IC: The Dragonshard War [Eberron] [4E] [Paragon] #1

[Felhammer]

Spoiler: Gerard

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Gerard

Gerard walks with Halix into the other room. The Sentinel Marshal hesitates for a moment, grabbing the back of a chair and leaning on it until the words come out, This is a difficult situation for me Halix. Karrnath is my home, and has a long and storied history, even before your ancestor Galifar united the Kingdom. My family has deep ties to the founding of the nation. I love my country, though I do not love all parts of my country. I was... disappointed to hear that Karrnath had entered the dispute over the mines. It is an obvious escalation, as you say. It is refreshing to hear a similar sentiment to my own within my own borders. Not many Karrns would agree with us. They thirst for war. He looks to the Prince, But you and I both know it can't come to that.

We've only just met, but I get the sense that you have a good head on your shoulders Halix, and that we can trust you. I don't know if you've heard, but we were attacked on the way here. Emerald Claw. The Ambassador has more negotiations to attend to, and we have our own mission to take on now as well. We don't have time to look into this, but finding anything we can about who was behind the attack and why can be decisive. I know a man that might be able to help. He bounces at a tavern called the Crossguard. His name is Vedim Balich. Tell him Gerard Barrimov sent you and needs his help. Gerard grabs a pen off a desk and writes down on a piece of paper, Give him this letter. Nothing may come of it, but it doesn't hurt to try. Can you do that for us Halix? If so, we have a spare speaking stone. You can report your findings, if any, to the group as soon as you receive them.

Spoiler: Letter

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Vedim,

I'm on a sensitive mission at the moment. Diplomatic escort. Attacked by the Emerald Claw. Led by a minotaur calling himself Kairon Godsbane. We killed him. He answered to someone signing the letter as "Mardonius", and was ordered to report to a place called Fort High. No time to look into it right now, and divination failed to get us anywhere. Hoping you might have some insight. It seems the Emerald Claw wants to interfere with current national diplomacy. If you can figure anything out, please give your findings to Halix to give to me. Thank you Vedim.

- Gerard

Halix nods in agreement with Gerard. The Prince had long been brought up on the storied history of both his line and the kingdom that spanned a continent. The Prince-turned-Colonel extends his hand, "Although we have known each other for a short period of time, I sense that we are kindred souls. The Emerald Claw is a blight on both the noble banner of Karrnath and of Galifar more generally. One of the reasons I joined this Academy... " He looks around to ensure none are listening in, "I tell you this only because we will one day be battle brothers, and, we share a common foe.

I seek to utterly destroy the Emerald Claw.

I will utilize all of the privilages afforded me as a Prince of Breland, a military officer and hostage-noble so that I may end the Claw's threat, personally. I tell you this in confidence, Gerard, for there are many sympathizers throughout Karrnath. They lurk everywhere. Unseen, unnoticed, unbeknownst. Be ever vigilant, my friend."

The Prince takes the letter and places it in a breast pocket beneath his chest piece. "I will hand deliver this letter for you, Gerard. You have my word."