Shattered Star (IC)

[Duce]

Repost as 2nd attk did not calculate in last:

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ATK 2 (1d20+10)[25]
DMG (1d6+2)[8]

[lostsole31]

R3T21: When Speckled Antelope and Ichibod defeated her and took the Shard of Pride, it was a mixed blessing. Shew knew its power, but she knew its curse as well. Under the influence of the Shard, she used a spell she used to use commonly with men and to get her way past guards (but only rarely): charm person. She had managed to charm a small enclave of sewer goblins to do her bidding as her 'honor guard.' And this is how she would take over Magnimar's underworld, rise up to the surface and take the city, then Varisia, then the continent of Avistan, and later ... the world. Yeah, right.

As a worshiper of Calistria, using a well-timed, well-placed charm would be nothing if she thought she could get away with it. But since that time she hadn't used that spell; not really, anyway. She couldn't put her finger on it before, but it slowly dawned on her recently that when pride falls, what is left is shame. Charm person was her most powerful attack spell; magic missile is more of a sting -- a deadly sting -- but a sting compared to other magics of its type. And why bludgeon an enemy when you don't have to make him your enemy?

She stepped into the hallway, directly through the illusion and 25' down the hall. She already remembered the battle training the group had undergone. Paxre was far too agile to be affected by her grease, but his mind proved weak again and again.

"Paxre," she addresses as she approached (10' behind Ichibod, 20' from Paxre), and then casts her spell. [Ichibod, not having seen the spell in a long time, has forgotten.] "The Scribe played this ruse. What you have is a forgery. The purses' theft gained you nothing but whatever he put into it. Just because you have been caught as a thief ... we've been through too much to kill you.

"Give us your solemn vow that you will never attempt to kill, harm, obstruct or in any way interfere or compete with the lives of those in our group and the quest we undertake for the Shard or the Star of Sihedron and any of those shards, nor shall you incite others to do the same. Swear it, or there is little I can do to help you."

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Paxre rolled a '2' on his save!

Paxre has tears welling in the big, oblong black pools that are his eyes. "I swear to this, and my curse as an oracle is that any oath sworn must be obeyed to my death; but this oath is broken if any of you in turn try - in any way whatsoever - to interfere with anything else I undergo just because you might not 'like' it.

"You of all people should understand what is happening here. Be careful of your lover, Natalya. He tried to give the Shard to someone he 'deemed most appropriate,' but Bessel and the group gave it back to him. He tried to name Ichibod as leader, but he and the group gave the Scribe (stupid name) leadership. What else will he give to himself through false humility."

"One more thing," he whispers to Natalya and Ichibod (as best he can with the distance), "but it must be the two of you you who discover this. Uncle gave me a powerful scroll to see past all veils and hidden mysteries. I read it while watching the Scribe work on his Green Peak Style. Get yourself a scroll of true seeing and you will see what I have seen. He can be called the Scribe because Speckled Antelope is a Shoanti name, but you will see he is not Shoanti, Varisian, or Taldane. He is something else whose entire race served the very creatures that serve the darkness that gives me powers, power that comes from the Dark Tapestry and the horrors between the worlds in blackness endless.

"Beware what you give the Scribe. He is tragic, he is disciplined, he is even funny. But he is a walking lie whose existence is an affront to the gods. I know why he is as powerful as he is, and power wants more. Beware."

And with that, Paxre disappears around the corner. He is as fast as anyone in the group, and Ichibod knows that the little guy can cover 60' in a burst, he has a headstart, knows the terrain, and with having to try to track or take the time to pick up or cast light on something, Ichibod would only fall further behind.

Ichibod, do you accept the bargain as such, or do you go racing after him for blood? Your original intention of shooting him is disrupted by his leaving LOS. And by the time you would have to cast or pick up light, he would be past the next hallway and out of reach of an arrow, let alone the sight to see him. And gods forbid he knows his peril and comes in and out of the darkness, unseen even in the light as you've witness before nearly bleeding out.

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Ichibod, with favored terrain (dungeon) = Batman
Paxre, ninja/ oracle of dark tapestry = Bane
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F157geaXp_w

For Natalya, who was so close to trying to kill him, realizes that ruse was her way to at last enjoy why her goddess is known as the Savored Sting. Now it is Paxre who will live in shame. And if there is truth in his having sworn this oath, there is nothing he can ever do about it. Now that is her own greatest sting yet, and far better than a magic missile.

[Duce]

Ichibod nods to Natalia as lowers his bow. While glancing side long at Speckled.

[lostsole31]

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Folks, I am going to do a plot-burn, a fast-forward, if you will. Again, use the Interactive site for conversation of a general nature, but the DM here is chomping to move forward. Also, there are a LOT of grammar/ spelling errors as I read in review, but I am too lazy to correct them.

