(Read the previous chapter here.)
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Setup: Did Bhart see Leira this morning? [To conflict] 50+0 surge=50 No. +2 Surge.
[Scene 1, Surge count 2]
Main Thread: Tristan’s Wedding
Minor Threads: Leira and Thieves Guild; Bhart’s Career; Conspiracy against the King
“I need a job!”
Bhartram looks up from his work to see the bard Tristan standing just inside the backyard of the Faint Mule Inn. Bhart sits on a small stool building traps for the farmer’s orders. Scattered around him are various planks of wood, dowels, ropes, nails, and tools. In the corner of the yard stands a shed with its door wide open and more building materials sticking out.
“You have a job, Tristan,” Bhart reminds him. “You’re a bard.”
“I know. But I need to get a steady job.” Tristan then proceeds to tell his friend about the visit from Whilbur Freedane, Maegan’s father, the previous day and the plan to win Maegan’s mother’s blessing for their marriage.
“So I guess you’ve decided to marry her,” Bhart states, remembering that Tristan was still on the fence due to Maegan’s deception about her true identity.
“Her father assured me that her feelings for me are genuine. And I’d be fooling myself if I said I haven’t fallen for her over these past months.”
“Well, that’s great!” Bhart exclaims, rising to his feet and clapping him on the back. “But the wedding's only in a few days, that is if you were sticking to the original schedule.”
“I know. I don’t have much time.”
“Can you postpone?”
“Of course, but Cherry . . . I mean Maegan’s been so looking forward to it, I don’t want her to wait any longer. Not to mention, if we can convince her mother I would want to have the ceremony as soon as possible before she has a chance to change her mind.”
“Ceremony’s not really a problem,” Bhart reminds him. “All the plans are made with Hattia to hold it at the Wooden Frost Giant’s Flagon. The challenge is finding you a job. Today, if at all possible. What skills do you have?”
“Other than music, not much,” Tristan responds, shoulders slumped. “I guess I can do physical labor. And it doesn’t even have to be for long. Just till after the wedding.”
Bhart thinks for a moment. While he does, he glances around the yard at the partially completed traps.
“I have a thought,” he says. “Tristan, how do you feel about getting into the trap making business?”
“But I know nothing about building traps.”
“Actually, I had something else in mind. Are you free this afternoon?”
Tristan confirms and the two spend the next half hour discussing their new business arrangement.
[Scene 2, Surge count 2]
Main Thread: Conspiracy against the King
Minor Threads: Leira and Thieves Guild; Bhart’s Career; Tristan’s Wedding
[What is the nature of the meeting? C.Q. = Refuse/The innocent
Captain Fiststeel knows that Harper was one of the people who foiled the assassination attempt. While, as far as she knows, he’s innocent of any knowledge of her involvement in the plan, Fiststeel refuses to be comfortable with that assumption and needs to find out what information Harper might have.]
Captain Sacreelia Fiststeel sits at her desk and reads over Lieutenant Rynit’s report on Harper Wyghtwing. Fiststeel recognized him almost immediately after he joined the King’s Guard as one of the “Saviors of the Sacrament,” the name the citizens have given the small group that thwarted the King’s assassination. His record appears exemplary and his loyalty to the King and Guard is unquestionable, a trait which concerns the Captain. Should Wyghtwing ever suspect her, would she be able to convince him that she is indeed loyal as well. It was time for her to test what he knows or suspects.
Fiststeel’s office
“Serell!” She calls out. The door to her chamber opens and a page steps in. “Has Guard Wyghtwing arrived?”
“Yes, Captain. He is here.”
“Let him in.” She glances once more at the report as Serell exits and Harper enters. The door closes behind him.
“Harper Wyghtwing,” Fiststeel says as she stands to shake his hand. “I’ve been reading Rynit’s report and it appears you have done well these past few weeks.”
“Yes, Captain,” Harper responds. “It’s an honor serving the King.”
