On the day of the event Remaio meets you outside the palace where Eutropia is holding court. He appears outwardly confident and cheerful!
When you are all ready Remaio accompanies you inside.
This ancient and grand palace is decorated with ornate arches of patterned stone. Robed greeters bow as the building’s massive iron doors swing open. Light illuminates the hall through dozens of windows in the ceiling. Shining panels of gold decorate the marble walls.
LIST OF NPCs:
GLORIANA MORILLA
DOMINICUS RELL
FATHER BASRI
INKA HELDOTOR
CAPTAIN SEFERI
SOLMON MENANDER
THEON CENABRI
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"Well then, Otto, let's deliver that letter!" Sir Durant makes his way over to the elegantly dressed Lady Morilla with Otto at his side. Sir Durant bows to the Lady and introduces himself and Otto. "We are very glad to make your acquaintance, Lady Morilla. I believe my friend here has a message for you from an aspiring young man we met on a recent jaunt to Qadira. Are you familiar with the Ghazali family?"
GLORIANA MORILLA --> 22
DOMINICUS RELL --> 24
FATHER BASRI --> 26
INKA HELDOTOR --> 22
CAPTAIN SEFERI --> 24
SOLMON MENANDER --> 24
THEON CENABRI --> 24
Lady Gloriana turns to answer Sir Durant, and as she does you realize she was talking to Aayef! The young man is dressed up in his House's ceremonial garb and appears very much like a young man with a lot of potential, but this seems lost on the nearby high society Taldane nobles, who are visibly suspicious at the young man's Qadiran heritage.
"Would the young man in question be Aayef, by any chance?" says Lady Gloriana, smiling. "Don't worry, I will not hold your messenger delivery standards against you tonight, for I understand you've been quite busy. Aayef here has not left it to chance, anyhow, as you can all see. After the sixth letter I could no longer bear to make him wait and invited him here for the event. He's been speaking very highly of you all."
Aayef nods, and bows to the lady, not willing to interrupt her.
Lady Gloriana continues, her voice lowered this time, "Anyhow... I'm here to aid Princess Eutropia tonight. I have... concerns... that several other nobles are on the cusp of finding out information about some of the princess’s clandestine political maneuvering. For instance, take Solmon Menander over there. A bitter and overworked bureaucrat, Solmon is jaded with his fellow nobles and wants to watch them suffer. You can easily win his approval if you aggravate another member of the court, or if you impress him with a speech to complain about Taldor’s bureaucracy... most idealists have a penchant towards speeches... Anyhow, apparently the man has some suggestive letters... while not incriminating, they could be enough to create suspicion if the wrong person got hold of them... Would you, fine gentlemen, try to take a look at the letters? if you get a chance I mean... That would be... lovely."
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Otto nods, slightly embarrassed to have not recognized Aayef "Aye, ya clean up good laddie. We'll ask 'bout your letters Ms. Morilla."
Turning to his allies after they make their way away away "Lets not be too direct with Salmon, anyway we might pisss somebody else off 'nough to annoy him. Lets try, uhh Mr. RELL "
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"Ah, young Aayef, of course! So good to see you, my boy! I hardly recognized you without the mark of battle upon you. Well, I am delighted to see that you are making your way in the world. And Lady Morilla, thank you very much for your advice. I do think we could win over Master Menander, perhaps enough to gain access to those interesting letters you mentioned." Sir Durant bows to the lady and to Aayef once again, then moves to continue mingling with the others.
Turning to his allies after they make their way away away "Lets not be too direct with Salmon, anyway we might pisss somebody else off 'nough to annoy him. Lets try, uhh Mr. RELL "
"I think I see the wisdom of that, Otto. Yes, let's try with Mr. Rell next."
Approaching the nobleman, Sir Durant carries on with all the usual social niceties, introducing everyone before moving on to business. "This is an historic day, wouldn't you say, Master Rell? The honor of a storied warrior of ancient Taldor restored and her descendants redeemed from exile? It's almost like a tale out of a story book!"
"Ah, yes. I suppose. Although these things are quite common here at the Court of Taldor, and may I say, not always as historic as you imply. Sir Durant I take it? you may call me Dominicus. Do you have any evidence supporting the historic basis of Alcasti's claim?"
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”Indeed we do, Dominicus. Why, Father Basri for one could tell you of a bust we helped recover from some pilfering ratfolk in the Temple of Aroden. It seems the Lady Honaria’s service to her people and to her god were noble enough that she was recognized by Aroden himself!” Sir Durant goes on to share bits and pieces of what he and his companions had discovered, turning to those with him to fill in details as they were able and giving the overall impression that the Lady was indeed worthy of reverence.
