The day itself is overcast, giving a foreboding mood even deep within the Grand Lodge of the Pathfinders in Absalom. Select summons have gone out to a select team of Pathfinders, each picked for their skills... or availability at least. These summons are simple, and instruct the pathfinders to meet at the Grand Lodge in a certain meeting room deep within the facility.
As each Pathfinder arrives, they find a simple table arrayed with a variety of drinks, cheeses, meats, and other snack foods. The room is comfortable, but sparse and serious without any frivolity. A note simply says to wait here until everyone has arrived.
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A short Andoran man nods to Bulgo. "Good to meet you, Bulgo. I'm Corporal Kargen Hapspring. Yes, it seems they've dipped into the purse a bit for this one. Try the cheddar, it's quite sharp. The wine is a bit disappointing, though."
Kargen sips from a cup. He wears a quiver on his back, but you don't see any evidence of a bow. From his haircut and demeanor, Kargen has a military background, but it seems it was abandoned a while ago.
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Ducking under the doorframe, the large, bald northman enters the room, seemingly very familiar with it. He bears extensive facial tattoos of runic designs and heavy woad on the lower part of his jaw and continuing down his neck.
He wears a fur collared cloak with a silvery metal breast plate beneath, leaving his thick arms free of encumbrance. His simple yet sturdy cloth breaches are tucked loosely into his heavy leather boots.
Resting on his right shoulder is a massive metal earthbreaker and on his back is an oversized sword of some sort. In his left hand he carries a large jug with the red stain of wine around its uncorked mouth.
Despite his menacing appearance his smile is warm and inviting. His eyes are bright and expressive as he greets his fellow pathfinders.
he booms! "Well met one and all. I'm Braxus. It's a fine day today. So fine in fact, I brought extra drink... I'm not going to lie, I always bring extra drink." he says with an exaggerated wink and a loud, rumbling chuckle. He offers to pour anyone a cup from his jug or one of his many wine skins.
Hearing Kargen introduce himself, he nods and says "You know, I heard of you. You're a friend of that rake Aelwynd. He mentioned you knew your way around a bow, but I don't see one." He tilts his head to the side questioningly for a moment but then shrugs and passes it off, quickly continuing as he remembers something, "Oh yeah! Well done with that weapon you found in the Wound. I heard it was a big deal."
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Bulgo quickly makes sure he is on the other side of the table from Braxus. He grabs a bread roll, though whether to fend off the massive barbarian, or to ensure he has something to eat before the Ulfen consumes it all is perhaps a matter of question.
Peering out from behind the grape bowl he says "Hi there Braxus! I'm Bulgo, and it looks like we'll be working together for a while. I'm told the cheese is rather sharp. The grapes however are fantastic."
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Setting down his massive weapon near the table, Braxus' eyes go wide as he sees the halfling pop up on the opposite side. "Hello Bulgo! It is good to meet you!" he says reaching out a hand in friendship to the much smaller adventurer. "Care for a cup?" he offers, holding out a wine skin with his other hand.
Stepping over to the table of food, he quickly takes a large fist full of grapes and tears off a huge chunk of bread. Then he eyes the cheese suspiciously before grabbing the entire wheel and bringing it to the table. He pops a few grapes into his mouth and grins at the others present as he sits down, causing the chair to protest loudly.
"These grapes are pretty good, but I prefer mine in the form of good wine." he chuckles. "Take this for example." he says holding his jug up high. "It's a special ice wine. It's sweeter than most, but the kick is much stronger too. That reminds me of my mother, now that I think about it." He takes a huge swig from his jug, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, and then bites into the bread with a vengeance, before quickly moving onto the cheese while he waits for the rest of the team to arrive.
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Bulgo grins at Braxus. "Always nice to see someone who enjoys their food."
He politely declines the winskin. "I'm sure it is wonderful. However it might be slightly rude to our hosts to ignore their own offering.."
When Peribras walks in Bulgo does a doubletake.
"My, what a hansom Halfling!" he eventually gets out.
