PFS Scenario 5-03: The Hellknight's Feast (Inactive)

Game Master Tarondor

Inside a meeting room at the Pathfinder Society headquarters Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin stands at the end of a long table. To either side of him stand Lady Gloriana Morilla and Major Colson Maldris.

“Thank you for coming, Pathfinders,” Valsin says, gesturing for everyone to sit, though he remains standing. “As you may have heard, we recently discovered the location of a lost dwarven Sky Citadel. I won’t demean your intelligence by stating the significance of this discovery, but suffice it to say the potential rewards for exploring the site are staggering.”

He turns to face a map of the Inner Sea on the wall and pokes a location with a loud thump. “Unfortunately, the Sky Citadel is located within what was once Sarkoris—the demon-infested region now known as the Worldwound. After a long debate and careful planning, we began to recruit military aid to push into the demon-haunted land so we could reach the site; however, before we could make any significant gains, Mendev’s wardstones—a collection of minor artifacts designed to keep the demons from pouring out of the Worldwound—began to inexplicably fail. In short, there’s a hole in the dam and demons are trickling into Mendev in greater numbers. With Mendev under this new assault, we realize that in order to reach the Sky Citadel, we must aid the Fifth Crusade and help turn back the demons.

“Since the nations of the Inner Sea are not reacting expediently to the danger presented by the newly invigorated Worldwound, a small cadre of concerned Pathfinders— including Trade Prince Aakir al’Hakam, Paracountess Zarta Dralneen, the Sapphire Sage Amenopheus, Lady Gloriana Morilla, and Major Colson Maldris—have united to leverage their influence. With my support, they plan to petition the Grand Council of Absalom and persuade them to issue an executive order to send soldiers to Mendev immediately.

“To increase our chances for success, we called in a favor from the Blakros family, who remain grateful to the Society for recently saving the marriage of Michellia Blakros and the Hellknight Damien Kastner. The newlyweds have organized a dinner party with an impressive guest list to be held at Fiddlemourn Manor. Lady Morilla and Major Maldris will attend, and they plan to use the feast as an opportunity to convince some of Absalom’s elite to support the upcoming motion. We need you to mingle with several important guests and befriend them so that they are more disposed to throw their support behind the Fifth Crusade. These special guests include Senator Augustyn Naran of Andoran, Lady Vaelia Wintermark of Taldor, Lady Dyrianna of House Avenstar, Scion Lord Kerkis of House Damaq, Lord Rothos of House Vastille, Lady Darchana of House Madinani, and Dremdhet Salhar, the Grand Ambassador of Osirion.

“The feast is tomorrow evening. Though the Blakroses are handling security, we want you to attend in your full adventuring regalia to help solidify your role as representatives of the Pathfinder Society and lend credibility to any claims you make regarding your knowledge of the Worldwound and the worldwide threat it signifies. We also expect you to provide additional security if it’s needed.”

Valsin levels his solemn gaze on everyone at the table.

“Remember, this is a social gathering. It’s crucial that we make a good impression on the guests, win their support, and improve the Society’s standing with them. Without their support, our motion to the Grand Council is doomed to failure.”

The Lady Kale Aldori sat quietly at the table while she listened eagerly to what Valsin had to say. At the mention of Lady Gloriana Morilla, Kale gave a slight nod. She eyed the other pathfinders who had been gathered here looking for any familiar faces, seeing none she slumped slightly in her chair.

The rich colors of her noble attire marked her as a member of House Orlovsky of Brevoy, with her lightly curled blond hair and elegantly decorated sword at her waist she seemed to look already dressed for the feast. Her growing smile faltered when Valsin asked that they attend in adventuring regalia.

"Az you vish Captain." Her voice carried a thick accent, as though the common tongue was not the first she spoke. She looked again about at the others around the table, taking in the new faces.

A female Halfling wearing a silver wayfinder, mithral chain shirt and a battle worn cloak waits for a pause in the briefing, and steps forward.

"This sounds like a truly wonderful party. Although the talk of this military campaign sounds ominous. I love parties and meeting new people even more than my study of military history. I will have to buy a new outfit. Although Boots will probably have to sit outside again. Oh there I go again chatting away without introducing myself. I am Dora and it is an honor to meet each of you on this momentous occasion.. " she bows respectfully to the assembled venture captains and then to the members of the team.

