiding, in the Joyfields. The tactic was sound, though unexpected from a paladin of such... virtue.

"I would, however, recommend that you do prioritize the Knights of the Black Rose. For those who agreed to observe Highrock's challenge were the first to be reconditioned. They would assuredly be willing to provide you with any information you might find necessary, although there's no telling what memories were blocked by Lord Aldik when he conditioned them."

[Bad Wolf]

Lucius stared blankly at the mage hunter. "I will accommodate you to the best of my abilities. I keep extensive records of all of Grimmfell's military resources.

"Highrock challenged The Lady of the Black Rose in hopes of succeeding her as Governor of Grimmfell, or so he thought when he allied himself with Thryvaak Sal'Veen. I imagine the late Saint of Heironeous anticipated he would not succeed in killing her, instead using his fall as a means of bringing to question The Lady of the Black Rose's honor or right to rule.Or perhaps it was meant to provoke her. Regardless, It was enough to inspire seven knights, or perhaps more who have yet to step forward, to abandon their oaths to Ashourina, though most are dead,or possibly in hiding, in the Joyfields. The tactic was sound, though unexpected from a paladin of such... virtue.

"I would, however, recommend that you do prioritize the Knights of the Black Rose. For those who agreed to observe Highrock's challenge were the first to be reconditioned. They would assuredly be willing to provide you with any information you might find necessary, although there's no telling what memories were blocked by Lord Aldik when he conditioned them."

"I assumed more recent..morally complex decisions would be wiped from their memory. That's the problem with the whole thing. Go too far, or not enough, and their whole mind could unravel."

Ailde took back his report, picking up where he left off. "Very well. Send any Knight of the Black Rose of your choice here as soon as possible."

"You're dismissed."

[ValarMorgulis]

Stilltongue casts another spell, this one granting him the ability to see the threads of magic from which spells are woven. He moves through the rock and peers into the cavern, still hidden.

Cast miracle to emulate greater arcane sight. Move 50 ft. through the rock towards the last location of the chronotyryn and peek into the cavern. Are the stalkers still alive?

[Starmage21]

Cordelia had found what she needed in her chambers, and set aside her thoughts on her tense exchange with Ailde. It was a necessary measure for a human in a court of immortals to prove she was not weak, or unworthy of the queen's favor. She would not be subject to such manipulation.

Her next stop was to visit Aldik. To besiege a city would require more than a sizeable army. She needed engines of war.

She stepped out onto the balcony of her chambers and flew to the top of one of her towers, to the platform of ethereal jaunting. From there, she would transport herself to Aldik's workshop.

Aldik could hear the soft clanking of her boots as she approached. (clank. clank. clank.)

She approached, her masked donned. Aldik possibly noted that he could not pierce her thoughts as he once did, for the Third Eye she had given Anna was back in her possession.

"Aldik.

"I hope I am not intruding on anything of great importance."

The Archwizard Aldik Adath

Aldik sat in his stone chair, the same as he was when Ailde had left him hours before. He was unnaturally still, as the living fidget and he had not been alive in so long he no longer remembered what it was truly like. His crimson pinpoints of fire that served as eyes darted rapidly from left to right across several volumes hovering in front of him, the pages turning every few seconds. Cordelia spoke from down the hallway, and they froze in place. His usual deep raspy voice echoing from within his skull carries down the hall.

"Ahhh, Our Lady of the Black Rose comes calling..."

"Come in. There is nothing of greater import than the other members of Queen Ashourina's court. I was just preparing a plan to bring Onara into the fold, by reading up on their history and cultural norms. A two-birds with one stone effort, as a member of the Onaran leadership owns one of the legendary Staves of the Magi. I intend to bargain for it, or take it as necessary. It turns out that there is a system of magical duels and challenges that allow lower ranking wizards to advance by demonstrating their understanding of magic by besting their betters. Sometimes there are duels, when the contestants are more directly adversarial, more common among the specialist evokers and conjurers. Other types of contest can take the form subtle games that can last for years, especially as enchanters practice their mental manipulations. However, this structure ends once their formal education is over and some of them transition into the political structure of the magocracy..."

"...however, as amusing as this is, I am digressing from the point. What can I help you with, Cordelia?"

Aldik grasps his staff, lifting it from the specialized notch in the stone chair he sat upon, and uses it as a means to aid in coming to his feet. He turns to face Cordelia to welcome her into the room. The volumes Aldik was reading still hovering behind him.

[rweird]

Stilltongue:
The invisible stalkers are no more, and the shadesteel golems have emerged from the sphere. The chronotyryn hovers above the central prismatic sphere. In addition to the previously mentioned effects, arcane sight detects repulsion (will DC 34, overcome SR [roll0]). The chronotyryn is poised and searching for you.

Alistaire:
The messenger goes off again, reassured, but somewhat concerned by the veiled threat. A few minutes later, the duchess appears in the doorway, looking worried and annoyed. "Lord Whitecastle. I am unsure why you take interest in Veacrol's finances, or me, and why this matter couldn't be taken up at court."

Eos:
The throne room is hallowed. Julia has no magical auras herself, although other nobles have various auras (spells like undetectable alignment or discern lies, some have magic weapons or armor, cloaks, gloves, circlets, boots and the like, although none of the auras are stronger than moderate).

A foreign noble is speaking with Julia about establishing trade routes. His point amounts to Veacrol not having anything they really need, and being far away, so it should fall on Veacrol to pay for the maintenance of these routes. Julia doesn't seem surprised by this, and hides her disappointment well. The court isn't exactly paying rapt attention to these proceedings. It seems clear that everyone knows the situation. Veacrol doesn't have the resources to trade to make trade routes very profitable for trading partners, or the money to profitably maintain trade routes on its own with more distant realms. Diplomats from other realms have given the same courteous rejection.

[Sir Grave]

"I assumed more recent..morally complex decisions would be wiped from their memory. That's the problem with the whole thing. Go too far, or not enough, and their whole mind could unravel."

Ailde took back his report, picking up where he left off. "Very well. Send any Knight of the Black Rose of your choice here as soon as possible."

"You're dismissed."

With a bow, the Deathknight left. He had wondered if this would delay Lady Cordelia's plans. But both things needed to be done.

(pending rweird's response. It's unclear which knights are interwoven into his grand plot.
Then again, I might have rweird play the knight anyway.)


The Archwizard Aldik Adath

Aldik sat in his stone chair, the same as he was when Ailde had left him hours before. He was unnaturally still, as the living fidget and he had not been alive in so long he no longer remembered what it was truly like. His crimson pinpoints of fire that served as eyes darted rapidly from left to right across several volumes hovering in front of him, the pages turning every few seconds. Cordelia spoke from down the hallway, and they froze in place. His usual deep raspy voice echoing from within his skull carries down the hall.

"Ahhh, Our Lady of the Black Rose comes calling..."

