Argor waits and watches to see if the thing can be handled quickly now that it is pinned to the floor. Unfortunately, his own summoned combatants are too preoccupied with bashing their own skulls to contribute. Weak willed buffoons.
__________
Nyugusk feels almost dizzy as he feels the hateful corpse and Cladissa each tugging his luck in opposing directions. In the end he succeeds at grinding a claw into the thing's strangely resilient abdomen.
____________
Argor's eyes flare red as he wills himself to reallocate his magical powers. Simultaneously, he again conjures up three red orbs of crackling energy that screeches forward to the pinned undead.
__________
Round 7
Round 8
Round 9
Round 10
Round 11
Round 12
With Nyugusk pinning the creature to the floor, there isn't really much it can do. It tries to prolong its fate with more hexes and cackling, but the group surrounds it and beats it to a pulp over the next few moments.
Argor immediately begins examining the corpse, it's belongings, and the various arcane paraphernalia located within the room, his eyes alight with excitement.
"Keep an eye out," he says to the archon, which immediately takes up a vigilant position near the roof.
_________
Cladissa had continued cackling herself, and lending Fortune to the summoned creatures that Argor brought into the fight. When it finally crumbles to the onslaught, she coughs in relief.
"Good job, everybody," she says afterwards. "That required concerted effort by all of us. Thrassk, even though you succumbed to that spell, you retained enough presence of mind to remove yourself as a potential threat to the rest of us."
She wanders over to a corner and sits on some rubble, holding her head in her hands.
Thrassk is injured, having inlficted wounds on himself during his confused state (presumably). He nods to Cladissa, "Thanks for your kind words."
Argor immediately begins examining the corpse, it's belongings, and the various arcane paraphernalia located within the room, his eyes alight with excitement.
"Keep an eye out," he says to the archon, which immediately takes up a vigilant position near the roof.
_________
On the Devourer of Reason’s person is a scroll case with the same designs as those on the door to Ralzeros’s magical chamber . There is no obvious way to open the case, and the thing is made of a durable copper-colored metal.
The vast trove of other non-magical scrolls and papers within the vault also holds historical interest. If carefully removed and kept dry, the books and documents would no doubt be worth hundreds of gold to the Society.
Noting Thrassk's injuries, and uncertain as to whether or not all the threats of this ruin had been dealt with, Argor removes the wand and mutters the command word as he floats past the draconian and taps it to his shoulder, though the mage doesn't spare him a second glance as he does so, his eyes constantly scanning the books and artifacts in the room.
Strange, organic-looking patterns wind across the walls and ceiling of this chamber, and the stone walls look as though they had grown winding tendrils that enshroud the area. At the chambers center stands a massive, rust-covered device of gears and arms about fifteen feet across. The end of each arm supports a different colored sphere. Strange projections and barbed arrows point through each of the globes, their directions seemingly random. Opposite from the chamber’s entrance, a naked and clearly dead body is impaled by a rust-red arrow. The corpse faces a gray, wooden door, which stands ajar.
Scattered scraps of parchment and torn bindings cover the floor of this small chamber. Scratched glyphs cover its stone walls and even span part of the ceiling. A foul reek hangs in the air, like the stench of something long dead.
Cladissa is quiet while the group catalogs the discoveries in the undead's chamber. She makes an effort to contribute, but her head continues to swim and she finds herself unable to concentrate.
Once outside, the ocean air clears her head considerably. She clambers across the rocky shoreline with ease and rejoins Cole. They relate to each other what had happened, Cladissa not realizing that she talks to him in meows that are not understandable to anyone but her feline familiar.
When they retrace their steps back to the museum, she hangs back and lets the others investigate. The final chambers' reek keeps her from doing much more than peering in from outside the portal. Her discomfort grows until she is back outside the museum.
