1-01 - The Round Robin Absalom Initiation (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

Interrupting your training, meal, sleep, or whatever you are doing that we wish we did not know-- an out of breath runner hands you a sealed letter in one hand, holding out the other hand towards you.

Looking at the invitation, your thoughts go to what exactly this celebration might entail--
Tell me if you wish me to make a secret roll for you, to Recall Knowledge, and, if so, do you opt for Society or Pathfinder Society Lore (and if you have any special modifiers or such).

--before setting out to travel from wherever you are in Golarion, slide 6 to the Isle of Kortos in the Inner Sea, and the city of Absalom, where you make your way to the Grand Lodge, slide 7

Coming from afar, or just down the road, you arrive at the Grand Lodge, and it seems to you as though the entire place has the air of a celebration.
You pass the great gates that are flung wide, and the phoenix trees lining the entryway are in full flame.
Amidst those trees, you see a fierce looking young Keleshite woman, dressed in robes that show she is a servant of Sarenrae. Those who know her recognize her as Kyra, their recent adventure-companion.
Seeing you, she smiles, then shrugs:
"Sorry I cannot join you. I've been put on fire duty! Something to do with the Dawnflower's domains..."
Seeing the flames growing slightly lower on one of the phoenix trees, she rushes away to stoke the fire with her scimitar.
"Catch up with you after the party!
Make me a plate?"

Leaving Kyra behind, you enter the halls of the main tower of Skyreach, normally somber and reserved, but where you now hear they echo with the sound of voices and music.
Following the ♩♪♬ you reach the great ballroom and discover it is decked for the celebration, with colorful banners and bunting along the walls, tables replete with food and drink, and a jovial cacophony of conversation rising from Pathfinders of all ancestries, nations, and backgrounds.

After a quick scan of the room, it’s obvious that many of the attendees have gathered in small groups here and there.
A half-orc woman in an iconic ship captain’s hat stands near the punch bowl, handing cups to anyone who passes within reach.
A dark-skinned half-elf leads a small group of new agents around the room, introducing them to other attendees.
Several senior agents stand in quiet conferral with a dark-haired Taldan man with a distinctive chin strap beard.
While a scholarly dwarf tells a rousing tale to a growing audience.

You snap out of your thoughts as a familiar blond halfling woman, slide 8 bounces over, bubbling with excitement.
Janira Gavix, Head Initiate of the Pathfinder Society, grins:
“Oh, I’m so glad you made it! After all, the celebration is for you. Have you gotten drinks? Snacks? Be sure to spend some time getting to know everyone—it’s best to be on good terms with the movers and shakers in the Society, that’s how you learn about the latest opportunities. I’ll be here if you need me to help you with anyone’s names or to make an introduction. Just let me know how I can help. I will be around, and available!”
Beaming all the while, now Janira gestures you forward into the room-- and you realize she was not just talking to you, but also to some others who had arrived at just the same time as you did!
Please seize the opportunity to introduce your character, with a bit more detail for those PCs that were not in the first adventure.

Get to know everyone?!, you think, as you see scores of people, with more arriving every second.
Where to start?! Where to start...
Yes, where DO you start?

Samna enjoys the music in the Grand Lodge grounds. It's been a busy week! First the field testing, and now a major celebration.

She looks around to see if she can spot some of her fellow newly-minted Pathfinder Agents in the crowd.

For a moment you think you see a drow has infiltrated the party, but then you do a double take and notice that his shoulders are slightly too broad, his ears a bit rounded, and what looks like some small amount of stubble on his chin and realize he is a half-elf with very prominent drow characteristics. He has a single large sword at his hip and is wearing chainmail.

He looks out of sorts and not entirely sure of himself as he scans the crowd. He seems to be reticent to approach anyone.

Jaxon takes another piece of cheese and stuffs it in his mouth. He nods to Samna seeing her taking a look around. "Heya, Samna. Make sure to get some of this food. I swear it's like you Pathfinders just give it all away."

He spots the drow half-elf and tries to size up the man.

The phosphorescent spots on Isurus' face glow a pale white under the damp hood of his shemagh. The azarketi seems to take the dark-skinned half-elf's presence in stride. "There are... many people here. I do not know where to start."

Samna sees that the band playing right now is a Grippli quartet, each playing an instrument, while flicking their tongues to use drums.

