Nations on the Brink (storyline)/Recaps (summary)

Chapter 2 Recaps

Chapter 2 of the Nations on the Brink storyline took place between Charlatos and Olaesta 2023.

03-06-2023

Ta'Vaalor

• We met Lord Commander Cyik and Lesiette in King's Court, they were on their way to meet a special visitor and deemed it was alright for everyone to come along.
• We went to the Legendary Rest (which has the best pancakes in all of elfdom) and it was the Commander of the Sapphire Guard, Murstyr.
• There was tension between him and Cyik about Illistim still holding Jaranzair and Murstry agreed to release him promptly. Murstyr wanted agreement that Vaalor would follow up on their alliance with Illistim and go to war if it was deemed necessary.
• Lesiette urged rational heads and Cyik agreed to that and Vaalor's support of the defense alliance between Illistim/Vaalor.
• Murstyr showed some uncharacteristic emotions about the loss of his niece Sayilla.
• It left those questioning if he had come on behalf of the ever-quiet, removed Mirror or on his own.

03-07-2023

Solhaven

• An elven ship arrived but the harbormaster wouldn't let them dock, because they were Eastern elves.
• Odelgarde and Kimrella show up, but too late, and the ship was already sent off.
• But we find out the harbormaster was truly an idiot because that ship was carrying Lady Kasendra home
• Odelgarde and Kimrella managed to salvage it, and the elven ship sent out a longboat to carry the coffin through the seagates

03-08-2023

Solhaven

• Lady Athalia held court, alternating between being subdued and her familiar fiery presence. She apologized for Vornavis' silence the past month. She said she would accept the offers of aid from some (but not all) who said they would help with recent matters. She called forth Phanna, Raelee, Bristenn, Guarrin, Yukito, and Jayshen after that point, and reminded the audience that there were those trying to spread dissent and saying that the ones who killed Sayilla were at fault and that those asking "where was X organization" were playing into the hands of those trying to cause strife and chaos.
• Athalia then brought out Wilhard, the harbormaster from the previous evening, who was escorted by Kimrella. She stated that he was accused of several things, such as dereliction of duty, refusing an order, and I think something else. She asked if any present were willing to speak on his behalf, and several raised their hands, some after visible hesitation. Notably, Ifanna, Dirra, Fionola, Jaysehn, Perigourd, and I think one other said that Wilhard appeared to have acted due to being so impacted by grief from Kasendra's death or to offer suggestions on how he be handled. Tikba was recognized to speak but when she said she had some questions for Wilhard, Athalia clarified that this was not a trial, and Tikba ended up not asking them. In the end, Athalia sent Wilhard back with Kimrella to remain in his designated quarters while an investigation about the premeditated act of bringing archers to the docks took place. Athalia affirmed that decisions made in haste were often costly.
• Afterward, Magister Odelgarde spoke with people in the vestibule. She said that she was empowered to share several things. Some of her dialogs were broken up because people were asking questions before she finished talking, so she went back and forth between sharing information and answering questions. I also missed the end because I had to log out due to falling asleep.
• Lord Salnim is in Ta'Illistim, apparently working in Kasendra's place to remind the elves of his, and the Empire's, continued support of the Valley of Gold agreement.
• Emporer Aurmont will be determining the mourning rites for Kasendra, as is his right since he is her cousin. He has not yet decided what those rites will consist of, so all are left waiting.
• Steward Jarnsaixa is stable but has not recovered. There was some sort of poison in the blade that stabbed her, and while the wound healed initially, the poison remained in a pocket of her shoulder blade and keeps resurfacing. She'll start to get better, then she'll be ill again with fever and other symptoms, with the wound itself also festering and rehealing.
• Jarnsaixa will be turned over to the Sapphire Guard when she recovers.
• Baron Malwind's condition remains the same. He apparently had recurrences of wet lung over this lifetime that was regularly treated, and the current bout that started last December had all the hallmarks of it and was treated accordingly, except he hasn't improved as before.
• The healer, Mistress Grenhal was brought up. Odelgarde remarked how unusual all this was because the healer had grown up and grown old working in her same role for so many years. I remember feeling like this was a moment where the GM was trying to encourage the crowd to point out something important, and I believe that eventually was that the person seen on the ship when Sayilla was murdered was not old at all.
• It is possible more was spoken but I had to leave at this point.

03-09-2023

Ta'Illistim

• Inquisition Introductions

• We met the inquisitors, we will be allowed to watch, no one else in the actual room but them and the person they are questioning.
• (I guess Miranda doesn't live in the Elanthia timeline) Discussed some of the dates for when the sessions will happen. Jaranzair, Eruien ensured they were being well taken care of but they were appreciating "fresh air."
• The Seneschal of the court read a letter on behalf of the Argent, confirming they believe Sayilla is dead, that Kasendra's body has returned, urging strength and peace and assuring that truth and justice (and the Illistimi way) will prevail.

03-11-2023

Ta'Illistim

• Inquisition Formal Session 1
• NPC Lord Legionnaire Commander Jaranzair Nashal Vaalor and PCs Rohese, Lithyia, and Lucrecea were questioned.

