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I'm no diplomat, but I'm looking great in this dress and I have the impression that my people are considered "exotic" in these parts. If I just smile and nod and try not to say anything stupid, maybe I can pull this thing off."
Naruda mingles around the party, introducing her fellow party members to the distinguished guests. She does a lot of nodding and smiling, laughing at their jokes and complementing the climate of their country, and in general trying to be as inoffensive and agreeable as possible. But the whole time she is carefully observing each person she speaks with, trying to suss out their true motives and intentions.
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Kinshasa goes first to Gloriana Morilla. He makes his way over and begins the conversation.
Lady Morilla, may I introduce myself. I am Kinshasa, a recent arrival in Absalom and into your Sovereign Court. It is a pleaseure to meet you. These are my companions Garr, Keandre, Magdalyn, Naruda and Perrine. We were sent by the Society to assist Mr Alcasti in investigating his ancestor's legacy. We have uncovered several artifacts that support his claims. May we count upon your support later this evening?
"Oh my! Mister Kinshasa! in the flesh! I have heard much about you and your gigantic... snake... oh my... darn... sorry... I did not mean to say this. Let's say large serpent. Oh, drats.... I'm digging further am I? Hmmm... Let's start again, shall we!" says Lady Morilla, flushing a deep red by now. As she turns to introduce herself to Kinshasa, you realize she had previously been talking to young Aayef!
The young man is dressed up in his House's ceremonial garb and appears very much like a young man with a lot of potential, but this seems lost on the nearby high society Taldane nobles, who are visibly suspicious at the young man's Qadiran heritage.
"I believe you've already met Aayef, yes?" says Lady Gloriana, trying to recover from her initial blunder. "This young man here has been quite insistent in joining the Sovereign Court! you heroes must have made quite an impression. After the sixth letter I could no longer bear to make him wait and invited him here for the event. He's been speaking very highly of you all."
Aayef nods, and bows to the lady, not willing to interrupt her.
Lady Gloriana continues, her voice lowered this time, "Anyhow... I'm here to aid Princess Eutropia tonight. I have... concerns... that several other nobles are on the cusp of finding out information about some of the Princess’s clandestine political maneuvering. For instance, take Solmon Menander over there. A bitter and overworked bureaucrat, Solmon is jaded with his fellow nobles and wants to watch them suffer. You can easily win his approval if you aggravate another member of the court, or if you impress him with a speech to complain about Taldor’s bureaucracy... most idealists have a penchant towards speeches... Anyhow, apparently the man has some suggestive letters... while not incriminating, they could be enough to create suspicion if the wrong person got hold of them... Would you, fine gentlemen, try to take a look at the letters? if you get a chance I mean... That would be... lovely."
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We shall be sure to see what we can accomplish. and with that he disengages from the conversation and wanders in the direction of another familiar face. that of Father Basri.
Father, so good to see you again. How are things in the Basilica? I trust there have been no further issues with the ratfolk? We have completed our tasks and believe we have gathered enough evidence of Honaria's legacy. The bust that we found in your Basilica is among them. Can we count upon your support later this evening?
"Of course, of course, my son... I'll put in a good word for you! if Aroden ever comes back, I think you should come see me at the Basilica... you're a fine gentleman, and He would like you I'm sure!" says Father Basri to Kinshasa.
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Thanking the Father for his complement Kinshasa again mills about until he reaches Inka Heldotor.
Kinshasa approaches the woman and initiates a warrior greeting, clasping hands with her. That is a fine weapon you have there, and your armour looks well used. We are warriors ourselves. I am Kinshasa and this is Garr, Keandre, Magdalyn, Naruda and Perrine. We have just returned from gathering evidence of our patron's ancestor's nobility and are here to support him in his claim. What business do you have here in the court of Princess Eutropia? Would you not rather be out under the stars? I have many fine memories of my campaigning days.
"Don't rub it in, snake! this cushy assignment will not last forever, I SWEAR!" says Inka, anger roiling under her attempt at a cool facade as she openly frowns at Princess Eutropia. For a moment you think she might even spit her way! She adds, shoving a tankard of beer in Kinshasa's chest, "You say you have stories? here! drink with me, and tell me a fine one!!"
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I am of the First Mother's Fangs of Nagajor. We are mounted troops and I ride into battle atop a large constrictor snake named Kokina. When out on campaign we must stay close to our mounts. They are highly trained but can get into mischief if you don't keep an eye on them. I lost track of Kokina close by a town once. I could not find her anywhere around camp. It was then that I heard a loud screaming from a nearby tavern. She had climbed up through an upstairs window and interrupted a couple as they slept through the dawn. The pair awoke with a giant snake head between them in the bed.
"BWAHAHAHAHA!" laughs Inka, heartily.
Princess Eutropia look in your direction and nods, apparently impressed that you got Inka to laugh. She turns to continue her conversation with three senators.