Ichibod, after a few seconds, Speckled disappears from view. I don't mean walks into his cell kinda' disappears from view, but suddenly - as if teleporting or using invisibility without any kind of concentration whatsoever.

Even more confusing is you see Speckled emerge about 15 seconds later, but without his ranseur as he was holding. And instead of looking "battle ready" he stumbles out of the cell, practically falling over. About the same time, the rest of the party is probably coming out of their cells as well.

What People heard.

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Bessel, you are still asleep, having fatigued yourself reading Atlatia's ramblings longer than you should have.

Jolly, you awoke to battle, and some shouting, but not sure what what was said.

Dorit, you woke up quickly enough to not only hear battle, but both the primary conversation AND the whispered conversation.

Hulya is the one to waken Bessel, as she sits in fear in the cell. She points him outside where the others are standing. Ichibod has his bow out. The cell Natalya and Speckled shared is in shambles; that might be explainable for what you heard of the evening's activities between them, but you walk out and already sense something is not right. And that is when you notice Paxre has gone missing.
................................................

It is Natalya's turn to proudly give the "Big Reveal," not Speckled Antelope's. An idea was formed (she leaves out the "who thought of it") to catch Paxre in the act of trying to steal the Shard of Pride. She caught onto the fact that Speckled was silently baiting Paxre into stealing the Shard, guessing that the dark warrior would make a grab at it at some point. He brought out a forgery he had someone make of the original - a very good one - and placed it conspicuously in his belt pouch so that it would be easier to steal. Natalya's very keen senses actually noted it was a forgery without having to touch it, just seeing it.

They made a plan together that would have them in the same cell, with Speckled nearer to the entrance, and "sleeping" with his pouch sort of flopped on the floor, attached to his belt. Sure enough, later in his watch when everyone else was asleep - except for Ichibod, who was told to be alert and ready with his bow - Paxre crept into the cell where Natalya and the Scribe lay. They caught him bug-handed, but not before Paxre's incredibly light touch managed to take the pouch. Speckled used the Shard's power to create a very powerful illusion (more powerful magic than anyone else in the group has, at least) wherein a more battle-ready Scribe with ranseur blocked the entrance to the cell, giving Natalya and the real Scribe (himself acting falsely as if he were the illusion instead, creating more danger outside the cell).

Well, the Scribe took a tumble and hit his head on the floor, probably signaling that the other was the double, and Natalya blasted him with magic missile. As Paxre raced into the hallway, Ichibod clipped him with an arrow. While the Scribe was insensate (he doesn't hide the fact, and uses self-deprecating humor to make it funny), Natalya struck on the brilliant idea of charming the little rat (er, bugger ... sorry, Bessel) owing to his dim wits. He'd be too touch to take down fully with a free volley of spell and arrow, and he'd still get away, she figures. She doesn't mention the shame aspect of herself, just that it would be a sweet victory for him to carry the humiliation of this betrayal until such time as the conniving bastard tries again ... at which time, hopefully the hole group might be more aware and awake.

The Scribe, however, mentions that she must have "intuitively" (this is the best way he knows of denying that there is "luck" in this regard) known a flaw that he now expounds upon. "All oracles tap into strange forces and see things even no cleric can see, but this power comes at a cost, often called an oracle's curse. He channeled and tapped into the power of a truly horrific place in the cosmos, and yet so terrifying to also be outside of the universe as well. That is the Dark Tapestry, where primal chaos and evil far beyond the Abyss lie, and it is there beings of unbelievable power hope that cultists will find a way to be brought into our world to unmake all that exists, in a glut of endless blood and slaughter.

"While most oracles tend to call on primal forces, Paxre did the same but favored Azathoth, the Idiot God. This particular Great Old One - for that is what the term of the most powerful are - is about the unmaking of the entire universe, without regard to malice or bloodshed, but worse in mindless entropy. The only way Paxre was able to channel this energy in his mortal body, and still keep to the restrictions that led to his training as what is called a ninja (for that is also what he was, a person whom is skilled at subterfuge, sabotage, and assassination), required him to be incredibly ordered as well. Thus, his oracle's curse is that any vow, oath, promise, covenant, or contract he agrees to must be observed to the absolute degree."

Speckled will also mention that he expected Paxre to be skillful enough to steal the purse before the counter-response. So, he left Paxre what he calls "severance pay" in the pouch. He mentions a handful of silver coins, something that Paxre might understand with his background.

Ichibod, Jolly, Natalya

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He mentions 30 silver pieces. The reference is lost on Bessel and Dorit. In ancient times in a faraway land, a great cleric with revolutionary ideas was killed - whether by politics or internicine religious issues is unknown is unremembered. Clerics of the older order paid a very close cohort of this cleric a mere 30 pieces of silver to betray the prophet to authorities as a political dissident.

