Xi'Tir smiled in delight, stalking others gave her a thrill unlike any other and Chi being with her made it all the more exciting. She had enjoyed the all to brief forays into the Greenbelt with her sister. They had hunted brigands and bandits in that lawless land and most of the time Xi'Tir had been left to her own devices to decide the fate of those she hunted, they never came willingly so she never showed mercy. Besides it was far easier to collect a bounty with a head instead of carrying them alive, feeding them and listening to them whine or trying to escape...
She watched from the shadows a fair distance from the pavilion, ready to retreat back to the Dragonmen camp if she were spotted or too many sentries were posted. Until that happened she remained, observing, watching and waiting with her bow ready for seomthing interesting to happen...
Ni'Tir accepted the invitation from the serious looking halfing. After reading it over she gave a small smile, which broadened as she watched the Ice Queen repulse another suitor. Seraph was peculiar to Ni'Tir, she was always focused on her duties to the Silver Dragonflight. To the detriment of all those who tried to court her, which amused Ni'Tir's immensely as she enjoyed teasing the tall warrioress whenever she got the chance.
She snatched up an scrumptious looking orderve as a server with a tray passed by and shuddered with delight at the tangy taste of the spiced treat. Despite their need for pointless ceremonies, they did make some fine dishes. It was then she Danath move towards the man she failed with and surprisingly he wasn't refused. She tsked at her own failing and continued her watching, especially the other groups arrayed around the room. She kept her eyes and ears peeled for any tid bit of conversation that was interesting, many would disapprove eavesdropping but she had come to enjoy what people sometimes gave up when they thought no one was paying attention.
It was then she spotted Daliedhur, barely recognizing the elf without her war paint on. This night gets more and more interesting indeed~
Sofia stares at the two men for a few moments before responding. "If my friend here accepts your offer, I will follow, for her sake. I have no interest in your revelry, myself."
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Kaldwell thank his cousin Rupert Surtova for helping him, and Rupert laughs quietly.
"I am sure you would have managed, dear cousin, you always did. I am glad to see you well, and I want to tell you I am real sorry for your sister loss. It was a great tragedy for all of us."
Arv Akul'mar arrives to talk to them in that moment, and the conversation turns from familiar to formal in a second.
"Master Arv, hearing your loyal words, and having my cousin here at my side gives me a great deal of confidence we will be able to tame the Stolen Lands, and cement the prosperity and unity of Brevoy, our nation. I thank you both profusely. I am sure you will support my proposals later on. And I will need your support."
--
Daliedhur and Sofia tells the Khavortorov cousins that they maybe will go out with them, and Angelo face lights up at Daliedhur answer. Ralph doesn't seems that excited, but maybe is because of Sofia coldness.
--
Danath is disapointed that Rupert Surtova ignores him to go after Venetia Medvyed, and if he heard his last remarks he didn't had any reaction to them.
Restov's Mayor Ioseph Sellemius is a consummate politician, but Danath sees that Rupert Surtova is much more skilled at diplomacy and politics. He is able to confirm many of the things he knew about Restov´'s project into the Stolen Lands.
- Restov wants to secure the south border, and gain an ally there.
- Restov can't allow another enemy kingdom next to it, as he, and his political allies, consider Issia an enemy kingdom already.
- He is at a lost because the Dragonscale Throne got word of Restov's plans, and set Rupert Surtova to get control of the Stolen Lands, on Restov's name, but for the Regent Noleski Surtova's gain.
- He fears all the current plans have failed, and things the best that can happen now is for the expansion into the Stolen Lands to fail, and return to the status-quo, instead of having Rostland sorrounded "by Surtovas".
- He doesn't want relationships with "Numeria's barbarian hordes" or "River Kingdom's bandits and traitors, specially Mivon".
- He only knows the Stolen Lands are filled with bandits, monsters and fey.
--
Kiritta knows that the Cenobitic Order is as far away from her own Varisian customs as you can possibly be. They lack of individualy, color and joy was as alien to her as the customs of Qadira or Vudra. One of the two representatives, at seeing her approach, covers his eyes. The other has a face of fear or disgust, but keeps his (or hers) eyes on her.
"We only want a safe place to live, away from sin."
His (maybe he is a male) eyes turn cold as he continues.
"Away from witches."
--
Seraph keeps talking with Don Khavortorov, and she discovers something interesting about the young man: He is not intimidated by her. And that is not usual, as her height and strengt make men uncomftable and nervous. But Don seems at ease, trying his best to charm her with his conversation. At her final rejection he answers:
"Fairer? Maybe. But you are the woman I am interested in. I am sorry you can't take some time off, but if you ever do, look for me. You won't regret it."