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Another halfling strides into the room. Beneath a wide-brimmed hat hangs sandy hair and piercing blue eyes. The halfling smiles at the room, but underneath the genuine friendliness there is a calmness to him that belies a seriousness not typical of his race. "Hello friends, my name is Peribras." a wolf follows him in and he pats it on the head. "This is Darkpaw. She's a special one" he says with another smile. "I left the other big pets outside." A small thrush appears to have its nest in his hat, and one or two rats occasionally peak out from under his coat.
He pours himself a little wine. "How did each of you come to the Society?"
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Braxus says loudly, having just swallowed the last of his bread. "Nice wolf you got there." Turning to the wolf, he says "Nice to meet you Darkpaw. I'm Braxus, that's Bulgo and the guy with the arrows is Kargen."
Then as Freya walks in, his eyes narrow and his face looses all signs of mirth. For the first time since he arrived he looks every bit as menacing as one would originally suspect.
"Freya." his voice rumbles like an avalanche. "From where do you hail, Freya with the white hair?" He locks eyes with her, waiting for a response.
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Peribras nods to each member of the party as Braxus introduces them. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. I look forward to finding out what adventure we will go on today!"
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"How did I join the society?" muses Bulgo.
"I came into it somewhat by accident if the truth me known. I've always enjoyed exploring places, and often places that others don't want to be explored. After a while I tried exploring the Grand Lodge..."
He doesn't have the good manners to blush, but offers a small shrug.
"Now I get to do it legitimately."
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Kargen smirks. "Braxus, you know Aelwynd? I've rarely met a more impetuous rogue. The problem is that he can actually back up most of his own claims! Do you know he waded between two demons with little more than that skinny stick he carries? He even waved off healing, preferring to live by his own wits." He shakes his head. "Still, I'd rather him with us than against us."
He turns to the two halflings and the odd woman with the fox. "Well, let's hope we don't get mistaken for a circus. You might want Braxus' wine. This stuff is on the weak side." He lifts his cup of wine.
"Are we sharing sordid pasts already? Mine is nothing special. There are probably man others who were drummed out of the military. I disobeyed a direct order not to get my men killed. Unfortunate, my superior was a buffoon and an idiot both. I saw a reduction in rank and it was made clear I had no future. I heard about the work Major Colston was doing and decided to sign up. Aside from some special tasks, I've had the honor of serving as an auxiliary to the Mendevian Crusaders twice now."
Before Freya can answer Braxus's question, the door opens to reveal the stoic, mustachioed venture captian Ambrus Valsin. He motions for the pathfinders to seat himself as he walks to the front of the meeting room, flanked by the beautiful Lady Gloriana Morilla of Taldor, and the crisp, military presence of Major Colson Maldris of Andoran. Ambrus Valsin tactically stands between the two faction leaders as he begins to speak.
“Thank you for coming, Pathfinders, 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, and slams his fist into a location with a "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.
He gives a pointed look at his two companions as he releases the abused map from his fist, continuing with uncharacteristic slowness. The factions are a open secret to all pathfinders, but it was impolite to suggest that not all pathfinders worked towards the same "Explore, Report, Cooperate" goal, even if that was at the forefront of their individual work.
“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.
He nods to both faction leaders in turn, who nod crisply back. The tension between the Sovereign Court and the Liberty's Edge factions are well known, so to have both of them working together is a mark of the seriousness of the situation.
“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 Venture Captain leans forward on the table, staring at each pathfinder in turn.
“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.”
He then coughs into his hand and looks at the pathfinders with a small measure of worry.
“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. Any Questions?”
Major Colston nods in a subtle acknowledgement of his Corporal, flashing a pathfinder hand signal that basically translates to "At ease." for his soldier. After all, here at least, they where both pathfinders, ostensibly of equal rank.
Good to see you again Hapspring. Good to know that I'll have one of Andoran's finest on this mission.
Could you please tell us about this family? asks the witch
Lady Morilla nods.