"30 pieces of silver" refers to any payment (not necessarily that amount, mind you) given to a traitor. A saying might be, "I wonder what he got for his '30 pieces of silver.'"

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Sorry, guys, it was too good of a slam to pass up, and still being neutral on modern religious sensibilities in its regard. And, yes, I actually did remove that amount and his pouch from his sheet.

Jolly

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The great cleric was actually a dwarf that hailed from a land callled Druma, or the Five Kingdoms, you're not sure which ... nor do you know where these lands are.

No one one actually mentioned what the Shard of Pride is, but it obviously sounds important ... important enough for a party member to betray and attempt to steal it, at least, and it is in the Scribe's possession.

What is it? Secondly, this is the first time in conversation (iirc) that the party members would call him Speckled. If asked, his name is Speckled Antelope - a Shoanti name. You now remember what Shoanti is ... it is a type of peoples that mainly inhabit the west and northwestern part of Varisia. They are a savage people made up of many warring tribes that just as often trade with the outside, stick to themselves, or raid against the more civilized. Once you remember that, you now see that Ichibod is one of their type. Ichibod makes sense, looking like a rustic hunter-sorcerer. But the Scribe (you first knew him by that name, and so it is likely that is what will be in your mind for awhile), a savage as a scholar, and having gone through some long training process? Perhaps it makes sense why he didn't have the ability to cast spells, though that doesn't explain Ichibod, whose affinity for fire is an enigma. And if the Scribe can't cast spells, what the hell can he do? He is brilliant, wise, and forceful, as you have seen, and a solid scholar as you are finding out ... but such persons are weak men better left at home without spells of healing or power to aid them.

.................................................

People are no less tired than they were before, and watches are reset, though Paxre's light stone that he left behind will flicker out at some point, leaving the everburning torch and Ichibod's light.

[lostsole31]

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And the plotter-naut rolls inexorably forward...

SARENITH 22: The party awakens, and it is suggested to take the more expensive things topside. The waterskins are also filled with magical water just in case something happens in town. When asked about the sinspawn and fleshdreg heads - for Paxre never had a chance to take them with him - Speckled mentions that taking it to Sheila (yuck!) might be a useful bounty to the Pathfinder Society. Also, instead of traipsing through the sewers, there is now another man-sized person who can help row, so taking the rowboats back is far more pleasant and desired.
Jolly

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The Pathfinder Society is some sort of adventurer's guild or the like. Mainly trouble-seekers and meddlers, often going places where they are not invited. Then again, these trouble-seekers went deep into an ancient place, and meddled with evil creatures that tortured you. And for that you at least owe them the flail they've lent you cheerfully in service rather than just seeking your own gain of memories and equipment.

The Sun, something that was a vague essence in your memory, makes you weep. You give yourself over to her warm rays, praying to this Sarenrae and drinking in her blessings in return. After an hour of this rapturous experience, your mind is flooded with words and symbols and actions of power. You now have access to all of your spells, and you know your limits on channel energy, your honor bound and rebuke death powers, lay on hands, and smite evil.

Natalya Vancaskerkin

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You are beginning to see how this quest is helping you increase your own power. In the short two months you've been with them, your magical power has increased exponentially. You are even finding that the extreme conditions under which your skills have been tested - moreso than simply being a second-story - have really paid off as you test your athletic skills.

If you end up taking TWF, then sparring with Dorit - though she is stronger than you are fast and much more practiced in combat - becomes an interesting and almost beautiful dance as you get the knack of it.

Dorit War-Bear

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You find in your weapons form, and with a good night's rest, that your stamina has increased in every way, and you are even more confident in your battle form. Your swings with your longsword are steady and measured, but you can really lop in for some more powerful strikes.

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With your increased ability to put power behind your swings, it's probably time to give the mithral rapier back to Natalya. You can respect the weapon for its ability to give grievous wounds under the right conditions, but it just doesn't compare to a good old-fashioned Irrisen broadsword (longsword in your homeland's style). Besides, you are sure you looked ridiculous in heavy plate and shield ... and wielding a rapier. And your younger peer (you are 20 to Natalya's 17) could use what help she can get.

Also, your Power Attack increased!

P.S.: 25-frickin' AC!

Bessel, when you go through your equipment, you realize that the noqual key that wound Clacky was slagged. Clacky still probably went berserk on you since you attacked it, but the loss of the key means you wouldn't have been able to wind him up again, anyway. (And yes, "slagged" means destroyed per game terms. You can't sell the noqual remains or make use of it, but for RP the bits of it can go to your lab for study.)
..................................................
It is a beautiful day overhead, and the bay laps against the boats gently as you notice a storm out to the west. Still, with the sun above and the storm's surreal beauty out there, it is a picturesque scene.

