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"You must be out of the graces of Paracountess Dralneen if you do not know me. I am Aleimare Durnstadt, champion of Cheliax. Hand chosen by Zarta herself to further the glory of the nation. I have reforged the legendary Passion's Edge and have been personally invited to feast with Michelia Blakros and her husband, the Hellknight Damian. My deeds are being extolled throughout Cheliax. There are few who are as worthy as I to escort the Paracountess while she is trying to enjoy a joyous and enviable event. It would please us if you did not bother her tonight."
Aleimare eyes the Paracountess, silently giving her the message that if she heads towards an end seat, he will ensure to prevent Gaspar from sitting next to her.
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As four liveried servants prepare to serve the first course, seared sea scallops presented on a bed of butternut squash pureed with exotic Thuvian herbs and drizzled with chive oil, Ofarah turns to Paracountess Zarta Dralneen and poses her first question.
“My dear Paracountess, I have heard you yourself throw rather lavish parties at the Chelish Embassy. How do you find tonight’s affair, and what advice can you offer me for future events?” The paracountess squints for a moment in thought, as though trying to think of a tactful way of saying something with no possible positive spin. “My parties are much more lively, to say the least. I enjoy the company of many, and this small fete would hardly provide enough warm bodies to keep me occupied at one of my gatherings. Perhaps, if you’re open to the idea, I could invite you to my next soiree, which is set to have an enticingly Infernal theme?”
Ofarah turns to Sir Terramor, "What do you think of the party in comparison to Lady Dralneen's gatherings?"
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Sir Terramor is as tactful as he can be. "I have never attended one of her ladyship's famous parties," he says. "It is perhaps to Master Aleimare that such a question should be directed. But by reputation, such events would not be to my tastes. I am a man of direct action."
"I am enjoying your party, Madame, for the opportunity it brings to study the wealthiest of the Inner Sea and for the company of the hostess."
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As the second course—reefclaw cakes presented with fire roasted corn, garlic, and sauteed leeks—is placed before you, Ofarah poses her second question, this time directing it at Yala.
“Yala, you are known as Witchbane among your people. However did you come by this title?”
The Ulfen warrior stands proudly, pounding on the table and sending a smattering of reefclaw onto her neighbor’s plate. “I am the bringer of death to the witches of Irrisen, and my bloody blade is the last thing their icy eyes see before I send them straight to Hell! If I lived a thousand years, I couldn't kill enough witches, and if I could wipe their filthy spawn from the face of Golarion tomorrow, I’d give my last breath to do so!”
It is clear to everyone that Ofarah watches wide-eyed, looking back and forth between the raving barbarian and the food that is getting tossed across the table. When Yala ceases her tirade, her face red and her eyes wild, Ofarah asks Keya what she thinks of witches.
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Keya just shakes her head, "witches - we are often misunderstood. Just because no-one konws where we draw our power from makes people anxious. And with this comes prejudice, and hate. It depends what you do with your powers, not what you are as description. You can be a powerful fighter, bringing death on the innocent and rule with a hard fist. When the so called evil witches now frees a country from such an evil ruler, who is really from hell? And if you kill anyone, just because they don't fit your own worldview, but who want to change the world for good, who really is in the end the good person, who from hell? Just being a witch does not mean you are from hell, your deeds and actions will determine it!" she speaks calm and softly, but inwardly enraged about so much prejudice.
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Maximo was just about to inquire about seconds when Yala provided it. He spends the next minute trying to spear a piece that keeps jumping about during the Ulfen's speech.
"Aha." He chuckles upon impaling a morsel like a fencer scoring a touch when the speech is over. Listening to Keya as he chews, he turns to Yala with an question.
"Mighty Yala, have you hate towards all witches or merely those of Irrisen?"
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Yala Witchbane shoots Keya a sharp look. Apparently it was not even in the realm of possibility having a witch at the dinner table. Trembling with rage, the Ulfen woman seems to take all of her willpower not to jump across the table. After a few tense seconds, Yala takes a deep breath and turns to Ofarah, "You will have to excuse me..."
