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You've recently been summoned to the Taldan capital city of Oppara, where you arrived at Venture-Captain Muesello’s lodge. The lodge has the appearance of a simple bait and tackle shop, and Muesello has one of his assistants handling the front counter—the store remains open due to the increased profits from the festivities surrounding the Grand Day of Exaltation.
As soon as you enter the Lodge, Muesello excuses himself from his duties as store owner and motions for you to follow him and to convene in a room that’s half meeting room and half tackle storage in the rear of the building.
Venture-Captain Muesello straddles a turned-around wooden chair, resting his arms atop the back. He looks around with a wide smile on his face, nodding with satisfaction at the group assembled before him.
“Good, good. You all made it through the crowds gathered for the Grand Day of Exaltation. Be sure to keep a hand on your coin purses during these festivities; there’s an abundance of pickpockets out there. All the big nobility is at the senate building, including our own Lady Morilla. That’s where the exaltation ceremony is set to take place: the grand prince is going to elevate a commoner into the ranks of the nobility. It’s all real charming, not to mention a great boon for business. Heck, that’s why I’m keeping the shop open even while we meet!”
Muesello lets out a raucous laugh before continuing. “All right, while all the nobles are enjoying their fancy party, it’s up to you to do some important work for Lady Morilla. The Society’s recent accomplishments in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings have gained us support from a member of the Ulfen Guard: a man by the name of Bjarte Trolltooth. Now, it seems that Bjarte wanted to talk to the Society abo—”[/b]
Muesello’s overview is suddenly interrupted by the forceful slamming of the tackle shop’s front door. A bellowing string of foreign words resonates through the shop, followed by tramping footsteps.
Muesello begins to stand when he hears the shopkeeper utter warnings to the unseen visitor about the back room being off-limits. The door to the back room swings open, knocked partially off its hinges by the force of the slam. A bear of an Ulfen man stands in the open doorway, silhouetted by the sunshine from the storefront. A greataxe is strapped along his back, and animal furs cover a set of tanned hide armor. He looks around the back room, a sense of barely restrained fury in his eyes.
“Where is the fancy woman who calls herself Morilla? I, Bjarte Trolltooth of the Ulfen Guard, made an oath to her, and now I uphold that vow. By the gods, this is a dark time. The Grand Prince will soon mete out a bloody culling of the senate. I am honor-bound not to interfere, but I can warn those who might be able to stop it.”
The venture-capatin looks at the Ulfen, apparenly shocked by his arrival and words, yet he shakes the surprise off quickly enough:"Well... I was just going to ask you to find this man here... seems like he found us first!".
Muesello raises to his feet and opens the door, letting the huge armored man in.
"Bjarte my friend... you bring dire tidings with you! Dire indeed... this information, changes the scope of the mission, we need to find a way to prevent Stavian’s planned massacre!"
So saying you start discussing the situation. You need to find a way to stop Taldor's Grand Prince from executing most if not all of the opposition to his rule, and to do that you need a reliable plan, which means you need information first!
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"The Grand Prince plans to bring violence down on his own senate? This is madness. Why? And more importantly how can we stop him?"
"Brutus", he says after realizing introductions haven't been made. Along with his name, he offers the newcomer ulfen a huge paw for a handshake.
Brutus is a tall powerfully built half-orc with olive skin and short coarse dark hair. He's dressed in a loose-fitting roughspun sleeveless tunic and leather breeches. His bare arms are massive with corded muscle and covered in elaborate runic tattoos. A wayfinder hangs midway down his bulging pectorals alongside a worn wooden holy symbol of Shelyn. He carries no weapons except a brace of short iron throwing knives.
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"We shall fight them on the beaches! Aloft in firmament, our steeds slaked upon potent potables of podiatric pneumatization! This Story, of all Stories, none other but vous to Save - and when the scriveners and bards and archivists of tomorrow's Taldor shalt look back upon our brightly-colored Trompe-l'œils in the myriad splendid hornbooks, scrolls, and Tomes, verily they shall say 'THIS WAS OUR FINEST UHR' - for 'tis nicht our own Uhr what art askew-on-the-treddle, 'tis die Zeit!!!"
