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Swan Song

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Multiple Court sessions in Vornavis with the Malwind's. This also involved Lady Kasendra Chandrennin. This storyline saw Salnim Malwind and Athalia Malwind fleshed out significantly while their father Baron Dunrith Malwind was in Lolle.

All posts by GM Lydil unless otherwise noted.

A Rising Swan

Posted 28 September 2016
Captain Kimrella walked the deck of her vessel, overseeing her crew as they tied up at the docks of Tamzyrr. Even with the sun just beginning to rise above the horizon, the sound of the bustle of the capital city could be heard down at the port. She was interrupted from further thought with the sound of heavy boots behind her. Click to view more...

A Defiant Swan

Posted 29 September 2016
Despite this unfortunate up swell of intolerance towards Half Elves as of late, Vornavis remains open to the presence of people of all racial descent. Now with this scourge plaguing those of mixed blood, it is more important than ever to not turn aside from those who are afflicted, but to render what aid we can. We call upon our Hospitallers, our healers, our mages and Magisters, we call upon all those willing and able to help find a cure to this disease. This is not a time to give into fear and turn upon those who are ill. This is not a time to lash out at the sick who need our help. This is a time to show what our humanity truly means, and help those who need it the most. To come together and show what we as an Empire can do as a united people. Click to view more...

A Fallen Swan

Posted 30 September 2016
A number of rumors and reports are coming in from Vornavis this night concerning Baron Malwind. Word that he oversaw the deployment of a regiment of Vornavian Guardsmen this afternoon, off to defend the borders of Vornavis from further Blameless incursions. Others indicate the Baron was in long meetings with various ministers and members of his inner council, discussing the relief effort towards displaced and afflicted half elves. And most disturbing of all that Baron Malwind collapsed en route to a meeting within the Vornavian Keep, and has not been seen since being taken to his personal quarters.

While observers have noted an upswing in activity both around the Vornavian Keep and the walled city as a whole, no further information has been forthcoming. Additionally with Salnim Malwind away in Tamzyrr, it is unknown who may be overseeing matters in Vornavis if the Baron is incapacitated.

Rumors from Vornavis

Posted 6 October 2016
Rumors abound from Vornavis concerning a ship that came into the Bay this afternoon. The vessel was clearly Vornavian, as the Rising Swan banner flew prominently. Some who saw the ship swore it showed signs of damage. Others very clearly saw the large contingent of the Vornavian Guard on its deck. All parties without fail claim that Salnim Malwind, heir to Vornavis, was clearly visible at the bow of the vessel. While many were excited to see the expedition to Tamzyrr had clearly returned, it is still uncertain as to what came of the Imperial audience. Also of concern was another person many saw on the deck of the ship as it traversed the Vornavis Canal. Details on this individual are few, as he or she wore a hooded cloak that concealed their features, but was never far from the presence of Salnim.

What all this portends for Vornavis and its ailing Baron remains to be seen.

Trouble on the Western Front

Posted 29 October 2016
Over the course the last week the Vornavian Guard has reported numerous skirmishes with those known as the Blameless. These attacks have been noteworthy as the Blameless have appeared without warning, having not marched overland as done in their past attacks. Soldiers reported sightings of green and yellow flashes around the times of these raids, so it is believe magical portals are being used to transport the Blameless into position. Click to view more...

North Wind Rising

Posted 25 November 2016
A cold wind blew down from the north across the region once known as Talador, bringing with it the first taste of winter. It continued westward across the broken barony, stirring up dust and ash across the Bleaklands as it went. Within the Tears of Koar, the few patches of earth within the Desolation of Talador shielded from the devastation, grass swayed upon the breeze. Some said they got their name because Koar could not stand to see his children bring war upon one another and wept, while others said was only through the grace of Koar that his people were saved from the unholy flames. Click to view more...

A Southern Wind Does Blow

Posted 26 November 2016
The wind came out of the south, from deep within the Southron Waste, and blew across the Valley of Hourouth. It continued across the verdant terrain, causing grass to sway and small rocks to tumble along the road that lead to the north. The wind was not alone on this road, quickly coming up several wagons moving along at a steady pace as their horses clopped along. The wagons too were not alone, as a number of armed riders provided an escort for their journey north. One rider pulled away from the group and stopped, looking back to the south. A moment later, another rider moved to approach, his black and white cloak flapping in the breeze. Click to view more...

Court Session in Vornavis

Announcement

Posted 26 November 2016
This coming Restday the 27th of Eoantos at 9:30 pm by the Empire Standard of Time, Baron Dunrith Malwind of Vornavis will be holding an open session of court. Those with ties to Vornavis are invited and encouraged to attend, and all residents of the region and friends of the barony are welcome at court.

The chamberlain of the court would also like to remind all those who would attend this session of court that proper attire and behavior will be required. This will be especially so on this occasion of the first public appearance of Baron Malwind since he recovered from his recent illness.

(OOC: The Court session will be tomorrow, Sunday 11/27 at 9:30 pm EST)

Log

Posted by REGWEN 27 November 2016

Here are the details of what happened....