A well dressed Goblin starts to go up to Ilmryn, but, realizing the Half-Elf seems slightly aloof, the Goblin hustles over to Jaxon, and raises his cheese-platter:
"Oy! You seem a man of distinction, heh! Check out this fine selection of cheeses: Galt bleu, Garundi goat curds..."
The Goblin spots Isurus, thinking that-- gotta call my cousin with his fish platter.

A moderately small goblin in full plate polished to the point it's a mirror bounces into the room, as excited as Janira herself. He pans the room for a moment, before spotting someone who looks interesting and new to meet. Squirming through the crowd and squeezing just a little more than it looks like he ought to be able to, he bounds to a stop in front of the odd looking elf man. Reaching way up with his hand he tries to offer Ilmryn a hand shake. "Hello! Nice to meet you! I'm Ogren Bound, 'prod-a-gull,' don't worry I don't have any gulls to prod right now, son of the Crookedtoes Tribe, adoptee of the Deepwall Clan and 13, or was it 14, times removed cousin of Gorm Greathammer! Can I ask you your name? Also would it be rude of me to ask you what kind of elf you are?"

Ilmyrn takes a step back for a second and looks down at the Goblin. He looks around for a second to see if he could possibly be talking to someone else, but it is fairly obvious it could only be him.

"Uh, Ilmyrn. My name is Ilmyrn, I have no house to call my own, unlike you with the Deepwell clan." he manages to say in a low tone while shaking the Goblin's hand.

"I am a half-elf. My father was human, or so I am told. My mother is Drow, a dark elf." he says waving his hand in front of his purple-black face as if it should be obvious.

"I have been told to make friends here but on the surface that has . . . historically been difficult. People look at my complexion and . . . make assumptions about my behavior based on what my mother is. Even though they don't even know her. She's actually a fairly kind person."

Ilmyrn takes a step back for a second and looks down at the Goblin. He looks around for a second to see if he could possibly be talking to someone else, but it is fairly obvious it could only be him.

"Uh, Ilmyrn. My name is Ilmyrn, I have no house to call my own, unlike you with the Deepwell clan." he manages to say in a low tone while shaking the Goblin's hand.

"I am a half-elf. My father was human, or so I am told. My mother is Drow, a dark elf." he says waving his hand in front of his purple-black face as if it should be obvious.

"I have been told to make friends here but on the surface that has . . . historically been difficult. People look at my complexion and . . . make assumptions about my behavior based on what my mother is. Even though they don't even know her. She's actually a fairly kind person."

Giving the hand a good shake, Ogren beams a smile up that is almost as bright as his armor. "Ill-mer-n, nice to meet you. I'd be glad to be your friend! Sorry for not seeing you were a half-elf earlier. I never met a Dr- Dro- dark elf before! Do people judge you like they do goblins? That's terrible! I'd love to meet your mother one day. "

He pauses for a moment and thinking about something, after a second he gives the man a somewhat sad-look. "It's not good that you don't have a house to call your own... I'm not sure that Meemaw or Deepa would be willing to adopt another non-dwarf, they say I was a hand full and I'm not sure what the Crookedtoe stance on non-goblin members is. But you're a Pathfinder, and they've been like a third family to me!"

After a second, he starts tugging Ilmyrn's pant leg and pointing at another unusual guest. "Let's see about making some more friends! See there's someone who also looks unusual! He's got lights under his skin! Let's go say hi!"

He tries to drag the half-drow across the room to Isurus, where he repeats his raised hand and introductions. "...from Kraggodan! So, might I have your name? Also, are you a Draw as well? My friend Ilmyrn here is one from his mother's side and, well, I thought you might be too!"

Ilmryn is awkwardly drawn about by the Goblin, not knowing what is proper protocol.

society to identify: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Wooo, way to blow my luck early on a fluff nat 20 roll!

"No, stop Ogren, no, that's clearly an Azarketi! They are not drow, they are aquatic . . . decedents of Azlanti"

He stops when he is put in front of Isurus, and redicrects his focus to the trident-wielding gilman.

"I . . . apologize. I am Ilmryn. This . . . Ogren here, he seems to be lacking in formal training of creatures not commonly found on the surface. I . . . we didn't mean to cause a disruption."

Isurus raises his bald brows and looks back and forth between Ilmryn and Ogren. He nods his head at the half-drow's apology. Several days after his last battle, the smell of blood ever present near the azarketi but relatively subdued, and his eyes are his usual purple.

