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Rhanloi will stay with the group, and will engage in conversations, but his distaste for lies may limit his 'creative' comments...
"Telling the truth is good, but creating lies just to slander another is not the path to light. I encourage you to uphold our Pathfinder reputation and avoid lying about the man. There should be plenty of truth to uncover without resorting to fanciful tales..." the elf admonishes his colleagues.
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"A noble view and a credit to you that you hold it dear, if only life were so simple in the houses of power. The likes of Lord Minovitas cause untold suffering and loss of life and liberty to the loyal citizens to whom the noble houses owe a duty to protect. It is to them I feel I owe my duty to do what I can where I can and with what tools may be at my disposal to free them from his corruption and to alleviate the suffering they endure with his boot upon their throats. I wish it were otherwise. As you have requested though, we will play within the boundaries, surely such a rat will have many real fleas we can find so we don't have to invent imaginary itches"
Percy gives Rhanloi a well intentioned clap on the shoulder.
Lord Minovitas is a Taldan nobleman who has spent much of the past year in Absalom laying the groundwork for future business endeavors, though most of that time he has spent intoxicated while wining and dining influential citizens.
His lordship is fighting a losing battle to maintain his upstanding image in Absalom as several Taldans have begun telling stories of Lord Minovitas’s habitual exploitation of his ancestral lands and its people. At least two of these rumormongers have disappeared very suddenly in the past month.
The grand opening of the Oppara Trade Commission - what an event! The entertainment in the grand lodge earlier was but a drink session in comparison to this endeavour. Lavish finger foods, expensive drinks, and a who's who of important people.
Here's senator Augustyn Naran of Andoran, a profusely sweating, obese man, who seems to be quite irritable in the Absalom heat. Lady Vaelia Wintermark, the venerable and fragile, who is opposed to everything Qadiran (old ways die hard), leaning on an ebony cane and wearing her late husband's falcata.
Grint Basatrel, a former aide to Councilor Grayrain, a man in his mid-thirties. The second spell lord of Absalom, Lady Darchana Madinani. Belladona Trask is shaking hands here. The halfling ranger hopes to be the replacement for Grayrain. Dremhet Salhar, the ambassador to Osirion, is here as well.
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Baron Starnon strolls about the room, clad in his shiny spotless armor once again. He greets the guests formally and respectfully. "Ah, Lady Wintermark, what an honor to see you here. I am Baron Rysalius of House Starnon, I fought alongside your late husband in many skirmishes against the Qadiran dervishes - be them cursed for all eternity! Recently, my concerns have turned to the north - this crusade against demons that was for a time our priority. Taldan nobility riding to war is a sacred duty, it always has been. Yet when I hear a fellow nobleman boasting about taking part in that war when all they have been doing was sitting in their Opparan mansion, this concerns me greatly. What is our credibility going to be like if we start boasting about things we haven't done. A grim day indeed for the Taldan nobility when a lordling such as our host here plays this game of pretenses by shaming those who actually fought and died for our glorious nation!"
The Lady Wintermark makes a face of disgust Youth. They'll do anything these days. My late husband, that was a real Taldan noble, not one of these upstarts that think they can gain glory by appropriating actions! No! He was a real hero, and never the boastful for it. This blade. she points a bony finger to the worn Falcata at her side. This was his. And he wielded it for the glory of Taldor!
She's ranting on without berating Rysalius. That must be a good sign.
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Rhanloi naturally seeks out the second spell lord and introduces himself. "Greetings, Lady Madinani. I did not expect to see a Spell Lord at such an obvious power play for favor by Minovitas. Unless you are here in an official capacity...? Perhaps to keep our city safe from entitled lords who make people telling unpleasant truths disappear? Yes, the Second Spell Lord must surely be concerned about the disappearances of several Taldan citizens within the past month..."
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Bones approaches Dremhet Salhar, "Ambassador Salhar, It is a pleasure to meet the Taldor representative to my homeland of Osirion. I am Bones Firehammer a cleric of Pharasma, My countrymen were inspired how a few Taldorians took it upon themselves to assemble a grand Army of Exploration to do battle in the Worldwound. The leaders who undertook the initiative to fund these efforts should be applauded. As an Osirion, like my countrymen would be most distressed if some unscrupulousness noble manged to usurp the true heroes by claiming their rightfully glory. What do you think?"