03-13-2023

Solhaven

• Odelgarde came to meet us and apologize to Maylan for thinking she would use a COW REMEDY.
• She took us to talk to Empath Sargassa.
• The baron does not have wet lung. He's still not getting better. The remedy that was administered caused him to throw up. A bunch of people collected disgusting vomit samples to try to study and investigate.
• Jarnsaixa's wound was still filled with poison that had seeped through the muscle. Odelgarde worked on cleaning it out. A bunch of people collected even more disgusting viscous ichor samples to try to study and investigate.
• Odelgarde knows that Jarnsaixa needs to be turned over for the inquisition, but didn't really want to. We encouraged her to go ahead and do so.
• We encouraged Odelgarde to stand up for herself more.
• We discussed Odelgarde not getting enough sleep and working too hard. Many people suggested that Odelgarde needs to get more rest. I don't know about the other people who spoke up, but Tikba is not exactly a shining example of work/life balance, so it was all pretty ironic.
• Maylan recommended the Baron drink some blood, and provided her own. Odelgarde was not a big fan of this plan but agreed.
• We verbally abused Sargassa's for-profit healing regime for a while.

03-14-2023

Ta'Illistim

• PCs Akenna, Traiva, and Elaejia were interviewed last night.
• Akenna's interview was very hostile, with the inquisitors stating that she was delusional, pretended to be a part fey "entity", and demanded to know when she started conspiring against Kasendra, and if she was in on it with Jaranzair, with whom she danced. Akenna kept her cool and answered clearly about how she left early with her husband, her social conversation with Jaranzair while dancing, and even endured when the inquisitors took a keen fixation on what she and her husband did in the inn afterward.
• Traiva's interview was much more cordial, with Traiva explaining that she left early because she was feeling unwell - but it predated the ball and was not part of the ongoing rash of poisonings at Illistim-aligned events. The inquisitors were keenly interested in the fact that her husband, Tolwynn, worships Ivas. Traiva mentioned her ties to both east and west and that she did not know Kasendra well at all.
• Elaejia's interview was relatively civil, although she also had to endure the inquisitors' repeated reminders that she is engaged to her cousin. The focus on intimate relationship details was apparently a running theme last night. Elaejia was forthright about not being exceptionally interested in or supportive of the Valley of Gold accord, as well as her assessment that Kasendra was too boring and without an original opinion expressed to be remotely considered a threat to elven interests. Elaejia suggested that the inquisitors interview the servants at the ball, as they were not on the interview docket and had easy access to come and go as they pleased with little direct oversight.
• NPCs Naevys and Fennelis were interviewed afterward.
• Naevys' interview opened with the inquisitors talking about Nalfein stereotypes. Naevys talked about how she had experience working in the business side of the Nalfein ports. Much of the interview focused on Leisette, who Naevys acknowledged had much more freedom to do as she pleased, when she pleased, and if she truly wished to murder someone, then none would even had known that either Naevys or Leisette had ever intended to be in Ta'Illistim.
• Fennelis' interview was very forthright. She offered a plain diplomatic stance that she was there to gather information on behalf of Ta'Ardenai regarding if, or by how much, the Illistim had been compromised by the Valley of Gold accord, and whether or not it had the potential to drag the Ardenai into undesired wars due to preexisting treaties. She similarly acknowledged that she had little opinion on the Valley of Gold accord otherwise, save that the Ardenai appreciated the Illistim seeing to western matters. After she was told she was free to go, she asked the inquisitors if they were aware of Murstyr's recent actions, but did not name him directly or elaborate.

03-15-2023

Solhaven

• A small elven ship docked, bearing a dark banner featuring a star-spangled flag and a bird. Leisette and a hooded figure disembarked.
• Leisette informed those gathered that she needed to speak to Lady Athalia immediately. After some back and forth, she was brought to the Keep.
• After waking up the chamberlain, Leisette drew the figure close to show her face to the chamberlain, saying that this was the only place where she could be safe. The chamberlain accepted this and allowed the figure entry, with Leisette saying that she thus discharged her duty to him.
• Though she accepted an offered drink, Leisette said she could not stay and needed to return quickly to Ta'Illistim.
• Leisette did bring up the "Skinny Man", which others confirmed was the "Fatman". When questioned about the Fatman and the Talon, Leisette said that she (Talon) called herself a Havenite and was born in Solhaven, but refused to say any more than that.
• Meril asked if Leisette would be willing to look at two things to see if she could identify a poison in them, then brought out the two vials that Odelgarde had, one taken from Baron Malwind and one from Steward Jarnsaixa. Leisette immediately stated that Malwind's was not a poison and looked taken from someone's gut, however, she took more time to examine Jarnsaixa's, then asked if the subject had been wounded - then specifically asked if it was taken from Jarnsaixa by name. She offered that she had only seen it once before after a dead human man had been fished out of the waters covered in pustules about a week and a month earlier. She called it "Deep Rot." The man was not identified, but due to the pustules covering him, his remains were burned to prevent whatever he had from spreading.
• Leisette requested her visit be kept quiet, which of course will be quite easy given that there were only more than two dozen people present.
• The only thing we saw of the figure was she was petite, spoke with a soft voice, and had pale skin.

03-16-2023

Ta'Illistim

• In session 3, inquisitors interviewed Jaysehn, Eruien, Aendir, and Orelwen.