Enjoy! Click to view log...

A Trader Heads North

Posted by GM WAKEFIELD 29 November 2016
Jorshin sat in the dim light of the tavern with his back to the corner, trailing his finger idly through the mug of ale sitting on the worn wooden table in front of him. He wasn't thirsty, but like in most establishments of the sort he was occupying, you had to buy something in order to stay. Thoughts raced through his mind too fast for him to order them properly, despite his best efforts. Thoughts of home, of the strange town he was now sitting in, and of the task that was given to him by an overbearing father before being sent out into the world. Click to view more...

Log

Posted by LEAFIARA 8 December 2016

Click to view log...

A Supply Run

Posted 3 December 2016
Earlier this week construction began on a camp out in the northern Imperial wilderness from where Lady Kasendra Chandrennin will direct and oversee the relief effort. Tomorrow night (12/4) around 7:30 pm by the Empire Standard of Time (EST) a wagon will be departing the Vornavian Caravansary for the camp to bring supplies needed to complete its construction. In the course of taking inventory, it was noted that although the wagon was loaded with all the supplies needed for the camp, there was still some room in the back. Such space will be used to allow those interested to hitch a ride out and see the camp.

Brief Synopsis

Posted by MOURNE 5 December 2016
Several people hopped in Duvernith's wagon and went out to the encampment being built for distributing support to those in need around the northern Empire in the wake of recent events. Lady Kasendra was there checking on things, with Captain Martohck. We chatted, some of our number helped unload the wagon, others offered general assistance, encampment security was discussed, and finally, suggestions on what we can gather for those in need were given, and there seems likely to be some means of collecting donations set up in the near future. 

Click to view more...

Supporting the Effort

Posted 11 December 2016
A representative will be around Solhaven tonight to collect any items that have been gathered up to support the ongoing Relief Effort. They will be around at approximately 10 pm EST tonight, and will be sure to make themselves known to any who are around the city.

Deceiving the Deceiver

Posted by GM WAKEFIELD 16 December 2016
A thin cloud of dust drifted in the air in front of Jorshin's face, as the coarse burlap sack bursting with aid supplies thumped on top of the pile of others filling the back of the sturdy wooden cart. The cart, and many others like it, would all eventually be sent northeast to Talador to aid the survivors of the terrible events that had recently unfolded there. 

Jorshin smiled and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, as he stepped away and took a quick surveillance of the rest of this round of supplies. This would be the third such shipment he had sent along to be combined with others under the care of Lady Kasendra to go to the needful. Click to view more...

Supply Run 2

Posted 22 December 2016
Tonight at around 8:30 pm EST, a supply wagon will be leaving the Vornavian Caravansary for Lady Chandrennin's Relief Camp. The wagon will be bringing needed materials and supplies to support the ongoing relief effort in the North.

Supply Run 3

Posted 10 January 2017
Tomorrow night at around 8:30 pm EST, a supply wagon will be leaving the Vornavian Caravansary for Lady Chandrennin's Relief Camp. The wagon will be bringing needed materials and supplies to support the ongoing relief effort in the North. Those interested in lending their aid are invited to ride along in the wagon.

Recap

Posted by CHAMALICE1 12 January 2017
Well I don't have a log handy, but it was an uneventful though bumpy ride to the camp. At the camp we were welcomed by Baron Salwind, Lady Kasendra and Captain Martohck. Lady Kasendra was mentioning that some of the shipments were short and if I recall, one wagon never arrived? The visit was brief since the weather was turning from bad to worse and we needed to get back while the roads were passable.. Click to view more...

Addendum

Posted 12 January 2017
Just a couple of addendum to the otherwise lovely recap.

First, Salnim is the heir to Vornavis. It is his father Dunrith that holds the title of Baron. Just didn't want anyone to think any coups or promotions had happened.

Second, the reason Salnim was at the Relief Camp was he arrived with members of the Vornavian Guard to rotate out with those stationed at the camp. He and those members of the Guard were slated to return today or tomorrow from the camp. He was also there to personally deliver an invitation to Lady Kasendra to attend a session of Court this coming weekend.

And speaking of that...

The Story Thus Far

Posted 11 January 2017
In the wake of the Desolation of Talador, the Northern Empire finds itself rid of a terrible threat, but it came at a horrific cost. An entire region was devastated. Thousands of lives were lost with neither civilians nor soldiers spared. Even those who managed to escape the carnage were not immune, as the aftermath of Chaston's bloody campaign only compounded the damage the region has suffered these past few years. Click to view more...

Supply Run 4

Posted 16 January 2017
Tomorrow night at around 9 pm EST, a supply wagon will be leaving the Vornavian Caravansary for Lady Chandrennin's Relief Camp. The wagon will be carrying goods and supplies needed to support the ongoing relief effort in the North. Those interested in lending their aid are invited to ride along in the wagon.

