Session 58

To Convince the King

Date: Wednesday, 7 July, 2021
Attending Players: Ashara, Embra, Ish'Mael, Victalyassa
Time 3.5 Hours (Total: 191 Hours)

Game Time 21st of Sowmeadow, Midnight
To
22nd of Sowmeadow, 7 AM
Game Locations:
Valtaska

"Can you believe this! First I become a crewman on a ship, then I get to pilot it back!"

"You're hardly piloting. You are holding the wheel steady," the A'Yapi woman spoke quietly, watching as Young Thomas continued the ship in a straight direction. They had left port the previous day, a direct line towards Valtaska. The A'Yapi, Giv'Di'Ra, typically enjoyed these delivery jobs, but Thomas' enthusiasm and desire to learn irritated her.

"At this rate, I may even be able to take on a piloting apprenticeship!"

"I have my doubts."

"You aren't, by chance, looking for an apprentice, are you?"

"No," Giv'Di'Ra rubbed at her eyes and ears, looking over her shoulder out the aft of the ship. "Why do you not take some rest now. This task is long and we both need rest to ensure we are at our peak."

"Are you sure? Yeah, I can do that. Gosh jeez, what an amazing time. My parents will never believe the turn of events I've had!"

"I'm sure not."

As Young Thomas let go and took off, Giv'Di'Ra took the wheel again and relished the silence. Valtaska was still several days away and she was unsure if she could handle having him around much more. She gripped the wheel, intent on enjoying what peace she had for now.

