Lady Darchana listens to Numair and exchanges a few arguments. It becomes obvious that she feels a sense of duty to Absalom and has no argument against some demons being able to teleport. Although emotional arguments hold little weight with her, logic is very effective.
By the time Numair is done talking with her, Lady Darchana is convinced to throw her support behind support of the Mendev campaign.
Bedlam finds that Lord Rothos is welcoming of having someone who knows battle to talk to. He complements Bedlam on his armor. He indicates that being Captain of the First Guard does keep him active. He points out some of the recent attacks on the city. They talk about past battles and Lord Rothos mentions having lost a friend to a demon attack three decades ago on a First Watch assignment. He is very sensitive to the potential dangers that demons pose.
——
Dremdhet Salhar - Friendly
Lady Darchana - Friendly
Lord Rothos - Friendly
Sylvester goes to talk with Lady Vaelia. She is accompanied by her elderly manservant who is determined to see to her every need. The lady complains to Sylvester that the guest list would even include Qadiran savages, gesturing towards Scion Lord Kerkis and his escort. It seems she barely listens to what he says, too involved with her own grievances to listen to his points.
Evidently that left him off balance as he also fails to engage Lady Dyrianna in conversation.
Dremdhet Salhar - Friendly
Lady Darchana - Friendly
Lord Rothos - Friendly
Lady Vaelia - 0 influence
Lady Dyrianna - 0 influence
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Khellek will instead direct his attentions toward Lady Vaelia.
"Madam, I have long admired the work of house Wintermark. Your husbands campaigns have been a woefully underreported part of the history of Taldane, and I was hoping if at some stage you may be able to grant me an audience in which I could learn more of them and see them appropriately recorded for posterity."
"Obviously, the current pressing matters may take precedence, and I know your time is of great value."
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Miriel joins Bedlam in trying to learn more about Lady Dyrianna. "Your dress is most impressive, the attention to making the colors match has been superior. Would it be possible to inquire of its origin?", she starts the conversation, then tries to direct it to interests: "The art of dress-making is yet another I have yearned to study more, but my commitments to the temple restrict my interests. The only art I have knowledge of is playing the flute. It is clear that way of presenting yourself is important to you, but what is your opinion of the performative arts?"
After chatting with lady Dyrianna, she tries to use what Khellek found out about lady Vaelia. "Remembering the past is necessary for us to discover the most enlightened path forward. During my apprenticeship, I heard of many challenges, such as the dreadful one we are facing currently. Could you refresh my memory of the accomplishments where this experienced falcata you carry has been used? As an apprentice, I wasn't sent to frontlines, but I had to tend and sometimes even send brothers and sisters to our god at the temple."
Bedlam isn’t able to get any useful insight into how to influence Lady Dyrianna. She is a bit flirtatious but also listens to people. Seems like a very warm and welcoming person.
Dremdhet Salhar - Friendly
Lady Darchana - Friendly
Lord Rothos - Friendly
Lady Vaelia - 0 influence
Lady Dyrianna - 0 influence
Scion Lord Kerkis - 0 influence
Senator Naran - not in attendance yet
After talking with Lady Vaelia, Khellic learns that she is the leader of a small but growing cadre of Taldan nobles who want to obstruct any further efforts to send Taldan troops to far away Mendev.
Dremdhet Salhar - Friendly
Lady Darchana - Friendly
Lord Rothos - Friendly
Lady Vaelia - Can not be influenced
Lady Dyrianna - 0 influence
Scion Lord Kerkis - 0 influence
Senator Naran - not in attendance yet
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After being rebuffed (but still trying to make an appointment to discuss her late husband's past), Khellek makes his way across to Lady Dyrianna.
With an extravagant bow, he extends his hand and offers her a dance. For an elderly man, his footwork is immaculate. While crossing the floor he makes a few inquiries about her contacts within Cheliax and Qadira. Between them and her extensive intelligence networks, how would she be poised for lending quiet assistance to the crusade?
