"That is me, Alexander Bedard of the People's Council of Andoran. I see my reputation precedes myself, it's good to know that all the hard work I've put in over the years hasn't been for naught." The man replies, obviously pleased with himself, although that fades a bit with Quiella's second comment, "Uh, what exactly do you mean?"
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Quiella lowers her voice slightly. "I have heard you would have preferred a different role in Michellia's wedding. I think it shows strength and resolve for you to attend. I admire that. You seem to be a man free from not only external oppressors, but also free from slavery to one's lesser emotions."
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"Ahem, yes. Would I have preferred that things were different? Indeed, but life goes on I suppose. True liberty is a series of battles, and sometimes you must lose one to win the war. I'd like to think you're correct in your impression about me, Quiella. Thanks." Bedard replies, then nods to Quiella's older friend, "Thank you old timer."
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Valik will bow at the head of security, I understand, I am sorry to bother you, as Valik heads off to another important guest. He sees none of his party members are paying attending to the trade liaison, Jeong Woo. H calmly walks over, and extends his hand.
Greetings, I am Valik. I hear that you are a man of trade, one of the best I am told. What brings you so far from Tiang-Xa? What sort of trade are you known for?
Valik listens to every word, trying to find any sort of inconsistency or anomaly in the response.
------
Valik exists the ship, somewhat happy to be back on land. He passes on food and drink, lest it would be seen as a negative light on the Society.
He heads over to Ms. Blackrose, mother of the bride. He bows before her, Greetings ma'am, first off congratulations are in order. This is a great event you have put together. Thank you for having me. I presume you have "signed" off of the marriage, for you wouldn't let your daughter marry one not of your approval. So, if I may inquire, how does one become lucky enough to marry a Blackrose?
The man's partially slurred words, glassy eyes, and wine drenched breath make it abundantly clear to Valik that Jeon Raeng-Woo has been drinking for awhile, "Eh, oh yesh, I work for the Blakros family as a trade liaison with the easht. If they want to shell shomething there, I arrange it. If they want to buy shomething, I arrange it! Quite shimple." Having watched Jeon for a bit, it's clear to Valik that he's been drinking for quite some time and probably has no plans to stop.
* * *
Hamaria Blakros, on the other hand, is much tougher to figure out. She casually laughs at Valik's question, "Mr. Frost, so we meet again. Yes, I remember you from the little situation we had earlier in the year. With the spectacular job you did, I personally asked one of your Venture-Captains to invite you all to attend. A pity no one can seem to find that ifrit young woman, she was somewhat intriguing. My daughters are my pride and joy, and quite extraordinary, only the most spectacular of men are worthy of their hand in marriage. Although I doubt you would want to settle down, I'm sure you enjoy your exciting life as a Pathfinder."
Whatever Hamaria might be hiding, she's great at keeping it obscured.
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Mel grabs a drink and downs half of it quickly and make way toward Jeon. "So many important people in one place... Makes me nervous." At that, he downs the rest on the drink greedily. "Man I need another. You?" He then calls loudly to a passing servant for a drink. He grabs two, downs the first while not letting the servant leave and then grabs another. He walks back to Joen and hands him the second drink. "[/b]Mah! Not my favorite, but anything will do in a pinch. Right?[b]" he adds while grinning and elbowing Joen.
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As she makes her way among the party, Ophelia quietly speaks to each of her teammates in turn. "Mr. Aldain refused to take the Blakros surname when he married into the family, and his wife has borne him no children as a result. This is causing him strife that we may be able to use to our advantage." With that, she continues her mingling.
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Halkale follows Valik to meet with Hamaria Blakros and re-introduces himself as Valik does. "Halkale Timarson, nice to see you again, Mrs. Blackros." he says. He then watches carefully as Valik and Hamria talk.
"The life of a Pathfinder is exciting and necessary, as you are quite aware, but the family is the building block to all of civilization. Valik is a good man, someone I consider a friend. I am sure, if he decides to, he will make a good husband and father." Halkale says at the implied question in Hamaria's statement.
