(PFS) GM Alice's The Blakros Matrimony (Inactive)

Game Master Alice Margatroid

Shel pours herself a cup of spirits and makes her way to Tancred's side. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Desimire. I'm Shel, I'm with the Pathfinders, by the way. I didn't see you around until late yesterday, but, I'm sure you've had a lot on your plate recently. I heard all about your brother's transgressions with Apsis Consortium. Terrible about all that and the fallout. Those Apsis and their sympathizers are bad people, you know. I'm glad you appear to be on the correct side."

Diplpmacy 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Don't forget the +4 with our discovery check earlier, Shel.

Kynrac waits patiently for Shel to finish introducing herself before he approaches Desimire himself, eager to meet that mysterious man. When the time comes, the elven lorekeeper nods curteously to the Chelaxian and addresses him with a formal tone, displaying proudly a small silver token pinned to his robes.

Well met, Sir. We haven't been properly introduced. I am Kynrac Chronarion, friend of the House of Thrune and member of the Pathfinder Society. I have heard much about you, and about the mourned Aglorn. Despite the differences you might have had with your brother, losing someone so close is an unspeakable loss. Undoubtedly that harpy of a Paracountess should atone for the consequences of her action in some sort. Regardless, consider that you have my full support.

Diplomacy (on his own, not an aid another): 1d20 + 12 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 3 + 4 = 33

Aw hell, thanks for that Kynrac...I had completely forgotten. That makes Shel a 22!

Marking his gift among the pile of presents for the newlyweds, Mifune nodded once in affirmation of its relative safety before making his way to the refreshments.

Giving Jeon Raeng-Woo a smile and a nod of his head, the samurai procured two drinks before leaving his compatriot to his own devices.

Scanning the crowd, the consummate warrior seemed to be in search of someone or something, which by the smile on his face, he had found. Making a beeline to the sullen Alexander Bedard, Mifune gave the dejected looking man a respectful bow before offering him one of the two drinks in his hands.

"A good evening to you, Master Bedard. This one has little to offer but a drink and quiet, but attentive company."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 10 - 4 = 13

Terrill gnashes his teeth in frustration at the reception, thinking, Damn, damn, damn. I thought I had Bedard all sewn up and settled down, and he had to make that scene at the ceremony. It’s going to be an uphill battle to get back in his good graces. Maybe I can learn something useful to help make amends if I keep an ear open, folks are sure to be talking about Bedard’s little show. Let’s see what I can pick up.

Silver tankard in hand, Terrill makes his way through the crowds, unobtrusively entering groups of chatting guests and listening for any gossip about the man who made such a scene during the wedding.

Perception, to eavesdrop: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Sense Motive, since it seems appropriate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Not sure if this approach will work, but it seems that Terrill is the last person (mechanically and story-wise) who will be able to make up to Bedard. He’ll be happy to aid anyone else who tries, though.

+1 to the result of my last roll for a whopping 14 on my Diplomacy check! :D

Jakarno keeps Shel company on her attempt at Desimire, but Kynrac's effort proves incredibly effective, and so he joins in on his words. "Bahrnabus Behtleby Buhn. Pahthfahnder." Barnabus says with a bow. "The Pahthfahnder Socahity is a goohd friehnd teh hahve ohn mahny mahtters." Barnabus says. "Ouhr greaht shahme when ohne meddles ihn ouhr true business, ahnd we ahre willing teh work with ahny who ahre truly ihnterehsted in the discohvery ahnd prehservation of ahrtifacts."

Diplomacy to aid Kynrac. 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Trys seeks out the Groom during the reception; making herself available during a social lul, she smiles coyly at him.

Shel, Kynrac, and Jakarno,

Tancred's pleasant (if static) smile immediately slips from his face as soon as Shel mentions his brother - and even worse, the awkward little matter of the Aspis Consortium. Those dignitaries around him begin to mutter to each other behind his back, shooting questioning looks the Chelaxian's way, both at the revelation and the fact that it was incredibly odd to see Tancred silenced by another. The blood drains from his already pale skin as Tancred struggles to maintain his composure, although he does - with time - offer a thin-lipped smile once more.

