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A tall, swarthy man dressed in flowing blue desert clothing leans against the doorframe singing softly to himself while filing back a rough-edged fingernail.
♪♫ "Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' come
Watching the ships roll in
And then I watch 'em roll away again, yeah." ♪♫
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—”
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.”
Ask questions but also
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There is a moment where one might have imagined Abaal drawing the black blade sheathed at his waist to confront the intruder, but that time recedes into the very-immediate past.
"A 'culling' of 'the senate' you say!? 'The Grand Prince'!? Impossible! How will the Emper--I mean, the Grand Prince maintain control without the bureaucracy!?" exclaims the Daring Swordsman of Katapesh™ now suddenly dialed up to eleven.
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As Abaal sings, he hears a violin playing along with him. Turning, he sees a Varisian woman playing the fiddle and strolling in as she plays. She has a pretty face, a trim figure, and weapons and studded leather armor.
If he keeps singing, Shasta will keep playing tapping out a percussion line with her feet. When he stops singing, Shasta ends with a quick flourish and smiles charmingly. "Nice song. I'm Shasta Lux. My friends call me Lucky."
Once the other Pathfinders have arrived but before the venture captain has started the briefing, Shasta says, "You're all invited to enjoy a free performance at the Lucky Lights theater. I own the theater. Just tell the ticket seller 'snake eyes' and they'll let you in free. We're doing a comedy called All's Fair that Ends Foul. The warm up act is the Trifecta Brothers, three halflings that juggle till they drop." She taps rim shot on a tambourine hanging from her belt.
When Venture-Captain Muesello warns of pickpockets, Shasta suddenly takes a keen interest in brushing some rosin dust off her sleeve.
"Ce este în panza veselă a lui Sinashakti?"
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As Abaal sings, he hears a violin playing along with him. Turning, he sees a Varisian woman playing the fiddle and strolling in as she plays. She has a pretty face, a trim figure, and weapons and studded leather armor.
If he keeps singing, Shasta will keep playing tapping out a percussion line with her feet. When he stops singing, Shasta ends with a quick flourish and smiles charmingly. "Nice song. I'm Shasta Lux. My friends call me Lucky."
"I am Abaal Zadier, Daring Swordsman of Katapesh™, at your service, Lucky." he says and bows in desert fashion.
Glittering, shining, radiant... dare I say Radiant? Joining the group is a man who could best be summed up as angelic in glistening chain with a highly polished shield at his side. If there is something so foul afoot we are duty bound to stop it. Who must we protect?
"Lady Morilla a member of the Pathfinder Society, whom we have business with this day, if Venture-Captain Muesello here speaks truly, which I trust he does." He turns back to the Muesello. "Where is the Lady now?"
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Shasta returns Abaal's bow with a gesture of respect commonly used in Minkai, dropping her arms to her sides (still holding her violin and bow) and bows at the waist. She stows her violin and bow in her backpack, which doesn't seem the right size to hold the instrument, but somehow they fit.
Shasta waits to hear what the Venture Captain has to say about the Ulfen warrior's statements, expecting there is more to tell. Eventually, she'll make a minimal effort to learn more about the situation by strolling down the street and chatting with a few people. She is well known with the people of Opara because of her years of playing violin concerts, sprinkled with funny stories and other forms of entertainment.
He doesn't know what to say after Abaal questions the control of Royalty.
The others he doesn't know what to say, you come at him with odd questions.
When Kwami asks who should we protect, he just looks at you like you misunderstood what he told you or like you're stupid. Um, everyone. Don't let genocide happen.
Then turns back to Abaal to answer his question Lady Morilla is at my lodge, but she'll likely tell you the same thing I did, or at least not be involved but will glad you put a stop to it all.
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He doesn't know what to say after Abaal questions the control of Royalty.
The others he doesn't know what to say, you come at him with odd questions.
When Kwami asks who should we protect, he just looks at you like you misunderstood what he told you or like you're stupid. Um, everyone. Don't let genocide happen.
"Are all the Senators from one particular ethic group?" Abaal says looking a bit puzzled by the captain's response.
Then turns back to Abaal to answer his question Lady Morilla is [here] at my lodge, but she'll likely tell you the same thing I did, or at least not be involved but will glad you put a stop to it all.
