|
"Thank you for your kind words, Lady Luisila. Feel free to mingle about. I am sure the single men would enjoy a few kind words with you."
The music slowly fades from the background. "It appears some of our dishes are ready. Please sit wherever you like. You'll be able to move about between courses. It helps with digestion."
Lady Dacilane glad hands a few more of her guests before sitting at the center of the table. She is immediately flanked by a couple that seem to know her very well.
Once everybody is seated, soup and salad is served. The music returns but without any singing.
This course represents the relationship between Dis and the subservience of its devils to Cheliax.
The nature of this dish demonstrates that even the most mundane of dishes can be made as rich as Erebus.
|
Owai sits and introduces himself to his neighbors at the table, and he comments favourably on the food on offer. He is seen to be sipping his wine but he never seems to finish it. He converses politely and personably with all those around him, but he is adept at asking questions and turning things around to get people to talk about themselves.
|
Luisila wanders over to Omrax and Owai, making a few lines of small talk, interspersed with gentle laughter, before mentioning in a low voice …
“I sense the militant looking man, isn’t happy to be here – look at the way he is treating the staff. Maybe we should find out why? I will try speaking with one of the other men.”
She then moves over to Filios and snatches her ‘walking stick’ way from him.
**Acting** in a slightly elevated voice she says: “I saw the way you were looking at HER. ”
She looks *daggers* at the elf before stalking away to the table to sit next to one of the men Omrax and Owai don’t want to talk to – perhaps the drunk man?
*Pleasantly* “My Lord, I am in NEED of some pleasant company. Would you consider it to forward of me to sit with you, even though we have not been properly introduced?”
“How do you know Lady Dacilane?”
|
|
Haraldir sticks with majority of his group, trying not to garner any attention. Sure enough, fifteen minutes later he starts to feel even more bored, than he was uncomfortable. He thoroughly disliked the starter ("eggs"), but stew and salad were definitely more to his taste. He follows one of them around, usually Ezrek or Omrax, realizing that all of this is, in a way, a very new experience to him. This party, the costumes, the dishes, finery...everything was so different, so alien in a way, than what he was used to.
After a while he realizes that he has "lost" Ezrek in the crowd (again), and chooses to study the huge portrait of Julia, Lady Dacilane's daughter. He tries to memorize her features and her clothing, "just in case". After that is done, he settles for some quiet studying (not to say eavesdropping) of his surrounding, trying to see if there is anything "amiss" (beside himself) at this big party.
|
|
Owai & Omrax
Most people seem to steer away from any general questions in regards to Tri-Tower Yards. General conversation is about local events in Cheliax. Murders in the street and the rise in power of a street gang known as the Bastards of Erebus. Owai, you sense that you are not "invited" into most of the conversations even when given a chance you speak.
"By all means, take a seat, milady," The man pulls out the chair for Luisila to sit, but nearly yanks it to the floor. "My name is Abe and I'm friends with Lord Dacilane. I'm a good person to be friends with, heh-heh-heh."
Abe is a rotund, balding man with a quick and somewhat too-wide smile. His elegant suit is dressed in silver and purples, along with a cloak made of winter wolf fur. His speech is slurred and his intentions are obvious.
The next dish is served during the interim.
Also known as the pufferfish, the prepared meat from this dish is known for its dangerous and deadly neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin. Thin slices of the fish are deep fried and on an ornate plate with a chrysanthemum flower decoration in the middle(symbolic of death). A side of hot sake accompanies this dish.
The consumption of fugu is representative of the danger and pain of Phlegethon coupled with the pleasure of the dish.
|
|
Abe's speech is slurred and his intentions are obvious ...
Story of my life …
Luisila will decline to sit, using the excuse …
“Forgive me, Ser Abe, my back plays up from time to time …” She holds up the hanbo.
“An occupational hazard many of us in service to the Unquenchable Fire must endure.”
“By Lord Dacilane, do you mean the man that seems to know everyone? If so, would you mind introducing me to him?”