The first order of business is hiring two hacks for the group to go to the Arvensoar to check in with the rescued (2 gp, because you guys are rich). Watch Officer Kasadei is relieved that the mystery behind the disappearances has been solved. It makes sense that the guard would be unable to track down citizens kidnapped by monsters under the sewers. As promised, a chest of 1000 gp will be sent with you by carriage to Hleidmarch Manor (updated on party sheet).

After checking the records, it is unknown how many persons might still be imprisoned by the derro (once such creatures are described to Kasadei), and how many missing persons cases on file are unrelated. The constabulary thinks that Fester's death is a strange end for a criminal they had hoped to catch. They are a little unsure what to make of Jolly, though he seems like a fine and honorable fellow whose people will be glad of his return; then again, his amnesia soon becomes apparent. However, Hülya, wife of Fathi (and daughter of Sevya of House al-Din), is definitely a high-profile return. The group (including Jolly) is immediately sent to the road going to the upper cliff face to a higher-office municipal building.

The group is ushered through a back entrance into a well-appointed office. A noblewoman, Ingild Verarold, is introduced. Several higher ups escort the shocked and now very disoriented Hülya away, and there are many other persons there that seem to take an interested silence, some sitting with pen and quill.

Lady Ingild addresses the group: "Before you made it from the Avensoar up to here, I was already contacted that the Lord-Mayor's Office had contacted some of your members at Heidmarch Manor for a reward for each victim returned. We would not have rewarded you for the likes of the criminal you supposedly freed that subsequently died (and was not returned, anyway), but you have freed this obviously religious half-orc, and However, Hülya, wife of Fathi and of House al-Din, is an entirely different matter. Regarding her, you will get a double-share reward, which should compensate if you do have any misgivings concerning some criminal's final reward. This means that you shall receive 150 platinum coins from the treasury. I am to understand that you received a hundred's worth from Avensoar from a municipal pool of money put together by wealthier folk that wanted piece of mind, but we do not begrudge that. You have earned what profit you have eked.

"I know that the original deal was for discretion, but seeing what has occurred we ask for that again for different reasons. Originally, the Lord-Mayor had more personal interests in mind, but this time we were taken by surprise. House al-Din, whose patriarch runs one of the wealthiest textile trade businesses on the Inner Sea, well his daughter married an officer of some means and they run al-Din Textiles for Varisia out of Magnimar. That would be Izz al-Din's daughter Hülya and her husband Fathi, both of whom are welcome fixtures at noble affairs and events. Hülya, in particular, is one of the best known foreign courtiers and hostesses.

"We were told that she was visiting her father in Kerse for awhile. We now see that this is not true, and may explain why Fathi's business has been handled by Lilim (we are guessing she is his major domo) directly from out of the house. Fathi, himself, has been little seen.

"We ask that you reveal nothing regarding having found Hülya to the public, which will keep relations cordial between Magnimar and Druma politically, as well as for House al-Din specifically. Our office cannot recognize any higher retainer than what was agreed upon. 1500 gold is an incredible sum. However, in addition to wealth, Drumish people are known to have long memories for deeds of gratitude, and are people known for repaying favors."

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150 platinum likewise added to the pot! In addition, a pretty hefty XP award has been given for solving the mystery of both the prisoners and for that of rescuing Hülya, specifically, and keeping her alive.

[lostsole31]

The party is given transport back to Heidmarch Manor for some R&R for the day and to recover for what is likely to be tomorrow's push in looking for more prisoners in the Crow.

In the chest in Atlatia's chambers there were found to be many odd plant substances and vials.

Ichibod's detect magic notes two vials that are magic. He can't read the first aura, but the second holds a faint aura of enchantment. Once Ichibod points them out, The Scribe is able to determine that they are an Elixir of love and an
Elixir of truth.

With some work in the lab, Bessel determines the following about the remaining mundane substances:
3 doses of id moss (poison)
2 doses of striped toadstool (poison)
10 doses of flayleaf (drug)
and, 8 doses of pesh (drug).

As Bessel works in the lab in the cottage, the group is with Sheila and Canayven giving a debriefing of their adventures and Paxre's betrayal.

Jolly, Sheila is a tall, regal-looking woman. She is beautiful (I have a picture), and yet has a distinctively deep voice (as far as women go). Not husky, but deeper. You were invited to come along as a guest to a large Manor and grounds from which the group is based and supported.

"I think, as soon as we can get gentle repose cast upon the heads, we can compensate your group for some of what Paxre had offered. I think it is better that we study it than to deal with whatever shadowy agent he knew. Though normally the Society wouldn't pay this much for something that surely is held on site elsewhere, at least this offers study options for other Pathfinders. Besides, we figure that it is time to begin rewarding you for your efforts. We wanted you to prove yourselves first. The group will receive 500 gold pieces, to be divided as you see fit."

