Cladissa had come out of the tour looking a little flustered, but she quickly brought herself under control and brightened when she saw Roald standing with the Pathfinders. She starts to move over toward him, when the other guests start arriving.
When Imrizade Blakros is announced, Cladissa squeaks in joy and moves up to her when she comes close. "Imri! So good to see you! I missed you sooo much at the wedding!" She unfolds her wings and, moving to a spot with clearance, gives them a couple good flaps. "Look at my wings! I can't thank you enough for that tablet; I meditated over it for weeks and I finally grew them!" She gives the sorceress a huge hug. "I missed you!"
Imrizade smiles, and kisses Cladissa's cheek. "I'm thrilled my little gift was useful to you. You look just like the Maftet in the tablet. Hopefully we'll be seeing more of each other now." She leans in and whispers in Cladissa's ear "I just started seeing Argor, so that should help."
A jolt runs through Cladissa and she pulls back, staring into Imrizade's eyes. Though a large part of her wants to voice her fears about Argor, she holds herself back. Instead, she smiles, genuinely, and says, "That's good. He needs another strong woman in his life to challenge him."
Then she gives Imri another big hug and glances over to Argor, meeting his eyes with a sly smile.
Cladissa parts from Imri and makes her way over to Lady Vaelia. Lady Vaelia is venerable and frail and walks with the aid of an ebony cane. She wears a stylish greenand-blue gown, a fortune in jewelry, and her late husband’s battle-notched masterwork falcata (though she is too feeble
to wield it). She frowns at Cladissa. "Yes, what is it?"
"Greetings and well met, milady. I'm Cladissa de-- I mean, Cladissa Velorryan. Pathfinder." Rising from her curtsie, Cladissa nods her head.
While looking at the Falcata, Cladissa suddenly remembers something she heard while living in Taldor. Lady Vaelia’s husband and three sons all died 36 years ago when Qadiran raiders crept across the Jalrune and attacked their estate. As a result, she is the leader of a small but growing cadre of Taldan nobles who want to obstruct any further efforts to send Taldan troops out of the country.
"I take no pleasure in meeting a meddling warmonger. Good evening...miss." The older noblewoman walks away in a huff. Eleanir seeing Cladissa get rejected by Lady Vaelia, pulls her to the side and says, "Hey Cladissa. Don't worry about that old b@$&*. She shouldn't even be here. I heard mother whisper that she was forced to invite her to avoid a major faux pas. Lady Vaelia is determined to ruin our efforts to send reinforcements to Mendev."
Cladissa looks at her from a distance. "Yeah, well, I don't much like Taldor anyway."
Elaenir nods with her typical glum expression.
"I could offer to cast death ward on her. She smells like mothballs and stale perfume," Cladissa adds.
"Heh. Don't think she needs that to avoid death. We've all been waiting for her to kick it for years now."
Cladissa just shrugs.
Having been to Fiddlemourn Manor before, Cladissa lets her mind work during the tour rather than be awed by the splendor. She'd seen most of this before, and though still impressive, she wanted to work out the knots that Argor's new familiar had twisted her in. So she ended up drifting away from the rest of the group, still absently looking up and down at the artwork and finery on display.
Tagging along at the back as Tespren goes into great detail of the Blakros family, his speech goes barely registered. Coming into the study, she sees the wall of Osirion artifacts and notes the display case where her tablet used to rest. It now held an assortment of ceremonial daggers with ornate gem-encrusted grips. While she leans over the display, a distant whispering from the corner of the room catches her attention. She turns her head and gasps quietly, as she sees on a pedestal a mummified cat, exactly like the one she swiped so many years ago.
She takes a step toward it, hesitantly, and the susurrus of voices becomes more distinct, but she is still unable to make out any clear words. A sharp laugh from someone in the tour causes her to turn her head in that direction, and then a sudden blur of movement catches her eye from the pedestal. She looks back around and the mummified cat is gone, replaced by a canopic jar.
Cladissa blinks and looks around while taking a couple steps back. "Cole?" she whispers softly, realizing that she hadn't seen him since the mission at the museum.
Cladissa d'Lavigne Velorryan, the whispering chants, becoming clearer. A shadow streaks across her vision. She spins again, and she sees a section of the wall covered in Osiriani heiroglyphs open, revealing a lamp-lit room beyond. She gapes, glances over her shoulder and sees she's alone, then moves forward into the chamber.
Ruddy firelight throws dancing shadows upon the sandstone walls. Sarcophagi, braziers, statues and other Osiriani relics adorn the chamber, reflecting the light in red-gold patterns. Cladissa spins around, in awe of the collection.
At her second pass, a vaguely cat-shaped shadow catches her eye. She stares at it hard, memories of her recent challenge to excise her self-loathing. "Cole? What is this? I passed the test, I'm better! I'm not going to lose myself to the formula again!"
::There will always be tests:: The voice is disembodied, deep and resonating throughout the chamber.
