Hanging out at the Chelish Embassy

An armored halfling riding a shaved war dog painted red and black saunters through the old temple of Aroden, now the chelish embassy. Hmmm, where is everybody these days Hellhound?.

A young man sits at one of the various empty tables lining the interior of the grand Chellish Embassy. He is reading a book with a 1/4 full glass of what appears to be a fine Chellish red rested on the table. He runs a hand through his wavy black hair and looks up. He let's out a polite laugh. Here I was, fresh off my latest victory having convinced those Taldan rogues that the great Chellish Empire has not, as of yet, gone to the dogs. I should have known that the debate was far too easy to win. He offers the short armored man a charming smile, lifts the glass and downs the remainder of his drink.

Hail Abraxi! Taldans are a indeed a droll lot. Primping for the latest affair while there's work to be done. But wait, I do know you for I am also in the legal profession. Though my exploits as a public defender may not rival the rising star of the Blood Scribe of house Abraxi.

A young, blue-skinned woman of extraordinary (if unearthly) beauty, clad in a close-fitting riding outfit of pale-blue and white silk, embroidered in a subtle jacquard of arcane runes, enters the embassy, removing a plumed riding hat as she enters, shaking her silvery tresses free. Tall and slender, she moves with an arrogant confidence, as though an aristocrat arriving back in her own home after a leisurely ride. It is quickly whispered through the ranks of staff that she arrived on a nightmare...

"I am of Lady Violetta d'Armand, Countess du Plessis, a client, supposedly, of the Asmodean priest Cardamus, who should be our attorney if he weren't perpetually off on some unimportant errand.

In any case, we have need of some legal paper-pushers, concerning Infernal obligations owed us, and recompense and making-whole and everything therefrom, or however it is lawyer-types like to put it."

She looks... impatient.

"Well? A referral? something? Whom should I speak with here."

I am a defense attorney...merely as a way of grinding a few more gold from the ner do wells I drag in for rightful prosecution. Your activity sounds interesting...who needs to be made whole? I am a more than competant healer. Or if someone needs to be drug before the bar, I know a few Erinyes for hire.

*as soon as the word drugs is mentions a mangy haired specatacled head pops up from the window*
Did someone mention drugs? Cause I know a guy...

I didn't use the word in that context, but do take my card, you look like a return customer.

"It's interesting that you mention "erinyes for hire", as our specific complaint involves an erinyes.

About two years ago, Lady Violetta planar bound an erinyes, and compelled twelve days of service from it; specifically, service as a bodyguard so as to leverage its true seeing, as she was dealing with an enemy known for employing doppleganger assassins. The erinyes, unable to resist the force of the binding, agreed in full. As we know, such bindings are fully protected by the Infernal Courts.

During the second day of service, this erinyes observed an illusion created by an ice devil, and did not reveal the illusion as such to Lady Violetta, even though it was under a specific mandate to use its true seeing to warn her of such dangers. Indeed, it simply said "stay here" and went to "investigate", at which time (we later discovered) it engaged in a telepathic conversation with the other devil. It was in fact, ultimately, slain by the ice devil, who then used a major illusion to lure Lady Violetta into a trap. She fortunately survived and prevailed, but not without considerable harm to some of our allies, as well as her wasting a suffocation spell on the illusory erinyes.

So, our complaint is that some Infernal power provided Lady Violetta with a faulty erinyes. If we want treachery, we'll bind a glabrezu! Not only did this erinyes fail to provide Lady Violetta with full capacity or service (10 days remained), but it resulted in the wasting of quite a few spells - planar binding, magic circle against evil, dimensional anchor, and suffocation at the very least, as well as combat spells. Lady Violetta was also placed in grave danger, which could have necessitated a very costly resurrection... prorating this last spell gives an equivalent caster value of 15000-20000gp. Added to that, obviously, any other monies for inconvenience, pain and suffering, and generally "making whole".

We place it at 50,000gp, easily.