After the dance he thanks her and then continues to circulate. During which time he makes sure to pass on to the other Pathfinders that they should not be wasting time on Lady Vaelia.
Khellic discovers that Lady Dyrianna is a member of the most powerful elven noble house in Absalom, and she is both the Head Hetaera of Calistria and the Consul of the Courtesan's Guild. He also notices how uncomfortable she is with the mention of her contacts.
Lady Dyrianna is partial to the plight of elves, and elves. She is also cautious about her espionage services and is affronted by any mention of her network. (They take a penalty to their influence checks if they try to broach the subject.)
Dremdhet Salhar - Friendly
Lady Darchana - Friendly
Lord Rothos - Friendly
Lady Vaelia - Can not be influenced
Lady Dyrianna - 0 influence, +4 competence to checks
Scion Lord Kerkis - 0 influence
Senator Naran - not in attendance yet
Lady Dyrianna: Elves and half-elves get a bonus to influence. Anyone mentioning her intelligence network takes a penalty to their checks.
Lady Dyrianna reacts favorably to Miriel. She mentions that her sort of performances are more personal than those favored by Shelyn. Taking advantage of some of the information Khellec had found out about her, she is able to get the lady friendly to the cause.
Dremdhet Salhar - Friendly
Lady Darchana - Friendly
Lord Rothos - Friendly
Lady Vaelia - Can not be influenced
Lady Dyrianna - Friendly, +4 competence to checks
Scion Lord Kerkis - 0 influence
Senator Naran - not in attendance yet
Lady Dyrianna: Elves and half-elves get a bonus to influence. Anyone mentioning her intelligence network takes a penalty to their checks.
Checks made so far:
Bedlam 2
Grog
Khellec 2
Miriel 1
Numair 2
Sylvester 2
Grog finds several tasty appetizers and some acceptable cider. Unfortunately he doesn’t get any useful insights on Scion Lord Kerkis.
Dremdhet Salhar - Friendly
Lady Darchana - Friendly
Lord Rothos - Friendly
Lady Vaelia - Can not be influenced
Lady Dyrianna - Friendly, +4 competence to checks
Scion Lord Kerkis - 0 influence
Senator Naran - not in attendance yet
Lady Dyrianna: Elves and half-elves get a bonus to influence. Anyone mentioning her intelligence network takes a penalty to their checks.
Miriel has one more check they can make to replace the one she was going to do for Lady Vaelia.
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Miriel looks at scion lord Kerkis and whispers to her friends nearby, but mostly to reassure herself: "So, one of the most influential persons in Absalom in terms of finance, I have almost no experience in finance, so what could I bring up that interests such people? Maybe the destruction of all trade and order the demons would cause?""
She walks over to scion lord Kerkis, and tries her tactic: "The situation in the north, most unfortunate, the chaos and destruction is ruining civilized society. With your extraordinary influence, you must be much more knowledgeable than me of the effects the Worldwound spreading would cause to trade and stability. Sometimes situations require one to invest in military power, to preserve what is beautiful." She has an idea that a man interested in gold might have interested in other expensive materials, and mentions: "In fact, my by far most expensive possession is my adamantine blade Ainulindalê"
"You do clearly have appreciation to what is beautiful in the world, your companion has been overwhelmingly blessed by Shelyn", she adds.
“My own blade is mostly decorative.[/b]” he tells Miriel. He does appreciate her complements on his own and his companion’s appearance and his chest puffs out slightly at her recognizing his importance in finance. Miriel has made progress in making an ally here, but a little bit more will be required.
As the meet-and-greet concludes, Damien Blakros thanks the guests for attending, briefly speaks about the threat of the Worldwound, and then expounds on several lengthy tangents detailing the contributions of the Hellknight Order of the Godclaw during the First and Second Mendevian Crusades. As the Hellknight's initially thrilling speech begins to dull the guests, Michellia Blakros interjects to announce that dinner will soon be served and requests that the guests be seated.