"Well then, problem solved." he says to Bjarte, and extends a hand to the big Ulfen. Then, he introduces the party.
Abaal turns back to Muesello and says "And what was it that you were about to say? Because you haven't finished, I think. Even better, we can all go down the hall to check in with the Lady Morilla and you can say it there. Where is she?"
Muesello seems more puzzled by your questions. I was about to say, um, well I can't remember
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The Ulfen man who'd entered with the other Pathfinders takes all this in... a raven perched upon his shoulder. He remains calm, but a look of concern does cross his face at the mention of eliminations, and he closes his book, thinking a moment...
So prevent slaughter in the reception, I think we can manage that, yes? If we see weapons get drawn, we neutralize the threats? he says in a calm voice.
The raven looks thoughtful, but doesn't add to the conversation.
Looks over at Kwami That is correct. But you can intervene at any time, but if you intervene ahead of time, try not to make it look to obvious, if the wine is poisoned in the kitchen, switch out the wine when nobody is looking before it it served where nobody drinks poisoned wine. I doubt that would be the method, but you get the idea.
Looks over at Shasta then Willard Willard has the right idea
Diplomacy results
The week before the Grand Day of Exaltation is an immense celebration in Oppara. The city almost doubles in size as visitors cram into the capital to be part of the historic event. The exaltation ceremony involves the grand prince elevating a commoner into the ranks of the nobility.
A 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.
He turns to Shasta Lux
Why are you helping us? “I’ve pledged myself to the grand prince, but I’m also a man with principles. What Stavian intends to do is vile. It must be stopped, even if the axe that falls is not my own. Many of my fellow Ulfen Guards are opposed to this, but the grand prince has been selective in deciding which of us will join him at the ceremony and which were left behind to defend the palace. Those with him will not take a stand against this madness.”
What exactly is Stavian planning? “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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Abaal looks at his sundial to figure out how much time they have.
He uses the three hours that others are out drinking to see that Lady Morilla is well, that Bjarte's immediate concerns are laid to rest and trying to figure a way into the ceremony in the Senate. In a city as large as Oppara it is not likely that the party will have front row seats or even invitations.
"Perhaps the Lady Morilla--a senator herself, might know of a way in? Or Venture-Captain Muesello?" muses Abaal.
"We might pose as waitstaff, or out-of-town assassins loyal to the Prince."
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"Any idea what foreigners he is bringing in for this plot and are any within his own forces taking part?"
"Do we know who the commoner is who is getting stricken with the curse of being part of the nobility?"
"What's the time table for events?"
"Do we know where the princess will be during the various events to come? We should get as close to her as we can."
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The foreign mercenaries sound like our best bet. Blending in isn't easy for me, so it would be better to be a stranger in a group of strangers.
"If it comes to that, I'm good with disguises, acting, and bluffing. I'm assuming there will be entertainers aplenty, so I can mingle wherever they may be working."
Tableline of events, I don't know. Looks at your strangely when being asked.
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Awww. I'm not that good at the talkin". But I'm always willing to give it a try. I'm not that bad when its no longer time to talk and things go sour
THe blonde dwarfess is wearing a dress as blue as her eyes. Over an armor. With plenty of weapons ready to be used in scabbards and harnesses.
She looks at Abaal with unchained curiosity
Awww, my memory isn't that good sometimes. Haven't we meet before? Does my name-Brallenera Thalkham-rings a bell to you?
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Awww, my memory isn't that good sometimes. Haven't we meet before? Does my name-Brallenera Thalkham-rings a bell to you?
Abaal stops and listens for a moment. "No. And I do not hear any such tolling. Do you hear a ringing bell? Have you encountered a very loud noise recently? Or perhaps... some form of sonic doppelganger!? Where were you and when did you last encountered me--or rather, this face? It might be important."
They turn back at you If no further questions, you better, move on.
You look around and Brallenera only finds one entrance and exit to the building, no windows either.
Shasta asks around, but the people know nothing, they can tell you the building is Calhadion Vernisant’s Villa.
In front of the building a halfing greets you all. Hi, when you are ready, you I will show you around. Map
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Shasta shrugs and gets in line with the others for the tour. Before entering, she quietly says to the others, "Let's try to figure out ways we might separate from the tour and blend in with others. If we can't separate, then watch for ways we might enter again after leaving. And of course, note who's where doing what. Just so you know, I have a scroll that I can use to disguise myself as something different, which I may use to separate from the tour and plant myself inside. I'll try to let you know but if I'm suddenly not with you, you can recognize me when I signal like this." She extends her pinky and index fingers on both hands for a moment.
