As you near the back of the room you hear a voice whisper as if right in your ear! It's Master Zey, [b]"We've need of you Professor Merriweather. Tell none but gather your things and be at the docks within forty minutes. All will be revealed to you by an agent there..."
That night you are visited by the Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus in your lodgings. "The favor called in puts you on that boat son. But know that even without it, your answers were among some of the best and we'd have chosen you anyway.
However, most we did choose, will be going without cover identity. Your family name is simply too famous to be overlooked. Therefore, we will be sending you in with cover.
Tomorrow you will see a woman, one you may have seen yesterday, with pointed ears and spectacles. A cross between a halfling and an aasimar, quite literally. You will be providing her with her cover story as we do not wish to announce her name in public due to who she shares affiliations with. Let us just say that several Society Members will be upset at her selection.
Her credentials are as impeccable as yours. We place her with you for two reasons. First, you are one we can trust will not react poorly to her selection as you too have been selected and second, while you have had a great deal of experience in life, we believe you need a Society mentor for the initial leg of the trip".
Marcos hands you two scrolls, one pink dyed parchment and one blue dyed parchment.
"Study the blue tonight. The pink hand to Dr. Merriweather tomorrow when you see her. Do not return to the Grand Lodge. Mill about by the ship named Emperor's Blessing. Writs of passage for both of you are rolled up within the scrolls.
Congratulations and good luck".
As you open the scroll, you read a blurb about who you will be pretending to be:
Aenon Malas – Also a Varisian but a traveling Monk. Aenon spent years following the flow of destiny, changing ships and crews to let him travel even further away from his birthplace. This led him aboard the Emperors blessing, the ship of the renown Tian treasure-hunter Manami Doi and under her guidance he explored the seas from Minkai to the Cape of omens. Over the years, she taught Aenon everything she knew, from the tian language, to navigating the seas and even the ways of the eastern mystics, and in her service Aenon became both a fierce warrior and talented sailor. When he attempted to return home, on what he decided would be his final voyage, fate intervened once more as he met a local about to board for a once in a lifetime Expedition, instead of getting off, he stayed on and here he is...
"I understand, Venture Captain," Kesari replied to Venture Captain Valsin. "We must pretend not to know each other before we apply to join the expedition."
Kesari paused before asking, "Venture Captain, can you tell us if there is some particular information that we should focus on collecting, and how we should communicate that knowledge back to the Society? I'm presuming that we will be away for an extended period of time."
Jora nods, satisfied with the answer to her question. She was a bit disappointed by the "full of jitters" comment, but quickly shrugged it off. She was going, and that's what mattered.
"I understand. Thank you for your time. We will make the Society proud."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Elderbrant Heirbrine was born the third of three sons of the exceedingly wealthy head of the Heirbrine Silver Estate in Cheliax. As a child of the owner of the largest silver producing estate in all Golarion, one can imagine, Elderbrant never wanted for anything in his life and, as the youngest of three sons, nothing was ever expected of him in return. It took him many years of life spent frivolously spending his family's money, attending every royal ball and gala, shmoozing his way along with nobility, getting drunk, and reading every book in his father's vast study before Elderbrant resolved he was going to do something about this! He would do something to catch his father's eye! To prove to him that he had worth! But, what? The noble art of music!? Of course! His journey as a leading Singer of Cheliax has scarcely begun when he heard word of the trip bound out of Almas, that was it, how he would prove his worth, and so he has come to do just that.
Tries her best to not be insulted, but was happy she was picked. She was not however sure about the next interview, since after the group of friends she had passed with, those other new ones seemed fishy. And how could they really trust them, since they could not recongize them by sight?
" What happens if we need to call for help of any kind? Or we can not make it back with our journals?"
Jeanuel had settled in for the night, he had taken a hearty meal and a large flagon of ale delivered to his room. The room itself was a suite, not because the man had wanted comfort in any manner or led a lifestyle that gave him a certain...expectation in life of what was adequate but because it was the only one with a table, a semi comfortable chair, and a desk so that he could unload a few books, borrow a few more from the Pathfinder Society and sit back and do what he did to pass time...read and study obscurity.
When the Master of Swords joined him, he stood while allowing the man to take his chair. He listened carefully to the instructions given to him and tilted his head a bit before looking at the two scrolls the man placed on his table alongside a rather heavy looking bag.
He picked up the scroll the man had marked for him and read it before the man had even left, offering him a physical assurance that he would do as told. It seemed his journey had begun.
