Session Thirty-Five - March 11, 2006

[Matt]

The Kept Man

Kelen 8, 731 TR

Now that we’ve arrived in Tashal, we need to go about getting settled for our activities. We also need to arrange for an entre to the invitation-only Queen Chelebin Tournament in Olokand in Larane. We make a list of what, besides lodging, we will need to buy. The first thing we do is to go to a clothier for garments befitting our stations in Kaldor.

Upon arriving at the establishment of Haber of Sarlis (clothier) we find that there are seasonal colors, chosen annually by the King, which everyone of station (or pretending to) follow. This year the color is a variant of red (green being the color of social death, which does not thrill the green loving elf). Sir Baris and Sir Ewen are able to have one of their existing outfits updated to current fashion with no problem. Bevan and Imarë each need to get new outfits, the ones they have are not suitable color-wise. Upon hearing Sir Ewen’s name, Haber says he has an order ready for him that came in a couple of months ago, and brings him a package. It contains a surcoat with his heraldic achievement and a smaller badge for his squire, which also bears the same. Sir Ewen is informed that this has already been paid for. Sir Baris, not having such a fairy godmother, has to order the same for himself. In the end the knights spend 460d each and the ladies spend 760d each and all have two outfits which are in appropriate colors. Not knowing the city and the merchants, we ask about a tentmaker. He gives us the name of one of the best and we head off there.

Entering the shop we see being made a large tent which is trimmed in red and black, the very colors of our own Sir Ewen. Upon hearing his name the tentmaker, Aldin of Charion, he exclaims that his tent, already paid for of course, is almost ready (the large one we saw upon entry). He is not able to manufacture another like it in time for the tournament but he knows someone in Olokand – Shawe of Lemra – who rents them for attendees and can handle the reservation for us. For a fee he is willing to transport the tent for Sir Ewen to Olokand and set it up, as well as transport some other items for us. Once we finish here, we head off and get the camp furniture we need next door and arrange for it to be on the same cart the tent is.

Our next stop is a weapon crafter for less lethal weapons, which are used in tournaments. Sir Ewen (Rahel evidently did not arrange for weapons) chose a sword (90d), a great helm, mail leggings, a kurbul breastplate w/ quilt underlayment, and a cap to fit under the helm for an additional 790d. Sir Baris decides on a broadsword (150d) and a battleaxe (50d). Along with this he gets himself a great helm with a quilt arming cap for a total of 390d for all. Each also purchases a dozen lances at 48d each. Feeling very satisfied with our purchases (or gifts as the case may be), we close our day of shopping and decide to go back to the Tower Inn for dinner.

There are a lot of guildsmen in attendance at dinner but we are able to have our usual conversation. We talk mainly about a subject which came up at breakfast, the story of the Earl of Osel.

It seems the good Earl, one of only five in the kingdom (Neph, Balim, Vemion, Olokand (the King) and Osel), has been missing for over ten years but nothing has been done about it. For all this time, his wife has been administering the estates since he has no heirs. If he were to be declared dead, the title would revert to the Crown but this has not happened. It is believed that if he were to be declared dead it would cause a huge vacuum in the fabric of Kaldor (social and governmental). The missing lord ( Sedris Meleken) was known as a good man, was diligent in investigating crimes which occurred in his jurisdiction and was known as an honorable man. He is the 12th Earl, making the family old and established but there are no male claimants for his title (they would surely have pressed their claim if there were). His wife, Thilisa, seems to have done a good job on running his estates and keeping up on what was due in taxes and service. Her family of origin is unknown. We are still in amazement over the depth to the library which Rahel keeps half a continent away. It is decided that this might be a good place for the party to (discreetly) stick its collective nose in, perhaps being able to gain an advantage in our mission. A good evening is had by all.

Kelen 9, 731 TR

In the morning, Bevan decides to send notes to a couple of her old friends who live in the city in order to start networking. She sends messages off to Astarock, a sorcerer who is known for being a little off center, and Sir Ilken Zuvonx, a Thardan knight who is also in the service of Lord Graver. Once this has been accomplished, we head to her mercantyler friend Pesera to get the name of a good agent to secure a house for our use while going about our mission, one suitable for our standing and for entertainment.

