```metadata title: Custodians at the Spire - Ariadne's Codex of Strings description: '' tags: [] systems: [] renderer: V3 theme: 5ePHB ``` {{frontCover}} {{POSITION:RELATIVE,TOP:-30PX # Custodians at the Spire ## by Ariadne's Codex of Strings ___ }} {{banner The Last Bastion}} {{footnote An encounter to introduce politics, an antagonist, and a very helpful ally. }} {{imageMaskEdge1,--offset:-3%,--rotation:88 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204546948678557717/tomfarlane_a_female_elven_guard_armored_in_the_streets_of_a_gre_26067adf-2f5a-429c-bfa7-1fa698af82eb.png?ex=65d520c3&is=65c2abc3&hm=92122ffd462c76e88d29c330d5d35eaa103de22db6495c3cf575283a6e60e290&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4000){height:100%,left:-110px,top:0px,transform:scalex(-1} }} {{imageMaskEdge1,--offset:-0%,--rotation:269 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204515432841871370/tomfarlane_a_female_senator_elf_greek_civilzation_long_black_ha_a70bedb6-9aca-447d-b185-e384cb7acf2f.png?ex=65d5036a&is=65c28e6a&hm=886bfe8e0e94599ca80880a59d8800e60d8001f0e2856eea60bc2c9de5d01c6b&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4001){height:120%,left:150px,top:0px,transform:scalex(-1)} }} \page {{imageMaskCorner,--offsetX:25%,--offsetY:20%,--rotation:0 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204444592074788864/tomfarlane_an_elven_guard_several_guards_guard_patrol_red_armor_ac6327ce-c15c-4eb7-89e7-75f7ae317d2b.png?ex=65d4c170&is=65c24c70&hm=0f1dd10bbc985454e90175a78b0b08888e0813bce10eae0d244a1c192262ba7b&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3000&height=4000){height:120%,bottom:-100px,right:710px,transform:scalex(-1)} }} {{imageMaskCorner,--offsetX:25%,--offsetY:20%,--rotation:0 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204444592074788864/tomfarlane_an_elven_guard_several_guards_guard_patrol_red_armor_ac6327ce-c15c-4eb7-89e7-75f7ae317d2b.png?ex=65d4c170&is=65c24c70&hm=0f1dd10bbc985454e90175a78b0b08888e0813bce10eae0d244a1c192262ba7b&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3000&height=4000){height:120%,bottom:-100px,right:-130px,transform:scalex(1)} }} {{imageMaskCenter9,--offsetX:-40%,--offsetY:-44%,--rotation:80 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204444592074788864/tomfarlane_an_elven_guard_several_guards_guard_patrol_red_armor_ac6327ce-c15c-4eb7-89e7-75f7ae317d2b.png?ex=65d4c170&is=65c24c70&hm=0f1dd10bbc985454e90175a78b0b08888e0813bce10eae0d244a1c192262ba7b&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3000&height=4000){height:130%} }} {{classTable,frame,decoration,text-align:center,width:260px,position:relative,left:-25px,top:-5px ## Halt, Stranger : *You are to present your peripheral permit for passage within the outer layer of the trading spire. Do not waste our time.* : *No, that is not the document I am looking for. That is your visitant permit, which, I see now, is outdated. A new legislation has been passed this morning requiring an official seal of approval.* : *What you have right there is not a seal. It's a signature. Very easy to forge. You are missing the seal, stranger. Show me the seal.* : *You don't have it? That doesn't surprise me. Your kind sure like to think you are exempt from consequences. Well, I am sorry to inform you, but we are a civilized people. We follow rules. That is how we survive.* : *Not only do you not have the peripheral permit, but you also lack the proper documentation for even setting foot in our illustrious city. You will accompany us to the detention center. You will be questioned.* : *It's not fair, you say? Oh, stranger. Are you attempting to resist arrest? I'm afraid that is not acceptable. Guards!* : }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote An Introduction}} \page {{imageMaskCorner33,--offsetX:18%,--offsetY:67%,--rotation:60 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204553158957735996/tomfarlane_a_city_street_red_and_gold_color_palette_roman_archi_0d0b3b1a-f495-4528-a1db-b1b2658c8f23.png?ex=65d5268c&is=65c2b18c&hm=8756f66849e80ddfca4ea643e359b062d8b0ddaf1a644b5f938dfb45ff30ae55&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4001){height:154%,left:-260px,top:-200px} }} {{imageMaskCorner33,--offsetX:-30%,--offsetY:56%,--rotation:70 