At the Springlight Festival

The four rulers of Khatovar, accompanied by Xamanthe, ride east from Lakeshore. Following the Orien road, they pass the caves where they fought the mites—over a year and a half ago, when the Stag Lord still ravaged this land—to their right and then, a few miles later, the gold mine to their left. At the end of their second day of travel, they reach Olegton, where they pass the night.

Early on the third day, they cross into the Wynarn river, the border between Aundair and the Stolen lands. The Aundairan border guards look mildly surprised at the identity of the group, Xamanthe drawing as many glances as any of the rulers, and quickly wave them through. As their horses canter north, they can see a courier on a swift steed heading toward the border village of Redleaf in the distance, presumably carrying the news their presence.

Near the end of the fourth day, the travelers pass (to their west) the general area where their lands end and the territory of Drelev begins. Midway through the next day they see the road they are on send a fork westward to cross the Wynarn river, following another offshoot of the Sellen river. They know from descriptions and maps of the area that this road will eventually, some fifty miles or so further on, arrive at Fort Drelev. Though they obviously cannot see that arrival, what they do spot is the edges of swampland around the river, which will expand further west into the hundred-mile wide swamp which gives this area of the Stolen Lands its name—Hooktongue Slough.

On the sixth day, they reach the Pitax border and, once more, cross over the Wynarn river to enter Castruccio Irovetti's lands. Here, on the western side of the river, there is a fortified tower and a few buildings within a large stockade around it. A well-equipped squad of guards awaits them, wearing the rampant wyvern insignia of Pitax. After quickly checking the travelers' identification, particularly the letter of welcome, the guard captain welcomes the visitors to Pitax. She then calls an escort of half a dozen mounted soldiers, saying that they will provide an escort to the festival grounds, which she says are about 2 days ride to the west.

“That is, if you wish to continue traveling. Since it will be sunset in a few hours,” she points at the sky, before adding politely, “You are free to spend the night here. Our accommodations are probably not what ladies and gentlemen of your caliber are used to, but we are expecting travelers journeying to the festival, so we have some good food and drink on hand. If you prefer, you can ride to the new fort,” she indicates a settlement which can barely be glimpsed close to ten miles to the west, “But it's still under construction and you may find good accommodation difficult to find. But I'm sure General Jurrg—who's there now, I think—will try to do the best for you that she can.”

"Thank you Captain. These are your lands and you know them well. We will heed whichever decision you make in this matter."

Rowan smiles at the guard expression, with the expression of a general towards a lower ranking officer who has done well. "Thank you, Captain. We would be pleased to accept your hospitality here. And I, for one, prefer solid military hospitality to the pomp and formality of noble affairs."

The more places we stay and talk, she thinks to herself, the more information we can learn about Irovetti and his kingdom. You can learn a lot about a person by what his soldiers think of him.

OOC: Should we also be traveling with guards of our own, if only for appearances, and maybe a few aides and counsellors? The reason I ask is that it would be awfully convenient for Rowan to be able to disguise herself as one of them, to be able to speak with the soldiers here on more even terms so they'll speak more freely. To Henry the Fifth with the soldiers, only without the entertaining reveal in the next scene.

OOC2: Do we have an insignia for Khatovar? We really should have one, and Rowan would have thought of this a while ago. What insignia or coats of arms do the other nations of Khorvaire use? For a coat of arms, maybe a gryphon flying over a green shore. Stylized, maybe something like this icon: http://www.iphonestuffs4u.com/best-weather-app-for-iphone/

Hearing Rowans comments about military accommodations Leonis neck ruffles a bit, but realizing it is what is going to be available he doesn't say much.


OOC: I think travelling with guards sends a message, but so does travelling alone. Everyone who we would care about knowing already knows we can afford guards, but they may not know how tough we really are (rumors tend to exaggerated). Us going at it on our own shows that we do not fear the open roads, random enemies and those who would target us.

OOC2: Coat of arms. Yea we should probably figure one out at some point for our enjoyment, though I already assumed our kingdom would have had one by now. Maybe something to encompass our kingdoms nature/freedom loving self.

OOC: I'll post an IC response after we work out who you're traveling with.

Rowan wrote:

OOC: Should we also be traveling with guards of our own, if only for appearances, and maybe a few aides and counsellors? The reason I ask is that it would be awfully convenient for Rowan to be able to disguise herself as one of them, to be able to speak with the soldiers here on more even terms so they'll speak more freely. To Henry the Fifth with the soldiers, only without the entertaining reveal in the next scene.