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That, and story XP!

Her eyes rest on the half-orc, "Jolly, for that is what I am told you are called in lieu of your memories for what the derro did to you, I appreciate your being willing to return to wreak retribution against your former captors and to free others."

She looks back to the group as a whole. "It is commendable that all of you are willing to go back for the heroic aspect. I don't know what the fourth derro has at their command, but I urge you to remember why you're in the Crow in the first place. Helping Natalya rid the world of the Tower Girls was merely payment for her aid while a way she could clear herself. You went there because one of you holds an incredible artifact that is 10,000 years old, itself a piece of an even greater artifact. Don't let secular concerns take you too far afield.

"We have lost so many lives in so short a time. Forgrul, Didd, Chiban, and so on ... but the very nature of chasing artifacts can be a fool's quest, a misfortunate's death, or a hero's undying legacy. Now ...."

...and Sheila is interrupted as a magnificent golden eagle flies into the parlor from the open doors (and double-windows overlooking the garden that were open). There is something truly regal about this bird, beyond the fact that eagles are stately to begin with. There is a sheen to its feathers wherein the brown feathers have the faintest golden tint ("golden eagle?"), and its eyes seem to have a glimmer of intelligence. The eagle glides over to Ichibod to land on a table with a clack of talons. It looks around the room, but seems to have a purposeful look at Ichibod and it clacks its right talon several times so the ranger can see that there is a small message with twine on its leg.

"Fascinating," mutters the Scribe to himself, and then aloud, "it is a celestial eagle."

[lostsole31]

For clarification, it's after the meal for the debrief. Bessel received "lab fuel" before going there.

As Ichibod contemplates how to best make the bird welcome, it clatters the small table at Ichibod's side with the talon again. It's the talon with the message tied to its leg. Clatter..clatter again.

"Well?" says Sir Canayven, more annoyed at the intrusion and noise than feeling any kind of blessing. "What does it say, man?!"

[Duce]

Ichibod says "Grating Noble Eagle, and welcome. Please allow me to retrieve the message from your leg" he then reaches for the message, gently detaching it and starts to read....

[lostsole31]

As Ichibod goes for the message, his intimacy for the wild is such that he does so with the proper care: neither too aggressively, nor giving up a sign of authority through too much passivity. He carefully undoes the twine and retrieves the tiny scroll. As soon as he backs up to read it, the eagle erupts into a flurry of wings and flaps about the room and heads out.

The parchment is very cleverly folded to be small enough to put on an eagle's legs. (Mind you, though, eagles are a lot bigger than pigeons, so the message attached can be larger.) It is a beautiful fold style, and as the initial outer square of the bend is undone the parchment slowly pops up to that of a swan. Still, the swan is not the message, and the unfolding continues. Ichibod reads the message (aloud, I assume):

To All Whom See These Presents, Greetings!

My Master, Fathi, son of Egemen, he who is the Spark of Warriors; Thrust of the Sun; Strange Lion to his enemies; and the Metallic Passage, seeks the prestige of your company most high at a brunch in the early morning of Sarenith 23rd, to be held in your honour, for the safe return of Hülya, wife of Fathi, Jewel's Crown to his Heart and Stream's Healing.

Know well that My Mistress' Mind and Heart have found refuge and healing with the most excellent ministrations of clerics of Kalistrade, without whom this world would know chaos. Through her wise counsel Master Fathi understands your intention to pierce the darkness of the Crow once again and to wreak retribution against the infidel derros whose cruel rituals have brought death and ruin against the minds and bodies of those other than his most radiant wife. To this glorious beginning, for to call it an end would be to curse your heroic endeavour, your bellies shall be filled without slowing with foods delicate to the palate, yet fiery to the temperament, fitting for battle, and yet reminding you of what material joys exist in this life so you do not find yourself wishing to leave it if pressed by evil most dire.

This invitation is exclusively extended to Ichibod, Spirit-Arrow of the Shoanti; the Jovial Warrior of Sarenrae; Bessel the Brilliant, unassuming Bombardier; Dorit War-Bear, whose very name needs no title for fear of reduction; and your own hosts the honorable Lord and Lady Heidmarch, to include their Scribe Most Knowledgeable.

It is understood that while your hosts are nobles and are expected to be able to outfit themselves, the rest of your group - even with the wealth extracted from ancient treasures - possibly have not had the time for purchase of apparel beyond the uniform of those who serve the gods. Within an half-hour's chime of when My Lady's messenger has been sent to you, a carriage full of tailors and materials shall be sent to you that you may provide humble dressing for your exalted persons. The one overseeing this evolution will accompany them and shall provide you with what knowledge you may need to feel at home in House al-Din.

