Atol ends up looking like a demon headed for college. Dark red robes with the cuffs and hems cut like flames. The look is completed with a hat similar to a beret with horns sewn on it.
Finneas ends up with an impressive looking costume which is mostly his platemail with accessories. The tailor initially tries to talk Finneas out of the armor, but then comes around. He spends the majority of his time crafting huge red leather wings that attach to Finneas's armor.
Skie thanks Glimmil for the flowers and consents to joining him at the ball as long as that girl isn't going to be there.
Glimmil ends up with an obsidian black mustaches that droops down on the sides. His outfit is a sharply cut black outfit with red velvet fringes. A small tail with a pointy end finishes the look.
Toffitt
Dyrant looks similar to Atol, but without the beret. Instead, he has an iron chain belt with dull spikes. The tailor also offers Dyrant a matching spiked collar if he'd like it.
The ball starts at 6 pm with the mock battle at 7 pm. Drop in whenever you're ready.
Realizing that the mountain on his invitation indicates that he should dress as a town founder, Toffitt tries to remember what he knows about the founders (or of any monuments to them).
He also asks some of his comfort women patients for their advice...
Given his sources, Toffitt will likely choose a founder associated with or beloved by the city's common folk, which likely involves an artisan's outfit. Underneath, he will have his mithril shirt, dueling blade worn with ornamental weapon ties.
He will arrive with his companions.
Atol musters up a smile and wonders how high the flood waters are at this point.
I hope Dr. Toffitt is successful tonight. More importantly I hope he stays safe!
Atol strides into the ball a little high strung, but by the time of the combat he has relaxed enough to enjoy himself a bit.
There is nothing I can do until Dr. Toffitt lets us know where the wands are.
While enjoying himself however, he does avoid liquor, got to stay sharp! and instead drinks coffee or tea or whatever Cauldronites drink to stay awake in the wee hours of the morning. He also keeps largely to himself and doesn't initiate any conversation on his own, though he does allow himself to be drawn in by any party goers interested in talking to him.
He looks over the ball, These are good people and they do not deserve wet feet.
Finneas arrives, sword strapped to his back and armor freshly oiled.
This is a waste of time. Look at these rich fools. I bet this food costs more than I saw in a year at the orphanage.
Those who look him in the eye see a dangerous glint of madness there. Hands flexing he spears a hunk of food and eats it, fully playing to his barbaric image.
Dr. Toffitt, thoroughly confused by local customs, sigils, and his own ineptitude at costumery, asks the costume merchant for an outfit suitable for a courtier, with breeches fashioned to be short and costumed goat legs to cover his legs. He will purchase a cloak fashioned to look like wings, and a set of horns for his head. When it comes time for the ball, he will use an elixir to put a convincing glamour over the costume, making himself look like an incubus with actual goat legs, tattooed wings and horns.
He arrives on time, keeping careful track of the time and refusing any offers of drink.
"I... err, don't think so." Glimmil replies to Skie, wondering if Ellywinkle would be at the costumed ball.
Glimmil briefly considers telling Skie that Elly's "no so band and she should get to know her", but his sense of self-preservation overrides that clearly unwise course and he simply stands there smiling in thought.
As Skie continues to give him a look, he adds, "I mean I only had one ticket besides the Cauldron Five, and of course I came to you first, Skie!"
Given the opportunity, he'll share his stores of the orc-ape and the drinking contest with Skie before excusing himself to find his costume.
~*~
Glimmil arrives a full hour early to the ball, unable to contain his excitement, twirling his mock tail furiously with his enthusiasm while greeting almost any perfect stranger he can find.
"Oh, hello. Exquisite horns my dear!"
"You sir, brilliant fangs, wish I thought of those myself."
"Hey, you have a tail too! Oooh - a barbed end, clever indeed!"
Skie smiles at Glimmil and pecks him on the cheek. "You're as adorable as you are incorrigible. I will meet you there later."
Glimmil arrives first at the party and is stopped by a human dressed in fine clothes, but obviously an employee of the Coy Nixie. He lowers his nose just enough to see Glimmil, "Can I help you? If you are part of the extra staff for today you are LATE. If you are a guest, I will presume you are here for the first time. You are EARLY."
"You could make the best use of your time by taking your dog to the stables. Head north to the first intersection and turn left. This street will take you to Magma Avenue. Turn left and go to second left turn. This will take you to Obsidian Avenue. Go to the third right turn and follow this to the East Gate. The stables are directly north of the gate."
~*~
Atol arrives with many other guests at 6 pm. The man at the front door looks closely at Atol whose costume looks like a rough draft compared to the ones worn by other guests. However, after a minute of examining the invitation, the man allows Atol to shuffle in with the rest of the crowd. There is no tea or coffee to be found.
