That evening, he flies personally to The Oasis, and makes the proper arrangements. He reserves the table with the best view of the harbor, and selects a fine series of meals for a six-course meal, complete with private wait staff.
The next morning, he readies himself for the meeting. He wears his black and gold finery, as well as his ruby pendant and other fine jewels, as well as some finely scented cologne.
He flies there half an hour ahead of the pre-arranged time, and patiently awaits Imrizade's arrival.
Imrizade arrives at the Oasis alone and on foot. She is dressed in an extremely well made, yet casual dress of Garundi style. Her hair is held back from hair face by two thin braids which are tied together at the back of her head. She approaches the doorman, and looks around to see if she can see Argor.
Argor rises to his feet as Imrizade enters the establishment, and waves politely. As she approaches, he holds out his hands and bows to give the back of her hand a respectful kiss in greeting.
"M'lady, I am truly honored that you agreed to meet with me. Allow me to apologize once more for the amount of time that has transpired since our previous meeting. Please," he gestures to the seat opposite his, where an attendant has pulled it back for her.
"Good morning! As I said in my note, it's my pleasure. It's so nice to get out of the house," she replies. She sits down gracefully, not even acknowledging the presence of the attendant. "There's no need to apologize. You are a very important man these days. A maven I've heard, and after such a short time. You must work very hard to achieve such results."
Argor takes his own seat, his full attention on Imrizade. "Indeed. Between the Society and the Institution, as well as my other ventures, I have been quite preoccupied."
He gestures to the waiter to pour some wine. "Fortunately, I have managed to put into,place enough reliable assistants at those establishments that I can step away for more interesting matters when I desire. But all this is boring prattle! Tell me what you have done since our last meeting, unfortunate though those circumstances were. If, that is, the topic is comfortable for you..."
"Well, I am feeling much better now. Everyone has finally stopped fussing over me as much. I used to be an adventurer you know, facing death at every moment. Now aunt Hamaria treats me like a porcelain doll," Imrizade says, clearly chuffed. "I mean, I still have nightmares, but I can handle them. I'm stronger than they think..." The woman catches herself getting frustrated and puts a hand to her mouth. "I apologize, we're barely acquainted and I'm troubling you with my personal problems. Let us simply say I am getting better every day. I've heard your name more and more lately. Care to tell me the most exciting adventure you've had of late?"
"Please, it is no burden for me to provide a sympathetic ear. But yes, it can be frustrating how fragile most people consider those of us naturally blessed with arcane gifts," he says in agreement with Imrizade as he takes a sip of his wine.
"As for an interesting adventure...we recently encountered an undead caster in the ruins of the Tower of the Horn, once the property of Ralzeros the Overwatched. Cladissa and I were able to strip away its magical enhancements so that the more...physical members of my team could dispatch it."
He chuckles, "it does seem to be a familiar pattern for our team: our missions usually involve either undead monstrosities, or the museum."
"Oh gods, that museum. If you ask me, it's more trouble than it's worth. We're always having to call people in to handle some issue there. But, I guess you know that better than anyone." Imrizade laughs.
She reaches across the table and puts her hand onto Argor's. "So...I know a bit about your career, but I don't know anything about you. I was born in Sothis, but I grew up going back and forth between here and there. I manifested arcane talent when I was around 13 and decided to develop it and become an adventurer. What about you, where are you from?"
Argor enjoys the warmth of her hand on his.
"It is nothing glamorous or exciting, I can assure you. I have no true family, to my knowledge. The closest thing I had to a father was my Master, Strathix Constantine, taught me the rudimentary beginnings of our art, and the finer points I have had to learn myself. I recently received news of his passing, so I am truly left alone in this world. But, I do my best to make the best of it," he says with a smile as he nods his head towards their lavish surroundings.
"What about one of your adventures? Mine have essentially kept me cloistered to the city and her immediate surroundings. I have not had the freedom to travel as you have, so I trust yours are far more interesting!"
"Well, I spent most of my time in Osiriani tombs. They can be exciting at first, but eventually they get boring too. Lots of beetles, traps, undead...doesn't sound much different from what you guys get up here actually. Except for everything being sand colored down there." Imrizade sighs wistfully. "It's been so long since I went on an adventure. Mother thinks it's time that I get married, she says that adventuring is too dangerous."
Her eyes light up with a twinkle as she grins mischievously. "I so do miss doing something a little dangerous..." Argor feels what must be a foot creeping slowly up his leg.
"But adventuring provides so much excitement, and is quite profitable, for those of us skilled enough to do so safely," he gives her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Perhaps, yes...perhaps soon you and I could have our own adventure! Leads turn up at the Sanctum all the time, and I have suitable aid in my employ."
Argor gains a mischievous smile of his own as he feels the noble woman's foot slide up his calf. Well well well, a most pleasant turn of events.
As the waiters bring out the first round of hors d'oeuvre's, Argor adds, "Speaking of your family, however, your cousin Michelia and her new husband Damian invited me to a dinner tomorrow night, would you like to accompany me?" his fingers tracing light patterns on her hand and forearm as they talk.
"I knew it! I was hoping you would ask me. I am going anyway, but now I won't have to go alone. Of course I'll accompany you. It's ever so mysterious...there will be a lot of the family's more important contacts there. I'm sure you met them at Michelia's wedding. I wonder what the big occasion is?"
"I am unaware, but if I had to bet a platinum piece on it..." he leans close as if about to reveal a secret, "I wager undead have taken over the Museum and they need it cleared out."