When we arrive and Sir Baris and Sir Ewen are introduced (Imarë met him upon her last visit to Tashal), Sir Ewen finds his reputation has preceded him once again and that a line of credit has been established for him that he can draw all necessary expenses from (he does not know the limit, which to say the least is very unusual). As it happens, Pesera knows of several houses available in the Haldana and Medrik sections of the city, both desirable locations. We end up renting a three story stone house with stables in the Haldana section for £10 per year for three years (it is 4200 square feet). Upon hearing about his new source of funds, Sir Ewen returns to the weaponcrafter and ups his order of lances to six dozen, three dozen for each himself and Sir Baris. It would not do to be caught looking wanting something while establishing ourselves (and the price of lances go up a shilling at the beginning of the next month). We then return to the Tower Inn where a note is awaiting Bevan from Sir Ilken inviting her to visit anytime she wants to.

Not being creatures of great patience, Bevan and the group decide to go and visit that very afternoon (Imarë remembering the excellent cooking of Mrs. Baum, the housekeeper). Upon arriving at his gates (along the northern wall of the city with its own grounds, a very desirable location indeed), we notice that different guards (or for that matter guards) are on duty at the gate. They are what are deemed light foot, ring mail with half helms armed with spears and shortswords. They also bear heraldic devices, which is recognized as that of Lord Roulon of Tharda, the Baron of Stimos. We are greeted by Mrs. Baum warmly and shown into the great hall. It is once again remarked upon that there is very little, if any, metal in the house (either in construction or furnishings). Shortly Sir Ilken (blonde hair, blue eyes and a handsome man of around 30) greets us, eyes twinkling with confidence and joy of life. With him comes an older man, a hard bitten veteran warrior by look. His clothing is impeccable (in the appropriate red). He wears a chain of office, gold with a white rose. He is Lord Eddas Roulon, Baron of Stimos, ambassador of the King of Tharda to the court of the King of Kaldor. We are introduced to the man and are greeted warmly. It is at this time we find out that Sir Ilken lives in Tharda House, the official residence of the representative to Kaldor. We then settle down to a nice conversation where some of our questions about conditions are answered.

Sir Ewen requests more information of the Earl of Osel. We are told that his disappearance has reached mythic proportions and that it is usual to have a toast to the man at gatherings. A person who has not been seen for awhile is said to have “pulled an Osel.” There seems to be little concern over his actual vanishing. What is known is this: he set off one day looking for the murderer of his squire. The Earl and his squire were “very close” and the gossip is that the lack of heirs is due to similar inclinations between the two. It is also said that the King is smitten with his wife, which may account for his not declaring the Earldom vacant. So far it is said that she has resisted the advances (Queen Hesena is also rumored to be attractive despite her years). There is a rumor circulating that the Earl was seen entering Tashal two or three years ago through the Kald Gate. He originally left in 719, two years before the current King ascended the throne and has been missing a dozen years. His wife is the daughter of the Earl of Vemion and her name is Thilisa. She has a brother, Sir Urien Caldeth, but she is by far the smarter of the two. Sir Maldan Harabor is the only one who seemingly finds the situation distressing. He is a bastard son of the former King and perhaps fancies himself in the position. Urien Caldeth has married Cheselyne Hosath, the daughter of Lady Cheselyne Hosath (granddaughter of King Torastra). So far the King has turned a deaf ear to turning south and expanding to Chybisa. It is rumored that Sir Maldan is a bastard in every sense of the word and nurses some kind of grudge (he had been thwarted in his attempt to gain the throne for himself). Lord Roulon offers invitations to the tournament in question under his own banner (he has brought no one who could enter the tournament themselves) and only wishes that Sir Maldan’s son Mirald is humiliated in the games. To end his dynastic ambitions the family must be outfaced and by the lance (he is unable to do this himself in his position). We end the very profitable afternoon (both in information and invitations).

Kelen 10-12, 731 TR

The party spends these days moving and getting settled in the new house.

