[dice=Influence - Diplomacy (heroism)]1d20+7+2
Lord Rothos listens raptly and his face becomes grim, determined, and solid. He places a hand on Kargen's shoulder and nods.
Every soldier has had loss. Mine... Yes, my best friend and brother in arms, years ago, was lost to a demon that attacked us on a First Watch assignment. I cannot allow that to happen to anyone else. The Pathfinder society will have everyone the watch can spare, and what weapons and resources we can reroute. We'll push them back to abyss where they belong.
As people speak, the door opens and in walks a very fat man in a very fine grey and black suit and a gold pommeled silver rapier in his belt. The warriors in the room can tell it's never been used in a real fight.
Soooo Sorry to be Late, but the people's demands can keep one from getting where they need to go!
He chuckles, and it's easy enough to recognize Senator Naran from his description, if not for the incredibly gorgeous young woman next to him who must be wife number 5. While the wife looks incredibly bored with the affair, Senator Naran happily joins in the mingling with a plate full of snacks that he constantly chews through.
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Having so far been uncharacteristically silent, Braxus sees the dire situation with Dailung and moves to see if he can repair any damage done.
"Excuse me Lord and Lady," comes the big man's words as he moves in deftly to block their escape. "I had to come over and introduce myself. I am Braxus Ironheart from the land of the Linnorm Kings. I figured you for royalty by they way you carried yourselves and, truth be told, I was a bit worried I would come off inna, ina," <sigh> "as less than I wanted, so I held off 'till just now." His smile is genuine as are his words.
He looks left and then right, then leans down and speaks in a low voice, "I have been in some of the toughest battles with demons that anyone has ever faced and even then, as a low born man myself, I can feel a bit less when I meet people of high station such as yourselves."
Straightening, he offers a grim smile, "It is my honor to meet you. This is a party Lord and Lady. I should be offering you wine and good tales. So, what's your pleasure?"
The Scion Lord and his courtesan swell with pride and look at the man who's approach them. The Scion Lord grins and offers his hand to Braxus.
It's understandable... but you say your a demon killer? That sounds like a rather impressive resume indeed. Please, you must tell us both more about it....
The courtesan leans into the Scion Lord's ear, whispers something, and gives a soft titter as both look over the well built and powerful warrior with appreciation.
Perhaps we can sit down with some wine, and you can tell us more about this demon slaying. It's not often a man such as yourself gets to dine with people like us, so let's make the most of it.
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Over the next while, as long as the gracious couple allow, Braxus tells tales full of heartfelt sadness with heroic endings as well as tragic losses such as a recent loss of a great half elven crusader, Sir Ilivan.
Finally, when standing over Sir Ilivan's grave, as Vespaja leaves and the others say their last words to the marker, Braxus gets down on one knee, his arm propped up on the handle of his earthbreaker. He pulls out a near empty wineskin and opens it before setting it down to rest against the grave sword.
With a low voice, so no one else can hear, he says, "Last draw is yours." and then he rises, hefts his weapon over his shoulder, and walks away.
"You see, this threatens more than just a small piece of the world, it threatens us all, everywhere, and not just our lives but our souls." The big man lets that hang for a moment before he continues.
"The Mendevians have done their best, but without aid from the rest of the world, we all loose. I came from the far north to do my part. Today we sit here, far from the Wound itself, but tomorrow I go back to keep the fight going. I don't have wealth or influence so I give the only way I know how, through sweat and blood. I just hope my time here with kind people such as you brings more help to the crusaders. The Gods know, the world sure needs it."
The Scion Lord and his escort are enraptured and hang on everyword. By the end of the story, the Scion Lord forgets propriety and grips his companion's hand tightly, and grips his knee.
Braxus... what you and others have gone through... I cannot allow such horrors to reach our home! You will have every coin that Absalom can spare, and I will speak to our investors, and we'll divert whatever funds we can. The business opportunities are great enough I will be able to redirect the sharks to the war machine against the abyss.
He clasps Braxus's hand and squeezes tight.
You have the Mint, and the coin of Absalom at your backs. The Mendevians will receive the support they need to fight this war.
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.
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Dailung seeks another target and approaches the beautiful Lady Dyrianna
starting a friendly conversation and commenting her choice for the most interesting companion.
"Mylady Dyrianna, I can see whatever happens tonight, you will be the center of the gossip for ages in the courts of Absolom. I could not imagine how dull this event could be without your presence. It is inspiring, to see a woman of influence and beauty, highlighting such an event! One can see you are second to none."