She will look to one of her companions not already in conversation (Ezrek maybe?) beseechingly for assistance.
|
Ezrek, seeing Luisila's look, excuses himself and walks over to her. He smiles at the man and extends his hand. Good evening sir, Ezrek Filosten at your service. I hope milady has not been talking your ear off. She is prone to do that at times. He whispers in a fake aside. You look familiar, have I seen you before?
|
|
|
|
You look familiar, have I seen you before?
*Just as facetiously* “Well I’m not sure … faces don’t normally register with me.”
“The High Priestess occasionally puts me to work as a healer in the Pleasure Salon’s clinic - perhaps it was there?”
She whispers *a bit* more seriously to Ezrek: “How many hells are there in the Nine Hells again? We’re up to the fourth course, and still haven’t found out much.”
“Once we’ve finished with Abe, do you want to work together on the popular man and then the ladies? I would prefer to leave the militant man to one of the others.”
|
|
You look familiar, have I seen you before?*Just as facetiously* “Well I’m not sure … faces don’t normally register with me.”
I was talking to him. Ezrek whispers to Luisila through gritted teeth, while continuing to smile at Abe.
She whispers *a bit* more seriously to Ezrek: “How many hells are there in the Nine Hells again? We’re up to the fourth course, and still haven’t found out much.”
“Once we’ve finished with Abe, do you want to work together on the popular man and then the ladies? I would prefer to leave the militant man to one of the others.”
Yes..after He hisses, hoping the man is to drunk to notice.
|
Omrax will approach the surly militant man to try to strike up a conversation. Not sure what topic will work best, he goes for the direct approach.
"Good evening sir, I am not sure we have been introduced. I am Omrax at your service. Quite a party tonight with all the finery. Although, I suspect we are of like spirit, men of action, not at ease at such social gatherings. While I find the dinner courses artfully done and clever for the theme fitting Cheliax, I am more accoustomed to simpler fare served in military units and on the trail in the wilds. How about you?"
|
|
"Him, I forget his name. Go ahead and meet him yourself, ya saucy tart," the drunk man replies to Luislia. He waves off Ezrek's hand and takes another long drink from his chalice.
Omrax, Knowledge Geography is what you are looking for. Introducing yourself as a Pathfinder you get many high voiced exclamations "Oh Really! How interesting . . ." etc, etc. You are asked if you've been anywhere special and if you've ever had to deal with the undead. As long as you answer their trivial questions, a few people stick around to hear your stories.
Approaching the militant man, you get a better look at him. He is a grizzled, mean-looking middle-aged man with receding black hair and a neatly trimmed mustache. He wears a suit of stiff, black ceremonial leather armor that displays his rank in the Chelish navy.
With disregard to your question Ormax, the man replies, "I've been trying to get a fresh drink here all night. Of course its not the good in the first place, but a man gets thirst. I swear the food is all the same. It seems like each nobles steals the others menu. Well, don't just stand there, boy, go fill my cup."
The next dish is brought out while the guests are mingling.
The dangerous nature of this dish and the rare ale represent the secrets and poisoned waters of Stygia.
As the finger foods are going around, Lady Dacilane tinkles her glass to gather the party's attention.
"I thank you all for coming in remembrance of the tragedy the occured 10 years ago at Tri-Towers Yard. Junia was one of the many lost that day. I hope that many of you here remember the happy moments of your children, for that is all that we have left. Junia loved the opera. I was lucky enough to have the traveling company of Kintargo's Opera House perform for us tonight. This was Junia's favorite song, I hope you enjoy it."
|
|
Omrax in calm response to the old man's request.
"As a fellow guest, I will see if there is a server that can bring you a drink. As for me, I do not partake of alcohol, for they say it can impair ones judgement, and I already have enough difficulties in that area.". He smiles as he excuses himself.
