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"I am no bard... but we of Andoran prefer a more... visceral tone..." Bobbi offers, edging into a countersong with a much edgier beat. ♫Buddy you're a boy make a big noise
We will we will rock you
Buddy you're a young man hard man
We will we will rock you
"You could have stopped to help in the basement. You could have come along on any of our adventures -- it would have cost you less than running messengers about. It would have shown your care about your lineage and not yourself. But. You. Didn't." Bobbi states as they take another swing at Remaio, flowing past them to the right in a somewhat inhuman fashion. "Also, right now I'm spotting you my armor AND my shield, so please don't question my personal honor."
Bobbi gives Inka a return wink. "I haven't even touched my real power. It's rather disgusting, sort of like this duel. I'd prefer to keep talking as long as possible."
The oozy person continues to waggle the morningstar, perhaps a bit suggestively even, in Remaio's direction. "I don't suppose your performance lingers, then? Quick in and outs?" Bobbi offers with a bit of a smirk to Remaio. "You keep hammering on the fact I've got a significant handicap, what would your honored ancestor think? I think she'd be rather disappointed with you right now."
Bobbi gives a smile. At least, they hope it's a smile and not a grimace as they look at the wooden blade. "Admittedly, I haven't trained with swords. The restrictions of the woods prohibit the use of such armaments." they note, then smile again, picking up a nice wooden morningstar instead of the offered blade. "I have no desire to fight you, Master Remaio. But if it will make you feel better about yourself in the morning, have at me." Bobbi offers, twirling the bludgeoning weapon defensively.
Combat Stuff:
"Okay, so... I have a few questions. As members of the nobility do we *need* to accept this request for dueling for some sort of qualifcation criteria, or could we arguably say that such is 'beneath our station' and refuse to accept?" Bobbi inquires honestly. "What are the ramifications of such for someone who isn't from around here?" Hey, I don't make up their silly rules, and it's not like Andoran is going to accept any titles or claims of nobility... oh... crud... I may not be able to go home since I'm apparently now a noble... or maybe we can work something out?
The forlorn hope is that someone backs at least some of what Bobbi said and/or evidence backs it up or such. Also, did not mention the bird construct specifically because it wasn't listed as one of the things PLUS it was in really, really bad shape to be bringing to a gathering like this -- one jostle and we'd be poiisoning the party. If that should have been noted as well, my apologies for the omission.
"Bobbi Libertas, Your Highness." they offer with a polite tone and trying to curtsey as formally as possible despite not having had courtly training, because this is kind of important. "Before I begin, Your Highness, I must admit I am from Andoran, and some of the mechanics involved here were discarded during the People's Revolt BECAUSE of some of the failings noted by my fellow explorers as well as members of the court. That being said, we also pride ourselves on taking stands and doing the right thing -- and in this particular case it is the besmirched name of one of the greatest heroes Taldor has chosen to forget about. If she had been funded and well, she could have possibly brought Andoran back into the fold. Instead, she was given the curse of ignominy and disgrace." They pause for a moment then continue. "That disgrace led to other loyal members of Honaria Alcasti's following succumbing to the darkness in their hearts. While we were exploring the tomb of Honaria, we found the following military honors and accolades, preserved with her place of rest." Bobbi carefully pulls the varied rows of ribbons, medals, pendants, and other honors out with reverent care, presenting them to the Princess. "I mentioned darkness in the hearts. Italice Cenbari, a scion of the Cenbari family was murdered in the tomb in a misguided and dark-hearted effort on the part of a follower of Honaria. They had become so distraught over all the good that had been done for Taldor... and then was promptly swept away as if it had never happened. That neither condones nor excuses the villainry that transpired there -- but it does explain it to a limited degree. Italice has since been returned to their family with according honors, to be buried in accordance with the wishes of the Cenbari line. If Honaria's honor and standing is restored in the court, it is the humble suggestion of this outlander that any remaining assets of the House be offered to the Cenbari family as belated amends for the crime against them." "The second part of the question Your Highness has put to us as explorers and historians is 'Does Remaio Alcasti reflect the honor, integrity, and dignity that his treasured ancestor Honaria possessed?' As much as it pains me to say thus, Remaio was at best a paymaster, at worst a taskmaster -- both things we frown on a bit in Andoran. It is true that he bought this amazing garment for me, as well as my fellow companions. It is also true that he is invested in this process, or we would not be here speaking to Your Highness." "When we were in the basement of the Basillica, Remaio did eagerly jump upon the bust of his departed ancestor and left us to 'handle the rest of the matters'. Instead of helping us de-escalate a conflict with some trespassers as his ancestor Honaria might have, he RAN. Not because he was a coward, but because he felt that what he needed to secure this claim was more important than the lives of other living beings... one of whom died tragically at my hands." Bobbi adopts a thousand-yard stare for a moment or two before shaking it off. "If Your Highness does decide to grant Honaria the honors she was unjustly and unfairly stripped of, let not the full weight and burden of that judgement fall upon Remaio. He has much to learn in the ways of being a decent person.. and a proper noble. Perhaps as a lesser station, such as a knight or a baronet or whatever they're called these days it might be a chance for him to learn to not only work for the People... but also for the nobility."
