Dougle seems pleased with the speed at which you all divide up the tasks that need doing and actually smiles broadly as he produces a cigar and lights up.
"Perfect! I wish all the Pathfinders that came through had as much get-up-and-go as you lot do. That's got it settled, then. Vinius, since everything's accounted for I'll leave it up to you what you want to help out with. Zig, I don't want you on any one job in particular. Just mingle and be ready to jump in and help one of these folks if they need it, alright?"
The halfling pauses and considers the implications of asking Zig to potentially help translate or do anything up on stage.
"Wait, no. Just be ready to help with the drinks, breaking up trouble, things like that. When it comes to translating and performing, too many cooks spoil the soup."
He claps his hands sharply. "Alrighty then! Sounds like we're set. Take your places everyone and let's make this party one to remember!"
______________
After the briefing is concluded and you head back out to the common room you find that Dougle seems to have been waiting for you. He motions for the six of you, as well as for Vinius, Zig, and the Bardic Trio to all join him at the bar. Once everyone is assembled, the halfling claps his hands together to get everyone's attention.
"Alright, so here’s the deal - there’ll be a lot happening tonight and there’ll be a lot of different pies needing fingers in ‘em. Here’s what’ll need doing..."
"Security. This one’s a no-brainer - or at least I hope it is. Keep the guests in line and break up any arguments you catch wind of before things go to pot."
"I’ll need someone over at the bar, pouring drinks. Just doing the job is easy enough but I want whoever’s working the bar to make it entertaining. Add a little flair or pizzaz to your pour and entertain the guests. Got it?"
"Next, someone’s gotta bring the food around and make sure the right dish gets to the right guest. Oh and be sure to smile, make some small chit chat, that sort of thing. Most of these folks appreciate a personal touch."
For some totally inexplicable reason, Dougle gives a rather pointed look to Garif as he explains the next task. "Gods only know that a lot of Pathfinders adopt all manner of critters and bring ‘em everywhere. I'll need someone on critter duty to make sure they all get fed and tended to - brushing manes, exercise, whatever needs doing."
He pauses as he seems to mentally check off the tasks he’s described. "Right, those are the most important jobs. These last two, not so much, but if someone’s able to help out then so much the better. First, if anyone’s musically inclined and all that, the trio over here’d probably love to have you sing along or dance or whatever. And second, if anyone here has a way with languages, we could always use a translator. Not everyone speaks Common that well and some folks might feel more at ease speaking their own tongues. If you see someone struggling and you can help, jump in and do it."
"I think that’s everything. Figure out among yourselves who’s doing what and then we’ll get to work getting everything set up and ready to go. Got it?"
______________
So here is how this will work. Each task must have at least one of you assigned to it (apart from the two optional ones). Each one of you must do at least one, but some of you may do two. Multiple characters can perform the same task but Aid Another is not allowed. In addition to the listed skills, you can use Profession: Servant or another relevant skill check.
Security: Use Intimidate to break up arguments and keep guests in line.
Pouring Drinks: But make it entertaining. Sleight of hand.
Deliver Food: Make sure the right person gets the right meal. Diplomacy.
Feed & Tend the Animals: Self-explanatory. Handle Animal.
Translate for Guests (Optional): Linguistics.
Perform with the Bards (Optional): A Perform of your choice.
Please work out the distribution of jobs either here or over in Discussion, whichever is easiest. For the moment we'll just do one 'round' of checks. If you want to try a different task after everyone has had a go, we'll deal with that separately. You can also listen in on guests while you perform your tasks (extra Diplomacy check) to see what you can pick up in the way of small talk. Have fun and be creative; if you want to use a skill that isn't referenced above, give me a good RP case for and I just might let it work ;)
Heading over to the halfling, Iovo apologizes “It is my fault really, I distracted her while she was busy with the lanterns. My name is Iovo, pleased to meet you! Are you in charge here? Is there anything you need help with?”
"Dougle," the halfling responds with a gruff nod. "And yeah, pretty much. I'm in charge of planning tonight's festivities and making sure everything runs smoothly. Might need some more help when we get closer to the kick-off but for the moment I think we're pretty good."
After a pause, he adds, "Thank ya for asking, though."
"Eh? Oh, one of those little plant-people went to fetch him," Dougle replies distractedly. "A leashie? Big daisies around its'...um, her, face. Said she'd be right back with him, right before you folks walked back in."
______________
As Santiago and Wymarc approach the area where the three siblings lay, Dougle is quick to rise to his feet and moves to intercept them and anyone else who tries to get too close.
