I myself I am okay with start the party reaches elven ruins, where they meet Cardinal Pride who then showers them with gifts and forms alliance with them and helps turn the coming tide of battle (or just trick mercenaries from pursuit while rest hide in shadows).<br/><br/>Also note that besides just 'randomly' choosing the party members as target for bribe; Cardinal Pride may have<em>divine guidance</em>to do so. Do remember by his class features he has a imp, imp has augury and communion both usable. So if Cardinal Pride (with his own goals) wanting recruit powerful individuals for the cause conquering the desert, the Imp may contact the vast infernal network which includes all dukes of hell, for answers, then he is guided to ruins on specific date and time and then sits there (camps) and then group arrives in exact moment as 'prophesied' by his divine connection granted imp. So through the divinations he knows despite whatever behavior or alignment, he knows group members (either 3 women or 3 women + merc) are ones to help build a empire.<br/><br/>Also imp (which is called Kizabum, spelled same as kiss-a-rump), can serve as GMPC (sort guiding figure who gives Cardinal Pride occasional guidance, advice's or tips for adventure places).