CH. 01 - Convergence

[HorizonsDream]

Eliana Reyra Female Half-Elf Sorcerer 1
HP:09/09| AC:16| Spell Attack:+6| Conditions: None

Eliana grabbed her stuff from the wagon and then hopped off the back of it as she had spent the rest of the time riding in the wagon instead of walking to conserve what energy she had left. "Thank you for the ride, Miss Lily," she says cheerfully. She is certainly happy to see a friendly looking inn and town. The idea something bad is going to happen here kind of makes her sad, but it only lingers in her mind for perhaps a few minutes. "I'll meet you inside, Conrad!" she says in a bit of a singsong voice before she disappears into the inn.

[Yuki.N>]

Perceval Lenos, Paladin of the Legion
AC: 16 | HP:  11/11 | Passive Perception:  15 | Spellcasting modifier: +5, DC 13 | Lay on Hands: 5/5
Conditions: None.

As Caelin finishes his task and comes to retrieve his backpack, he comes face to face with Perceval, sitting comfortably beside it, waiting for him. As the others had scattered, Perceval had excused himself, waving them ahead. Business with Lilly as the only paid escort of the bunch or somesuch. He would join them in the tavern later.

"Caelin."

Perceval takes another look at the youth, not any worse for wear despite his hour-long solo expedition.

"I noticed that you were gone for a bit. Thought you might come back for your gear eventually. Would you mind talking to me for a minute?"

[Zero Prime]

Caelin Valaerys, pariah of Tarkhisis
HP: 10 of 10 | AC: 15 | Perception: 15 | Insight: 17 | Inspiration: 0
Conditions: None.

Caelin watched Elliana and Conard walk towards the inn, he shook his head. He needed to speak to the maiden's companion, but he couldn't bring himself to do so, not yet. When the paladin began to wave his companions forward, Caelin knew the man wished to speak with him, readied himself for it. As the others began to clear out of the coachhouse, he tossed the older man a brush, and returned his attention back to the neidar's horses, "You can talk, I'll listen."

[Yuki.N>]

Perceval Lenos, Paladin of the Legion
AC: 16 | HP:  11/11 | Passive Perception:  15 | Spellcasting modifier: +5, DC 13 | Lay on Hands: 5/5
Conditions: None.

Perceval catches the brush and joins Caelin in grooming and settling the horses. A few seconds pass before Perceval settles into a routine and speaks, his voice low and urgent.

"Before you left, you mentioned a threat approaching Greenest, the Children of Tarkhisis you said, and that we must delay no further. I will not mince words. You are no friend of the minions of this dead god. Neither am I. If you wish to stop them, I am willing to be your ally in this."

A brief silence hangs between the two, punctuated by the soft sound of brush against coat.

"I do not consider myself to be his better, but whatever you require from Conard, I may be able to offer as well. Remember that he is still a squire, trained in arms but inexperienced with many matters with which you have apparent familiarity. He is alone here, the might of his Order far from sight. Tell me, what do you know of this threat and what services do you have need of?"

[Zero Prime]

Caelin Valaerys, pariah of Tarkhisis
HP: 10 of 10 | AC: 15 | Perception: 15 | Insight: 17 | Inspiration: 0
Conditions: None.

Caelin's brow furrowed as the older man spoke, he had revealed too much, was this man who he said he was, or was he, himself, a Child of Takhisis. Caelin was now trapped in the coach house with him, isolated, alone, it was a precarious situation. "If you speak true Master Perceval, then it is your eyes, your wit, and your promise of silence I most need." He purposefully kept himself brushing the chesnut's broad flanks, comforted by the weight of a thin blade hidden on the inside of his left wrist, should he need to defend himself. "The children of whom you speak, they are organized in a way that Conard's Order cannot fathom, their power is spread, like viper's nests, they operate without orders, without instruction, each following the tenants of faith."

He turned to face Perceval, the brush held loosely in his left hand, his blue eyes a shade darker now, "And like vipers, insidious, trained from youth to insinuate themselves into communities, organizations, positions of power, to observe, and, ultimately, to strike." A deep sigh, his eyes flickered a moment, as he considered the older man's position, the distance of his hand to his scabbard, the threat that he represented to Caelin himself, he adjusted his position slightly, as though he may need to fend of the inevitable strike, "They can be anyone, pose as anyone, a street urchin, a kindly grandmother, a stableboy, an innkeeper, a merchant," he shifted slightly, moving his weight towards his rear leg, "a caravan guard."

OOC: Yup, he's a little paranoid, so let's do an Insight check on Perceval to determine his intentions in the next few seconds, rolling Insight, V0s6uhUt1d20+7 and see where that takes the scene.

1d20+7

[Yuki.N>]

Perceval Lenos, Paladin of the Legion
AC: 16 | HP:  11/11 | Passive Perception:  15 | Spellcasting modifier: +5, DC 13 | Lay on Hands: 5/5
Conditions: None.

Perceval chuckles at the insinuation, continuing to brush down the horse before him.

