BACKGROUND
The wealthy and influential Blakros family has earned renown throughout the Inner Sea region not only in matters of political manipulation and mercantile domination, but also because of the family's extensive collection of magical relics, exotic antiquities, and other associated discoveries.
The family maintains a museum in Absalom, and has a long and storied history with the Pathfinder Society, though the two organizations have not always been allies. Over the past several years, however, Pathfinder agents have made inroads into the Blakroses' good graces, and members of the family were even invited to the Society's exclusive annual Grand Convocation in the summer of 4712 AR.
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INTRODUCTION
Only a handful of other Pathfnders, most of them initiates, walk the halls near the office of Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin.
The Grand Lodge’s chamberlain sits behind an organized desk, reading a recently printed chronicle, and tapping his finger on an elaborate open envelope, the only sound in the eerily silent Pathfnder Society headquarters.
"Can you believe this place?" Valsin calmly asks, keeping his eyes squared on his chronicle. "Almost every agent worth her salt is off in Varisia right now. I bet you the Heidmarchs’ manor has more Pathfnders in it than this place."
Valsin finishes his reading and places the document on the desk, while sliding the envelope forward.
"Desna smiles upon us that I have you fine agents here, as I doubt anyone else in Absalom is better qualified for this mission. I won’t lie, this is probably one of the trickiest tasks I’ve ever had to send a group of Pathfnders on, and much rides on its success. I need you to attend a wedding. And not just any wedding, mind you, but a Blakros wedding."
"The Blakros family is one of the wealthiest families in Absalom—in the entire Inner Sea region, even—and we’ve cultivated a good working relationship with them over the years. In two days, Michellia Blakros is getting married to the former Hellknight Damian Kastner, and because of security concerns, we only got our invitation this morning. I won’t bore
you with specifics, but sufficed to say, the Society has a lot of interest in this wedding, as some of our agents had a hand in helping it along."
"The wedding is taking place on a secluded summer retreat on nearby Pariol Island, which the Blakroses own. There are two boats heading there before the frst wedding festivities. One is a small supply runner set to leave in an hour that could get you there early tomorrow morning. The next is a larger ship that will transport the majority of the guests in the morning. Your travel is paid for of course, but you’ll need to get on one of those two vessels."
With a grave nod, Valsin passes over the envelope containing the invitation, and continues.
"Also, you’ll need to peace-bond any weapons when you arrive on the island, and I’d recommend only wearing your fnest armor, if you wear any at all. We’re not too concerned about security at the wedding, but making a good impression on the Blakroses and their guests is key to your mission. You’ll need to mingle, and get on the good sides of as many people as you can."
"I can’t stress this point enough: This is a social gathering, and the Society could really use the extra clout with all our current efforts being so far abroad. I don’t care if you save the wedding from a dragon, find out the bride is a doppelganger, or discover some grand plot to take over the Inner Sea—I only care that you leave this wedding having made people happy and improving our standing among the attendees! Are we understood?"
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A scruffy looking and somewhat chemical odored white ratfolk wanders into the open seating area of the Grand Lodge, reading over his wedding invitation, a long cigar buried under his whiskered cheeks hes been puffing on.
"Hmmmhmm Blakros Family... Mmm Wealthiest... Mmm Michellia... Mmmmm Pariol Island... PEACEBOND MY WEAPONS?! WEAR ONLY MY FINEST ARMOR?!"
He pulls the cigar out from his mouth. "This is outrageous! How am I supposed to 'peacebond' 30 pounds of explosives?!" He says as he frustratingly opens his handy haversack to count all of his combustible gear.
"2 Blasting Jellies, 4 Jumping Jennies, 2 Shrieking Paste, 3 Alchemist Fires, 2 Shriek Bombs, Drow Poison, 2 Bottled Lightnings, Acid, and 3 Skyrocket Fireworks..." He then reaches into a pocket sewn into his vest. "And ofcourse my favorite, the Explosive Pocket." And draws out another Alchemist Fire from it. He then places it back in the pocket before plopping into an oversized chair, snuffing his cigar out in a pocket ash tray he carries.
"Well, I'm gonna need a suit."