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"Senator, how different the weather is from Almas why this is almost as warm as the Mwangi Still you bear it well, a sure sign of your enduring patience and level headed demeanour. I must admit I admire such patience, especially in the more human challenges you face - oh had I your patience in the face of the likes of Lord Minovitas. He seems to forget that he owes the hard working citizens who he administers a duty of care and to look to their welfare and protection, the true duty of the Lords and Ladies of the Court...yes no doubt you and I may differ on the finer details and merit of the aristocracy, but we'd no doubt be unified in our belief that selfishly helping ones self to the largesse available to a man of title, gorging ones own desires and greedily feasting, wining, and spending large whilst the average citizen endures hardship and toils laboriously in the fields is in the worst taste - I regret that social protocol means I cannot give him the chiding he deserves... outrageous and lavish lifestyles of the ostentatious Lord, a corruption where there should be moderation and temperance.... yes I admire your ability to not bristle and bubble when faced with such... moral impropriety"
Diplomacy
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The Lady Madinani is quite curt in her answers to Rhanloi Discretion is the better part of Valor, elven master. I can sure you that pleasantry was not a factor in my decision to come here, as I know full well the involvement of the society in the efforts in Mendev, and the part that Minovitas played.
She pauses
Which is to say, none at all.
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Dremhet turns around and greets the dwarf. How pleased I am to share the hall with a countrymen. Taldor is always - peculiar - in how he pauses for a moment to find the words it separates the accomplishers from the decision makers.
I am sure that Minovitas has played his role in the affair, and that he offered due support, but I agree with you that any goodwill coming from that should be another pause for words, sufficiently measured.
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I is an outrage the senators responds these Taldans cannot serve proper food. Open ended sandwiches with a pickle? Tough, overcooked axe beak? They put vinegar on the quail eggs! And the quality of the wine - what is wrong with a good Sauerton?
The annoyed Senator continues but you are right, even though this whole comedy is set up to be for the glorification of one man, I should consider his effort at face value, he says with the face of a born politician, saying one thing and meaning the other, and not let my culinary sophistication get the better of me. Thank you for that, sir...?
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"Lord Percival,and such a pleasure. It is with regret that I must agree with your appraisal of this Taldane fare presented to you - it is not the true, simple, epicurian delights enjoyed by the honest citizen of Taldor - this is gauche food served to impress, I assure you that pickled quail eggs and axebeak is noteaten by the average man, but rather this is the culinary equivalent of faux gold and gaudy gilt edging set to make something cheap look as though it were an item of quality - oh such a delicious similie now I think of it..."
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To say that Castien is made uncomfortable by these surroundings is, to say the least, an understatement. He tries multiple times to approach various nobles and other people of import, but whenever he gets within several feet of any one of them, he balks and turns away.
Finally, as time is growing short, he steels himself and makes his way toward the food tables, where he sees Grint Basatrel fixing a plate. He runs through the points he wishes to address as he walks. Taldan nobility has a responsibility to the Taldan people, not just to themselves. Those that are not willing to risk themselves for their people have no right to call themselves noble. Heard a rumor that one of these paintings shows Lord Menovitas' true role in the Mendevian conflict. That should be good enough, right?
He steps forward, prepared to engage the man in some witty banter, but at the same time, Basatrel turns toward Castien. Castien tries to catch himself, but the hand he raises to keep himself from barreling into the man instead tips the man's glass of red wine (Where the devil did that come from?) all over the front of his target's fancy attire. Worse, this distracts Castien enough that he completely ignores the man's plate, hitting it with his other hand as he moves to catch the falling glassware, causing it to spill its contents all over both of them.
They both stand there for a moment, Castien shocked by how solidly he failed in this part of his mission, Basatrel growing more and more red-faced as he realizes what has just happened. Castien manages a quick "S-s-sorry." then casts a spell to repair the damage to the man's clothing, though fully aware it will do nothing for the man's pride.
