The Inquisitor inclines her head as Velyria takes a seat. The corners of her mouth flick up slightly more, eyes softening the slightest bit. But a moment later she is unreadable again, radiating a cool confidence that surrounds those privy to the mysteries of the Sorcerer King. The other barons around the table eye Velyria. Many of their faces are open with calculating guile or barely concealed attraction. Others are like the inquisitors: faces that would have been perfectly in style at a masquerade. Orelius in particular regards her with something like disdain, yet her eyes linger on Velyria for a moment longer than strictly necessary.<br/><br/>As Dragomir's voice booms out, many of the gathered focus their gaze suddenly upon him. Quarh in particular seems to sum up the man, fists tightening and eyes narrowing. But Inquisitor Xenaphia's smile grows wider. Her voice could not be in more contrast with the man. Clear, high, and just as commanding. The others around the table tense slightly or shift uncomfortably. All save the Red-Haired Ranger and Baroness Orelius. The latter remains impassive while the former appears to already be as annoyed as possible. Xenaphia turns to Dragomir, tilting her head slightly to the side.<br/><br/>"Yes, of course baron Val Jura. Now that we are gathered we may proceed", she says softly while turning back to the table at large, "I am Inquisitor Xenaphia. A scourge has descended on your lands. His Benevolence the Sorcerer King has seen much. The inquisition has confirmed it. And you have been chosen to remedy it. A man has taken shelter in your lands. A danger to you and your... reputations. He spreads lies, treachery, and heresy. His followers grow in number, and the inquisition has been quite alarmed that you all have allowed the situation to continue", she reaches in her robes and extracts a rolled parchment from their depths.<br/><br/>The parchment is freshly made, dark inks have been formed into the image of a man. He is clean shaven with an angelic face and kind eyes, yet there is a foreboding sense about him. Xenaphia slides the image into the center of the table.<div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">You may make a Wisdom (Perception) check (DC 12)</div><div class="spoiler_body">The man has a subtle tattoo on his neck. A small ankh on the left side.</div></div><br/>Xenaphia moves her gaze from Baron to Baron. Her eyes glitter with mocking laughter though she still wears the same smile; an aura of derision twists itself around every word. Her voice takes on a new note, the careful tenors of command.<br/><br/>"You will rid your houses of this plague, or we shall rid our lands of your plagued houses. For those who bring me this man, dead or alive I shall reward them 1000 crowns and the favor of the inquisition. We do not grant second chances often<em>my Lords</em>, see that you do not disappoint us. And be warned: These cultists practice<em>foul magicks</em>and spread their poisonous ideas to the weak of mind and heart. I have heard that some are quite beautiful, and quite...<em>close</em>to some in our number. It would be a shame if any of you were to be found sharing your ear, or your bed, with these creatures."<br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">You may make a Wisdom (Insight) check (DC 12)</div><div class="spoiler_body">It would also be very profitable to a Baron, should he or she provide proof about those who have shared their beds and ears.</div></div><br/>The inquisitor, takes her seat. She brushes a strand of hair back from her face as she settles into the seat. The bartender approaches with a oaken tray, bearing a glass of wine upon it. Xenaphia takes it, dismissing him with a slight wave of the hand.<br/><br/>"These are your lands, and we do not know precisely where this rodent is hiding. Our intelligence suggests that he moves from barony to barony. From safe house to safe house. But we suspect that he is near the Dispute... in fact," she looks at Dragomir and gives him a sweet, venomous smile, "we have heard that he may be taking shelter in your lands Dragomir. But each of you is to look to your own lands. I shall say it again: Root out this plague."<br/>The inquisitor glances at Velyria and shifts slightly. Almost uncomfortably.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">For Dragomir</div><div class="spoiler_body">Some of your men have mentioned a cult of sorts, but suggested they had handled it. However, the inquisition is not to be taken lightly. It might be best to double check. You know of a small village in your lands, Baten'Kor, where the problem was first reported. It may be best to act without a large force, cut off the snakes head before he can bury it in the earth.<br/></div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">For Velyria</div><div class="spoiler_body">The inquisitor has secretly handed you a small parchment during that slight shift. <br/><em>We are aware of your loyalty, but the others are not so loyal. We have a task for you. This meeting will have the barons scrambling to look after their own lands. This should allow you to move unmarked by their spies. This man has stolen something quite valuable to the inquisition. Retrieve it for us, and we shall look upon you with even more favor. You know the consequences of failure. I shall be remaining her tonight. Should you wish for supplies or personnel we shall provide, within reason. I suggest you begin your search in the lands of Baron Val Jura, perhaps obtaining his allegiance would aid you.</em><br/></div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">OOC: Checks in 5e</div><div class="spoiler_body">Checks in 5e are ability-centric. Instead of asking for a "perception" check, I ask for a Wisdom check. If you think a skill applies you can either ask me "Can I use perception" or I may tell you "Wisdom (Perception)". <br/>For any check in which you are applying a skill, you add your ability <strong>and</strong> proficiency bonus to the roll. <br/><br/><strong>Advantage</strong> - Sometimes I might grant you advantage (though it never hurts to ask if you have it due to special circumstances) on a roll. This means roll 2 d20 and use the higher result. If perform an act in a way that gives you a significant advantage (Ex: I slowly heat my blade over a fire as I try to intimidate the man) I'll let you take advantage on the roll!<br/><strong>Disadvantage</strong> - Same as advantage but select the lower result!<br/><br/></div></div>