"You see the value in caution. That is good. However, fear clouds your eyes. If I were you enemy, there are infinitely many ways I could have made my move instead of speaking to you in the open. Right now, you are awake, alert, and armed. I could have tried poisoning you meal or water. Assaulted you in your sleep perhaps. Placed a trap on your pack while you were away on your little trip just now. These ideas might not have worked, but I am sure you would agree those are better ways to go about it than what I am doing now. But I have done none of those things, and in a minute we will both be able to leave and enjoy a drink in the tavern."

Seeing the uncertainty in Caelin's eyes, Perceval continues, "We could look at this another way. What do you think made me decide to trust you? You, who knows so much about the Children of Tarkhisis, who is so well trained in the arts of stealth and murder. Why should anyone trust you, heed you words?"

[Zero Prime]

Caelin Valaerys, pariah of Tarkhisis
HP: 10 of 10 | AC: 15 | Perception: 15 | Insight: 17 | Inspiration: 0
Conditions: None.

A sneer crossed his face, "Were I to be honest, you shouldn't." A long pause as he locked eyes with the older man, "While it appears we share an intention to oppose the children's rise to power, trust me when I say our reasons for doing so are diametrically opposed. You strike me as someone who would oppose them based on some sense of the greater good, whereas my own reasons are much more ... personal." He took a tentative step forward, however, and extended his right hand to the older man, "Caelin Valaerys, and if you are true in your intent to oppose the children, then I believe we have an accord."

[Yuki.N>]

Perceval Lenos, Paladin of the Legion
AC: 16 | HP:  11/11 | Passive Perception:  15 | Spellcasting modifier: +5, DC 13 | Lay on Hands: 5/5
Conditions: None.

Perceval takes Caelin's offered hand and shakes it once.

"I'll take that for now. You know where to find me."

Picking up his possessions, Perceval turns and leaves the stables, seeking the warmth and comforts of The Silver Tear Inn.

[PallentisLunam]

Conard Marpique, 1st lvl Ranger
AC: 17 | HP's: 11 of 11 | Passive Perception: 10 | Natural Explorer: Grasslands | Favored Enemy: Dragons | Position of Privilege
Conditions: None.

As the wagon comes into sight, Conard rocks to his feet and dusts himself off, before falling casually into step for the last leg of the journey.

The young noble takes in the town and its people with an appraising eye, knowing that much can be discerned about a lord from how he cares for his subjects. Conard quickly forms an image of Nighthill in his mind as he absorbs the condition of Greenest and its people. A good man, and a good ruler, it would seem, Conard thinks returning Lilly's smile. Conard steps to the back of the wagon and offers Eliana his hand to help her down. He gives another awkward smile and wave to the half-elf before hauling his pack out of the bed of the wagon and shrugging it over one shoulder.

Conard shoots Caelin a peevish look as he makes his way to the door of the inn. Once inside Conard arranges for a private room, hot meal, and the small inn's best wine, fully intending to make good on his promise to share the bottle with Eliana.

[Pr0l0t0r]

Ironwood "Iro" of the Cragpine Vale -- Kagonesti Lorekeeper (Druid) 1
AC: 12 | HP's: 8/8 | Passive Perception: 13 | Conditions: None.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Iro shrugs at the sour man's silence, content to let him be. No need to pull a thistle from its bed, after all the Kagonesti thinks to himself as Greenest comes into view. The elf takes in the city, it's hewn wood and cut stone buildings and suppresses a grimace. Such an imposition on the natural order, stubborn and bull-headed, the gate not even aligned with true west to allow last light to bless the threshold of the clan. Tasting the smoke on the wind drifting from Greenest, he goes still. Ash on the air he mutters to himself. It meant danger, but then, he knew he walked towards danger.

As they reach the inn, Ironwood approaches the neidar and bows to her. <<My thanks driver, may Solinari watch you tonight.>> He watches the humans and half-elves unpack and head to the inn and notes the location. He also approaches Zakkoth and bows to him. Keep safe, Zakkoth, we shall see each other again 'ere long. Shouldering his pack, and hefting his staff, Ironwood walks deeper into the town, looking for any Kagonesti families who may have settled in Greenest. 

--Iv4neLh11d20+5 for History, to see if I know of any Kagonesti here to seek out --1d20+5

[Daos]

While Caelin and Perceval stay behind to talk and help Lilly with bringing the horses into the stable, the others head inside the Silver Tear.  It's well lit and warm, with a roaring fire already burning in the hearth.  And while the rest of the town they've seen so far has been sparse in people, the common room is nearly packed tonight.  Travelers like themselves mingle with locals, exchanging stories and news, eating and drinking, and overall having a good time.

Although Iro sees no sign of fellow Kagonesti, this isn't terribly surprising.  His own people would likely find a settlement like this, however peaceful and pleasant it might be, as unnatural as he does.  Few would settle down in towns, especially human ones.  There are, however, quite a few other interesting people present.  Among those that stand out the most:

A beautiful Silvanesti* woman with long white hair is behind the bar, seamlessly moving from conversation to conversation, serving people food and drinks, and cleaning up the place.

A handsome human in his early twenties and a foreign accent seems to be the barlad, as he constantly moves from table to table, then going back into the kitchen to bring out a tray of mugs or plates.

