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A refined and well dressed dark haired elf sits in the study of the Grand Lodge reading over a stack of tomes and books while delicately sipping some berry wine. His clothes are well made and colored earth tones, not the usual flamboyant colorful attire of elves. He seems to ignore others around him as he reads.
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Leaning over the front desk of the study stands a short man dressed in colorful Quadrian clothes of blues, greens, and oranges. One foot tapping the ground lightly as he talks with the receptionist about the intricacies of dancing for crowds. With a shift of his weight, Auriea turns gracefully around, looks up sighing before uprighting himself and heading off to a comfortable chair to sit in.
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Compared to the two already present, this elf is not subtle at all. He wears fine clothing he does not seem quite comfortable in, accessorized with various large weaponry including an impressive sword across his back and hints of fine mithril armor at his collar and cuffs. His boots are heavy in contrast to light silk pants. His attire is a mix of greens, greys, and browns of the forest with faint yellow filigree. There was clearly a battle between several tailors to create that monstrosity.
His well kept hair is starting to break free of the ponytail it's been tied in, and as he enters the Grand Lodge's study he's shouting various greetings in a rough, boisterous tone to anyone he recognizes. These greetings stop as the loud thud of large feet trails him into the room, then the crash of something falling to the ground. There is a very large tree tailing this man like a puppy, and he turns about to begin admonishing it like a small child for the decorative vase it's just destroyed.
In the end he winds up patting it on the head and directing it to stand along an open part of the wall where it won't break anything.
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Returning from a recent trip to Tian, Lysaer steps into the Grand Lodge entrance hall and glances around. From his bearing it obvious that he is a soldier and he carries two large swords, one made of silver is sheathed across his back and another with the dark hint of Cold-iron is sheathed at his hip.
Pale skinned with dark red hair, the half-elf wears the raiment of an Armiger to the Order of the Godclaw, one of the Hellknight orders. Dark chainmail sits over black leather gambeson and trousers, with ornate gauntlets and sabaton encasing his hands and feet, stylised to look like fiendish claws. A dark grey tabard covers his torso, showing the Iron five-pointed star of his order. Five holy symbols hand from a chain around his neck, one each for the Pantheon: Irori, Torag, Iomedae, Asmodeus and Abadar.
Sneering at the gathered elves he awaits patiently for the briefing to begin.
Only a handful of other Pathfinders, most of them initiates, walk the halls near the office of Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin. The Grand Lodge’s chamberlain sits behind an organized desk, reading a recently printed chronicle, and tapping his finger on on elaborate open envelope, the only sound in the eerily silent Pathfinder Society headquarters. “Can you believe this place?” Valsin calmly asks, keeping his eyes squared on his chronicle. “Almost every agent worth her salt is off in Varisia right now. I bet you the Heidmarchs’ manor has more Pathfinders in it than this place.”
Valsin finishes his reading and places the document on the desk, while sliding the envelope forward. “Desna smiles upon us that I have you fine agents here, as I doubt anyone else in Absalom is better qualified for this mission. I won’t lie, this is probably one of the trickiest tasks I’ve ever had to send a group of Pathfinders on, and much rides on its success. I need you to attend a wedding. And not just any wedding, mind you, but a Blakros wedding.” He looks at Brock in particular, giving a look of understanding.
“The Blakros family is one of the wealthiest families in Absalom—in the entire Inner Sea region, even—and we’ve cultivated a good working relationship with them over the years. In two days, Michellia Blakros is getting married to the former Hellknight Damian Kastner, and because of security concerns, we only got our invitation this morning. I won’t bore you with specifics, but sufficed to say, the Society has a lot of interest in this wedding, as some of our agents had a hand in helping it along.”
“The wedding is taking place on a secluded summer retreat on nearby Pariol Island, which the Blakroses own. There are two boats heading there before the first wedding festivities. One is a small supply runner set to leave in an hour that could get you there early tomorrow morning. The next is a larger ship that will transport the majority of the guests in the morning. Your travel is paid for of course, but you’ll need to get on one of those two vessels.”