Senator Naran arrives just as Damien begins his speach.
Everyone seats themselves. You recognize that during dinner you will have some more time to try and influence people.
The feast itself includes seven courses of crisp greens, poached fish, seasoned game, and a selection of fine desserts. Servants continue to bustle about in the never-ending quest to keep goblets full and move discarded plates to the kitchen. The master chef Domeros Prinitar proudly announces each course as it arrives.
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Numair quietly slips into position between the Scion Lord, and the Senator.
He starts with the Scion Lord.
"An army cannot function without well-managed logistics; it quite literally saves lives. The support of the followers of the First Vault would be invaluable for this enterprise."
Numair then tries his luck with Senator Naran.
"Coming from such a beacon of freedom and good as Andoran, Senator, I am sure that you can appreciate just how desperate the situation is in Mendev, as they fight with the literal forces of evil. Your country's support will be an important symbolic boost for the war effort."
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Khellek takes a seat on the other side of the senator and starts to engage him in conversation. "I have often noted the connection between money and history. How the roll of the coin can influence the roll of the campaign. Or perhaps it is the role of the coin .." smiles Khellek as he tries to get a line on the senator.
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Miriel sits between Lady Dyrianna and Dremdhet Salhar. She continues her discussions about fashion. "It is such a burden, to find attire that offers enough possibilities both for pleasing the eye and functionality in military duty. I have tried to bring something pleasing with my rainbow accessories. Still, I am impressed with your dedication to a single color theme", she compliments Dyrianna again.
She then tries to get hints from Dremdhet: "Your display of wealth in your attire is impressive, my financial situation would never offer such a display. Still, would you have any advice how to approach something similar with a more modest monetary contribution?"
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He turns to lady Darchana. "There are any threats coming from the Worldwound. Not merely small creatures such as dretches but bigger threats..." He tries to make small talk on demons.
But he doesn't seem to have a lot of knowledge. "What was that again?" He slurps some soup. "Psss..." He looks up. "That wasn't bad." Then a sound comes from his mouth."Burrp" He pats his chest. "Excuse me!"
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Bedlam suggests Miriel to sit by lady Dyrianna being an elf herself which is an advantage in this situation.
Bedlam carefully looking for a place to sit, thinking that lord Naran, would be a good choice...
Bedlam gracefully helps ladies with their chairs as far as he is able to without bothering them and without running betwiin.
Strangely Andoran senator is popular among the young woman and Bedlam intends to ask about his secret attraction power...
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Bedlam is a kind fellow and not pushy. He is looking for a free space and rather sit next toady Dyrianna or large osiriani lord Salhar if other chairs occupied.
Though we still have a dark horse - senator Naran. Maybe he is arrived and draw paladins attention. By the way, is any one of them has evil aura? Than it is definitely a target to sit next to.
Polite pleasantries are exchanged as people are arranged around the table. Once everyone is seated, master chef Domeros Prinitar proudly announces the first course, a salad of crisp greens with a delicate citrus vinaigrette. As time passes he also comes out to announce the second course, featuring a pouched sea bass.
Although he would have preferred sitting next to someone else, Grog finds there is an minor advantage to sitting next to Lady Vaelia. His attempt at politeness is rebuffed when he seats himself, but that doesn’t stop her from complaining to him. He quickly learns that all that the lady wants for dinner conversation is someone who will nod along as she complains endlessly about the evils of the Qidiran people. He does discover that part of the reason for her hatred is that she lost her husband and three sons to Qidiran raiders who had crossed the borders. It is quite clear that the woman is against any Taldan troops leaving the country.
The food is quite tasty and plentiful.
Sylvester is glad that he has Lady Darchana on the other side of him. Although he finds that Lady Vaelia occasionally wants him to agree with whatever complaint she is making, having Grog on the other side does afford him some time to speak with Lady Darchana. Lady Darchana mentions that she intends to speak with Lord Gyr about the fallen ward stones, and how without them it is possible for small groups of demons to teleport into Absalom and directly cause problems. Sylvester suspects she is already thinking of what can be done to protect the city from such incursions.
