Ottavio's page

Dear Kuro Poe

I was unaware of the desire to perform of the Tien-Xia Tengu troupe of which you speak. And while the performance sounds somewhat avant-garde, my interest is piqued. I will provide the performing space required and look forward to appreciating their performance.

However, and this is an important matter, the soprano mentioned, Baebiana of Old Korvosa, is a personal friend of mine and my protege. Her performance will enthrall all who attend. She has a vocal range like few other performers. I cannot ask her to tone down any aspect of her performance. Would you tone down the vibrant flavors of a vintage red wine? Of course not. The vibrance is the experience. I am sure you understand.

The Viscount Ottavio is not without care for your performers however, so I will make a special arrangement for you. I will personally inspect yourself and Viscount Darius for evil taint, and should I find that the taint comes merely from a battle scar (and nothing more), then I shall permit your entry. In return for this concession, I ask that you speak with the Tengu performers about the sensitivity of their ears to the vibrant performance of my soprano, Baebiana. I feel certain that you will find a way for the magnificent Tengu to appreciate her exquisite performance.

I look forward to your attendance, and that of your consort, the Viscount Darius. You are welcome at the estate of the Viscount Ottavio Emilior.

Kindest wishes and best regards,

Viscount Ottavio Emilior
Taldan Patriot and Recent Hero of Mendev
Faithful Practitioner of the Arodenite Philosophy
Wielder the Fine Falcata of Taldan Steel "Even'star"

An Invitation to Celebrate with the
Viscount Ottavio Emilior

Viscount Ottavio requests the pleasure of your company to celebrate his recent accomplishment

The celebration will take place in the evening on the fifteenth day of Arodus at the newly acquired estate of ‘Haven Arodenis’
located on the Tandek Plains (South of Cassomir).

If you would like to accept this invitation to celebrate, then please reply to -
Festo at the townhouse ‘Cassomirin’ (in Absalom)
or Dulcina Petara (in Magnimar) or Lucilli Cuprino (in Oppara)

There are a few important conditions of attendance that should be carefully reviewed before consideration of attendance stipulated below –

> No goblins, demons, devils or other evil creatures – there is no need for these creatures to attend, their presence is not appreciated by the Viscount – in fact no person who detects as evil or carries any item that detects as evil – the Viscount will not endorse evil actions and does not enjoy the company of evil people or creatures (this includes slavers)

> If you choose to ride to the estate then please do so on a horse or pony, not any other riding beast – other beasts are not common and may frighten the local folk

> Please dress appropriately (or accept the generosity of Viscount Ottavio and permit his staff to provide appropriate dress at the door) – wigs will be supplied for those with unsightly hair or heads

> No alchemists – the estate is newly built and alchemists have gained a reputation for destruction

> No gunslingers – these rare individuals should not attend – their weapons create unsettling noise that the local wildlife does not appreciate – especially when they are shot

> No followers of the Dawnflower – the Viscount cannot guarantee the safety of followers of Sarenrae within the borders of Taldor where her worship is banned – please understand that this is for everyone’s safety

> Animal companions can be left at the gate – they will not be permitted inside - if you are concerned for their safety then please leave them at home – lions and other dangerous beasts prowl the Tandek plains

> No weapons can be brought in to the celebration – appropriate containers will be available to store weapons during the celebration – the Viscount has guards to protect all who join his celebration

> Religion can be the subject of much disagreement even at a civilised function, so the Viscount would appreciate it if religious symbols are not brought to the celebration other than those of Aroden (the Dead God) and if religious matters are discussed, they are the views of Aroden (the Dead God) – the Viscount sees the views of Aroden as sufficiently civilised to all as to have little risk of causing offence

Taldor is Eternal

Hello all good folk of Taldor and the Pathfinder Society,

I, the Viscount Ottavio Emilior, would like to share some of my good fortune with you. I have recently return from some challenging and exciting adventures in distant lands. I will say no more until I see you in person. It has been my good fortune to return richer in both experience and wealth from these adventures and therefore i plan a celebration.

