Biter looks around at everyone in their finery, and, with hands on hips, puffs his chest out... obviously very proud of his torn, scarred, and leathery appearance. His eyes meet Huuc'Mar's, "So, when does us heading over?"
- Abbas: Priest leading mealtime prayer, purifying food, creating safe drink if Alexis detects poison in any wines, etc. Also shows that we believe everyone is accountable to a higher power.
- Rath: Good to have at meal since he is himself a philosopher and doesn't need any weapons.
- Elorin: Since he understands Elvish obviously, it may be best if he remains guarding the door in case Harrolayne and I need to discuss matters privately. Also, given his past, I could see him taking an edge off in talking with Harrolayne's guards — particularly if they are themselves elvish.
- Biter: Strutting his stuff, wandering where he will. By so doing, any one intent on starting trouble can't consolidate their men in any one place.
How's that sound to everyone?
"I am ready to depart at any time. I believe we are just waiting on the sailors to finish lowering our launch..."
"Yes, Rajkumari."
Your sailors finish lowering your launch and inform you it's ready. You head out, climb down to the small boat, and head across. (Gregor, you missed some of the discourse, but if you'd like to get on board, we'll ret-con you in)
It takes a good twenty minutes of rowing to make your way across the ocean to the Desert Rose. Once there, a rope ladder is lowered for you and you climb aboard. Despite the fact that this ship is in the employ of House Avenstar of Absalom, it's crew is pre-dominantly Rahadoumi. Dark-skinned, stern-faced men and women greet you with cool stares; Abbas receives looks of open disgust, hatred, and a little fear, while the rest of you just get appraising looks. Biter gets his own set of looks; mostly, it looks like they'd prefer to just kick him off over the side. Nobody actually tries it though...yet.
The Captain comes to greet...well...meet you. She is a tall, imposing woman you've learned is named Captain Samalli.
"Mistress Harrolayne's invitation was for Pathfinder Kirmoon alone. Additional food has not been prepared."
Dark-skinned, stern-faced men... greet you with cool stares.
Biter's eyes rove over the dark-skinned sailors, and he begins picking his teeth with one pinky finger, "Notting to look like there be shortage of food to Biter."
Knowing the significance of teeth-picking in Goblin culture, Rath loses his 'out-scowl the Rahadoumians' look long enough to smile at his small friend and say, "Bet they taste like chicken."
Friend Rath's answer is a wicked goblin grin, then the maw full of razor teeth turns to the rest of the crew and the dark captain, "Captain notting to make Huuc'Mar wait." He gestures to Alexis to make sure it is known who he means and shakes his spherical head, "Notting to be nice."
"Mistress Harrolayne's invitation was for Pathfinder Kirmoon alone. Additional food has not been prepared."
Rath nods in agreement at Biter's comment and then 'clarifies' for the Captain "Princess Alexis Kirmoon of Kyonin, of Greengold, is correct title. As her other Honor Guard points out rightly - keeping Princess waiting is not proper hm... protocol."
Captain Samalli looks Princess Alexis over, spits over the side of the vessel, and then motions for you to follow.
Samalli leads you all to a small cabin under the aft deck. She knocks, and then opens it at a curt "Come" from inside. Through the door, you see a cramped but well-appointed cabin: the bed has nice blankets, and several nice (100GP) dresses hang from hooks on the walls. A small fold-down table has been set with a green linen cloth and food has been laid out in wooden bowls. At the side, a silver wine chalice sits next to two wooden cups.
Harrolayne, wearing exactly the same clothes as before, looks up from the table. "Ah, good, Pathfinder. Come have a seat." She doesn't get up. "I'm sure Captain Samalli can find some rations for your friends. They should be feeding the crew soon."
I thought he was just a big kitten himself.
I thought he was just a big kitten himself.
Captain Samalli looks Princess Alexis over, spits over the side of the vessel, and then motions for you to follow.
With a quick motion Elorin's hand moves for his sword, thinking to run the man through for such a grevious insult, his hand is stopped as it reachs the pommel by Alexis speaking softly,
"Mistress Harrolayne's invitation was for Pathfinder Kirmoon alone. Additional food has not been prepared."
"Elorin, tell this woman that we are not the cooks and that she should perhaps convey their error to the cooks."
"Ah, good, Pathfinder. Come have a seat. I'm sure Captain Samalli can find some rations for your friends. They should be feeding the crew soon."
