Roland Aristocrat Campaign

Game Master Goldstool Shroomshine

Seth chuckles slightly when the topic of romance novels surfaces. As Emile finishes talking Seth takes a sip of water. "None taken. Though I do admit I was quite lucky to meet Lucia through my line of work. It is safe to say I did not expect to find love through my line of work, but I am happy it happened. I cannot imagine a life without her now." Seth looks at Lucia as he finishes and gives her a quick kiss before taking another sip of water.

Got some errands to run, should have a response by 9PM PST or so.

Raphael smiles, nodding his agreement and says, "I might well have guessed it. I think you and I are aligned in this, as I know no way for our nation to be a cohesive whole if we do not accept all in our borders to be true men and women of Durendal." Raphael watches Ellen and Sinclair as he speaks, eying each carefully in turn.

Sense Motive Sinclair: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30
Sense Motive Ellen: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18

Seeing Valentina looking lost, Raphael motions her over and introduces her, "Dear friends, allow me the pleasure of introducing Valentina Silverstone, craftsman and merchant extraordinaire. She is a friend and occasional business partner."

Agatha beelines through the crowd, making her way to her brother. She walks whispering to herself. Several heads turn to face her from the groups.

Caroline hangs on the fringes of the groups, nervously making way to the tables for food without coming close enough for conversation.

Valentina finds Raphael, entering his group.

Caroline follows Halcyon out of the room, attempting to attract no attention to herself.

Halcyon smiles broadly as she hears Caroline's voice and sees her approach. She talks softly to make Caroline feel more at ease and stands at least 10 feet from the nearest group.

Seth takes a healthy gulp of water as Emile and Beatrice talk. When Emile brings up dancing, Seth almost chokes on his water. He coughs for a bit clearing his throat of the water. "I wouldn't mind being the first except..." *coughs a few times* "I am a terrible dancer." Seth puts down his glass of water and clears his throat once again. [b]"I am sorry for that. Anyway if you would like me to lead the charge, then I will be happy too. The sooner more people join the sooner people don't have to watch me fumble and trip." Seth lets out a lighthearted laugh as he finishes speaking.

Valentina follows Raphael over to his new friends, nodding to the two of them before shaking their hands in turn. "Hello. Mr. LeBlanc. Seems there's an awful lot of politics going on here. I thought it was just supposed to be a party. If business runs as usual here, I wouldn't suppose you're looking for a gun or a clockwork, are you?" She smiles jokingly. "And excuse me, but... I'm afraid that your name has slipped my mind." she says, turning to the young half-elf woman. "Would you care to remind me?"

** spoiler omitted **** spoiler omitted **** spoiler omitted **

he nods his head at the man and says "thank you, it is something of a passion for me, bringing joy to people, I don't know how to make the nation as a whole more accepting, but for now, until I think of something, I'm just going to lead by example, all are welcome at my bar, no matter your color, race or creed, once I have a bit more capitol to swing around I'm next going to see about improving the condition of our native ratfolk population

Emile is acting in all groups over the course of this update. The order of his actions go from groups 3 -> 4 -> 2 ->1.

Emile leaves his group, heading towards the Agnes twins.

No concentration needed here, won't use that unless it was more intense.

Emile is acting in all groups over the course of this update. The order of his actions go from groups 3 -> 4 -> 2 ->1.

Emile leaves his group, heading towards the Agnes twins. ** spoiler omitted **** spoiler omitted **Emile leaves the group, heading towards Abigal and Aron.

** spoiler omitted **

Marcus chuckles as Emile speaks up and says in his normal, merry tone "I am an excelent dancer, unfortunately I did not come prepared with a dance partner, so I will have to continue to eat these delicious deserts and talking to the various gentry until I discover a willing partner, or perhaps one who wishes to be made willing,

Seth laughs along at Bertrand's comment. "That is quite true. The difference is that both parties are usually willing when dancing, that is not so true in swordplay." Seth begins walking towards the ballroom before stopping and holding out his arm. "Come on Lucia, I know you are going to make me dance anyway. I might as well do it on my own terms."

Lucia walks towards Seth and takes his arm. "You can be no fun sometimes. I wanted to take the lead on this one." She frowns a bit, before going back to a more cheery expression. Seth and Lucia then proceed to the ballroom.

Once the party guests have passed through where Halcyon can observe them, she responds to Caroline's suggestions, Thank you, but I don't think it necessary just now. There's only one surprise, but nothing that I'd care to remark on just now. Then she whispers in Caroline's ear, "Just between you and me, I can see fairly well at short distances. I pretend to be nearly blind because it sometimes gives me a chance to spot things people think are hidden from me." She giggles and then finishes her treat and dusts off her clothes, expecting the dancing to start soon.