Sylvester is pleased when after the first course is served a servant brings out a dish of water and some bones for Shaggy.
Miriel and Sylvester spend time speaking with Scion Lord Kerkis. He is a very proud man who is cautious and wants time to think things over. In his worldview, there are far too many fools who react before they even know what the problem is than those who take time to consider the long view.
The two of you point out how some of the missions the Pathfinder Society has done into the Worldwound, including the investigation of the Ward Stones, has gathered exactly the type of information needed to make such plans. Although there is still need for more information gathering, the two of you are able to convince the Scion that the proper groundwork has been laid.
Khellek quickly discovers that Senator Naran is here to show off his beautiful wife and enjoy rich food and drink. It quickly becomes apparent that he has few concerns outside the borders of Andoran and is likely firmly in the pocket of the lumber consortium. He does not see a way to sway the senator to support the request for troops.
Numair uses his skill with diplomacy and confirms in his own mind that the Senator can not be swayed.
The rest of the feast goes well. The food is quite tasty and with only one exception the company can be pleasant to chat with.
As the meal concludes, several guests stand to stretch or use the privy in anticipation of more socializing. Major Colson Maldris takes this opportunity to signal the PCs and silently motion to the great hall, inviting them to join him. Having done so, he stands up and inconspicuously saunters out of earshot of the other guests.
The soft susurrus of servants clearing dessert dishes and esteemed guests shuffling about to hobnob with their peers echoes from the nearby dining room as Major Colson Maldris furtively glances about before speaking in a stage whisper. “Have you noticed,” he inquires, “that several of the serving staff seem to be behaving strangely? I have watched a handful of them, and I can tell you with some authority that a few appear to be under the effects of enchantment magic. They have not expressed any hostility, but this strikes me as the precursor of something far more dangerous.”
“In a moment, Damien Blakros will introduce the esteemed Genedair, an esteemed veteran of the Mendevian Crusades and a guest of honor at tonight's festivities. I trust that his speech will be suitably engaging to give you an opportunity to slip away and check the rest of the manor. If there is anything amiss, deal with any immediate concerns and then report back to me.” He spares a moment to glance back at the dining room before adding, “Under no circumstances are you to upset the guests. I will keep Lady Morilla apprised of the situation, and together we will decide what to do in the event of trouble. The feast must go on without any disruption, and I will stay with the guest to ensure that happens.“
As he says this, Damien Blakros begins introducing Genedair in the other room.
With a last look, Major Maldris salutes and says, “You have perhaps half an hour,” then slips back through the door to rejoin the party.
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Khellek clears his throat as Damien leaves. "Now, remember, you are representing the Pathfinder society here tonight..." he begins, as if lecturing first year students, not experienced pathfinders. Perhaps the old mans mind wanders a bit.
This oratory is inspiring, if somewhat longwinded, however by the end of it you are all convinced of the importance of discretion... and finding out what is happening.
Looking around, he attaches himself to Grog. "My eye's are not quite as good as once they were." he explains. So while I might notice much, I may be able to explain things that you notice.
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"Oh, thank you! I feel... braver?" Miriel thanks Khellek.
"I can detect evil if that helps at anything, and the protection spell I know is just against such enchantments. It isn't that strong if the effect is already placed on a person, it should have been put there before the control started. Still, it might be of some use", Miriel offers.
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Bedlam finds out he is rather hungry and spends a lot of energy and attention consuming food with proper etiquette while his fellows are talking. Although he is ears and eyes thinking of further approach to soldiers request.
Lords Kerkis slow and thoughtful approach sounds like stubborn one. And lady Vaelia seems to grief too much and not understands how preventing strikes work in long term strategy. Which is understandable in her situation...
