[Gideon] Talk to the Hands

Gideon waited as Kang Cheol and Vernice left the coffee shop, excusing himself to try the local pastries and tea. He casually observed Lady Martella's guests, noting their behavior and questions.

"You should try their honey cake," Lady Matella said as she waved farewell at the solider and diplomat. "I heard it's the Grand Prince's favorite treat."

"Too sweet for me," the dwarf muttered as he gulped down his cup. "I'd rather eat my fill when all this is over."

"Nervous about your mission?"

Gideon gave the noble woman a forced smile. "I've got it planned out. Although I would need some additional information."

Lady Martella lovingly caressed her brass cricket toy, tenderly fiddling with its tin legs. "What have you got so far?"

Gideon carefully pulled out a small sack from under the table. "It took me weeks to get the details and the finishing done," he said as he revealed a large wine bottle from inside. "I paid good money for this level of design."

The dwarf handed the bottle to Lady Martella. "So I will go to the Senate pantry and switch the real wine with this counterfeit bottle."

"That sounds doable," Lady Martella raised the bottle and examined its contents. "I must admit you did an excellent job with this forgery."

"Only the best for my lady," Gideon replied as he took back the wine bottle and gently placed it in the sack. "Perhaps you have other aides in the senate building who can help me make the exchange."

Lady Martella gave the dwarf and amused smile, as if he said something offensive. "I wouldn't have hired you if I have people to do this job. You should do more work little alchemist."

Gideon blushed and quickly bowed. "I am sorry, Lady Martella. I was merely asking."

"Do you think a woman of my status would know people who work in the buiding?"

"No, but..."

"Go talk to the servants if you must, I don't care how you do it, just make the switch discreetly."

[Vernice] Looking up the High Commander

Vernice looked around the inside of the church and it was empty of worshipers, just as she expected for this time of the day.  She moved to a confession box and entered.  There was a rough clearing of the throat on the other side.  She smiled at the familiar sound.  Father Piedro was always punctual and he didn't disappoint her, especially now that she was in a time crunch.

"Forgive me Father, for I have sinned," she intoned the habitual opening for confessions.  "It has been 12 weeks since my last confession.  I have been VERY busy."  She put a not so subtle emphasis on the last couple of words.

"It's alright, my child.  The Sovereign Host welcomes back all those who wander," the priest answered.  "Is there anything else troubling you?"

Vernice paused.  Father Piedro was always direct to the point.  She debated internally if she should be involving him with her situation but as she was pressed for time, she made her decision to trust him with her question.

"I'm meeting a high ranking officer today.  I would like him to have a good first impression on me.  I heard you were his chaplain for his division once.  If I may ask, can you tell me something about him, so I can get into his good graces and not embarrass myself."

There was a prolonged silence on the other side of the confessional, broken only by an occasional coughing.  Finally the priest replied.

"That would be a tall order indeed, but I'm sure someone of your personality can manage just fine.  He is a gruff warrior, schooled in the proud and traditional warrior ways.  The army is his life and he would like to see it restored to its former glory.  Military might and conquest and all of that."

"Truly a soldier's soldier," Vernice said.  "How about hobbies?  Surely he does other things during his spare time."

"Hmm, as I recall, he was very interested in athletics - racing and wrestling.  He was also very keen to study wilderness survival techniques.  I believe he even wrote a book about it," added Father Piedro.

Vernice and the priest talked about a few more things before she took his leave.  She thanked him for the information and turned to go, but he stopped her for a moment.

"A last word my child," the priest warned her ominously.  "I know not what you are planning, but you might be playing a dangerous game.  Take very good care of  yourself."

The paladin's throat went dry, but she had already resolved herself on this course of action.  She whispered: "For king and country."

It was only a few hours later while heading towards the Gala chambers did Vernice realize that the priest had given her a lot of information about the High Commander, but she couldn't recall ever disclosing he was the officer she was going to meet.

The Meet-Up

Lady Martella requests that you meet with her an hour before the Exaltation Gala to familiarize yourselves with one another, your missions, and answer any remaining questions.

You were given directions to meet at a small, smoky cafe several blocks from the senate building. It is a quaint little bistro, with two floors and several tiny rooms designed for private conferences.