Ofarah's answer is short, "Of course."
The Ulfen woman gives Maximo a look, almost apologizing, then leaves the table.
Ofarah looks at Keya and smiles, "No doubt, the only witches that Yala Witchbane has ever had experience with are the witches of Irrisen. If you have seen the evils perpetrated by them, you would not blame her for how she feels. That being said, I thank you for enlightening us. I know that I have not had any experience with witches, and it is in our nature to fear what we do not know or understand."
Through the rest of the course, Ofarah speaks with Keya, asking about what makes a witch a witch, and learning more of her ilk.
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EDIT: Ofarah smiles at that answer making small talk about how a witch is different from a wizard or a priest.
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During the third course of roasted beets in a dwarven mead reduction, presented with fresh goat cheese and pickled Chelish greens, Ofarah continues her efforts to get to know her guests by engaging Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam in conversation.
“Honorable trade prince, I understand you are a relative newcomer to Absalom. As an outsider myself, I am curious about your experiences here.”
The handsome Qadiran smiles humbly, and raises an eyebrow as he dabs his napkin to the corner of his mouth. “What an excellent question! In my years seeking financial partners while living in Katheer, I traveled here many times and find the opportunities more promising with each visit. Now that I am here permanently, I find myself ever seeking the company of those from distant shores, with whom I may make even more ambitious arrangements to ensure mutual financial gain. And I find keeping an eye on my daughters in such a big and corrupting city quite a daunting task!”
his statement, which had captivated her to that point.
Ofarah looks to Evayne, "How about you? What has life in Absalom been like for you?"
Perhaps the first thing you may do when you have time is to find social friends rather than business friends? You'll find true companions worth more, and in the long run they tend to lead towards more stable businesses even if less lucrative she leaves her conversation open and hinting that not all in life is about money
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Life in Absalom is always exciting.. sometimes dangerous but I've been lucky. I don't remember my parents very well, my earliest memories are of the group of street kids that took me in. We didn't have much but managed to get by. My best friend was Hireko a Tien girl a few years older than me. If it hadn't been for her I probably would have starved. But we managed for a few years, right up until the time they made us try to steal from the Temple. We got caught but Hireko got away. They took pity on me though and took me in and that's where I grew up from then on
Evayne's face suddenly goes red as she realizes she's rambling. "But I'm sure your experiences are much more interesting than mine."
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You continue the conversation through the rest of the course. Soon, though, your dishes are cleared and they begin the next course...
As the main course, composed of grilled fillet of ankheg, presented with caramelized shallots in a Thuvian wine reduction, crisp truffle-scented potato, white asparagus, and Darklands mushrooms, is served, the hostess continues her line of questioning, now turning her attention to Gaspar Desime.
“Gaspar, I have to ask, whatever are all those medals for? I assume you earned them on the battlefield, no?”
The already-tipsy Isgeri chugs his wine uncouthly and slams the empty goblet down onto the table dramatically. His gaze ever on the Paracountess instead of Ofarah, he begins an interminable recounting of the epic tale of his career: “Why yes indeed! Over four hundred hobgoblin foot soldiers died by my blade alone, and my name is still uttered along with the most honored heroes of the Goblinblood Wars. Why, were it not for me, one can only imagine what would have become of fair Isger at the hands of the wretched hordes. To think of all that missed opportunity...”
It is pretty clear to everyone, though Maximo and Evayne are a little distracted by Gaspar's display, that Ofarah is annoyed at Gaspar's drunken and boorish behavior. She turns to Aleimare, "You seem to have served in the military as well. Tell me of your most honorable achievement."
looks delighted to have the shallots with a reduction sauce and mushrooms
I simply adore asparagus and mushrooms, this looks amazing!