Cladissa gulps as she looks around for the source of the voice. When she turns back to the shadowy cat-shape, it had relocated to resting upon a shield inlaid with gold. "All right, I guess. Is this one now?" she asks. She eyes the statues warily, afraid one or more will come to life.
::No. This is not the test, though your time of trial is nigh::
"Is it this mission? Or something more to do with the serum?" she asks, speculating.
::Darkness stalks you, Cladissa d'Levigne le Velorryan. Shadows spill from the ether, waiting for your weakness::
Cladissa's mind reeled. "Are you talking about Hrimnagel?"
::NO! Do not lose focus:: the voice had a note of urgency.
"Is this about Argor? He's going into a dark place, but he's making his own decisions! I'll try, but--"
::You are right about his decisions but as he is drawing toward the darkness, you must hew toward the light. The one who is sent to you as the conduit shall be your guide::
The shadowy cat materializes into Cole, but he seems greater somehow, far more than a cat -- even more than a witch's familiar. Cladissa regards him twine around her legs with a twist of her mouth, not voicing her observation that this entity has been warning her of darkness but giving her a cat nearly made of shadow.
"Hey! Why do you call me d'Levigne? That's not my name."
::It is your truename, one to which you must remember lest you forget yourself. For if you forget yourself again, there will be no intercession::
Cladissa nods, rolling the name around in her head. She couldn't recall ever hearing it before. "But where'd it come from?" she calls out --
"Osirion, obviously," says Tespren testily. "You've been mumbling in front of this display for five minutes. Come along, I've yet to show the trophy hall."
Realizing she was still in the study, Cladissa blinks at the other Pathfinders staring at her. Then she hears a soft meow at her feet. "Hey, you little furball," she says, then follows the gnome for the rest of the tour.
Nyugusk grits his tusks at the thought of this task, knowing he's spectacularly ill suited to it. Well, hopefully chymistry can aid a bit, at any rate. He steps aside a bit to drink an alchemical allocation extract, followed by gargling his old potion of Heroism. Alright, that's about as good as it's going to get...
And with that he winds his way through the room toward the ambassador from Osirion.
Dremdhet Salhar is a heavyset man with a welloiled hair and beard. He and his wife the Lady Anilah both wear matching gold-embroidered silk robes in the Osirion fashion, as well as a fortune in gold rings, necklaces, and other jewelry. Salhar wears a jeweled mithral short sword at his belt. He looks up as Nyugusk approaches him, an air of superiority in his gaze.
Nyugusk says "Greetings, Ambassador. I've not yet had the pleasure to visit Osirion but I wish to."
"Ah, the grotesque can speak. No doubt you would be as curious there as you are here. How may I help you?" the Ambassador replies.
"Ahhh, all change is grotesque to some...and perhaps in a land so steeped in history it might be more so, but I assure you, the transmogrification I'm endeavoring to do is on a path toward self-perfection. At any rate, I'm curious to hear about you. What brings you to Absolom?"
"I live here. I am the ambassador to Absalom...."
"I mean, uh, what interests you? Literature? History? The arts? Chymistry?"
"What interests me is organizations that don't meddle in the affairs of others. That and my privacy. Good evening." The ambassador takes his wife by the arm, and moves to another part of the room.
Hrim stealthily wanders the room attempting to eavesdrop on an interesting conversation.
"By the way, Argor, Thrassk had a family emergency. He left on a ship to Tien last night."
"Then I wish he and his family well, he seemed nice."
Then she gives Imri another big hug and glances over to Argor, meeting his eyes with a sly smile.
Exactly what is she up to? Trying to sway Imrizade away from me, no doubt...
He then makes his way towards Imrizade, offering out his hand to her as he says, "Good evening, my dear. You look stunning."
__________
As guests are introduced, Argor finds himself distracted by the close proximity of Imrizade, as well as her playful, flirtatious overtures that keep him anxious and worried that Lady Hamaria will notice and not approve.
As Cladissa and Nyugusk take the initiative in the diplomatic venture, he takes the opportunity to hang back and observe their interaction, gauging the reaction of their conversational companions.
It would appear Cladissa has found herself at an impasse, while, as usual, Nyugusk has managed to shove all of his feet into that oversized mouth of his. Let me see if I can salvage this situation...
He waits until Dremdhet moves well away from Nyugusk, and allows a small amount of time to pass before he turns to Imrizade and whispers into her ear, "Pardon me, my dear, but unfortunately the work of the Society falls once again to me, and I must try to repair whatever damage it is my associate has done to the Grand Ambassador. Would you like to accompany me?"
He then casually floats over to the Dremdhet and Anilah, bowing appropriately to them in greeting and then saying, "Grand Ambassador, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Argor, Maven of Conjuration at the Arcanamirium, and member of the Pathfinder Society. I hate to intrude on your time, but I wanted to check in on you and your lovely wife, to see that you both were well."
