There's a commotion outside...


Sovereign Court

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Sovereign Court

Ayaki Metsumo wrote:
Ayaki Metsumo wrote:

[dice=Knowledge Local]1d20+5

Ayaki bows to Torquat in the same fashion. She then smiles at the tengu before speaking in Tien. "Sore wa watashitachi no tochi no s#&!a o hanasu ta no dareka o kiku koto ga subarashīdesu. Tabun hanabira chiku o nozoite, sore no nai, amarini mo ōku no nōhau,. Sore dakedenaku, Torquat-san ni oaidekiteureshīdesu. Dakara, watashitachi no ryōri o teikyō shi, koko de nin'i no jigyōsho o s@&+te imasu ka?" Then Ayaki turns to Giovanni before speaking in common. "Mr Giovanni-San, greetings, but what is this... Champagne you speak of? Is it similar to sake?"
** spoiler omitted **

The other tengu elegantly bows and interjects.

Sou ne. Shamupen wa osake desukedou, garuto no hito wo tsukutemasu. Warrware wa, sono koto wo suki janai, ne. Tengu no osake wo nomitai ka? Wareware we osake ga sanpon. watakushi no hea de.

Tien:

Spoiler:
Yeah. . . Champaign is a sake(alchohol), but it is made by Galatians I don't really like the stuff. would you like to drink some tengu-sake? I have three bottles I my room.

Sorry, I personally, am VERY rusty in my Japanese. Taiicho, however, speaks Tien fluently

Sovereign Court

"Watashi wa seikaku ni tokutei nai ndakedo, sore wa osoraku anata no saikō no shotto ni narudarounode, gurandobazāru wa, tsūjō, subete no shurui no seihin o teikyō shite imasu. Watashi wa shikashi, fukō no rēn o kaihi jogen suru, jōken wa ni pleasent sukunaishi... ga arimasu." Torquat replies, his expression becoming somewhat dour at the end. He clears his throat before continuing, now in Common, "Champagne is an alcoholic beverage that those of the Inner Sea Region seem to enjoy, more specifically those of high society or of Taldor."

Tien:
I'm not certain to be exact, but the Grand Bazaar usually has products of all sorts, so that'd likely be your best shot. I would advise avoiding Misery Lane however, the conditions there are...less then pleasent.

Sovereign Court

Ayaki gives a questionable look towards the two tengu. "So it is just like wine? The people of the Inner Sea have odd names for normal items." Ayaki then looks towards Torquat with confidence. "I see, the Grand Bazaar, you say? But do not worry;" She then pulls out a fan that has its ribs made out of metal and with sharp edges upon each tip. Ayaki then opens it in front of her face. "I can take care of myself quite well. One does not come here without means to defend themselves."

Ayaki then turns to Taiicho with a bit of apprehension. "Tenguzake? Sore wa kyōmibukai kikoerun. Watashi wa sore ga anata no shugo no kami ni shukufuku sa rete iru kiita koto ga aru, matawa sonoyōni karera wa iimasu." She nods slightly. "Tashika ni, watashi wa ikutsu ka o tameshite mitai to omoimasu. Tabun Mr Giovanni to dōyō, kare no shiya o hirogeru tame ni kibōdesu ka?

Tien:

Tengu Sake? That does sound interesting. I have heard it has been blessed by your Patron God.

Sure, I would like to try some. Maybe Mr Giovanni would like to broaden his horizons as well?

Google Translate is awesome!

Sovereign Court

"I'm not saying it dangerous, its just an undesirable section of the Coins. As for Champagne, I don't know, as I don't know much about it beyond that. Perhaps there's some sort of special history about it." Torquat replies, shrugging somewhat dismissively.

"Tenguzake? Watashi wa sore no izureka o motte itanode, hisashiburi. Īe, watashi wa arukōru ga watashi to yoku suwatte imasenga, watashi wa izureka o motte irubekide wa nai to katei shimasu. Watashi ga koko ni iru riyū no sono isshu."

Tien:
Tengu sake? Been a long time since I had any of that. No, I suppose I shouldn't have any, alcohol doesn't sit well with me.Its sort of the reason I'm here.

Sovereign Court

Ayaki Metsumo wrote:

Ayaki gives a questionable look towards the two tengu. "So it is just like wine? The people of the Inner Sea have odd names for normal items." Ayaki then looks towards Torquat with confidence. "I see, the Grand Bazaar, you say? But do not worry;" She then pulls out a fan that has its ribs made out of metal and with sharp edges upon each tip. Ayaki then opens it in front of her face. "I can take care of myself quite well. One does not come here without means to defend themselves."