Bobbi's mindset atm: -Support Honaria's bid to have her honor restored. She was given a rotten deal because of politics and she should be restored. From a political perspective it shows that Eutropia is taking steps to fix the 'problems' that Taldor has had. --Don't support Remaio's bid for nobility. He embodies all that is the worst of nobility, and if Bobbi were a Twilight Talon, he'd support the bid to totally screw over Eutropia's effort to bring nobility into the modern era. Remember what Eutropia is looking for, then consider what Remaio is. Does him getting to be a noble do *anything* for what she is looking for? The above being said, if the party wants to go the 'easier' route, Bobbi IS a Confirmed Pathfinder and will Explore, Report, and most importantly COOPERATE. :)
Bobbi does NOT like Remaio. They hold them at least partially responsible for the blood on their hands in the basement of the Cathedral, plus the fact that Remaio has at best been treating the party like 'hired help' in the worst traditions of why Andoran got rid of their nobility. To enforce cooperation at the 'game level' at the convention where I ran chunks of this, GMs were given the permission to pick either option if they GM'd sections of the Quest, provided the party was successful. Admittedly, that's the 'easy' way out. Providing the possibility as an idea, should the party be successful, of course. GM Lorenzo has full run of the table in question.
Bobbi glances over at Captain Seferi thoughtfully, then back to Inka casually after Lady Gloriana walks over and makes the comment about assistance. One strong-willed woman to another? That may be either the perfect combination OR a recipe for disaster. But how to get them to talk? I'm kind of pinned down here...
Bobbi 'ripples' a bit under the punch as they join in the laughter politely. "Sorry about that, I'm rather gelid about how good-humored you're being about all of this. Usually there's screaming and shouting and pitchforks. And torches. Must not forget the torches." After having done their fair bit to light the conversational fire, the semi-solid person smiles then considers, glancing over at Eutropia. "What's your take on the Princess?" they offer with a curious tone.
Bobbi approaches Inka and offers their arm for wrestling. Predictably, they get trounced, but Bobbi rolls with it, letting their arm sort of go all noodle-y and tentacle-ish as Inka drives forth the win. The formless arm is held for a moment before the semi-solid person forces it to be an arm once more.
"You want a tale of heroism, of derring-do? Most of the exploits I'd relate I'd have to kill you or forward your name to someone to do it for me because man, you've got the strength of a bear." Bobbi begins, then looks at the arm with a thousand-yard stare before continuing. "I was in the devil-worshipping lands of Cheliax, doing my part to fight for the cause of Freedom and liberate some folks that were being prepared as sacrifices. That was the easy part -- we managed to free several dozen souls who would have met horrible fates that day. When it came time to extract, though? I drew the short straw and had to wait the longest, and Abrogail's flunkies found me. So they thought it'd be amusing to see what I'd do freed from the burden of having a skeleton. They called up one of their infernal pets, hooked me up to some damned machine... and kept me alive for kicks as they took bone by bone, holding it up in front of me, mocking me in profane ways. I have no idea how long it went on, I lost consciousness so many times just to be woken up again to... you guessed it, another bone being yanked out of my body. A recovery team managed to save me but by then... the damage was done." Bobbi lets the limb sort of 'puddle' on the table, save for the connection to the rest of their body before drawing it together once more. "Thankfully, the druids of the Western Verduran Forest were able to help me gain some control, but it's been a hard journey that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Moral of the story, because every story has a good moral? Don't get boned in Cheliax." they offer with a wry smile.