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A stern looking muscular half elf steps in and reads over the invitation while the ratfolk is rightfully complaining. His clothing is simple, a black cloak and dark britches covering most of his body. His chest is clad in a bright silver breastplate that contrasts with the dull wrought iron Symbol of Pharasma hanging from his neck.
He introduces himself, "hello, my name is Hamish. While this isn't my preferred mission, I expect we were picked due to our ability to not make a scene as well as handle ourselves in a pinch. I guess I'll have to break out my nice outfit but at least it's getting use again."
He looks down at his array of weapons. "Peacebond... I'm not a fan of that. Likely if there is trouble those causing it will have found a way to bypass the restrictions. At least we have some time so maybe we can hide a couple things."
He looks over the array of items the ratfolk is flipping through, "I'm sure quite a few of those 'reagents' aren't dangerous on their own and won't be considered weapons at least."
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Looking away from his wedding invite up to the newcomer, Terrance offers a smoke from his vest pocket, in a crude but genuine attempt of friendliness. "Name's Terrance, and are you kidding me? I can make any one of these explosives blow down a fortress!" He says, while pulling out schematics and blueprints, laying them down on a table before him. "Just take a look at all these recipes." He says with immense pride.
Terrance adds his Intelligence modifier to weapons and items with the splash trait as additional damage. Once a round he can also draw an Alchemical Weapon as a free action.
With a Full Round Action, Terrance can combine two alchemical weapons into a single vial. When thrown as a splash weapon, the bomb combines both effects of the weapons. He can do this once a day for every 4 levels he has.
Once a day, Terrance can draw an Alchemist Fire from his magical pocket he had sewn into his All Tools Vest. If he places an Alchemist Fire in there then draws it later, it becomes a Super Alchemist Fire, dealing 2d6 damage of fire. This can be mixed with Alchemical Admixture.
Splintercloud Bolts*4, Dye Bolts*5, Pheromone Bolts*2, Raining Bolts*1, Tangleshot Bolts*5, Lodestone Bolts*5, Durable Bolts*5.
Spirit of Glass*1, Alchemical Cement*2, Icecap Ale*1, Air Crystal*2, Wyrm's Bitter Breath*1, Silence Dust*3, Clatterstone*1, Drought Powder*3, Mithralbane Sap*1, Coral Boulder*1, Litmus Strip*2, Smelling Salts*1, Troll Oil*1, Alchemical Glue*1, Smog Pellet*1, Phosphorescent Gel*1, Bone Paste*1
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"Hmmm. If your goal was to make them all happy, are you sure you chose the right crew? I've had a habit of annoying more than pleasing, but I'll do my best. I'm getting a little bit better at that, anyway." The mostly disheveled elf seems like he probably can hold his own in a social crowd if he cares to.
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Syl'las applies a thin coat of make up to her exposed skin, covering up some of the scales her heritage possess.
She pulls down a sleeve over her wrist sheath, it's bulk does betray it a little. The tools on the other hand are slightly easier to cover in the mess of her blond hair.
"Darling, making people happy is all that I do." She winks at Elf.
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A small figure steps out of the corner shadows, his wedding invitation resembling an owlbear at this point. With a sigh, he speaks "So...we're going to a wedding? I suppose after the long dessert trek, it won't be too terrible. I could use the break."
Numerous scrolls flutter encompass the cloaked figures waist, with a single blade nearby. An unseen breeze flutters about the figure as he takes in the group. "Names Umbrato Shawart." he advises abruptly. "As for my blade? They're welcome to bind it if it makes them feel better. Just leave my scrolls be and we'll be fine."
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A strange little white blur appears out of the corner of everyone's eyes. Fur and all sorts of pouches bounce as the little person rushes into the room.
Upon pulling back her fur hood, a light dusting of sand falls to the floor to reveal a most curious sight. A small white gnome, with wide silver eyes.
"Did I hear wedding? Craggark and I will be getting married one day too! I am sure of it! But that is not today, nor tomorrow, but one day yet to come." come her words in a rush, faster and faster until she turns her wide, and now that you notice it, unblinking silver eyes toward Umbrato. "I just came from the desert as well! It was terrible! I never want to go back! Unless of course the Society needs metobecausethenIwould..." and even as the speed of her words begin to blend into one rapidly vibrating sound they suddenly stop. So abrupt is her silence, that it is actually louder than her speaking had been.