"Come in. There is nothing of greater import than the other members of Queen Ashourina's court. I was just preparing a plan to bring Onara into the fold, by reading up on their history and cultural norms. A two-birds with one stone effort, as a member of the Onaran leadership owns one of the legendary Staves of the Magi. I intend to bargain for it, or take it as necessary. It turns out that there is a system of magical duels and challenges that allow lower ranking wizards to advance by demonstrating their understanding of magic by besting their betters. Sometimes there are duels, when the contestants are more directly adversarial, more common among the specialist evokers and conjurers. Other types of contest can take the form subtle games that can last for years, especially as enchanters practice their mental manipulations. However, this structure ends once their formal education is over and some of them transition into the political structure of the magocracy..."

"...however, as amusing as this is, I am digressing from the point. What can I help you with, Cordelia?"

Aldik grasps his staff, lifting it from the specialized notch in the stone chair he sat upon, and uses it as a means to aid in coming to his feet. He turns to face Cordelia to welcome her into the room. The volumes Aldik was reading still hovering behind him.

She did not remove her obsidian mask. She wasn't in the mood to be read. And in any case, the face of Ashourina was appropriate enough at this time.

"My next mission is to invade the Joyfields. I have the manpower, but to take the major holds and cities, I'll require more than superior numbers. I need seige engines.

"Can you aid me in this area?"

[Starmage21]

The Archwizard Aldik Adath

Aldik faces Cordelia, his stature being actually smaller than hers even when he stands upright. The tomes previously behind him all close and then hover back to their places on the bookshelf. Simultaneously, two other tomes fly slowly off the shelf and hover over to Aldik, floating in midair to his left as he faces Cordelia.

"It is often expected or perhaps 'requested' for wizards to enter the employ of the state for the purposes of wartime activity, however, your request is most unusual. Often, those magic users in state employ, serve as artillery themselves, or as a counter-balance to enemy magic users. It is normal for mundane means of carrying on a siege be built and constructed in advance, or on-site by soldiers or specialized cohorts with the skills and expertise for building, with the aid of a siege engineer. I assume you know this."

The volumes flip open and hover closer to Cordelia, so as to be within Aldik's peripheral vision as he faces Cordelia, though Aldik himself remains unnaturally still.

"I must then assume that you mean to conduct a siege on a time frame that does not allow for the standard construction times of traditional siege engines. Though I have never put my own knowledge into practice in the construction of siege engines, I am not without a solution for you. If my initial assumption is correct, then two options I have for you, and the two are not mutually exclusive. One, I can conjure several siege engines for you, based on the reference material I have here. These siege engines will be mundane objects, similar in design, purpose, and capability to what you could otherwise build yourself. The second option is I accompany you to your destination, and operate in a role that will allow you to siege your target in a manner similar to what you witnessed when we attacked the former Saint Sal'Veen's fortress. It is a minimal effort for me to render holes in walls large enough for large numbers of troops to pass through."

Aldik remains still, now silent. His red pinpoints of fire for eyes fall upon Cordelia awaiting a response.


I can disintegrate the crap out of a stone wall. Also True Creation + Fabricate allows me to create up to 10,000GP in raw materials and craft it into objects like siege weapons

[rweird]

Ailde:
A knight, armed and armored in full plate, bearing the insignia of the black rose soon approaches and stands at attention. "You wished to see me, Inquisitor." He doesn't know what this is about, although he believes in Ashourina, and thusly has confidence in you as her representative.

[ValarMorgulis]

Stilltongue remains hidden, and uses his quiessence ability to surround himself with a field that blocks all sound.

Using quiessence to activate the effect of a silence spell on his person, making sure that the chronotyryn is not yet in the field's effect. That's it for the gloom's round.

[Sir Grave]

The Archwizard Aldik Adath

Aldik faces Cordelia, his stature being actually smaller than hers even when he stands upright. The tomes previously behind him all close and then hover back to their places on the bookshelf. Simultaneously, two other tomes fly slowly off the shelf and hover over to Aldik, floating in midair to his left as he faces Cordelia.

"It is often expected or perhaps 'requested' for wizards to enter the employ of the state for the purposes of wartime activity, however, your request is most unusual. Often, those magic users in state employ, serve as artillery themselves, or as a counter-balance to enemy magic users. It is normal for mundane means of carrying on a siege be built and constructed in advance, or on-site by soldiers or specialized cohorts with the skills and expertise for building, with the aid of a siege engineer. I assume you know this."

The volumes flip open and hover closer to Cordelia, so as to be within Aldik's peripheral vision as he faces Cordelia, though Aldik himself remains unnaturally still.

"I must then assume that you mean to conduct a siege on a time frame that does not allow for the standard construction times of traditional siege engines. Though I have never put my own knowledge into practice in the construction of siege engines, I am not without a solution for you. If my initial assumption is correct, then two options I have for you, and the two are not mutually exclusive. One, I can conjure several siege engines for you, based on the reference material I have here. These siege engines will be mundane objects, similar in design, purpose, and capability to what you could otherwise build yourself. The second option is I accompany you to your destination, and operate in a role that will allow you to siege your target in a manner similar to what you witnessed when we attacked the former Saint Sal'Veen's fortress. It is a minimal effort for me to render holes in walls large enough for large numbers of troops to pass through."

Aldik remains still, now silent. His red pinpoints of fire for eyes fall upon Cordelia awaiting a response.


I can disintegrate the crap out of a stone wall. Also True Creation + Fabricate allows me to create up to 10,000GP in raw materials and craft it into objects like siege weapons


"Whatever you can conjure would be ideal for the initial attack, and could buy enough time for my soldiers to build additional seige weapons.

"Of course, you are more than welcome to join me in the assault. Your power would prove useful once Ashourina's legions reach the wall. You should know, however, that taking the Joyfields is not a matter of political gain. They have opposed the Immortal Queen, and they deserve her wrath in full."

[Don nadie]

Veacrol - Queen Julia's Throne Room

Eos observes the proceedings calmly. What he's just learnt, of course, is delightful. That is certainly something Ashourina could offer, or perhaps a weakness that could be exploited. He walks arround the hall, his attention focused not on the Queen but on the noblemen. Which are her enemies and which her allies? Under disguise, he spends the next hour moving through them and listening to their conversations in the hope of getting a more clear picture of some of the main actors.


So... A bit of espionage! Let me roll Gather information [roll0]

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire:
The messenger goes off again, reassured, but somewhat concerned by the veiled threat. A few minutes later, the duchess appears in the doorway, looking worried and annoyed. "Lord Whitecastle. I am unsure why you take interest in Veacrol's finances, or me, and why this matter couldn't be taken up at court."
Alistair Whitecastle

Alistaire smiles handsomely when the duchess arrives at the door and then shrugs his shoulders slightly. "You're a vampire lord for a few thousand years and then suddenly you're not allowed to kill time." His voice is filled with exaggerated exasperation.

