In a small tea-room in the back of the Grand Lodge


Sovereign Court

Sovereign Court

A young, half-elven woman of Tien descent, with black hair, makes busy tidying the place up. With deliberate grace, she places everything in the three tea-drinking alcoves just so, fluffing the sitting pillows and making sure everything has been polished and dusted. Then she moves on to the flower, making sure their arrangement is prim and proper. She continues to work diligently, despite the fact that the room has no visitors currently.

Sovereign Court

A well to do gentleman wearing the clothing of Taldoran Nobility enters the tea room and places himself in a chair. He opens a copy of "Poetry from the Elven Masters".

Scarab Sages

A halfling in black desert robes edged with bands of red sigils enters, making a rough but passable Tian-style bow to our hostess. Within his cowl, his face is deeply tanned and his eyes dark and secretive. A dully glowing orange rune of interlocking triangles on his forehead and a pair of glossy red antennae might draw some attention.

A red-carapaced monstrosity can be glimpsed clinging to the ceiling in the corridor outside, politely keeping out of the way.

Sovereign Court

One of the Grand Lodge's messengers delivers a scroll tube of ivory almost carved away in a filigree suggesting a coiling draconic form, holding a note regretting the delay until the writer may take tea, as he is considerably busy in Nidal.

Sovereign Court

The young half-elf humbly bows to each guest in turn and silently motions to the board with various teas from around the inner sea and Tien written on it as well as quite reasonable prices. She then silently gets to work preparing for tea, boiling water and setting up saucers and teacups for everyone.

Silver Crusade

A disheveled man in a clean but worn shirt enters. He looks at the assembled patrons with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. His accent is atrocious, as the stumbles out the following words in Tien.

"So, I heard there were some Tea N stuff going on around here. I used to know A mare and Lee, then she go away."

He mumbles in Hallit, "Hope that was right."

Sovereign Court

The Tien woman gestures to the price board, written in both Tien and common.

"Please, feel free to order in common if you find it more comfortable sir," she says in common graciously. She then politely bows and backs away, awaiting for someone to order.

Scarab Sages

Hattash speaks a few words that are accented as Kelish, but might be originally from another language. "I think in Absalom they call it caravan tea."

Looking up at Bo with a brooding, but seemingly approving assessment, "It is right to respect the customs of others. It was my honour too to lend my art to the rise of one who upholds a long-unbroken tradition. I am Hattash, of a country no longer spoken of."

He extends a hand, clad in a gauntlet covered in needle-like metal spikes. Hattash frowns at it and the spikes flow liquidly into a new form of smooth plates.

Silver Crusade

Taldane is a little easier than Tea N. Bo points to a green tea on the menu.

I used to throw big things at people and get real mad all the time. Then I met A mare Lee and went to Tea N to seek peace. I found it. Peace through horizontal blindness.

Bo seems unsettled. I think you folks have better tales than me. I'm just a monk.

Sovereign Court

Johanna hid a enlivened expression behind her candor demeanor. She was always ill prepared to deal with a soiree. You give her a weapon and an undead enemy, her instincts would kick in. Others had known her to be rough and distant in conversations. In truth she secretly loved being at ease and relaxing once in awhile. But her blood heritage was uneasy for others to accept. And so she kept her distance, except on favorable occassions.

She had just arrived in Absalom, after a month long mission. She was a gritty individual. Unafraid of getting her hands dirty and scuffed. But she always relished the lifestyles of the other nobles she knew. Always longing for a social connection that lasted more than a few hours.

The carriage pulls up to the gates of the Grand Lodge, just as she quickly finished donning her courtier outfit. Her crumpled leather armoured jacket looking out of place with the rest of her adventuring gear strewn about the courtly carriage, but she dare not waste time lest she further prolonged her absence.

She thanked the driver and asked for her stuff to be delivered inside to her room. Handed him a sizable payment and exited the carriage swiftly. Her strikingly pale skin was covered underneath a draped veiled hat, hiding all but her most basic facial features.

She made her way across the grounds and to the building and proceeded to enter and climb to the stairs to the floor where the tea room was located.

She approached the door and quickly stopped before opening. Checking once again that her appearance was acceptable, after patting her outfit down.

She opens the door and is greeted by a tien woman. Who then thanks her and offers her a selection of teas.

Johanna nods politely. "Thank you for the invitation, I arrived as soon as possible. Please accept my apologies for my lateness."
She says.

"If it's not too late, I would love a cup of
Jalmeray Black." She asks

Sovereign Court

"Of course" is the Tien woman's only reply to the two requests. She then sets about setting up the tea for the two patrons who have ordered, efficiently but gracefully preparing the tea in a very traditional manner. She works in silence but makes sure to be as respectful and courteous to the customers as possible.