I really don't have a good way to continue discussion/action with the Captain. Dol is already well ahead on offering clothing, and Ijo already mentioned Menander as a target. Because we're in the middle of a conversation with Seferi, it's going to be highly difficult for Ijo to pass along the information he knows about Eutropia. I'm having a feeling that that in this particular case Bobbi can't do anything to help without making things worse. I don't like that feeling, and I wish I didn't have it, but that's where I'm at?
"I'm not sure what the heck it is I'm drinking, other than it's something alcoholic and I'm feeling it a bit. Probably should have eaten something first but I didn't want to gross anyone out." Bobbi offers to Ijo in explanation then sketches a salute to the Captain. "I'm honestly a bit terrified I'm messing all these interactions up. Straight-up, what's your opinion of Remaio Alcasti, what do you know and think of what's going on tonight, and what brings someone as uncomfortable with events as at least I am here?" Bobbi inquires of Seferi with a bit of a tipsy wobble and a wavering of their hand as they fight to remain focused.
"I may be from another country, but the needs of a good organizational framework are paramount in any nation, lest they become failed states." Bobbi offers with a winning smile to Solomon before gliding over towards Captain Seferi. They don't strike up a conversation, though, instead sort of 'dancing' around the edges of her periphery while getting a drink to act as both a prop and a bolstering agent.
Bobbi took a bit longer to get disengaged from Theon than expected, as they weren't quite sure how to do it the 'proper' way and inadvertently extended the conversation for a few more precious moments. This in turn delayed their approach to Morilla, which had a trickle-down effect of preventing them from being in the immediate interaction with the poor put-upon bureaucrat and the equine needs of their child. They do, however, pull out a small pouch and exchange it to the fellow while shaking hands.
"I couldn't help but hear about the pony needs. Such a fine addition to your family is going to require feed, and lodging, and proper care. Being ill-funded adventuring types, that should at least help with such logistics." Bobbi offers politely, then considers the question. "If we were intending ill-will, do you think it would be wise to approach you openly at a gathering like this where there are many eyes and ears about? I hardly think that presenting this information be a good idea, right? It has much more weight if it is kept... private."
Bobbi blinks a few times at the simpler response. That wasn't QUITE what they were expecting from an educated Taldan noble putting on some airs of entitlement. Bobbi thought they'd spoken the proper noble-ese to get the point across. They boil it down a bit more simply.
"We will be going for full disclosure. We promised Amantius we would."
"I will confer with the team as to whether or not we should retain this or return it to you. Remains long lost laid to proper rest is important." Bobbi nods slightly though their facial features take on a brief distortion. "The legendry of Honaria is of import -- family feuds from the long past hamper the future glory of Taldor no matter who is cutting the pie. However, as she is dead and gone it would not generally hurt to have her service to the Crown at least acknowledged? I'm from out-country, sir, so my personal opinion is that a person should be able to stand on their strengths as well as their forbears. Who an ancestor was in the past should be an inspiration to the continued health and well-being of a given line, not a crutch to lean upon nor a shoring timber? Also, consider the ramifications -- if your family did support the re-instatement of the Alcasti legacy, the Alcasti would be bound to yours in a debt of honor, that the line would be pressed to honor in all future dealings, right? And that'd be significant, I suspect?" Bobbi nods eagerly. "Yes! I'm firmly of the belief that bringing forth both the good and the ill surrounding Honaria and her family is important to the continued well-being of the system. If true yet scandalous items are suppressed for some coarse gain, then no one benefits -- wouldn't you agree? Your family has suffered under the pain of loss for far too long, and the story needs to be told."
