Against the Giants: Steading of the Hill Giant Chief

[tiornys]

As if summoned by Wik's suggestion, a large, well dressed man enters the room and scans the group. Satisfied with his mental tally, he clears his throat. "Your pardon, honored guests. If you would be so kind as to follow me to dinner...."

The serving man leads you to a private dining chamber in the center of the keep. A large table dominates the room. Seated opposite the door at one end of the table is a youthful looking man with short dark hair and penetrating green eyes. He wears a black velvet vest over a shimmering blue tunic of some fine weave. At his breast, the vest is decorated by a patch of yellow and red stripes, the colors of the barony. Four chairs line each side of the table, pulled out and ready for use. At the near end of the table, a small chair has been pushed into the table, and there is no place setting for this spot. Standing against the wall on either side of the Baron, a pair of honorary guards keeps close watch as you are presented.

"My lord Baron, I give you Miranda, Emmisary of the Efreet; the Lady Mari Kastellic; and the renowned adventurers Deacon, Brook, Wik, Aelar, and Lucan. Honored guests, the Baron Martaen, Lord of this keep.

Baron Martaen greets you with a polite nod. "Please, be seated. We have much to discuss. Food will be arriving shortly. As he says this last, the Baron's eyes flick to the man who brought you here, who swiftly exits the room.

GM: Pick your seats, if you wish.

 

[Scotley]

Wik nods his head respectfully to the Baron with a soft "M'Lord", and moves to stand next to the third chair from the Baron on his right hand side. He waits for the Ladies to sit before taking a seat.

 

[drothgery]

Gwenn acknowledged the Baron's greeting in the proper form for a domain-less Lady to greet one of his rank, then took the second chair from his left. There was, after all, a chance he might know very well who she was and what she was capable of, in which case having her next to him might well make the Baron rather nervous.

 

[Inspiratorium]

Deacon offers a practiced smile as his name is said. "An honor, m'lord," he says softly but audibly. He moves to the second chair and the Baron's right. He was hardly nobility -- in fact, most of his life he had spent in the service of such people. Still, there was something to be said for being a reliable and consistent servant. You built up a reputation.

 

[DistractingFlare]

Lucan smiles broadly and pulls up the chair to the baron's immediate left, next to Gwenn. As if by instinct, his hand brushes the hilt of his hidden rapier. He immediately catches his mistake and checks the guards' reactions (as well as Deacon's). The half-elf leans forward, puts his elbows on the table, and cocks his head toward Gwenn. "Been a long time
since I've been this close to a noble."

 

[Phaezen]

Not wanting to appear too familiar Brook moves to the third chair on the baron's left and seat's himself.

Turning to the baron he introduces himself, then looks down at the dinner setting and hopes he doesn't embaress himself too much by using the wrong cutlery.

 

[Walking Dad]

Aelar of the Feywood

With most of the seats already taken and unfamiliar with the local political structure, Aelar randomly takes one of the remaining seats. "M'lord."

 

[tiornys]

As Gwenn takes her seat, the Baron addresses her. "I am pleased you were able to respond to our request, cousin. I must apologize for my wife's absence. Her health has been uncertain and I advised against her attendance this evening.

After delivering this comment, Martaen smiles at Lucan's remark and waits for everyone to be settled.

[sblock=Gwenn]From the above, you are reasonably certain that Martaen knows exactly who you are and is playing along with your subterfuge. While Mari is technically Martaen's cousin, the bond is much more relevant in your case. It is also likely that he feared his wife would recognize you and be less than discreet about it.[/sblock]

 

[drothgery]

"Please give her my regards." Gwenn said, acknowledging his comment.

He knows, and is not moving to have me arrested. Does that mean he supports me, or that they need highly skilled adventurers that badly?

 

[pathfinderq1]

Miranda followed the group to the dining room, walking at a relaxed, even stately pace. She scanned the room briefly, and when she saw that the chair immediately to the Baron's right had not yet been claimed, she made her way to that seat. She made a languid, casual gesture with her free hand, and the chair obligingly shifted itself back so that she could sit. Her greeting was polite, though perhaps a bit too formal for this particular occasion.