"I am azarketi," he says to Ogren in his accented voice. "My particular people come from equally dark and even deeper depths as those in which the drow dwell. The confusion is understandable, I suppose."

He spreads a webbed hand and illuminates the bioluminescent markings with a blue-green color. "Or possibly not. But we are all Pathfinders, now. No offense taken. There are many faction leaders we are supposed to meet, but I am not certain where to begin."

A few people make way as Alaric enters the room. His tattered cloak wrapped loosely around his half-plate armor, An emblem is emblazoned across the surface of, barely visible beneath the holes in the cloak. It is that of an infernal eye staring from a swirling portal. Scanning the room he spots a few unruly types, namely Jaxon and a Drow, and heads in their direction. He nods his head in understanding before producing his invitation. "Jaxon, I assume you have been staying out of trouble?" He offers a sly smile before looking to the drow and goblin. He holds out a hand. "I am Alaric." He says in a very thick Chelaxian accent. "Do we know what brings us together again?"

Ilmryn, unused to people so friendly, is clearly confused and socially awkward. After a moment he extends his hand to shake Alric’s.

”Ilmryn. Ilmryn’s my name. Janira Gavix’s orders were to ‘make friends.’ I presume she means with the faction heads, but how we go about that. . . I do not know. I do know Eando Kline over there, he has. . . trained me somewhat.”

As Alaric wonders what brings you together, he remembers the invitation he received - for level 1s, for level 2s - which tells him exactly what is expected: put your best foot forward!

But Ilmryn does have a point, you do seem to be urged to make friends.
The person Ilmryn points out, Eando Kline, is the dark-haired Taldan man with a distinctive chin strap beard, who stands in quiet conferral with several senior agents.

The other small groups that have formed are the ones around--
--a half-orc woman in an iconic ship captain’s hat who stands near the punch bowl, handing cups to anyone who passes within reach--
--a dark-skinned half-elf, but not as dark as Ilmryn, who is still leading a small group of new agents around the room, introducing them to other attendees--
--a scholarly dwarf who keeps on telling a rousing tale to an ever growing audience.

Jaxon smiles at Alaric with a mouth full of roasted chicken this time. He chomps on it roughly and wallows before replying. "No trouble I can't handle," he says with a shrug.

He turns to the Drow and nearby Goblin. "Heh, great. With you two around, no one will even care about an ex-con. Seems you Pathfinders aren't as goody-mucky muck as people made you seen." He grins at Ilmryn and Ogren. "I'm Jaxon, by the way. Looks like you two can handle yourselves."

He nods at the idea of talking to Kline. "You say you know him? Ok, then."

Society +3 to identify the others. I'll also propose Underworld Lore +3 for the captain that might have had a less savory past.

Jaxon did not know much about the Pathfinders' upper management before arriving, and looking around all the people here, nothing really came back to mind.
Seems like no success on either roll
That Half-Orc lass with the captain's hat... nah, he doesn't remember any criminal that would correspond. But she does look more pirate than merchant marine-- oh, and she is staring right back at you.

The Half-Orc lass looks Jaxon in the eye, and adds some rum to the glass of punch, motioning for Jaxon to come on over and get a drink.

Society: +4

Samna cranes her neck to look around. She's sure that some of those people look familiar.

Recognizing Eando Kline, Alaric swallows his drink and looks to the others. "Let's split apart and go speak to them. They are paying us to come all this way and make friends, we may as well see where we can help." He branches off towards Eando.

Ogren shakes Isurus's hand with a vigorous excitement. "Sooo, you came from deep under ...water? But Ilmryn came from under ground... Also your ears are very different. But it's a pleasure to meet you! Wanna go talk to people together? I think I see my distant cousin over there telling stories!"

Ogren gives Jaxon a nearly blinding smile as he talks to him and Ilmyrn . "But... I'm Good and many people say I'm mucky even though I try to stay clean. But I guess I'm not as good or mucky as the Pathfinders are known for..."

Seeing him move over to the half-orc captain lady at the punch bowl, Ogren bounces out after him and up to the lady. "Is there alcohol in the punch? Meemaw says I'm still too young to drink."

No Pathfinder Lore nor Society training here.

Ilmryn will roll society at +4

Ilmyrn will get dragged over to the ship captain by Ogren.