Omrax tries to signal a waiter to deliver the naval officer a drink. He will then wander back towards the others in the party to see how they are managing.
|
|
Ezrek begins walking toward the popular man with Luisila, but suddenly spins on his heel and turns back toward the bald, drunk man. Pardon my dull mind, you are the Esteemed Aberian Arvanxi, the mayor of Westcrown in Cheliax, are you not? It is a honor to just be in your presence, Westcrown could have no better a man to see to that great city's affairs. He says to bald man. Pardon me for asking, but that man over there, is he Eirtein Oberigo? I would love to speak to him, would you mind introducing my lovely companion and me to him, if that is not too much of a bother?
|
|
Owai seems little nonplussed by the reactions of the nobles around him. He samples the food and maintains a friendly demeanor throughout it all. He watches the activities of the others, and while he senses they are working on some task or other, he does not interfere or contribute. He applauds Lady Dacilane's words, and enjoys the performance very much. It has him itching to join in himself, and one might be able to read this in his posture and reactions to the performance.
|
|
Nodding slightly to Filios, ranger refocuses his attention at the next meal. A passing servant was more than pleased to explain to Haraldir ingredients of this exotic dish, but the moment words "raw meat" were mentioned, ranger quickly declined the meal. Trying hard not to notice look of disdain which the servant directed at him, he continues to mingle in the crowd looking for some "real food", all the while making sure not to let Filios out of his sight.
By Desna and all the merciful gods, will this charade never end!?!
|
|
He says to bald man. Pardon me for asking, but that man over there, is he Eirtein Oberigo? I would love to speak to him, would you mind introducing my lovely companion and me to him ...
Luisila will place her hand on the man's arm at this point, if he allows it and say,
"If you did, Your Worship ... I would be so ... grateful "
|
|
"You are on your own toosie. You had your chance. Besides, I don't deal in lame harlots. Good Day!"
The night continues with dish after dish and cup after cup. Many of the party's guests become emotional when they start to talk about who they lost in the Beldrin’s Bluff Quake of '03. Stories circle about how they still sense their son running through the house, or their daughter crying out for help from the bath. The lighting becomes more subtle as the night goes on and the shadows grow long. At one point in time, a dozen or so guests retreat upstairs to what is rumored to be séance to speak with those who cannot be with them tonight.
After dining on Nessian Devil's Food Cake, it is time to make a polite exit. Lady Dacilane walks the Pathfinders out herself. When they reach the entryway, she pulls them aside to send them along with a final message.
"Thank you all for coming. I must say that you have changed my mind about the Pathfinder Society. I wish you luck in your exploration. I want to impress upon you again how important it is that I receive any word of what happened my daughter. No matter how trivial, it would mean the world to me."
|
|
After everyone else says their peace, Filios will extend his arm slightly to the side as he says,
May I have a private word, Mi'Lady?
Sleight of Hand:
Assuming failure
Bluff:
Oh clumsy me! I was wondering if you had any notion of what part of the school your daughter was occupying at the time of the collapse?
|
|
Lady Dacilane follows the charming elf to the side room.
You are unable to steal the brooch. Lady Dailane screams as you attempt to steal the broach.
"AAAHHH! Get out! Get out, all of you! How dare you take advantage of a LADY on a night like this. Begone all of you! May the Black Waters Boil your Blood in Hell!"
The manse's servants promptly come to the aid of their mistress and usher you all outside into the cold rainy night.
|
|
Omrax would have said...
"Lady Dacilane, thank you for your gracious hospitality tonight. We were honored to have the chance to participate in this event to remember Junia. We will certainly bring you word of her if we find any clues of her in the ruins.". He bows deeply and tips his hat to her in respectt.
Afterwards, assuming the above was said before we are ejected..
"Filios, what happened??! What did you say or do to her to cause such scorn? Remember that Lady Dacilane is only reason we have the chance to delve the towers."
Omrax flags down the carriage and guard to retrieve the adventuring gear and remove the fopish duds from the party.
|
|
Ezrek glares at Filios when the group returns to the carriage and start exchanging their clothes for their gear. What pray tell, was that all about? I hope you have not destroyed all that we had built this evening or spent our gold on. Not waiting for an answer Ezrek attends to his pack an equipment.
|
|
"Your hospitality will become legendary among my fellows, Lady Dacilane." he says as he departs. "As will your wisdom and your good will."