Leonis wrote:

OOC: I think travelling with guards sends a message, but so does travelling alone. Everyone who we would care about knowing already knows we can afford guards, but they may not know how tough we really are (rumors tend to exaggerated). Us going at it on our own shows that we do not fear the open roads, random enemies and those who would target us.

For the record, a followup message from Irovetti with more information about the trip would have asked you to not bring a contingent (including the PCs) larger than 15 people, since they're expecting many visitors and competitors. Within those limits, it's up to you who and how many people you want to bring with you. As Avi mentioned, traveling with guards or alone both send certain messages, so either would be acceptable. Personally, I think Mike's idea for having an escort allowing you to disguise herself as one of them and gain information is a good one, but (as usual) it's your call.

Let me know what you decide.

Rowan wrote:

OOC2: Do we have an insignia for Khatovar? We really should have one, and Rowan would have thought of this a while ago. What insignia or coats of arms do the other nations of Khorvaire use? For a coat of arms, maybe a gryphon flying over a green shore. Stylized, maybe something like this icon: http://www.iphonestuffs4u.com/best-weather-app-for-iphone/

Leonis wrote:

OOC2: Coat of arms. Yea we should probably figure one out at some point for our enjoyment, though I already assumed our kingdom would have had one by now. Maybe something to encompass our kingdoms nature/freedom loving self.

Like Avi, I figured you must already have a coat of arms which we just hadn't hashed out yet, and assumed it would have something to do with a griffon, based on Grabthar's/John's interest in them. You would need to do something with it to differentiate it from the House Jorasco symbol, and doing something like what Mike described would do so and also have the effect Avi mentioned, I think.

For the record, the coats of arms of the main nations in Khorvaire are as follows:

The Aundair arrowhawk (a little lower on the page)

The Breland bear

Karrnath

The Thrane silver flame

The nation of Pitax has a rampant wyvern as its insignia. Drelev has a leaping tiger.

So what are you planning to go with?

Let's bring our diplomat and his assistant. That will allow them to talk to any "lower level" folks so we are not too occupied if we are lacking in time. If one of our council members really shows an interest in going we can bring him/her along, but I wouldn't too much more then that. One the road is dangerous, and two we need our council to lead the community. We obviously keep in daily contact with our communication stones.

If possible I wouldn't mind bringing my apprentice. I think she would enjoy getting some field experience, and if she wants to join the dueling combat she can feel free to.

With regards to our coat of arms. Do we have any creatures indigenous to our area?

I am not keen on the griffons; they are not our thing. First we don't raise them in our lands, second we still don't own any, third they are not indigenous to our area and forth other then us BUYING them in the future we presently don't have any yet. Yes we will ride griffons at some point, but typically those will be for stuff close range to our town. Especially with the ability to teleport it is not efficient to ride a griffon hundreds of miles, plus we gotta make sure they stay safe (we have a history of letting our pets die). Taking care of griffons is a lot of work (feed, maintenance, etc). Again, great for close stuff, but not really too practical. On a side note when we do get griffons I think we should enchant their saddles, or horseshoes so each one has a cool glamor effect. For example Grabthar's could have an illusion of blood dripping wings, Leonis could have an illusion of shadows/smoke, Rowans could have an illusion of flames, and Kara's could have an illusion of chaos/insanity. It would be fun to make us stand out

For our coat of arms. Some ideas I was thinking. Having a creature that is unique to our area, maybe something paying homage to our nature loving neighbors. A big ole hammer for Grabthar, axes for the crazy axe lady, flaming red motiff for Rowan, and some magical highlights for Leonis. Kind of incorporate each of the PC members "thing" as accents, but the overall main pictures representing our kingdom.

Leonis wrote:

Let's bring our diplomat and his assistant. That will allow them to talk to any "lower level" folks so we are not too occupied if we are lacking in time. If one of our council members really shows an interest in going we can bring him/her along, but I wouldn't too much more then that. One the road is dangerous, and two we need our council to lead the community. We obviously keep in daily contact with our communication stones.

Your diplomat currently is Youma Sivis, who tends to double as mayor of Varnhold, but she can afford to be gone for this period. As an assistant she'll bring along Riaan, the half-elven scribe. Nobody else is particularly interested in coming along, esp. since they are especially necessary in Khatovar when you four are gone.

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If possible I wouldn't mind bringing my apprentice. I think she would enjoy getting some field experience, and if she wants to join the dueling combat she can feel free to.

Iveni would definitely be interested in going along. She'll almost certainly be well out of her league in the dueling, however.