The Freaks report back to the Grand Lodge the next morning, delivering the scroll-key to them for ongoing study. They are rewarded with 1,900 gold pieces each. Before they can leave the Lodge, a page in Society livery stops them and tells the group the the Grand Lodge's chamberlain, Venture Captain Ambrus Valsin, requires their presence in his office.
Only a handful of other Pathfinders, most of them initiates, walk the halls near the office of Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin. The Grand Lodge's chamberlain sits behind an organized desk, reading a recently printed chronicle, and tapping his finger on an elaborate open envelope, the only sound in the eerily silent Pathfinder Society headquarters.
Valsin finishes his reading and places the document on the desk, while sliding the envelope forward.
"Desna smiles upon us that I have you fine agents here, as I doubt anyone else in Absalom is better qualified for this mission. I won't lie, this is probably one of the trickiest tasks I've ever had to send a group of Pathfinders on, and much rides on its success. That being said your reputation precedes you, and I believe you are uniquely suited for this task. I need you to attend a wedding. And not just any wedding, mind you, but a Blakros wedding."
"The Blakros family is one of the wealthiest families in Absalom - in the entire Inner Sea region, even - and thanks in large part to your efforts, we've cultivated a good working relationship with them. In two days, Michellia Blakros is getting married to the former Hellknight Damian Kastner, and because of security concerns, we only got our invitation this morning. I won't bore you with specifics, but sufficed to say, the Society has a lot of interest in this wedding, as some of our other agents had a hand in helping arrange it."
"The wedding is taking place on a secluded summer retreat on nearby Pariol Island, which the Blakroses own. There are two boats heading there before the first wedding festivities. One is a small supply runner set to leave in an hour that could get you there early tomorrow morning. The next is a larger ship that will transport the majority of the guests in the morning. Your travel is paid for of course, but you'll need to get on one of those two vessels. I am sorry for the short notice, I know you just finished a mission, but we have no other choice. Anyway, this should be fun. It's not often we get away from stinking crypts and undead monsters long enough to party with the Inner Sea's elite."
With a grave nod, Valsin passes over the envelope containing the invitation, and continues. "Also, you'll need to peace-bond any weapons when you arrive on the island, and I'd recommend only wearing your finest armor, if you wear any at all. We're not too concerned about security at the wedding, but continuing a good impression on the Blakroses and their guests is key to your mission. You'll need to mingle, and get on the good sides of as many people as you can. I can't stress this point enough: This is a social gathering, and the Society could really use the extra clout with all our current efforts being so far abroad. I don't care if you save the wedding from a dragon, find out the bride is a doppelganger, or discover some grand plot to take over the Inner Sea - I only care that you leave this wedding having made people happy and improving our standing among the attendees! Are we understood?"
Cladissa pauses her nervous pacing in the chamberlain's office long enough to nod an affirmative. "Yes-- I, uh, guess?" she glances at her companions and then herself.
A quick mental calculation and she realizes that there would be no way she could adequately prepare for a grand social event and be on the boat in an hour. So she settles on making the next morning's vessel. Still, her head swam -- she still hadn't settled from the last bout of the serum, feeling extremely off.
A part of her screams in protest, but she can't help herself. She speaks to Valsin, "You say we're the best qualified, but are you sure? We're kind of..." she waves a hand in front of her face.
"I'm certain. Madame Blakros requested your presence specifically. Michellia apparently thinks very fondly of you for rescuing her and her sister," VC Valsin responds. "You may not be the most conventionally attractive team, but I have faith in your abilities."
Cladissa forces a smile as she accepts the compliment and the mission, or invitation, as it were. She lingers just long enough to get the name and location of the ship leaving in the morning, then leaves the office at a brisk pace. She weaves through the halls of the Pathfinder headquarters and moves out into an open courtyard where she takes several deep breaths.
She sits down as she realizes that she's been getting more and more uncomfortable with being indoors. Rooms without windows make her feel caged. She closes her eyes and thinks hard about that recent episode with the serum, her mind still strangely raw from the pain she had felt.
