Dot and delete to claim your spot.
Inside a meeting room at the Pathfinder Society headquarters Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin stands at the end of a long table. To either side of him stand Lady Gloriana Morilla and Major Colson Maldris.
“Thank you for coming, Pathfinders,” Valsin says, gesturing for everyone to sit, though he remains standing. “As you may have heard, we recently discovered the location of a lost dwarven Sky Citadel. I won’t demean your intelligence by stating the significance of this discovery, but suffice it to say the potential rewards for exploring the site are staggering.”
He turns to face a map of the Inner Sea on the wall and pokes a location with a loud thump. “Unfortunately, the Sky Citadel is located within what was once Sarkoris—the demon-infested region now known as the Worldwound. After a long debate and careful planning, we began to recruit military aid to push into the demon-haunted land so we could reach the site; however, before we could make any significant gains, Mendev’s wardstones—a collection of minor artifacts designed to keep the demons from pouring out of the Worldwound—began to inexplicably fail. In short, there’s a hole in the dam and demons are trickling into Mendev in greater numbers. With Mendev under this new assault, we realize that in order to reach the Sky Citadel, we must aid the Fifth Crusade and help turn back the demons."
Valsin nods in anticipation of the obvious question. "I know you're wondering what you have to do with all of this."
“Since the nations of the Inner Sea are not reacting expediently to the danger presented by the newly invigorated Worldwound, a small cadre of concerned Pathfinders — including Trade Prince Aakir al’Hakam, Paracountess Zarta Dralneen, the Sapphire Sage Amenopheus, Lady Gloriana Morilla, and Major Colson Maldris—have united to leverage their influence. With my support, they plan to petition the Grand Council of Absalom and persuade them to issue an executive order to send soldiers to Mendev immediately."
“We have capitalized on your impressive showing at Damian and Michellia's wedding. They're eager to host another reception - preferably, one with fewer demons - and we're eager for them to connect us with some of the guests we had frankly overlooked at their wedding. The newlyweds have organized a dinner party with an impressive guest list to be held at Fiddlemourn Manor. Lady Morilla and Major Maldris will attend, and they plan to use the feast as an opportunity to convince some of Absalom’s elite to support the upcoming motion. We need you to mingle with several important guests and befriend them so that they are more disposed to throw their support behind the Fifth Crusade. These special guests include Senator Alexander Bedard, whom I believe you've already met, Lady Vaelia Wintermark of Taldor, Lady Dyrianna of House Avenstar, Scion Lord Kerkis of House Damaq, Lord Rothos of House Vastille, Lady Darchana of House Madinani, and Dremdhet Salhar, the Grand Ambassador of Osirion."
Lady Glorianna Morilla whispers something into Valsin's ear.
“Apparently, Bedard will not be in attendance - he abruptly requested a leave of absence after the Blakros wedding and is taking an extended vacation with Eleanir Blakros. Senator Augustyn Naran of Andoran will take his place. At any rate, the feast is tomorrow evening. Given recent events, we want you to attend in your full adventuring regalia to help solidify your role as representatives of the Pathfinder Society and lend credibility to any claims you make regarding your knowledge of the Worldwound and the worldwide threat it signifies. We also expect you to provide additional security if it’s needed.”
Valsin levels his solemn gaze on everyone at the table. “Remember, this is a social gathering. It’s crucial that we make a good impression on the guests, win their support, and improve the Society’s standing with them. Without their support, our motion to the Grand Council is doomed to failure.”
"Questions?"
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Lingering against the wall, gently sipping a glass of red wine, a golden haired elf listens casually with a smirk on his face as his other hand rests calmly on the pommel of his silver rapier. His boots click loudly on the floor of the lodge and his armor looks too ornate and well kept for a Pathfinder. Speak, his voice is deep and haughty as he never bothers to grace anyone with direct eye contact.
"Hob nob with some wannabe royals, flirt a little if needed, with the intention of gaining support for the 5th crusade, whatever good that will do. Seems a waste of my talents if you ask me, but it's the Lodge's dime, not mine. Is there any particular guest that would be more beneficial than others to win over? Could there be anyone at the event working against our interests that we should be aware of?