With a grave nod, Valsin passes over the envelope containing the invitation, and continues. “Also, you’ll need to peace-bond any weapons when you arrive on the island, and I’d recommend only wearing your finest armor, if you wear any at all. We’re not too concerned about security at the wedding, but making a good impression on the Blakroses and their guests is key to your mission. You’ll need to mingle, and get on the good sides of as many people as you can. I can’t stress this point enough: This is a social gathering, and the Society could really use the extra clout with all our current efforts being so far abroad. I don’t care if you save the wedding from a dragon, find out the bride is a doppelganger, or discover some grand plot to take over the Inner Sea—I only care that you leave this wedding having made people happy and improving our standing among the attendees! Are we understood?”
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Nodding slightly during Valsine's briefing, Auriea looks up after the Venture Captain finishes. "So, from what I gather is that we, a group known for being quite uncouth, are going to a Blackros function. Aside from potential trade agreements down the future, we are there to look good and mingle? Sounds like a grand idea to me." Turning towards the others, the bard smiles before standing and bowing. "It will be a pleasure to show the delicate ways of the Society. As for clothes, I have what I need quite readily avaliable." As he finishes, the sylph tears off his sleeves, yet as the material leaves his tunic, his clothes transform into a colorful shimmering suit of a dark emerald.
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"By the gods, the Blckros family again. I have had issues with them in the past. Auriea...is it... good then, yes Auriea is correct on some levels but left out some key information... let me fill the rest of you in with what I know...As you may know the Blakros family originated in Taldor, and made their initial fortune trading with both Qadira and Taldor during the nations’ centuries-long conflict. Today they are one of the most influential families in Absalom and the greater Inner Sea region and a pain to some. The Blakros family weds their offspring only to those of sufficient prestige and renown. Unlike in many other marriages, those who marry into the family often take on the Blakros name following the ceremony so that any children born to the couple will also carry the Blakros name which is rather obstinate of them really. A requirement of marrying into the Blakros family is a dowry of some note. In many circumstances, these dowries are secret to all but the families involved until they are formally presented at the reception. If you seek more information regarding the family I have a book here in this stack that can tell you more." Galandaro takes a sip after he is done speaking, quite pleased with himself...
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Blinking for a moment after taking in the information, Auriea shakes his head from side to side before walking up to Galandaro with an outstretched hand, "Yes, yes. Sorry about not introducing myself to you and the others. The name's Auriea, dancer, adventurer, and sometimes priest of Desna in a tight pinch. I only recall their trade in Taldor, so this will be quite interesting!" Ending the handshake, he turns around lightly on his toes and bows to everyone else before looking back at the Venture-Captain. "So, as long as our weapons are peace bound, we can take them in? I guess others may be bringing arms as well. Aside from formal attire, is there anything else needed that we should know about? I've personally never dealt with the Blackros family."
The Venture-Captain looks approving of the change to Auriea's costume, and of the knowledge displayed by Galandaro. "Yes, as I said. Weapons must be peace-bonded. I expect that there will be additional security measure as well, so please take case in what you bring." With a nod to the dancer in emerald, Ambrus addresses the rest of the group. "I'd like it if you could all go in formal attire, since that will give you more credibility among the nobles in attendance. But I'll leave that up to you."
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Brock seems extremely pleased by Galandaro's recounting and begins to laugh happily over some memory or another. "Oh, yes! That sounds about like all the formality I had to go through for my wedding. I felt more like a display piece for them than anything else. You're well read, sir." To Auriea he gives a half-bow, one clearly practiced but not refined, and then a grin. "Congratulations, you've now dealt with a Blakros, of sorts... Brock Blakros at your service, through marriage."