--
Szymon and Tatiana become the center of the attention all the sudden, as their populary is huge in Restov. Tatiana, in fact, is considered the most beautiful Varisian woman of the city, and Szymos is considered one of the bigger heartbreakers the city has got, at least until he meet Tatiana.
Rudolf Ferdinand Aldori III looks at them from the other side of the room, with all the well known hate he has about them. Szymon is his biggest antagonist, a mirror reflexion of everything he is, a reminder of all he lacks.
And Tatiana... he would never forgive her for rejecting him, even if he still loves her. She would be his... or nobody's.
--
Tarina answer makes the Cenobitic Order girl lower her eyes and voice.
"I am nobody. I am sorry. I am noone, please forgive me."
She turns to leave.
--
Venetia is surprised to know she once had a relationship with Rupert Surtova, and remains still while she remembers those times.
==========================
Anton and Edeldhur follow Saul Magill, proxy for the Oracle's Shadow, into and office in the Town Hall.
"Inside, your eminences. Have a nice chat."
They both enter the office, with is very dark, but they can see a humanoid figure sitting behind the desk.
"Thank you for talking with me. I am sure you recognize the adventages of keeping my identity secret, as well as the identities of my associates, the Shadows. I am the Oracle, and it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person. As we go into the Stolen Lands we will need allies, and you seems like the most promisory candidates for it. We pretend to create a safe house in the new kingdom. A guild if you wish. And we want to gurantee that we will be able to conduct our... projects... without interference. For that purpose we are willing to offer our services and abilities to the new goverment. Would you be willing to be our negotiators to achieve that on our behalf?"
==========================
Halcorg goes out and finds Mulray talking to some other coach drivers. At the inquiry Mulray tells him he did saw an strange maid leaving the Town Hall, and going south.
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Xi'Tir sees the servents finish to set up the tent, and then they leave, leaving everything alone. There it is, a big tent, a big table, torches, food, wine and everything in the middle of the night, unguarded and unused.
==========================
"I dismissed my servant so that we could speak, surely you have something which you wish to discuss with me, please discuss it with me." Tarina says flirtingly to the girl, not wanting to waste this opportunity to learn about the order.
His talk with the mayor and Rupert gave him clarity but left him with the knowledge that he may soon stand alone, especially if his vision were to become reality. His eyes wandered back to Seraph as he casually looked over the assembled people. He knew that she would stand with him until the end but a contingencies had to be made in the event he failed. Which at this juncture seemed possible. He was sickened by the fact both sides were blinded by pride, their visions muddled by old rivalries and the need to dominate the other. A waste of energy, time and people; it reaffirmed why no one ever succeeded in taking the south.
Ruperts invitation weighed on his mind but after the abrupt way Rupert had left there cconversation he found further words and secret meetings to be wasteful. What more was there to discuss? Ruperts vision was clear and that his house drove him, same with the mayor it was the usual childishness he had come to expect.
He pondered awhile watching the party continue to grind on and considered his next move.
Ahhh, there was the price. Rupert would try and use his saving Kaldwell's skin over him to vote for whatever proposal Rupert had up his sleeve. Although why Rupert would need his support Kaldwell wasn't sure. Usually such things would be pre-arranged.
"My sister was...a tragedy, yes." Kaldwell caught a flicker in the corner of his eye. I was going to say it was my fault. Well, it was. If he had ignored Father and taught her to defend herself truly, instead of fobbing her off with a few tricks. She might have been able to defend herself. Or not had the confidence to try, if he'd listened.
"I wait to hear your proposal with interest, cousin."
"Well met" - Edeldhur offers a short bow - "Opportunities for cooperation are always welcome, and I am sure we can find a useful synergy for ours. As soon as the unanswered questions left open by your offer are clarified, allowing proper evaluation of the nature of such association, I will be able to offer a more accurate, and enlightened response"
Xi'Tir was astounded, was this some sort of ritualistic offering to the Brevoyian gods? The strangeness of these people bewildered her to no end.
Once the servants had been gone for sometime she remained, watching quietly, ensuring there was no one around before approaching the abandoned tent and the items therein.
Chi loped behind her master, her sleek predator form keeping low to the ground as they approached quietly...
Xi'Tir and Chi search around and ensure there isn't something else amiss within this strange setting before departing once more. Leaving everything more or less untouched in case it was some strange offering, she didn't wish to offend the gods with being over eager in her curiosity...
Having been told where the maid went, Halcorg heads in that a direction attempting to find her tracks. He also whistles quickly and a moment later the small, but powerful, form of Eraitar appears next to him.
Survival: <-- add +2 if forest, +2 if humanoid(giant), +4 if Fey
Kiri smiles to herself knowing that she can have some fun with these extremely uncomfortable monks.