"Shall we watch the dancing?" she says to Caroline. If Caroline agrees, Halcyon will walk with her into the ballroom. She will gravitate toward the area where Vincent is standing, if he's not dancing.

Valentina laughs at LeBlanc's joke, her laugh a tinkling of glass accompanied by a dainty hand-wave. She gladly shakes Ellen's hand, saying to the pair of them, "I'm so glad that my family's reputation is intact. I strive every day to ensure that my father's memory is upheld."

She looks at LeBlanc inquisitively. "You wouldn't happen to need your model refurbished or repaired, would you? You know that we can do that, no problem. With proper care, a golem from our shops can keep going for a hundred years!" She smiles cornily.

Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Emile huffing and puffing and walking over to her, and the corner of her mouth curves up every so slightly.

Raphael chuckles and shakes his head, "Regrettably, Emile, the deftness of my tongue does not translate to the cleverness of my feet. Mine would be a rather poor example for inspiring the party." As Emile moves away, Raphael takes a moment to study Leblanc with a practiced eye as Valentina creates the necessary diversion.

Leblanc is no my studied target instead of the blond guy I studied at the start of dinner. I get a variety of skill (and unnecessary attack) bonuses against him.

"I'm personally tremendously impressed with the work that dear Valentina does. The constructs are of remarkable quality." Making mental note of Leblanc's suggestion to Estelle, Raphael's eyes narrow and he studies the man for a moment.

Sense Motive with studied target: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 17 + 1 = 27 Does he actually care about the ratfolk?

Turning his attention to Estelle for a moment, he asks, "We've talked at length of certain shared ambitions, but it occurs to me now that I didn't inquire into what other projects you're active with right now. I find your cause to be among the most worthy I've come across, so please do tell me more. In fact, I'm sure I'd be happy to serve you as a lawyer if that would be of assistance."

Sinclair laughs. “My secretary Catherine knows better than me how the ol' thing runs. I’ll give her your name for when maintenance is needed.” He smiles, making eye contact with Valentina. “Though let us talk later about what you can make besides these servants.” He gives the metallic servant a few light knocks, smiling.

As Emile takes the attention of Valentina, Sinclair returns to listening to Raphael and Estelle. It seems he isn’t one for dancing either.

Emile grins as he enters the last remaining group. “You almost sound as if you are bragging, Marcus. Lets hope your dancing is as good as you say.” Emile listens to Valentina and Sinclair, making quick looks at those making their way to the ballroom. His head darts to the clockwork construct as Sinclair knocks on it.“You know,” he starts, “I was wondering earlier if that thing could dance. A dancing construct would be all I really need.” He laughs to himself, picturing it.

He looks to Valentina. “Our little meeting with Vincent upstairs got in the way of our conversation I wanted. Think we may continue it over a dance?” He smiles. “Otherwise I can take the construct and figure out if a clockwork man can keep up.”

At the tail end of the party making its way to the ballroom is Beatrice, joined by Seth and Lucia. She frolics forward ahead of the married couple, something has excited her.

“Marcus,” she chirps, “you can dance?” She seems surprised and makes her way through the migration of guests to him. “You should have told me you dance. The both of us will charm the ballroom floor!” She giggles excitedly, but it fades to a smile. “Unless you would rather keep eating, of course.”

Emile watches amused, mostly intent on Valentina, but he can't help but smile and watch his sister in her excitement.

She smiles at the offer, appearing flattered even, but shakes her head. “Any endeavor of mine would only be paid in good will. That said, there are no group in Durendal who need lawyers and goodwill as the working class of Roland” She takes a sip of her drink, watching the party migrate north to the ballroom.

“Well,” Estelle starts, “I largely organize fundraisers and charity events now. Our group attempts to increase the visibility of ratfolks, tieflings, and other groups discriminated against in Durendal. We provide job opportunities, resources, training, programs and services to these men and women.

She clears her throat, taking another sip, finishing her beveridge. She fills her glass with water now. “With the help of donations from kind men like Alexander Ravenhall and Sinclair, we raised over eighteen thousand gold last month. It is being used to create the vessels and hire instructors for fisheries on the Durendal coastline for underclass workers. We are offering them the tools to support themselves rather than to support businesses that have such industry.”

Sinclair smiles, tipping his glass towards her. Ellen makes way to the ballroom. Estelle continues with Raphael. “Not one for dancing? Amidst all this praise, I was wondering where your faults would begins to appear.” She winks.