"I have a date set for court. But while I have time to spare, I thought I'd come speak to you." He bows in a courtly manner. "My lady-" He makes sure to use a flattering term, to make her feel important. "Would you please allow me entry and make conversation with me? If I am truly a bother, I will surely leave. Do not think ill of me because of what I am, trust me because of who I am." He flashes his signature, toothy grin.


Diplomacy
[roll0]

[rweird]

Alistaire:
OoC: For vampires needing to be invited in, its with every entry, so once you leave, you can't just come and go as you please.

"Very well lord Whitecastle." Duchess Brilden steps aside for you to enter. "I believe you wanted to talk about the 'despair-inducing' state of our treasury." From her tone, it is obvious she disagrees with your assessment.

Eos:
While Julia has allies, her councilors foremost among them, she does not have enemies. While nobles may plot against each other, the crown remains above it. (I could go into plots between nobles, although it isn't really relevant, and there aren't many of those).

OoC: I tried to explain this in the kingdom description. Julia has Veacrol well under her thumb. She is popular, charismatic, cunning, pragmatic, and politically, militarily and economically powerful (relative to others in her kingdom). While this centralization is new enough it might not survive past Julia, Veacrol essentially is an absolute monarchy. The military nd state apparatus answers directly to the crown. Nobles are wealthy landowners, and are often given roles in government, they don't have much political power. The nobles can relax and party while Julia (and a group of competent administrators, generally, but not exclusively, drawn from the nobility) run the realm. Because Julia is effect and the realm is prospering, and the nobles are still getting money (although it now is through a pension system from the crown which directly collects taxes, rather than local nobles taxing their peasants), no-one is complaining.

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire:
OoC: For vampires needing to be invited in, its with every entry, so once you leave, you can't just come and go as you please.

"Very well lord Whitecastle." Duchess Brilden steps aside for you to enter. "I believe you wanted to talk about the 'despair-inducing' state of our treasury." From her tone, it is obvious she disagrees with your assessment.
Alistaire Whitecastle

Alistaire bows in thanks and enters the home, most likely having to duck through the door and follows her to wherever she sees fit to talk. "I've heard your country is in a financial bind." He admits. "I'm to meet the queen in court tomorrow and would like to be well versed in these matters." He peers at her with his blood-red eyes, doing his very best to minimize his vampiric intimidation.

"My lady, I am an honest man and I cherish mortals like yourself, though most of my instincts tell me not to. I'm sure you're aware that I've done terrible things in my lifetime and I suspect that's why you're not entirely comfortable speaking to me. That, or you're horridly afraid of people with pointy teeth." He smiles, he is attempting to lighten the mood as best he can. "I would like to be frank with you about matters, but you must know I tell you these things in confidence and expect them to stay between you and I. Can I trust you?" He raises an eyebrow.

I'm fairly certain Alistaire can enter without permission, he's just polite.

[rweird]

Alistaire:
OoC: I don't see anything in the vampire lord entry that mentions them not needing permission to enter, and non-vampires do.

"You can rely on my discretion lord Whitecastle." she says evenly, and waits for you to continue.

Stilltongue:
The chronotyryn repeats its Quickened True Casting an Twinned, Maximized Maw of Chaos combo like before, continuing to glare unseeingly, but balefully in your general vicinity.

Maw of Chaos 1: 174 damage, overcoming SR: [roll0]
Maw of Chaos 2: 174 damage, overcoming SR: [roll1]
Maw of Chaos 3: 174 damage, overcoming SR: [roll2]
Maw of Chaos 4: 174 damage, overcoming SR: [roll3]
Saves against daze DC 36.

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire:
OoC: I don't see anything in the vampire lord entry that mentions them not needing permission to enter, and non-vampires do.

"You can rely on my discretion lord Whitecastle." she says evenly, and waits for you to continue.

Alistaire Whitecastle

He looks around, to make sure they are alone. If not, he'll ask for a few moment's privacy. "Very well then." Alistaire shrugs carelessly. "I seek to broker a deal between Malgraxia and Grimmfell." His expression grows dark, but not threatening. "Should Malgraxia be in the financial trouble our reports say it is, I would like to use this as a focal point for both sides of the table. Malgraxia needs money, and Queen Ashourina needs space." He chuckles deviously.

"I'd also like you to help me in the matter." He gestures towards the noblewoman. "You're a special lady and this is a special deal. I really could have reached out to any noble, but you are the one I think is best suited to help me." He steeples his hands. "I have legitimate concerns that, should a deal not be brokered, Ashourina will march an army of the dead right into the heart of this noble country." He examines her expression and then adds. "Questions?"

I didn't see anything in the SRD about it, is it a house rule? Perhaps I just missed it...

[rweird]

LoyalPaladin:
Out of Character: This is Veacrol. Not Malgragaxia. Malgragaxia is the halfling slavers. As Alistaire obviously would not make this mistake, I'm wondering if you just flipped the names, or if we miscommunicated where you were going.

Also, Veacrol isn't in financial trouble. They are trying to open trade routes to get more money, and while not fabulously wealthy as a nation, they aren't poor or indebted or anything either. I'm not sure what the reports that indicated otherwise were. Noft (the kingdom in a civil war that neighbors Veacrol has a bunch of problems (including financial ones), but Noft isn't Veacrol.

As for vampires, the SRD (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/vampire.htm) says "They are utterly unable to enter a home or other building unless invited in by someone with the authority to do so. They may freely enter public places, since these are by definition open to all." (its the line above vampire weaknesses).

[LoyalPaladin]

LoyalPaladin:
Out of Character: This is Veacrol. Not Malgragaxia. Malgragaxia is the halfling slavers. As Alistaire obviously would not make this mistake, I'm wondering if you just flipped the names, or if we miscommunicated where you were going.

Also, Veacrol isn't in financial trouble. They are trying to open trade routes to get more money, and while not fabulously wealthy as a nation, they aren't poor or indebted or anything either. I'm not sure what the reports that indicated otherwise were. Noft (the kingdom in a civil war that neighbors Veacrol has a bunch of problems (including financial ones), but Noft isn't Veacrol.

As for vampires, the SRD (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/vampire.htm) says "They are utterly unable to enter a home or other building unless invited in by someone with the authority to do so. They may freely enter public places, since these are by definition open to all." (its the line above vampire weaknesses).
Hmmm. I have indeed made many mistakes. I'm going to look this over and salvage it haha.

[ValarMorgulis]

Stilltongue deftly avoids the magical energies roiling around him. He glides forward, invisible and inaudible -- until he is within striking range of the chronotyryn. With one swift motion a gloom dagger appears in his hand and slices across the Chronotyryn's throat.

Move forward (flying), draw dagger (free action), and make an attack with mosquito bite skill trick. Using his ability to snipe with melee attacks (-20 penalty to hide).

Attack: [roll0] [roll1] (take the best)
Crit confirm (if needed): [roll2] [roll3] (take the best)
Damage: [roll4] piercing damage, plus greater svalkor venom (Fort save DC 58 or paralysis) and wounding (1 con) and Will save DC 44 or dazed for 1 round.

