"We bear the sword of Honaria Alcasti," Ezren says to the construct, waving a hand toward Valeros to indicate that he holds the weapon. "The weapon deemed us worthy and our intentions just, and so should you."
The owl seems to nod and replies that Syagra Tetranella, one of Honaria’s comrades in arms, had always held out faith that the Empire would
come to its senses and Honaria would be exonerated. When Honaria instead died in public ignominy, Syagra
began a long slide into bitterness and resentment. Swearing vengeance for her friend, Syagra cast the blame
on Italice Cenabri, a prominent adviser to the crown. In truth, many people shared responsibility for Honaria’s
disgrace, but Italice served as a convenient scapegoat for Syagra’s rage and sorrow.
After years of preparations, Syagra carried out her plan to assassinate Italice, fleeing from justice and escaping
into the wilderness. She eventually made her way to the mountains where the Alcasti family had given Honaria
a hero’s burial in the family tomb. In her single-minded devotion, Syagra broke into the tomb, planning to
leave Italice’s head as an offering to Honaria’s memory.
Ironically, in her attempts to honor her friend, Syagra was forced to smash apart the tomb guardians and vandalize
most of the magical wards.
As Syagra turned to exit Honaria’s burial chamber, Italice’s clockwork familiar Amantius confronted her.
Syagra struck him down and left him as another twisted offering to Honaria’s memory. When the Alcasti family next returned to the tomb
and saw its ruined state, they resolved to find anotherplace to bury their dead, and to one day restore the tomb to its former glory.
The owl admits he initially blamed Honaria for Italice’s death
as well, his centuries of reflection in her tomb
have changed his opinion. Despite his bitterness and despair, he admits that he believes in Honaria’s innocence—though he does not hold a high opinion of Honaria, he does not believe any of this to be something she would have wanted.
What do you do now?
Do you take the skulls, or Honaria’s corpse?
What about her accolades, including an impressive collection of military ribbons and medals.
Ezren bows his head to think while the construct tells its tale. When it has finished, the wizard looks at the metallic bird and asks, "If you wish to exonerate the sins of your mistress, Italice, perhaps you could recount this tale for the public to hear. Would you be willing to come with us? Our employer, Remaio Alcasti, simply asked us to deliver him some of Honaria's accolades as proof of her heroism. If you were to accompany us, however, your testimony in defense of Honaria's innocence would provide incontrovertible proof on her behalf."
Amiri looks at the owl thinking that the old man's suggestion was wise.
With the owl and the laurels you return to your boss.
Now just one last job to do. Present the Findings at the court.
Each of you receives a letter and a courtiers outfit.
Remaio meets you outside the palace where Eutropia is holding court.
Dressed in his new finery, and with Italice's construct and Remaio beside him on either side, Ezren steps forward.
"Honorable Eutropia, ladies and gentlemen of the court, I, Ezren, Wizard of Absalom and the Pathfinder Society, along with my companions, bring to you a matter of great importance. For generations, a crime has been committed against this man and his ancestors," he motions to Remaio, then continues. "For all these years, the Alcasti family, which was once held in high esteem in your nation and throughout the world, has been subject to the ridicule and disrespect due to those deemed as traitors of the state. This is a grave error and sin against the Alcastis. The charges brought against Honaria Alcasti, the charges for which she and her family were doomed to ignominy, were the machinations of one person and her co-conspirators, Italice Cenabri. This construct, which belonged to Lady Cenabri before her death, can bear witness to the falsehood of these charges. In addition to this testimony, we bring before you evidence of the honors this great nation once paid to the great Honaria Alcasti, to remind you of the faithful and extraordinary service she paid to the crown and to the country she loved." Ezren motions to the others to bring forward the sword, the laurels and medals, and everything else we've retrieved in our various missions. "In light of this testimony and of this evidence, we beseech the court and the crown to restore the honor, title, and station of the Alcasti family, including all of its descendants - deceased, living, or yet to live - until either its line shall fail or Golarion perish, whichever comes first. Thank you. Long live the king!"
Please do a Knowledge Nobility:
father, even though according to the current laws of Taldor, only male heirs are eligible to inherit the throne.
her inheritance to the Senate will eventually succeed, and believe that the progressive vision of Taldor that she supports is the best way to shake
off centuries of stagnation.
You will be called in one hour to offer your testemony.
You can talk to several officials. You need a DC 16 to get the NPC to Friendly, or 21 to helpfull.
