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

[dariathalon]

Koebu

"These stones will carry her offer to you on the winds, but why so many? Shouldn't one stone with us and one with you hold the necessary magics?" Koebu asks as he tucks the stones away.

After his first question is answered, he adds, "Ambassador, guard yourself. I have foreseen betrayal here. If you send us off, you have no one to watch over your shoulder. We act as the vigilant mid-day sun to protect you, but if you send us away you enter a deep night and could be in danger."

[Dimers]

Lee

"These stones will carry her offer to you on the winds, but why so many? Shouldn't one stone with us and one with you hold the necessary magics?"

Absentmindedly petting Caimhe, Lee explains, "Counter-offers or clarifications may be needed. A single communication may not suffice. Additionally, the Ambassador may need to give orders unrelated to the negotiation."

After his first question is answered, he adds, "Ambassador, guard yourself. I have foreseen betrayal here."

Lee nods in agreement with a mild look of concern -- not because her own vision spoke of danger, but because she had been hired primarily as a bodyguard. Before spending her attention on altering her role, she wants to confirm that ir'Athore has thought it through. The warforged is quite used to hearing orders from commanders less intelligent than herself.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

The Ambassador ponders the issue for a few moments then says, He could be useful. Befriend him, if you can. We may have need to call upon his father...

Gerard nods in agreement, glancing at Lee.

The Ambassador nibbles on a cracker and then comments, But that will have to wait. I can manage my duties here. We need to see what the Elves are offering. I want you six to go to Strong Magus' Inn, in Karrlakton and speak with a Jiasheae Yanledel. She is a woman with many connections with the Elves of the South. Ask her what she offers to Thrane in exchange for our help. Be sure to get it in writing.

She hands Koebu three sending stones. Use these to convey their offer to me. Depending on what happens here (and how good/bad Yanledel's offer is), I may have you go to Newthrone.

The woman stands up and dust some crumbs off her silk dress, Any questions?

What can we tell Jiasheae that Thrane is offering? Help, of course. But some specifics, however few, might make their starting offer a little better.

As the group prepares to leave the Ambassador, Gerard turns to Lee, I don't know how your magic works, but it could be the Ambassador's instincts are correct. Halix is the bear cub.

[Felhammer]

The Ambassador smiles, "These sending stones are all connected. Sadly I do not have enough for all of you but three should be enough."

She nods to the warforged, "Excellent deduction, Lee."

Returning her gaze to Koebu she continues, One could not be more safe than when housed in a building inside of a castle, surrounded by hundreds of diligent men-at-arms. If we wish to prevent war, I need to send you away."

Turning to Takashtai she comments, "I do not know from which Warhost Jiasheae Yanledel hails, only that is is a Keepers of the Past, the ancestor cult that dominates the kingdom. I do not know why she chooses to live in Karrlakton, considering how far from Valenar that city is. However, I do know she has been most useful in the past. She has many connections with the powerful movers and shakers in Taer Valaestas. She will serve our purposes."

Tell her..." The Ambassador pauses for a moment to collect her thoughts, "We will support Valenar's claim to the mine. Thrane offers a defensive alliance against Q'barran, Talentan and Karrn aggressions against both the mine and Valenar proper. We have twenty thousand soldiers ready to be sent to Pylas Maradal, via Rheklor. We have an additional thirty thousand soldiers that can be sent into Karrnath. We also offer a bounty of foodstuffs and medical supplies. We will also support the acquisition of the Blade Desert and south-western Q'Barra by Valenar in a peace accords following a war. In return, we ask for 20% the mine's yield, support in claiming Tanar Rath following a war with Karrnath and a twenty year defensive alliance against Aundairian aggression against Thrane.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard shifts uncomfortably, he is not a diplomat. He has to assume someone else among the group was brought on to handle negotiations between Thrane and Valenar. His job will be to keep an eye out for trouble.

[Dimers]

Lee

The Ambassador nods to the warforged, "Excellent deduction, Lee."

Lee appears to be trying to blush, and failing for lack of blood vessels.

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

Muricia had been quiet up to this point, even when the Ambassador's orders were to send them away. After all, while they were there as bodyguards, she understood her role when not sortied with other cavalry was basically that of a glorified scout, and one can't exactly do that while cooped up in a fortress.

The Ambassador's offer to Valenar was more than enough to get a rise out of her, however Muricia found it within herself to bite back what she had wanted to say. Instead, she settled for a question.

