Stopping by Aundair on a Wintry Morning

Admin wrote:

Darro says nothing, simply lifting his glass in a silent toast to the memory of Gareth’s father. Then, after a second or two, he says, “The nations working together harmoniously is obviously something most right-thinking people in Khorvaire want, but it is a difficult process. So many kingdoms, cultures and smaller groups, all of them with their individual agendas, most bearing deep scars and resentments from the War – it’s hardly surprising that there hasn’t been any unified movement among the nations since the Accords. Sometimes I wonder if it wouldn’t have been better if the War had been fought to a finish, leaving one clear victor to unite Khorvaire under her banner.”

Listening Gareth shakes his head, "One banner is not needed, and as you said people differ too much to live under one banner - what is needed is the pettiness to stop. We can be different and work for just causes." Motioning to Nameless, "Look at Nameless over there. Me and him argue consistantly, and to outsiders we might seem like bitter enemies, but when push comes to shove are side by side and work together to vanquish our foes. That is the unity we need - to be different is ok, to argue is ok, to fight.

Admin wrote:

Switching his attention back to Gareth, he continues smoothly, “And sometimes I wonder if it will take some great external threat to unify the nations, by requiring them to work together against a common foe. Is that the kind of enemy and evil you were speaking of? What did you have in mind?”

"May the Silver Flame prevent such a tragedy before it begins. Unfortunately anything like that will mean many have already suffered. The enemy I speak of are Daelkyr, ancient dragons, artifacts of great and devastating power in the hands of those who would crave it."

Admin wrote:

Maddox hesitates, and then replies slowly, “I am surprised you need to ask me that question. As a paladin of the Silver Flame, you yourself must know – and carry out – tasks that require dedication beyond what the average person can, or is willing to, provide. When I left Rekkenmark, the ranks of the Bone Knights had been thinned by the War, and they were greatly needed. That was a path I was both willing and able, since I was already a paladin of the Blood of Vol, to pursue. So I did, and after the War, I continue to pursue it, since it … suits me and vice versa. There really isn’t more to it than that.” He smiles a rare smile. “I’d be happy to train you in the art, if you want,” but the tone says he knows what Gareth’s response will be.

"For me it has always been a calling, not something that is mutually beneficial but something that is a part of me - like an arm to others." Gareth thinks and remembers his current condition. "It is a great honor of which you ask me, but my faith and service is to the Silver Flame - the causes of good and justice."

Gareth continues to make chatter with his speaking companions.

Admin wrote:

“Really?” says Adal. “Aurala would be quite pleased if you did so, and very grateful if you managed to solve the mystery. I’d have to check, but I think Helais disappeared on the 3rd of Rhaan, which makes it a month and a half now. And yes, he did disappear from Sharn. The last person to see him was his twin, the co-Ambassador, Alais, who saw him go up to his room that night. He was never seen again, and his bed was apparently not slept in, nor was there a struggle, so he was very likely kidnapped magically. We’ve used diviners to attempt to ascertain his location or situation, but there must be powerful magic protection involved, since we’ve discovered effectively nothing.”

The details that Adal mentions jog Nameless’ prodigious memory, and he recalls hearing of Helais’ disappearance before. Flim Turen had mentioned it to the Angels after their return from the Demon Wastes, among the news in Sharn during their absence. Helais had disappeared the night before their departure. Nameless also recalls Helais, a tall half-elf whom they had met at Corven’s investiture in his lordship, where the Cyran aide Tyrala had commented that he rarely attended such ceremonies and that while he was an effective diplomat and strong proponent for improved relations between the nations in a post-War Khorvaire, she did not trust him. The Angels had met him again during their visit to the Karrnathi embassy, when they had spied on Dals Nelmo, the Butcher of Eston.

Adal continues, “I believe that Helais is, unfortunately, dead, but we can’t be certain. If you could ascertain his situation, one way or the other, I’d be very pleased. There is, naturally, a significant reward for such information, and Alais has also announced a reward from their personal wealth – which is actually quite extensive – for information leading to certainty about his brother’s fate. The two were identical twins and very close.”

I'll raise the topic with my comrades when the opportunity arises and I'll investigate with the magics I have at my command as opportunities permit. Unfortunately, one of my most powerful divinations does carry some risk of disabling me for a period of time and that is not something I can permit at this time.

