Kriv leans in, "It is good to see you, well, and in fine company. I worry that we'll need all the discreet help we can get. You trust these friend of yours?"
Balasar replies quietly: It is good to see you also. My friends and I have fought side by side in multiple battles; they've never deserted me or let me down, and have given me no cause to question their discretion. They've earned my trust.
Kriv nods, "And I have heard no tales of burning buildings or duels of honor in the wake of your passing... perhaps you are taking this penance more seriously than I'd first feared. Your armor still waits for you, when you are deemed ready to claim it."
Rajan snorts, "We're born with armor enough, father. In this, at least, Balasar has held well to the path I charted. The tradition's spirit is... charming, but I think he'll be more likely to take his colors as I have, rather than clank about as you and uncle Soh."
Balasar merely smiles. In all this, I will let my deeds do the talking; as one's actions speak much more forcefully than words ever could. As for the differences in paths between you and Rajan, I'll say nothing; now is not the time for me to get between the two of you, amusing though it can be to put Rajan out of sorts. At least he's returned to wearing normal footwear.
Rajan glares at Balasar, but Kriv chuckles, "Ah, I have missed this."
A little while later, Soh walks in and takes his place between Rajan and Wendell, a fair distance from Karash.
A rich meal is served forth, prepared in Tymantheran fashion. Breads stuffed with heavily spiced meat, a wide array of pickled vegetables, fruits, and an odd dish that seems to be a kind of chilled pasta salad is brought out along with ample wine. The servants go about their task quietly, never once making eye contact with the guests or their hosts.
Off in the corner, the group can hear what appears to be the majordomo issuing whispered commands to the staff as needed.
Balsar's sister Pooja keeps glancing at Skoth every few seconds between talking with her mother. Thava, for her part, seems both pleased at the additional company and anxious to be an excellent hostess. As such, she seems ready to make conversation with anyone.
Karash and Gisi tend to not engage the other members of the Delmirev household, with perhaps the exception of Thava and Pooja. Karash seems much more open to conversing with the party, by contrast.
After a brief hesitation, Lisette takes the nearest open seat. As the meal progresses, the pale healer examines her tablemates with a curious eye. Though her expression is friendly and relaxed, her gaze is intense and seems to pay little heed to social convention, inspecting each being more as if they were paintings (and thus incapable of taking offense at her direct stare) rather than living, breathing people. Despite her actions, she offers a wide, friendly smile and a little wave of her fingers at anyone who makes eye contact with her.
With advantage since Balasar has known her all her life? 8
Balasar recalls that his sister has long held a fascination with the natural world and has spoken of wanting to be a ranger on more than one occasion. Perhaps she wishes to take advantage of Skoth's knowledge while he is about.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Balasar is clearly enjoying the taste of home as he digs into the meal. He makes conversation freely, both with his family and the party. He seems to be trying to ensure that everyone is included in the conversation while also catching up with his family somewhat.
He will also make a perception check and an insight check to see if he can discern anything odd or out of place in the servants' behavior, speech (if any), and demeanor. He also makes a perception check to see if he can discern any tampering with the food (e.g., an attempted poisoning).
Preception (Servants): Balasar notices nothing unusual about the servants in terms of appearance, and doesn't catch any of their conversations with the majordomo.
Insight (Servants): Balasar tries to get a general sense of the serving staff's attitude. Somewhat hindered by his upbringing, the servants have a tendency to fade into the background of his mind even at the best of times. Nonetheless... the majordomo seems concerned about something. Not alarmed or afraid, merely as though he has an impending conversation that he really is not looking forward to.
Perception (Food): Ah, the old staples... Turkhaari, Farothai, and Yochit. You notice Wendell taking a second helping of the Yochit. You suspect he will react poorly to the revelation that the pasta-like substance is ant eggs. Nothing seems out of place and everything seems serviceable, but... something is missing. Perhaps it's something in the presentation of the food, but though palatable Balasar feels that less care has gone into preparation and presentation than he remembers. Perhaps the chef has been replaced? Perhaps a servant took a spill on the way up from the kitchens and hastily tried to make it look as though nothing was wrong.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Balasar also makes perception and insight checks on his family members, trying to determine if anyone is acting oddly or differently from how he would expect them to be acting under the circumstances.