03-18-2023

Ta'Illistim

• Formal Court Session
• Mirror Address
  • Offered thanks to those that cooperated with the Inquisitors
  • Offered kind thoughts and words for those still mourning
  • Announced mourning period of 2 weeks where no forward movement towards hostilities, aggression, or inquiries would take place.
  • Announced Memorial for Sayilla
• Leisette offered information that Lord Salnim was returning to his own court since he'd been informed that there would not be any further inquiries into his wife's murder for two weeks.
• Leisette let those gathered know that the Steward that was guarding Sayilla was finally healing but that the Emperor of the Turamzyrrian Empire would not turn her over to Ta'Illistim until the question of who killed his cousin was answered.
• Clunk spoke of some happenings in Zul Logoth -- undead seen at Li'aerion, the discovery of mystical scrolls that were raffled and then a creature of stone, perhaps a mountain elemental, who mentioned the potential, the one, the many and the other.

03-19-2023

Solhaven

• Athalia led the court session.
  • She opened by briefly addressing recent "seditious rumors" about her, reminding those of Solhaven and Vornavis that they were defined by their integrity, compassion, knowledge, and understanding and that all should not dwell on those words but instead continue moving forward.
  • Kasendra will be laid in state in the Vornavis Keep on Wed 3/22, 9pm ET. The gallery will be open for viewing. A vigil will be held in the Lady's Garden afterward, with all encouraged to attend, bringing notes, tales, and hymnals of the morning.
  • On Fri 3/24, the Emperor will have the Hall of Mages open portals throughout the Empire so that all may attend Kasendra's internment. All are requested to attend in peace. Note, this is on the calendar as also being 9pm ET for the global storyline.
  • The period of mourning will last for two weeks, effective today, 3/19.
• Athalia noted that there are rumors of discontent in Aldora, where the locals seek vengeance for Kasendra's death. They are still reeling from the loss of Duke Bannon.
  • Elsewhere in the Empire, some are saying it was a mistake to repeal Chaston's Edict. Athalia reiterated that Vornavis' conviction remains strong that it was correct to repeal and that she believes that sorrow is being twisted to fear and hatred. She encouraged everyone to remain as a beacon of civility that the Empire needs right now.
• Petitions for the court were then heard.
  • Sir Bristenn stated that the Order of the Azure Sun has completed preparations made over winter to aid those settlers who intended to return north to the Barony of Darkstone. He noted that there were troubling reports from the north associated with clans of wildmen intending to make war on those same settlers, and then stated that the Order intended to do everything in its power to defend Vornavis' neighbors. Athalia thanked him and reiterated that while Vornavis offers aid, shelter, and succor, the settlers must choose the path they wish to walk on their own.
  • Faerinn said that he showed a sample taken from Baron Malwind to Loremaster Thaiagol, who stated it appeared to be from an old wound and confirmed that it appeared the Baron was being slowly poisoned with low doses over an extended period of time. Athalia thanked him for his observations, noting that Akenna had also confirmed this, lending further credence to the Loremaster's words.
• Athalia concluded by relaying information about two things to get ahead of any potential rumormongering. First, she confirmed the demand from Ta'Illistim that Steward Jarnsaixa be turned over to them as part of the inquisition into Lady Sayilla's death. She affirmed that she did not view Jarnsaixa as guilty, nor did she view the same for any member of the chivalrous Orders present during Sayilla's death. Second, she stated that the Sun Throne has decreed that Jarnsaixa remains in Solhaven under the care of an individual designated by the Throne until the matter of Kasendra's death is resolved.

03-22-2023

Solhaven

• People assembled for Kasendra's vigil. (NPC) Dignitaries in attendance included Salnim and Athalia Malwind, Kynsella a'Vatale (Torre), Elidal Dhenin (Darkstone), Talliver Dabbings (IMT), Eylna Villaune (Oire), Juramis Du'Lasfeur (DBC).
• From the gallery, we viewed the casket in the Great Hall.
• Athalia came to join us and we paid our respects and sympathies.
• We proceeded to the Banquet Hall where there WAS FOOD and talked more about Kasendra's life.
• There was a little shop talk about events in the Landing. Juramis asked Elidal if his people were "well armed and able to survive", and Athalia politely told him that this wasn't the time.
• Edryd (the herald) had prepared a song in honor of Kasendra. Athalia and Salnim reluctantly agreed that they were obligated to hear the song.
• We proceeded to an inner garden where Edryd sang what I personally thought was a sweet song about Kasendra.
• Regwen and Jisandra/Delindra also sang songs and Missoni and Ifanna spoke in honor of Kasendra.

03-24-2023

Solhaven/Tamzyrr

• Portals were opened to Tamzyrr
• Guests converted on the Temple of Steps
• Koar Blessing was offered by a Kindred Priest
• An Argument between Salnim and Kasendra's Brothers too place.
• A Sarcophagus for Kasendra was viewed.