[Random words: idealize pale]
“I remember meeting you back at the Sacrament ceremony.” She flashes Harper a wide smile. “You performed a great service for Duskcall that day, you and your friends.”
“Thank you,” Harper responds, blushing slightly, remembering that, in reality, he didn’t even arrive on the stage until after the assassins were apprehended. “We were just doing what any good citizen should have done.”
“Still, it must have been exciting for you. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if part of the reason you joined the Guard was in the hopes of similar adventures. The reality of mundane patrols must pale in comparison to those idealized expectations.”
[Charater’s reactions will be determined by a MND challenge, with the winner being more convincing, or intimidating, depending on the nature of the conversation. Fiststeel has a 1 MND. She also has the Charisma skill which gives her advantage on persuasion or intimidation rolls.
MND Roll F: 8+1=9 H: 6+3=9 Tie. Harper is even keel.]
“If things get excited I’ll be ready,” Harper assures her. “But a quiet patrol is a safe patrol.”
Fiststeel accepts his response but can’t help and wonder if he’s just being careful not to sound proud.
[Random words: hall have]
“I’m glad you don’t find patrol too boring. However, getting back to the assassination attempt, as you are aware the assassins had infiltrated the King’s Guard and had men positioned on stage. Which brings me to the reason for this meeting. Your involvement that day is no secret amongst the Guard and I would imagine that makes you a popular person around here.”
[Have other guardsmen shown an interest in him because of this? to Knowledge 97+2 surge=99 Yes, and unexpectedly (17) six degrees (a meaningful connection is made between two characters) - oh crap, Harper will begin to suspect Fiststeel Surge resets.
MND Roll: F: 7+1=8 H: 9+3=12 Harper wins and knows to be cautious.]
Harper has had many conversations over the past couple of months about the assassination attempt but decides to keep that close to the chest until he has a better feel for where the Captain is heading with all this. “I’ve spoken with a Guard or two about that day.”
“What I am most interested in,” Fiststeel cuts to the chase, “Is any information about additional spies or traitors. In your discussions, Wyghtwing, have you heard anything in these halls, whether it be fact or rumor, that might help identify anyone else who might be part of the conspiracy?”
[Instead of making another Oracle check, I’m going to assume from the Six Degrees result that he has heard tidbits and rumors, but the last MND roll is still in play.]
“Of course, there has been concern about another attempt on the King’s life and the possibility that there might be more traitors,” Harper admits. “Beyond that, however, I have heard no concrete accusations.”
[MND roll to determine if Fiststeel believes him: F: 8+1 MND=9 H: 1,1 crit fail. It’s obvious to her that Harper’s holding back. Does she suspect he knows about her involvement? To Conflict: 97+0 surge Yes, but . . . she also thinks that she might just be paranoid. Surge resets/stays at 0]
For the record, has Harper already begun to connect the dots. A successful MND roll says yes. 4,2+3 MND=9]
Harper pauses a bit too long between sentences, making it clear to Fiststeel that he’s choosing his words carefully. “Are you sure you haven’t heard anything?” she pushes. “It’s been my experience that people are eager to share opinions and theories.” [Since she is using intimidation, I’ll make another MND check with advantage for Charisma skill: F: 1,2,1+1=4 H: 5+3=8 Harper is still in control.
Random words: elfin nurse]
Thoughts fly through Harper’s brain. Of course, he and the others had discussed the Huntsmen’s involvement in the Guard and how that could have been possible. All sorts of theories were offered and everyone was named as a suspect at some point, even Captain Fiststeel herself. Most were said in jest or dismissed as ridiculous. But this current line of questioning has stirred something up specifically about Captain Fisteel that he wishes he could remember.
“Nothing that I would put any real faith in, Captain,” Harper says. Then, hoping to give her something and end this conversation he quickly adds, “The most credible theory is Shum’s. He believes the elves were behind the whole thing. But he was nursing his third mug of ale at the time and you know elves aren’t very well-liked in the city.” Harper gives a quick laugh which betrays his opinion of the theory.
