Jesse, Athena, and Volstagg to see the Baron at Torrelsons Ford

Steel Realms

Dunstrand Rising Living World CAMPAIGN> Dunstrand Rising is a Living World campaign set in Grand Duchy of Dunstrand in the Steel Realms of the [Fantasy] Steel Realms Setting (planet of Helca).
CHRONICLE: Feather’s Rise > (Second Era of Feather)…

THIS CHRONICLE ACCOUNTS FOR THE HALF YEAR DOWN TIME THE PIN FEATHERS TOOK TO TRAIN AND PURSUE PERSONAL GOALS.
{– This was run on Discord and will be archived here; Each character had their own thread. –}

THIS CHRONICLE IS RECORDED INTO THE ANNALS BY: As recorded by Volstagg with help from the Steward of Castle Aqua Pluma.

The day after Volstagg has house malor empty The rookery and search for his companions in Torrelsons Ford, Jesse will show up at the curio shop where the rookery and House malor has its presence. No Athena yet.

“damn risky play.” I’ll reveal myself to Volstagg privately and see if this is a safe environment or a setup.

not sure what to say to that

You called me. Are you under duress or was it voluntary?

voluntary, heard about the summons and was going to volunteer to scout with you all. but you and athena left before talking with any one as far as i now

I’ve been watching and waiting. Athena is around here somewhere. We need to find her get you two into some appropriate clothes and go in soon. When we go in we need to ensure that it is noticed by the public. If things go well, then we want the people believing that we are doing right by the Barony. If things DON’T go well we need to have lots of witnesses who know we went in so the Baron won’t feel like he can murder us with impunity.

sounds like a plan

{ After a day, Athena has gone to ground. No worries. With Athena not showing up, what does Jesse and Volstagg do? }

I’ll follow Jesse’s lead

Next step would be to go in. I think we should find that local Troubadour that we hired before and have him announce us at the gate. Could we ask Alois to track him down and give us a price?And what does Volstaggs attire look like? We don’t need to be posh about this, but we can’t going looking shabby.

{ How long do you want to look for the troubadour? Remember, there’s death, disease, and all sorts of bad happenings. With the peace process sucking resources to the north, people have left Torrelson’s Ford if they don’t have to live there. Also, Volstagg is looking scruffy. A couple weeks scouting across the river to make sure theres no more Lich Lord minions and then travel. He is healthy, but unshaven and trail worn (though not filthy – just tired). But he is wearing his adventure gear. There is a decent place in the High District by the keep that has upscale clothes. Expect to spend about 30-40 silvers to look ‘presentable’. }

I’ll go purchase that in disguise and look around a bit myself for some kind of announcer type individual we could hire. If we can find neither the trubador or a suitable alternative within the day then I think we should go to the Baron in the late afternoon, about 30 min before typical dinner time.

{ 30sc each if you buy 2 suits }

I’ve got my “presentables”. I’ll pick up some for Volstagg though.

{ Athena does not show. Drop another 5 silvers for a public bath house and shave, cleaning for Volstagg. Current clothes cleaned as well, and a room at Donk’s Inn. As the sun is just starting to go down, you head for the high district, get some clothes, quickly get them fitted and venture of the keep of the Baron. The main gate is shut, just a single door postern gate is open. There are two guards. }

I’m guessing we did not find an announcer then? { No, him and most of his ilk have cleared out Go ahead and approach? }

I’m considering creating an illusion of a mildly armed escort with a small symbol of a white lily on his chest before we approach, then as we approach thanking him for the escort and telling him he can return now. Then having the illusion walk out of sight. Really I’m just trying to make it seem like we have local support even with the Barons attitude. Thoughts? Especially anything I’m missing that would be obvious to the character?

{ My thoughts on this are same as last time we talked. To put it mildly, you are hell bent on opposing the baron (certainly not for bad reasons). You are looking for ways to ratchet up the tension. Maybe not directly, but certainly indirectly. Is it too much? No, but thats the point. }

Ok. Seems like a good call then. We’re pretty damn close to a point of no return politically, but I think I still see a variety of avenues available. Ready Volstagg?