After dishes out and Colson Maldris came to discuss further development - Bedlam feels so lazyness after dinner. But trys to come over and out with proper tactics...
Are any of staff members Evil? Maybe they just newbies... But enchanting magic also may be a cause.
- I think we could check kitchen and a smoking place nearby. Shrines always a place worth checking acording to basic cult prevention. And I can feel evil as well, dear Miriel. And also I am capable of Detect Magic, though not as good as understanding it.
Bedlam follows Khellek play, performing as a second year student.
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Miriel thinks a bit about Bedlam's idea. "The shrine seemed rather disregarded by our esteemed hosts, not neglected but the amount of dust suggested that worshipping events are not actively performed there. The kitchen is also nearby, and it had the stairs to the wine cellar, which is the darkest area of the building, and thus most classically attractive for maleficent cultists", she offers her opinion, mostly agreeing with Bedlam.
Darkvision
Darkvision
Low-light
Low-light
Low-light
The group heads into the kitchen. Domeros Prinitar glares at you as you enter. The staff is busy with cleaning up after the meal and have some trays of light appetizers ready.
There doesn’t appear to be anything unusual here.
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Khellek approaches Prinitar cautiously. Chefs are renown for their bad tempers and ready access to knives.
"Chef Prinitar, I understand you are very busy, but might we have a quick word with you?" he asks, politely.
Assuming the chef agrees, Khellek suggests they step out of earshot, in order to explain the situation. And what Domeros might want to keep his eyes open for.
The head chef gets up into Khellek’s space and yells “What do you want? Can’t you see that I am needed here in order to ensure EVERY SINGLE DETAIL of the menu tonight is perfect? What in the world could be more important than my oversight of the kitchen?!?”
With Khellek distracting the head chef, Bedlam and Miriel are able to determine that none of the kitchen staff radiates evil. Although he looks like he is quite angry, even the head chef is not contemplating murder or other evil acts.
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Numair attempts to placate the temperamental chef.
"The hosts have asked us to look into an... oddity... that they noticed. Believe me when I say that what we seek is to ensure that nothing disrupts these festivities, or detracts from the sumptuous banquet that you have prepared."
"To get right down to it, have you noticed anything unusual over the last few hours?"
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For a moment the scholar looks shocked. shocked I say. Nobody has talked to him like that in... well... years. Mustering his restraint, and between clenched teeth he replies
"Your oversight, Chef, is exactly what we need." he tries to explain.
"Some of the serving staff appear to have been enchanted, and we have a concern they may tamper with your food."
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Bedlam also shocked by the voice and attitude, though he decides to use a moment in his favor. Although how? It's a shame Flawss not here now, as he'd use keen nose of his fur fella. Where is he, by the way? In the kennel with other dogs? Hm...it would be not appropriate. Or maybe in stables being a riding dog?
From one perspective it would be solid to Detect Magic in the kitchen in case some of staff are enchanted. But result can be bad, so the paladin suggested Khellek to do this in a whisper, and himself Hide on Plain Sight using crowds and distraction, and slips down to wine cellar to take a look...
Darkvision
Darkvision
Low-light
Low-light
Low-light
You spend some time trying to calm the chef and staff, who are now upset that some of them might be mind controlled. Eventually Lady Morilla steps away from the guests and mentions how you are creating a scene.
This takes about five minutes and in that time you are able to determine that none of the staff here radiate magic. You are also told that the only ones who have gone into the wine cellar since you “first interrupted his staff” are the two serving maids, Orielle and Zyesha. Almost everyone in the staff has gone in and out of the pantry.
As all of this is finishing, Bedlam slips down to the wine cellar on his own. Grog, Numair and Sylvester notice him as he slips away.
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Bedlam whispers something about checking the pantry later.
While he comes to the cellar, he starts to carefully scan surroundings with his keen eyes and Detection Magic. Lack of light is not a problem for shadowdancer though Bedlam not starting using magic if sees any movement and not going far from the stairs regardless.