Karash is perhaps more sullen and withdrawn than you would expect, even given the circumstances, but overall everyone besides him and Soh appear to be acting normally.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Skoth looks around at the family nervously. He has never enjoyed social interaction much and particularly despises the concept of dinner parties. He notices that one of the dragonborn keeps looking at him. He feels a certain tick of curiosity rise quite unexpectedly within him.
Skoth looks around at the family nervously. He has never enjoyed social interaction much and particularly despises the concept of dinner parties. He notices that one of the dragonborn keeps looking at him. He feels a certain tick of curiosity rise quite unexpectedly within him.
Perception check on Pooja: 24
You've seen acolytes in your order look at archdruids with the same mixture of curiosity, fear, and reverence.
After a moment, Pooja can contain herself no longer. She takes a deep breath... much, you realize in alarm, in the same way Balasar does before breathing fire, "You're a druid, yes? Can you turn into an animal? What animal can you turn into? How did you get your powers? What do you think of the grounds on the estate? Have you seen the fountains yet? Did you know I'm the groundskeeper? I've always wanted to learn how the rangers work their magic! Is your magic the same as theirs? Are rangers just druids with swords? Do you know any rangers? Can you teach me how to do magic? Who taught you to do magic? What does it feel like to cast a sp-"
Thava looks extremely taken aback, fork raised halfway to her mouth. "Pooja! Give the man a moment! Mister Skoth, I apologize..."
Karash leans in to speak with Gong, "Back when Chef Kust was in top form, he'd always find a way to shape the food into gryphons, owlbears, and other beasts. His creations were one of the few things I was really looking forward to... Alas, the poor fellow must be getting tired of it. I've not seen so much as an attempt at an animal since we arrived. In any case, has your group done any investigative work in the past? I'm glad to see you, but I'm not sure what help a band made for dungeon delves can be here and now."
Gisi leans in as well, "We both wanted to help ourselves, but much of the family seems confident that our assistance isn't needed." A bit of annoyance crosses her normally placid features, "My father in law in particular made his stance quite clear."
Karash snorts derisively, "All that to say... if you need help, especially if it's another sword arm, I stand ready."
---
A little further down the table, Soh glances to Lisette, "All the arrangements are made, whenever you and our guests are ready."
At this, Kriv cocks a scaly brow, "Arrangements? What have you done? And for that matter, what kept you from taking an escort with you?"
Soh smiles placatingly, "Ah, don't trouble yourself brother. I've merely helped arrange a few things for their investigation."
House Delmirev's patriarch frowns, "I believe I made it clear that I was to be kept abreast of all investigations. Furthermore, I KNOW I told you to never travel alone."
Soh scowls, "I will not be taken unawares so easily, brother. I'm very confident that if someone is stupid enough to attack us on high alert, I can manage."
"This isn't up for discussion. I understand the temptation to feel like what happens to you doesn't matter but-"
"You understand nothing," Soh hisses with venom.
Kriv's expression turn thunderous for a moment before he takes visible effort to calm himself, "Your actions set an example for everyone in this house. For the sake of my children, and for the sake of every servant, guard, and guest you will set a GOOD one."
Soh seems ready to argue more for a moment before deflating, "As you say, brother. I... apologize."
[Lisette has nothing more to ask or add at this point and is prepared to meet with one of the guard lieutenants (assuming that was the preparation to which Soh alluded) or possibly question the chef to learn why his artistic flare has fizzled.]
[Balasar knows better than to insert himself in a disagreement between his father and his uncle, and will refrain from commenting, though he does make a mental note of the disagreement.]
After dinner, Soh leads the party to the barracks. Walking along the lawn in the gathering twilight, they spot a man standing out next to the barracks door dressed in House Delmirev's red and gold livery. On seeing the group, the man bows low.
Balasar's uncle makes introductions, "This is lieutenant Damos, a valuable member of the house guard, and a close friend of my son. You'd be hard pressed to find a more knowledgeable member of the staff regarding daily life here."
Damos offers a small smile, "Thank you, my lord. I assume you to be master Balasar, sir? I believe I was hired after you left the estate to go adventuring."