The damage done, Castien quickly tries to lose himself in the crowd.
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"Miss Trask," Maeglin starts from a far and suddenly realizes, that he knows very little to complement, that halfling lady, "I heard some rummors and deep inside I hope that this is true and you will be announced as Councilor Grayrain replacement. You've done so much and no one here shouldn't even think, that you deserve this position. Comparing to some Taldan nobles, that done nothing, except organizing a grand ceremony and posing like a real hero, you worked hard to earn your title and it will be great pleasure for me to support you in future."
Maeglin speach sounded a bit clumsy, and he quickly come up with a reason why.
"Dear Belladonna," he paused, to ensure he didn't offended the noblewoman, "I usually prepare my oratory and speak them clean and loud for everyone to hear. I'd like to act as one of those, who announce your deeds in front of audience, when your position as Councilor will be announced. Could you please tell me a bit more on which of your successes I should focus more in my speech?"
While woman talked, Maeglin was listening for every word to find more clues, that could allow him to earn her trust and show her a real position of Lord Minovitas.
You might not want to get ahead of yourself there. The powers in this room are dangerous to meddle with. Trask responds with an air of authority, and an undertone of sincere advice. Meanwhile, the sound of faces hitting palms can be heard as Castien makes his clumsy move...
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Lord Minovitas' entry on stage in signalled by three trumpeters. The paintings, still covered in the same cloth, have been but on the same stage, left and right of the noble.
“Welcome esteemed colleagues and honored guests. On this historic day, the glorious Opparan Trade Commission is open for business! But it is not just commerce that we commemorate today; we also recognize the valor of several of the greatest heroes of our time who have fought in Mendev’s recent crusade and pushed back the demon threat so that others might live in peace. Yet this was not accomplished alone, and in an alliance of nations we found our strength. With the establishment of this facility here in Absalom, the Commission hopes to continue this alliance and further promote fair and equitable trade to the benefit of all.
The crowd jeers and heckles the noble during his speech, and Minovitas loses some of his composure, stuttering in an ironic mirroring of Castien's speech earlier
“W-With great honor, I d-dedicate this embassy to its founding m-members, whose esteemed accomplishments shall be fo-forever commemorated by the w-w-work of the wo-wo-world-renowned painter Amya Illanaf!”
He makes a gesture, as if expecting the paintings to be unveiled for him. When that doesn't happen, he unveils the first painting - only to show the retouched painting with the bemused Iomedae. Oblivious to the alteration, he unveils two more, while the crowd adds giggling to the mix. When the other paintings complete the disgrace of the noble, he runs off-stage...
Lady Glorianna is pleased with the efforts of the pathfinders, and addresses the group, and Percy and Rysalius in particular:
“I’m appalled and disappointed that the same nobles who once opposed us now seek to steal our glory by claiming that creating the army was their idea. While I thank you for today’s efforts to rebuke them, I fear they’ll simply continue to perpetrate this fraud back in Taldor. Worse, should they succeed, it will only reinforce the ‘do nothing’ nobility and be another nail in Taldor’s coffin. And if it’s a coffin they’re building, I refuse to be buried with them.
“This is not unique to Taldor, yet in other lands I have met nobles who have their people’s needs in mind and greater vision of how to accomplish their goals. Rarely are these members of royal families, but many have their respective monarchs’ ears. Rather than recreate the Taldan empire of old, we shall promote an enlightened aristocracy that promotes the virtues of strong, wise governance. I do not expect a response now, but I invite you to join me in this endeavour.”
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Rysalius grins as Minovitas runs off-stage, a satisfied smirk on his lips.
Later, he uncovers his thoughts for Lady Gloriana. "I agree, Lady Morilla. I -maybe better than anyone- understand this predicament. As you know, I was once a member of the Chelish nobility, as House Starnon was founded way before the Thrunes rose to power. When the Thrice-Damned exiled us, we laid our roots in Taldor trying to rebuild our past glory just like Taldor did - still does today! We can't let any boundaries be barriers as to what it means to be nobility. I think it is the right time we took some independance from these so-called nobles. Therefore, I renew my alliegeance to you and will join you in your endeavor to federate this enlightened aristocracy."