It is my fervent prayer that you accept this invitation to illuminate my Lady's eyes with tears of gratitude.

- Anaximander, Joyous Servant Eternal to House al-Din

"Well," says Sheila, "perhaps someone should get Bessel from the lab."

She instructs a servant to do just that.

"Most Knowledgeable, hmm?" muses the Scribe. "I actually like the titles .... Spirit-Warrior."

"Though it hasn't been lost on me that Natalya wasn't invited. I don't think, hearing the mention of 'exclusively extended,' that this was an oversight. Natalya, I think Watch Officer Kasadei looked the other way when you came to Arvensoar, but that might have been a one-time deal. You are still a criminal on the books in Magnimar. We are in prickly water here. We dare not offend House al-Din by not showing for Natalya's sake, for that would bring disgrace on Lady Sheila's house here - a shame that would resound throughout the rest of the nobility in Magnimar. On the other hand, to bring Natalya could have much worse repercussions. It's one thing to refuse the honor, but another entirely to bring someone of Natalya's background to their house, and we don't know if there will be any other guests."

[TheCyberwoman]

"I did just as much to save his wife as any one here. More, than some, if you consider my time with this party and on this mission! He dishonors himself as much as me to consider status above deed when it comes to the life of his lady! Go to his fancy little party if you choose, put on whatever poncy frocks he likes, but don't be surprised if he shows you similar dishonor. Don't worry about my feelings on your ways, it's not like I ever hoped you all might actually think of me as a team mate, it's just business."

With that Natalya proudly straightens herself, pivots and determinedly walks out of the room.

[lostsole31]

Bessel is already probably coming in as Natalya is storming out in a manner that is best not for the young ratfolk to impede.

Speckled sighs and bangs the back of his head against the chair a few times. "Someone speak to her, please. It is business, but that doesn't preclude the fact she is a member of the team whose sure-footedness and senses are a lynchpin to this motley group of Society and non-Society fellows.

"Still, I'd wait a half-hour before chasing her down. Ichibod, you strike me as the perfect man for that job. The three of us are the last 'old guard,' if you will, and with that spell duel you had when we first met Natalya, I am sure she admires your insight."

Bessel is brought up to speed and shown the scroll. It will be an interesting thing indeed to see the ratfolk alchemist in something fancy.

The door chime is sounded and after a minute or two a woman is shown to the parlor and announced by the maid. "Mistress Lilim, Representative of House al-Din. She has brought a large coach with several persons and materials."

The woman is taller than most, at 5'8" and a very tightly muscled 140 pounds. Her inhuman heritage is all-too apparent. She is scaled, but her scales are practically see-through and her skin is translucent and veiny, with a jaundiced veneer. Two fleshy nubs at her head, no bigger in width or length than her own curled pinky, are vestigial horns. They are at the parallel to the vertical lines of the temples, and are hard to hide inside of her otherwise lustrous black hair. Her eyes are shaped as normal for a human, but are black pools with only the faintest demarcation for sclera/pupil/iris. The actual shape of her face is human with aquiline features, and a slightly larger than normal nose that gives her the overall feeling of a bird

Her prehensile tail tends to slide in a slight arc behind her as a counterbalance, but it is thicker in scales, is no broader than two men's thumbs at central diameter, and is very prehensile. The end of the tail includes a classic diabolic "barbed" look. Though the side-to-side whipping motion is no good for piercing, it looks like it could do a good job of slashing across an enemy's face, if not to bludgeon them outright. Her hands are kept in a ritualized style - cupped over each other and resting at her navel - hands which are clawed. Her forearms are particularly thick; in fact, they are actually as thick as (or slightly thicker) than her upper arms. Unlike her prodigious biceps, these lower arms seem rigid, and you don't doubt that she could probably smash through a table with these built-in cesti. (It's almost like having tonfa on the arms, or a dumbed down version of Hellboy's arm.)

She is hideous, and that is the unfortunate truth, and her skin is what really sets things off. But she stands with a poise and a depth of intensity wherein she knows, accepts, and uses this bizarre collage of pieces to look ferocious. Damnably ferocious.

Ichibod

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It took a lot of brainpower to figure her out, but that tail pretty much seals it. At least you think it does. She seems to be a tiefling, a creature born of a heritage of denizens of the Lower Planes. They are farther removed than one step from their evil forbears, but most tieflings themselves are clever, quick, but generally untrustworthy. On the other hand, it is believed that many tieflings simply breed true with each other, though it is unknown how traits are passed along from sires to sons. The fact that Natalya wasn't invited to the party for saving Fathi's wife, but this .... woman ... works for House al-Din, probably entails some interesting story.