Imrizade starts laughing. "Who knew you had a sense of humor?"
Argor feigns panic, holding a finger to his lips as if to silence her.
"Sshhhh, it is my best kept secret, M'lady! I wouldn't want it getting out!"
As the rest of the meal is brought out bit by bit, the two continue their small talk. As the final round is delivered, some light sweets to cleanse their palates, Argor asks, "Well, seeing as we will be in the presence of your illustrious family and their associates tomorrow evening, should we perhaps go and arrange for a tailor to prepare us some proper finery, so we match? Wouldn't want to commit any social faux pas! And then, perhaps I could show you my newly acquired home, Verde Heights. It is nothing compared to your mansion, I am certain, but is nonetheless an estate I am proud to have acquired."
Imrizade enjoys the meal and continues to laugh and flirt. She informs Argor that she already has a dress, but that he could get something to match. They go together to the Blakros private tailor. Since he only does work for the family he says he will be able to finish a garment in day, having no prior engagements. Imrizade's dress is a ravishing affair in emerald silk.
After the tailor, she goes with him to Verde Heights, complimenting the home wherever appropriate. She stays as long as Argor continues to tolerate her, and makes only further efforts to flirt with him throughout the day. They spend the evening as Argor sees fit, Imrizade only too willing to please and having a great time herself. Around midnight, she excuses herself, hailing a coach to take her home. "See you tomorrow!"
Argor took his time showing her about the estate, making sure Reginald periodically provides the two with refreshment. Eventually Argor shows her his private study, and as he turns to tell her about the room, he sees her close the door behind her, the same mischievous smile from earlier on her face.'
Arctyryx was minding his own business by the hearth in the lounge, when the emotions he felt cascading through his empathic link caused him to ruffle his feathers. "Argor, you dog you!"
He spots Reginald pass by the door headed for the study, and hurriedly flies to intercept him. He flits past him in a fluster and cuts him off, "I wouldn't interrupt them right now if I were you."
The older man replies incredulously "Master Argor gave me strict instructions to..."
"And I am telling you that he and his guest are occupied, if you catch my drift..."
Realization setting in, Reginald only mutters "Ah..." before turning around and returning to the kitchen.
__________
As Imrizade prepares to leave, Argor steps up to her and says, "It has been a pleasure, M'Lady. I look forward to more adventures later!" with a smirk on his face. He leans in for one final kiss before she departs.
Well then...isn't this a most invigorating development... he thinks to himself as he watches the carriage ride off into the night.
"Of course," Argor says as he floats the circlet over and onto Cladissa's head.
As her eyes are on the headband, Argor's eyes again dart to Jannicke, and then back to Cladissa.
"And how is everyone at the manor?"
When Cladissa mention's Hrimnagel's plight, Argor pauses a moment, before adding, "A search could be arranged. If he would like, I may be able to use some contacts I have developed to begin such an endeavor via arcane methods. A diviner at the Arcanamirium I have been aiding in some research could perhaps give us an idea of her location, for a reasonable donation to his research, I would believe."
Cladissa takes a sharp intake of breath as her thoughts quicken. It felt similar to her experience with the formula during that episode with her mother, though not accompanied with the painful restructuring of her mind.
It was a heady sensation nonetheless, her mind expanded and augmented, filled with new skills and two new languages. Her eyes flash open and she looks at Argor. "Infernal and Abyssal?" she questions, but a quick realization sets in. These languages could be very useful to know, and spares her with going through the process of learning them on her own. A cheat, in a way, but magic can often be called that.
She takes the headband off and returns it to the case. She again forces a smile to Argor. "Maybe not the languages I would have chosen, but their utility is obvious. And it's either this, or commission one with languages of my own choosing, and forego the discount."
At Argor's question about the others, Cladissa shrugs. "Still well. Those are excellent suggestions, Argor. I will tell Hrimnagel that you will assist. I'm sure we'll be able to procure some personal belongings of Ms. Batbongle to make the scrying easier."
Argor gathers his supplies, and steps around the counter. "I trust Master Giles can conclude the details of this transaction. Cladissa, let me know if Hrim requires my assistance in his search,"
He then walks towards the front door, and simply says "Jannicke," as he passes, not making eye contact, and then takes to the skies immediately upon his exit. He grits his teeth as he flies home, frustrated over having to see his ex-paramour and the "friend" she betrayed his emotions for.
Cladissa nods her head coolly. "I will. Thank you. I'll see you at the party." She watches him as he exits, then reaches over and gives Jannicke's arm a reassuring squeeze.
"I'll take it. Thank you, Master Giles."
_____________________
Cladissa guides Jannicke back to the manor, giving what emotional support she could. Once back in their shared room, they indulge in a bit of crying, which then turns into an Argor-bashing session.
When it's time for supper, they join the rest of the household. Cladissa turns to the patch of shadow picking at the food in front of him. "Hrim, we bumped into Argor today. He's willing to locate us an arcanist who can scry for Fitrigbit. So we should go to her shrine and collect a few of her belongings -- maybe some hair, if we can locate any -- to make sure the scrying is accurate."
When the Blakros messenger gives him his invitation Nyugusk reads the note, nodding. Sigh. Formalwear only. Well, I'm sure I've got something that would work. I'll think about that later...
He turns to Hrim. "I'm sure with your friend missing, you're in no mood for such parties. Hells, I know you don't care for this kind of event anymore than I do. Well, perhaps we can find your friend before it starts, eh? Maybe she can be your date for it?" He smiles a wide, tusky smile.