There are the following dignitaries:
PRINCESS EUTROPIA
GLORIANA MORILLA She is talking to Aayef Ghazali
DOMINICUS RELL
FATHER BASRI
INKA HELDOTOR
CAPTAIN SEFERI
SOLMON MENANDER
THEON CENABRI
PRINCESS EUTROPIA
GLORIANA MORILLA
DOMINICUS RELL
FATHER BASRI
INKA HELDOTOR
CAPTAIN SEFERI
SOLMON MENANDER
THEON CENABRI
|
At the way to the court Merisiel suggests Ezren.
"Maybe your magic will help us a bit, Old Man, coz it seems to me that all of us don't have enough experience in talking to nobles."
PRINCESS EUTROPIA
GLORIANA MORILLA
DOMINICUS RELL
FATHER BASRI
INKA HELDOTOR
CAPTAIN SEFERI
SOLMON MENANDER
THEON CENABRI
Valeros clears his throat as he speaks.
We have found the character and reputation of Honaria Alcasti beyond reproach. I humbly submit that you listen to our testimony and examine our findings and judge accordingly.
PRINCESS EUTROPIA You manage to chat a bit with the princess, but she is too savy to be swayed by diplomacy. But you learn that she is interested in befriending Dominicus Rell and the Ulfen Guard, as future assets in her bid for the throne.
GLORIANA MORILLA You manage to make Gloriana helpful.
DOMINICUS RELL still Unfriendly You learn that Dominicus is interestd in Historical events. (Maybe a successful Know History?)
FATHER BASRI Started Helpful
INKA HELDOTOR You learn that Inka first want´s some show of strength!
If you manage to impress her you can make her to ally with the princess.CAPTAIN SEFERI You learn that she bullied her way into court via blackmail and bribery, and its clear that many nobles do not care for
her presence. She is a Zimar Corsair, a pirate in service to Taldor’s Imperial Navy. Maybe if you help her fit in better. Know Nobility or sense motive?SOLMON MENANDER No change You notice that he is a bitter man, but a perfrom oratory check to complain about Taldor’s bureaucracy. This would really make you an ally!
THEON CENABRI Unfriendly
Maybe if one or two people would aid Merisel?
PRINCESS EUTROPIA
GLORIANA MORILLA
DOMINICUS RELL
FATHER BASRI
INKA HELDOTOR
CAPTAIN SEFERI
SOLMON MENANDER
THEON CENABRI
Merisiel is very much able to aid the Corsair and gives her valueable hints how to blend in better. And gained an useful voice.
Anyone else want to try to impress one of the dignitarys, who are immune to diplomacy. (Can´t be done on the princess)
Seeing that the diplomatic approach is failing to sway the man, Ezren speaks to Theon Cenabri with a different tone. "Listen, Lord Cenabri, your family has been among the nobility of this nation for a long time. It would be a shame if evidence were to come to light that shows your house to be unworthy of its titles. Perhaps if you help us restore the Alcastis to their rightful place of honor, you will not need to lose your station. Everyone wins."
PRINCESS EUTROPIA You manage to chat a bit with the princess, but she is too savy to be swayed by diplomacy. But you learn that she is interested in befriending Dominicus Rell and the Ulfen Guard, as future assets in her bid for the throne.
GLORIANA MORILLA You manage to make Gloriana helpful.
DOMINICUS RELL still Unfriendly You learn that Dominicus is interestd in Historical events. (Maybe a successful Know History? or maybe some old trinket
FATHER BASRI Started Helpful
INKA HELDOTOR NeutralYou learn that Inka first want´s some show of strength!
If you manage to impress her you can make her to ally with the princess.
CAPTAIN SEFERI You learn that she bullied her way into court via blackmail and bribery, and its clear that many nobles do not care for
her presence. She is a Zimar Corsair, a pirate in service to Taldor’s Imperial Navy. Maybe if you help her fit in better. Know Nobility or sense motive? Merisiel did so = Friendly
SOLMON MENANDER: Neutral No change You notice that he is a bitter man, but a perfrom oratory check to complain about Taldor’s bureaucracy. This would really make you an ally!
THEON CENABRI Unfriendly [DC 21 Diplo]
Ezren speaks to Dominicus Rell, talking at length with him about the historical events he had learned about while investigating Honaria Alcasti's life and accomplishments.
Ezren quickly and easely impresses DOMINICUS RELL. Also Ezren has a feeling that Dominicus will fall in with others, if you manage to befriend a total of 6 people of the court. (3 Done)
Valeros steps back and gets his sword out and goes through some of his fighting style in a show of force of arms for Inka.