Take 10 on perform (Tea Cerimony)=17

The Exchange

A large Nagaji in monk's robes enters the room.

Is there any Sky Jasmine Tea?

Sovereign Court

Pops some champagne.

No worries, I'll serve myself.

Silver Crusade

Hattash, I dont recall the unnamed country... does it border Taldor? I ran into some monkeys, monks who appreciate study and perfection and brutal beatings in the name of peace... anyway I love new things.

Scarab Sages

Knowledge(local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
If he commits any gaffes, she seems courteous enough to overlook them

"Not all follow the way of magic."
Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 not to convey the impression that they probably aren't trying hard enough
"All should learn from the experiences of the brave. They tell the not-as-brave what to avoid, is it not so?"

"The ruins of that country lie east of Taldor, it is true. Taldor remembers less than it should what it owes to us."

"But yes, the new also can be filled with possibilities."

Sovereign Court

A Taldan man enters the tearoom wearing a paramilitary uniform with the insignia of a naval captain. He takes a seat and introduces himself as Dravik Seldon before perusing the list of teas being offered.

"I will have a Vudrani tea, please."

Nobility 15:
Dravik's uniform is meant to evoke the style of Taldor's Second Army of Exploration without directly copying it.

Local 10 (DC 5 for Sovereign Court):
You know of Dravik mostly by reputation, as he seldom spends time at the Grand Lodge, instead plying the seas on the privateering vessel Wind Song.

Local 15 (DC 10 for Sovereign Court):
Dravik is an accomplished Pathfinder with an inconstant reputation. His early career was marred by several serious errors and you've heard rumors of a recent disastrous episode in Ustalav. Balancing these are several impressive victories, notably a story of him captaining the Wind Song into the Eye of Abendego and returning with his vessel intact and the relic sought by the Society in hand.

Sovereign Court

The black-haired woman sets down a steaming pot of Sky Jasmine Tea for the nagaji, pouring it gracefully but not in an overly-flourished manner.

She then moves on to recieve the Taldan man. "Very honored to meet you." in a hushed tone is the only response she gives to his introduction before moving to the back room. She soon returns with another teapot, and sets it forth before pouring him a cup.

Sense Motive Check DC 15:
She briefly raises an eyebrow at the captain and his attire. She seems to linger on him for a split-second longer than she should before returning to her duties.

The Exchange

Wu Xing tests his tea with a single sip, finds it agreeable, then begins to pray to Irori in Draconic.

Knowledge Religion:
He's speaking the before prayer meal of Irori's faithful, though it's a little odd to hear it being spoken in Draconic. At the end of the prayer he taps the side of the cup with a spoon, you know this is an old religious tradition from central Tian Xia. Some monks of Irori are strict vegetarians because they believe that consuming animal flesh is unclean and uncleanliness is an obstacle to perfection. They tap the sides of their tea cups and soup bowls to make sure that no insects have fallen inside.

*sips* It is acceptable.

Sovereign Court

Dravik Seldon wrote:

"I will have a Vudrani tea, please."

Giovanni catches Dravik's eye and touches the side of his chin with his forefinger.

Sovereign Court:
This is a secret gesture known only to operatives of the Sovereign Court. When in mixed company, it is used by agents to subtly identify one another.

Scarab Sages

Hattash Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Creature Intelligence: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

"Peace, yes .. Rewards for my skills are hard to come by in peace, so in this age, I am well paid indeed."

Silver Crusade

Bo looks around, doesnt see anyone else paying and slides a stack of 10 gold coins across the lacquered table. He then places a cloth over the coins with an open corner towards the host.

Sovereign Court

The woman spies the large sum of money and looks slightly confused for a moment. He face grows somewhat hesitant as it becomes obvious that she is caught between two social faux-pas.

She hesitantly, approaches Bo Atlas, head down, for a moment and in a low, hushed tone she offers.

"I . . . I uh, am loath to interrupt, sir, but I may have given the wrong impression." She points to the price board that says a pot of Tien Green tea is only 5 SP. "That is what sir owes. My most humble apologies if I led sir astray."

Sovereign Court

Johanna bows before the tien woman before taking a seat in a corner with a floor pillow. Soon after receiving her tea pot of Jalmeray Black, a bout of anxiety seems to subside. She had found one of the few corners that offered some form of casted shadows from the walls. She rests her musket next to her carefully on the floor, before paying any attention to any of the guests or her tea.

She carefully removes her draped veiled hat. Her glossy black hair was as striking contrast to her pale dull skin. Although her silver eyes can be unsettling to most, they are something of an enigma to behold.

Knowledge Religion/Local DC 10:
Johanna's soft pale skin, silvery eyes, and a quick glimpse at her incisors when she speaks indicates she holds blood ties to both vampire and human. Known as a Dhampir.