"Can you lead me to her shrine? In my chymically enhanced form I have sharp scent. Perhaps I can find some clue as to her departure."
Nyugusk spends the day sniffing out clues as best he's able (literally and figuratively). After getting Hrim's description of Figtribit he starts asking around after her and finds several leads...but all of them lead to completely unrelated bleachling gnomes.
At the end of the day, shoulders slumped, he shakes his head at Hrim and shrugs. ”I didn’t have much luck today. You?”
The appointed time for the feast seems to arrive before the Freaks can believe it. Thrassk has disappeared, leaving a letter saying that he is okay but has urgent family business to attend to off island. The remaining four are getting ready for the meal when they each receive a another note by messenger, this time one wearing Society livery.
The missive informs them that Lady Gloriana Morilla, head of the Taldan faction of Pathfinders, and Major Colson Maldris, leader of the Andoran segment, will also be attending the feast. It seems the Pathfinders are to mix business with pleasure once again. The Society requires the Freaks to act as their face to the social world of Absalom for a second time. Several guests will be in attendance who the Society need to have convinced to throw their support behind the Fifth Crusade in Mendev where more troops are needed to get the Society access to a newly discovered dwarven Sky Citadel. These special guests include Senator Augustyn Naran of Andoran, 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. The Freaks are to be ready with their adventuring gear as well as ballroom finery in case Blakros security should prove insufficient for the event. The instructions end with the standard warning that they are representing the Society and to be on their best behavior.
After the Pathfinders have had time to process this new information, they make their way across town to the Petal District. For the Freaks dwelling on Jabberwocky Lane the journey takes some time, but for Argor it is just the next district over. The grandeur of the Petal District overshadows even that of the beautiful Ivy District where the Freaks have had several missions. Each massive residence speaks to generational wealth of the greatest kind. Dizzying gardens are filled with fragrant tropical species and masterful topiary. The grandest architectural styles from around the Inner Sea fill this elite's paradise with their looming edifices. Fiddlemourn Manor's grounds are surrounded a 12-foot-high fieldstone wall. The two story gothic house peeking out above it is mortared from expertly fitted grey brick, and overgrown with ivy.
The appointed time to meet is 18:00, an hour before sundown (their dates are expected to meet them later, at 19:00). As the Freaks gather at the entrance to Fiddlemourn Manor, they see the familiar faces of Damien and Michellia Blakros are waiting for them. With the couple are an Andoran man, a Taldan noblewoman, and a gnome in robes. Damien waves to the Pathfinders. "Greetings!"
Michellia says, "Hello!"
The Andoran man nods his head in greeting. "Pleasure. The name is Major Maldris."
The noblewoman smirks, "I am Lady Gloriana Morilla. A pleasure, I'm sure."
Damien motions towards the halfling. "This is Tespren, he's captain of the Blakros Guards here."
Tespren bows from the waist, hands in front of his chest. "Lords, ladies, I am honored."
Damien continues, "Tespren here is going to give you a tour of the manor before everyone arrives. I'm sure the night will go smoothly, but just in case you're needed to help with security you should know your way around."
Michellia goes over to Cladissa, "I'm ever so happy you all could make it! The dinner tonight is really for a rather important cause and I'm sure celebrities such as yourselves being here can only make it better. That, and..I miss having my heroes around." The beautiful newlywed smiles sincerely.
Tespren says, "Please, come this way. Let us get the tour over with so you fine people can relax and enjoy yourselves."
Damien and Michellia nod. "See you soon," Michellia says.
Tespren leads the group through the grounds, and house.
Within the wall, the grounds consist of a neatly trimmed lawn of green grass punctuated by broad-leafed, shady trees, numerous tropical plants, and immaculately tended flower beds divided by 10-foot-tall flowering tapestry hedges.
The interior walls are covered with smooth, white lime plaster with a 4-foot-high light maple wainscoting. Ceilings are 12 feet high, and windows are securely shuttered and latched. Doors are of heavy oak and carved with images of galloping horses. None of the manor’s doors are currently locked. The entire manor is richly furnished, though all of the upstairs furniture is covered with long white cloths to protect them from dust. All of the fireplaces on the ground floor are lit and are well tended by the Blakros servants throughout the evening.
1. Stable: The stable currently houses the mounts belonging to the Blakroses and the dinner guests (four camels, an axe beak, and two riding horses). Seven stable hands (N male human commoners 1) remain here, caring for the animals and doing their best to keep the aggressive axe beak from antagonizing the other mounts.
2. Kennel: The kennel is a roofed, open-walled structure surrounded by a 5-foot-high wooden fence. It is home to five wolf hounds owned by Oved Blakros. The hounds are well-trained show dogs, and though they look menacing, they are quite friendly with strangers.
3. Great Hall: This massive entry hall is well lit and sparsely furnished. The fireplace on the east wall is large enough for an adult human to stand inside. Mounted on the wall above the fireplace is the stuffed head of a largesized draconic creature with shiny blue-green scales (a sea drake). Four house guards are posted here throughout the evening.
4. Salon: Several comfortable chairs and sofas sit in this well-lit room, a place for guests to relax, enjoy music, and conversation. A string quartet from the esteemed White Grotto bardic college has set up in the northwest corner.
5. Study: This room contains a large desk, three leather chairs, and cabinets containing various curios and minor art objects.
6. Dining Hall: This spacious room is heated by a large fireplace and lit by two massive crystal chandeliers. The walls are decorated with painted murals of horses galloping through vast green plains. The largest feature in the room is a huge, U-shaped oaken table, and the feast takes place here.