"Oh, did you see that? the Princess dared interrupt her boring talks with three old men to see what the fuss was about. I thought she was immune to fun?! what gives?" says Inka to Kinshasa.
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I am new to this court myself and know little of this Princess. Perhaps we shall see once things are called to order shortly. I must keep moving and play politics but do be sure to seek me out later and we shall drink and swap stories. Well met Inka. Kinshasa grasps her hand in warrior fashion again and moves toward Captain Seferi.
Well met captain. I am Kinshasa and this is Garr, Keandre, Magdalyn, Naruda and Perrine. We are here to present evidence of the nobility of our patron to the Princess. What type of ship are you the captain of? I am not much of a nautical man myself. My mount is quite large and it is hard for her to travel in a ship for long.
Kinshasa and Captain Seferi:
Captain Seferi is drinking some rum, staring intently at Princess Eutropia. Appearing surprised that anyone is talking to her, Captain Seferi nods at Kinshasa and the rest of you, and says, "Huh, well, if ye say so. Shiver me timbers! ye're da Qadiran-lovin' scorpion slayers in da flesh! So ye're da ones who recovered all da ancient loot piles that dis Alcasti guy wishes to use to prop himself up to da upper class heyyyy? Well done I guess... He certainly seems ta know more than'I about how ta fit in with dis lot. I... am obviously under-dressed for dis party. I'm now reconsiderin' even tryin' ta talk to da Princess. Any advice? 'took me months ta... ta find a way ta get into dis party..."
"You're right... the father expects much from the daughter... and I can't recall him making it any fun for her..."
She walks over to the Princess.
"YOUR HIGHNESS! I AM INKA HELDOTOR OF THE ULFEN GUARD! IT IS AN HONOR TO SERVE YOU ON THIS DAY! AND IT WOULD BE AN HONOR TO BE ASSIGNED TO YOUR DETAIL PERMANENTLY, IF YOU'LL HAVE ME!"
The Princess appears shocked, like one of her wishes finally being granted. She stammers a polite reply to Inka, but her eyes are welling up with respect and gratitude. After a few moments, she shakes Inka's hand and comes over to meet Kinshasa.
"Virtuous warrior, I am not sure what you said to Inka, but know that you have made a friend in me. You are here to support Remaio's claim yes? well... I have yet to hear him out later this evening, but I can certainly say that he has surrounded himself with the impressive individuals. What is your name, righteous one?"
"You honor your First Mother greatly, on this day. Well done, Pathfinders. I will be keeping an eye on you all from now on..." she says, smiling, as she returns to her senatorial duties.
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Advice? Well, as a military man I always try to be honest and forthright in my dealings with everyone. This is generally good advice for all dealings. Flowery words and speeches are one thing, but it the words have no substance or grounding in truth what is the use? We ourselves will not be partitioning the Princess, only providing support for our patron in whatever small ways we can. And yes, we did help our patron. It was a task given to us by our masters and thus we did our best to accomplish it. We are in service to an organisation that works to uncover the past and record it so that everyone can learn from it.
Captain Seferi finishes her rum and thanks to your words, works up the courage to talk to the Princess. She heads there, and bows to her, initiating conversation.
[Seferi Helpful]
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Naruda notices Theon Cebebri across the room, who looks to be a fashionable and handsome young man. She approaches to make some small talk with him.
"I am enjoying my time in your lands here, but I am new to the Inner Sea and your country is strange to me. I'm learning the culture and getting used to the climate here, but it is still strange to me. Perhaps I could use someone knowledgeble to show me around this city some time?"
Naruda introduces her party members to Theon as they pass by. "We are part of a Pathfinder expedition, helping out a friend to the Society. He's trying to restore honor to his family. I don't know the culture or history of your kingdom well, but he seems to be an honorable enough fellow. I am hoping things go well between him and the princess; but I suppose it is out of our hands at this point."
Theon gives Naruda 20 platinum pieces for returning his ancestor's remains. He asks that you please include Italice's story into the proceedings, saying that it might complicate things a little for Remaio, but that the openness and transparency would be a good start for the reunification of both Houses.
Trumpets announce the beginning of the proceeding, and the crowd goes silent as they reach their seats. As Princess Eutropia calls court to session, she has a surprise in store. After allowing Remaio to make a flowery preamble and confirming with Remaio that the heroes retrieved most of the proof, she asks you to present it instead of Remaio.
"Dear Members of the Senate, Father Basri, Harbormaster Hallador, Fellow Nobles, Members of the Court, Master Rell, and esteemed guests. We are honored to receive members of the Pathfinder Society today. We will be hearing a firsthand account from these skilled envoys of Absalom on the matter of an application by Remaio Alcasti to re-institute his family name into Taldan peerage," Princess Eutropia says, nodding solemnly at Kinshasa. The pause sends a few nobles whispering in each others' ears, and all eyes are on the Pathfinders for a few long seconds. Continuing, she declares, "It is my understanding that the Pathfinder agents are impartial in these matters and that they do not stand to gain anything from the outcome of these proceedings. It is with great pleasure and interest that I welcome Kinshasa, Fang of the First Mother of Nagajor, to the Court of Taldor to speak as an expert witness in these matters."