He turns his attention to Lady Anilah and adds, "My apologies, I have not had an opportunity to follow up with you after your previous peril, but it would seem you have recovered nicely from the endeavor. I trust that neither of you have had any more trouble out of those ruffians?"
Perhaps reminding them of the aid we provided them personally will loosen their moods, as well as open the doorway to persuade them to send push for their nation to rally troops to the Crusade.
__________
"By the way, Argor, Thrassk had a family emergency. He left on a ship to Tien last night.""Then I wish he and his family well, he seemed nice."
Then she gives Imri another big hug and glances over to Argor, meeting his eyes with a sly smile.Exactly what is she up to? Trying to sway Imrizade away from me, no doubt...
He then makes his way towards Imrizade, offering out his hand to her as he says, "Good evening, my dear. You look stunning."
__________
[dice=Knowledge (Nobility) on the room]1d20 + 11
As guests are introduced, Argor finds himself distracted by the close proximity of Imrizade, as well as her playful, flirtations overtures that keep him anxious and worried that Lady Hamaria will notice and not approve.
As Cladissa and Nyugusk take the initiative in the diplomatic venture, he takes the opportunity to hang back and observe their interaction, gauging the reaction of their conversational companions.
It would appear Cladissa has found herself at an impasse, while, as usual, Nyugusk has managed to shove all of his feet into that oversized mouth of his. Let me see if I can salvage this situation...
He waits until Dremdhet moves well away from Nyugusk, and allows a small amount of time to pass before he turns to Imrizade and whispers into her ear, "Pardon me, my dear, but unfortunately the work of the Society falls once again to me, and I must try to repair whatever damage it is my associate has done to the Grand Ambassador. Would you like to accompany me?"
He then casually floats over to the Dremdhet and Anilah, bowing appropriately to them in greeting and then saying, "Grand Ambassador, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I...
"No, you are quite right to remind me of the services your group personally rendered to us on behalf of the society. Everything has been fine since you aided us. Perhaps not all Pathfinders are treacherous after all.."
Hrim stealthily wanders the room attempting to eavesdrop on an interesting conversation.
Hrimnagel's eyes fall upon Lord Kerkis. Lord Kerkis is a thin, wiry Keleshite in his early fifties, with a neatly trimmed beard and bushy eyebrows. He wears an expensive, Keleshite-styled, loose-fitting silk robe, a jewel-covered silk vest, and a gold-bladed ceremonial scimitar at his belt.
Bingo.
Hrimnagel spends a few minutes eavesdropping on him and is able to read his character quite easily. Lord Kerkis is a socially cautious man who does not suffer loud boors, but he also has an obvious distaste for Lady Vaelia and finds her anti-Kelishite bigotry distasteful.
As the party progresses, several cocktails worth of conversation pass by. Each of the agents goes about accruing influence, some more successfully than others. There is a general interruption in the activity by the announcement of the arrival of one more guest - Senator Augustyn Naran. Senator Naran is an obese, constantly sweating man in his late sixties. He and his stunning bride wear very expensive formal attire: he wears a stylish gray-and-black suit and she wears an elegant royal blue gown studded with silver beads and glittering jewels. Naran wears a gold-pommeled silver rapier at his belt that looks like it’s never seen a real fight.
The senator approaches Damian and Michellia directly, sneering down his nose at the other guests as he passes.
Argor notes the presence of Lady Darchana while conversing with the Grand Ambassador. How had I not noticed her presence here!?
"I will allow you to resume spending time with your lovely wife, Grand Ambassador. It has been a pleasure," Argor says as he excuses himself from the conversation and hovers over to the Archdean.
Lady Morilla sidles up to Nyugusk. "Not the most social one, are you? Well...if you know your way around a logical magical argument, you might be able to make some headway with Lady Darchana. That is..when Argor's finished with her."
Argor notes the presence of Lady Darchana while conversing with the Grand Ambassador. How had I not noticed her presence here!?
"I will allow you to resume spending time with your lovely wife, Grand Ambassador. It has been a pleasure," Argor says as he excuses himself from the conversation and hovers over to the Archdean.
He bows in greeting to her before saying, "Lady Darchanna, I do not believe we have had the pleasure of meeting directly. My name is Argor, Maven at the Arcanamirium. An honor to finally meet you."
Lady Darchana is a cold, pale beauty with piercing gray eyes and long blue-black hair. She wears solid midnight-blue wizard’s robes and a dazzling mithral tiara studded with rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. She appears unarmed. She smiles but it does not reach her eyes. "I know very well who you are, Mr. Constantine. I was one of the ones responsible for approving your position as a Maven." She glances at Rutai. "New familiar?"
Argor bows his head to her, "An honor I am most grateful to have had bestowed upon me." Argor nods, "Indeed. Allow me to introduce Rutai, former familiar to my late master, Strathix Constantine." Rutai bows with a flourish, "An honor to meet you as well, Lady Darchana."