7. Kitchen: The kitchen features two large fireplaces, a wide oaken table, and numerous wall mounted counters and cabinets. A staff of six cooks (N male human commoner 1) are constantly hounded by foul-mouthed Domeros Prinitar (CN male human male expert 6), a renowned master chef brought in from Oppara for the event. Prinitar scowls menacingly when anyone except his staff enters his kitchen.
8. Pantry: The pantry is well stocked and located adjacent to the busy kitchen.
9. Storage Closet: This room contains tools, linens, barrels of water, and other mundane items.
10. Shrine: The dusty, somewhat neglected shrine features marble statues of the gods Abadar, Calistria,Desna, and Shelyn. A small brass brazier burns fragrant incense here throughout the evening to help mask any smells coming from the privy (area 11).
11. Privy: This room holds a porcelain toilet, a wallmounted wash basin filled with rose-scented water, and a rack of hand towels. A small brass oil lamp on the ceiling provides plenty of light.
12. Smoking Room: This room is used by Oved and his special guests to smoke and relax. A cabinet holds a rack of scrimshaw, clay, and ivory pipes, pouches of mundane and exotic pipeweeds, and a box of expensive cigars from Ilizmagorti.
13. Garden: A cobblestone path winds through the gardens and opens into a well-trimmed lawn bordered by shady trees to the east and west, a flowering hedge to the north, and a tall stone wall to the south. A wooden gazebo sits near the back of the open area.
14. Wine Cellar: Wooden racks line the walls and alcoves of the wine cellar holding hundreds of bottles of wine from across the Inner Sea, including several vintages worth over 100 gp a piece. A fieldstone-rimmed
well stands in the western alcove. The well is covered by a heavy oaken lid and is locked (DC 25 Disable Device to unlock, or DC 22 Strength check to break open). A wooden bucket attached to a 60-foot length of silk rope sits atop the well’s lid. The well shaft is 4 feet in diameter and descends 40 feet before it taps into a freshwater aquifer.
15. Trophy Hall and Gallery: This large open area has a polished hardwood floor. The walls contain the manor’s best paintings and trophy heads, including Blakros family portraits dating back centuries.
16. Drawing Room: This room contains a billiards table, a rack of pool cues, a couch, several chairs, and a fireplace. Long, white dust cloths cover all of the furniture.
17. Guest Bedroom: This room contains a fireplace, a bed, and a dresser. Long, white dust cloths cover all of the furniture.
18. Serving Maids’ Quarters: Three double-bunks occupy this room, along with six small wicker chests containing the maids’ clothing and personal effects.
19. Library: This library has comfortable chairs surrounded by shelves of books.
20. Master Bedroom: Everything in this luxuriously furnished room is covered in long white dust cloths.
21. Private Bathroom: Similar to area 11, this room also contains a vanity table and mirror and a large porcelain bathtub.
The day of the dinner, with the information and instructions from the Society burning in the back of her mind, Cladissa visits Maylinna's for the final fitting of her deep blue backless dress. Her new circlet was nestled firmly upon her brow and her spell components for her chosen complement of spells were tucked into a matching clutch purse.
Her thoughts of her mission momentarily fluttered away on giddy feelings when she sees Roald. Soaring over the streets of Absalom alongside him on his owl was another treat. She alighted on the street just outside the entrance to the estate. She stands attentively as he dismounts, and accepts his arm to be led to the waiting crowd.
Cladissa curtsies at the introductions, wearing a pleased smile throughout. She introduces Roald, and gives Michellia a hug when she comes up to her.
"So good to see you again! How was your honeymoon? I had a little personal retreat myself, and came out of it with these," she says brightly, gesturing to her wings still settling from their flight. "But it's good to be back. It feels like I've been gone for months..." she adds.
The day of the dinner, with the information and instructions from the Society burning in the back of her mind, Cladissa visits Maylinna's for the final fitting of her deep blue backless dress. Her new circlet was nestled firmly upon her brow and her spell components for her chosen complement of spells were tucked into a matching clutch purse.
Her thoughts of her mission momentarily fluttered away on giddy feelings when she sees Roald. Soaring over the streets of Absalom alongside him on his owl was another treat. She alighted on the street just outside the entrance to the estate. She stands attentively as he dismounts, and accepts his arm to be led to the waiting crowd.
Cladissa curtsies at the introductions, wearing a pleased smile throughout. She introduces Roald, and gives Michellia a hug when she comes up to her.
"So good to see you again! How was your honeymoon? I had a little personal retreat myself, and came out of it with these," she says brightly, gesturing to her wings still settling from their flight. "But it's good to be back. It feels like I've been gone for months..." she adds.
Michellia marvels at Cladissa's wings. "They're amazing. You're like a goddess now," she says, giving the winged catwoman a hug. "I hope we can see each other more now that you're back."
At first, she giggles a bit in embarrassment over being called a goddess. Then, at the prospect of meeting more often, Cladissa bounces up and down a little on her feet. "I'd love that!"
She walks over and takes Roald's hand. "Should our guests come along with us?"
At first, she giggles a bit in embarrassment over being called a goddess. Then, at the prospect of meeting more often, Cladissa bounces up and down a little on her feet. "I'd love that!"
She walks over and takes Roald's hand. "Should our guests come along with us?"
The appointed time to meet is 18:00, an hour before sundown (their dates are expected to meet them later, at 19:00).
