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#Post#: 1301--------------------------------------------------
Two Years Earlier
By: Okakouta Date: February 20, 2016, 10:01 pm
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Act I
Scene I
Geoffrey arrived back on the northern border to Dambrath
roughly 4 months after the Battle of the North and a detour
nearing the Lake of Steam. He was eager to get back to his
homeland, especially with so much happening there. It was three
long years since he had seen Dambrathian soil. Geoffrey decided
to go on foot the remainder of the journey - maybe he would be
noticed by fewer people, seeing as he was not exactly welcome by
the heads of Government.
As he crested the hill, and saw the deep green forest and
shrubs before him, signaling the border, he noticed some figures
approaching from the forest. At that moment, Geoffrey knew he
had ruined his chance at a stealthy entrance, thinking back 3
nights when he had longed for comfort and stayed in an inn. Word
of his travels had obviously travelled fast - I suppose after
the last few months, word of all of the Fallen Star Company had
diffused throughout the area.
Knowing better than to try running against some agents he
had undoubtably trained with, Geoffrey slowly approached the
forest, bowing once he could see the faces of his colleagues.
Three of the cloaked men stepped forward. The tallest and most
unusually equipped was Boyd, wearing black-painted scale armor.
Removing his hood and pointing to the other two on his flank,
Boyd opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't find the words.
The other two also removed their hoods, before coming
forward with shackles - Rolf and Mist. They half-smiled at
Geoffrey, afterall he had been their advisor for 2 years, before
leaving. Geoffrey accepted the bindings, and knew he would have
a chance to catch up on the road.
Scene II
Rolf and Mist flanked Geoffrey for the remainder of the
journey, showing no signs of negligence for their once advisor -
they had learned well, thought Geoffrey. But they should also
realize that he had no intention of escaping. Instead of
declaring his innocence, which Boyd would certainly turn against
him, Geoffrey explained his adventures of the past years. While
Rolf and Mist explained elements of their simple lives in
Luenath, guarding some nobility, killing some thugs, and
eliminating a few Lolth cultists, Geoffrey couldn't help but
think they were avoiding the topics which had most drawn him
back to Dambrath.
Act II
Scene I
Geoffrey reached Luenath eventually, but not quite as how he
had pictured he would. Upon his departure, Geoffrey had
half-expected to return almost immediately, simply with
agreements from the nations of the North that they would open
negotiations with Dambrath for trade. That Geoffrey would return
with magical pieces of paper, allowing him back into the
country, as if nothing had changed. But times had indeed
changed.
Sentiment in the government had changed. Where before the
racial groups were in confilt, but united, ideals had driven
wedges between families and friends. Some believe more in
preserving what they have, others believe reaching out for
military might is the only way forward, and others would see the
government assert itself on the world stage. As Geoffrey was
ushered throughout the city, towards the barracks presumably,
people parted in front of them. Some things don't change. He
noticed several humans campaigning outside the city hall for
their seat on the council. Drow were also surely vying for power
in their own way - Geoffrey just hoped that he was not part of
one of their plans.
As they approached the barracks, some of the new recruits
Geoffrey did not know by name peeled off under the orders of
Boyd. Only Mist and Rolf remained. They pushed him forward and
said: ``We're going to visit the Luenath Estate''.
Scene II
Outside the Baron of Luenath's estate, the guards flanking
the wrought iron gate opened it upon seeing the three drow's
approach. Once inside, Rolf and Mist remove Geoffrey's bindings
and smile at him. Given the circumstances and the somewhat
distant atmosphere, it was hard to know if this smile was
genuine, or simply to ensure Geoffrey did not attempt something
futile, like climbing over the tall fence. In truth, Geoffrey
understood his place: as he walked forward through the beautiful
gardens, he did not exactly feel upset to return. Indeed the
familiar setting of his once contrator's estate was nostalgic to
say the least. The heavy red oak double doors opened as they had
done so many time before, and Geoffrey's reflection shone on the
polished marble floor.
A man dressed in black quickly came and took the group's
cloaks, while another man waited patiently for them to remove
their weapons. ``Rolf and I will wait here'' said Mist. ``You
know the way to the Baron's office, but don't get `lost' on the
way.''
Geoffrey responded by saying, ``Don't worry - I won't cause
too much trouble, after all, I'm sure the Baron has missed me.''