Kelen 13, 731 TR

Now at the new ‘Gray House,’ we get a message which reads “Dinner, IB” and is signed “R” (Rhonna, one of the Morganettes). After this we decide to go the Iron Bell for dinner, where Bevan spies someone who looks familiar but she cannot place them – a pair of men, mid to late 20s with weak chins. The staff is extremely deferential to the pair and they are dressed as nobles. Upon asking the proprietor (Rosak of Kass) who they are, we are told they are the sons of the Earl of Balim, the Lords Scina and Karison Dariune. Scina is married to the King’s daughter.

Then, Rhonna of Fahl enters, quite visibly alone, in a stunning dress of tonan red (named after the dyer who developed it, the developer gets to choose the name of the current “in” color). As she passes the Dariunes she curtsies to them and is acknowledged with undisguised lust. Rosak delivers wine for her without being asked as she reaches the table.

After some small talk, she asks Sir Ewen how he likes his tent. She informs us the Dariunes visit the house of the Courtesans at least every 10 days and they always start their evenings at the Iron Bell. In Tashal, they live in Balim House, just inside the Ternua Gate. The House of the Courtesans is across the city on Chelebin Street next to the wall (a compound). She also informs us that Lady Cheselyne Hosath, the self-proclaimed “First Lady of Tashal” (one wonders how the Queen feels about this…) is holding an event and that she has arranged an invitation for us to attend. She has no idea what current intrigue Cheselyne is up to (she always has one) but this soiree is on the 15th in honor of the Lady of Paladins (Larani). Upon being informed of our afternoon visit with Sir Ilken and Lord Roulon, she believes that an indignity which can be heaped on a Harabor is a good one for “us.” She thinks it would be a good idea if Sir Baris and Sir Ewen get close to the Dariune brothers, the best time perhaps is one of their visits to the Courtesans. The rest of the evening passes pleasantly.

Kelen 14, 731 TR

On the 14th we arrange a staff for the house. We also receive the invitation mentioned the night before. It is for after Soratir on the 15th.

Kelen 15, 731 TR

In the morning, we go around and pick up some of our purchases, namely the clothes ordered and the ruby brooch that Imarë has commissioned at the jeweler. She is told that the value has been increased to 7500d. We also pick up our new clothes so as to be able to attend both the Soratir and the event afterwards. At mid-day the bells of the city start to peal. While we have heard them strike since being in the city, we have never experienced something like this. Sir Baris decides he is not quite over the indignity of Selvos and declines to attend the service but the rest of the party goes (Sir Ewen considering conversion to Laranianism). The church is quite impressive and has a statue of the goddess herself holding a sword. There is also a huge checkered shield held up by 10 life-sized statues of knights. The officiator of the service is the Serolan, Deni Trochi. There are many armed and armored attendees of the service but no guildsmen. Rhonna, Escalus and Sir Ilken are not in attendance, but the Baron of Stimos is. The service is interesting.

At 7:00 the four of us, properly attired, head off to Lady Cheselyne’s house (at the convergence of Chidena and Maranos Way, just off Haldan Square). The gates to the house stand open and men-at-arms are on guard. After showing our invitation we are passed inside to the house, which seems smaller than we expected. The Chamberlain at the top of the three entry steps announces us to the great hall. There are two fireplaces and three tables in the hall and a raised stage. Some of the attendees we recognize, others we do not. Lord Scina Dariune is there as is the Serolan who officiated at the service and Bevan’s friend Astarock (he lives just across the street).

We also see the Lady Cheselyne for the first time. She is in her 50’s, well preserved, with a round face (although the features are chiseled), big eyes, and a straight nose that ends in a small ball. She wears a haughty expression and is impeccably dressed (gown trimmed in the proper shade of red). She wears and extremely long strand of pearls which loop her neck twice yet all hang down fairly low on her torso.

After some conversation Lady Cheselyne came over to Imarë and asked, “And where are you from, dear?”

To which Imarë replied “From the south.”

Really? Near Chybisa?”

“No, a bit further – the Shava Forest.”

“Oh that can’t be – the place is positively riddled with elves.” Lady Cheselyne opined.

“If you say so.”

Lady Cheselyne looked askance at Imarë. “Surely you’re not saying you’re an elf?”