Inka Heldotor: The Ulfen guard Inka is present only to keep the venue secure for future visits from the crown. She takes her duties seriously, but has no interest in politics and is somewhat bored. She does not think much of Princess Eutropia. She likes tales of heroic exploits or feats of strength.
Captain Seferi: Captain Seferi bullied her way into court via blackmail and bribery, and its clear that many nobles do not care for her presence. She is a Zimar Corsair, a pirate in service to Taldor’s Imperial Navy. She could use coaching in how to approach nobles and how to dress properly for such events. She hates Qadira and has served Taldor very well in that sense.
Theon Cenabri: Theon is a distant descendant of Italice Cenabri. He is against Honaria’s reinstatement on general principle, but he bears no
ill will toward the heroes or Remaio in particular. He is very happy you returned his ancestor’s remains to her family.
"Splendid, Sir Durant. It appears your warriors are quite the archeologists. I am genuinely impressed. Would you care to permanently surrender a sample of your historical evidence in the matter of the restitution of House Alcasti? My own experts would no doubt be overjoyed to inspect the piece."
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"Indeed, we found many historical pieces of evidence, like the broken weapons of her foes in the Verdurant Forest. There is also Vereena Alcasti's extensive collection of documents and items.
Even better, we spoke with some who were witness to history. A speaking tree in the forest; the Cenabri mechanical owl Amantius; and of course the famed sword Soldier's Glory."
Mohag is very unsure about handing over any of Vereena's items. They rightfully belong to Remaio now, most likely, and he isn't interacting with us here. I suppose that is our dilemma? It might be in Remaio's interest for us to hand over a document or a signet ring but we can't check in with him before doing so...
:)
Turning from Sir Durant to Mohag and Otto, Dominicus says, with a lower voice, "Tell you what, gents. How about you share the location that talking tree with me, and give me one of those ancient Alcasti longswords I see on some of you. As a sign of good faith to the Crown of Taldor, yes?"
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"The sword I can give. Regarding the tree, I would like to consult with any druids that are loyal to the Crown. This is a most delicate matter; there are locals that do not think highly of Taldor. But certainly among your allies there must be a druid somewhere.
I know that Taldor appreciates the value of a patient and subtle approach in securing its interests. That is something I have learned among your people."
He takes the sword, and nods in appreciation. "My word! You Ulfen can be quite the diplomats when pressed! don't worry about the tree. We respect the Treaty of the Wildwood and our relations with the druids are better than the Pathfinder Society's. When I plan a field trip to see this ancient piece of living history, I will reach out to them personally."
A squire runs up to him, bows, and takes the sword away. Dominicus smiles to you and grabs a drink from a nearby passing tray.
Father Basri remembers you well, and puts his blessings on the proceeding.
When you approach Inka with your honeyed words, she rolls her eyes at you, turn away, and roughly grabs a bartender to get her ale tankard refilled.
Captain Seferi is drinking some rum at this point, staring intently at Princess Eutropia. When you approach, she says, "Shiver me timbers! the Qadiran-lovin' scorpion slayers in the flesh! whaddaya want...."
Inka warms up to you all and gales of laughter erupts. "Maybe I've been too critical of the Princess," she says, at the end, looking at the Princess in a new light now. "I should lighten up a little... life can't be all serious all the time."
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Hearing what Otto has learned of the other nobles, Sir Durant salutes the sea-captain, "Qadiran-lovers, eh? Not sure where you got that idea, Captain. Surely you understand the lengths one sometimes has to go to in order to do a job? We were sent to retrieve something," he pats the sword at his hip, "and in order to gain the item, we had to help the boy."
He makes a rude gesture towards you, which turns the heads of several nobles in disgust. You think the Capitaine could really use a lesson in good manners and few pointers on how to handle this crowd.
--> Knowledge Nobility or Sense Motive please.
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After speaking with Captain Seferi, Durant goes to speak with young Theon Cenabri. "Good day, my lord. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am sorry we were unable to meet when we visited your estate before. Listen, I understand there has been a history of conflict between the Alcasti house and your own, but I think now is the time to bury the proverbial axe. We have helped restore your ancestor's remains to their rightful place. Please help us restore Honaria and the Alcasti's to their rightful place."
Theon gives you 20 platinum pieces as a reward of bringing his ancestor's remains back to his estate. After hearing your plea for the Alcasti's restitution, he ponders the situation for a few moments, then asks you, "If you promise to include Italice’s story at the court proceedings, to commemorate the reunification of our two Houses, I will verbally support the Alcasti's claim during the proceedings. It may add complexity to the claim, but it will be the best, in my opinion. What say you, Sir Durant?"
Trumpets announce the beginning of the proceeding, and the crowd goes silent as they reach their seats. As Princess Eutropia calls court to session, she has a surprise in store. After allowing Remaio to make a flowery preamble and confirming with Remaio that the heroes retrieved most of the proof, she asks you to present it instead of Remaio.