Balasar greets the man warmly, hoping to put him at ease: You are correct, lieutenant; I am pleased to make your acquaintance, though I wish it could have been under better circumstances. I'm afraid I've been rather lax in staying abreast of happenings on the estate while I've been away. To help fill those gaps, could you please tell me a little about yourself and how you came to be employed on estate? I'd also like to know about any notable events that have occurred while I've been away.
Damos shrugs, "Can't say my own story is all that interesting, sir. I have a mother to look after and I'm handy enough with my blades that your cousin saw enough promise to give me a chance. I like to think I've done well by the family. They haven't gotten rid of me yet."
Soh chimes in, "Damos undersells himself. Even before the incident he was instrumental in getting our guards into the shape they are in now. He also made a strong case for additional guards being needed... words I now wish Kri- that we all had taken more seriously."
Damos replies, "Even if all the measures I'd outlined had been followed to the letter, I'm not sure anything could have prevented what happened. Whoever killed the Captain knew more about his movements than any outsider could reasonably be expected to know. I think," He says, leaning in conspiratorially to the party, "That it was an inside job. I've been trying to make inquiries among the guard, but none of them are usually in the main house and we run a pretty tight ship. Captain always liked to know where his guards were in case something major happened."
Balasar replies softly: "What measures did you recommend, lieutenant, and what led you to recommend them?
"Your point about knowledge of my cousin's movements is a good one as well. Who could have known that he would be in that location at that time, and whocould they have passed that information on to?"
Damos shrugs, "Seemed simple enough to me at the time sir, at least one guard stationed on every floor of the estate, and a few extras patrolling the perimeter. As for the why, well... it just didn't strike me as proper to keep the guards out of the house, sir. Fire breath or no, even the mightiest warrior is vulnerable when he's unarmed and in his own home. Now... as to who could have known, it's part of the majordomo's job description to know all the patterns of both the family and the staff. Maybe one of the kitchen staff? The captain always brought some leftovers to the barracks when the kitchens made too much. Honestly though, outside of that... I can't think of anyone outside your own family who knew his habits as well as we guards did. I know he and Rajan often trained together, and of course Kriv met with him regularly."
Soh blinks, "He did?"
Damos nods, "Well, yes sir. Lord Kriv didn't take to a new hire shaking things up, but I understand that he met with the Captain regularly to discuss security. Now as to who they passed things to... I can't say I know anything definite, but make no mistake my boys and I will be on the look out for anyone attempting to leave the premises."
Kriv nods, "And I have heard no tales of burning buildings or duels of honor in the wake of your passing... perhaps you are taking this penance more seriously than I'd first feared. Your armor still waits for you, when you are deemed ready to claim it."
Rajan snorts, "We're born with armor enough, father. In this, at least, Balasar has held well to the path I charted. The tradition's spirit is... charming, but I think he'll be more likely to take his colors as I have, rather than clank about as you and uncle Soh."
Balasar merely smiles. In all this, I will let my deeds do the talking; as one's actions speak much more forcefully than words ever could. As for the differences in paths between you and Rajan, I'll say nothing; now is not the time for me to get between the two of you, amusing though it can be to put Rajan out of sorts. At least he's returned to wearing normal footwear.
Rajan glares at Balasar, but Kriv chuckles, "Ah, I have missed this."
A little while later, Soh walks in and takes his place between Rajan and Wendell, a fair distance from Karash.
A rich meal is served forth, prepared in Tymantheran fashion. Breads stuffed with heavily spiced meat, a wide array of pickled vegetables, fruits, and an odd dish that seems to be a kind of chilled pasta salad is brought out along with ample wine. The servants go about their task quietly, never once making eye contact with the guests or their hosts.
Off in the corner, the group can hear what appears to be the majordomo issuing whispered commands to the staff as needed.
Balsar's sister Pooja keeps glancing at Skoth every few seconds between talking with her mother. Thava, for her part, seems both pleased at the additional company and anxious to be an excellent hostess. As such, she seems ready to make conversation with anyone.
Karash and Gisi tend to not engage the other members of the Delmirev household, with perhaps the exception of Thava and Pooja. Karash seems much more open to conversing with the party, by contrast.
Soh eats in silence.
Any party member that wishes to act may do so.