Long, golden beams of the setting sun dance through the cafe's smoky interior, highlighting breads, cheeses, and wine bottles behind the only counter. Martella sips casually from a steaming mug, dressed in an elegant but reserved gown. A hand-sized brass cricket buzzes quietly on the tabletop beside her.

"I'm so pleased you could join me this evening," she begins. "Please order whatever you like; the fig jam is particularly lovely here. And feel free to speak candidly. I've taken measures to ensure our privacy."

She listens as you makes your introductions. After which, she hands each of you an old but shiny brooch. It features the symbol of a noble family.

"I am sure you are already familiar with your mission for tonight," she said. "This badge is your ticket to getting in and out of the Senate building without rousing suspicions from the guards."

Gideon examines the brooch, appraising it as if he wasn't sure of its authenticity. "Whose family does this brooch belong to? I am not familiar with this symbol."

"You know that senators require a large retinue of staff to administer their duties," Lady Martella explains. "These senate aide badges belonged to Senator Moritt Voritas from the Vortias family."

The dwarf merchant scratched his beard. "The Voritas family? I haven't heard of them."

"Their family line died off a few decades ago," Lady Martella answered, showing off a more detailed and ornamental brooch pinned on her vest. "But we can still use these badges to communicate with each other during the event."

"Very smart," Gideon replied as he pinned the brooch on his shirt. "And I'm guessing that no one will notice that we are impersonating the staff of a long dead senator."

"No one will find out," Lady Martella quipped. "Unless you get caught."

[Kang Cheol] Meeting the Veteran

"It's been a crazy day! Can't wait till all the official ceremony is done so we can party!"

"We still have a lot of work to do," Kang Cheol answered as he helped his companion fix the banners in the Senate Hall. He had been staying at the Riedran Consulate office for almost two months now, acting as a messenger and errand boy for dignitaries. His work partner, a young half-elf maiden named Soneil, took the big sister role and spent most of the time guiding and teaching the newcomer.

"It's going to be awesome, I'm sure of it!" Soneil exclaimed, her eyes beaming proudly over the decorations they spent hours making. "Have you decided what to wear for tonight?"

Kang Cheol was about to answer when he caught sight of a tall eldelry human walking towards them. He quickly signaled his partner and both of them stood up. "Good afternoon, Lord Hiroku."

The Riedran diplomat gave the two young adolescents a quick disapproving look, as if he had caught them in stealing some white raven ale. "I see you have not completed your task."

"We are almost done with the hall," Soneil answered with a trembling voice. Lord Hiroku was a strict courtesean who hosted decades of ceremonies and parties for the highborn. He expected nothing but perfection among his subordinates.

"The house banners are not in their proper positions," the old man commented as he gazed over the sigils of Thaliost's noble houses hanging on the wall. "Make sure you fix that. And Kang Cheol, may I have a word with you?"

Kang Choel took a deep breath, wondering what he might have possibly done to attract the old courtesean's attention. He had not met or spoke to Lord Hiroku since he arrived at Thaliost.

"I hope you are doing well with you stay in the city," Lord Hiroku spoke as the two of them walked across an empty corrdior, heading the the diplomat's office. "Forgive me if I haven't had a chance to talk to you. As you have noticed, a lot of things have transpired in the past few months."

"I am only here to serve," Kang Cheol gave the customary reply.

"You can skip the formalities," Lord Hiroku snapped as he brought the young man into his work room. "We don't have a lot of time. The Senate will meet in a few hours. I need you to be my eyes and ears."

Kang Cheol nodded. "Has this got something to do Lady Martella Lotheed?"

The old man shook his head in disapproval, as if he heard the wrong answer. "Tonight's Senate meeting is an important historical event. Lady Lotheed is just one of the many players in this grand game. You still have a lot to learn."

"I thought we are working with Lady Lotheed?" Kang Cheol asked. "Why are you asking me to meet with her before the Senate meeting?"

"How much do you know of the Grand Prince Stavian III?"

Kang Cheol nervously cleared his throat, wondering if the old man was quizzing him about Thaliost nobility. "He is the emperor of Thaliost and all its colonies."

"And?"