03-25-2023

Ta'Illistim

• An Ashrim-themed memorial was held for Sayilla, who was lost at sea

03-29-2023

Solhaven

• The entire betting pool failed utterly! It turns out it was the return of Talon/Talleani and the Fat Man the Skinny Man/Plaitime.
• Several papers were scattered in on the wind in North Market. They said, roughly, to "Meet in Market Bed" and "knock three times". The group traveled to Market Bend and found an out of place house with a door, and upon knocking three times it opened.
• Plaitime was inside and spent a bit of time flirting with anyone who would listen. Eventually, after Talleani urged from the shadows, he shared that a Marshtown merchant would be receiving an interesting letter from Aldora, and we might want to see her reaction.
• We met Dead Babs at her newly (re?)opened shop in Marshtown, Dead Babs' Pub & Regurgitorium. She did receive a letter while we were there, and she explained it was news from a relative that some of the commoners from Aldora were meeting up with some of those in Marshtown's bayou to travel together to Ta'Illistim and give the dying Baron Malwind the "justice he deserves" in the wake of Kasendra's death and the perceived inaction of the Illistim elves. (Note: This is a new opened shop! Check out the decor and menu, they're horrific! I can't wait to buy everything.)
• As the group was preparing to depart to try to intercept them on the trail, Talleani advised from the shadows of North Market that she knew where the party would be resting - in Zul Logoth in five days' time. For reference, the next NotB storyline day is on the calendar for 4/3 at 9:30pm ET in Zul Logoth.

03-31-2023

Ta'Illistim

• Four servants (an elven cook, a small gnome, a gnome servant, a gnome seamstress) showed up on the Green and started gossiping about goings on in the keep.
• Murstyr declined aid from Jaranzair to find Sayilla
• The court bard was writing a dirge the night before Kasendra's death
• Ardtin and Myasara had a shouting match and Ardtin threw a goblet out a window
• People at court are requesting "little green bottles" to drink with their tea?
• Eruien goes through a lot of doors
• Orelwen was seen in a hooded cloak at the Pig and Whistle with some unknown person
• There is unrest among some of townsfolk over the fact that Sayilla has not been searched for enough
• Something is going on with where the tea is being sourced?

04-03-2023

Zul Logoth

• We went into Zul Logoth and heard that some of the common folk traveling to Illistim were still waking up, while others had left. We found the tent where the common folk had stayed the night.
• They explained that they were very upset about Kasendra's death and felt that justice was not being done. They wished to speak to the Mirror directly and explain this. They were not strongly invested in the concept of class differentiation. Some time was spent in exploring these points. A few adventurers offered to speak to the Illistim court on their behalf, to share frustrations expressed about the pace and process of Illistim judiciary.
• Eventually they were persuaded to turn around, but told us that the others had gotten lost down the wrong tunnel. We went down that tunnel and found that it led to the troll burial grounds.
• We went into the troll burial grounds and found and rescued three more commoners and led them out of the area and back to the west side of Zul. There was some debate over some philosophical concepts like "four" and "west."
• When we got them back to where the other commoners had stayed, they had already departed, leaving a note saying to return home. We walked them back to the cart.

04-05-2023

River's Rest

• Omiko performed a ritual seeking guidance from Niima, assisted by the offerings brought by various adventurers. It was answered by a brief vision experienced by all present, which saw Lady Sayilla face her attacker with defiance before being hurled from the cabin. The vision ended with Sayilla succumbing to exhaustion and sinking back into the depths, but Omiko is insistent that hope remains. Galaytea the Nereid appeared, drawn by the ritual, and stated that they would assist in the search for Sayilla, alive or dead.

04-06-2023

Ta'Illistim

• A pair of gnomes showed up on the Green. One was there to buy tea because someone in the Keep had thrown out *all of the tea* because it was all "bad". There was a lot of confusion as to what "bad" meant but eventually it was established that the tea had been tampered with and had some sort of fungus growing in it. Eruien also showed up because he saw a large gathering on the Green and wanted to know why he wasn't invited (or the cause of it). He also said he was a bit exasperated with the slow pace for the murder investigation (aka Inquisition), which says a log since he was one of the suspects interviewed and was since told he was free to go home to Ta'Loenthra if he wanted.
• We don't know whether the bad tea was really important or not, because eventually we learned that Lady Ardtin Greyvael (not Lady Orwelwen Greyvael) was the one who wanted the tea thrown out and used that as an excuse to go to Galicea's Teas for one of her very frequent teas-and-chats with Loremaster Thaiagol.
• The incredibly large group interrupted what was clearly a very private discussion in a very public venue between Ardtin and Thaiagol. They changed topics immediately on arrival. Thaiagol attempted to bore everyone enough to leave with a detailed lecture on the nature of mathematics and the various valences, except he didn't count on that being Raelee's favorite subject in the entire world. Both Thaiagol and Ardtin also seemed displeased and frustrated with current events, although Ardtin was much more polite and receptive toward us peons than is typical for her.
• Eventually Leisette showed up and insisted that nothing suspicious was going on and we should all go home.

Chapter 3 Recaps

Chapter 3 of the Nations on the Brink storyline took place between Ivastaen and Lumnea 2023.

05-04-2023

Solhaven/Trail to Zul Logoth

• We learned from Babs that those who'd gone to Zul Logoth had not returned from almost a month ago.
• We started following the trail between Solhaven and Zul Logoth and started seeing some wisps in the area of the Vipershroud, and came upon a spry young elf who stated they'd seen some humans that might have been the "heavily accented Marsh-dwellers."
• We found the fragments of a tower shield and a handaxe, and the wisps revealed visions of one of the Marshtowners, Freckles, trying to defend herself against a panther, only to be overtaken by elven archers
• We also found a scrap of peacock blue silk
• The tower shield seemed to hold a story that it was not ready to give up yet
• We departed to give the news to Babs

05-18-2023

Solhaven

• Librarian Tasytha, the Master of Arcane Acquisitions, had a bit of a kerfuffle at the library
• Summary can be added by anyone!
• Dusty Box Contents

05-22-2023

Solhaven

• A memorial was held for the Marshtown folk who disappeared on the trail to Zul Logoth
• Summary can be added by anyone!