"Thank you, Father. May Aroden return and reward yourr faithful vigilance. Amen." Bobbi offers politey and hopefully not too out of tone with the patriarch's blessing. Bobbi waits for the crowd to disperse around Inka then reconsiders as she goes back 'on duty' for a bit. I'll come back to her in a little bit. Let's see what else I can do to help. The be-gowned fluid entity makes their way over to Theoh and gives a polite smile. "Mister Cenbari, it is hoped that at long last Italice has been put to proper rest?" they begin hopefully, "I was part of the team that helped recover them and bring them home."
"Father, you'll probably be asked questions about the bust, the important history behind it, and possibly even the character of the person who wanted it recovered. Honesty is always the best policy, yes?" Bobbi inquires gently, hopefully reminding the man of faith of the particulars of the recovery, and how the effort to recover it and other items vital to the Cathedral transpired. "Most importantly, remember at what level of commitment our team was at, risking life and limb to make sure that your house of worship was secured well -- and what our employer was up to during said time as well. I cannot going to promise huge piles of gold that I may never see to help upkeep the Cathedral. That would be dishonest and you're much better than some mercenary -- you have the history of Aroden to keep alive. Others here though may have those resources, and I am at least willing to speak to them on behalf of the historical and symbolic significance of your work?"
Nah, the frustration isn't in the scenario, it was in having to work six days straight and being beaten up by that, then having to prep for any of a number of scenarios that may or may not fire this weekend at a local mini-con. Sandboxes like social dinners are always a daunting challenge, both for GM and for players. Apologies if I made life more difficult for not following the rest of the party over to the Ulfen Guard person.
Bobbi was watching the party all start to head over to the Ulfen and realized that piling on a hardened warrior -- or even one that appeared to be hardened -- was probably not the best idea. Instead, with a somewhat uncanny fluid grace they made their way over to Father Basri, fighting the urge to shudder. We're not in the basement. We're not facing ratfolk. It wasn't his fault. We can do this. "Oh, hello there Father! How is the collection doing? Have you made any progress on getting more assistance for the Cathedral? It's an amazing place full of history, isn't it?" they offer hopefully and helpfully when a good conversational window opens up.
This does have to be balanced with an entire party feeling frustration because they 'mob-tag-teamed' a given social encounter to try and get at least *one* aid. Sometimes the visual depiction or description of a given NPC can tell a player all they need to know about a character. -- there was a Season Eight scenario (alas, over VTT) where my less than astute barbarian managed to snag a success in a social encounter by observing the interaction between an NPC and their pet, and walking up complimenting them on how awesome the bond between them was at a fancy party. Up until that point the entire party was worse than being in need of a slight pull -- we literally had no idea WHERE to start. ...which is why I'm really glad Dol at least opened with something.
Bobbi, who was busy trying to figure out who to talk to but kind of dragged along with the rest of the team for 'presentation' to the Princess is at a loss for words for a few moments before giving a polite curtsey. "Bobbi Libertas, miss." they offer for a hopeful way of addressing the bigwig properly. Why did we go here first? There's some nice shadows and plants along the wall that would work just fine! "I suspect that he had concerns that were involved with all the noble stuff. Please forgive, I'm from Andoran, and we don't hold to a lot of these formalities under typical conditions." There's a bit of a pause as Bobbi parses the second question, then glances around warily to see who is within earshot before quietly mentioning "Andoran got rid of its' nobility because they were too focused on social graces and not paying attention to the needs of the state. Too much family interest and not enough in the welfare of an entire nation is bad for any nation, wouldn't you agree? That being said, Honaria did get a rotten deal." With a bit more loud tone -- but not obnoxiously so -- Bobbi does a slight flourish with the gown. "He was certain to get me this charming piece, after all." they offer with a smile. Sense Motive (for Eutropia) Secret Message:
I'm really uncomfortable being here but we're trying to put on a good show so please don't kill me or my friends or demand Remaio's head?