Looking at the dresses with an intentionally sympathetic look on her face, Alexis responds, "That won't be necessary my good woman.* "
"I would not want my guards to take food from the mouths of your crewmen. Had I known your situation, we could have hosted a soiree aboard The Rose of Cassomir. No matter though, I understand how difficult it is to find a gown fit for someone of elvish descent in human lands unless you can afford a personal tailor from Iadara.** I wouldn't want you to feel uncomfortable. Now then, what's the term? Let's dig-in? First things first though..."
Alexis nods to Abbas and Rath. Rath enters and pulls out a seat for the princess who then takes it while Abbas begins a lengthy and loud blessing. While he is doing so, Alexis blesses herself in a mere whisper working the motions and words for detect poison into it. She then looks about the room even as she removes the silver goblet from the filigreed chain at her waist.
"Oh, dear, my Lady, I fear I have mislead you in the scope of this gathering. Do forgive me for my error and for so inconveniencing yourself and your servants for going to so much trouble. On the Desert Rose, we do things much more humbly than to which a Lady of your standing would be accustomed. This is but a simple meal for a simple woman."
Sense Motive DC 16 or Alexis who already passed:
She smirks at Alexis' detect poison spell and laughs a fluttering, almost fluff-brained giggle. "I see that Lord Brycen has been telling you his lies about me. I assure you, I have no wish to poison you or harm you in any way. I wanted to have this meeting in private so I may, if I am not being too bold, express my concerns for your Ladyship's safety and virtue. Lord Brycen is one of the most...what's the word...odious of men. He is a leach, and has no compunctions whatsoever about using his station to...force...himself upon the common folk. I mean no disrespect to the institution of nobility, of course, but he is the type of noble who gives all of your ken a bad name to the rank-and-file citizens of the world. Please believe me, I know of this...first hand." Her voice trails away.
Sense Motive DC 21:
Alexis smiles at Harrolayne's feigned apology and is genuinely amused that this woman who disdains the aristocracy wishes to speak about one noble to another. Smiling further and averting her eyes as if day-dreaming, Alexis says, "Well, Lord Brycen is an interesting topic of conversation, there's no denying that..."
"However, I find that the truth is ever so much more news-worthy than fiction." She pauses as if trying to remember something and frowns slightly, "Unfortunately, I must confess that in spite of my time at court in Kyonin, Taldor, and Absolom, today was the first I've heard of you. As for my spell, force of habit really. My old retainer was simply the most paranoid woman you ever did meet."
"So then," she continues, "what should I know about Harrolayne? I am not the lyricist my sister is so any details I might imagine would be nowhere near as... intriguing as what it seems Brycen might say if I but ask. Would you regale me?"
sense motive Eloring thinking to himself she seem genuine enough, I have to admit as well that her description of Brycen seems to fit as well...maybe we can trust her, but the captain will have to die first... he grins to himself.
After seating the Rajkumari, Rath takes a few steps back and merely watches the interplay between the women. The subtext is abundantly clear. Rath schools his face to indifference and waits. Why can't this woman get to whatever point she wants to make? Brycen says she's a poisoner. She says Brycen is a Lothario. Pretty soon they will both be saying the Banker fellow is a pedophile. No wonder, they've never had any success settling Arcadia. Everyone is looking to plant a dagger in someone else's back.
"Well, it is hardly surprising that you would have no knowledge of me, as we don't move in the same circles. I am a member of House Avenstar, and mostly conduct my business in Absalom. This is the first time I've ever really left the city. My House is partially funding this expedition and I was chosen as its representative, advisor to Lord Brycen, and his replacement should some ill fate befall him. And now the ranks of colonial leadership have been augmented, by somebody who previously held no standing whatsoever. Naturally, I am concerned that Lord Brycen has been abusing his power once again and is attempting to silence you or assuage any hurt feelings on your part by offering you this position. I want you to know, from one woman to another, that if you should need any assistance, or a supportive voice, that you have but to ask and I shall offer you my aide. Surely you must agree, that noble or not, some behaviours are simply not acceptable from a person in authority or leadership."
Sense Motive DC 16:
Well, Alexis knows this: This house, of Kyonin heritage and loyal only to itself, is one of the city's eight most powerful houses and the most prominent elven houses. Scion Lord Tylvran began allowing half-elves into the house at the dawn of the Age of Lost Omens. Other notable members include Dyrianna of House Avenstar, Head Hetaera of Calistria and Consul of the Courtesan's Guild in Absalom.
Alexis thinks for a moment on Harrolayne's words. "I have always thought it important for a leader to have advisors of differing backgrounds and personal experiences — particularly from their own. Hearing too much of the same advice, from only a small subset of the populace is like willfully wearing blinders. It doesn't matter if it is a noble listening only to their peers, a priest listening only to others of the cloth, or a crimelord listening only to other thugs. If information is power, then your house's noteworthy position in Kyonin might indicate a great deal of skill in gathering information, might it not?"