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204553158957735996/tomfarlane_a_city_street_red_and_gold_color_palette_roman_archi_0d0b3b1a-f495-4528-a1db-b1b2658c8f23.png?ex=65d5268c&is=65c2b18c&hm=8756f66849e80ddfca4ea643e359b062d8b0ddaf1a644b5f938dfb45ff30ae55&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4001){height:114%,left:-170px,top:} }} {{imageMaskCorner33,--offsetX:-58%,--offsetY:-15%,--rotation:140 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204553158957735996/tomfarlane_a_city_street_red_and_gold_color_palette_roman_archi_0d0b3b1a-f495-4528-a1db-b1b2658c8f23.png?ex=65d5268c&is=65c2b18c&hm=8756f66849e80ddfca4ea643e359b062d8b0ddaf1a644b5f938dfb45ff30ae55&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4001){height:114%,left:-170px,top:} }} {{imageMaskCorner33,--offsetX:-58%,--offsetY:-9%,--rotation:140 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204553158957735996/tomfarlane_a_city_street_red_and_gold_color_palette_roman_archi_0d0b3b1a-f495-4528-a1db-b1b2658c8f23.png?ex=65d5268c&is=65c2b18c&hm=8756f66849e80ddfca4ea643e359b062d8b0ddaf1a644b5f938dfb45ff30ae55&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4001){height:114%,left:-170px,top:} }} \column {{position:relative,top:250px {{text-align:center ## Custodians at the Spire *An encounter to introduce Uldann's politics, an antagonist, and a very helpful ally.* : }} {{ Uldann is a divided city, and the players, just like all other strangers within the last bastion, are the point of contention. The senate is going back and forth with laws ever more extreme concerning any creature that does not have Teng blood. The party gets caught in the crossfire. : This encounter is meant to be an introduction to the rest of the adventure laid out in the book. It presents Praetor Andromeda, a recurring villain that will fight the party several times in their journey; and Senator Vatha, both a helpful hand for the players, and one of the main dissenters of Zephraim's xenophobic policies. : With her help, the party will dive into the world of Uldann's cultural war. Perhaps, if they are skilled enough, they may be able to change the course of history, and avoid the great disaster that looms in the horizon. : Praetor Andromeda, on the other hand, is hell-bent on showing her sister, who just so happens to be Senator Vatha, that Uldann will not survive if they don't take action against what she perceives to be the threat: immigrants. }} : {{descriptive,text-align:center ##### Premise *The xenophobic Red Custodians have stopped you in the street, barely three blocks from the main square. You are new to the city, but even you know something fishy is going on. Have the guards been following you? Did they target your party for a reason? Or are they just waiting in the shadows, ready to strike at any unfortunate traveler that strays too far from the square?* : *One thing is for certain, that permit stuff the Praetor said; it's definitely bullshit. You have everything in order, you barely just arrived! They are just looking for an excuse to arrest you. Well, you won't go down easy...* }} }} {{watercolor2,top:310px,left:310px,width:700px,background-color:blanchedalmon,opacity:100%}} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote An Introduction}} \page {{imageMaskCorner35,--offsetX:-25%,--offsetY:45%,--rotation:-10 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204464035307982918/tomfarlane_a_dusty_city_street_red_and_gold_color_palette_roman_762018fd-ca84-4dab-93dc-93db90d5be7a.png?ex=65d4d38b&is=65c25e8b&hm=b2bc165ea19217df1e251fb1db5f6c3a9205b7baeecaae4602b59d3e0d039f44&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4001){height:130%,left:-100px,top:-00px,transform:scalex(-1)} }} {{imageMaskCorner34,--offsetX:-70%,--offsetY:-33%,--rotation:10 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204464035307982918/tomfarlane_a_dusty_city_street_red_and_gold_color_palette_roman_762018fd-ca84-4dab-93dc-93db90d5be7a.png?ex=65d4d38b&is=65c25e8b&hm=b2bc165ea19217df1e251fb1db5f6c3a9205b7baeecaae4602b59d3e0d039f44&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4001){height:130%,left:-100px,top:-00px,transform:scalex(-1)} }} {{watercolor4,top:-850px,left:330px,width:550px,background-color:#D4AF37,opacity:40%,transform:scale(-1)}} {{watercolor4,top:-760px,left:300px,width:550px,background-color:#D4AF37,opacity:40%,transform:scalex()}} {{watercolor4,top:-200px,left:-100px,width:550px,background-color:#D4AF37,opacity:40%,transform:scale(}} {{watercolor4,top:-450px,left:-230px,width:550px,background-color:#D4AF37,opacity:40%,transform:scale(-1)}} ![Officer](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105918269992480819/1204462597643051018/Red_Custodian_1.png?ex=65d4d235&is=65c25d35&hm=16fe0c8ceed47ced57f8284e97d3ab71a30254ded5588cd12bbef8781c141e3b&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3393&height=4091) {position:absolute,top:-0px,right:63px,width:340px,transform:scalex(-1)} {{monster,frame,top:-20px,left:-25px ## Red Custodian *Medium humanoid (elf), any lawful neutral* ___ **Armor Class** :: 15 (half-plate) **Hit Points** :: 75 (10d8 + 30) **Speed** :: 30 ft. ___ | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA | |:-----:|:-----:|:-----:|:-----:|:-----:|:-----:| |16 (+3)|16 (+3)|16 (+3)|16 (+3)|14 (+2)|13 (+1)| ___ **Skills** :: perception +6 **Condition Immunities** :: charmed **Senses** :: darkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 16 **Languages** :: common, teng, elvish, and one other language **Challenge** :: 4 (1,100 XP) ___ ***Teng Descendance.*** The Red Custodian shares its ancestry with the Teng themselves, heirs to the gods. As such, magic cannot put the Custodian to sleep and it is immune to the charmed condition. : ***Prowess of Mind and Body.*** Red Custodians are trained exceptionally hard to hone their mind alongside their body. It can add its Intelligence modifier to any attack roll, ability check, or saving throw. After the Red Custodian uses this ability, it must finish a short or long rest before it can use it again. : ***Combat Doctrine.*** Red Custodians are taught to fight in small elite groups. At the start of each of its turns, the Custodian can choose one of the following doctrines, lasting until it chooses a different one. The custodian can benefit from a single doctrine at a time, and cannot choose nor benefit from a doctrine if it is incapacitated. * Coherency: while the custodian is within 10 feet of another custodian that is using this doctrine, they both gain +2 to their AC against melee attacks. * Press the Attack: the custodian has advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the custodian’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature. If said ally is another custodian that is using this doctrine, they both score critical hits against the creature on a roll of 19-20. * Tactical Movement: while the custodian is within 10 feet of another custodian that is using this doctrine, they both increase their movement speed by 15 feet. * Coordinated Fire: when the custodian makes a ranged attack against a creature hit by a ranged attack from a custodian using this doctrine, it deals 3 additional damage. ### Actions ***Multiattack.*** The Red Custodian makes two longsword attacks. : ***Longsword.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +5 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. *Hit*: 8 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage, or 9 (1d10 + 3) slashing damage if used with two hands. : ***Spear.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +5 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. *Hit*: 7 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage, or 8 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage if used with two hands. : ***Heavy Crossbow.*** *Ranged Weapon Attack:* +5 to hit, range 100/400ft., one target. *Hit* 9 (1d10 + 3) piercing damage. }} {{descriptive,position:relative,top:345px,left:8px,width:,text-align:center {{text-align:center ##### Elite Warriors }} : *The guards in this city, they are not your typical run-of-the-mill retired adventurer nor are they the town's strongman. They are a professional, trained, elite force of elven legionnaires tasked with the protection of the most important people in Uldann. They are the guardians of the senate itself, and by extension, the twenty-one senators.* : *Or at least that is what you've heard. Now, being slowly surrounded by the custodians on all sides, you wonder what led them to patrol the streets and check for "permits" of all things. Don't they have something better to do? Some elf-lord to... guard?* : *There are four custodians in total, counting the leader, who appears to be much more skilled than the rest. A Praetorian. You've heard of them, the best of the best. She takes a step back, for the moment, and starts to speak in elvish, or a version of it that you couldn't possibly make sense of.* : *As they circle your party, like hungry wolves, you begin to understand the mess you are in. They didn't seem to keen on conversation either, so it's not like you could have stop them. They appear to want this fight. You can feel it in their eager steps, in the twirls of their weapons.