Jeon just smiles bleary eye at Melufiuos' attempt to make conversation, taking the drink before quickly excusing himself to visit the privy, then apparently forgetting to return.
* * *
Sadly, Hamaria Blakros still remains a mystery to Ophelia as she continues to shadow the woman as she makes rounds greeting the most important guests and discussing her excitement about tomorrow's wedding.
* * *
"I have little doubt he can do whatever he puts his mind to. Thank you for attending as well, Mr. Timarson. I'm sure you're all very close, there's nothing like working together to build strong bonds." Hamaria says with a distracted voice, as a man with Chelish features enters with a small entourage, "I do hope you both enjoy the wedding, if you'll excuse me..."
* * *
The group of Pathfinders quickly discover that the man who distracted Hamaria Blakros is none other than Tancred Desimire, a representative of the Chelish government, cousin to the groom by marriage, and the final person Aaqir al’Hakam suggested the group attempts to influence.
Although the party seems to be winding down a bit as the night grows long, Tancred's presence seems to enliven it enough to last a bit longer.
Dignitaries Present
Nigel Aldain
Position: Curator of the Blakros Museum
Weakness: Refused to take Blakros last name when married one of its daughters, caused rift with family.
Alexander Bedard (Partially Influenced)
Position: Member of Andoran’s ruling People’s Council
Weakness: Fell in love with Michellia Blakros, but she spurned his marriage proposal.
Jeon Raeng-Woo
Position: Blakros trade liason with Tian Xia
Weakness: Apparent alcoholic.
Commander Rubaani Shafar (Successfully Influenced)
Position: Head of Security and Mercenary Captain
Discovery Roll: Knowledge (history or nobility)
Hamaria Blakros
Position: Matriarch of Blakros family and mother of the bride
Discovery Roll: Sense Motive
Tancred Desimire
Postion: Representative of the Chelish government and cousin of the groom (through marriage)
Discovery Roll: Knowledge (nobility) or Sense Motive
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Quiella quietly says to Moadis "I'll soak with Alexander again. I think I have built a small rapport with him. You are also good with words; maybe you should speak to another guest. This is not going very quickly for us."
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Moadis engages Nigel Aldain again.
Mr Blakros tell me more about those recent acquisitions you mentioned earlier, any plans for an exhibition? I am sure the society would be very interrested in an exchage of information about them. After a moment he says apologetic. Oh sorry, you prefer Mr Aldain, right?
Tancred Desimire is a middle-aged man with carefully trimmed black hair and a distinctly retreating hairline. The Chelish noble is dressed in fine black attire and looks on at all the activities around him with an almost sinister amusement. As he seems to keep at least 5 sycophants fawning on him at all times, Ophelia has trouble reading him.
* * *
Nigel Aldain looks slightly irritated when Moadis approaches him, but he doesn't come up with an excuse quickly enough to avoid talking with him. His eyes narrow with suspicion and fear at the paladin's words, but that is quickly replaced with a pensive expression, "Yes, I suppose sharing information would benefit us both. The Society has helped out the museum more that once after all. Currently we're working on acquiring some items from Numeria. I can't say much more than that at moment, but it should an interesting piece."
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While I do enjoy seeing and experiencing life as a Pathfinder, I too see the joy of marriage. Can I ask you a personal question ma'am, what is a bit of advice you could give me in terms of making a marriage last? What is something I should not do if I could help it? For example, should I take the woman's last name, even if it were not the social norm to keep the unity strong?
After he gets a response and he attention is diverted, thank you fit the helpful tips, and letting me have some of your time as he lets her go see the newcomer.
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Mel makes a show of looking for Bedard, "Ahh, there you are! I heard that you had a chance at the fair Michella. I quite understand the attraction, having held her in my arms, so to speak. A definite beauty. It is a bit disappointing that you blew it, though. You should have been steadfast. Had I gotten it in my head that she should be mine, I would not have given up as easily as you. You learn a lot being a pathfinder. She would have been mine, even if it meant eliminating all of the competition. You need to be steadfast and follow a plan through to it's completion, not quite when it gets hard."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Quiella steps up to Adelard once again. "Unlike melon-head there" Quiella glares at him again "I respect that you honored the independence and autonomy of Ms. Blakros enough to let her go when her desires became clear. Although you lost that battle, as you say, I think another woman someday will be pleased to have a man that treated her with such respect."