At first, she giggles a bit in embarrassment over being called a goddess. Then, at the prospect of meeting more often, Cladissa bounces up and down a little on her feet. "I'd love that!"
She walks over and takes Roald's hand. "Should our guests come along with us?"
"Perhaps Mr. Havaari could escort his owl to the stables, and instruct the stable hands on its care while you take your tour," Damien suggests.
"Yes, run along honey. I'm sure they don't want near strangers trapsing through their whole house. I'll be here when you're finished seeing the place," Roald says. He squeezes her hand and goes to tend to Caesar.
Cladissa waves her fingers at Roald as she turns to head into the house, trying to ignore the "run along honey" she just heard him say.
To better put it out of her mind, she refocused on the Society mission and put her newly augmented mind to work on the task. She catches up to the Taldan Pathfinder. "So, Lady Morilla, are you perhaps acquainted with my step-uncle, Laneth Farwynd of Taldor? He was a great inspiration to me, and set me on the course to come to Absalom and become a Pathfinder myself." She decided not to bring up Auronee unless Lady Morilla did so herself.
"Yes, I know of Laneth. I wasn't aware he had a niece other than that other one...what's her name again? Auronee?" Lady Morilla responds. "Laneth is a fine man, I'm sure you're a fine young woman if he was your mentor."
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Argor returned to the study after bidding Lady Blakros farewell, and looked over the scene with both a pleasant recollection of the vigorous interlude that had taken place there only moments before, but also with frustration as now the mess had to be cleaned up. Notes were scattered everywhere, a bottle of wine was overturned, a truly chaotic mess to which he was unaccustomed.
He muttered a cantrip and immediately set to making minor gestures to begin tending to the spills and scattered debris as he sat in his armchair.
"Well, boss...did you have fun?" Arctyryx asked as he fluttered through the cracked door and took roost on his perch.
"Truly, Arctyryx? Are you judging me?"
"By all means, no way! Just surprised to see you have replaced Jannicke already."
The magics ceased immediately, and Argor turned a steely gaze towards the bird, his anger immediately sensed by the familiar, who began to wilt under his stare. "What did I tell you about mentioning her?"
"I'm sorry, boss...it just...it just slipped," the bird stammers apologetically.
"Get out of my sight. NOW," Argor says through clenched teeth, to which Arctyryx was more than glad to oblige.
Argor seethed for a few moments longer, before beginning his cleaning rituals once more. For a few moments after, he could feel the ringing, tingling pains of the serum trying to overwhelm him, but it was easily pushed aside this time.
As the serum's efforts subsided, so too did Argor's malice towards Arctyryx. It was slowly beginning to be replaced with indifference.
The damned bird is constantly causing me trouble. He had been a useful ally at first, but he's incompetence is becoming unbearable. The last thing I need is for him to say something ignorant in public, catch me off guard, and allow the serum an opening to make a fool of myself in front of someone, as it nearly has once before.
The longer he thought on it, the less and less he felt his emotional attachment to the avian. As the mess of the room finally settled into place, Argor noticed a familiar form sitting by the fire, filing his claws.
"What do you want, Rutai?" Argor asked
"Oh, nothing, just saw the fire lit and thought I'd drop by and see if you needed anything? I've begun to grow bored, after all, there aren't even that many pseudodragon's around here to tease."
Argor's mind raced with possibilities, and after a moment, he asked, "Rutai, do you happen to be aware of the ritual to bind one of your kind into service as a familiar?"
A mischievous glimmer raced across the imp's eyes as he turned his gaze towards the wizard. "That depends, are you offering up a job?"
Argor stood and turned towards the imp, folding his arms behind him. "Perhaps."
The imp stood and dusted off his little suit. "Well, the normal ritual normally takes hours. Buuuut, I happen to know of a quicker way, but it is a bit...darker...than most are willing to commit to."
Argor arches an eyebrow, "Go on..."
__________
Argor left the study, and headed for the front door. There, he saw Arctyryx sitting at the window on a perch, his head folded under his wing as he was nearly asleep. As Argor moved to the door, the bird raised his head and said, "Boss...I'm...I'm sorry."
"It is of no consequence, Arctyryx. I need to go do something at the Sanctum that will require your presence. Meet me within the summoning chamber in one hour precisely, understand?"
Arctyryx nods eagerly, "Gladly!"
__________
Arctyryx relished the flight from Verde Heights to the Sanctum. It was the first time in a while that Argor had actually requested, no, needed his aid for something. It was an invigorating sensation, and at times he found himself doing loops and barrel rolls in the air in his excitement. As he approached the shop, he saw the glimmer of faint candle light coming from the rear summoning chamber, as well as a small window off in a darkened corner propped open for him.
He happily turned into a dive, then swerved to turn and fly through the open window. But he was stunned as he collided with something cold just on the other side.
CLANG
As he gathered his senses, he turned about to notice that he was in a small cage that had been placed on the interior side of the window! The room was dimly lit by red candles periodically placed around the room, and two circles of glimmering dust were present on a marble table along one wall.
Argor stood beside a small glowing orb, looking over a scroll intently. Without looking up, he said flatly, "You are late, though I am not surprised."
"Boss...what's going on? I didn't mean to be late, surely I could only be a moment or two off?"
"That would be beside the point, Arctyryx."
"It would seem you have proven your uselessness for the last time, bird brain," the small, chiding voice of Rutai says as he appears from behind the cage, his claws fastening the lock.
Fear began to overwhelm the raven. "Boss...Boss! I'm sorry! I won't let it happen again! I promise!"