"Dear Members of the Senate, Father Basri, Harbormaster Hallador, Fellow Nobles, Members of the Court, Master Rell, and esteemed guests. We are honored to receive members of the Pathfinder Society today. We will be hearing a firsthand account from these skilled envoys of Absalom on the matter of an application by Remaio Alcasti to re-institute his family name into Taldan peerage," Princess Eutropia says, nodding solemnly at Vindex. The pause sends a few nobles whispering in each others' ears, and all eyes are on Vindex for a few long seconds. Continuing, she declares, "It is my understanding that the Pathfinder agents are impartial in these matters and that they do not stand to gain anything from the outcome of these proceedings. It is with great pleasure and interest that I welcome Sir Durant Aumarideth of Nirmathas to the Court of Taldor to speak as an expert witness in these matters."
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Sir Durant bows deeply to the Princess and the court and begins his appeal, "Your Highness Princess Eutropia, assembled members of the court, thank you for this opportunity to present evidence on the behalf of the Alcasti family. We Pathfinders have traveled far in pursuit of the truth of this matter. As is the case with any family's history, the truth is not simple or straightforward, but we believe that the evidence speaks for itself to prove the worth of the Alcasti family to be re-instituted. Behold, Soldier's Glory, the sword of Honaria Alcasti." Durant draws the sword and holds it aloft, giving the sword a chance to speak on behalf of its former master.
After Soldier's Glory makes its claims, Sir Durant once again speaks to the court, "I said this family's history was complicated. During Honaria's lifetime, there were those who believed that the commander was responsible for some of the excesses and faults of those she commanded. Italice Cenabri, in service to the country she loved, dared to speak against Honaria Alcasti and played her part in the family's fall. One of Honaria's faithful servants took issue with Italice, however, and slew her for her words against the Alcasti's. Now, here to amend this broken bond of peace, is Theon Cenabri, scion of the Cenabri house." Sir Durant once again steps away from the platform to surrender the floor to the nobleman.
Once Theon is done with his speech, Sir Durant returns to the platform one last time, "And now, Your Highness, I surrender the floor one last time, this time to my companion Mohag, a servant of Desna the Dreamer and a warrior of the Ulfen people, whom you know to be a true and honorable people. Hear him, I beg you, and let his word conclude our case to restore the honor of House Alcasti! Thank you."
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When yielded the floor, Theon Cenabri makes an emotional and thankful speech for the Pathfinder Society's efforts in this case, one, he says, that will reverberate for generations in the estates of House Cenabri.
Soon after Mohag's speech, Lady Gloriana Morilla, Father Basri and Inka Heldotor add their words of support towards the Pathfinders' efforts and recognize them as qualified experts in this matter. Even Solmon Menander adds a few words of support, citing these proceedings as a glorious example on how justice should be done, with qualified and impartial experts stating the facts and collecting evidence properly, unfettered by personal interests.
The Princess retires to her antechamber for deliberations with her barristers.
The party continues for approximately one more hour, after which the trumpets begin their telltale blaring once more. The Princess enters the room in her full regalia, a gleaming sword in hand that puts to shame anything you've ever seen in your life.
She speaks. "Sir Durant Aumarideth of Nirmathas, please step forward with your fellow agents. Barid Nitha Venka; Mohag the Wanderer; Otto Boulderspine; Vello Tiskan; Vindex Craxos; and of course, you as well, Sir Durant of Nirmathas: in recognition of your services to Taldor, you are now made full born citizen of Taldor. As subjects of the Primogen Crown, I now command you to step forward and kneel."
She takes a few steps into the room towards the Pathfinders, and addresses the crowd. "After weighing the evidence and testimony brought before Senate, I have decided to redeem the Alcasti name and restore the status of Honaria's descendants in Taldan society."
She takes a few steps down towards the heroes. Starting with Sir Durant, the monarch lays the side of the sword's blade onto his right shoulder, then raises the sword gently just up over the his head and places it on his left shoulder. "After your considerable assistance, House Alcasti, House Cenabri and countless others both in Taldor and abroad are now in your debt. Rise now, as Sir Durant Aumarideth, Knight of Taldor." She repeats the ceremony for each hero. After the ceremony, a herald announces the heroes once more, loud and clear this time, to the crowd!
"Three cheers for the six new Knights of Taldor!
Sir Durant Aumarideth of Taldor!
Sir Mohag the Wanderer of Taldor!
Sir Otto Boulderspine of Taldor!
Sir Vindex Craxos of Taldor!
Sir Vello Tiskan of Taldor!
Sir Barid Nitha Venka of Taldor!"