“Yes, I do,” Fiststeel agrees and smiles back, showing her dismissal of the idea as well. “Well then, I think we are about done. Keep your ears open, Wyghtwing, and if you hear anything let me know.”
“Yes, Captain,” Harper replies and quickly exits the room, his haste not lost Fiststeel.
Captain Fiststeel sits back down and stares at the closed door. What does Wyghtwing know? Why was he holding back? That crap about the elves was just to appease her. She was sure of that. Was it because he knows that she was in charge of the entire assassination plot? Did he become a King’s Guard, to keep an eye on her?
Eventually, she had to tell herself to stop, that she was probably just being paranoid. It was more likely that Wyghtwing was simply nervous in front of his commander.
[Has Fiststeel replaced the fallen Huntsmen? To Conflict - 1+0=1 No, and unexpectedly (11) limelit (the rest of the scene goes great for the PC). Well, that was going to happen anyway. surge stays at 0]
Still, Sacreelia Fiststeel wishes she had replaced the Huntsmen who were exposed during the Sacrament. If for no other reason, to have someone to keep an eye on Harper Wyghtwing, or perhaps see to it that he is killed if need be.
[Scene 3, Surge count 0]
Main Thread: Conspiracy against the King
Minor Threads: Leira and Thieves Guild; Bhart’s Career; Tristan’s Wedding
Meanwhile, Harper walks the halls of the castle on his way back to the barracks. The nagging thought keeps running through his head that something was off about the meeting with Captain Fiststeel. He was expecting a “get to know the troops” talk, or perhaps even a performance review. What he didn’t expect was to be grilled about rumors concerning an event that happened two months ago. Did she seem a bit too eager for information? And what was it that this meeting reminded him of?
As he exits the castle and crosses the training yard it came to him. Several of the other Guardsmen commented on the Captain’s frequent meetings with the Guards who turned out to be traitors. They were summoned to her quarters twice, sometimes three times as often as any other Guard, especially the one Harper knew as Shylock, the Huntsman Lieutenant.
Could that be it? Could there be any truth to the rumors that Captain Fiststeel might have helped set up the assassination attempt? Part of Harper didn’t want to believe it, but then he remembered Leira’s comment after the event about it being odd that the Captain would send Guardsmen away from the King to deal with disturbances in the crowd.
Harper didn’t know what he had stumbled upon, if anything, but he was going to keep his ears and eyes open. If the King’s life was still in danger, this time he wasn’t going to fail.
[Scene 4, Surge count 0]
Main Thread: Tristan’s Wedding
Minor Threads: Leira and Thieves Guild; Bhart’s Career; Conspiracy against the King
Duskcall Marketplace
The Duskcall street market is a hustle and bustle of bodies and vendors. Among the crowds are Bhartram Rosemight and Tristan Cleves. While Bhart knows that most of his clientele will be the farmers, he is really limiting his sales by traveling to one farm at a time. If he can reach more people at once he could do well. Setting up a stall in the market place seems like a way he might accomplish that.
Targeting the farmers, the trap maker found a prime spot amongst the food stalls. However, it didn’t appear that Bhart is the only one hoping to use this strategy. Across the street and a few stalls down he spots his previous employer and, in his opinion, inferior trap maker Ugran Hillhide. Urgan stands in front of his stall with a tiny cage in his hand. He waves it around and calls out, “If you’ve got rats, I’ve got traps!”
“I don’t know about this, Bhart,” Tristan says with concern. “Do we really have to sell here? Urgan’s a good guy. I’d hate to steal his business.”
“Hmph,” Bhart scoffs. “‘A Hillhide trap is a piece of crap’ would be a more accurate slogan.”
“I don’t think that would attract many customers,” Tristan replies.
Bhart sighs. “I wasn’t serious. Anyway, you know what to do. Now get out in the street and do your thing.” He waves the bard away toward the street with the back of his hands.