You don't like witches? Well, there is nothing to worry about, I don't see any witches about. I myself am a fortune teller. Perhaps you would like me to read your fortune?
With this, she reaches into a secure pouch at her side and draws out her Harrow deck.
This should be interesting, I rarely get the chance to read ones such as yourselves so devoted to the inner self.
As she is shuffling the deck, she offhandedly notes:
By the way, if you and your order wish for a place that is safe and away from sin, why the Stolen Lands? We all know that the fey there are not known as the most law abiding group around. In fact, as my friend here- She begins to look around for Xritha before finding her sitting on a rafter directly over Lord Aldori's head where she is eating a very crumbly biscuit. er, up there Kiritta point up to the roof. will tell you, pretty much anywhere in the Stolen Lands that one plans to establish a settlement, or monastery, they are likely to run into the mischievous fey.
Seeing the crestfallen response, Sofia sighs, deciding to try again. "What I mean to say is that I will come if my friend wills it, and I will drink with you, if she does so also. But if you expect a woman of loose morals, you had best look elsewhere. I will not allow myself to be an easy conquest." Unlike Anton, who'll fall into the bed of any woman who makes eyes at him, she adds mentally.
Anton can't help rolling his eyes slightly in the darkness. Well, you can always count on Edeldhur to say everything without actually telling you anything. "What my friend means to say, Sir, is that we would like to know more about these projects of yours - whatever you are at liberty to tell us, anyway - and what assistance you are likely to provide in return, so that we may make an informed decision. Knowledge is a valuable thing, after all, and we don't want to make such decisions hastily." He turns to Edeldhur slightly, eyebrows raised, as if to ask if he got everything right.
"A Hellknight is never late, Hrraggar." The deep baritone voice of the blonde Ulfen responded to the impatient dwarf. "However, it is time we left."
His thick soled boots clicked on the ground as the 2 meter tall armor clad behemoth walked toward the door. His armor was jet black, but shone like polished obsidian. It, too, was covered in ancient runes of Dwarven design . He moved gracefully in the plate mail, as if he weighed nothing at all, no doubt a result of his regimented Hellknight training.
As they exited a porter approached and beckoned. A carriage pulled up and the dwarf and the Hellknight stepped inside. The ride was quiet, the two old friends never seemed to fill the air with needless conversation about trivial things. They arrived at the dinner, an hour after the invitation said guests would be admitted, but plenty of time before the actual festivities would start.
As they approached, a door man stopped them. The contrast between the 1.2 meter dwarf, the meter and a half human and the 2 meter Ulfen could be seen as comical, if it were not for the fact that the Hellknight was so imposing a figure.
"Ser Marius du'Caat, Hellnight of the God-Claw and my guest, His Holiness, Hrraggar Thunderanvil, Cleric of Torag. We have been expected."
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"I dismissed my servant so that we could speak, surely you have something which you wish to discuss with me, please discuss it with me."
"Please forgive me! I don't want to discuss with you. Just wanted to know if you are the prophet that will deliver us from the unloving. My people thinks I am a prophet too, because I have dreams and visions. And in one of them I saw you, floating in the sky, dressed in the rainbow, big as a mountain and small as a butterfly, nor male nor female, powerful but sad and alone, using a big long weapon to deliver us from the unloving by loving the world. And you were magnificent. Please forgive me, but I wanted to talk to you and ask you before it was to late... Are you the prophet? Will you save us? "
"Expecting to face your meal in combat? I have a cravat or two to spare if you care for to make a statement with accessories..." Arv grins at Marius and Hrraggar on his way to speak with Danath.
He bows with a little more pomp than needed. "Ser Orlovsky so glad you could make it to this lovely affair of callous hawks and nervous hens. Tonight we will be serving land and title to those with the strongest stomachs and sweetest puckers. It will be buffet style, mind you... our staff is quite busy spying, snooping, and whetting their knives." He then smiles, and asks "Sooo... spent some quality time with Super Rupert did you? Find him as desperate for friends as I?"
Turning to Anton with a smile, Edeldhur nods - "Perfect, my friend"
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"I wait to hear your proposal with interest, cousin."
"I thank you for it. And I only need you all hear it with an open mind, and as coming from me, Rupert, and not from our cousin, the Regent. But I fear our name sometimes weight us down, is it not cousin? Now please forgive me, I think the official function is about to start."
Seeing the crestfallen response, Sofia sighs, deciding to try again. "What I mean to say is that I will come if my friend wills it, and I will drink with you, if she does so also. But if you expect a woman of loose morals, you had best look elsewhere. I will not allow myself to be an easy conquest." Unlike Anton, who'll fall into the bed of any woman who makes eyes at him, she adds mentally.