* : *What a sick joke. Are these bloodthirsty thugs supposed to be anything other than cold-blooded killers? They do not deserve your respect.* : *You see the leader give a barely audible grunt, and the fighting begins.* }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote An Introduction}} \page {{imageMaskCorner35,--offsetX:60%,--offsetY:-40%,--rotation:-10 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204464035307982918/tomfarlane_a_dusty_city_street_red_and_gold_color_palette_roman_762018fd-ca84-4dab-93dc-93db90d5be7a.png?ex=65d4d38b&is=65c25e8b&hm=b2bc165ea19217df1e251fb1db5f6c3a9205b7baeecaae4602b59d3e0d039f44&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=601&height=901){height:108%,left:250px,top:-00px} }} {{imageMaskCorner34,--offsetX:-40%,--offsetY:40%,--rotation:10 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204464035307982918/tomfarlane_a_dusty_city_street_red_and_gold_color_palette_roman_762018fd-ca84-4dab-93dc-93db90d5be7a.png?ex=65d4d38b&is=65c25e8b&hm=b2bc165ea19217df1e251fb1db5f6c3a9205b7baeecaae4602b59d3e0d039f44&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=601&height=901){height:108%,left:-50px,top:-00px} }} {{watercolor4,top:-850px,left:330px,width:550px,background-color:#D4AF37,opacity:40%,transform:scale(-1)}} {{watercolor4,top:-760px,left:300px,width:550px,background-color:#D4AF37,opacity:40%,transform:scalex()}} {{watercolor4,top:-200px,left:-100px,width:550px,background-color:#D4AF37,opacity:40%,transform:scale(}} {{watercolor4,top:-450px,left:-230px,width:550px,background-color:#D4AF37,opacity:40%,transform:scale(-1)}} ![Praetor Andromeda](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105918269992480819/1204604242078203954/praetor_sin_casco_2-Photoroom.png-Photoroom.png?ex=65d5561f&is=65c2e11f&hm=1c4a96b721d147e2e4e984455032a0af39cccee1f60b67d9e4b79f3392878790&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3093&height=4091) {position:absolute,top:30px,right:403px,width:330px,transform:scalex(-1)} {{classTable,frame,decoration,position:relative,top:400px,left:8px,width:,text-align:center : {{text-align:center ## The Bloody Praetor }} : The woman who first addressed you doesn't join the battle immediately. She takes her time, as her subordinates fight tooth and nail against your party. You can feel her gaze on your every movement, as if committing them to memory, even through the chaos of the skirmish. : She slowly takes off her helmet, and a cascade of white-greyish hair flows out of the tight space, much like water, coming to rest on her shoulders. Her face was scarred by a red, messy line that marked her right eye, which did nothing but accent her striking features. : Her impassive face, her calm demeanor, her crimson eyes; a killer, no doubt. You see her unveil a long, profane katana; a bloody sword that seems to drip red from the hilt, bursting with magical energy. : As you are about to land the finishing blow on one of the guards, the Praetor steps forward. With incredible skill, she blocks the attack and immediately retaliates. The custodians seem to rally around her quickly, and become twice as deadly as before. : With Andromeda in the fight, the tides turn pretty quickly, and you find yourselves overwhelmed. That is... until the Senator makes her appearance. : }} {{monster,frame,top:-30px,left:15px,width:360px ## Praetor Andromeda *Medium humanoid (elf), any lawful neutral* ___ **Armor Class** :: 18 (plate) **Hit Points** :: 150 (20d8 + 60) **Speed** :: 30 ft. ___ | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA | |:-----:|:-----:|:-----:|:-----:|:-----:|:-----:| |16 (+3)|20 (+5)|16 (+3)|16 (+3)|15 (+2)|11 (-)| ___ **Saving Throws** :: Str +7, Dex +9, Int +8, Wis +7 **Skills** :: Perception +10 **Condition Immunities** :: charmed **Senses** :: darkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 20 **Languages** :: common, teng, elvish, draconic **Challenge** :: 11 (7,200 XP) ___ ***Teng Descendance.*** Magic cannot put Andromeda to sleep and she is immune to the charmed condition. : ***Prowess of Mind and Body (3/day).*** Andromeda can add her Intelligence modifier to any attack roll, ability check, or saving throw. : ***Combat Doctrine.*** See *Red Custodian*. : ***Military Doctrine.