A messenger arrives for the adventurers, and says a delivery from Lady Zadrian.
Inside the packet is a rolled leather coin purse containing 30 bronze coins with an image of stocks and the words "Stig's twenty five".
Dear Pathfinders the accompanying letter reads. when you receive this letter, the auction should be no more than an hour away. Go to Misery Row, and find a man named Bounder Stig. He runs a closed, buy-in auction - only those who have previously purchased special bidding coins are allowed to enter. That's what is in the purse - they are worth 25 gp each, but are non-refundable. Use these coins to get entrance, and use them to buy the freedom of our champions. Good luck!
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Arriving at Misery Row, there an ugly man crossing names off a list, who looks to be in charge. You there, 'aven't 'ad you on the marbles before. he says in a tone that finds that subtle middle ground between impatient and downright unfriendly, Go' any business 'ere? This a closed auction, it is. No peelers. C'mon, chop, chop. Off you go!
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Rysalius moves forward, confidant that he'll be able to convince the woman, exagerating his Chelish accent a little.
"Good lady, you are addressing nobility. I am Lord Tartempion of Tarascon, and I'm here to buy slaves. I've heard that this cesspit provides good quality merchandise, but perhaps I was wrong? We Chelish nobles like to be well-attended."
Saying so, he quickly flashes some of the bronze coins to let the woman know he means business.
The man pretty much ignorers all of Rysalius' talk up until the point that he show the bronze coin. Hmm. Guess you can come in if you bought coins. he grudgingly admits. Move on over. he says, as he points to some seats that overlook the slave pit, where the auction will take place.
Around 50 more people arrive, representing perhaps a dozen bidding parties, and sit down as Bounder Stig starts off a speech:
“Alright, enough of the chitchat! Anyone up fer bidding find a spot around the pits. Anyone else... shove off!
“Today, I’m holding a quick sale auction! That means I’m doing this quick. Any of ya with complaints can stick around to thank the pesky Andorens that keep showing up and getting’ in me business.
“Each auction is one bid per slave, got it? No haggling today, and no complaints! Look at yer bid coins an you’ll know I already got yer money.
“I ain’t havin’ no arguments today neither, so don’t nobody spill blood on my block unless you paid for it.
“So here’s how it works. I put a slave up for auction and anyone interested writes down a bid. I check the offers and the slave goes off to the highest unique bid. If yer bid’s the same as anyone else’s, ya both lose. I ain’t got time to sort out no arguments. Remember, I keep all bids, so even if ya don’t win, I’m still taking yer coins, so if you can’t afford to lose ‘em, don’t place a bloody bid!
“Lastly, the bids for all auctions start at 8 coins. I ain’t repeating that and if there’s anyone dumb enough to offer me less than 200 gold, don’t expect me to take any more offers from ya, period. All clear?”
The first item is Talmar, who hails from Isger. Strong with the bow and woodlands skills, and in good health. Bid starts at eight!
Rysalius notices two other bidders making a move, but he can't really determine their intentions in terms of price.
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Bones comments quietly to his companions "With only 30 coins an a min bid of 8 we can only by 3 at the most."
The cleric looks around at the other biders and tries to value the Talmar's likely value. Does it look like this is one of the war heroes? Also, keeping an eye out for the "particular villain who is hoping to buy all three" that Ollysta Zadrian warned us of.
Talmar is one of the three. The other two are Holianda Wist and Elwyhir Eshikonas. There are more slaves up for sale, but none of them were associated with the Mendevian crusade.
Percy sees that one of the bidding parties seems particularly interested in this slave, the other not so much. Bones has a good feeling for what a slave fetches these days: 8 coins is typically too little, as price for slaves like these fluctuate between 200 and 300 gold pieces.