Ayaki then turns to Taiicho with a bit of apprehension. "Tenguzake? Sore wa kyōmibukai kikoerun. Watashi wa sore ga anata no shugo no kami ni shukufuku sa rete iru kiita koto ga aru, matawa sonoyōni karera wa iimasu." She nods slightly. "Tashika ni, watashi wa ikutsu ka o tameshite mitai to omoimasu. Tabun Mr Giovanni to dōyō, kare no shiya o hirogeru tame ni kibōdesu ka?

** spoiler omitted **

Google Translate is awesome!

Iia iia, wareware no sake wa senichi chīsana kamigami ni shukufuku sa remasu. Wareware wa hefeng-sama wo sūhai shite imasen. Wareware wa, watashitachi no mawari no subete no ko rei o kayowa.

Tien:
No no, My sake is blessed by the 1001 lesser earthly kami. I do not follow He-Feng. Instead I commune with the small spirits that exist around us.

Mr. Gionani has an open invitation to join us, though I fear his particular palate will accept nothing other than that champagne stuff at this moment. Perhaps later . . .

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Angelari pretends to understand by nodding and smiling when the non Tengu Pathfinders react to Tien.

I have a sparkling wine, already available. I expect the process was invented by dear Taldor and merely copied by the Galtans. After the decades of revolution there I doubt anyone truely knows the history.

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Barely acknowledging the bowing Tengu, and rather obviously not following the conversation in Tien. Lady Henderthane turns to the others addressing Lord Greymore just before his departure.

"I have not yet fully settled on a location for my new lodge. I was thinking about trying to acquire a nice private island in the Bay of Solva, and perhaps establish a Lodge there, in an attempt to try and help start smoothing relations between our society and House Thrune. My family and my deeds make me quite well suited to the task of helping our reputation with the Chelish Government."

Joining the conversation as it turns back to Taldan

"Champagne is a bit different from wine, it is bubbly and somewhat sweet. I much prefer a nice dark Chelish red, if anyone is interested I'll have my slave go fetch some more.

You are wise to carry protection, especially if you plan a trip the the grand bazaar. Absalom's city guard are mostly adequate, but they are certainly not as effective as Hellknights.

While I do not know the origins of Champagne, I find most of Galt is best avoided for people like us. The one place in Galt I visit with any frequency is Petelungro's Lodge in Woodsedge. Her friendship is quite important to me, and her lodge is surprisingly lovely for its location in that bed of Anarchy."

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Ayaki nods towards Taiicho when he explains how his sake is made.
"Dakara, sore ga okonawa reru hōhōdesu. Kami ni yotte shukufuku."

Tien:
"So that is how it is made. Blessed by the Kami.

She turns to Torquat and nods in agreement.
"Sono arukōru o hoji suru koto ga dekinai soko ni ōku ga arimasu. Izureka no amari, jibun no nomimono ni hama~tsu. Karera wa sukoshi o motte iru baai, matawa karera mo, jibun jishin o hoji suru koto wa dekimasen. Dakara watashi wa Torquat-san o rikai shite imasu."

Tien:
"There are many out there that cannot hold their alcohol. Either too much, addicted to their drink. Or they can't hold themselves even when they have a little. So I understand Torquat-san.

Ayaki then tilts her head a bit when she hears about the different alcohol.
"So there is Chelish Red, Galtan Champagne, and sparkling wine? There seems to be a lot of different kinds out there. Just made from fermented grapes. Interesting."

Before Ayaki continues, she hears someone call her from behind her. She slumps slightly when she hears it.

Perception 20:

You can hear someone call out her name.

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"Ah, there you are Ayaki! Hows my favorite kitsune this day, hm?" Naomi stops behind Ayaki then looks around. "Oh, greetings everyone. I am back from my little adventure up north, and seeing how to ride shields as sleds. Didn't go that well." She then stands beside Ayaki and smiles. "I see you met Ayaki. She came here recently from Tien Xia. She's a wonderful girl. Fit of mind and body, I hope she gets to experience an adventure soon." She continues smiling before Looking for a place to sit with Ayaki, pulling her gently by the hand to a nearby table with chairs. "By the way, on my way over here, there are people training outside in the rain. While I can understand on being prepared, I don't understand why you would risk a cold or worse from that."

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"There are also many types of Sake. Junmai, Honjozo, Junmai Ginjo, Ginjo, Junmai Daiginjo, Daiginjo, Nigori, Taru, Nama, Koshu, Kijoshu snd Genshu to name the major variations at least."says the half-orc.