A very young Tengu walks in (for those of you who can tell an old one from a young one), A large smile extended from the left hand side of his beak to the right. He wears a mithril breast plate, and has many weapons hanging from various positions on his body, most notably a very large sword. He also opens in a heavy accent.

"You are sending me to a party?

That is fantastic, I usually have to conduct Pathfinder work in smelly old holes in the ground. What kind of food will they have?

"Ah, hello Dora. I am called Kale of the Aldori." Turning to the Tengu with a look of surprise, "I have never had the pleasure of meeting one of your kind, by vhat name should ve call you?"

Oh wow, took me a bit to get your name Dora but Boots just gave it away!

"I have never had the pleasure of meeting one of your kind, by vhat name should ve call you?"

"Ayaki. You can call me Ayaki. I like your scabbard, I bet there is a fine blade within. I love swords."

"Ayaki, a strong name. It is good to be meeting you. So far, I have never been given an assignment in vhich my blade vas not used. So perhaps I vill be showing it to you later my feathered friend."

Kale tugs lightly on the hilt smoothly sliding the blade about 2 inches from the rich leather of the scabbard, giving a glimpse of a blade even more ornate then her clothing made of shining mithril and inlayed with a brilliant gold scrollwork, light seemed to emanate from within.

She gives Ayaki a wink as the blade disappears within again with a quiet click.

This one I like. He has an eye for a fine blade.

Lady Morilla gives a wan smile to Ayaki's question. "I am not in charge of the menu," she says, [b]"But I have no doubt that it will be in exquisite taste and accompanied by the finest Taldan wines."

You have a day to ask questions, prepare yourselves and get to the party.

" Well hello back Kale. It is a rare treat to have another girl, I mean lady on a mission. I seem to always get stuck with bruding halforc barbarians or taciturn ninjas. Just between us, neither of those are dynamic conversationalists. I started as a language tutor for barbarians you know. I like travel and study of ancient military tactics. And unlike you and our new friend Ayaki, I do not have a fine blade of my own. I tend to admire the skill of the swordsman or woman as much as the tools of their trade."

Dora will be interested in learning more about the VIP guests over the next day. She will ask around town before leaving.

kn:local : 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
diplomacy : 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

A young plump monk with an ever-present smile sits quietly, taking in the mission. "It seems that we are once again sent into the lion's den."

Turning to the others, his smile grows, "New faces! I love meeting my fellow Pathfinders. My name is Fung, the Lion of Goka."

At the introduction of the newest team member, Dora perks up with a smile towards the monk.

"Welcome Fung Xi, what an interesting name. I am Dora. Just plain and nothing fancy. Are you able to turn into a lion? Oh, wait, that was rude of me to ask. I am sorry. But really, can you?"

" Vell it is good to be meeting you Fungu" She seems to have a little difficulty pronouncing the Tian name.

Kale will try to recall what she knows about the social elite who are attending.
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Knowledge (Nobility) : 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Fung laughs heartily, temporarily forgetting his place before Lady Morilla and Major Maldris, "Ahem, no, I cannot turn into a lion. I have the heart of the lions of Tian Xia. I think the scholars refer to them as foo lions, but I never paid them much mind. It is a pleasure to meet the both of you."

Bowing traditionally to Ayaki, Fung speaks in his home tongue,

Ayaki returns the bow.

Looking at the others, Fung smiles, "Perhaps we should continue this conversation in Taldane, as it is rude to our new sisters here. Yes, brother, I served Lady Amara and still do when I have the chance. I try to go back to Goka and visit her when I can. She gave me purpose in life, and I owe her much for that."

"Thank you for your consideration Lion, but I feel that unless there is more for us to do here that ve should be making our preparations for the feast."

Kale seems ready to depart and already is already fussing over the state her hair. She looks about to see if anyone else will speak up and introduce themselves.

She's going to buy a vial of anti-toxin after we're done here.

EDIT: "Good point, Lady Kale."

Since the last dinner that I had with the Blakros Family we were assaulted by demons, Fung will invest in cold iron knuckles. Purchase of 602 gp.

