Edelmira of House Stavian's page

Edelmira cannot restrain a smile at her cousin's vivacity. To have the freedom to just punch someone for being an ass...to not have to play these endless games of words. Just cut through the problem to the source and be done with it.

Her response is far more restrained. "We should refrain from blows, I think. Though the sentiment is certainly understandable."

Hubert leans in. "There is a matter related to our previous talk that requires attention, Lady Edelmira. I beg your leave." He spares a glare for Trendon. Edelmira has known him long enough to know that his disdain for the casanova is mixed with a fair touch of attraction.

Edelmira nods. "You have it. I trust your judgment." As he bows and leaves, Edelmira steps forward. "Now then, shall we all get back to it, eh?"

Edelmira forces a pleasant smile. She knows him by reputation--mostly amongst the young Chelaxian noblewomen at school--and had not found much of what she heard to her liking. Nevertheless, she had concluded that he might be aligned with the cause of revolution, and his presence here as an ally of Martella did point in that direction.

Edelmira inclines her head in regard. "Greetings, Lord Trendon, I have heard much talk of you but not had the occasion to meet. I am Edelmira of House Stavian. Lady Edelmira to most."

Landed titles such as lord are most correctly done Titlename Lastname, so Trendon's father would be the Lord Derexhi. The formation Titlename Firstname, such as Lord Trendon or Lady Edelmira, is a styling meant to indicate respect towards a noble's children. In this case, it's also her making a subtle acknowledgment of Trendon's similar status to hers

Edelmira moves to the Imperial Archives. While the typical modes of conversation in the archives are a bit out of her reach at this time, the excellent showing of her comrades in the senate gives her a speech enough of an air of intellectualism that she is able to make inroads with the scholars.

Using the effect of the Senate Floor unlock to use one of those skills in the archive to make an impression on the room
Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Countess Pace

"There are certain sacrifices or compromises that I am unwilling to make for power. I remain your inferior in such regards." Edelmira feels quite thoroughly the contrary, but she cannot let the Countess know that.

Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

"If you may excuse me, Countess, I have grown too enamored of your enchanting company and must away." She offers a bow and then heads off to meet with Lady Lotheed. The moment that she is turned away from the Countess, Edelmira discards her smile and pleasant demeanor, returning to her typical intense focus.

Lady Lotheed and the Anti-Primo Crew

Edelmira leans in to speak in confidence with her allies. "On the matter of the Countess Pace, I do not expect her to vote to our liking. She cares only for her own success and status and would rather less competition in the games of power of privilege. Should any of you wish to acquiant yourselves with her, play to her selfishness above all else and you will be most successful."
Just RPing her sharing her knowledge of Countess Pace's weakness with the others in case they talk to her

Edelmira waves off Kunala's suggestion of her and Hubert catching up. "Hubert and I would rather get back to work, I am certain. Time is of the essence, after all. If any of you would like assistance with making an impression on a room you will be working in, I am happy to help." She pauses to consider whether to continue, but finally decides it is fine. "I am not particularly adept at impressing the crowds at the archives, so we could consider a trade."

Edie's last social round of this event

Having succeeded in gaining some of the Countess Pace's favor, Edelmira observes her closely for any signs of her feelings on the upcoming vote. She tried to pace the conversation naturally so that the Countess would think she is speaking entirely of her own accord, not wanting to prick the petty Pace's pride. Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Blech, probably not enough, but it's what I've got

Meeting up with Martella and Hubert

"Why, I am as surprised as you are, Lady Lotheed." That is to say, not surprised at all. She smiles softly. "Cassandra, Kunala, may I introduce Hubert Merosett. I am certain you remember Hubert, Nicolette." She nods in regard to her cousin, throwing in the beginnings of a playful smile. Nicolette is perhaps the only one here that would remember them before their names switched. Edelmira returns her attention to the group as a whole. "Hubert is my brother in all but blood, so you can speak as freely with him as you would with me." She takes the seat next to him so they can catch each other up to speed when the opportunity presents itself.