Sovereign Court

Lady Jasmine frowns briefly when she sees a tiefling enter.
Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17+2 vs. devils and demons
Her frown disappears after she takes a moment to asses this tiefling's ancestry.

"Renald, get the door, and place a heavy curtain over it. Jonas is very loud. My fellow Venture Captain is always bellowing this or that about fighting and iron, some find it invigorating, but it just gets obnoxious to me. Though I wouldn't worry much about their health out there, he is a cleric of some power.

Yes we were helping instruct Ayaki on some of the more common fine drinks that she may encounter here in the Inner Sea. A necessary skill for our group to ensure we make favorable impressions on those that would be best to recruit to our court.

As far as training in the rain; training in adverse conditions is a good way to be prepared for the dangerous things you might encounter during your field duties. I am no stranger to such things. I train usually do my training with summoned or bound devils, and no blunted swords or other such things during such activities. Well, I generally use non-lethal tactics, but that is because I find them most effective to incapacitating foes, and striking fear into their hearts.

Oh and as to my frown when you entered, my family has had some impurities in the bloodline, though they have all ... disappeared."

Knowledge Local DC 15, 5 from Cheliax:
Cheliaxians hold humans to be superior to non-humans and it is quite frowned upon to taint one's bloodline with devils. Tieflings, while fairly common, are held in very low regard.

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"So that is was what happened. Heh~ Ayaki, I didn't know you were a drinker?" Naomi smirks at Ayaki. "Though do not worry. I am only kidding." She looks at Lady Jasmine when she explains why she frowns. Naomi seems like she might be slightly offended. "Hm. While I do not care about your family relations, it is you, whom I know. And you suggest a taint? My Rakshasa heritage grants me a boon, a chance at a better life in this one, and the next. As only the gifted ones rise in station, the ones who blunder greatly, tend to be reborn as lowly insignificant creatures. Those of the beastbrood, with guile, and determination, unlike other Tieflings, will achieve a better life. And not ground into the dirt where some of them might belong." Naomi lets out a loud sigh when she finishes her rant. "My apologies. I find it slightly offensive that people don't understand that there are other kinds of Teiflings out there." Naomi waves her hand in front of her face, her face takes on a calmer appearance. "Anyway, so what have you learned so far Ayaki?" She looks at Naomi with a gentle smile.

Knowledge Religion 25:
Rakshasa believe that they advance in life, towards perfection, they will be reborn in better stations in future lives.

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Ayaki looks at Naomi with surprise. "Naomi-Sempai, I have learned that you are touchy about your heritage." She looks away slightly when Naomi lets out a huff.
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
"Also I have learned of the disdain that the people of Cheliax has with all other races, especially teiflings. And there are many different kinds of alcohol here in the Inner Sea. And a few more I did not know of back in my homeland. It is quite interesting here. With so many interesting people."

Sovereign Court

A small ripple of magic appears in the wall near the front door, the sounds of a calm river come through in a distorted form before a handsome Elven man with a black cat perched on his shoulder emerges from the ripple. As soon as the Elven man is clear of the ripple it dissipates as inconspicuously as it appeared.

Preception DC 20:
"Sir, it appears that your spell worked. If I'm correct, this is the furthest you have teleported so far."

It seems as though the cat is talking to the Elven man.


Knowledge Local DC 15 (10 for Taldans):
This is Inspel Veskel Sr. An Elven noble from northern Taldor (more specifically from the northern edges of the Verduran Forest. He is (evidently) a powerful wizard, and centuries old patriarch of the Veskel family, who have been one of a handful of Taldane Elven families that have been maintaining good relations between Taldor and Kyonin.

Knowledge Arcana DC 17:
The cat on the Elven man's shoulder is a Cat Sith.

The Elven man smiles as he looks around and moves towards the the group with the two Tengu and Rakshasa-spawn Tiefling.

Knowledge (Nobility): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36

"Good day to you Torquat, its nice to see you mingling with the nobles here. Especially madame Henderthane, she's certainly a good contact to have. Its a pleasure to see you madame." Inspel says, giving madame Henderthane a slight, respectful bow.

Sovereign Court

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Acknowledging the newcomer,
"Welcome, though I don't believe that we have met. A pleasure to make your acquaintance"
Turning back toward Naomi and Ayaki,
"Yes, do have a bit of disdain for some, but I have sworn to uphold the ideals of Explore, Report, and most importantly for this discussion, Cooperate. I have at many times worked with fellow pathfinders that I have found distasteful, but I always get the job done. I have also found that our Court benefits greatly from a diverse group. You will find, that even if my prejudices incline me against you, that I will always be a stanch ally do to my oaths.