She feels suddenly ill; the thoughts of being around people, on a boat, over the ocean, in a wedding chapel causes her mind to throb and ache. "What happened to my wings?" she mutters to herself. You didn't control it, she answers herself. You just tried to force it away. And instead of doing something good for you, it broke something in your mind. She clutches the sides of her head and groans.
"Well, hello, Cladissa," comes a voice from the arched entrance to the courtyard. Usually lilting and saccharine-sweet, this time the voice is laced with bitterness.
Cladissa looks up to see her stepsister, arms folded with a sneer on her face. She winces. She totally did not need this. "Go away."
Auronee just tsks and takes a step forward into the courtyard. "I've just heard the news. Quite the honor, representing the Society in one of the biggest social events in recent history. But I'm sure with your poise and eloquence you'll --" She shakes her head. "Nope. Can't keep a straight face."
Auronee's words echoed exactly how Cladissa felt. Her head aches even more. She rubs her temple. "Please go."
Auronee makes an "ooh" sound as she steps forward and looks closely at her stepsister. "Is this one of your changes coming? I'd like to see that. I wonder if it'll be your hands this time, or maybe your face?"
"NO!" Cladissa yells as she stands up and backs away from Auronee's scrutiny. "It's nothing." She straightens and forces herself to focus. "If you'll excuse me, I've got to go get ready for a wedding."
Auronee steps in her path before she's able to escape and she says in a low tone, "You know, there's a lot at stake at that wedding. Screw it up in any way, and the entire Pathfinder Society's reputation will be severely damaged. So, keep that in mind. And say 'hi' to Argor for me."
Cladissa slips past and is soon out of the Society headquarters, moving at a brisk pace back to the estate while her mind whirls and stomach churns.
Argor bows his head in thanks for the recognition of the efforts they had put forth thus far on behalf of the Society. As the man explains the details of their "mission," a smile grows on Argor's face.
"Sir, it would be an honor to represent the Society in this matter. I hope that we can live up to the expectations you have for us in the endeavor," he says, casting a wary glance at the others, remembering how the last social event they had all attended had developed.
"If I may ask, do you know how far of a journey it is by boat to the destination?"
"A wedding? You want us to represent the Pathfinder Society at a high society gathering? I think this will be our most challenging assignment." Comments the shadow in the corner.
Argor bows his head in thanks for the recognition of the efforts they had put forth thus far on behalf of the Society. As the man explains the details of their "mission," a smile grows on Argor's face.
"Sir, it would be an honor to represent the Society in this matter. I hope that we can live up to the expectations you have for us in the endeavor," he says, casting a wary glance at the others, remembering how the last social event they had all attended had developed.
"If I may ask, do you know how far of a journey it is by boat to the destination?"
"It's a day's journey by ship," Valsin replies.
Well, at least the Blakroses are giving me a chance to take a bath, Cladissa thinks as she packs her nicest dresses. She frowns when she realizes she had worn each in front of Imrizade or Lady Dacilane at one point or another, with the sole exception of the Tien dress Roald got her. She decides to wear that for the actual ceremony, but knows she'll need others for the trip and however long the event lasts, which could be days.
Sighing, she gathers up everything and heads to the Catfolk seamstress to see if Maylinna could perform some quick alterations to throw some variety into her wardrobe.
Putting her mind at work on the task at hand did wonders for her outlook. It helped that she owned a selection of truly beautiful gowns, and the act of going through them and ultimately placing herself in Maylinna's capable paws eased her mind. Sure, her stepsister's words ate at her, but she decided she needn't do anything but stand and look pretty. And hope it was an outdoor wedding.
----------
The seamstress gushes at Cladissa's news of her invitation, and immediately sets out to alter her existing dresses as well as make sure she has at least two new ones. Maylinna promises to have them ready before the ship leaves, so Cladissa is able to indulge in some grooming at the parlor across the alley.