Let get it done

{ You approach the keep out of the gathering gloom. The semi darkness and a little bit of fog masks the illusion well as your “escort” takes you to about 30 feet away. You fake-confer with them, and they make a display of checking out the gate to make sure they are seen and seem to ensure its safe. They march off as you stand and wait, then march square up to the guards who look at you expectantly. “Yea?” Its obvious they know who you are, but are not reacting. Either they are playing it cool as well, or they are just a little disrespectful. }

“We are responding to the barons summons. Please inform the authorities of the keep.”

{ The one speaking nods to you, and turns to his companion and nods as well. The door opens and he slips through. There is a light rain, and nothing is said for about 5 minutes, then a retinue meets you. One is Arthur, the new assistant to Sir Verel, the herald of the Baron. He and 2 guards escort you through the quiet courtyard and into the eastern waiting room off the great hall. “Enjoy the fire for a moment. You come at a strange time, but we are checking if the baron is available. Can I get you something from the kitchen?” }

No thank you

“For the time being no thank you. Should it turn out the Baron is busy for some time yet I would appreciate some well watered wine.” I’m being very careful to not be too officious or obsequious with my tone or mannerisms, just courteous and direct.

{ He nods and hurries off. There is a guard to the door to the great hall, and you are told the upstairs is off limits (the bottom of the staircase spills out into this audience chamber). After a couple minutes a servant brings a sweet thin wine. ‘Sira Arthur says it will be a few minutes’… }

If I’ll be using sleight of hand where I can to take sips and have the glass slowly be emptied without actually drinking it, using a handkerchief to dap at my mouth as though I’m trying to stay presentable but using it to cover spitting it back into one of my component containers. I really wish the soul scourge was not inhibiting detect poison/Disease…

{ After about 10 minutes, Sira Arthur returns and tells you due to the time, the Baron has dinner commitments he cannot break out of. You are welcome to the hospitality of his kitchens. He will bring it if so }

I’ll discreetly let Volstagg know that at this point we’ll need to accept the hospitality. Don’t abuse it, but don’t skimp out either. Then I’ll request food.

About 10 minutes after you order an the servants arrive with platters. There a pair of divans in the sitting room, as well as a table and chairs. Extra candles are brought. The food is good, and to Jesse it seems like it might have an off taste. History check for Jesse

{ That’s not local cuisine. The Barron’s household is definitely taking influences from outside. And it’s made its way all the way into the cooking at this point.
Having experienced the barons kitchen before, you know that it’s different. Definitely merchant cities influence. }

Influence of the silver stacks representative?

{ Probably }

Well, we can probably rule out the likelihood of any poisoning at this point. The Baron would likely kill us in a moment even if it cost him his Barony, but the Bank of the Silver stacks is probably looking at Aqua Pluma and seeing… silver stacks…

{ 2 hours you are made to wait. Then the heralds assistant comes to get you. The great hall is still filled with people outside the family and staff of the baron. The herald calls you forward where you are expected to present yourself. Do you do anything out of the ordinary in this? }

When we walk in I’ll stay half a step behind Volstagg as though he’s the superior officer and I dont even think about falling into place. Then when we are at the point when we should speak I’ll step forward, nod at Volstagg as though asking for the go ahead, then give an appropriately polite introduction of ourselves. “The Pin Feathers send us in response to your summons, along with their apologies that most could not be here.”

{ The Baron does not speak, in fact he looks bored. Sir Verel Blackthorne steps forward: “Welcome and well met. The Baron wishes you to scout out the region of the battle of The Convergence. Take with you a cartographer and retinue and update our maps for historical accuracy. Also, with the odd weather and sickness that has plagued the land since your battle, we wish to make sure there is nothing festering where you made your stand. It is a small thing to do, but only you will recognize the place for sure. Of course the expedition will be paid for by the Baron’s generosity.” he looks sideways, and you see an assistant tot he Earl’s herald sitting there. “Will you lead the expedition now, or do you need more time?” says Verel, and the baron and his wife finally look upon you directly. }