*** Praetorians are taught the secrets of the battlefield. Andromeda and up to 4 allies within 30 feet can benefit from two different *Combat Doctrines* at the same time. In addition, at the start of each of its turns, Andromeda can choose one of the following military doctrines, lasting until she chooses a different one. She can only benefit from a single military doctrine at a time, and cannot choose nor benefit from a doctrine if she is incapacitated. * Hold the Line: Andromeda and up to 4 allies within 30 ft can choose to have their movement speed become 0 for the round and gain 11 temporary hit points. * Divide and Conquer: Andromeda gains an additional attack against a creature if at least one of her allies is within 5 feet of the creature. * Commanding Presence: Andromeda and up to 4 allies within 30 feet gain +3 to their saving throws. * Rapid Fire: when an ally damages an enemy with a ranged within 30 ft of Andromeda, she can use her reaction to make a single *Dagger Throw* attack against the same target. ### Actions ***Multiattack.*** Andromeda makes three weapon attacks. : ***Chikagetana.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +12 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. *Hit*: 13 (1d8 + 8) slashing damage plus 11 (3d6) necrotic damage. The necrotic damage dealt by this weapon is subtracted from the target's maximum hit points until they finish a long rest. : ***Dagger Throw.*** *Ranged Weapon Attack:* +9 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. *Hit* 7 (1d4 + 5) piercing damage. : ***Bloody Cross.*** Andromeda sheathes her katana and imbues it with her blood, dealing 21 (6d6) necrotic damage to herself. She then quickly moves 15 feet and slashes twice in a 15-foot cone in front of her. Each creature in the area must succeed on a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw or take 18 (4d8) slashing damage plus 35 (10d6) necrotic damage, or half as much on a success. The necrotic damage dealt by this attack is subtracted from a creature's maximum hit points until they finish a long rest. }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote An Introduction}} \page {{imageMaskCorner,--offsetX:5%,--offsetY:40%,--rotation:0 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1181425099820253274/1181994780285223033/white.jpg?ex=6583156c&is=6570a06c&hm=06536414d6ca8aca2231fd47d4e51946bb6575e38399a72ead27172135a1332d&=&format=webp&width=265&height=471){height:200%} }} {{position:relative,top:625px,left:170px,text-align:center : ## Vatha *The Senator* : ***"What is the meaning of this?!"*** a woman in a white uniform bellows from the street corner, while fearlessly marching towards the conflict. As soon as she makes her appearance, the red custodians immediately stop fighting and take a polite bow; all but the Praetor, who seems even more on guard than before. : The woman in white carries herself with such authority you feel compelled to listen to her, even though she is unarmed. She stalks right up to the leader of the guards, pointing her finger. *"Are you harassing visitants again, Andromeda?"* }} \column {{imageMaskEdge3,--offset:19%,--rotation:90 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204485564980793354/tomfarlane_a_senator_elf_greek_civilzation_shouting_long_black__abbefdaa-ce65-4cd2-ac1e-c18f4b70c57b.png?ex=65d4e798&is=65c27298&hm=ace9c000d1d014aba2d61578ca98964406592c2f5114a23f9bf024f271f8c2e7&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4001){height:117%,left:-0px,top:-60px} }} {{imageMaskEdge5,--offset:19%,--rotation:270 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204485564980793354/tomfarlane_a_senator_elf_greek_civilzation_shouting_long_black__abbefdaa-ce65-4cd2-ac1e-c18f4b70c57b.png?ex=65d4e798&is=65c27298&hm=ace9c000d1d014aba2d61578ca98964406592c2f5114a23f9bf024f271f8c2e7&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4001){height:117%,left:-0px,top:-60px} }} {{imageMaskEdge3,--offset:43%,--rotation:358 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204485564980793354/tomfarlane_a_senator_elf_greek_civilzation_shouting_long_black__abbefdaa-ce65-4cd2-ac1e-c18f4b70c57b.png?ex=65d4e798&is=65c27298&hm=ace9c000d1d014aba2d61578ca98964406592c2f5114a23f9bf024f271f8c2e7&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4001){height:117%,left:-0px,top:-60px} }} {{imageMaskEdge3,--offset:-5%,--rotation:150 