05-25-2023

Solhaven

• A young herald appeared and invited us to a conversation with Odelgarde in the Vornavis Armory
• We learned that Jarnsaixa's healing was progressing, and the Baron remained the same
• It was revealed Mistress Grenhal, the nursemaid who had been attending to the Baron's family and who had appeared attacking Sayilla on the ship, was an imposter, and the real Mistress Grenhal was still missing
• Odelgarde also told us about Wilhard repenting and wanting to testify against Bodahol
• Odelgarde let Town Councilor Kayse that Lady Athalia was offering her sanctuary in Vornavis for her services to the citizens of Wehnimer's Landing
• Scouts and Rangers had also been sent to the Vipershroud to recover whatever else could be found of the missing Marshtowners
• During the meeting, the tower shield fragments started to resonate and indicate a desire to reveal their lore. The images revealed Freckles' journey to and through Zul Logoth, along with her interrupted journey home. She and her compatriots had survived an attack by a panther, aided by archers using sapphire banded arrows. The images showed elves in peacock livery and fancy armor, who then proceeded to slaughter the group of Marshtowners. The final images are of Freckles being found, still barely alive, by a lithe woman, and carried off into the jungle. Following that, the only response from the shield has been the faint, thrumming sound of a heartbeat. Shield Fragments Loresong

06-02-2023

Solhaven

• Court started with the announcement of visiting guests, it was overly formal and clearly a stalling tactic as both Odelgarde Brindlestraffe and the Chamberlain were keeping tabs on the balconies in hopes that the herald would see their Ardenai guest.
• Teveriel, Arenglae, and Ysaeril were properly announced.
• Sorlu and Aliashyrah were also announced as guests from the North.
• Others declined to be announced.
• Returning members, those that had been traveling during the last court session, were presented to the court from the Order of the Azure Sun and Order of the Silver Gryphon. They were stealthily given their titles.
• When it was announced that the Ardenai guest was not present, the herald was asked to inquire at the Solhaven Inn because Athalia Malwind mentioned a letter she’d received from him.
• At that time, to continue with court, Athalia spoke of Wilhard coming forward and being willing to testify against Bodohal. She mentioned that he hadn’t realized the pure villainy of Bodohal and was relieved when Captain Kimrella de'Naut and Magister Odelgarde has arrived. After spending time in jail, he decided it best to be clean of it all and turn a new leaf.
• This is when Talon came forward to say “By the way, there are traitors here. Someone compromised your security and made an attempt to kill Wilhard. Don’t worry, I took care of it and will be making donations to their families.”
• It was revealed at this time that Odelgarde was shocked to see Talon, though after court she would explain that as children they had been playmates. Her family had fallen victim to The Shadows of Haven incident, and she was an orphan. Her supposed uncle had taken her in and Odelgarde didn’t like him very much. She’d not seen or heard from Talon in ages and was saddened to see that she was working from the shadows – a bit of irony there – but pleased she’d been writing because it meant she kept up with her schooling. Others confirmed she did seem learned and fiercely loyal to the Empire and Vornavis.
• Talon departed to who knows where, and Odelgarde went to confirm with the jail the rumor Talon laid at their feet.
• In the meantime, the herald returned stating that according to the Innkeeper, the Ardenai guest had checked out that morning.
• Ysaeril made an impassioned speech on her missing cousin's behalf stating that there needed to be answers for the loss of the two ladies, that we needed to work in harmony, and that we all needed healing. She further went on to state that the hope that was created at the Valley of Gold couldn’t be lost.
• Athalia responded just as impassioned stating that Vornavis was doing its utmost to find the murderer but also had the additional task of finding a resolution for the poison used against Sayilla Javilerre’s Guardian for it had already claimed one life and could claim another. She went on to say that searches were be made for the origin and that Vornavis also had to investigate the missing Marshfolk, which were presumed dead. She continued by stating that she refused to lay blame at the Illistimi feet.
• It was at this time that Odelegard returned to confirm that the jailhouse guards did indeed hear a ruckus outside but it wasn’t until the morning that they found what it was about. They found three men with faceted amber gems painted on them that had blue stripes across the gemstone and the word FALSE painted on the walls above them. These men were dead, having been relieved of their blood. It is presumed that these are survivors of the Shiver trying to ensure that Wilhard doesn’t testify against Bodohal.
• It was then decided, at the request and suggestion of some of the Orders, that Wilhard be moved to Sunholme.

06-10-2023

Ta'Illistim
Summary can be added by anyone!

• Researcher's Case Contents

Chapter 4 Recaps

Chapter 4 of the Nations on the Brink storyline took place between Koaratos and Phoenatos 2023.

08-02-2023

Ta'Illistim

Young student and an apparent favorite of the arboretum peahens, Feriae, presented a stone with lettering upon it and a hidden note she found to Inquisitor Vaelynsa. The note turned out to be part of a series of communication between the Talon in Solhaven and someone referred to by the colorful sobriquet of "The Yellow Rose of Ta'Illistim." One of the notes was found by Missoni in Marshtown, as well.