"He has no male heirs, which poses a problem because only the sons can inherit the titles of their fathers."

Lord Hiroku's beady eyes looked at Kang Cheol, waiting for the young man to provide more answers. Unfortunately there were none.

"His only son, Carrius, died twenty years ago in a horse riding accident. Such a pity. Carrius was well loved by everyone."

"Is that why Princess Eutropia has been pushing for the abolishment of primogeniture and become the first empress of Thaliost?"

"Is that what you think or what you have heard?" Lord Hiroku asked with a stern voice. "There is a big difference."

Kang Cheol fell silent, unsure of what to answer.

"You still have a lot to learn," Lord Hiroku continued. "Tonight will be the perfect opportunity for you to prove yourself. I give you permission to meet with Lady Lotheed, mingle with the nobles, and perhaps get a chance to talk to the princess or the king. Learn what you can."

[Kang Cheol] Riedran Duties

Kang Cheol could not hear anything but he could feel the movement of the water all around him - enveloping him.  Submerged in the pool like this, he did not think of it as a luxury but as a means to which he can take the time to focus on the things that led him to where he was now.  He knew little of his parents.  He was born to a father who was a farmer and a mother who was a miner.  They were paired together by the Priests and as declared by Riedan custom.  He did not know if they loved each other but they were happy to fulfill their duty.  Not long after, Kang Cheol was born,  the Priests decided that the beautiful child has the potential to serve as one of the Chosen, a possible vessel of the Inspired.

As soon as he can survive without a nurturing mother, Kang Cheol was sent to be trained.  He learned the ways of court and at the same time how to take care of his body.  He grew up well both physically and mentally.  His daily life was spent in Riedran court and was recently assigned to join the envoy to Khorvaire.  Still he prepared for the day that he would possibly fulfill his duty to serve as the vessel for the true leaders of the land - the Lords Inspired of Riedra.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a voice within his head.

"Today's work shift is done.  Everyone is to gather at the communal halls for the evening meal.  You have done well, children of Riedra.  Follow the Path."

Kang Cheol smiled as the Soothing Voice of the hanbalani finished.  It was comforting that even far away from Riedra, the voice connected each one of the members of the delegation in Thaliost.  There was no monolithic hanbalani altas in Thaliost - those grand monuments which dotted the land of Riedra - but a similar focus was located in the center of the compound which allowed the projection of the Voice.  The Voice provided news, encouragement and intructions to the Riedran people; reminding each one that they belonged to a greater whole and that each one had a duty to fulfill in it.

'Work is prayer', the Path of Inspiration instructs. 

Kang Cheol stood up and emerged from the center of the pool.  At six feet tall, the water reached up to his chest. He walked up towards the edge of the pool to where two Riedran commoners were waiting for him; water dripping down from the body which was carefully taken care of.

"Everything is ready Chosen Kang Cheol."  The closest Riedran stated as he patted him dry with a towel.   The other one stayed silent; focused on drying the Chosen’s ankle length hair.  "The envoy will be leaving to meet with the Lady Lotheed after we are done the evening meals and prayers."

Kang Cheol nodded and allowed his aides to do their tasks - taking care of his body, which may one day serve as an Inspired vessel, was part of their duties. Soon he was dry and wearing the customary set of formal Riedran clothing.

“Follow the Path.”  Kang Cheol bowed his thanks and let the way to where they are to oin the others with the evening meals.

[Gideon] A Friendly Warning

Most merchants and guild artisans consider the Day of Exaltation as one of the most busiest days in Thaliost. Goods from far flung corners of the empire have been flooding the city gates for weeks. Local and foreign customers were on the street, hunting for exotic treasures and bargains.

This was Gideon's second year in Thaliost and his first time to experience the Day of Exaltation. As a young guild artisan, Gideon was assigned at the alchemist warehouse, monitoring the inventory and making sure the rare chemical ingredients were always well-stocked and properly secured.

It was late afternoon when one of the guild masters, a middle-aged human named Terah, came to visit the warehouse. She was a veteran alchemist who mentored the dwarf and introduced him to the guild.