He spreads his arms wide and offers a helpless shrug. "I don't really fit, but I try. And they liked me after I saved a favorite cousin. But the whole family is quite excited for the wedding, my wife has been picking out clothes for weeks." Here the loud man gives a conspiratorial wink to Ambrus. "I promise she'll make certain I at least LOOK presentable. I'll limit how often I pick food from my teeth, and I'm planning to get them to set up Misha over there..." He waves a hand to the treant in the corner. "...set up as some sort of decor, throw a bunch of flowers on her and the like in the garden to keep her out of the way, ya? It should be fun, have you heard of Nigel is going to be there? I know he has connections with the Society... sort of."
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"I am familiar with the Blackros. A Blackros wedding should be quite an event. I am sure I will suitably attire. Valsin, you said that there shouldn't be any real security issues, but might there be anyone that might want to cause some commotion?
I am up for some socializing, so why don't we take the second ship"
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Lysaer listens to the briefing in usual stoic silence, as if absorbing the Venture Captain's instructions. Occasionally the Hellknight Aspirant will jot down something in a well kept notebook, those that look will see it is written in the Infernal tongue of Devils. With his background in Monster knowledge, he has very little to offer to the lessons about Blakros business.
"Lysaer Nymmis, Armiger to the order of the Godclaw." he introduces himself stiffly, tugging at his well looked after armour he nods. "My raiment is that of a Hellknight Armiger, I shall happily keep my weapons away for the ceremony, but this and my uniform may have to suffice. Brock, would your family have issue with one dressed in such garb?"
He thinks about it for a moment and then nods to Cernan.
"I agree, if we are to be guests at the wedding we should arrive as such, not with the supplies like common porters. Bets impressions and all that."
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"There are probably wedding crashers, people wanting to rub elbows with the elite, but we get to be the elite and we can let someone else deal with that! We shall be there for a right good party." He claps his hands and rubs them together eagerly. He hadn't been to a good party in ages, maybe this one would turn more interesting than finger foods and complimenting outfits. The new groom needed to be challenged to see who could drink who under the table.
"I like the boat idea as well, we are guests, we should go as such. But I think your outfit will be fine Mr. Lysaer, considering this new groom used to be a Hellknight you could use it as a conversation piece to get to know his family, ya?"
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Lysaer nods at Brock, not willing to vocally thank an Elf for anything, even if it is just fashion advice. Turning to the Venture captain he ponders for a moment before asking him about the groom.
"What does the society know of the Groom? Which order did he belong too and are we aware of why he renounced his vows? An uncommon practice."
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Hands at his hips, Auriea nods while listening and pipes up, "I do think it is quite beneficial to have a Blackros and a Hellknight coming along as well. Maybe you two could get us closer to the bride and groom, in case anything happens. Other than that...." clapping his hands and jumping slightly, "there should be quite the feast! I wonder as to what delicacies that would be offered. Also, hmm, I guess going on the second boat would be quite the boon, as we can chat up the other guests."
Ambrus Valsin replies to Cernan's question first. “While I don’t expect any major problems, the Blakros family has made many enemies over the centuries (the Society used to be one of them, in fact). Currently, I suspect the Onyx Alliance poses the greatest threat. They’re a rather unseemly cabal from the Plane of Shadow, the very ones who attacked this year’s Grand Convocation. The Blakroses assure us that they have security under control, though, and that the Pathfinder Society attendees are invited as honored guests rather than protectors.”
Lysaer's mention of the groom and his former ties do not get an immediate answer. "I don't have the details on that. Some of my colleagues have experience with Mr. Kastner. You might ask them when you have the opportunity."
He looks his eyes over the group, and looks satisfied. "I'll be sure to offer thanks to Desna tonight, for I think the Heidmarches have left me just the right group of Pathfinders for this event. Off with you. If you're taking the second boat, you'll have enough time to get ready. I'll look forward to your report in a couple of days time. Make the Society proud." With that, he motions for you to leave.
Will work on the character sheet tonight.