~*~
Finneas arrives and is greeted. "Excellent costume, sir. I especially like the mask." Upon seeing the claw on his invitation, the man will share, "You know you are supposed to collapse once you are struck with the staff of Surabar, yes?"
~*~
Toffitt is greeted with a mixture amazement and disgust. "Very authentic costume, sir. No one accompanying you I see. Yes. Very authentic. Please hurry in, sir."
~*~
Dyrant receives a greeting similar to Atol's. "I see you spared no expense, sir. Please enjoy the party."
~*~
Shortly after 6, Skie arrives at the Coy Nixie. She wears a red leather body suit with a high neckline. It's not exactly clear how she would have been able to put it on without it being sewn on in place. Spiked heels set her an inch or two above Glimmil and a barbed tail sways as she walks and even after she stops. A black leather whip is coiled at her side and her head is crowned in flickering flames above small horns that poke through her hair.
She takes the whip and wraps it around Glimmil's waist and pulls him close in front of the doorman. Glimmil can feel the heat from the flames on her head as she kisses him. "He's with me."
"Very good Ms. Aldersun. Have a good night, miss." He bows low to Skie and Glimmil as they enter.
"Drink, sir?"
Toffitt turns to see Carts holding a platter with glasses on it filled with a deep purple wine. He looks rather dapper in the livery of the Aslaxin family. He lowers his voice to a whisper, "I needed the extra coin and thought I could be of help. The head cook is an 'acquaintance' of mine. Are you meeting the person here?"
The first hour of the party sees the arrival of almost a hundred guests. Hushed, and not so hushed whispers, among the guests eventually make it clear to everyone present who the members of the Cauldron 5 are.
Lord Vhalntru is dressed in exquisite clothes. He speaks openly with the Cauldron 5, shaking their hands, and thanking them for their service to the city. "You saved those people and that poor orphan, Terrem. You faced that hideous floating eye and survived. You dealt with those sneaky goblins. You killed a vampire and brought back poor Sarcem's body."
With a little less enthusiasm, the mayor also greets each of the Cauldron 5 during the party.
Lord Aslaxin is equally loud in praising the accomplishments of the Stormblades, and especially his son, Zachary, who is dressed as Surabar. Zachary wears clerical vestments worthy of a high priest or head of a wizarding college. Just visible around his neck is a pendant with a star composed of spears and maces (Kord). He carries an iron banded staff with a glowing ioun stone on the top secured by gold strands.
The rest of the Stormblades are present and dressed as founders of the city. Each carries a weapon at their side, obviously part of the costume, but also obviously capable of being used in a real fight.
As 7 o'clock approaches, people begin to gather at each side of the main ballroom for the battle between Surabar and Nabthatoron. The Stormblades and Lord Aslaxin gather behind Zachary as he steps forward into the center of the room awaiting the arrival of Nabthatoron (aka Finneas).
"Carts!" Toffitt is perhaps a little too excited to see the object of his affections. "I'm so glad you were here. Don't you dare call me sir. But no drink for me tonight. I'm working too, in my way. Which person do you mean?" He tries to recall whether he mentioned the Last Laugh contact during pillow talk.
"Oh, I don't need anything to relax with you, my dear. Don't worry yourself about the wands. I'll let you know more once I know more."
I really should watch what I say late at night... Wait... Aslaxin. Stormblades. Is Lord Aslaxin using my bedmate to get information from me, so they can beat me to the informant? That would be a disaster for all involved. Not to mention a low thing for Carts to do...
"I'll be fine, Carts. Must keep my wits about me. Hard to say whether the thieves who stole the wands have agents spying on us here, after all."
Toffitt makes a point of cordially greeting the Stormblades and Lord Aslaxin. "A fine party, my lord. Your staff is most professional. That fellow—Carts, I believe—really goes out of his way to please."
Atol makes some effort to say hello to each of the stormblades and congratulate them on the costumes. He is quite sincere.
"Your costume is far superior to mine in every way - good work! Perhaps next year when I have less on my mind I'll be able to come closer to your tailors skills. It's the first time I've been to this party, have you been here before?"
At 7pm Atol does what he can to get a good spot to see the fight.
Glimmil continues to follow Skie around the ball much like Cog follows Glimmil around pretty much anywhere.
As he begins to regain some of his senses, which is no meager feat given his proximity to Skie's tight, red leather bodysuit, he continues to cheerfully interact with members of the crowd. However, Glimmil is cautious and stays clears of female gnomes, unless they are of Glimmil's gradmama's age.
"Hey you! Good to see you!"
I wonder who that was?
"... stunning costume. Don't forget to cheer Nabthatoron this year!"
"Hey hey! Keep an eye on Nabtha this year, I mean who doesn't want to cheer on the underdog, right?"
