I can't. The wedding party should be here any time and then they are serving dinner. But perhaps later, we can sing a different tune.
The general populous!? The greatest good for the general populous is to know their place. It is traditional for those in power to establish order. Whit out a clear order you have confusion and anarchy. When the uneducated are left to fend for themselves they are also free to harm themselves and other. Nay, a lack of tradition does more harm than a clearly defined social order. It is the duty of those in power to maintain the status quo. The Blakros family knows that well. Damian was an excellent choice for Michellia.
But as to that Andoran's outburst, structure is both written and implied. True nobles understand the implied expectations of a situation like this, even if the rules may seem contradictory to the untrained eye.
Oh, many places and no where. Have you heard of the battle of the three rivers? My company was camped out on the eastern shore... She continues on with a rather lengthy story of the battle, hardly letting you get a word in edgewise.
|
"I agree; Mr. Kastner is surely going to be a true asset to the Blakros family, as will the Blakros to his Order."
"However, I imply nothing of anarchy or idiot-driven nobility. I merely have a strong opinion on the complexities of "implied expectations" and tradition. An old Tien philosophy roughly translated; "That which is inflexible is most likely to break," which is precisely what traditions are. The ability to adapt is just as important as the structure.
"In fact, a perfect example would be a marketplace. Prices fluctuate and change on a daily basis. One day, potatoes may be as cheap as the dirt they come from. The next, a famine may hit and the very same vegetable may be valued higher than the land in which they are grown. With an inflexible stance on how such produce should be priced, one will simply ruin oneself with unchanging prices as their product wastes into self-destruction. In essence, the need for adaptability is just as necessary as the need for structure."
Tancred: You are mixing metaphors that have no correlation. Setting the prices of potatoes is hardly comparable to social order under a knowledgeable nobility structure. If you secure in your position, then you are able to allow for variation in things under your station that don’t impact the greater order of things. I may choose not to set the prices of potatoes, bit I may also be in control of who owns the land, and who is allowed to sell at the marketplace.
A fascinating conversation, but I am afraid we will have to continue it at some other time. Desimire nods to the servants who are guiding guests to their tables.
You are directed to a large table along with lady Gloriana Morilla, Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam, and a group of their aides. The Paracountess sits at a different table with a detachment of Chelish dignitaries, including Tancred Desimire, who seems perturbed at having to share a table with her.
After being seated, the head table arrives. A delegation of Blakros family members and important relatives surrounding Michellia, Damian, and Hamaria Blakros.
After the food is served, a plethora of speeches and congratulatory toasts ensues from the head table beginning with Hamaria, who dotes on her daughter’s excellent pedigree and the respect shown to her family by Damian Kastner. Others at the head table give similar speeches, expanding on their love for Michellia and their acceptance of Damian into the extended Blakros family.
Eventually, Michellia Blakros stands to make her own proclamation. Although quiet in tone, she speaks with a force that all can hear. I wish to thank you all for coming. While the Hellknights of the Order of the Scourge have lost a loyal and noble soldier, the Blakroses have gained a new member of our esteemed clan— my husband, Damian Kastner. As a symbol of this union, I offer you, Damian, the Blakros name, so that you will ever be known as a member of our elite, illustrious family. Let it be known forever more that your name shall be Damian Blakros, should you accept the honor.
The groom then stands and speaks himself, raising his glass toward Hamaria and the rest of new family. I, of course, accept this honor, and am proud to know my children shall bear the name as well. I am not good with words, however, so I shall keep this brief. There are few gifts I could give in response that would parallel the honor I have just received. Even so, I shall offer something that my new family will hopefully find valuable. To my wife, Michellia Blakros, I offer my family’s long-held manor of Ostergarde.
Damian’s announcement causes an immediate commotion from the crowd. Audible whispers and speech drown the pavilion, as assembled guests show mixes of horror and satisfaction at the proclamation made by the former Hellknight.
As the crowd quiets down, Hamaria Blakros bids the guests enjoy the reception’s food, music, and wine for the rest of the afternoon and into the night. Immediately, guests rise from their tables and move about the pavilion, eager to continue to gossip about the day’s proceedings.
|
All the talk and speeches are boring to the ranger. Bishop quietly sips on water while scanning the crowd...Amira is right, a "dragon" is bound to roar soon.
Looking around for any "odd" behavior, coordinated head nods, hidden weapons being prepped, etc.
Getting a read for any odd or incongruous reactions from guests and staff.
Soon after the announcement and dismissal, Desimire departs from the gathering, seemingly in some sort of emotional panic.
Adamus heads outside after the Chelaxian, but the noble has vanished in the crowd.
|
|
[ooc]If on the results of my Perception and Sense Motive checks, Bishop decides there's nothing....untoward eminant, he'll try his hand on the lady Blakros,
"My lady, compliments on a flawless wedding and reception. While I have worked for your family before as a Pathfinder, we have never met. You'll have to forgive my unpolished manners and comportment. I must confess I spend as much time searching for threats as I do enjoying the party. I just wanted to extend my appreciation, compliments, and an offer to volunteer for anything you need. So long as I am here I will make sure everyone is safe and sound. No "dragons" on my watch."
|
|
Amira also approaches the mother. "Amira El-Amin, a pleasure to finally meet you Mrs. Blakros. Indeed, the wedding has been nothing but a delight. Mr. Shepherd's been trying his best while out of his element, as his expertise is more aligned with moments involving the Onyx Alliance problems. With both him and your spectacular guard force here, however, I believe there to be nothing to worry about.