-Posted with Wayfinder
As Halkale shadows Tancred Desimire, he can definitely detect an oversized ego on the man, suggesting his pride would be the best way to socially disarm him. Furthermore, as Desimire's entourage passes by some bored nobles, Halkale overhears some useful gossip about the man, namely that Tancred has a deceased brother named Aglorn Desimire. Apparently Aglorn was a member of the Apsis Consortium who was killed by Pathfinders inside a demi-plane, which Halkale assumes is the Hao Jin Tapestry. Furthermore, Tancred blames Paracountess Zarta Dralneen for her brother's death, as her agents left a token of her ire on his brother body, as well as papers decrying House Thrune.
* * *
Hamaria seems amused at Valik's apparent fascination with marriage, "My, my, do you have a fiancée in Absalom waiting for you Mr. Frost? The key to a good marriage I would say is investment. If both parties are invested in making it work and both receive fulfillment in the partnership, it's bound to last. If all you have is love, then you risk the marriage fading as your love does." The middle-aged noble woman answers honestly, "Also, honoring a family's traditions is also a must, that's why the males who marry into the family take our name. It's a sign of respect."
While Hamaria speaks, Valik finally notices the woman look casually towards the position of the guards and the unguarded areas of the pavilion, suggesting some worry about security that she's keeping concealed. Based on his prior knowledge, Valik can safely assume she's worried about the Onyx Alliance crashing the wedding.
* * *
"You little jerk, how dare you!" Alexander Bedard growls at Melufiuos with clinched fists, "If we weren't at Michellia's wedding..."
Fortunately, Quiella quickly disarms him with her own smooth words, "Yeah, thanks." He replies, taking deep breaths to calm down, "It's good to know some of you Pathfinders have good heads on your shoulders, thanks for the support. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you, just as long as you keep that elf away from me."
* * *
As the hour winds close to the midnight, the musicians cease playing and Hamaria Blakros declares the evening festivities at an end, thanking all her guests for attending and promising even greater revels the following morning. You are all then lead to your quarters for the night, a wooden cottage like that provided to the rest of the guests. The cottage is split into three main rooms: two full of beds and a common room and a smaller adjacent room contains washroom facilities.
As you're preparing to bed down, Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam stops by the cottage for a brief moment and informs the group, "Decent work so far, it looks like you've won over Commander Rubaani Shafar and Alexander Bedard, although Bedard seems to have some grudge now with Melufiuos. You've also made in roads with Nigel Aldain, but the other three seem unimpressed so far. Tomorrow is the wedding so you should probably redouble your efforts to influence the rest of them. Just remember, you must be on your best behavior for the wedding tomorrow. Any sort of slip up could make the Society look terrible." With that stern warning he departs.
Shortly afterwards, the more perceptive among you hear some rustling in the nearby tree line. Looking outside, it appears to be Jeon Raeng-Woo, hunched over as if throwing up.
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Mel wants another go at him. He stalks over to the sick man. "Get hold of yourself. What a disgrace to your family. If you cannot hold your liquor, you shouldn't drink. I have a food mind to drag you to the docks and have you expelled from the wedding."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Hey, I..I remember you! Thanks for the drink. Ugh..." Jeon replies before vomiting some more in the bushes. Clearly, he'll need help getting to bed, although Melufiuos' stern words are mostly being ignored thanks to his nausea.
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Quiella comes to the poor man's side. "Had a bit too much to drink? It can do a number on you. Here. Let me help you to your room."
As she passes by Mel, she gives him a kick in the shin.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Oh -hic- you guys are Pathmakers, right? Thanks, I do need some help finding my room..." The drunken man says slowly, allowing Quiella and Moadis to lead him gently back to his sleeping quarters. Once safely ensconced in his cottage, he adds, "You guys are the best. I appresheate the help."
As you lay down to get some sleep, the rest of the night passes without incident.