That makes it the four PCs, Xamanthe, Youma, Riaan, and Iveni, so how about saying you bring six soldiers with you? Considering that you're already traveling with some people, a few more wouldn't hurt, and that would make for an appropriate small escort for people of your station, and give Rowan the chance to move around and pretend to be one of them.

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With regards to our coat of arms. Do we have any creatures indigenous to our area?

Boars, as Leonis can vouch

Along with boars, deer and bears would be some of the most common large indigenous animals of the natural variety. As for less natural animals, owlbears or will-o-wisps would be comparatively more common. Perhaps the most unique yet indigenous creature of the type would be the tatzlwyrm. Fey, of course, are common to the area, ranging from pixies and faerie dragons to nymphs, dryads and satyrs.

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I am not keen on the griffons; they are not our thing. First we don't raise them in our lands, second we still don't own any, third they are not indigenous to our area and forth other then us BUYING them in the future we presently don't have any yet. Yes we will ride griffons at some point, but typically those will be for stuff close range to our town. Especially with the ability to teleport it is not efficient to ride a griffon hundreds of miles, plus we gotta make sure they stay safe (we have a history of letting our pets die). Taking care of griffons is a lot of work (feed, maintenance, etc). Again, great for close stuff, but not really too practical. On a side note when we do get griffons I think we should enchant their saddles, or horseshoes so each one has a cool glamor effect. For example Grabthar's could have an illusion of blood dripping wings, Leonis could have an illusion of shadows/smoke, Rowans could have an illusion of flames, and Kara's could have an illusion of chaos/insanity. It would be fun to make us stand out

For our coat of arms. Some ideas I was thinking. Having a creature that is unique to our area, maybe something paying homage to our nature loving neighbors. A big ole hammer for Grabthar, axes for the crazy axe lady, flaming red motiff for Rowan, and some magical highlights for Leonis. Kind of incorporate each of the PC members "thing" as accents, but the overall main pictures representing our kingdom.

Good point about the griffons. You don't have to use an animal, of course, and could easily do something else. Following on your idea about nature and based on your capital, you could perhaps do a castle or tower next to a tree and waves beneath, topped by a crossed hammer and axe, under an arcane sigil of some kind within a red circle.

Sounds like a good group of people to bring. I can spend some time with my apprentice showing her more stuff.

With regards to the coat of arms, that sounds like a great idea. Any online software out there that could help us design something? That or any of us artistically talented enough to draw something like that?

Leonis wrote:

Sounds like a good group of people to bring. I can spend some time with my apprentice showing her more stuff.

Okay. Presuming nobody has an issue with it, I'll put up a post later responding to Leonis' and Rowan's IC comments with the assumption that this is what the contingent going to Pitax looks like. I'm also presuming that you're traveling with normal horses, since Leonis would have to use three ethereal mount spells to get enough for everyone.

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With regards to the coat of arms, that sounds like a great idea. Any online software out there that could help us design something? That or any of us artistically talented enough to draw something like that?

I don't know about any good software for that, and I definitely know I can't draw well enough to do it. Anyone else have any suggestions?

Leonis wrote:

"Thank you Captain. These are your lands and you know them well. We will heed whichever decision you make in this matter."

The captain inclines her head, murmuring something noncommittal and trying to keep her expression neutral, but the impression the more perceptive members of the group get is that she's sincerely uncomfortable with being the one to make decisions which involve telling visiting nobility and/or dignitaries what they should do.

Rowan wrote:

Rowan smiles at the guard expression, with the expression of a general towards a lower ranking officer who has done well. "Thank you, Captain. We would be pleased to accept your hospitality here. And I, for one, prefer solid military hospitality to the pomp and formality of noble affairs."

A look of relief flashes across the captain's face and she nods quickly. "Very good." She turns to another officer and says, "Lieutenant, please escort our guests to the inn. Make sure they are made comfortable and anyone with particular needs," her gaze flickers to Xamanthe, "is catered to."

The lieutenant salutes and then politely asks the contingent from Khatovar to follow him. He, accompanied by a small escort, leads them to the open gate in the stockade. Passing through, they can see that it is actually better fortified than it seems on the outside, the wooden walls having metal reinforcements on the inside. The walls on either side of the gate have metal struts which can slide across to interlock with and heavily reinforce the gate. With the additional protection provided by the fortified tower that rises from the northeast corner of the compound, the small settlement has clearly been designed for maximum defense.