"No guest's Influence is more important than any other's. The Society needs solid commitments, and we're willing to deal with anyone who can help us. While we don’t expect any major problems at the feast, the Blakros family has made many enemies over the centuries.
We suspect the Onyx Alliance might still pose a threat, since its attack on the Grand Convocation was only 2 years ago. However, we know from the attack at the wedding that that's not the only threat. Devils, demons, and their associated allies may all have a bone to pick with the Blakros family.
Though the Worldwound is far away, if word of the feast and the Pathfinder Society’s plans has reached the creatures that control that
blighted land, we might have to deal with their minions. The Blakroses assure us that they have security under control, though, and that the Pathfinder Society attendees probably won’t be required to engage in
any combat.”
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"Oh, it will be so nice to see Damian and Michellia again! I'm sorry Alexandar won't be there. I'm glad to hear that he's having fun with Eleanir, though," Kahwen says, quite excited.
He cocks his head to the side, obviously confused. "Why wouldn't anyone want to help fight the Worldwound? It's a threat to everyone."
"If you send me on too many more missions like this, I may lose my ability to fight because I've learned how to mingle," he continues.
The tengu turns to Vaylen then. He bows at the waist until his torso is parallel to the ground. His right hand is placed against his chest and his left arm goes out perpendicular to his body.
He's of average height for a Tengu but is only a little taller than the elven curve blade strapped to his back is long. He has bright golden eyes and beak and the bow is the only time he is still. Any other time, at least his head is moving from one place to another with short, quick, yet precise movements.
"I am Kahwen. It is nice to meet you," he says.
He then greets the others, who he knows from their last mission, bowing to each, calling them by their name and exchanging pleasantries.
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The tall aasimar in rural garb shakes her head at the assignment, but isn't about to refuse. She warmly greets her fellow agents from the wedding and introduces herself as Melea to newcomers.
"Where is this Fiddlemourn Manor? Here in Absalom, or perhaps Cheliax, I'd guess," Melea says. "And will we be once again forced to travel light? I would hope our saving their last social function could render them lenient. Especially considering we might have done so even better, with more of the weapons we were not allowed."
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Mykel snickers after the remark about the security at the wedding.
Please tell me we don't have to tie bloody peace knots again. If there are demons about, I want to fight on a fair footing. at least. the lean Taldan man says as he moves forward to great his friends and the newcomer. His wickedly curved blade bounces off his hip as he moves.
He extends his hand to Vaylen.
Mykel Therinor, of the Cassomir Therinors. Nice to meet you. And yes, the social setting is a bit frustrating, but trust me...it is far from boring...
"Why wouldn't anyone want to help fight the Worldwound? It's a threat to everyone."
"The Worldwound is far away, and most people have never seen a demon before. Some may not even believe they exist, and those that do may not feel any urgency."
"Where is this Fiddlemourn Manor?
"Fiddlemourn Manor is here, in the Petal District of Absalom."
"Where is this Fiddlemourn Manor? Here in Absalom, or perhaps Cheliax, I'd guess," Melea says. "And will we be once again forced to travel light?"
Please tell me we don't have to tie bloody peace knots again.
"Unlike the wedding, you will be able to carry all your gear and weapons, and bring well-behaved animal companions. This is a less formal event than the wedding, and given the nature of our request, it may be beneficial to impart a sense of danger to break the nobles out of their protective cocoons."
You arrive at Fiddlemourn Manor an hour before sundown. Damien and Michellia Blakros, Major Maldris, and Lady Morilla are all there to greet you. Damien Blakros introduces Tespren, a male gnome and captain of the Blakros guards.
"Clearly, the fiasco at the wedding was Shafar's fault," he comments. "Tespren is here to make sure that nothing like that happens again."
A large number of guards and servants. Tespren leads the whole group on a tour of the manor. The gnome is friendly and polite, but single-minded and dedicated when it comes to his job, constantly looking for trouble.
So where's Kit? She joining us again?