Admin wrote:

He pauses and then asks, “You said it would be a while before you’d be able to check on this, if you did. I presume that’s because of escorting Haydith to Karrnath and back again on her return. Or is there anything else you expect to be busy with?

There are some other tasks we have committed to which may or may not consume a significant amount of time. One of them is a favor to a former comrade.

Admin wrote:

And, if you don’t mind me asking, are you planning to do more such work for the Brelish crown? The reason I ask is, if you’ll forgive the crassness, because people of your ability are rare, and especially so in the sort of group you and your companions form, so I’d honestly like to benefit from this meeting. Especially since, as Royal Minister of Magic, much of my work has to do with the advancement of magical study and practice in Aundair. Even though Arcanix is undoubtedly the premier arcane academy on Khorvaire, I’m sure someone of your abilities would help improve it. And conversely, the resources there would certainly be a great asset to you in your current and future endeavors, I’m sure. Such as in this movement towards transcendence, whatever you mean by it.” Adal falls silent and looks at Nameless quizzically, clearly waiting for a response.

"Working at the Arcanix in some sort of a full time capacity is not something I would be interested in. I hold with a philosophy of struggle and believe that growth comes through risk and pitting one's self against the dangers or challenges of the world. Sitting in a classroom and lecturing to students would directly contradict this approach."

Pausing for a moment Nameless, is struck by an idea. However it's only a glancing blow and fails to penetrate his mage armor.

"However, it occurs to me that it is possible we could meet half way."

"I have discussed with my comrades the possibility of organizing and supporting some adventuring group to deal with tasks that are either too easy to require our attention or for which we do not have the time. Well trained mages would be required for such groups and interested students from your acadamy could provide that. In return these groups would provide them with the kind of seasoning in combat, that academic pursuits can not provide. We would provide a certain amount of mentoring and hopefully a rescue team should any of the groups get in over their heads."

What is this guy offering to teach Gareth?? Is it something Luna would be interested in? This noble who is chatting me up... is he one of the Princess' lot? Luna gets easily confused. Will there be any fun games at the party tonight? Like arm wrestling? Or dispays of tattoos? Or fireworks? Or a really good pirate story?

Luna wrote:

What is this guy offering to teach Gareth?? Is it something Luna would be interested in? This noble who is chatting me up... is he one of the Princess' lot? Luna gets easily confused. Will there be any fun games at the party tonight? Like arm wrestling? Or dispays of tattoos? Or fireworks? Or a really good pirate story?

Aaaand, she's back! *drum roll, while everyone tries to get out of the blast radius*

And here are the answers:

1) The guy (Maddox) offering to teach Gareth is the Karrnathi bone knight in charge of Princess Haydith's security. Since he's offering to teach Gareth how to wear bone armor and command undead warriors in battle, I'm guessing Luna would be even less interested than Gareth is.

2) The nobles (more than one, because Luna is so hot ) are Aundairans, from the country the PCs are now in, and not one of the princess' lot (they're Karrnathis, as is Gareth).

3) Alas, it sounds like it's going to be a boring party. No arm wrestling, tattoo displays, fireworks, or even pirate stories. Not that it should top Luna from trying any or all of the above. And since Nameless was mean enough to not include you in the Telepathic Bond spell, you can't really warn them what you're going to do. So just do it. You know you wanna

And in the interests of having another option for Luna, let me flesh out what the one guy told her:

* * * * *

One of the three young men talking to Luna asks, “Are you doing anything later? These formal parties are damn boring, and I'd love to see you in more comfortable surroundings afterwards.” He leans over to fill her glass and quickly whispers, "Or now, if you'd like to sneak out."

The speaker is likely the oldest of the three giving Luna their attention, in his late twenties or perhaps even thirties, whereas the other two are in their mid to late twenties, at most.

OOC: So, what does Luna do? Say "Yes"? Say "Yes" and grab him and Dimension Door out? Say "No" and flame strike him? Something even more fun?

YAWNNN!!
Well, I do have to agree with him on this score at least... man... this is a LAME party!! I'll ask the young whipper-snapper if he has any tattoos? Or maybe just a cool scar with a good story to back it up?
If I like the answer - then I'll D-Door out w/ him!

