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Peribras nods at Bulgo's requests. "A sensible start. I'll also have a look around the grounds and outside the walls for any signs of trespass."
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Kargen takes in the surroundings, even looking up at the ceiling in the opulent manor. The nobility have it good. Far from what a simple soldier would ever be able to afford, even for a night.
He nods and smiles at the gnome. "Tespern, excellent to meet you. A fine household you maintain here. Yes, I think a quick tour of the house would be a good idea. Is there any part of the manor that will be off-limits to guests tonight?"
"Will Darkpaw be able to stick with me during this party?" Peribras gestures at the wolf.
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Tespern looks at the wolf incredulously.
My orders are your suppose to look ready for battle... if that means the wolf too, I suppose he can come in... but you'll need to make sure he behaves, and do what you can to... i dunno, make him fit better? He shrugs
Your choice, I just can't imagine that some of the high society ladies will be to excited to have a wolf at their heels.
You do not find any signs of intrusion, and in fact other than the trails of gardeners and servants, find that most of the activity is super recent and that most of the area lays undisturbed.
Tespern looks to Kargen and shrugs.
No where is "Off Limits" per say. I mean, there isn't any reason for the guests to go anywhere than where we tell them, so one of them wandering about the manor might be a bit suspicious, but their not "Forbidden" from going anywhere.
He shrugs and turns, waving the Pathfinders with him.
Come on, we'll walk and talk and I'll give you the tour.
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Bulgo takes in the tour with a great deal of interest.
"Wow, a Dragon's head... I bet there is quite the story attached to that."
After visiting the shrine, he excuses himself for a minute to use and (as thoroughly as he can without getting grubby) inspect the Privy.
That is the only concealed entrance as such, and surely it goes down to the thieves highway.
As the tour goes on he inspects windows to see if they are secured at all, and checks apprehensively to see what the weather looks to be doing for the party.
"Who rides the Axe Beak?" he asks as the team goes through the stables.
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Kargen seems impressed by each room. Even the privy is the nicest he's ever seen. "Very impressive, Tespern." As they return to the main room, Kargen opens a catch on his quiver and pulls out a bowstave which was impossibly too long to have fit inside. He proceeds to string the bow like he has for years. "We're to look battle-ready, yes?"
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Peribras gives the gnome a small smile. "Darkpaw is a she." He continues to speak calmly, but amusement dances in his eyes "What do you suggest I do to make her fit in? As you can see she is wearing armor. Does that civilize her enough for you or should I put her saddle on as well? Is there perhaps something else you have in mind?"
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Darkpaw glances at Peribras again at the mention of her name, and continues to gaze at him loyally as he speaks about her, before eventually growing bored and continuing to look around, sniffing.
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After inspecting the grounds, Peribras shares his findings. "No sign of any unusual tracks or activity outside the manor or inside the manor grounds."
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Staring in disbelief once the tour comes to the wine cellar, Braxus eventually closes his mouth, again with an audible <clunk!> as the enormity of it sets in.
"After all the battles. After all the nights spent on frozen, hard earth. This is where I have been sent. This very room. Cayden, be praised!" he says with a mix of reverence and laughter.
"Oh I'm taking one of these!" he says, hoisting up one of the most expensive wine bottles. When he is politely told to put it back, carefully , he reluctantly complies. "Fine, but I'll be back for her. With a body like that, she deserves to be loved by someone who will truly appreciate her."
The big northman has no further comments about security or other concerns, merely looking forward to the coming festivities.
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Tespern shrugs and looks at the wolf again.
Couldn't tell ya. Just advising you that you might make some high society lady nervous if your talking to them with a wolf right next to you.
To Kargen he nods.
From what I understand, yes. The idea is we're to point you out as example warriors. I think it's a bit excessive, but I'm not the boss.
[ooc]Perfectly fine if you don't have any questions about the manor. If you have any spellcasting you wanna do, now would be the time to do it, otherwise, I can time skip to the beginning of the party once I have a go ahead from each player.[/b]
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Peribras nods. "I'll send her to the backyard before I talk to any high society ladies, then."
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"High society folk get that way around me too. Once they see me walking around with this, he says holding out his massive earthbreaker, "I'd wager they'll cozy up to your wolf without a second breath."
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Soon enough, the party starts! Guests begin arriving, Lady Vaelia arriving first, a Elderly prim butler in toe who gives a glare that could curdle milk to any servant who approaches the lady, fetching things for her without her seeming to even ask.
Lady Dyrianna arrives with a dashingly handsome elven escort in tow, his long blond hair and chiseled body making him look more like a figure from a story than a companion, though he stays quiet and respectful, obviously knowing how to handle himself in the social airs of the party.