Lastly, Cladissa splurges on some matching jewelry for her outfits before returning to Jabberwocky Lane. Exhaustion catches up to her, but she is unable to bring herself to sleep in her room. She climbs out her window and curls up in a crook of the trellis outside in the garden, and it is there she drifts off to sleep.
The next morning she is up and hurrying back to collect her outfits, and by the time the sun has crested the eastern horizon, she is standing on the docks in an elegant travel outfit, white skirt and jacket with a wide-brimmed hat. Cole twines around her legs as she waits to board.
Hrim will buy the following
(200 gp) Traveler's Any-Tool - 1 lb
(200 gp) Sleeves of Many Garments - 1 lb
(50 gp) Jewelry
(1 gp) 50-ft hemp rope knotted - 10 lb
(1 gp) 50-ft hemp rope knotted - 10 lb
(1 gp) common grappling hook - 4 lb
Argor spends the remainder of the evening making arrangements for travel aboard the vessel the following morning, as well as acquiring some new finery for the festivities. After making sure all of his business affairs were in order, he bids Jannicke farewell and soars over to the dock, his luggage to be delivered by his valet.
He lands lightly near the appointed vessel, and looks to see if any of the others had arrived.
Cladissa samples the air, noting the patch of limestone shadow's arrival. "Good morning, Hrim, she greets with a smile.
When Argor floats down from the sky, her smile fades. "I would've thought you'd be flying the whole way."
Argor walks over to the pair and replies casually, "We were invited as a group, it would be rude for us to not arrive as one. Besides, I see no need to expend such energies when transportation has been arranged and provided for."
He turns to see a slightly older man approaching, in fine clothes and carrying a small chest. Argor calls out to him, "Ah, Reginald. See to it that my things are stowed away safely aboard and that I have comfortable travel arrangements," Argor then casts an appraising eye towards the ship before adding, "...though I doubt such a thing can be expected..."
[ooc]Day of the wedding, his outfit looks like this, and it is accompanied by a large ruby amulet and his signet ring.[/url]
The group finds the dock listed on the invitations and finds a grand galleon docked there. She flies colorful flags is emblazoned Blakros' Daughter. The ship is already full of well dressed people, other guests of the wedding, all awaiting its departure.
The journey by ship takes eight hours. Of course the mother of the bride, Hamaria Blakros is present. She greets the Pathfinders personally, thanking them for coming. She takes them around and introduces them to all the important guests on the galleon.
The Blakros Museum curator, Nigel Aldain is there. There is also Alexander Bedard, a Member of Andoran's ruling People's Council. Tancred Desmire is a representative of the Chelish government and cousin of the groom. Jeon Rang-Woo is a Blakros family trade liaison to Tian Xia and childhood friend of Michellia Blakros. Finally there is commander Rubaani Shafar, head of security on the island, and commander of the hired guard.
While dressed in the most current noble's fashion using his new Sleeves of Many Garments, signet ring, and new jewelry, Hrim is not practiced or well received in social settings. However, he is good at gathering information. So, he circulates among the crowd listening in on their conversations to determine what would be the best way to approach each one of them.
"I'm going to take a tour of the party and listen for what the best way to influence the guests. I'll find you a bit later," says the well-dressed shadow in a small, thin voice to his Pathfinder team.
Hrimnagel gleans the following information about Alexander Bedard by eavesdropping: Alexander Bedard is a member of the Andoran People's Council, and thus a member of the country's fledgling democratic government. While he plays up that his own importance is a result of rising from a working-class background to succeed on the national political stage, Bedard is more sensitive than his bravado might suggest.
Though his courtship of Michellia Blakros was politically motivated at first, he truly fell for the raven-haired beauty and was deeply heartbroken when she opted to wed Damian Kastner in his place. Mentioning his failed attempt at winning Michellia's hand might weaken his gruff facade.
