[PFS] Nebby Waters (Inactive)

Game Master Nebten

The aftermath of Foundation Day still haunts you as you roam the Grand Lodge grounds. It is still debatable which idea was worse: agreeing to drink Master of Blades' Marcos Farabellus "Snakebite" with pickle juice, or dining on the snakes' meat that was spicy enough to make a Jalmerian cry. The firework show was worth the midnight wait, at least that's what you've been told.

Stumbling toward the mess hall, a fresh faced initiate approaches. She appears unsure how to properly address you. How long ago has it been since you were in her shoes running trivial errands? The message was quick and to the point, Venture-captain Drandle Dreng wishes a meeting immediately. More importantly, supper will be served.

Turning back toward Skyreach, the five story tower's shadow stretches out over the campus as the sun sets. You are shown quickly to Venture-captain's Dreng's office. A humble office with a paper-messed desk with a book crowed shelves in arm's reach. A couch and six wooden armed chairs fill up the remainder of the room. A number of meats and sweats are placed on a side-board table along with decanter of water and a pot of steaming tea.

Go ahead and introduce yourself upon your entrance along with character descriptions. I'll proceed once everybody has showed up.

Filios, the tall well-muscled elf saunters nonchalantly into the room. He moves with the normal elven gracefulness, but there is an underlying physical strength more evident than with most elves. The hilt of an expertly crafted Elven Curveblade raises over his shoulder as it s sheathed on his back.

Filios moves to the side table, pours himself a cup of steaming tea, and lounges on one end of the couch awaiting the arrival of others to a summons that he is certain was not delivered to him alone.

Omrax strides into the office. He is a tall, fair haired knight of with obvious elven heritage.
Under his red cloak, he wears a new suit of platemail along with a shield bearing the crest of Iomedae. His longsword is well kept and shows signs of recent battles.

He notices Filios, and walks over with a friendly grin. With a bow...

"Greetings, I do not believe we have met. Omrax, follower of the Lady Inheritor, at your service."

Omrax refrains from any drink at the moment, trying to decide if the spicy snake entree from last night really was a such a good idea.

Filios stands, extends his hand, and greets the tall elf, eye to eye.

Well met. Filios Philandril at your service. You look slightly familiar. Mayhap I have seen you around the Lodge? It looks like we are the first to arrive. Any details on the mission?

Omrax shakes Filios' extended hand.

"Sir Filios, we may have met at the Lodge, or at the festivities last night. Although some of last night is fuzzy. Sir Jake Hargrove is a good friend of mine from my very first mission. Possibly we met through him? Nevertheless, fate has brought us together on this operation, of which I know very little. I am sure once the others arrive, we will hear more about it."

Luisila wakes up 15 feet up in the air, in the arms of ... the 20 foot tall statue of one of the Society’s most renowned Pathfinders, Durvin Gest, in the Grand Lodge of Absalom.

“Pucker up, Big Boy. Happy 4713 to you.” *smack*

As she climbs down, shaking off the effects of the night before, she realizes she is dressed only in her small clothes. She then notices the young page waiting patiently.

“Hello, fellow Pathfinder ... I see, there’s not a moment to lose ..."

“Oh, do you know the agent known as Omrax the Bold?”

I bet you do.

“Can you please ask him if Luisila can borrow one his cloaks for a briefing in VC Dreng’s office? ... Oh, he may all ready be there.”

Well, it seems they are just going to have to wait – I’m certainly NOT attending the briefing like this.

Luisila will eventually make a quiet, dignified entrance to VC Dreng’s office.

Before you stands a slim elf woman of an indeterminate age, wearing a weather-stained green cloak. Her damp hair is dirty blonde and tied in a ponytail. There is a wry smile on her face and a glint of mischief in her eyes. The triple-sting emblem of the goddess of lust, trickery and revenge is worn unabashedly at her throat.

Luisila gives Omrax a MASSIVE hug in greeting.

“Hi, Omrax! It’s so good to see you again. What have you been doing over the Foundation Day break?”

She then turns and curtsies to the tall elf.

“Greetings, My Lord. I have the pleasure of being Luisila, most humble and obedient mortal representative of the Unquenchable Fire, at your service.”