And after his show, Valeros shows the old sword he found in the crypt to Dominicus.
I found this in the scatterings in our search for evidence. Pretty handy against the guardian we encountered.
Amiri watches as Valeros goes through his practice thrusts with Inka. Inka looks rather unimpressed. Insulted at how long these nobles are taking Amiri moves up to Inka.
"You have disinterest in your eyes. The bladesmanship has not impressed you. I challenge you test your strength against mine. Let us wrestle and see if we are worthy of your support?"
Valeros steps back and gets his sword out and goes through some of his fighting style in a show of force of arms for Inka.
[dice=CMB]1d20+3
[ooc]A Strength check. D20+ str modifier ;-). I will give you a +2 on it.
Dominicus very gladly accepts the sword.
But then Amiri offers a test of strength. She will offer her right arm for a wrestlematch. Just substract the beards.
Space is cleared for Amiri and Inka. The barbarian turns and sneers at her companions . Her eyes aflame with the sheer fire of determination looks at her opponent and grabs Inka's right arm with her left.
It takes long seconds but gradually gradually Amiri manages to lower Inkas fist. With a smile the Ulfen woman takes Amiri to the bar and after two enourmos mugs you found a friend.
Lini, on the dot! He is now Friendly Solmon hints about Remaio’s illicit financial behavior, and offers to tell the PCs a secret for 20 gold pieces.
Valeros is approached by GLORIANA MORILLA. She tells you that Solmon Menander has some suggestive letters—while not incriminating, they are enough to create suspicion if the wrong person got hold of them.
Gloriana asks Valeros to try to take a look at the letters.
Amiri will donate 7 gp. also has 14 gp altogether
Intrigued by the possibility of discovering some unknown information about their employer, Ezren, along with a couple of the other party members, pays Solmon for his secret.
Soloman reveals Remaio’s long history of taking bribes, and notes that Remaio funded the PCs’ quests with ill-gotten gold. Solmon wryly admits he sympathizes—the Taldan government is dysfunctional, and Remaio is
barely given one month’s pay for six months of work.
Ezren fumes as he hears about Remaio's deception. He's hardly able to believe Soloman as he reveals the truth about their employer. He feels some sympathy at hearing how poorly Remaio is paid, but feels certain that his illicit behavior will harm their case to restore the Alcasti name.
In order to work off his frustration and hopefully help their case, he speaks to Dominicus Rell and Inka Heldotor about joining aiding the Princess in her bid for the throne when the time comes.
Recap
PRINCESS EUTROPIA:neutral Not swayed by diplomacy, interested to gain favor with Dominicus Rell and Inka Heldotor
GLORIANA MORILLA: Helpful would like a look at Solomon´s letters
DOMINICUS RELL: neutral Moved from unfriendly to neutral
FATHER BASRI: helpful for aiding with the basilicas treasures
INKA HELDOTOR: friendly by Alains musclework could now be swayed to support the princess.
CAPTAIN SEFERI:friendly by Lems guidance
SOLMON MENANDER: neutral Moved from unfriendly to neutral But now open to diplomacy. Still has some letters. Maybe some more coins or another diploamcy check
THEON CENABRI: unfriendly for not bringing the remains of his ancestor home. Still some work to be done here.
Ezren speaks to Inka about supporting the princess when the time comes for her to make her bid for the throne. "You know, Miss Heldotor, I am rather impressed by strong young women such as you and my friend Amiri. It's not only your strength for your own uses, though, it's the way you can lend your strength to make others strong. Take the Princess for example. She has great potential to be a strong and just leader for this nation, but its traditions would prevent her from realizing that potential. Perhaps if you were to lend her your support, you could make her strong enough to overcome these traditions that hold the nation back in the past. Help her to rule, and you will make all of Taldor strong again!"
His pleas apparently fall on deaf ears, so the old wizard makes his way elsewhere, and attempts to get some help from Solmon Menander. Perhaps he could have a look at Menander's letters and see how they might affect things.
Again, he fails to sway the man with words, so instead he offers the rest of his wealth to see if his gold will speak more fluidly than his tongue.
Finally, Ezren tries to speak again to Theon Cenabri. Hearing that the man is upset that the group did not recover his ancestor's remains from the Alcasti tomb, he explains that they thought it best to allow his ancestor to rest where they were. Perhaps if he were to help Remaio with his return from ignominy, Remaio could return the favor by sending someone to retrieve the remains.