My apologies to all of those who feel that in my absence I have neglected their friendship. Nothing could be further from the truth and now that I have returned alive and good good spirits I am most eager to spend much time with all of those who would call themselves my friends.

So I am extending an invitation to this celebration of my good fortune to all my friends from Taldor and elsewhere, especially those who I have met in my times around the Pathfinder Society. The invitation is following. Believe me this celebration will be as extravagant as only a Taldan Viscount can provide.

If you have any questions, concerns or require special arrangements then please share your thoughts with myself or one of my companions. I will entertain any suggestions, but make no promises. There are certain considerations that you should look over before you reply to my invitation with acceptance.

Yours most respectfully

Viscount Ottavio Emilior

Please note - This is just a good fun excuse to chat. There is no actual celebration out of game.

Lady Gloriana

Do not be overly concerned about the Varisians. As Taldor is a fragrant rose, Varisia is a noxious weed. Our ways and customs will not be easily accepted because they are not ready for them. You cannot teach a child Taldan style when still he suckles at his mother's breast.

Of course they are impressed by our tact and skill, but let them be impressed by our casual opulence. We must show them the things they desire, but not share these things unless they join in our ways. Our love and loyalty for our empire must be paramount. It is something that all nations admire.

My efforts will redouble in Varisia. I will seek an agent in Magnimar who can keep me informed of any situation that might arise. If we seek to have these Varisians understand us, then we must understand them as well.

Let the campaign against the cult of Lissala continue and let our noble Taldan agents be at the forefront. Let us be seen by all. Let us be judged by our actions.

Taldan agents, we must shine as never before. Show no fear and be seen to be first to face the most terrible foes.

Our glorious empire goes on and on,

Viscount Ottavio Emilior

Ottavio looks over and smiles at Mayim, then speaks softly

Mayim, there may be something to what you say, but if you can accept the words I am about to say in good grace, "your words will not inspire Taldor to greatness".
My book, Iconically Taldan, is to be informative and interesting, scholarly and thought-provoking, definitive and yet entertaining. Yet, to be clear, I write to inspire the people of Taldor to realise their potential.
Taldor will rise again. The sun will rise in Taldor for many years to come. There are imperfect things in Taldor, but one only has to meet a Taldan person in any city to recognise the heritage of greatness there - not perfection - that is best left to gods - but greatness. Look and you will see it.
Taldor has its detractors yes. There are many. I meet them and travel with them unfortunately often. But they are not Taldan. They see things from an outsiders perspective and many are envious.
TO be clear, I don't look down on those who are not Taldan. I have both Taldan and non-Taldan friends, but my heart is Taldan. So that is the cause that I champion.
Whatever the truth of Taldor in the eyes of others, in my eyes - the eyes of the author of this book - Taldor is great and we can find many iconically Taldan things to talk about that are great. What do you think?

Ottavio raises his eyebrows for just a second

Fibula you under-rate yourself. You are a mystery and a marvel no doubt.
But no further word of your materious or marvelous nature will be spoken for fear of causing you danger.

It is a pleasure conversing with you. I hope that our Northman friend has finished using your hand to scratch his nose. We will no doubt speak again soon.

Ottavio takes Fibula's other hand (and if she does not withdraw it) he kisses it lightly

Ah Ursus, we need folk like you in Taldor. You are the strong arm and blunt words that stand when finesse and diplomacy fail.

Be well Northman.

Suddenly looking sheepish
Fibula, for a blind woman, you have amazing insight. If you did not see it, then I feel certain that you heard my wink. Or perhaps even tasted it.
You are a mystery to me and no doubt to others, and that is a pleasant experience.
Ottavio bows, nods and winks in Fibula's direction
And whispers, I hope that wasn't too loud?

Again Ottavio waves his hand in front of his face, this time to dismiss what seems to be the smell of brimstone
Pardon me sir. I think you have left something behind that you should have taken with you.