Samna cranes her neck around... so much so that she nearly takes the Crane Stance. But, other than her comrades, she does not spot anyone that she remembers information about, not even a sliver of gossip.
Seems like a failure (((

Alaric moves up to Eando Kline.
Kline is a stern human man of Taldan descent with tan skin, dark hair, and a distinctive chin strip of facial hair.
He nods at Alaric, not cold, but not friendly either, quite business-like.
But, before Kline can say anything, a woman who was talking to him, lays her hand on his arm, to get her attention back, stopping Kline from addressing Alaric. The woman is quite obviously an aasimar, with violet eyes and natural golden patterns on her face:
"So, if we do another fund raiser for the Radiant Oath, we might earn enough to purchase more potions. That way..."
Kline half-smiles at the woman, before glancing around the room, and over at Alaric.

Ogren slips ahead of Jaxon, beating him to the Half-Orc woman, and dragging Ilmryn along.
Ilmryn is a bit lost here, so many people, of all sizes and origins, and he cannot make out who is who--
No success
--other than the fact the people who spotted seem to be magnets, attracting many onlookers.
The pirate-captain looking woman is still holding the mug out for Jaxon, when Ogren asks about alcohol in the punch.
"If there weren't spirits in it, it wouldn't be punch!
I think your ma' just wants to keep the good stuff to herself!
Well met, though, young sailor. I am Calisro Benarry. Who may you, and your friends be?"
You see that the rum she poured came from a hip flask, which features a detailed engraving of a sizeable sailing ship.
A halfling man with brown hair, and several visible facial scars, steps in front of Calisro Benarry, putting himself between the new arrivals and the Half-Orc:
"Captain, I'd love to hear more about your take on chain and lock strength..."

Jaxon places a hand on the halfling's shoulder. "Now, I believe the Captain was speaking to my friend here. They seem to share a taste for punch." He lifts his hand and takes the mug from Benarry, giving her a small grin. "I'm Jaxon and this here is Ogren, who might be tasting his first bit of spirits."

He takes a sip from the mug, then grins wider. "Now that's a good drink, Captain. Take it slow, Ogren, this is a bit on the strong side." He glances to the halfling man and then back to Captain Benarry. "You have a ship, Captain? I ain't never been on a ship, but I've always heard you can use a good strong arm on one."

The Halfling raises an eyebrow, seemingly offended by Jaxon:
"I do say..."
@Jaxon: are you trying to Intimidate? (w. roll)
The Halfling then eyes Jaxon more closely, muttering: "Criminal element? Interesting!"

The Half-Orc smiles:
"Well met Jaxon... Ogren.
A ship... I used to have a ship."
She smiles, sadly, at Jaxon:
"But now I can no longer ride the waves. Desk job!"
She points to the image on her flask:
"That is... was... my Grinning Pixie!"
She smiles, slyly, at Jaxon:
"But good strong arms are always wanted..."

”Ilmyrn.” the half drow says by means of introduction to Benaray as he drinks some of the punch. He coughs and sputters a bit at the strong drink and hoarsely responds. ”Smooth. . . bit stronger than the wine I’m used to.”

Calisro Benarry smiles at Ilmyrn:
"Well met, Ilmyrn. Maybe you can add a snort of run to your wine next time!"
The Halfling smiles at all this, but looks at Calisro Benarry:
"So, about ship chains and locks, what do you think about their hardness?"

Well, I wasn't at first, but now...

Jaxon glances at the halfling. "Did you just call me a 'criminal'? Excuse me, who are you? Going on about locks and chains...You know who knows something about locks and chains? Criminals."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

"How much are you seeking for these potions. Perhaps I can donate a bit myself." Alaric beams a smile. "Didn't mean to intrude" He holds a hand out to the woman. "My name is Alaric, aspiring Hellknight with the Order of the Gate." He tries to get his way into the conversation with Eando Kline.

The Halfling does not back down from the taller man, but stands tall and gets in his face, not intimidated:
"Or slaves! And slaves are not criminals, but victims to be freed!"
Those who came up to Calisro Benarry see that she is engaged in conversation with an individual that has a significant leadership role within the Pathfinder Society. Though it is clear that she is simply engaging in idle conversation, rather than forming exclusive cliques.
You feel that if you draw out the interaction a bit by distracting
the other guest speaking with Calisro Benarry or by making a good impression on that guest she is speaking to in order to buy more of the faction leader’s time, you can gain some extra information or minor assistance.
Skill Check: Deception, Stealth, Thievery, Legal Lore,
or Underworld Lore.

