North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-02-01 - Calm Before the Stone (log)

Fashanos 1-2, 5123

Synopsis

Mayor Thadston speaks outside Moot Hall to say that Lady Aronia will be delaying her ritual for a bountiful spring to overcome whatever damage Gnul might inflict. As for tomorrow evening, Vornavis has offered to temporarily house any citizens who want to move away from Wehnimer's Landing before Gnul's attack, so he (Thadston) might need assistance with escorting. He'll also have the pylons ready and moved by Eve of the Huntress, and Larsya is ready to dispatch needed troops.

Afterward, the group discusses a bit about the cases Gnul received. Thadston says they'll pursue the lead in time, but first let's deal with Gnul. As he leaves for the night, sparks of light flash from the kroderine shards in his arms.

Log

Thadston's News

[General] Thadston thinks, "Evening."

[General] Falvicar thinks, "Evening Thadston."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Good evening, Mayor Thadston."

[General] Thadston thinks, "I'll be outside the Hall. I won't be long."

[he actually arrived extremely quickly, so I might have missed some things]

[Town Square, East]

Here in the center of a broad plaza near the commercial area of the bazaar stands the impressive facade of the slate-roofed Moot Hall, where the citizens of Wehnimer's Landing hold various official, religious and social functions. Facing the square are some of the town's more prosperous shops, still doing business with the many customers who still frequent the streets at night. You also see an inlaid leather grimoire soaring around with its gilt-swept ethereal violet pinions, a frost-covered yellow-eyed silvery lor mandrake, an emaciated black horse, a massive snowy white tiger, the skull-shaped Irval disk, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, the Arahnim disk, the web-draped Missoni disk, the Stormyrain disk, the Meril disk, a fluffy white cat, a lazy wild reddish-black dog, an amber-eyed tawny range wolf, a vacillating dune spirit that is flying around, a happy ocean spirit that is flying around, a grim wasteland spirit that is flying around, the Lankas disk, a mirthful will-o-wisp spirit that is flying around, the Kelfyr disk, a grizzled porcupine, a silver-inked ivory parchment nailed to a wall outside of Moot Hall, a black imperial wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it, a blanket of snow, the Moot Hall and a large purple wooden barrel.

Also here: Astrilyn, Avalera, Rmic, Bernadette, Roelon, Marshal Meureii, Brundrel, Seaward Gutstorm, Tikba, Dame Evia, Lady Emperia, Hospitaller Yukito, Meril, Kippe, Missoni, Perigourd, Magister Raelee, Earthdiver, Grand Lord Arahnim, Irval, Mourdeyan, Stormyrain, Sir Cryheart, Town Councilor Kayse, Great Lord Lankas, Kelfyr, Mayor Thadston

Thadston asks, "I'm sure you all heard the Earl's letter right?"

Cryheart nods at Thadston.

Irval nods knowingly at Thadston.

Kayse nods briefly at Thadston.

Mourdeyan nods at Thadston.

Tikba nods thoughtfully at Thadston.

Thadston says, "Good, then that's done."

Thadston waves his hand in a dismissive gesture.

Thadston asks, "Elidal has informed me Lady Aronia...that's her name right?"

Irval nods at Thadston.

Cryheart nods at Thadston.

[General] Jehance thinks, "That oddly rhymes."

[General] Westington thinks, "I am indeed a poet, I just didn't know it."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Who keep track all deez lady namesh, am me right?"

Thadston says, "Lady Aronia has decided to wait for her ritual until closer to spring, and primarily because she is worried what damage Gnul may bring, and she wishes to be better prepared to overcome that if needed."

Evia says, "Just as well."

Irval asks, "Can she do it earlier if we take care of Gnul sooner?"

Thadston says, "...and tomorrow eve, we may need some assistance with some town citizens."

Evia asks, "What sort?"

Mourdeyan asks, "Assistance?"

Thadston says, "Vornavis has graciously offered to temporarily house any of our citizens who wish to move away from town before Gnul's attack."

Cryheart says, "Ahhh."

Mourdeyan says, "Hmm."

Cryheart says, "So an escort to Solhaven."

Speaking to Thadston, Evia says, "Any who wish, as I am sure you recall, are also always welcome within the sanctuary and warmth of House Phoenix."

Thadston says, "So depending on how many wish to go south for protection, we'll need many helpinh hands to guide them there, by land or sea."