The visitors are led to one of the largest of the buildings within the stockade, an inn with an attached set of stables. There, the lieutenant asks them to wait for a few moments as he enters, returning quickly with the innkeeper. While the officer and his soldiers wait silently, the innkeeper bows and says politely, "Welcome to my inn. How many rooms will you ladies and gentlemen be needing? I may," he says, looking quickly over the 14-person group, "be able to provide individual rooms for all of you, but perhaps some of you would prefer to stay together?" His gaze shifts to Xamanthe and then away. "We also have whatever stabling you need, of course." He glances at Xamanthe and then away again. It doesn't take much to decipher that he's concerned about where to put the centaur.

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The more places we stay and talk, she thinks to herself, the more information we can learn about Irovetti and his kingdom. You can learn a lot about a person by what his soldiers think of him.

OOC: And the more places you are then potentially able to teleport to in the future.

OOC: My responses will be based on how many rooms they have available:

If plenty of rooms:
"We can each stay in individual rooms as it would give us some time apart. We have been together on the road much and I am sure my companions would like some privacy".

If there is a lack of rooms:

Looking at the inn keeper, "Since we are so many and you need to keep rooms for other guests we can double up. Kara and Rowan can stay together, while I and Grabthar can share...err," Thinking about Grabthar's legendary snoring, "I'll take a room by myself thank you." Leonis looks at his apprentice, "If you feel comfortable sharing a room with me then you can do so and we can continue our studies, if not, then feel free to stay in your own room or stay with another one of the delegation committee." Looking at the inn keeper, "You have rooms with double beds correct?"

Leonis wrote:

OOC: My responses will be based on how many rooms they have available:

OOC: They have just enough rooms that they can put each of you in separate ones, and by each of you I mean your escort too, so that's 14 of you. Do you want everyone in individual rooms?

The other issue, though the innkeeper isn't mentioning it explicitly, is what to do with Xamanthe. She's a centaur, so they probably can't cater to her properly.

Pulling Xamanthe to the side and privately speaking with her, "What kind of accomodations would be preferable for you?"

The group will most likely stay in individual rooms, but if Xamanthe needs to stay in the stables then Leonis will stay with her.

Leonis wrote:

Pulling Xamanthe to the side and privately speaking with her, "What kind of accomodations would be preferable for you?"

The group will most likely stay in individual rooms, but if Xamanthe needs to stay in the stables then Leonis will stay with her.

Xamanthe says, "I see. I can't see how they'll put me up properly here either." She looks around the area and shrugs. "I'm used to being outside, anyway, so if they can find me a clean area to sleep, I'll be fine. Though a couple of blankets would be good and getting close to a fire would be even better."

Admin wrote:

Leonis wrote:

Pulling Xamanthe to the side and privately speaking with her, "What kind of accomodations would be preferable for you?"

The group will most likely stay in individual rooms, but if Xamanthe needs to stay in the stables then Leonis will stay with her.

Xamanthe says, "I see. I can't see how they'll put me up properly here either." She looks around the area and shrugs. "I'm used to being outside, anyway, so if they can find me a clean area to sleep, I'll be fine. Though a couple of blankets would be good and getting close to a fire would be even better."

Leonis grins at Xamanthe, "I think I can do you one better." Leonis steps out of the inn, and takes Xamanthe with him, and starts an incantation to summon up a Secure Shelter, followed up with an Alarm spell. "I hope this will meet your requirements?"

Leonis wrote:

Leonis grins at Xamanthe, "I think I can do you one better." Leonis steps out of the inn, and takes Xamanthe with him, and starts an incantation to summon up a Secure Shelter, followed up with an Alarm spell. "I hope this will meet your requirements?"

As Leonis moves to cast his spell, Youma (who has been standing and watching silently thus far) quickly steps forward and plucks at his sleeve. "Even dignitaries," she says quietly, "shouldn't be casting spells without asking their hosts for permission. Especially if you're going to conjure up a magical dwelling inside an already crowded settlement. I think your idea has merit, but I suggest asking first. Also, we don't need thirteen rooms at the inn for us. That makes us look a little greedy. You four should have individual rooms, but Riaan and I can take one, while Iveni stays with you as you suggested. And the soldiers should probably be in one large room near ours, if possible. So six rooms would suffice. At least, that's my suggestion."

If Leonis and the others agree and do check, both the innkeeper and the lieutenant seem to prefer this approach. The latter says that adding a magical cottage inside the stockade would make things difficult space-wise and asks if Xamanthe would mind it being conjured outside, which the centaur quickly agrees to. Once Leonis has exited the stockade with Xamanthe, conjured up the Secure Shelter for her, and returned, the people from Khatovar are led to their rooms. The innkeeper says that food and drink will be sent up to the rooms, unless anyone would prefer to eat in the common room below. He says that there aren't much in the way of other guests, so there would be space enough for anyone who wants to. Once he has an answer, he leaves.