The lady waves a hand. "Yes, I'm sure. I didn't quite expect to see you here tonight, though I guess with your side work in Society it does make sense. Are you here for work or pleasure?"
Argor smiles, his eye wandering ever so briefly towards Imrizade. "A bit of both, I am afraid. The Society has their own expectations of me, but my original invitation to this event was on a private nature, as I have become quite familiar with the Blakros family over the past several months. However, in regards to the reason the Society has requested my aid at this gathering, I believe I see a most interesting opportunity for the Arcanamirium..."
Darchana frowns. "I'm quite aware of what they want...us to commit magical forces to the fifth crusade. I'm not quite convinced it's the logical thing to do. Mendev is a long way away from Absalom."
"Truly, but with the power of magic, such distances can be traversed in the blink of an eye. Also, what with the presence of competition in regards to Arcane Academies here in Absalom, despite the fact they are inferior, I do believe that making it known that as an institution we are capable of more than theoretical studies could be beneficial in gaining the attention of even more influential houses, from here and abroad. If we offered our graduates the opportunity to gain actual field experience in such a notable endeavor, on a volunteer only basis of course, it could be a real feather in our cap from a publicity standpoint. Furthermore, any discoveries they make we could add to our own resources." Argor bows his head slightly, hands swept wide with his gaze downcast. "Of course, such worries and concerns are beneath one as busy as yourself. Nor should you risk your reputation or name for such a risky venture, in case it were to be looked on negatively in time. With your permission, I would be willing to see to the development and implementation of this enterprise, so that way you could wash your hands of it should it not prove fruitful."
She smirks. "You have made your point Maven. I will consider it carefully, and let you know."
Argor bows to her, "Certainly, Archdean. I will not harass you further. Enjoy your evening, m'Lady."
Hrim finds Cladissa unattended and whispers to her, "Scion Lord Kerkis of House Damaq is a socially cautious man who does not suffer loud boors, and he also has an obvious distaste for Lady Vaelia and finds her anti-Kelishite bigotry distasteful. Use that to influence him."
After loading up his plate and filling his glass, Hrim drops some eaves and watches the behavior of Lady Dyrianna of House Avenstar.
Lady Dyrianna of House Avenstar =
Lord Rothos of House Vastille =
Scion Lord Kerkis of House Damaq = +4 bonus on future checks to influence Lord Kerkis, who can additionally be influenced by Knowledge (Local).
Lady Darchana of House Madinani = Argor gained influence
Grand Ambassador Dremdhet Salhar = Argor gained influence
Senator Augustyn Naran =
Cladissa smiles and gives a quick thanks to Hrim. Of course, someone as thoroughly unpleasant as Lady Vaelia would have her opponents.
She makes eye contact with Roald briefly and gives him a wave of her fingers before approaching Lord Kerkis. She curtsies, drawing up the sides of her dress and framing her form with her wings.
"Greetings, my lord. Cladissa Velorryan, at your service." After straightening, she glances over to the obstinate widow and smooths her dress and feathers. "Well, Lady Vaelia was characteristically rude and dismissive. You would think that she could at least be civil at this sort of event."
For once, Cladissa's usual quiet nature is an asset, allowing Lord Kerkis to voice his distaste for the lady in reserved tones without needing to get overly animated. Then she tries to steer his opinions to the opposite of Lady Vaelia's, and throw support behind the Crusade.
Cladissa knows that Scion Lord Kerkis is the patriarch of the very wealthy and influential House Damaq. He is also Lord Exchequer of the Absalom Mint, so he practically controls the economy of Absalom. He also has ties to many wealthy and influential families in Qadira. The Pathfinder Society needs gold to fund this effort, and a word of support from Lord Kerkis would open the pocketbooks of many wealthy patrons.
"Yes, you would. I am Lord Exchequer Kerkis. It's my pleasure to meet you, Ms Vellorryan."
She gives him a demure smile. "You flatter me, my lord. You may have met my step-father, Lord Castor Farwynd? Taldane Ambassador to Qadira? He wed my mother after she and I fled Galt during the Red Rebellion. War is a horrific thing, my lord, for the young and old alike. But sometimes necessary, when the cause is just."
Cladissa tosses her hair over her shoulders in a defiant gesture as she straightens her posture. "Lady Vaelia, in her grief, would let the rest of the world crumble to save her fading memories. But when a threat like the Worldwound exists, burying one's head in the sand is a tactic of fools."
She clasps her hands in front of her, now looking supplicant. "I can think of no more noble a task than resisting the demonic hordes that would consume us all. But such an endeavor needs gold. If you were to voice your support -- just a word -- I've no doubt others would follow your lead and fund this just crusade. Would you consider this?"
"You make a strong argument. I will indeed consider all you have said. Thank you for your thoughts."
"Thank you, Lady Morilla." Nyugusk smiles.
When he gets an opportunity, he approaches Lady Darchana. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Darchana. I confess I don't do as well with the small talk, but I always enjoy the opportunity to exchange thoughts with an agile mind.