Perhaps we can get a look at that cabin that Six was interested in.
You know how Luna loves to go anywhere she's not allowed to go!
And there is always the stimulation of exploring anything new.
Luna has a great love of ... the sciences!!

Luna wrote:

YAWNNN!!
Well, I do have to agree with him on this score at least... man... this is a LAME party!! I'll ask the young whipper-snapper if he has any tattoos? Or maybe just a cool scar with a good story to back it up?
If I like the answer - then I'll D-Door out w/ him!

OOC: Oh, this is rich !

IC: The young man grins broadly at Luna's question and says quietly, "No tattoos, unfortunately, but I do have the odd scar. Not in places I can show you at a party, but maybe elsewhere. I'm sure you have some interesting ones too." The grin turns wicked and his voice drops a little further. "And might be willing to leave a couple, if I ask nicely?"

When Luna mentions the D-Door option (OOC: I presumed even Luna would mention that, since popping out of a royal ball might attract a teensy bit of attention, and he does need to be willing for her to take him along), he looks surprised for a split second and then nods quickly. "My carriage is right outside." He closes his eyes for a couple of seconds and calculates. "All right. If you can get us approximately eight hundred feet in that direction," he says, indicating a window, "That would be great. But before we go...."

He turns towards Queen Aurala, talking to Haydith some distance away, with Gareth hovering in the background, and waves gaily. The Queen of Aundair looks up and at him, seeming slightly surprised, and he makes a gesture with his index and middle fingers as if they were two walking legs. Aurala frowns slightly but then nods. The young noble bows and turns back to Luna. "And we're free. Would you do the honors?" He slides an arm companionably around her waist.

OOC: Are you D-Dooring away?

Though - if there are any particularly gruelsome and scary tales about bone knights - Luna might be able to sit through some or two of those!

We're off into the cool night!

Luna wrote:

Though - if there are any particularly gruelsome and scary tales about bone knights - Luna might be able to sit through some or two of those!

I'll make sure to dig up a couple for next time.

Quote :

We're off into the cool night!

Excellent! I'm getting offline now, but I'll have something up next time. And Luna disappearing from a royal ball with a stranger gives me the perfect stopping point for the next writeup for the ENWorld Story Hour. Thank you kindly!

OCC- Ya'll sooo know better than to leave Luna outta the loop - and then take her to one these interminable political parties - at which she is so adept at - and then LET HER GET BORED!! My STARS!!! What are you people thinking???? You dont include her in the mind meld???? The most powerful and insightful character among us!!?? Okay - whatever!! ;-) And then you torture her by dragging her here?!! For hours on end!! And she cant even get drunk any more!!! HAVE YOU LEARNED NOTHING?????

Luna wrote:

OCC- Ya'll sooo know better than to leave Luna outta the loop - and then take her to one these interminable political parties - at which she is so adept at - and then LET HER GET BORED!! My STARS!!! What are you people thinking???? You dont include her in the mind meld???? The most powerful and insightful character among us!!?? Okay - whatever!! ;-) And then you torture her by dragging her here?!! For hours on end!! And she cant even get drunk any more!!! HAVE YOU LEARNED NOTHING?????

Er, yeah. I'm sure Luna would like nothing better than to listen to Nameless and Gareth make small talk for hours. Besides the Princess had to be included in the mind meld in case she was attacked or kidnapped and we didn't want to traumatize her anymore than necessary. Besides the original plan was to have Luna skip all of this, but apparently Shil decided to have Luna return, since you weren't chiming in.

Luna wrote:

YAWNNN!!
Well, I do have to agree with him on this score at least... man... this is a LAME party!! I'll ask the young whipper-snapper if he has any tattoos? Or maybe just a cool scar with a good story to back it up?
If I like the answer - then I'll D-Door out w/ him!

How old is Luna that a man in his late 20's early 30's is a young whipper snapper?

And don't do it Luna.

Shil - you are not supposed to influence you are supposed to remain neutral. So stop influencing.

John - Can't Nameless swift cast dimension lock on luna or something?