Our desire is for a firm or representation which can procure priestly discovery in Hell - namely, the archdevil responsible for creating this erinyes - and then litigate the case to our satisfaction. We are willing to accept credit at the Bank of Mammon, if this will expedite the case (since we realize such cases can take many years, and credit can accelerate satisfaction.)

If this interests you, let us know; our usual attorney for such matters seems unavailable. Or a referral... we simply wish to proceed!"

The same thing happened to me once. You see my neighbor's brother's exgirlfriends roomate Gary was in this town in Ustalav. We decide to go meet up and do some pesh and things just got way out of hand.

So like I could use some money too. I think I hurt my back in the process. You see this invibile slime monster slapped me up pretty bad. Now I have like this serious head injury. Since I was employed by the mayor of the place can I sue too? Plus I am pretty tramatized by that thing using Gary to paint swirls on his neighbors' house.

Transplanar litigation is sketchy at best. You are better off resummoning that specific Erinyes enacting whatever personal business you have left...no it died a true death on this plane. It is gone yes?

Heccan squints his eyes at the armored halfing upon hearing his house name invoked. After a few moments, his eyes go wide in recognition. By the laws! Do my eyes deceive me? MeriDoc! The famed litigator of Cheliax? In armor no less. Please my friend I will concede that the courts of Egorian could be treacherous, hells even deadly at times, but I was never in fear of immediate physical harm. Please do not tell me that barristers of our caliber must practice their craft in such monsterous get ups. I admit that I have yet only dabbled in practice here since my, er, sabbatical, but I have yet to find the courts of Absalom so hazardous.

Heccan gestures for MeriDoc to join him as he motions for the embassy attendants to provide an additional chair and a fresh glass an new bottle of wine. He pours a glass for MeriDoc then re-fills his own glass and offers the halfling a cheers. I say old friend, do you recall absolutely destroying my old senior partner over that old souls stealing case? I warned that old codger about you, but that bull headed son of a promiscuous Minotaur would have none of it, not from a young arrogant upstart such as myself. He takes a generous draw from his glass of beloved Chellish red. I do not mind telling you, you old pit viper, that I took no small pleasure in seeing you best the old devil. No, I took a rather large pleasure from it. Served him right. I told him we should have bounced that troll out of the office. The facts, and frankly the coin, were on the wrong side of the scale. He downs another swig, draining his glass and begins to refill it and top off MerDoc's. Seeing you certainly brings me back to a much simpler time, when I was in the thick of things back in Egorian, when the world was mine, hells ours, for the plucking...you know, I remember you being taller. He trails off before taking another long swig of wine. Heccan is seemingly greatly enjoying reminiscing about his days as a barrister and lawyer when the blue skinned woman enters the embassy.

Heccan's smile fades a bit and he gives MeriDoc a long look before turning to gaze at the newcomer. He holds his half-empty glass in front of his mouth as he listens to the plight of Violetta d'Armand. He quirks a brow and wears a somewhat smug smirk as he takes in the details. He politely listens to MeriDoc's words of wisdom before rising and approaching the woman.

He walks to her casually with a shockingly disarming smile, he offers his hand and a courtly bow to the maiden before speaking. My dear, I am so sorry to hear of your mistresses plight. To have come all this way, and to the Chellish Embassy no less, certainly speaks volumes as to her predicament. Certainly why she sent her most stunning and exquisite servant to petition and contract for such aid. I doubt there is a mortal alive that could not be swayed to your cause merely by being in the same room. He straightens then tilts his head as he eyes the woman, his smile and demeanor held in a charming and non-threatening way but with a clear hint of mirth. Tricky thing to consort with fiends. Trust me when I say I speak from experience. And an erynies no less. Not a fiend for which it is wise to curry enmity. I am loathe to say this as I am certain your mistress is an expert at dealing with such creatures and has a lifetime of experience in such matters, but what you describe absolutely BEGS me to ask a question or two. One, was the pact you described written? If so, may I see a copy of the document. If not, were you present for the binding or know someone who was and could relate to the the exact wording. I mean the exact wording. These fiends, and the erynies in particular, unfortunately are sticklers for precise language.