Depending on the results of this attack, more actions may follow.

EDIT: Crit was successful, so total of 138 damage and application of cursespewing (-4 penalty) and bodyfeeding (+138 temp hp).

[Starmage21]

The Archwizard Aldik Adath

Aldik lets forth a raspy chuckle.

"Cordelia, while I generally promote the idea that simply killing all that oppose will generally lead to a requirement that literally everyone be killed, I have no issue whatsoever in making an example, or two as necessary. Such examples are often prudent, so long as they are left as examples rather than standard practice. It reminds everyone what the consequences are, and encourages the subjugated to expend their energy and efforts in more useful endeavors than opposition to The Queen."

Aldik simply steps past Cordelia, making his way down the hall of the The Queen's Ziggurat and proceeding outside at a standard walking pace. Each of Aldik's steps are deliberate and posses an unnatural grace, as the flaws of the living meat and sinew no longer hinder him.

Outside, Aldik simply concentrates silently for upwards of 10 minutes, with no flair or other flashy spellcasting, and a large 30ft cube of neatly stacked timbers and metal ingots simply appears where previously there was none.

"You'll need to bring your soldiers..."

Some time later, Aldik begins actually casting a spell that can be noticed. Speaking arcane phrases vaguely reminiscent of actual language and directing material with his hands as it hovers into the air and shaped according to his will into the items he desires. In 18 seconds, the 30ft cube of neatly stacked raw materials is transformed completely into siege weaponry and ammunition for use by Cordelia's army.

"I trust these will do."


Manifest True Creation (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powers/trueCreation.htm) for 17 PP and 2,000 XP(which is supplied by the Rod of Excellent Psionics) to create 10,000 GP in raw materials that take up no more than 30 cubic feet.
Aldik doesnt have Fabricate (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/fabricate.htm)memorized, but he can meditate for 15 minutes and fill an empty 6th level slot then cast it, turning the raw materials into siege weaponry that uses up the 10K in raw materials and doesnt take up more than 600 cubic feet of space (Widened). Aldik doesnt have Craft (Siege Weaponry) or any other craft other than Craft(Weaving), but he can make such checks untrained with a +14 bonus and will take 10 for a total Craft check of 24.
This should be able to create 30,000GP in crafted goods (siege weapons)

[Don nadie]

Veacrol - Julia's Castle

Eos continues shifting through court. He moves like a cat, his feet barely making a sound. He is barely seen, often a figure in the background, barely noticed consciously by others. Subtly he shifts his position and pose, always keeping himself beyond the Queen's sight. He is trying to hear a few more details. At times, he asks questions to other servants. Disguised as part of their job, Eos is trying to learn a few more things...


Lol, I think I kinda forgot the OoC, sorry. Two more questions Eos would like to know:

1- Does this palace have a treasury?
2- Is the Queen married/does she have a heir?

As you can imagine, the ideas of stealing all her money and of murdering her are also on the table :P

[Bad Wolf]

Inquisitor. He always liked the sound of that.

"I did. Take a seat."

"You were with Sir Highrock when he challenged the Lady of the Black Rose to a duel, correct?
I was wondering what you could tell me about that."

[rweird]

Stilltongue:
As you approach, the chronotyryn evokes a forcecage around you. Trapping you in the maws of chaos.

Eos:
The palace has a treasury, although the system is somewhat decentralized. The royal demesne includes many estates, and each has a treasury of their own. In addition, cities store portions of taxes owed the crown in vaults of their own to pay the crown's local expenses. The crown also acts as a lender, and the decentralized nature of the treasury facilitates easier access to the crown's credit.

Julia is unmarried, her younger sister, Cynthia is the heir. Cynthia is married and has two daughters. Cynthia is respected, although she plays a less active role in court, and more rarely makes appearances. While she lacks Julia's genius, she is competent, clever, and relatively charismatic. Her daughters are still in their minority, however. If you're wondering, Veacrol's inheritance is absolute primogeniture (oldest child inherits regardless of gender, next oldest sibling of monarch if there are no children).

Your knowledge would tell you this, you wouldn't need to poke around.

Ailde:
"Sir Highrock challenged the lady of the black rose for rulership of Grimfell. He tried to use a poisoned blade, but Ashourina allowed Lady Cordelia, the rightful ruler of Grimfell to prevail, in Ashourina’s name.

“Then Sal’Veen appeared and conjured some sort of wind-spirit, which took up the blade and wounded Cordelia, taunting her for ‘abandoning Grimfell.’ Sal’Veen, and one of the other knights, Sir Leonne, used a scroll to imprison her in some sort of green field. Sal’Veen then said he was going to kill Ashourina, and lady Cordelia was helpless to stop it. He told us that we should kill her when she succumbs to the poison.

“Lord Velduvian then arrived to take the lady Cordelia to meet with Ashourina.”

[ValarMorgulis]

Stilltongue moves through the wall of force as though it wasn't there.

OOC: Slippery Wight epic feat

[Sir Grave]

The Archwizard Aldik Adath

Aldik lets forth a raspy chuckle.

"Cordelia, while I generally promote the idea that simply killing all that oppose will generally lead to a requirement that literally everyone be killed, I have no issue whatsoever in making an example, or two as necessary. Such examples are often prudent, so long as they are left as examples rather than standard practice. It reminds everyone what the consequences are, and encourages the subjugated to expend their energy and efforts in more useful endeavors than opposition to The Queen."

Aldik simply steps past Cordelia, making his way down the hall of the The Queen's Ziggurat and proceeding outside at a standard walking pace. Each of Aldik's steps are deliberate and posses an unnatural grace, as the flaws of the living meat and sinew no longer hinder him.

Outside, Aldik simply concentrates silently for upwards of 10 minutes, with no flair or other flashy spellcasting, and a large 30ft cube of neatly stacked timbers and metal ingots simply appears where previously there was none.

"You'll need to bring your soldiers..."

Some time later, Aldik begins actually casting a spell that can be noticed. Speaking arcane phrases vaguely reminiscent of actual language and directing material with his hands as it hovers into the air and shaped according to his will into the items he desires. In 18 seconds, the 30ft cube of neatly stacked raw materials is transformed completely into siege weaponry and ammunition for use by Cordelia's army.

"I trust these will do."


Manifest True Creation (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powers/trueCreation.htm) for 17 PP and 2,000 XP(which is supplied by the Rod of Excellent Psionics) to create 10,000 GP in raw materials that take up no more than 30 cubic feet.
Aldik doesnt have Fabricate (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/fabricate.htm)memorized, but he can meditate for 15 minutes and fill an empty 6th level slot then cast it, turning the raw materials into siege weaponry that uses up the 10K in raw materials and doesnt take up more than 600 cubic feet of space (Widened). Aldik doesnt have Craft (Siege Weaponry) or any other craft other than Craft(Weaving), but he can make such checks untrained with a +14 bonus and will take 10 for a total Craft check of 24.
This should be able to create 30,000GP in crafted goods (siege weapons)


Cordelia examined Aldik's handiwork. "They satisfy."