I'll give everyone until Monday to decide on purchases and/or anything else.

Dora purchases: courtier outfit and jewels 80gp, fancy collar 20gp

Fancy collar? So paint me a picture, Dora! What's that outfit look like?

The evening gown is for Dora, pink with bows. The fancy jeweled collar is for Boots, her wolf and faithful companion,

Ayaki purchased some nobles attire as soon as he left Thornkeep. He knew he was going to a feast and opted to not make a fool of himself.

A red male kimono, that brings out his ebon feathers. Stitched into the silk are various Foo Dragons.

Fung Xi will dress in his courtier's outfit for the banquet. It is a red Tien-style silk robe with white and black trim. He only has two pieces of jewelry, the first is a red braided cord around his neck with a carved jade cuff. The second piece of jewelry is a simple jade and silver ring.

"Hi, y'all. I am Oscar, the most knowledgable man in all a'Andor. It's ah pleasure to meet yah. This should be ah fun time at the partee for us all."

[Oscar buys a courtiers outfit and regalia for 80 gp. He goes for a nice pair of slacks, shiny black boots, and a red fancy coat with silver highlights.]

I'm going to delay a bit to let Al Elric catch up. One way or the other, we'll get underway tonight.

The quiet green cloaked figure in the back surreptitiously stretches his arms and checks to make sure that all the various instruments he has are still secure. Moving slightly makes his cloak fold to reveal the many vials and potions strewn across his torso on a vest with dozens of compartments and sheaths. Carrying a simple crossbow on his back and a dagger in his belt, he seems to be more of a scholar than a fighter. He smiles a gold tinted smile with shinning stained teeth.

A pleasure to meet you all. I shall go and acquire a courtier outfit as well I think. The vestments of the road will indeed be out of place at a function such as this. Would any of you young ladies like an escort for the evening? I'm not much of a dancer but I can strike up a decent conversation.

Dora smiles to the newcomers..."Hello, I am Dora. Welcome to the party to both of you gentlemen. The more the merrier I always say."

Fung laughs, "We always have a habit of lending a bit of color to the Blakros' special events!"

O dear I remember the last Blakros party I went to. It did not end very well. I do so hope that this one will have a better ending.

It is 6:00 p.m., an hour before sundown, when you arrive at Fiddlemourn Manor so you can meet the staff and tour the manor. There to greet you are Damien and Michellia Blakros, Major Maldris,and Lady Morilla.

"Thank you for coming," says the the former Hellknight and Pathfinder Society ally Damien Blakros. He indicates a sturdily-built gnome with a brilliant cerulean crew-cut. "Please permit me to introduce Tesperen, captain of the Blakros guards. Please coordinate your activities with him as well as with Major Maldris and Lady Morilla."

Tesperen nods in acknowledgement of your joint responsibilities. "Come on then," he says. "Let's get on with the tour. The guests will be arriving in an hour's time and we've a long way to go."

He leads you about the grounds and house (see below) and introduces you to a dozen guards and a half dozen maids and liveried servants.

PLAN OF FIDDLEMOURN MANOR

MAP OF FIDDLEMOURN MANOR

1. Stable: The stable currently houses the mounts belonging to the Blakroses and the dinner guests (four camels, an axe beak, and two riding horses). Seven stable hands remain here, caring for the animals and doing their best to keep the aggressive axe beak from antagonizing the other mounts.

2. Kennel: The kennel is a roofed, open-walled structure surrounded by a 5-foot-high wooden fence. It is home to five wolf hounds owned by Oved Blakros. The hounds are well-trained show dogs, and though they look menacing, they are quite friendly with strangers.

3. Great Hall: This massive entry hall is well lit and sparsely furnished. The fireplace on the east wall is large enough for an adult human to stand inside. Mounted on the wall above the fireplace is the stuffed head of a large sized draconic creature with shiny blue-green scales (a sea drake). Four house guards are posted here throughout
the evening.

4. Salon: Several comfortable chairs and sofas sit in this well-lit room, a place for guests to relax, enjoy music, and conversation. A string quartet from the esteemed White Grotto bardic college has set up in the northwest corner.

5. Study: This room contains a large desk, three leather chairs, and cabinets containing various curios and minor art objects.