The Heidmarches stand to greet the guest. Speckled Antelope stands slowly, staring at Lilim. His mouth is slightly open and he ***** his head as if to say something, then confusion at seeming to not know what to say, and then he swallows, staring as she is brought around the room.

Lilim is introduced to the group. She may possibly cause a little distemper because of her appearance, and yet her gaze is mesmerizing. When she gets to The Scribe, however, he can't seem to look at her straight on. "How, how do you do?" is all he can manage.

[AtomicBanana]

Bessel reads the missive, then rereads it, consternation in his squinting pink eyes and furrowed brow. He speaks two sentences.

"I'll need a bath. Gods, I hate bathing."

[lostsole31]

"We mortals, on the other hand," ribs Speckled, "hate it when you don't."

[nasus]

"At least you don't have to wear a dress." Dorit says as an aside to Bessel, feeling the demonic-looking woman a fitting harbinger to the imminent torture.

[AtomicBanana]

"You think they make pants for beings with tails? No, it'll be a robe for me. Swishy swishy at the bottom. Like a dress."

[nasus]

"I'm not sure you really understand what all is involved with a dress."

[TheCyberwoman]

Lilim's tail barely flicks with annoyance, but it is the only outward sign she shows of any feeling. "When the house al-Din offers you a place at its table you do not complain about bathing or dresses. Such generosity is not extended lightly."
She looks at the Scribe and with practiced care selects her words.
"My Lords mistress has been returned, it is with much...joy...that I extend the house al-Din's invitation."

She says the word joy like she doesn't fully understand its meaning.

[nasus]

"Beautiful. Lessons in propriety from the tarted up monster." Dorit rolls her eyes and leans back against the wall, arms crossed.

[TheCyberwoman]

"Maybe a few lessons in decorum could have done you some good, once, but I'm afraid it's too late. Perhaps you could still learn how to properly treat a guest and representative of a noble house, but I won't hold my breath."
Lilim cooly looks around the room, affixing what one might assume is a gracious smile on her face. The smile does not reach her eyes.
"Should I inform my lord that you accept his invitation? I suggest you decide quickly, I assume you will need all the time you can find to get ready."

[lostsole31]

Speckled whispers to Bessel, and Ichibod hears but Dorit misses. "Assless chaps, with a hole cut out for your tail."

The gracious smiles are to be found on Lord and Lady Heidmarch, whose smiles seem to diminish some at the group's disrespectful banter.

"Lilim," says Lady Heidmarch, "please forgive any lapse they may have in known ceremony. They returned to the surface world today and have yet to fully wind down. While Ichibod and Dorit both studied the most basic approaches to well-to-do affairs at college, that is not their specialty. Only I, my husband, and our scribe are trained in such matters."

She looks over to the Scribe inscrutably then back to Lilim. "And I am sure that my servant does not look at you directly because ... he is addle-pated and oft given to bouts of intellectual reverie.

"I know speak for the rest that we shall be only too delighted to accept House al-Din. I am sure that it will be one of the most prestigious events to have graced our lives. Please, show your servants in. Normally my husband and I have plenty of clothing for these affairs, but even I shall enjoy enrobing myself in Drumish garb to put all at ease."

Sheila looks to the group. "As shall we all."

[TheCyberwoman]

"Thank you for your kind words Lady Heidmarch, we will be most honored to have you and your husband as our guests. Alas I understand the stresses of battle all too well, politics was something learned much later."

[lostsole31]

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With a 21 on Lilim's Intimidation check, folks might not be intimidated, but it should be strong enough to get to business.

Of course, with the comment "tarted-up monster," it would be interesting to see a duel between the juggernaut Dorit and Lilim.

Various tailors and the like come in to do fittings on the group (with each separately behind a screen for privacy). Each outfit is the equivalent of nobleman's clothing with full-value gems.

Bessel is fitted with a full-length white gown, a fine contrast to his black fur (which seems to be showing white at the roots for some reason). He is given a white turban which is wrapped around a crimson fez, and full-length white gloves. He is then fitted with a matching crimson-and-fire orange sash that is tied so that it twists while maintaining a width. It will be little work for them to make soft shoes for him, also crimson.

The Scribe likewise wears the full-length white gown (really more of a color-change from his black scrivener's robes, albeit much nicer), full-length gloves, basic sandals, and white turban. He has no fez and his sash is only a darker off-white silk. Though he is given the same in quality cloth and jewelry, he is simply the Heidmarches' servant and doesn't receive the same level of detail, an assumption he does nothing to change.

Jolly and Ichibod each have white linen turbans (no fez), white shirts with split collar, and jackets (wide sleeves to middle forearms and broad at the waist) over dark, blousy pants that cinch at the bottom. Black boots. A colorful sash completes the ensemble, matching the colorful jackets. Jolly, something about this style of dress is actually comfortable ... mostly.

