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You find Lady Gloriana Morilla, leader of the Sovereign Court faction, reading through a growing pile of reports. Every minute or two, a courier delivers another sealed letter, or a charmed animal scrambles in through one of the doors or windows with a rolled up missive from elsewhere in the city.
“The city is in dire straits, Pathfinders. The Siege Lord Wynsal Starborn is a strong leader, but he’s had difficulty gathering the High Council—and in turn getting other nobles to focus. The recent acts of sabotage have caused many noble families to seal off their estates or begin evacuating the city in private ships. Not only is this cowardly exodus clogging the harbor and sowing confusion, but it is also disrupting other defenses because the nobles had earlier promised their household guards’ service in defending the city. Acting under authority granted by the Siege Lord, help me find them and remind them of their responsibilities as members of the nobility. History need not remember them and their descendants as the ones who failed Absalom.”
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The Arpadors were originally merchants who effectively bought their way into the nobility with their considerable wealth accumulated in the cattle trade. Mentioning their humble origins makes them flustered, decreasing the difficulty of either the Bluff check or Intimidate check by one step.
The Caperinas are from Cheliax, and like many of their fellow Chelaxians, they are sticklers for law. The PCs can attempting Linguistics or Profession (barrister) checks in place of Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks to influence the Caperinas.
Centuries ago, the extended al-Hadir family produced many great warriors who fought Taldor and became war heroes. Reminding Naadhira of her family history makes her feel ashamed, decreasing the difficulty of either the Bluff check or Diplomacy check by one step.
Oddly, you aren't able to learn about the Tullians', they are a secretive family.
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The al-Hadirs wear loose-fitting silk garments, and both the men and women of the family wear their hair long. Naadhira al-Hadir, the head of the family, speaks slowly and deliberately, "By Sarenrae's grace, who are you lot? And what business do you have?"
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"We're members of the Pathfinder Society and we've been sent here to remind your family of your obligations to the city of Absalom. Now Naadhira I can tell you're like me: a proud guy who doesn't take well to threats. So we're here to remind you that the al-Hadirs had so many great warriors in the past who fought off Taldor that they could fill an army of there own. And that's what Absalom needs right now - great warriors. Do you really want to run away from all that your ancestors, fought, sweat, and bled for? So it's another group of mooks here to siege Absalom - it's not like that hasn't happened multiple times in the past! And every time there were al-Hadirs leading the defense were there not?"
Astrid is... not very good at convincing others her way; doubly so if the method needs be peaceful. She's quite certain, in fact, that she would be more likely to stumble onto the right combination of words that would render these noble families mortal enemies of the society.
She elects to hold her tongue for the moment instead, keeping an eye on the family head in case they display any hostile intent.
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Grelthe was distracted trying to help civilians.
She yelled out an agreement at the "A Noble Cause" mission.
Lady Gloriana Morilla
(+2 to "heroic lineages")
(+2 to "heroic lineages" from Tome of Epics)
The al-Hadirs are the only family Grelthe knows, and BOY DOES SHE KNOW
Grelthe concurs to go to the Warrior family first, the al-Hadirs, but then, surprisingly, backs up Elena's choice of the mysterious Tullians for their second higest priority visit.
(v DC 16; pass)
Grelthe notices the woman's inherent obstinance, and decides honey is better than threats.
"The city is under attack! As Arioch said, we come in the name of the Pathfinder Society, uniting all the factions against this undead invading force. Hurry! Time is of the essence. We will all lose everything if we cannot unite - including you and your family."
Grelthe names the legendary heroes of old from the al-Hadir family lineage, attempt to either shame or motivate them into action:
"I understand, sometimes it easier to bury your head in the sand and wish it need not have happened in your time. All who live to see such times, would prefer peace instead. But that is not for them, or us, to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. Would you squander the sacrifice of your ancestors, and let the undead claim Absalom? Will you let the undead and their evil masters claim what your ancestors defended with their very lives?!?!?!" She roars, inspiringly.
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Naadhira is moved by the singing Paladin's choice of words and passion. "Very well, you will have our swords and our fighters. I look forward to seeing you on the battlefield."
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The Arpadors are calm and collected, favoring an exaggeratedly formal Taldan accent and verbiage. Marton Arpador, the head of the family, is very fashionable. "Hmm...What is all this talk about a war?"
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The cleric moves in with a charming smile and matches as much Taldan mannerisms and words as he knows, ”War? Barely a scuffle I think. It’s been overblown mostly, a lot of rumors and chaos. Probably isn’t even any undead. People trying to take advantage of us of the noble nation of Taldor. Don’t let your humble beginnings ruin you now, stay and keep everyone calm.”
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Arioch leans in conspiratorially to Marton and says, "You know I'm not one to gossip but in this case I'll tell you what I've heard. We just spoke with Naadhira al-Hadir and he brought up how his family is replete with heroes who whooped up on a bunch of Taldans. When I mentioned we were coming here next he scoffed - actually scoffed! - and said, 'Those Arpidors are cattle rustlers who bought their way into nobility. They're all hat and no cattle!'"
Acting scandalized on their behalf he continues on, "I couldn't believe he said such a thing! I'm sure the Arpadors noble lineage is as strong as it is proud. And with the Society with the Arpadors the whole way we can win this fight and write a new chapter to add glory to the Arpador name and prove their rightful place in Absalom's nobility."
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Grelthe will share her insight with her other Pathfinders.
Aids for Arioch: (I don't think I need speech? Same as last time, refuse to lie, so ignore my Bluff roll if standing by silently and imtidatingly won't count as an AID - let me know and I will stop rolling it.)
Grelthe complements the man's fashion, takes Angus' lead with the Taldan mannerisms and florid language. "We need defense of all types, the factions are working together, so there will also be divine and religious defenses, but without help we cannot guarantee your safety from the hordes. I suggest you help, rather than wait by to be overtaken." (Carefully alluding to the danger, without using the words 'undead', not wanting to frighten them overmuch.)
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"Indeed.. It is as you say. Perhaps the Arpador name does need to rise in aid for this city."
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The Caperinas have narrow eyes and prominent cheekbones. Annalia Caperina, the head of the family, likes to hold her gray Chelish ragdoll cat in her arms.
"Perhaps you can explain your presence Pathfinders."