"To that end, I've been considering a puzzle recently and wonder if you'd share your own thoughts. You see..."
"Thank you, Lady Morilla." Nyugusk smiles.
When he gets an opportunity, he approaches Lady Darchana. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Darchana. I confess I don't do as well with the small talk, but I always enjoy the opportunity to exchange thoughts with an agile mind.
"To that end, I've been considering a puzzle recently and wonder if you'd share your own thoughts. You see..."
[dice=Spellcraft]1d20+6+2
With the wardstones having fallen, there is almost nothing preventing the Worldwound’s demons from teleporting freely about Golarion. Given its central importance to the Inner Sea region, Absalom is a prime target for invasion. Lady Darchana is receptive to logical arguments, and she feels a sense of duty to Absalom. This could be leveraged to further persuade her.
Nyugusk is proud to have a useful insight to bring to the table...until he remembers it's just what Argor had said to the Lady of Mages himself.
Sigh. At least I'm not making things worse at the moment.
He takes the opportunity of a quiet moment to mention to his allies, "Lady Darchana is receptive to logical arguments, and she feels a sense of duty to Absalom. Reminding her that with the fall of the wardstones, Absolom is just a teleport away for those demons should be a compelling tactic.
"Er, just like Argor just demonstrated."
Cladissa nods at Nyugusk's information. "Well, repetition can sometimes be the key to persuasion. If the argument is compelling, that is." She gives Nyug a smile to try to lift his spirits.
"On that note, Scion Lord Kerkis has many ties to the wealthy in Qadira and is Lord Exchequer of the Absalom Mint. His support would open the coffers of many of the wealthy to fund the Crusade. I believe I've made inroads with him, but I expect a follow-up would be in order."
Her expression droops a bit. "But don't bother with Lady Vaelia, unless you enjoy being on the receiving end of a scathing rebuke."
Hrim finds Cladissa unattended and whispers to her, "Scion Lord Kerkis of House Damaq is a socially cautious man who does not suffer loud boors, and he also has an obvious distaste for Lady Vaelia and finds her anti-Kelishite bigotry distasteful. Use that to influence him."
After loading up his plate and filling his glass, Hrim drops some eaves and watches the behavior of Lady Dyrianna of House Avenstar.
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+12** spoiler omitted **
Lady Dyrianna is a stunningly beautiful, slender half-elf who wears a constant look of satisfied amusement. Her emerald-green gown and matching lace shawl are surprisingly conservative, but very elegant. She appears unarmed.
Lady Dyrianna has business connections with powerful people in Cheliax and Qadira, and she is also on friendly terms with many of Absalom’s elven families. She employs numerous courtesans and prostitutes that have the ear of countless wealthy and influential citizens. In fact, Lady Dyrianna attends the feast with a handsome young human courtesan and bodyguard, who’s smart enough to remain quiet and respectful.
After loading up his plate and filling his glass, Hrim drops some eaves and watches the behavior of Senator Augustyn Naran.
Senator Naran is deep in the pocket of the notoriously corrupt Lumber Consortium, and he has made a career of shifting political blame and avoiding making important political decision—like sending troops to Mendev. He is merely here to show off his beautiful wife and enjoy rich food and drink. He cares nothing for the Mendevian Crusade and sees it as a political gamble not worth taking.
As the meet-and-greet concludes, Damien Blakros thanks the guests for attending, briefly speaks about the threat of the Worldwound, and then expounds on several lengthy tangents detailing the contributions of the Hellknight Order of the Godclaw during the First and Second Mendevian Crusades. As the Hellknight’s initially thrilling speech begins to dull the guests, Michellia interjects to announce that dinner will soon be served and requests that the guests be seated. The feast itself includes seven courses of crisp greens, poached fish, seasoned game, and a selection of fine desserts. Servants continue to bustle about in the neverending quest to keep goblets full and move discarded plates to the kitchen. The master chef Domeros Prinitar proudly announces each course as it arrives.
Before they sit for supper, Hrim finds Cladissa trying to cheer up Nyug and whispers in his small, thin voice, "Don't bother with Senator Naran either. He is deep in the pocket of the notoriously corrupt Lumber Consortium, and he has made a career of shifting political blame and avoiding making important political decision—like sending troops to Mendev. He is merely here to show off his beautiful wife and enjoy rich food and drink. He cares nothing for the Mendevian Crusade and sees it as a political gamble not worth taking."
Lady Dyrianna of House Avenstar = Need diplomacy, bluff or knowledge (local) to do anything with her.
Lord Rothos of House Vastille =
(1) Scion Lord Kerkis of House Damaq = Cladissa influenced him. +4 bonus on future checks to influence Lord Kerkis, who can additionally be influenced by Knowledge (Local).