Midnight, going into the 22nd of Sowmeadow. A beautiful spring morning, with heavy clouds keeping a gentle wind with no precipitation, for once. For the ride back, the guards kept their conversation to a minimum, focusing on Embra and Victalyassa. Ashara maintained a very silent demeanor, despite being asked direct questions, while Ish Ma'el is quiet and sullen, watching over the Queen of Benira. Approaching the southern gate of the 4 horsemen, stands a familiar and unusually sober face.
Drosko calls out, "Oh dear god!, I thought you guys were goners!"
"We're fine," says Embra, quietly. Victalyassa runs off the horse and grasps hands roughly with Drosko, saying, "You look like you need a drink!"
"You look well together," he says.
"I'm undead now, so not so well together." says Ish Ma'el. They all converse quietly as the party gets off their horses and the guards depart. The captain stays behind to speak to Drosko for a second, Drosko reassuring him they are "his people."
Drosko turns to the party to ask about the airship, and Vic bluntly explains the death of the pilot. Ish MA'el tells a "short story" of how it happened. Vic pokes at Ashara for letting the Drakes that destroyed the ship get away, while Ish Ma'el and Embra explain how they tried to salvage the ship. Vic explains that their original ship was also almost destroyed by Ish Ma'el. "Look, we are all here with two..."
"Prisoners..." chimes in Ashara.
"Well, guests," says Ish Ma'el.
"Well, we made a friend," says Embra, pushing Kivini up to the front. Drosko looks to Kivini and the two share a meeting. "My expertise has been wanted?" asks Kivini.
Drosko explains that Kivini will be useful for what has been happening. Standing behind Drosko, a few feet back, comes an older female human, frail build; an emissary representing the king. Drosko notes her appearance and explains that the party will be sleeping in the Shimmer Castle, to meet with the High King in the morning. The emissary explains a few more details while Ish Ma'el wallows in undeath, beginning a new tracker for his complaints, reaching into the high 20's at least. Ashara explains that she enjoyed watching the transition of Ish Ma'el, to his dismay.
"Ugh... Ma'am," begins Ish Ma'el, looking at the emissary, "did anyone mention our guest here," he presents the queen and motions for a receipt. The emissary takes the queen and walks away, giving Ish Ma'el nothing. A few guards come up and move to the carriage with the two of them.
"I know it is early," starts Drosko, "we can go straight to the castle, but if you have to stop anywhere..."
"A-Pot-To-Carry," says Ashara bluntly. "It is my business."
"Well I need a drink in me," says Vic. Drosko and everyone gets in the carriage, and they stop by the tavern, all being dropped off. The emissary explains that they will meet in the morning, with Kivini. The party discuss how they want to spend the night. Ashara reminds Ish Ma'el that he owes Vic and Embra a keg of alcohol for their trouble. Ish Ma'el eventually relents and pays the fee to the bartender. Ashara makes sure that all three of them (herself included) get a keg of alcohol at Ish Ma'els expense. Ashara, who never drinks, offers up her keg to both ladies and tells them that she is now even for fighting both of them, "and winning."
The kegs are loaded onto the carriage and Ish Ma'el offers Ashara a drink, she tries to slap it out of his hand to destroy it. Ashara does knock it out of his hand and the Flask of Sleep knocks to the ground and shatters, smoke surrounding both of them. Ish Ma'el coughs slightly and Ashara feels slightly lethargic, however, Quee Queg falls to the ground asleep, landing by Ish Ma'els boot. Ish Ma'el looks down and POOFs him back to the infernal plane. Ashara giggles. Ashara dismisses herself and then heads to her shop, Drosko telling her to be ready in the castle by dawn.
The party, sans Ashara, gets into the castle and returns to Shimmer Castle. As late as it is, even Drosko is tired himself. The emissary brings them to their rooms for the night. Vic eagerly watches the kegs, sticking her head out every once in a while to make sure they are okay. She asks about the Queen of Benira, and Drosko explains that the King is not excited about the development, but there will be more to tell in the morning. "Clearly we are all the A team," says Ish Ma'el, "Weren't we hiring a B team?"
Drosko explains that the drunk guy, Brakart, has already shown up and joined the guild, while the sad man from Benira has not approached yet. Also, a few Kobolds have tried to join, and they have received a few purposefully at Ish Ma'els request. He says they hope to get more recruits later to get more funds rolling into the guild. Embra gives a giant yawn before heading to bed, while Vic takes both of her kegs up to the bedroom, staying up to drink in the room since tonight was not her night to sleep. She does take some time to clean the matted blood off of her fur with her bucket.
Ashara arrives at the A Pot To Carry, becoming visibly upset as she gets closer. It has been about two weeks since she had left it behind. At her initial site from the outside, there is no difference at all, at least none she can see. The door is in the same clean condition, and she throws it open. She walks in and takes a deep breath of the air, smelling the familiar scents which she has come to know and love. A heavy dust has begun to settle, which is new to her, but a tinge of sweat and blood from the dragonborn still lies around. The old herbs and potions, still sitting on their shelves, sit around in perfect function. "I should get these out of here," she says to herself. She pulls out her Katana and decimates the shelf to the left of her, screaming out as she does. "WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE ME DO? I HATE THIS FEELING!"
Stepping out from the corner, comes the familiar dragonborn, and she nearly loses her mind in the rage. "For starters, destroying your merchandise might now be a thing to do, you could always give them to a good cause," he says.
"A good cause?!" yells Ashara, "explain to me why I shouldn't kill you now... again."
"I thought we had a business arrangement," he says. Standing behind him, is a very frail and thing Marleek female, seemingly intimidated to be there.
"Oh, and who's this now?!" Ashara demands.
"An apprentice you don't have to worry about," he says, gripping his greatsword. "Are we to fight again? You look agitated."
Ashara asks him what she is supposed to do, before she turns and kills the two of them if he does not convince her. He explains that if Ashara cannot create more poisons, then he has no need for her. Ashara takes a moment to think and calms herself down rather than falling to her base desires. She sighs and sheathes her Katana. "It's late, how long have you been here?" She walks to the front desk.