She stares at the group around her, eyes still unblinking. Then, slowly, as if realizing something for the first time, her eyes widen, as if that is even possible.
"I am sorry. Where are my manners? I find that most people from the south lands introduce themselves when they meet someone for the first time. A strange custom, but I try to oblige. My name is Lia Snowsparkle, a twilight speaker from the elves of the Ice Gate. It is my pleasure to meet you all. I know, I know, I am small for an elf, but my family says I am just special that way."
And with that said, she slowly blinks her eyes once, and smiles broadly at the group.
The Blakros family originated in Taldor, and made their initial fortune trading with both Qadira and Taldor during the nations’ centuries-long conflict. Today they are one of the most influential families in Absalom and the greater Inner Sea region.
The Blakros family weds their offspring only to those of sufficient prestige and renown. Unlike in many other marriages, those who marry into the family often take on the Blakros name following the ceremony so that any children born to the couple will also carry the Blakros name. (The family is matriarchal).
A requirement of marrying into the Blakros family is a dowry of some note. In many circumstances, these dowries are secret to all but the families involved until they are formally presented at the reception.
The Venture-Captain nods at Terrance.
"Yes, you can leave soon. But some more information first .. " and he pauses for a moment.
"... I do know that both the Paracountess Zarta Dralneen and Lady Gloriana Morilla will be there, not as representatives of the Pathfinder Society but as a result of their own relationships with the Blakroses. Perhaps they will be able to point out appropriate people that you should get to know. I would not be surprised to see one or more senior trade representatives from the Exchange either, given the Blakros' mercantile interests.
Our mutual 'friend' Nigel Aldain will almost certainly be at the wedding. He is a Blakros by marriage himself, after all. In fact, Nigel's mercenary treasure-hunters have become a bit of a thorn in our side in Varisia of late. We keep finding them in key archaeological sites that we're investigating. It's as if Nigel is deliberately trying to best us. See if you can convince him to give our agents in Varisia some space, would you?"
He pauses for a moment.
“I’d like it if you could all go in formal attire, since that will give you more credibility among the nobles in attendance. And as I said, weapons must be peace-bonded.”
Some NPCs will think less well of you if you are clad in armour rather than courtly finery. The more bulky and obvious the armour, the greater the likelihood of a negative reaction.
"Don't forget that this is a diplomatic mission. It is, Zarta and Gloriana assure me, the 'social event of the season.' Many of the most powerful and influential people from across the entire Inner Sea region will be there. But they won't all be nobles. I have full confidence in your abilities. Now if you have no more questions, you need to decide which of those boats you're going to catch. And if it's the supply ship or passenger ship you want to take, you are fast running out of time!"
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"I will go with you Umbrato!" Lia says excitedly. "A shopping trip before sailing is a lovely idea! I can't wait to see all the others on the Sterling Sapphire."
Once out and about, she quickly grabs the rogue's hand, happily walking along side him, smiling and looking at everything with her bright silver eyes. She lets her smoked goggles rest around her neck, and despite the brightness of the day, presses on as if nothing were out of the ordinary.
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Hamish stops by his room and unpacks his courtier's outfit. Well it's been a while since this saw daylight, but it should work. I don't want to stand out too much.
Quickly swapping out his normally functional if drab dark clothing he looks at himself in the mirror before exclaiming, "oh yeah! Gems. Almost forgot those."
He adds a couple rings, a nice set of jeweled cufflinks and shirt buttons before looking back at the mirror. Shrugging as the clothes don't seem to fit perfectly over his breastplate he catches up with the group at the ship. At least I sprung for mithral, it's thinner and fits much better than steel. I doubt anyone will even notice.
He wanders to the starboard rail and leans against it, watching the water slip by.
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"Those sleeves are neat, but I already got on these bracers, so... I need to buy a legitimate suit."
Terrance already wears an All Tools Vest, as well as an Armored Coat for quick donning and removal of his primary defense. He has a wrist spot already as well, Burglar's Bracers. He gets a somewhat custom made suit to match his main articles of clothing. Black and gold patterns that match the colors of The Exchange faction.