After a brief hesitation, Lisette takes the nearest open seat. As the meal progresses, the pale healer examines her tablemates with a curious eye. Though her expression is friendly and relaxed, her gaze is intense and seems to pay little heed to social convention, inspecting each being more as if they were paintings (and thus incapable of taking offense at her direct stare) rather than living, breathing people. Despite her actions, she offers a wide, friendly smile and a little wave of her fingers at anyone who makes eye contact with her.
Insight check on Pooja: 12
With advantage since Balasar has known her all her life? 8
Balasar recalls that his sister has long held a fascination with the natural world and has spoken of wanting to be a ranger on more than one occasion. Perhaps she wishes to take advantage of Skoth's knowledge while he is about.
Balasar is clearly enjoying the taste of home as he digs into the meal. He makes conversation freely, both with his family and the party. He seems to be trying to ensure that everyone is included in the conversation while also catching up with his family somewhat.
He will also make a perception check and an insight check to see if he can discern anything odd or out of place in the servants' behavior, speech (if any), and demeanor. He also makes a perception check to see if he can discern any tampering with the food (e.g., an attempted poisoning).
Perception (Servants): 10
Insight (Servants): 9
Perception (Food): 8
Preception (Servants): Balasar notices nothing unusual about the servants in terms of appearance, and doesn't catch any of their conversations with the majordomo.
Insight (Servants): Balasar tries to get a general sense of the serving staff's attitude. Somewhat hindered by his upbringing, the servants have a tendency to fade into the background of his mind even at the best of times. Nonetheless... the majordomo seems concerned about something. Not alarmed or afraid, merely as though he has an impending conversation that he really is not looking forward to.
Perception (Food): Ah, the old staples... Turkhaari, Farothai, and Yochit. You notice Wendell taking a second helping of the Yochit. You suspect he will react poorly to the revelation that the pasta-like substance is ant eggs. Nothing seems out of place and everything seems serviceable, but... something is missing. Perhaps it's something in the presentation of the food, but though palatable Balasar feels that less care has gone into preparation and presentation than he remembers. Perhaps the chef has been replaced? Perhaps a servant took a spill on the way up from the kitchens and hastily tried to make it look as though nothing was wrong.
Balasar also makes perception and insight checks on his family members, trying to determine if anyone is acting oddly or differently from how he would expect them to be acting under the circumstances.
Perception: 18
Insight: 5
Karash is perhaps more sullen and withdrawn than you would expect, even given the circumstances, but overall everyone besides him and Soh appear to be acting normally.
Skoth looks around at the family nervously. He has never enjoyed social interaction much and particularly despises the concept of dinner parties. He notices that one of the dragonborn keeps looking at him. He feels a certain tick of curiosity rise quite unexpectedly within him.
Perception check on Pooja: 18
You've seen acolytes in your order look at archdruids with the same mixture of curiosity, fear, and reverence.
After a moment, Pooja can contain herself no longer. She takes a deep breath... much, you realize in alarm, in the same way Balasar does before breathing fire, "You're a druid, yes? Can you turn into an animal? What animal can you turn into? How did you get your powers? What do you think of the grounds on the estate? Have you seen the fountains yet? Did you know I'm the groundskeeper? I've always wanted to learn how the rangers work their magic! Is your magic the same as theirs? Are rangers just druids with swords? Do you know any rangers? Can you teach me how to do magic? Who taught you to do magic? What does it feel like to cast a sp-"
Thava looks extremely taken aback, fork raised halfway to her mouth. "Pooja! Give the man a moment! Mister Skoth, I apologize..."
Karash leans in to speak with Gong, "Back when Chef Kust was in top form, he'd always find a way to shape the food into gryphons, owlbears, and other beasts. His creations were one of the few things I was really looking forward to... Alas, the poor fellow must be getting tired of it. I've not seen so much as an attempt at an animal since we arrived. In any case, has your group done any investigative work in the past? I'm glad to see you, but I'm not sure what help a band made for dungeon delves can be here and now."
Gisi leans in as well, "We both wanted to help ourselves, but much of the family seems confident that our assistance isn't needed." A bit of annoyance crosses her normally placid features, "My father in law in particular made his stance quite clear."
Karash snorts derisively, "All that to say... if you need help, especially if it's another sword arm, I stand ready."
---
A little further down the table, Soh glances to Lisette, "All the arrangements are made, whenever you and our guests are ready."
At this, Kriv cocks a scaly brow, "Arrangements? What have you done? And for that matter, what kept you from taking an escort with you?"