Knowing that Jalmeray Black tea can be expensive, Johanna places 2 gold pieces next to her tea pot to be retrieved. While the tien woman attends to another guest, she pours her own cup and begins to sip. It is bitter, but an aroma slightly hinted of leaves and fruit fill her nostrils as she drinks from her cup.

Sovereign Court:
Johanna makes a slight gesture with her forefinger while sipping her tea, notifying her allegiance to other Sovereign Court members.

Sovereign Court

At several points during her work, the hostess stops for the briefest of moments before continuing.

Perception check DC 15 AND sovereign court:
Hideko returns the countersign that she is too soverireign court, though she works the sign into he work so it is a bit difficult to notice

Scarab Sages

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Hattash takes a deep draught of tea, cupping his hands around the vessel to savour the heat and strong flavour.

As the lady gunslinger enters, something flickers momentarily in the halfling's dark eyes. "Your pardon, Bo. The world is small and it is polite to acknowledge those of possible connection."

Leaving his teacup, he walks across within a polite distance of the corner seat, makes a deep, formal bow with palms upraised in the Keleshite fashion, and speaks a few words.

Thassilonian:
"Hail to the prolonged of life in the name of the Feasters of the Heart."

He returns to his seat without waiting for a reply.

Sovereign Court

So it's nice to see everyone and if anyone's interested, I've recently acquired this book of poetry and I like to read a selection for you wonderful people. It's called, "The Green Woods Go On Forever"...

At this point, he seems to be reading some lovely Elven Poetry written by the ancient literary master Thessandra the Fair-Headed

Sovereign Court:
In reality, the book that he's reading from is a Sovereign Court code book and it appears that he's reading out a report of the most recent struggles of the Taldoran Sovereign Court Members. Apparently Giovanni is deeply concerned that Viscount Efram Lassier's so called "hunting accident" may have been an Aspis plot. Giovanni would alert the rest of the Society but Viscount was also the Chief of Operations for the Sovereign Court's agents in Oppara. Uncovering the Viscount's murder may uncover ongoing operations in Taldor. Giovanni needs further instruction on how to proceed.

Lovely poem, true master piece. Anyone else wish to perform a reading?

Sovereign Court

A true friend of the Sovereign Court, Lady Gabrielle d'Apcher makes a habit of stopping by the tea house whenever she is in the area. Today, she is likely escaping the summer heat of the south of Taldor, or she could be acquiring materials for a opera production, or some other activity worthy of a wealthy socialite.

"Unfamiliar, but lovely nonetheless," the Lady comments as she makes her entrance, having caught the end of Giovanni's poem.

Sovereign Court

Hideko catches sight of the newest guest and glides over to meet her.

"Welcome, d'Apcher-sama. What tea will you be selecting today?"

Scarab Sages

Really OOC:
This stretches "undefined time between missions" pretty far, but I don't quite think it breaks continuity

A messenger hastens in, handing Hattash a papyrus note marked with Pharasma's spiral. He reads it, twitching his lip in some surprise

"An enlightening chat, but I am requested for a task elsewhere."

He empties his cup in one more draw, rises and bows to the hostess, silver pieces in hand to pay what he owes. With a swift stride, he reaches the door as the chitinous creature climbs down to meet him, its dip of its legs on one side matching Hattash's step in to the saddle almost as one being. A whir of insectile wings, and he is gone

Sovereign Court

Johanna nods her head to Hattash, acknowledging his politeness. She notices that he quickly departs from her corner after speaking his words.

"A cursed life is not what it is made out to be." She silently mouths.

She continues to sip her tea. Eventually pulling out her pathfinder journal to make a few notes in it. A careful sketch here and there.

Johanna peaks at the symbol upon the papyrus note that Hattash received.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

She reaches for her beautifully crafted musket, and brushes her finger tips along the metal chamber casing. Tracing the tips of her fingers across the spiral formation of Pharasma's holy symbol.

"Curious indeed," she whispers under her breath. She pulls another sip of her black tea and eases once again. Such luxuries were scarce over the previous months. And she would enjoy this tranquility as long as she could.

"Lady Hideko, if I may ask. What, if any... occurrences have I missed these past few months? Is there any tittle-tattle to be had?" Johanna asks politely, while taking another sip of her tea.

Sovereign Court

Johanna de Vieland wrote:


"Lady Hideko, if I may ask. What, if any... occurrences have I missed these past few months? Is there any tittle-tattle to be had?" Johanna asks politely, while taking another sip of her tea.

Hideko turns her head to the side, though it is obvious she is blushing. She pauses for a brief moment, clearly conflicted about how to answer the question. When she finally does speak, it is in a very soft, hestitant tone.

"Oh-oh, you honor me too much, I'm afraid. I do not hold the title of Lady, I am just a humble tea servant. An-And I'm sure I don't know any . . . 'tittle-tattle.' An-and if I did, I do not know if such a topic would be appropriate for a setting such as this."