Lord Rothos Arrives dressed in his finest military dress uniform, though he looks distinctly uncomfortable and makes a beeline for the drink and food table and stays near the elaborate punch bowl.
Scion Lord Kerkis arrives with a silken clad kellishite woman, an obviously trained courtesan, and both handle themselves like royalty. The woman lounges against him, showing herself off, simultaneously flaunting herself, and by proxy, the man who bought her time for the evening.
Lady Darchana also arrives alone, her sweeping wizard robes tailored to look more like a fine dress, reminding onlookers of both her powers as a wizard and as a woman.
Grand Ambassador Salhar arrives in formal Osirian garb, his wife, a gorgeous chellish woman, instead is wearing the finest fashions of cheliax. Both happily join the growing group and speaking to the other guests.
Senator Naran has yet to arrive.
SOCIAL BATTLE.... BEGIN!!!
Theme Music!
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Peribras approaches Lady Dyrianna. He offers a bow and attempts to kiss her hand. "Greetings, my lady. I am Peribras Sandlock, once a thief-catcher and now an explorer with the Pathfinder Society. How fares the house of Avenstar?"
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Kargen makes his way to the punch bowl and Lord Rothos. He is dressed in his adventuring clothing, but it's been cleaned and pressed. In addition, a shining Eagle Knight pin and two Mendevian ribbons hang from his sleeve as testaments to Crusader honors. He pauses to offer Rothos a greetings. "Captain Vastille, it's an honor to meet you. It's good to know Absalom has a steady hand at its defenses. How is the food and drink? I doubt what we're used to as the front lines." He smiles.
Bulgo greets guests as they arrive, wearing his noble finery with an air of easy elegance. A minute or two after the ambassador arrives, he works his way over toward the man.
"Good day to you again Ambassador! And this must be your beautiful wife? How fares Osirian and the Ruby Prince?"
The Ambassador looks down at Bulgo and reaches out his hand to shake it.
Marhaban, Well met my friend. This is indeed my wife, Lady Anilah. Osirian still shines as a shining oasis in the desert, and the forthbringer continues to show wisdom in leader our nation to greater glory. But I am sorry friend, I do not recognize you. Have we met else were?
Peribras approaches Lady Dyrianna. He offers a bow and attempts to kiss her hand. "Greetings, my lady. I am Peribras Sandlock, once a thief-catcher and now an explorer with the Pathfinder Society. How fares the house of Avenstar?"
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Lady Dynianna smiles softly as the roguish Halfling kisses her hand.
My my my, hello Mr. Sandlock. The house of Avenstar shines as brightly as it's namesake of course. Tell me, what is a ex-thief catcher and now explorer doing as such a stuffy thing like this?
[ooc]
Kargen makes his way to the punch bowl and Lord Rothos. He is dressed in his adventuring clothing, but it's been cleaned and pressed. In addition, a shining Eagle Knight pin and two Mendevian ribbons hang from his sleeve as testaments to Crusader honors. He pauses to offer Rothos a greetings. "Captain Vastille, it's an honor to meet you. It's good to know Absalom has a steady hand at its defenses. How is the food and drink? I doubt what we're used to as the front lines." He smiles.
The commander looks like a man being sentenced to death as Kargen first speaks, but visibly relaxes when he sees the armored and decorated warrior. He lets out a chuckle at the comment.
Aye, It certainly is better than the hard tack and trail rations, that's for sure. Can you believe the food alone here? This would feed a platoon for a month, and I'm sure most of it will end in the compost pile by the end of the night. Ah, but excuse me, my Manners, you have me at a bit of a disadvantage. You know my name, but I do not know yours.
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Peribras gives Lady Dyrianna a calm, even smile. "Why, the Society felt that an agent as successful as myself should get to live a little! Having met such a beauty as yourself, I can now say that I have lived more than a little." His smile deepens and warms as he gives this compliment and his cheeks flush a little.
Assuming her response does not lead him in another direction, he'll then ask, "Tell me my lady, what interest or concern brings someone as beautiful and important as yourself to this small gathering this evening? If you'll allow such a question from one so small in stature and the ways of the world as myself."
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Peribras gives Lady Dyrianna...
Assuming her response does not lead him in another direction, he'll then ask, "Tell me my lady, what interest or concern brings someone as beautiful and important as yourself to this small gathering this evening? If you'll allow such a question from one so small in stature and the ways of the world as myself."
Lady Dyrianna grins and she strokes his reddening cheeks ever so slightly.
Why my dear, I always know what there is to know. It's important for someone who wishes to tie themselves to people of importance to know exactly where those people are going, even more so when people are tied to you as well. To ignore that information is the height of folly, especially if you might drag people who count on you down with you.