6. Dining Hall: This spacious room is heated by a large fireplace and lit by two massive crystal chandeliers. The walls are decorated with painted murals of horses galloping through vast green plains. The largest feature in the room is a huge, U-shaped oaken table, and the feast takes place here.

7. Kitchen: The kitchen features two large fireplaces, a wide oaken table, and numerous wall mounted counters and cabinets. A staff of six cooks are constantly hounded by foul-mouthed Domeros Prinitar, a
renowned master chef brought in from Oppara for the event. Prinitar scowls menacingly when anyone except his staff enters his kitchen.

8. Pantry: The pantry is well stocked and located adjacent to the busy kitchen.

9. Storage Closet: This room contains tools, linens, barrels of water, and other mundane items.

10. Shrine: The dusty, somewhat neglected shrine features marble statues of the gods Abadar, Calistria, Desna, and Shelyn. A small brass brazier burns fragrant incense here throughout the evening to help mask any smells coming from the privy.

11. Privy: This room holds a porcelain toilet, a wall-mounted
wash basin filled with rose-scented water, and a rack of hand towels. A small brass oil lamp on the ceiling provides plenty of light.

12. Smoking Room: This room is used by Oved and his special guests to smoke and relax. A cabinet holds a rack of scrimshaw, clay, and ivory pipes, pouches of mundane and exotic pipeweed, and a box of expensive cigars from Ilizmagorti.

13. Garden: A cobblestone path winds through the gardens and opens into a well-trimmed lawn bordered by shady trees to the east and west, a flowering hedge to the north, and a tall stone wall to the south. A wooden gazebo sits near the back of the open area.

14. Wine Cellar: Wooden racks line the walls and alcoves of the wine cellar holding hundreds of bottles of wine from across the Inner Sea, including several vintages worth a small fortune. A fieldstone-rimmed well stands in the western alcove. The well is covered by a heavy oaken lid and is locked. A wooden bucket attached to a 60-foot length of silk rope sits atop the well’s lid.

15. Trophy Hall and Gallery: This large open area has a polished hardwood floor. The walls contain the manor’s best paintings and trophy heads, including Blakros family portraits dating back centuries.

16. Drawing Room: This room contains a billiards table, a rack of pool cues, a couch, several chairs, and a fireplace. Long, white dust cloths cover all of the furniture.

17. Guest Bedroom: This room contains a fireplace, a bed, and a dresser. Long, white dust cloths cover all of the furniture.

18. Serving Maids’ Quarters: Three double-bunks occupy this room, along with six small wicker chests containing the maids’ clothing and personal effects.

19. Library: This library has comfortable chairs surrounded by shelves of books.

20. Master Bedroom: Everything in this luxuriously furnished room is covered in long white dust cloths.

21. Private Bathroom: Similar to area 11, this room also contains a vanity table and mirror and a large porcelain bathtub.

A NOTE ON INFLUENCE IN "THE HELLKNIGHT'S FEAST"

During this game, we will use a slightly altered version of the standard rules for social interaction, which works with and to some extent overrides the rules for Diplomacy, Bluff and Sense Motive.

At several designated times throughout the adventure, you will have the opportunity to interact with the guests at Blakros Manor so as to gain influence with them. Some guests are more important to influence than others and some are harder to influence than others or require more time to influence than others. These attempts at influence will depend on your roleplaying, your use of skills and what you might find out about each guest's agenda and personality.

Each time you have an opportunity to interact with the guests, you may choose EITHER to attempt to influence that guest or to learn something about them which might have a chance to increase your odds of influence later. You can split up during these instances to work on different guests simultaneously, or you can use the aid another action to assist comrades in influencing a single target.