Kitoro coincidentally took a vacation at the exact same time and exact same place that Alexander Bedard and Eleanir Blakros took their vacation.
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Working his way down the stairs into the cellar, assuming no one stops him, Vaylen starts indulging in the vintage wines available, drinking some of the finer selections available not not enough to dint the pricey collection. Finding a selection that pleases his taste buds, Vaylen pours a heft glass and returns to the first floor, ready to hob nob with the guests.
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Mykel drops by the armourer and the enchanter's shop.
Mykel does his best to not snort derisively at the gnome mentioning Shafar. He was convinced there was nothing she could do about the demonic interference.
Nice to meet you all... he says and sets about milling around after
hitting the wince cellar with Vaylen. He selects a decent Osirian wine and heads back upstairs.
The Pathfinders mill about the manor for an hour. Some of the servers bring out hors d'oeurves early. A young server named Orielle brings a whole plate just for Kahwen. "I was a server at the wedding," she beams, "I know you like these."
A server catches Vaylen in the cellar. She winks at him, and says, "I'll make sure your glass is always full." She introduces herself as Zyesha.
Guests begin arriving at sundown and enter Fiddlemourn Manor. Servants announce the guests’ names as they arrive and escort them into the dining hall (area 6), where they are offered drinks and light appetizers.
Senator Augustyn Naran
A prominent member of the powerful banking family House Naran, Senator Augustyn Naran is visiting Absalom on his honeymoon with his beautiful
and much younger fifth wife, Dalessa, who is also in attendance. Due to his philanthropy, the senator is enormously popular with the Andoren people. He has ties to many government officials and military leaders who could prove instrumental in securing troops for the Mendevian Crusade.
Appearance Senator Naran is an obese, constantly sweating man in his late sixties. He and his stunning bride wear very expensive formal attire: he wears a stylish gray-and-black suit and she wears an elegant royal blue gown studded with silver beads and glittering jewels. Naran wears a gold-pommeled silver rapier at his belt that looks like it’s never seen a real fight.
Lady Vaelia of House Wintermark
Lady Vaelia is a very influential Taldan nobleman’s widow who controls a castle and several plantations and vineyards on the Jalrune River at the western edge of the Border Wood. Though 96 years old and quite frail, Lady Vaelia still has a keen wit and an even sharper tongue. She attends the feast with her elderly manservant, Tamuel, who shoos away the Blakros servants and sees to Lady Vaelia’s every need.
Lady Vaelia is venerable and frail and walks with the aid of an ebony cane. She wears a stylish green-and-blue gown, a fortune in jewelry, and her late husband’s battle-notched masterwork falcata (though she is too feeble to wield it).
Lady Dyrianna of House Avenstar
Lady Dyrianna has business connections with powerful people in Cheliax and Qadira, and she is also on friendly terms with many of Absalom’s elven families. She employs numerous courtesans and prostitutes that have the ear of countless wealthy and influential citizens. In fact, Lady Dyrianna attends the feast with a handsome young human courtesan and bodyguard named Faelyn, who’s smart enough to remain quiet and respectful.
Lady Dyrianna is a stunningly beautiful, slender half-elf who wears a constant look of satisfied amusement. Her emerald-green gown and matching lace shawl are surprisingly conservative, but very elegant. She appears unarmed.
Lord Rothos of House Vastille
Lord Rothos is the Captain of the First Guard, Commander Militant of Absalom, and patriarch of the prominent Vastille noble family. Accustomed to military life, Lord Rothos doesn’t attend many social gatherings and seems somewhat bored and out of place here. He attends the feast alone.
Lord Rothos is a tall, handsome man in his late forties, wearing formal attire and a black military styled longcoat bearing his family crest and many military decorations. A longsword hangs from his belt and the silverchased hilt of a dagger peeks out of his right boot.
Scion Lord Kerkis of House Damaq
Scion Lord Kerkis is the patriarch of the very wealthy and influential House Damaq. He is also Lord Exchequer of the Absalom Mint, so he practically controls the economy of Absalom. He also has ties to many wealthy and influential families in Qadira. The Pathfinder Society needs gold to fund this effort, and a word of support from Lord Kerkis would open the pocketbooks of many wealthy patrons. He attends the feast with a beautiful young Keleshite woman named Chesele, one of Lady Dyrianna’s finest courtesans.