Heccan runs a hand though his wavy black hair and continues to smile at the blue-skinned potential client.

Still out in the trash of the ally half way hanging in the window as his magnified eyes from his glasses eyes dart around at the valuables in the room.
How about my civil suit? Cause I think we have a great case. I bet a lawyer like you could win us lots of gold. Infact I will settle it all with you for like thousand gold. Because I really need the money you see my grandma is sick and I need to buy her medicine. Since you are such a great lawyer I am sure you could make off well with settling a down payment right now. I mean you obviously do well for yourself. So how about that thousand gold?

"Two legal minds? Our lucky day.

First, to the esteemed halfling, Meridoc, is it? Yes, the erinyes is gone, slain by the gelugon.

Second, to... I don't have a name yet: no, there was no contract, because this was a planar binding, not a casting of planar ally. People often confuse the two, but they are quite different. And as for me, no, I was not there for the binding - I did not yet exist - but I have the full and detailed memory of the occasion, so yes, I recall the exact wording.

Here is our position, and we feel it will make for interesting Infernal case law: when the erinyes was bound, she was compelled to obedience by the force of Lady Violetta's will. There was no torture or debuffing involved - no castings of agonize, major curse, geas, or other such means of undermining the creature's will. In fact, Lady Violetta did attempt to charm the erinyes upon initial trapping - she always does so in the interest of making her bound servitors' experience of binding more agreeable - but the spell was resisted, and charm itself hardy comprises an attack upon a creature's self-determination: it is not a compulsion.

So the erinyes was bound, but not particularly happy about it, which one can understand.

As for the specific wording, the erinyes was to remain within line-of-effect, using her true sight to identify potential dangers and warn Lady Violetta of such, as well as to serve as a bodyguard if needed... the first two provisions were clearly violated, and the last never tested.

Taking our case will provide our litigators with an opportunity to explore infernal law in the realm of the legal binding of compulsion. We assume that Hell must have a rich legal literature on the matter of enslavement, so it would seem to be a good starting point.

Lady Violetta herself - ourself - hardly has need of monies, but in our experience, cash tends to incentivize lawyers to a degree that mere interest might not achieve; if nothing else, it accelerates things."

The young woman produces a pair of calling cards, holds them up for a moment in a perfectly manicured hand, and then hands one to each lawyer. On one side, a silver cartouche about an azure field enclosing two lilies, one white, one black, the cartouche wreathed with white and silver roses, crested with a coronet. On the other, a scarlet sigil of arcane runes, and titles: "Violetta d'Armand, Countess du Plessis, Enchantress of Taldor, Fey Flower of Oppara in Her Perfect Beauty, Revealed Jewel of Goka."

"I will add that Lady Violetta would be an very... important client. A client who knows many other important, potential clients. She is very good to those who serve her."

Mr. Mode do run off with whatever item pleases you in this embassy. As a member of the order of the Scourge it would be my pleasure to apprehend you, represent you in court, and watch with grim anticipation the look of horror as your hands are removed one my one.

Of course as a fellow pathfinder I would endeavor to steer you clear of burglary and avoid the axe entirely. Surely you jest to ask me for funds as I am no loan shark. I expect you do know who is.

As far as your suit, it has no merit. Your testimony if understood would be ignored. The assailant an unknown person or more likely the ground...is beyond your reach. Take your bruises as a friendly reminder of the dangers of illicit drugs. Or follow your course to the 7 hells with reckless abandon....eitherway take my card...yes its another one to give to your associates in the case they too run afoul of the law...no doubt I will build a wing at the Chelish library on the funds gained in service to your friends.

For your grandmother, seek me in the morning and I will ask Lord Asmodeaus to grant her health and long life. I will do this at no charge for a fellow Pathfinder. But be warned if I find through discern lies the person is another con of yours...lets say someone beautiful and winged will enjoy the rest of your life.