By the Pin Feathers Loyalty to the Duke and oaths to the Gallants we are here in the service of the Barony. The expedition will be organized with haste, though I unfortunately must inform you that much of the personnel that would be ideal will be unable to aid in this. The recent effects on trade have forced Gallantine Logistics to seek resources for Aqua Pluma outside of the local area. Many of the Pin Feathers have been tasked with additional responsibilities by our superiors. But your request will be taken care of, I’ve no doubt that the Academy Legates will approve those available contracting the necessary local aid. The Barons generosity is known to us, and during these times any aid in overhead is appreciated, yet it is not required. We have our duty and will follow through with it, should it please you Sir, extend what may have been spent on this expedition to your peoples who have lost much of their way of life to these constant bombardments against Dunstrand.

{ Sir Verel nods and asks that you see the quartermaster of the keep’s barracks for anything you may need. He motions for you to exit, following him. As he escorts you to the courtyard from the great hall, the din of the Baron’s table picks back up. He whispers under his breath “Stay safe, this is just routine. Find it, scout it, mark it and get the hell out. Theres been reports of a evil creature prowling the Wonald Delta. No one’s asking you to find it, but im sure he hopes you do.” He smiles and nods deeply, gesturing to the door. “Good hunting Gallants!” he says loud enough for the baron to hear. You exit into the courtyard. The barracks and quartermaster are off of it. you can go rouse them right now, or wait until morning? }

Lets wait till morning. Volstagg you know you have to lead this expedition right?

If that is what’s needed, it will be done

You, Athena and I are the only pinfeathers who were there at the battle. At least on of us needs to aid in this. Athenas who knows where and, lets face it, how useful am I in the wilderness? If you are willing to handle it I recommend trying to find Athena and Huff to go with, but whether you find them or not, take some of Belvins Brace and don’t be afraid to hire a few locals at a higher than normal price. Just track the cost and send me the final invoice for our records. Whatever you do, don’t let anyone get killed, especially one of us.

Understood, scout don’t engage

Damn straight. It’s likely I’ll be gone morning of the day after tomorrow. Let me know if you need anything before then. I’ll be leaving a few messages and some contingencies until I get back. If you leave a note in my quarters Ardath will find it.

I would stop at the quartermaster for basic field resupply, medical, food for the trip etc.

{ They ask if it’s just for 1 and mounts or not? }

how many Belvins Brace can come with me, do we have mounts?

{ To take any of ‘the brace’ you have to return to the castle. You have mounts, but they do not. There is only 6 of them back at the castle. }

i’ll ask for what food supplies i can carry for a group of 4 for this trip, my goal is to take 2 The Brace with me and to hire a local for the 4th spot.
returning to the castle is not a big deal were less then a day away

{ with the delays and having to wrangle all the supplies, you are likely just over a day away. There are 3 ‘roadblocks’ to go through. You can make a DC 12 Constitution check to push yourself and get there in 8-9 hours. IF you fail, it will be one level of exhaustion }

i wont push that hard, it better to be ready for a fight then exhaustion

{ They hassle you at the city exit, they hassle you at the point where the ferry crossing road meets the main one, and they hassle you as you get to the castle. Its about 2 days. You have the feeling that coming back with more people, and being on the business of the baron ultimately, you wont get pushed around so much. You return to the castle safely. you do notice a couple of ‘travelers’ following you a long way back, but they did not get closer and you made it safely. Not much has changed, maybe a couple more refugees have come. Its hard to tell. You go to the stable, and the groomsman raises his eyebrows. “Four? We got food, but its going to cut into our stores. But its better to have more” You explain you wont be here long, and he nods. “Clean, feed, and be ready at a moments notice. Aye, i know this drill” he smiles. You head to the kitchens first, a hot meal before anything will serve you well. You finish your check-ins and get a good night’s sleep. The next morning, word spreads throughout the castle that Feather is going to be leaving on a journey for 2 days. }

After Jesse returns to the castle, he finds a letter…. Krepar’s Letter to Jesse…