"As for my own standing, I hardly need a human nobleman to aid me there. Indeed I joined the Pathfinders to seek a path where merit and scientific discovery were of greater importance than who one's sire was. Unfortunately, once someone has joined society's elite whether thru birth or merit, it becomes impossible to avoid... imperial entanglements. While I would like to think that Lord Brycen's... gesture was a sign of respect, it's just as likely that he wanted me off his ship so that my presence would not undermine his authority — even if my intentions have nothing to do with jockeying for position over a mere colony."
As for the rest, she really doesn't care for whatever jostling for position Harrolayne and Brycen have going on. Harrolayne's comment about her standing did annoy Alexis though. She's still hiding something about why she's here though.
Harrolayne giggles. "Lord Brycen and his masculinity are easily threatened. Well, I must say, my Lady, that I am relieved to hear the he has controlled himself and behaved like a gentleman for you. Shall we begin our meal and talk of lighter fare? Kyonin, for example. I know my family came from there in the distant past, but I have never been. Is it true that there are hardly any cities or buildings and everybody lives in huts in the trees?" Harrolayne shudders slightly at the thought.
Sense Motive DC 19:
She does move the conversation off to lighter topics such as Alexis' homeland, various fashions and restaurants in Absalom. Any attempts to return to probing Harrolayne's psyche are expertly re-diverted back to frivolous topics.
Eventually, she claims tiredness and Alexis finds herself most politely and respectfully dismissed from her presence.
While all this has been going on, Biter has been strutting about the Desert Rose. Many crew members and soldiers give him flat and hateful stares, and a few even go so far as to finger sword hilts, but nobody bares so much as a whisker of steel.
Once people stop taking notice of the goblin, Biter begins to get a "sense" of this ship. Compared to the Lady Iona, where crew and soldiers and colonists smile and exchange jokes and laughs, and you had Hogginside to entertain you with his bawdy songs and tales, the Desert Rose is quiet and sombre. The soldiers and ship's crew seem stern and serious the entire time, and even the colonists have picked up on the preferred mood and quietly go about their daily business. Many of them merely lie in their hammocks down below or converse in whispers. They seem more than a little afraid of the Rahadoumi soldiers.
Alexis is happy to regale Harrolayne about their homeland. "Huts in trees? A charming and romantic misconception. Where human cities excel in sheer expansiveness, and dwarven cities in sturdiness, elven cities excel in elegance. Coming from a predominantly human locale yourself, it is not surprising you would have heard only rumors as non-elven foreigners are forbidden from entering any further than our chief trading city, Greengold. Upon our return, I should introduce you to Queen Telandia if you like."
"And as for fashion!" Alexis waves her hand, "Absolom may be the City at the Center of the World, but Iadara is Golarion's fashion Capital! Given the prestige you will surely garnered on our expedition, I have the feeling you'll be in need of suitable attire for when you receive your forthcoming accolades. Lucky for you, I keep Idara's finest on retainer. I shall make sure you are properly cared for!
"Well, the hour grows late and I have much to attend to. We shall have to do this again sometime."
On the way back to their ship, Alexis will inspect the entire craft and everyone aboard for magical auras and poisons that were not present when they set out. If possible, she will Take-20 on her inspections. She makes certain to do so before joining in any conversations with the others. Likewise, she'll request they make a circuit around The Rose of Taldor to ensure nothing magical or otherwise has been planted on the hull by Harrolayne's messengers and inspect any locales her men visited. Any such checks (and requests for assistance) she speaks using message behind her paper fan to increase the difficulty of any remote listening/lip-reading/scrying attempts.
After so doing, she finally says, "Well that was fun now wasn't it?"
"Let's have some supper, shall we?"
Rath will also suggest checking out the rowboat as well if it was left unattended while we were being all 'sociable'.
"Rajkumari, did you learn anything helpful or was that big waste of time?"
"A waste of time?" Alexis raises an eyebrow. "No, not at all. We were each trying to figure the other out."
"Now, that woman is not aristocracy, which means she came to have this position because of merit. The fact that we were treated so rudely upon our arrival and the fact that the purposefully didn't dress for the occasion was meant to show us that she doesn't necessarily play by the rules we would expect. Whether that was a gimme, or simple arrogance, I'm not quite certain."
