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The last paintings are quickly dealt with, modifying them to suit the Pathfinders' strange taste in art. The result seem to be satisfying, however.
As you leave the warehouse, the silver raven is sent to Lady Morilla, and quickly returns with new instructions.
I have learned that Lord Minovitas is preparing to give a speech just before unveiling the paintings to a crowd of the influential elite.
I encourage you to be in that crowd with me–but not too close, lest others draw their own connections. No doubt Minovitas’s poor taste in art will draw some jeers, but to e nsure maximum effect, we must prime the crowd so that they are not sympathetic toward the lord’s embarrassment. As you chat with the other guests, be sure to share a few facts about his lordship’s distasteful habits. I leave it to you whether these are true or fanciful fabrications.
We shall meet at the same teahouse afterward.
The unveiling takes place the following day, so you have ample time to rest and to lay plans.
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Once you are refreshed, you decide to do to the reception early so that you can aid in the destruction of Lord Minovitas's reputation. However, you have a little time in which to enjoy the grand opening of the Opparan Trade Commission, a reception that involves lavish finger food, expensive drinks, and exposure to many of Foreign Quarter’s and Absalom’s leading citizens. Lady Gloriana Morilla is of course already there, discussing apparent trivialities with other nobles from her home country. She feigns not to see you at first, but addresses a quick nod to Henry as the halfling enters the vast room.
Many guests are already present -about which you have had time to do some research and learn interesting bits of information- including:
Alvalda Margruel, a statuesque woman in her late forties whose family co-operates the Kortos Consortium, a powerful guild of merchants in Diobel, with two other families. She is well known among Diobelians as a capable businesswoman, a philanthropist, and a staunch advocate for using local labor.
Scion Lord Avid of House Arnsen, who holds the title of Teriarch of Diobel, making him lord-mayor of that city by the appointment of Lord Gyr, the Primarch of Absalom. Lord Avid is hardly appreciative of this assignment, and he often struggles with the Kortos Consortium for control of the town.
Bellonna Trask, an independent business owner from Diobel who has submitted her name for consideration as Grayrain’s replacement. For the past decade she has clashed with the Barge Gang, an operation that has a monopoly ferrying goods about Diobel’s hazardous harbor. She sees Absalom as equally crippled by the Flotsam Graveyard.
Grint Basatrel, a pragmatic man in his early thirties who served as the aide to Councilor Grayrain for the past three years. His roots in Diobel are hardly so established as Grayrain’s, and some locals scoff at his being considered a true representative of their town. Despite this disdain, Grint adeptly avoids making waves in politics and seems able to change policy gradually without upsetting the current powers that be.
Lady Darchana of House Madinani, Second Spell Lord of Absalom, Archdean of the Arcanamirium, and a member of the Low Council. She views the Pathfinder Society favorably for its initiative in the Mendevian Crusade and appreciates polite conversation about the Pathfinders’ recent accomplishments, as well as innovations in magical lore.
Grand Ambassador Dremdhet Salhar, a heavyset man with well-oiled hair who represents Osirion’s interests in the city. After his longtime advisor Amenopheus was dismissed by the Ruby Prince, Dremdhet’s embassy has struggled to operate as efficiently as before. The ambassador once blamed this on the Society, though his ill feelings have softened.
Senator Augustyn Naran of Andoran, a prominent member of a banking family and travels to Absalom to see and be seen when not needed in Almas. He is an obese man in his late sixties, and constantly sweats in Absalom’s midday heat. This makes him quite irritable and open to taking out his frustration on easy targets.
Lady Vaelia of House Wintermark, a venerable and frail Lady, walking with the aid of an ebony cane while wearing a worn falcata (her late husband’s blade) at her side. She is vehemently against everything Qadiran, and although she believes Taldor can do no wrong, she is open to criticizing her peers whenever they fail in Taldor’s name.
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Today Henry has with him a young Jalmerayan boy he tells you is his herald for just such events. The boy introduces himself as Waman and enters the ceremony while Henry hangs back for a moment. You hear the young boy's timid voice growing louder as he gains confidence and Henry whispers, "He's coming along now, what? Really learning..."
Waman announces to the room, "Ladies and gentlemen it gives me extreme pleasure to have the courtesy of introducing a hero for heroes. For it is in this man that I can say we can go to sleep at night safe from the tyranny of evil. His honorary titles are many and brought forward in great favor though he ask not of fancy titles but only for no more than his own name, Henery son of Scranton esteemed and beloved Lord of the Flaxseed clan of Cassomir of prestigious Taldor. It is with want that I continue as my master is humble and care naught for frivolous titles; First Watcher of the Wise Guard of Absalom, honored guest of House Eiredor, honorary Steel Falcon of the righteous Eagle Knights of Andoran, tamer of beasts, and father of the Cassomir's own illustrious and prolific Venture-Captain. May you have the glory and luck to be in his presence."