He walks down the steps and into the cool night air, a smile on his face. The sudden cry of alarm from inside makes him spin on his heels and he is halfway back up the steps by the time Filios is escorted out.
Sensing that Filios is the one who caused the outburst, he eyes the man, but waits for him to explain himself.
When time comes to change, he is not shy, carefully removing his jewelry, which all goes into small boxes - all except his holy symbol, and then strips down to his smallclothes and folding everything, before dressing again in a simple traveler's outfit of flowing white linen over which he straps a lamellar quirass. It does not look to give much protection, but the way he moves when he is armored and armed suggests he does not require much in the way of heavy armor to keep out of danger. His armaments include the finely crafted Scimitar he always carries, a dagger and a shortbow of antler. He affixes a wrist sheath to his left forearm that bears some intricate gears. Drawing a slender wand of amber and dark wood from his pack, he mounts it in the sheath. He arranges various vials and flasks about his person, and then draws a scroll from a scrollcase. "I have here a scroll that is capable of restoring a small amount of a person's life force. If any of you are capable of using it, I request that it be used on myself if necessary. I also have a wand of minor healing magic, which is for the health of all of us. And finally, in this pouch I have a potion of curing. In dire circumstances, it must be used to save one of us if all our other healers - the Dawnflower prevent it - are incapacitated." he says, his demeanor businesslike.
|
|
My fault there, friends, I got a little overzealous in my approach to the Lady, and I feel that offended her oversensitive noble-like sensibilities. I was trying to determine where exactly the children where when the building collapsed. I guess I violated some code of conduct or personal space. In any event, we still have a job to do.
Filios deftly changes his garments and dons his Curveblade and armor as he speaks.
|
|
The carriage is found around the corner and everybody adventuring gear is present and accounted for. Seeing that his duties have finished, Shun bows then starts to walk back to towards the Foreign Quarter.
Once everybody is dressed in the proper gear and ready to go, the driver calls out, "Where to, milords?
|
|
Haraldir was delighted when the party finally started to dissolve. He followed others to the entryway, feeling mentally exhausted. He could not wait to change in his normal outfit, and feel the reassuring weight of his large dagger hanging from his belt. From the corner of his eye he glimpsed Filios taking Lady Dacilana aside, but before he could do anything else, he heard her outraged cry.
Man, that was not good...probably better if I hold on with "told ya so"
Not asking anything, he quickly changes from his ridiculous looking garment into his typical outdoors outfit. Gripping his bow, he double checks if the feathers on his arrows got wet. Pulling his knife out, he dangles it in the air before sheathing it again with a barely heard but satisfying "click" sound. Slugging his backpack over his left shoulder, he motions the driver with his bow: "Straight to the entrance to Tri-Towers Yard, my good man. And hurry it up!"
|
|
"Thank you, master Shun". Omrax says as he returns a bow towards the dwarf for guarding the gear. He dons his armor and equips everything else ready for the next stage.
Then back to the driver...
"Aye good man, make haste as we are not sure how long we will have to complete our business there tonight."
|
|
With a shutter, the driver only mutters, "Drownyards" then snaps his reigns.
The rain continues to come down hard and cold as the carriage crosses Absalom into the long forgotten Precipice District. The driver drops the party off at the district's edge.
"Won't go no further. You are on your own from here. It's an ill omen to enter the Drownyards at night."
Beldrin’s Bluff is a rotting ghost town at the edge of a hungry sea. Throughout the derelict landscape, seagulls perched on splintered timbers reflect a passage in their glassy black eyes. The winds cut through the streets making it as if the buildings are moaning themselves.
Traveling west, the party approaches what was known as The Tri-Towers Yard. A fence of black iron pikes surrounds the block-wide yard. Dead tree branches reach out from the fence like the arms of emaciated prisoners desperate to escape. A man is on the inside, cutting the trees down. Some of the dismembered branches remain, stuck in place by knotty elbows swollen around the iron.
|
|
When the party prepares to depart Venture-Captain Drenge’s company, he pulls an iron key from his waistcoat. “I leave you with the key to the Drownyard gate. Remember, the Drownyard is a deeply personal site for many powerful Inner Sea families. You will tread upon the graves of their children. Be sure to give the site the respect it deserves.”