THE GUESTS AT FIDDLEMOURN MANOR

SENATOR AUGUSTYN NARAN OF ANDORAN
Middle-aged Human Male - Popular Andoren Senator

Senator Naran is an obese, constantly sweating man in his late sixties. He and his stunning bride wear very expensive formal attire: he wears a stylish gray-and-black suit and she wears an elegant royal blue gown studded with silver beads and glittering jewels. Naran wears a gold-pommeled silver rapier at his belt that looks like it’s never seen a real fight.
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LADY VAELIA OF HOUSE WINTERMARK
Venerable Human Female - Influential Taldan widow

Lady Vaelia is venerable and frail and walks with the aid of an ebony cane. She wears a stylish green and-blue gown, a fortune in jewelry, and
her late husband’s battle-notched masterwork falcata (though she is too feeble to wield it). She attends the feast with her elderly manservant, Tamuel, who shoos away the Blakros servants and sees to Lady Vaelia’s every need.
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LADY DYRIANNA OF HOUSE AVENSTAR
Female half-elf cleric of Calistria - Business connections throughout Cheliax and Qadira - owner of many high-end brothels

Lady Dyrianna is a stunningly beautiful, slender half-elf who wears a constant look of satisfied amusement. Her emerald-green gown and matching lace shawl are surprisingly conservative, but very elegant. She
appears unarmed. Lady Dyrianna attends the feast with a handsome young human bodyguard named Faelyn.
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LORD ROTHOS OF HOUSE VASTILLE
Middle-aged human male - Captain of the First Guard, Commander Militant of Absalom, and patriarch of the prominent Vastille noble family

Lord Rothos is a tall, handsome man in his late forties, wearing formal attire and a black military styled longcoat bearing his family crest and many military decorations. A longsword hangs from his belt and the silver chased hilt of a dagger peeks out of his right boot.
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SCION LORD KERKIS OF HOUSE DAMAQ
Middle-aged human male - Lord Exchequer of the Absalom Mint

Lord Kerkis is a thin, wiry Keleshite in his early fifties, with a neatly trimmed beard and bushy eyebrows. He wears an expensive, Keleshite-styled, loose-fitting silk robe, a jewel-covered silk vest, and a gold-bladed ceremonial scimitar at his belt. He attends the feast with a beautiful young Keleshite woman named Chesele.
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LADY DARCHANA OF HOUSE MADINANI
Middle-aged human female wizard - Matriarch of House Madinani, Lady Darchana is the Second Spell Lord of Absalom and the Archdean of the Arcanamirium.

Lady Darchana is a cold, pale beauty with piercing gray eyes and long blue-black hair. She wears solid midnight-blue wizard’s robes and a dazzling mithral tiara studded with rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. She appears unarmed.
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GRAND AMBASSADOR DREMDHET SALHAR
Middle-aged human male - Grand Ambassador of Osirion

Dremdhet Salhar is a heavyset man with a well oiled hair and beard. He and his wife the Lady Anilah both wear matching gold-embroidered silk robes in the Osirion fashion, as well as a fortune in gold rings, necklaces, and other jewelry. Salhar wears a jeweled mithral short sword at his belt.

PLAN OF EVENTS

6:00 p.m. - Pathfinders arrive, take the tour.

7:00 p.m. - Guests Arrive at sundown.

7:30 - 9:00 p.m. - The Feast!

9:00 - 9:30 p.m. - Speech by Genedair of Iomedae, venerable hero of the Mendevian Crusades.

9:30 p.m. - The guests retire to the salon for more drinks and conversation, as they enjoy the music of a string quartet from the White Grotto.

Ayaki looks around the room, he inspects each guest and scrutinizes the blades of each. He scans each and everyone of them a thinks to himself.

Hmmmm.

Mithril sword? This man knows what he is doing. He could probably help too.

Ayaki attempts to get the halflings attention, and points to LORD ROTHOS OF HOUSE VASTILLE.

"Lady Dora. I believe I should talk to the gentleman over there with all the medals and blades. He is probably a commander of a large unit, and may have troops to spare for the cause in Mendev."

With that Ayaki heads over to talk to the formidable man.

EDIT looks like I was ninja'd by the schedule. I'll save my comments for after sundown.

During the tour Oscar watches the guards and servants to see if any might be looking overly nervous.

[+19 Perception and +11 Sense Motive cause for some reason when I am on Pathfinder missions people come out of the wood work to attack me.]

MINGLING

Most of the guests arrive during the same brief window of time, save Senator Augustyn Naran of Andoran, who is late. The Blakroses greet their guests and servants ply them with fine wines and excellent canapes.