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Peribras approaches Lady Darchana. He gives her a deep bow and respectfully offers to kiss her hand as he introduces himself. "Lady Darchana, I am honored to meet such a powerful mage as yourself. My name is Peribras Sandlock; I am a humble thief-catcher turned Pathfinder. I never thought becoming a Pathfinder would give me the opportunity to meet some one so important to Absalom. Tell me, what brings someone such as yourself to such a small party as this one?"
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Who is left?
Peribras approaches Lady Darchana. He gives her a deep bow and respectfully offers to kiss her hand as he introduces himself. "Lady Darchana, I am honored to meet such a powerful mage as yourself. My name is Peribras Sandlock; I am a humble thief-catcher turned Pathfinder. I never thought becoming a Pathfinder would give me the opportunity to meet some one so important to Absalom. Tell me, what brings someone such as yourself to such a small party as this one?"
[dice=diplomacy, DISCOVER]10+10
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She smiles at the little pathfinder and allows her hand to be kissed.
Because, my friend, I was invited and it's required of me to come to such affairs. Since you know who I am, I can simply say as spell lord, matriarch, and Archdean, it behooves me to stay on friendly terms on things that revolve around my school as well as what's in it. Absalom is a central hub of magic and magical learning, and we draw from all around us. While many of my collegues may prefer to be cooped up, I find it to be very important to know what's going on around me, for both me and those who look up to me. It is simply logical.
Dailung seeks another target and approaches the beautiful Lady Dyrianna
starting a friendly conversation and commenting her choice for the most interesting companion.
"Mylady Dyrianna, I can see whatever happens tonight, you will be the center of the gossip for ages in the courts of Absolom. I could not imagine how dull this event could be without your presence. It is inspiring, to see a woman of influence and beauty, highlighting such an event! One can see you are second to none."
[dice=Diplo/Influence]1d20+16
Dyrianna chuckles at the complement and grins happily.
Why you must be Dailung... You have been showing progress my dear, and to have you here means you're doing even better than I expected.
At any surprise crossing Dailung's face, the woman chuckles and leans in... inappropriately close? She whispers low, her voice a seductive whisper.
Don't be so surprised my dear. Women of our caliber attract attention. When you cultivate that attention properly, it can be a most useful tool.... just a tip from someone who's been in the game a while. If the whole "Society" thing doesn't work out, you have a position available with us. Both as a courtesan, and one who can be... discreet about her activities. Now, an exchange dear, what is it that you and your society want from me?
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"Oh I fully agree. The empires resources should not be squandered. Look what happened in ancient times with battles between Osirian and the Jistka Imperium. That involved many other worldly entities as well. Of course that was the catalyst for one of the great expansions of Osirian..." says Bulgo
"Being seen to support the expedition may very well position the Ruby Prince very nicely..."
But at the last moment his arms jostles the ambassadors, knocking the mans drink...
..which he catches in midair without spilling a drop. Returning the drink with an apology he adds "Yes...a well timed intervention by Osirian may well prove very advantageous"
The cheerful halfling then heads off to mingle with the other guests, letting the ambassador think through opportunities. He takes a moment to check upstairs and make sure there are no signs of a break-in or other malefactors lingering about.
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Kargen smiles. "Excellent, Lord Captain. It will mean a lot to the men and women in Mendev that their sacrifices have not fallen on deaf ears." He bows and looks around the room.
"Now, sir, if you excuse me. it's been a pleasure, but i must go into the breech to garner more support. Unlike yourself, few of these others understand the danger to Absalom. Tell me, do you know anything about Lady Vaelia Wintermark?"
After a few more words with the Lord Captain, Kargen gets another drink and makes his way to the Lady Vaelia. At an appropriate points, he makes his introduction. "Lady Wintermark, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Kargen Hapspring, an Eagle Knight. How are you enjoying the festivities so far? The wine seems decent, but I hear your vineyard produces far superior vintages."
..which he catches in midair without spilling a drop. Returning the drink with an apology he adds "Yes...a well timed intervention by Osirian may well prove very advantageous"
The cheerful halfling then heads off to mingle with the other guests, letting the ambassador think through opportunities. He takes a moment to check upstairs and make sure there are no signs of a break-in or other malefactors lingering about.
The Ambassador looks after the retreating pathfinder, his hand on his chin, his eyes thoughtful as he stares at the caught glass. He holds it up to the light and takes a slow sip, musing out loud just at the edge of Bulgo's hearing.
Perhaps... a timely intervention may be in order after all...
Kargen smiles. "Excellent, Lord Captain. It will mean a lot to the men and women in Mendev that their sacrifices have not fallen on deaf ears." He bows and looks around the room.