Yes, Omrax, that is where I must have seen you, in the company of Jake. He and I trained together in swordplay before becoming full-fledged field agents. I have never had the pleasure of joining him on a mission, but he always struck me as a good fellow, if a bit dour at times.

He smiles broadly when the female elf embraces Omrax with fervor, then curtsies in his direction. He bows with a flourish.

A pleasure to meet a fellow follower of the tents of Calistria. I am glad that you will be joining us. I take it you two know each other?

Omrax caught by surprise at seeing Luisila enter the room greets her and carefully returns the hug as best he can in full plate...a bit flustered, he gives Filios the 'this is not what it looks like' look. Once his composure returns...

"Well Lady Luisila....you are looking much better than last time we traveled. That swamp fever did not do either of us any favors. But you appear to have recovered nicely."

Turning to Filios...

"Sir Filios, this is Lady Luisila, whom I am sure you will find quite charming. We traveled together a couple missions ago. While our respective patrons may not have much in common, we worked well as part of a team. Unfortunately, that mission had a few misfortunes, but I will save that for another time. Lady Luisila, do you know if any of the others are joining? Sir Astyannax or Sir Haraldir perhaps? "

By Desna, I should not have accepted that challenge from Luisila. That woman can outdrink a rowdy ogre...ouch my head feels the size of a watermelon, what do they pass as brandy in here? Ah yes, that thing I drunk was a special recipe by the elven lass...

Finding his almost oversized bow was relatively easy, but it took him some time to find his brown cloak, among dozens of others. Finally, some undetermined time later Haraldir enters office of Venture-Captain Dreng.

He was clad in typical outdoors clothes - drab and thick linen shirt, pants which were once blue, obviously of very sturdy make, an undetermined light green piece of clothing which resembled overcoat, and a heavy brown cloak, patched in several places was casually slung over his shoulder. Each and every piece of clothing had at least one, if not several pockets, and it was obvious that some of these were stuffed with minor items. He carried a large rucksack in his left hand, filled to the brim, a quiver with dozens of arrows was firmly tied upon his left thigh and he carried what might be considered a very large bow.

"No, not you again!" - he exclaims loudly, with an obviously fake look of disapproval, when he notices Luisila. He greets both her and Sir Omrax cordially, and addresses the unkown elf.

"Haraldir, at your service. An expert (of a kind) in the wilds, and a complete amateur when spending times with city slickers like our dear elven lass here. Were it not for Sir Omrax, and decent folk like him,I would be completelly lost and at mercy of scoundrells such as various priest of Calistria, for example." - winking towards Luisila, Haraldir makes a slight bow in front of Filios.

"So, I see good part of the gang is here again. Any idea if Ast, Badger or Ezrek might be joining us? And more importantly - why we are here?!?"

Filios approaches the newcomer.

A pleasure to meet yet another member of your former group. I am Filios Philandril. I am beginning to feel like the new guy in this group. At least I know that you folks have had some success in the past.

"Aye Sir Filios, if it were not for Sir Haraldir leading us through the wilderness, I am sure we'd still be stuck in that awful muck trying to find our way home. Fear not, by the look of that curved blade of yours, you will fit right in...especially if you have sparred with Sir Jake. He taught me a thing or two about tactics to be sure."

"Good to meet you Filios. Now in regards to our previous mission together, I am not sure if you could call that success...but we survived, and we learned something in the process. I guess that counts also. I honestly hope that our new mission will be a better success than our last one" - Haraldir adds with a wry smile.

Ezrek walks into the room, a big smile upon his face. There is a marked difference in the man, his skin and are darker, but his eyes still have a glint in them. It looks as if he traded in his robes for light armor and there are numerous flasks and bottles hanging on his person. Gods you folks are a sight. He says, greeting Haraldir, Omrax, and Luisila. He turns to the elf he does not know and introduces himself. Greetings, I am Ezrek Filosten, a former companion of the others here. I overheard you speaking as I was walking in, did you say Sir Jake Hargrove? I believe a colleague of mine, Ryster Demarkarios, is currently on a mission with him. Something down in the God's Market I think

Shortly behind Ezrek a dark-skinned man of obviously Mwangi stock enters. He is dressed in very fine attire with a silver symbol of Sarenrae displayed very prominently on a chain around his neck. The decorated hilt of a Scimitar emerges from a wide silk sash about his waist, the scabbard of which is obscured by the Osiriani-styled flowing tunic he wears. He stops behind Ezrek, hearing his words, and stands somewhat hesitantly, unwilling to interrupt his conversation with the others present. His eyes are of a shimmering silver and amber, suggesting an ancestry not quite human.