The ones in our society to be most careful about would probably be those that work for Colson Maldris, they are mostly dangerous rebels prone to violent outburst, while I have earned honors from Andoran, all of them have been earned in combating criminals, such as slavers that were dodging tariffs and performing vile and illegal experiments on the slaves. My order does much more than just bring home wayward escapees. We ensure that the social order is upheld, both upwards and downwards."

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Taiicho overhears the venture captain's words:

Hear hear! That is the closest thing to talk of reinforcing the celestial hierarchy as I have heard in the inner sea. Thank you for putting it so sussinctly. Obviously your clan, Er, . . . House? Obviously your house is of superior stock, I appologize for not familiarizing myself with it sooner. I shall fix this obvious oversight at my absolute next opportunity.

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Ayaki Metsumo wrote:

"Mr Giovanni-San, greetings, but what is this... Champagne you speak of? Is it similar to sake?"

"Sake? Perish the thought! Sake, as you know, is often served slightly warm and consumed in small mugs or cups. While some versions are chilled, they never reached the icy mystery of a proper bubbly. Champagne, unlike a good rice wine, is smooth but not invisible on the pallet, it dances mysteriously but never insults you. It is made from grapes and bubbles with carbonation. Champagne is a tad more formal than Sake as well, though not nearly casual enough for my tastes. It's properly served in a narrow glass called a "flute". The top of the glass is narrow so it preserves the drink's carbonation and thus allows the drinker to sip the contents at their gentlemanly leisure or with ladylike grace.

Of course there is a second way to consume the drink: using a coupe glass, which is wide brimmed and flat. It allows for a broader drinking experience, and opens the drink's flavor and scent into the air. A person using a coupe must down their champagne quickly because the glass does nothing for the drink's carbonation. Drinking from a coupe, in some circles, marks a person for ever as a drunken rake.

Giovanni produces a champagne coup from his luggage.

Oh my, where did that come from?

Anyway, when we finally do get some champagne, please don't pop the cork. It's terribly gauche and ever so over dramatic. Leave the showy stuff to the polloi and give a gentle twist at the top without a pop.

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Taiicho wrote:


Mr. Gionani has an open invitation to join us, though I fear his particular palate will accept nothing other than that champagne stuff at this moment. Perhaps later . . .

Oh bugger all...pour the stuff Holds out champagne coupe Though if we're going to have sake, we should have a meal or at least a story. Pardon my asking but if I recall but isn't drinking good sake without a good story practically a sin in some parts of the Tien speaking world? If we're drinking, I'm in the mood for telling a tale.

Who wants to hear of how I wound up in this dreadful organization?

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"Ah, but where are my manners." Inspel makes a grand gesture (DC 15 Spellcraft (This is prestidigitation)) and effects that seem to promote the postive aspects of his appearance flash by in a pleasingly adequate timing. "I am Inspel Veskel Sr., patriarch and head of the Veskel family of northern Taldor, as well as father of Inspel Jr. and Mirana, and sponsor of Torquat here. pleased to make your aquaintances."

"Sir, you're overdoing it again." The cat on Inspel's shoulder says dryly.

"Regis, shush, I've got to make a good impression, no matter who the company." Inspel replies to the cat. "This dour fellow here is Regis, my long time friend and assistant. I suppose it goes without saying that he is not your common housecat." Inspel says with a smirk as Regis bows his head slightly.

"And who might the rest of you be?" Inspel inquires as he looks across the group of noble-folk and aspirants.

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Torquat quite visibly grinds his beak, not appreciating the extra attention being drawn to him by his sponsor.

"Thank you, sir." He replies in careful moderation. "Giovanni-san, you seem to have a fair understanding of Tien culture, or perhaps is it of alcohol culture? Regardless, yes, a story is often ideal when consuming sake, however I would appreciate it if you would not speak ill of the Pathfinder Society, they are a capable means of making connections, seeking fortune and fame, and otherwise experiencing the world and the challenges and cultures it offers."

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"Taicho did you say your name was? While the vast majority of my House is indeed of superior stock, I believe you have mistaken were my duties to upholding social order comes from. I am a Hellknight of the Order of the Chain. Most believe that our only real duty is to return escaped slaves to their owners, but out duties go much deeper than this. Chains bind both ways, slaves to owners, serfs to lords, owners to slaves, and lords to serfs. Society is only as strong as the weakest link, so those links must be strengthen. A serf has a duty to work the land and provide their share to their lord, but the lord in return has a duty to ensure the availability of land to work and the safety of their serfs.