He raised a brow as he read the words trying to imagine and commit the concept to memory. It wasn't too difficult as most of his life had been spent studying and memorizing information and languages. When he finished the scroll detailing the role he would be personifying for the near future he practically balked. He had to be garish, privileged, have a way about him that showcased his ability to play a crowd.
This would be tough. He sat down in his chair, now vacant for the Master of Swords had already left and just stared at the table for a bit before curiosity struck and he opened the bag. His eyes went wide and he poured it out on the table. This was more money than he even knew what to do with, is was more than he'd even probably spent in his rather long lifetime. He shook his head and picked up her scroll. While he worried that it was unprofessional of him to open it. He had to make sure that the money wasn't intended for them to share right? I mean, it referenced that the money was for him but surely this was a mistake. Surely no one wasted this much simply on making someone look like a garish ponce.
It's with a broken heart and tears in her eyes that Illena nods to the panel. "Of course, I understand. Thank you for your time." As much as she wishes she'd walked out earlier and spared herself the embarrassment, she's happy to have at least tried. As she stands up, she pauses for a second and takes a big breath, considering fighting it, making them understand how valued she would be. Instead, she gives a shake of her head and sighs out the breath. "Good day." She says meekly.
Trying to carry herself strongly, and keep the tears from falling while she's still within sight of them, she moves towards the exit. When Master Zey's voice sounds in her ear, she thinks for a second that she must be imagining it, and it takes a moment for her to understand what he's saying. Her heart begins to soar. They need her? She nods silently, feeling a rush of excitement, and makes her way outside.
Her heartbeat races as she collects her belongings and makes her way immediately to the docks, wondering why the secrecy, wondering what what excitement lay in store...
Absolom - the Grand Lodge
The Venture Captain addresses Aleasia's questions, "You will have each other if you need help. Certainly, making friends among the colonists would also be wise you must though, keep your true identities secret.
As far as the journals go, we would prefer if you could bring them back with you but so long as you are back alive, we can work with you to recreate any journals as best we can. Shaine can aid in that.
Have you any further questions before you head to the next destination?"
Absolom - the Docks
Jeanuel sleeps on, well not literally, the gold. He decides that he will spend what he must to "keep up appearances" and takes to the city feeling quite uncomfortable. As the appointed time looms ever closer he heads to the docks and sees that the ship is quite magnificent.
Despite the short stature of the one he was told to look out for he spots her easily enough. Trying not to look conspicuous but doing just that to his well trained eye.
---
Illena knows where to go but not who to look for. Well, perhaps a meandering a for a bit will work...
---
The Venture Captain had been distracted by other queries, so Kesari repeated his question: "Excuse me, is there any particular information or lore that we should be looking out for?"
Absolom - the Grand Lodge
The Venture Captain turns to Kesari, "Ah no. There is so much we do not know, it's hard to know what to look for. Good luck and may the Gods watch over you".
---
Absolom - the Docks
As you all arrive at the docks you see that the ship Emperor's Blessing is a three-masted junk in the Tian Style. It measures at least 70' from bow to stern and is at least 25' abeam and appears to be constructed of the finest of Tian Teak. The sails themselves are decorated with images of a jade phoenix.
While a merchant vessel, it has some significant armaments, enough to show that it's no ordinary merchant vessel.
The crew must be at lest 25 and between cargo and it's over 30 passengers quite full and ready for the journey. The Captain barks down at those still not on board, "Head on up lubbers! I've got more to do than just haul cargo and passengers despite the lucrative nature of this contract!"
As you look around you see several people milling about, you wonder who if any, are the other Pathfinders...
Jumps up and rushes up the boards, helping along the others that she knew on sight, giving them a small nod, but also did the same to a few of the strangers, so it seemed like a polite nature of hers. Despite the other pathfinders knowing she was not that friendly.
" Come on, lets get gone. We have a whole new colony to discover, and free."
Jeanuel took to the shops. It was unpleasant to have this much money on hand and he didn't rightly understand why it had to be so much but he went all the same and found a shop to 'suit' his needs.
It took him quite a few minutes, apparently getting finery was a busying deal but soon he was adorn with silks, scarves, and jewelry befitting one of his 'stature'. along with a few changes of clothing and he felt he was set to be the person he was to pretend to be.
He moved to the docks, attempting to emanate the wealth and breeding his new self would be accustomed to. He soon found himself sweeping through the crowds, finding his target soon enough.