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Seeing the opportunity to increase his prestige, Aleimare speaks of his adventure during GenCon. "My honor comes through seeing justice and law fulfilled. It comes through great deeds of self. My greatest honor was in the defense of the Diamond City, Nerosyan. When the demonic hordes of the Worldwound poured forth towards the great Mendevian stronghold, I was summoned to her aid. As corruption spread from within and from without, I lead a squad of Pathfinders throughout the city removing the spread. As the demon lords lead an assault against the very walls of the city, my team and I protected and utilized our siege equipment to assist the Seekers in driving back the lords of the Abyss. We were successful in defending the city, and I have since been summoned back by the Pathfinder Society as an ambassador (presumably because of my fame) in order to recruit further aid from our resistant allies."
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"Such enthusiasm he has!" Maximo muses quietly to Evayne as he watches Aleimare give his speech. "Sally forth, charge the lines! hold men, hold! There's nothing like a righteous battle to test the mettle of a warrior and find glory in a cause."
He shifts in his seat, stifling a soft groan from having sat in one position too long. "Ahh, to be young again."
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Ofarah smiles, "Thank you for sharing your experience. Defending against the hordes of the Worldwound is a noble effort to be sure."
The penultimate course, a dessert of sorbet served with berries soaked in Irrisen ice wine and topped with a delicate chocolate lattice, is accompanied by yet another question from Ofarah, this time directed at a the Sapphire Sage, Amenopheus.
“I tire of talk of war. What can you tell me of the past, Amenopheus? What is the earliest notable event that occurred within your own lifetime?”
The aged Osirian raises his eyebrows at the insinuation of his advanced age, but smiles nonetheless and responds. “In all my years, I have never sat at as lovely a table as this one, I will tell you that. Beyond that, however, the tales of yore are lengthy and belong in libraries and dusty cloisters, and not at the dinner table. Though I may have many years on all at this table but our elven friend, I plan to enjoy many more, one way or another. Ask me again in a generation and we’ll talk history then.”
She turns to Maximo, "What tales of time gone by could you share with us?"
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With a smile, Maximo stands like a performer on the stage and bows his head towards the host of the gathering. "Ofarah Ohatepe, it just so happens that such tales are my forte."
"As a Thuvian, your experience of the world is from a distinctly southern perspective of the Inner Sea. Still, no doubt you have heard of the great Taldor Armies of Exploration, yes? For any unfamiliar with them, I will summarize."
"Throughout its existence, the Empire of Taldor repeatedly launched expansionist military campaigns to increase its territory and wealth. These campaigns have become known as the Armies of Exploration. They met with variable success, but at its height, Taldor controlled many territories north of the Inner Sea, reaching as far as Galt, Lastwall, and Cheliax. Not only did these colonies bring the empire untold wealth, but they spread Taldan culture and the Taldane language, what we all call the common tongue, throughout the Inner Sea region."
"In the history of Taldor the Empire has launched eight Armies of Expansion. Of these eight, the Sixth Army marks both the summit and decline of my great homeland."
"In the year 2009 AR, a mighty bombard was forged in the foundries of Alkenstar. Called the Worldbreaker, it was commissioned for the Fifth Army of Exploration and was partly responsible for the success of that campaign. Even by today's standards it would be the largest known cannon to date. Its bore measured an unbelievable 30 stone. After the Fifth Army returned it was decommissioned and placed upon a hill in order to guard the western approach to the Gilded City of Oppara."
"The Sixth Army holds the ignoble reputation of having lost Worldbreaker. Led by General Erestos Marburran, the Army entered the Expanse from the east, via the Ndele Gap in what is modern day Nex. It is rumored that the Army wished to penetrate all the way to Garund's western coast, and thereby conquer all the lands surrounding the Inner Sea. However, the Army only made it as far as the ruined city of Nagisa before it was ambushed by the Gorilla King’s forces and massacred. Worldbreaker was lost to the Jungle, though some rumor that it still remains in the Hall of the Silverback King of Usaro as a trophy."
Maximo sighs, his head bowed. "It is a tale of tragedy, folly, pride and greed. The Empire of Taldor reached for too much, and nearly lost all. And it has never fully recovered from this great defeat."
He lets a moment of silence hang over the table before continuing.
"In Oppara there is a landmark called Worldbreaker Hill, named for the great cannon. Whenever I visit the great city I look upon the place and remind myself of the Taldor that was. Yet, I take faith that it might one day reclaim its glory through different means."