"To go back to your question about moral courage, miss? It's being able to know when a thing is right and when it is wrong and when someone needs to say or do something about it. Get too tied up in the details and... bad things happen as you forget the important things."
Bobbi read the letter with a bit of rising bile via a singular pseudopod. Nowhere was the mention of the various adventures that the Pathfinder Society had performed on behalf of Remaio, and nowhere were any mentions of the various exotic locations that the team had explored on his behalf. The comment about measurements draws a strange expression from the oozy entity's countenance. The bundle of cloth they've been given seems more formless than the rest, with golden trim accents done in tasteful avian style -- but definitely NOT the golden eagle of Andoran... if anything the 'golden sparrow' of Andoran. The signet is likewise a 'nice symbolic gesture' but might ring similarly hollow. There is a possibility, however, that Remaio doesn't realize the significance of the Golden Eagles to the former Taldan province OR this is a slight political concession to get the shapeless person some sort of outfit that would 'match'. With a bit of a nod and respectful thanks Bobbi finds a private spot to change and then rejoins the party, filling out the garment well but not overly so. "Does it look suitable for the task at hand?" they inquire with a bit of a nervous tone but a polite smile. I have no idea if this is what it's supposed to look like, I hope I didn't mess it up.
However, due to the focus of keeping their form appropriate for the garment and trying not to dissolve into a nervous puddle -- literally in this case -- Bobbi has a hard time recalling anything of importance and fights to keep their own nervousness from becoming infectious. You're a Pathfinder Society Agent. This is nothing compared to some of the things you've already had to do in the field. Get a grip already! "You're all looking pretty sharp! We can do this." the oozy person offers after another moment or two of what appears to be some sort of mental struggle.
"It's not hard to see where the Chelaxians get their Stupid evil heritage from." Bobbi comments off-handedly, a quiver quaking through their whole form. "We're a group of explorers, and some of us might even have the resources to get you repaired and/or connected with someone who can. As an Andoran, I'm firmly in the belief that freedom requries disclosure, and the only way to be free of the tyranny of ignorance is to learn as much as you can. So yes, I'm at least willing to share the information with the pertinent parties as you request, Amentius." They strongly resist the urge to comment on Melicertes' comment about body-shaming. As someone who has a hard enough keeping ANY form, it'd be very easy to snipe back, and that wouldn't do anyone any good right now. "Thank you, Dol."
"Okay, let's pull back a bit and see what things we have that MIGHT help, then." Bobbi offers, pulling out their backpack and all the things that are in it: Alchemist's fire (3), holy water (2), sling, sling bullets, chalk, chalkboard, silk rope, trail rations, two torches, and a waterskin. "You could also try to use my shield to block some of the acid if you want, it's made of darkwood."
Bobbi relaxes for a moment as the strange dog collapses, then spasms weirdly as their body reacts to the electrical charge, pseudopods forming and absorbing and half-melting a 'hole' in themselves where the bulk of the charge hit -- almost as if their body tried to react to the incoming damage -- before pulling themselves back together. "OWWWW!" They pant for a moment while checking on the rest of the team and making sure that they don't discombobulate any fiurther. When Dol lets forth the channels the oozy entity gives a smile of thanks and a 'thumb's up'. As the team examines the door, Bobbi tries to keep an ear out for anything behind the door. It is a crypt... after all.
Bobbi blinks for a moment as the musty air of the crypt washes over their person, carrying with it the vibrations of many different things as well as the party. They pick up one of the spears if no one else grabs it, then points dramatically with a tendril popped out of their neck at the door worriedly before withdrawing it back into themselves. They attempt to brace their spear in the event something comes charging out of the opened door.
As the door opens Bobbi takes the opportunity to slither out of their pot and reform, stretching a bit and checking to make sure their limbs work and their body is solid. "We should be very careful that we don't run into looters, and treat everything with respect... which apparently at least some people had a hard time doing!" the oozy entity offers. "And if we can, see what else we can learn about the line and the family, this is history after all." That being said, they take careful notes of the tablet and it's positioning. Pathfindering is hard work sometimes.
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