Scene III
Geoffrey was sat in a red leather chair, faceing the glass
window occupying his full field of view. Outside he could see
the gardens in the sunlight. In particular a stone bench, next
to the tulips, where he had spent a great deal of time, back
when his presence was not seen as a nuisance.
Suddenly a man, in his mid-50s, appeared in the other red
leather chair next to him. His face covered in a beard, with
large cheek-bones, expressed no mal-intent, but certainly was
not welcoming. Sitting down he sighed, ``I'm surprised you came
back''. The Baron paused. ``Skeptics thought you dead - and you
could count me among one of them.'' The Baron pours some brandy
into two glasses, and while corking the bottle adds ``And yet
here you sit, as if time had never passed.'' The Baron downs his
brandy.
Geoffrey turns away from the garden and looks the Baron in
the eyes: ``I never thought I would see this view again. Can't
your two new guards do their jobs?''
The Baron nods, ``Of course they can do their jobs, and
they're damn fine at it. But when I heard you were arriving, I
knew you were the only one who could set Elincia and some of the
other politicians straight''. There is notable regret in his
voice, but also genuine belief.
``Speaking of Elincia, where is she?'' Geoffrey's
impatience somewhat revealed - he would have made sure to see
her soon enough, one way or another.
``Elincia, come in!'' shouts the Baron, and immediately the
beautiful figure of Elincia comes through the doors. She is clad
in a fitted chianmail shirt, and tracks dirt into the office
with knee-high adventuring boots. ``Darling, couldn't you at
least have changed into something more fitting for company?''
Elincia refuses to look at Geoffrey, and says ``When I
heard we had a scoundrel in the office, I thought I should come
prepared.''
Geoffrey dips one of his shoulders in a bow of respect
towards Elincia, which remains unacknowledged. He falters
slightly mustering all of a ``How have you been?''
She finally recognizes his presence, shooting him a cold
glance, ``I have little words to exchange with someone who could
so easily give up on his ideals.'' She half-turns around, ``If
you need me father, I will be with the Pathfinder at the city
hall.''
The doors slam shut, and the Baron frowns, sadly picking up
some mud from the carpet and throwing it out the window. ``Let's
drop the act. Do you see why I need you? She has little care for
me, despite all I have given her. Serventus is her guiding light
now, but I am afraid he will lead her away from here. You can
still reach out to her, after all that you shared.''
Act III
Scene I
Geoffrey finds himself in the central Congress building,
where talks are concluding about the new stances on foreign and
domestic policy. Representatives begin filing out of the doors
to his left, and last of all emerges a man in brown robes with a
wrinkled face. ``Serventus, please hold - I must discuss some
things with you.''
``Ah how Geoffrey returns, I have heard that you will
present your achievements in the North starting next week. We
especially in my circle are happy to hear you are working
towards bringing Dambrath out of isolation'' Serventus smiles.
``I also am happy to present my findings, maybe afterwards
I will be allowed more freedom'' he glances behind him, and Mist
stands leaning against a stone column near the building
entrance. ``But that is not why I have taken your time.
Pathfinder, I would know what you plan with the Princess - the
Baron has so requested I discuss this with you.''
Serventus's face returns to a neutral position, and he
assumes his business tone: ``We plan to use her as a symbol of
goodwill. The people here love her, while some nobels would have
her permentantly under hosue arrest. Not to mention the risk we
place ourselves under. When you did not return we assumed the
worst - no allies or trading partners would doom the hopes of
future Dambrath. The nation is in no state to support a military
beyond what we already have.''
Geoffrey throws his cloak aside, ``But surely we have
another option. Dambrath has always survived on the strength of
its people. Part of my quest was to convince the other nations
that we are equals, by going through with this marriage we admit
to the world that Dambrath can be intimidated.''
Serventus laughs. ``You can hold onto those dreams,
Geoffrey. Maybe you'll learn to accept your fate like Elincia,
and make a difference that way.'' Serventus looks Geoffrey in
the eyes one last time, then walks past Mist and out the door.
Mist glances over to Geoffrey. ``At least you tried. I
don't want to see Elincia go etiher,'' sadness showing in her
eyes. ``But it is dangerous here too, especially with what's
happened while you've been gone. Everyone is upset for different
reasons, and Elincia has focused on some of the more
downtrodden. Rumors are moving around that Elincia's involvement
can't be allowed to continue.. she has the nobels scared, don't
you see? Some people on the council genuinely believe her
marriage to the Shou could be a diplomatic win, but many others
see it as a convenient way to make her disappear.''
