To the Keep

Timestamp: Stoneshade Keep Great Hall - Evening

You arrive early in the evening, knowing you have been invited to mingle with what are the higher rank of society in Ostiarium. You are escorted into the Great Hall after presenting your invitation and leaving your weapons with the men-at-arms in charge of security. If you were clueless enough to bring any along.

As you walk into the Great Hall you are greeted with the sounds of music, booming laughter and loud conversations. The Usher by the door takes your invitation and announces your name to the gathered gentry and nobles. Some look your way, others ignore you. There are no more than 30 people in the Hall.

To your left you see a large fireplace burning bright and to its sides musicians playing the harp and rebec accompanied by two shawm and a small drum. You see several tapestries depicting the Empire of Salos hanging from the ceiling, dancing in the draft of the impressive hall.

A long wooden oak table splits the entire room in half, laden with a feast that you have not seen the likes of in a long time No chairs are positioned round the table allowing guests to easily help themselves to food. You see steaming pies of succulent vegetables and meats, creamed fish, warm loaves of bread, roasted glazes birds, goat stew and the centre piece a huge spit-roasted hog. A small army of servers walks the floor of the Great Hall serving guests with wine, beer and ale. No plate is ever empty as is no glass.

You see the Duke in the centre of the room surrounded by a few of his Knights and their spouses. To the back of the room you see two men loudly in conversation, that you later find out are the owners of the sawmill and of the city's small fishing fleet.

Voah & Wim - Everyone in the room looks to the entrance when Voah is announced. Word of the Arbiter's arrival has spread through the city and everyone is keen to learn more about you. The Friar approaches you both as you walk into the room.

Boyce - As you arrive you see other scholars that you have seen around Misty Ward standing around the great table, enjoying the drink and food on offer.

Melandra - A group of men and women stand around you listening with interest to your gory stories of duels and blood. Your aura of mystery and danger has always been a powerful aphrodisiac among the wealthy.