"Now, sir, if you excuse me. it's been a pleasure, but i must go into the breech to garner more support. Unlike yourself, few of these others understand the danger to Absalom. Tell me, do you know anything about Lady Vaelia Wintermark?"
After a few more words with the Lord Captain, Kargen gets another drink and makes his way to the Lady Vaelia. At an appropriate points, he makes his introduction. "Lady Wintermark, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Kargen Hapspring, an Eagle Knight. How are you enjoying the festivities so far? The wine seems decent, but I hear your vineyard produces far superior vintages."
The Lady looks at Kargen in a similar way to how Kargen might look at a worm he's found in his food. Her glare only intensifies as he sees his eagle knight medal.
Why yes, Vineyards tended with a noble palate in mind take much more into account than that meant for the common tongue. The company is... palatable, under circumstances that require someone of sensibility to be here. Especially considering some of the... extra people that seem to be here.
She gives him a pointed look at that one, her eyes cold and unnerving.
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Dyrianna chuckles at the complement and grins happily.Why you must be Dailung... You have been showing progress my dear, and to have you here means you're doing even better than I expected.
At any surprise crossing Dailung's face, the woman chuckles and leans in... inappropriately close? She whispers low, her voice a seductive whisper.
Don't be so surprised my dear. Women of our caliber attract attention. When you cultivate that attention properly, it can be a most useful tool.... just a tip from someone who's been in the game a while. If the whole "Society" thing doesn't work out, you have a position available with us. Both as a courtesan, and one who can be... discreet about her activities. Now, an exchange dear, what is it that you and your society want from me?
"Mylady, this is actually an interesting offer. Maybe, we can talk in private about it. Although, I fear that I still have to learn!"
She blushes, but just a bit."Mylady, the society has tasked us to find those people of means and station, and remind them of the dangers of the world wound. As a woman of your abilities knows, the cancer of demons is spreading and they take no mercy, be it man, woman or child, Human elf or half-elf. A woman of your talents knows that a choice word here, a nod there and a sign of concern is more powerful than money or brawn.
Me the apprentice is asking the mistress, for her aid!"
"Mylady, this is actually an interesting offer. Maybe, we can talk in private about it. Although, I fear that I still have to learn!"
She blushes, but just a bit.
"Mylady, the society has tasked us to find those people of means and station, and remind them of the dangers of the world wound. As a woman of your abilities knows, the cancer of demons is spreading and they take no mercy, be it man, woman or child, Human elf or half-elf. A woman of your talents knows that a choice word here, a nod there and a sign of concern is more powerful than money or brawn.
Me the apprentice is asking the mistress, for her aid!"
Dyrianna continues moving inappropriately closely and whispers in her ear in a manner that would appear seductive to anyone standing away from them.
That's what apprentices do dear. They lean on teachers for aid. The pathfinders can rest assured that I will do everything I can to sway people to understand the danger the world wound represents... and so will my boys and girls.
She grins and steps away, winking at her with a smirk.
Now Dailung, don't forget what I said, if you ever tire of traipsing about dangerous lands and want to lay back and enjoy your job, well, you have my card.
She nods downwards slightly and much to Dailung's surprise, a small piece of paper with Dyrianna's information is tucked in her undergarments. When the heck did she do that?! With a wink and a smirk, Dyrianna turns and flounces away to begin speaking with other guests.
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Anger flashes in Kargen's eyes for a moment. Andor had thrown off nobles like her for a reason. She likely saw the common people, him among them, as little more than servants. Perhaps it was the only way to play this relationship. "Ah, of course. My friends and I don't really belong here though." He smiles and indicates his common clothes despite the military honors.
"We are here to help entertain, though, to share some interesting stories of the world. As Pathfinders, we travel to all sorts of locations and see more than or share of oddities. Have you ever been to the godless city of Rahadoum, for instance, or the wilds of Nex? I just returned from Mendev and the sights there were like none I've ever seen before."
@Freya, perfectly acceptable, no worries. :)
The old woman sniffs and glares at Kargen.
Tales of wild lands where no civilized person should waste their time is a passing activity for fools with no perspective on life. It is as much of a waste as you and your "Pathfinder" friends being here for your silly mission to drag our soldiers to some far off expanse.
She sneers at him.
Oh yes Andoran, I know what you and your pathfinders are doing here. It is simply pointless... Taldor will not waste it's people throwing it's soldiers to be demon chow.
