Ava Religion Check; 18

History check: 14

Bram smiles and claps along as Lord Sirocci completes his performance.

"Well done, wonderful performance, absolutely beautiful."

As Lord Sirocci floats around instead of walking, Bram's expression changes a little. It looks kind of like finding out you are inside the cage with the lion, but you don't want to appear afraid to your friends.

"Truly a pleasure to hear such exquisite music. I haven't heard anything so beautiful, since hearing the Solacus Symphonic Orchestra, some 6 months ago."

As Ospos asks his question, Bram nods along.

"Yes we are looking for Verrina in relation to another person. We believe she may have more information that could help us in our search for them."

Sirocci smiles at the praise. "Solacus? It's been ages since I've heard of the place, let alone met someone who'd been there. Quite curious. Unfortunately I'm not familiar with this gnome, Verrina. I don't expect my guards to keep track of every single traveler they see off in the wastes, so I'm afraid I can't be of much help. My sister is the one you should ask. Have you been in contact with her since coming here?"

Ava steps forward respectfully

"We initiated contact with her upon our arrival, but it seemed as though she were in the midst of combat, and was so unable to  provide us with much guidance."

General Insight Check on Sirocci; 19

Ava: Sirocci lives up to the reputation his kind have earned for being beautiful and charming, but you can sense a palpable malevolence on him as well. He doesn't seem insincere in his graciousness, but there is something cold and shallow about it, like he could change his mood on a whim and devour you all. But right now, he just nods to your response. "I see, one moment." He looks off, momentarily distant. "Dear sister, you have some fellow Bounders here at the keep seeking your help with some official business. Please return home as soon as possible. Oh and bring something for them to eat." he says with a wink back to you all. He waits for a moment before turning his full attention back to you. "She's actually not too far off, she should be back my midday tomorrow. In the meantime Lysander can show you to your quarters, and after that why don't you all join me on the terrace for drinks?"

Bram nods agreement with Liafial,

"Most gracious of you, lord Sirocci, thank you for your kind hospitality."

Bram follows along as Lysander leads everyone away.

Lysander nods to his lord, then turns to begin leading you back through the keep. You all pass through the hall and back into the front front courtyard, across the way to the opposite door. This hallway looks very similar to the first. Lysander points to an open door on the right. "That leads to the great room and dining room. Bathrooms here on the left. And here are your quarters." He says as he reaches the end of the hall where there are four doors, 2 on the left and two on the right. At the very end of the hall there is a glass door that seems to lead outside. "That will take you to the terrace. Once you've set your things down, I think Lord Sirocci would like to meet you all up there. I will return to my post. The cretins lurking about shouldn't give you any trouble now, but if you need anything just scream." 

The rooms are decorated similarly to the rest of the house. White walls, deep red and purple furnishings. Each room has two beds, and everything is well kept though a little dusty.

Ospos removes his pack and sets it in a corner of his quarters.  He searches for a mirror and spends time straightening out his outfit, trying his best to wipe away grime and dirt.  Making sure his hat is properly perched on his head, he heads out of the room and towards the terrace.

Bram places his pack down in the same room as Ospos. Finding a mirror, he gives himself a look over.

Bram casts Prestidigitation enough times to clean away all the dust and grim that has collected in their travels.

Satisfied with his appearance, Bram smiles and winks at his reflection and heads out with Ospos, to the terrace.

Before going out to the terrace with the others, Ava will take a moment to attempt to reach out to Larun for guidance.

6

Ava: Closing your eyes, you reach out to your deity. Darkness takes you for a moment. It's the inky blackness of a new moon, cold and distant. It only serves to remind you how far away you are from home, from the moonlit night sky of Elysium. You open your eyes lacking the comfort and guidance you'd hoped to find.

After a short climb of the stairs and a walk along a narrow porch, you arrive at the terrace of the Pallid Keep. The elegant marble structure hangs right off the black cliff below, offering an expansive view of the dark landscape beyond. The space is decorated with similar red foliage as the courtyard, as well as several flowerbeds from which bright purple flowers bloom. Inside their petals, a soft pink glow casts little spots of blush on the white tiles. There are white stone benches and tables arranged around the terrace, as well as a gorgeous curving bar against the side of the castle. One of the three audience members stands behind it, cleaning several glasses, while Lord Sirocci himself sits at the bar with a tall glass of red wine. As you begin to make your way over he smiles, revealing fangs. "Welcome friends. Make yourselves comfortable. My thrall here is a talented crafter of cocktails and knowledgeable sommelier. Just tell him what you like."

Ospos sneers at the word 'Thrall'.  He sits some distance away from Lord Sirocci and declines any drinks with a motion of his hand.

(Is the thrall alive or undead?)

Ospos: (give me an investigation, religion or insight check)

Ospos Insight: 17

Ospos: While the thrall doesn't have quite the same impact as Sirocci, he does have a similar unnatural grace and a cold detachment about him. You can infer that he is undead, and by his clear admiration for Siorcci it's likely that the Lord was the one to raise him.

Approaching the bar, Ava says

"Good evening, would you possibly be able to prepare ambrosia?"

Ava: The man pulls his eyes away from Sirocci as you speak, turning to scan you with curiosity and a pleasant smile. "Yes Ma'am." He begins gathering the ingredients, a long blonde ponytail swishing as he moves. He measures out several different sweet liquors as well as syrup which is the telltale peachy color of the ambrosia fruit you're familiar with. He stirs this all together with ice and strains it into a fluted glass, then tops it with champagne. Before handing it to you, he garnishes the drink with a candied slice of lemon. "I hope it's to your liking Ma'am." Indeed the drink is quite good. It doesn't compete what you've had in Elysium using fresh ambrosia fruit, but it is delicious and a welcome taste of home.

Ospos starts to feel uncomfortable at the prospect of becoming intoxicated around vampires.  He keeps a keen watch, trying to look at everyone and everywhere at once.

(Perception if required: 16)

Bram takes an interest at Ava's request for ambrosia,

"Abrosia, I've not had that before, is it good?"

"Kind barman, I would like to try an ambrosia as well. Thank you."

Turning to take in all the beautiful architecture and decor, Bram remarks,

"This is a truly beautiful home, Lord Sirocci. Just to look upon it, drives away the shadows of misery, that have been clawing at my mind since arriving."

Bram takes a seat and wait for his drink.