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204485564980793354/tomfarlane_a_senator_elf_greek_civilzation_shouting_long_black__abbefdaa-ce65-4cd2-ac1e-c18f4b70c57b.png?ex=65d4e798&is=65c27298&hm=ace9c000d1d014aba2d61578ca98964406592c2f5114a23f9bf024f271f8c2e7&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4001){height:117%,left:-0px,top:-60px} }} {{imageMaskEdge3,--offset:-5%,--rotation:205 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204485564980793354/tomfarlane_a_senator_elf_greek_civilzation_shouting_long_black__abbefdaa-ce65-4cd2-ac1e-c18f4b70c57b.png?ex=65d4e798&is=65c27298&hm=ace9c000d1d014aba2d61578ca98964406592c2f5114a23f9bf024f271f8c2e7&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4001){height:117%,left:-0px,top:-60px} }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote An Introduction}} \page {{monster,frame,text-align:center,position:relative,left:-20px,top:590px : ## Senator, do not interfere : *"The Trading Spire is not safe for diplomats of your caliber. You shouldn't wander alone. As you can see, there are a lot of dangers lurking in the shadows"* : Praetor Andromeda's deference towards the newcomer is striking, though her expression doesn't match her words at all. Her eloquent speech is contrasted by her hateful scowl, her red eyes staring right into the senator's soul. : As the woman in white comes closer, you see Andromeda take a step forward, her weapon still drawn. For a second, you think the apathic praetor could actually swing at the senator. The moment passes, however, and Andromeda sheathes her bloody blade, her eyes never leaving Vatha's. : *"I am in the middle of an arrest, Senator. You should move along.* Her words are crisp, cold, and beyond anything, profoundly hateful. You feel the Praetor's quiet rage on every syllable. Beyond her collected demeanor, she is furious. : }} \column {{monster,frame,text-align:center,position:relative,left:20px,top:590px : ## You have no right, Praetor : *"These people have broken no code, and done no wrong. You know it. They are guests. Were you about to spill blood on our illustrious streets? Your zealous enterprise is going to ruin our great city. Zephraim has poisoned your mind, sister."* : The Senator stands proud, unarmed, surrounded by the custodians. As she speaks, you see the Praetor's guard slowly take a step back. Sister? These two have nothing in common. Their skin tone, their hair, their eyes. They don't seem related at all. : There is a moment of silence, broken only by the ever-present winds that blow through the city in the sky. Then, the praetor averts her gaze, landing on yours. There isn't a single emotion on her stoic face and you still get her meaning. This isn't over. : The Preator let's out a grunt, and the custodians begin to leave, not without a quick bow to the senator, who just nods back, never taking her eyes off her sister's turned back. : }} {{imageMaskEdge1,--offset:-3%,--rotation:88 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204546948678557717/tomfarlane_a_female_elven_guard_armored_in_the_streets_of_a_gre_26067adf-2f5a-429c-bfa7-1fa698af82eb.png?ex=65d520c3&is=65c2abc3&hm=92122ffd462c76e88d29c330d5d35eaa103de22db6495c3cf575283a6e60e290&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4000){height:75%,left:-50px,top:270px,transform:scalex(-1} }} {{imageMaskEdge1,--offset:-3%,--rotation:88 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204546948678557717/tomfarlane_a_female_elven_guard_armored_in_the_streets_of_a_gre_26067adf-2f5a-429c-bfa7-1fa698af82eb.png?ex=65d520c3&is=65c2abc3&hm=92122ffd462c76e88d29c330d5d35eaa103de22db6495c3cf575283a6e60e290&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4000){height:75%,left:-50px,top:0,transform:scalex(-1} }} {{imageMaskEdge1,--offset:-0%,--rotation:269 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204515432841871370/tomfarlane_a_female_senator_elf_greek_civilzation_long_black_ha_a70bedb6-9aca-447d-b185-e384cb7acf2f.png?ex=65d5036a&is=65c28e6a&hm=886bfe8e0e94599ca80880a59d8800e60d8001f0e2856eea60bc2c9de5d01c6b&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4001){height:100%,left:220px,top:0px,transform:scalex(-1)} }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote An Introduction}} \page {{imageMaskCorner34,--offsetX:40%,--offsetY:36%,--rotation:20 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204899478642102282/tomfarlane_a_female_senator_elf_greek_civilzation_green_eyes_lo_1254a85b-b43a-47c4-990a-0c7497c52053.png?ex=65d66915&is=65c3f415&hm=c0ec78a5955f2e483f6a46306c9ec0a9cf7a13d839b906532d0c461bc44ad409&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4000){height:75%,top:-90px,left:200px} }} {{imageMaskCorner34,--offsetX:40%,--offsetY:36%,--rotation:20 