"Is that a legit offer, or are you just testing the waters to see what they're biting on? And either way, how exactly is that going to bring us any closer toward achieving peace?"

All right, so it was two questions.

Spoiler: Dimers

Show

Lee appears to be trying to blush, and failing for lack of blood vessels.

I am going to have to steal that one.

[Felhammer]

The Ambassador is taken aback by Muricia's forcefulness. "I... We are seeking peace. The best way to achieve peace is through a show of force. Political force. Alliances deter wars, especially if we strike now and cow the other belligerents into peace. As I said when we first met, war may very well be inevitable. If it is, then I am damn well going to make sure Thrane is on the winning side."

She pauses then with a patient smiles she continues, "This is what the world looks like behind the veil of idealism and pretty speeches. It is dirty, messy and disturbingly close to disaster. We all want peace but peace is ever elusive. We spent the last hundred years embroiled in a war because there was no political will to see peace reign supreme. I am afraid that we stand on the precipice of total war once again. We must nip this in the bud as fast and as efficiently as possible. If that means shipping an army across the sea, then so be it. We risk thousands of lives today, for the hope that we save orders of magnitude more in the future."

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard nods in agreement with ir'Athore. It's easy to see why she is an ambassador. We will give it our best efforts, he says, Hopefully it will all be enough in the end. When do we depart?

[Felhammer]

The woman stands up and stretches. "Back to the negotiation table for me. Off to to Karrlakton for you. Please leave immediately. The Cloudsong is still being repaired, so you will either have to travel Lightningrail or walk/ride there." The Ambassador then quietly leaves the room.

[Merilan]

Caimhe seems quite pleased, quietly, at Lee's petting, and her eye glinted a little once the ambassador left. She perked her head up with an expression that seemed to read, 'shall we?'

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

Gerard nods at ir'Athore, Good luck Ambassador. He turns to the others, I see little reason to not go by Rail, but however we decide, I have a couple of quick errands to attend to first.

Gerard steps outside and is relieved to see Halix and his guards hanging around. He walks over, Colonel, I'm glad I found you. He smiles at the two women and then looks back at Halix, I wonder if we could have a word alone?

[Felhammer]

Halix seems a bit perplexed but also intrigued. He nods as he leads the Sentinel over to another room. "What can I do for you, Gerard?"

[Dr.Samurai]

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

[Dimers]

Lee

The Ambassador is taken aback by Muricia's forcefulness. "I... We are seeking peace. The best way to achieve peace is through a show of force."

The muffled voice that seems to come from Lee's torso harrumphs, "You see, Lee? Wiser heads know what's necessary." She stiffens slightly but doesn't otherwise respond.

"This is what the world looks like behind the veil of idealism and pretty speeches. It is dirty, messy and disturbingly close to disaster."

Lee nods in a sort of resigned agreement. "Chaotic."

When Gerard leaves the room, she pokes her head out the door. Hearing his request for privacy, she focuses on another task -- writing to her commander in the Storm Crows to suggest investigating the area where Slasher fell. If there's no opportunity for saving an important life, well, recovering the adamantine alone would make a scouting trip well worth the expense. She notes the irony that her own divinatory ability would be handy in that hunt, given how imprecise her coordinates are. The flying terracotta shard that seems to live in her abdomen pops out, dips itself in the inkwell and starts drawing nonsense designs on another sheet of paper. Lee sighs. "Chaos everywhere."

[Merilan]

Caimhe nodded at Lee, watching Gerard leave to speak with the prince. She... remembered when she got so fired up about speaking to nobility, thinking that one day, she and Zarra would be aristocratic women -- how far they'd come, and how far they'd veered from that desire.

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

With arms crossed, lips tightened and eyes narrowed, Muricia gave Gerard a curt nod as he left the room. Her ears perked up at the muffled voice coming from Lee, prompting her to look askance at the Warforged.

"In my experience, when so-called 'wise heads' speak about necessity, what they really mean is expediency," Muricia opined, her delivery sounding like she had memorized that line. Then suddenly her tense expression turned considerably more wry as she added, "And chaos, I've found, too often gets a bad rap. From down here, sure, it can look pretty damn messy, but once you get that taste of freedom and you're soaring above the fray, that mess gets a whole lot prettier. But I suppose not everyone can handle that...

"Anyway, the rail's probably the way to go, sadly. They better not make Adisa ride in the baggage car though."