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Hearing the way Kargen is being spoken to begins to warm its way under Braxus' skin. He nods to the Scion Lord and Lady, as he stands up, and he walks over to where the old woman is raining insults at the decorated hero of the World Wound.
Braxus walks right up to the woman, interrupting her, wearing a stern look on his face. He bends down to look her straight in the eye, scrunches up his face as he sniffs the air, then looks sidelong over to Kargen, "Funny, she doesn't sound like a troll... I guess they're dressing up the small ones for parties in this part of the world. You southerners are strange."
She "Hurumps" at Braxus.
Another mercenary thief looking to beg at Taldor's scraps? Pathetic, the lot of you.
Suddenly, a presence is behind the to men and a hand lays on Braxus shoulder. It's Lady Morilla!
Now now Braxus, you should retain some respect for a nobel of Lady Vaelia's stature.
She turns to the lady, the beautiful faction leader giving her most stunning smile.
Lady Vaelia, excuse my comrades. They don't know Taldor's Lost glory, of the splendor of Taldor at it's peak as a true empire. But here lies a true opportunity! The crusade is a prime opportunity to lead Taldor to greatness once more; when the Shining Crusade and the Armies of Exploration swept across the Inner Sea region, it was Taldor that led the charge. Were Taldor to save the world once more, surely the empire would regain,if not exceed, its former glory.
The old woman scrunches up her face as if having bitten into a bitter fruit.
Little girl, The twitch of anger on Lady Morilla's face is almost invisible, but more than the serenely calm Lady of the Soverign Court would normally let show. Have you forgotten about Qadira? We have far more important matters in Taldor than sending our fine soldiers gallivanting off, leaving our citizens, like my poor Husband and all my sons dead to Qadira raids these 30 years, unprotected from a that foul nation. Taldor must come first, and Mendev can deal with demons. Taldor cannot afford to turn its back on such a serpent such as that disgusting nation and its cult of the Sun Witch.
Lady Morilla handles the tirade with aplomb, as a true diplomat would. She begins to speak again...
But surely my lady, we can...
The old woman steps forward and cuts Lady Morilla off.
Don't bother little girl. Your plan will never work. The nobles of Taldor have already sent a contingent of soldiers north, and that is a contingent too many, and they now regret it.
The team gets the distinct feeling that the lady cannot be influenced to send soldiers to Mendev or join the cause. The Lady Morilla gives a demure I understand, thank you My Lady. before turning around and walking away. Braxus and Kargen both hear her mutter softly. This will not Stand! For the good of Taldor, for the good of the aristocracy, we cannot ignore the Worldwound... I will get those troops, even if I have to get them somewhere else!
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Kargen gives the Lady a polite nod before retreating with Braxus. He turns to the man. "Well, that did not go well at all. I suppose she's chosen her side and will stick to it. We might want to avoid antagonizing her further, though if she seems like she's building a coalition against us, we might have to undermine her."
Bulgo does not find anything of intrest upstairs, and a quick patrol of the grounds shows no breaches in his previously established perimeter, confirmed by the keen nose of his animal friend. As he returns back inside, a call rings out from a servant.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Dinner is Served.
Everyone is ushered excitedly to a massive table, and the feast begins. The feast itself includes seven courses of crisp greens, poached fish, seasoned game, and a selection of fine desserts. Servants continue to bustle about in the neverending quest to keep goblets full and move discarded plates to the kitchen. The master chef Domeros Prinitar proudly announces each course as it arrives.
The dinner is delicious, but there is not enough time inbetween delicious food and small talk to really influence any of the nobles. After feasting for a bit, people finally reach the end of the seventh course and begin to move away from the table, excusing themselves to lavatories and to clean up makeup before the speaker comes into the room. The Major walks around the room, giving a pathfinder hand signal for "Follow" before leading the team to the side of the room. He glances about and then speaks with his voice hushed and low.
“Have you noticed,” he inquires, “that several of the serving staff seem to be behaving strangely? I have watched a handful of them, and I can tell you with some authority that a few appear to be under the effects of enchantment magic. They have not expressed any hostility, but this strikes me as the precursor of something far more dangerous.
“In a moment, Damien Blakros will introduce the esteemed Genedair, an esteemed veteran of the Mendevian Crusades and a guest of honor at tonight’s festivities. I trust that his speech will be suitably engaging to give you an opportunity to slip away and check the rest of the manor. If there is anything amiss, deal with any immediate concerns and then report back to me.”
He spares a moment to glance back at the dining room before adding,
“Under no circumstances are you to upset the guests. I will keep Lady Morilla apprised of the situation, and together we will decide what to do in the event of trouble. The feast must go on without any disruption, and I will stay with the guest to ensure that happens.”