"I've a few more preparations to make. As our forces batter the enemy from without, I wish for a sickness to seep from within. Spies and saboteurs will be necessary to soften their defenses. And when they've achieved peak ripeness, in Ashourina's name I will crush them.

"For too long I've allowed notions such as mercy and honor to hold me back. They've made me considerably weak. And there is no room for weakness within the foundations of Ashourina's Kingdom. I will be ruthless for her. As will my legions."

Leaving Aldik's Cordelia had wondered who she would turn to for spies. She had no desire for Stilltongue's help. He could most assuredly accommodate her, but it would be one more thing she owed him for, and that tally was too high.

Cordelia rolled her eyes. That left one option.

***

There was a knock at Ailde's door. knock knock.

[rweird]

Stilltongue:
You hit for 118 damage (DR, so you'd get temporary HP based on that), although it doesn't appear paralyzed or dazed, so I guess you can continue your attacks.

What ability allows you to snipe with melee attacks?

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde frowned. "That's odd. Why go to the trouble of calling an elemental to wield a sword?" The question was more to himself, rather than the knight of the black rose.

It could've been an illusion, perhaps a Projected Image of some sort. But he would be need to be close by, and he had heard tales of the Saint's skill at arms. And then he tasked the knights with killing Lady Cordelia, should she succumb to the poison.

He stirred. "Alright. How many of-"

There was a knock at the door.

Ailde sighed. "I thought I told Cassandra I was not to be interrupted. One moment."

The fey-elf got up from his seat, ripping open the door. "I thought I told you-"

Standing there was not Cassandra, his second-in-command, but the Lady of the Black Rose herself.

It had only been a matter of hours since their little...skirmish. For a brief moment, he contemplated the possibility of her having come there to kill him.

"We'll have to continue this another time, Knight. See my secretary, she'll arrange a date for this interview to continue." All this time, he did not take his eyes off Cordelia.

Once the knight (her knight) had left he stepped away from the doorway, silently inviting the Commander of Grimfell and the Champion of Ashourina to sit.

He sat in his own chair, removing his mask as a gesture of mutual respect. Finally, he broke the uncomfortable silence.

"So. To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure, Lady Cordelia?"

[ValarMorgulis]

The master assassin was surprised to see the chronotyryn resist the potent poison applied to his blade, but perhaps it had some sort of immunity. He knew he would have to maintain his assault lest the creature gain a moment to formulate a counter or escape. Again, his dagger slashes it, while in the palm of his other hand a fanged mouth emerges.


Using his ability to snipe with melee attacks (-20 penalty to hide). Attack is an AoO for hitting with the first attack. Then, Standard Action to manifest the mouth.

Attack: [roll]1d20+83) [roll0] (take the best)
Crit confirm (if needed): [roll1] [roll2] (take the best)
Damage: [roll3] piercing damage, plus greater svalkor venom (Fort save DC 58 or paralysis) and wounding (1 con), plus [roll4]
sneak attack damage.

No crit.

[Sir Grave]

Ailde frowned. "That's odd. Why go to the trouble of calling an elemental to wield a sword?" The question was more to himself, rather than the knight of the black rose.

It could've been an illusion, perhaps a Projected Image of some sort. But he would be need to be close by, and he had heard tales of the Saint's skill at arms. And then he tasked the knights with killing Lady Cordelia, should she succumb to the poison.

He stirred. "Alright. How many of-"

There was a knock at the door.

Ailde sighed. "I thought I told Cassandra I was not to be interrupted. One moment."

The fey-elf got up from his seat, ripping open the door. "I thought I told you-"

Standing there was not Cassandra, his second-in-command, but the Lady of the Black Rose herself.

It had only been a matter of hours since their little...skirmish. For a brief moment, he contemplated the possibility of her having come there to kill him.

"We'll have to continue this another time, Knight. See my secretary, she'll arrange a date for this interview to continue." All this time, he did not take his eyes off Cordelia.

Once the knight (her knight) had left he stepped away from the doorway, silently inviting the Commander of Grimfell and the Champion of Ashourina to sit.

He sat in his own chair, removing his mask as a gesture of mutual respect. Finally, he broke the uncomfortable silence.

"So. To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure, Lady Cordelia?"

If there was one flaw someone were to pinpoint about Cordelia, it was the fact she held a lasting grudge. But in this case, she saw no need for reliving the past to further delay Ashourina's plans. And in any case, she was here in his domain, asking for his aid.


Removing her own mask, she took the seat offered. She was direct and to the point. "I was hoping you could contribute to my attack on the Joyfields by loaning me some of your agents. I require a hidden presence within the walls of their primary fortress, to make the siege go all the more easier.


"Could you accommodate me?"

[rweird]

Stilltongue:
You strike a second time, wounding it. The chrontyryn's form shifts, becoming a shadowy haze and incorporeal (transforming into a greater shadow). It turns and flits into the wall opposite you (withdraw).

This is contingent on you not having reach or some way to prevent 5 ft steps.

[Bad Wolf]

If there was one flaw someone were to pinpoint about Cordelia, it was the fact she held a lasting grudge. But in this case, she saw no need for reliving the past to further delay Ashourina's plans. And in any case, she was here in his domain, asking for his aid.


Removing her own mask, she took the seat offered. She was direct and to the point. "I was hoping you could contribute to my attack on the Joyfields by loaning me some of your agents. I require a hidden presence within the walls of their primary fortress, to make the siege go all the more easier.


"Could you accommodate me?"

Interesting. Anyone at Cordelia's level of influence would've gone to Stilltongue over him any day. The Gloom had a spy network that would make Vecna envious.

Which meant for some unknown reason, Cordelia was trying to avoid him (it?). Or maybe this was her way of making amends, in some odd way.

Ailde began going through his desk, pulling out files. "As Joyfields is not one of the Queen's domains, at least not yet, I've had to resort to other means of intelligence gathering."

"I have no official spies in Joyfields on a permanent basis, so I employ the efforts of the local population. Tavern keepers, carriage drivers, the odd beggar or two. You'd be surprised how much they hear."

He handed the files to Cordelia. "All contacts I have in the domain, complete with records of the usual payments. Should they prove themselves unreasonable, the threat of these falling into the monarch's hands should suffice. After we conquer Joyfields we could easily recruit more, but I'd prefer this to be a last resort."

He settled back into his chair. Anything else I can help you with?"

[ValarMorgulis]

Stilltongue seethes with fury as his quarry escapes into the cavern wall. With its powerful defensive spells and incorporeality, he has no way of tracking it.

Turning his attention to the cavern, he quickly and neatly dispatches the golems -- taking care not to completely ruin them, as he may have some use for their parts later. He searches the cavern for anything of interest; perhaps some clue as to the entrance to the dungeon.