The Blakros's are one of the most powerful, richest families in the inner sea. Luckily, they also happen to be very much in debt to the society for saving Michellia Blakros and her husband, the Hellknight Damien Kastner and their marriage. They are rich, powerful, and at the moment, rather enamored with the society and willing to help us. Please do try to keep it that way. Damien and MIchellia will be leading this party themselves, and lending their personal security teams to help with protecting the guests.
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Peribras nods along, listening closely to the Venture Captain's instructions. He seems a little disappointed when he realizes the party will not be going to the worldwound (this time) but cheers up by the end. "A party may not be a grand adventure, but it's still a party. I've been to my share of social gatherings, but never one hosted by a family as wealthy and illustrious as the Blakros. I'm looking forward to it."
After the others ask their questions, he adds "is there anything more you can tell us about the guests we are there to sway?"
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"A party!?!" Braxus says nearly choking. Braxus almost forgets about the witch in the room, but gives her one last suspicious glare before turning back to the Venture Captain.
"I know celebrations and this sounds more like the Opera. I had to go to that once and they... they tried to... they tried to tell me I had to be..." his face takes on a strange look, as if he's about to get sick. "nevermind. The point is, will there be drinking at this party?"
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The Major speaks in response to the question, his voice matching the military precision of his dress.
"First, is Senator Augustyn Naran of Andoran is A prominent member of the powerful banking family House Naran. The Senator is visiting Absalom on his honeymoon with his beautiful,"
The Lady interrupts "and much younger... and fifth..."
The Major glares at the lady and continues. Yes... Fifth wife. Due to his philanthropy, the senator is enormously popular with the Andoren people. He has ties to many government officials and military leaders who could prove instrumental in securing troops for the Mendevian Crusade.
The Lady speaks next.
Then, there is Lady Vaelia Wintermark of Taldor. Lady Vaelia is a very influential Taldan nobleman’s widow who controls a castle and several plantations and vineyards on the Jalrune River at the western edge of the Border Wood. Though 96 years old and quite frail, Lady Vaelia still has a keen wit and an even sharper tongue.
The major scowls at the description of the aristocrat, but the lady coughs and the major takes the tip off and continues.
Lord Rothos of House Vastille is the Captain of the First Guard, Commander Militant of Absalom, and patriarch of the prominent Vastille noble family. Frankly, you won't get very far without him showing support for a military endeavor of this size, as he will have the ear of every general involved.
The lady rolls her eyes not very subtly and continues herself.
Of course, military aid alone won't be enough. You'll also need Lady Dyrianna of House Avenstar has business connections with powerful people in Cheliax and Qadira, and she is also on friendly terms with many of Absalom’s elven families. She employs numerous courtesans and prostitutes that have the ear of countless wealthy and influential citizens.
The matriarch of House Madinani, Lady Darchana is the Second Spell Lord of Absalom and the Archdean of the Arcanamirium, the most prestigious magical university in Absalom. She also holds a lesser seat on Absalom’s Grand Council. Lady Darchana has the ear of the Grand Council, including Lord Gyr himself. Her support could provide an incredible amount of arcane power for the Mendevian Crusade.
The major seems to be gripping his sword excessively tight as he continues.
Beyond just politicians, even magical ones, we need funding. Scion Lord Kerkis is the patriarch of the very wealthy and influential House Damaq. He is also Lord Exchequer of the Absalom Mint, so he practically controls the economy of Absalom. He also has ties to many wealthy and influential families in Qadira. Similarly, The Grand Ambassador of Osirion has ties to the nation’s royal family as well as to many influential folk in Osirion, Absalom, and Thuvia.
The venture captain looks like a mother stuck between two warring siblings, and not happy with the position at that.
"nevermind. The point is, will there be drinking at this party?"
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The lady smiles and speaks softly, as if calming a scared animal.
Of course, and you are welcome to try and ply any party guests you can convince to with some of the finest liquor available, and on the blakros dime at that, if you think you get them to drop their pretenses long enough to risk it. But please, do exercise some moderation.... a drunken embarrassing moment at this junction could be disastrous.
