Session 9: When in Tharsis Report

The Wayfarer goes out into Tharsis dressed in full armor seeking glory. He finds a man selling horses bound to a central pole- the beast looked emaciated and they’re charging high prices. The Wayfarer challenges the man for a joust for the horses. Thee man reluctantly accepts and grabs one of his larger servants to joust on his behalf. They run a few passes and the Wayfarer wins- a large crowd gathers and the people go absolutely wild. The man sells all the horses for 5 dolns, yet is ecstatic. He places his arms around his fellows and says 'We no longer sell horses, boys- tomorrow we will be jousters!' The Wayfarer rides back to the inn and upper city with eight horses in tow.

Azidael and Calista speak about the continental situation and their goals regarding it. In particular, Azidael asks Calista about the validity of pursuing Atamani assistance and information during this war. After they speak for a time, they hear the sound of many hooves approaching, almost like a lance of soldiers. They walk their way toward the sound and see the Wayfarer with his victorious spoils. Ballisar emerges from the inn to investigate as well.

Everyone is baffled about the horses and the story regarding their arrival. They all speak of the fate of these animals and how they should proceed.

Over the course of the night, Ballisar uses some measure of Vojûn to fortify his mind and bolster his defenses against the horrid terrors. The tumult of sound and life becomes a tolerable fog.

The next day, the party awakes and prepares themselves for the day ahead. Calista and Azidael wish to do a bit of research in the archives of Fornladur and Ballisar wished to speak with the commander of the Tharsis garrison. The Wayfarer accompanied them for lack of better things to do, as did Auron. They were stopped by four soldiers, but Ballisar explained his rank and they took the party to the Lyndos under guard. They arrived to hear the Lyndos speaking with another individual, some strange man from Everos.

Ballisar steps into the room and introduces himself with the party in tow. The Lyndos states that he is Lyndos Onar Zenas Aidos. Ballisar updates the man with their story and situation at large. The Everosi figure interrupts with questions- including that he is interested in the well-being of Empress Cesstecia. This captures Ballisar’s interest and suspicion, and he asks about why some stranger was so interested in the whereabouts of Cesstecia. The man introduced himself as Orin Eddenvas, a professional diplomat from Everos representing the interests of Oswim I Garlan, lord of the Lornish Realm. He explains that Lord Garlan wished to establish a favorable relationship with Cesstecia, but then the events at the coronation threw events astray. Orin escaped the city and travelled to Tharsis, which in days of old stood as a bastion of order within the chaotic land of Othos. He had been waiting for news, but it was not forthcoming. Now the party had arrived to shed light upon the situation. They spoke at length on the matter, and in the end Orin decided to tag along with the party for the time.

After the discussion, the rest of the party besides Ballisar departed the chamber for their own purposes. Lyndos Zenas spoke privately with the lord of the Dramana, and told him about the dire political position within the city. The official Astorian government was in direct competition with a group called the Greywall Militia, which was something of an unofficial enforcing group lead by a figure named Rorid Elmore. Originally, the militiamen were part of a mercenary band called the Company of the Grey Lion, which was formed by Rorid’s father, Ralof Elmore. Once he died, however, the ‘family business’ broke apart. Rorid’s brother Keld left Tharsis and travelled to their cousin Solomon Elmore’s realm of Elebryn in the distant southeast. Rorid formed the Greywall Militia from the remnants and they have been a dilemma ever since that time, raiding caravans, intercepting information, and taxing the population. If the party desires Tharsis to support the war effort, then the militia must be dealt with first.

Party begins to discuss plans regarding the militia. Azidael and Auron take matters into their own hands behind the backs of the party. They travel into the city and find enforcers of the militia, telling them about the threat from the Astorian garrison and about a man named Ballisar.

The Wayfarer travelled with Orin to the Fornladur barracks and sold the eight horses to the stablemaster for 10 dolns. He was nearly arrested, but talked his way to safety. Afterward, he found an Astorian cavalryman to joust with and began an impromptu tournament between himself and the man. He wins the duel to the great surprise and excitement of the upper city population. They crowd around the Wayfarer and call out his praises. A garrison of soldiers invite him to come drink with them and tell stories of his tournament exploits, to which he obliges.

The remainder of the party retires back to the inn for the night. They discuss their plans for dealing with the Greywall militia and its leader, Rorid Elmore. The idea for an ambush or outright attack is swiftly thrown aside. Orin, Azidael, and Ballisar discuss the possibility of negotiations. What might they give him? Orin pointed out that Rorid controls two thirds of Tharsis, and thus possesses significant wealth. Titles? Ballisar pointed out that the Astorian government might not allow it, while Azidael injected that there was limited title they could offer. They continued to debate the matter, trapped upon what might best be done. A short while later, the Wayfarer returned and joined them in the inn. They all spoke until night was fully fallen. Without final clarity, they were compelled to rest for the night and decide on the day of the meeting.