She gives thoughtful evaluations of her own progress and listens with equal--if not greater--interest to her comrades. "I may need to work with the Countess a tad longer to get a full read on her and would like to finish speaking with her before she loses interest." She glances to Hubert. "I am sure Hubert would be happy to deliver a letter or keep an eye on someone."

Edelmira smiles and laughs along to follow Countess Pace's lead. The Countess does appear to at least be legitimately witty, so she has to fake less that she thought. She takes up the Countess's offer to join her,

"You are familiar with young Lorenzo Lancaster, of course. He came to the school in the same class as me and he went at the prospect of finding a 'suitable wife' with a strategy that I would call 'casting a wide net.' And he caught the entire school and the entire city of Egorian in it. And he was persistent, for once he sighted a mark, he would not let them go until they had accepted an invitation to tea. At the meeting, he would subject to them to a barrage of questions about their economic situation and social status. I know this because he even included me in his net, despite my own clear preferences otherwise, and I accepted to have him leave me alone."

"Two months before we were set to graduate, a teacher found him in a tucked-away out-of-use classroom underground having, ahem, 'tea' with a scion of House Charthagnion. Frederick of House Charthagnion." She shrugs, a coy smile emerging. "Now, most of us suspected his 'taste in tea' was of such a character, and this is the 4700s, and nobody cares if you prefer the taste of roses, lilies, or lavendar. The addition of various 'impact implements,' finely-crafted leathers, and a Saint Clydwell's Cross to the scene were not even particularly shocking. The teacher himself was not even upset by any of that."

Edelmira takes a sip of tea, letting the pause add some dramatic pause. "The tour of noble children that the teacher had with him was less receptive though. All of the children were sworn to secrecy in exchange for guaranteed admission. Not long after, Lord Lancaster announced a not-insignificant donation to the school." Edelmira splays her fingers and rests their tips upon her breast in an 'oh me?' gesture. "They sadly forgot to extract such a promise of secrecy from the student chaperone, trusting that she would have discretion on her own." She finishes off her drink. "And do you know why Lorenzo was so insistent about a wife despite his own preference for roses? He wanted to make sure they did not inherit his lands from him. Personally, I think it just goes to show you just how much primogeniture hurts us all, do you not think so?"

Diplomacy to Influence Pace: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Edelmira's storytelling may have taken a bit longer to build up than Pace would have liked, but the details of the context are utterly necessary for the full effect, at least in Edelmira's eyes. She is also not entirely happy with her transition to her true subject of interest at the end there, but it is what she has.

Knowledge (nobility) w/weakness known: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 4 = 16

So, Countess Pace has little loyalty to anyone but herself, and she wants people who can be of use to her. Edelmira can provide a suitable bait for that hook. "I am just returned from my education in Cheliax at the Egorian Officer's Academy. I am sadly just a typical Taldan, nothing so exotic. It was an honor and privilege to be amongst such powerful company. I imagine you would be shocked to hear some of the names. And that is not even getting into the secret embarassments I have seen." Edelmira plays the conversation off as though she is merely a engenue attempting to impress a potential patron with who she knows. If Countess Pace sees it as an opportunity to get leverage versus powerful people, then that is her own genius at work, clearly. She wants Pace to see an engenue with information she does not know the worth of, an easy target for Pace to toy with.

I am purposefully avoiding looking up nobles more than absolutely necessary, so assume the knowledge check is her name-dropping or leaving clear hints towards certain other persons of import that were at the academy at the same time as her

Edelmira moves on to the see the commotion on the dance floor, unsurprised to see Kunala at the center of the spectacle. His specialty has proven quite a boon. Lady Lotheed was wise to notice how such talents would be of use to their cause.

Edelmira pats Kunala on the shoulder as she passes by, leaving it ambiguous whether she was doing so to show approval or to politely maneuver past him. She approaches

”Countess Pace, I have not had the honor of making your acquaintance but I was simply overcome with a need to compliment you on your exquisite taste in fashion. I am particularly enraptured with how well your spectacles suit the shape of your face.” Edelmira bows. ”You may call me Edelmira. Is there anything I can do to be of service, Countess?”