Suddenly, you realize this speech is coming from somewhere out the side door facing the water, and a quick look out reveals the orator: A veritable caricature of the quintessential Taldan 'knight in shining armor' - as a matter of fact, it really is the shiniest armor you've ever seen. This is likely because, were it any shinier, you would be unable to see ANYTHING.
His rapt audience presently consists of seabirds, large fish visible beneath the pier, and tanks of miscellaneous crustaceans...
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Suddenly, a stiff sea breeze blows the knight's long droopy mustache right off his face - and with it, seemingly 15 years, revealing the young, thin, faintly fey face beneath it. He scrambles down the pier after it, finally catching it when it catches against Bjarte's armor. The knight picks it off in triumph, then sticks it back on his face...then, breaths later, notices you all standing there.
"Hail, and well met!" He joyfully bellows. "Alself me to introduce mylow: Sir Spenser Pellinore Quixote The Last, Marquis de Exupery! What manxsome foe of glittering, palatine Taldor and its majestic, aureate Crown and its sterling, argent Court, must we do battle with today?!"
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The Ulfen and the Venture captain stare at Spenser and his retinue for a long moment before shaking their heads and getting back to the matter at hand.
"Madness... that's what this is. Yet the Grand Prince commands the loyalty of the Ulfen Guard regardless. We swore and oath. We can't act against him directly" Bjarte says.
"We are not asking you to" Muesello interjects, "You did much by telling us of this plot. We can't just barge into the Senate and demand the Taldan emperor to quit his schemes. Our heads would end on a platter in no time. No... we need a more subtle approach. Fortunately I think I know someone in the Lion Blades willing to help. But what about you Pathfinders? Any ideas on how to proceed? Do you have any questions at all?"
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A rather handsome halfling fellow hurriedly enters the room riding a large armored griffon. "I do beg your pardons! Terribly late and it won't do at all - they kept us late at the monastery for some final bits of training -" he experimentally tries a few practice karate kicks of his short little legs but from the saddle it's hard to imagine them doing much to anyone - "but I'm afraid that I'm still getting the hang of it. They tell me that my foot is as good as any lance, but I'll have to admit I've got my doubts..."
He hops down from the saddle and bows low to the assemblage. "But where are my manners? I am Mr. Proudefeets at your service - no, I beg your pardon, I keep forgetting, Sir Mr. Proudefeets now it is, though I'll admit it still rolls a bit strangely off the tongue. It was very nice of those Andorens to knight me, but I can't seem to get used to the formality of it all, not after a lifetime of just simply being Mr. Proudefeets."
Proudefeets continues on in this rather talkative vein for quite some time, while the griffon looks on with a bored expression that suggests that if it could chew its cud - if it had cud - it would.
"... so that's when I realized that those snotty knights of Iomedae back in Vigil would never truly respect me - a humble" - the griffon appears to roll its eyes - "paladin of Chaldira, until I had earned a bit of glory - all for the cause of truth, justice, etc. of course - and ever since me and Griff here -" he gestures to the griffon - "been adventuring up and down the length of Golarion, though for the past few months I've been sequestered off in a monastery learning some monkly ways..."
"But enough about me! What are we doing? Ooh, stopping the King from murdering his own Senate! Sounds great! What could possibly go wrong?!?"
Sir Mr. Proudefeets pauses for a moment, as if considering the question he had just posed. "Um, well, actually, I don't suppose we know much about this King do we? Why would he want to murder his loyal servants?"
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As the group assembles in the back room of the bait and tackle shop, a pretentious and well-dressed, Chelish man enters the room. Clearing his throat, Now let me introduce to you the Worlds-Greatest-Entertainer, Magnificent Paicho of Quain!!!
A finely dressed Tengu enters the room. His feathers look freshly oiled and he hums a pleasant tune, as he performs a little dance and then bows to the assembled group.
Oh yet another clandestine meeting in a dusty back room! He pauses for dramatic effect.