Meureii offers, "It has been busy work keeping the trails clear of the Grimswarm so we know they will nae be a problem at any rate."

Roelon deeply says, "Icemule would nae turn any away should they move north."

Thadston says, "I think the idea is..not to be here."

Thadston nods at Evia.

Thadston snickers.

Perigourd whispers something to Missoni.

The voice of Aleid says, "Don't blame em."

Meril quietly says, "He has attacked the trail before, where the path is enclosed by the Zeltoph."

Speaking to Thadston, Kayse informs, "We are having a town defense meeting tomorrow as well so we're prepared for what is to come."

Roelon deeply says, "Ah hae seen what threat Gnul is."

Irval asks, "Im sure most of us are willing to help with the relocation, but what kinda of message do you think this sends? Do we care?"

Thadston says, "We'll ensure the pylons are ready and easily moved to any position we need by Eve of the Huntress."

Evia says, "It is good, they will share the concern with all they know, and many shall hopefully seek that shelter."

Thadston nods at Kayse.

Thadston says, "Good, that is smart."

Speaking to Kayse, Stormyrain says, "Sounds like the meeting may morph into a field trip."

Kayse says, "If they happen to overlap."

Speaking in Faendryl to Thadston, Lylia says something you don't understand.

Thadston says, "I don't have much else for you, I'm sorry. There's a lot of work to do."

Thadston nods at Lylia.

Evia says, "Indeed."

Thadston says, "Larsya is ready as well, to dispatch any Hendoran or Bourthian troops we may need."

Kelfyr asks, "Is Amos looking to set his guards to the defense as well? Or is their remit only guarding shop doors?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Larsya know dish not game yep?"

Speaking to Kelfyr, Kayse says, "His guard often helps defend the town."

Speaking in Faendryl, Thadston says something you don't understand.

Thadston nods at Lylia.

Speaking mildly to Kelfyr, Tikba says, "The Red Guard has been helping to man the archer towers for some time now."

Thadston nods at Gutstorm.

Speaking to Thadston, Perigourd asks, "Will Vornavis be sending any escort to meet us, or are we meeting them at the gates?"

Irval says, "Ive heard tale of certain elements attacking the red guards..."

Kelfyr says, "Glad to hear it, all the help the town can get."

Thadston says, "We'll be escorting our people south."

Thadston nods at Perigourd.

Kayse lightly says, "Amos has done a lot of good lately. Let us have a week where we do not attack the man."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me only attack da guardsh if dey break me hidey shpot."

Speaking to Kayse, Lylia says, "Agreed."

Evia says, "This chat is not about the merchant lord, however."

Speaking to Thadston, Perigourd says, "I meant meet them at the gates to Vornavis."

Thadston says, "We'll need everyone's help come the battle. Something tells me there will be something for everyone to help with."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me want hazard pay."

Thadston says, "You don't even get regular pay."

Thadston smirks.

Irval asks, "Was gonna say, we get paid for this?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Who me talk to bout fa regoolar pay?"

Speaking to Gutstorm, Kayse instructs, "Get a real job."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Meureii offers, "Keeping life is nae pay enough?"

Mourdeyan says, "T'Dwi."

Thadston says, "That's all I had. Just some aide tomorrow, and a warning to be prepared."

Cryheart says, "Thank ye, Mayor."

Thadston says, "I suspect the battle ahead will be long and not easily fought, given Gnul and the plinite."

Missoni agrees, "We will be ready."

Thadston nods.

Gnul's Supplier

Irval asks, "And what of those that supply him? As im sure you heard the reports?"

[General] Arium asks, "Anyone in solhaven that could catch a ride to landing with?"

[Realm] Yukito thinks, "We'll just have to crack some skulls, then."

Speaking to Yukito, Perigourd says, "Bring your chisel."

[Realm] Lylia thinks, "Indeed."

Thadston says, "I heard a bit of the woods lady's sand pit."

Thadston asks, "If that's what you mean?"

Thadston peers quizzically at Irval.

Irval nods at Thadston.

Thadston says, "Someone brought Gnul some boxes."

Irval says, "Yes that is to which I am referring."

Thadston shrugs.

Irval says, "With plinite."

Speaking to Thadston, Raelee says, "That someone was the Ulterlain Traders."

Thadston says, "We'll figure who in time, let's deal with Gnul first."

Thadston says, "Do we know for sure? I mean..."

Thadston says, "I can put a golden hawk on a box and..."

