1. Journals

Session 16: Action and Dialogue

Session

Continued from Session 15: The Chase.

Constable Amos and his superior officer, Watch Commander Surt went to the Dark Horse Den in Darin's Folly. There, Surt hoped to talk to the Imperial Watch about the investigation of Allan's murder so that the Vigilants could take over the case. They met Captain Trevithick of the Watch, who was already on the second floor of the gambling hall with a few other men. The captain didn't seem to have any problems with the Vigilants being there or doing any investigation. He said that they had already been examining the crime scene upstairs, and when asked about the arcane circle the captain recalled the case of Goteg, an orc who used Blood Magic. He was captured three or four years ago and was currently imprisoned at the Keep of Order. He also mentioned that they had gathered a few potential witnesses that saw Allan with Braelyn last night, but the Watch had not interviewed any of them yet. Surt and Amos looked over the crime scene, and Surt found a note, presumably written by Allan to his friend Kennick:

Old friend, I am sorry that there is a need for me to write this, or you to read. But it seems that my time nears, and there is no procrastination in the hands of She Who Keeps. Do not let unfortunate circumstances prevent you from your calling. Speak to the people, even if they do not listen. And take care of Kith; she will need a strong soul to look after her. Tell your friends that I tried, but could not find the person behind their troubles.

Surt said that he would continue the investigation at the Dark Horse Den so that Amos could return to the Seat of Law in Tradefair and meet with the rest of the group. Once Amos was reunited with Tor'in, Meriel, and Darrenstinian. They shared what happened while they were separated as they made their way to Oldkeep to listen to Kennick's speech. Meriel recalled Kith's divine gift of music that they heard about, and wondered if had any connection to what Mordenkai said about the Listener and the Singers.

After arriving at the plaza in Oldkeep, Tor'in and Meriel scouted around for possible dangers. Amos gave Allan's note to Kennick, who said he would read it later because he wanted to focus on the upcoming speech. In a line of carriages commonly used for public taxi services, Tor'in noticed one that stuck out. Other carriages were plain and painted in standard black, but one looked like it had been been modified from a much fancier and upscale carriage. Amos made the pretense of examining the carraige driver's legal documents and paperwork, and then recognized the driver as the same one that arrived with Lady Zara fae'Fournius two nights ago. After they had a brief conversation, Lady Fournius invited the constable into the carriage. She explained that she was curious about The Solari and wanted to her the speech. She was thinking of extending an invitation to the Fournius Remembrance Ball.

Shortly after their talk, Kennick began his speech. He talked about how he heard of Solarian after the Battle of Viterbo against Akkad, but had a vision of him before news of the battle had reached the city. As he was giving his speech, Nestor Soranus, owner of the Gilded Stage, arrived with a small mob and interrupted. Nestor had lost a son in battle against Akkad's undead, and the mob with him had also lost loved ones or were injured or maimed in battle. Nestor angrily felt that they were forgotten and excluded while Solarian was lauded a hero. While the others took up defensive positions around the crowd, Amos approached them to magically Soothe Nestor's emotions. This calmed him down, although his followers were still wound up, and Tor'in noticed a few simple weapons amongst them.

While focused on the crowd, Artellus Prusun had climbed on the platform near Kennick and began to speak out.  He offered words of compromise, and like Amos, used magic to soothe the rest of the crowd. He approached the mob, all smiles, and although not welcomed by them, they were not hostile. Nestor seemed open to talking to Artellus, and the priest led Nestor and his followers away.

Continues in Session 17: Inklings.

Player Notes