Tristan steps out into the crowd, drawing amused looks from the citizens passing by. He wears motley minstrel’s garb, much more colorful than anything he would typically don for a performance. It does its job, however, as he is quickly the center of attention.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” Tristan calls out. “May I have your attention please.“ As more people stop and gather Tristan strums out a tune on his lute that sounds something like this.
Then he begins to sing:
Farmhand, Are varmints getting you down?
I said, farmhand, there’s a fox just roamin’ around
I said, farmhand, if crows are making you frown.
I have news to make you happy
Innkeep, you hear rats in your walls.
I said, Shopkeep, mice are invading your stalls.
You can stop them, if my words you just heed.
My friend Bhart has just what you need.
Bhart Rosemight makes the best T - R - A - Ps
Oh yeah he builds the best T - R - A - Ps
Bhart has everything to remove all your woes.
Those foxes, rats, mice, and crows
Bring it on down to Trapperville!
With this last line, Tristan swings his lute around his back, takes a step forward, and thrusts his hands out, one palm up in front of him and one up over his head, giving them a slight wave.
The crowd claps and several walk over to Bhart’s stall to see what kinds of traps he is selling. [What is Hillhide’s response per Playeveryrole.com - (Negative disposition)? a fearful response] Bhart looks across the street at his former boss who stares back with bewilderment and concern. Bhart’s mouth turns up in a wide grin.
[Scene 5, Surge count 0]
Main Thread: Tristan’s Wedding
Minor Threads: Leira and Thieves Guild; Bhart’s Career; Conspiracy against the King
[The purpose of this scene is to convince Ambra Freedane that Maegan and Tristan should marry. There will be four individuals who may influence Ambra’s decision. Each individual will make a MND challenge at the appropriate time. (Ambra’s MND is 2). If she loses 3 or more of the challenges she will agree to the marriage. If she only loses 2, either Maegan or her father (MND 1) will need to work a little harder and win a challenge to change her mind. If Ambra only loses 1, both Maegan and father will have to win challenges. If Ambra wins all the initial challenges, she is firm and will not allow the marriage.]
Tristan stands in the Freedane’s elegant living room. Ambra and Whilbur Freedane sit in matching high-backed cushioned lounge chairs. Each chair is covered in dark red upholstery highlighted with gold embroidery. Off to the side, Maegan sits on a matching sofa. She is dressed in a simple deep blue dress and her short, wavy red hair is adorned with small white flowers. The rest of the furniture in the room is made from polished dark wood and brass fixtures. Silver and gold candelabras provide light, as well as a bright glowing sphere that hangs on a chain from the center of the ceiling. Tristan can only assume this mysterious globe is powered by some magical force.
“And it is because of my love and admiration for your daughter, Mrs. Freedane,” Tristan says already in the midst of his appeal, “That I have come to a major decision in my life. I have chosen to abandon my uncertain career in the bard’s trade . . . or at least set it aside for the time being.” This last part he quickly adds as an aside after glancing at Maegan and seeing her face fall. She is completely unaware of Tristan and her father’s plan and the bard knows she would never want him to give up his music, even if it means they can marry.
“Instead,” Tristan continues. “I have recently acquired a position working for an esteemed tradesman, a skilled maker of traps who hails from a line of honored trap-makers.” While all this is technically true, he does his best to make Bhart sound more like a world-renowned artisan instead of a relative nobody who learned the trade from his dad.
[Tristan will use his charisma skill to get an advantage. Also, charisma rolls are at -1 due to the scar he received in the catch-up to this campaign.
T: 2,6,5-1+3 MND=13 A: 1,1 Crit fail which means nothing special. 1 Challenge Lost]
Ambra’s face brightens a bit at Tristan’s employer’s impressive credentials.”Oooh, sounds like there might be some potential, Mr. Cleves. Is your master anyone we might know?”