Glimmil steals a few moments to whisper into Skie's ear that he knows Nabthatoron personally, and - spoiler alert - it's the big guy from the Cauldron Five, Mister Finneas himself. He soft-elbows Skie and gives her a knowing nod.
Atol ends up looking like a demon headed for college. Dark red robes with the cuffs and hems cut like flames. The look is completed with a hat similar to a beret with horns sewn on it.
Dyrant looks similar to Atol, but without the beret. Instead, he has an iron chain belt with dull spikes. The tailor also offers Dyrant a matching spiked collar if he'd like it.
Dyrant scratches his armpit and facepalms at the sign of everyone's costumes. He then catches a whiff of his own hand and decides he might want to find time for a bath before the ball.
Dyrant does bathe and clean up nicely (as nicely as he can) before the ball, only somewhat miffed at the inappropriateness his costume.
He almost considers skipping it altogether (opting instead for do the work of St. Cuthbert in the streets), but, in the end, decides to attend. Since this is still festival time, he assumes that people are either too drunk or well fed to want to listen to his sermons tonight.
And he opt for the spiked collar.
About time someone gave me a badge of office.
He has his new haversack and all the goodies at his disposal therein.
* * *
Dyrant nods and smiles as he is allowed entry to the party.
Truly, what a magnificent farce this is, Dyrant says as he checks on his iron collar.
But it is nice to be recognized.
* * *
Dyrant will take the offered drinks and eat his share of the foods (usually taking the most burned and fatty morsels on any plate).
Much better than the 'food' our houseboy makes. I sure wish Atol would resume the cooking duties.
* * *
Dyrant will seek out the Stormblade who insulted him at the inn, trying to learn her name and more about her.
"Collapse? Throw the fight? If the boy playing Surabar can't handle it I suppose I'll have to. Does he need help holding the staff?"
Finneas belligerently wanders the crowd, playing up his demon role for all it's worth. As the circle forms and the hour approaches he makes his way to his side of the circle.
"Surabar! Surabar! Are you ready child? Dare you face me?!"[/b]
Finneas draws his cold iron greatsword, edge recently sharpened and the runes along it's length glinting in the light.
All four of the Stormblades are in attendance and dressed as founders. Zachary Aslaxin II, son of the party host, is the most obvious of them as he is dressed as Surabar. Frequently at his side is Cora Lathenmire, the red headed woman that harassed you earlier. You find out that here parents are well known weapons traders in Cauldron.
The leader of the group is Annah Taskerhill, a tall woman with smooth brown skin, long black hair braided into numerous cornrows, and sharp features. Lord Taskerhill, her father, is apparently the richert noble in Cauldron and owns several mines in the area as well as prominent workshops. He is seen frequently talking with the mayor.
The final member of the group is Todd Vanderboren. He is a little too thin for his frame, and his weak chin and long face make him look a bit like a weasel. His eyes are watery and his hair short and brown. His clothes are well made but he wears them without grace. He is an orphan and his adopted partents are some of the newest nobles in the area. They are large contributors to the orphanage and have made their riches in real estate. Lord Premiach Vanderboren began as a runner for a messenger service. Lady Aeberrin Vanderboren began as a server at a tavern.
Dyrant looks at Atol, then at Atol's beret, then at Atol again, then back to Atol's beret.
What an asshat.
"Nice hat. Good horns. I hope you're having fun, Atol?" Dyrant asks Atol while he watches the Doctor's showmanship aid in Finneas' portrayal of the demon.
"He's very good. Maybe we should help as well?"
"I think you are right servant. Would you like to call on your god for aid Surabar? I do not think he listens to weaklings though."
Finneas paces the circle like a caged animal, hands flexing and greatsword cutting great swathes of air with each casual swing. He is careful to keep it pointed towards ZAsII at all times, switching hands as needed.
"Wrath? Wrath! I give you death little builder! I will tear down your walls, kill your children, and break your people under weal and woe! When mortals cross this land they shall look upon a barren plain of salt and a monument that reads 'Here are the works of Surabar Stonemason, they lasted no longer than his life'!"
What in the world?
Female voice: Shhh dear, let me handle this.
Male voice: No, my turn!
With a swing Finneas brings his blade around swings at "Surabar", turning the edge at the last minute.
We're not supposed to kill him. Asfelkir would be very unhappy!
Male voice: So would he!
Female voice: Well that is just...babytown frolics.
"Nice hat. Good horns. I hope you're having fun, Atol?" Dyrant asks Atol while he watches the Doctor's showmanship aid in Finneas' portrayal of the demon.
"He's very good. Maybe we should help as well?"
"Nice enough, thanks. I'm worried about the wands Dyrant. I hope we win."