Trapped Like a Rat in a Maze

Posted by GM WAKEFIELD 17 January 2017
Jorshin drummed his fingers idly against the dingy table, his chin resting sullenly on the end of his other hand with an elbow propped for support. He was back in the same seedy tavern he had schemed in when this whole fiasco first began, and his mind was racing once again. There would be no simple slip behind a giant flirting with a barmaid this time. Men from his guard, from Kormack's guard really, sat at no less than four tables throughout the establishment. The guardsmen coincidentally just happening to be dispersed in such a way that Jorshin wouldn't be able to leave his own table without being seen from some angle. Click to view more...

A Report to Lordship Salnim Malwind

Posted by MAZEIKISJ 24 January 2017

Arriving by dreary courier some time in the early hours of Volnes is a sealed missive, penned directly to the baronial heir of Vornavis, Lord Salnim Malwind. Click to view more...

Log

Posted by MAZEIKISJ 24 January 2017

Click to view log...

Supply Run 5

Posted 25 January 2017
The Mercantyler's Guild has announced that the supply wagon scheduled to arrive from the relief camp tonight has been delayed due to inclement weather in Jantalar. The wagon is now scheduled to arrive tomorrow night (1/26) at around 9:30 pm. Click to view more...

Court Session in Vornavis 2

Posted 26 January 2017

This coming Day of the Huntress the 27th of Lormesta at 9:00 pm by the Empire Standard of Time, Lord Salnim Malwind of Vornavis will be holding an open session of court, while his father Baron Dunrith Malwind is away visiting the Northern Sentinel in Lolle. Those with ties to Vornavis are invited and encouraged to attend, and all residents of the region and friends of the barony are welcome at court. The focus of this session will be on the ongoing relief effort in the North, and recent news pertaining to it.

The chamberlain of the court would also like to remind all those who would attend this session of court that proper attire and behavior will be required.

(OOC: The Court session will be on Friday 1/27 at 9:00 pm EST)

Recap

Posted 28 January 2017

A brief Court recap:

  • The two encounters with the man known as Mureyk were formally documented before the court, and assessments on him were given by the knights who encountered him
  • With the information provided, Captain Gurbah was able to provide some background on just who Mureyk is - a former conscript of Jantalar, extremely skilled, with a history of having survived battles where many others died.
  • Captain Martohck staggered into Court, bleeding from many wounds, including a tree limb impaled through his side. Lady Kasendra's party was ambushed during their trip to Vornavis, where a wagon explosion separated Martohck from them. Upon making it back to them, he found Mureyk and his men had captured everyone. Mureyk's words to Kasendra made it clear they would be returning to the relief camp, and Mureyk would make everyone understand the North did not need help.
  • Chaos broke out in the Court from this news. Salnim called for the Guard to be readied to march immediately. The chamberlain pointed out Salnim did not have the authority to dispatch the Guard. Realizing he was right, Salnim turned to those present and called upon those who were friends of Vornavis to ride with him instead. Captain Gurbah called for cooler heads and blood before mounting a rescue, and delay this until the next day (today)
  • A rescue will be attempted tonight around 9 pm tonight.

Ashes on the Wind

Posted 27 January 2017

A harsh wind came out of the east, knocking snow off bare tree limbs, as it blew along the hard frozen ground. It caused snow to swirl and tumble, until it was broken up as it struck upon a wagon stopped in the middle of the road. Its occupants were huddled together upon the front seat of the wagon while four unsavory individuals stood before them. One stood closer to the wagon than the rest, a large ugly club held over one shoulder.

"I told you this would be an easy score," he gloated to his companions, "Because now they are going to give us everything they have."

"B...b...but these are supplies for the camp," whimpered the merchant, a dark bruise already evident on his face.

"Not anymore. Now get off that flaming wagon before we make ya."

Before the large thug could say anything further, a flicker of light drew everyone's attention to the surrounding woods. A tall torch stood burning in the middle of the ground, with a lone man standing before it, thumbs tucked into the thick belt around his waist.

"Vultures. Rats. Crows. I hate all of them, but not as much as interlopers like you," the newcomer said, the disdain on his words nearly as cold as the weather. "You come to a place and think you can pick something clean because it is dying. Too stupid to realize you picked the wrong mark."

"Don't know who ya are pal, but ya picked the wrong place to take a walk," spat the lead thug.

One of his companions reached out to grab his arm and hissed, "Grep, stop! Don't you know who he is?"

"The flaming fool who is about to be a blood splat, that's who," Grep snarled as he shoved the man back and brandished his club.

He got two steps towards the newcomer before the man smoothly drew two axes from the loops on his belt. On his third step the man flowed forward and threw one of the axes. On the fourth step Grep fell to his knee, screaming obscenities and clutching the bleeding stump where his right hand used to be. He never made it a fifth step. A moment later the axe flew back into the newcomer's hand.

"Ya rat bastard. Gonna make ya squeal like a pig for what ya did to my hand!"

The man just looked down at Grep, the nearby torch illuminating the pale scar running down one side of his face. Grep opened his mouth to continue his tirade, but with a flash of steel and crimson, Grep fell to the snow and never said another word again. The man stepped over the crimson stained snow and approached the wagon and three men standing before it.