Argor sat the scroll down and picked up a small skull in his left hand, likely belonging to a halfling or gnome, and some sulfur within the fingers of his right. The lack of emotion coming through their empathic link caused Arctyryx to shudder. "No, Arctyryx. It is nothing personal, but it is time I acquired more reliable, competent aid for my endeavors. You have done well, given your limited mental capabilities, but I cannot let your blundering risk hindering me any longer," Argor said as he approached.
An unseen force lifts the cage from the window and floats it over to the larger of the two circles on the table. It was then that Arctyryx noticed a third, even larger circle, drawn onto the floor in the same glittering material. Rutai flew over and stood triumphantly within the other circle on the table as the cage came to rest.
"What...what are you going to do, release me from your service?" Arctyryx asked anxiously.
"Heh. Do you realize how long that would take him to do? The normal process to bind a familiar takes hours and hours, let alone the process to release one from service. Fortunately, I happen to have been aware of another method, one that can transfer the bond from one familiar to another. It is much faster, but...it doesn't end well for the original," Rutai says, his sharp teeth gleaming from within his twisted smile.
The fear grew to absolute terror. Arctyryx turned to look at his master, still feeling nothing from their bond. "Boss! Master! You can't be serious!?" he pleads before being forced to give way to a coughing fit as Argor sprinkled the sulfur over the bird before turning and stepping into the third circle.
Argor then begins chanting something in a dark language that Arctyryx couldn't understand. "*cough*M...Master...please! *hack* We...we've been...been friends for so long now!"
"Ha! Friends? You obviously don't understand the nature of the relationship of a familiar, do you dumb dumb? Just shut up and have some dignity, would ya?" Rutai chides.
As Argor continues to chant, the eyes of the skull begin to glow, and a beam fires out from a symbol painted on its crown into Argor, and then from the left eye into Arctyryx. Immediately, the raven feels a fire burning within him, and his bond to Argor begin to weaken!
"AAGGGHHH!!! Argor...pleeaaaase!" Arctyryx cries out, as another beam manifests from him and soars into Rutai, who staggers for but a moment before standing up to full height to bask in the energies flowing into him. A fourth beam then shoots from the imp and into the right orbit of the skull, causing the beam flowing into Argor to grow in brightness.
The heat within Arctyryx grows and grows over the next few seconds, causing the bird to fall to the floor of the cage and flail about in agony. "A...ArgooOOORR!! PLEEEAAAAAAAAGGGHHHH!" he cries out again, a tear falling from his eye and to the table as he looks at his Master desperately, but Argor seems not to care as the last of their empathic link fades away, leaving Arctyryx to suffer alone for the first time in a decade.
The last rational thought Arctyryx had with his heightened intelligence was disappointment in himself for letting his Master down so badly that it came to this...
As Argor found himself exhausted after the nights ordeal. The entire flight home, however, he could feel the joy and pride of Rutai through their empathic link as they returned the Verde Heights. The two landed on the balcony outside of Argor's bedchamber, and Argor turned to the imp and stated, "Find yourself suitable living quarters within the manor," he points to the white and green outfit hanging on a mannequin beside the wardrobe and adds, "In the morning, go and have yourself an outfit matching that one, as we will be attending an important dinner with the Blakros family tomorrow once again, and I would not have you being under dressed."
"Certainly, Master. I'm certain I can have something suitable prepared," Rutai says before flying off towards the door. "Have a good night, Sir."
"And you as well," Argor replies before removing his day wear and laying down for sleep.
__________
As the pair arrive at the Blakros Estate, Argor cannot help but look on in envy at the grand abode. Verde Heights may have arguably been the finest manor of the Ivy District, but compared to Fiddlemourn Manor, it was but a shack.
"Don't worry, sire. At the rate your power is growing, you will have all of these 'nobles' groveling at your feet in no time," Rutai whispers as he flies alongside Argor, in his own well-crafted outfit of all white, with emerald jewelry to match.
"In time," is Argor's only reply, as he gently lands a few feet behind Cladissa. Rutai lands as well, and folds his wings neatly behind his back.
"Sir and Lady Blakros, what a pleasure to meet you both once again," Argor says before turning to the Pathfinders and bowing at their greetings. "Major, Lady Morilla, honored to make your acquaintances."
He then turns and bows his head towards the halfling, "Master Tespren."
He then turns to face the man accompanying Cladissa, studying him with an appraising eye. [b]"Greetings sir, I do not believe I have had the pleasure of making your acquaintance. And you are?"
"Yes, I know of Laneth. I wasn't aware he had a niece other than that other one...what's her name again? Auronee?" Lady Morilla responds. "Laneth is a fine man, I'm sure you're a fine young woman if he was your mentor."
With effort, Cladissa suppresses the urge to clench her teeth at the mention of her step-sister. "That's her, yes. I kept my own name, so it's understandable that I may not be regarded as family. However, he was like a real uncle to me."
He then turns to face the man accompanying Cladissa, studying him with an appraising eye. "Greetings sir, I do not believe I have had the pleasure of making your acquaintance. And you are?"...
Cladissa realizes she must have missed some instructions by arriving early with Roald. This put him on the spot and unfairly singled him out when Argor arrived. But she had already made plans with him to arrive together, and she dearly wanted to fly with him.
Her chagrin fades when she sees Argor's "date" with him, that imp from the night of the Blakros wedding. Complete with matching outfits, how cute, she notes dryly. He's taking the breakup harder than I thought.