"Ah, little poppet, you must be one of the workers for this fine ship." he started as he came up behind her. He waited for her to turn around and he smiled "Be a dear and carry my pack, this is getting awfully heavy and I'm afraid I'm simply drained from the journey" he said bending low to look as if he was going to whisper a threat in her ear.
"You'll find a scroll with your new identity in the bottom most left pocket." he said carefully in a hushed voice.
"I'll make sure to take extensive notes, Venture Captain," Kesari replied.
After the meeting wrapped up, Kesari hurried to his quarters and packed his gear. Luckily (in the circumstances), his belongings were few, and he was ready to go in only a few minutes, after double checking that he had everything. He proceeded to the docks, finding the ship already a hive of activity. This is the start of a great adventure, he thought to himself.
Arken bids the Venture Captain and the others farewell and returns to the inn where he stopped, his backpack still lying safely in the room. He checks everything, stashes his wayfinder deeper in the backpack and in a few minutes leaves the inn and makes his way to the docks.
He quickly boards the ship and settles down - there's some time until they reach Almas, might as well get comfortable.
Illena looks shocked and irate at the man who approaches her, opening her mouth to tell him to carry his own damn pack, before he leans in to tell her about the secret items. Her anger quickly fades and is replaced by a combination of fear and curiosity. "Of course, sir." She nods, taking the pack. Her mind reels, wondering why it was necessary that she should need a new identity. It wasn't as though she had enemies - she was only a historian! "A-are you ready to board, then, sir?" Her voice was pleasant, but her eyes revealed the truth - that he'd better tell her what was going on as soon as they were safe.
After being dismissed, Jora quickly returns to her room and packs her belongings. She hasn't been in Absalom long enough to collect much, so it doesn't take her too long. An hour later, she's boarding the Emperor's Blessing. She makes a point to be polite, yet aloof, to anyone who greets her, but largely ignores the other passengers for the most part. It's not easy for someone with her appearance to blend in, but she doesn't want to stand out just yet. Not until after she arrives in Almas.
"Also, I'm not going by boat? How will I know who the other Pathfinders are once we arrive? Will they know me?"
As far as being a skilled sailor goes, Master Shaine has a solution for that".
Shaine hands you a ring, "It is magical. It will aid you in seafaring giving you enough skill to pass as a sailor. Worry not. Aenon is a Monk, it is his ability to fight that will be as important as his sailing experience to being chosen.
You are not to know the others. I've no doubt that you will uncover the identity of the others as the journey unfolds. Look for Wayfinders and those who seem anxious to explore outside of the settlement".
Absolom - the Docks
The Society Members gather at the docks. Some know of one another, others do not.
Xarann recognizes most from the prior day, his disguise is so powerful, none can penetrate it.
Jeanuel and Illena are able to find a space on the ship to speak privately.
The trip itself is quick and uneventful. The Emperor's Blessing is as fast and well crewed as it is beautiful.
-------
Andoran - Almas - the Docks
Before you can even settle in, you have arrived. An even larger ship is docked at Almas, you assume this is the Peregrine. It is a three-masted sailing ship with a spritsail on the bow. The vessel is 100 feet long and 25 feet across at its widest point. There are three decks and the ship and you imagine it can accommodate a cargo whose volume is substantial.
The ship's two boats itself are 20' long and at least 10' wide. Cargo is still being loaded onto the ship and it is a hustle and bustle of frenzied activity getting ready for the trip.
Soon enough you dock the Citadel of the Supreme Elect is one of the tallest and most readily identifiable buildings in the city. Now that you have all arrived, your destinies await!
Kesari put on his pack and disembarked. He made his way over to the larger ship, and asked the people nearby where he should go to apply to join the expedition.
Follows Kesaris lead, but tries to keep close to some of the elven folk, as if she was a bit xenophobic. No one would truly question it, as most knew of her kinds aversion to people.
However, she would feel she didnt get anything more the average local rumors and fishmongers tales.
Once Jeanuel found a place that the two could not be overheard, he bowed immediately and hung his head somewhat in shame "Apologies, I could not see much other way to interact given my cover. I knew the racial tensions and the plight of the halflings in Cheliax and given my cover's nobility and ostentatiousness, I saw an opening to deliver your scroll as I was instructed. Please, forgive my earlier behaviour." he said most sincerely.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
When they had arrived at the next port, he tried not to show his marvel at the world around him and the size of the next ship. He cleared his throat, adjusted his clothing and strode determinedly towards the boat seeking answers and someone of importance.
