2.1 Chapter 1: Into the Stolen Lands

Valerie seems to brighten with Selines words, though she does get lost in the thesis on the occult and shadows "Yes, those orders can be so limiting, I wish no harm to those who follow. However they need to let nature grow. If it comes to it, I would be glad to fight by your side

Fluttering through the hall as a social butterfly Tassle is able to listen in many conversation. Of juice news, you over hear some nobles gossiping that;

It is no secret that the swordlords of Rostland are chaffing under house Surtova rule of Brevory. In fact Lady Jamandi "Call of Heros" gambit is in part to secure loyal allies to the south from Nations curved out of the Stolen Lands. 

Noleski Surtova the head of house Surtova and ruler of Brevey was seen personally and (supposedly) entering House Lebeda's manor a few days prior. "Scandalous" as House Lebeda is suppose to be an ally of the Swordlords. House Lebeda  only and prominent son, Lander Lebeda is in attendance at the feast. 

You also encounter a well armoured adventure Hannis Drelev leader of the Iron Wraiths. They are quite established and will be getting a charter. "We’ve been charged with dealing with the Tiger Lords and, then, establishing diplomatic contact with Pitax to work out border issue", Drelev whispers to one of his follow adventures.  Lady Jamandi made a few enemies in her bit to take the (disputed) stolen lands. Chief among these enemies is King Castruccio Irovetti, the ruler of the River Kingdom of Pitax on the StolenLands’ southwestern border  

Scanning the room you, with quest and deft you are able to identify several potential competitors with the skill to lead.

The Iron Wraiths are a well know adventuring and organized party, their leader Hannis Drelev is bragging how he will take the Stolen Lands

Maegar Varn is eager to lead. You over hear a grizzled wizard Cephal Lorentus recruiting people to Varn's side. He is mildly dismissive of Meagar buddying up to Octavius

Tactuccio, while slimy, is very charming and is activity recruiting people to his side.

You overhear that Lander Lebeda, a high regarded Brevory noble, is intending to slip into the Stolen lands kingdom race. He is waiting to the last minute to announce this, to avoid spies like the famed diplomate Shandra Mervey

Dalia interrupts a 'heated' argument between Harrim and Jeathal

Harrim "... yet Urgathoa will fade in the end, as with everything. It is as simple as life and death, a cycle."

Jaethal "It is never that simple" the elf pauses as if afraid to say the next word "Pharasma lasted through the last end that is a well known fact."

Noticing Dalia approach she snaps anxiously at the stonic dwarf "Ah a new guest, we should talk to her ... that is what people do at parties"

The subtly undead elf is seemly eager to chat with Dalia, who is not a stubborn dwarf cleric. Over the night Jeathal opens up the Dalia. telling a tale of how she was exiled from Kyonin after a tragedy, and she hopes to find a place in a new society. A nascent nation like the one that may soon grow in the Stolen Lands is an excellent opportunity for such a fresh start. She also sees Lady Jamandi’s call for heroes as an opportunity to mingle with the living once again and possibly to atone for some of her past deeds.4

Jaethal seems please by Dalia's acceptance of her. It is difficult to tell. Initially you thought Jaethal was reserved and hiding her intentions, after a night of conversation you get the sense that she doesn't feel much emotions.

"You offers of kindness are much appreciated. Perhaps we can build something that is more accepting of those who made mistakes in the future."

Lady Jamandi approaches the front of the room,

"Pay attention!!" shouts Kassil as the music stops and the crowd hushes

"My friends," Lady Jamandi begins, "I hope you have enjoyed the food and drink this evening!" Her words are quickly met with a round of cheers and the enthusiastic tapping of several dozen mugs and goblets. It takes a few moments for the room to grow quiet again.

Smiling broadly, she continues. "You honor me, truly, but this night is for you! As heroes, you have responded to my call, and I can’t wait to hear tales of your exploits in the weeks and months to come.

"Tomorrow, I shall speak with you all about your individual charters. I suspect it will be a busy day, so I suggest we make an early evening of it. After all, you have kingdoms to plan!" Lady Jamandi’s words are met with an even louder round of cheers and drinkware-tappings. A few goblets even shatter thanks to overeager hands.

Lady Jamandi gestures to the large double-doors to the east and west. "Of course, I’ve arranged bedchambers for all of you. My guards will escort you to them now. I hope you find them restful. We shall speak further tomorrow when we meet back here at sunrise."

Lady Jamandi and the lord mayor leave the hall, followed by a retinue of armed guards wearing garnet-colored cloaks over suits of chainmail.
Other guards begin to escort groups of revelers to their rooms for the night.

You are escorted the east wing of the manor. The attendants have set up a 5th bed and the guards escort Ralf the wizard to the room

Tassle gives everyone the scoop on gossip learned once they're alone

'we totally need to sabotage those iron wraiths punks'

Tassle is really excited and jumping up the down the bed. She tries stab the new person, Ralf with her new fork

Ok, welcome Ralf. You are going to get to bunk with Octavious. Don't worry he will be a perfect gentleman.

He had better be a perfect gentleman or Filbert will be unhappy in his shoes

Ralf gives Tassle a fidget spinner. "If that's the accommodations available then that's the way it is."

The night draws on and you settle into your room. The manor quiets as the feast winds down.