The golems pose no threat to him, so RPing the combat probably isn't worth it. He can actively take 10 on search due to his Alertness feat. If he doesn't find anything, he will return to wherever Aldik is.

[Sir Grave]

Cordelia had thought of something as she was glancing at the knight Ailde was interviewing. Something she had never thought of till now.

Alaina mentioned your fortitude, which is impressive.


"...Possibly.

"In my encounter with Ralidar, he mentioned someone. Alaina. It could be a coincidence, however... I wonder if he meant Captain Alaina Splitrock.

"She is currently a Knight of the Black Rose, though I've my suspicions of her true motives. Perhaps you might get somewhere with her."

She stood. "The sooner my city is rid of these spies, the better. Thank you, Ailde. That will be all."

[Bad Wolf]

Ailde simply nodded. "May the winds carry you swiftly to your destination."

[rweird]

Stilltongue:
The cavern itself doesn't seem to have any secret entrances, although the tunnel deeper into this cave-network remains for you to explore if you wish.

[ValarMorgulis]

Stilltongue moves deeper in the cave, careful to notice anything like a secret door or a trap.

[Don nadie]

Eos, Master of Whispers - Veacrol

Having most of the information he needs, the Master of Whispers takes a few more hours to walk arround the palace complex. One never knows if they will have to attack it after all (or perhaps if they shall need to murder and take over the Queen), so it is a good idea to know the structure and its secret passages. Lithe and silent, Eos moves from shadow to shadow through the corridors.

After that, there's not much more to do. The Master of Whispers spends the day until the time comes to meet his companion walking through the city. He buys a decent bottle of wine to present the Queen on his way back and gets a general feel for the humour of the locals. They do seem happy with their government.

What a shame.


Well, with that Eos will spend the rest of the time being a tourist. Whenever the vampire is ready,
we can rejoin :)

[rweird]

Stilltongue:
It seems like the cave network contains a small Formain hive (only 100 workers or so). There is no sigh of the queen, although the niblewright is present, overseeing some of the work. They seem to be excavating the already impressive cave system, and are working to repair items discovered in the ruins.

Eos:
Surprisingly, there don't seem to be any secret passages in the castle (besides ways for servants to move unobserved, if that counts). Non-nobles seem to generally like Queen Julia, although are usually more caught up in their everyday lives and don't seem to give the matter much thought. The realm is peaceful enough, and she maintains order, which is about all that is expected.

[ValarMorgulis]

Still seething with rage, the gloom returns to Ashourizar and makes his way to Aldik's chambers.

[Sir Grave]

Donning her mask, she left Ailde's office with the papers he had given her. She would need a way of activating these assets, in order for them to provide the information necessary to exploit the weaknesses of the main fortress. And even then, it wasn't quite the same as sabotage.

It seemed that she would require Stilltongue as well.

She sent the assassin a brief mental summons, giving him time to respond. In the meantime, she would check on Lucius' progress.

She found him in the courtyard, busy with marshaling the men. They were nearly ready, but perhaps not quite as ready as her Knights of the Black Rose, who were always ready for a good fight. She would leave 300 to guard. With all of Ashourina's legions combined with hers, she felt she could spare just enough for homeland defense. And Ashourina herself was capable of repelling any enemy that deemed it time to strike.

Next she would scout out the lay of the land. She had never spent much time in the Joyfields during her days as a captain. On dragonback, she ascended to one of the high towers, to the platform of etheral jaunting and transported herself just on the outskirts of the Joyfields.

[rweird]

Eos and Alistaire:
OoC, do you just want to skip to meeting Julia.

Cordelia:
There are scattered castles across the land, although they are hardly well-guarded. There also are watch towers and such. Towns and cities often sport walls of a sort, although they aren't massively fortified. There is no sign that Joyfields is mustering an army, yet. Nevertheless, the city of Joyfields itself, sister city of Grimfell, has defenses befitting its stature. High walls surround the city (although there are numerous buildings outside the city proper). Green dragons are a rare sight, but unlikely to be a welcome one, and it is rather likely that Joyfields has siege weapons that could hurt a dragon if you stray to close.

[ValarMorgulis]

"The other guardian of the Chalice escaped me. I cannot proceed further without your aid in determining the entrance to the dungeon where the Chalice is held."



Stilltongue travels through the shadow plane to Grimfell, where he requests to see Lady Cordelia.

[LoyalPaladin]

Eos and Alistaire:
OoC, do you just want to skip to meeting Julia.
I'll leave that up to Eos.

[Don nadie]

Eos takes a moment to put his vampiric companion up to speed. The Master of Whispers is in an irritable mood after the discovery. He spends the night organizing the Whispers in other, distant missions, and makes time for the arrival of their meeting with the Queen.


Sure, that's fine with me :)

[rweird]

Eos and Alistaire:
You are courteously admitted and announced to the court. The court, while it is early in the morning, seems much more alert. Julia is seated on the throne. She smiles briefly when you enter and nods, although still maintains her impassive regal air. "Welcome Lord Whitecastle and Master Eos." She then waits for you to speak.

[Sir Grave]

Cordelia:
There are scattered castles across the land, although they are hardly well-guarded. There also are watch towers and such. Towns and cities often sport walls of a sort, although they aren't massively fortified. There is no sign that Joyfields is mustering an army, yet. Nevertheless, the city of Joyfields itself, sister city of Grimfell, has defenses befitting its stature. High walls surround the city (although there are numerous buildings outside the city proper). Green dragons are a rare sight, but unlikely to be a welcome one, and it is rather likely that Joyfields has siege weapons that could hurt a dragon if you stray to close.

There were plenty of fortresses and cities to which her armies could make into a base of operations in preparation for the primary capital. Taking the city would prove difficult, but she was confident that with time and patience, she would prevail in the Queen's name.

She was concerned, however, that her mount would not survive the initial assault. He was not meant to be used in a siege. She would need something more resilient and powerful.

Something, perhaps, that the Queen could grant her.

She turned back, towards Grimmfell. On her way, she received Stilltongue's message informing her of his arrival. Wasting no time, she called upon her magics to shift through one plane, then back to the material, specifically in front of the palace entrance. She walked to where Stilltongue chose to meet her (OOC: I guess the war room?)

She kept her mask on when the gloom presented himself. Her greeting was short. "Stilltongue."

[ValarMorgulis]

The war room is unnaturally dark; the braziers burning in each corner of the room giving off a feeble reddish-orange light. It is as though the gloom brings the plane of shadow with him wherever he goes.

"Lady Cordelia", he replies, unmoving.

[Sir Grave]

The war room is unnaturally dark; the braziers burning in each corner of the room giving off a feeble reddish-orange light. It is as though the gloom brings the plane of shadow with him wherever he goes.

"Lady Cordelia", he replies, unmoving.

To the point.