"Finish your work and get ready, I know Lady Lotheed hates latecomers." Terah said with a stern voice. She gave Gideon a scrutinizing glance before reviewing the ledger on Gideon's desk. "Don't make me regret choosing you for this assignment."

"I won't disappoint you, Master Terah." Gideon responded as he quickly cleaned up his workspace. "Thank you for choosing me. This is really an honor."

The dwarf's eager response somehow softened Terah's tough facade. The master alchemist closed the ledger and gave a soft sigh. "I hope you understand the severity of this situation. As far as everyone knows, you will be offering your services to Lady Martella as a free agent."

Gideon tighten his lips and nodded. "Yes I understand. I will be working outside the guild's jurisdiction."

"You should know that Martella's family, the wealthy Lotheed clan has been one of our major business partners for many years. We cannot let them know we are working with their bastard daughter."

Terah wanted to say something more but hesitated. She wondered if the young dwarf was ready to know the truth about the guild's businesses and the source of the Lotheed's wealth and prestige. Gideon was young, enthusiastic, and a bit naive.

"I will be discreet," Gideon replied. "Don't worry. I won't let you down."

[Vernice] Word in the Barracks

It took Vernice less than an hour to prepare for the upcoming festivities at the Senate house. The thought of attending such a prominent event, hobnobbing with nobles would frighten and dissuade most commoners. But Vernice was no ordinary commoner.

First of all Vernice was a warrior and a soldier of the crown. She cared little for polite etiquette and petty talks of the high born. The insignia in her armor and sword would bring her the respect that she deserves.

"So you are going to attend the party," one of her barrack-mates said. Vernice looked at the young half-orc and grinned. "It's just some business that I need to do."

The half orc approached Vernice and adjusted her chain mail armor. "I would stay away from those damn nobles," he muttered. "They are devils and they only care about themselves."

Vernice shook her head. "Not all of them are as bad as you imagine."

"I hear the emperor is going to exalt another one of his savage bodyguards like he did for Baron Vinmark. Last thing we need is another barbarian from the far colonies to lord over us."

Most people know that the Grand Day of Exaltation is the one day every year when Grand Prince Stavian III elevates a commoner to the ranks of nobility. Such individual must possess some unusual skill or service that promotes Thaliost ideals and culture. It would be strange for the emperor to chose a savage warrior as the recipient of this award.

"The Grand Prince is crazy. Paranoid crazy, if you ask me." The half-orc muttered as he checked Vernice's sword. "Hiring foreign soliders to protect himself from the people around him. His very own family and people."

"You should keep your voice down," Vernice advised her friend. "You can get into trouble for the things you are saying."

"Okay I think you are ready to go. Show these wimpy nobles what a real Thaliost soldier is made of."

[Vernice] Awakenings (origin story)

The battlefield reeked with the stench of death.  Strewn all over the grounds were the bodies of both Thaliost and Daskaran soldiers.  Most were corpses, but there were some who were unfortunate enough to suffer mortal wounds that did not kill them quickly enough; their wails of agony and suffering echoed throughout the area.

Vernice Xabdo staggered across the landscape in a daze, dragging her longsword behind her,  not having any more strength to lift it, yet holding on to it by sheer instinct.  Her Thaliost armor was mangled with slashes and her shield had been splintered a long time ago.  She was severely wounded, and it seemed that even a slight pinprick might suffice to tip her over to the land of the dead.  She walked around aimlessly, trying in vain to make sense of the battle that had just transpired.

It was supposed to be a simple scouting and training exercise.  Her battalion of fresh academy graduates were sent to a part of the front lines that held no strategic value whatsoever.  There, they would practice squadron maneuvers and survival techniques away from enemy positions until they were ready to be sent to do battle at the more fortified regions of the lines.  It was here that they encountered a Daskaran army unit that they did not expect.  The meeting seemed to be happenstance, from what she could piece together from the reconnaissance report, the Daskarans also had the same idea, sending fresh recruits to a low-key place to train.

Yet something strange happened - what was supposed to be a brief skirmish between greenhorn recruits turned into a bloody brawl that lasted several days.  Both sides did not want to back down and parley; the ferocity of the conflict became bigger every time both sides clashed.  The situation escalated quickly, and as the casualties mounted, reinforcements were called and arrived to further add kindling to the fires of the war.  In a short time a full-blown battle erupted, thousands of soldiers fought for their lives on this forsaken ground, all fighting what was in hindsight, a meaningless battle.