Thadston says, "Hall of Mages gave me urnon."

Thadston smirks.

[General] Barnessa asks, "You need an escort Arium?"

Mourdeyan says, "Or anyone else could."

Raelee says, "No. We do not. It means the plinite was in their hands at some point. Whether or not they delivered is another question."

[General] Arium thinks, "Aye."

[General] Barnessa thinks, "I can come get you."

Thadston nods at Raelee.

Irval says, "Its a lead though..."

Lylia says, "It would not be the first time we have seen a false flag, but it is unusual to arrange such a thing without knowing there will be an audience."

Thadston says, "It is. One I expect everyone to pursue."

Thadston nods at Lylia.

Thadston says, "Point taken."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Raelee, not da plinite in yoo hand too?"

Irval says, "Im sure that they have manifests and if we look hard enough, be able to track missing shipments."

Perigourd says, "The threat of the plinite isn't any further deiminished, regardless of where it came from."

Xorus says, "Unless one is very thorough and clever."

Irval says, "And those who moved them..."

Thadston says, "Someone's been feeding Gnul one way or the other. We've suspected as such."

Thadston says, "Information, tactics, movements, resources..."

Thadston says, "Hell I'd accuse Xorus if I didn't know better."

Thadston chuckles.

Xorus smirks.

Lylia says, "I can vouch for his whereabouts most nights."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me kin git behind Xorus bein guilty."

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd jests, "Where does he keep the gloves?"

Speaking to Perigourd, Lylia says, "He has a box for them."

Thadston says, "And it's not Casi. She's not that foolish."

Xorus says, "The thought had occurred to me, but Gnul does not seem to be acting in my interests."

Thadston clears his throat.

Thadston says, "Casiphia."

Last Comments

Thadston asks, "Any questions?"

Speaking delicately to Thadston, Kayse asks, "Even when she is not herself...?"

Thadston glances at Kayse.

Thadston says, "Who is these days."

Xorus asks, "I walked in late. Is it our own townsfolk we are evacuating elsewhere?"

Mourdeyan says, "Indeed."

Thadston nods at Xorus.

Xorus nods slowly.

Thadston says, "Not all, but some who wish to flee before any coming assault."

Thadston says, "We'll lead them to Vornavis's gate, by land or sea."

Tikba whispers something to Kayse.

Xorus says, "Voluntary, then... I recall how the Rooks have interfered with mandatory evacuation orders in the past."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We make Vornavis our protectore now?"

Thadston says, "Yeah. Nothing mandatory."

Speaking to Thadston, Mourdeyan asks, "Where will the staging area be, is there a list of those travellin?"

Thadston says, "Not doing that crap again."

Thadston looks over at Mourdeyan and shakes his head.

Thadston says, "We're likely not to know until tomorrow night."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Meureii corrects, "Vornavis made us Protectors many years ago."

Kayse whispers something to Tikba.

Perigourd whispers something to Thadston.

Thadston whispers something to Perigourd.

Thadston says, "Now go sell your wares at a fair price, and enjoy your evening. Soon we'll be restless."

Thadston grins.

Kayse says, "We already are."

Aleid confusedly asks, "Wait, when was this?"

Speaking to Thadston, Lylia says, "That is certainly a pleasure."

Thadston bows.

Xorus says, "One Landing, One Price."

Aleid asks, "Tomorrow night tomorrow night or tonight tomorrow night?"

Lylia says, "I went and sold handfuls of gems and silver wands just because I could."

Cryheart says, "Rest yourself."

Thadston blinks at Aleid.

Aleid tilts her head up.

Aleid confusedly asks, "What time is it anyway?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "It time ferra drink."

Aleid squints.

Aleid gazes up into the sky.

Tikba says, "We will be ready, Mayor."

Speaking quietly to Aleid, Meureii says, "Tomorrow night tomorrow night."

Speaking to Meureii, Aleid asks, "And when is that again?"

Speaking to Meureii, Mourdeyan says, "I thought it was t'night t'morrow night."

Speaking quietly to Aleid, Meureii explains, "Twenty-four hours."

Aleid exclaims, "See!"

Thadston waves.

Roelon whispers something to Falvicar.

Speaking to Thadston, Missoni wishes, "Fair eve."

Aleid says, "Since it's after the witching hour then it's today tonight."

Thadston walks off into Moot Hall, and thin sparks of bluish-white light glow along the fragments within the flesh of his arms.