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Rhanloi softly talks with the others, in an attempt to not be overheard. "First bid is usually lower - bidders don't want to raise the stakes too much at first. The question is, will those two bid the minimum, or go up one? If they both bid 9, we could win with 8. Or I could daze one of them to keep them from bidding, but that would be risky." He will also look at the other bidders, attempting to discern their motives.
With a swift flap of black wings, Rhanloi's raven will take flight and land elsewhere, perhaps getting a chance to see what others are writing as bids. It will then fly back and tell the mage what he saw.
Maeglin counts out ten coins, as Rhanloi raven checks in, and says More! as if to indicate that the competition just made a higher bid.
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Bones whispers to Maeglin, "Do you think you could cast a spell on the last one we bid on making him look like he has some sort of pox? The Idea is to make the other not want to touch him. I think it would only work once, so it's best to save it for last, if it works we could pick him up for the min of 8 tokens."
The cleric will describe some illness that symptoms could be duplicated using prestidigitation.
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“I have learned that three of these champions are to be auctioned in the slave pits of Absalom tomorrow. What’s more, I am familiar with the particular villain who is hoping to buy all three—an unfitting end for these redeemed souls..."
"Perhaps the villain we big against isn't worried about the health of the slaves, just their acquisition - I suspect the undertone is that they are set to meet a rather grim fate, and happy to pay up for all three to ensure he has them, even if simply to feed to a lion"
"I suggest a different gambit, we bid in hard for two of them. He will be rather annoyed at failing to achieve his task and he will be positioned to come and entreat with us outside the auction to renegotiate a new sale, at which point we can instead liberate the last person, a far easier task no doubt than trying to spring three."
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Bones nods "Bold plan, buy two and hope to battle for the third? What if Mr. Villain doesn't bite? We could bid 13 for the first and 17 for the second. Hopefully the 2 warriors we buy would be willing to help fight to save the third after we free them and give them a weapon. That would shift the odds into our favor. If the others have a similar limit of tokens then they would be upping the bid as as the auction get to the end, because they loose any unspent gold anyway. So we probably can't outbid on the third anyway. We can give the plan a try."
The dwarf grins as he continues, "We could bluff a bid on the last one too! I don't think the auctioneer would care since he has all the gold already, but the other bidders might be pissed when they lose all there gold and gained no slaves, especially when we don't have the tokens to pay for the last."
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"Well I hadn't considered it would come to blows, I was expecting things to remain semi-civil and we'd be entreated to negotiate terms... during the negotiation we could simply attempt to spirit away the third slave. Not sure I want a room full of angry slavers on our case, bit I like the cheek of the plan. Maybe we stick to the fifteen and fifteen, see how that goes... if we win we hatch a plan to steal the third, of we lose we hatch a plan to steal even more"
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Bones shrugs "I'm pretty sure 13 tokens would take the bid for the first person. If the other bidders have about 30 tokens too then they would likely split their number tokens on the remaining two bids. 17 would give us the best chance at wining the second bid too! That if they are rational bidders and not just choosing a number by some random process."
the dwarf suggestion is 13 tokens for the first bid, but leaves the actual decision to the three silver crusaders in the group.
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"I think our best chance to win is go bold on first one. And I think we should put 14. It will show them that we ready to bid hard." said Maeglin. His heart was bleeding because of realization, that they cannot outbid everyone with such small amount of resources.
"And then we will wait and watch until the opportunity comes to save other by bidding 8 or 16 later."
"Dear Shelyn, I know that I failed you today and I tried to ruin a painting, which I definitely should not do, but I promise you, I learn to paint myself upon first chance if you give me a chance to succeed and save those people..." gnome was far away from most of religions, but when everything went bad he used to pray Shelyn for sending him a sign or good thought.
He put 4 more coins in a pile and looked on raven for confirmation
And the bids are in! Let's see what we have here: the man in the corner there: 9 coins. The serious looking gentleman over there: 11 coins. The group armoured men over there: 14 coins. Well, that looks like a clear winner...
The coins are taken, and results are noted. 14 was indeed the winning bet.
Next up, we have Holianda Wist. This is strong-willed one, but she'll do great service as a bodyguard. Again, bidding starts at eight coins!