Waman then steps aside and Henry strolls into the ceremony, his armor gleaming as always, proudly displaying the floral crest of House Flaxseed. He smiles and greets the familiar Taldan nobility, finding his way to Lady Vaelia of House Wintermark.
"My Lady! You grow younger and more lovely by the day, what! Who? Yes! Indeed, have you heard the truth about this Lord Minovitas? I say proudly that I am here not to celebrate but to inform, for the Lord Minovitas has been up to some truly unsavory things of late, what! I heard that in the past year he spent no time at all fighting in the Worldwound or even governing his subjects but rather has spent much time in Absalom working on a business deal like some-" Henry looks around cautiously for dramatic effect, "-like some Qadiran!" He spits the word as if it were a curse.
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Bizzle approaches Alvalda Margruel and gives a big smile. Quite a big deal here isn't it? Seems to be quite a gamble the Lord is taking here in my opinion, and let me tell you he's not the best gambler! These things are my business to know and considering how often I've heard the stories... oh, but anyway, I wouldn't hold it against him, at least not intentionally. Just between you and me, he'll get too deep on his own. Haha!
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Aod requests a napkin and glass of water from one of the servants. Once in possession of them, he saturates the napkin and uses a ray of frost to freeze it. Then, with a shake, he knocks off the loose ice and makes his way to Senator Augustyn Naran.
"Hot day, ain't it?" He says, offering the ice-cold towel to the man. "Try that around the neck. Should keep the worst of it away."
"Name's Aod, though most call me the Witchchild. You're into banking, right? Funny seein a banker here at this event. Would've thought with all the debts he's under, Lord Minovitas would be avoidin your sort like filth fever."
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Thekk approaches the Lady Vaelia of House Wintermark and offers her his arm. "Good day lady! You look like you might be in need of an escort. As unsavory as Lord Minovitas is who knows what manner of tomcats will appear at this shin-dig! What? You haven't heard? Kneel down a bit and lend me your ear!"
"whisper...whisper...three legged goat...whisper....whisper...how on earth does that fit in there!?"
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Watching his companions work the room, Hawkwren makes his way over to Scion Lord Avid. "Greeting and well met milord. It is an honor to meet you. I have heard many good things about you, but have never had the pleasure of making your acquaintance." Glancing toward Lord Minovitas, he shakes his head. "When I see one such as that, it makes my heart glad that Andoran broke away from such pompous posturing."
Warming up to his subject, Hawk continues. "I would think that one as yourself can see through the facade that is the lord over there. Endlessly grasping for power while riding on the coattails of other and claiming them as his own? He has no idea what it is to be a true leader, like one as yourself, working hard to improve the lives of the citizens of Diobel, not trying to line your pockets and increase your status at the expense of the common, hard-working folk!"
"And to think that the lord has been cesured twice for unseemly behavior and while struggling to maintain his standing, two gossipmongers have gone missing! The man deserves shackles rather than cufflinks! Can you not agree?"
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Haris strides in, grand and glorious in his new gear, he's even got his black and gold courtier's garb on to top - looking like he just stepped out of the playhouse as the lead role. He greets the goers with a showman's hand - like touching babies and groupies. Spotting Darchana below on the reception floor, Haris leaps off the railed stairs to land dramatically next to her.
Displaying his new prize- an adamantium shortsword, strapped diagonal in front of his loins, Haris shifts the centerpiece as to invite her to take a long gander. ”Quite a piece isn't it? It's quite hard- enchanted adamantium- I slew Illvaster the Undead Dragon with it using that very same move-”. Indeed, his self-written/acted/directed stage piece "The Hawk and the Dragon" has gained quite a reputation. He has even hired a personal troubadour on a rotation around the city to sing the tale of Haris Hawkson, the Undead Dragon Slayer.
”Lady Darchana, I am Pathfinder Haris Hawkson at your service. And I hear that you're a woman who appreciate all things magical. Would you take a walk with me in the garden so that I may show it to you up close? -Perhaps I can also tell you tales of other nasty creatures, take Lord Minotaur there for example...”. He offers her an arm.