The woman smiles and warmly shakes Alaric's hand:
"Happy to meet you, Alaric, I am Valais Durant, aspiring leader of the Radiant Oath! I think it is wonderful that you have goals and I hope you strive to reach them. Though, if you join the Order of the Gate, please remember that people can suffer from those that are summoned from the Great Beyond. Do what you must do, but remember to be compassionate with the victims."
Those who go to Eando Kline see that he too is engaged in conversation with an individual that has a significant leadership role within the Pathfinder Society. Clearly, he too is simply engaging in idle conversation, rather than forming exclusive cliques.
You feel that if you draw out the interaction a bit by distracting
the other guest speaking with Eando Kline or by making a good impression on that guest he is speaking to in order to buy more of the faction leader’s time, you can gain some extra information or minor assistance.
Skill Check: Crafting, Medicine, or any Lore skill as long as the PC uses it to present a plan to assist those in need.

Lol, I went to the wrong person, I don't have any of those skills.

Jaxon raises an eyebrow at the halfling standing up to his words. He considers it for a moment and then nods. "Well, I suppose that's true. And perhaps I should be more precise. Prisoners tend to know about locks and chains. Not all who are there are actual criminals. But you know slaves and criminals and prisoners can learn a lot from each others. Ways to pass messages and good, hideouts, even maintaining a network of eyes and ears."

Underworld Lore: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 *sigh* I'm going to hero point that, just out of spite
Hero Point: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Jaxon gets the attention of Tamrin Credence, the Halfling Man--
Success, you get 1 Attention Point ; 2 Attention Points are needed by the group to gain the benefits
--but he still keeps on talking to Eando Kline, while answering Jaxon:
"See, Eando, that's exactly what I mean! Listen to this."

Ogren tenatively takes one of the proffered glasses of punch and sniffs at it curiously before taking a big gulp of the liquid. His face freezes in a grimace as he starts to make gagging faces. After a few moments he pulls out a canteen and chugs some water from it. "That was.. horrid! I think I'll stick to water for tonight! Thank-you for letting me try... Are there any pickles here I can use to clear out the taste?"

He looks around and notices the halfling standing there. He gives him a wave and a hand shake before he leans in closer. "Wonder if you could just give the slavers lots of alcohol and leave them choking while the slaves escape..."

Could we try a general Diplomacy check instead? Ogren sadly has none of the skills to talk to the halfling otherwise.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"Of course, before I summon any denizens I must go through rigorous testing and mental conditional training so as to see past their words and trickery. With a team I have already tested myself in mortal combat against a Barbazu." Alaric tries to reassure Valais.

Hell Lore: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Tamrin Credence, the Halfling male, scoffs at Ogren:
"What a foolish idea! Rewarding slavers with free liquor?!"
And he turns his attention back to Calisro Benarry.
Diplomacy is fine. Your check is a Failure.

Valais Durant seems somewhat reassured by Alaric's words:
"Good, good, we do not want to have them go off and harm others."
Success. 1 Attention Point earned here.

But she does turn back and keeps on holding Eando Kline's attention:
"Is that not so? I mean, I know you like to Destroy, but one has to be careful..."

"The azarketi still remember what is to be slaves, and no one should ever live under the thrall of another," Isurus says to Tamrin.

Diplomacy (T): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Later...

"What plans does the Society have for rescuing Pathfinders in trouble during missions on or under the seas? The currents and tides can be confusing for the landborn to understand," he asks Valais.

Weather Lore (type) (T): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Tamrin goes to clap Isurus on the shoulder-- but decides not to, though he does smile happily:
"Well said, well said!
I have not thought much of underwater slavery, hmmm... let me consider that."
Success. 2nd Attention Point earned so you obtain Additional Aid.

Calisro Benarry does clap Tamrin Credence on the back:
"You do that! Consider away..."
Turning to the four Pathfinders before her - Ogren, Isurus, Ilmryn and Jaxon - she offers more punch, and nods to you:
"You talk a lot, and well. And I like stories. So, if you want another good story to tell, I dare you to go spend a night in a haunted house!
There is such a house, a partially collapsed place in the Precipice Quarter, long rumored to be haunted. So, you wouldn't have to travel far. Hey, after all, not every discovery requires weeks of gruelling travel."
She sighs:
"Though travel on my ship was always wonderful!"
She looks at each of you, in turn:
"If you accept my challenge, you should go there in the next few days, because the house has been marked for demolition. It will thus be easy to find!
You would just have to stay in the house overnight-- before it’s demolished!
Doing so would prove your mettle... provide you with experience camping in potentially unfriendly territory, and you might also learn interesting tidbits about the house’s former owners. The Society loves to collect tidbits."