Maximo stares off towards the far wall as if seeing the sight in his mind. He then begins the words to a song, voicing the lyrics like an actor giving lines.
"Oppara, the Guilded City!
Oppara, so glorious!
Oppara, the greatest beauty!
Fifteen gems upon the crown,
And shining knights all honorbound.
With noble valor we shall be victorious!"
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Ofarah smiles, "So the moral is to be wary of over-reaching, lest you tumble? A truly noble lesson to learn, may your country find its feet. Thank you for your tale..."
The final course features a rich Rahadoumi coffee and a choice of either a fine Taldan dessert wine or a dark Molthuni brandy. As she stirs her brandy into her coffee, Ofarah leans toward Lady Gloriana Morilla and asks frankly.
“Lady Morilla, you come from a very influential house here in the city, correct? How do you find the nobles here differ from those in your homeland? In my brief time here, I’ve come to find a number of differences between the aristocracy of Lamasara and of Absalom.”
The Taldan noble clears her throat demurely, and responds to the inquiry. “House Morilla has been an influential player in the political scene here on Kortos since well before my father’s father’s time, and thus I was born here. While I’ve spent a great deal of time in the courts of Oppara, I much prefer aristocratic life in Absalom to that of mainland Taldor. Until our great nation rids itself of much of the bureaucracy that serves as more of a hindrance than a benefit to the upper classes, Taldor will never reattain its former glories.”
The Lamsaran warrior woman turns to Sir Terramor, "What is your view on the Aristocracy?"
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Sir Terramor thinks for several moments before answering. "There are those who say that the aristocracy is created to rule by the will of the gods, and given extra abilities and divine right to rule. Others say that the aristocracy merely consists of those whose ancestors were better at murder and extortion."
"I say that its origins and purpose are immaterial. What matters is that in many lands, that class called the aristocracy possesses wealth, education, training and social connections. They...we...are in a position to do things. What matters is what one does with what one has. The aristocracy, having much, must do much to justify it."
"Aristocracy means 'the rule of the excellent.' If an aristocracy has a purpose, it is not to be served, but to lead. To sponsor art, medicine and great monuments that will inspire the people. To lead by good examples. To demonstrate by their lives what excellence means. If a nobleman is widely traveled, has enjoyed the world, let him bring back his experiences and share them with the lower classes who will never have the opportunity. Let him employ them as servants, craftsmen and soldiers."
"I envy no man his wealth or position, so long as he puts both to good use. And Hell take those who do not."
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Ofarah laughs, "Well said, good Sir! You have a healthy view of your standing, one I wish more of your fellows shared."
After clearing the table, the servants light a number of hookahs, filling the air with the scent of rose-infused tobacco from Molthune. Amenopheus takes his leave without partaking in any of the post-meal smoking, thanking the hostess and wishing all remaining guests well. Between puffs of her personal hookah, Ofarah poses a final question to the elf she knows as Ceralan.
“Finally, my old friend Ceralan. Either time has changed your timeless features or muddied my own memory, for I feel as though we are total strangers now. Tell me of a time we spent together in Lamasara in my youth, that others can share in our friendship.”
The elf blinks silently for a moment as if in deep thought. “Why, my lady, our memories are our own. Perhaps our fine guests would rather we
discuss something they too hold dear: a sentiment from childhood, or a memory held in the forefront of the mind?”
Ceralan gestures to Kyra as he makes the suggestion.
she swallows a little of her drink
I wish had many cherished memories to share, but the most burning of them is the feelings of fear and abandoment when my town was raided. I swore that day to Sarenrae to protect all those who deal honestly, to protect those who walk in her light and to protect the weak. That is my most cherished memory my friends. The day I found purpose and direction, the day I knew what my life was meant to be and how it was to be lived.
she clears her throat with another draught
I do know however that actions count more for the living than words do for the dead, so to that end I prefer not to talk about what I've done, but what we should do now and in the future, for we are all still mortal even those of us who serve a divine cause
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After Kyra's response, Ofarah's face softens a little. She takes a puff from her hookah and leans in, "Then let us talk of now, why are you here? I know you represent the Ten and their little Society, but they could have sent anyone. Why send you?"