Admin wrote:

As Leonis moves to cast his spell, Youma (who has been standing and watching silently thus far) quickly steps forward and plucks at his sleeve. "Even dignitaries," she says quietly, "shouldn't be casting spells without asking their hosts for permission. Especially if you're going to conjure up a magical dwelling inside an already crowded settlement. I think your idea has merit, but I suggest asking first. Also, we don't need thirteen rooms at the inn for us. That makes us look a little greedy. You four should have individual rooms, but Riaan and I can take one, while Iveni stays with you as you suggested. And the soldiers should probably be in one large room near ours, if possible. So six rooms would suffice. At least, that's my suggestion."

That's very close to the advise that Rowan would have given if I had been able to post in time.

The only difference is that Rowan would have stated it differently than asking for permission, as befits our station. Rowan will be slowly tutoring Leonis in projecting personal power socially, being careful that he understands how to behave like a powerful person without forcing it and coming across as an arrogant jackass.

"Say something like, 'I will conjure an outside shelter for Xamanthe, our centaur counselor, if there are no problems with that.' This states your desire, politely gives notice that you would like to cast a spell and says which spell you will cast, and gives the captain a polite opportunity to object. But the decision-making authority was not given entirely to the captain, or even shared equally."

"People of our stature should not ask people of much lower social status to make our decisions for us. When you asked the captain whether we should stay at this fort or the next one, when she already explained the options and implicitly was waiting for our answer, that was not appropriate. If you're not sure what to answer, ask for additional information, but do not ask what you should do. Being uncertain and indecisive is an act of social weakness, but asking for counsel before making a decision is an act of strength, even when they amount to the same thing in practice. It's all about how you phrase your requests."

"This is not the same thing as delegating authority to someone under you, which is acceptable for many decisions. But you can only delegate to someone who's actually under your authority. So you could delegate a task to one of our counselors, or our guards here, but not to one of Irovetti's guards.

There's a lot of subtlety involved here, so if you're not completely sure how to behave, it's better to err on the side of less forceful than more forceful. This is especially true when meeting with someone of equal social status, like Irovetti or Drelev.

Admin wrote:

Your diplomat currently is Youma Sivis, who tends to double as mayor of Varnhold, but she can afford to be gone for this period. As an assistant she'll bring along Riaan, the half-elven scribe. Nobody else is particularly interested in coming along, esp. since they are especially necessary in Khatovar when you four are gone.

We can teleport back to Lakeshore or Varnhold the day before we enter Pitax, so she won't be away for as long. Rowan will also be checking in at Lakeshore every few days, after we've stopped riding for the evening, to take care of any urgent affairs (and take a bath and visit with her lover).

Admin wrote:

Leonis wrote:

With regards to our coat of arms. Do we have any creatures indigenous to our area?

Boars, as Leonis can vouch

Along with boars, deer and bears would be some of the most common large indigenous animals of the natural variety. As for less natural animals, owlbears or will-o-wisps would be comparatively more common. Perhaps the most unique yet indigenous creature of the type would be the tatzlwyrm. Fey, of course, are common to the area, ranging from pixies and faerie dragons to nymphs, dryads and satyrs.

How about a stag? It would be a striking heraldic beast.

Rowan would be a bit uncomfortable flying the standard of The Stag King, as it ties us a bit closely to him, but it may be okay as long as we make the banner our own.

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On a side note when we do get griffons I think we should enchant their saddles, or horseshoes so each one has a cool glamor effect. For example Grabthar's could have an illusion of blood dripping wings, Leonis could have an illusion of shadows/smoke, Rowans could have an illusion of flames, and Kara's could have an illusion of chaos/insanity. It would be fun to make us stand out

Rowan would find this a bit too ostentatious and tacky.

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Good point about the griffons. You don't have to use an animal, of course, and could easily do something else. Following on your idea about nature and based on your capital, you could perhaps do a castle or tower next to a tree and waves beneath, topped by a crossed hammer and axe, under an arcane sigil of some kind within a red circle.

A tower would be a good choice too, since we seem to be building a lot of them.

Rowan wrote:

That's very close to the advise that Rowan would have given if I had been able to post in time.

The only difference is that Rowan would have stated it differently than asking for permission, as befits our station. Rowan will be slowly tutoring Leonis in projecting personal power socially, being careful that he understands how to behave like a powerful person without forcing it and coming across as an arrogant jackass.