Turning to the Abraduchess
My dear Abraduchess, conversation with you is a joy and you would have to try hard indeed to warrant any need for an apology. I would not stifle our discussion by taking offense to any comment that you would make, and my book will be the better for our discourse.
I am a man who likes his comforts and perhaps that is a weakness on my part. If so then I think I more than make up for it with my energy in other pursuits. I cannot be the man I am without my vices. I am no plain grey monk, rather I am a man of vivid color.
I think we have very like thoughts on matters of Taldor's future and I hope that this coversation will continue and hopefully be joined by others of merit and note.
Abraduchess, I feel that if there were more Taldans like you then we would be a better nation for it. Perhaps that is something that only a man with depth of spirit would notice.
Ottavio bows and smiles

If Taldor was a flower, it would be a rose,
it's beauty admired by all.
If it were a beast, it would be a lion,
the embodiment of courage and pride.
If it were an emotion, it would be passion,
no feeling so potent or compelling.
But a rose has thorns,
and a lion has claws,
and passion can be savage.
Rise men and women of Taldor - your time is now!

For the glory of the Empire

Viscount Ottavio Emilior
Orator and Taldan Patriot

My dear Abraduchess, I am a Pathfinder Chronicler and my skills at compiling a list of what is iconically Taldan will be sure to focus on what will return the empire to ascendancy. It is all in the language used. Please have faith in this humble Viscount.

Honor is something that I respect and uphold when possible, but we must not be naive. When facing an opponent without honor, I will not let honor tie my hands behind my back. If only all felt the same way about honor as we Taldan folk. I will mention honor in my book.

An eye or and ear (or I've heard recently that some use a tongue) to get to the bottom of intrigues. I must confess that I am not always one to pick up on suck subtleties (perhaps from lack of using my tongue for this purpose). I think intrigue itself is more a Taldan iconic concept than the ability to discern the intrigues that surround us.

I feel that we of Taldan blood have art and culture flowing through our veins, but to put a finger on what exactly we have can be difficult. I think that great art is a reflection of a depth of spirit. is that what Taldan people have? Perhaps so.

On the point of appreciation of the finer things, I could not agree with you more. It is the nobility of the Taldan spirit that graces use with such appreciation, but it must be tempered with an appreciation of the moment. The empire must rise.

Do not be concerned sweet Abraduchess, I will not stand idly when I hear the call for true Taldan hearts. The comfort of my armor will only release my attention from the burden of my armor and allow me to better focus on the burdens of my great nation.

Let my book speak of the ways of the great Taldan people and inspire a new age of Taldan passion.

Ottavio smiles in return and reaches out to take the notes
Thank you again. I tell you how things turn out. Not too much though.

And looking over to Fibula and smiling a different smile
Well Fibula, your tasting and licking abilities will no doubt find their place. My advice - if you you have a talent, make it work for you.

And on the opera, while I love to watch and aspire to perform in an opera (although I am more the actor than the opera singer), and while idle gossip is not to my taste, sometimes the opera is not just about the opera. What you see is only a fraction of what is going on. On the stage of life, we are all performers. Ottavio winks

Ottavio brushes the air in front of him as if smelling something foul (or fowl)
Get that bird out of here. Where do they come from? No I don't want to know.

Mayim, you are right that not all fit the typical Taldan appearance. We are all differnet in our own ways. But I am asking what is iconically Taldan, not what do a few Taldan do, but most don't. In my book I want to celebrate what makes us Taldan and distinct from others of Avistan and Golarion.

An odd question about armor. I wear armor anyway. In fact many of those who face the danger of melee combat prefer to wear armor. If you are one so brave that you face those dangers without armor then I salute you. In fact, I, like Illeist, am fond of the comfort enchantment. When wearing something as cumbersome as armor can be, why not do what you can to make it more comfortable and shiny and clean. A very Taldan notion.

I think it is Taldan to use words well, but I am rarely the jokester. Perhaps more the wordsmith. I use my words to beguile and flatter where such notions are appreciated. But, sometimes words are not enough, and on occasion they fall flat. A sword, in fact a Falcata, is a fine backup, and a dazzling display of Falcata mastery is a fine way to put an opponent on the back foot.

My countrymen and countrywomen, my friends, I call to you and request your help with a straightforward task. I would like to discuss with you all that is iconically Taldan - the things that make Taldor great. Perhaps I will compile it into a tome (not to be licked) for the benefit of both current and future generations.