Well met, Ezrek! Indeed, I believe that is where I heard Jake was headed alittle while back. I hope that their mission bodes well. As for us, I grow more confident with the arrival of each of you.

He watches the Mwangi enter the room.

Hello, and welcome to the team, I am Filios Philandril. You do not happen to know these others from afore as well, do you?

The Mwangi man bows. "I am afraid I am new to everyone's aquaintance. My previous assignments have been outside Absalom." he says with a voice like liquid gold.

"I am Owai Khama. I hail from Osirion, and from Mwangi before that. he says. He holds himself with grace, and he seems quite formal in your company, in contrast to the familiarity between the rest of you.

Well, we have something in common, Owai. I too am new to this group despite common aquaintances.

Owai smiles. "Then let us be friends." he says and walks into the room. "I hope Filios and I will be assets to your team." he says to the others.

He offers his hand to Owai.

Aye...Indeed, let us all share together in common goals.

He returns to the lounging position on the corner of the couch.

Well, is this all of us, do you think?

The New Year reunion is interrupted by a man opening a door from the opposite end of the room. He appears to be a wiry old man with a wild gray beard and glinting eyes.

"Nibblets, nice," the man proclaims as makes his way through the office without acknowledging anybody else. He takes one of the long cuts of roast in one hand and a jelly doughnut in the other. He gently squeezes the jelly out on to the meat and swirl fashion. The man then carefully stuffs the roast back into the pastry. A large bite into his creation follows. His cheeks fill with meaty-jelly goodness as powdered sugar frosts his whiskers. After he swallows his bite, he sheepish looks at the rest of the group and waves.

Venture Captain Dreng then walks over to a near by bookcase and thumbs through a series of long rolled pieces of parchment. With his other hand he licks each fingertip to clean it of confection. He then points at one of the rolls and unfurls a map on his butcher-block table and places a nimble finger on the parchment.

“The abandoned district of Beldrin’s Bluff was once the gem of Absalom’s Precipice District—now it is but a weathered crag of broken rock at the edge of the roiling sea. When the great quake hit ten years ago, entire blocks of the Bluff sheared from the mainland. Cliffside tearooms and exclusive estates fell into the waves and carried hundreds of nobles to a watery grave. An elite academy, called the Tri-Towers Yard, remained on the mainland, but sank wholesale into the earth.
Children unfortunate enough to survive the quake lay pinned under debris as sewer water slowly rose from the ground and drowned them. Nearly every student perished.

“Today, crumbled stone walls and weed-filled lots sprawl where gentlemen’s clubs once filled with pipe smoke and hobnobbing lords. The Drownyard—er, that’s what the ill-mannered call the school these days—lies behind a fence of black iron pikes, constructed by the families of the dead to discourage morbid trespassers.

“Even respected archaeological groups have been denied official access. Our own Society has itched to explore the site ever since the quake—that is, ever since we discovered that the school fell through the roof of a lost necropolis. Unfortunately, the emotional trauma attached to the school has remained fresh. But finally, after ten years of mourning, the politically-connected families of dead students have sanctioned our delve request.”

With a toothy smile and a clap, Dreng says, “I’m pleased to announce that I’ve selected your team for the delve. First, you are to attend a gala put on by a one Lady Miranda Dacilane tomorrow night. It is her sponsorship that has allowed this investigation to take place."

Dreng then takes out a piece of rolled vellum, etched in gold leaf and places it on the desk for anybody to read.

"At the dinner, dig up what you can about the Tri-Towers Yard. After the event is over, I want you to immediately go over to the Yard. Find a way into the necropolis, document your findings with professional detail, and recover artifacts of historical significance. The Society is interested in one artifact in particular—a two-finger ring topped with a ruby salamander. A door long closed to us has now been opened and I want the Pathfinder's Society the first ones through it!”

Dreng then flops into his large office chair and shoves the rest of his beef-naught into his mouth.

Excellent news...a party! Is the entire area that the Tri-Towers fell into below water?

"A majority of it, I think. Yah, sure, sounds good."