Bedard has a muscular build, the remnants of his early life as a dockworker in Augustana, and despite his short stature, he's an imposing presence in any crowd. As a member of the People's Council, Bedard dresses in the finest of tailored garments and wears navy blue for the festivities to show his patriotism. No matter how much he grooms, however, the politician has a permanent shadow of stubble on his chin, giving him a rugged and somewhat dangerous demeanor.
Cladissa closes her mouth after it dropped when she saw the ship they were to board. "Argor, you should find comfortable arrangements in the bilges of that ship. Remember, our task is to be polite."
With that, she hands off her own bags to the porters and boards with a bright smile. She unabashedly gawks at the splendor of the galleon as she sets foot on the deck.
After his tour, Hrim returns to his team that is already starting to get catty. He gives them the low down on Alexander Bedard, a member of the Andoran People's Council. He goes back into the party to target another guest.
Thrassk arrives on the ship missing his usual armor. He wears a pair of tailored silk trousers in an oriental style, and very little else. His nails and claws are painted with platinum lacquer, and his scales are polished to a high golden sheen. Across his broad chest from shoulder to shoulder is a thick blocky white gold necklace, which holds on a white silk cloak lined with snow rabbit fur. He looks regal and majestic.
"Greetings, friends. What a lovely ship!"
"Thank you for the information, Hrimnagel. I shall attempt to talk with the Councilman," Thrassk says after hearing the intel. He approaches the councilman and whispers something in his ear after making a polite greeting.
The councilman pales. Thrassk smiles. "I'm so pleased to make your acquaintance, Councilman. Remember friendship with the Society has many, many benefits."
Argor bows cordially to Hamaria, "Lady Blakros, we are deeply honored to have received the invitation."
Argor continues to greet the other influential guests politely, seemingly choosing just the right words to say despite his body language being cold and formal. However, between introductions, he talks at length with Hamaria, should she be willing, and asks about the condition of her other daughter as well as Imrizade.
__________
Cladissa curtsies politely when the Lady Blakros greets them, but stays silent. She tries to decline when the mother of the bride invites them below decks to introduce the other passengers, but quickly relents. Even though the portholes were open and the room was airy, Cladissa felt intense discomfort which she tried to hide.
When she sees Nigel Aldain again, she smiles and offers him her hand. "Good to see you again, and outside the museum this time. Hopefully we won't find a secret chamber on this ship with a dead body!"
At the stunning silence, she coughs slightly. I'm just going to go get some air, she says excusing herself, mortified.
"My apologies," Argor says as Cladissa departs, "Not all of my associates are comfortable in these types of surroundings. I humbly ask that you forgive some of their stumbling attempts at proper socialization etiquette and custom."
Nyugusk decides to follow his comrades' lead and purchases an expensive outfit for himself. With the aid of Mrs. Heidrich he manages to find a tailor who can work on short notice...and comes away with a single new outfit: an indigo crushed velvet jacket, ostrich leather fingerless gloves, a frilly silk collar, and a vest embroidered with a trendy twist on a traditional orcish print.
Despite it being far from his usual attire, the Transmogrifying Lotus find himself enjoying the way he looks in it.
On the ship, Nyugusk attempts to aid Cladissa in making conversation with Nigel, offering a broad tusky smile and laugh at her comment, attempting to break the stunned silence and play it off as a joke. "Heh heh heh. That was a good one, eh Nigel? 'a secret chamber on this ship with a dead body' indeed. What a hoot!"
When he sees Nigel glancing nervously toward the refreshments, Nyugusk gets a frustrated look and starts to mutter to himself. Master of Masters, how hard can it be to make conversation! What kind of student of self-perfection am I, if I can't even win over someone like this in conversation. Oh, will I ever approach True Transmogrification?!?
This is bad. I'm completely unqualified for this. I should have asked Auronee to take my place. Who cares about my stupid pride, the Society is what's at stake here.
Cladissa wallows in doubt as she watched the towers of Absalom fade in the distance. The last time she was on a boat she spent the voyage clinging to the rail emptying her stomach. She feels a different kind of tension in her belly right now, but she's just as miserable.