A Dark Summer

[whitesword]

I have a 800 yd radius of detect evil always active, does it go off at all before, during or after the attack?

There are a few evil delegates. Thalmeret, Iott, Gree and Horarian.  Nothing else sets it off.

[whitesword]

"A pleasure to meet you as well. Now if you'll excuse me, I have not seen Lira in a while and would like to say hello before I lose her in the crowd."

I steer around the wizard and head up to Lira again, keeping an eye out for anyone else from her entourage who might interfere. Spot check = 9+12=21 (23 if they're evil, probably not applicable). If I see anyone coming I pretend I don't notice (Bluff check = 2+7=9) and call out to her cheerfully from a few paces away: "Lira! Good to see you, how have you been? Parker, Asinjin and I were just speaking about you the other day. Come you must say hello to them."

The wizard is surprisingly quick. "His majesty would prefer that protocol be followed as the princess is an unbethrothed young woman. I am sure you understand Sir or do I have to summon the master of ceremonies?"

[whitesword]

What is the Brotherhood of the Unbroken Sword?

The Brotherhood is composed of veterans of the Wyvern Crusade. They have been opposed the armistice and have been calling for a new war since the last one ended.

[Hero]

...then surprised to find a "date" waiting for him: Padra, the cleric from Phiam, as the designee of the High Cleric.  She looks beautiful but somewhat uncomfortable.

"I...uh,...um,...wow. This is quite the pleasant surprise."

I try hard not to forget about Padra during the commotion of the evening, particularly making sure she gets home safe after the attack, perhaps asking Gembel Whitemountain to escort her back to her quarters when the crowd disperses.

[Asinjin]

I will make a spellcraft check (13+27=40)...I assume that was a Sphere of Annihilation (spell not magic item).

[Hero]

The wizard is surprisingly quick. "His majesty would prefer that protocol be followed as the princess is an unbethrothed young woman. I am sure you understand Sir or do I have to summon the master of ceremonies?"

Did she acknowledge me when I called out to her?

"Hmmm. Forgive me, I know nothing of the social protocols of Yellowia. I assure you I have no interest in Lira other than as an old friend, and simply wish to see how she is getting along. Now that you understand my intentions, if you'll excuse me, I will go and speak with her now."   

[whitesword]

I will make a spellcraft check (13+27=40)...I assume that was a Sphere of Annihilation (spell not magic item).

Sphere of Ultimate Destruction

[Asinjin]

In response to Aianna request, "Yes Lady, I will escort you.  But if you would allow, I would like to ensure that we reach there safely."  I cast Extended True Seeing.  "How far is it to the embassy?"

[whitesword]

Did she acknowledge me when I called out to her?

"Hmmm. Forgive me, I know nothing of the social protocols of Yellowia. I assure you I have no interest in Lira other than as an old friend, and simply wish to see how she is getting along. Now that you understand my intentions, if you'll excuse me, I will go and speak with her now."   

He stopped you before you had a chance to call out. If you attempt to go around him he motions to Dean Hawklyn, the master of ceremonies. (There is no way for you to reach her without making a scene.)

[Asinjin]

Sphere of Ultimate Destruction

Right.

To those gathered, "The controller of that could not have been too far from here, nor under normal circumstances could the controller have cast it more than several minutes ago.  It was probably set to activate upon  opening."

Where is the box now?

[whitesword]

In response to Aianna request, "Yes Lady, I will escort you.  But if you would allow, I would like to ensure that we reach there safely."  I cast Extended True Seeing.  "How far is it to the embassy?"

Thank you. It is a little over a mile walk.

[whitesword]

Right.

To those gathered, "The controller of that could not have been too far from here, nor under normal circumstances could the controller have cast it more than several minutes ago.  It was probably set to activate upon  opening."

Where is the box now?

The box collapsed into the sphere.

Allanda says "You are correct as it was in the shadow but it fled at my approach.  Worrisome that I cannot detect it, nor Sir Arishimoto for that matter."

[Asinjin]

Thank you. It is a little over a mile walk.

"If you would not mind a ride on a horse, I will get us there swiftly."

[Hero]

Thank you. It is a little over a mile walk.

How badly injured is she? I lay on hands for 42 hp if I think it will help. Heal check = 9+11 =20.

I assume I am carrying weapons but no armor?

[whitesword]

As you walk through the city it is quiet and the moon is covered but the city has always been well lit, in this section by magic.

Aianna says to you: "Master Asinjin, as I am sure you know little escapes my notice and I learned what I could of you once I heard your name announced but what little I have heard does not encourage me to share information with you.  So I can only judge you by your companions and as Lord Arishimoto is a man of honor and a true servant of good, though, she turns to Ari, somewhat lacking in etiquette, so I see no harm in explaining the Council of Succession.  This will be the third such Council.  The first occurred during the War of Technology when the heir was too young to take the throne.  The second when the High King was so incompetent, and possibly corrupt that there was call for his removal.  The Council is made up of the heads of the high noble families and the lesser monarchs.  There are currently 16 high noble houses.  There had been 13 for many years but Darscon elevated three families from noble to high noble status.  Traditionally the Grandmaster of the Knights of the White Sword would be on the council, but there has been no Grandmaster in generations.  Likewise the Lord Protector would sit but there is no Lord Protector, as Lord Thanis resigned his position.  Finally the High Cleric of Stasis sits on the council as well.

It is not an election.  The heralds and scribes present the royal line as it exists to the council and then they review each candidate beginning with the closest blood relation.  At this point there maybe a dozen relations of equal claim so they will each be evaluated.  A two thirds vote is needed to eliminate a candidate completely and a unanimous vote is needed for selection.  Relations can be eliminated, or simply passed over, for a variety of reasons including gender, religion, especially true since Baliol, Cleric of the Oldest Orc reigned during the War of Technology, profession and personal history.  On the whole the Councils have fared well but this will be as important as the first, perhaps more so."