Daliedhur smiles and nods at Sofia, then turns to the men - "I believe that was crystal clear?"
Looking around the room, she spots Ni'Tir also - the face initially a distance memory of a combat years ago, but then coallescing into something more tangible.
Much alike what had happened all those years ago, she offers her the exact same nod, in signal of the recognition and respect for fighting common enemies.
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The Oracle's Shadow speaker answers Anton and Edeldhur:
"We are a group of people dedicated to protect the poor and downtrodden. And some of us are going to go into the Stolen Lands to help the new inhabitants there. We like to do things discreetly, and we prefer to operate with knowledge of the authority, so they don't impair our efforts. We offer information and a first like of defense against evil. But we need someone to speak for us in public. And you can fit the role. So... Are you for it?"
You both try to remember what you know about the Oracle's Shadow, and it's little. It is supposedly a group of vigilantes with a good reputation but a shady background. Some people thinks is the Thieve's Guild "good" face, getting rid of the competition and making relationships with the poor people and law enforcement to use later in nefarious purposes. Supposedly 4 of them, it is said nobody has seen the faces behind their masks.
@Arv
Danath gives Arv a rare smile breaking the tension that was beginning to show on his face. Arv was his senior and a man he had come to trust both in sound judgment and good nature despite his mixed heritage, surprising Danath time and time again with his cultured outlook. Whether or not this was from his religious preference or years of hard earned wisdom he was unsure, but in events like these he was a solid man to have standing beside him in this political mire.
He returns Arv's bow with a well measured nod as he responds in kind. "Indeed Master Akul'Mar, a buffet not for the weak of heart or the naïve in political matters. Our comrades are quite busy in town and are ready to move at a moments notice." He set the now flat champagne back on a passing tray as he responded quietly to Arv's remark about Rupert Surtova. "I believe him to be an honorable man with a flawed vision for how to unite Brevoy. However from my discussion with the Mayor, this will result in dire repercussions for our mission in the Greenbelt. I will give you more details once we are back at camp. I am assuming you've received his invitation as well? Besides that however, how have you faired my friend?"
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Once the servants had been gone for sometime she remained, watching quietly, ensuring there was no one around before approaching the abandoned tent and the items therein.
Perception 16
Stealth 24
She doesn't notice any movement for a minute before entering the tent.
Xi'Tir and Chi search around and ensure there isn't something else amiss within this strange setting before departing once more. Leaving everything more or less untouched in case it was some strange offering, she didn't wish to offend the gods with being over eager in her curiosity...
Only a couple torches, from a dozen, are lit. The place seems ready for a medium size gathering of people, with some simple but elegant cold dishes. Some wine. But no one is around.
When she turns to leave she almost crash into a waitress, entering the tent.You both stand face to face, surprised.
"Presenting the Lady Rhasadilara Winterfall and Lord Anton Vitruvian!" the herald shouts as two individuals walk into the room.
The first, a beautiful pale woman with white-hair who seems to have a slight blue tinge to her skin and eyes that seemingly glassy and reflecting the light. Her robes are a mixture of cool, pastel blues and whites, while resting atop her head is an icy crystalline winged tiara.
The second, a handsome man that moves with a certain amoint of grace, an aldori duelling sword at his side.
The man leans towards the woman to whisper something in her ear. She turns to him and replies softly, her breath a visible mist. The two then turn and move into the room to their assigned seats.
A muttering occurs among some of those assembled... "...Irrisen..." can be heard among the whispers. The couple studiously ignore them.
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Having been told where the maid went, Halcorg heads in that a direction attempting to find her tracks. He also whistles quickly and a moment later the small, but powerful, form of Eraitar appears next to him.
Neither Hallcorg nor Eraitar can detect footprints or scents from the waitress. And by taking Mulray word for it, there should be both. Halcorg knows enough to know fey magic when he encounters it. Without magical means he won't be able to track her.
Upon seeing Daliedhur Ni'Tir gives a loud click of her tongue in surprise at seeing the warrior elf at such an event. It had been a long time since she her last and after sharing a brief nod she approached to speak with her before the even moved into full swing. Her eleven was accentuated by her mwangian accent but it was still pitch perfect as her and her fellows practiced daily for occasions such as this. "Sa irailman laelvla ane laaa aniraa, aelam ela anira laeviran il quea oem ean irilla faal anee celv laelnya eym cillaan saaanelv vyilmweill. E laaa aey irilela oilmaw amacc el aeym laanmyvvcala, fyan tymila aniraa amirilan fmelvla aey anirela oilm omes aeym iresacillw?" She accidentally however ignores the young men who were fixated with the warrior elf in her excitement to speak with her once more.
"My heart sings to see thee, ever is thy sight a joy for it has been too long since our last meeting guardian. I see you have fared well in your struggles, but pray thee what brings you this far from your homeland?"