As the finely dressed, Jacques Louis so kindly told you, I am the Magnificent Paicho of Quain! I'm sure you've all hear of me, especially here in Taldor. And Jacques is quite correct I am the World's Greatest Entertainer! No matter the danger or peril we face, I'll keep our spirits high and our senses sharp! No need to fear when Paicho is near!
He looks around expecting applause. When there is none, he listens in as Venture-Captain Muesello begins to describe the mission, only to be interrupted; and even though he isn't fluid in Skald, Paicho knows the sound of a northman's speech and parses out the curses.
After all is revealed about the plot Paicho listens quite for a few moments before offering. You know I've performed for the Grand Prince once! Sure he a pretentious prick, everyone knows that, but capable of an atrocity like this, unbelievable.
Paicho offers what he's learned, My ear has been around the ground as they say, or rather in several notable boudoirs, don't ask me which ones. As you know the week before the Grand Day of Exaltation is an immense celebration in Oppara. The city almost double in size with so many visitors, the lips are looser than normal. Espcially as the wine and champagne flow freely. Squawk. Paicho let's out a laugh that sounds rather odd.
He then continues, Alot of the talk is about the exaltation ceremony, which involves the grand prince elevating a commoner into the ranks of the nobility. I have it on good authority that the recipient of this year’s exaltation is a simple man from a hamlet called Breezy Creek. He is Kalbio, and his story is one of family sacrifice: his parents accrued considerable debts to educate their son and ensure he had the requisite coin to make the journey to Oppara and secure appropriate attire for the important event. Obviously, many of the nobles are not happy about this at all.
But of even more importance, I think is this historic vote of the senate is set to take place before this year’s exaltation ceremony, determining whether to end primogeniture, which mandates only a male heir can ascend the Taldan throne. Stavian’s sole heir, Princess Eutropia, has amassed strong support in the senate to overturn this law. The nation anxiously awaits the result of the vote.
So do we think Stavian is trying to eliminate the opposition to his vote? That seem likely to me. I would think perhaps we should canvas some senators and see how the vote is likely to go and who opposes Stavian, this might let us know who the targets are. Perhaps they could be warned.
Paicho looks around for agreement, but before anyone can really do that he continues as if he has more important information to relay. Oh and also you should know, Stavian has put Earl Calhadion Vernisant in charge of preparing the security for the exaltation events at the senate building. Calhadion arrived 2 months ago and has been working intently to ensure that the security for the event meets Stavian’s rigorous demands. So I think we should see what he's been up to, don't you?
And here's something very curious and strange bit of pillow talk I picked up, ore than any previous exaltation event, this year has seen a massive surge in the number of foreign dignitaries. Even envoys from former provinces, such as Cheliax, are in attendance. One particular Chelish attendee is a noblewoman from the Deckland family. She’s a renowned fencer and spellcaster as well as a devout servant of Asmodeus. Why she was admitted to the events remains a mystery. I wonder!
After quite the mouthful from the entertainer you think he would be out of things to say but turns to the Ulfen. What can you tell us of the Earl's security measures? Are the Ulfen Guard part of the security force?
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Venture capatin Muesello nods at Paicho's words:"Despite your grandiose manner you are extremely well informed. Most of what you said is right. And even I was not informed about the Deckland girl. They are famed diabolists and Taldor's ancestral enemies. If you told me a couple of hours ago I would have dismissed the idea as impossible. Noble or not, someone like that is considered to be twice a betrayer here in Taldor. Now... knowing what we know about the Grand Prince's plan I fear what she was invited for to be painfully ovbious... and unpleasant"
Bjarte grunts and nods to Muesello before answering Paicho as well:"Calhadion Vernisant's placed guards everywhere near and inside the senate. You'll need the Lion Blade's help if you hope to infiltrate the place. The Ulfen Guard defends the Grand Prince so my companions will be near him. I guess the bloody work will fall on Vernisant's minions and his pet lion..."
Bjarte also answers Brutus and Sir Proudfeets questions:"Why murdering them? Well I'm no politician but everyone knows he intends to stop his daughter’s attempts to claim the throne. He sees the senate as monstrous and bloated, and he intends to cull the herd. Even if he were right, his methods are madness. He brings in foreigners to kill his citizens and seeks to end his own bloodline to hold onto power. It is… disgraceful."