“Oh, I’m afraid not,” Tristan admits. “He only just recently started serving the fine citizens and farms of Duskcall. It may take several weeks for his business to grow in this city, but he will make a name for himself. I assure you that. In fact, I believe ‘ole Ugran Hillhide is already scrambling to keep his customers.”
“Stable work in a good trade is an important step in providing for a family,” Ambra agrees, then turns to her daughter. “Still dear, young Mr. Cleves is just getting started. It will be some time, if ever, before he saves enough to provide for you and the lifestyle you have grown up with. Kenneth Robinchild, however, already has an established apprenticeship with his father. He will soon have his own clients and be able to offer you a lifestyle well beyond that of a trapmaker.”
Maegan’s face sours and her eyes roll. “Mom! You know it’s not about the money or the lifestyle. I want passion. I want love. And frankly, Kenneth has the personality of an owl: stiff, head in the trees, intelligent but without feelings.” She turns and beams at her fiance. “Tristan makes me happy. He cares for me more than he does his job. And I hope he doesn’t give up his music completely. The songs from his lute brighten my day . . . it brightens everyone’s day. In fact, it’s my dream that one day we can perform together. Oh, mom!” She clutches her hands to her chest. “You know how much I love the stage.”
[MND roll (Maegan has MND 2): Mgn: 1,3+2 MND=6 A: 6,5+2 MND=13 1 Win, 1 Loss]
“I know. I know. But my sweet, dear Maegan, dress rehearsals and happy tunes don’t satisfy the creditors. I only indulged your acting fancy to give you something to do until we found a worthy suitor to take care of you. Once you’re married to Kenneth and have children you’ll have a real life with real responsibilities and won’t need a pretend life anymore.”
Tristan holds his breath as he watches Maegan’s enraged face turn a shade redder than her hair. Before she loses it completely and launches into her mother with a stream of obscenities that would make everyone in the room blush, Tristan jumps in.
“With all due respect, Mrs. Freedane, I come from a family that has done well for themselves. I live in my own house and can already provide your daughter with a home. And money won’t be a problem.”
Ambra gives him an icy stare. “Am I not correct, Mr. Cleves, that our daughter came to us just a couple of weeks ago looking for an advance on her dowry so you could pay a fine and be released from jail. Do you think I’m going to allow my girl to marry a broke criminal?”
“Ambra!” Whilbur Freedane jumps to his feet. “Watch your manners! Tristan is a guest in our house . . . my guest . . . and you will show him the respect he deserves. As far as those trumped-up charges, had I known Tristan before that all happened I would have probably paid the fine myself . . . right before having the dog’s owner thrown in jail himself for reckless endangerment of Duskcallian citizens.
“And Kenneth Robinchild? Really, Ambra? He barely knows the law, he loses most of his cases, and he has no head for business. In fact, he actually paid his last client to let him represent them just so he could get more experience. I bet in three years he’ll be unhirable. Then he and Maegan will be broke, homeless, and unhappy.
“Has he even shown any interest in getting married to anyone, let alone Maegan? If so, I haven’t seen it and I certainly haven’t heard Maegan talk about him like she does this young man standing before us. She hasn’t stopped doting on him since she told us about him. Have you listened? She can’t wait to be with him. They’re already engaged. And I approve!”
[MND Roll: W: 6,5+1 MND = 12 A: 1,1 crit fail, again. 1 win, 2 loses]
Sufficiently chastened, Ambra places her folded hands in her lap and bows her head, unwilling to look her husband in the eye. She and Whilbur have talked about this many times before and she knew there was truth in what her husband said about Kenneth Robinchild. However, she had hoped that all he needed was a little confidence and more practice. Besides, she knew nothing about this Tristan person.
Ambra’s thoughts are suddenly interrupted by a ruckus coming from the direction of the front door. They can hear the butler arguing with someone.
“Sir, you can not go in there.”
“I know, but it’s important that I speak with Tristan right away.”