``I'm not about to let that happen.''
Scene II
Geoffrey lands softly on his feat after vaulting over the
fence surrounding the Luenath estate. He dashes over into a
bush, with Mist landing behind him. Moving quickly with purpose,
Geoffrey navigates the gardens to the side of the house. Mist
places her back to the wall and cups her hands. Geoffrey setups
up, jumps, and grabs the bottom of the balcony, swinging himself
upwards. Mist darts off to unlock the back gate.
He slides the balcony door open, and pulls his rope and
climbing hook out of his pack, preparing for Elincia's quick
escape. Nostalgia once again grips Geoffrey, even if Elincia was
less of the pure princess she used to be, her room had changed
little.
``Elincia, I'm going to ged you out of here. I have some
friends who can take care of you.'' Geoffrey pauses for her
response. Upon hearing nothing walks forward to the bed. He
glances it over, and throws off the blankets, finding nothing
but a sealed letter on a pillow.
Scene III
Geoffrey finds himself back in the Baron's office, but
instead of sitting in the chair, Geoffrey is standing with his
back against the bookcase. The Baron is animated, discussing
with Greil. one of the head Arbiters. The letter sits on the
table.
Greil turns to Geoffrey, ``This letter sounds like
something you would write. I find it hardly surprising that the
troublemaker Geoffrey was the one to educate the perpatrator.
The only reasons you're not already in jail, are because the
Baron and Champion Mist have claimed your innocence. As Rolf was
your student, this falls to you, and I suppose is your chance to
solve you mess.'' Greil splits his glances with the Baron and
Geoffrey. ``I think you're a good agent Geoffrey, but don't fail
me.'' With that, Greil leaves and closes the door.
Geoffrey looks to the Baron, ``Thank you. Without your word
as well I would have surely been excecuted on the spot, given my
relationship with Greil.''
The Baron shakes his head, ``Without you we would have no
hope of recovering my daughter. Mist told me what happened last
night and the discussion you had with Serventus. Several plots
are in motion here, but if we're to get Elincia back without
losing something more you and Mist have to find Rolf. While
you're away I will continue to talk with the council - but
balance is tennuous at best.''
Scene IV
A few weeks later Geoffrey and Mist find themselves on the
outskirts of the town.
``We'll find Rolf, and we'll find Elincia. Out of everyone,
you know Rolf best. I'm going to scout around Dambrath and
surrounding areas, but Rolf knows that Elincia won't remain
hidden long here. If I pick up any leads I'll let you know and
contact you - I'm not about to let this go either.''
``Thanks Mist. I'll let you know if I find anything too. I
think my best options are to explore some of the realms
inbetween here and the Sea of Fallen Stars. I still have some
allies there, which may be able to help.'' Geoffrey hugs Mist,
``Take care of yourself Mist, and don't get in too deep without
me.''
Epilogue
Geoffrey journied carefully through Unterland and Tymanther,
occasionally finding hints of Elincia and Rolf in the form of
rumors and second-hand news. Eventually he found himself in
Turmish, renting a boat to prepare a journey to Grand
Halen/Impiltur in search of his companions. However
complications with the captain of the ship caused a delay in
Olleh, Ilha Mercador, when Geoffrey heard rumors about a large
metal man and some interesting crew making noise in Halshan...
#Post#: 1316--------------------------------------------------
Lyrina
By: Rognvaldr Date: February 23, 2016, 9:16 pm
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For at least a short amount of time, Lyrina worked with Guymon
Skarfunkel, hoping to help him restore his library and learn his
magic. Unfortunately, his sexism and ageism made it so that she
was just doing household chores for him and subject to his...
strange ways. It seemed like he didn't really understand why you
were there. As you cleaned up after him, you found some items
around which caught your eye. Every so often you'd feel strange
arcane forces in the dust which settled on his desk, or in vials
he left in the lavatory.
You gain:
3x Dust of Disappearance
5x Dust of Dryness
3x Dust of Sneezing and Choking
1x Eversmoking Bottle
2x Philter of Love
2x Oil of Slipperiness
1x Potion of Growth
#Post#: 1323--------------------------------------------------
Re: Two Years Earlier
By: Duncan Seastove Date: February 24, 2016, 8:46 am
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[quote]2x Oil of Slipperiness[/quote]
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
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