Shall I pencil you in for the 7th bell of the morning?

Heccan nods once as the servant of the Lady Violetta, or aspect, describes the situation further. He smiles again upon the completion of her description. He frowns a bit when the lady points out that he forgot to formally introduce himself, inwardly chiding himself for the rare social blunder. Where are my manners today? I am Heccan Abraxi, of the House Abraxi of Egorian. Well, technically formerly of House Abraxi but why quibble. Very pleased to have met your acquaintance. He bows deeply and then straightens. Well, I dare say I am intrigued. Though I agree with my esteemed colleague that success in anything like an infernal court would be expensive and rather difficult. Proving the case doubly so. Not one to concede, however, I have a few theories as to how something like what you describe could happen. I would be delighted to explain my theory to the Lady Vioeltta herself. She certainly does sound like someone I would be very interested to meet in the flesh. Heccan smiles and graciously accepts the card, placing it into a pocket of his robes. You may tell your mistress I am at her service and would be delighted to speak to her in person on the matter before I decide if I will agree to represent her interests. She may leave word for me here at the embassy. Heccan bows his head deeply to the Lady's agent.

"We welcome your interest in our case, Lord - Lord? - Abraxxi.

Lady Violetta is preparing to undertake an expedition of indeterminate length, and before that must inspect progress on her new palace on Akiton - being built, fittingly enough, by bound shaitans - but if your schedule is flexible, she could receive you at brunch tomorrow at her Palazzo di Incantare in the Petal district, and you could chat with her then. I'm sure she'd be delighted.

That said, I should point out that I'll be handling all of Lady Violetta's legal matters directly; as a simulacrum of Lady Violetta, I am fully in possession of her personality and wishes, and all her memories as of three days ago, the date of my creation.

There is a wealth of Gebbite case law pertaining to the validity of simulacra as legal representatives of their masters. We can provide this, or I am certain your very capable assistants can produce it."

With a flourish, "Lady Violetta" sweeps her hair back and dons her riding hat.

"We will expect you at tenth bell, then? Tomorrow? And never mind the rumors about poison - that was one dinner party, and the guests were fully aware of it. At worst, you may find the Taldan brunch menu a little light for Chelaxian appetites."

She looks at both lawyers, smiling warmly.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen."

Heccan bows at the lady's leave with a charming smile. The tenth bell then, the pleasure was all mine, My Lady.

After straightening from his bow, Heccan turns to MeriDoc. Who said the embassy had gotten dull. A Taldan noblewoman's simulacrum attempting to hire Chelaxian lawyers to settle a fiendish dispute? I can attest that certainly does not happen every day. With a smirk, Heccan downs what is left in his glass of Chellish red and begins to refill it.

Meridoc gracefully accepts the card and exchanges it with his own. My dear lady, your warmth will follow me all the days of my life. Even when it comes from your icy simulacrum. I will consider your proposal and weigh its infernal ramification. He returns to the table a bit concerned.

My dear Lord Abraxi, the deals with devils are clearly not as simple to the surface. Indeed an Erinyes breaking a contract is most unusual but compounding it with her own demise, astonishing. As bait to lure a victim, perhaps.

Beware yon dealing my friend, the planes play long games far beyond the lives of two attorneys. Id be safer with Mr Mode's aquaintence Gary and a full bag of Pesh.

I have walked at least one of the hells, returning is not a plan of mine.

Even his dense sense of observation realizes he is being dismissed. Sadly he turns away and goes back to rummaging through the trash of the embasy

Obvisouly you are not a good enough lawyer. I'll have to find someone else to get back at Carrion Hill. He did not even listen Gary died before we got to do any pesh...

I listen very well. Being with Gary places me in range of the invisible plant, who would find me far less likely of becoming paint. Thus I could remove such a plant from the world. The bag as mentioned unused would still be full.

Onto other items: I hear dear Zarta has found a day job. Who knew she had talents as a librarian. I've got to stop by soon.