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With this, she reaches into a secure pouch at her side and draws out her Harrow deck.
This should be interesting, I rarely get the chance to read ones such as yourselves so devoted to the inner self.
With wide eyes and a tremor in his voice the Cenobite answers.
"We don't fear your evil tools. We won't be intimidated. We reject your sins. "By the way, if you and your order wish for a place that is safe and away from sin, why the Stolen Lands? We all know that the fey there are not known as the most law abiding group around. In fact, as my friend here- She begins to look around for Xritha before finding her sitting on a rafter directly over Lord Aldori's head where she is eating a very crumbly biscuit. er, up there Kiritta point up to the roof. will tell you, pretty much anywhere in the Stolen Lands that one plans to establish a settlement, or monastery, they are likely to run into the mischievous fey.
"We just want a safe place to live. We will find somewhere away from the witches, demons and fey. Now leave us. Please? "
Xi'Tr reacts poorly at first, cursing in her native tongue in surprise at first as she jumped back.
Chi hops back at the sudden appearance of this waitress.
Xi'Tir placed a hand on her greatsword hilt as she stared at the waitress with a particularly venomous glare. "Who are you mon?! I'll not go easy!" She knew where the exits were in case they sprung their ambush and she cursed her luck for not thinking of this possibility sooner.
Seraph was taken aback by Don's words, truly he was very good at making a good impression with women but she was turned off by the fact he knew nothing about her. Hell she still knew little about herself despite Danath's aid and without him she be nothing more then a prisoner in a dungeon to this day. Her stoic features broke for the slightest moment as she gave Don a small smile as she spoke. [smaller}"Your words are sweet as honey to my ears Don and perhaps one day I will be able to take you up on your invitation. Excuse me though as I am being summoned."[/smaller] She gives him a nod and moves to stand alongside Danath, however she doesn't mention using him as an excuse to escape a somewhat uncomfortable conversation.
Arv nods thoughtfully as Danath speaks to him, then responds... "I value your judgement as much as my own eyes and ears. I have fared well enough, and I might have a camp story or two." He takes a sip of his drink, then covers his mouth dabbing with his kerchief. "I feel I should not linger here too long. My compulsion to label our fellow diners in shades of friend and foe is tiresome, and I am no master in this particular art. The stakes are too high for me to do my best..."
Danath nods to Arv in agreement and refocuses himself for the task ahead once more. "We shall speak more back at camp then my friend." After a brief nod he moves off to find the Aldori Swordlord, pausing just long enough to regard Seraph with a raised eyebrow. As she falls in beside him he hands her a small note with his signet ring sealing it shut. Cutting her off he kept it simple and through the message spell that was just about to break down. "If anything happens you return that to Alastair and follow the instructions therein." His tone was beyond contesting and she merely nodded as she followed closely behind him, although her stance was more guarded at his cryptic words...
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"What I mean to say is that I will come if my friend wills it, and I will drink with you, if she does so also. But if you expect a woman of loose morals, you had best look elsewhere. I will not allow myself to be an easy conquest."
Both the of the Swords looks at Sofia and Daliedhur, and the Ralph retorts with a smile.
"Hey! What do you mean by that? What is wrong with loose morals? It's the best kind of morals! I have them and I have never heard any girl complain before! Nor I have complained from theirs! "Angelo quickly adds.
"Don't worry... We will be perfect gentlemen... Until you asks us to loose ourselves...
He ends with a wink and a charming smile...
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"Ser Marius du'Caat, Hellnight of the God-Claw and my guest, His Holiness, Hrraggar Thunderanvil, Cleric of Torag. We have been expected."
The guard at the door tremble before the HellKnight. Leyends about their swift justice make him sweat.
"Yes, sorry, yes, please come in. Sorry. "After they start to enter he call them back.
"I... Sorry to bother you, but a girl in the service, I don't know her... Well, she asked me to hand this note to you"
The note says:
"I had to depart earlier, and I missed the chance to say hello. But we will see each other soon enough. Love. Illiana."
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"Expecting to face your meal in combat? I have a cravat or two to spare if you care for to make a statement with accessories..." Arv grins at Marius and Hrraggar on his way to speak with Danath.
He bows with a little more pomp than needed. "Ser Orlovsky so glad you could make it to this lovely affair of callous hawks and nervous hens. Tonight we will be serving land and title to those with the strongest stomachs and sweetest puckers. It will be buffet style, mind you... our staff is quite busy spying, snooping, and whetting their knives." He then smiles, and asks "Sooo... spent some quality time with Super Rupert did you? Find him as desperate for friends as I?"
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A muttering occurs among some of those assembled... "...Irrisen..." can be heard among the whispers. The couple studiously ignore them.
