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Hello all good folk of Taldor and the Pathfinder Society,
I, the Viscount Ottavio Emilior, would like to share some of my good fortune with you. I have recently return from some challenging and exciting adventures in distant lands. I will say no more until I see you in person. It has been my good fortune to return richer in both experience and wealth from these adventures and therefore i plan a celebration.
My apologies to all of those who feel that in my absence I have neglected their friendship. Nothing could be further from the truth and now that I have returned alive and good good spirits I am most eager to spend much time with all of those who would call themselves my friends.
So I am extending an invitation to this celebration of my good fortune to all my friends from Taldor and elsewhere, especially those who I have met in my times around the Pathfinder Society. The invitation is following. Believe me this celebration will be as extravagant as only a Taldan Viscount can provide.
If you have any questions, concerns or require special arrangements then please share your thoughts with myself or one of my companions. I will entertain any suggestions, but make no promises. There are certain considerations that you should look over before you reply to my invitation with acceptance.
Yours most respectfully
Viscount Ottavio Emilior
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Viscount Ottavio requests the pleasure of your company to celebrate his recent accomplishment
The celebration will take place in the evening on the fifteenth day of Arodus at the newly acquired estate of ‘Haven Arodenis’
located on the Tandek Plains (South of Cassomir).
If you would like to accept this invitation to celebrate, then please reply to -
Festo at the townhouse ‘Cassomirin’ (in Absalom)
or Dulcina Petara (in Magnimar) or Lucilli Cuprino (in Oppara)
There are a few important conditions of attendance that should be carefully reviewed before consideration of attendance stipulated below –
> No goblins, demons, devils or other evil creatures – there is no need for these creatures to attend, their presence is not appreciated by the Viscount – in fact no person who detects as evil or carries any item that detects as evil – the Viscount will not endorse evil actions and does not enjoy the company of evil people or creatures (this includes slavers)
> If you choose to ride to the estate then please do so on a horse or pony, not any other riding beast – other beasts are not common and may frighten the local folk
> Please dress appropriately (or accept the generosity of Viscount Ottavio and permit his staff to provide appropriate dress at the door) – wigs will be supplied for those with unsightly hair or heads
> No alchemists – the estate is newly built and alchemists have gained a reputation for destruction
> No gunslingers – these rare individuals should not attend – their weapons create unsettling noise that the local wildlife does not appreciate – especially when they are shot
> No followers of the Dawnflower – the Viscount cannot guarantee the safety of followers of Sarenrae within the borders of Taldor where her worship is banned – please understand that this is for everyone’s safety
> Animal companions can be left at the gate – they will not be permitted inside - if you are concerned for their safety then please leave them at home – lions and other dangerous beasts prowl the Tandek plains
> No weapons can be brought in to the celebration – appropriate containers will be available to store weapons during the celebration – the Viscount has guards to protect all who join his celebration
> Religion can be the subject of much disagreement even at a civilised function, so the Viscount would appreciate it if religious symbols are not brought to the celebration other than those of Aroden (the Dead God) and if religious matters are discussed, they are the views of Aroden (the Dead God) – the Viscount sees the views of Aroden as sufficiently civilised to all as to have little risk of causing offence
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I may attend, but I suspect few in the society will meet all these regulations. My legal friend falls short (even for a halfling) on three accounts. My attendance is solely for the purpose of discovering who else will show, and passing out some ole #56 the Rum that won the war. Its a new brand and marketing studies are tax deductible.
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A message arrives one afternoon for Festo. It appears to be from the Chrysanthemum House in the Petal District of Absalom, a residence formerly known as the Lantern Lodge.
Greetings,
I write to inform your master the Viscount that the daughter of the Marquis de Margeride*, the Lady Gabrielle d'Apcher, cordially accepts your invitation to a celebration of the Viscount's good fortune on the fifteenth. Milady congratulates the Viscount for his accomplishment, and looks forward to an evening of lively discussion between good company, free of the influences described in the invitation.
-Chrysanthemum House, Petal District
*Margeride: a region to the north of Cassomir, bordering both Andoran and the Verduran Forest.
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I say there, my good man! No gunslingers!? Why this is an outrage and tactical blunder if ever I have witnessed such a thing! By the Grand Prince's y fronts, how do you plan to properly protect your guests without firearms, man!?
Unappreciative local wildlife indeed! I shall endeavor to inform Lady Emilior you have referred to the old bat as such, haw haw haw!
Surely the Emporer would turn arse over elbow to hear of such preposterous proclamations. I shall simply have to console myself by remaining here in the Mwangi Expanse and shooting something extremely large, haw haw haw!
Cheerio, then!
Montgomery Prescott Wellington III, big game hunter and dashing gentleman.
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Theres a polite peck peck at the window. Outside a gorgeously plumed electric blue thrush waits for the window to be opened before announcing
"Fabrizio de Chevalier, of the Oppara Chevaliers, master of the Arcane, wishes to inform you that he will grace you with his presence at your Gala and is looking forward to the occasion" the bird presents an ornately gilded scroll almost as big as he is.
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A letter arrives from the marches north of Ottavio's holdings:
"Greetings good Viscount. I hope the year has treated you well and that you have been able to review the candidates I found for your hand in marriage. I regret to inform you that while I would love to attend, I will not be leaving my holy symbol of Shelyn behind. It is dear to me, one of the few mementos of my grandmother that I have left. If you will not be willing to relax that requirement, even for a simple symbol of the Eternal Rose, one of noble Taldor's most prominent deities, I'm afraid I cannot attend. I am not a cleric, but I am a woman of faith, and I do not consider myself welcome where the Eternal Rose is not. I hope to hear back from you on this matter.