Haraldir was already used in a way to Drang's peculiarities, so he was not very surprised by his behaviour. However as the Venture-captain kept talking, the ranger felt more and more unrest, and when the banquet of nobles were mentioned, along with "dressed in your attire", his dismay was clearly visible.

He cast several loong looks towards Luisila, all the while thinking (in vain) if there is any chance for him to somehow avoid what he considered as very unpleasant duty. His finest dress was more or less right now, and the fact that they are to go immediately from the banquet straight to the Yard meant that he was to carry most of his weapons and equipment with him...to banquet!

Shifting from his left foot to his right, he tried to focus on some other aspects of their future mission, hoping that someone more "diplomatic" than him might raise the issue of their attire/equipment at the banquet.

"Not being from Absalom, I was not aware of that tragic story, but from what I understood there is both necropolis involved, as well as lots of other people who died sudden, frightening deaths. My assumption would be that there is a good chance of having some kind of undead showing up, is that correct?"

Ezrek nods his head to Haraldir's question. Aye, what is known currenrly of the yard? Will we need a way to breathe underwater? Where was this ring last known to rest? What kind of support financial or otherwise might we expect from the Society to help us succeed at the party and the Yard. I assume we will be needing better clothes than the ones on our backs.

A joint suddenly appears in Dreng's hand. He snaps his fingers at the end of it and the tip begins to burn and smoke. The venture captain takes a long drag, then coughs it out at Haraldir's mention of undead.

"Cough, cough. Undead? In Absalom? Are you trying to mess up my vibe? What a horrible thought. No no, my boy. There can't be any undead roaming about. Otherwise the Shining Knights, Pharmasmins, or Serenaders would have hunted them out long ago. Just rich and ancient treasures waiting to be found. Other then that, nothing else is known about the Yard since nobody has been allowed to research it. Hence the reason you are all going forthwith."

"The ring was last known to rest in this until-now unknown coastal necropolis. Supposedly, in ancient times, a wealthy merchant cut a ruby salamander ring from the hand of young cat burglar named Horastian. Horastian later became a renowned information broker and art collector. The Pathfinder Society hopes to magically locate the long-dead thief and his fabled hoard by using the ring as a divination focus.”

After regaining his composure, Venture Captain Dreng inhales a deep amount of smoke. He holds it, holds for a moment more, then slowly releases it. With the joint between two fingers, and head hanging off the edge of the couch, Dreng waves his hands around while giving a well rehearsed speech.

"You will have access to the quartermaster's wares to purchase what you may need at fair market price. The Society will be more then happy to purchase any artifacts you may find on your expedition, at fair market price. Completion of this mission will allow you to take on greater endeavors reserved for more experienced Pathfinders. Other then that, I can give you directions to a good tailor in the Ivy. In conclusion, be resourceful. I'm sure you can figure things out. Speaking of which, all this spooky talk is messing up my meridians. I have to go get some sage and . . . "

Dreng stands up, takes a few more pastries while mumbling. He then shuffles towards the back door and makes his exit.

Well, we have something in common, Owai. I too am new to this group despite common aquaintances.

This is like a game of six degrees of separation from that actor … but substitute “Kolvin Swineflesh” with “Omrax the Bold.”

To Filios: “Ah, finally another follower of Calistria. You, Ser strike me as a man of simple tastes … easily satisfied by the best of everything!”

Phil-and-dril, huh? Could this man be descended from one of those dentist healers?

Luisila will greet Haraldir with a SQEEEEEEEZE until her ranger friend (hopefully) turns bright red.

“… and just where did you disappear to at midnight, Haraldir? Turn into a pumpkin did we?”

She is a bit more *careful* with a hug for Ezrek.

Dunno what’s in those bottles, but I doubt we’ll get the stains out.

To Owai respectfully: “Greetings and well met, Owai. ‘May the Dawnflower’s eternal light guide you along the correct path ...’ “

… which of course, leads to a certain Pleasure Salon in the Ascendant Court!

“Please call me Luisila. We are not one of those exclusive, cliquey groups you sometimes hear about. In truth, the welcome and patience the others had for me on my first run, brought me back for more.”