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My good man Muesello, when you say the Deckland women was invited here for unpleasant reasons are you saying she'll be a patsy in Stavian plans or is a co-conspirator? Paicho seeks to clarify.
Irregardless, I think it's time to pay a visit to the Lion Blades, who did you say we should speak to there?
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A small halfling steps out of the shadows into the light. She wears light armor, and has two wickedly sharp looking kukri at her belt. ”You should really get better security around this place. No telling who could sneak in and cut a swath through here,” she said without a hint of a smile.
”I’m the Baroness Shel Whispertongue, but of course, you know that. My reputation proceeds me, if you’ve done your homework. I’m with the group. The Lions Of Taldor are the first logical stop to prevent all of this madness from occurring.”
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Making his way into the room, a small shadowy wayang joined the group as they talked about the gathering of nobles and ambassadors.
As Sir Mr. Proudefeets made his introduction, Ghukar ears perked up. "Is that Griff? Are you the same one that slew Kurshu the Undying?" he asked. "Rognak of the Quadruple Deaths sends his greetings. He is enjoying his retirement. I am Ghukar, with the Dark Archives." he said with a bow.
After the introductions, he listened to the various speakers, wondering where he might be useful with all of these highborn nobles and such.
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"I mean she was hired to do Stavian's dirty work... but that tells us nothing about HER reasons. I highly doubt she came here all the way from Cheliax just to stab and burn a few wizened old senators..." Muesello answers Paicho then he notices Shel and Ghukar.
"Wonderful. Since we are all here now, and everyone seems to agree about contacting the Lion's Blades, we just need to find a suitable officer to make contact with..."
The venture captain's musings are cut short by Bjarte though:"I actually know someone who can help us. It won't be easy to convince, but the alternative is... unthinkable!"
So saying Bjarte orders you to pack your stuf and leads your lot to the renowned Kitharodian Academy.
True to his word, the Ulfen has enough clout to arrange an audience, though the you must endure waiting for about 15 minutes in a reception area as arrangements are made. Following this, several junior students escort you into an underground section of the academy known as the Library of the Lion.
The escorts take you into the administrator’s room, where you must wait several minutes more before someone comes to speak with you.
"Two rows of tall bookshelves flank the imposing yet beautiful wooden desk that presides over this room. Over the door hangs a portrait of Grand Prince Stavian III wearing an especially smug grin. A brass plaque on the frame of the portrait reads, “A cunning lie is never told twice.”
After a few minutes of waiting, an older Taldan woman enters the room. She seemingly ignores you as she moves to sit at the chair behind the desk.
"I've heard Bjarte's story... now let's hear what you have to say..." she says giving you an unreadable stare as she speaks.
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Shel was no stranger to this area, having successfully completed a prior mission in the library. ”Greetings. I’m the Baroness, Shel Whispertongue. I’m the leader of the assembled group you see before you. We come in the interests of glorious Taldor. We have actionable information that the Grand Prince is planningmurder of the entire Senate. We need to find a way to stop this atrocity before it happens. We need your help to infiltrate the palace as we need to escape the notice of Vernisant’s guards. Oh, and finally, do you know anything of Chelaxian families? Apparently the Grand Prince has retained the services of a fencer from the Deckland family, and we’d like to know who we were facing.”
Diplomacy
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As they wait for their audience, Pachio thinks back on his last trip here to the Library of the Lion.
This is a tricky place, full of secrets, best to be prepared Paicho thinks to himself and then casts Heightened Awareness to enhance his senses.
And then those around, his fellow Pathfinders hear something unusual, a voice seems to be coming from Paicho's sheathed sword. We still in a waiting room and your casting spells, that ancient city really did mess with your bird brain. The sword says in a sort of muffled way.
Hush, it's not time for you to be voicing your opinion Gamin. Paicho fires back in a low voice.
Your not sure but you think you hear the sword go Humpf!
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As they are granted there audience, Paicho sees if he recognizes wizened Taldan matron who just joined them.