If I might start off, I am something of a swordsman, and I would mention the Falcata. It is a sword design so unique that no nation has developed one better. The weight and balance and style and form of the Falcata is unmatched.
And the style of it's use with a buckler is also Taldan. The Rondelero style is a popular one although personally I have developed my own which I have named the Emilior style in honour of my family. The Falcata seems well paired with a Buckler and while a buckler might not be iconically Taldan, the pair of Falcata and Buckler I would say is.
Then I think of the wigs of Taldor. A wig is an item of high fashion and provides an opportunity to wear ones hair in the latest style even if one has none. Other nations have wigs, but they are not so vital an item of clothing and styling as in Taldor.
The ways of Aroden perhaps are iconically Taldan since his ways have been forgotten in many lesser nations (and perhaps were never known in some others). If I sought a god who defined what is Taldor more than any other, then I think I would choose Aroden.

So my friends, what else sets us apart form the others. What makes Taldor the great nation on the rise that it is? What defines Taldor? What are our strengths? And to be fair, what are our weaknesses? (my never ending oration for one)

Yours iconically
Viscount Ottavio Emilior of Cassomir
Lover of Taldan culture, language and tradition
Admirer of Taldan beauty in its people, its landscapes and its cities
Believer that Taldor is eternal and touched by glory

My dear Cordelia it seems I have been away for just a moment and so much has occured. Trivial matters can sometimes take up so much of a nobleman's time. No matter, I am in esteemed Taldan company once more.
I am ready now to meet with the Taldan ladies who you have recommended. My time is yours, and of course theirs. I wondered if you had had a reply to your sending?

(OOC: Ottavio already has some vanity NPC attendants, but I think the idea of having a 'vanity' spouse for a Taldan character is sensational)

Fibula Bone I think that touch is a marvellous sense, but perhpas not so well suited in polite company. Although in your case, I think that many fair-minded Taldan gentlemen would understand.
Sound is a sensation and the tones of a dulcet Taldane voice in the Opera take me to a harmonious heaven. Talk in the boxes is not really fair to the audience or the performers. I am horrified to think that your performance might have been spoiled. Perhaps it was Chelaxian opera?
Taste, well there are some days when I am so engrossed in my studies that I forget eating and yet that only refreshes my palate for the next meal. In fact, my tastes are what can lead me into trouble and temptation, but enough of that. I do agree with Kreighton though, in most cases tomes are not for licking.
The true delight is to blend the senses. To use all to their fullest in a sensory feast. That is a meal I would devour with gusto.

Ottavio scans the room and then sighs under his breath

Lady Fibula please allow me to show you to a chair and to introduce myself.

Ottavio bows with a bold visual display of gentlemanliness and then remembering that the Oracle is blind, feels a bit sheepish and reaches for her hand to guide her to a chair.

I am Viscount Ottavio Emilior of Cassomir although more recently of Absalom, at your service at least for this simple task of guiding you to a chair. Of course you should call me Ottavio. Titles can be quite a burden sometimes.

You know, I am aquainted with all of the gods from my studies, but I have not had a lot of exposure to Pharasma. In fact I beleive I just felt a shiver down my spine. Is it cold in here? Talk of Pharasma somehow seems to make me feel my own mortality.

Pardon me Lady Fibula, but I must return to my current business here with Cordelia Perseis. I am in the midst of important personal matters, but if I can be of any further service, then please don't hesitate to ask.

And again Ottavio bows splendidly and then realises the somewhat uneccessary nature of a florid bow to a blind woman.

Thank you for making me aware of all of these fine Taldan ladies Cordelia.

They all sound like lovely ladies. You know I have long been fascinated with a woman who aligns herself with Andoran and is a paladin of Iomedae.

I think Iomedae and her followers are a bit too strict in the way they see things and that just isn't me.

So back to your ladies. I know I have mentioned that I find an overabundance of musculature unappealing. To be clear, I am not a delicate waif of a man. I am young and strong, but I won't ever win an arm wrestle with a typical Ulfen guard. So curves are good, but biceps the size of my neck are not my taste.