In fact is more like "... Damned Irrisen witch..."
Anyway, she is greeted by most of the guests, as well as Anton.Only the member of the Cenobitic Order take an effort to get as far away from here as politely possible.
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Xi'Tr reacts poorly at first, cursing in her native tongue in surprise at first as she jumped back.
Chi hops back at the sudden appearance of this waitress.
Xi'Tir placed a hand on her greatsword hilt as she stared at the waitress with a particularly venomous glare. "Who are you mon?! I'll not go easy!" She knew where the exits were in case they sprung their ambush and she cursed her luck for not thinking of this possibility sooner.
"Who am I?" - the waitress answers - "Who are you? What are you doing here? Go away! This is for a private event, and you should not be here! Away with you or I will call the guards!"
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All the "pending" discussions we can continue having, retroactively.
You all take your seats, and Lord Mayor Ioseph Sellemius, stands and greets all of you.
"Tonight we celebrate the start of a new adventure. Tonight we celebrate the recovery of the lands stolen from us by bandits, monsters and fey. Tonight we celebrate the triumph of Brevoy against our enemies. But more than anything, we celebrate the brave souls that will go to recover those lands, and will carve the prosperity of those lands with their sweat and blood. Tonight we celebrate all of you."
He raises his goblet to toast with you:
"Brevoy! Rostland! Restov!"
After the toast he continues.
"And tonight we have another motive to celebrate. Our dear Regent Noleski Surtova has chosen to support our efforts, and has sent to us, to lead this expedition, his own cousin, his royal highness Rupert Surtova!"
Applause starts to sounds from the "conservative" merchants, and soon all the room is applauding (some more than others).
"Not only that, our beloved Regent has provided us with an official charter and plenty resources to start this colonization. He has gift us with a shipment of gold, tools, craftsmen, laborers, and colonists eager to make a new life in a new kingdom! I will let His Royal Highness Rupert Surtova continue with the good news."
The Mayor lets himself fall on his chair, and then Rupert Surtova stands.
Screams of "Ours Is the Right!" starts to sound from some guards and the conservative merchants. The rest of the people politely applaud.
After half a minute Rupert raises his hand to ask for silence, and starts to read from a very ornate scroll.
"Be it so known that the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, has granted to his highness Rupert Surtova the right of exploration, travel and dominion, as King, of the wilderness region known as the Stolen Lands. He will be required to strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered, clear the land of perils and monsters, develop the assigned territories and protect their new subjects with the help of his strength, courage and faith. He is also granted the right to choose his successors, and grant fiefdoms to the person he deems adequate, so he creates his own noble houses in his new kingdom. So witnessed on this 15th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne. God save King Rupert the First!"
The Mayor Ioseph Sellemius stands and scream, as well as the other people in the room:
"GOOD SAVE KING RUPERT THE FIRST!"
After the cheering ends Rupert starts to speak, now without reading.
"I have been chosen for a daunting task. For a test that many people before me have failed. To tame a land that refuses to be tamed. To unite what wish to be apart."
"In this new Kingdom, I will not be able to do this alone. I am not strong enough, wise enough, intelligent enough, pious enough. I won't be able to deal with every problem, help every subject, defend every town. I will need brave nobles to do it. I will need friends to help me. Today I have the right heroes for it in front of me, and I ask to them: Are you willing to help me? Are you willing to accept a fiefdom from me, becoming my feoffes? Because I will need advisers, generals, treasurers. And I will need a queen."
He looks at Venetia Medvyed.
"Venetia, will you accept to become a feoffe of me, and swear fealty to me as King? And maybe, in the future, become something even more important to me?"
Sense Motive:
Sense Motive 2:
Although paying more attention that usual, Kiritta is not really paying attention to the mayor, but when Rupert begins to speak, she listens, catching the gist of what he has to say. Something that causes her to begin contemplating just how involved in all this infighting and backstabbing she truly wants to become.
After all the others have been called to the throne. Kiritta approaches. She kisses his ring, and speaks the simple truth as part of her swearing of fealty.
I pledge my fealty, may the fates favor us all.
This is the best she can speak not wishing to lie, but also knowing that she must follow the established protocol of this strange land.
When called Ni'Tir stood, moving with ease through the opening between the chosen and King Rupert. Her clothes transform into something less revealing and more noble looking to reflect the moment as she comes to tower over the paler man.she kneels and kisses his ring and when she speaks surprisingly her thick accent was nearly gone. Her voice was clear as she swore her oath.
"I swear fealty to King Rupert and promise to uphold the balance and protect the land from any who would despoil it, always."