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"Well now that the pressure is on, let's see if I can avoid screwing this all up." Brock will return home to change, his outfit with stay similar hues, and he'll keep his armor, basic magic items (those worn, wands, scrolls, etc), and his great sword peacebound. Concessions from his wife despite him otherwise wearing very fine clothes designed to at least work in his style preference for the woods. Black with hints of green and gold filigree to make it quite lovely and appropriate. His wayfinder will be dangling quite stylishly from his belt to announce his secondary affiliation for the affair.
His other random travel equipment will be piled into a backpack or two and tied up in the branches of Misha, out of the way but no significant effort to keep them hidden. She'll just be carrying all the gear in case he decides he needs it. He'll be purchasing a fancy new belt that increases his constitution while he's out and about in town.
He'll arrive at the docks at the designated time, dressed to the nines and bouncing with a spring in his step to get to a festival. There's a half-osirian woman with long, dark hair done up and a dress to match Brock's. She seems eager to seperate and do her own mingling with the crowds for now while Brock deals with Pathfinder business.
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At the docks a female human is waiting. She wears an immaculate mithral armor and has a peace-bound dueling sword on her belt. The armor shows the sword of Iomedae over the heart, which is duplicated on the buckler that is strapped to the woman's left arm. On her head she has a rakish yellow hat, with a white feather stuck in it. Beside her you see a backpack with a bow and quiver tied to the side.
The woman bears herself with grace and moves lightly on her feet. She nods once as she sees the elf, human and treant approach and steps forward to meet them. She shows a wayfinder, stamped with the Decemvirate's seal, and tucks it away again. "Well met, I am Isabella Aldori. I have just returned from the Worldwound and Ambrus Valsin ordered me to come with you. He gave me a short briefing and said you would tell me more."
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Lysaer nods to the Venture Captain, used to the lack of prior knowledge they gleam from their sources before missions and expecting the answer. Rolling his eyes at Galandaro's typical Elvish arrogance he turns his back and stalks out of the room, finding his appointed bunk in the Grand Lodge, for when his duties take him here.
Reviewing his gear, the Hellknight leaves most of his weapons behind, keeping only his Silvered Greatsword, which is taken to a blacksmith to be sharpened and oiled before being peacebound and his dagger sheathed at his waist.
He also visits the bank and deposits the rest of his money, leaving a small amount should anything untoward occur whilst at the wedding. Visiting a tailor he gets his uniform maintained as well as purchasing a new outfit for the wedding ceremony.
Meeting the others at the docks in the morning, the Hellknight has a case with his wedding outfit under one arm and his Greatsword peacebound within a scabbard also held. He wears his starched uniform and polished armour, waiting for the others to arrive.
"Well, let us be on with this"
I am also buying a courtier's outfit with necessary jewelry for 80gp.
OR
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Auriea arrives at the docks, dressed in a dark emerald suit with a shimmer of blue when the light hits at the right angle. A hat, short but wide brimmed with a large feather was also of the dark green color, yet, rather than shimmering as his suit, had dark blue butterflies embroidered throughout. At his belt, was a kukri of Mithral, engraved with a butterfly in the middle of the blade and an aura of peace binding. Under his shirt, Auriea also wore his mithral chain shirt, and a wand of Cure Light Wounds at his belt.
Seeing the Hellknight early in the morning at the docks didn't surprise the sylph as much as seeing the elf with a travelling clothes bag. Then again, it was a first, as he had never been on a mission with a Hellknight before, and was used to most not be as stringent.
"Ho there Lysaer! Looks like you're ready for the trip. Tell me, why did you give your brethren the evil eye yesterday? Anything wrong, or was it just me?"
The bard smiles and makes a quick spin for the elf then leans over with a hand on his hip.
"So, do you like my outfit?"
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"Ah! Hello Isabella. I am Brock Blakros, and these are my wife Imrizade, and my faithful pet Misha! The former is along to keep me in line, but the latter is a Pathfinder like myself." He grins broadly and fills her in on the intent to attend the wedding of Michellia and Damian, as well as their mission to rub elbows and hobknob to build relationships for the society.