Pocket Watch 250gp Source: Adventurer's Armory
Pocketed Scarf 8gp Source: Adventurer's Armory
Noble's Outfit 75gp Source: Core Rulebook
After that, Terrance joins the rest of the party that will travel aboard the Sterling Sapphire. Joining him is a Riding Rat that looks large enough to carry him, but it is well groomed and looks actually rather calm and relaxed.
"Oh and this is Tibbens, by the way. He's a real charmer, but I can imagine that most folks aren't going to look at him too pleasantly."
Each of you visits high-end tailors, haberdashers, and milliners in the most expensive streets of Absalom's Coins District or ... buys sleeves that magically mimic very expensive clothing and you even might visit a barber and stop at a stationer or parfumier.
Sterling Sapphire
You join a queue, directed by servants in Blakros livery. It seems there is a line to board the Sterling Sapphire.
The other guests wear finery too, and most of them seem to have servants carrying cases and trunks. Those just ahead and behind you in the line greet you civilly.
The Sterling Sapphire is a beautiful Chelish galleon. It has three decks, plus forecastle and aftcastle. The lower two decks sport many gunports, although these are closed. Sailors in the Blakros livery of black and gold busy themselves making the ship ready to depart, whilst guards in polished half-plate admit guests into the ship, checking invitations and weapons.
"Just this way please sir." says one of the armoured guards to the first of you to board. "I just need to check your weapons and help you to peace-bond them appropriately, sir. You understand the need for appropriate security." The guards are all entirely polite and respectful, but they are clearly making statements, not asking questions.
"Any wands on your person, sir? If so please demonstrate their function for me. Wands carrying aggressive magics are not permitted, and will be safely stowed for you until we return to Absalom. All wands placed into our keeping will be properly receipted. Wands carrying non-hostile magics may be carried openly."
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Hamish will keep his +1 flail and cold iron dagger on his person, secured to his belt and into its sheath respectively. He stores some of his weapons (spiked gauntlet, whip, alchemist fire) inside his new backpack. He will have his bow and quiver secured to said backpack. All weapons are allowed to be peace-bound.
When requested, he will happily activate his new wand of CLW with a smile and a flourish, "this little puppy simply heals wounds, useful when I'm working in the field. Had to go to an Abadaran cleric to find one though. In the past I've tried to use the services of other deities, but those clerics are a bit snobbish about the one I follow.
As he is cleared and boards he asks, "how long is this cruise anyway?"
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Terrance will make it look like he has perfectly peacebonded his weapon. Little do they know, he has a small notch on the bond ready to come apart at a moments notice! They will never suspect the master of infiltration and sabotage to be able to outwit their meager security systems.
All of his explosives he keeps locked away in his handy haversack, and ties that "shut".
Terrance succeeds to get his weapons through the examination without any further issues. The guards do not check his handy haversack properly so do not find any of the hidden items.
Syl'las appearance is very much distracting the guard so also she is able to get through the examination without further problems although it is clear that she attracted some attention.
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Kolris spends some time with the guards getting two of his wands activated; he makes sure to target himself with heightened awareness so that he at least benefits from the spell. He hands the guards his wand of identify, though. "Not enough charges in that one, rather save 'em for later." He's diligent in making sure he gets a proper receipt for the wand.
He allows the guards to peacebond his bow, and even makes a point of getting them to seal his sap and liquid blade in wax. "Yeah, it's an alchemical creation! You uncap it, and with a flick of the wrist it becomes a blade! The liquid hardens immediately when exposed to air. It's fragile, and there's some technique to it, but it's good in a pinch. Not that I'll need it here, of course!"
All of which is a show, however, allowing him to conceal the fact that the peacebond on his rapier has been expertly applied to be entirely decorative and nonfunctional.
Once all of the pathfinders have passed the check-in, you proceed to the quarterdeck where the Ship's Captain receives you.
Captain Dorlish is a tall, weathered, Chelish woman wearing exquisite dress uniform in black and gold.
"Welcome aboard, honoured guests. My crew and I hope you will enjoy the festivities and the hospitality of the Sterling Sapphire. The crossing to Pariol Island should take around 8 hours."
* * *
Captain Dorlish explains to Dorje, and the rest of you, that guests have free access to the quarterdeck and main deck.
Refreshments will be served throughout the voyage, and entertainment of various sorts is scheduled.