Shil - If you create a massive political screwup of this I am holding you accountable and will just ignore w/e you say as a dm with regard to this issue <Holding my hands to my hears and screaming LA LA LA LA LA NO GARETH IS NOT IN JAIL LA LA LA LA LA LA>

Thank god for max ranks diplomacy.

No one seems to worry about tramatizing me! I'm very delicate!
And I wouldn't mind small talk if anyone bothered to ask my opinion about anything!

Man alive! This place is just lousey with royals! I cant even keep track of whose who! It's way too complicated!
And there are too many forks!
And we've been here for HOURS and nothing is happening!!
I forget how old Luna is ... but it hardly matters as next level or something I think I get to stop aging!! Either that or I turn into a tree - could go either way...

If only Luna would make like a tree and stand still and quiet! The things that would be if Gareth had his way.

And Luna is not delicate - she is a 10,000 lb bear with parasites in her body, able to take more damage then one of those flying ships!

Ok - now I am waiting for the dreaded scene, though if Gareth noticed what happened between Luna, her new prey and the Queen (Sense Motive) he will be using that to leverage the Queen giving her permission.

Luna is very delicate! On the inside! She has very delicate sensibilities.
She has a delicate soul!

She is a like a little rare desert flower!

Oh - and PREY????
Me thinks Gareth mispeaks....
He was the one whispering in MY ear!!
No one ever worries that poor Luna might be taken advantage of!
Of course - we will all hope that the date goes well -- and that no one will have to be eaten or or have any limbs torn off or anything ... but if you prick Luna - doth she not bleed? Well.... perhaps not for long... but that's not the point.

Nameless wrote:

Besides the original plan was to have Luna skip all of this, but apparently Shil decided to have Luna return, since you weren't chiming in.

The entire thing would have taken enough time that she could make it back comfortably, and if she weren't back, could we have had the above happen? 'Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished.

Gareth wrote:

Shil - you are not supposed to influence you are supposed to remain neutral. So stop influencing.

Influence? Me no influence. Me simply indicate options

Quote :

Shil - If you create a massive political screwup of this I am holding you accountable and will just ignore w/e you say as a dm with regard to this issue <Holding my hands to my hears and screaming LA LA LA LA LA NO GARETH IS NOT IN JAIL LA LA LA LA LA LA>

Faith is good. Maybe not enough, but good.

Quote :

Thank god for max ranks diplomacy.

There ain't enough diplomacy in the world to make up for the stuff Luna does. Trust me on this one.

Luna wrote:

Luna is very delicate! On the inside! She has very delicate sensibilities.
She has a delicate soul!

She is a like a little rare desert flower!

Oh - and PREY????
Me thinks Gareth mispeaks....
He was the one whispering in MY ear!!
No one ever worries that poor Luna might be taken advantage of!
Of course - we will all hope that the date goes well -- and that no one will have to be eaten or or have any limbs torn off or anything ... but if you prick Luna - doth she not bleed? Well.... perhaps not for long... but that's not the point.

ROTFLMAO!

Damn - now I have got to find a way to work those lines into the story hour. This is pure gold!

As for what happens, it's simple:

Finally! “And we’re off!” Luna places an arm over his, speaks the command word, and both she and her new date disappear. Aurala, who is watching them, looks startled for a moment, and a number of others notice the sudden disappearance.

OOC: And what comes afterwards I shall put up tomorrow, since I again pulled this out of my ass of holding, and am very gratified that Julia/Luna took it the direction she did.

And on we go:

* * * * * * * * * *

Aurala turns to Haydith and says something which the Angels can’t overhear. The princess frowns slightly and replies, drawing a laugh from the queen, who then leads her on to meet a few more waiting people. While doing so, Haydith transmits over the link to the Angels, “Why did Luna do that? I thought all of you would be staying here.” There is a tinge of irritation to the mental tone.

Darro ir’Lain, having missed the disappearance, looks around and then asks Gareth, “What happened?” Maddox is the one he replies, marked disapproval in his tone, “It seems that Gareth’s friend Luna decided to leave with one of the young men she was talking to. They disappeared, so I presume it was magical transport. Gareth, do you know what she is doing – and why?” Darro, frowning slightly at the information, looks to the paladin for an answer too.