Watching Dreng depart, Ezrek sniffs the air, his brow furrowed in thought. Hmm, smells interesting, potent, maybe I could obtain a sample for testing. I would theorize that it could be useful in mind or mood altering extracts. The alchemist turns to the party. Well it appears when need to procure some clothing and equipment. I could use some new clothes, but if we have to go straight to the Yard from the party, they will doubtless get ruined. I can think of some magical effects that could assist us in being more...friendly. Also, seeing that the area was flooded, some way to assist us if we need to submerge underwater would be helpful. Lastly, I don't know about you, but water, dead bodies, and time suggests an unhealthy environment. What do you think? Ezrek, spotting some ashes from Dreng's smoke, bends over and scrapes them up, depositing them into a small paper envelope and tucking them into a pocket.

Owai remains silent during the briefing. Any questions he may have are more or less covered by the others. He ponders the challenges of the mission to come.

At Luisila's greeting, he smiles and bows in return. "You are gracious, Luisila. I... am afraid my knowledge of other faiths is lacking - something I intend to correct soon. But I recognize the symbol of The Savored Sting. I hope to avoid your sting, my lady." he says.

Turning to Ezrek, he adds, "We may arrange for a carriage to bring a change of clothes. It should take us no more than a few minutes to prepare our necessaries and preserve our more costly raiments."

“Gentlemen, do you mind if I briefly discuss tactics? My Faction Head is putting me under pressure to make a decision about which type of magic wand to take on this mission.”

“I know VC Valsin advised us to always take a wand of CLW first ... BUT we don’t seem to be lacking for healing capacity in the group. I believe Owai, Omrax and Ezrek all have happy sticks. Omrax has his healing hands, I have my channels and two ‘open’ spell slots at the start.”

“I am quite concerned about something taking over the minds of one of our heavy hitters and using our best weapons against us ... PLUS if there is time before combat, I’m sure everyone would enjoy a bonus to all of their defenses. Call it a hunch, but it sounds like pure evil awaits us ... so I am leaning towards a wand of Protection from Evil unless anyone objects.”

Yeah right, Serenaders and others my big boney a...

"My dear priestess, I do not know much in ways of both arcane or divine lore, but the way you have spelled your proposal seems good to me. It really looks like we have enough healing resources on our side, so that protective wand really sounds like a good idea. Now speaking of resources, I do have just a bit more gold left, but I'd much rather pool it with one of you and buy some holy water, neutralize poison vials, hell even tanglefoot bags, than spend it on new clothes to look nice for some haughty noble. I don't know about you guys, but I can survive being looked upon by our noble friends, but I will not try and survive some monster while simply looking dashing in my new colourfull outfit!" - last words were coming with a lots of disdain clearly heard in ranger's voice.

Luisila looks askew at her ranger buddy.

“Haraldir, after what you did last night, you can’t tell me you don’t like to party.”

“You do remember who was the only one of us to make an impression on that bit.., I mean LADY, Gloriana Morilla – Leader of Taldor Faction at the beginning of our last mission together.”

It was Haraldir, Owai and Filios.

“I’m pretty sure one of the sketch artists recorded you drinking something out of her shoe for posterity ... and that was before you began dancing on the table expressing your undying love for the ‘Flappy Lassie.’ ”

Desna, I presume.

“But hey, you are your own man and I’ll back whatever you want to do, my friend.” *Smiles*

“I’ve got a few random thoughts ...”

“Junia Dacilane is presumably still down there is the Drownyard in some form, *shudders* finding out what she was like during her life might be important.”

“I wonder if there are any maps of the Tri-tower Yard Academy/Drownyard we could dig up, along with a list of students and staff?”

“Is there any more information about the necropolis and the ruby salamander ring?"

“Are we all ‘named’ on the invitation? If not, is it possible for some poorer party members to go along as servants to rest of the party? Miranda Dacilane presumably has servants and servants LOVE gossiping to other servants.”

Last point might be a bit out there.

Filios smiles at Luisila.

Why yes, my dear, you have nailed me spot on! I am always ready for anything at anytime, especially when pleasure is involved.

he then stands and addressed the remainder of the group.

On a tactical note, your protective wand sounds like a brilliant idea based upon the current healing powers of the group. Also, I agree with Omai, that we could call a carriage, or even stash our necessaries somewhere at or near the party for a quick change before heading the Tri-Tower Yard. I have some coin to aid us with necessaries. Let us get dandied up, shall we?

