"I've seen her only once briefly from afar m'lord." Gaelin replies. " Around 20 seasons or so. A proportioned and fit woman. Brown haired with some length to it. It is made up elaborately in preparation for the wedding. You could do worse m'lord in my humble opinion."

Everyone: Please don't forget to also track the clues thread. I am trying to keep it updated. We can assume that people look like the portraits of them I am posting unless there is a specific note next to the portrait.

One more thing to note. Here is what the typical guard is dressed like at the castle (i.e., if they do not have position, authority, or a specific purpose). There are many of them providing security around the castle, probably 20 in the courtyard, and one in the corner of each common room.

You are told that they must cover their faces if they do not have a position allowing them to speak to guests or royalty. (And yes, that's not necessarily the wisest security strategy, but it is by royal decree from King Lombard.)

TIME: 7:20 p.m.

10 minutes until you need to be in place to inspect and greet the guests.

"Allow me to offer my opinion Prince Romalus." Tahdar says humbly.  "Even for my elven eyes she is a comely woman.  Princess Esther is quite attractive.  And I'm sure you could work out some arrangement with her that would allow you time to travel and explore while at the same time attending to your marriage and other duties."

The prince listens to Tahldar and Gaelin, but then shakes his head. (Charisma check failed.)

"Look," he says, "if they keep me here, I will be duty bound to stay. They will coddle me as the only remaining heir. They won't let me go anywhere. Besides, if I don't leave soon, I won't be able to return before winter sets in. That means I would have to wait until next year anyway. Here's what I'll do. 2000 gold crowns is yours if you help me escape tonight. I just need to get outside the gates before midnight. You can smuggle me in a cart or something. I don't know. After the marriage, I won't have another chance. What do you say?"

"I'm sorry Prince Romalus, but I'll have to decline your offer.  As a member of the King's guard, to fail my duty would be death." Tahldar says soberly.

"Agreed." Gaelin says, looking at Tahldar. He is glad he spoke up first. He turns back to the prince. "I do not want a death sentence. You may have to wait until spring when things have settled in with the princess. Then you can move more freely. With great priveledge comes great responsibility."

The prince narrows his eyebrows. "And perhaps I shall remember this insolence when I am king."

Damon calms him down. (Tahldar makes a critical hit Charisma check.) "Now, now. When you are king, you will remember that they are ever faithful and true to their word. They will make the most trusting of servants."

Prince Romalus nods. "My apologies. I have been cooped up in this castle for too long, and my fate is to be decided in a few short hours."

Damon says to you, "We heard that the princess had a beau of some sort who may not be very pleased by this arrangement. Do you know if he is violent? Does he intend harm on the prince?"

Shae was quiet, sizing up the prince's personality. But now she says, "Your bride to be is more beautiful than I, and charming as well. As for her suitor, yes, his name is Jak. He comes from wealth and is a magnificent fighter, she says. He fights with sword and dagger, dual wielding, and has a mole on his neck. He is a big drinker and has a bald head. He has two friends, a rogue named Angus, also shaved bald. He's got quite the temper. And then another warrior friend named Librus, also with a shaved head. He has some battle scars, including one on his back, one on his hand, and a large burn on his calf. The last friend is a mage named Nom. He has red hair, but he shaved it. He carries a cedar wand and small spellbook. I think, yes, they may be something to be worried about, and possibly jealous and angry. We will keep an eye out for them to protect everyone at Court."

Prince Romalus looks at Lord Damon, then back at you. Apparently impressed by Shae's words, he says, "Look, don't worry about me. Make sure she's safe. What kind of a groom would I be if I let something happen to her? And if you capture her ex and his friends trying to crash our party, there is an extra 1000 coin in it for you."

He indicates the door. "Now, if you don't mind, I have a wedding to prepare for."

He will wait a few seconds to see if there are any further questions.

OOC: If not, we will move on to the greeting guard duty when the guests start arriving.

Shae nods her thanks. "We will certainly make sure she is safe. That is why we are here. I have no further questions for you. I hope your nuptials live up to your every hope." Shae is ready to move on to the next duty.

Tahldar nods to Shae that he is ready to move on.

You leave Prince Romalus and Lord Damon and go down into the courtyard. Once there, two soldiers approach. They tell Lieutenant Antoine (your guide) that Commander Percival (captain of the guard) needs his assistance because the king is making some pre-wedding demands.

Antoine sets you up near the main gate that leads south. "As the guests arrive," he says, "your job is to greet them, see if there is anything suspicious or noteworthy about them, and report back. They have come from various parts of the country, and though they are well respected, they are not subject to His Majesty's authority, and some may even be jealous of his kingdom. So some quick questioning--friendly of course--is what we need. No confrontation, please. The king would have us all beheaded."

Antoine takes off, leaving your group to greet the guests. At the gate are also three sentries on each side of the entryway. Two have horns to blow to announce the guests, two have the guest lists, and two stand straight at attention.

Your group is comprised of:
Gaelin Tanner
Kromram Steelbane
Tahldar of Tyrannia
Shae Shadowglen
Malissar

I just listed those who have posted. Kahan is back in the town--feeling ill. Borimer is still lost since he was teleported away, and Leo (the bard/rogue) disappeared somewhere and does not likely plan to show.

NOTE: Remember that another mission from Zaron is to try to learn about the Syndicate members and the artifacts of Kuvla Tah, since some members will certainly be here.

You have now met with Princess Esther (and her lady in waiting, Anne), the daughter of the queen, and her betrothed, Prince Romalus (and his best friend, Lord Damon). Prince Romalus is son of the king who has grown up in this castle and does not want to marry the princess, wanting to instead lead an adventurous life, but feels forced to after the death of his older brother a few months back.

