IBBaron Arkov Vandermir's page

The nine hells will freeze before such a union ever took place.

Well, one down, eight to go - Nothing is impossible. I'm sure Baalzebul would love to assist.

our luxuries pale to those of your manor...

"Well, we shall need to remedy that. My staff will bring some items of class and comfort as well. Good! It is settled then. Now, be a dear and go find Elise for me. she will need to come too, obviously."

If I were such a beast I would root the influence out of the city first. Perhaps we should take what we know and find a safe place to prepare for it.

The baron breaks his eyes away from Caladwhen's cleavage for a half second, only to snipe at you: "Then let us take a moment to be thankful, that you, Cole, are merely human."

Then, the half-elf baron touches his chin as he seems to arrive at an idea.
"Perhaps...you two should make babies. That would bring the best out from both of you. Although, of course, I wouldn't want to inflict someone as crude as Cole upon a delicate creature," he says, smoothly gliding over to where Cala has elegantly positioned herself, "such as you. No - you deserve much better than your present company."
Clearly, the semi-intoxicated baron Vandermir has another candidate in mind.

"Hmmm. Perhaps the brute's remarks have some merit. Yes! It is decided - I shall have my staff pack my items and I will take up a room inside your horn!"

Once everyone is in the decadent sitting room, adequately seated and catered for, the baron is his ususal composed, pleasant self.

"what do you know of a certain Argossian?

"The overly shiny b~!~$ is named Argossarian, elf. Although the locals never managed get it right either."

He speaks of the dragon with a fierce, deep grudge. Being riled from your impressive entrance probably isn't any help for him either. He is pacing back and forth as he tells his story.

"She has an obnoxious tendency to mess up plans of our Prince. When you first came here, I was worried she might get involved." He looks at his expensive drink in a fatalistic way. "Might as well finish this while I have the chance....-gullp---ahhhhyyyyOWzahhh- Well, that's a hundred gold well spent..."

He turns back to you.

"Argossarion is clever. I have dealt with - and disposed off, I'm not too embarrassed to tell you - quite a few dragons in my many years. But this one is different. Clever, far too clever for her years. And stealthy. Sneaky. Hell, she might be outside right now and we'd never know it until half of us froze up in one of her breaths. *shakes head* I need another f*king drink"
And, he has one.
"This one is always focused - always on her goal, not to be distracted in any way. She's serious - she doesn't know what amusement is, if you'll believe it. Boring creature... All work, no play. "

He has an odd sort of respect for the creature.

"I encountered her once. When I was younger. We fought. I distinctly remember nothing I did could touch her but fire. Good old hellfire. She's scared to death of it - and with good reason."

He stops pacing, and looks each of you dead in the eye.

"Do us all a favor. Kill it. With fire."

"I...was expecting Zadaria, as you fully realise. She has been... distant, lately. Perhaps tomorrow, then."
Remember, he as yet is unaware of the dire situation Elise and her team are in. This is a point that characters of your intelligence and wisdom would certainly have brought up while planning this field trip, so I'll give it to you for free.

The Baron then seems to see Cole for the first time. Cole, one of Elise's former associates, who was stationed as a bodyguard to the baron on numerous occassions. which is part of the reason why Cole knows so much about the region, and the local business...
When speaking to Cole, the Baron's face and voice take on a whole different tone.
"You! Why did you not announce the visitors? Have you been resuming your habit again? Surely you remember I do not like surprises. Go on - show our guests to the private room. We might as well be civilized about this."

Arriving in the Baron's home unannounced, a radiant Caladwhen calls out upon arrival in an almost musical tone, which is highly highly unusual to hear from her "Baron Vandemir, you have company..."

From the back sitting area the Baron's voice sounds genuinely pleased, dripping with anticipation of what the night might bring. Footsteps indicate his prompt arrival.

"You."

more later.

On the evening before your departure, the Baron seeks you out. Surprisingly, Elise Zadaria is hovering intimately around him, suggestively toying with the baron's hair while absentmindedly smiling at some inner joke.

The baron clearly is happy to see you leave, but there's something else to his demeanor as well. A little pride, maybe. Pride of being a small part of this grand operation. "I admit, you're efficient. Impressively so. When you return to Farholde, please remember to use the safe route to my mansion." He refers of course to the secret passage starting at a nondescript hut at the base of Calliver Green - the hill his mansion is built on. "I already anticipate your glorious return."

Oret @ library:
After a few hours, the baron strolls in, surprised to find you there. He asks you what you're looking for, offering to point you to his most interesting works on those subjects.
When you mention the horn, his face darkens.

"When the Horn was last visited by the Victor's henchmen a few decades ago, the inquisitors of Sarenrae commandeered all writings concerning the horn to be brought to the abbey of Saint Cynthia-Celeste. I have never seen them since."

He looks you straight in the eyes.
"Do you know about the sixth sense of inquisition, when it comes to lies? I had not yet the skill to trick my way out, and I had already lost so much; I simply had to comply."

He raises his hands in a sincere, frustrated apology.
"My apologies, master Stonechild. You will find no answers here."

ooh Cala he really likes what you're doing...
Torn between ordering you killed or ordering celebratory champagne, the baron looks away in contemplation. The hearth then suddenly crackles and releases a shower of sparks upwards, engulfing the golden pentagram.
The baron's eyes follow the sparks and he seems to have made his decision.
"Thank you for your elaborations. I do believe you are sincere in your desire to act, and you seem to have the ability to follow through. Unlike the last 'friend' the cardinal sent my way."
He refers of course to Aiden Kael.
"It would be folly not to jump on the opportunity you provide. So, let us enjoy our desert while we discuss how we may help eachother achieve our own goals. A toast - to our Prince of the Nine!"

The tension in the room dissipates as a beautiful selection of fruits and sweets is brought in.

The main course is served (an exquisit collection of fish specialties and spiced rice) and the servants are dismissed. The baron quickly loses his friendly facade and becomes quite frank.

"You come to me as beggars. The last remnants of a forbidden faith. You have promised me much - very predictable. You will promise me even more, I have no doubt. But all that I am likely to earn from helping you, is the inquisitor's pyre. Tell me now - why should I help the likes of you?"

Now that the...pleasantries have been exchanged, the majordomo leads you all into the lush dining room.

Armored guards stand at each corner of the room, obviously ready to face opposition - but they subtly blend in nicely with the decor, almost appearing like displayed suits of armor.

Hunting trophies are hung on the walls, which have stylish, intricate patterns in gold on red or black. In the fireplace, a quietly rumbling fire explains why the room is so comfortably warm.

As you take your prearranged seats at the huge wooden table with its unique, almost blood-red hue, an attractive servant approaches and quietly and very politely introduces him-or herself to you, asking you politely if you'd prefer someone else to serve you that evening before taking your order for drinks.
When the baron enters, he opens a hidden panel on the fireplace, revealing a pentagram in the chimney that beautifully catches the light from below. Then, he invites those of you who are not yet seated to do so:
"Please, why don't you sit down."