(1) Lady Darchana of House Madinani = Argor gained influence,
+4 to any additional influence checks you guys make on her. (With the wardstones having fallen, there is almost nothing preventing the Worldwound’s demons from teleporting freely about Golarion. Given its central importance to the Inner Sea region, Absalom is a prime target for invasion. Lady Darchana is receptive to logical arguments, and she feels a sense of duty to Absalom. This could be leveraged to further persuade her.)
(1) Grand Ambassador Dremdhet Salhar = Argor gained influence, Discovered by Sense Motive
Lady Vaelia of House Wintermark = Lady Vaelia is uninfluenceable
Senator Augustyn Naran = is uninfluenceable
Hrim lands on the chair next to the Grand Ambassador and pushes the shadows away enough to avoid someone sitting on him.
When he makes eye contact with the Ambassador, the deep gnome introduces himself and tries to get the ambassador to talk about himself."Well met, Grand Ambassador. My name is Hrimnagel Avaldamon of Dwimovel in the Darklands. It is a great pleasure to meet you. Your sword is beautiful. Does it have a particular story?"
Cladissa takes a spot in between Roald and Lady Darchana and across from the entourage surrounding Lady Dyrianna.
After the salad course, she turns to the Archdean to make conversation. Though her initial plan was to discuss the Crusade, she had to comment on her jewelry first. "Your tiara is one of the most stunning pieces I've ever seen. Absolutely beautiful. Is it an heirloom, if I may ask?"
Regardless of the answer, she continues. "I though Damien Blakros's speech was heartfelt, but maybe glorifying the skill at arms a bit too much. The demons of the Worldwound have too many magical abilities. Arcanists should be sent to bolster the Crusades and repel the magics of the hordes. Their ability to teleport distresses the most, since if the wardstones fail there's no place on Golarion that will be safe. Even here in Absalom." She shudders involuntarily as she imagines demons rampaging through the streets.
She'll continue the conversation with Lady Darchana as long as she allows.
Cladissa anticipated the fish course the most, and focused all her attention on it when it arrived. She eats her portion and sneaks a few morsels off Roald's plate as well. She had managed to switch off her form's distaste for certain foods, but there was no reason to diminish her enjoyment of others.
After dabbing her mouth with her napkin, she addresses Lady Dyrianna.
"Tá súil agam go mbainfidh tú deis dom a chleachtadh mo Elven ; sé roinnt ama ó bhí mé in ann , é a úsáid ,," she says, her accent being the Kyonin style of her teacher.
"Ní féidir liom cabhrú ach is dóigh go bhféadfadh an excitement de Crusade nua a bheith measartha brabúsaí do ghnólachtaí ar fud an Mhuir Istigh. Samhlaigh siúd go léir fir óga agus mná gá a bheith outfitted as a gcuid seirbhíse , agus na páirtithe sheoladh - uaire!"
"I hope you'll allow me to practice my Elven; it's been some time since I've been able,to use it,"
"I can't help but think that the excitement of a new Crusade could be quite lucrative for businesses around the Inner Sea. Imagine all those young men and women needing to be outfitted for their service, and the send-off parties!"
Argor is still in the midst of what appears to be a pleasant conversation with Imrizade and Hamaria when the announcement that the meal is about to be served is made. He smiles and bows his head to the Blakros Matriarch before turning to Imrizade and making his way to the table, her arm looped through his own.
He takes a seat near both Lord Kerkis and Lord Rothos. He turns to Rutai and says, "Find yourself a comfortable place, Rutai," before returning his attentions to the various guests around him.
"Lord Kerkis, Lord Rothos, a pleasure to make your acquaintances," he says as he pulls a chair out for Imrizade, then seating himself beside her. "I am Argor, Maven of the Arcanamirium, member of the Pathfinder Society, and the proprietor of several new establishments here within the city."
"It is always a pleasure to meet with someone of your particular ancestry, Lord Kerkis, if I may say so. Your people have historically faced tremendous adversity in the Northlands, yet still have managed to maintain pride in their heritage, both through strength of arms and will. Though, it is clear that not all are capable of maintaining their resolve in the face of misfortune," he says, giving a subtle nod in the direction of Lady Vaelia.
__________
As the first courses begin to make their way to the table, Argor leans over to Imrizade and asks her quietly, "I must admit my own ignorance when it shows itself, but I know absolutely nothing about Lord Rothos. Have you had the pleasure of meeting with him before?"
Hrim lands on the chair next to the Grand Ambassador and pushes the shadows away enough to avoid someone sitting on him.
When he makes eye contact with the Ambassador, the deep gnome introduces himself and tries to get the ambassador to talk about himself."Well met, Grand Ambassador. My name is Hrimnagel Avaldamon of Dwimovel in the Darklands. It is a great pleasure to meet you. Your sword is beautiful. Does it have a particular story?"
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+12
It does in fact have a long history which the ambassador readily shares. He drones on and on, revealing his secrets, failing to notice it is Hrimnagel's quiet encouragement which drives him on. During the course of the dinner he reveals that his support of the Pathfinder Society has been tested with the Ruby Prince’s recent dismissal of his longtime advisor, the Sapphire Sage Amenopheus.