They are all written in rogue's guild cipher, and Lynaera was thankfully able to read them aloud to us. The gist was that the Talon warned the Yellow Rose that the Skinny Man had turned out to be a traitor to their cause, and that "the birds" were somehow able to listen in on their ESP communication, so this method of secret message delivery was the best way to get information across until they could meet and discuss. The Yellow Rose responded that things were getting very tense in Ta'Illistim (presumably from the stalled investigations and the missing citizens), and that she might take the Talon's advice about recruitment as she "as I still can't get into one spot to check for that rat nest." The Talon's response was:

"Yellow Rose, glad to see the old methods are working. Still trying to root out those noisy birds, so the old-fashioned way is still best on this side of the spine. Trial in the frontier may not be safe, I'm working on finding a backup for me now. Keep the lines open, will you? Haven't had any issues with our merchants going on walkabout, but it sure does seem like there's a todo about your folks. What can you tell me about a violet-eyed Loenthran that came to the coast?"

The stone and something else (sorry, I missed where one of these codes was found) had these letters upon them:

"T y  h  r o to s" and "H d    i  t e l    r"  

The latter was the stone found close to the last note- the Talon's response to the Yellow Rose.

There was more info presented, the Solhaven visitors told Vaelynsa that the missing librarian had been found and was being cared for after her ordeal. We refused to say specifically where she was in case it would endanger her or her caretakers. But that she had been through a great deal, and had been rambling about a "beret whale" coming after her, and being the reason she had fled in the first place. A "beret whale" that changed its face.

Kothos made the assumption and hinted heavily that this was "Greyvael" and it might be the work of Sayilla's and Jarnsaixa's attacker, the false healer. But that's all supposition.

And another observation that the librarian (Atylia) is afraid of reflections, and had struck out at a window in her panic during her recovery, and her caregivers have had to remove all reflective surfaces from her room. Discussion ensued that perhaps this referred to the title of Mirror/Your Reflection, and Vaelynsa commented that it used to be a custom to smash a mirror or reflecting trinket to show displeasure with whomever was the current Ta'Illistim monarch.

08-03-2023

A mysterious figured slipped through North Market and in their hast dropped a note upon the ground.

 Roughly sketched and heavily stained, the map appears to be that of the streets of both southern and northern Solhaven.  Large red X's mark various shops in town, as well as a few of the gardens.  There is a large circle drawn around Solhaven Inn.

There appears to be something written on it.

 In the Common language, it reads:
 Kraken Manor, Garden of Death, Lorminstra's Temple, Archery Shop, Furniture Movers, Warrior's Guild, and Solhaven Inn.

While searching those areas proved fruitless for those investigating, the map seemed incredibly important to Talon who later came to retrieve it.

08-07-2023

Solhaven, Vornavis Armory

A distracted Odelgarde Brindlestraffe met with individuals in the Vornavis Armory. She was reading over several papers as well as a map of the Vornavian holdings.

Unrelated to the current crisis, she asked for a volunteer to bring a letter to Mayor Talliver Dabbings.

She shared that "friend" had written to her acquaintances in Aldora and had discovered that the gemstone used to heal Jarnsaixa's injuries was a large crystal of Halite. The Aldoran healers knew little else about the stone except that it was very rare in Aldora and was the last that they had. They only knew that they had used it to create the gem that finally healed the Warden.

Through discussion, it was determined that Halite was salt that formed a crystalline structure in arid environments when ocean water evaporated. Odelgarde had said that the crystal had lost all color, and had previously given samples of the colorless remains to the Archivest but said tonight that it had been pink and black.

Much discussion was had on the merits of salt in healing and then the need to find a way to recreate this gemstone and healing method. When queried, she mentioned that we didn't know when we might see this disease again or in what quantities and she wanted to be prepared.

Odelgarde went on to say that Talon had contacted her about needing help cleaning out a problem in the sewers. In exchange, Talon would show Odelgarde how various people had been sneaking into Vornavis Keep. Odelgarde said that discreetly she would get bags of cement into the sewers so that they could seal it up. Further discussion was had on the merits of sealing up the sewers since they were needed for sewerage and appropriate permits. Odelgarde assured everyone that she was just going to use her water magic to mix the cement, asked Magsiter Svala to fire-harden it quickly, and then the portals would be sealed up without any harm to the sewers.

It was then that a guest from Ta'Illistim named Ballital spoke of having found notes in Ta'Illistim that appeared to be from Solhaven's Talon. Missoni also spoke of notes she'd been finding, and Kothos added some discussion regarding the Librarian and her fear of mirrors.

Odelgarde confirmed that in 5103, Talon's mother had passed as a victim to the Shadows of Haven. There was a brief acknowledgment that some knew of her mother.

In the end, it was agreed that others would meet on Leyan to head into the sewers. Odelgarde said she would post information and/or meet in Market on Niiman to share the details.

08-08-2023

Leisette showed up at the Arboretum looking for Feriae, having met the student before she was concerned that she was still working and attending to the gardens with the unrest. However, she also was there to find out about the rumors of notes and messages. Almost immediately, she was asked if she was Yellow Rose and expressed frustration and was vexed that she didn't know who it was but that it definitely wasn't her.