"Kyeeeh!" her griffin made clear her rousing agreement with that sentiment.

[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."

[Dimers]

Lee

"I have found baggage areas quite acceptable, Muricia, though I have no wings in need of stretching. Loading me as a crated object rather than a passenger has saved my Company a fair coin. -- What accomodations does Adisa need?"

Lee seems unruffled by d'Vadalis's opinion, but glances at Takashtai as if expecting important words from that quarter. The kalashtar has a strong presence.

Spoiler

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What can I say, I'm a fan of reacting to characters' Charisma.

[Dr.Samurai]

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.

Gerard takes Halix's hand in a warrior's handshake, Breland and Karrnath were bitter enemies not so many years ago. I am glad to see that the spirit of Galifar still lives on in the Wynarn line. If it comes to battle, I would be honored to fight beside you.

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.

I knew we were of like mind and heart. One moment Halix. Let me get the sending stone.

Gerard enters the antechamber and asks Koebu for one of the three stones, Halix will help us. He is seeking out information for us. I think we should give him one of the stones. If he does learn of any insights we may need to know immediately. And, though I wouldn't dare besmirch the integrity of House Sivis, I'd feel more comfortable if it didn't have to go through a Speaking Stone.

And, have we decided a travel route? Once we leave here, I'd like to send word to Thrane about Slasher's whereabouts, and then I'll be ready to leave.

[Felhammer]

The party heads out of the castle and into the city. It is early morning now, with the sun only about halfway above the horizon. The streets are chocked full of people... Almost too many people, even for this large city. As you look around, most of the people seem to be carrying all their worldly possessions. Off near an alleyway you can hear two locals bitterly complain about these pre-war refugee flooding into town. Clearly hundreds, if not thousands, are expecting a bitter war in the east and have decided it best to flee west before the Valenar come...

The party heads over to the local House Sivis Sending Office. The message is communicated to Thranish officials, who promise to send a team out as soon as possible to see if they can find the wayward warforged.

The group then heads over to the Lightning Rail Station. Luckily there is a train that is leaving within the hour. House Orien has enough seats available for the party and enough stowage space for the griffin. It seems the train is being loaded for bear, each car positively overstuffed with soldiers and war material.

The train is itself looks to be in good shape. A slightly older model but a work horse that can easily haul more cars for a longer journey than some of the newer, fancier models.

The party was given tickets for the last passenger car before stowage. It is definitely not the fanciest of cars. Some paint is peeling from the walls and there is a layer of grime to the car. It almost looks like the car was decommissioned but brought back into service. Which makes sense, given the sudden spike in demand for House Orien's services.

The group takes their seats in a private cabin. Those who are wearing thick armor find the cabin to be a bit too small. As they look out the small window, they can see more soldiers and crates being loaded on. After about a half hour, the train's whistle blows six or seven times, then the train lurches forward and heads off.

Spoiler: Anything You Want to Do?

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Is there anything you would like to do while en route?

[Dimers]

Lee

Whiling away the time, Lee tidies up the appearance of the car with some sort of minor magic. It has the side effect of removing the peeling paint entirely, but buffs and polishes the surfaces underneath. The filth and paint chips seem to just disappear.

Spoiler

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I love being a mage. No, I don't have anything important I want to do before arrival.

[Geckus]

Takashtai

Despite her own misgivings regarding Ayrhil, or perhaps because of them, Takashtai can’t help but break her typical silence to respond to the flare of emotion the Vadalis scion had restrained – though she does wait until after ir’Athore has left the room.

“The ambassador is as she must be, Muricia, I would not judge her too harshly. Idealism is a…difficult…light to carry into the halls of power; few have the strength to try and fewer still to succeed. If her first duty is to Thrane, then it will fall to others,” she glances at each member of their group in turn, “to find if their conviction is sufficient to the task of making a peace for all.”

Thinking on the ambassador’s answers to her questions, she is disappointed, but not surprised; not many outside of the elven lands understood the complexities of the Valenar faith, or how it informed their reactions and relations with others.

“Lee, Koebu; a question, if I may. Our dealings with Jiasheae Yanledel will go more smoothly if we know more of what patron ancestor holds sway over her; is this within the capability of your divinations? The train trip will hopefully provide the time to make use of them.”

Spoiler: Felhammer

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Hopefully using the info from the Campaign Guide is OK? I’ve been using the stuff Taki would get with a take 10 to reflect knowledge gained during a previous adventure in Valenar.