* * *
As the sun rises on the eastern horizon, representatives of the Blakros family move between the many living quarters erected on the island gathering guests for the wedding ceremony. A queue of nearly a hundred guests stretches along the winding path through the woods from the guest accommodations to the location of the wedding itself, with each guest arranged in order of rank and prestige.
The procession makes its way approximately a mile to the northwest, ending at an opulent, open-air chapel carved out of cedar and wreathed with colorful flowers and laurel leaves. Atop a high bluff overlooking the Inner Sea, the chapel sets a scene of wealth and beauty few families in the region could afford to build specifically for their child’s wedding. Rows of comfortable pews stand facing the chapel, providing guests in attendance with a view not only of the ceremony and the vista beyond, but also of those other guests who were granted better positions because of their social station.
Your group is seated relatively early in a prestige spot with the other Pathfinder Society representatives in the third row, behind the first row of attending members of the Blakros and Kastner families, and the second row of other honored dignitaries. Time passes slowly as the other guests fill in the remaining pews to capacity. Once everyone is seated, a high priest of Abadar enters and begins the ceremony.
The priest is Vroclaw of Brevoy, high priest of Abadar in Absalom’s Ascendant Court and a personal advisor to the city’s primarch, Lord Gyr of House Gixx
The high priest delivers a long sermon about the duty of nobility in matters political and economic, and heaps praise upon the Blakroses for their contributions to Absalom and the entire Inner Sea region over the centuries. His praise for the groom and his family is noticeably more understated, and while he seems approving of the Hellknights in theory, the speech includes a number of underhanded jabs at Cheliax and those who use law as an excuse to cause pain and suffering in others.
At the conclusion of the sermon, Damian Kastner walks forth from the entryway, garbed in the finest of ceremonial Hellknight armor. To honor the groom, a man identified as Lictor Toulon Vidoc of the Order of the Scourge rises from the chapel’s second row and delivers his own speech, which consists primarily of recounting of specific operations Kastner oversaw as a field-maralictor, and a list of over two dozen noted criminals from throughout the Inner Sea that he is credited with apprehending or killing.
With much fanfare and adulation, Michellia Blakros proceeds down the aisle, followed by an entourage of doting attendants who maintain her elaborate dress and 6-foot train. The bride takes Kastner’s hands as the Abadaran high priest again takes the pulpit, now espousing the importance of adhering to the contract of marriage and the significance that such a long-lasting agreement holds.
As the sermon draws to an end, the high priest looks over the assembled witnesses and asks, "Do any here object to this union, sanctified by the great Judge of the Gods, or know of any reason this contract cannot be entered into by either party?"
A hush overtakes the room, and for a brief moment it seems that everything is all right, until a voice breaks from the crowd.
"I do!" Alexander Bedard shouts out as he stands and begins to orate to the incredulous crowd, "Be not fools, friends! This is not a marriage of love, and the sacred oath this pair will soon take is but a means to a political end. Michellia Blakros doesn’t loves this man, and what the groom feels for his bride seems immaterial to these proceedings. The great nation of Andoran has shown in its short existence that every man or woman should be free, and this wedding spits in the face of that belief. This couple should not be bound to one another over a lie for mere political gain. I, Alexander Bedard of the Andoren People’s Council, protest!"
Finishing his monologue, Bedard sits down as confused and angry murmurs begin to erupt from the crowd. Michellia looks irate at the spectacle her wedding has just become, and Kastner maintains a cool face of steely anger.
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Quiella also stands. "Master Bedard, you assume that this marriage will be loveless, and that such a marriage could not possibly be the product of free people. Please consider that, even if we suppose with you that the former is true, the latter is not. These people are free to have different values and goals than yourself." She leans toward him, "Please sit down, sir."
She thinks to herself. Of course, not all values are worthwhile, or even permissible, but... this is not the time or place for a sermon on the finer points.
-Posted with Wayfinder
In response to Quiella's statements, the crowd begins murmuring again, this time in a generally positive manner to her words. Seeing no hope of swaying the guests to his viewpoint, and with an easy out provided by Quiella, Bedard grumbles his acquiescence and returns to his seat.