"To besiege the main capital of the Joyfields, I will require the aid of your spies and saboteurs. With the coordinated efforts of your agents as well as Ailde's, victory might be swift.

"Will you accommodate me?"

[ValarMorgulis]

Stilltongue nods slightly. "And when will your seige begin?"

[Sir Grave]

"Once Ashourina's additional forces arrive. And they shall arrive soon."

She hands the papers accounting Ailde's spies to Stilltongue.
"Your agents may make use of these individuals."

[ValarMorgulis]

The gloom smiles.

"What, precisely, do you seek from my agents?"

[Sir Grave]

"Troop count. Assessment of defenses. Key figureheads. Weaknesses. Disrupt, sow confusion and sabotage.

"In essence, what your agents do best."

[ValarMorgulis]

"For Ashourina's glory, it shall be done."

The gloom fades into the shadows, reappearing on the outskirts of the capital city of Joyfields. Adopting the disguise of an elderly man, he ambles towards the city gates.

[Sir Grave]

Once Stilltongue departed, she made her way to the throne room. Once there, she knelt before Ashourina.

"My Queen," she said. "I've come to request a boon.

"Rynskaald's wings are swift, however I do not believe he is suitable for the rage of war. To storm the walls, I will require something far more resilient and powerful.

"If I were to find an elder dragon, and slay it, would you infuse it with your divine necromancy so I might ride it into battle?"

[Don nadie]

Julia's Palace - Eos and Alistaire Whitecastle

The Master of Whisper bows grafully towards the current Queen.

Admired Queen Julia, he begins. For once, he's not trying to flatter his interlocutor (Julia is far too smart for that), but being approximately honest. All that Eos has learnt leads him to believe that the Queen is, indeed, formidable. We come to you in an embassy of peace and prosperity as representatives of Ashourina the Great. The Empress eyes have set upon you and found the capable leader of a succesful nation.

The Master of Whispers pauses for a second. This is always the most difficult step: getting people to accept what is undeniably in their best interest.

Ashourina the Great, thus, would like to offer your nation a chance to join her Empire, in peace and prosperity. By pledging loyalty to her as your Empress, Ashourina would guarantee your kingdom's safety, open trade and expanded frontiers. She could expand your domain to the edges of the world...

Eos stands straight and calm, looking at the woman directly in the eye and waiting for her response.

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle

Alistaire steps forward and allows Eos to speak, then bowing with a practiced and polite grace. "My lady." He nods to acknowledge her authority. "As my good friend says, we come with an offer of peace and partnership." He smiles charmingly at her.. "I am a great advocate for this alliance, for I appreciate the preservation of life."

[rweird]

Eos and Alistaire:
Julia tries to keep her face impassive as she listens, although you can see the excitement in her eyes, but worry as well. She fears, as well she might, that vassalage might come with a steeper cost than suggested. One doesn't go far as queen without looking gift horses in the mouth, although it pays to be subtle about it.

While there is tension in the court, and some unease with the presence of these two mysterious envoys, everyone is aware of the importance of these matters and remains silent and attentive.

"You are well received. I hope we can begin a long and prosperous friendship. As for vassalage, we will need time to consider this matter." While this is a play for time, you can tell she intends to give this matter honest consideration, rather than a way to give a ceremonious rejection. "In the meantime, you are welcome as our honored guests."

At these words, a page standing by a side-entrance exits to make arrangements.

Stilltongue:
Fairrend is the largest and busiest city in the region. People mingle in the streets, cries come from carts and stalls of the newest wares, many from far-off places. While the city is fortified, and a fee is levied on incoming wagons, there is far to much traffic for guards to even try to control movement, at least in times of peace. The poor generally live outside the walls (and the city proper), although tradespeople, merchants, and other service providers have also set up shops there. The wealthy and elite of Joyfields have mansions within, served by thousands of workers, with tradespeople laboring within to provide for them.

The fortifications of the walls sport catapults and ballistae. While they are well-maintained, currently they have minimal garrisons, light enough in fact that it seems unlikely they could put the majority of these weapons to good use. The walls are some 20 ft thick, and each gate has murder holes, as well as strong metal, magically reinforced gates. Militarily, while there is some presence of guards in the city, by far the most notable are the knights patrolling the skies on giant bees (the bees are approximately 10 ft long). They seem to be relatively few in number, although only visitors and children seem to find this occurrence strange.

[ValarMorgulis]

Stilltongue (as Ciaran) sends a mental message to one of his spies and tells her to meet him at one of the seedier watering holes in the city.

Sending spell

[rweird]

Stilltongue:
"Understood, will be there soon." After about half an hour she arrives, but stays far enough apart from other people he's unlikely to be overheard.

[ValarMorgulis]

Once the spy arrives, Ciaran sits at the secluded table. After making a bit of small talk, he stands and gestures for the spy to follow. They walk around for a bit, with Ciaran closely monitoring for anyone tailing them, and finally end at the ramshackle warehouse where their business is conducted. Therein lies a secret room, underground and lined with lead to prevent scrying. Ciaran casts detect magic and discern lies spells.

"Update me on the goings on in Fairrend. Leave no detail unmentioned."

Spot 63, Sense Motive 48, Gather Information 56

[rweird]

Stilltongue:
I can't find anything that says lead prevents scrying. Detect spells sure, but LoE isn't really a thing for scrying in the first place so lead blocking it doesn't really make sense. Also, its Fairrend, not Farrend. Sorry for my previous typo.

Things that have been going on:
- Giant eagle arrived a few days ago with a few riders, staying with the king. They claim Sal'Veen has been slain.
- Sal'Veen made a few visits a couple weeks ago to try to convince the of a growing threat in the mountains. While he gave several speeches to the general population, there hasn't yet been a call to mobilize the soldiers.
- Rumors of a great sphere of darkness killing all within Warrior's Rest have been coming from beyond the border for several days now.
- A group of bandits have been raiding towns beyond the border.
- A traveling carnival with many trained exotic animals (lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas, dire bears, dire wolves, giant snakes, dire bats, and even some dinosaurs) arrived yesterday and its first performance is tonight.
- The king sent messengers to Noft, Veacrol, and further, although the content of their messages are unknown.
- The kings daughter has a lover far below her station. Rumor has it that the king is aware of this, but chooses to do nothing.
- A number of people have been torn apart in their beds in the outer city. Because no-one of importance has died, there has been minimal investigation, but persistence rumors of a monster remain. However, mobs in the outer city have lynched no fewer than three suspects. However, the murders continue.
- Joyfields, an already prosperous realm, has had an exceptional harvest. Food prices are low and people are happy.
- The captain of the Great Road Gate and his men are dirty. They are willing to take bribes to not level full taxes on goods, overlook illicit goods, and overcharge make up the losses. They have criminal contact to sell illicitly confiscated goods too, and spend more time making sure they get money, than seeing nothing dangerous enters the city. Because of this, the black market is growing.
- An even greater number of nobles than normal have came to town to attend the king's Midsummer Ball, which happens in six days.
- Lord Gierst and Lady Durkov are lovers. Both will be attending the ball.
- A number of forgers, counterfeiters and extortionists within the city were recently executed by the crown. Lord Durkov was implicated and is a prisoner of the king in the royal palace (although he is still allowed to live comfortably). The king is deliberating on his fate.