The party makes its way towards the ballroom. It is clear that some are more willing to dance, and that some are merely being polite. Bertrand finds an excuse in helping Alistair, staying in the front foyer. Ernest Stoneheart moves to the ballroom, but seems more interested in playing with the small construct he carries around.

Lucia and Seth appear to be the first formed couple. Shortly soon after, other dancing partners begin to form. Alexander and Agatha, Tomas and Nishara.

Vincent makes his way into the ballroom, wringing his hands nervously. The musicians prepare their sheet music, most sitting on stools with thin, dark cushions. He notices Halcyon nearby.

“Madame d’Orsay, you still leave me bewildered after your retelling of that dagger’s history.” He takes a step closer, stretching out his hand. “Perhaps this first song could be mine to share with you?

Caroline giggles, watching the events unfold. Her giggling ceases however when Helmuth Von Moltke asks her to dance. He is the closest in age to her, but perhaps the furthest in personality. While she speaks in tongues as first (and for a while after that), she eventually speaks common, letting out a quiet “I suppose.””

The musicians start the first song.

It is 10:47PM, 1 hour and 13 minutes to the New Year

Valentina jumps a little bit and puts her hand out. "Of course! But excuse my awkward feet. I may or may not step on your feet while we talk."

At the tail end of the party making its way to the ballroom is Beatrice, joined by Seth and Lucia. She frolics forward ahead of the married couple, something has excited her.

“Marcus,” she chirps, “you can dance?” She seems surprised and makes her way through the migration of guests to him. “You should have told me you dance. The both of us will charm the ballroom floor!” She giggles excitedly, but it fades to a smile. “Unless you would rather keep eating, of course.”

Emile watches amused, mostly intent on Valentina, but he can't help but smile and watch his sister in her excitement.

marcus grins as he plops another eclair into his mouth I suppose you'll have to watch and find out if my claims are true, care to find out first hand? I can try to turn down the charm so you aren't too overwhelmed he says before laughing as he stands. One final piece of pastry makes it's way into his stomach as he leaves the table.

Halcyon smiles at Vincent's invitation to dance. With a polite nod to Caroline, Halcyon takes Vincent's proffered hand and walks at his side toward the area where others are dancing. "I don't dance much so I hope you are good at leading." From the corner of her eye, she notices Helmuth speaking to Caroline and can sense the young woman's nervousness. She considers faltering for a moment and requesting Caroline's help, to give her an excuse to beg off Helmuth's offer, but then Vincent steps close and the dance begins.

As she starts to dance, she feels herself panicking, unable to remember on which foot the waltz begins or anything else. Her disability meant that her family did not bother teaching her such things and a cloud of resentment further threatens to make her trip and fall. Then, she feels a warmth fill her and it is as if an unseen spirit has calmed her mind and she immediately begins to follow Vincent's lead and from that point on, manages to avoid stepping on his feet or falling when he steps back to spin her under his arm. It was not the first time her guardian spirits had intervened on her behalf and she was grateful.

Perform(dance): 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + (6) = 11
Spending a point from her inspiration pool, hoping to avoid embarrassing herself so early on.

As Seth and Lucia watch the others pair up, Seth takes a deep breath and waits for the music to begin. Seth tries to enjoy the dance but at the same time he tries to not make a fool of himself as he dances.

Not sure what to roll for Lucia, but here is Seth's roll.

Perform: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Wow two nat 20's for dancing

Halcyon dances with Vincent, closeby the struggling partnership of Caroline and Helmuth.

The dancers begin their waltz.

Emile and Valentina begin their dance, quickly finding that they both seem capable dancers, or at least together they are. “You know,”he starts “with those heels of yours, I was a bit afraid when you said you’d be stepping on my feet. But here you are dancing wonderfully. I sure do have a talent picking the best guests.” He grins.

The song begins to pick up.

“How has the evening gone for you? Everything to your liking? I tried to get something everybody would like for dessert, so I decided to get everything” The two of them elegantly twirl, Emile occasionally giving quick glances to Caroline and Beatrice, but always returning back to Valentina.

Marcus and Beatrice do not follow the song so much as they feel it. They ebb and flow with the song, extravagantly making their way around the ballroom, twirling and circling the other dancers. Were it not for another pair, their dance would certainly be the center of attention. Beatrice smiles, appearing a bit taken aback“I thought you were joking about the “charm.” Still,” she twists her head to look at Darius and Ellen, “We seem to have competition. Let’s outstage them, shall we?”

Beatrice starts her bardic performance. She begins to add flair to her dance as the song picks up. She hums to herself, loud enough to be heard by Marcus and faintly by the groups they flit past. Their dancing improves, even more fluid now, an almost perfect meld of song and dance. “So were you born in the city?”