She leans down to him, her shawl simultaneously preventing the gesture from becoming lewd, but also putting the ... poor?... Halfling in a perspective one so short wouldn't normally be privy to.
The woman on Scion Lord Kerkis's arm is one of my girls, and one of my best. I'm here because if my girls and boys are to keep employed, and my priestesses are to keep the temples open, I must know how the world turns. It's always all about my girls and boys here in Absalom.
For the evening dressed in an emerald green dress cut to reveal but still modest, the weapons tied with peace knots Dailung approaches Scion Lord Kerkis and comments on his impeccable taste, showing his rare wisdom on choosing the perfect company while slowly trying to discover some informations.
[Dice=diplo]1d20+15+1
The Scion Lord turns to the young woman and smiles at her.
Hello Young lady. I don't suppose we have met yet. Yes, this lovely lady is Chesele...
she nods and gives a little wave and wink.
Good taste is hard to find these days. Continues the scion lord. Though even good taste is no cover for a foul personality... excuse me, I speak out of turn. That woman...
He nods towards Lady Vaelia.
Made some outrageous comments about Kellishites earlier this evening, and it has put me off. I don't think she was even invited to be honest. But, when you are a banker, it's hard to argue with people who think everyone of your people are greedy. They will only see their own prejudice.
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"Why yes... we met at the vote for the seat on the Absalom council... you had a delicate task involving some old Osirian remains that needed to be handled..." smiles Bulgo who gives a gracious bow to the ambassadors wife.
He tries to discover what it is he could do to bring around the good favor of the ambassador.
<-not sure here. If perception is appropriate then the bonus is two higher, or do we need to pick a skill and just hope it is an appropriate one?
The Ambassador's eyes light up for a moment, but not in a good way. He in fact looks... angry.
Why yes... I do believe you where with the Pathfinders weren't you? I... appreciate your aid, even if your organization has gone out of it's way to tarnish the name of a good man, I will try not to hold it against you personally.
His wife sets a calming hand on his shoulder and whispers into his ear.
The ambassador sighs and shakes his head, massaging his temple.
As I said, I will try not to hold recent events against you personally. Though I must inquire as to what your doing here... don't you pathfinders normally get sent off to raid our historic tombs...
He receives a tight squeeze and glare from his wife and he coughs.
I mean... recover lost artifacts or some such?
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For the evening dressed in an emerald green dress cut to reveal but still modest, the weapons tied with peace knots Dailung approaches Scion Lord Kerkis and comments on his impeccable taste, showing his rare wisdom on choosing the perfect company while slowly trying to discover some informations.
The Scion Lord turns to the young woman and smiles at her.
Hello Young lady. I don't suppose we have met yet. Yes, this lovely lady is Chesele...
she nods and gives a little wave and wink.
Good taste is hard to find these days. Continues the scion lord. Though even good taste is no cover for a foul personality... excuse me, I speak out of turn. That woman...
He nods towards Lady Vaelia.
Made some outrageous comments about Kellishites earlier this evening, and it has put me off. I don't think she was even invited to be honest. But, when you are a banker, it's hard to argue with people who think everyone of your people are greedy. They will only see their own prejudice.
Dailung waves non chalantly and smiles to the pair."Oh, I can smell a piece of gossip. I am so pleased. Well, I agree, that a banker is not one of station, but for many those moneylenders are the only way to keep their station. Horrible, isn´t it?
At least she has the sense to take her own butler. I wonder why?"|
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"I too was disappointed in the.." Bulgo searches for a diplomatic turn of phrase " realignment of Amenopheus's duties." sighs Bulgo.
"He is a good man, and a local servant to the prince. Pathfinders sometimes do... engage in creative archaeology. We also try to make the world a better place. Which is what drives much of the behaviours. Take the world wound for example. While hundreds of miles away from Osirian - what is a few miles distance to demons that have travelled between whole worlds? The society is keen to help close that gateway."
He directs a charming smile at the man and his lovely wife.
"As for me, here tonight? I'm here to help make sure the party is a success! Absalom is sometimes a dangerous place, so I'm also here to help ensure that there is no untoward happenings that would spoil the festivities."
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The commander looks like a man being sentenced to death as Kargen first speaks, but visibly relaxes when he sees the armored and decorated warrior. He lets out a chuckle at the comment.
Aye, It certainly is better than the hard tack and trail rations, that's for sure. Can you believe the food alone here? This would feed a platoon for a month, and I'm sure most of it will end in the compost pile by the end of the night. Ah, but excuse me, my Manners, you have me at a bit of a disadvantage. You know my name, but I do not know yours.