"Why... thank you for your concern, Shel, Kynrac," he says smoothly, although you notice he grips his goblet incredibly tightly. "How kind of you to... go out of your way to speak to me of this matter." He looks down upon Jakarno with a confused frown; he seems to debate something internally before opting to ignore the strange-talking gnome.

Still - on some level, you sense that he warms to the Pathfinders over the course of your conversation, particularly when Kynrac steps in to smooth over ruffled feathers. The elven oracle's apparent disapproval of the Paracountess certainly wins him many points in Tancred's book, and soon enough the rigidity of his stance is replaced by his usual confident swagger.

"It is wonderful to see a friend of Thrune in the Pathfinders - one that can clearly see the deceit behind that woman," Tancred says with vigour, clearly incensed by this discussion. "It would be so wonderful to dislodge her claws from the Society and put a much more... suitable candidate in the organisation in her stead, don't you agree? Perhaps you might speak with your superiors on the matter for me..." Tancred takes a sip from his goblet, eyeing up Kynrac closely to gauge his reaction.

Tancred is fully influenced now from this.

----------------------------

Terrill,

As you might have expected, the spectacle caused by Bedard during the ceremony has certainly caused the grapevine to come alive with snippets and rumours of him. Nobles worth their salt would never let a chance to snippet and backstab pass them by, after all. A particularly interesting conversation trail catches your ear on your rounds of the pavilion...

"Oh, that thing with the Andoran earlier was just ghastly," opines one woman dressed in what appears to be more frill than attire.

"Yes, yes, simply terrible," enthuses her conversational partner, a halfling wearing a pinstripe suit.

"I cannot believe that he actually fell for the woman!"

"Yes, yes, quite funny, actually," the halfling notes with a grin.

"Good grief. A man of his age and political clout still believing in the fairy tale of love?" The woman is incredulous, laughing in an obnoxiously high-pitched manner.

"Yes, yes, although Damien and Michellia do put up a good show of it."

"Well, they have to, you know? At least here today. I mean, I wouldn't be surprised to see either of them with a lover on the side, given time. I heard that Ham--"

"Shhh!" the halfling raises his fingers to his lips before the woman continues, nodding pointedly to Hamaria chatting happily not too far away from them. "Bad move!"

"R-Right," the woman clears her throat. "Ah, but I cannot blame Michellia either for picking Kastner over Bedard."

"Yes, yes. Damien is quite the good sort, very respectable family. Lots of money behind his family, too."

"Bedard might have built his own fortune, but I mean, look at him! You'd be worried he'd waste his fortunes on orphanage or something."

"Yes, yes. Not a very respectable looking fellow on the whole."

"And it's not like he's innocent either. I don't believe for a second that a single person who went chasing after Michellia wasn't doing it to get into the Blakroses' pocket."

Success! You'll get a +4 bonus on checks with Bedard provided you bring up his failed attempt at winning Michellia's hand in marriage.

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Mifune,

Bedard scarcely looks up at you as you arrive, although he does rather roughly accept the drink - only to scull it down as quick as he can. You suspect that it's not the first drink to have been downed in such a manner.

"Here to rub it in, are we?" he mutters despondently. "Don't even bother. Just leave me alone."

If you can bring up the topic mentioned to Terrill above, you'll get the +4 bonus... which might just be enough to sway Bedard over a little...

----------------------------

Trys,

It takes you some time to get close enough to the groom considering the gaggle of other guests around he and his newlywed, but eventually you're able to approach with a coy smile. He returns it with a nod, only the barest of forced smiles permanently fixated upon his face.

The well-worn smile on Mifune's face hid a thousand needles behind each of his words as he tilted his head just a tad, appearing that much more disarming as he spoke to the melancholic man.

"Rub it in, Master Bedard? Do you perhaps mean the passionate spectacle from earlier today? Or do you perhaps mean the failed attempt at courting a maiden of the Blakros lineage?"

Kynrac smiles faintly as he nods and says on a conspirational tone, almost whispering, to Tandred's ear:

You can count on my support, my superiors will be apprised of this situation. Though my report would certainly prove more effective if you had any proof of the Paracountess's involvement to help the Society put her out of the picture. I think her... lusty ways don't serve the Society well, nor Cheliax for that matter. I put my faith in order, and it is high time it is restored. Would you know anything that could help me in my task, perchance?