Forcing a smile, her tail begins swishing back and forth as she puts an arm on Roald's. "Argor Constantine, I'd like you to meet Roald Havaari." She quickly searches her hazy memory of that night. "Rutai, isn't it? What brings you to this plane? I thought your service here had ended."
She looks up at Argor, her smile becoming less forced. "An interesting choice for your plus one."
Hrim returns to Jabberwocky feeling wounded, because he had opened the well of emotions that he had bottled up concerning Madame Batbongle's disappearance. And the emotions bled out slowly. Fortunately, the deep shadows obfuscating him kept his quiet tears hidden.
He was bolstered by his companions' offer to help search for her. Even Argor offered via Cladissa. He didn't want to think the offer had more to do with that complicated relationship. He was glad of Nyug's offer and the companionship.
Hrimnagel leads Nyug to the Precipice District. The District is large abandoned, sacrificed to the chaos of the earthquake that destroyed it. He spends an hour wandering to lose any potential followers until they see a cleverly hidden path marked with Ranalc's eye - an eye with a crescent moon pupil. Following it down, it leads them along the cliff face. The path is narrow, and the surf booms against the rocks menacingly a few hundred feet below. After a few minutes of descent, the path turns landward, and leads into a deep cleft in the rock. The entrance is marked with another eye symbol. Inside, the sunlight fails to penetrate even an inch, it's completely, magically dark. Inside, they find themselves in a long narrow cave with an altar at one end. The ceiling is covered in sleeping bats, and the floor in their guano. Only the area immediately in front of the altar is kept clean. There are half a dozen small stone benches shaped from the floor there. The altar itself is also stone, consisting of one horizontal slab and one upright slab with Ranalc's eye and bats carved artfully into it. There is a golden bowl resting on the horizontal slab, filled with the ash of burned incense.
Hrimnagel reverently approaches the altar and makes the ritualistic abeyance. Afterwards, he returns to Nyug sitting at the pew and says in his small, thin voice, "there's no sign of her. The ash is as I left it before our mission." He sits down next Nyug deflated.
=============================================================
Hrimnagel accompanies Nyug to the supper. If anyone could perceive his outfit beneath the heavy shadows, they would see an elegant but somber dress of black and silver. He copied the outfit with his magical sleeves from a noble who he saw attending a funeral.
When it his turn to introduce himself, he pushes away the shadows with considerable effort to reveal himself. With some effort to enunciate louder and clearer than usual, he says, "Well met, Lord and Lady Blakros, Major Maldris, Lady Morilla, and Captain Tespren. It is an honor to meet you. I am Hrimnagel Avaldamon."
Once it is Nyug's turn to introduce himself, Hrim releases the shadows, which swirl around and obfuscate him again.
Hrim smiles a bit to himself with the exchange between Argor and Roald. He's happy for Cladissa.
Nyugusk wakes, looks in his closet, and realizes that the suit he'd worn for Michaela's wedding were not only torn but stained with numerous alchemical burns and gooey patches. Argh. Of course, the battle. Maybe they won't notice?...
He sighs, looking at his pincered, four-legged form. And the odds that any tailor can make something elegant for me on a day's notice? Zero.
"Alright, fine." He mutters to himself. "I'll go shopping." Avoiding tailors entirely, he heads instead to a row of magic item purveyors. He selects some Sleeves of Many Garments. And I'm done. He grins to himself. I shoulda gotten some of these months ago, what with how often my clothes get stained and ripped.
That done, he returns home to his research, happily splashing chymicals and reagents all over, chuckling as his garment stays magically clean. Just before he arrived at the Blakros estate, he willed his outfit to look like one that had caught his eye that morning. Heh. Not bad!
As attention turns to him, he bows and does his best to smile genuinely--despite feeling immediately on display and out of place. "It is an honor to be here with you. I am at your service." ...clearly, or else I wouldn't ever be caught at an event like this. If only Hrim's shadows had room for two in them...
"A pleasure, Mr. Havaari," Argor says with a slight bow of his head.
At Cladissa's inquiry, Rutai bows and adds, "Nice to see you again, madam. But no, I am going to remain here for quite some time. And to clarify your mistaken assessment, I am not, in fact, Argor's plus one," he says with a toothy smile as he folds his arms proudly before him, "but his familiar."
Cladissa flashes a predatory smile. "Well, I'll have to have a talk with Cole, won't I?"
As soon as her jest is spoken, Cladissa feels something off and a river of ice runs up and down her spine. Her smile fades as her heart thuds and her hackles rise unconsciously. True fear crawls into her belly and settles there like a lead weight.
Her eyes grow wide as she looks back and forth between the pair. "Oh gods, Argor, what have you done?"
At Rutai’s comment, Nyug looks at Argor and says ”Oh, so you’ve released Arc’teryx? Well Rutai, let me introduce you to my familiar--” Nyugusk begins to hawk violently, as if clearing a hairball. Then a wet, hairless, bruise-colored lump that looks something like a fleshy bulette crawls out of the Transmogrifying Lotus's mouth and onto his hand. "This is Huk Huk. He's an armadillo that I crafted out of my own organs."
Musing, Nyug adds, "Perhaps they'll have a little table at the dinner where all the familiars can sit together!"
A mischievous gleam flickers within Rutai's eyes as a small amount of realization rolls across Cladissa's face.
"Only taken on a more competent, capable familiar to aid in my work, Ms. Velorryan. It isn't strange, just ask our Chelaxian host. Is it not true, Lord Damien, that powerful wizards sometimes bind Imp's to their service in Cheliax, often times to great effect?"
