"I'm afraid it's a little more complicated than that. Your perimeter guard is a tad overzealous - the only discernible intelligence we have from the last party guided by Bonnie's grace here is that they were taken by surprise amid screams of terror. Suggesting a surprise attack, no distinction on the ones involved."
![](https://i.imgsafe.org/6b/6b3fa66ef7.png)
:“Who was this party you speak of? I do not recall any of our fresh prisioners bearing Bonnie’s signs.”
![](https://i.imgsafe.org/6b/6b3e1bd95e.png)
:”We must show the world that we are serious in our endeavour. Those that provoke our borders shall pay for it.”
![](https://i.imgsafe.org/6b/6b3ff281d0.png)
: “Mind you our guards may be a bit too much overzealous right now, they’re a bit rough around the edges working with what we have, still teaching them proper manners. It takes time.”
"And I would be remiss in my current responsibilities if I were not to ask what manner of outside threat would require such isolation."
![](https://i.imgsafe.org/6b/6b3fa66ef7.png)
:“The monsters that were kept in check by the Jóia Tiara of course. They have been rampaging accross the kingdom since the queen fell and take many shapes.”
![](https://i.imgsafe.org/6b/6b3e1bd95e.png)
:”Plus plenty of self-called ‘heroes’ looking for an opportunity to stake any of us and loot our treasures.”
![](https://i.imgsafe.org/6b/6b3ff281d0.png)
: “There’s been a big surge of opportunistic raiders and bandits thinking they have free reign when there’s seemingly no proper authority around the kingdom anymore.”
"Then I thank you for the offer, Baron, and shall gladly take you up on it. I believe this is the first time that we have met in person? And yourself, Duchess. But Fuerme... how long has it been?"
![](https://i.imgsafe.org/6b/6b3ff281d0.png)
: “Some fifty years I think? Feels like last night. I was you secretary, but misted away when that party of paladins showed up. No hard feelings I believe? I honestly believed you would be able to take them on by yourself.”
"Oh hooo, a soiré you say? Well now, I could certainly be persuaded to hold off on beating ya'll senseless for your crimes here with a good party."
![](https://i.imgsafe.org/6b/6b3fa66ef7.png)
:“Crimes? But we did our best to protect the people of Portimão! If not for us this place would be in ruins!”
![](https://i.imgsafe.org/6b/6b3ff281d0.png)
: ”Is that a challenge, angel? Because a duel can be arranged. Pick your weapon of choice, I’ll see you at my feet all the same.”
![](https://i.imgsafe.org/6b/6b3e1bd95e.png)
:“Now now, nice party first, then let’s see if you’re still in the mood for fighting.”
"I'll take you up on that offer, I find myself parched."
"Yes I'll take something to drink as well."
![](https://i.imgsafe.org/6b/6b3ff281d0.png)
: ”Excellent. ”
Akhram claps his hands and in a few moments a dwarf woman, human man, an orcish lady and an androgynous elf, all looking middle-aged, are escorted inside the room by the maids that welomed you, wearing expensive-looking clothes and smiles, including silk scarves. Akhram gently pulls their scarves and exposes their necks to the party’s own vampires. There’s some light signs of bites in their skins but they hold their heads high in expectation, never dropping their smiles.