"It should be an easy and fun little exercise for us. I hope you like a good party... not just the adventuring sort." Speaking of, he's noticed Auriea and Lysaer. The elven hunter will direct Isabella's attention to them. "Two more of our group, one of the is a Hellknight! The other is a charming sort, but I'm not too certain what else beyond that. We're going to hop the party boat out to the family manor once everyone is here."
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Lysaer pauses at being hailed and turns to face Auriea, his well trained eyes immediately darting to the Kukri and mithral shirt the other wears despite the turquoise finery they sport. At least this one knows to be prepared. he muses to himself as he shuffles his held gear in hands to a more comfortable position. His eyes narrow at the question from the bard, wondering for a moment then realisation struck, Auriea was referring to his flawed half.
"I assure you, I have no Kin in this band." he says coldly, not willing to explain further.
Turning on his heel at Brock's speech he nods to Isabella, curious to her absence at the meeting yesterday before bowing before Imrizade with perfect courtly elegance.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance milady, I am Lysaer Nymmis of the Order of the Godclaw."
The group of Pathfinders arrive on the dock the next morning, where they find a galleon waiting for them. Several attendants in sharp attire welcome the guests, checking the invitations and directing group of guests forward. "Welcome, honored guests. The Blakros family and Mr. Kastner are glad that you will join them for this joyous occasion. Please make your way aboard The Gulnare, which will take you to Pariol Island in about eight hours. As you can hopefully understand, there are some security measures in place. Our security staff might ask you some questions before you board."
The attendants hadn't exaggerated. As the Pathfinder wait in line, they can see several armed personnel checking the guests one by one, under the watchful supervision of a Garundi woman with curly hair. The other guests make up a varied group: Lots of Blakroses as could be expected, several Hellknights, and all kinds of merchants and trade relations from every corner of the world. A bespectacled elven man is one of the guests already on board, looking out over the sea.
When your turn comes up, the guards give you a critical look. "Good morning. Before you can board, we would like to make sure that you are not carrying anything dangerous. For your own safety as much as the others, or course. Are all your weapons peace-bound? Do any of you carry magical wands? If so, please demonstrate that they do not contain offensive spells."
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Brock will follow along with the party, his small entourage still in tow for the moment as they work to board the vessel. When he sees Nigel he gives an exuberant wave for that fellow's management of the museum is completely responsible for Brock entrance into the family.
He doesn't get a chance to fully embarrass anyone as the guards distract him with their inspection. "Hello friendly guards. I only have the sword you see peace-bound to my back. But I do have a trio of wands I regularly carry for healing, comfort against the weather, and increasing the speed I walk at. I like to keep moving. As my friends asked, can you identify them or shall I discharge them in demonstration?"
He says absolutely nothing about the very large treant at his back, as if he doesn't even consider what it can do. In retrospect he realizes he should have sent it over on the first boat, but he will be able to stash the dear thing somewhere out of the way once they arrive, probably on the back of the boat out of the way as well.
The guards look at each other before replying. "Yes, please demonstrate their use, so we can be sure they're OK."
Nigel spots Brock's exuberant greeting, but responds ackwardly. There's the barest of nods, before the elven curator of the Blakros Museum makes his way to the other side of the ship, out of sight from the shore.
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Raising an eyebrow as the guards walk up to him, Auriea then smiles and pulls away his overcoat to fully show his kukri and wand. "My blade is peacebound as instructed and my wand is of the curative variant. Also, seems like security is pretty good, which I am glad that everyone is being checked. By the way, since my weapon is peacebound, could you prickly my finger so I can show that my wand is what I say? Would make it much easier than trying on someone who is uninjured."
Keeping his coat open, the bard pulls out his wand with a free hand. Letting go of the coat, the then extends his hand waiting for the guard to comply.