Lady Morilla takes you Pathfinders aside and tells you "Here is your first opportunity. Mingle with the other guests and try to win friends for the Crusade. And remember, you are guests too. Your fame and that of the Society is not inconsiderable. These people are the movers and shakers of the Inner Sea, but you are famous Pathfinders."

You need to decide with whom each of you will speak (no more than one guest per PC for now) or observe, or whether you want to do something else entirely. Several PC's can work together, but you must decide that BEFORE anyone rolls dice (in other words, don't roll 'em until I call for 'em.)

You can also ask a few BRIEF questions of Lady Morilla or Major Maldris before they must also go mingle.

Oscar sees nothing but competence among the guards and industrious loyalty among the servants. He concludes that the Blakroses must take decent care of their employees.

I edited my post.

Ayaki adjusts his armor and will go talk to Lord Rothos

"Major Maldris, Lady Morilla, who are the highest priority guests and what can we expect from their support?"

Begins to shadow Lady Vaelia in hopes of learning something from her.

"The Lion, has good ideas. M'lady who do you feel we should focus our attentions upon this evening? Do you perchance have any knowledge that may aid us in gaining them to our cause?"
Kale speaks quietly to Lady Gloriana Morilla, almost making a point of not speaking to the Andoran Major. Her dislike for the man is plain.

By now she has transferred several vials (4) of anti-toxin into a hip flask, and will consume the first dose just prior to dinner. If asked about it she will simply state it is medicine and not elaborate further.

"Ah was thinking Ah would go see Senator Naran. Ah am not sure if we should go in groups a'two of us or seperate out more."

Dora will mingle with the guests and is happy to team up with any if the men if assistance is needed.

"I usually do well within social circles, but this party seems almost foreign to me. I will talk to those I think can most directly aid our cause with swords or financial support."

Unless directed by her fellows, she will engage with lord Rothos first to discuss military history of Absolom.

"I guess I will keep an eye on Scion Lord Kerkis. His financial backing could help fund the campaign, to be sure. Perhaps I can figure out how to secure his favor," the monk shrugs. He seems to be a little more uncomfortable now.

I’d soon as fight any of these ‘nobles’ and win loyalty with my skill with a blade. Were I even half so good with my tongue.

Kale has little skill in the arts of nobility though born in a high house she spent her time with her sword rather then dealing with courtly duties. Despite this she will happily go to speak with whoever Lady Morilla suggests to her.

Ayaki, how do you approach Lord Rothos, and what do you say?

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Morilla and Maldris look at each other. Major Maldris answers Fung Xi's response after a bit of consideration. "Any one of these people could bring invaluable support to the Crusade, in the form of military, political, ecclesiastical, economic or arcane support. We need them all, frankly. I think you ought to concentrate on whomever you think you have the most in common with."

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Alphonse Elric (Kaldaka), you can see that this very old noblewoman is cold and dismissive to all around her. Make a Knowledge (History or Nobility) check.

LADY VAELIA

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Lady Morilla looks from Kale Aldori to Lady Vaelia. "I can tell you that Lady Vaelia of Wintermark was not invited to this party. Yet she managed to pull strings to receive an invitation anyway. She is no friend of the Society and I fear she is no friend of the Crusade's."

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Oscar, Senator Naran hasn't arrived yet.

___________________________________________________

Dora, same question as for Ayaki. How do you approach the general? And do you each try to influence him separately, or do you work together?

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Fung Xi, by 'keeping an eye on' the Scion Lord, are you planning to influence him or try to learn something about him? And whichever it is, how do you go about it?

Planning to find out about him. Fung will do what he does, just approach and talk. In basic conversation, he will ask about him, perhaps ask about advice in starting a business...

Fung steps up to Scion Lord Kerkis, "Lord Exchequer, I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Fung Xi, the Lion of Goka and Pathfinder. I was hoping to get your thoughts on business opportunities in Absalom..."

"I see, I thank you." Nodding to Lady Morilla, Kale takes her leave. She smoothly moves to Alphonse and observes the old woman discretely for a while trying to recall anything she can about her or her holdings.

Striking up a conversation with her fellow pathfinder. "You claim to be a conversationalist elf, vhat do you suppose ve should being discussing vhile ve vatch?

Knowledge (Nobility): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23