"Hey whoa, there's enough of a crowd as it is! They were taking a break between sets and having a few drinks," the halfling explains. "I didn't see it myself but some of the other agents said they just collapsed and went into convulsions. Good thing there's plenty of folks here with first aid training and access to curative magic, else I reckon they'd all three be pushing daisies right now!"
The halfling glances around the common room, frowning. "Roderus went down to his office a few minutes before all hell broke loose; I sent one of the others to fetch him. As for Zig, I dunno...last I saw him, he was headed back to the kitchen."
"But anyway, don't you folks worry - everything's under control and that one there's a priest of Sarenrae," Dougle gestures to one of the Pathfinder agents currently kneeling next to Kitt. "He's been right there with them this whole time."
At hearing his presence mentioned, the priest glances up. "Yes. They're still in shock, and weak, but I believe they'll make a full recovery - Dawnbringer be praised!"
______________
"Oooh...um, you know what? I think I can take it from here," Dougle winces, pulling out a handkerchief and offering it to Vinius. "Why don't the two of you head back inside and uh...clean yourselves up? And maybe have a cleric look at your eyes, Vinius...if, y'know, that was acid spit or something...not that I know anything about camels..."
And it's about this time that Lauranna cheerfully offers to step up and try her hand at critter-wrangling as well, much to Dougle's delight.
"Even better! Critters take a lot of work and I think we've pretty well got things covered in here, so you and Vinius are on Critter Duty. And now that's everyone and just in time, too. Take your places and get ready!"
With that, Dougle beckons for Joe and Wymarc to follow him as he heads back behind the bar.
Several posts incoming, please stand by...
______________
"Alrighty, so that's food and drinks taken care of, two of you on security - good idea, Pathfinders are a rowdy bunch - and one of you pulling double duty on translation and entertainment," Dougle remarks after a bit of back-and-forth between everyone present.
"The bards'll do their thing, of course. Zig, instead of giving you any one job I just want you to float around and help everyone else out with whatever needs doing, alright?"
Dougle checks off each of the tasks on his fingers, only stopping when he reaches Critter Management.
"Hmm...no pet people this time? Can't blame you, they're usually more trouble than they're worth."
After having filed out of Roderus' meeting room - some of you in a better mood than others - you all eventually make your way back out to the inn's common room where Dougle is waiting for you. Once all of you have filed back into the common room the halfling claps his hands together to get everyone’s attention. The bardic trio, now putting the finishing touches on their stage, pause in their work and the young woman from earlier hops down from a small stool she'd been standing on and takes a seat, eyes on the dour halfling. And while he looks a little worse for the wear after tending to Lauranna's 'horse' - what is that stuff staining his sleeve? - Zig's expression is as eager as ever as he awaits instructions.
"Alright, I think most of you already know each other except maybe for Vinius there," Dougle gestures to the woman who nods in reply. "So here’s the deal - there’ll be a lot happening tonight and there’ll be a lot of different pies needing fingers in ‘em. Here’s what’ll need doing…"
"Security. This one’s a no-brainer - or at least I hope it is. Keep the guests in line and break up any arguments you catch wind of before things go to pot."
"I’ll need someone over at the bar, pouring drinks. Just doing the job is easy enough but I want whoever’s working the bar to make it entertaining. Add a little flair or pizzaz to your pour and entertain the guests."
"Next, someone’s gotta bring the food around and make sure the right dish gets to the right guest. Oh and be sure to smile, make some small chitchat, that sort of thing. Most of these folks appreciate a personal touch."
"Oh yeah, and is anyone here good with critters? Because gods only know that Pathfinders seem to adopt all manner of critters and bring ‘em everywhere. Whoever’s on critter duty needs to make sure they all get fed and tended to - brushing manes, exercise, whatever needs doing."
Dougle pauses as he seems to mentally check off the tasks he’s described. "Right, those are the most important jobs. These last two, not so much, but if someone’s able to help out then so much the better. First, if anyone’s musically inclined and all that, the trio over there’d probably love to have you sing along or dance or whatever. And second, if anyone here has a way with languages, we could always use a translator. Not everyone speaks Common that well and some folks might feel more at ease speaking their own tongues. If you see someone struggling and you can help, jump in and do it."
"I think that’s everything. Figure out among yourselves who’s doing what and then we’ll get to work getting everything set up and ready to go. Got it? Any questions, now's the time to ask 'em."
Santiago wrote:
"Roderus told us your in charge of the party, and I'll do as you ask. I've skills well-suited to supporting the entertainers. Favorable position to overwatch the guests and mingle during breaks in the set."
When Santiago quickly approaches, a task already in mind and good manners to boot, Dougle's dour expression brightens. "A go-getter! That's what I like to see! Sure, go help 'em out if that's where you think you'll shine best."