"Wrath? Wrath! I give you death little builder! I will tear down your walls, kill your children, and break your people under weal and woe! When mortals cross this land they shall look upon a barren plain of salt and a monument that reads 'Here are the works of Surabar Stonemason, they lasted no longer than his life'!"
"Wow. I don't think Finneas needs any help. This should be fun!"
Atol absent-mindedly grabs a nearby sweat and munches away while watching the show!
Zachary stands tall and doesn't even flich as Finneas's sword bounces away before it even reaches him.
"You have no power here anymore. Your time is at an end. I shall rend your horns from your head and mount them on my new city's gate as a warning to all your kind!"
Zachary swings his staff stiffly at Finneas, not even touching him, yet when the staff is close to Finneas there is an explosion of sparks and the crowd cheers.
Finneas's turn.
"You think that enough to stop me Surabar!? Your paltry spells are as weak as you are. I have consumed more souls than you have words in that withered brain. My minions wait by my side, you feeble arms and frail will the only thing between them and a feast. Strike me if you dare. If you CAN!"
Finneas throws his arms wide and holds his sword to the sky, inviting a strike by the confused child playing Surabar.
"Your words are as powerless as you are! The strength of the righteous and the just is mine. Even nature rebels against your existence. I call upon a storm upon you!
Despite his bravado, Zachary's swing is a bit off. However, this time he actually clangs his staff against Finneas's armor leaving a small bruise. This time a bolt of lightning comes forth from nowhere and lands where Zachary strikes. The crowd echoes the thunder and there is a burning smell, but Finneas feels no pain.
nonlethal
Finneas's sword bashes through the invisible shell around Zachary and lands with a sickening thud as the wind is knocked from him. The crowd exhales with Zachary and there is an eerie silence in the room.
Zachary steps back before Finneas can grab him. He pulls out a wand and points it at Finneas. "Treacherous beast! I command you to be still!"
Hold person - DC 14
As Finneas stands there, Zachary holds the staff above his head before swinging it hard against Finneas's chest, knocking him over. There is another explosion of sparks and in the background several stringed instruments and brass horns begin to play a triumphant tune.
"And thus I strike you down and cleanse this region of your taint."
The crowd erupts with joy. Lord Vhalntru moves forward to offer Finneas a hand up. "That was quite a show, sir. We have not had such a spectacle in many years." The Lord stares at Finneas for a moment before helping him to his feet.
"Yaaaay!" Atol whoops it up with the crowd and applauds the performance with gusto.
These stormblades are not without means. We should be working together, not apart!
Atol works his way through the crowd to congratulate Finneas on his performance. He then works his way to the Stormblades and to Zachary.
"Well done sir! MOST impressive! Thank you for an excellent performance and for not hurting poor Finneas too gravely in the process! If there is ever anything I may do for you, please ask and I will do what I can to assist. Cauldron is truly a safer place with you lot around!"
Grinning happily Atol extends his hand.
"Hurray!" Glimmil leaps into the air, both arms lifted high.
"Hurray!" he adds again, obviously quite pleased with the show his friend put on.
"Did you see that Skie? Finneas killed that performance!"
We absolutely must recruit him to play all the monsters at the Reformed Jzadirune Center for Performing Arts!
Glimmil continues to munch on the free food, having built up quite an appetite while watching his friend perform mock combat.
Dr. Toffitt lets drop his glamour. He claps Finneas on the shoulder and offers his hand. "Well done, master. You seemed positively transported. Almost as though someone else was speaking through you!"
He then approaches the younger Aslaxin. "Well met, sir. A fantastic performance. It's not often I see Finneas at a loss for words. Your staff truly set him arights. Ah, I am Dr. Toffitt. Don't let my incubus costume fool you. Like you, I have nothing but good intentions for this fair city."
Hm. Maybe I shouldn't have said that about his weak arm...
Glimmil drags Skie over to where the others have gathered, nearly jumping with each footstep so as to be noticed.
"Finneas! Bravo!" he shouts with enthusiasm as he reaches his friends.
"You did well too, Mister Surabar, I could feel the animosity rolling off you for Finneas here!"
Glimmil clears his throat.
"I've been considering having a troupe perform weekly in New Jzadirune, you both must come and give an encore performance sometime for those unlucky enough to not be invited to this ball!"
Perhaps they can both play demons and I can play the hero atop my steed fighting them off...
"Alas, Finneas, I have an appointment elsewhere. But I would be happy to accompany you part of the way."
Toffitt takes a few minutes in the gentlemen's lounge preparing another elixir to disguise himself. He does not hurry out, but leaves with ample time to make his rendezvous.
Once he does leave, Toffitt ducks into a tavern before getting too far from the party. A few minutes later, he emerges with the appearance of a rather humble looking citizen.
Walking a jagged path through the city, he lets go his disguise as he approaches his midnight meeting spot. He drinks his mutagen and then enters.