The real Yellow Rose did show up, saying that Feriae summoned here, but Feriae didn't know what that meant. Yellow Rose expressed that she'd intended on getting into the undergrounds of the Library tonight because there appeared to be some interlopers there. Unfortunately, with the unrest, she was having difficulty doing that. She recruited those gathered, after dropping a rope from the ceiling of the arboretum's glass roof, to aid her as she tried to get there. She stated that she was going to use the thief's roads.

Leisette at that point said that she would rouse the Sapphire Guard by kicking a certain captain out of his melancholy to remind him of his duties. She said she would meet him there.

Once on the roof, everyone ziplined down to another roof, crawled across trellises, jumped to other roofs, down into gardens, over and under fences, and through the hidden back alleys of Ta'Illistim. The path was sinuous, but eventually made it around all the barricades that protesters had set up. At one point, they ended up in an attic, where they nearly burned the house down.

Eventually, everyone found themselves in a teashop where a trapdoor was discovered that led under the streets and into the library's basement. A large door with a puzzle on it was found. It read "Nevus Dock," but clicking the different letters in a specific order allowed the door to be unlocked. The order was "Dusk Coven," which set off alarm bells with some present.

Once in the laboratory, there was an unconscious old woman on the ground, and Ardtin was standing over her. She was holding a glass orb and taunted the woman, but eventually scooped up the unconscious figure and threw the orb, disappearing. From somewhere in the shadows, a papery dry voice began to drolly speak, shortly after revealing himself to the Lore Master Thaiagol. Some discussion, some banter, talks of experiments, jabs that not all understood by those gathered, and the Yellow Rose speaking up that clearly the real Ardtin was injured. As Thaiagol moved to leave, he cast some kind of spell before teleporting away, but not before he lost his hand due to an attack by those gathered.

Once gone, a voice called from the cage in the room, requesting to be let out. Someone managed to get it open, and a very grateful Galieca stumbled out. Rambling and confused, she said that Thaiagol and his fake Ardtin had been keeping her trapped in the Laboratory because she was going to speak to someone at the Sapphire Guard. She also made notes about her tea not really being damaged.

With guards on their heels, two of the Inquisitors showed up, Leisette not far behind. They took possession of a strange notebook that had magic protecting it, while Rivienne took possession of a journal. A letter was also found and passed around for those gathered to read.

It was decided that the lab would be sealed up and put under guard, that the notebook would be kept in the library until a magical means to open it could be determined, and the journal would be made available while others tried to get into it as well.

08-10-2023

Odelgarde arrived at the appointed time in Market, maybe 2-3 minutes late, and spoke about what lay ahead for the night. The goal was to go into the sewers, get through the door Talon told her about, and seal up all entry into Vornavis Keep through the underground.

When they got to Plaitime’s House, Talon taunted Odelgarde for being late and said she wasn’t going to go into the sewers with them. When questioned, she said that she didn’t want people to know that was giving people access to the thieves’ roads. They waited for her to leave, and Odelgarde told everyone that she had soldiers coming to bring bags of cement behind the adventurers and she’d use her water magic to mix it. She had prearranged for Raelee to rapidly fire-harden it.

Missoni found Eruien’s missing painting in Talon’s basement and stole it back.

Once in the sewers, the group was able to see various ladders that were one-way portals into the streets above.

The key that was left for them by Talon ended up getting chewed off its rope and fell into some muck, causing adventurers to have to search for it.

Once through the grate, the group split with some going north through the tunnels and some going east. Through a series of puzzles, door and box unlocks, traps, and rope swing, the adventurers rejoined each other and found themselves at a door. They eventually realized that some of the pieces that they found were different parts of a key, which they assembled and used to open a door.

Moving deeper into the sewers, clearly able to see that they were in Vornavis based on the difference in materials, they came to another door and while the locksmith was handling it, a rope trap sprung and caused several individuals to dangle from the ceiling.

They found themselves at another door that asked for a password and a ladder that lead to Vornavis Keep. Some went up the ladder, while another group went deeper into the tunnels to try to find more clues to the door. They found another box and more key pieces while the other group made their way down into the sewers because being in Vornavis keep through a one-way exit required them to do so. The returning group figured out the riddle to get the password, while the other group ended up being stuck beyond a clock-puzzle door.

Eventually, they all met back up again at the top of Vornavis Keep where they discovered the long-dead body of Grenhal. They found some items, opened the final door in the tower, and found themselves in her actual bedroom. There were a lot of armored people, looting, bed jumping, and things happening in the room, which alerted two people in the hallway to their presence.

Jarnsaixa and Friend entered the room. Friend was so startled that she dropped a boot. While adventurers were greeting Jarnsaixa, Odelgarde went back into the sewers to start sealing up the entries to Vornavis Keep. She blasted ice at the door from the tower side, making it impossible for anyone to leave the room through the hidden door, and shortly after reported in thoughts that she had sealed the second door.

Some kind of rogue or assassin used silent strike to strike down Odelgarde, which set the adventures with Jarnsaixa in tow, back down into the sewers to find her. Meliyara found Odelgarde first because the others were hindered by diseased bandits that started to flood the sewers. By the time the others caught up with the young Magister, she was back on her feet and a little shell-shocked.

Fearful that she might be a body double, a series of interrogations happened from various corners, and Odelgarde eventually answered enough that they knew it was her.

Someone was able to transport them out of the sewers into the Lance, and then back to the keep.