"Say something like, 'I will conjure an outside shelter for Xamanthe, our centaur counselor, if there are no problems with that.' This states your desire, politely gives notice that you would like to cast a spell and says which spell you will cast, and gives the captain a polite opportunity to object. But the decision-making authority was not given entirely to the captain, or even shared equally."

"People of our stature should not ask people of much lower social status to make our decisions for us. When you asked the captain whether we should stay at this fort or the next one, when she already explained the options and implicitly was waiting for our answer, that was not appropriate. If you're not sure what to answer, ask for additional information, but do not ask what you should do. Being uncertain and indecisive is an act of social weakness, but asking for counsel before making a decision is an act of strength, even when they amount to the same thing in practice. It's all about how you phrase your requests."

"This is not the same thing as delegating authority to someone under you, which is acceptable for many decisions. But you can only delegate to someone who's actually under your authority. So you could delegate a task to one of our counselors, or our guards here, but not to one of Irovetti's guards.

There's a lot of subtlety involved here, so if you're not completely sure how to behave, it's better to err on the side of less forceful than more forceful. This is especially true when meeting with someone of equal social status, like Irovetti or Drelev.

"Wait, what's the point of asking when we know what the answer will be? It seems like a waste of time to me." As Rowan starts going about her lecture Leonis sits down, elbow on his knee while his hand supports his chin then his eyes start to close, and feigns sleeping and snoring.

OOC: Eating in the dining area would be good. It would allow us to socialize. People can eat wherever they want but Leonis will want to eat in the common area.

Rowan wrote:

We can teleport back to Lakeshore or Varnhold the day before we enter Pitax, so she won't be away for as long. Rowan will also be checking in at Lakeshore every few days, after we've stopped riding for the evening, to take care of any urgent affairs (and take a bath and visit with her lover).

Good idea. With 4 teleports a day (and Leonis able to do a couple too), Rowan can easily use the time when you're not traveling or asleep to take care of other things.

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How about a stag? It would be a striking heraldic beast.

Rowan would be a bit uncomfortable flying the standard of The Stag King, as it ties us a bit closely to him, but it may be okay as long as we make the banner our own.

I was wondering if someone would want to go that route. Considering the obscurity of the Green King (your PCs are only really aware of him because of their specific experiences) and the Grim White Stag, nobody's likely to to connect the PCs' banner with him/it, especially since you can depict it in many different ways.

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A tower would be a good choice too, since we seem to be building a lot of them.

So what do you think of the combination I described above (tower + waves + tree, etc)? Does that work, or would you like to tweak it?

Rowan wrote:

That's very close to the advise that Rowan would have given if I had been able to post in time.

That's what I had figured

Quote :

The only difference is that Rowan would have stated it differently than asking for permission, as befits our station. Rowan will be slowly tutoring Leonis in projecting personal power socially, being careful that he understands how to behave like a powerful person without forcing it and coming across as an arrogant jackass.

"Say something like, '...

Leonis wrote:

"Wait, what's the point of asking when we know what the answer will be? It seems like a waste of time to me." As Rowan starts going about her lecture Leonis sits down, elbow on his knee while his hand supports his chin then his eyes start to close, and feigns sleeping and snoring.

This is why Leonis has no ranks in Diplomacy and Rowan has 10.

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OOC: Eating in the dining area would be good. It would allow us to socialize. People can eat wherever they want but Leonis will want to eat in the common area.

OOC: Okay. Mike, is Rowan going to be eating downstairs (your rooms are mostly on the floor above) too? And let me know what you plan to do about the moving around disguised as a Khatovar soldier.

IC: Leonis, and anyone else who chooses to do so, heads to the common area. Most of the members of their small escort, presumably needing to stretch their legs outside the confines of their room after a long ride, are soon down there as well. Youma is evidently taking her meal in her room, but the scribe Riaan is down there as well, sitting alone at a small corner table and watching the room silently, as is his habit.

Food and drink are quickly provided, with the innkeeper politely explaining that no payment is needed since Baron Irovetti has said that he will be providing reimbursement for hospitality provided to competitors at the festival. He does have a stock of special provisions intended to cater to such travelers too, and soon the rulers of Khatovar have food in front of them which would befit a much more palatial inn. The soldiers get simpler fare, but are still well-provided for.

The inn's common room is actually quite large, so it's not too crowded even with the new arrivals. Besides them there are nearly half a dozen off-duty Pitax soldiers who have stopped in for a drink, and four other men and women who live and work in the small settlement. They all leave the newcomers alone, though there are a few curious glances, particularly towards those who have been identified as the rulers of Khatovar. After all, it is very unlikely that people of such stature stop here.

