[Fenrir and Reinward have been tasked with staging a coup in the city of Westgate to stop the evil vampire lord the Night King from doing the same. As of right now - the coup had begun!]
DAY 551 (5th Eleint)(September) cont ...
And so the Westgate coup rolled on. Fenrir did what he could to smooth things over and Reinward made sure everyone could see that the Crownbearer of Ilmater was supportive of everything, but it was not long before Palla the Light took charge.
She had been in the city a lot longer then the others and had a vested interest in the coup being a success. Fenrir and Reinward helped as much as they could but at the end of the day, neither of them cared. They just wanted to discharge the task that Cavu had given them and leave the city as soon as they could.
They set up the centre of the coup in the Merchant's Tower. Messengers came and went. Troops were moved here and there. Places were put under guard. People were arrested.
The coup leadership moved from Fenrir and Reinward to Palla the Light, Lady Sunrise Tylanna of the Seventh Rose, Gwendeth Thavalar and Mintassan the Magnificent.
Simply put, Fenrir and Reinward knew that they could sneak off if things went belly up, whereas these others lives and the lives of their friends and families were at risk, which sharpened their focus a good deal.
Meanwhile, Veddic had called in the company of Kossuth paladins and clerics that had been promised. They helped out, but it was openly known that Kossuth would want this favour returned later.
Raz, my old barbarian chum, now (and this seems funny to write!) in his role of King of Westgate, just waved his magical sword around when it was required and struck a heroic pose whenever needed. There was not much more anyone could ask of a King after all and he filled this role admirably.
DAY 552 (6th Eleint)(September)
The centre of the coup worked tirelessly night and day. Anything at any moment could set Westgate off into bloody street battles, or a full on war between the noble houses.
Somehow, for today anyway, it all held together. The sight of the entire mercenary army of Westgate patrolling the wards and the gates did tend to focus people into making no sudden moves, but this could not be a permanent arrangement, something would have to give.
Fenrir learned later that Gelly had left the house at Wizard's Cut. No one knew why. Perhaps it was too hot for her now, or perhaps she had decided to go back to the Night Masks.
DAY 553 (7th Eleint)(September)
The city continued to wait. The army patrolled the streets and the coup plotters held court at the Merchant Tower.
News came from the east - Several farms had been burned, and dozens killed.
Reinward said, 'send garlic!', but they heard later it had been goblins doing it.
DAY 554 (8th Eleint)(September)
Today Urlyvl Athagdal pushed passed Palla the Light and her guards to talk to the leaders of the coup.
He was polite but said, 'This wont stand. How can this work? Are you waiting for the noble houses to swear fealty to this upstart king of yours? I for one will do no such thing!'
'Off with his head!' cried Reinward, ever one to smooth over trouble waters with a well placed word of calming diplomacy.
'I see you have selected your court jester at least,' said Athagdal dryly.
He talked with them for several hours, diplomatic negotiations that thankfully centred around keeping things peaceful and free of bloodshed.
Fenrir realised that the situation with swearing oaths to the king would have to be sorted out eventually or there would be a full blown constitutional crisis. It was thought they had at most four months before that would happen and Fenrir was fine with that, he planned to be long gone by then.
It was also agreed that all the noble houses could 'open their gates' to allow trade again. It was risky as they could now send out armed men, but better than keeping them bottled up until they exploded.
Today Random turned up and was introduced to the plotters as his old persona Nebulus the Rascal, a well known Westgate Merchant.
After a brief explanation to King Raz, Nebulus became Prime Minister Nebulus.
That evening there was a big event scheduled at House Malavhan. It was decided to let it go ahead, so that it looked like things were going as normal - i.e. the normal life of the city could continue.
This event was 'Hail to the Heroes' Feast. Each year it was a great place for the noble houses to meet and strike deals. There were lots of drunken (and sometimes violent) games, the biggest of which was called the 'Grand Melee' where everyone that entered was given a wooden sword and the last person standing was declared the winner. Their was also the 'The Lock Box of Goregnasher' which was a test of dexterity and cunning.
King Raz and Queen Thistle were there, being shown around by Random (as Prime Minister Nebulus). He was doing a good job, but Fenrir had a small sense of pride noting he was not as smooth as Fenrir had been when this had been his job.
Fenrir tried the 'lock box' puzzle first and did ok, but could not get it open. Reinward tried next and very nearly did it, but failed at the last twist of a hidden key.
The main event of the night was the Grand Melee and they both entered. The rules were - no magic, and no magic items. Everyone was armed with a wooden sword.
They both did well and Reinward took out several of the fighters with his tumbling and surprise attacks but he was eventually flattened by a powerful female barbarian.
Fenrir lasted a little longer, partially due to his warlock powers of fast healing which he insisted he 'couldn't switch off'. This meant that twice he was knocked to the ground, out like a light, but each time he stood back up again. On his third laying-out though he decided to stay down.
The final champion was the female barbarian, with Fenrir the runner up and Reinward winning the 'audience favourite' award.
Fenrir won a Bag of Tricks (Rust) and Reinward won an engraved masterwork silver dagger.
No comments:
Post a Comment