Forget not our duties as nobles to provide adequate accommodations for those that serve us, and our responsibilities to them.

Perhaps you should view expanding your palate as the beginning of your Explorations, Giovanni. Remember well the three tenants of the Society you have come to serve: Explore, Report, Cooperate.

I agree with Torquat here that you should be wary of speaking ill of the Society. You may just find that your work here will provide you with many avenues for expanding your influence and renown. My work as a pathfinder have led me to add many titles to the ones I was born with, and paved the way to making allies with many well connected people. One thing you should strive for in your work is also upholding and improving the reputation of the Society, for only with a strong reputation will we continue to gather influential allies.

Lord Veskel, it is a pleasure to meet you. I believe these folks from Tien might be sharing some Sake with us, and Giovanni is going to tell us how he came to our Society. I will ensure a fine meal is brought forth for this tale."

Turning away from the fine company to her slave that introduced her, and brought her wine:
"Renald, go fetch us a fine meal. Show this to anyone that objects to your appropriating servants and food."

Lady Henderthane tosses her slave a Silver Filigreed Wayfinder stamped with both the symbol of the Open Road, and the sigil of House Henderthane.

Sovereign Court

A halfling with brown hair hurries into the room, nearly tripping someone as they rush out of the room.
"Ah, excuse me."

He continues on to the table where Naomi and Ayaki is sitting at.
"Phew! I hurried here as fast as I could. Do you know where that woman Delinia is? She has an assignment in just a few days, and needs to report in!" He looks at the two women expectantly.

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Naomi holds up her hand to quiet the halfling.
"Evan, I know you recently joined, but please calm yourself. And about Dalinia, she is a bookish sort, have you tried the lodge's library? Anyway, when you leave, please send someone to fetch a decent meal for us, we're famished." The halfling nods then hurries out of the room to continues his search.

Naomi sighs a bit. "Sorry about that, that was Evan Bristletop, he recently joined about the same time as Ayaki. He tries to make sure everyone who we are friendly with within the Society as a whole, to be able to get to their missions on time." Naomi shakes her head a bit. "He might also be a bit eccentric for a halfling, he wears shoes."

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Jasmine Henderthane wrote:

"Taicho did you say your name was? While the vast majority of my House is indeed of superior stock, I believe you have mistaken were my duties to upholding social order comes from. I am a Hellknight of the Order of the Chain. Most believe that our only real duty is to return escaped slaves to their owners, but out duties go much deeper than this. Chains bind both ways, slaves to owners, serfs to lords, owners to slaves, and lords to serfs. Society is only as strong as the weakest link, so those links must be strengthen. A serf has a duty to work the land and provide their share to their lord, but the lord in return has a duty to ensure the availability of land to work and the safety of their serfs.

Taiicho, yes Lady Henderthane, and I agree with you. I merely meant that your family must be of superior stock and possessing of the finest education available in order to produce a noble-lady with such a perfect understanding of the social order and all of its intricacies. It is as if you have a divine understanding of the Tien Celestial Order, though you likely have not heard of it; most people from the inner sea have not.

Sovereign Court

A young woman in simple noble's clothes enters the hall, her raven black hair tied back in a neat bun. Her expression clearly indicates a level of irritation, but she seems to refrain from addressing this aloud. As she makes her way down the hall, a servant hurriedly walks up to her and hands her a note before returning the way he came.

"Well, that all seems to be in order." She says to herself, and her irritation dissipates into a small smile of contentment. She soon spots the group, and decides to join them to see what they are talking about.

Knowledge (Nobility): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"O-oh. Count Veskel, its certainly a surprise to see you here..." Victoria says as she sees the Elven noble. "Jasmine? Is...is that you?" Victoria seems to be rather flustered, seeing her successful family member as well as the high ranking Taldon noble, and seems to clam up sheepishly.

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“This celestial order may have been mentioned in my dealings with the Way of the Kirin, but I don’t remember. While my name is quite well known in Tien Xia, I can’t say that I am overly familiar with the place or its people.”

Jasmine is a Champion of the very well known Ruby Phoenix Tournament

Turning to regard the new comer, Jasmine’s face lights up with a smile.