Attempting to discover her weakness. Trying to get her talking about herself to let something slip while also insinuating that Edelmira can be “useful,” as she knows from her earlier knowledge check that Abrielle tires quickly of people with nothing to offer her
Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Edelmira moves on to the senate floor, having thankfully not needed to intervene with the apiary matter. She says her greetings and pleasantries to the Baron, as well as to the honored Kalbio. Before she moves on to her own tasks, it seems only fair to assist her allies in laying the groundwork for their own missions. ”Baron, it has been far too long. I see that I still make you look a giant, even after these past few years.”

When done with a brief back-and-forth with the Baron, she moves on to Kalbio. ”You have a pleasant demeanor that is most refreshing. My name is Edelmira Stavian. People typically refer to me as Lady Edelmira, but do not worry about such details. I am certain you have enough names and titles to learn.”

Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Edelmira smiles at the Lady. "Why thank you. The way we maintain our tools illustrates our pride in the position that grants them. I would happily let you take a closer look, and I gratefully accept your invitation, though perhaps once I have had more of an opportunity to speak to certain persons of import first."

Edelmira claps and smiles at the speech, but restrains herself from showing her full-throated support. Anyone with half a brain for Taldan politics would know that she has every reason to support doing away with primogeniture, but she gains nothing yet by firmly placing herself on a team. Edelmira has done her own behind-the-scenes work helping her older half-sister get to this point, of course, and she is proud to see this culmination of years of work, both for Eutropia and the small part that she herself played in this affair. Edelmira is inherently skeptical of Taldan reformism, seeing it as the equivalent of trying to patch up a cannon ball wound with shears and gauze, but this situation does provide an excellent opportunity to test the waters and see how the reactionaries, well, react.

Edelmira pretends to simply make her way across the floor to greet various people, when actually she is attempting to discretely approach the apiary.

Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Edelmira does not skip a beat as the guard gives her advice. "Your expertise is valued. I sincerely appreciate your assistance and I will speak to this to our mutual acquiantance. Farewell." She bows her head ever-so-slightly, as though simply showing courtesy to any other humble servant, but her eyes flash with understanding and mischief.

Edelmira makes her entrance in the Arcade of Triumphs. She remains as skeptical as ever of the military, seeing it as always tending towards conservative and nationalistic political forces, but it also provides one of the few avenues open to her to gain the capital--political and otherwise--and connections to fulfill her ambitions, so she will happily play whatever part she needs to.

Knowledge (nobility) w/Nicolette Aid: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 4 = 23

She goes over to witness the display of artifacts with her cousin when she is free. "Ah, the Vernisant family shows its quality once again with these donations. I should expect as much from the line of the great General Arnisant himself. I imagine some--if not all--of these artifacts must date back to his Great Campaign against The Tyrant." She makes sure to speak just loud enough that others nearby can clearly hear her, but not enough that she does not appear to be trying to. Her admiration for Arnisant is not affected. He fought as a liberator, not a conquerer, and he happily gave his life to defeat one of the greatest evils Golarion has ever known. That he did so with no divine magic of his own is all the more reason she views him as an exemplar, one of the pinnacles of mortal achievement.

However, her lauding of the Vernisant family is far less sincere. They have fallen far from the heights of their ancestor, representing all of the worst tendencies of the military and those who devote themselves to it. She is in no position to make those feelings public, though, so for now, she will court their favor.

Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
The bluff is not for influencing, just to show that she is in fact putting on a facade

Edelmira keeps her dagger hidden on her person, even as she walks into the venue with a peacebonded axe and the shining shield on her back. She likes to keep at least one weapon hidden on her person whenever she can.

Sleight of Hand (dagger, heavy clothing): 1d20 + 0 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 0 + 2 + 2 = 16

She wears the same outfit that she wore to the lunch, albeit now with more embellishments, medals, and other awards. She has also added a billowing Taldan military dress cape of green, blue, and gold. She wears her favorite flower, a red carnation, and her perfume smells of a calming sandalwood. She wears barely any makeup, just enough to smooth out her appearance, enough that people without any knowledge of the art the impression she is wearing none at all. She honestly prefers to just do without completely, but she does what she must. She arrives alone. Hubert lacked an invitation of his own, so he is not with her once again, his attention taken by other discrete matters.