"Maybe some of you are brighter than you look. Here's your chance to prove it," Mureyk stated as he calmly wiped the blood off his axe. "This is where you leave and do not come back. We don't need your types here and definitely don't need your mouths to feed. But if you would be dumb enough to come back, you are going to wish you were your friend over there."

He began to turn away from them and move towards the wagon when he stopped. "Oh, and if you might get the idea another body would solve this little problem for you, something else you might want to consider."

More torches flickered to life in the woods, one after another after another, until they formed a large half circle behind the wagon and Mureyk. Clearly visible standing near each torch were heavily cloaked figures, with many carrying a bow or crossbow. The three surviving brigands gave each other a silent look and slowly moved away from the wagon and the trouble they had discovered.

"Oh thank you, thank you so much!" the merchant cried out as Mureyk approached him, "I don't know what we would have done if you hadn't shown up when you did."

Mureyk let out a short smile as he looked up at the wagon. "We simply are doing what needs to be done. And speaking of that, we should discuss your payment."

"P...p…payment?"

"Tariff? Tithe? Tax? However you would like to frame it. For protection rendered. For crossing the border and travelling through here."

"You are just like them! You are just a bunch of robbers!"

"We are nothing like them. If we were, you would not be here to have this conversation," Mureyk responded as the smile faded from his face. His eyes scanning the wagon, and the crates visible upon it. "Now there is nothing to be afraid of, this is just a little talk."

He slid his axe back into the loop on his belt and continued to approach the wagon. "After all there is nothing to be afraid of. We're the good guys."

Out where the dreams all hide
Out here the wind don't blow
Out here the birds don't sing
Out here the fields don't grow
Out here the good guys die

Turning Into the Wind

Posted 28 January 2017

Salnim Malwind stood within the chamber, deep within the Vornavis Keep, in quiet contemplation. Only the flicking flames of the wall lamps, and the faint sound of wind blowing outside broke the silence. Upon the wall behind him hung a number of portraits of his family, and without turning he knew where each of them hung. One of father, of his sister, of himself, and even one of his mother from years ago. Each capturing their subject in a moment of joy, while was their eyes gaze across the room upon the detailed carving of the Rising Swan on the far wall.

On another day Salnim would take comfort in those paintings and what they represented, and pride in seeing the sigil of Vornavis. But today, today was a very different day. His focus was only on the carved wooden stand before him, and the sword that rested upon it. One hand was stretched out towards it, but hung there in hesitation. Just as it had for so many long minutes now.

"I knew I would find you here."

Salnim was pulled from his reverie and turned slowly to see his sister Athalia standing in the doorway. "It is a good place to come to think. And after last night...I just wonder if things had been different if father had been here."

Athalia walked into the room, her eyes looking to the portrait of their mother for a moment, as she moved to stand beside her brother. She said nothing as she rested a hand on his shoulder, and the two stood in silence for several minutes.

"Do you know why father always leaves it behind when he travels?" Athalia asked, looking up at Salnim as she did.

"To remind us he is coming home. And to make sure we do not cause trouble when he is gone." Salnim answered, his eyes focused on the family blade.

Athalia let out a small laugh, "When were younger, sure. But that isn't why he does it anymore, Salnim." She turned towards him, pulling his gaze towards her, "He isn't leaving it behind to keep us in line now. He leaves it because it is his way of telling us he knows we're ready for it. To take it up and the responsibility with it."

Salnim was quiet for a moment, then reached out a hand to pick up the weapon by its dark green scabbard. "I'm going to get her...them back, Athalia. We're going to get them back. The North needs them. It cannot end like this. We'll bring them home. All of them."

He smiled a moment and then leaned down to kiss her on the forehead, "Thank you."

Athalia returned the smile and watched as he walked towards the doorway, "Salnim. Just promise me one thing. The North does need them. But it also needs you too. Make sure you come home too."

Salnim looked back, his face somber, "Of course I will, Athalia."

Athalia stood there left alone with just the sound of his fading footfalls. Gazing at the Rising Swan at the wall, she closed her eyes and spoke softly to herself, "Why don't I believe you?"

Wait for me to come home
Because I'm going to bring them home

Recap

Posted by MOURNE 29 January 2017

Brief recap of tonight's shenanigans:

Gurbah and Salnim met those who assembled for the rescue mission at the north gate of Vornavis. Before we all hopped a wagon to the camp, planning some diplomacy, a guard popped up with news for Salnim - Martohck (Kasendra's guard captain) had disappeared, a horse was missing, it was speculated that he'd gone back to the camp in a fit of ill-considered hotheadedness. So we set out after him with our motley band.

At the camp, we found Martohck and Mureyk (our brigand-ish not-so-good-guy) were locked in combat outside the gate. They disregarded the various suggestions that were made to disengage. Martohck was disarmed, knocked senseless, and dragged off to join the hostages inside the camp.