Taking a sip of wine from his glass, Kynrac stops for a moment, before finishing.

Regardless of this, be assured of the Society's sincerest condolences for your brother - as well as mine.

Mifune,

Bedard looks sharply up at Mifune, his face pained. "Either. Both. I presume the entire party is talking about it by now. So what do you want from me? Surely you don't want rumours about you starting up by association with me."

There's a loud dinging that breaks the conversation for a moment as Hamaria stands up and requests everyone to return to their tables. Bedard sighs and begins to head for the exit. He pauses only briefly to say back to Mifune,

"Go back to your fellows and enjoy the party. Don't waste your time with a foolish old man."

Feel free to continue with Bedard into the next lot of Influence checks if you like, even though I'm moving on somewhat after this. It'll be like one big conversation; perhaps you skipped joining the table, or perhaps left to return shortly, for example.

------

Kynrac,

Tancred smiles widely at Kynrac's offer, his eyes gleaming; he seems to have completely forgotten the presence of the two small-folk, let alone the other guests he was previously speaking to.

He replies, his dulcet tones equally low, "Not here, certainly, not now... but I am working on it, you can be sure. I have little scraps of evidence here and there; but I hope to soon have the perfect excuse for the Society soon. I will keep in touch, I assure you."

-----

There's a sudden clang of a bell to break through the noise of the pavilion as Hamaria Blakros takes to the small stage, calling all guests to attention. "Please return to your seats, friends" the matron requests with a smile, "for we have some wonderful speeches coming up." The liquor table is briefly packed as guests hurry to get a refill for what would no doubt be an extended period of sitting through more boring sermons.

The Pathfinders are directed to their seats, sharing a table with Lady Gloriana Morilla, Trade Prince Aaqir al'Hakam and his partner, and a group of their aides. Gloriana smiles particularly fondly at Shel, whispering in her ear as the halfling takes a seat.

Zarta Dralneen is seated elsewhere, alongside several other Chelaxians... including Tancred Desimire, who seems quite perturbed at having to share a table with her. (He's pointedly sitting on the opposite side to her, you might note.) The head table is filled with a delegation of Blakros family member and important relatives, including, of course, the bride and groom, plus a seat for Hamaria Blakros.

Once everyone is seated, Hamaria begins with what would no doubt be the first of many speeches, extolling her daughter's many virtues. Though Michellia is still young, she assures the audience of her ability to take the mantle of running the Blakros family's estates and interests when the time came. For Damian, Hamaria has fewer words, but praises his dedication and discipline, and the respect he has shown to all the family. A plethora of other speeches and congratulations continue after Hamaria takes her seat again, the extended Blakros family expanding on their love for Michellia and their acceptance of Damian into their midst.

Eventually, Michellia Blakros stands to make her own proclamation. Although quiet in tone, she speaks with a force that all can hear.

"Good people of Absalom and beyond, I firstly wish to thank you all for coming. I will strive to be worthy of all the expectations you have for myself and for my marriage."

"While the Hellknights of the Order of the Scourge have lost a loyal and noble soldier, the Blakroses have gained a new member of our esteemed clan--my husband, Damian Kastner." She turns to look upon the groom with a smile. "As a symbol of this union, and in gratutide for all he gives me, I offer him--I offer you, Damian--the Blakros name, so that you will ever be known as a member of our elite, illustrious family. May you ever bring honour to it."

The groom then stands and speaks himself, raising his glass towards Hamaria and the rest of his new family.

"My lady does me the greatest of courtesies. I proudly accept the Blakros name, and our children shall bear the name after me. There are few gifts I could give in response that would parallel the honour my wife has bestowed upon me, but all the same I shall offer something that my new family will hopefully find valuable."

"To my wife, Michellia Blakros, I offer my family's long-held manor of Ostergarde."

Damian's announcement causes an immediate commotion from the crowd, particularly from the table with the Chelaxians. Audible whispers and speech drown the pavilion as assembled guests show a mixture of horror and satisfaction ad the proclamation. (The horror mostly comes from the Chelaxians, of course, although they seek to regain their composure as soon as possible.)

Damian smiles slightly at the reaction his words have set off in the crowd. He lifts his wine glass very slightly in the direction of Tancred Desimire, who seems to have gone paler than he already was, and who does not lift his glass in answer.