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204899478642102282/tomfarlane_a_female_senator_elf_greek_civilzation_green_eyes_lo_1254a85b-b43a-47c4-990a-0c7497c52053.png?ex=65d66915&is=65c3f415&hm=c0ec78a5955f2e483f6a46306c9ec0a9cf7a13d839b906532d0c461bc44ad409&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4000){height:75%,top:-90px,left:270px} }} {{imageMaskCorner34,--offsetX:40%,--offsetY:36%,--rotation:20 ![](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1105488303710543923/1204899478642102282/tomfarlane_a_female_senator_elf_greek_civilzation_green_eyes_lo_1254a85b-b43a-47c4-990a-0c7497c52053.png?ex=65d66915&is=65c3f415&hm=c0ec78a5955f2e483f6a46306c9ec0a9cf7a13d839b906532d0c461bc44ad409&=&format=webp&quality=lossless&width=3001&height=4000){height:75%,top:-90px,right:-50px} }} {{position:relative,left:-15px,top:-15px ## An Apology The Senator watches her sister leave, \ then sighs. As she turns to you, she seems \ conflicted. Even though the danger has passed, \ her eyes dart around, before settling on you and \ your party. {{descriptive,width:280px *"I extend my deepest apologies, visitors. My name is Senator Vatha Veral, I am one of the lucky few that run things around here. There is no excuse for what you have just experienced. It is a testament to how far we have fallen. Attacked on the streets. What was her reason? What did she say? Tell me everything that happened here. I must know."* }} You take your time to respond, all the \ while trying to decipher if this enigmatic \ elf is your ally or just another hurdle. She \ was very close to the fighting, after all. Are \ you completly sure she can be trusted? \ With a sister like hers, you are not so sure. \ It's very hard to know what goes on behind \ those viridian eyes, after all. : **Insight DC 20.** A perceptive enough player can feel a profound underlying guilt behind her stoic exterior. She doesn't seem to be listening your account at all, rather she seems to be thinking on how to make it up to you. She feel personally responsible for the attack. Probably something about her sister. : The Senator waits until you've finished recounting the event before continuing. {{descriptive,width: *"That is... very concerning, to say the least. You should not have been subject to that. No one should, stranger or otherwise.* : *Never in all my years have I seen a more difficult time for our city. You must accept my deepest and most sincere apologies. You are supposed to be under my... under the city's protection, and you were just about to be executed in the street. This is unacceptable.* }} The Senator paces around, her arms crossed, while you gather yourselves from the skirmish. She looks up at you, after a moment, her expression still unreadable. : {{,descriptive *"Accompany me, if you will. I must make this up to you. Have you ever seen the inner city? Well, you are in luck. If you are willing to escort me back to the Senate, no one will bother you.* : *In addition, we must record what just happened and register a proper complaint. This is not the first time outsiders are unjustly detained, though it is the first time I've seen the Custodians use lethal force. Oh, Andromeda... what on sky are you doing?"* }} : }} ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: {{position:relative,TOP:40PX ### To the Inner Ring And so, the party is invited to act as the senator's guards as she returns to the dome, where the senate can be found, within the Inner Ring of Uldann. If they accept, they enter under the protection of Veral and her associates, and the Red Custodians will not harass them further. The adventure continues... :: {{note ##### Other Ways As with all things, there are many ways to enter the Inner Ring of the city. While in the Trading Spire, strangers are tolerated. Inside Uldann proper, however, anyone who isn't an elf has a high chance of being detained by the guard. : The legislations are getting ever so harsher. Who knows, perhaps it is better to just enter the city by other, more dubious means, rather than trusting a politician. Kadir did say there are many ways to get to Uldann's core. Perhaps it is worth to ask around some more. }} }} {{pageNumber,auto}} {{footnote An Introduction}} \page {{backCover}} # That's all, Folks! : We hope you enjoyed this small encounter exclusive! 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