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"What's the fuss about? We've got paperwork haven't we? Just show it to the damned politicians. If the paperwork isn't in order our higher-ups will have to have it out with Alazario, she should be competent enough to keep small-town bureaucrats from stopping an official investigation. Just drop her name at that magistrate's."
Korgaar is perfectly willing to go and rant at the politicians - but it might be a good idea for someone with more of a gift for making nice to actually do the talking.
Scores of applicants hoping to procure official travel permits fill the bulky sandstone building, and clerks steadily work their way up and down the lines to identify each applicant and inquire about their business.
After about an hour, a female clerk makes it to your group. After confirming your authorization from the Athenaeum, she tells you to wait. She fetches a letter, lowers her voice, and tells your group “Magistrate Mavius Giovenci wants to handle this matter in person. This is an invitation to attend an evening function at his estate.” She forces a smile and then turns her attention to the next group in line.
As promised, the letter requests that you join the magistrate at sundown for a fancy meal.
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Scores of applicants hoping to procure official travel permits fill the bulky sandstone building, and clerks steadily work their way up and down the lines to identify each applicant and inquire about their business.
After about an hour, a female clerk makes it to your group. After confirming your authorization from the Athenaeum, she tells you to wait. She fetches a letter, lowers her voice, and tells your group “Magistrate Mavius Giovenci wants to handle this matter in person. This is an invitation to attend an evening function at his estate.” She forces a smile and then turns her attention to the next group in line.
"Well, it is us of course." says Colleen blithely.
Magistrate Mavius Giovenci is a cousin of the lord-mayor of Khari. The magistrate takes advantage of his station to enjoy all the pleasures the city has to offer, therefore his palanquin is a regular sight on the street as Mavius travels between the mansion and several high-end establishments and the opera.
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Nala shrugs, "Well, that's not ideal, but if we get the papers this evening it'll still only be a day here, not terrible."
She tries to help figure out what sort of dress is expected. Perhaps it says on the invite? Most invites usually include that. If it is something particular then shopping is in order.
If not listed in the invite, Nala attempts to help with the gathering of info by asking questions about required dress for the event.
Apparently the tree she was talking to was not in fact the home to a dryad. It was just a tree.
The invite doesn’t include any restrictions on weapons or armor, and if there were such measures you would expect them to be mentioned there.
It does say a fancy dinner and based on the information you have about them you would guess that he likes to be surrounded by nice things. Although not required, a properly outfitted courtier’s outfit seems like a good idea.
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"Well, as we do have time before the event we might as well get cleaned up and dressed for it."
She heads to the city baths and finds a decent tailor to get something in the local style.
She puts it on and stuffs most of her gear into her pack, leaving her shield, trident, javelins and dagger out though not equipped.
The magistrate's mansion is of modest size but well-maintained.
Upon receiving the invitation, a halfling servant guides everyone through an iron gate with flowery designs onto a terrace overlooking the bay near the Arch of Aroden. A ring of sitting pillows and several water pipes furnish the terrace.
At the end of the hall sits a handsome, dark-haired man with an easy smile, though years of indulgent living seem to have taken their toll on his physique. The air is humid as thundering clouds gather far from the shore.
Mavius beckons everyone to sit down, “My dear guests, please relax and enjoy yourselves. There are plenty of local delicacies, and the wine is quite exquisite. I'm sure you're eager to get down to business, yet there'll be time for that later.”
Mavius has provided a sumptuous feast, and he greedily partakes of the many delicacies. You are encouraged to feast along with him.
Mavius seems pleased by Red Reverend's comment. continues to feast and encourages you all to join in.
The conversation is nearly non-existent. Each time Mavius opens his mouth, it is to partake of more wine or more of the food. There is easily enough food to feed four-times as many people.
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Theron tries a bunch of the different delicacies, realizing he might not eat such fancy dishes for a while. He doesn't dare try to match the host, who obviously has the decided upper hand. He does indulge in the ale, but stays away from the water pipes...he's seen what that can do to a person's health...can't fight if you can't breathe.
This is quite the spread, Magistrate. Now...how about I entertain you...a recounting of the time I dallied with the First World...here///I even have proof...the burly warrior says as he grabs his morningstar. He taps it and a few stalks unfold and eyes appear from the end.
See? Pretty weird, eh?[ So...there we were...
Mavius seems happy to hear about Theron's trip to the first world. He gestures with his fork a couple of times to encourage Theron to continue with his tale.
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"Well this is very civilised" Korgaar can't help but feel appreciative of the feast. His belly rumbles and he tucks in.
I expect there'll be politics to deal with afterwards, but no sense in letting this go to waste.
He eats with gusto, but is careful to avoid getting drunk, and drinks water in between each glass of wine.
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It was surely quite the trip. My hair was already white before, but since that adventure, the hues change with my emotions. So if you try to make me blush with your boundless generosity, Magistrate, my hair might become either blue-ish or pink to red.. who knows?
Desynthia enjoys the meal, without eating too much. She tries to get her fruits&veggies, and seems to like to mix some honey with her milk. One plate of fish is enough for her, and she prefers some clear water to wine, even if she taste a glass or two, in moderate fashion
The food is excellent with a wide variety of dishes.
Mavius samples all of them, taking extra helpings of some of the dishes. It is amazing just how much he can eat.
He smiles as he sees Korgaar matching his appetite.
Finally when he is done eating, the magistrate orders a servant to bring out an ornate board with several dozen ivory pieces,
“Would anyone care for a friendly game of Siege—unless one of you can entertain us with some Chelish opera? Hah!”
Mavius gives a brief overview of the rules. Although the rules seem simple enough, it strikes you as a very strategic game. The goal of each player is to surround the pieces of the opposing player.
Red Reverend doesn’t quite know how to read him right now.
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Korgaar belches in appreciation of the food, and rubs his large belly.
Seems an interesting game. I'm sure I'd do well at it, but I'm feeling a little drowsy. Could do with a digestif.
"Erm, I think I should like to watch the game, never having played before. I expect Colleen will be good sport."
Korgaar grins, wipes his moustache with a napkin, and belches again.
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There is only a few opera songs that I know, and it's been a long time since I last sang, so forgive me if I'm not up to the challenge, but I'll do my best. Besides, I don't speak Azlant, which is traditionnaly used in operas.
Nevertheless, Desynthia delivers a solid performance, surprising everyone with this unknown talent
Mavius is very pleased with Desynthia’s performance. “Very nicely done! Our opera is usually sung in Infernal, but still a very nice performance.”
“Tell me about this expedition you are embarking upon. I have heard a little about it here and there—enough to get me intrigued. I'd love to know more.”
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We're looking for archaelogical clues about the history of Cheliax in these lands, which could prove how deeply rooted in the past the influence of Cheliax is. A possible major discovery, so we have been told, strenghtening the political influence of your homeland. Being the hand that sign the permits we need to process might be favorably seen. And of course your generous hospitality and upholding of the traditions of Cheliax will be mentioned, if you so wish.
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"<Burp> I must say, noble sir, that I am mightily impressed with your hospitality. Corentyn is all hush-hush, everybody looking over their shoulders the whole time, nobody knows how to enjoy themselves over there! I say you run a good show here! <Burp>.
The official Chelish liaison to our Society, Ianareth Alazario, has asked us to carry out this work on behalf of the Athaeneum. You might say that we're on secondment to that august institution. Following up on leads that their scholars have found."
Table manners were never Korgaar's priority when it came to his schooling.