There is nothing accusatory in her tone, merely a curiosity of the woman that shared such a painful memory.
I'm sure it's mainly for my skills in diplomacy, I'm well known for my tact and ability to sooth ruffled feathers... she smiles and continues
I'm sure my superiors though are more interested in finding out the information that can be had from having eyes and ears here, motivations of those here and what have you. Motive is key to everything, and to that end I'm curious why pathfinders were invited to this party, not that I mind a reprive from frozen mountains and sweaty jungles. I hope we keep this a lively affair, it is after all your birthday! We should all do our best to let you smile and for a night not worry about your other duties...
She raises a drink, a smile knowing that Ofarah most likely understands that while here on business, wants her to enjoy the night
To the guest of honor, may Saranrae bless her and light her path for another year!
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The conversation goes on for a while before things settle down for the evening. As the conversation draws to a close, Zarta Dralneen, Aaqir al’Hakam, and Lady Gloriana rise and make their way to the front of the embassy to be retrieved by their respective sedans and escorts, leaving only the bunch of you, Ofarah, Ceralan, and the embassy’s servants in the
dining room.
Ceralan turns to Ofarah and speaks in a soft, yet firm voice, “My humble hostess, I have a question for you before you retire to your chambers. If given the choice of dying of old age or being swiftly murdered by a killer you never saw coming, which fate would you choose?”
The Lioness pauses for a moment before a look of realization fills her face. At the widening of her eyes, the false Ceralan laughs, and declares, “That’s what I thought!” as he moves in for a surprise strike against the unguarded and unarmed Ofarah.
Surprise Round (Evayne, Keya, and Maximo may act on their initiatives):
Servant assassin 3
Keya
Evayne
False Ceralan
Servant assassin 1
Servant assassin 2
Maximo
Servant assassin 3 slips past Aleimare and Sir Terramor, who missed the subtle clues of the assassins. He slides to a halt, throwing a vicious punch to Kyra's throat! Kyra's chainmail coif manages to block the incoming strike, softening the blow.
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Keya nods at the elven assassin, calling on her magic, suddenly realizing that elves are immune to sleep effects! The false Ceralan laughs at the witch, "Trying to put me to sleep? Rookie mistake, child!"
Surprise Round (Evayne, Keya, and Maximo may act on their initiatives):
Servant assassin 3
Keya
Evayne <--
False Ceralan
Servant assassin 1
Servant assassin 2
Maximo
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Eyes heavy and fighting the urge for a nap, Maximo slumped in his chair. He was well satiated after a long evening of excellent conversation, fine food, and one of his favorite vices - wine. In one hand he still nursed a glass of the Irrisen ice, preferred over the too-sweet Taldan dessert vintage (though of course he had one of those as well in honor of his country and whatnot). Smoke from a hookah dangling in his other hand drifts from his nose.
"What is this?" He blinks when he notices the look in Ceralan's eyes, his mind putting together the evil puzzle before him a little too late to intervene in the attack. "What, what!?" There is a smash as his hookah slips to the floor.
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The false Ceralan throws a vicious backhanded chop at the back of Ofarah's neck! The strike lands hard, but the Lioness shakes it off!
Assassin 1 steps up to Kyra, in a flanking position, and lashes out at her! A quick kick lands itself around the cleric's kidneys!
Assassin 2 positions himself next to the witch, preparing a strike at her!
Surprise Round (Evayne, Keya, and Maximo may act on their initiatives):
Servant assassin 3
Keya
Evayne
False Ceralan
Servant assassin 1
Servant assassin 2
Maximo <--
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"To arms my friends! To arms!" Maximo rouses his companions with a bold voice. "Let us challenge this treachery with courage!" He thrusts a finger accusingly at Ceralan and slowly advances."And you! Villain! Prepare to face the wrath of... hrmm.. Oh bother..." His hand tugs at the hilt of his greatsword peace bound in its scabbard.