The halfing takes you inside, Right this way, hope you enjoy the tour. I hope you enjoy the view of the pool, the stable and the bushes. When you are ready I'll take you down to the next room where the meeting will take place, I'm glad you all can join us. Don't spend too long, I have to get on with it.
This open courtyard of the estate has several well trimmed rose bushes and a sizable pool filled with exotic fish. A horse stable along the northern section of the estate is currently unoccupied.
As you all walk in there he counts. One, Two, Three, Four, Five... Well there are # of you today.
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Since the tour guide appears to be keeping tabs on us, Shasta will walk around the garden, pretending to be admiring the flowers and the fish in the pond, but looking to see if one could hide in the garden among the plants, partly as a possible way to remain in the villa but also considering assassins might be hiding in the bushes or might hide there later. She'll take a close look at the walls, hoping to see a secret passage.
Shasta finds no hidden objects, secrets or people.
They turn back at you If no further questions, you better, move on.
1 correct
2 It is assumed the Lion Blades will be in the building not a 100% guarantee. Think of it like this, a coworker never misses a day of work and he/she works tomorrow. The coworker will probably be there a work tomorrow, but there is always a chance he/she will get sick. Also, the building is your best lead.3. Yes
4. You might not know what they look like or what their symbols are, but you can look for clues based upon how they act or what they carry.
Lion blades come from the most secretive schools of the fighting arts. They scoff at assassins, laughing at their poisons and blow guns — and they’re equally derisive of knights, stomping about the battlefield in burdensome armor and wielding huge, slow weapons. Lion blades prefer crowded urban areas and are masters of motion, controlling both their own movement and those around them. With the flick of a blade, they can slow their enemy to a crawl and then step into a crowd and disappear from sight. They are quick, agile, knowledgeable, and masters of disguise.
5. Correct.
6. Don't worry about the time limit, there is no set time as to when things happen. Think of events happening like a video game, certain events only happen when you complete certain quests. Say you are playing an RPG. At some point during the game it shows you that the villain found the princess and kidnapped her. You enter the castle at the same exact time the villain escapes with the kidnapped princess. The villain says you are too late. It doesn't matter if you spend 50 hours leveling or 5 hours leveling up until that point, that cut scene will happen during that time. This scenario doesn't have a time limit on it. Very few video games will have maybe 4 different cutscenes based upon playtime up until getting to that point, but this isn't one of those scenarios/video games.[/ooc]
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In front of the building a halfing greets you all. Hi, when you are ready, you I will show you around. Map
"Do you have a name?" Abaal asks the halfling.
Once he finds out what it is he asks to see the Lion Blades.
The halfling looks over at Abaal. No, this place isn't a gym. Or rather you can work out anywhere, not just one room. There is no specific room designed for lifting weights or jumping jacks.
He takes you into the meeting room. Lavish rugs and velvet couches fill this 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.
A female human aristocrat approaches you. My name is Ionnia, what brings you here?
Just then as you are about to introduce yourselves, more halflings enter the room. Taldan treats anyone? As he presents you all with treats, six inches long by 2 inches wide by 1 inch thick, looks like rice cripy treats. 1 for everyone if you like one.
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The halfling looks over at Abaal. No, this place isn't a gym. Or rather you can work out anywhere, not just one room. There is no specific room designed for lifting weights or jumping jacks.
He takes you into the meeting room. Lavish rugs and velvet couches fill this 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.
"Well of course this is not a gymnasium. If it were we would all be naked." Abaal says as if it were as plain as the nose on his face.
He was about to ask for the little man's manager when--.
A female human aristocrat approaches you. My name is Ionnia, what brings you here?
Abaal presses on in the face of-- or rather the thigh-high offer of treats.
Abaal makes a formal bow to the woman.
"Ah! Perfect timing." he says to the woman. "We are looking for the Lion Blades. We have it on good authority that at least a few of them are based here in your compound. Could we speak with them, please? It is a matter of some import."
Ionnia looks over at you at she starts eating the treat. Lion Blades, some sort of secret organization. Don't know.