“I guess I am.”

There was an awkwardly long pause as Lady Cheselyne looks incredulous, and then turns to the guests. “Look everyone! She thinks she’s an elf! I propose we find this charming. Everyone simply must meet the ‘elf’ before you leave!”

After that, Imarë became the star attraction of the party.

The Lord Roulon is there with an stunning blonde haired, gray-eyed woman who looks on but does not join the merriment taking place in the hall. The chamberlain announces Lady Peresta Bastune, also in her 50s, not unattractive and with an unannounced young man on her arm. He seems well dressed but docile.

Sir Ewen gets the feeling that the blonde would like to speak with him, and as he goes over, Lord Roulan discreetly withdraws. The lady, speaking for the first time, tells Ewen we have a mutual friend in ‘The Colossus.’ After this she says that we should not let our guard down in the presence of Lady Cheselyne and that she cannot protect us from runaway tongues. She also informs him that the Baron is going to find an excuse to withdraw, parties not being his favorite thing. Shortly afterwards, Sir Baris is taken over to meet Lady Peresta, who is the wife of the Baron of Kolorn and there are rumors of indiscretions on both sides.

While all of this is going on, Bevan goes over to Astarock, who seems surprised that she has not called on him. She informs him that she sent a note days ago but has received no reply. Astarock then goes on a short tirade about the quality of his staff and that he will have to do something about them. He then tells Bevan that he’s thinking of developing a new spell which will turn the Kald the correct shade of red thereby making fun of the entire custom of a social color. He, like the Lady Cheselyne, seems to be a little off the mark. It is remarked later that both could be putting on an act that is very convincing and that it would be a mistake to underestimate either of them.

The Lady Cheselyne comes over to talk to the party again. She says her friend, Lady Peresta has an eye for what she calls “stallions.” She is married but her husband is a notorious philanderer (mentions some unfortunate slang about the quarry he hunts …).

She is very interested in Sir Baris, and would like to get to know him better (wink, wink). Dinner is finally served while Sir Baris dangles. Scina Dariune and others are at the head table with Lady Cheselyne while we are at the end of the table to the right (sans Sir Baris who is seated next to Lady Peresta). We are seated next to the Baron’s companion, who introduces herself as Para Harkthorn. In conversation she mentions that we have not been in Tashal long and that we want to make the “right impression.” She once again mentions our common friend and then the conversation gets a little on the odd side. She suddenly asks Sir Ewen if he would be willing to kill our hostess. After some hemming and hawing he says he will do whatever is necessary. At this point she says at some point this may be needed but not right now. She then gives Sir Ewen a gift from his Lady to wear at the tournament, made of black lace. To end the conversation and the evening she says “You will do well here, and you may take our place here.” The session ends here with Sir Baris trying to decide if he wants to have an affair with a married woman (the knowledge of which might keep him out of the tournament or perhaps her husband would take offence) or to risk snubbing her. Sir Ewen has another token from the Lady Rahel and the knowledge he might be asked to kill the “First Lady of Tashal.” Imarë plays with her new brooch.

[Imarë]

I quoted directly from the GM the word "poon-tang". It is in my notes and is not something I would normally write.

[Lord Ewen]

I quoted directly from the GM the word "poon-tang". It is in my notes and is not something I would normally write.

Sure, sure, a likely story. I say add Talkin Dirty to your character's repertoire of sleezy habits.

BTW, referring to Ewen as a "kept man" is a little too precious, don't you think, in light of the fact that nobody's seen fit to "keep" Imarë for more than a one-night-stand. Ooh wait, there was Selik of Radburn, he came back for seconds. Once. That's the record, I think.

[Matt]

Clearly I'm going to need to restrict the posting privileges on these session notes ...

[Imarë]

How true. But as I recall, my true love was, er, hounded from his residence and then went to the dogs. I make no value judgements here but as Imare recalls, my plot to get my emerald cut resulted in much merriment on my actions. Just thought I would return the favor (heh, heh, heh).

[Lord Ewen]

Fair enough, fair enough. FWIW, I too recall the GM employing the scurrilous expression. Maybe it's of Jarin origin