Lord Kerkis is a thin, wiry Keleshite in his early fifties, with a neatly trimmed beard and bushy eyebrows. He wears an expensive, Keleshite-styled, loose-fitting silk robe, a jewel-covered silk vest, and a gold-bladed ceremonial scimitar at his belt.
Lady Darchana of House Madinani
The matriarch of House Madinani, Lady Darchana is the Second Spell Lord of Absalom and the Archdean of the Arcanamirium, the most prestigious magical university in Absalom. She also holds a lesser seat on Absalom’s Grand Council. Lady Darchana has the ear of the Grand Council, including Lord Gyr himself. Her support could provide an incredible amount of arcane power for the Mendevian Crusade. She attends the feast alone.
Lady Darchana is a cold, pale beauty with piercing gray eyes and long blue-black hair. She wears solid midnight-blue wizard’s robes and a dazzling mithral tiara studded with rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. She appears unarmed.
Grand Ambassador Dremdhet Salhar
The Grand Ambassador of Osirion has ties to the nation’s royal family as well as to many influential folk in Osirion, Absalom, and Thuvia. Salhar was encouraged to attend the feast by his friend, Pathfinder Venture-Captain Alissa Moldreserva. He attends the feast with his Chelish wife, Lady Anilah.
Dremdhet Salhar is a heavyset man with a well oiled hair and beard. He and his wife the Lady Anilah both wear matching gold-embroidered silk robes in the Osirion fashion, as well as a fortune in gold rings, necklaces, and other jewelry. Salhar wears a jeweled mithral short sword at his belt.
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For this occasion, Melea's armor and bow are made very clear, though she is still attempting to wear the blue dress. Her small leopard Galilah is snoozing under a quiet table or in the cellar, wherever the servers are amenable to her being.
The aasimar once again gravitates toward the most militant partygoer. "I take it this isn't your preference? Fear not, Sir," she assures Lord Rothos. "Something is bound to go awry, more so than some awkward conversation. My team was at the happy couple's wedding when a ruffian made to steal the bride. A trouble separate from the demons that attacked shortly after. We stopped both threats. And those were only recent among the many other situations their family are known to go too far into.
"This dull will at some point fade as a crisis emerges. Not necessarily a welcome change, but a needed one. Until then, have you had any noteworthy exploits recently?"
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Mykel heads toward Lady Wintermark, a fellow Taldan after checking to make sure there are no stains or crumbs on his outfit and his medals are polished. He bows in deference to the noblewoman.
Lady Wintermark, it is a an unexpected and great honour to meet you. I am Mykel Therinot, of Cassomir. I could not help but notice your choice of arms. I studied the falcata back home. Yours looks of superior quality.
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"Oh yes...thank you very much. That was a wild and dangerous party. I'm glad you're safe," he gladly takes the tray from her, balancing it on one hand as he looks around. By the time the guests start to arrive, he has found a corner and is revealing more and more of the tray every minute.
He begins studying the gathering guests one at a time, trying to remember what he might know about them to share information with his fellow Pathfinders.
He starts with the rather unpleasant looking senator with the lovely piece of fineness at his side.
He manages to tear his eyes away from Senator Naran's rapier long enough to remember some pertinent facts about the man.
siplomacy
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"Thank you Zyesha, that would be most appreciated." Vaylen says with a wink and a smirk, eyeing her up and down appreciatively.
Making his way through the throng of guests, Vaylen makes polite small talk, speaking of his various adventures and thrilling escapades to the delight of those who will listen.
Working his way up to Senator Naran he gives the hefty man a deep and distinguished bow, elating at how pleased he is to meet the Senator. Straightening up, Vaylen turns to Dalessa and bows to her as well, kissing her hand as befit royalty while giving her a smoldering look with his rich black eyes.