Calisro turns back to continue speaking with Tamrin Credence-- but the Halfling is still mumbling away about whether you can set up an undergroundwater railroad and what it would be called...
Calisro shrugs, and looks back at you, glancing at the glasses of punch you are holding.
She beams at Ogden:
"I don't have pickles, but take this. It is a pick-me-up for when you really need to get back on your feet!"
She laughs and slips Ogden a small, unmarked hip flask that she pulls from her sash.
You wonder what the heck is in the flask!

Then she whispers:
"I'll award a bonus from the Horizon Hunters for you brave ones!"
1 Treasure Bundle earned for getting one Additional Aid

When Isurus wanders over to where Eando Kline is, Valais Durant smiles back at him:
"That is well thought, but, we have members who are not landborn. An Undine member is in charge of such rescue missions..."
a Failure on Weather Lore

Ilmyrn will look around for more movers and shakers to talk to and then maybe, if he sees any, direct the halfling to them while he follows.

Jaxon laughs. "Stay a night in a haunted house? That sounds more like a prank when I was a student! But maybe we'll be able to squeeze in there before it's demolished. It does sound like it could be fun." He gives her a nods and then spots Isurus and Alaric. "Hey, I know them..."

He takes his leave of the Captain and joins the others talking to Kline. "You know, smugglers got all sorts of ways in and out of places. As I was just mentioning to that halfling there, there's plenty that can be learned from the unsavory types if you have the right connections. For the right fee, they might be wiling to carry people out along with any items of value."

Underworld Lore: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Calisro smiles to Jaxon:
"Good, good! Fun is a good thing. That's the spirit! I hope you all survive and enjoy the night."

As Jaxon moves up to Eando Kline and Valais Durant, and talks about ferrying people and protecting them, Valais Durant is quite impressed "That is good! And you do not seem to only talk, I am sure
you are a man of action", she tells Jaxon. "I appreciate agents who are proactive, and who care about assisting those in need!"
Success so 2nd Attention Point earned. No need for more.
Eando seems impressed that Valais Durant is impressed.
He nods at Jaxon: "Yes, good talkers, who, I am sure, can back their words with action. Hey, don't be afraid to tell people Eando Kline said so!"
Eando goes on to mention several individuals across Absalom, stating that these are people "I go to for information. If you drop my name in conversations with those individuals, you'll get the best scoop on current events."
This grants you a +2 circumstance bonus to a single Diplomacy check to Gather Information during this scenario.
Any of you can use this one-time bonus, just say so when you make your roll.
"And here are some coins for you all to go have dinner, on me!"
Since you gained the bonus aid from a 2nd leader, you earn a 2nd Treasure Bundle (that is the cap, no more Bundles from this source).
Eando looks at Valais:
"I know you are all about protecting people, Valais, whereas I often feel it is best to destroy some things... in the end, the goal might be the same: avoiding harm.
So, let's see if these Pathfinders who just talked the talk, can walk the walk!"
Looking at you, he grins:
"I have been advised that a researcher from the College of Mysteries, in the Petals District, has unearthed some esoteric lore and has begun experimenting with some of the rituals she found within.
These rituals seem particularly dangerous, to the extent that some of her colleagues are concerned about her efforts.
I wanted to move in and shut all this down.
But, if you are up to this task, I would ask you to track down the researcher, and to determine whether the rituals she is studying are under control or if they are too dangerous... and need to be stopped."

Meanwhile, Ilmryn is looking around, and sees that the two people who still seem to be attracting the most attention are the dark-skinned half-elf with a pink flower in her hair, leading a small group of new agents around the room, and the scholarly dwarf going on and on with never-ending tale.
The half-elf lady has one person following her closely, an obviously Taldan lady, with dark hair and an aquiline nose, as well as a deep cleavage.
Whereas the Dwarven tale-teller has a woman hanging languidly onto his arm, a Chelaxian woman, in a long red dress.
As Ilmryn tries to direct the Halfling to them--
you are trying to send Tamrin Credence, right?
Not Janira Gavix?
--the man is lost in his planning, muttering about how hiding in seaweed and such, and does not pay much attention to Ilmryn.