Arken doesn't try to hide his fascination when he sees the hundred feet long ship. He stares at it all the way to the docks.
At the docks he sticks to others who try to find who to talk to about the expedition and makes his own inquiries.
"Impressive," Jora mutters as she glances up at the Peregrine. Though she does her best to hide it, she's nearly bouncing with excitement at the thought of being so close. A part of her would love nothing more to skip the interviews altogether and leap onto the ship. She takes a moment to regain her composure, and then moves on to find the interview site. She half expects to see a line of adventurer's and scholars winding through the city, but failing that, she'll have to ask for directions.
Xarann, clearly not as comfortable conversing with others, instead opts to watch some of those he recognized from the Pathfinder Society and follow them after they find their footing in the city. He watches from afar and follows them surreptitiously, making sure passersby don't realize he's following behind. He figures this will keep others on the expedition from being suspicious about his connection to the others, and keeps his anonymity a little bit longer.
Andoran - Almas -
Some of the secret Society Members obtain better responses from the crew and general passersby than others. All though are able to hear where the proper place to go is or can see others and follow along without being obvious about their intentions.
Indeed, all who wish to be considered for placement aboard the next ship bound for the colony will need to apply at the Citadel of the Supreme Elect. There all interviews will be conducted by Smedrik, the Seneschal of Codwin I of Augustana.
Soon enough the group make their way, mostly separately, to the Citadel. The line is out the door!
Groans, as she is now stuck in another line. How many lines can there be?! I wish to travel, can they not just go ahead and pick me? She was getting impatient, as the life of a seafarer was just so close. A new colony, a new place for her people to settle... those thoughts kept her going.
After double checking that this was indeed the right place to be, Kesari joined the queue. The ability to stand in line must be somehow very important for the success of the colony. This must be part of the test the expedition leaders have set for us.
Well, I was half right. The line is very easy to spot. Jora takes a few moments to try and think of a way to bypass the line, but before she can come up with anything, several more have already joined the queue. She sighs and concedes for now, but keeps an eye open for any opportunity to jump forward a few spaces.
Arken sighs and joins the line. It's only to be expected. I hope it won't be too long.
Xarann groans when he sees the line, loathe to stand and wait for his turn to speak with those leading the expedition. He thinks for a moment about forcing his way into the line, but just shakes his head when he realizes it would be better to stay undercover for the time being. He folds his arms and puts on his best antagonizing glare, figuring it will keep any of the other hopefuls from trying to start up a conversation.
On the boat, Illena quickly accepts Jeanuel's apology, understanding the situation that they had been put into. "I am sure you took a risk for me, and I won't forget that." She replies. "But why all this secrecy?"
---
Unlike many of the others waiting in line, Illena is chipper, still surprised to be here after the heartbreak of being told she wasn't coming. Still, she wasn't looking forward to another interview, especially one with her new (and still unfamiliar) identity.
Andoran - Almas - Citadel of the Supreme Elect
The line moves slowly but it moves.
The Citadel of the Supreme Elect is a walled complex that houses the offices and residence of the Supreme Elect, who is the chief executive of the democratic nation of Andoran, and who also serves as the mayor of its capital city, Almas. The small keep stands near the western end of the Field of Concord in the Liberty District of Almas. The citadel is topped by a large copper dome, and guarded by a battalion of Steel Falcons. The House of the Demarchy Assembly, which holds the offices of the ministers who advise the Supreme Elect, is also located within its walls, as are buildings that contain the offices of consuls, ministers, and other state officials.
In fact, once you are inside, you realize that the line was not all that long. A page brings each of you to a small administrative building where only a handful of people are seated and waiting. Within 15 more minutes those few people are in and out. Either the Seneschal denied these people quickly or his line of questioning is much abbreviated compared to how the Society vetted its Members.
As you enter the office, a wizened old human hunched over with bad posture waves you forward. His outfit is ostentatious and slightly big for his skinny frame. His eyes though are sharp as an Eagles and his voice strong and clear.
"Greetings, tell me about yourself before the interview begins".
After listening to the old wizard, Kesari relied, "My name is Kesari. I come from a village in the Bandaron jungle in Vudra. I was admitted to the Monastery of the White Crane on the isle of Jalmeray, where I studied spiritual, mental and martial arts. I'm a strong swimmer and a natural climber. I'm used to getting along in the wild and using the gifts of nature.
"I've always wanted to explore new lands and uncover forgotten lore, so this expedition offers me the opportunity to pursue my childhood dream."