Santiago:
Dougle seems to mean what he says. Doesn't seem like there are any hidden meanings to his instructions or unusual/out of place emotions bubbling under the surface.
______________
One additional explanatory post to follow, please stand by~
"A birthday party?" Lucky asks as he sips his salty beer. "My invite said retirement party. I am in the right place, aren't I? This is Venture-Captain Roderus' do? Or did he decide to retire on his birthday? That would make sense I suppose."
Lucky watches the band set up with interest.
What strange turns a pathfinder's career takes. From fighting goblins to being served drinks by one!
He whispers to the barkeep: "Dougle, mate? How'd you end up with a goblin pot-boy? They're vicious little sods, goblins. Their overgrown hobgoblin cousins did for my clan back in Isger. You know what you've let yourself in for here?"
Dougle throws up his hands, clearly exasperated.
"See?? I'm busier than a one-armed paperhanger! So busy I can't even remember what the heck kind of party we're throwing, apparently! YES, it's a retirement party, I meant to say retirement and not birthday. If you're here for a retirement party then you're in the right place. And if not, I don't know what to tell you," he huffs.
But when Lucky leans in closer to ask about Zig, the halfling does seem to calm down somewhat. He looks like he's going to simply whisper back...but then sighs as Lauranna spews water all over the place. "Too damn early in the day for this..."
"Well, y'see...the city's a melting pot for all sorts, right? There's actually some goblins living here that...ain't all that bad. For goblins," he explains. "And I guess some things are the same across all types of folks. Ol' Zig's been begging for a job here for ages; seems to look up to you Pathfinder folk or something. Been giving him the brush-off but today I finally had to give in. I needed the help and I gotta admit, he's got plenty of determination...for a goblin."
Then, Dougle chuckles as he pads over and opens a nearby window.
"Doesn't mean I'm not going to put him through his paces like I'd do with anyone else, though."
He sticks his head out the window and bellows, "ZIG! GOT A MESS FOR YOU TO CLEAN IF YOU'RE DONE PLAYING AROUND WITH THE GUEST'S TRANSPORTATION!"
______________
At this, the dour-looking halfling looks up and over in the direction of the young woman who'd just spoken up.
"Another what? Another helping hand around here? You're darn tootin' I am! No, no, not with the set-up right now but during the party itself. Do you have any idea how much work it takes to pull off a proper birthday party? Eh? Eh??"
He sighs as he finishes up Sir Lee's drink and slides it down the bar to him.
"Kids these days, they don't appreciate how much hard work goes into anything, always actin' like folks can just...magic up anything and everything, nice and neat."
And so all of you - yourselves, Kitarlo, and Akarah, make the return journey back down to Heaven's Shore and to The Angel's Wing once more to meet with your friend and ally, Zepha. Zepha is delighted to see you all again and offers his apologies for the situation becoming as complicated as it did.
"Ah, but it all turned out well in the end and you did what you set out to do - heal Valais and restore her soul! While I understand if you wish to return home straight away please know that my home here is open to any of you who would wish to stay for a time and enjoy the sights of Heaven's Shore," he offers, spreading his wings...er, arms...wide.
"After all, even a small slice of Heaven offers endless opportunities - to laugh, to wonder, to learn - does it not?"
"Oh! I am sorry, it's an Elixir of Sacred Breath," Zepha replies. "The magical properties are rather strong so please forgive me for not explaining its use right off."
______________
Feel free to read the spoiler; didn't realize that no one is currently able to make that check!
After another lengthy walk of a couple hours you arrive back at the entrance to Heaven’s Shore and to your surprise you find Zepha there and waiting for you.
"Oh my friends, I have already heard tales and rumors of what transpired in the Great Library," he says as he approaches, his tone full of regret. "News travels fast on the slopes of Heaven, as you might imagine. Poor Valais bereft of her soul, demonic influence at large in the realm, and all of you and my friend Kitarlo in hot water with Altha and his patron!"
The bird-headed archon shakes his head. "I confess that I feel somewhat responsible for your current predicament. If you will allow me, I would like to make it up to you by sharing some interesting rumors that have come to my attention over the past few hours."
"First, there are reports from the Unbent Forest, just outside of Heaven’s Shore, indicating that something has infested the woods there," Zepha informs you. "Another rumor speaks of a haunting in a public square in Heaven’s Shore called the Garden of Laughter. As of now, I’ve heard nothing of where Valais’ soul might have drifted but I will keep my ears to the ground for you. There is also this - please, take it, it might prove useful," he continues as he pulls a vial from his robes and offers it to you.