With a weary sigh, the high priest returns to the ceremony and soon the bride and groom are married, and the audience erupts in cheers of congratulations. After the two are joined, all the guests are escorted back to the pavilion for the reception by mercenary guards.
Dignitaries Present
Nigel Aldain (Partially Influenced)
Position: Curator of the Blakros Museum
Weakness: Refused to take Blakros last name when married one of its daughters, caused rift with family.
Alexander Bedard (Successfully Influenced)
Position: Member of Andoran’s ruling People’s Council
Weakness: Fell in love with Michellia Blakros, but she spurned his marriage proposal.
Jeon Raeng-Woo (Partially Influenced)
Position: Blakros trade liason with Tian Xia
Weakness: He has a great love for liquor.
Commander Rubaani Shafar (Successfully Influenced)
Position: Head of Security and Mercenary Captain
Discovery Roll: Knowledge (history or nobility)
Tancred Desimire
Postion: Representative of the Chelish government and cousin of
the groom (through marriage)
Weakness: His brother was a member of the Apsis Consortium that was killed by Pathfinders inside the Hao Jin Tapestry. He blames Paracountess Zarta Dralneen for his death, as one of her associates left a symbol of her ire as well as incriminating documents on his body
Dignitary Not Present
Hamaria Blakros
Position: Matriarch of Blakros family and mother of the bride
Weakness: She is worried about the Onyx Alliance crashing the wedding.
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Moadis approuches the Tian Xia trade liason with a friendly smile and two glasses of wine.
Mr Raeng-Woo, its a pleasure to meet you again sir. I take it that yesterday's illness have already passed and you are ready for the true party. I heard that the Blakros purchased the finest vintages from all known world just for this event!
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Quiella takes a glass of champagne and approaches Nigel. "Mr. Adain," she bows. "It is a pleasure to meet you, sir. My name is Quiella of clan Durgil. I have heard great things about the museum, and your management of it. I intend to visit someday and I hope, for both our sakes, and for the sake of the museum, that relations between yourself and the Blakros family are restored to full health." She raises the glass, "To Nigel Adain!"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Mel tries to help Moadis. "I've heard likewise. And I'm sure your exceptional skills were required to secure such fine vintages"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Valik will approach Mr. Woo, he will study his less than sober demeanor.
Sir, I mean no disrespect, but may I inquire to why you drink so much? It seems you had started imbibing before the marriage ceremony had even taken place. I know you are very good at your trade liaison duties, but could you be even better if you were not constantly drinking? I only wish to not see you falter, my teacher has told me many a story where a man falls due to the bottom of a bottle.
"Uh, thank you for the wine!" Jeon says to Moadis, although the half-elf's approach seems to put him on edge slightly, until Valik joins the conversation, "Drinking is a family tradition, my friend! Liquor lubricates trade deals, that's the family motto, although it sounds much more poetic in Tien. Although, perhaps you are right, after last night I really should consider cutting down. That doesn't mean that you guys can't meet me at a pub sometime in Absalom, drinks on me!" He offers with good natured enthusiasm, before glancing over at Melufiuos, "Oh, did you say something?"
* * *
Nigel eyes the gnome paladin warily from behind his glasses, but her approach quickly soothes his apprehension, "Thank you, you have quite a way with words. You did an excellent job at defusing that awkwardness during the ceremony. I wish more Pathfinders like you knew when to use a light touch, it would have save us some gold in the past in repairs."
Even with Halkale's assistance, Nigel Aldain turns his nose up at Ophelia's request, "Yes, I would mind sharing details of my personal life. I'd rather not discuss it."
* * *
After a bit more mingling, the call is put out for the guests to be seated for the speeches, and your group is directed to sit at a table with Lady Gloriana Morilla, Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam, and a group of their aides. Paracountess Zarta Dralneen sits at a different table with a detachment of Chelish dignitaries, including Tancred Desimire, who seems perturbed at having to share a table with her.
Once all the guests have found their tables, the head table arrives—a delegation of Blakros family members and important relatives, with Michellia, Damian, and Hamaria Blakros leading the group.