You know I feel I'm getting frivolous, which is a fault, and I am serious about finding a wife, so pardon me. I'll get back on track.

Olivia Albercroft sounds nice, but business bores me - perhaps strangely for a scholar.
Julia Alcestis might be an interesting woman to meet, but be honest with me, the way you describe her, I fear she might be

I'm sorry, but Fiona Bozbeyli lost me once you said Iomedae. I won't look in that pasture again.
Octavia Coremont from the Kith sounds ravishing. It would be nice to meet her. Actually I fear I might bore her. Some days I'm more quill-seeker than thrill-seeker.
Ok now, Sabina Karthis, well, some of my friends are Qadirans and, live and let live. You know what I mean?
Theodora Pythareus. Now there's a woman I think I'd like to meet. Not too reclusive I hope. She does adventure with the Pathfinders right? I've been hearing a lot of good things about Shelyn recently, and to meet a Shelyn follower without massive biceps and a glaive would be nice. What's with that? Does anyone know?
As for Creusa Themis. Well she sounds nice, and I'd like to cross swords with her sometime (in the training grounds of course), but Cayden Cailean followers seem to be prone to excesses and I am looking for a wife, not a drinking buddy.
So, and I am trying to be absolutely serious here Cordelia, I would be delighted to meet Theodora Pythareus and perhaps Octavia Coremont. They sound like the ladies that I think I might be most interested in. This talk of match-making sounds a little awkward sometimes you know. I think I'll be better at the next stage of actually meeting the ladies.

I bow before you Cordelia. You do me a great service and I am grateful. If things work out I would hope that you would accept an invitation to my wedding, and I would ensure that you would be seated in a place of particular importance.

Lovely to meet you Lady Perseis, and if you will permit me to call you Cordelia, then you may certainly call me Ottavio.

Thank you for looking into this match making for me. I'm not sure how best to do this. Criteria important to me, well ...
* Purity of bloodline is not very important to me. I hope she would be Taldan from a fine Taldan family I guess. Definitely not Chelaxian or a follower of any evil religion. I am not strongly religious, but at times I am inspired by the ways of our dead lord Aroden.
* Compatibility of interests? Well my dear lady, one of my interests is women and I would prefer that she didn't share that one. Other than that, I'm sure you are right, interests are important. Please ask any questions about me that you think you should.
* Compatibility of personality and temperament is very important, but how can we know this without meeting? I have found myself to get along with many people, but not all.
* Political influence of family is an interesting thing. Perhaps strong political influence will no doubt be access to power at the expense of safety and simplicity. I do not think I care too much about this.
* Physical attractiveness is something that I would like - I am only human. Although my lady does not have a need to be the most beautiful woman in Golarion, I would like to find her attractive. Perhaps again meeting her is important too. One man's unattractive is another man's beauty.

* Personal accomplishment might be an important thing. I would like my lady to be my equal in all ways, not a flower who lives in my shadow. I am perhaps not the most accomplished of men, but I have achieved fame and fortune from a long career with the Pathfinder Society and now I like to spend my time penning tales of Pathfinder matters.

I suppose my ideal would be an independent spirit with whom I might share interests and a mutual respect. In truth though, I think I will only know her when I meet her.

How's that so far?

Please ask any questions that come to mind. Cordelia, I think that the more you ask the more likely you are to find me the lady who I seek.

with the most pleasant of regards
a noble servant of great Taldor
Ottavio

Wow!

It seems that I am in the presence of so many great Taldan men and women. I am in esteemed company. What I see and hear here brings a tear to my eye. Taldan brothers and sisters, where are you? I adventure for the Pathfinder Society and meet so few of you. At times I almost forget how great the Taldan people are and yet here you are - the most beautiful people of this world. I bow before you.

A dark haired man bows. He is young and seems of ordinary appearance, although there in a hint to those sharp enough to notice that he chooses to appear this way. His skin is the kind of pale that has rarely seen the sun. Beneath his dark cloak, a shining breastplate can be seen and he wears a falcata of the finest quality by his side.