Spellcraft (DC 26):
This is an Elixir of Sacred Breath.
This functions as an Elixir of Fire Breath except that half of the damage results from divine power and is not subject to being reduced by fire resistance.
Zepha then bows his head.
"I am sorry that I cannot do more, but I fear that Altha would not take kindly to any further interference from me on your behalf. Please, take care on your search and may the gods be with you."
______________
You now have a choice on which lead to pursue first - the Unbent Forest or the Garden of Laughter. Rule of Two is in effect~
"None - that is why I referenced 'journeys' and not this journey in particular," Zepha replies to Rumble, smiling as broadly as one with a beak can manage.
Zepha good-naturedly shakes his willow staff at the azata as he begins to walk from the table. "Remember your manners you child of chaos! Besides, there is work to be done and work works up an appetite!"
______________
The six pieces of cake each act as a potion of Cure Light Wounds and the apple is an Alluring Golden Apple.
Once each of you have had enough time to eat your fill and relax a bit, Zepha hands each of you a golden token that resembles an open book. "Each of these tokens grant a mortal access to the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture for a period of 6 hours. That should be enough time for your task, I hope," the archon explains. "Now that our meal is concluded I will lead you up the mountain to the library - though of course if you have anything that you wish to purchase in the markets first, please feel free to do so."
Picking up a tan bag off a shelf behind him, the bird-headed man hands it to Parison. "Take these treats with you as well. Heaven should be a safe place, but with the level of corruption you're looking to expel nothing can be said to be certain. They will repair your mortal shells should you sustain injury." A peek inside the bag reveals six perfectly wrapped pieces of angel food cake, as well as an apple that appears to be made of solid gold!
"The apple is not meant for eating but should provide a brief distraction to any foes you might encounter on your journeys. Too many beings cannot resist the lure of gold, as you well know."
"Do you have any suggestions or specialities to recommend?"
"Mmm...if you fancy lighter fare I would recommend one of the sandwiches," Zepha replies. "They serve a lovely eggplant parmesan on ciabatta bread, topped with pesto mayonnaise - among others."
Maria Kuerlara wrote:
"Ah hello Zepha, I've been brushing up on my tea ceremonies in case we met again. I apologize for my poor understanding of the one you presented."
Zepha smiles and waves a feathered hand dismissively. "Please, do not let it trouble you. I confess that it was a small test of sorts, to aid me in getting the measure of each of you, but I promise that I did not - and do not - think any less of anyone who is not overly familiar with such things."
Zithembe of the Six Paths wrote:
"It is not so popular or easy to find in modern Garund and impossible in Avistan," he adds by way of unrequested explanation. "Much of what was once familiar to me is now long lost."
"Very clever - Heaven and many of the friendlier Outer Planes often boast cuisine that can be rather difficult to find on the Material Plane," Zepha chuckles. "After all, if such places are a crossroads for travelers then it stands to reason that they would also be a crossroads for all manner of dishes and delicacies!"
Rumble Craterkin wrote:
"Ah, tha birdman, good tah see ya too," he says coolly. "Wha' exactly ar' ya gonna be doin' fer us 'ere?"
"Always eager to get to the heart of the matter, as are most dwarves I've had the pleasure of meeting - an admirable trait," Zepha nods to Rumble. "I only ask your indulgence a little longer, until everyone is finished with their meal. Then we will get down to business."
Effie Gee wrote:
"I'm sure I won't need my gun here. Would you like to see something?"
Effie winks, and gathers up several of the sweet and savoury morsels presented. She tosses them into the air, keeps them all moving, then catches them in her mouth or throws them to the others to catch.
While Effie's antics do draw some rather curious stares from other patrons, Zepha seems unperturbed. In fact, he actually applauds the impromptu performance, as does Kitarlo. Even Valais is cheered by it, her laughter pure and untainted by the demonic influences that plague her.
"Bravo, bravo! That was very well executed, Miss Gee," Zepha smiles. "As for breaking the rules...well, I believe it is something that can be overlooked this time. Though I do encourage you to avoid starting any food fights!"
Parison Drakemoor wrote:
"Zepha!" Parison exclaims as he sees him. "It's great to see you again. I take it things are still well at the shrine of Heng Fei, as is Mikoto."
"Yes, all continues to be well at the shrine and in Yiangma, at least for now," Zepha replies. "I will not lie, we have yet to track down the one masquerading as the Storm Prophet and so my heart remains somewhat uneasy. But worrying will not solve anything, will it? For now, all we can do is maintain a vigilant watch in the area for signs of any dark workings or other unusual activity."
