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?"
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.
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.
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A finely armored and armed heavenly looking man listens to the briefing and just nods.
After a moment he thinks quietly and then tells the others.
"If memory serves- 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. While some find it a bit appalling 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."
Felicitas Aurora is a young woman, about 5`4`` with maybe 120 pounds. Her heritage is not so obvious, as she it only shows in the silver orbs she has for eyes. She has long platinum blond hair, usually braided in a thick lush braid. In private or on the stage she wears long flowing dresses, either in golden or emerald green.
But if she on a mission, she wears a well made explorers outfit of leather shirt, leather vest and soft boots and gloves of deerskin, dyed in emerald green with a matching osirion linnen tunic in soft colours, together with a light mithral Shirt and her trusted mithral rapier she named witty repartee on her side.
He voice is pure honey and her songs can make stones weep.
Using Loremaster for a 28 Knowledge roll.
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"Huzzah, a WEDDING!" Cries a tall, spindly Taldan man in the shiniest armor you have ever seen, and teeth to rival Felicitas's, as he bursts through the door a bit late. "A dream within a dream, whenst the hearth is warm and the drink is cold at long journey's end. Such is the stuff that THE STORIES are made of! That rarest of treasures: A life lived 'happily ever after'! I-" He double-checks the name on his invitation.
"Blakros. Oh. Oh dear."
With a small curtesy Felicatas replies."Well, you do not only pay me for my smile. Although, it is pretty good!"
As the others fill in Spenser, VC Valsin rubs his chin.
"This is a delicate mission to be sure. I have no idea who the other invitees are, but i'm guessing they will be family, friends, and business associates."
"...and probably some hellknights too."
"I have none to give along. Along with a few other prominent members, you will represent us there, with good reputation comes more mutual cooperation and good relations, with the Blakros family and any present there."
Felicitas strokes her lush platinum hair and replies.
"And my music will be a worthy present!"
"Well then. What boat will you take?
The early supply runner, or the larger ship tomorrow?"
Felicitas ponders for a moment and replies.
"While it is fashionable to be late, we should be early to scout it out!"
Valsin makes a dismissive gesture.
"It's a simple thing. A cleric or similar binds your weapon in its place, and it can't be drawn without making firm effort. I'm not at all surprised by it, to be honest. A wedding is a festive occasion, violence is unwanted on such things."
"That, or you have to be very good in hiding the fact you have not peace-bonded your weapons."
"If you're taking the early boat, you'll have to leave right now. It leaves in an hour and it's a long walk from here to the docks, especially with rush hour right now."
Felicitas sighs and nods.
"Then let us hurry!"
"Very good. There is a cleric in the room opposite this one for the spell."
Valsin looks over to sir Quixote.
"And how about you?"
"Great. When you're done in the other room, make haste right away.
Good luck."
A middle aged cleric is busy with tidying some shelves when you come in.
When you mention what you've come for, he nods.
"Ah, a diplomatic mission, at a wedding no less.
Yes, leaving a good impression is most important."
After which each of your weapons get peace-bonded, and the cleric wishes you good luck with your endeavor.
Later down at the docks, you find but a few ships docked at the time, one of which is obviously loading supplies, with a few guards watching the proceedings.
One of them, as you come closer.
"Hello, and you are....?"
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"My apologies, mi amigos. I have been deep in thought as to best impress the guests we shall be socializing with. I should better introduce myself. I am Vassago, an explorer and lover of life.", the ifrit bowing to the rest of the party. "This passion has been brought forth into mastery over soothing waters... and now the fire within us all." Vassago then has both palms up, one bearing a glove of water and the other with a spinning swirl of fire. He then claps his hands together, a warm fog misting from the combination.
Preparing for the event, Vassago purchases a new outfit to look good, but not outlandish, accenting it with a pair of rings engraved with runes of fire and water.
At the docks, he is impressed with Turzyk's eloquence, and follows up. "Indeed. We would appreciate your assistance in this matter, good sir."
"Ready to depart!"
The preparation Vassago was thinking of, leaves little time for any picking, and he grabs something on the fly that looks half decent for a special occasion, paying the merchant as quickly as he can.
Sadly, he's not got the time to find a jewelry shop for buying matching rings.
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Currently at the docks...
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The guard reads your invitations and nods.
"There is a cabin for 'extra passengers' below deck. Turn right when you get down the stairs."
When everyone is boarded and the cargo loaded, the supply runner sets sail.
The trip goes without any problems, and the ship eventually arrives at the docks, where a few security guards stand watch.
As everyone leaves the boat, they hold Vassago for a moment.
"Sir, you are carrying a non-secured weapon.", as he points at Vassago's dagger.
"Please hand it over, it shall be returned to you once you leave the island."
Vassago hands over the small weapon, and the guard nods.
"Have a pleasants stay, sir.", and he then motions for the disembarking of the cargo.
"Alright, load off those supplies, everything needs to be set up as quickly as possible."
Another guard motions you to follow him.
"I'll direct you to your lodgings."
This itself is quite a walk away from the docks, nearly an hour and a half...this turns out to be one large island.
Felicitas will first the lodgings.
Felicitas inspects her lodgings thoroughly, and finds it to be of adequate quality. It's got a comfy bed, cupboards and a small table with some chairs.
It wouldn't be a huge of a surprise, however, given it is the Blakros family having arranged these lodgings.
Walking back towards the location of the ceremony pavillion, you find it set off-limits for the time being. Some guards are posted and supplies are brought in.
Moving back towards the docks, you see nothing of particular note. It is fit to dock two ships, and has a wooden pathway leading from it across the sandy ground, onto the more grassed land inwards.
Then eventually comes the moment where the late sip docks as well.
Some of the guests stand out more.
Among them a group of hellknights, a sole man from Tian Xia, a muscular man with Taldan features dressed in formal attire.... and is that...Nigel?
A tall garundi woman in halfplate disembarks, and seems to make inquiries with the guards at the docks, who salute her. Furthermore, you notice the faces of three of the faction leaders.
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen, Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam, and Lady Gloriana Morilla.
The present guardsmen escort the whole crowd towards the now opened reception pavillion, where musicians play music and tables stand ready for the guests, and staff start serving drinks.
Felicitas approaches the man from Tian Xia and starts to chat with him and starts to smile and sweet talk to him.
"It seems you have a long journey to reach this wedding. I hope you will enjoy the great feast."
Spenser has scored a point of influence with tha man, who is happily sharing with Spenser STORIES of his earlier career.
Turzyk and Vassago don't quite make the impression they would have liked to.
The garundi woman phosdlon speaks to isn't very talkative either.
"No, we've not met before.", and she seems to shift back her gaze to overseeing the reception.
The tian man smiles.
"Enjoying the party? Why yes, i am. I love weddings, free drinks and merry people."
Felicitas quickly grabs two more drinks and offers one to him.
"I can so very much understand your point. My name is Felicitas Aurora, a member of the Pathfinder society. I do travel wide and far and enjoy the chance to participate in social gatherings like this very much. You have the chance to encounter special vintages and exquisite brands. And the Blakros family is well-known for their ... let us say taste!"