"However, do you recall how icy the room because when I spoke to her according to her birth rather than station? While I may be a princess, I am not an heir. The house she comes from is the most powerful in Kyonin so this is surely not knowledge that has eluded her — as her comment about my 'pedigree' would indicate. I mention that because the fact that she didn't attempt to tongue-lash me makes me believe that she wants something from me."
"Given how heavily House Avenstar has invested in this expedition, I suppose it comes as little surprise that she might be considered the next governor should anything happen to Brycen. Based on the number of times she mentioned him, I suspect that she was trying to feel out how I feel about the man. It's not outside the realm of possibilities that she seeks an ally against him just as I would suspect Brycen desires an ally against her. If I had to guess, Brycen's act of appointing me as a representative is to form a hedge against Harrolayne. "
"It wouldn't have taken a seer to see that even though I entered this expedition as a Pathfinder, that the conditions upon the Lady Iona irked me to the core. As such, he could rightly expect that I would be very grateful for such a gesture. Someone so grateful might prove to be a valuable ally, or at least look like one to others. Naturally, strategy dictates that the friend of my enemy is my enemy. By presenting Harrolayne, or anyone else, with even the illusion of having an ally, they suddenly find they have two enemies to contend with. This means that they must either divide their attentions or risk being flanked by concentrating on one or the other when they are lured out."
"With that said, I did my best to make it appear that we are not a threat. Furthermore, I attempted appeal to the desire for advancement that I suspect would dwell within the heart of someone who earns their keep only thru their actual worth. Make no mistake, I understand that desire well since without regaining a substantive title I have little hope of achieving my parents' legacy. Hopefully seeing that her remark about my pedigree at the very least annoyed me will make her consider that I am interested in a mutually beneficial relationship no matter who is governor."
"The one thing that concerns me is that information is power and House Avenstar is powerful. One of their most prominent member in fact, Dyrianna, is the Head Hetaera of Calistria and Consul of the Courtesan's Guild. I can only imagine the 'information gathering' techniques and expertise such a house employs. The fact that Harrolayne identified my attempt to detect poison also indicates that she is either familiar with spellcraft, or that she knows she has a reputation as a poisoner. Both of those possibilities are a cause for concern."
She looks at Rath intensely, "Given the vision you received, I would say that what we have learned today is that we need to be cautious and that we can trust no one but ourselves. Quite frankly, none of you should want to be in either Brycens or my shoes right now. Let's hope at least that Brycen heeds his own warning to be wary of poison."
Alexis sighs deeply, clearly exhausted by the long day's events. "Alissariel is so much better at The Game than I am, but there's nothing quite like trial by fire, is there? Now then, did any of you learn anything while we were about the Desert Rose?"
Alexis sighs deeply, clearly exhausted by the long day's events. "Now then, did any of you learn anything while we were about the Desert Rose?"
Rath listens to her analysis thoughtfully. He smiles sympathetically at her fatigue, "Learned four things on Dessert Rose, Rajkumari...
1. You look very pretty in blue.2. You need rest, look very tired.
3. I am not good at politic-things. If we are lucky Brycen and Harrolayne will kill each other so you can lead fleet and colony.
4. That was not a happy, friendly ship like Iona. Maybe we need to see conditions on Banker's ship and get Banker's politics into open."
"You look very pretty in blue."
Alexis blushes a bit at Rath's opening comment. "And you look quite impressive in that ensemble that Lord Aernelóth picked out for you! At some point, you shall have to explain to me all the symbolism in its imagery."
"You need rest, look very tired."
She laughs. "I think we could all use some rest after that! I do want say how much I appreciate each of you being so stoic and standing by me as you have done. Thank you!"
"I am not good at politic-things. If we are lucky Brycen and Harrolayne will kill each other so you can lead fleet and colony."
"Hmm..." she frowns slightly, "While I suppose there would be a certain convenience to that, I'm not sure that political assassinations are the best way to found a new civilization. It would reek too much of despotism for my liking. Also, at this stage of The Game, the duties of rulership would severely impact the research upon which I hope to eventually found a lasting duchy. Also, don't think for a moment that the elimination of either Brycen and/or Harrolayne would automatically enamor their soldiers and subordinates of me. Often times it is better to let a known powerful opponent remain in the position if only to prevent others who might surpass them from gaining traction. As an old Elvish saying goes, A large tree in the forest prevents others from growing up around it. Yet when that tree falls, the competition for its place in the canopy is fierce!"
"That was not a happy, friendly ship like Iona. Maybe we need to see conditions on Banker's ship and get Banker's politics into open."