Ezrek looks to Haraldir with a sad smile. Master Haraldir, I know it is a bother with the clothes, but unfortunately with the people we will be mingling with, the clothes do make the man. Luisila has a point about only needing a few to talk and the others portraying "servants". Ezrek raises he eyebrows on the last word. I myself am relatively flush with coin from my recent assignments and am more than willing to purchase some nicer clothes and some equipment for the mission, but I have found during my previous missions that my new vocation causes me to carry much in the way of items and I am very close flowing over the brim so to speak. As a matter of fact, I am planning on leaving my rope, cooking equipment, and some other trifles here at the lodge. So I am willing to purchase if others could help carry the equipment.

On second thought, I believe Lady Dacilane probably knows who of us is coming to the party and it would not help us to misstep by attempting a ruse. Ezrek furrows his brow again in thought.

"You may be correct, Ezrek. We Pathfinders have a certain reputation. No doubt she is expecting the uncouth. I hoped we would be able to surprise her... but regardless, we may be able to take some liberties with our attire and with our tools of the trade, as it were. It is also my intention to bring only the necessary items - Weapons, healing items, potions, rope and other delving gear. I will see about perhaps acquiring some Holy Water - a good suggestion Haraldir. Also some useful scrolls of arcane magic to assist with possible underwater hazards." Owai says.

Upon hearing her comment, Haraldir casts a long gaze towards Luisila, bordering somewhere between anger and a smile. Always on the edge, that lass...

"I understand and acknowledge the need to go properly dressed at this party. However I shall not be spending my meager resources on proper attire. Your comment Lady Luisila, regarding Lady Gloriana Morilla, although true, I believe is more of an exception to the rule. With such fancy words in the invitation, I would be surprised if she even allows me on the estate, much less discuss with the likes of me. But let us not tarry on that subject no more. I will be playing my typical "silent unless asked" role tomorrow night, and will do my best not to make the job of you talkie-people even harder."

With a slight smile, and a nod towards Luisila, Owai and Filios, ranger continues to speak: "Now, I will be coming with all my exploration gear tomorrow night, minus equipment for outdoors such as blankets, bedroll and trail food. All else - I carry! Ropes, hooks, crowbars, whatnot and as much weapons as I can jam on myself. As for tonight/tomorrow morning, as previously, I plan to hit some joints in hopes on finding any and all info I can on these Tri-tower Yard Academy and necropolis" - Haraldir shudders slightly when mentioning last word - "If anyone wants to come with me, she or he is more than welcome. We meet here tomorrow, say hour before sunlight/banquet. Sounds good?"

That sounds great for tonight, Haraldir. For tomorrow, I will be outfitting myself accordingly for the party. Let us see what information we can gather, shall we?

Ezrek looks up sharply when Haraldir mentions "hitting some joints tonight ". By the Gods, the ranger has been commiserating with VC Dreng. Nethhys help him. He realizes his mistake when Filios responds to the ranger. I would like to accompany you two if you don't mind. More information would be beneficial and I have a personal interest in examining if there is need for another drinking establishment in Absalom. I will go purchase some clothing and supplies and meet you back here before nightfall.

Ezrek, I will join you with the clothes first in case any tailoring is required over night. Haraldir, Ezrek and I will both meet you back here before nightfall.

... Crazy world, eh lass

*Seriously* “That is one of many things we can agree upon, my friend. I’ll see you later.”

**Snaps out of it**

Woah … way too deep and meaningful …

“Ezrek, when I said ‘servant’, I mean like the kind that drops hot tea in the lap of a boss who annoys them, OK?” ;)

“Now, in the name of all that’s Sweet and Holy, can someone … PLEASE … TAKE ME SHOPPING!!!”

Omrax realizes he was still surprised at Captain Drengs behaviors and strange food selection...especially since the spicy food from last night had not settled yet.

He greets Ezrek with a familiar nod of respect of their past travels and introduces himself to Owai Khama.

"Greetings, Sir Owai is it? Well met. I am Omrax and I am sure you will also fit well into the group, just like Sir Filios. I am not sure how to best arrange for a fancy party followed with a delve into a necromancer's basement. I am sure full plate will not work. I will tag along with the rest of you to pick up a suit of clothing more appropriate for the gala event. I will also try to check if we can arrange for our other adventuring gear to be stowed and available shortly after the party before we leave. It does not sound like the type of place we want to visit wearing naught but a pair of tights and a funny plumed hat."