She is completely unphased by the sudden inspection, and she follows after the inspector with dignity and grace.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Edelmira munches upon one of the sandwiches. She has a habit of alternating chewing on one side of her mouth and then the other, keeping her bits of approximately similar size. The habit is so natural to her that she no longer needs to think about it, and few people would notice unless paying particular attention to her. The structure calmed her nerves. ”I own little. I have always felt a borrowed library that I have read through entirely is far more valuable than any collection of mint, untouched tomes. I endeavor to follow my cousin’s example and maintain a mind open to learning and new experiences.” She raises her cup in a slight toast as she looks to Nicolette.

”Speaking of borrowed libraries—“ Her attentions turn to Thaddeus. ”—I would love to have a look at your collection sometime, time permitting. I have a few tomes and essays I am attempting to keep an eye out for.” She smiles, a touch a playfulness coloring her voice. ”I am afraid that I cannot just ask whether you have them, as I do not want any more competition.” Truthfully, she simply knows better than to mention the names of various revolutionary texts out loud, especially to admit she is interested in them.

Oh duh! Sorry, I should have rolled twice >_<

Knowledge (nobility) on the Countess: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Edelmira taps her chin as she considers this intelligence on the Duke. ”I see. That is a most curious development. I can think of a number of reasons for that decision, some more mundane and others more dramatic.”

She lists out in her head the possible reasons for such behavior.

1. He is a fatalist
—Attempting to heal them is a denial of his fate.
Note: Arguments based around destiny and fate would be most effective

2. He is a populist
—He would not accept any treatment that would not be accessible to the common folk
Note: Arguments based around the needs of the common folk would be most effective. He would be more likely to already be aligned with progressive ideals, though

3. He is unable
—His legs are damaged in such a manner that healing would not work
Note: The subject of his legs would be a sore subject to be avoided

4. He is an atheist
—He does not want to be beholden to the powers of the gods
Note: While Edelmira’s own atheism is practical enough to allow for divine healing, she can nevertheless connect with him on the subject

5. He wishes to remain injured for an unforeseen reason
Note: To be determined

Thaddeus’s Arrival

Edelmira rests as the scene calms. As she relaxes into her seat, she closes her eyes and holds up her tea to breathe in the steam. ”I apologize, Thaddeus, if I offended at all with my alarmed response. I was worried that you may had been hurt.” She sips on her tea then sets it down, opening her eyes to meet Thaddeus’s. ”I am Edelmira Stavian. You may call me Edelmira. Some insist upon Lady Edelmira but it is not strictly necessary.”

Lady Lotheed

Edelmira inclines her head in a slight nod of regard to Lady Lotheed. ”I shall fulfill this task with alacrity and discretion. Do you have any preliminary intelligence on the Duke and the Countess that may be useful?”

Knowledge (nobility) if needed: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Edelmira places a hand on her hip in a perfect contrapposto stance as she glances to Kunala. ”You will know Hubert when you see him. If he lets you.”

Edelmira does not miss a beat at Lady Lotheed’s question. ”Herbert is attending to other matters. He is, as always, tireless in his devotion. We have been gone a long time and there is much to be done to catch ourselves up on the current affairs of state.”

I plan on using Herbert to flavor the co-conspirators in Edie’s young reformer trait, as well as for later vigilante talents, perhaps culminating in taking leadership. He’ll be doing much behind-the-scenes so as to not clutter things up too much

Edelmira jumps to standing as the new arrival stumbles in. ”Heavens! Are you alright?”

Kunala

Edelmira takes another sip of her tea. ”Thank you for the kind offer, Kunala. However, I am perfectly pleased with my own taste in clothes. I enjoy a bit of symbolism in my dress, and I am willing to sacrifice aesthetics for it.”