"I'm not entirely certain what holds the loyalty of the Rahadoumi, but I suspect they would be greatly displeased to find themselves taking orders from me. Also, let's not forget that Banker Camder's priority seems to be wealth. You'll note the approval in his tone with my assessment of the pirate situation and this fourth vessel. I suspect he would not be happy to see any investments go to waste. Even increasing his 'share' in the take might not be a sufficient motivator if the loss of key leadership jeopardizes the whole venture. Better to have one fourth of something than all of nothing. Even so, I don't see any harm in strengthening our ties to him. He obviously cares little for squabbling and seems personally willing to enforce peace by force if need be. A healthy does of mutually assured destruction might be just what is needed to keep Brycen and Harrolayne in line..."
I don't like this, Harrolayne could be a dangerous foe. If she also has magic and appears to be quite sly, then it is just another possible adversary. I defintely learned that I am not enjoying the political side of ship travel as much as I thought. Second, pirates make good targets for my bow and I don't even have to talk to them...I think I am starting to like them. Third, I would like to get out of these clothes as quickly as possible. Fourth, I am starving. Fifth, I hope for our sakes we never have to travel on that miserable ship during this trip, those are some of the most unfriendly crewmen I have ever met! Let's eat!
Upon your return to the Rose of Cassomir, you have yourselves a hearty meal, with extra cheer added to combat the feelings of gloom and doom from the other ship. Even Gregor is forced on occasion to think about cracking a tiny non-frown!
The next morning dawns clear and bright, and with an air of genuine excitement on board your ship, the sails are adjusted, the anchor is weighed, and you are off. You quickly find yourselves being put to work, as there are no where near enough sailors on board to man the ship by themselves the whole time. You soon find yourselves scaling the riggings, securing lines, and your muscles begin to protest. Over the next week of travelling, you really begin to "learn the ropes" of sailing.
For most of that week, you sail with the other ships in sight; sometimes, one or more of them drift off over the horizon, but they always return, maintaining parallel courses in a westerly direction. It is unusual, however, on the 5th of Desnus, when Captain Theodremir has you all summoned up onto the main deck, as the Lady Iona has changed its direction to an intercept course with the Rose of Cassomir.
Captain Theodric hails you as you make a close approach and requests boarding ramps be lowered. As your crew scramble to make that happen and secure the two ships together, Sir Kheiron comes to the railing edge.
"Friends!" he calls out to the party. "Please equip yourselves come aboard as soon as you are able. Both Lord Brycen and Pathfinder Gray have been poisoned!"
"Friends! Please equip yourselves come aboard as soon as you are able. Both Lord Brycen and Pathfinder Gray have been poisoned!"
Alexis pales and grits her teeth in frustration. She says quietly to Rath, "Is there anything else in your vision that still has yet to pass?"
To Theodric, she calls out, "We shall be over directly, Captain! Do the governor and venture-captain yet live?"
"Gregor, Abbas, if you have any spells or herbal remedies that can assist with treating or identifying poison, we'll be needing your aid."
"Shoulding the whole Pathfinder group going? Or Shoulding maybe some stay on Pathfinder Big Boat to making sure nothing happens?"
"Choti Bahin" He says using the Vudrani expression for 'Little Sister' which alerts Alexis to the fact that Rath is deeply concerned, "We have not seen the fire in the sky yet - unless that was lightning from before. I have not fallen from Crow's Nest... but that maybe just symbol. In dream, fell from nest safely into familiar objects that seems to represent Pathfinder team. Might mean how we are all on one 'safe' boat now - Rose of Cassomir. If overturned cup means poison, we seen some of that. If sense of vertigo is about actual event... maybe saw that in storm before, maybe not."
"Shoulding the whole Pathfinder group going? Or Shoulding maybe some stay on Pathfinder Big Boat to making sure nothing happens?"
"Pathfinder Gray asked for all of you," Kheiron shouts over.
"Pathfinder Gray asked for all of you," Kheiron shouts over.
Making ready to board the Lady Iona, Alexis says to Captain Theodremir. "Have your men keep watch until we return. There is foul-play afoot and I for one trust neither commoner nor noble at this point. Please see to it that no one boards this vessel until we have returned."
Assuming we are now in a position to do so, Alexis will head over with the rest.
Captain Theodremir nods his understanding and immediately assigns soldiers to stand guard on the forward boarding plank. He'll haul up the aft plank the moment you all cross over.
Rath crosses over to the Iona and watches everyone not part of their group on their way to see Grey and Brycen. His main goal is to make sure nobody gets near the Rajkumari - not a colonist with flowers, nobody.