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Lady Vaelia appears to be shocked by this statement. "A mere peddler, you say? Taldan nobility has certainly fallen far from the tree these days. That and lying about taking part in that Fifth Crusade? How dare he!"
*****
Alvalda Margruel has a much colder reaction than Lady Vaelia. "Really? Well, as a businesswoman I tend not to trust stories and hearsay. I trust Lord Minovitas to be an excellent tradesman. His position as the head of the Opparan Trade Commission is a good thing for Diobel."
*****
Aod approaches Senator Naran with confidance and savvy, offering a small kindness to the obese Andoran. Accepting the gift, Naran's eyes go wide as he appears to be shocked by what he hears. His monocle almost falls off his eye. "D... d... debts? Why, what would you know about it? Wait a second, that would explain... yes, how cunning of him. I can read his endgame just fine now. He won't get a penny more!"
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Thekk also approaches Lady Vaelia, but she doesn't appear to pay the slightest attention to what the dwarf says, too taken by her conversation with Henry Flaxseed.
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Scion Lord Avid's reaction is immediate. "Why certainly! I can't suffer to have such a preposterous man making dealings that would endanger the good citizens of Diobel! If what you say is true, then I will have him investigated until we find these gossipmongers. There won't be any censorship in my free town!"
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After running her fingers on the adamantine blade, Lady Darshana appears to be quite taken with Haris and accepts to explore secret gardens together.
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After some time (and probably way too many canapés for Thekk's own good), Lord Minovitas takes to the stage as three trumpeters play a fanfare to call attention to him. He then delivers a prepared speech that precedes his unveiling of the paintings.
“Welcome esteemed colleagues and honored guests. On this historic day, the glorious Opparan Trade Commission is open for business! But it is not just commerce that we commemorate today; we also recognize the valor of several of the greatest heroes of our time who have fought in Mendev’s recent crusade and pushed back the demon threat so that others might live in peace. Yet this was not accomplished alone, and in an alliance of nations we found our strength. With the establishment of this facility here in Absalom, the Commission hopes to continue this alliance and further promote fair and equitable trade to the benefit of all. With great honor, I dedicate this embassy to its founding members, whose esteemed accomplishments shall be forever commemorated by the work of the world-renowned painter Amya Illanaf!”
With that, Lord Minovitas gestures dramatically as if expecting someone to unveil the paintings for him. When that fails, he strides over to the first painting and theatrically whips off its cover while smiling to the audience. He repeats the action with several other paintings before realizing that the art has been altered. Furious, he unveils the other paintings, but this provokes an even louder noise from the people in attendance. The crowd mercilessly heckles Minovitas and roars in disapproving amusement at the paintings! Many of the guests -including some of the high-standing ones!- jeer and mock the misfortune of the Taldan lord.
In the aftermath, Lady Morilla meets with you, retrieves her silver raven figurine and shares her vision of her faction’s future.
“I’m appalled and disappointed that the same nobles who once opposed us now seek to steal our glory by claiming that creating the army was their idea. While I thank you for today’s efforts to rebuke them, I fear they’ll simply continue to perpetrate this fraud back in Taldor. Worse, should they succeed, it will only reinforce the ‘do nothing’ nobility and be another nail in Taldor’s coffin. And if it’s a coffin they’re building, I refuse to be buried with them.
“This is not unique to Taldor, yet in other lands I have met nobles who have their people’s needs in mind and greater vision of how to accomplish their goals. Rarely are these members of royal families, but many have their respective monarchs’ ears. Rather than recreate the Taldan empire of old, we shall promote an enlightened aristocracy that promotes the virtues of strong, wise governance. I do not expect a response now, but I invite each of you to join me in this endeavor.”
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"Minovitas is gettin off easy." Aod says around a mouthful of pear. Snatched from the party earlier, he's got a couple more snacks tucked away in pouches, and a wineskin filled with fine liquor. "Anyone thinks they can steal the honor from those that rightly fought in the crusade deserves worse. I'd challenge him personally if I thought he wouldn't run and hide like a coward."
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Haris pokes his head back in, to the reception floor. He politely smiles to near guests at the threshold of the veranda as he lets Lady Darsharna through. "Of course I would love to see how magic is really made in your laboratory." Haris whispers to her, "After dusk?- Fantastic." He then sends her off, suddenly noticing as she drifts away that her robes are on backwards. Shrugging, Haris returns to the others, "Okay, I think I'm close to persuading the wizard. What did I miss?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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While you are discussing your successful mission for Lady Gloriana at the Grand Lodge, two ugly, burly, unfriendly men show up and nod at you. They're dressed more for a shakedown than for a formal event, but the more perceptive among you easily spot varisian tattoos on their skin, making their affiliation a certain thing. Slightly out of breath and on edge, they address you thusly: "You there, follow us. Boss needs you."