__________
Argor walks along quietly as Tespren gives the tour, nodding appreciatively at the lavish finery oozing out of everything.
Rutai flies back and away in disgust from the glorified hairball that Nyugusk refers to as a familiar, as Argor rolls his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose in embarrassment.
"Master Newblossom, was that truly necessary?" Argor asks chidingly, "we are in the Petal District, may I remind you..."
He then gives the gathered nobility and officers an apologetic look.
Nyug just shrugs, and sets Huk Huk up on his shoulder. The mini-bulette blows a kiss in the direction of Argor and Rutai.
"Say Hrimnagel, have you ever researched ways to get a familiar of your own? Surely there's some way. Imagine if each of us had one..."
After a pause, he adds, "I've actually started some tentative research in how to evolve Huk Huk such that he can be a more potent force in melee. It's only quite early so far, but I find it interesting. At any rate, go on, Tespren."
For the first time in a long while, Cladissa felt the urge to chew on a nail as Argor's words chilled her to her core. She resisted, instead keeping one arm entwined with Roald's, and the other gripping her clutch purse.
As the others appeared and introduced themselves, she looked up at Roald. "These are the other members of my team of Pathfinders. I mentioned they were a little... unconventional. This is Hrimnagel, if you can catch a glimpse into that patch of shadow there. And this is Nyugusk Newblossom, master of chymistry and boundless experimenter. Hard to believe he started out as just a regular half-orc!" she forces a chuckle to hopefully take the edge off the Transmogrifying Lotus's extreme appearance and behavior.
"Guys, this is Roald Havaari."
The lump of fear had twisted its way into a simmering anger at Argor for being so stupid as to bind himself to a fiend. She looked at him and her stomach lurched. But she remained formal and controlled as she advised him, "By the way, Argor, Thrassk had a family emergency. He left on a ship to Tien last night."
Nyugusk beams at Cladissa's introduction. "May we all ever transmogrify ourselves on the path to self-perfection.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Roald."
"Pleasure to meet you Master Havaari." Hrim's shadow replies to the introduction.
"And, Nyug. I've no interest in attracting a familiar." Hrim's shadow replies to the alchemist.
Hrim returns to Jabberwocky feeling wounded, because he had opened the well of emotions that he had bottled up concerning Madame Batbongle's disappearance. And the emotions bled out slowly. Fortunately, the deep shadows obfuscating him kept his quiet tears hidden.
He was bolstered by his companions' offer to help search for her. Even Argor offered via Cladissa. He didn't want to think the offer had more to do with that complicated relationship. He was glad of Nyug's offer and the companionship.
Hrimnagel leads Nyug to the Precipice District. The District is large abandoned, sacrificed to the chaos of the earthquake that destroyed it. He spends an hour wandering to lose any potential followers until they see a cleverly hidden path marked with Ranalc's eye - an eye with a crescent moon pupil. Following it down, it leads them along the cliff face. The path is narrow, and the surf booms against the rocks menacingly a few hundred feet below. After a few minutes of descent, the path turns landward, and leads into a deep cleft in the rock. The entrance is marked with another eye symbol. Inside, the sunlight fails to penetrate even an inch, it's completely, magically dark. Inside, they find themselves in a long narrow cave with an altar at one end. The ceiling is covered in sleeping bats, and the floor in their guano. Only the area immediately in front of the altar is kept clean. There are half a dozen small stone benches shaped from the floor there. The altar itself is also stone, consisting of one horizontal slab and one upright slab with Ranalc's eye and bats carved artfully into it. There is a golden bowl resting on the horizontal slab, filled with the ash of burned incense.
Hrimnagel reverently approaches the altar and makes the ritualistic abeyance. Afterwards, he returns to Nyug sitting at the pew and says in his small, thin voice, "there's no sign of her. The ash is as I left it before our mission." He sits down next Nyug deflated....
A mischievous gleam flickers within Rutai's eyes as a small amount of realization rolls across Cladissa's face.
"Only taken on a more competent, capable familiar to aid in my work, Ms. Velorryan. It isn't strange, just ask our Chelaxian host. Is it not true, Lord Damien, that powerful wizards sometimes bind Imp's to their service in Cheliax, often times to great effect?"
__________
Argor walks along quietly as Tespren gives the tour, nodding appreciatively at the lavish finery oozing out of everything.
Damien responds, "Indeed that is common practice in my homeland. Some frown on associating with devils, but they can be bound safely if the spellcaster is very careful and doesn't make any foolish deals."
Tespren is friendly and polite, but single-minded and dedicated when it comes to his job. He takes his position very seriously and explains he has served as a loyal retainer of the Blakros family for nearly 20 years.
After the tour he takes the Freaks to the dining hall, where Roald, Maldris and Lady Morilla are waiting for them. The hall is set for guests and servants flit about everywhere making sure everything is in preparation for their arrival. Servants announce the guests as they arrive, all in a short window of time around 19:00. The Freaks recognize the names of the various Blakros family members and hangers on they've interacted with the past. Nigel Aldain, Imrizade Blakros, Michellia's twin Eleanir is with her mother Hamaria who joins Michellia and Damien in hosting the event.
Several other names catch their ears as the dining hall fills with guests. Lady Vaelia of House Wintermark, Lady Dyrianna of House Avenstar, Lord Rothos of House Vastille, Scion Lord Kerkis of House Damaq, Lady Darchana of House Madinani, and Grand Ambassador Dremdhet Salhar are all in attendance as predicted. Only the Andoran senator seems to be missing.