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.

= 06.02.2023

Solhaven

• Court started with the announcement of visiting guests, it was overly formal and clearly a stalling tactic as both Odelegarde Brindlestraffe and the Chamberlain were keeping tabs on the balconies in hopes that the herald would see their Ardenai guest.
• Teveriel, Arengale, and Ysaeril were properly announced.
• Sorlu and Aaisl(I’m sorry I butchered this cause its from memory) 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 Gryphons. 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 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 Javaliere’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.