"Ah, Senator, I can see you are a man of fine tastes in your wine, women, and blades. We share many of the same predilections in more ways that one. As you can see, I maintain a Rapier made of the finest Silversheen metal. Useful, as you well know, in adventures that run into all manner of exotic beasts."
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Palakar looks about and her eyes drop on the loveliest person in the room, Lady Dyrianna and her boytoy. Hoping to make an impression she heads over. Wow, that is an amazing dress you're wearing. And you've accessorized it so well, she adds with an eyebrow raised as she turns to inspect Faelyn. I'm Palakar Macridi, of Druma. Lovely to meet you.
Melea: Lord Rothos is delighted to see you openly carrying your weapons. He looks a little disappointed at your chain shirt and feels it between his thumb and forefinger, as if he were trying to see if it were paper or not. "Exploits? Ha! At my age, being allowed to wear my armor at a gathering of nobles is considered an exploit. Demons at the wedding, you say. Not that I ever wish such a thing, but demons interrupting one of these dull parties is exactly what I wish would happen."
Mykel: Lady Vaelia does not smile, even to be polite. She does nod to Tamuel, who brings her falcata closer for Mykel's inspection. "It was used in battle," she points out. "Battle for glory, battle for Taldor. In those days we did not send our young men and women to die in other countries. We took care of our homes and our families." She pointedly looks at Mykel's medals. "Looks like someone has already been conscripted to fight someone else's war."
Kahwen: Orielle smiles. "I'm fine, thanks to you and your friends. If you need anything, ask for me by name." With that, Kahwen turns his attention to Senator Naran, who is talking with Vaylen.
Vaylen: Senator Naran is happy to show you his rapier. He awkwardly unbuckles the whole sheath (rather than drawing it) and shows you. Prominently on the base of the blade is, "A GIFT FROM YOUR ETERNAL FRIENDS AT THE LUMBER CONSORTIUM". After a fruitless conversation, Vaylen goes to compare notes with Kahwen.
Kahwen slaps his forehead when he hears of the Lumber Consortium. The Lumber Consortium is a notoriously corrupt organization, and it's more than likely that they've bribed Senator Naran to vote in their best interest. Senator Naran is unlikely to send troops, and certainly not going to be influenced by anything anyone says.
Round 1!
Elado
Palakar pending (later today)
Kahwen
Vaylen
Mykel
Melea
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Mykel does his best to not sound disappointed with Lady Wintermark's answer. He straightens his back and addresses her again.
I served in the military for a time. I did so with honour, as have many members of my family before me and likely after. I struck out on my own as an agent just last year. I will take my leave now...I am sorry to have bothered you, milady. he says, bowing and taking his leave.
Palakar: "Yes, this shawl is silk, from the finest weavers in Tian Xia. One of my employees got it for me when he was assigned to Minkai for a winter. As you can see, we truly have global reach." Lady Dyrianna admires Palakar from head to toe. "My, aren't you magnificent! Have you considered leaving the Pathfinder Society and working for me? You'd be rubbing shoulders with the rich, the famous, and the elite all over the world."
Elado: Lady Darchanna politely but unenthusiastically receives the compliment. "Mundane is such a funny word," she muses. "When you've studied the arcane for as long as I have, everything seems rather mundane."
Mykel: Lady Vaelia does not stop Mykel from leaving. "You're a good warrior," she offers, "But you best think of your own people first!"
Round 2!
Elado
Palakar
Kahwen
Vaylen
Mykel
Melea
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Melea doesn't much like Lord Rothos, but may return to talk later. Cynically, she thinks he might open up more should the event come under siege. The aasimar instead sidles over to Dremdhet Salhar. She speaks to his wife first, however.
"It has been some time, fair Lady Anilah. I am Melea Shemroe. I have not made your husband's acquaintance, I must admit. But some time ago, he was most insistent to my superiors that a mission of mine succeeded." Melea is left to ruminate on the weirdness of social maneuvering as she waits for the pair to remember her or connect the dots.
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Kahwen attracts Orielle's attention the next time the woman comes close. "These are even better than they were the last time!" he declares. "Thank you for remembering me."