Vernice stopped on her tracks when she trudged upon a body of Thaliost soldier.  Her boot nudged the corpse and turned it over.  She recognized him - it was Theric, the drummer of her company.  He was an aspiring musician, and probably the gentlest person she had ever met.  Theric couldn't even hurt a fly, all he wanted was to play in a band and compose music for the common folk to enjoy.  He was only here because he was mandatory conscripted to the conflict by the kingdom.

Then, the images from the battle flashed in her memory, of the scene of peaceful Theric, consumed with blood lust and hacking at the enemy soldiers with his sword in feral desperation.  Vernice looked around, Theric's drum was nowhere to be found near his corpse, it had broken off from its strap during the battle.  In his hand was a broken sword, hilt still tightly gripped, instead of a drum stick that was supposed to be his life's calling.  Tears fell from Vernice's eyes as she tried to comprehend the absurdity of this all.  She failed miserably, and her mind finally broke.

Vernice's wail of anguish reverberated throughout the battlefield.  The keening sound was even able to stop some of the fleeing shell-shocked survivors from their tracks.  Vernice fell on her knees and  railed at the heavens, against the gods for forsaking everyone.  She bawled out against the system, for the injustice of sending common folk like her and Theric to their meaningless deaths.

A surviving Daskaran soldier was close to Vernice and heard her cries.  He picked up a sword and moved behind her.  Vernice saw him and instinctively knew his deadly intentions but did not even care to defend herself.  There was no fight left in her, and she was going to die from her wounds anyway.  She closed her eyes and thought this would offer her a quick way out of all the pain.  As the enemy raised the sword and prepared to stab the gibbering and deranged Vernice, a flash of the brightest light flared from the sky and engulfed Vernice.  The Daskaran soldier was seared by the shining and promptly blinded.  He howled in utter confusion and dropped the sword and fled the field in absolute panic.

Vernice waited for the fatal blow that never came.  After a while, she opened her eyes and was amazed at the glow emanating from her hands.  Her intuition told her something divine happened, and she was supposed to use this to help in the succor of others.  She got up and moved around until she found a wounded survivor.  She lay her hands on him and the glow transferred to his wounds and sealed it, allowing him to live another day.  Understanding dawned on Vernice, and over the next few days, she personally scoured the battlefield for the wounded and aided about a dozen or so of them, not totally healed, but just enough for them to reach camp and medicine.

News of an angel who miraculously healed the wounded broke throughout the camp, and investigations were launched by both the army supervisors and the clergy.   The interviews and  findings were favorable to Vernice and she was awarded a promotion to an officer rank within the corps.  The priests also corroborated the divine nature of the miracle and after some communing, determined that her power was a gift from Dol Arrah.  A ceremony was held in the high temple, and she was conferred as a paladin of the church of Dol Arrah.

Currently on a sabbatical from the army, she has been awakened to the rotting and stagnant nature of the system within the Thaliost kingdom.  She has come in contact with some of the progressive and forward thinkers in the kingdom, as well as an association with the Lady Lotheed that might give her a chance to contribute in uplifting the Thaliost kingdom from its downward spiral.

A Call to Adventure

You are the friends and allies of Lady Martella Lotheed. During this day, Lady Martella has asked a favor from each of you. She requests that you accompany her to the senate festivities and work as her agents. She has assigned a specfic task for each of you to fulfill. You assume that these tasks will somehow advance her own political agenda during the event.

Lady Martella promises to pay each of you 150 gp the next day for the completion of your missions. This money is a bonus, considering the opportunity for you to connect and make a good impression on prominent guests (to kick-start your own political careers).