Yes, yes, Madam, I am Paicho, you may know me as The Magnificent Paicho of Quain He says with his usual flurish. My following is most fervent here in Oppara. But that is of little consequence at present. What is, as our leader, the Baroness has so directly pointed out, is that the credible evidence that the plot is real continues to increase. I could and often will go into great and elaborate detail about what we know. But time is of the essence and so we have come to request and I would say Implore for the assistance of Lion's Blades to but an end to it.
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Paicho does NOT recognize the woman. This suits her just fine, it seems as she feels no need to give you her name.
Once Paicho and Shel complete their arguments she just nods before clearing her voice, then gives you her answer:"I must admit the Lion Blades have heard these rumors of foreign interference. We find it hard to believe such a widespread conspiracy could have gone undetected by us though. As you might very well imagine, we need tangible proof before we can offer the support of the Lion Blades in stopping the Grand Prince. On the other hand it is true we can't just ignore the possibility you could be right. So we need to ascertain the truth, and to do so quickly. To this end, we have an offer for you pathfinders, as long as you’re willing to get involved in the brewing conflict. We have identified that one of the Grand Prince's closest allies, the nobleman Calhadion Vernisant, has been receiving regular guests at his Opparan villa. The guests are most often not members of the Taldan nobility, and many are foreign dignitaries or local visitors for the Grand Day of Exaltation. Calhadion is quite busy with the exaltation events right now. Let's say you pay it a visit and seek out any trace of illicit or treacherous negotiations with foreign powers... provided you can really find it, such evidence would be sufficient to bring the Lion Blades into the fray. If you can bring this information back to me, then I will muster a contingent of Lion Blades to help avert this alleged plot of yours".
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"I would have no problem with seeking out the information but as Taldor has been around for some six thousand years or so, one would think that digression would be an art form by now? Are there any "Guests" of his that might require special handling of them to avoid diplomatic repercussions?" Ghukar asked.
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Mr. P greets Ghukar with a pained expression. "Aye, 'twas Griff and my comrades who slew Kurshu the Undying, but alas we could not complete the noble task that had been set for us. I rue that day yet, and hope that the chance may yet present itself that we may return and avenge our losses..." He realizes that his answer is perhaps rather more serious than is called for. "But, uh, please say hello to Rognak when you see him. Quite a good chap, that fellow. Hope he's enjoying retirement and getting time to play with the grandkids."
As the discussion of the diplomatic dimensions of their current mission swirl around him, Sir Mr. P grows a bit dizzy. He tries to follow it all but, knighthood or not, he's at heart a rather simple fellow, just a simple fellow with a simple griffon. "So, uh, we just vanquish the evil-doers, right?"
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[spoiler=Paicho]You know the woman before you is telling the truth about the Lion Blades committing to your cause as long as you can bring proof of the Grand Prince plotting to assassinate all senator dissenters[/ooc]
"What I might, or might not feel is of no consequence" the woman answers Brutus "What matters is if you can prove your accusations against this nation's ruler. The fact we are allowing you a chance to do just that should be more than appreciated, I believe"
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With that the Lion Blades' representative leaves you alone and free to depart, but not before providing you with enough information that finding Vernisant's abode is just a trivial task...
Earl Calhadion Vernisant maintains a modest villa at the edge of Oppara’s city limits. As you were informed, he frequents this estate when the senate convenes or other matters of state require him to depart Ridonport for the capital. At present, Calhadion is off at the Grand Day of Exaltation festivities, but his personal chamberlain maintains the estate, with the help of several servants and aides.
As you arrive, an halfling servant greets you at the entrance he bows deeply before greeting you.
"Your excellencies it's my pleasure to welcome you on behalf of our lord, the most illustrious Earl Calhadion Vernisant. Unfortunately he's not here right now. Please state the reason for your visit and your names and titles so I can inform Chamberlain Eckhart of your presence so that she can properly greet you"
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Ah yes, of course you will know me The Magnificent Paicho of Quain the legendary performer. I'm here with the Baroness, Shel Whispertongue. You'll know of her as well. And of course we have her retinue with us, including the valiant Sir Mr. Proudefeets. We have traveled far to attend the festivities and hope to be the guests of the Earl. We have some urgent matters to discuss with him. Paicho tries to play up the station of the Pathfinders and the urgency of their request.