"My name's Arken Wazyr. I was born in River Kingdoms. I never really received any formal education, but I know my way around ruins, caves and wilderness - adventuring does that to you. This expedition is a great opportunity to continue doing what I do best - delve into unknown and explore."
Jora had taken the Venture Captain's advice to heart, and wanted to ensure her answers this time around were free of nerves or jitters. This time when the questioning began, she already knew exactly what she wanted to say.
"My name is Jora Penn. I'm an archaeologist of sorts, specializing in the study of underwater ruins and sunken ships. However, that isn't the reason you'll want to hire me. You'll want to hire me because I've been studying Ancient Azlanti for most of my life. I speak and read the language fluently. I know nearly all public information about their culture, and I'm confident you won't find anyone more qualified."
Jeanuel looked relieved as he stood back up and took to a bit of the wall to lean against as he began scratching at his head trying to think out her question and how best to answer it. "I, myself, am a half sibling to an accomplished Pathfinder...were even my name to be uttered, I would likely immediately be under suspicion of favoritism from our allies in the Pathfinders and dismissed by our employers for being to close to the Pathfinders for their taste." he said as he began to comb back down the hair he mussed up.
He paused for a moment and then continued "I assume you have similar background in some manner. But the company that is hiring adventurers has a distaste for the Pathfinder Society. So if even a hint of that in our background shows, then we'd be immediately dismissed...as was shown in our test by the guild. So, we've been given new false identities to remove our background from the equation, now we simply must rely on our cunning and knowledge to secure the jobs, and sneak into the expedition right under their noses." he said hoping that the explanation was adequate enough.
---------
Jeanuel walked into the office and quickly appraised the man behind the desk. It seemed this was the first hurtle. "Ah, if only I could be so easily be introduced and informed of by a few mere words or even minutes. I am Elderbrant Heirbrine, third son of the Heirbrine lineage of Cheliax. As a noble of the finest breeding, I was instructed with the utmost care and afforded the finest tutors money could offer. I've chosen to step out of the shadow of my family name to prove myself worthy of stealing the title of heir from my brothers." he said, his fingers working as a comb through his hair as he spoke. He smiled pleasantly at the man.
"As I stated, even perhaps a book couldn't tell the tale of my soul properly....but I assure you I am more than prepared for this expedition." he said, trying to stare the man down with an intense stare much a kin to a predator looking at his prey.
"My name is..." Xarann takes a breath for a minute, almost forgetting his cover identity. "Aenon Malas. For much of my life, I have been a wanderer; I have gone from ship to ship, port to port in search of the spark that makes life worth living. Many years ago, I spent some time aboard the Emperor's Blessing, and learned many secrets of the Tien monasteries. Not only am I an accomplished sailor... but I can keep other colonists safe." Xarann makes a gesture to his impressive physique. "I am as good a sailor as any, and thrice the warrior. I may not be a scholar, nor some sort of archaeologist, but those who are would be quite safer having me by their side."
Bows greatly to the old man, and starts into her small speech. " I am Aleasia. I hear the adventure will call for some underwater work. I happen to belong to a family of sea elves, if my gills are not clue enough. I feel that my ability to swim and breath underwater will aid any discovery needed, and I would like the chance to help settle the area, and give some of my people a new home to trade and live in. I can handle myself in a fight, and have trained in underwater fighting mostly."
Andoran - Almas - Citadel of the Supreme Elect
Blinks, unsure how to answer that. She truthful had only her experience living in warmer waters, but nothing she would call tropical, and voices such. But on the final question posed to her, she states " If by small time fishing trips count, plenty. You must pack and hunt with the group, and position all best where they need to be. However, as far as something of what I assume this is, none really. I could understand what is needed, but having no local connections, I doubt I could organize one. Having a leader who knows what they are doing helps, I do know that." She awaits anything further, her nerves t making the cut obvious as her gills flair every few seconds.
Jora had been expecting the question about the climate. It was the other one that threw her off slightly. Were they expecting her to be a leader of some sort? She used the answer to the first question to buy herself more time to think of an answer for the second.
"I am a daughter of the Green Faith. I have yet to encounter any environment that has proved too difficult for me to handle, and I doubt a tropical one will be any different. Heat and humidity have never been obstacles for me before."
"Unfortunately, most of my expeditions so far have been solo missions. I can handle the logistics well enough, but it's difficult to organize and manage a large group without either great prestige or significant financial backing. I have yet to acquire either one, but I believe this expedition will change that."