• Fraud: Martella needs to discredit a few prominent senators backing primogeniture - not necessarily to sway their votes, but to undercut their influence after the vote. You must create a scandal surrounding one of the major opponents to the repeal of primogeniture.
• Sabotage: Martella has made some political enemies and she would like to exact revenge. One of these senators have donated a large bottle of rare, 105 year old red wine. The wine is now held in the senate kitchens. Martella will provide a chemical that will render the wine embarrassingly undrinkable. She warns the agent not to steal the bottle and to conceal any signs of tampering. It must be drunk at dinner and appear to be of terrible quality (to the embarrassment of the donor).
• Spying: Martella needs someone to keep tabs on political rivals and update her if they change their tactics, most notably the High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus. The agent must stay close to the military commander, watching for unusual behavior or listening for snippets of conversation, and warn Martella if the commander takes any unusual actions, all while remaining unobtrusive.
• Theft: To further undermine the influence of the recently disgraced Earl Calhadion Vernisant, Martella would want some of the historical artifacts that the earl donated to the senate vanish before it is unveiled prior to the evening's vote. There are five artifacts on display, a buckler, a dagger, a fan, a journal, and a spyglass, but Martella only needs three of them to go missing to disgrace the earl.
• Discovery: Martella is confident that the Princess has gathered the votes necessary for her cause, but she hates loose ends. She tasks the agent with uncovering the true dedication of two senators - Duke Centimus and Countess Abrielle Pace. It is unknown if either supports Eutropia's bid to end primogeniture. Martella wants the agent to discover their positions in advance, as well as the reasons each noble holds that position.

Once you have chosen your mission, you are requested to meet the young noble an hour before the Exaltation Gala at a small cafe several blocks from the senate building.

Grand Day of Exaltation

Visitors flock to the city of Thaliost in the days leading up to the Grand Day of Exaltation. The populace of the city doubles during this time. Peddlers and vendors fill the streets, selling traditional Thaliost food (anchovy skewers, jubilee pie, honeyflakes, yonder tarts, and other regional delicacies). Family banners and provincial flags drape the sides of most buildings. Taverns offer themed food and drinks, with varying bars adopting well-known nobles from the history of the empire as their mascot or patron.

Along with the festivities is a noteworthy moment for the empire: the imperial senate is poised to hold a historic vote to end primogeniture. The potential end of the millennia-standing law of succession. The law (if passed) will pave the way for Princess Eutropia to ascend to the throne. Traditionalist believe that the vote would only cause chaos and scandal, allowing ill-deserving women to inherit family power.

WORD ON THE STREETThe Grand Day of Exaltation is an exciting time in the city. With so many far-flung visitors, rumors about any and all subjects fly fast and loose. With a successful DC 15 Diplomacy check to gather information, a PC can learn one of the rumors circulating around the streets.

Gideon Quagmire

Known as one of the rising perfume masters of Thaliost, Gideon rose to popularity in only a few years. The young dwarf was a gifted prodigy, capable of mixing alchemical concoctions to the delight of his customers. Most of his patrons are nobles who are enamored with the seductively sweet scents of his perfume. They are willing to shell out coins for a small vial of his intoxicating scents. Only a handful of individuals have a clear understanding of Gideon's murky history as a charlatan and his failed joint ventures with the local thieves guild. 

Male Neutral (Hill) Dwarf
Rogue Level 1
Guild Artisan (Alchemist and apothecaries) Background

Str  8 (-1)
Dex  15 (+2)
Con  15 (+2)
Int  12 (+1)
Wis  11 (+0)
Cha  14 (+2)

Language: Common, Dwarvish, Thieves' Cant, Elvish

Hit Points: 11
Sized: Medium (4 feet and 8 inches)
Speed: 25 feet

Hill Dwarf Traits:
Constitution score increases by 2, Wisdom score increase by 1, Darkvision (60 feet), Advantage on saving throws against poison (plus resistance against poison damage), Stonecunning, Dwarven toughness (hit point maximum increases by 1 and it increases 1 per level)

Weapon and Armor Proficiency:
Battleaxe, Throwing hammer, Warhammer, Light armor, simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords

Tool Proficiency:
Mason's tools, Thieves' tool, Alchemist's supplies

Saving Throws: Dexterity, Intelligence
Skills: Deception (Cha), Investigation (Int), Perception (Wis), Persuasion (Cha), Stealth (Dex), Sleight of Hand (Dex)

Background:
As a member of the alchemist guild, Gideon knows the skills needed to create finished items from raw materials. He can rely on certain benefits that the guild provides, such as lodging and food.