“Ah Victoria, it is great to see you. Please come in and make yourself comfortable; I believe refreshments should be here shortly. My father sent a letter along with my latest griffon, stating that you’d be joining us here in the Society. I have found the Society has provided me with a great many opportunities to bolster and enhance my reputation and power. I believe that it should provide you many opportunities as well, I will try to let you know of promising endeavors if possible. Further enhancing the Henderthane cause is always a priority of mine.

Oh and our cousin Eddington is about somewhere too. I used my influence with Zarta to get him access to the ancient Thassilonian secrets that I have delivered unto the society. He spends most of his time in the libraries I think. I think he just went on his first field assignment a short while ago.”

As Lady Jasmine starts talking about her mutual cousin Eddington, a handful of servants enter the room with tables and food. They quickly set up a feast with foods from various parts of the world.

”Good the refreshments have arrived. I must apologize for this modest affair. If any of you find yourselves on my island or in my lodge in the future, I assure you the accommodations will be much more complete than this.

Giovanni, I believe you were going to tell us how you came to our Society.”

Sovereign Court

Oh a party in the hall, its been so dreary I almost went on an assignment. Montjoy get a keg of rum in here the lads and lasses seem nearly overcome. We should at least get them well on their way into roaring drunkeness.

The newly arrived elf surveys the fashions of the room and transforms his garments to blend in with the assembled nobility. (Hat of disguise)

Ohh, and another elven noble of Taldor. Egads, I thought I was a lone butterfly in the woods. What brings you to the wilds of Golarion? Sick of demons or thorns or wild chance rolled you into the wave of humanity? Ha ha do you swim or sink beneath the ever blooming tide?

(Those familiar with the Marquis du Rhuum (a mispelling of Rum by a drunken monarch) may note the tremor in his hands, too long away from the rigors of adventure and too close to death for his liking this elf has fallen into the manner of a drunkard.

Sovereign Court

Jasmine Henderthane wrote:


”Good the refreshments have arrived. I must apologize for this modest affair. If any of you find yourselves on my island or in my lodge in the future, I assure you the accommodations will be much more complete than this.

Giovanni, I believe you were going to tell us how you came to our Society.”

Ah yes, of course. One moment.

Giovanni downs his sake, says then fills his coupe with some sparkling wine. As refreshments are laid out, he picks at some aged Elven Brie with his cheese fork, rubs it across the toasted bruschetta, He examines the rest of the food and removes what appears to be a Varisian Style Meat Pie, samples it with his fork, is pleased with the consistency. Then continues speaking...

So I have always been rather strong willed. Papa says I got this from mother, though I have never met her, she died, you see. But Papa claims that she was a lovely woman, she worked as a maid in the family estate and because my father is not a particularly discerning man when it comes to his dalliances and he occasionally "mixes with the help" if you catch my drift. This is not an uncommon thing in Taldor as some of you may know but unlike most noblemen, Papa actually loves his little bastards and when he learned of my mother's death he brought me into the house with open arms. Father had always dreamed of a large family and so he has filled his household with about twelve of his illegitimate children. His one legitimate child is my half brother Marko, who lives in Oppara with his wife. Lovely people, throw the most fantastic parties. Any way, where was I?

Ah yes, Strong willed. Papa claims that I was a rather unusual child, he tried so hard to get me interested in some sort of proper trade like my brothers and sisters but I was simply too strong willed and rather lazy and I spent most of my time playing sports and maintaining my social schedule. As you all know, the Taldoran countryside affords many distractions for a young, moneyed fellow and damned if didn't acquire more than a few of those...distractions over the years, all of them female shaped sadly. I would've been happy to continue in this manner until about three years ago, I heard from my dear half brother that Papa was going to get married. Apparently the old goat had fallen for some sort of awful Chelish creature who was at least twenty years young than him and clearly after his money. Personally, I was happy for the old fool but poor Marko was certain she was some sort of gold mining floozy. He begged me to talk to my friends in the Taldan Constabulary to look into the awful witch.

Now it is true, I have one friend in the Taldan Constabulary, Lieutenant Roland, lovely man. I told him about the problem, he gave me a few files on the woman and claimed there was nothing out of the ordinary about her. I examined the files, asked a few questions and applied a little logic here and there and managed to discover a few things about my father's fiancee that no one else had uncovered and damned if I didn't prove that apparently, yes, she was in fact some sort of wanted criminal type. I reported the matter to the Constables and that, I assumed, was that.

But apparently it was all so terribly impressive to a series of people and Old Roland sadly couldn't stop telling everyone about it and soon various people began coming to visit me at the country house and asking if I could look into one thing or another for them and they would hand me small sums of money which I used to supplement my meager allowance from Papa.