"I was wondering if you could do me another favor...I have a need to communicate discreetly with my fellow Pathfinders. Would you mind passing some messages to them for me?"
"Can you tell them that there is no point in attempting to sway Senator Naran as others have caught his ear by grabbing his pocket?"
He thanks her again then looks around at the other guests, appraisingly.
His gaze falls on Lady Dyrianna. He studies her for a few moments wondering why she seems familiar. He eventually realizes it is because she gives him the same feeling as Venture Captain Zarta Dralneen - a sort of giddy, intriguing nervousness. He feels an urge to be in her presence warring with a fear of what would happen if he was.
It also occurs to him that he knows of her business as he's often been in less seemly areas and he racks his brain for any information he can remember about her.
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Turning his attentions to greener pastures, Vaylen considers the matriarch of House Madinani, Lady Darchana. While her outward cold appearance could scare away some suitors, Vaylen had never been dissuaded by a challenge, and knowing her close ties with the Arcanamirium Vaylen decided she was the next best guest to be graced with his attentions.
Sauntering up to the woman with the grace of a dancer, Vaylen offers the lady a glass of wine with a warm smile.
"Greeting M'Lady. I am Vaylen Eldarun of house Eldarun, loyal advisors of Queen Edasseril. Of course I didn't quit fall in with the family business as you can see, I'm no longer within the realm of Kyonin. Always been a bit of a black sheep of the family, but I've always felt that there were great mysteries to be solved and powerful magic to be learned outside our own little nation, much like what you teach at the Arcanamirium. I've always wanted to audit a few courses there, expand my arcane knowledge as it were..."
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Palakar: "Yes, this shawl is silk, from the finest weavers in Tian Xia. One of my employees got it for me when he was assigned to Minkai for a winter. As you can see, we truly have global reach." Lady Dyrianna admires Palakar from head to toe. "My, aren't you magnificent! Have you considered leaving the Pathfinder Society and working for me? You'd be rubbing shoulders with the rich, the famous, and the elite all over the world."
A tempting offer - I do like rubbing shoulders. But I fear I must decline for now. Palakar will continue to chat for a while, before moving on to round 2.
Hoping to have more luck with this moneybags than the last one, she moves to Kerkis. Scion Lord Kerkis! Palakar Macridi of Druma, a pleasure to acquire your acquaintance. I've been considering taking a trip to your homeland - can you tell me anything about its waterways?
Elado: Lady Darchanna snickers. "Works I recommend? May I suggest my seminal work, The History of Arcane Magic in Azlant and Avistan?" Elado gets the sense that this would have worked if she were a low tier wizard, but Lady Darchanna is clearly a high tier wizard. If Elado were to demonstrate his capabilities, she might be willing to engage him as a peer.
Melea: Lady Anilah sees the Pathfinder Glyph on your clothing and foregoes the more formal handshake for a hearty embrace meant for close friends. "I was hoping the Society would be here," she beams. Although Drehmdet is speaking with someone else, she pulls him away to introduce him.
The Ambassador seems less thrilled than his wife, and although he is polite, quickly turns his attention back to other guests.
"Do not be insulted by his rudeness, she says, shooting him daggers with her eyes. "He's a little miffed at the Society, the whole Ruby Prince incident and all. He blames the Society, especially Maldris and Morilla. But I'm not going to let that blind him to the fact that there is a real threat here."
Kahwen: Orielle giggles a little at the request. She's happy to help and she's never been part of international espionage and intrigue before! Passing secret notes from hero to hero!
Lady Dyrianna has an epic poker face. Nobody, and nothing, seems to be able to crack her finely crafted facade. She gives no hints and no clues as to her true intentions. As a matter of fact, after a few minutes, she casually strides to Kahwen.
"If you have any questions you'd like to ask me," she says politely with the same smile that she uses on pirates and kings alike, "You can ask me instead of stalking me from afar."
"Let's make it interesting. If you can demonstrate you are a high tier rogue, I'll tell you a secret."