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Sir Mr. Proudefeets echoes the comments his comrades have made. "I am a knight of Andoran and a scion of the Proudefoot and Proudefeet halfling clans," he says to the halfling servant, "I'm sure you must have heard of me and know how important I am. I trust that you will fetch your master quickly, or, if he is not presently here, allow us to await his arrival in some comfort."
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"My Lady if he was here I would gladly do so. Unfortunately he is not and the only person who can help you with your request is lady Eckhart. Now, follow me please, I'm sure the lady will know how to find the Earl" so saying the halfling ushers you inside the mansion and leads you first into an open courtyard sporting several well trimmed rose bushes and a sizable pool and then into the building itself through the place's meeting room.
Lavish rugs and velvet couches fill the large, square entry chamber. Sturdy oak doors open to the north, and curtains cover adjoining hallways to the east and west that lead off into separate areas of the villa. A central brazier burns with magical fire, filling the room with cheerful light. As you get acquainted with your new surroundings a tall Garundi woman enters the room and opens her arms wide to greet you
"Well met my friends. I am Ionnia Eckhart, Earl Vernisant's chamberlain. With whom I have the pleasure to speak? And more importantly, what business leads you to the Vernisant estate?"
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Ionia waits patiently for you to explain the reason of your visit. Meanwhile Brutus keeps staring at her in an unconfortable manner that somehow puzzles her.
"Excuse me, I don't know if staring at people is some sort of ritual among your people good sir" chamberlain Eckhart says "But here in Taldor that's considered quite rude and I'd like you to stop doing it in my presence... thank you"
After a while Brutus realizes the woman does not possess any trace of evil in her.
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Paicho gives the chamberlain a bow, Of course, of course. I would have thought I would need no introduction. Squawk. But I am The Magnificent Paicho of Quain! And this of course is the Baroness Shel Whispertongue; Sir Mr. Proudfeets He gesture to the halfling. And the intense one is our beloved Mountain, Brutus Ironheart. And of course my dear friend Ghukar. And indeed... he looks around thinking there was another Pathfinder on the mission but the fellow seems to be absent.
And as to the business, well I would think that should be somewhat obvious, of course. He shoots the chamberlain a funny look, as if he knows something she doesn't.
As you probably know the Baroness has a great interest in the upcoming Senate vote, well we all do. No matter which way it goes it will be historic. Since the Earl has some pull around the occasion of vote, we thought he may be able to find us some, of out of the way, seats at the vote so we may see history as it happens. You know even at the back of the Senate chamber.
In fact, I'm already constructing an epic tome to commemorate the event! Paicho speaks in an excited tone.
So we will wait patiently here, until the Earl returns so we can request his assistance, wonderful man that he is! Perhaps you have some refreshments, the Baroness gets a little flush when she is in need of a morsel or two. Paicho looks on expectantly.
He thinks to himself, I hope the Paladins appreciate the straight forward approach. And perhaps we will find ourselves in that Senate chamber when it matters most.
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"I apologize", Brutus offers in a bass growl alongside a slight bow. "I meant no offense but I've found it's best to closely study others when it comes to discussing delicate matters in trying times. And these are trying times I am told."
"Also, you're quite striking. If I shared my brothers' talent with the brush, I would beg your permission to paint your likeness."
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Ionnia smiles at Brutus:"Well good sir, I would not dare deny an artist his calling. Permission granted whenever you wish!" she exclaims enthusiastically, then cools down a little and considers Paicho and Shel words:"The Earl is not here and won't be for some time I'm afraid. As the Exaltation approaches, the Grand Prince himself asked for him to supervise the palace's security. He's not been back home for 3 days... Anyway, whatever you may want to ask him you can ask me. I'll make sure he gets word of your requests as soon as it is possible. He'll answer at his leisure though"
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Although their mission of saving the senators is undoubtedly one of goodness, still Sir Mr. Proudefeets is rather uncomfortable with subterfuge or dishonesty. He maintains a studied silence, while attempting to discern whether a straightforward and direct appeal to the woman's goodness might be appropriate.