Once the murmurs from the crowd die down, Michellia and Damian move to make the ceremonial first cut of the take together. A servant then takes over, and shortly thereafter the rich chocolate wedding cake is passed around to all desiring guests. The music begins anew, and you are free to spend your time how you will.

Moving on to another round of Influence checks. Only Bedard remains uninfluenced.

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Knowledge (history), retry with Knowledge of Ages: 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 4 = 14

Kynrac ponders for a moment, then shrugs and concludes that the manor of Ostergarde must have been a closely-watched secret by the Chelish state, because the lorekeeper is unable to remember anything about it. Who knows, maybe an opportunity to learn more about it will present itself later?

Standing up from his chair, the elf nods at his companions, motioning them to follow him to visit Bedard once more and try mend fences with the Andoran. Kynrac adopts an apologetic and compassionate look for the situation. Before reaching the torn man, he discreetly prays Irori to guide his words. Casting Guidance

Bedard, I feel we owe you an apology. My companions and I have discussed the matter of your... earlier intervention. I speak in their name to express how inappropriate and clumsy it was of us to speak out against one of our allies, and against a blooming love. For that, I present you our sincerest apologies. We have come to understand that while our society is structured by law, the same law can constitute iron-bound shackles to people's free will. I do believe that Michellia has great tenderness for you and your truthful feelings. She might even...

The loremaster suddenly stops, playing his dramatic effect to the fullest of his capability. He resumes, whispering to Bedard.

I know I shouldn't... but I've heard things. I don't know... but you have to know. Do not give up hope, for secret love can bloom in a thousand more colours than dry, official, law-bound marriage. I pray thee, friend, not to give in to despair, but to raise your chin high, as a proud son of Andoran, and live with a hope that no one can take away from you!

Already rolling diplomacy, feel free to aid another.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 4 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 1 - 4 + 4 = 24

"True love always seems to find its way, in my experience. Never give up on seeking it, no matter the impediments in your way. The chase makes the reward that much better."

Aid another Diplomacy 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 4 = 21

Terrill joins Kynrac in attempting to mollify Bedard, discreetly looking to Desna for support before approaching. guidance here too

"Councillor Bedard, I too would offer my apology for speaking out the way I did. After discussing it amongst ourselves, I have come to see your point, and I share my friend's hope that your undoubted love can flower, even if it must do so in the shadows."

Diplomacy, Aid Kynrac: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 4 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 - 4 + 4 = 13

"Foolish is hardly the word that this one would choose for you, Master Bedard. Idealistic, perhaps. Love-struck, most definitely. But foolish? You are much too hard on yourself."

Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 + 10 + 4 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 4 - 4 + 1 = 18

Sorry for the delay! Last assignment of the year was due yesterday and I was scrambling to bugfix it. But I should be far less busy from now on - just studying for my finals!

----------

Bedard is not as easy to find now - you have to make your way outside of the pavilion, away from the curious and judging glances of nobles and aristocrats, to find the Andoren sailor relaxing by himself outside. When you locate him, he is seated upon an old barrel pulled up nearby one of the main pegs holding the marquee in place, appearing decidedly pensive. Littering the grass at his feet are more than a couple of empty tankards, as well as the barely-touched remains of a slice of the wedding cake. Seems that someone was kind enough to bring him a piece, at least.

He simply sighs upon noticing the group of Pathfinders approach him to apologise, appearing quite weary of the 'games' being played today. "I thought I told you," he looks pointedly at Mifune, "to leave me alone? Now you come back with back-up..." Terrill notices that Alexander is pointedly avoiding his gaze, perhaps in disappointment, or perhaps in shame - it's hard to tell.

The offering of an apology seems to confuse Bedard, and he shakes his head. "No, I will not accept your apologies. An old blow-hard like me doesn't deserve any, not for almost ruining Michellia's wedding like this. But... I appreciate the thought." He almost smiles at that... almost.

However, the continuing tact the Pathfinders take seems to shake away the melancholy, ever-so-slightly. The sailor seems taken aback at the suggestion that he might woo Michellia in some kind of unofficial affair, and yet at the same time you can see the light flicker in his eyes--the sweet taste of possibility and hope too strong for him to reject outright.