Just then, Bhart rushes through the arched entry to the living room and looks in Tristan’s direction. Right behind him follows the frazzled butler.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Freedane. I tried to stop him.” Whilbur waves the butler away with a flick of his hand, curious as to what this stranger wants.
“Sorry to interrupt, Mr. and Mrs. Freedane. Maegan,” Bhart says as he crosses the room to speak with his friend. “Tristan, you need to come with me right away. The marketplace was a success! We received over a dozen new orders. I need help right away building the traps.”
“But Bhart,” Tristan objects. “You know I have no idea how to make . . .”
“How to make more time in the day?” Bhart cuts Tristan off before he can inadvertently expose the ruse. “Neither do I. That’s why I need your help! Together we can meet the deadline.” He grabs Tristan’s arm and begins to drag him out of the room. “Partner, we are going to be rich!” he exclaims as they disappear from sight.
Once outside, Tristan pulls free and demands an explanation. “What is this all about? Was my advertising really that effective?”
“I may have exaggerated a bit,” Bhart admits. “But we did get a couple of orders.”
“Why then would you burst in and drag me out before I’ve had a chance to convince Cherry’s mom?” Tristan asks, flustered enough to revert to using Maegan’s stage name.
“I thought it might help. You’re trying to convince Mrs. Freedane that you’re a successful merchant. Right?. I figured if I came in announcing that we had more orders than one man can handle and that we’re going to make a lot of money, that would be impressive.” Bhart glances back at the mansion. “Do you think it worked?”
[MND roll: B: 6,5+3 MND=14 A: 5,5+2 MND=12 Both high rolls and a close result. I guess she was turned off at the extremely bourgeois display but had to admit that Tristan might be able to provide for her daughter better than she originally thought. 1 Win. 3 Losses. Ambra approves of the marriage.]
[Scene 6, Surge count 0]
Main Thread: Tristan’s Wedding
Minor Threads: Leira and Thieves Guild; Bhart’s Career; Conspiracy against the King
Maegan has changed into her sleeping gown, climbed into her bed, and is about to blow out the single candle on the nightstand when there is a soft rapping on her door.
“Sweet dear, may I come in?”
Recognizing her mother’s voice, Maegan gives her permission. Ambra Freedane enters and sits in a chair next to the bed. She reaches out and takes her daughter’s hand in one of her own. Her free hand gently strokes Maegan’s hair.
“Can you forgive me?” Ambra asks.
“For what, Mom. You were just looking out for my best interests.” Despite her anger earlier, the girl loves her mother and knows that she would never intentionally cause her pain. Maegan also is well aware that she hasn’t always been the model daughter, giving Ambra good reason to be concerned.
“That’s true, but I also should be looking out for your heart. I like things. I like status. And I was judging your happiness based on what I like. But you are not me. And your father’s right. Kenneth Robinchild is a bit of a dolt.” They both smile at that. “What I’m trying to say is that if you are sure Mr. Cleves is the man for you, then I approve of you marrying him.”
“Oh, mother! Thank you!” Maegan raises up and begins to throw her arms around her mother’s neck until Ambra stops her.
“Under one condition.”
Concern fills Maegan’s head as she asks what.
“That your father and I oversee the wedding.”
“But it’s only two days away.”
“Yes,” Ambra agrees. “We would prefer that you push it back a few weeks, but I know you’re too stubborn to do that. Still, your father and I have connections . . . and money . . . and we should be able to do something nice for you.”
Ambra gives her daughter a big, loving smile and this time allows her girl to give her a great big hug.
Wrap-Up:
Typically, I don’t draw attention to my cultural references and just let them speak for themselves. If the reader gets it, great. If not, no big deal. However, since this chapter’s reference is rather front and center, obscure (especially if you don’t live in the U.S.), and a bit out of character for the rest of the story in its absurdity, I thought I should at least provide a link to one of the skits on which the marketplace scene is based.
(Read the next chapter here.)