Mureyk essentially refused to entertain the idea of working this out like rational people. Eventually Salnim traded himself for the whole lot of prisoners. However, their release was not secured before Salnim was taken into custody, and Mureyk altered the deal after getting what he wanted, in a great surprise to nobody who's ever seen The Empire Strikes Back. He brought Salnim to join Kasendra up on the wall, while the rest of us, and Gurbah, fumed outside.

Raelee and Gurbah concocted a plan to deal with the wards on the gate and getting the gate down. It involved a familiar gate and Gurbah playing battering ram, so that was fun. That got us inside. We battered through barricades to advance through the camp while Salnim and Kasendra struggled with Mureyk up on the wall. Salnim was stabbed and fell off the wall. A fair bit of stuff was on fire at this point.

We found cages full of prisoners, but were unable to break them or open them. Mureyk threatened us with harm to Kasendra, and a cadre of archers on the walls, if we didn't stand down. Eventually he came down off the wall, with Kasendra in tow. Words were traded, we seemed about to become pincushions, but Salnim tackled Mureyk from behind in proper dramatic fashion and everyone jumped in to help kill him.

Unfortunately, he didn't stay dead. While we were trying to find a way to free the prisoners, he decayed and rallied. Salnim challenged him to single combat under the eyes of his men, and presumably Mureyk's pride (and perhaps anger?) let him agree to it.

It went back and forth for a bit, one gaining the upper hand and then losing it to the other. Salnim was disarmed at one point, and later managed to re-acquire a sword and ran Mureyk through... but Mureyk was made of fairly stern stuff and headbutted Salnim when we were expecting him to fall over. In the end, though Salnim won the day and beat the bastard unconscious with his shield.

Salnim had a speech of sympathy for the men Mureyk had collected, and they opted to stand down and go rather than kill us all. The prisoners were released, Martohck recovered his lost mace, and we all made it back to Vornavis. Gurbah took possession of the unconscious Mureyk and may have helped keep him that way a few times before heading back into Vornavis proper.

Go team. \o/

Thank You and Feedback

Posted 4 February 2017

With the successful rescue last Saturday, it marked the formal conclusion to the Swan Song storyline. To all of you who came along for the ride these past couple of months I would like to offer you my thanks. Over the course of the entire story it was wonderful to see the different faces come out and participate, whether for a single encounter or for the duration. It is my sincere hope that you all enjoyed it as well.

I would be remiss if I did not also thank my compatriots and fellow conspirators on this side of the equation. Galene for all the support along the way, and making sure it happened in the first place. Kaikala for all the timely reviews and QC of things large and small. And last but certainly not least - Valyrka, Wakefield, and Mariath for all the work they did as NPCs and otherwise that helped bring Swan Song and its characters to life.

With all that said I would like to hear from you all about Swan Song. What specifically did you like about it? What didn't you like? Too much of any one thing? Too little of something? No storyline is ever completely perfect, and there is always room for improvement. So I would love to hear feedback from everyone so I can do better next time, whether by responding to this thread, or if you'd prefer to make your comments privately, feel free to send an email to my play.net address.

Regardless I thank you all again, and look forward to see you around Solhaven.

-Lydil

Seeking Alliances

Posted by GM WAKEFIELD 10 February 2017

A bitterly cold wind greeted Jorshin as he slowly climbed down from the wagon he had caught a ride into the aid camp on. He marveled at how much of a difference just being out of the gale had made as he hitched his cloak up on his shoulders and pulled it close around him, suppressing the shudder that tried to run through his quickly cooling body. Jorshin's concentration slipped, and he barely kept from falling face-first into a snowbank, as he half stumbled the last few feet of his descent. Only an outstretched hand that blindly found purchase against the rough wood side of the supply wagon kept him from his fate.

Jorshin cautiously started up the rough path toward his destination, still not entirely sure how he was going to make his proposal. The last time he had come, with a group of local heroes and some of the knights from Solhaven and the surrounding areas, the person he had intended to speak with had not been present at the camp. Jorshin desperately hoped that was not the case today. He could tell that time was beginning to run short. Kormack had continued to gradually swap out men that knew and liked Jorshin for rugged mercenaries in his guard, and there had been more than one additional heated discussion about just how profitable this enterprise was with Jorshin not going out of his way to take advantage of the situation. Although he now knew that the man who had stopped the wagon he traveled in the month prior was not sent by Kormack, Jorshin was still convinced that his father had somehow learned of his actions, and that Kormack was working under orders to impede, or possibly even stop him, by any means necessary.

The tops of the palisade watch towers came into sight as Jorshin continued his apprehensive approach to the camp. He knew the small shapes moving in the distance were guardsmen walking the walls, vigilant in their duty with all that had transpired. As the path topped a small rise leading to the main gate, the full walls of the fortifications came into view; as did Jorshin appear to the men watching for signs of any incoming or unwelcome guests. One pointed and whispered something to a comrade who then disappeared down a ladder below. Jorshin wasn't afraid of being denied entrance; everyone knew who he was at this point. Still, for some reason the action of the guardsman did little to calm the feelings of uneasiness and concern that he struggled to keep from showing on his face.