Adal – who did see the couple’s departure, as well as the noble’s signal to Aurala – also looks a little quizzically at Nameless. “It seems your friend found our soiree a little boring. I’m not surprised Kamran did. He’s not known to be very active at courtly gatherings, preferring to spend his time in the country, so I was a little surprised to see him here. His mother, Lady Belissa ir’Kemiria, is the one I was expecting.” Nameless notes the surname, which is that of the second person (a Lady) whom the unknown guard warned the group of.

The Minister of Magic pauses, clearly thinking of something, and then continues, “But anyway, your ideas regarding the adventuring groups is an intriguing one. I presume, since you’re mentioning this to me, that you’re obviously not restricting yourself to Brelish groups. Are you thinking of keeping this a purely private venture or trying to form some kind of larger organization, like a smaller version of the Wayfinders, for example? Maybe gaining some sort of official status or even aspiring to royal patronage, perhaps? After all, you are providing security for one of the heirs to the throne of Karrnath, whose safety is a significant concern of the Brelish court, and are hobnobbing with the ruler and heirs to Aundair tonight. I’m sure someone of your intellect has noted the potential options you have here.”

Lord Murat, whose back was to the disappearing pair, completely misses their departure and continues waiting, looking more and more expectantly at Six, for whatever response the warforged provides.

Conversely, the ladies around Korm do notice the disappearance and quickly clutch at the big orc. “Oh my!” says one, “Did one of your friends just disappear with … er, whoever that was? Is there anything going on?” Then, looking down, she quickly adds, “My, you really are muscular!” She looks back up, batting her eyelids in what is presumably meant to be a coquettish manner but simply makes her look like she has sand in her eye, and says archly, “Is everything they say about orcs true?”

* * *

Outside the ballroom, Luna and her date appear midway down a large hall, startling a pair of lounging guards and the serving maid chatting with them. As the latter gives a startled “Eep!” and flees, the guards quickly drop hands to weapons, before recognizing Luna’s companion. He waves dismissively at them, while saying to her, “Now that was brilliant! My carriage is down this way.”

Less than ten minutes later, the two are pulling away from the royal palace inside a very comfortable carriage. “And here we are,” says Luna’s escort with a bright smile, as he sinks back on the cushions beside her, before sitting up and adding, “But I have the advantage of you, since you do not know my name and I do yours. I am Kamran ir’Kemiria.” He bows and takes her hand, delicately placing a kiss on its back. (OOC: I’ll leave this up to you, Julia. Does Luna remember that his surname matches that of the Lady the guard telepathically warned the group of? Your call.)

Straightening up, Kamran says, “Excuse me,” and leans over Luna, pressing close to her as he reaches for a spot on the side of the coach. Moving a well-hidden catch in the ornate paneling, he opens a cubbyhole to reveal three bottles, four glasses and a closed velvet box. Extracting two glasses, a bottle and the box, he places the latter on Luna’s lap and sits back to ask, “Wine?” Before she answers, he indicates the box. “Chocolate.”

Admin wrote:

“Why did Luna do that? I thought all of you would be staying here.” There is a tinge of irritation to the mental tone.

Responding to the mental link, with obvious irritation but no surprise "My apologies princess, we knew this might happen as Luna is not very good at the social aspects of life. In fact we tried to arrange it for her to not be at this event. If need be I will apologize directly to the queen."

Admin wrote:

]Darro ir’Lain, having missed the disappearance, looks around and then asks Gareth, “What happened?” Maddox is the one he replies, marked disapproval in his tone, “It seems that Gareth’s friend Luna decided to leave with one of the young men she was talking to. They disappeared, so I presume it was magical transport. Gareth, do you know what she is doing – and why?” Darro, frowning slightly at the information, looks to the paladin for an answer too.

Pausing for a moment to think , "Luna is not one for social gatherings, in fact she is not one for anything social - she teleported with one of the younger nobles - as for what she is doing, well something I do not approve of. Do you know who that noble was? If he plays his cards wrong we may need to contact his next of kin."

Admin wrote:

and takes her hand, delicately placing a kiss on its back. (OOC: I’ll leave this up to you, Liz.

Who the hell is Liz?

Admin wrote:

and takes her hand, delicately placing a kiss on its back. (OOC: I’ll leave this up to you, Liz.