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A little disappointed to be leaving his fauchard behind, Cernan will approach the guards for inspection. "My sword and dagger are peace bound as instructed, and my 3 wands are curative, protective, and enhancement wands, which I will demonstrate."
The wands are cure light, shield of faith and true strike.
The guards look slightly embarrassed, but one of them takes a dagger from his belt and makes a slight nick on Auriea's and Isabella's finger. They likewise confirm that everyone else's wand is used at least once, with a non-violent effect.
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Brock follows suit, accept a wound from the guards and then demonstrating each of his wands in turn. One to heal which has a more obvious impact, the others more subtle as his strides seem slightly wider than before and he no longer seems bothered by any significant chill or balminess in the air.
Once everyone has submitted themselves to inspection he'll move onto the announcing that this should be a grand festival and he was excited to see all of his new cousins. "This isn't the wedding, but there's probably still some good food on board for the trip, friends.
After the security check has been completed you are directed to the galleon, where you are welcomed on board and are given something to drink. The journey will take most of the day, but everything seems to have been taken care of. There is entertainment in the form of various musicians, tables have been set for smoking or lounging, and there is a well-stocked buffet and bar. After the last of the guests have boarded, the guard join you on board and the ship sets sail.
You soon learn that the bride and groom are already on Pariol Island, along with the bride's mother Hamaria Blakros. By a quick count, there must be there must be more than six dozen wedding guests. Among them you spot, three of your colleagues: Paracountess Zarta Dralneen, Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam, and Lady Gloriana Morilla. You have plenty of time for mingling during the trip!
The boat ride gives everyone one (1) opportunity for some meaningful interaction. Every opportunity for Influencing has the following basic structure:
1. Everyone makes a roleplaying post describing how that act, and what they're trying to do. You can either try to "Influence a person" or "Investigate" (i.e. learning about a person, to aid in future influence attempts). Please state in ooc-text which action you're taking, and on whom. You can choose to influence the same person together, in which case I'll roll that into one roleplaying scene.
2. For every NPC being influenced or investigated, I'll set the scene. If you chose to investigate, I'll tell you which skill checks apply in that case.
3. Everyone responds to the scene. If you're trying to influence, this post must include either a Bluff, Diplomacy or Intimidate check. If you're investigating, it must include one of the skill checks I've described. If two or more people are making checks against the same objective, please indicate whether you're trying separately, or using 'Aid another'.
4. I'll wrap up (after some to-and-fro, it needed). I'll try to give you an indication of how the influencing went, or what you learned during the investigation.
In random order. Please refer to the maps document for portraits.
1. The leader of the hired guard.
2. Nigel Aldain, curator of the Blakros Museum.
3. An Andoran member of the people's council
4. A merchant from Tian-Xia
5. "Other" people. This is your wild card. You never know what you're going to get, although you could indicate what kind of person you're seeking out.
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Galandaro will spend time talking to the curator of the Bakros Museum, Nigel Aldain.
"I have heard the Balkros Museum is quite famous with many historical objects. Is it true it started out as the former stronghold of a mad astrologer and wizard named Ralzeros the Overwatched in the early history of Absalom?"
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Like the others before him, Lysaer presents his peace-bonded arms to the guards and displays that his carried wand is one of healing and not harm. Acknowledging their good work and the thoroughness of their search the Hellknight Aspirant moves onto the Galley, finding a place he can leave his Wedding outfit and Greatsword, as to not seem out of place among the finery.
Looking the part of a well groomed soldier, the Half-Elf Chelaxian looks around the boat. He had been unable to gleam any information on the groom during the previous evening and so decides to start now. Making their way to a member of the Hellknight contingent he waits for a proper moment to be introduced.
"Greetings Sir, if you please I am Lysaer Nymmiss, Armiger to the Godclaw. How do you fare?"