However, he has never been a particularly good judge of character - being a goodly servant of blessed Chaldira doesn't make one particularly discerning, it seems.
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Oh, I understand. As I stated before for our requesting seats at the Exaltation ceremony. Now get word to the Earl of our request. And in the mean time, I assume you are ready to offer us some accommodations while we wait for a reply. And quickly the Baroness is weary from our travels. Paicho speaks with confidence assuming the Chamberlain will try to honor there requests.
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Shell realized time was of the essence here. The lady seemed friendly enough, sonfame out with it. ”We suspect your employer has been cavorting with other nations against Taldor. We’re here to explore that theory. Would you be kind enough to help with with our investigation? It might prove him innocent.”
Diplomacy
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"Skill with the brush or the harp was was never a talent I shared with my brothers within the church. Mine were more physical", the hulking paladin explains before offering the chamberlain a small flex of his powerful frame.
"But my companions speak the truth of the matter. Some suspect the Earl of associating with dangerous parties. He may not be available but with your help I'm confident we can clear his name."
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As Shel voices the accusation against the Earl, Ionnia's face grows concerned:"That is impossible! The Earl consorting with foreign powers against Taldor is... unconceivable! What kind of proof can you provide to support such a claim? I know nothing of such dealings and I highly doubt they happened at all! The Earl is not the kind of man who would act against his nation! He's the proud heir of a most distinguished line! General Arnisat himself was his ancestor after all! Yet I confess your words cause me concern. What can I do to prove Earl Vernisant's innocence?"
After a few minutes you spent arguing your case with the chamberlain a trio of halfling servants enters the hall carrying large platters filled with deliciously looking pastries. Ionnia, appearing rather stressed by the conversation, thanks them and takes one for herself:"These are yonder tarts... a local speciality. Have one. You won't be disappointed!" she comments as she eats one of the tarts herself.
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Sense Motive
”This rumor didn’t come from thin air. The lion blades personally asked us to investigate the noble. We would be happy to help you clear his name. There must be ledgers or something around showing his visitors and his meetings. Maybe there is a clue there.,” Shel says as she takes one of the offered pastries, sitting it in a plate on her lap as she began discussions in earnest.
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Sir Mr. Proudefeets takes one of the yonder tarts with the delight of a halfling who has not yet had second breakfast. "Mmmm, these really are delicious, Madame. No matter what else may happen, know that I have traveled much of the Inner Sea and beyond and haven't tasted anything like this in all my journeys." He pauses for some time to munch away happily, before continuing, "So what can you tell us about his esteemed ancestor, General Arnisat?"
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Paicho takes a tart when offered, but does not taste it yet, too concerned about not getting a chance to find evidence. Oh, thank you very much. He tells the halfling.
He continues to try to convince the chamberlain. Yes, my good lady, there is nothing I would like to see more than the Earl's good name cleared. There is just so much at stake please let us search the study.
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Accustomed to treating his powerfully sculpted body as a canvas in his goddess's name, Brutus did not normally indulge in sugary treats but, in the interest decorum, he gratefully accepts one of the tarts and eats it slowly.
"Perhaps you could start by describing the visitors the Earl has seen lately. Does the he keep records of these occasions? Do you attend all of his meetings?"
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Shel is convinced Ionnia is completely honest and convinced of Vernisant's innocence, but, as the halfling muses, what she believes to be true and the actual truth may be very different things, an opinion Paicho shares...
"The Lion's Blades?" Ionnia exclaims, now allarmed "There must be a mistake I tell you..."
After 10 minutes spent discussing the matter Ionnia finally capitulates and allows you to check the Earl's study and his documents. As she moves toward the door to the study, Ionnia suddenly cries in pain and drops on her knees... "Oooh!My stomach..." she moans.
As this happens you notice the halfling servants, including the usher, approaching slowly, sadistical smiles painted on their faces. Behind them a man, wearing the garb of a cook enters as well:"Now, now... how did you like your tarts good sirs?" he mockingly asks...