Xi was nearly convinced by this strange ones appearance but what was off was the fact she hadbt saw anyone mere moments ago... Meaning this one had been stalking around as well. With a chuckle she unsheathed her greatsword and smiled wickedly.
"Go ahead Mon, but i be wondarin why you be walkin like a shadow if ya suppose ta be h're? Besides i was invited i just came h're instead."
She wasn't necessarily lying she had been invited and if this was another event from the one in the big building then she assumed she was invited to this private one as well. However something was off and then it hit her. This one didn't smell like any human she knew. Everyone in this damn country had a smell but not this one!
To the waitress Xi's nostrils flared as she tried to get a whiff of the other scent and when she found nothing her smile broadened more. She lowered her sword into a guarded stance hi moved behind her.
"Oh ho ho, dis is good because ya not human are ya?" She doesn't speak in a threatening manner but she doesn't let her guard down. "Lets start dis again. I am Xi'Tir and who are ya?
Before Arv kisses the hand of the new King, he bows and states publicly; hat to heart... "Words cannot express the magnificence of this news. At this moment I feel the brilliance of the future is rivaled by nothing but the song in my heart." He then kisses Rupert's hand, and as he does speaks quietly. "Masterfully done, My King. May Fate continue to favor your line until the end of days, and beyond." He rises with a smile of genuine admiration for the maneuver. "As you know, those interests I represent do so much value certainty. I feel I can now assure them... without the tedious effort of duplicity." After a wink, he backs away respectfully... bowing again, and gesturing forward the next in line. "Like flowers to the sun, we will all thrive under Your glory."
When called, Szymon confidently approaches Rupert Surtova to swear fealty. His eyes flicker between Rupert and the Lord Mayor. He kneels before him with his veteran scabbard for his Aldori dueling sword sounding on the floor and says, "I, Szymon Wojcik, promise that I will in the future be faithful to this lord, Rupert Surtova, never cause him harm, and will observe my homage to him completely against all persons in good faith and without deceit..." And after a full breath, he continues, "on condition that he will hold to me as I shall deserve."
He kisses Rupert's ring, rises, and takes his place among the other new vassals.
The Oracle's Shadow speaker answers Anton and Edeldhur:
"We are a group of people dedicated to protect the poor and downtrodden. And some of us are going to go into the Stolen Lands to help the new inhabitants there. We like to do things discreetly, and we prefer to operate with knowledge of the authority, so they don't impair our efforts. We offer information and a first like of defense against evil. But we need someone to speak for us in public. And you can fit the role. So... Are you for it?"
You both try to remember what you know about the Oracle's Shadow, and it's little. It is supposedly a group of vigilantes with a good reputation but a shady background. Some people thinks is the Thieve's Guild "good" face, getting rid of the competition and making relationships with the poor people and law enforcement to use later in nefarious purposes. Supposedly 4 of them, it is said nobody has seen the faces behind their masks.
Edeldhur clears his throat, and offers the most logic and diplomatic approach he can muster - "You will accept my apologies, but the information you are providing is simply too vague to allow a response - How do you plan to help the inhabitants? Why do you prefer to do things discreetly? What is the kind of information you offer, and what exactly means a first line of defense against evil?"
He starts pacing slowly - "As you can see, the variables are tremendous - the above can mean illegal activity, information can mean espionage, or even worse, forceful extraction, etc. etc" - he stops again looking at the figure in the dark - "I respect your need for privacy, but as it is, no agreement is possible... Yet..."
"What I mean to say is that I will come if my friend wills it, and I will drink with you, if she does so also. But if you expect a woman of loose morals, you had best look elsewhere. I will not allow myself to be an easy conquest."Both the of the Swords looks at Sofia and Daliedhur, and the Ralph retorts with a smile.
"Hey! What do you mean by that? What is wrong with loose morals? It's the best kind of morals! I have them and I have never heard any girl complain before! Nor I have complained from theirs! "
Angelo quickly adds.
"Don't worry... We will be perfect gentlemen... Until you asks us to loose ourselves...
He ends with a wink and a charming smile...
"I believe you have also made your point crystal clear - The rest is to be settled later on then" - Daliedhur dismisses the men, and turns to Ni'Tir.
With a bow, she offers - "Ta naa seasa nae darn llie varna su cron Amin cael faer amin toror. Lye mishin su i'iant nae i'ent winya. Mani en'yar?"
"It is a pleasure to see you safe from harm - I have travelled with my brother. We seek change from the old to the young, and new beginnings. What of yourself?"