This state of things continued for some time until I had acquired something of a small reputation in Taldor's countryside.

And then, unfortunately, things became rather serious. My little hobby attracted the attention of the Aspis Consortium which attempted to recruit me. I turned them down but they offered me a rather upsetting gift: They promised that if I joined their organization they would kill my father and half brother so that I could inherit my father's Barony and vast fortune. This was a terrible misstep on my part since they clearly had not taken the time to understand my unique family situation or the depth of my affections for my philandering old man. I turned them down and then, in revenge, pointed out to the Taldoran Government that the Grand Prince's favorite butler was an Aspis Agent (that was perfectly obvious though, no idea why no one else mentioned it before). This peeved the Consortium off a bit and they unfortunately sent a few people to kill me. The whole thing came to head when I agreed to meet one of their agents in a clock tower and I pushed him off the clock tower and well it got a bit messy.

So apparently at this point the Taldoran government was not overly fond of me and the Aspis fellows were interested in seeing me dead so I elected to take a bit of a sabbatical. Papa had an old friend in with the Pathfinders and they felt I be of some use to them (I'm not entirely sure why).

So here I am.

Sovereign Court

Victoria seems to regather her composure, and returns the smile.

"Thank you Jasmine, it is certainly nice to see you. I suppose my father let your's know about my joining the society? Nevertheless, I look forward to helping improve the Henderthane's influence in the Inner Sea region, and perhaps beyond." Victoria replies, her expression becoming more relaxed and cheery. Victoria seats herself beside her cousin, before continuing, "Island, lodge? Jasmine, you certainly have been doing quite a bit of work, haven't you? But yes, I suppose if someone has a story to tell, I am more than willing to listen."

Sovereign Court

"Oh my, another Henderthane? What are the chances? Hahaha, nevermind that, its always nice to have family working alongside you, even if you only see each other at rest. I suppose it'd be nice to see my children have as close a connection as you two, but I'm certain they'll come around after a couple of decades. I can say that I caused my own father quite some trouble for a century. Alas, that was so long ago, I was still about your age, Mr. Righty." Inspel follows suit, seating himself at the table provided and allowing Regis to seat himself next to him. "My Elven friend, perhaps it has been too long I have been in the company of anther Elf, but I don't seem to understand your meaning. I have made many a trip to Absolam, as well as many other locations in the Inner Sea Region, and have done so for several centuries. Humanity is nothing to be bogged down by, as some may say, I prefer to ride the wave."

Inspel smiles greatly, and directs his attention to Giovanni's story.

...

"Intriguing story my young friend, though I find myself rather concerned that there are Taldan nobles with a penchant for...sexual embellishment. I-"

"Sir, if I may be so bold, but I do not believe this is a necessary topic to pursue..." Regis interjects, looking up from the rather well prepared seasoned Chelish Hen sitting in his plate.

"Ah, but right you are Regis. No sense in diving in a negative subject as such. Nevertheless, remarriage is a pleasent enough arrangement, provided your prior spouse has either moved on or moved on." Inspel's expression becomes somewhat dour, only to spring back to a brilliant smile. "I must say finding a second soulmate in life is a difficult task, but the current Countess Veskel is certainly a wonderful woman. Strong, passionate, creative, and an amazing artist." Inspel seems to be lost in thoughts at this point, with a whimsically goofy smile.

Sovereign Court

Yes, shameful, but then the Baron Moreno is a perfectly scandalous man.

He finishes his bruschetta with brie

I say this is spectacular brie, is this made by elves in Absalom or is it shipped in from Kyonin?

Sovereign Court

Inspel Veskel Sr. wrote:
"I am Inspel Veskel Sr., patriarch and head of the Veskel family of northern Taldor, as well as father of Inspel Jr. and Mirana, and sponsor of Torquat here. pleased to make your aquaintances."

I say, I believe we've met before! It was at one of those perfectly dreadful Harvest Balls they throw in Oppara, you know the ones with the awful music, your lovely cat commented on the decor and I was impressed by his good taste...