The old man looks up from his sawing and watches the group approach. His thinning hair is matted and sweaty. He maintains his silence as he stares. Behind him, partially collapsed buildings and three whitewashed towers lean in a lake-filled yard. A gate with a heavy lock is within sight.
|
|
Omrax is willing to carry the key, but will give it to anyone else if they prefer, He would have vowed to ensure proper respect of the fallen children.
Back to the current gardener,...Omrax pulls out the key in order to unlock the gate like ihe owns the place, but watches for any reaction from the old man.
"He thinks, 'Sure is an odd time and weather to be out gardening, but then again working in a graveyard is not something non-odd people would be willing to do I guess.. "
|
|
The old man stops sawing when Omrax approaches the gate with key in hand. He slowly starts to make his way over to the gate when the key enters the lock. With a twist of the key, the old man switches the saw from one hand to the other. As the lock pops, the old man uses his teeth to pull off the glove of his free hand. He clinches to make a fist and then opens it as the gate swings open.
When Omrax enters, the old man is there at the side of the gate, with a smile.
"Well, hello to you as well. It is indeed a find day. A little wet, but if we stopped work for every little annoyance, we'd never get anything done," the man responses politely with an outstretched hand. The saw-teeth glistens in the moonlight of the blade he dangles in his off-hand.
|
|
Luisila will lay a reassuring hand on Filios’ shoulder.
“We were getting nowhere the way we were going, Filios … and you took a chance … at least if the worst happens, we won’t go out wondering if there was something else we could have done.”
“Sod, regrets anyway! It’s time to go to work and do what we are supposed to do best.”
She ponders the evening and how differently it turned out, compared to what she had expected.
Haraldir was right. This pretending to be something you’re not doesn’t really work … I think I’ll try and do what I’m best at for the rest of this mission.
Luisila goes over to the ranger and gives him a friendly punch on the arm. “OK you were right … you can remind me about this as often as you like … once the mission is over …”
More grimly: “Tell me H, have you considered that some of our ‘betters’ may have actually had a hand in deliberately sacrificing those children to their dark lord? And at the exact spot Dreng is sending us into, ten years later …”
|
|
Obviously more relaxed, Haraldir enters the carriage and answers Luisila.
"No way lass, this party is something I will not remind you often of. I will be forgetting all this in a blink of an eye"
His face darkens a bit when he heard her next question. He remains silent for a few moments and then looks at her straight in the eyes: "As always, you might have a point in there. You are more... accustomed to such way of thinking. I do not know lass, and I choose not to know. Certainly, there are people who would do something like that in this crazy world of ours. But I choose not to dwell on that. If I am to meet such a monster, someone who would deliberately sacrifice another human, even her/his own child, I'd know what I'd do." His mood grim, he continues to remain silent throughout the ride.
Upon reaching the gate, Haraldir remains behind and a bit to the right of Omrax. He studies the old man in detail, taking a quick glance at his surrounding, as if trying to notice if something is "not right". He listens attentively to the old man, all the while looking him straight in the eyes trying to discern if he has something to hide.
A very strange time for gardening. Gardening - damn it Omrax, where do you get these ideas?! Could it be that someone is desperate enough to be poaching in here?
|
|
As the old man approaches, Omrax would stop at the open gate and turn to observe him...
Does he appear to be only cutting the dead branches or live trees as well?
"Greetings, sir. The smiling sun of Sarenrae would make this damp evening better, but we must make due with what the gods choose to share with us mortals. " He smiles at his friend Owai with the reference.
"We do not mean to interrupt your work...we have business inside. "
If no malice was detected in his response or reaction, Omrax extends his hand to the old man in return.
|
|
"Oh no bother, I could use the break. I'm Deris. my daughter Cassiel attends this school. You should see how she’s grown. Those beautiful long braids!"