Vaylen: Lady Darchanna laughs out loud. "Audit courses? The Pathfinder Society could probably shell out a little so their agents would have a little more magical expertise! Might I suggest Arcana 101? I hear that Professor Feswick is amazing at teaching beginners."
Palakar: "The waterways! Yes, those were not cheap to build. It was a crown partnership, with a coalition of private investors putting up half the funds in return for a quarter of the tax revenue. Trade is very important and protecting trade is important."
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Kahwen is so busy studying Lady Dyrianna that she is almost upon him before he realizes that she's coming toward him. He coughs on the hors d' oeuvre he's eating and then has to struggle to swallow it down, his golden eyes watering.
He gulps again as she actually talks to him then looks around desperately. His eyes light up but he looks down at the mostly empty tray he's holding. Shyly, he hands it to the woman then backs up several feet. He turns and runs then jumps.
His leap is prodigious, thanks in part to his fancy new boots and he lands in the rafters.
He jumps from one to another nimbly.
Then he slips behind a support and doesn't come back out. In fact, unless someone is very perceptive, it's almost impossible to figure out where he is.
Vaylen, Elado: Lady Darchanna nods appreciatively. "Perhaps the Pathfinder Society is not as useless as I initially thought."
Kahwen:
"I owe you a secret," she confesses. She leans over and whispers in his ear.
She pauses.
"I employ many human women and many elven women, but we are always looking for skilled individuals of all genders and all races. A male tengu would be a fine addition to my team ..."
Damien Blakros taps his glass to get the guests' attentions.
"My honored guests, thank you for attending this feast. We bring together the noble houses because of a threat to our collective world. The wardstones that contain the Worldwound are failing, and demon incursion into our societies is inevitable."
The crowd murmurs, and the comments are generally negative.
"It's an Andoran conspiracy to destroy our economy."
"The alarmist mages are exaggerating again."
"I heard the Blakroses invited some demons to their wedding."
"I know that many of you are skeptical. But even now, the wardstones are failing. Even now, demons walk amongst us. Even now, demons are murdering our loved ones! The Hellknights shall not stand for this! The Order of the Godclaw led the First and Second Mendevian Crusades! Waist deep in demon blood, Sacroset of Cheliax smote Dargantr-"
Michellia stands in front of the crowd and silences her husband.
"There will be no more talk of blood until after dinner, if you please. Honored guests, dinner is served."
The master chef Domeros Prinitar proudly announces the first course.
"Black pudding and coq au vin!"
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Having been to an upscale party (on assignment, of course) that served chuul innards, Melea is pleasantly surprised that the black pudding is as mundane as it sounds. She chooses to sit in the vicinity of Dremdhet Salhar, Lady Anilah, and Lord Rothos.
This time, the aasimar looks to talk more with the Grand Ambassador, likely by having his wife prod him into it. Her conversation is slightly hindered by not entirely understanding his issue with the Society. "A Pathfinder's work is not often as glamorous as one would think. Sometimes it can be admittedly unsavory. A few tasks set by the likes of Zarta Dralneen or Lady Morilla could even hurt an agent's social standing, understandably so." Melea believes Zarta could do such a thing, but throws in Gloriana's name to placate Dremdhet. "Which is why we have holy ones like Lady Ollysta Zadrian in similar positions. She fights injustice wherever possible and advises our Society on the most moral course of action. Such is only fitting for a warrior in the Dawnflower's service."
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When Kahwen returns, he drops down out of the rafters next to Lady Dyrianna as lightly as a feather, his arms outstretched and looking far more winglike than when he uses them in an ordinary way.
His feathers ruffle as she whispers to him, his equivalent of a blush. It takes a little time for them to settle back down and he whispers back to her before that happens.
He pauses as long as she does.
"I'm quite good at looking and listening but not so much...the other things," he says, clearly a bit flustered.
Kahwen listens closely as Damien begins to talk. He actually seems a little disappointed as Michellia interrupts him. He doesn't seem too disappointed when they moved to dinner, though.