While there, Jarnsaixa started to scold a still very shocked Odelgarde who did not like dying at all. However, Jayshen started to grill Jarnsaixa about who Friend was. Jarnsaixa made a point to state that friend was the one that had saved her life, was a guest of the barony, and that she would not be betraying that trust out in the open on the streets. She then made a point to put her torc of office back on before heading into the keep. Odelgarde said she was going to send the Vornavian Guard into the sewers to finish sealing the areas.

Chapter 5 Recaps

09-11-2023

Syearris and Aertinus Avelleur greeted adventurers at the Library of Aies, and shortly after Eshenesra joined them stating that the Yellow Rose and reached out to offer aid in unraveling the locks on the journal found in Thaiagol's Laboratory. Moving to the arboretum, they met with [[Feriae Enfiel] and Jauefira Avael who offered up a Tea Canister filled with collected scraps of information on magical locks.

Rivienne reported that the journal with "O. G." on it had changed slightly, giving the impression of some type of lily, though nothing more was really known or understood about what the flower might mean. One of the scraps of paper in Jauefira's tea canister suggested that laying the blossom on the journal may work, so adventurers began to speculate and try different lilies.

Additionally, [[Syaerris] revealed his mechanical peahen that could determine if someone was a Simulacrum. When waved around, the peahen makes a loud sound, however, it is reported that it will remain silent in the presence of a Simulacrum.

It was decided, since they weren't very successful, that they would try again in a few days.

09-14-2023

Rivienne arrived at the arboretum to find Inquisitors Ciradyl, Syearris, and Eshenesra engaged in conversation with Jauefira Avel and Aertinus Avelleur, soon other adventurers joined them.

(This recap is provided by Uniana.)

Before we got to work on the journal we tested to make sure no one present was an imposter. As stated before, Ballital and Rivienne got the first lock on Orelwen's journal to open with a spider lily impression. The next was it seemed a "whisper lock" and surprisingly absolutely no one, the required word was "Cheesecake." Lastly, we had an 8-letter passcode that needed to be entered which ended up being "Grayvael." I believe the sum of this experience was best expressed by Raelee who noted that Orelwen is in fact, "awful with informational security."

There were several pages obviously torn from the journal but there were still entries remaining. The journal revealed some things that might make one more sympathetic to Orelwen and her plight; the physical scars of her poisoning encounter leave her feeling ugly and cause her to sometimes have difficulty breathing, especially at night. There were entries about Kasendra's arrival at first hopeful and welcoming then about her bland presence at court (both fashion-wise and personality), then finally the pains of losing the interest/companionship of the Mirror as she became more focused on engaging with Kasendra. Her frustration/anger over being held in the keep and the loneliness it brought, and her fear of disappointing her aunt who suddenly seemed rather gentle towards her accusation. Also, she's terribly biased against the Nalfein.

The most telling of all was an entry where it seemed like Thaiagol gave her some tempting cheesecake and she later shared another offering from him directly with Kasendra as a peace offering. Those who will remember our research into poisons know that the type used with Kasendra would need a cream-based food and crumbs were found in her room for testing.

Assumptions:

• Thaiagol was the person Orelwen was meeting with at the seedy tavern, and they were probably not intimate but it very well might have looked that way to a gnome.
• Ardtin was probably pod-person'd sometimes around the inquisitions.
• Kasendra indeed was poisoned by the cheesecake.
• Orelwen makes a note in the journal about a mirror that was broken, some things were thrown around it being a sign, or a mechanism to trap someone's reflection to make them a Simulacra, a reference that the mirror is not who she seems, or just a sign of dissent.
• The journal was found in Thaiagol's lab which means he had access to Orelwen's chambers, no doubt other ways to manuver in the keep and that's probably how he took Gasen.

Next steps:

Someone should approach Orelwen and attempt to extract more keen details about pieces of her diary.

Orelwen's Diary

09-15-2023

Jarnsaixa Vargrdoittr greeted players shortly after accidentally terrorizing a clerk who found her to be "looming" when she went to the Solhaven Town Hall to seek out sea charts. She explained that her interest was due to some rumors that had been circulating.

Rumors

• A ship filled with refugees from the Glaoveln went missing. While this might be considered abnormal, all other refugee ships were reunited with their families, friends, etc., but this one was strangely absent.
• The shop was said to be captained by a red-headed woman in green.
• Sailors coming into the port discussed a strange island that they would not land on, but that had the look of sickness to it. They called it a Plague Island.

The Steward said that she was looking for charts so that she could follow the progress of Captain Kimrella who was already off in the western seas to look for the ship. They hoped that if they could find the island they'd be able to bring in Niatha. Jarnsaixa particularly wanted to bring the woman to justice in hopes of redeeming her worth.

Jairnsaxa went on to mention how the Emperor had been rather progressive, allowing those in the Imperial Armies and Navies to modify their uniforms to match cultural equivalents. Even going so far as to note that he specifically commissioned an Imperial tartan for those kindred that wished to wear it.

She also mentioned that, though she had not made it known to the adventurers, she was actually the first female in the Imperial Blades and had concerns that she would have her status removed. Being the first in this all-male organization came with a lot of pressure to prove the worth of all that would come after her.

Adventurers offered encouragement for the giantess, pointing out that she was highly valued and had honored her clan with her work and efforts.

Eventually, everyone drifted off to their own thoughts and places for the evening.