Here is the wedding schedule again:

PLANNED SCHEDULE:

7:00 Meet Princess Esther privately for a few minutes

7:15 Meet Prince Remalus for a few minutes

7:30 Meet guests arriving at the gatehouse.

8:00-11:00 Guard duty. Look out for anything suspicious. Lieutenant Garand will help escort you. Commander Percival must be made aware of anything important.

11:00 Festivities end, septon arrives, and guests prepare for the wedding

11:30 Wedding ceremony commences

12:00 midnight: Guests depart.

It is now 7:30, and the first guest arrives.

She rides a small palanquin carried by two strong orcs in the front and back. A trail of her advisors and warriors follows behind, along with a cart bearing gifts and her necessities.

The sentry with the guest list announces, after a trumpet blow by his colleague, "The Lady Syssira of House Hebira."

You stand in front to greet them. She waves the orcs to set her down and she approaches you.

But you cannot see her face. She is clad in purple silken garb, and a tiara adorns her head. But a veil completely covers her face. You can see nothing of her features from the neck up. Your first assumption is that she must have been in some tragic accident.


Her voice is pleasant, and you guess her age to be mid-thirties. "My name is Syssira, daughter of the king of the Stonelands. This is my first time here. Are you to be our concierge?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:40, Sat 14 Jan 2023.

Shae introduces everyone, says they are not technically a concierge but enhanced security, and asks if the lady needs some rest before the ceremonies begin.

She nods and says, "I have heard of you. Word travels fast through magic, and Zaron was quick to tell all about your heroic deeds. I applaud you, but with power comes great..." She pauses and then says more softly, "...foes. Be careful. There is a powerful group called the Syndicate which may not wish you well."

Tahldar is concerned Lady Syssira employs Orcs.  As an Elf he despises the creatures and detests even the sight of them.

Standing some distance away, he begins to cast a spell.

OOC:  I will stand as far away as I can but still see Lady Syssira and be within 120 yards.  Tahldar will cast 1st level charm person on Lady Syssira.  Then approach to see if the spell worked.

I am a little concerned that we may have lost almost all players. (Tahldar is always a great, consistent player!) No one really seems to be posting. I take some responsibility for delays, but not sure if this is pleasant for everyone else.

I will continue this, but I'm wondering what to do here...

Tahldar casts a spell. The already friendly Syssira seems even more friendly. (Success.) She does not seem to have any orcs around. Her entourage appears to be all human.

She seems entranced by the approach of Tahldar. "An elf," she says, though you cannot see her face beyond the veil. She reaches out to clasp hands, a pleasantry in her country, apparently.

Tahldar takes her hand and sees a gold and jade wide bracelet (bangle) on her wrist. It is beautiful, obviously old, and has interesting carvings. But he only sees it for a moment before the handclasp ends.



"You are well met, good sir," she says. "I have a good feeling about your group." She looks ready to move on but her head is inclined in Tahldar's direction as if waiting for his approval.

While you talk, her entourage is bringing in her chests with accoutrements. Other guests are starting to line up behind her. Each is inspected by the two guards out front.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:38, Sun 12 Feb 2023.

Gaelin stands at attention, scanning the line of guests.  He examines each in detail from head to toe, noting anything that may seem out of the ordinary.  The others are more adequate with introductions and socializing and so he lets them do the talking.  He is not adequate at such at all, and would probably say the wrong thing.  He remains at attention, reading the guests as they pass and listening to the conversations as they develop near him. He examines the chests and accoutrements as they pass noting sigils, runes, or symbols if present.

---

(OOC)
So, welcome back DM.  It has been a long while.  I had to read a little to remember what was going on here.  Maybe you still have players.  Count me as one.

"Lady Syssira, my name is Tahldar.  I have a good feeling about you as well." Tahldar says to the lady as he approaches and clasps her hands in return.

"Would you consider tarrying here as we meet the guests?  I was hoping you might point out anyone of interest, especially those in the syndicate.  And maybe anyone you don't know.  Plus I'd like to get to know you better."

OOC:  It is my hope Lady Syssira can help identify threats.

Shae also says in a kind voice, "We are pleased to meet you. What can you tell us about that incredible bracelet?"

Gaelin eyes the guests. Lady Syssira's entourage numbers 14 in total. The concierge says they will need to vacate before the ceremonies start, but they can enter to help Syssira get settled.

Beyond Lady Syssira is another noble, and then two or three lined up behind them.

The concierge guard urges you to move on so the other guests can get in and settled.

Syssira follows Tahldar's request. "I may stay a few minutes, but I do not see well from behind my veil." She seems to be torn between the decorum of moving on and being charmed by Tahldar to linger despite her entourage and items moving past her toward the towers.

At Shae's comment, she smiles and shows the bracelet again. "Yes, this has been in my family for generations. It never leaves my arm. They say it is a powerful artifact, and perhaps the reason the Syndicate wanted my membership. It supposedly has great powers, though I don't know what they are. It is called the Berillian Bangle. My family once had the Berillian Brooch as well, but it was stolen long ago."

She seems nervous seeing her people start to scatter out of sight. "Should I go now?"

A quick reminder. There are 5 Pillars of the Kuvlah Tah. Each is associated with two opposing artifacts said to be crafted by the gods. You have identified (and collected) some over time. One Syndicate objective is to collect them all, which is supposed to give someone the power of the gods--or usher in the end of the world or something fantastic like that.

See here: http://wiki.rpol.net/?edit=11516/artifacts_and_magic

"You should go now." Tahldar says to Lady Syssira.  "We can catch up later."

As Lady Syssira moves forward Gaelin gestures to those behind with a gloved hand to vome forward.