Equipment:
Shortsword, shortbow, quiver of 20 arrows, explorer's pack, leather armor, two daggers, thieves' tools, Alchemist tool, traveler's clothes, Alchemist license, Belt pouch with 15 GP

Expertise:
Double proficiency bonus for any ability check using thieves tools and the Stealth skill

Sneak Attack:
Deal an extra 1d6 damage to one create you hit with an attack if you have advantage on the attack roll. The attack must use a finesse or ranged weapon. You don't need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it (that enemy is not incapacitated and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll).

Social Rounds (Influencing NPCs)

Part of this adventure includes a chapter on interacting with powerful nobles and other NPCs. During these social rounds, the PCs can move to any location in an event and select a single NPC in the area as his target to influence. He then attempts either a discovery check or an influence check.

Discovery Checks
A discovery check allows a PC to learn either:

• One of the skills she can use to influence the target
• Learn one of the target's biases, strengths, or weaknesses

The exact skill and the DC required for a discovery check varies. It normally requires a successful Sense Motive or Knowledge (Nobility) check.

Influence Checks
An influence check is an attempt to make a good impression upon or gain the respect of the target. PCs must attempt a skill check using one of the skills listed in the target's Influence entry (provided by the DM). A successful skill check against the provided DC counts as one success, indicating the growing respect or affection for the PC. Each target has a total number of successes needed to achieve a desired outcome.

A failed discovery or influence check can be attempted again in subsequent rounds with no penalty unless otherwise noted by the DM.

Winning Favors
In some cases, PCs can win an NPC's favor by making a good impression. In these situations, a PC only needs to accumulate a specified number of successes to win a list of benefits that the NPC provides (although most benefits rarely last beyond the social event).

Changing Attitudes
Making long-lasting changes to an NPC's attitude is more difficult and time consuming. The PCs must make friends and allies, win hearts and minds, and cause long-term adjustments to the NPC's outlooks. These might last for several social events, distributed in an extended time frame. The passage of time and loss of success can't worsen an NPC's attitude, though a special event might.

Vernice Xabdo

Vernice is a newly-minted paladin of Dol Arrah of the Sovereign Host.  She is also an officer in the Thaliost army.  She can arm-wrestle with most guys and probably can wrestle them to the ground too.  Afterwards, she can heal their broken bones and bruised ribs (but not their egos) with her divine hands.  During her spare time, she has been a 2-time runner-up in the Thaliost 3-dragon Ante Championships.  She also likes babies and vanilla ice cream.

Link to her Character Sheet and background (pdf)

She is concerned with the rotting state of her nation and admires the ideals espoused by Princess Eutropia.  She hopes to be able to contribute something worthwhile to Thaliost someday.

****************

STATS Summary:

STR +3, DEX -1, CON +2, INT +0, WIS +2, CHA +2

HP: 12 (10 +2)
AC: 18 (Chain Mail +6, Shield +2)
Size: Medium
Speed: 30 feet
Senses: Darkvision 60 feet

Proficiency Bonus: +2
Saves: Wisdom, Charisma

Skills proficient in:
Athletics (Str) +5, Insight (Wis) +4, Intimidation (Cha) +4, Perception (Wis) +4, Persuasion (Cha) +4, Survival (Wis) +4

Other proficiencies:
1) Vehicles (Land)
2) Gaming Set (3-dragon ante)

Other abilities:
1) Lay on Hands = 5 hp pool.
2) Divine Sense = 3/day

The Far Traveller

Kang Cheol

Male Human Bard 1

Armor Class

12 (leather armor)

Hit Points

8 (1d8 + 0)

Speed

30ft

Saving Throws

Dexterity +3, Charisma +5

Skills

Deception +7, History +4, Investigation +4, Perception +4, Performance +5, Persuasion +5

Senses

passive Perception 14

Languages

Common, Reidran

Challenge

1/4 (50 XP)

Spellcasting.

Kang Cheol is a 1st-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). Kang Cheol has the following bard spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): Minor Illusion, Vicious Mockery
1st level (2 slots): Charm person, Disguise Self, Dissonant Whspers, Silent Image

Bardic Inspiration.