Cernan is going to approach the leader of the guard in an attempt to gain some influence with the guard."Good evening commander, I see you are tasked with security at this grand affair. I would just like to say your team has done a fine job so far. This assignment must be pretty calm for you. You carry yourself as though you have experienced many battles. I have been involved in more than a few myself. I was placed in command of forces during the assault on the worldwound, and know the challenge of leadership. Surely you are familiar with the conflict. I would also like to offer my assistance should you require any."
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Isabella passes by the venture captains and greets them before moving on to the member of the Andoran People's Council. She curtsies while taking of her hat "Good day sir. May I introduce myself?"
She waits until permission is given "I am Baroness Isabella. I could help noticing that you are a member of Andoran's People's Council. Can you be so kind to tell me what the current situation is in Almas? The last time I was there I assisted in solving the business with the shadow lodge in the cathedral. Did things return to a more normal state after that?"
It takes Galandaro a few attempts to speak to Nigel Aldain, almost as if the elven man had been trying to avoid him. However, eventually he manages to catch the curator of the Blakros Museum, just as a previous conversation partner leaves. "Ah, yes, it is indeed so," Nigel replies. He listens as Galandaro gives a quite thorough account of the Museum's history. "Yes, all that is true. You got the basics of it, at least." He takes a sip from his wine while giving the other elf a critical look. "I must say, though, I have made some remarkable discoveries since I've started working at the Museum. It's... liberating. Tell me, how has research gone for you, under the watchful guidance of the Decemvirate. You are with the Pathfinder delegation, are you not?"
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Lysaer finds one group of Hellknights, four of them, with three in Hellknight armor and one Armiger who hadn't earned that right yet, like Lysaer himself. Lysaer identifies them as Order of the Scourge, but the markings on their armor. "Greetings, I am Maralictor Pentor," the senior member of the group replies, a thoroughly Chelaxian man with short-cropped black hair, a hawk's nose and two scars on his forehead. He gives Lysaer a piercing stare. "Tell me, I did not know Damian had associates outside our own Order. Outside Cheliax, even," he adds, looking at the five holy symbols on the chain around Lysaer's neck.
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Cernan finds the commander of the guard on the upper deck, overlooking most of the proceedings on the ship. A tall and muscular Garundi woman, she looks out of place in her ceremonial half-plate armor. A scar covers the right side of her face. She doesn't look at Cernan directly and seems only half-interested in his introduction, dividing her attention as she is. The mention of an assault on the Worldwound does pique her attention, and she gives Cernan a good look before resuming her watch of the lower deck. "I am familiar with the conflict, although my work never took me there. We don't require assistance at this moment. Are you looking for a job at my detail?"
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Auriea meets the Tian man at the bar. He's a well-dressed man in his early thirties, most easily recognized by his unkempt black hair and slightly dazed smile. He takes a swig out of his glass of bubbly wine and finds himself face to face with Auriea. "Ah, hello. I do not think I've had the pleasure of your acquaintance yet. I am Jeon Raeng-Woo, trade liaison for the Blakros family in Tian Xia. And childhood friend of the bride, if I may say so myself." He beams a wide smile, and bobs his head in a small bow. "So, what brings you here? Are you also a relation of the family?"
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The Andoran, dressed in navy blue as a show of patriotism, has a muscular build and is entertaining a few of the other guests with stories of his early life, as a dockworker in Augustana. Despite his short stature, he’s an imposing presence in any crowd. He has a permanent shadow of stubble on his chin, giving him a rugged and somewhat dangerous demeanor. He naturally includes Isabella into the audience for his story, which pegs him as a perfect representative of the people of Andoran, given his humble past. "Yes, good miss. It is my pleasure. Alexander Bedard, of the People's Council of Andoran. Of course I remember that day. Dreadful business. Of course, everyone was quite out of sorts at the whole affair. If it hadn't been for people keeping their heads cool at a time of crisis like that, things might have been a mess for years. Of course, I was quick to think of a suitable solution to the political dilemma that this left us in, and I am pleased to say that Andoran has been doing quite well since then, if I may say so."