Gareth wrote:

Who the hell is Liz?

Gah! I knew my memory was going, but this is really a bit much. Liz was a player from my NJ group. And why I typed her name instead of Julia's I can't explain, though I plead a combination of early senility and dementia.

Luna has a fine memory when it involves warnings or threats or candy.
Luna shall accept both - after giving them a careful sniff.
And remembering that the flattery she had been recieving, however gratifying, was in the end, clearly incinere, she shall remark - While I can understand why anyone would have the need to escape such a tedious and drawn out affair, and while it was great fun to vanish in the middle of it and break up the tedium at bit, could there be a reason for you interest in... "quality time".. shall we say ... alone with me? I mean other than any great undeniable physical attractation, which no one could in any way blame you for having. WINK and Smile. Oh, and is there any more of that candy?

Admin wrote:

Aurala turns to Haydith and says something which the Angels can’t overhear. The princess frowns slightly and replies, drawing a laugh from the queen, who then leads her on to meet a few more waiting people. While doing so, Haydith transmits over the link to the Angels, “Why did Luna do that? I thought all of you would be staying here.” There is a tinge of irritation to the mental tone.

"Don't worry Princess. If there's any threat to you, Luna will quickly re-appear. She never misses a chance to roast, maim and dismember people."

Admin wrote:

Adal – who did see the couple’s departure, as well as the noble’s signal to Aurala – also looks a little quizzically at Nameless. “It seems your friend found our soiree a little boring. I’m not surprised Kamran did. He’s not known to be very active at courtly gatherings, preferring to spend his time in the country, so I was a little surprised to see him here. His mother, Lady Belissa ir’Kemiria, is the one I was expecting.” Nameless notes the surname, which is that of the second person (a Lady) whom the unknown guard warned the group of.

"Luna finds pretty much anything boring that doesn't involve chaos, mayhem and Flame Strikes." Nameless remarks dryly. "I sometimes think our greatest contribution to the safety and security of Eberron is that we keep Luna occupied and her destructiveness channeled to constructive purposes. I shudder to think of what she might get up to left to her own devices. We might look back upon events like the Dalkyr invasions as times of comparative stability and safety, by comparison." Nameless says with a deadpan expression.

Switching topics without a moment's hesitation, he continues. "Can you tell me anything about people or groups that might be opposed to the ir'Kemiria's or Lord Murat? Do they have any particular agendas that people might be opposing? Their names have come to our attention in some peculiar circumstances. Of course there is little that comes to our attention in a straightforward manner and nearly everyone we encounter has some sort of agenda when they talk to us."

Admin wrote:

The Minister of Magic pauses, clearly thinking of something, and then continues, “But anyway, your ideas regarding the adventuring groups is an intriguing one. I presume, since you’re mentioning this to me, that you’re obviously not restricting yourself to Brelish groups. Are you thinking of keeping this a purely private venture or trying to form some kind of larger organization, like a smaller version of the Wayfinders, for example? Maybe gaining some sort of official status or even aspiring to royal patronage, perhaps? After all, you are providing security for one of the heirs to the throne of Karrnath, whose safety is a significant concern of the Brelish court, and are hobnobbing with the ruler and heirs to Aundair tonight. I’m sure someone of your intellect has noted the potential options you have here.”

"It does occur to me that each of the Five Nations has it's own specialties that could work well in combination. If it were a transnational organization it might well provide some useful back channels of communication. As well as hopefully forming friendships that would help to mitigate tensions between the countries."

Admin wrote:

(OOC: I’ll leave this up to you, Liz.

-y Borden?

"She'd always done the slightest thing that Ma and Papa bid. They said 'Lizzy cut it out!' So that's exactly what she did."

OOC: Not that it effects me anymore... but do I think either the chocolate or the wine has in anyway been altered in anyway?

Luna wrote:

Oh, and is there any more of that candy?

Shouldn't Luna be dieting considering her horizontal disability?

Luna wrote:

OOC: Not that it effects me anymore... but do I think either the chocolate or the wine has in anyway been altered in anyway?

Disease effects you - and if someone was out to get you, they may know your strengths and put other things far more deadly then poison.

Is it all poisons that druids are immune to or just natural ones?