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"Gotcha. No drunken brawls... or other things like it." the large man replies with an exaggerated wink. "I'll keep things from getting too... lively."
Then as an afterthought, he asks, "Do all these folk get along with each other?"
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The lady and the major glare at each other.
Not exactly...
They say in unison, and glare at each other. The Major coughs and continues.
We'll be there to help out, but frankly, a lot of time will be spent quelling those... disagreements between disparate parties.
The Lady continues.
We're counting on all of you to appear... comparatively unaffiliated. While we're getting them in the door, getting them all in the same room and NOT storming out is about all we can do without infuriating them further. We need someone not as... strongly connected to nations of origins or anything other than the pathfinders themselves to talk them into it.
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Smiling proudly, Braxus replies, "Well, then I see why you invited me. Strong drink and strong personalities are what I am most familiar with. I can get along with anyone." Then he shoots a serious looking glance at Freya before saying, "Even a white witch if she is willing to behave." Then he grins, and his mood softens. "You are a fellow pathfinder after all. You can't be one of those white witches, right? Nah! Not a chance."
The Major straightens his collar at Bulgo's question.
The man has... poor choice in marital partners. Eventually, the marriage seems to break down...
The Lady interrupts him.
And by that he means they get older, and he wants to upgrade to a new model with... better assets, and he gets a new wife after paying a nice divorce compensation.
The major glares at her as she daintily smiles.
Or so I've heard. She says not the least bit apologetically.
The Major straightens his collar again and continues.
As for the ambassador, Dremdhet Salhar is a friend of Venture Captain Alissa Moldereserva. Though, he hasn't been so friendly with the society recently...
The lady nods. That dreadful business with the Sapphire Sage Amenopheus being dismissed by the ruby prince. The Sapphire Sage was a close friend of Salhar, and he blames the society... particularly me and the major... for getting his friend fired. But, he's sensible enough to swallow his anger for important issues, we, and by we I mean you, just have to convince him this is an important issue.
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"I... See." Peribras says calmly. This party may not be very fun after all...
"I have no further questions."
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"Ahh, Ambassador Salhar... I have met him. During the elections for Absalom’s Grand Council."
Bulgo smiles at the memory. "I look forward to renewing our acquaintance."
He helps himself to another bread roll and some honey mead.
"So, put on a good show, don't insult anyone, and make sure nobody spoils the party!"
He looks pleased.
"This sounds like exactly my type of mission. No more sewers for me!"
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Major Colston nods in a subtle acknowledgement of his Corporal, flashing a pathfinder hand signal that basically translates to "At ease." for his soldier. After all, here at least, they where both pathfinders, ostensibly of equal rank.
Good to see you again Hapspring. Good to know that I'll have one of Andoran's finest on this mission.
Kargen relaxes and nods to the Major. "Good to be here, sir. Though, it seems like this will be much different from my last assignment. Though, the demons would be more straightforward." He smiles and listens to the rest of the briefing.
"Well, it sounds like Bulgo may have an in with the Ambassador. Perhaps I can speak to Lord Rothos. I saw first hand what the demons can do. If they don't want them threatening the rest of Golarion, they need to support the Crusades. I can start with him."
"Major, do we know if any of the guests are openly hostile to the idea of supporting the Mendevians?"
"Major, do we know if any of the guests are openly hostile to the idea of supporting the Mendevians?"[/b]
The Major shakes his head.
Not openly. Hard to say in public "No, we shouldn't stop demons from invading the world." We're hoping that it's just bureaucracy and small minded fueds, though it could be more. That's what we need you to find out.
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@ The gathering
A rather petite young girl enters, no explodes into the room all smiling and full of energy. Moving with a dancers grace she smiles at everybody and introduces herself as Dailung. A very eloberate scimitar hangs at her left side and fine wrought longsword hangs upside down across her right shoulder. She is wearing the shoulderpads of an Andoran Eagleknight over very flashy clothes in emerald green.