All of the glances shift toward the door midway through the meal, as another Pitax officer enters. Behind him are three very distinctive figures. Each of them wears loosely flowing clothing in a pattern of reds and browns, beneath which chain shirts are visible, and they each bear a small armory of weapons. Their clearly elven faces are sharply aquiline beneath flowing headgear resembling the rest of their clothes, each held in place by a headband displaying a prominent, individual sigil. If that were not enough to identify them, the fact that two of them have a particularly strange weapon strapped to their backs--one that resembles two small scimitars joined at their hilts--would be enough for many in Khorvaire to know who they are.

The three Valenar women look around the room, their expressions and postures more appropriate to people entering a den of enemies than an inn. The officer accompanying them looks back at them, quickly asks them to wait, and hurriedly leaves in search of the innkeeper.

Looking at the new comers, their gear, and their explicit emotions towards those in the rooms (presumably non-elves) Leonis, puts his drink down, and removes his hand from some girls butt. He gets up and walks over towards the elves. Looking up at the Valinor women, Leonis puts on a happy smile, "Hello ladies, my name is Leonis one of the four lords of Khatovar, and it is a pleasure to meet you. I have never met Valinor elves and if you are staying here for food and rest would ask if you would like to share my," There is a flash of a pause as Leonis gives himself a quick mental hipcheck, "table?"

Leonis wrote:

Looking at the new comers, their gear, and their explicit emotions towards those in the rooms (presumably non-elves) Leonis, puts his drink down, and removes his hand from some girls butt. He gets up and walks over towards the elves. Looking up at the Valinor women, Leonis puts on a happy smile, "Hello ladies, my name is Leonis one of the four lords of Khatovar, and it is a pleasure to meet you. I have never met Valinor elves and if you are staying here for food and rest would ask if you would like to share my," There is a flash of a pause as Leonis gives himself a quick mental hipcheck, "table?"

OOC: Why do I get the feeling Rowan turns to Kara and Grabthar at this point and starts offering odds on Leonis' survival?

IC: The central one of the three women--the most slender and carrying only four visible weapons--looks down at Leonis and says in sylvan, evidently addressing the other two, "What is a lord of Khatovar and why is it addressing us?" As she speaks, one hand drops to a dagger at her belt and the other moves to what must be a spell component pouch.

One of the other women, the shortest of the trio, sighs softly and says in the same tongue, "Khatovar is one of the little local kingdoms this Irovetti is competing with. And I think he is just being friendly, Yegina."

The third woman, the tallest of the lot, also speaks in sylvan to the others, "Yes. And we told you that you'd have to behave on this trip. Even at times like this. Consider it good practice." Ignoring the disdainful snort from the first woman, she then addresses Leonis directly, switching to the language that he spoke in and speaking politely, "We were told by the soldiers that we should stay here for the night. We are going to the festival, as I assume you are. We thank you for the hospitality and will join you. I am Navaratna. These are Yegina," she indicates the first speaker, "and Mialolessa."

As she is completing the introduction, the Pitax officer who led them in returns with the innkeeper. The three Valenar warriors obtain a room for themselves, asking for a large one which they can use together, and also ask for food and drink. Once that is done, they follow Leonis back to the table where he and his companions were sitting, where Navaratna again introduces herself to those present.

Admin wrote:

OOC: Why do I get the feeling Rowan turns to Kara and Grabthar at this point and starts offering odds on Leonis' survival?

IC: The central one of the three women--the most slender and carrying only four visible weapons--looks down at Leonis and says in sylvan, evidently addressing the other two, "What is a lord of Khatovar and why is it addressing us?" As she speaks, one hand drops to a dagger at her belt and the other moves to what must be a spell component pouch.

One of the other women, the shortest of the trio, sighs softly and says in the same tongue, "Khatovar is one of the little local kingdoms this Irovetti is competing with. And I think he is just being friendly, Yegina."

The third woman, the tallest of the lot, also speaks in sylvan to the others, "Yes. And we told you that you'd have to behave on this trip. Even at times like this. Consider it good practice." Ignoring the disdainful snort from the first woman, she then addresses Leonis directly, switching to the language that he spoke in and speaking politely, "We were told by the soldiers that we should stay here for the night. We are going to the festival, as I assume you are. We thank you for the hospitality and will join you. I am Navaratna. These are Yegina," she indicates the first speaker, "and Mialolessa."