[Merilan]

For once, Caimhe was in human form, though she'd slipped a half mask on in front of polite company to hide the hideous deformity that'd scoured off the side of her face that the Mourning had taken away. It was white and ivory, with a little stylised black wing mark that resembles the Mark of Finding. She's inhaling a white powder from a rolled up piece of parchment, likely her prescribed dose of painkillers.

"I'm fine with hitting the town for info before we speak to her too, if you'd like more intel..." she murmurs, with a sad little smile. "She's a pretty tough lady, though, I agree... kinda like Zarra is. Kind, but with a will tougher than a steel-gloved fist."

[Dimers]

Spoiler

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I don't have anything important I want to do before arrival.

“Lee, Koebu; a question, if I may. Our dealings with Jiasheae Yanledel will go more smoothly if we know more of what patron ancestor holds sway over her; is this within the capability of your divinations? The train trip will hopefully provide the time to make use of them.”

Spoiler

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Well, okay, maybe that.

Lee

The slight-framed warforged pauses to think. "Please be advised: Ancestral influence may be expressed differently in different people. Your query can be refined along two or more paths. Do you wish to understand more about the relationship itself, about how we can use it, or about our best course of action in general toward our employer's goals?"

"I'm fine with hitting the town for info before we speak to her too, if you'd like more intel..." Caimhe murmurs, with a sad little smile. "She's a pretty tough lady, though, I agree... kinda like Zarra is. Kind, but with a will tougher than a steel-gloved fist."

"Information is preferred over ignorance in approximately 86% of instances at large. I have little capacity to exploit the rumor mill myself and would ... would feel pleased if you could derive benefit for our platoon -- redaction, party." She gazes expressionlessly at Caimhe for a moment before continuing, "The lady Zarra sounds intriguing. Would you like to speak more of her?"

[Merilan]

Caimhe has a little choked noise and a smile, saying, "Lady Zarra... hah, she'd get a laugh out of that. She's a brilliant girl. Works for House Tharashk much like how I did... we've been together since we were little. She's a fine girl, good with words and full of compassion and patience. Don't know why she befriended a runt like me--" She pauses, glancing out the window. "She... was part of the prospecting team that got slaughtered in Whisperwhine Cave..."

Her fingers twitch a little, and she hastily keeps up her next dose. "... they didn't find her body, though. I had a hunch that the ambassador's mission would lead me closer to the truth... so I dusted myself out of the attic, told myself I'd do one more job, if only to pull this girl out of trouble."

She chuckles. "Sorry. I don't mean to bore you with my reasons. Bit selfish, compared to stopping a war from happening, isn't it? Zarra'd want that as much as the Ambassador would..."

[Dacia Brabant]

Muricia d'Vadalis

"I have found baggage areas quite acceptable, Muricia, though I have no wings in need of stretching. Loading me as a crated object rather than a passenger has saved my Company a fair coin. -- What accomodations does Adisa need?"

Lee seems unruffled by d'Vadalis's opinion, but glances at Takashtai as if expecting important words from that quarter. The kalashtar has a strong presence.

Muricia hadn't been expecting the question, so it took her a moment to respond.

"Hmm? Well, you can see how big her wingspan is, so she needs plenty of space. An open window wouldn't hurt either, she's not used to being cramped up, and neither am I for that matter."

She followed Lee's glance over to Takashtai...

Despite her own misgivings regarding Ayrhil, or perhaps because of them, Takashtai can’t help but break her typical silence to respond to the flare of emotion the Vadalis scion had restrained – though she does wait until after ir’Athore has left the room.

“The ambassador is as she must be, Muricia, I would not judge her too harshly. Idealism is a…difficult…light to carry into the halls of power; few have the strength to try and fewer still to succeed. If her first duty is to Thrane, then it will fall to others,” she glances at each member of their group in turn, “to find if their conviction is sufficient to the task of making a peace for all.”

Muricia frowned at the kalashtar's initial judgment, but she could not disagree with the main thrust of her argument--and she certainly agreed with her final point. She was no less hardened by that, however.

"Yes, that's true, it does fall to others when leadership fails to have the strength to lead, as it all too often does. But that's the system and we wouldn't want to change it, oh no."