After hearing all the introductions and descriptions the young girl smiles. "Getting them to talk to each others. I have been in worse places! We will manage!"
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When Dailung enters the room, Braxus stares for a moment, seemingly dumbfounded.
Closing his open mouth with an audible <clunk!>, he coughs once and then greets the new comer, "Ho there young mistress! Welcome to the party!" He openly stares at her with a huge grin. Pure camaraderie practically pours off him. "This looks to be an interesting one. For the first time ever, they don't even want us to use our weapons! Well, for anything other than show that is."
He leans way down to whisper, but it is easily loud enough for everyone to hear, "I'm Braxus. What's your name?"
She may be the prettiest thing I have seen in a very long time. She is even prettier than Taika! No time to think of that now. Get yer fool head back on the mission!
The Lady nods and steps forward, rolling out two scrolls onto the table for all to see. The First scroll is an itinerary. It Reads:
6:00 Pathfinders Granted Entry
7:00 Guests Arrive
7:30 Feast Begins
9:00 Special Guest Speaker, Genedair of Iomeae
9:30 Guests move to Salon for drinks and music
11:00 Close manor for the night.
The lady nods to the list and says Genedair is supportive of our cause, and has fought in the world wound. His men are desperate for backup, and he's more than willing to lend his voice. He's agreed to speak and tell some tales of people who fought in the worldwound. It should help our cause and open up talking points for you to convince people.
The major points at the second scroll, a map of the manor.
Feel free to study the map, and we've arranged for you to have access to the manor a hour early. While security is strictly speaking, a blackros concern, we wouldn't be pathfinders if we didn't double check the grounds. Just please remember, we're borrowing this place, so no major changes or alterations even in the name of security.
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Peribras offers the same friendly, calm smile. "Welcome Dailung. I'm glad to have you with us."
"Thank you major. I like the idea of looking the manor over before the party."
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The Lady nods.
That will be provided by the Blackrose team. Everyone who will be serving will be provided by the Blackros's, so they should have a list of everyone when you get there.
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Kargen smiles at Dailung and smirks at Braxus. "Well, now that she's here, it certainly can be a party!" He nods to the fellow Eagle Knight.
"Good, we'll have an hour to examine the place and talk with our hosts before others arrive. I assume they know the goal of the evening. It might be useful if they hear or notice anything to inform us."
The venture captain nods.
Correct. But please, do try not to upset them, even if they are paying off a debt this is a huge favor to us and puts them at some risk by pledging an allegiance, however, tangientally, to the pathfinder society. Try not to make them regret that. Good Luck Pathfinders. Remember, Explore, Report, Cooperate.
With that, he leaves the map left for anyone who wishes it. The Major and the Lady summon coaches to take everyone to their destination.
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The pathfinders arrive and unload themselves from the carriages. The grand doors to the manor stand ajar, and Damien and Michellia Blakros greet the two Faction leaders warmly. After pleasantries are exchanged, Damien says,
I'm sorry to rush, but my wife and I still have much to prepare for, and we must borrow the Lady and the Major for the preparations. Please, feel free to inspect the manor and whatever else you feel necessary. You have the full cooperation of my staff.
Out from behind him steps a very well armed Gnome with an impressive mustache who salutes.
This is Tespren. He'll answer any of your questions and do everything he can to assist you. He has the keys, though right now there shouldn't be any locked doors. Good Luck pathfinders!
The two Blackros and the Two faction leaders disappear to deal with party preparations, leaving the pathfinders with Tespern.
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"Perhaps a quick tour of the house and grounds first would be in order?" he suggests to Tespern.
"Perhaps you could tell us about the servants who will be on hand today and make introductions for us so they know who we are, and we will be able to recognise them... and hopefully spot anyone who is not one of them."
"Have you seen anything untoward on the estate in the last day or two?"
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"Will Darkpaw be able to stick with me during this party?" Peribras gestures at the wolf.
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Darkpaw looks at Peribras for a moment when he says her name, then resumes surveying the surroundings.
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