"But enough of troublesome mites; Ostergarde, huh? That place will most likely need secured in the future. Please consider the Society for such a task; we're always sent to horribly-dangerous places and I would like to go to some place I'm expecting that isn't Irrisen."
Hamaria laughs politely at Bishop’s humility. Thank you for your offer, but I am sure we have everything in hand. It really is too bad that Eleanir could not make it, she’s Michellia’s twin sister. She’s off in northern Garund collecting some artifacts for us. I know she wishes she could have been here.
Ostergarde will indeed be a welcome addition to our holdings. If we wish the Society’s assistance, we will contact you.
Hamaria wonders off to speak with other guests.
After a bit more revelry, you are approached by Damian Blakros as he makes his rounds. He keeps his voice low and gestures for you to lean in for a private conversation.
I have heard rumors of your offers to help, even Hamaria made a non-condescending comment about you all. That’s no small feat. I have a small and discrete favor to ask you. You may not have noticed, but my bride is no longer at her own party. It’s probably nothing for me to worry about, but I would appreciate it if you would check up on her anyway. I would go myself, but my new mother-in-law is watching my like a hawk; making sure I make a good impression on the family’s guests. It would be best if I don’t disappoint her.
|
|
Bishop's entire countenance changes in the blink of an eye. His voice is soft but firm. "Here be dragons.... Hurry Damian, every second matters. I need to know where she was last seen. I need to know if you have any suspects (even if it is your bride herself, now is not time for decorum.) I'll need to get to her trail immediately. Also, I need your permission, someone's permission to string my bow.
to pick up the trail.
She spoke fondly of her family’s old summer home, which burned down some years back. I would look there first. A likely spot if she wanted some time alone. Take the path that leads southwest of here. It should lead you right to it. And please, leave discretely. I don’t want to make a scene.
|
|
Amira looks to Bishop, "Calm down, the bride simply wandered off; she's probably a little sick of all this attention. I'm sure you could use the fresh air as well. The only disconcerting part part of this is she didn't tell anyone where she was going. However, I'm positive we'll have no trouble finding her regardless of the situation."
All that remains of the Blakros family summer home are the charred and crumbled outer walls framing the scorched earth and collapsed tile roof. The ruin overlooks the sea atop a steep cliff.
You see evidence of two sets o footprints leading to the ruin. After wandering off to the left there is evidence of a small struggle, then one set of footprints leaving the location, dragging a heavy object, probably the body of the other person. The footprints head toward a natural cleft in the cliff, leading down towards the beach.
|
|
The ranger calmly takes his bow out and begins stringing it. "There was a mighty duel. It ranged all over. It looks like one person subdued another. I'm guessing the bride has left the party by way of getting dragged. The trail goes to the beach. Get ready my friends."
I'll scout ahead, stealthy, but quickly. His armor begins to blur and the light seems to shy away from the ranger. .
When I get to the beach I'll poke my head around just barely to get a feel for the situation. Unless it's a total shocker, I'll be casting a spell then.
|
Erin turns to Bishop and begins to say.
"That is my..."
As the ranger quickly turns away and takes off towards the beach, she finishes in a murmur.
"...job."
Shrugging casually at the rest of the group she states.
"Guess I have the the day off. I generally use hand signs to signal trouble when I take point."
As you emerge onto the beach, you see Michellia standing by the shoreline, calmly conversing with a large, blond Ulfen man wearing a wolf pelt while she tucks her hair back into her headdress. A few other Ulfen are preparing a Longboat to set sail. Michellia does not seem is be in any distress, if perhaps a little mussed, and does not look to be leaving with the men.
|
|
Assuming that there is cover within 220' of the scene on the beach, that's where Bishop stops. (My stealth checks did not include any cover.) If Erin hasn't gone into the conversation yet Bishop will beckon her over with a hand signal. Whispering, I'm going to hang back and provide whithering fire. If you hide in the shadows, excellent, if you go up close.... Rub the top of your head if you want me to end the parlay with an arrow from my vantage point..
...As our own Ulfen moves past to openly parlay, he catches a glimpse of Bishop. Adamus needs a double take to believe his eyes. In place of the motley Avistanian features there is now the head of a falcon, the black eyes never blinking. Bishop simply nods and nocks an arrow.
Michellia steps forward to speak with Adamus, Amira, and anyone else who approaches. Yes, my husband is no doubt wondering where I am. I left briefly to speak with my sister, Eleanir. She showed up unexpectedly and did not wish to create a scene. Unfortunately I think the amount of time she has spent in the wilderness has taken a toll on her mind. She started ranting about my beautiful wedding and how she should be the one to marry first, and then she attacked me! I had to subdue her, and that was not easy or pleasant I might add.
I was at a loss on what to do, but fortunately my friends here showed up and are going to take my sister to a family Physician back in Absalom post haste where she can get some most need help and care. I would really rather this sort of thing did not completely ruin my wedding day. There have been enough unpleasant interruptions already. May I count on you to escort me safely back to the reception?
In the longboat you spy her twin sister Eleanir. Dressed in adventuring cloths, she is laying comfortably in the stern of the boat, seemingly unconscious.