Jorshin eyed the gate, a large sunburst sigil standing out starkly against the coarse bands of forged steel that reinforced the wooden planks. A guard poked his head over the top of the wall and called down to him, "Ho there trader! Come to visit us again have you? Don't worry, we sent word as soon as we saw you approach. That green cloak of yours might blend in nicely during the summer, but in this barren forest, it sticks out against all that snow. We'll have the gate open for you in just a moment."

Jorshin smiled and waved to the guard with a great deal more patience than he was feeling at the moment. He vaguely recognized the man's face; there were only so many guards in the camp at any given time. Lord Salnim had the contingent of Vornavis guards rotated out fairly regularly so that they didn't grow stale on constant guard duty. Being away from home for too long would eventually lead to hard feelings amongst even the most disciplined ranks. What Jorshin had been surprised to learn, however, when making idle conversation with some of them, was that a number of men had approached their commanders and requested to be stationed at the camp more frequently than was required by the duty roster. Evidently, they liked being under the command of Captain Martohck, and saw guarding the aid supplies as their way of being able to contribute to the cause of assisting Talador. As far as Jorshin had heard, Captain Gurbah had been more than willing to honor their requests and had instructed his Lieutenants to allow any man that wanted to rotate back on duty to temporarily join another company to do so.

A small man-sized door built into the palisade gate swung open, and a junior officer ducked his head to avoid the top as he passed through to greet Jorshin. Bowing slightly, fist to chest, he politely asked Jorshin what he could do for him. Upon hearing Jorshin's reply the officer bowed again, this time slightly deeper, and asked Jorshin to follow him inside. He could feel the eyes of men on him as he followed his escort north through the camp. Guards peered down from atop their walled posts. A few looked out from inside their tents and from the open-aired mess set up for meals. Jorshin smiled and waved whenever eye contact was made with a man with whom he was on good terms, but inside the feeling of nervous anxiety continued to build. They made their way past untold numbers of boxes, piles of supplies, and well-tended fire pits fighting back against the oppressive cold that engulfed everything. The fires were welcome and warm, though Jorshin couldn't help but feel as if the heat emanating from them was in some way diminished. The fire's heat did not reach as far as it should have, almost as if winter itself fought back against the burning intrusion into its icy dominion.

Eventually they came to a large crimson pavilion set up at the very north end of the camp. Holding the flap aside, the junior officer beckoned for Jorshin to proceed in ahead of him, allowing the material to fall closed as he followed. Seated behind a travel desk with his attention buried in a stack of papers, sat the man Jorshin had come to see. The officer saluted, striking fist to chest and standing upright at attention. The sound of a gauntleted hand striking armor signaling their presence. The man paused and raised his head, his concentration having been broken by the officer's subtle announcement. Putting on a warm smile, he stood to greet Jorshin and turned to the guard that had brought him.

"Thank you Traves, you may leave us. Please have refreshments for our guest sent on your way back to your post if you don't mind." The guard saluted again and backed out of the tent, leaving Jorshin alone with Captain Martohck.

A Proposal is Made

Posted by GM WAKEFIELD 20 February 2017

OOC Note: And so continues our little saga....


For a moment, Jorshin was unable to say anything. He stood frozen, staring at the imposing figure of Captain Martohck Hightower that loomed before him, searching for a way to break the tension. Martohck had a dangerous air about him even here; dressed in camp clothes and reading reports in his tent. Jorshin knew only a scant few seconds had passed since the junior officer, Traves, had ducked back through the tent, but already he felt like momentum was beginning to slip away from him.

Fortunately, it was Martohck himself that broke the silence. Extending his hand towards Jorshin, the captain gave a nod of greeting. Jorshin reached out to shake his hand. When his palm made contact, it was as if that frozen moment, so pregnant with anxiety and doubt, shattered, allowing him to focus and concentrate again. Gesturing for Jorshin to have a seat in a flimsy looking wooden chair that folded for easier transportation, Martohck himself resumed his seated position behind his travel desk.

"Thank you for seeing me unannounced like this. I know you must be very busy with all the work related to Lady Kasendra's efforts."

"She definitely keeps me busy," Martohck replied with a grin that conveyed his understatement. "Still, she really does most of the hard work. I just make sure everyone can do what they need to safely. I think recent events have shown that there's no such thing as too much vigilance when it comes to guarding who, and what, we do here. Thank you, by the way, for all your continued efforts to assist our cause. You have truly been a valuable and welcome partner in our efforts. I know that you have spent a great deal of time, and I'm sure quite a bit of your own coin, to help us and the people of Talador."

Jorshin kept his face smooth despite the feelings of nervousness that started to creep up inside of him again. He had been wracking his brain to figure out a smooth and natural way to bring Martohck around to the subject he wished to discuss, and here it had been handed to him on a platter.