"If you need anything else please ask a servant. Please allow the crew to go about the business of sailing."
As the Sterling Sapphire leaves Absalom docks, the party is in full swing. Servants bring a constant stream of delicate sweet and savoury foodstuffs, whilst ensuring that nobody is without a beverage.
The sparkling wine served as you enter the quarterdeck is particularly splendid, and the drinks that follow are of uniformly excellent quality.
There are close to one hundred wedding guests aboard ship (and possibly at least that many servants quartered below decks).
Everybody is impeccably dressed, and you all feel glad that your choice of clothes makes you fit in.
* * *
You recognise several guests.
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen wears a gown of scarlet and black silk that leaves very little to the imagination and seems almost, but not quite, inappropriate. She is obviously enjoying herself mingling with the cream of Absalom and Inner Sea high society.
Lady Gloriana Morilla is also very much in her element. More tastefully dressed than the Dark Archive faction head, Lady Morilla nonetheless turns heads wherever she goes.
Trade Prince Aaqir al-Hakam mingles with a variety of guests, never stopping for long with any group.
You also spot Nigel Aldain on the ship.
By working together with each other to share what you already know, and speaking with the three faction heads present, you are able to identify four significant personages on board (as far as the Pathfinder Society's interests go anyway; there are no 'insignificant' wedding guests!).
Influence phase: the boat ride.
* * *
In your brief discussions with Zarta, Gloriana and Aakir you are informed that there are four potential influence targets present:
Nigel Aldain, curator of the Blakros Museum. A tall, thin elf with long, dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, wearing fine clothes and silver-rimmed spectacles Nigel looks the part of an academic dandy. While he fidgets with his glasses when involved in conversations (he prefers books), one hand always calmly holds a glass of wine.
Alexander Bedard, representative of the Andoran People's Council. Bedard has a muscular build, and despite his short stature, he’s an imposing presence in any crowd. As a member of the People’s Council, Bedard dresses in the finest of tailored garments and wears navy blue for the festivities to show his patriotism. No matter how much he grooms, however, the politician has a permanent shadow of stubble on his chin, giving him a rugged and somewhat dangerous demeanor.
Jeon Raeng-Woo, Blakros family trade liaison. A well-dressed Tian man in his early thirties, Raeng-Woo is easily recognised by his unkempt black hair and slightly dazed smile.
Rubaani Shafar, mercenary guard commander. A tall and muscular Garundi woman, Rubaani looks out of place in her ceremonial half-plate armor. A scar covers the right side of Rubaani’s face. She is personally overseeing the security operation.
Instead of interacting with one of these four "targets" you can spend your Influence Phase talking with and potentially influencing other people, or doing other things.
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Syl'las spots onto Nigel and moves in like a predator stalking its prey. She approaches him and with out hesitation, tries to start up a conversation.
"Nigel Aldain, how do you do dear." She grabs a glass wine on the from a waitress on the way by and grabs a second for Nigel. "More Wine?" After exchanging pleasantries, she gets down to business. "So Nigel, I heard you have quite the operation going on in Varisia?"
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Terrance checks in his armored coat and crossbow into the coat check and requests them to be sent to his quarters at the earliest opportunity. He'll keep his handy haversack on hand.
Jeon Raeng-Woo looks like the kind of guy that Terrance would want to figure out right away. He looks like a potential buyer of goods, both legal and illegal.
Terrance slides on up to him with a bottle of Sealord Wine he got from some random servant who wasn't paying attention. "Hey pal! Lets have a celebration; first round is on me! I got some rare vintage here!"
Planning on getting his guest in a good mood, Terrance takes this as an opportunity to paw out some info about him.
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Hamish moves up to the muscular lady and introduces himself with a tiny bit of flattery, "hello there, looks like you are running the show or at least keeping us safe. I respect a person who chooses to protect others. Hamish is the name, killing undead is my game... though I doubt we'll have to worry about that today! I'm just here as a plus one to enjoy a nice party, honestly."
He offers and handshake and attempts to use it to test her mettle and maybe gain a bit of insight into her character.
Terrance checks in his armored coat and crossbow into the coat check and requests them to be sent to his quarters at the earliest opportunity. He'll keep his handy haversack on hand.
