Fifth Task III

March 8, the night of the party, arrives. The group set out in their best clothes. For Mishram, this is a set of clean but simple robes. Perizada is set up in sumptuous silks for a sword dance. Corrigan allowed Perizada to purchase his clothes, and so is dressed in Ar’bal style, complete with a small fez. They bring in a cart with goblin-made armor and some fireworks.

The place is decorated beautifully, and lighting is provided by dozens of caged mephitis that Arabane must have personally conjured. The cream of Highmoon society is there, and the New Warriors look around for anyone they know.

Their eyes alight on Sherriff Pickingill, whom Corrigan and Perizada met when they had to obtain his signature as Low Council representative of Cubbyhole village. He is at the buffet table and happy to engage in his usual gossip and banter. Among items of interest:

— At Baronet Axel Cedric’s ball, Grugald Mugerpuck (the all-goblin band of Challengers) showed up and made a horrible disruption. They announced they were there to uncover a dark seer, poked and prodded at everything, and fought the household guard before running away. (Later Corrigan consults his notes and finds that the goblins were supposed to go to Lady Charity’s ball on the 10th. He concludes that Ceridwah’s Rejects must have somehow convinced them to switch.)

— At Baron Kinsley’s masquerade, everything was quite and the Silver Sabres weren’t much noticed. Pickingill complains that it’s hard for him to disguise himself, being a Halfling and all.

— Pickingill also remembers meeting Estaban, leader of Yarsa’s Avengers at Tallcastle’s ball. Again, not much excitement.

— After hearing the Warriors’ first-hand account of the king’s confrontation with the elf on his processional, the Sheriff pronounces it typical of Tylor Simmerian. Corrigan probes if the Low Council is unhappy to see the king return to Highmoon, but Pickingill is philosophical about dealing with the man who used to be their grand duke. He says the only thing the Low Council can agree on is to not being pushed around by the High Council/Duke.

The New Warriors see Viscount Talion Arabane briefly, but (after briefly quizzing Mishram on his religion) he doesn’t seem to have much time for them. He seems to avoid the group the entire night, and the Warriors elect not to press the issue. Corrigan is somewhat disappointed, having hoped that the Viscount might be inclined to show them favor.

Corrigan looks for Lathifalamirus, the master illusionist who is representative of the Gnome District. He is not seen, but Corrigan suspects he is there in some illusionary disguise.

The New Warriors also get to meet His Grace, Grand Duke James Simerian. He fits perfectly his reputation as a frail and shy man. He engages them in some pleasant conversation, but when the subject of Arabane’s missing ward Cordelia gets brought up, he grows visibly nervous.

Then it is time for the demonstrations of skill, the last requirement of the New Warriors for Sycron’s challenge. Mishram summons a greater Manahune, which runs wild in an entertaining manner. Its visit cuts short, however, when it sees Arabane. After the manahune vanishes in terror, Arabane announces that many spirits find themselves terrified by powerful mages. Corrigan fumes in silent jealousy and wishes for the day when he has such power.

Perizada performs an exotic sword dance from Ar’Bal, which goes off without her cutting herself (not a sure thing).

Corrigan announces he will perform a display of gnomish alchemy and magic. He is given a lot of room by the crowd. A lot of room. However, the fireworks prove beautiful and are a great success.

Arabane does a display combining sword work with magic. It conjures up memories of the Black War, with black dragons being fought and slain, and seems to promise victory in the new war. Everybody applauds.

After the display, the New Warriors approach their targets. Mishram and Perizada go to speak to Baronet Sedgewick. Seduced by Perizada’s charms, he listens to Mishram’s pitch. He is extremely reluctant at the thought of selling goblin goods, though he is interested in how cheaply they can be made. After some indecision, he promises to think about it and take the group’s address for later consideration.

Corrigan goes to speak to Tallcastle, bring along a bottle of good port. After chatting a little bit about war and sharing a drink, Corrigan lays out his pitch about fireworks as battlefield signaling devices. Tallcastle is already pretty drunk but seems receptive to the idea. He promises to discuss the matter further three nights hence. He presses Corrigan about exclusivity, and Corrigan puts him off for the time being. (Later C decides to offer him an exclusive color.)

The group approaches Baron Kinsley together, arriving in time to overhear him talking about a measure he intends to put before the High Council in 8 days to expel all the remaining elf residents of Highmoon. After the Warriors express their sympathy to this idea, Kinsley warms right up. He proves to be a well-spoken, pleasant individual who listens to the group’s efforts and offers valuable advice. Corrigan hints that the New Warriors could help get his expulsion measure passed by finding evidence that the elves are up to no good, and Kinsley promises that his gratitude would be great if they did. Corrigan arranges a meeting the next evening to discuss fireworks and getting rid of elves.

Finally, Perizada is sent to approach Longaxe on her own. She makes a short pitch regarding the usage of fireworks and hands Longaxe some paperwork prepared by Corrigan showing schedule and prices for the ‘New Warriors’ trading group. Longaxe is skeptical about gnomes, asking if they will deliver what is promised and are reliable. However, a clear and written offer seems to reassure him, and he promises to talk with the field commanders. He has absolutely no interest in using goblin troops or equipment. After Perizada reports back, Corrigan wonders if the humans might not find other gnomish inventions to be of use.

The party winds down with Corrigan more than a little drunk and talking to plants. The New Warriors head home, having succeeded completely in their challenge task. As he lays down his head to sleep, Corrigan begins dreaming up ways to help Kinsley expel all resident elves from Highmoon.