[ValarMorgulis]

"You have done well. How long will the menagerie be in the city? Where will they perform? How long ago did the messengers leave? How many were there? Is the eagle rider still in the city?"




Ciaran ends the meeting, surreptiously casting enduring scrutiny on the spy to be alerted if the spy reveals any information about the meeting, and then modify memory so that the spy remembers answering the sorts of questions that a neighboring kingdom might ask. He then begins to follow several of the leads given by the spy:

1. Find out where the granaries holding the city's food supply are located. Also, the water supply.
2. What sort of monster is suspected of murdering the townsfolk? How recent was the last murder?
3. Why was the Lord employing forgers?

[rweird]

Stilltongue:
Eagle riders hasn't been seen leaving the city, but hasn't been seen by the spy in the city since the arrival, so unknown. Menagerie stay duration is unknown. The spy has a feeling it'll be something like until they stop turning a profit. They've set up outside the city walls, maybe a quarter mile distant, by the river. Messengers left two days ago, although the number is unknown by the spy.

Modify Memory can only effect five minutes of memory, and these explanations would have taken longer than five minutes. Furthermore, with the spell taking 1 round/round altered, you'd need to find some reason to get the spy to stay for a like amount of time with you where the spy isn't acting.

While following the first lead is straightforward enough, how would you pursue the other two?

[Bad Wolf]

Once Cordelia left, Ailde sighed in relief. He never doubted her devotion to the cause, but he still wasn't sure how that meeting would go.

Now, for other matters....He made a note to schedule the knight of the black rose for tomorrow. What remained of today would best be served paying off his debt to Aldik. Perhaps it was his upbringing, but he never liked being in debt to someone.

Just posting what Ailde's been doing. Ive been busy for a while, had grad to deal with and stuff.

[Starmage21]

Still seething with rage, the gloom returns to Ashourizar and makes his way to Aldik's chambers.

The Archwizard Aldik Adath

Having since returned to his chambers and studies following the previous task he performed for Cordelia, Aldik is found in his usual state: simultaneous study of several volumes, which hover before him as if held by an unseen hand. He sits upon a stone chair carved from Queen Ashourina's zigguarat as part of the wall, which for a living person, probably wouldnt be very comfortable for such long sessions spent in it. A notch has been carved in the floor and chair, meant to hold his staff as the deep red ruby atop it gleams in the torchlight.

"You are much more difficult to detect than Lady Cordelia, Stilltongue. That doesnt mean that certain systems cannot be put in place to warn of your coming. That is perhaps why you are here? In any case, I am happy to assist before I begin my campaign in Onara."

[ValarMorgulis]

"I shall find the entrance to the dungeon, but I do not have a means to locate the fomorian queen."

[Starmage21]

The Archwizard Aldik Adath

The hovering tomes close and float gently over to their place on the bookshelf, neatly putting themselves away. Aldik steeples the bones of his fingers together. His deep, raspy voice echos from within his skull as he continues to peer forward as if the books never moved.

"I am already aware that the Chalice is stored within a fortress beneath Mount Klinderion. Many artifacts thwart magical divination upon them as a matter of their own function, but moreso the keepers of said artifacts will likely defend the places of keeping with such protections as well. I will attempt to find this fortress with my abilities, and provide what information I can. Beyond that, it may be a matter of infiltrating the fortress and retrieving The Chalice using what information we have, and whatever skills we can bring to bear."


Spend 10 minutes filling an empty 7th level slot with Extended Scry Location, then cast it over the next hour

I cant link Scry Location to you because its not in the SRD. You can find it in Complete Scoundrel, page 102. It creates a scrying sensor that I can move around the location and scout.

Caster Check: [roll0]

[Raunchel]

Ashourina looked at her champion, her face barely moving at her sight: "Bring us such a dragon, and we will empower it to serve you. It will be your tool and your weapon."

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle

The vampire lord bows grandly. "Thank you for your time and consideration, my lady." Taking his stand, he begins to take his leave, but adds: "Perhaps, if there's time in your busy schedule, you'd like to fit time in for a cup of tea? I'd love to get acquainted." He grins his charming grin and then takes leave when appropriate.

[rweird]

Aldik:
Your spell fails.

OoC, I don't know if Valar conveyed this to you, but its believed a weirdstone is used to block teleportation in the area. Weirdstones also block scrying, so that is a likely reason for the spell to fail.

Eos and Alistaire:
"It would be my pleasure." The chamberlain moves to introduce the next petitioner as servants (a little nervously, but they hide it well) offer to guide you to your rooms.

[LoyalPaladin]

Alistaire Whitecastle

Seeing the chamberlain's nervousness, Alistaire makes light and polite conversation, tipping him before he leaves. Once he's gone, he'll speak openly with Eos. "This is quite a lot of fun." He grins widely. "I do so love a social challenge. It would've been too easy to march a dragon and a legion of undead across this country, but now we can accomplish the same goal for a fraction of the cost and preserve diversity." He eagerly waits for his partner to reply.

[Sir Grave]

Ashourina looked at her champion, her face barely moving at her sight: "Bring us such a dragon, and we will empower it to serve you. It will be your tool and your weapon."

She rose, bowing. "Thank you, my Queen."

She left, with the promise of a powerful boon, should she find the proper dragon. Elder dragonkind were difficult to find, those few that were heard of were depicted through vague texts or stories from ancient times. Rarely did they surface. This would be a challenging hunt. One she greatly looked forward to.

Still. She would need to find one quickly.

In Grimmfell's library, she delved for a name. Once again, specific knowledge of such mighty creatures was hard to come by. Her resources would not serve her.

She needed knowledge. And a good hunter.

Once more, she would seek Ailde's aid. Together, they would find a dragon worthy of Ashourina's power.

OOC: @Bad Wolf: I imagine this was a couple of hours after their last encounter. So no, she probably didn't come back moments after she left. :smalltongue:

A familiar knock at Ailde's door. She had noticed Ailde was... slightly intimidated by her. She supposed that was better than being perceived as weak.
Yet they were meant to work as colleagues. He was no subordinate. He would not be treated as such.

Once he answered the door, she removed her mask. "It seems I require your assistance again. You, personally.

"How long has it been since you hunted a dragon?"

[rweird]

Eos and Alistaire:
The rooms are spacious and well-furnished, although scant on completely ornamental decoration. It is likely that these rooms are normally used to host nobles on long-term visits, where they normally would bring their own tapestries, portraits and such.

Left prominently on a table is a card with a single line of text: 'Her majesty requests you join her for a private lunch later today.

OoC: The chamberlain wasn't escorting you to your residence. Some servants were.