The song begins to pick up, and Vincent begins to jingle and chime. It sounds like glass clinking together. His eyes dance around his dark leather armor.

“Forgive me if I seem on edge.”He lets go of Halcyon’s back but keeps the leading hand held. He opens a small, concealed pocket in his armor housing three empty vials. “My alchemist brews a bit too well. The whispers of conversation across the room seem like they are all spoken into my ear. I haven’t heard any talks of assassination as of yet.”

Seth and Lucia move about the ballroom with a flourish. It seems that this ballroom battlefield was made for the Mercenary Lord and his lovely wife. They gracefully make rounds across the room, careful not to bump into others. During their circling of the ballroom, Seth and Lucia pick up snippets of conversations.

The rest of the couples dance to a wide variety of success. Abigal and Aron twist back on themselves, performing interesting moves that could have come from Galatine ballrooms. Helmuth and Caroline’s dance consist of sharp and angular turns, with Caroline left trying to figure out what Helmuth is trying to do with this dance. Nishara and Tomas dance closely, and while not elegant, it isn’t poor by any means. Tomas frequently flairs with his hands and hips. While Agatha and Alexander dance well together, it is clear that Alexander is in way over his head in terms of his partner. Regardless, she laughs and seems to enjoy it. Darius leads wonderfully with Ellen, rivaling the dance of Beatrice and Marcus.

“Have any more visions since we last spoke? My clientele are seldom magically inclined, so I am afraid I don’t how these things work”

Halcyon had settled into the rhythm of the waltz by this point. "Divination has many forms and methods, too many to describe during a waltz. But a man in your line of work could benefit from a more thorough knowledge of it. I'd be happy to share what I can if you have an evening to devote to it." Her face flushes as she says this. She keeps her gaze directed into his armored chest.

After the music advances few a few bars, she adds, "That assumes, of course ..." she hesitates a heartbeat, "... that spending an evening alone with a single woman would not get you in trouble with another woman who usually gets to enjoy such a privilege."

Shortly thereafter, she adds, "Forgive me. You asked me a question earlier, about more visions. I had a premonition only, but since then, nothing further."

“Forgive me if I seem on edge. ... My alchemist brews a bit too well. The whispers of conversation across the room seem like they are all spoken into my ear. I haven’t heard any talks of assassination as of yet.”

Halcyon glances up into his blue eyes and feels a wave of horripilation sweep down her neck and arms. "Now I shall have to offer to treat you to a fine dinner to make up for allowing me to spoil your evening. I hope that you have heard nothing because my premonition was false. But perhaps such things are not spoken of once they have been decided upon. Or perhaps your vigilance has dissuaded any attempts."

As the music swells, indicating the conclusion is near, Halcyon hugs Vincent a little closer and says softly, testing his claim of improved hearing, "Not long ago I had a frightening thought. Should I be afraid for my own safety? Perhaps someone's plot was foiled by me and he should decide to do away with me instead? Just before you entered the ballroom, I did an augury and ..." Her voice falters from strong emotion. "The answer came that it was not safe for me to travel to my home unescorted after the party." She leans her head against his strong shoulders as the dance concludes. Then she composes her self, forces a smile, and curtsies, looking up into his eyes to see how he is responding to her implicit plea for help.

Marcus and Beatrice do not follow the song so much as they feel it. They ebb and flow with the song, extravagantly making their way around the ballroom, twirling and circling the other dancers. Were it not for another pair, their dance would certainly be the center of attention. Beatrice smiles, appearing a bit taken aback“I thought you were joking about the “charm.” Still,” she twists her head to look at Darius and Ellen, “We seem to have competition. Let’s outstage them, shall we?”

Beatrice starts her bardic performance. She begins to add flair to her dance as the song picks up. She hums to herself, loud enough to be heard by Marcus and faintly by the groups they flit past. Their dancing improves, even more fluid now, an almost perfect meld of song and dance. “So were you born in the city?”

spending one use of archeologist's luck next time I have to make a dance check, for a +1 luck bonus on the checkthe barkeeper grins you doubted my words? You wound me, my dear, he puts on a further flurish that he ends with a kiss to her hand I do hope that I have laid those doubts to rest, he says wiggling his eyebrows comically. He dances with a smooth grace, one that speaks of classical training, or prodigious natural tallent. When she asks her question, he raises his eyebrow and bemusedly responds saying "whatever made you think that? No, my siblings and I moved here some three years ago, and I just fell in love with it, my sister agrees with my sentiment, though my kid brother dreams of a life of adventurer straight out of the grand stories, a life where he slays the dragon and marries the princess and all that, so he feels cooped up staying in one place, what about you? Are you of Roland born?