"Not long, but I was aware you would be back tonight. I was hoping you would be back sooner than later." he says. Ashara explains that she cannot make the poisons, and if that means they have to fight, than so be it. He explains that he knows she's in the Unnamed guild, and she confirms. He looks to the Marleek and looks back to Ashara, "Why don't you see if you can procure things while you are out there? The people you work with may have what I need, as I am lacking a primary source."
Ashara asks if he knows her specifically. He explains they have tested blades before and they share a similar darkness. She explains who she serves and asks him the same. He explains that her serves a secret organization that he serves a special organization. If he gets something similar, then he can share his services, knowing that he does not seek to be an ally. "Services of the shadows for the exchange of poisons?"
Ashara asks if he belongs to the gods, cults, or anything else of the sort, and he explains that he does not, only for power. She asks what he can offer her specifically, not anyone that she knows. He explains that he is an assassin by means that are eldritch and shadowy, though he is not a warlock. "Well then," begins Ashara, "give me your name and how to summon you immediately. I have a predicament which I need you to resolve. While I have grown fond of this place, I will give it to you and come back periodically to give you items if you accomplish this task for me, as soon as possible..."
----
First thing in the morning at the Shimmer Castle, Victalyassa is staying up listening to the Vocalorb radio station. Ish Ma'el fires a Lightning Bolt into his Arcane Focus again, reaching the third day in a row, which will allow him to install the Arcane Focus into the item. Ish'mael rummages around his pockets and pulls out Queequeg from his pocket (dimension). Ashara awakes at her 90-degree angle, shooting up and walking toward the shimmer castle before dawn. She arrives to the castle gate and is walked to join the rest of the party.
The party is led to a private dining room to meet with Threeve, Kivini, and Drosko. "Are we ready?" asks General Threev. He opens the doors, and they see the High King sitting at the dining table with a few elite guards. The King is tired, but regal and dressed for the day in his professional attire. His eyes hold exhaustion, but also wisdom. A warm smile spreads across his face as he stands, he motions for everyone to sit around him and asks for a quiet environment. Ish Ma'el explains that he is honored by the King standing, and Vic and Embra acknowledge as well. A number of birds, pastries, fruits, butter of all kinds, and of course hard-boiled eggs all sit about. "I saw a man this morning sitting in the alley eating gruel and shit, yet we all sit here among a wild feast..." Ashara leans against a wall, refusing to sit at the table despite the eagerness of the rest of the party.
The High King explains the great service the party has already done for the Kingdom and the entire world, explaining that politics often get in the way. He explains they will be paid and Drosko is receiving the fees, though minus the fees from the ship gifted to them by the Prince of Orvadah. Ashara butts in to explain that the ship was not granted by the High Kingdom and questions why the party is being short-handed. Ish Ma'el asks about the role of the Queen. The High King explains that one of the Vocalstone Orbs was misplaced, but they have received good information from the other two. "Each of you will be receiving 100 High Marks for your help so far."
Victalyassa and Embra fist bump at the talk of money.
"It does seem that Benira is preparing for war with this High Kingdom, but I have hopes that the High alliance can be maintained through careful politics, but this is where things get difficult. King Drokrux (of Benira) has yet to make a move, but having his queen as a guest will make things more complicated. Others may be wary, but he may not be. For your actions, I should take each of your heads, but..."
Vic and Embra begin to get nervous.
He continues. "But the queen's presence may be a gift or a curse. Either compensation or punishment is in order. If it is the key to prevent war, then you will be rewarded."
"I'm sure your advisors already thought about this," starts Ish Ma'el, "but perhaps…"
"Shut up Ish Ma'el, says Vic, "he literally JUST offered to kill us."
"No, no. Perhaps she can offer a proclamation to end this war before it even begins." says Ish Ma'el. "And if they move on us, then we can perhaps throw her off a tower if a stone is thrown at the Shimmer Castle."
"I am sorry for our party member," says Vic, "he does not represent us here... We had got Kivini and dropped off the Vocalstones properly."
"Well," says Ish Ma'el, " We have the armor of the King of Benira, that will certainly keep him in poor spirits." He says, looking at Ashara, who glares down at him in his seat.
"You were tasked to originally help quell this cult, the primary reason all this unrest is building up. If we can cripple the cult, we can avoid war," says the High King.
The party reminds him that they are already sewn into the political spectrum and removing them may be difficult. The High King explains that he will be speaking with Holona personally, and they are scrambling to get ahead of the cult. "Where you come in for this: a task." he says.
Drosko agrees that the party is open to hear the task, and the party agrees in their own way. "The cult is setting up operational bases across Tanaviak, something different from the ordinary bandit camps. Small populated areas being constructed into weird spires which are then organized into small units. Reports first indicated these were temples, but we now expect something more."

"Well, we did discover that other planes of existence are being used to build up their army," says Ish Ma'el, referencing the hellish plane they had been transported too before. "Perhaps having mages to prevent portals being opened in the city."
"Well, one of these spires is outside Manlee's Stop, a couple of days march from Valtaska," says the King. "I want you to destroy the entire spire. I need you to do this discreetly without it reaching Valtaska itself, all witnesses must be killed. The guards are already aware that the impoverished may be flooding Manlee's Stop."
"Are we to be carrying the old man around with us too?" asks Ashara. Drosko explains that he will be around to help them learn more about the threat, but with Drosko and not the rest of the party.
"You have proven more valuable and competent than the average mercenary," says the High King, "and you will be rewarded as required."
"Are there any bonuses for extra objectives achieved?" says Ish Ma'el.
There will be 200 High Marks each, to include the Guild Coffer, upon completion of the task, but General Threev will acknowledge any special targets." General Threev nods as IPsh Ma'el pops an egg into his mouth. Vic and Embra look at each other excitedly at the idea of hundreds of High Marks and preventing a war.