Ilmyrn points the other dark-skinned elf out to Ogren

"Do you know that one? They seem to be some sort of pathfinder initiates around, so I assume they are a teacher of some sort."

Janira bounces through the crowd, and urges you on:
"Go on, go on, talk to people, mingle, ingratiate yourselves!"

She gives Ilmryn a gentle yet firm shove:
"Don't be shy, go talk to her!"

Alaric heads over to have a visit with the Chelaxian woman. Wandering the crowd to see what they could possibly be discussing. He grabs a glass of dark red wine, offering a charming smile.

Sipping his glass of red wine - some fine vintage from Galt - Alaric moves over, listening to the chatter in the crowd, and to what the Chelaxian woman is talking about.

It is obvious that all have gathered to listen the Dwarven tale-teller, who is none other than Gorm Greathammer, the leader of the Grand Archive, which is fitting, for the man-- the Dwarf, seems to love knowledge in all its forms!
His tale is a very lively one, full of jokes - ones that actually make people laugh, too! - but that also conveys knowledge.
Alaric even smiles, it is like listening to some lively, fun uncle.

According to the gossip flying around the crowd that gathered, the Chelaxian woman on his arm is one Zarta Dralneen.
It is rumored she fled her country, or was betrayed by Cheliax, being officially condemned, but maybe on false charges?
People whisper she abandoned her hedonistic lifestyle-- but others point to how she is leaning into Gorm Greathammer: maybe she is back at her old tricks?
However, all agree that she has given up pursuing vengeance against those who betrayed her, deciding to stay on with the Society, having accepted a new position as Head Archivist.
Thus she now has official authority over the contents and security of the Grand Lodge’s extensive troves of knowledge and magic.

And that is exactly what she is trying to get out of Gorm.
More information on such matters.

Skill Checks with Zarta Dralneen: Arcana, Occultism, Academia Lore, or Library Lore.

Ilmyrn wanders over to the dark-skinned half elf.

”Pardon me, sorry for the interruption, but Janira Gavix has bud me to introduce myself. I am Ilmyrn.”

The dark-skinned Half-Elf stops moving along, and the small clutch of new Pathfinders following her nearly bounce into one another.
She smiles at the Barbarian:
"Hello Ilmyrn, I am Fola Barun, in charge of the Envoys' Alliance Faction. It is nice to see another one dedicating himself to the Pathfinder Society. I am delighted, delighted.
She waves to those following her, and to Ilmryn, and his comrades"
"I lobbied hard for the recent drive to bring in new members. So. I am a little like your godmother!"
She smiles at Ilmryn:
"So, please, what is background, if I may ask?
What are you excited about doing within the Society now that you are agent in your own right?
For you are excited, right? And you sure are an Agent, now... congratulations?!"

The woman beside her steps up:
"If I may? I am Lady Gloriana Morilla, and I used to lead the Sovereign Court, an international organization supporting young nobles across Avistan. Are you a noble?", she asks Ilmryn.
"You might have heard of me, and how I was instrumental in Grand Princess Eutropia’s rise to power in Taldor.
Are you interested in international relations, in diplomacy?"

The Lady seems to be hovering in front of Fola Barun, and blocking access to her.

Skill Checks for Gloriana Morilla: Performance, Society, or any Lore skill related to a specific city.

Ogren sniffs at the flask that got handed to him, and is glad to see that it isn't alcohol.

He gives Ilmyrn a small frown and then shakes his head. "I don't know her! Why don't you go over and say hello! I'm going to say 'hi' to my cousin over there!"

He bounds over to the dwarf and gives a salute. "Gorm! Hello cousin! How are you doing? Did you find a date for the night? She seems nice! Anyways, I think I have Library restacking duty the day after tomorrow. Can you explain the organization system to me again? I forgot."

Library Lore: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Ogren sees that there is some ruby red liquid in the flask.
But is does not have a strong smell.

Leaving Ilmyrn and heading over to see Gorm.
But the Dwarf does not seem to really understand what Ogren is talking about:
"Cousin? What tribe are you from? Library... oh, well, good work, then! I mean, I do not know which library you are going to, so cannot tell which system."
Failure for your roll
Zarta Dralneen moves in closer to Gorm, waving Ogren away:
"Keep on telling your story, Gorm!"