In the end, he simply smiles and shakes his head. "It is a marvellous thought, but not one I should really entertain for too long. A wonderful idea to nurse while my heart is rend in twain, but not a crutch I should rely on in the long-term."

Bedard stands, serious but obviously much less upset than he was previous. He extends his hand to the Pathfinders in turn--in particular Terrill, who he mutters an apology to as well. "Thank you for being so concerned about me, though. It is not something I expected out of anyone here, and it is much more than I deserve. I will not forget the kindness you've showed me this day, that is certain."

And that's a full turn-around for Bedard! Congrats, you've successfully influenced all the primary NPCs. Now to hope you don't mess it up with another of them from now on. ;)

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You spend a little bit of time conversing with Bedard henceforth, and eventually he decides to rejoin the party, at least briefly, if only to apologise to Hamaria Blakros in person for the spectacle he has made. You follow him back inside the tent, and he waves you off before striding over to the matriarch, the confident swagger... not quite returned, but certainly looking better than his previous lost-puppy-dog look.

It's not long after you return that you are approached by a rather unexpected person... the groom himself. Damian Kastner--or, rather, Damian Blakros approaches your group with a serious expression. "Good afternoon, sirs, ladies. Could I request a moment of your time?" He nods over to an empty corner, ushering you into a more private conversation.

"Not too long after the speeches earlier, Michellia stepped out--just for a short time, she assured me." Indeed, looking around, you can confirm that the bride has since disappeared from the celebrations. "She told me she wished to visit her childhood home here on the island. A sudden bit of nostalgia, she said, but I can't help but wonder... Why now? Why could it not wait?"

Damian casts a dark glance over towards the table where the Chelaxians once sat. He says nothing, but his steely expression and tenseness say more than words probably could. No doubt he would have arrived in the Blakros family with his own share of shadows looming over his head.

"Pathfinders and Hellknights have little enough in common, but in one thing we are similar: we often fear the worst, in the name of vigilance. If you could walk to the ruins and simply... check on her, escort her back... I should be--" he grits his teeth slightly through the next words, "--grateful."

"I would go myself, but Hamaria expects me to be ingratiating myself with every contact the Blakros family has. Appearances dictate I remain present-- and forestall any awkwardness over my lady having left her own reception."

"Well? What say you?"

"I certainly don't mind going to check on her. Maybe she got distracted and simply lost track of time."

Terrill accepts Bedard's handshake and apology warmly, and says, "I'm glad we'll be leaving here on good terms, councillor. Call on me if you ever need anything."

-----------------------------

In response to Damian's begrudging request, Terrill responds in a tone bordering on sarcasm, "But of course, Master Blakros, it's our duty as Pathfinders to help out your new family. We are your servants in this matter, and we'll bring her back right away." Terrill heads for the exit.

Can we assume everyone's going to agree to this, and move into the next bit of the story (once Australia wakes up, of course)?

Kynrac takes leave from Bedard, beaming an honest smile of relief to see the Andoran move on and leave most of his burden behind.

--------------------

Nodding at Terrill's words, the lorekeeper acknowledge the fact that the Pathfinders will indeed do as he asks.

Agreed, let's move on!

Of course we will look for her. Perhaps some Andorans are keeping her distracted?

So what are the plans from here? Remember you likely do not have much on you - are you heading straight for the ruins, or what?

Would it be a breach of etiquette to get our equipment (armors and the like) at this point, since we are to provide Michellia with an escort? Damian seems to suggest something could go wrong. On the other hand, if something's really wrong we need to go there at once and not lose any time. What are the thoughts of the team?

Map of the Island

To get your gear would involve going back to the guest lodgings (C); it's unlikely anyone would see you if you did so, but of course it will take extra time. It's about a 10 minute walk from the pavilion (B) to the lodges (C) (five if you jog), a little more if you have 20 ft. speed. It's about 20 minute walk from the pavilion (B) to the ruins (E), or a 15 minute walk from the pavilion (B) to the docks (A).

Then I'm in favor of going straight there, but I'll follow the majority if they decide otherwise.

If we don't have any of our weapons, then I'd be in favor of going and getting our gear. I'm not expecting Diplomacy checks at the ruins.

So even having gone through the process of peace-bonding his katana and wakizashi, Mifune still wouldn't have been allowed to carry his weapon around?