Sovereign Court

"Wow, sounds like you were already Pathfinder Material even before you joined!" As Naomi grins like a cheshire cat. Naomi then stands to greet Inspel Veskel Sr. "And it is an honor to meet you. Even I have heard of your family, I heard that your family have been making strides within the Society. You must be rather proud of them, and of Torquat. And I must say it is interesting to see there are also other families invested...?" Naomi has a quizzical look on her face before she continues. "Interested? In the Society as well. Oh, our meal is here Naomi, looks to be rather interesting as well!" As Naomi finishes speaking, she sits back down as a porter comes in with different meals in different steaming boxes. He takes the various platters out of the boxes and places them on the table in front of Naomi and Ayaki.
"Ma'am, you meal has been delivered."
Naomi grins and gets out a pouch with gold coins in it.
"Thank you for the delivery." Naomi is about to give it to the porter before he speaks.
"No need Ma'am, just doing my job. Enjoy your meal." And with that, the porter leaves to do what ever work he has to do.
Naomi puts away the pouch before turning to Ayaki. "Looks like we can eat now. Enjoy yourself."

Sovereign Court

“Mr. Giovanni, it seems you have a talent for finding the unlawful. This is to be greatly commended, and we can always use such people in our Society. It is unfortunate, but many of our colleagues don’t seem to respect the law; I hope that you might aid some of them in their waywardness. If people don’t respect and honor the law, all of society breaks down, and we can’t have that.

If you ever need aid in upholding the law, or if you find the trail of some unlawful person or creature that you don’t think you could handle, let me know. I have quite a great deal of experience with such matters. I personally favor non-lethal tactics in the field to bring back the unjust and have them serve their sentences.

You were wise to decline the offer of the Aspis. While there maybe a moderate amount of unlawful members in our Society, I don’t believe that the Aspis Consortium could work within the law even if they wanted to.

It is unfortunate that your self defense prompted difficulties with your home government. I’ll see if father has any lawyers he might be able to send to assist you in repairing that difficulty.”

Sovereign Court

You have a better part of a century on me. For I have always lived here amongst the Taldans at first, then having been snared by Baron Jaquo Dalsine I joined the pathfinders. So, it still intrigues me how a Kyonin elf becomes a Taldan noble. Poor Jaquo rich in coin but poor in blood and luck. I would myself revenge his death, but time....drink...and circumstances prevent it. Perhaps my boy Byron will see to it. Where is that lad.

Montjoy the valet whispers in his ear.

Oh yes, good lad down in the Bloodcove giving those Aspis bastards the business end of a blade no doubt. Wierd boy following that Iomedean faith..should stick with proper elven gods. Sigh, they grow up soo fast.

Where's that rum Montjoy are we still cutting the sugar down? I doubt the party will wait for its fermentation.

The valet sighs and nods to a group of men who roll a sizable barrel onto a stand. A portable bar is set afront and the tap is hammered home.

Ingenius isnt it, we cater any event for the right price. And the barrels are always good for moving things here and there.

Sovereign Court

Jasmine Henderthane wrote:
“Mr. Giovanni, it seems you have a talent for finding the unlawful. This is to be greatly commended, and we can always use such people in our Society. It is unfortunate, but many of our colleagues don’t seem to respect the law; I hope that you might aid some of them in their waywardness. If people don’t respect and honor the law, all of society breaks down, and we can’t have that.

I have a certain respect for the law and an affinity for those who deal out justice to those who deserve. Though...*chuckle* I admit that I drink too much to be considered entirely "lawful".

Quote:
If you ever need aid in upholding the law, or if you find the trail of some unlawful person or creature that you don’t think you could handle, let me know. I have quite a great deal of experience with such matters. I personally favor non-lethal tactics in the field to bring back the unjust and have them serve their sentences.

I will be sure to consider your offer. However the lethality of my methods, I'm afraid my teeth are a bit sharper tan yours. I take little joy in the lethal option but I'm afraid I'm not interested in over exertion when it comes to the defending my own life.

Quote:
You were wise to decline the offer of the Aspis. While there maybe a moderate amount of unlawful members in our Society, I don’t believe that the Aspis Consortium could work within the law even if they wanted to.

They also don't seem terribly competent either. Never mind that, I'll start shifting my contacts and informants from Taldor to Absalom and I'll make them available to the society, let's see how they enjoy dealing with a real intelligence network.

Quote:

It is unfortunate that your self defense prompted difficulties with your home government. I’ll see if father has any lawyers he might be able to send to assist you in repairing that difficulty.”

Part of the reason I moved to the Society is the possibility of doing some service to some lord that gets me a knighthood or a Baronet or something. Being a Nobleman will alleviate some of my legal problems but really we all know how the Grand Prince can be: a little legal pressure, some show of acquiescence...all will be well eventually. In the end, I did find a spy so there's that. I won't turn down any assistance you feel like giving.

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