A human couple in their early thirties sit together, sharing a meal and flirting, teasing and talking with each other.

A half-elven man with red hair pulled back into a ponytail that wears a hoodless robes of light blue with a hooded stole of deep blue and a silver medallion around his neck with a bird with wings spread symbol carved on it.  He has a small audience of locals, and is speaking of Habbakuk, the Blue Phoenix, the god of animals, rebirth, and the sea.

A human in his mid-forties, wearing armor and with a halberd at his side.  His helmet is off, sitting on the table next to him, as he enjoys a drink while off duty with some locals.

A human woman in her early thirties, sitting alone but offering shy but nervous smiles to anyone who makes eye contact with her.  She is dressed like a simple peasant, but her skin tone and dress style suggest she is not from around here.

A female Kapak**, also sitting alone, nursing a drink and doing more listening than speaking.

==================

SPOILER: Click to show

{*Lore Dump (Silvanesti)}
The Silvanesti were once the most isolationist of elven tribes, rarely leaving their homeland and even looking their noses down at their fellow elven races as being inferior and lacking purity. However, when the Minotaurs invaded their homeland, they were driven out into exile. Since then, they've become a bit more open-minded about other races. Still, seeing one running an inn in a human frontier town is still an unusual sight.

SPOILER: Click to show

{**Lore Dump (Kapaks)}
Kapaks are a type of Draconian, dating back to the War of the Lance. Like Bozaks (such as Zakkoth), they were born from the eggs of metallic dragons. But while Bozaks are from bronze eggs, Kapaks come from copper ones. Kapaks were mostly used as assassins in the war, and were notorious for having paralytic venom. During the Chaos War, a clutch of female draconian eggs were discovered and hatched, and it turned out female kapaks have healing saliva instead.

[Pr0l0t0r]

Ironwood "Iro" of the Cragpine Vale -- Kagonesti Lorekeeper (Druid) 1

AC: 12 | HP's: 8/8 | Passive Perception: 13 | Conditions: None.

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

Ironwood follows the group into the inn and takes in the crowd:

Noting the Silvanesti bartender with curiosity, admiring the handsome barlad's triceps as they flex under the weight of the mugs of ale, and eventually settling on the half-elven phoenix priest.

He approaches the gathering to listen to him preach. He nods as if greeting an equal as he joins the small congregation. He keeps his knotted, evergreen staff and its splay of raven feathers conspicuous, not hiding his own badge of authority to his own God, the World Tree, Zivilyn.

[HorizonsDream]

Eliana Reyra Female Half-Elf Sorcerer 1
HP:09/09| AC:16| Spell Attack:+6| Conditions: None

Eliana approaches the bar and tries to get the attention of the elf behind the bar. She wasn't expecting to see a Silvanesti working behind the bar like this woman, but she seems to do it so gracefully. "Excuse me," she says. "It looks like I'm going to need to stay the night and get something to eat," she says.

[PallentisLunam]

Conard Marpique, 1st lvl Ranger
AC: 17 | HP's: 11 of 11 | Passive Perception: 10 | Natural Explorer: Grasslands | Favored Enemy: Dragons | Position of Privilege
Conditions: None.

Conard stands conspicuously near the door, just inside the common room and calls for the barlad's attention with a vaguely imperious gesture, that somehow also manages to avoid being haughty or demanding. "I have need of a private room and a meal," he says in a tone that indicates he's used to stating his wishes and seeing them carried out. "I can pay," he adds patting his coin purse. "I will handle my own baggage. Please bring the food and a bottle of your best wine to that table." Conard indicates the table with the middle aged veteran.

With his business taken care of, Conard approaches the table he indicated. "I was wondering if I might join you," the fresh-faced squire says to the veteran and his drinking companions. "I am Conard Marpique of Solamnia, traveler and knight aspirant of the orders. I have come to Greenest seeking news from afar to bring back to the empire."

[Kvard51]

Garald Stormgard Warlock 1

AC 14| hp 11 of 11| Passive Perception 14| Spell DC 14| Spell Attack +6

Conditions: none

Garald was still mulling over the words of the old Wilder Elf when Greenest came into view.  He could tell the druid wanted him to engage in a discussion, probably for some "enlightened questioning", but he wasn't really in the mood.  The gods had shown themselves unworthy of his worship, so he had sought out power from a source that didn't require it.  Now, he needed to learn to use that power.  Rumors of draconic activity around Greenest had drawn him here, but this cult would serve as a good starting point.

He allowed his ruminations to fade to the back of his mind as they pulled up out front of a comfortable looking inn.  As soon as the wagon stopped, he grapped his pack and slipped over the side of the wagon.  He needed to find a barn or hedge to sleep in and hide his equipment.  It had taken the last of his steel to hire this wagon to bring him here, but he had slept rough before.  He rounded the corner of the stable, but peered back to watch the Bozak to be sure he went into the inn.  He'd need to talk to that one and the thief about this cult to learn what they knew.  Seeing the draconian go into the inn, Gerald went on his way.  He kept his eyes peeled for an abandoned house, barn, or just a shed as he went.

Perception: GFe8zjq01d20+41d20+4