Since his interview in Absolom, Kesari had thought about what he could say about answering such a question.
"Well, when I was growing up, I organized my siblings and cousins to pull pranks on our elders. There was one that involved a fairly elaborate setup, with some of the others pretending that they had seen a particularly large spider. They convinced my uncle to come and look beneath a large tree. I was hiding in the branches above with a realistic puppet controlled by strings (we spent quite a bit of time building that one). When the moment was right, I dropped it onto his shoulder. You should have seen the look on his face!"
"I have experience in forests, and have read about jungles and rain-forests, so in a couple of days I'll be at home. As for the organizing expeditions part - well, I've put together a group once to explore some ruins. Social stuff isn't exactly my forte, but it went well enough - me and another guy kept it together for the whole time. I won't lie - it was probably the hardest task I've ever done."
"I suppose that depends on how you define 'surviving'. I've stayed in tropical ports, but never had much need to survive inland. Once or twice we had to venture in, but that was a large expedition with a well-prepared crew. There wasn't much I had to do, other than let the others do their job. Again, I wasn't really in charge of the expedition aspect, either; I'm more of a follower in that regard. I just kept people safe."
Andoran - Almas - Citadel of the Supreme Elect -
We shall see as the Expedition advances if you are called upon to try your hand in it.
Your other qualifications are more than enough to make you worthy of a spot on this trip.
There are rooms at the Shining Sea Inn, head there and give the Innkeep my name. A room key will be waiting for you with only that information. Congratulations, you are on board! Tonight you'll meet those that you will journey with".
There are rooms at the Shining Sea Inn, head there and give the Innkeep my name. A room key will be waiting for you with only that information. Congratulations, you are on board! Tonight you'll meet those that you will journey with".
There are rooms at the Shining Sea Inn, head there and give the Innkeep my name. A room key will be waiting for you with only that information. Congratulations, you are on board! Tonight you'll meet those that you will journey with".
There are rooms at the Shining Sea Inn, head there and give the Innkeep my name. A room key will be waiting for you with only that information. Congratulations, you are on board! Tonight you'll meet those that you will journey with".
Now tell me, what experiences have you had surviving in tropical climates? What skills do you bring to the Expedition that would warrant me choosing you over others? Also, what experiences have you had in organizing expeditions, if any?"
"Thank you, sir!, Kesari replied. He took his leave and walked out onto the streets of Almas. He looked around, taking in the exotic sights and sounds of the metropolis; although smaller than Absalom, it still seemed impossibly vast and crowded to him. His curiosity beckoned him off in a dozen different directions, but in the end he asked for directions to the Shining Sea Inn.
When Kesari arrived at the inn, he walked into the lobby, carrying all his worldly possessions in his backpack. "Excuse me," he said tp the person at the desk. "Mr. Smedrik said I should come here. My name is Kesari."
Jeanuel shook his head. He had taken a bit longer than he meant to to try and hash out his words. He smiled "Forgive me, even I have my words escape me sometimes. Well then, let's see. Well, of course I have had experience organizing things. I've had servants most of my life, setting up and sending the servants off on the tasks of the day when things change is something I took advantage of learning from time to time. While it's true that they work for my family, they obviously can go to my father if they feel my tasks were a waste of time." he started.
He tapped his chin "I've gone many places on outings, diplomatic or otherwise. Between my various encounters in here, there, and otherwise I've talked myself into and out of many a delicate situation. Some say that the battlefield is perhaps the most deadly, however I've always viewed the political battlefield to be even more deadly. After all, your words can kill not only your reputation but that of your family for even generations. I've picked up a couple of languages over the years;...Abyssal, thank you of course Cheliax for your fine example, Elven, delightful people, amazing wine, and of course my hobby the Ancient language of the Azlanti people." he said smiling.
He took a few moments "Of course, there are many other skills at my employ; picking locks for when my words have gotten me in trouble, what aspiring actor and singer would be hard pressed not to have some skill in the art of disguising oneself and slipping around unnoticed" he said before leaning forwards and whispering "Slipping around has been very useful a few times let me tell you." he said before sitting up straight again.
He finally came to the end of his speech "Of course, the circumstances of my particular home has given me eyesight in the ways of magic but I've not had major training in the ways of magic but I feel I've picked up a fair bit almost intuitively even." he said grinning feeling he's sold 'himself' well. "Would you...have any further inquiries into my own capabilities?" he asked batting his lashes a bit.