As she is completing the introduction, the Pitax officer who led them in returns with the innkeeper. The three Valenar warriors obtain a room for themselves, asking for a large one which they can use together, and also ask for food and drink. Once that is done, they follow Leonis back to the table where he and his companions were sitting, where Navaratna again introduces herself to those present.

OOC: My apologies for not stating it, Leonis would have spoke in Sylvan.

For convenience listing the names:

Yegina - Temper filled spell caster
Mialolessa - Shortest, guessing, maybe a "scribe" or the knowledgeable one of the group (just a guess)
Navaratna - Tallest, potentially leader?

When Leonis hears the words of Yegina his eyes lose their excitement, but only for a moment. Leonis has learned, over the years, that disappointment is inevitable, and things will end up dying, dead or killing you, but his young mentality overrides these concerns at times and allows him the pure ignorance and bliss of a 12 year old. When Leonis sees Yegina reaching for her spell pouch he quickly brings to mind a counter spell but makes no outwardly sign of aggression. As the two other women calm their friend down, Leonis continues, "It is a pleasure to meet the three of you. Yegina, as your friends have stated I am one of rulers of a small and fledgling kingdom and my companions are here, just as you, to enjoy the games and all it has to offer." Seeing the officer waiting to take them to their rooms, "Please, settle in and when you are ready join me at my table. I will summon my companions to join us and we can share stories."

OOC: Do to his non-existant diplomacy Leonis is being friendly/charming but not doing things that someone like Rowan would do...such ask "if it is OK with you" or "if it pleases you".

When they return Leonis introduces his fellow companions to the Valinor elves and switches to common. "So tell me about you?" Leonis especially looks at Yegina, a fellow caster. His excitement overriding his position, "I've very rarely met elves, and never met a Valinor elf, let alone three. Where are you from? Why did you decide to come join this event, which while grand and exciting I would think is considered small for a group from an established race with long standing traditions". Leonis goes on and on, rambling from question to question barely pausing for breath let alone allowing the elves to answer. For anyone with children the comments of "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" flashes to mind.

Leonis wrote:

OOC: My apologies for not stating it, Leonis would have spoke in Sylvan.

No problem. In that case they'd have been speaking to each other in goblin, which he understands too.

Quote :

For convenience listing the names:

Yegina - Temper filled spell caster
Mialolessa - Shortest, guessing, maybe a "scribe" or the knowledgeable one of the group (just a guess)
Navaratna - Tallest, potentially leader?

Right.

Quote :

When Leonis hears the words of Yegina his eyes lose their excitement, but only for a moment. Leonis has learned, over the years, that disappointment is inevitable, and things will end up dying, dead or killing you, but his young mentality overrides these concerns at times and allows him the pure ignorance and bliss of a 12 year old. When Leonis sees Yegina reaching for her spell pouch he quickly brings to mind a counter spell but makes no outwardly sign of aggression. As the two other women calm their friend down, Leonis continues, "It is a pleasure to meet the three of you. Yegina, as your friends have stated I am one of rulers of a small and fledgling kingdom and my companions are here, just as you, to enjoy the games and all it has to offer." Seeing the officer waiting to take them to their rooms, "Please, settle in and when you are ready join me at my table. I will summon my companions to join us and we can share stories."

When Leonis says this, the woman who was identified as Mialolessa responds, switching to elven now, "I see you are skilled in tongues." Her tone is relatively friendly. "We will join you now, since we do not need our rooms at the moment." The three women follow Leonis to the table, depositing their backpacks beside them, which take up much less space than the weapons they place beside each of them.

Once Leonis begins to speak and ask his questions, both Navaratna and Mialolessa listen with expressions of polite interest, whereas Yegina's expression retains a combination of faint hostility and more obvious disdain. When Leonis' barrage of questions slackens enough for the women to actually answer, Navaratna shrugs and says, "We came because we thought it would be exciting and give us a chance for brave deeds and to win honor from worthy opponents. We three are of the Valaes Tairn, but for the last few months we have been in Sharn, as part of Caerlyn's Blade. We saw that there was little honor to be won there, so when we heard of this tournament, we thought we would ride here and share the blade dance. We were not sent by the Tairn and I doubt High King Vadallia would send anyone here. All blades might be needed if war erupts in the land that was Cyre."

Mialolessa looks at Leonis--and the others at his table--curiously. "Why are you here? For glory? Something else?"

OOC: The Valaes Tairn ('warriors of glory') is the name that the elven warrior clans that first came from Aerenal to Khorvaire took for themselves and the Valenar still use that phrase to refer to themselves. Caerlyn's Blade is a mercenary group of Valenar in Sharn. High King Vadallia is the current ruler of the Valenar.