Cassandra and Nicolette

Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Edelmira stands as Cassandra enters. An attractive woman indeed, though one she is unfamiliar with. She smiles to herself as Nicolette takes to her usual familiarity in speech. While her cousin insists that it is merely openness and her intention is not to flirt, Edelmira has known her long enough to know that it is not necessarily unwelcome if one were to take it as such and flirt in-kind.

Edelmira nods her head in regard to the newcomer. ”I am Edelmira Stavian. You may call me Edelmira. Some insist upon Lady Edelmira but it is not strictly necessary.” She only sits back down once Cassandra has.

Edelmira pulls back enough from Nicolette’s embrace to have a look at her. ”I know from experience that you are fully capable of mastering anything that you desire to, Cousin.” As she sits, she chooses a bergamot tea to sip upon, surprising no one. She lets a playful smile emerge. ”You mean you have never considered chopping off a few fingers? I hear it is the latest trend in Nidal. The fewer fingertips you have, the higher your status, as you can afford to be without the proper use of your hands.” She shakes her head as she brings up the memory. She had thought it a joke when she heard it, a Chelaxian jibe at their differently-evil cousins in the provinces, only to later have it confirmed first-hand when a Nidalese guest at the school offered to shake her hand. Truly, nobility is beyond parody. The depths people will go to in order to show some petty dominance over another. ”As for my outfit, I can assure you that my instructors have no complaints. And it is only appropriate for Taldan and Chelaxian colors to clash, is it not?”

Edelmira smiles at the question. She anticipated more than her share of questions on the subject. The move had been calculated, as it gave people a subject to focus on. Everyone will fixate on whether or not she is suddenly an Asmodean and completely ignore any possible signs of her actual agenda.

”Not at all. My heart remains dedicated to Taldor. As a recent graduate of the Egorian Officer’s Academy, it is only proper that I dress in my official uniform, especially since I was sent at the behest of the Grand Prince. I must show that I have fulfilled his commands.”

She takes a seat and folds her hands on her lap. ”And you, Kunala? You have not converted to worshipping Zon-Kuthon in the years since I last saw you?”

Edelmira would have taken dancing lessons from Kunala. Made sure to give her a rank of perform (dance) for just that reason!

Diplomacy (gather info): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Edelmira is usually noticed in the following order: eyes, height, hair, clothes. Her eyes are of a piercing pale blue that verges on purple, and she tends to stare with an unflinching directness at whomever has taken her attention. She is much shorter than people expect her to be, though her presence far outweighs her mere 5’2” stature. Her hair is of a creamy brown color and falls free and straight down her back with a couple of ribbons matching her eye color to keep it out of her face. She dresses in the black and red of the Chelaxian military academy she has just returned from. She has taken the liberty of adjusting it to replace the school’s emblem with a Taldan coat-of-arms and added golden Taldan lions as accessories. None of her skin below her neck is visible.

Edelmira arrives to see not one but two familiar faces. One was unsurprising, as she had already suspected that her cousin Nicolette was disposed favorably towards change beyond her charity work. The dancing instructor though? Now that was a surprise. She knows better than anyone that appearances are not everything, so on further thought, her surprise dissipates.

"Good afternoon, Lady Lotheed and dearest cousin Nicolette." Edelmira bows to the Lady and embraces her cousin. She then turns to bow to Kunala. "And my former dancing teacher. What a pleasant surprise!"

Since the people gathered thus far are people she already knows, she would not bother reintroducing herself yet. She does not hold a title, but out of respect for her parentage and her legitimizing, she is often styled as Lady Edelmira.

Edelmira is only just returned from several years in Cheliax, so she looks a bit older and more confident than last she was seen most likely

I updated the backstory (I forgot to add a paragraph last night), and added familiar stats. I'll finish purchases if I get picked.

I've got a con all weekend myself, so I won't be on.

Good luck everyone!

I can easily post once a day

I would like to submit this character (character profile has info). While she's almost completely done, I still need to finish her purchases and put up her familiar's stats. I might tweak the story bits some, but that part is 95% done.