Inspire ally within 60 feet, giving them a bonus 1d6 on one ability check, attack roll or sae (Cha mod per day)

Actions

Longsword.

Melee Weapon Attack: +1 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d8 - 1) slashing damage.

A few weeks fresh off the boat from far off Sarlona, Kang Cheol has been seen wandering around the city of Thaliost and attending various parties as a guest of the various nobles interested to hear about the enigmatic continent from which he hails.  At a little over six feet tall and with his exotic features, it was only a matter of time before Lady Lotheed made her interest known to him.

The High Nobles of Thaliost

 

King Stavian III 

As the ruler of Thaliost, Stavian III is as dissolute as the rest of his nation, and prone to much bitterness. He is an awkward man who dallies in frivolous activities and surrounds himself with sycophants, while the actual management of Thaliost is left to the bureaucracy. He lost his only son a few years back during a horse riding accident. He is currently left without a legitimate heir, something he has not resolved since that tragic event.

 

Princess Eutropia

A strong-willed woman, Princess Eutropia intends to inherit the throne upon the death of her father. Such an act would be against the law of Thaliost, however, as the nation follows against primogeniture, and thus only male heirs are able to take the crown. Despite this, Eutropia has grown disgusted with the stagnation of Thaliost and intends to force the nation into the modern world, even if that requires taking power by force.

The Sponsor

Wherever your character hails from, two things bind you to your fellow adventurers: the desire to save Thaliost from itself, and a woman named Lady Martella Lotheed. Whatever brought you into the public eye—your own political ambitions, a sports victory, a protest — also earned you the attention of this young schemer looking for fresh talent for her own growing web of intrigue. In exchange for your service, she offers coin, new clothes, and invitations to one of the most prestigious social events of the year: the Exaltation Gala, held in the senate building. Anyone in Thaliost needing a favor, an ear to bend, or a patron can find one during this annual event, as senators and nobles alike gather for hours of food, wine, and music, as well as for official senate business to be conducted before the Grand Prince arrives to formally exalt a citizen. No matter your feelings on the busywork the Lady Lotheed has in mind, these invitations represent rare access to high society and networking opportunities that can change the courses of lives.

Campaign Timeline

Humans arrived in eastern Khorvaire some three thousand years ago. They traveled across the Sea of Rage, leaving Sarlona for reasons that have been lost to the passing years. For the next thousand years, humans spread westward, struggling with the goblinoid tribes for the best portions of the land. Eventually, five major human settlements arose in central Khorvaire. These would become the Five Nations.

The War for the Crown campaign is set 1,000 years before the Kingdom of Galifar was established.  Most of the dragonmarks have not manifested and the Last War has yet to happen.

Thaliost, City of

Thaliost, the City of Empire, is the capital of the Thaliost nation, and by far the largest city in the realm. It is an ancient and thriving city which earned the title the Gilded City because of the many roofs, spires, and domes that once glittered with gold plating in the high afternoon sun. Even though the metal was long ago stripped away, Thaliost remains the example of what the empire once was and what it could be again, though today it is plagued with mismanagement, selfish aristocrats, poverty, and crime.

Thaliost, Nation of

Knights, fair maidens, heroic adventures, and righteous quests—these are the legends of old Thaliost. But the once-powerful empire has fallen from its former glory. Now rival nobles battle each other with bitter knights and proxy armies for personal power rather than honor. A smoldering truce with Daskara again threatens to ignite into war, and Thaliost's daughter states look down upon her with contempt. Yet there is still greatness in Thaliost; a stone foundation under the flaking gold adornments. Sons and daughters of forgotten royal bloodlines hear change on the wind—but is it the whisper of greatness to come, or the death rattle of an empire long past its prime?

War for the Crown

As the political scene in the ancient kingdom of Thaliost explodes into chaos, players take the roles of agents, advocates and saboteurs working for Princess Eutropia to help secure her claim to the throne and prevent the nation from collapsing into civil war. Along the way, the heroes must recover hidden secrets of Thaliost's past — many deliberately hidden — and grow from relative nobodies to powerful politicians and spymasters in the deadliest political arena in Khorvaire!