They storm off, outside the party into a dark alley...
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The thugs motion you to come with them further, out of the dark alley and through Absalom. On their way, they double back on their path several times, take many twists and turns to make sure you aren't followed. You finally arrive at a brightly colored wagon parked in the Docks district, only a few blocks from the Pickled Imp, Guaril Karela's well-known establishment. The toughs signal to several people guarding the wagon and bearing the same tattoo to get into position. "Dem's lookouts" they quickly explain before they open the door of the wagon for you.
The interior is dimly lit by small brass lamps that spread the faint odor of lamp oil, only partly masked by incense. The only other occupant is faction leader Aaqir al’Hakam, who makes an effort of standing to greet you in the low-ceilinged wagon.
“I suppose you’re surprised to see me? Sit. I wish I could say I have called you here for a more celebratory reason, but such isn’t the case. We have a desperate situation on our hands: Guaril Karela is missing.
“Lately the Sczarni leader and I have discussed a deal that might be in both our organizations’ interest, and I had hoped to finalize more of the terms tonight. However, several individuals wearing Qadiran clothing and wielding long blades broke into the Pickled Imp, Guaril’s business, tried to set it ablaze, and kidnapped the proprietor—a Sczarni operative who has spent the last month disguised as Guaril to mislead his enemies. Despite their appearance, I have no connection to these vandals. In fact, they may even have been attempting to implicate me and eliminate yet another one of Guaril’s friends.
“Apparently Guaril did not take the news lightly, and I’ve been informed that he grabbed his weapons, ordered all but two of his subordinates to stay behind, and set off after the criminals. It seems this was just one of many contingencies he had prepared, for he had written instructions ready. It seems that part of the plan,” he notes aloud as he extends a sealed missive, “Involved recruiting your help in particular. I suspect that the Gael family is behind this, and Guaril sees this as an opportunity to finally do in the rivals who have worked to undermine and kill him for the past year. This has the potential to be very dangerous, but apparently he wanted you to be present for whatever he has planned.”
Guaril's letter contains a very cryptic message.
"Find Guaril and save him at all costs. As for me, I've attempted to locate him with magic to no avail, but I will continue to do so from here. Should I locate him, I will contact you. Do you have any questions?"
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Aod looks at the note, then considers the geography of Absalom, then looks at Haris. "You drunk?" He asks. "If so, you need to stay that way, cause I think you're on to somthin, though I'm thinkin some might be a little off."
Tapping the line Past three black whales. "I think this might be sunken ships. Look like black whales underwater. Since it's repeated, could mean six ships."
Tapping the line halfway to the light. "After six ships, then halfway to Pilot Isle?"
Tapping the lines beneath the waters, maiden without a name, then back up to the line sleeps in her nest. "I'm thinkin a sunken ship without a name, with somethin hidden, maybe in the crows nest."
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Aod is able to confirm most of what has been said. Beldren's Bluff is located in the Precipice quarter, where you indeed have a commanding view of Fort Tempest. Just south of it lie the remains of an obscure ship whose figurehead remains above water and in good shape - that ship's name is the Silver Wren. From there, Aod knows there is a line of six black prison ships collectively known as The Black Whale. The light, not far from there, could very well be Pilot Island.
The party boards a small rowboat to easily navigate through the treacherous waters of the Flotsam graveyard and follow the poem's directions. Approximately halfway between the lighthouse and The Black Whale is a capsized vessel whose figurehead is a woman with a flowing gown, her mouth open as if she were drowning. This is the “drowning maiden without a name,” and by following her gaze, you can identify The Fool’s Pride, a great flat lumber barge, as Guaril’s hideout.
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Aod can't help but crack jokes about sailors as the group rows through the Flotsom Graveyard toward Guaril's barge.
"So a man arrives to the River of Souls, bound for the Boneyard. There he is approached by an angel of Pharasma's court. 'Have you ever done anything of particular merit?' The angel asks."
"The man replies. 'Well, I can think of one thing. I came upon a gang of pirates who were threatening a young lass. I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen. So I approached the largest, meanest, nastiest one. I smacked him on the head, knocked the parrot off his shoulder, ripped out his earring and told him, 'Leave her alone now or you'll answer to me!'"
"The angel was impressed. 'When did this happen?' she inquired."
"The man replied, 'Just a couple of minutes ago...'"