He smiles at the last part thinking how silly it would be.

Ezrek smiles at Luisila. I understood what you meant by servants, I only meant that perhaps all us would be expected to make an appearance at the gala. Nevermind that, like you said, let us go obtain some supplies. He turns to Omrax. Well noble Omrax, it looks that we may need to call again on your noble demeanor to aid in dealing with the "normal" people. Do you feel up to it? After everyone has had their say Ezrek leaves with Luisila, Filios, and whomever else comes along. He will return before nightfall to join in the information gathering.

While out shopping Ezrek asks Luisila. Lady Luisila, tell me do you know a spell that creates water? I knew a priest that could, so I was wondering if you might too. If you do, I was thinking that I might leave my waterskin at the Lodge to save on valuable weight that I must carry.

"Yes, Sir Ezrek, I can help with trying to find out more about the the Tri-tower Yard Academy.."

After our purchases, will meet up with the others to ask around about the
the Tri-tower Yard Academy or necropolis and work on plan for storing gear for access afterwards.

To Ezrek: “Ezrek, I definitely have Create Water prepared – it’s strange, there’s like an angry buzzing in my ears if I don’t keep that one prepared without a good reason.” ;)

“Sweet Calistria has also seen fit to grant me the Light orison as well, if we need it when we’re underground.”

“I’m still trying to think up some alternatives to buying a noble’s outfit – which is out of my reach. What do you think of these ideas, My Lords?”

“Option 1. I could smother myself in flour, tousle my hair and pretend to be a ghost haunting one of you ...”

What’s that look for?

“Option 2. I shave my head, swap one of my holy symbols for an emblem of Irori and claim to be a Monk of the Master of Masters, who has taken a vow of poverty ... and silence! All the bleeding heart nobles would love that one! Right, right?”

I’m always broke anyway. Might as well have taken a vow of poverty.

“Option 3. I sell my Holy water, trail rations, bedroll and combine it with my remaining coin, giving me 26 gold, 7 silver. Omrax negotiates a GREAT DEAL on a courtier’s outfit and one of you buys me 50 gp of jewellery which I will either buy off you or sell back for full price for you at the end of the adventure.”

Intelligence: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

“I’m personally leaning towards Option 1 ...”

Depending on the price that we can get, I would be willing to grant a few of you a short term loan to purchase some more appropriate clothing.

While out making purchases Ezrek pulls Luisila aside. Begging your pardon Lady Luisila, but I am willing to purchase some appropriate clothing for you for the gala we are to attend. What is gold between fellow Pathfinders, besides I believe it will help us succeed in this mission. As Pathfinders we are to cooperate to accomplish our goal, yes? He clears his throat looking a little uncomfortable. Ah.. Lady Luisila, I think of ranger friend needs some new attire as well, you too are...close. Do you by chance know his ahh..measurements? So we can get clothes that fit him reasonably well.

“Ezrek, I think you’ll find that I’m generally just as close to Haraldir, as I am to YOU!”

“In fact, at this exact point in time, YOU’RE CLOSER!”

“Thank-you for the loan, as long as we agree it’s between equals until the end of the mission.” *She’s serious*

Pretty sure this is OK under the rules, GM Neb?

“Ezrek, I honestly wouldn’t push Haraldir on this issue. He obviously feels strongly about it ... and that’s fine in my view.”

“Perhaps he can have another role to play outside the venue that can also help us ... chauffer talking to other chauffers, caterers, entertainers, people he feels more comfortable with.”

“I have no doubt he is just as committed to achieving the mission objectives as the rest of us, maybe he just wants to play to what he sees as his own strengths.”

EDIT: I just read what Haraldir wrote in Discussion *waves and bows to H* - maybe we wait to see what the GM thinks, Ezrek?

Owai accompanies the others on the shopping excursion and makes suggestions on what materials and patterns are most fashionable. Owai himself seems to have a taste for luxuries and is already set for clothing and accessories. Overhearing Ezrek and Luisila, he speaks up.

"Perhaps, if Haraldir is amenable, he can hire a carriage and act as our driver. This way he can watch over our things while we attend the party. I for one will feel much better with him guarding my belongings than some stranger."