A plethora of speeches and congratulations begin from the head table. Beginning with Michellia’s mother Hamaria, who dotes on her daughter’s excellent pedigree and the respect shown to her family by Damian Kastner. Others at the head table give similar speeches, expanding on their love for Michellia and their acceptance of Damian into the extended Blakros family.
When it becomes Michellia's turn to speak, the tone of her voice is quiet, but forcefully enough for everyone to hear, "I wish to thank you all for coming. While the Hellknights of the Order of the Scourge have lost a loyal and noble soldier, the Blakroses have gained a new member of our esteemed clan—my husband, Damian Kastner. As a symbol of this union, I offer you, Damian, the Blakros name, so that you will ever be known as a member of our elite, illustrious family. Let it be known forever more that your name shall be Damian Blakros, should you accept the honor."
The groom then stands and speaks himself, raising his glass toward Hamaria and the rest of new family. "I, of course, accept this honor, and am proud to know my children shall bear the name as well. I am not good with words, however, so I shall keep this brief. There are few gifts I could give in response that would parallel the honor I have just received. Even so, I shall offer something that my new family will hopefully find valuable. To my wife, Michellia Blakros, I offer my family’s long-held manor of Ostergarde."
Damian’s announcement causes an immediate commotion from the crowd. Audible whispers and speech drown the pavilion, as assembled guests show mixes of horror and satisfaction at the proclamation made by the former Hellknight.
As the crowd quiets down, Hamaria Blakros bids the guests enjoy the reception’s food, music, and wine for the rest of the afternoon and into the night. Immediately, guests rise from their tables and move about the pavilion, all eager to gossip about this dramatic offering to the Blakros family.
Lady Gloriana Morilla leans in to your group to explain, "This is quite surprising news! Ostergarde Manor is an abandoned site in the Chelish mountains, where diabolists once conducted secret rituals long before the death of Aroden and the rise of House Thrune. The historical significance of this location can’t be overestimated, and the Blakros family will surely have many new, diabolical artifacts to display in their museum. Don't let this news distract you from you duties, though. Remember, your primary duty is to socialize and make a good impression on the wedding guests. This may be your final opportunity to do so."
Looking about the room, you can still spot all the important guests, with the exception of Tancred Desimire.
You noticed Tancred departing in a seeming panic shortly after Damian’s announcement.
Dignitaries Present
Nigel Aldain (Partially Influenced)
Position: Curator of the Blakros Museum
Weakness: Refused to take Blakros last name when married one of its daughters, caused rift with family.
Alexander Bedard (Successfully Influenced)
Position: Member of Andoran’s ruling People’s Council
Weakness: Fell in love with Michellia Blakros, but she spurned his marriage proposal.
Jeon Raeng-Woo (Successfully Influenced)
Position: Blakros trade liason with Tian Xia
Weakness: He has a great love for liquor.
Commander Rubaani Shafar (Successfully Influenced)
Position: Head of Security and Mercenary Captain
Discovery Roll: Knowledge (history or nobility)
Hamaria Blakros
Position: Matriarch of Blakros family and mother of the bride
Weakness:She is worried about the Onyx Alliance crashing the wedding.
Dignitary Not Present
Tancred Desimire
Postion: Representative of the Chelish government and cousin of the groom (through marriage)
Weakness: His brother was a member of the Apsis Consortium that was killed by Pathfinders inside the Hao Jin Tapestry. He blames Paracountess Zarta Dralneen for his death, as one of her associates left a symbol of her ire as well as incriminating documents on his body.
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Quiella murmurs to Moadis "I think I saw Tancred leave in a hurry. I'm not sure though because... I can no longer see more than what's close to me. I think he looked worried. Or scared. It makes me a little uneasy for some reason. After speaking with Moadis about that she says "You should speak with Hamaria. I've built a rapport with Nigel, so I'll speak with him again."
Then she makes her way to Nigel Adain. She skills broadly. "What exciting news for you! What kind of interesting artifacts do you think you will find in that old house?" She offers a pat on the arm and a sympathetic frown crosses her face. "I hope it was not too unpleasant to see that naming ceremony have such a different outcome from your own."
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