Soh smiles placatingly, "Ah, don't trouble yourself brother. I've merely helped arrange a few things for their investigation."
House Delmirev's patriarch frowns, "I believe I made it clear that I was to be kept abreast of all investigations. Furthermore, I KNOW I told you to never travel alone."
Soh scowls, "I will not be taken unawares so easily, brother. I'm very confident that if someone is stupid enough to attack us on high alert, I can manage."
"This isn't up for discussion. I understand the temptation to feel like what happens to you doesn't matter but-"
"You understand nothing," Soh hisses with venom.
Kriv's expression turn thunderous for a moment before he takes visible effort to calm himself, "Your actions set an example for everyone in this house. For the sake of my children, and for the sake of every servant, guard, and guest you will set a GOOD one."
Soh seems ready to argue more for a moment before deflating, "As you say, brother. I... apologize."
[Lisette has nothing more to ask or add at this point and is prepared to meet with one of the guard lieutenants (assuming that was the preparation to which Soh alluded) or possibly question the chef to learn why his artistic flare has fizzled.]
[Balasar knows better than to insert himself in a disagreement between his father and his uncle, and will refrain from commenting, though he does make a mental note of the disagreement.]
After dinner, Soh leads the party to the barracks. Walking along the lawn in the gathering twilight, they spot a man standing out next to the barracks door dressed in House Delmirev's red and gold livery. On seeing the group, the man bows low.
Balasar's uncle makes introductions, "This is lieutenant Damos, a valuable member of the house guard, and a close friend of my son. You'd be hard pressed to find a more knowledgeable member of the staff regarding daily life here."
Damos offers a small smile, "Thank you, my lord. I assume you to be master Balasar, sir? I believe I was hired after you left the estate to go adventuring."
Balasar greets the man warmly, hoping to put him at ease: You are correct, lieutenant; I am pleased to make your acquaintance, though I wish it could have been under better circumstances. I'm afraid I've been rather lax in staying abreast of happenings on the estate while I've been away. To help fill those gaps, could you please tell me a little about yourself and how you came to be employed on estate? I'd also like to know about any notable events that have occurred while I've been away.
Damos shrugs, "Can't say my own story is all that interesting, sir. I have a mother to look after and I'm handy enough with my blades that your cousin saw enough promise to give me a chance. I like to think I've done well by the family. They haven't gotten rid of me yet."
Soh chimes in, "Damos undersells himself. Even before the incident he was instrumental in getting our guards into the shape they are in now. He also made a strong case for additional guards being needed... words I now wish Kri- that we all had taken more seriously."
Damos replies, "Even if all the measures I'd outlined had been followed to the letter, I'm not sure anything could have prevented what happened. Whoever killed the Captain knew more about his movements than any outsider could reasonably be expected to know. I think," He says, leaning in conspiratorially to the party, "That it was an inside job. I've been trying to make inquiries among the guard, but none of them are usually in the main house and we run a pretty tight ship. Captain always liked to know where his guards were in case something major happened."
Balasar replies softly: "What measures did you recommend, lieutenant, and what led you to recommend them?
"Your point about knowledge of my cousin's movements is a good one as well. Who could have known that he would be in that location at that time, and who could they have passed that information on to?"
Damos shrugs, "Seemed simple enough to me at the time sir, at least one guard stationed on every floor of the estate, and a few extras patrolling the perimeter. As for the why, well... it just didn't strike me as proper to keep the guards out of the house, sir. Fire breath or no, even the mightiest warrior is vulnerable when he's unarmed and in his own home. Now... as to who could have known, it's part of the majordomo's job description to know all the patterns of both the family and the staff. Maybe one of the kitchen staff? The captain always brought some leftovers to the barracks when the kitchens made too much. Honestly though, outside of that... I can't think of anyone outside your own family who knew his habits as well as we guards did. I know he and Rajan often trained together, and of course Kriv met with him regularly."
Soh blinks, "He did?"
Damos nods, "Well, yes sir. Lord Kriv didn't take to a new hire shaking things up, but I understand that he met with the Captain regularly to discuss security. Now as to who they passed things to... I can't say I know anything definite, but make no mistake my boys and I will be on the look out for anyone attempting to leave the premises."
Soh frowns but says nothing.