Sincerely,
Marquise Cordelia Livia Cassandra Elysia Perseis"
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So as its a themed party - we should dress in the manner of a dead god. Pray how did Aroden die, I wasn't there. Is there a best dressed Aroden competition? Or a humorous party where you get a prize for the best dead Aroden? Pick your own manner of death?
My suspicions, he died somewhere around the worldwound. More than likely in pursuit of that undead thingy that killed his herald. Or via candlestick by the butler in the Green Room?
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"Very few know how Aroden died, and frankly they are not talking about it... i totally believe it was the chelaxian nurse with the pillow in the study though."
Tarn shakes cracks a smile.
"Talk about bosom... i think he went out with a smile... mind you i am totally jesting here... no need to freak out."
"Indeed, Cordelia, indeed. I have already had more than several words with Ottavio on these counts, as well as that of his 'obsession' with the dead god Aroden, and his hesitancy toward finding a lady of suitable standing to grace his household in marriage.
I believe that what was actually meant by Ottavio's curiously worded invitation was that it would be a 'themed' party revolving around Arodenite culture and that while he asks to not display other holy symbols, to be in keeping with the party's theme, that we could surely still carry or wear such symbols underneath our costumes. I informed Ottavio that my symbol of Shelyn would remain close to my heart at all times, and that if he truly wished to remove it, it had best be his hand alone that attempts to pluck it from my bosom!
I fully intend to attend this party as Ottavio is a dear friend of mine, and of late I have become concerned about his growing 'eccentric' nature. I also believe that sometimes the touch of the petals of the Eternal Rose must come, even to those who choose to not enter her garden.
With affection,
Lady Myffany Salvania, High Priestess of Shelyn"
Oh Ladies
Both Myffany and Cordelia. I would be terribly disappointed if either of you did not attend this celebration. I agree to relax my rules, so of course you may carry your symbols, but please keep them to yourselves. My rule is intended to ensure that nobody can be offended by the religion of another. I merely want to have a pleasant, friendly celebration.
I have again been busy. There seem so many matters to deal with now. In truth I have been fighting demons in the Worldwound. Not something I would choose to speak to much about in pleasant company. Let it suffice to say that they were not a match for the Viscount Ottavio and his companions.
Please attend my celebration and I will ensure that both of you are suitably treated as honoured guests and my personal friends. Your goddess Shelyn has always been a favorite of mine. Nonetheless, in the important business of diplomacy, one cannot afford to play favorites. I'm sure you can understand.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Lovingly yours
Viscount Ottavio Emilior
Taldan Demon Hunter & Falcata Swordsman of Able Mind and Body
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[Posting as Master Kuro Poe, Tengu Arcane Duelist, Dancer, Choreographer and So Much More, as VO's can't use Aliases.]
Dearest Viscount,
The Tian-Xia troupe of dancing dyed Tengu you had requested is ready to serve. We will be performing 'Conquests of the Sisters Alixendrica', a bawdy operatic dance regaling the tales of a pair of travelling Chelish sisters who fall in love with a pair of Taldan sailors and then must travel halfway across Golarion to pursue their star-crossed lovers. The performance is four hours long, it has no intermission. We will require a performance space measuring 25 feet by 15 feet and at least 10 pounds of blue glitter for the performance - we trust you can provide these meager supplies?
I have some reservations about the Soprano you have hired. Many of the performing Tengu have sensitive hearing and this maiden 'Babianna' has the vocal weight of a enraged Destrachan. I simply must enquire if it is possible to ask Babianna to tone it down a notch?
I am yet to enter the property as the enforcers tell me one of the battle scars I endured facing the cultists of Lissala is 'evil'. Such nonsense! There was another Taldan named Viscount Darius Sellen who encountered similar problems trying to enter the property.
With some concerns,
Master Kuro Poe of Goka.
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Dear Kuro Poe
I was unaware of the desire to perform of the Tien-Xia Tengu troupe of which you speak. And while the performance sounds somewhat avant-garde, my interest is piqued. I will provide the performing space required and look forward to appreciating their performance.
However, and this is an important matter, the soprano mentioned, Baebiana of Old Korvosa, is a personal friend of mine and my protege. Her performance will enthrall all who attend. She has a vocal range like few other performers. I cannot ask her to tone down any aspect of her performance. Would you tone down the vibrant flavors of a vintage red wine? Of course not. The vibrance is the experience. I am sure you understand.
The Viscount Ottavio is not without care for your performers however, so I will make a special arrangement for you. I will personally inspect yourself and Viscount Darius for evil taint, and should I find that the taint comes merely from a battle scar (and nothing more), then I shall permit your entry. In return for this concession, I ask that you speak with the Tengu performers about the sensitivity of their ears to the vibrant performance of my soprano, Baebiana. I feel certain that you will find a way for the magnificent Tengu to appreciate her exquisite performance.
I look forward to your attendance, and that of your consort, the Viscount Darius. You are welcome at the estate of the Viscount Ottavio Emilior.
Kindest wishes and best regards,
Viscount Ottavio Emilior
Taldan Patriot and Recent Hero of Mendev
Faithful Practitioner of the Arodenite Philosophy
Wielder the Fine Falcata of Taldan Steel "Even'star"