In response, he has made several public remarks condemning the Pathfinder Society for its hand in promoting such intrigue, going so far as to claim that the Society orchestrated Amenopheus’s dismissal in order to undermine his efforts. As a result, Salhar has a strong distrust of any Pathfinder and reserves a special distaste for Major Maldris and Lady Morilla, whom he views as complicit in the scheming; however, even he cannot deny what happens to empires that do not band together to face external threats. So he could still be convinced to help. Playing up the strength through unity angle will appeal to him.
Cladissa takes a spot in between Roald and Lady Darchana and across from the entourage surrounding Lady Dyrianna.
After the salad course, she turns to the Archdean to make conversation. Though her initial plan was to discuss the Crusade, she had to comment on her jewelry first. "Your tiara is one of the most stunning pieces I've ever seen. Absolutely beautiful. Is it an heirloom, if I may ask?"
Regardless of the answer, she continues. "I though Damien Blakros's speech was heartfelt, but maybe glorifying the skill at arms a bit too much. The demons of the Worldwound have too many magical abilities. Arcanists should be sent to bolster the Crusades and repel the magics of the hordes. Their ability to teleport distresses the most, since if the wardstones fail there's no place on Golarion that will be safe. Even here in Absalom." She shudders involuntarily as she imagines demons rampaging through the streets.
[dice=Spellcraft]1d20+15+4She'll continue the conversation with Lady Darchana as long as she allows.
Cladissa anticipated the fish course the most, and focused all her attention on it when it arrived. She eats her portion and sneaks a few morsels off Roald's plate as well. She had managed to switch off her form's distaste for certain foods, but there was no reason to diminish her enjoyment of others.
After dabbing her mouth with her napkin, she addresses Lady Dyrianna.
"Tá súil agam go mbainfidh tú deis dom a chleachtadh mo Elven ; sé roinnt ama ó bhí mé in ann , é a úsáid ,," she says, her accent being the Kyonin style of her teacher.
"Ní féidir liom cabhrú ach is dóigh go bhféadfadh an excitement de Crusade nua a bheith measartha brabúsaí do ghnólachtaí ar fud an Mhuir Istigh. Samhlaigh siúd go léir fir óga agus mná gá a bheith outfitted as a gcuid seirbhíse , agus na páirtithe sheoladh - uaire!"** spoiler omitted **...
Dyrianna responds favorably to this tactic, and within a minute or so is brazenly flirting with Cladissa in front of Roald and her own date. Cladissa feels that while Dyrianna is not fully convinced yet, she has made some headway.
Argor is still in the midst of what appears to be a pleasant conversation with Imrizade and Hamaria when the announcement that the meal is about to be served is made. He smiles and bows his head to the Blakros Matriarch before turning to Imrizade and making his way to the table, her arm looped through his own.
He takes a seat near both Lord Kerkis and Lord Rothos. He turns to Rutai and says, "Find yourself a comfortable place, Rutai," before returning his attentions to the various guests around him.
"Lord Kerkis, Lord Rothos, a pleasure to make your acquaintances," he says as he pulls a chair out for Imrizade, then seating himself beside her. "I am Argor, Maven of the Arcanamirium, member of the Pathfinder Society, and the proprietor of several new establishments here within the city."
"It is always a pleasure to meet with someone of your particular ancestry, Lord Kerkis, if I may say so. Your people have historically faced tremendous adversity in the Northlands, yet still have managed to maintain pride in their heritage, both through strength of arms and will. Though, it is clear that not all are capable of maintaining their resolve in the face of misfortune," he says, giving a subtle nod in the direction of Lady Vaelia.
[dice=Diplomacy Kerkis]1d20 + 13 + 1 + 4
__________As the first courses begin to make their way to the table, Argor leans over to Imrizade and asks her quietly, "I must admit my own ignorance when it shows itself, but I know absolutely nothing about Lord Rothos. Have you had the pleasure of meeting with him before?"
[dice=Diplomacy Rothos Discovery Check?]1d20 + 13 + 1
Kerkis nods and mutters his agreement.
Lord Rothos is a tall, handsome man in his late forties, wearing formal attire and a black militarystyled longcoat bearing his family crest and many military decorations. A longsword hangs from his belt and the silver chased hilt of a dagger peeks out of his right boot.
Lord Rothos is the Captain of the First Guard, Commander Militant of Absalom, and patriarch of the prominent Vastille noble family. Accustomed to military life, Lord Rothos doesn’t attend many social gatherings and seems somewhat bored and out of place here. He attends the feast alone.
Nyugusk sits down near Rothos and the Ambassador. When he hears Argor ask about Rothos he decides to help him talk to the commander. The three of them get into a little chat...
Despite Nyugusk's best efforts to help Argor he only makes things worse and they get no where with Rothos.
In desperation he attempts to talk to the Ambassador again.
The ambassador doesn't even acknowledge him.