"Thank you, sir, for your kind words. Regarding my role here with your operation," Jorshin paused for a moment to carefully select his next words. "That's actually why I came to see you today. I have some concerns…"

Martohck cut him off with a wave of his hand and barked a short laugh. "I know I gave the doom and gloom speech, but I assure you, trader, everything is fine here. Mureyk has been dealt with, and his men have scattered without their leader. Their hearts were never in it the way his was. I doubt we'll have to worry about another organized effort to stop us from that particular lot."

Jorshin nodded and gave a brief smile. He thought the man's bravado refreshing, even if he found himself wondering how he showed such confidence if the reports he had heard regarding the way that particular threat had been dealt with were true. From Jorshin's understanding, Martohck had been bested in single combat by this Mureyk and imprisoned with a number of his own men. Had it not been for the timely arrival of Lord Salnim and the captain of his guard, Gurbah, things may not have gone as well as they did.

"Yes I agree with you in that regard. I'm sure those men won't bother us again. However, my concern is actually of a more personal nature. I've come to see you today in order to propose an arrangement between us."

The captain's eyebrows rose in surprise, and he leaned forward, resting his forearms on the desk.

"You're worried about different groups of bandits? I thought you had your own contingent of guards to see your wagons arrived here safely. That man of yours, Kormack, he seems capable enough."

With that they had come to the heart of the matter. Jorshin took a few deep breaths to calm himself before continuing. He had negotiated countless deals worth hundreds of thousands of silver in his life. He had seen fortunes pass back and forth across dingy tavern tables and polished ebony desks. He had dealt with the dirtiest wharf rats, and the most powerful merchant guilds, and almost always managed to come out on the good side of the deal. But this deal was the most important one he would ever strike in his life. He had to get it right.

"I would like to propose that I join your camp in an official capacity." Jorshin began. Out of Martohck's view, he began slowly tapping the tip of his forefinger against his thumb in order to meter himself, so as not to begin speaking too quickly and betray his nerves.

"Kormack has become more of a problem than an asset. You may not be aware, but I was sent north to aid you by my father. He is a powerful figure in the merchant's guild in Allace, and saw this situation as an… opportunity."

Martohck's forehead furrowed slightly as he began to squint, doubt and suspicion clearly beginning to form. Jorshin continued quickly before Martochk could interrupt again.

"Your instincts are well founded. I was sent here by my father for the worst of reasons. He is a man driven more by his love for coin than by his desire to do what's right. The problem I face is that I am not my father. I ignored his orders, and instead set out to help your efforts here to the best of my ability. I think my results have borne that out as proof. I get better prices on goods and supplies for your camp than any other trader you have in your informal alliance." Martohck gave a noncommittal grunt and leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his broad chest looking skeptical.

"I could do even more for you and the Lady Kasendra, but I need a favor……"


As Jorshin continued to explain, Martohck leaned forward in his chair once again. His countenance shifting from guarded and suspicious, to incredulous, and eventually to one full of concern and sympathy. By the time Jorshin had laid out the entire situation, sympathy had been replaced with outrage and anger.

"I'll have to talk to Kasendra, Jorshin, but I am inclined to agree to your proposal. Neither of us can deny the great value having you around full time would bring to our efforts. Besides, this favor you request is something I think we would both have agreed to even if you were not offering yourself in servitude as payment. I agree it is too dangerous for you to return to town at this point. Kormack is even more of a snake than I suspected, and I'm sure he's not stupid. I'll make arrangements for you to stay at the camp here with us. You'll be safer here than anywhere."

Jorshin leaned back in his chair and let out a relieved sigh. It was done, or almost anyway. He had no doubt that Martohck would be able to convince Lady Kasendra that the quid pro quo being proposed was mutually beneficial. He slipped a hand into the pocket of his coat and slowly rubbed his thumb back and forth over the small river rock he kept there. The worry stone had been a gift he had been given just before heading north to Vornavis. A gift he had received from his son.

A Plan is Devised

Posted by GM WAKEFIELD 28 March 2017

OOC Note: Hey guys, below is the next entry in the Jorshin resolution Arc


The flame of a solitary candle burning low cast dim, murky shadows across the interior of the red canvas tent. Night had fallen, and with the darkness, the crisp winter air became colder, pressing down upon the walls on the outside of the tent. Inside the shelter, two figures sat, both making fog with their breaths in the flickering light of the candle. Neither would show any outward acceptance of the cold. They had spent far too long in the north to let it bother them anymore, and both were much too proud to admit it, if it had.

The imposing frame of Captain Martohck Hightower seemed all the larger in comparison to the smaller form of the Lady Kasendra. Even here in the midst of their camp, he wore his heavy mace and sword at his belt. The larger two handed weapon he usually wore harnessed to his back had been left behind in his own tent, along with the heavy full plate armor he donned during the day. He trusted his men to give alarm… fight, and die to protect the camp; but he had been taught painful lessons about what could happen when any conceivable contingency wasn't prepared for. Martohck continued to take every possible caution to avoid a repeat of any unfortunate incidents. He shifted on his seat, and the candle's light caused the mail shirt he now wore in place of the heavy plate to gleam faintly.