If that is the case, then yea. I'm thinking we're stuck with the choice of heading back to get our gear.

If you think your character may have worn weapons to a wedding ceremony and subsequent party, then sure. Certainly if you did, if they were peacebonded they may not have attracted much attention - particularly if they were ornamental and not too large (e.g., a polearm or greatsword).

So the plan is to head back to the guest houses and grab your gear - how about putting armour on, for those who wear it? Time it takes to get in armor, for reference.

Alright, we'll head back. Since we're there, I'll put on my shiny mithril agile breastplate, with help if anyone can spare it. Maybe we should jog there - I have the Run feat, so it would cut the time needed for me to reach our room and hence I could already start putting on my armor.

As for Jakarno, he could already go towards the ruins and meet us before we enter them, and we could take anything he's want us to take. I'm suggesting this since obviously he'll run faster.

Shel can make straight for the ruins as well. She didn't bring any armor, and stowed her Kukri and wands in her bag.

Just waiting for a confirmation either way from Jakarno.

Jakarno will go straight to the ruins with Shel

Sorry to complicate things, but I just checked my description of Terrill's fancy duds, and they include his breastplate and elven curve blade - so he'd be willing to go straight to the ruins as well. Any chance we can stick together? I do hate splitting the party at moments like this.

Again, sorry to have argued for one thing and then switched sides - but no good will come from splitting up for 30+ minutes, when a part of the party is off exploring the mysterious ruins at night.

Trys is wearing her formal armor, and would have the weapons she brought along on her person.

I'm fine with heading there straight. It would greatly simplify the process anyway. Or if Mifune's left his arms at the room, I could run and get them for him (since I have the Run feat) and catch up with you all. If Mifune has got his peacebonded weapons (which by the way would make sense since the katana/wakizashi were part of a bushi's formal wear), we all go straight to the ruins together. The last words belongs to Mifune.

I'm fine with heading there straight. It would greatly simplify the process anyway. Or if Mifune's left his arms at the room, I could run and get them for him (since I have the Run feat) and catch up with you all. If Mifune has got his peacebonded weapons (which by the way would make sense since the katana/wakizashi were part of a bushi's formal wear), we all go straight to the ruins together. The last words belongs to Mifune.

As you've said, Mifune would have definitely kept his katana and wakizashi on him, peace-bonded or not. As for his Cold Iron Nodachi? Well, that's a different story :)

Armor-wise, I figure he'd be in formal dress rather than armor. So I can't say I'd have my full AC

After a quick discussion and check of what meagre gear you have on you - just in case, y'know, of anything bad up ahead - the group packs up and hurries on your way towards the ruins... perhaps praying silently all the way that yours and Damian's paranoia was nothing more than that.

6d20 ⇒ (17, 14, 18, 2, 5, 14) = 70

You reach the crossroads point - where the path turns down towards the piers or alternatively up towards the ruins - when a few of you find your eyes drawn by distant movement. There are several ships moored at the docks, least of all the magnificent galleon that brought many of the guests here to Pariol Island the day before... however, it appears that a small coterie of sailors is busy at work on one of them, adjusting the rigging and sails as if readying the ship to depart.

Sharp-eyed Mifune also notices something quite strange here, a gleam of light off of something where no such reflective surface should rightly be. The samurai moves towards it until he discovers the source, caught on a prickly brush beside the path leading up to the burned mansion. It appears to be a tiny flake of worked crystal, not dissimilar to one of the many such sequins that had been sewn onto Michellia's wedding gown.

Taking the meticulously worked flake of crystal between his fingers, the samurai eyed it curiously as he looked about for any further trace of the bride. Immediately, his mind began to roll out scenarios as he looked to the others with a look of worry and caution.

"...fellow Pathfinders, this one believes we may have a kidnapping in progress."

Looking to the only other people here, Mifune glared in the direction of the busy sailors as he made the motion to the others to perhaps inquire about the whereabouts of the newlywed from the men of the sea.

Shel nods at the samurai and was already in motion heading toward the vessel. "Hey there boys, I was looking for a friend of mine. Don't suppose you've seen a pretty lady wearing a crystal sequined gown have you? I need to talk to her for a second before she departs."