Dorit has two choices, she can girl it up with a wonderful dress of pretty much any color and all manner of stuff, or if she is less feminine the tailors are actually of a mind to dress her in full black, similar to Lilim. This would be a "dress uniform" to Lilim's functional form but little different overall. Black blouse (cinched at wrists) over black breeches (cinched at ankle). The blouse is split collared just like the dress shirts for the men, and you also receive black sash and turban. It is still of the finest quality, with gold jewelry to keep from being entirely colorless. There seems to be some meaning behind this attire, but you don't know what it is, but it definitely seems to be more of a military uniform of some type.

Some rules about dress code and how to show up.
* This is a function with foreign dignitaries and possible powerful political allies, not a dungeon crawl.
* No armor, no shields. Don't bring them. Dorit could've gotten away with masterwork or better light armor and masterwork or better buckler (no larger), but she doesn't have it so it doesn't matter.
* Each of you can bring one (and only one) light weapon of masterwork or better value; longswords and flails are not light weapons. No ranged-only weapons (as in, no bow, net, bola, etc.). The idea is that if you do wear a small weapon of this quality (and in this case, you are actually encouraged), it is decorative, not for those spoiling for a fight.
* No general equipment. Show up as you would IRL for any fine dinner. You wouldn't show up with backpack, bedroll, etc. This also means no worn magic items that do not have obvious decorative properties. E.g., the muleback cords are not decorative, but Ichibod's ring of feather falling would be.
* Lastly, and most importantly ... leave your "PC glow" at Heidmarch Manor.

The Heidmarches are given lead priority, followed by Bessel (Wha-?), then Jolly, and then Ichibod. If Dorit wears a dress, she is last. If she wears the black uniform, then she is ranked behind Bessel in importance, and yet outside ranking; it seems she would be treated very importantly, and yet more of a protective role for the rest of the group. The Scribe is merely a servant of the Heidmarches. He will taste their food and drink, see to their immediate needs, and then eat. He is a member of the feast, but for any discussion outside of the meal he is to stand behind the Heidmarches until asked for counsel.

Any questions?

[AtomicBanana]

Bessel tugs at one of the sleeves of the robe. "White," he moans, "Oh gods...why did it have to be white?"

Bessel makes his way to the baths once the measurements are complete, muttering something about people laughing at him.

[lostsole31]

Ichibod, are you going to chase Natalya down?

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If so, post in the Interactive, please.

If no one has anything else, we'll assume Lilim and the tailors leave and we FF to the next morning?

Jolly and Bessel, figure out your spell/ admixture setup. Otherwise, I will assume that what you have normally is still there. Also, remember that you will still be going into the Crow today, that this meal was set up to honor you but placed at this time of day to ready you for battle as well.

[AtomicBanana]

Bessel, distinctly uncomfortable the morning of the meeting, attempts to wake before the others and sneak down to his lab.

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Pretty standard array, just replacing Longshot with Bomber's Eye

[nasus]

Dorit will choose the black uniform style and inquire with the group if there is a suitable blade she might take.

[AtomicBanana]

As everyone gathers together before leaving for the Al-Din's, Bessel is the last to arrive. He is resplendently, radiantly, magnificently, obscenely white.

His robe is white, his turban: white. His gloves, also white.

Bessel's fur is white. His pink eyes, off-putting in his familiar black fur suddenly make sense.

He is also swearing in six languages, alternating from one to the other so swiftly that they all sort of mesh into a soliloquy that still manages to sound, to the untrained ear, distinctly venomous and not-at-all suited for polite company.

[lostsole31]

Because Dorit has chosen the black uniform, she can carry her masterwork longsword despite the above restrictions (but still no armor or shield). However, this carries with it the concept that like Speckled Antelope, the meal is in your honor but you are also in a servitor role for the Heidmarches et. al. ... that is, bodyguard ... which carries with it similar restrictions of when to speak.

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Which should be not at all for a bodyguard, which for RP purposes means its better for you to not take the sword so you can interact unless you really want to upset things. You are not a CN savage, you are a N barbarian that comes from a more advanced tribal setting that understands various rituals and deferences ... possibly to a level that most city-dwelling commoners are too cynical to understand. Still, there seems to be some honor in this, but you don't quite understand its implications.

Ichibod has his masterwork silvered dagger.

That's pretty much it for the group.

[nasus]

Dorit will take her longsword; she is a Protector of the Society and takes pride as such. She will be content to watch and listen.

[TickleMeTemplar]

Rezah will prepare all of his normal spells, except he replaces abundant ammunition with obscuring mist, and forbid action with command.