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Your Majesty, Members of the Senate, Father Basri, Harbormaster Hallador, Nobles of Taldor and afar, Members of the Court, Master Rell, and esteemed guests may I introduce myself. I am Kinshasa of the First Mother's Fangs and these are my companions. We have embarked upon many missions to gather pieces of Honaria Alcasti, the ancestor of Remaio Alcasti. Initially we traveled to the Verduran Forest to speak with a sentient tree. This tree remembers Honaria and directed us to a cave where we discovered items of an enemy unit of hers that was disbanded for treason. Kinshasa presents the items.
The next branch of our journey led us to the Basilica of the Last Man. There we uncovered a bust of Honaria and met the good Father here. Father, do you have anything to add at this time?
The third location that we investigated was in Qadira where we retrieved the very sword of Honaria, Soldier's Glory. I myself wielded this blade for a time and know that it is sentient itself. Glory? Would you like to speak?
And I believe Aayef, who we met in Qadira is also here in attendance. Would you care to add anything at this juncture?
Fourth we visited another descendant of Honaria in Andoran. There we uncovered documents supporting the fact that Honaria was a skilled leader with a brilliant command of tactics.
Lastly we travelled to the Alcasti Mausoleum where we found the resting place of Honaria and the remains and familiar of one Italice Cenabri. This faithful familiar served his master faithfully for many years and relayed to us his tale. It would appear that one Syagra Tetranella, one of Honaria's followers, set about trying to blame Italice Cenabri for the downfall of her leader. In his time of contemplation in the tomb of Honaria Amantius, the familiar, came to realize that Honaria was not to blame. There is a member of the Cenabri family here. Would they care to speak?
Lastly, do any of you, my companions have anything to add to the proceedings?
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"One thing to consider is that we did not bring back to us dusty scrolls and scraps of heraldry. We have eyewitness testimony from creatures that were alive during Honoria's lifetime. From our explorations we are able to exconerate Honoria but we have also put together a more complete picture of your history. Honoria's sword was with her that whole time and that talking owl statue that we found also seems to have a lot to say. This testimony's bring new details about your people's history."
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When Soldier's Glory addresses the crowd, there is an audible gasp on the Senate floor. All eyes and ears are upon the blade as she recounts her years with Honaria. You see several men and women shed a tear or two when Glory recounts the last hours of Honaria's life, the blade at her side trying to comfort her as she passed into the Great Beyond...
When yielded the floor, Theon Cenabri makes an emotional and thankful speech for the Pathfinder Society's efforts in this case, one, he says, that will reverberate for generations in the estates of House Cenabri.
Soon after Naruda's and Aayef's supporting comments, Lady Gloriana Morilla, Father Basri and Inka Heldotor add their words of support towards the Pathfinders' efforts and recognize them as qualified experts in this matter. Even Solmon Menander adds a few words of support, citing these proceedings as a glorious example on how justice should be done, with qualified and impartial experts stating the facts and collecting evidence properly, unfettered by personal interests.
The Princess retires to her antechamber for deliberations with her barristers.
The party continues for approximately one more hour, after which the trumpets begin their telltale blaring once more. The Princess enters the room in her full regalia, a gleaming sword in hand that puts to shame anything you've ever seen in your life.
She speaks. "Kinshasa, Fang of the First Mother of Nagajor, please step forward with your fellow agents. Keandre Glasmiter; Naruda Barada; Perrine Ravella; Garr Nesteruk; Magdalyn Varus; and of course, you as well, Kinshasa: in recognition of your services to Taldor, you are now made full citizens of Taldor. As subjects of the Primogen Crown, I now command you to step forward and kneel."
She takes a few steps into the room towards the Pathfinders, and addresses the crowd. "After weighing the evidence and testimony brought before Senate, I have decided to redeem the Alcasti name and restore the status of Honaria's descendants in Taldan society."
She takes a few steps down towards the heroes. Starting with Kinshasa, the monarch lays the side of the sword's blade onto his right shoulder, then raises the sword gently just up over the his head and places it on his left shoulder. "After your considerable assistance, House Alcasti, House Cenabri and countless others both in Taldor and abroad are now in your debt. Rise now, as Sir Kinshasa, Knight of Taldor." She repeats the ceremony for each hero. After the ceremony, a herald announces the heroes once more, loud and clear this time, to the crowd!
"Three cheers for the six new Knights of Taldor!
Sir Kinshasa of Taldor!
Sir Keandre Glasmiter of Taldor!
Dame Naruda Barada of Taldor!
Dame Perrine Ravella of Taldor!
Sir Garr Nesteruk of Taldor!
Dame Magdalyn Varus of Taldor!"