She pauses for a brief moment seeming to hope that someone will change the topic. When no one does, she does venture something.

Spoiler alert for scenario 24-Decline of glory:
"I did recently encounter a corrupt government official overstepping his bounds in Taldor. He had been stealing deeds and then claiming imminent domain to take the land for himself. Luckily the group of pathfinders I was with discovered the plan and stopped him."

" I am glad his misdeeds did not spread further to jeopardize the reputation of Taldor." she concludes.

Sovereign Court

Ootaka Hideko wrote:
"Welcome, d'Apcher-sama. What tea will you be selecting today?"

"I am in the mood for experimentation. Oolong with a dash of hibiscus for flavor," she decides, waving away the outside heat with her fan.

Ootaka Hideko wrote:
" I am glad his misdeeds did not spread further to jeopardize the reputation of Taldor." she concludes.

"A bit of housecleaning goes a long way," she comments. "In fact, I am in the market for a mystery myself. I wrapped up the summer a bit too quickly, and could use an enjoyable diversion."

Sovereign Court

Lady Gabrielle d'Apcher wrote:
"I am in the mood for experimentation. Oolong with a dash of hibiscus for flavor," she decides, waving away the outside heat with her fan.

"Yes, right away m'lady." The half-elven girl disappears and comes back a minute later with the requested tea. She servse it to d'Apcher with her standard grace

(Take 10 Perform Tea Ceremony =DC 17)

Sovereign Court

The Lady smiles throughout Ootaka's presentation, eventually ceasing the waving of her fan as the cool air of the Lodge's interior takes hold.

She visibly relaxes, takes her first sip of her experiment, and let's put a long, relaxing breath.

"It is a start," she gently declares. "Ootaka, how long have you been presenting tea in this traditional way?" she asks, after giving her curved-rectangular glasses a quick adjustment to account for being seated.

Sovereign Court

Again, the hostess turns her head and lowers her tone of voice, clearly embarrassed.

"Oh, my mother taught me when I was very young in Tien Xia. But I am sad to say that I have found no instructors on this side of the world to help hone my edge. I pray my lack of skill does not offend one of your status."

Silver Crusade

After seeing all the regal folks show up, Bo looks carefully at his tea...snifs it..dabs a bit on the napkin.

Hallit - "laced with mushrooms perhaps?"

He finds his way to the door.

Sovereign Court

"I see the Tien modesty came with you," she quips. "Tradition may be paramount there, but here, it is presentation that counts."

Sovereign Court

Lady Gabrielle d'Apcher wrote:
"I see the Tien modesty came with you," she quips. "Tradition may be paramount there, but here, it is presentation that counts."

"I see, d'Apcher-sama. Appologies. Instead, may I be allowed to say that I hope my humble presentation does not offend instead. Thank you for instructing me on this matter."

Sense Motive DC 20:
You get the hunch that, while some could take her words as sarcasm, she sincerely means what she said. She seems to have a very pronounced 'servant' mindset.

Sovereign Court

A burly figure fills most of the door for a moment, decked in dragonhide armour, the torso plates and longer arm and leg pieces black, with red-scaled pauldrons, couters and poleyns.

Appraise, Craft (armour), Knowledge (arcana) DC 20:
It's not a dye job. The armour is in fact made from pieces of at least two different dragons

His harsh features and large white tusks reveal non-human ancestry. His posture is straight-backed and his bow to the hostess is crisp and correct, though his eyes are a little weary.

"I regret again my delay in partaking in this most pleasant establishment, and can only plead that the Society has kept me even more busy than I had anticipated."

"I will have Tien green tea, please."

Sovereign Court

Cleaning up, the comparatively small half-elven woman almost jumps at the imposing figure. Her black hair and complexion belay that her human-half must have been Tien, though her elven heritage is unmistakable. Strangely, she wears armor, though upon closer inspection it is merely ceremonial armor for a major Taldor family, the Morellas.

"Oh, uh, hai." she responds obviously flustered. "But the honored customer is, is not late. This is a tea house, you may come whenever you wish as long as we are open."

She disappears into the kitchen and reappears shortly after with some green tea and serves it.

Take ten on perform tea cerimony- 17.

Sovereign Court

As it's not a formal occasion and he should have some background, I think:
Knowledge (local) DC 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Toshiro turns and lifts his cup with a careful movement and very properly keeps his remarks to brief compliments on the tea set and the flavour, until the ceremony is complete.

"This is most calming. I have had few occasions to enjoy the proper taking of tea, except in my family home. You have truly made a refuge here from the incivility and bustle of the city."

Sovereign Court

The half-elven woman bows in the traditional Tien way and begins cleaning up after the guest has finished.

"The honored guest is too kind. I am humbled that you find my services acceptable."

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