As the meal concludes, Major Maldris meets the eyes of each Freak and covertly motions for them to come to him. The soft susurrus of servants clearing dessert dishes and esteemed guests shuffling about to hobnob with their peers echoes from the nearby dining room as Major Colson Maldris furtively glances about before speaking in a stage whisper.
“Have you noticed,” he inquires, “that several of the serving staff seem to be behaving strangely? I have watched a handful of them, and I can tell you with some authority that a few appear to be under the effects of enchantment magic. They have not expressed any hostility, but this strikes me as the precursor of something far more dangerous."
“In a moment, Damien Blakros will introduce the esteemed Genedair, an esteemed veteran of the Mendevian Crusades and a guest of honor at tonight’s festivities. I trust that his speech will be suitably engaging to give you an opportunity to slip away and check the rest of the manor. If there is anything amiss, deal with any immediate concerns and then report back to me.” He spares a moment to glance back at the dining room before adding, “Under no circumstances are you to upset the guests. I will keep Lady Morilla apprised of the situation, and together we will decide what to do in the
event of trouble. The feast must go on without any disruption, and I will stay with the guests to ensure that happens.” As he says this, Damien Blakros begins introducing Genedair in the other room. With a last look, Major Maldris salutes and says, “You have perhaps half an hour,” then slips back through the door to rejoin the party.
The shadow of Hrim whispers to the rest of the Freaks, "can one of your familiars keep a secret eye on the meal? We wouldn't something to happen to the party while we're on a snipe hunt. I can fly a circuit around the manse before everyone."
At Major Maldris' observation, Argor utters some words of magic and studies any magical auras about the room. He also recites a couple of incantations to bolster his defenses just in case they are needed.
He then looks to Rutai, and says something to the imp in a strange tongue...
"Sure thing, boss," the imp says before fading from sight as he lifts off into the air.
Argor then turns to the rest of his team, "Let us be on with it then. If there is a potential threat, I would see to it that it is eliminated in a timely fashion. Rutai is going to keep an eye on the guests, let us begin with the upper level."
I am so, so glad I kept the fur, Cladissa can't help but think, considering how furiously she blushes at the flirtation of Lady Dyrianna. She weathers the innuendo as best she can, considering how mortifying she finds the subject and feeling embarrassed for Roald.
_____________________
When the meal is over, she nods and, noticing Argor cast some preparatory spells, also casts one herself. mage armor
"Okay, upper level it is," she says, heading upstairs. As she slinks along, she spies Cole crouched on one of the statuettes lining the banister. "Hey, you," she says as the cat jumps on her shoulder. "Oof! You're getting heavy. You see anything strange while you were prowling?"
Cole is a sylvanshee now, so has a bunch of new abilities. Let me know if he's noticed anything by prowling around.
Speed: 30 feet, 90 feet fly
Offense: 2 claws +7 (1d2-4) bite +7 (1d3-4)
Special Attacks: Deliver touch spells; heroic strength; pounce
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 2nd; concentration +8)
Constant—know direction, speak with animals
At will—dancing lights, prestidigitation, stabilize
1/day—dimension door (self plus 5 lbs. of objects only)
1/week—commune (6 questions, CL 12th)
=============
Str 3 Dex 15 Con 12 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 13
Base Attack +3, CMB +3 CMD 9 (13 vs trip)
Alertness, Improved Evasion, Share Spells, Empathic Link, Deliver Touch Spells, Speak with Master, Skills Acrobatics +14, Climb +7, Fly +6, Knowledge (arcana) +8, Knowledge (planes) +8, Perception +14, Stealth +23; Racial Modifiers +4 Acrobatics, +4 Perception, +4 Stealth
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; speak with animals, truespeech
SQ cat's luck, flight, lay on hands (1d6, 1/day, always as a 2nd-level paladin), spectral mist
==============
Cat's Luck (Su) A silvanshee adds its Charisma modifier as a luck bonus on all its saving throws. Once per day as a standard action, it can also grant this bonus to one ally within 30 feet for 10 minutes.
Heroic Strength (Su) Once per day, a silvanshee can grant itself a +8 enhancement bonus to Strength for 1 minute.
Spectral Mist (Su) A silvanshee can assume an eerie, mist-like form roughly the size and shape of a cat. This ability has the same effect as a gaseous form spell, except the silvanshee retains its own DR and supernatural abilities and can move at its normal speed. It can remain in mist form up to 5 minutes per day. This duration does not have to be consecutive, but it must be used in 1-minute increments.
A search of the upper floor reveals nothing amiss at first. Everything is as it was during the Pathfinder's tour of the Manor before the meal.
"Interesting," Argor says as he casts another spell and reaches out with his hand, causing the hidden, bloody fabric to levitate from its hiding place and float before the group.
"This does not bode well, nor was it here earlier."
The tang of blood leads Cladissa straight to the scene of the shredded maid's uniform. She takes several sniffs, trying to identify the scents around it.