Jeon Raeng-Woo looks like the kind of guy that Terrance would want to figure out right away. He looks like a potential buyer of goods, both legal and illegal.
Terrance slides on up to him with a bottle of Sealord Wine he got from some random servant who wasn't paying attention. "Hey pal! Lets have a celebration; first round is on me! I got some rare vintage here!"
Planning on getting his guest in a good mood, Terrance takes this as an opportunity to paw out some info about him.
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+9
* * *
"Good morning to you." Woo finishes his sparkling wine and takes another from a passing servant.
"I am primarily concerned with facilitating trade between the family's businesses in Absalom and the Dragon Empires of Tian Xia." He takes a swig of the fine elven wine and smiles at you broadly.
* * *
Weaknesses that Terrance can identify are the following:
Raeng-Woo has a penchant for drinking, and he quickly becomes inebriated at any of the social occasions presented in the scenario. He does a fair job of hiding his state, but a perceptive PC may notice his slurred speech and wobbly gait. Taking advantage of his condition is as simple as offering him drinks, loosening his tongue, and hindering his judgment.
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Making his way over to Nigel, the small man clears his throat. "Hello there sir. Seems we have a select group here for this fine occasion. I myself have not quite picked up the skills required to smooze others, but a good book, or bit of information always calms my nerves. "
"How are you fairing this day?"
Shafar looks at Hamish with a stern look.
"I understand. But please do not expect that I will recount my battles against evil and also undead for you now. Excuse me!" she says before leaving in the direction of the restrooms.
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Kolris joins Syl'las and introduces him to Nigel. "The famous Nigel Aldain! I hear so much about you and all that you've done with the Pathfinder Society. The Blakros Museum seems like quite the place; it must be fascinating running it. Tell me, what kind of exhibits do you have coming up? I have a particular interest in Cheliax and its very interesting history; I mean, a country that models itself on the literal governance of Hell! Fascinating, simply fascinating."
** spoiler omitted **
Kolris joins Syl'las and introduces him to Nigel. "The famous Nigel Aldain! I hear so much about you and all that you've done with the Pathfinder Society. The Blakros Museum seems like quite the place; it must be fascinating running it. Tell me, what kind of exhibits do you have coming up? I have a particular interest in Cheliax and its very interesting history; I mean, a country that models itself on the literal governance of Hell! Fascinating, simply fascinating."
[dice=Knowledge (local), Delvehaven Star boon, inspiration]1d20+10+2+1d6
* * *
"Hmm? Do I know you?" Nigel begins. Then his eyes alight on Kolris' wayfinder. "Oh. I see. You're a Pathfinder then, I presume."
Nigel glances over Kolris' shoulders, and around the quarterdeck, as though looking for a way out and grabbing the next guest that looks in his direction.
* * *
Kolris interaction with Nigel was short but you suddenly remember a couple of things about him.
A Forlorn elf raised among humans, Nigel abandoned his original elven name and adopted a more Taldan moniker to fit in with the high society he hoped to join. When he married into the Blakros family, he refused to change his name again, however, and he and his wife have no children, as she believes he would also refuse to raise them as Blakroses. This marital conflict has caused a rift between Aldain and much of the Blakros family, and he fears for his tenure as museum curator. Bringing this topic up puts Nigel on edge, causing him to lose
his calculating conversational style and pompous airs.
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With his failure to gain any insight he simply offers his most useful skill to the mercenary guard commander, "you look like someone who appreciates order and productivity. I've got a little trick here I can show to get everyone moving to the same beat." He clips on his drums and pulls a couple sticks out, starting an impromptu performance.
Warning! SHIRTLESS MALES IN THE VIDEO!
Making his way over to Nigel, the small man clears his throat. "Hello there sir. Seems we have a select group here for this fine occasion. I myself have not quite picked up the skills required to smooze others, but a good book, or bit of information always calms my nerves. "
"How are you fairing this day?"
[Dice=K Local (influence)]1d20+7
With his failure to gain any insight he simply offers his most useful skill to the mercenary guard commander, "you look like someone who appreciates order and productivity. I've got a little trick here I can show to get everyone moving to the same beat." He clips on his drums and pulls a couple sticks out, starting an impromptu performance.
[dice=Perform: Percussion + MW drums]1d20+10+2