While Shel and Mifune turn to the sailors for information, Kynrac gazes at the burned mansion, hoping to spot or hear anything unusual.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

All the clues point to a kidnapping – or Michellia just running away – and a shipboard escape. But Terrill has learned that it’s worth studying the situation a bit before leaping to conclusions. Before approaching the ship with his companions, he studies the path as it splits and heads towards the pier and the ruins, looking for any evidence of recent traffic there.

Survival to track: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 That would let me track a party of three or more medium creatures on normal outdoor surfaces. If there are fewer, or the ground is harder, I get nothing.

Just to be clear, you're at a crossroads between the docks and the ruins. It'll take a little while (~5 minutes) to walk down to the docks, or ~10 minutes from here to the ruins. You can basically just see what's going on from afar. Still splitting up and going down there?

Kynrac, you cannot see or hear anything odd coming from the direction of the mansion. It looks as stoic and silent and abandoned as it did the previous evening.

Terrill, you find it quite difficult to track in this area. For one, you're still really close to the main pathway leading into and out of the wedding reception; there are tonnes of footprints everywhere around here. There are significantly less on the road heading up to the mansion, to be sure, but there are signs of numerous people moving up that way. You are fairly sure some of the tracks are your own, actually... you did start on the hilly route up towards the mansion yesterday, after all, and there's been no rain since.

”Hmmm, I don’t see any tracks that tell me anything. It seems checking out the ship first makes sense, since the ruins aren’t going anywhere. I’d hate to go up the hill to investigate the ruins first and come back down to see the ship sailing away.” Unless someone objects, Terrill will begin moving down the path toward the pier.

I think it’d be better – in terms of game mechanics and party safety – not to split up.

While the group is heading to the ship, Shel pulls one of her wands from h er purse, and uses it, causing her movements to speed up. "There, now I'm as fast as you tall folk for the next hour. Let's go!"

Used 2nd charge from wand of Longstrider for this scenario. 30' movement for one hour.

Kynrac imitates Shel with his own gnarled wand of druidic magic.

UMD (DC20): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

Shortly after, his steps seem lighter, and more swift, as if earth itself was moving him across distances.

Agreed Terrill, let's chck out the boat first. Though if Michellia's in danger at the ruins, her fate might hang in the balance depending on how fast we can get there.

On these words, Kynrac walks at a quick pace towards the boat.

The group hurries (in some cases, magically so!) down towards the docks at double-time, breaking free of the bushland to stand upon the beach once more. Yesterday, it seems that half of Rubaani's guard force was down here at the pier, checking and double-checking everyone coming in and out and making sure no inebriated party-goers accidentally slipped on a splash of seawater and drowned. Today, only a handful remain down here, standing out the front of what looks to be a small guardhouse and uncertainly watching the activity on the ship.

The pier extends far out in the ocean, with larger ships (including the one you came in on) taking up positions out in the deeper waters. Closer to shore are only those smaller, personal crafts that would carry perhaps a couple of people and their crew at best. One light vessel is decked out in the black and red of Cheliax, and five sailors scurry about her deck, working on unmooring the ship.

I can put up a map later, but I'm at university at the moment, so it'll need to wait for tonight!

As the party rushes down to the boat, Trys unties the peace bond on her hammer but does not draw it.

Ho there! Leaving in the middle of the celebration? That seems incredibly rude! Stand and explain yourselves!

Shel follows Trys, scooting alongside the larger human. She has her Kukri tucked in her bag, so she keeps her right hand close to access it, if indeed this was a kidnapping.

Mifune stood and watched the...aggressive half-elf show her way with words. Smiling inwardly at diplomacy that would leave a Chelish drill sergeant flabbergasted, the samurai relaxed and readied himself to enjoy the show that would unfold.

Trys leads the way down the pier to where the Chelish sailors are bedecking their skipper ready for sail. She quite surprises one of them with her angry demands, and he jumps half a foot in the air, accidentally dropping the looped rope he was gathering overboard. The burly, red-cheeked man turns about with an angry scowl.

"And what in the devils do you want, lady? We're just followin' orders here!" Muttering curses under his breath, the seaman reaches over the side of the vessel and grabs for his now rather besotten rope. "Beg yer pardon, but I'm bloody well busy!"