That was the last she spoke until it came time to load up onto the train, and then much of her energy went into getting Adisa aboard and situated. Stowage, of course it had to be stowage. They'd only ridden the rail together once before, and it was awful--if it hadn't been for the strength of her Mark of Handling there'd have been no way she'd have gotten her on before. She didn't have to resort to it this time, but it was obvious that her griffin wasn't thrilled with the choice of transportation.

Once she had put Adisa to bed, Muricia flounced into their cabin and crashed onto the nearest available seat and immediately dozed off. Even in that state, though, she was still keenly aware of her surroundings. She couldn't help but smile at Lee's tidying the place up, though the conversation about the Valenar's beliefs sailed right over her head--they're killers, what else was there to say? She did listen intently though to Caimhe's tale.

She chuckles. "Sorry. I don't mean to bore you with my reasons. Bit selfish, compared to stopping a war from happening, isn't it? Zarra'd want that as much as the Ambassador would..."

"From how you've described her, I'm sure your friend would want that even more," Muricia interjected, still dozing. "We all have our own reasons for being here. For what it's worth I hope you'll find her safe and sound."

[dariathalon]

Koebu

Koebu hands off one of the stones to Gerard when asked. "Halix seems like a good man. Let his words travel to our ears on the wind," Koebu says as he digs the stone from his pouch and hands it over.

Koebu for the most part follows along with the group silently. In some ways it seems he is in his own world as he walks toward the Lightning Rails. He watches the clouds as and pauses to count the rats scurrying under a pile of refuse. It was his way to look for omens in everything, it was difficult to determine what might be of use later. He sometimes stops to make small notes in the big volume he carries.

While he doesn't seem to be paying attention to what is going on around him, Koebu is instant drawn back into the conversation when his name is mentioned. "I can try to divine the information you seek. It is difficult to know what the omens will reveal until you search for the information though. I can't channel the spirits to read them often though, so I'll see if I am able to concentrate enough while we ride the rails. In case I am, do you have any other questions that you'd like to know. I am not good at traversing the ever-shifting sands of politics, so I don't even know what to begin asking. But I will ask which ancestor she reveres. The answers often come in threes, so having more to ask could be useful. If you don't have more to ask, I could try to seek out more about the Emerald Claw."

Spoiler

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Has it been a day since Koebu used his last divination? I don't think so, but you did state that we were leaving early in the morning, so maybe I lost track of some time in there. It's a daily power so I don't want to try to overuse it.

[Dimers]

Lee

"Don't know why she befriended a runt like me--" She pauses, glancing out the window.

Lee tilts her head and murmurs during the pause, "Suffers from d'Unning-ir'Krueg Effect."

"She... was part of the prospecting team that got slaughtered in Whisperwhine Cave..."

"That's horrible, Caimhe. I can see no meaningful response to your loss, but wish you to know I am not unaffected." The fair lilt is replaced by a lower and more somber tone.

Koebu is instant drawn back into the conversation when his name is mentioned. "I will ask which ancestor she reveres. The answers often come in threes, so having more to ask could be useful. If you don't have more to ask, I could try to seek out more about the Emerald Claw."

"That seems wise; I do not trust the frequency with which their name has appeared in this project. One may claim the small number of available data points are to blame for the seeming trend, but my success as an augurer does not rest on ignoring hunches. --Since you will follow Takashtai's request, I will focus my attention on dangers to watch for." The warforged goes to a corner of the car, squats oddly and braces her position with baggage in case of sudden jolts. She begins a chant barely audible over the sound of movement.

Spoiler: mechanics and pun

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Dunning-Kreuger Effect is a name given to the tendency for excellent people to think they're lacking and bad people to think they're great. Named after two researchers. So, in Eberron, d'Unning-ir'Kreug?

Augury: I'd like to know a sign of danger to my body or my mission in Karrlakton.

[Dr.Samurai]

Gerard

The Sentinel Marshal seems uneasy in the cramped car. His armor snags and bumps people any time he moves, and if combat were to break out there is little room for Gerard to bring his massive spear to bear affectively. Given that their secret midnight mission had been found out and attacked, he keeps his eyes and ears alert for any signs of danger.

Spoiler: Perc/Ins

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Fel, are we porting over 5E's "advantage" bonus to Passive Perception/Insight? In 5E, you get a +5 bonus to your passive checks if you have Advantage on those checks. Since Gerard gets to roll twice for Perception and Insight (and I think Muricia does as well), do we get that sweet +5?

Also, should I make some active rolls? Gerard is basically on guard duty for the ride.