You Taldan women are the most beautiful and stylish I have seen. Cordelia Livia Cassandra Elysia Perseis, find me a match. I am of an age and a time to seek to settle down. Not old, mind you. I am in the prime of my life. I do not like to blow my own horn, but I am young, wealthy and well educated. By Aroden and my good fortune - I am Taldan.

My falcata skills have been honed by many years of practice and I use mine with a buckler. Although not in the Rondelero style - I prefer my own. I dabble in acting and oratory performance. I know quite something of alchemy, but bombs are not for me, knowledge is my currency. And I know a little of magic and sometimes more than wizards and many sorcerers.

Abraduchess is a title I have not heard, but Sarina vanHoek your deeds are not unknown to me. I feel that in some ways, we may be two peas in a pod. Glory to Taldor as you say. The rise of Taldor is coming. As for those Devil worshippers, I care little for them. Many are upstarts - crude, crass and unexciting. I will raise my glass and drink your toast.

I bow again before you all. The pleasure is mine.

Viscount Ottavio Emilior
(founder of the Emilior style of falcata fightling)

Hello my dear Myffany

My apologies, was I staring. Yes, at your armor, that's right.
Yes. Umm. Charity. She is a lovely woman it is true and I am at times smitten by her, but since I bit her in a fit of insanity she has been somewhat cold around me. I don't think followers of Iomedae are as fond of biting as you might have thought. Also for some reason she is convinced that Taldor is a nest of slavery.
On the slavery point, let me say publicly that I have never owned a slave, nor aspired to do so. All of my retainers are paid or serve me in a capacity where they gain other benefits (enough said). Here I refer to my darling squire, Susanna, who is well trained in Falcata thanks to my somewhat expert tutelage.
And Myffany [whispered] Could you introduce me to your friend Sian? I think you're lovely Myffany, but your muscles overwhlem me. Sian's armor looks nice too. And I am an eligible Taldan noble. Perhaps you could throw something about in my shy, scholarly nature. Remember I do like Shelyn. Just, tell me something about her. Enough to impress her.
You really do confuse me Myffany. Please don't hug me. You really are too strong for a nice young girl. I've been looking out for a potential husband for you, but he will have to be really strong I think.
Anyway I need to get back to my latest Pathfinder Chronicle. Perhaps you'd like to read it sometime. You can read, right? By the way, nice wig! And enough about my battle cries. At least I express my feelings.

Yours teasingly

Viscount Ottavio Emilior
(the shy, studious type)

No doubt Exiled Taldan there are wrong do-ers in the Society, but there are many noble Taldans also. You have a dark opinion of the Society's directives, but much of what they ask leads us to exploration and knowledge.
As you say, we should refrain from injuring fellow Taldans. I know that the members of the Society do not all hold to our noble Taldan ideals. There are plots driven by the merchants of Qadira which in no way further our ideals. Still we must know that the fine spirit of Taldor stands strong in the actions of our countrymen.
I am a Pathfinder Chronicler and write in the books also. What I write will always have the interests of Great Taldor in mind. No doubt other chroniclers have their own bias in their writings.
Let us present a positive image for Grand Taldor wherever we travel and whatever we do. Let us take the lead in Society missions. Let us show the others what it is that we bold sons and daughters of Taldor stand for, and let us do it in the style, flair and fashion that Taldor is famous for.

In Aroden's name

Viscount Ottavio Emilior
(Loyal Taldan man of Cassomir)

Countrymen

I have seen good Taldan patriots on my adventures, but also many with contempt for Taldor. Taldor has a great and glorious past and with our efforts will rise to be great once more. But with all due respect Lord Arthur, I think Taldor will rise regardless of success in the society. Nonetheless through the society we travel the world and have the opportunity to demonstrate the virtue of a true Taldan heart to the world. By our actions and our appearance let us be judged.

Glory to Taldor indeed.

Viscount Ottavio Emilior
(Pathfinder Chronicler, Scholar of the Wise Quarter & Falcata Master)

PS - Huscarl, we need strong Ulfen Guard, but if you wish to be trusted you must learn to love Taldor.