As he says this, Damien Blakros begins introducing Genedair in the other room. With a last look, Major Maldris salutes and says,
“You have perhaps half an hour,” then slips back through the door to rejoin the party.
Peribras starts his route with his dogs, quickly moving through the gardens and stable, and pass near the Kennels. As he does so, his keen eyes spot the dogs tearing at something. As he moves closer, what becomes very obvious... a pair of human jawbones, the flesh being ripped from them by the eager hungry dogs. The blood and ribbons of flesh indicate that whoever these belong to, they did not lose them to long ago.
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Braxus glances about, but he's unable to read anything unusual about anyone, from the servants to the nobles. He has the suspicious feeling that only the trained eyes of the Major and the subterfuge skills of the Lady are the only reason the problem was detected at all.
Kargen and the others burst into the kitchen, much to the elderly master chef's concernation.
WHAT IZ ZIS? WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY KICHAN!?
He taps a heavy rolling pin against his palm. Before they can answer, he turns and shouts at a servant.
DID I ZAY YOU CAN STOP STIRRING? IF YOU LET ZAT BURN I WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD!
Everyone quickly returns to their duties, pointedly ignoring the pathfinders and dodging around them.
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Peribras frowns and shakes his head, suppressing a sigh. He looks around for any indication of what lead to this human head being fed to the dogs.
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Not wanting the group to separate, especially if there is a credible threat, Braxus follows along to the kitchen, and after quickly assessing that is not where the threat is, heads to find Peribras before checking the wine cellar.
If they didn't poison the food, the wine is another option, blasphemous as it is!
"Stick together folks. If we find a threat, we deal with it as a group. Wine cellar next. It's the only other place a serving person would go, right?"
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Kargen bursts into the kitchen, getting an earful from the chef. He quickly glances around, seeing all the servants busy in their tasks. He opens his mouth, uncertain of exactly what he was going to ask when he sees Braxus heading towards the wine cellar. "Of course, the wine!"
He quickly catches up to the big man, heading towards the cellar.
As Braxus leads Kargen and the others down into the wine cellar, his battle harden nose sniffs the air to find a pungent scent that all pathfinders are all to familiar with.
Blood.
The cool, dark wine cellar has a flagstone floor and walls covered with light gray ceramic tiles. Its irregularly shaped walls and alcoves are lined with dusty shelves that hold an impressive array of wine bottles. Propped up against the far west wall are two naked forms, both covered with fresh blood. Though both are clearly female, their faces have been chewed away entirely, leaving them both unidentifiable.
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As Braxus gets the first whiff of blood he stops, holds his arm out to halt the others but Dailung dips underneath and past him in a flash. He draws his earthbreaker from his back as he steps into the room.
Upon seeing the dead women his heart threatens to sink with sadness at their loss, but is instead quickly buoyed by anger. "Honest folk working for an honest living, taken and torn to ribbons like this!" he says with a growl, stating the obvious.
Then more quietly, "Does it look like anyone got to the wine?" he adds without thinking.
As Dailung and Braxus run up to the downed servants, Dailung ever so faintly hears something coming up behind her. She spins around, just in time to see a ghostly THING move out of the wall and turn to face her. Before she can so much as shout though, another THING appears from the wall, striking out at Braxus! He on the other hand, FEELS the creature more than sees it, and maybe with a bit of luck from Cayden himself, steps forward to meet the enemy threatening Dailung at just the right moment to have the ghostly hand pass behind him harmlessly. The two creatures seem more shocked than the team that the attack failed! Immediatly, instincts kick into gear and the team launches into action!
COMBAT BEGINS! THEME MUSIC START!
THE BOLD MAY ACT!
Braxus
Dialung
Bulgo
Kargen
Freya
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Wraith
Wraith 2
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Bulgo leaps forward, a magic dagger appearing in his hand as he moves up to strike at the horrible thing.
<- I guess it is halved.
"Incorporeal! I really need to get my knives enchanted to hit these things. Or better yet. Avoid them."
A moment later he thinks "But why would wraiths be here? Are they the spirits of those murdered servants."
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His eyes grow dark and snap to the wraith almost instantly as he brings his weapon about with a roar.
The earthbreaker tears into the thing's insubstantial form with a blow that would be enough to kill almost anything, but instead just passes through doing little damage.
"Damn thing's made of smoke!" he thunders!
He whirls his earthbreaker around like a toy for another blow, but this one is less accurate.
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Peribras carefully looks around outside, and also checks for any suspicious tracks.
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