The Lady Kasendra leaned forward resting her forearms on the wooden desk, separating them on either side; an intent look fixed upon her countenance. The talks had been going on for some little while, and Kasendra had almost heard Martohck's entire report.

"So, Jorshin is saying he thinks his family is in danger?" she asked, her voice conveying both worry and disbelief. "But the man is his father, Martohck. How could be possibly do such a thing?"

Martohck shook his head, at a loss to understand himself.

"Jorshin was very clear on that, Kasendra. His father cares more for profits and running his enterprise than he does about anything else. He would see the family of someone who wasn't doing as he wished to be leverage, even if that someone was his own son." He continued, hoping that Kasendra would see things the same way he did. "He came to see me. He offered a proposition, which I told him I would need to talk to you about first."

"A proposition?" Kasendra asked, interest replacing concern in her voice.

"Aye," replied Martohck. "He wants our, my, help in dealing with the situation. He says in exchange for smuggling his family out of their home and bringing them north; just long enough to get them out of their immediate danger and for him to find a place for them to settle, he will join us full time. He'll direct his not inconsiderable network of relationships and resources towards making sure that we get the best prices and highest quality goods for our work. Jorshin's already one of the best volunteers we have, Kasendra. Having him on full time could really make a difference."

Kasendra leaned back in her chair, tapping a finger against pursed lips.

"It is true that having him around all the time, and devoted only to helping our cause, would be worth no small amount," she conceded. "However… what do we know about the danger his family is in? Are they guarded? Will those guards put up a fight if you come for her? We don't want to risk an incident with a powerful human merchant if we can avoid it. If what you tell me of the man is true, I have little doubt he would take us stealing away his 'leverage' in the middle of the night personally."

Martohck found himself agreeing as he listened to Kasendra speak. He had anticipated these issues. They were questions he himself had asked.

"Jorshin agrees that his father would take the loss personally. He also thinks that there's a strong chance we can pull this off without his father necessarily knowing who it was that took the family. He will, of course, assume that Jorshin was in some way involved, but that is why he intends to relocate the family far away from both Ubl and Solhaven after they are freed. I figure myself, Jorshin of course, and… ten other men ought to be more than enough to enough to handle things. We're there to extract them, not fight an army."

Kasendra nodded thoughtfully and opened her mouth, but Martohck continued as if he had not seen she intended to speak, "and of course we'll have to figure out what to do with you while I'm gone."

This elicited a cooly arched eyebrow, and a quietly mused, "Oh?" which conveyed the obvious displeasure that was absent from Kasendra's expressionless face. "You intend to enact some overly protective plan that results in me twiddling my thumbs for an extended period of time? I'm not a porcelain doll, Martohck."

The corner of Martohck's mouth turned down slightly, betraying his frustration at Kasendra's painting of the situation.

Why doesn't she understand she's a target? Why doesn't she take this seriously? She was almost killed last time.

Outloud in response, however he was much more conciliatory. "Nothing quite so severe as digging a hole for you to hide in with a wagon sitting over the top of it this time."

Kasendra's lip curled up briefly before she could school her face, and Martohck breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

"I was thinking, you're going to be heading to Vornavis soon for court. Lord Salnim has, on multiple occasions, graciously offered to host you for visits and opened his residence to you. I expected he would be thrilled to hear you intend to take him up on the offer and stay a few days. I'm sure I won't need more than three or four to get everything done."

Kasendra drummed her fingers against the desk as she listened. "That would certainly be preferable to hiding in a hole in the ground, anyway." A touch of warmth had entered her voice as she spoke, subtly undermining her attempt to sound noncommittal.

"It's settled then. I'll escort you to court, and you'll stay with Lord Salnim after, while I take Jorshin and our men to get his family. Jorshin says he has an idea for where they may go after we get them out. He said he found the people there particularly kind-hearted when he was travelling and seeking donations."

The burning flame of the single candle casting the only light inside the tent suddenly guttered out, leaving the two alone in the cold black of the night with the smell of smoke faintly rising in the air. Martohck could no longer see Kasendra sitting across from him, but her previously amused tone was now replaced by one of seriousness tinged with concern.

"Go, Captain Martohck. Add another example of heroism you'll deny to your record. I know you'll free these people and get them to safety."

Martohck said nothing as he rose, moving by memory towards the entrance without being able to see. He paused, looking back over his shoulder into the dim moonlight that had banished a few of the interior's shadows when he lifted the tent flap, to meet Kasendra's eye.

"I'm no hero," he said quietly. Martohck let the flap drop as he departed, leaving Kasendra alone in the dark with her mouth half open.

Court Session in Vornavis 3

Posted 30 March 2017

This coming Day of the Huntress, the 31st of Charlatos at 9 pm by the Empire Standard of Time, Baron Dunrith Malwind of Vornavis will be holding an open session of court. Those with ties to Vornavis are invited and encouraged to attend, and all residents of the region and friends of the barony are welcome at court.

The chamberlain of the court would also like to remind all those who would attend this session of court that proper attire and behavior will be required.

(OOC: The Court session will be this Friday 3/31 at 9 pm EST)