He waits to see where people start taking seats before taking a seat between Dyrianna and Lord Rothos. He doesn't make a move to influence either of them but studies the man on his left, trying to remember any information he might know about the man that could help the Pathfinders.
It's possible...just possible that he's distracted by the woman on his right, though and he can't recall much information, at the moment.
Melea: Salhar listens a lot more closely. Perhaps it is the fact that he has nowhere to run, or perhaps it's because he realizes that there's quite a diversity of opinion within the Pathfinder Society. Either way, he does appear to be far more receptive to the proposals. In fact, his followup questions involve specifics - how many troops would need to be committed, what intelligence there is on the enemy, etc. - that suggest he has swayed by the overall arguments.
Kahwen: Lord Rothos sits upright with his back straight, eating his black pudding with disciplined movements of his fork and knife. He speaks only when spoken to, but he does seem to gravitate towards those who have the outward appearance of fighters (wearing medium or heavy armor).
Kahwen calls Orielle over to deliver the tip to his friends scattered around the room. She agrees, but she seems far less enthusiastic about doing it than she was previously. As a matter of fact, it seems she is downright reluctant to do it. Instead of beelining to complete her mission, she finishes clearing up some used trenchers and takes them back to the kitchen before she tells the others.
Round 3!
Elado
Palakar
Kahwen
Vaylen
Mykel
Melea
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Deciding to spin his charms elsewhere Vaylen chooses a seat next to Lord Rothos of House Vastille and Scion Lord Kerkis of House Damaq. Leaning over to Lord Rothos, Vaylen tries to appeal to the Lord's more militant side.
"All this time and money spent on this over embellished food, when I'd be happy for a simple set of rations any day. Beyond that, I'd much rather be oiling my sword and repairing my armor rather than being forced into 'pleasant conversation' with this lot anyday, know what I mean sir?"
[ooc]
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Elado observes Vaylen establish a bond with Lord Kerkis.
While continuing his advances with Lady Darchanna. I attempted proper schooling as a youth, you see. The influence of the White Dragon nearly drove me mad when my latent power was discovered. My family sought the help of the scholars to not much avail.
Vaylen: Lord Rothos smiles a little. "I know exactly what you mean. Look at this -" He pulls down his collar a little to show you he isn't wearing any armor. "The First Guard was so concerned I'd get a proverbial knife in the back that they didn't even think that I might get a literal one! Let me ask you, one warrior to another - do you think I could try that mithral shirt on? Just for a minute? I'd like to feel like a warrior instead of a diplomat."
Elado: While Vaylen is talking with Lord Rothos, you steal a glance at Lord Kerkis. He's reserved and quiet, speaking infrequently with his companion and even less frequently with the other guests. However, one thing does seem to capture his attention - the loud, boorish exclamations of Lady Vaelia.
Elado: Lady Darchanna shakes her head with regret. "Yes, it's terrible. There's no substitute for the rigors of disciplined arcane training in a controlled environment. Spells need to be prepared or they'll drive you mad!"
Elado and Vaylen: A server (that Vaylen recognizes as Zyesha) comes by your table to refill Vaylen's glass. She pours some white wine into Vaylen's glass that was previously filled with a nice red from the cellar. She's not careful at all, and splashes a little onto Elado's robes. She doesn't apologize at all, and walks away wordlessly.
Round 3!
Elado
Palakar
Kahwen
Vaylen
Mykel
Melea
Round 4!
Elado
Palakar
Kahwen
Vaylen
Mykel
Melea
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Mykel gets a goblet of Qadiran wine and sits near Lord Rothos and Lord Kerkis. He sees Rothos eying Vaylen's armour.
The best thing about this armour, is that it doesn't restrict your movement. Being a mobile type of warrior like Vaylen and I, standing still and trusting a thick piece of metal isn't very savvy in myestimation.
After grabbing a few bites of food and chasing it with a mouthful of wine, Mykel leans over to Lord Kerkis and speaks softly to avoid prying ears.
I see you looking over Lady Vaelia. She seems to be a bit full of herself. She seems to think my leaving the military to make my own way in life is somehow betraying my homeland. A bit righteous of her, is it not?