"My apologies, Captain. How rude of me. I'm Corporal Kargen Hapspring of the Eagle Knights, under Major Maldris' command. I was asked to attend...well, I believe, to give these guests a sense of the true danger the Worldwound poses. You see, I've acted as an auxiliary to the Mendevians twice now. I've seen the horrible things the demons have done, and I've seen the sacrifice of the Mendevians to keep the threat contained. Many good men have lost their lives. I fear there may never be enough soldiers to match them, but an edge may be gained in superior training, weaponry, and supplies. Have you given any thought to the military support to the Worldwound crisis? A commander such as yourself could be of use up there."
Dailung waves non chalantly and smiles to the pair."Oh, I can smell a piece of gossip. I am so pleased. Well, I agree, that a banker is not one of station, but for many those moneylenders are the only way to keep their station. Horrible, isn´t it?
At least she has the sense to take her own butler. I wonder why?"
[Dice=Diplo]1d20+16
The Scion Lord actually looks... rather deeply offended actually. And his courtesan is staring daggers at Dailung.
I'm sorry, but if you'll excuse us, I think we have... something else to do right now.
Dailung's knowledge of diplomacy tips her off that she's made a critical misstep. A banker or moneylender he might be, but the Scion Lord is THE banker who controls the economics of Absalom. Casting him in the light of "Not one of station" has offended him and his companion, if only to stay in sync. Both seem to be very proud, both of their station and their position, and how his raises hers, and insinuating otherwise, even accidentally, has offended the touchy nobles. That may be a bridge burned there, but she at least has some good information.
He directs a charming smile at the man and his lovely wife."As for me, here tonight? I'm here to help make sure the party is a success! Absalom is sometimes a dangerous place, so I'm also here to help ensure that there is no untoward happenings that would spoil the festivities."
The ambassador nods curtly, but his face takes on a more musing tone.
Yes, the demons of the world wound are most worrisome indeed. But dedicating the resources of Osiria without the backing of the other countries would leave us vulnerable... we would crush the demons, only to be stabbed in the back while weak and tired from our struggles. It happened to our dear Sapphire Sage, it could easily happen to our whole country.
"My apologies, Captain. How rude of me. I'm Corporal Kargen Hapspring of the Eagle Knights, under Major Maldris' command. I was asked to attend...well, I believe, to give these guests a sense of the true danger the Worldwound poses. You see, I've acted as an auxiliary to the Mendevians twice now. I've seen the horrible things the demons have done, and I've seen the sacrifice of the Mendevians to keep the threat contained. Many good men have lost their lives. I fear there may never be enough soldiers to match them, but an edge may be gained in superior training, weaponry, and supplies. Have you given any thought to the military support to the Worldwound crisis? A commander such as yourself could be of use up there."
[dice=Discovery - Sense Motive (heroism)]1d20+13+2
The commander makes the ever so slightest twitch at "Many good men have lost their lives..." Perhaps the loss of someone at the hands of demons holds a heavier meaning to the commander than for others? Maybe a personal loss? It's hard to tell as he straightens his jacket and nods to the newcomer.
You are right indeed. I do so hate these matters, but it is my position as commander of the defense and lord of my household to attend them. He turns back to Hapsring and nods, his voice not betraying a thing of his emotions.
You fought against the devil's yourself then? Perhaps, those Mendevian medals you wear have something to do with that?
OH I totally misunderstood what you wrote. I thought he meant that Lady Valia is a banker?
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Kargen nods. "Yes, sir. I just came from there, in fact. We were trying to secure a weapon to use against the demons. Something ancient, from the first Crusade. We were ultimately successful, but the demons attacked us in force. A giant one literally tore the building open. Three Crusaders responded without even thinking, just to buy us more time. One died nearly instantly. In the end, we won, but we'll need more weapons like that one. And that means more brave men will need to make sacrifices."
"Have you had much experience with demons, sir? They're...well, I suppose inhuman and evil are the best ways to describe it. They revel in killing us and dismembering corpses. I'm sure you've lost people. People under your command. Friends too. It's a horrible thing to face, but we can only think of the destruction the demons would wrought if they broke through Mendev. Imagine them rampaging across Andor, Taldor, and even through the streets of Absalom. No, I'd much rather face them contained in Mendev." He drains his wine glass as he tries to wash away the thought.
"And that's why the Pathfinders have joined cause with the Crusaders to contain the threat. We could use your support, sir. Cold Iron and blessed weapons are needed just to harm them. These are the types of things we need from Absalom. And, of course men. Your word carries weight, and people will follow your command. Absalom's safety from the demons depends on supporting the Crusaders."