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Before Arv kisses the hand of the new King, he bows and states publicly; hat to heart... "Words cannot express the magnificence of this news. At this moment I feel the brilliance of the future is rivaled by nothing but the song in my heart." He then kisses Rupert's hand, and as he does speaks quietly. "Masterfully done, My King. May Fate continue to favor your line until the end of days, and beyond." He rises with a smile of genuine admiration for the manuver. "As you know, those interests I represent do so much value certainty. I feel I can now assure them... without the tedious effort of duplicity." After a wink, he backs away respectfully... bowing again, and gesturing forward the next in line. "Like flowers to the sun, we will all thrive under Your glory."
Bluff 26
Cheers erupt from the conservatives on the premises, at Arv's words.
Rupert smiles and put his hands on your shoulders.
"As I will thrive while I have friends to lean on!
"In this new Kingdom, I will not be able to do this alone. I am not strong enough, wise enough, intelligent enough, pious enough. I won't be able to deal with every problem, help every subject, defend every town. I will need brave nobles to do it. I will need friends to help me. Today I have the right heroes for it in front of me, and I ask to them: Are you willing to help me? Are you willing to accept a fiefdom from me, becoming my feoffes? Because I will need advisers, generals, treasurers. And I will need a queen."
He looks at Venetia Medvyed.
"Venetia, will you accept to become a feoffe of me, and swear fealty to me as King? And maybe, in the future, become something even more important to me?"
He is expecting for Venetia to accept, and become the first noble house in his new Kingdom, to come forward, kiss his hand, and swear fidelity to him as king. Normal procedure to become a noble. He is not proposing to marry. Yet.
After Venetia he will call the rest of your "main" characters, starting with Kaldwell Surtova, and then Arv Akul'mar, Ni'Tir, Janus Sevenstar, Danath Orlovsky, Rhasadilara Wynterfall, Edeldhur Beltharan, Anton Marakov, Szymon Wojcik, Marius du'Caat and Kiritta Narvagoth.
There is no "polite" way to refuse. If you don't do it will not only be a breach of etiquette, but almost a declaration of treason against the Dragonscale Throne. This was a very well played political move to bind you all to Rupert, in public.
When you pass you are expected to say a brief phrase as your promise. If you reject you are granted some last words (just joking!).
He will also call, and get the fidelity promise from Rudolf Ferdinand Aldori III ("On my honor!"), Saul Magill as representative for the Oracle's Shadow ("On behalf of my clients") and one of the Cenobitic monks (he doesn't say anything, only kiss his hand.
Edeldhur takes the stand slowly, addressing Rupert Surtova first with a short bow - "Milord, I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity that will bring harm to the safety, right to a dignified life, and honour of the Kingdom, any and all of its inhabitants, and rulers"
Then turning slowly to the audience, he finishes - "My efforts will be commited against all threats, foreign and domestic - against all attempts of suppressing free will and respect, or the well being of those placed under my charge - this is the pledge you have offered me, and one I gladly accept"
Marius reads the note and immediately crushes it in his hand. He turns to Hrraggar and mouths the word, Illiana. The dwarf shudders at the name. Still, the Ulfen is polite and thanks the messenger for conveying the note before sending him away.
The pair enter, just as the decrees are set to begin. Marius motions to Hrraggar to take a seat as he handles the pomp and circumstance.
A grin crosses the face of the Lawbringer. Surtova in one move, outflanked the fools of Restov and their petty machinations and most likely averted a full-fledged civil war. These were rulers that could be useful allies for an Order of Hellknights to establish law and order in a lawless land.
Then he hears the offers of Surtova to his company. An attempt to pull them into their internal power struggle and transform the Knight into a pawn. But du'Caat still had an ace up his sleeve.
He approaches and bows low before the Surtova lord, who had offered him a feoffe. Then turns to the crowd and bows low.
"A generous and undeserved honor m'lord to be offered a place at your right hand in the taming of these lawless lands. And tempting for one as dedicated to the cause of Justice and Order as I." Marius pauses, allowing his compliment to sink in. "As you know, a Hellknight, however, is forbidden from being bound to a King, no matter how wise and just he is. Rather we are bound to the uphold the legitimate rule of law. Enforcing it's tenets on all in the realm great or small."
He smiles and turns back toward the new "King" of the Greenbelt. His right eye twinkles as his smile turns into almost a smirk that seemed to say and now to set the hook.
"And as you are well aware; for you, like your noble cousin, the legitimate Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, are well-educated in the laws and customs of the various realms of Golarion, the offer of a Fiefdom to a fully-vested Hellknight, is a invitation to found a Company within your realm to serve as an independent enforcer of legitimate law, so that your rule is not tainted with corruption by self-serving nobles who fail to ensure that Justice is applied to all."
Marius then once again turns to the crowd.
"So on behalf of the Order of the Godclaw, I accept your offer to establish a company of Hellknights within your new realm and execute the law according to its very letter."
He then turns, kneels and kisses the ring. Then rising he shouts the creed of the his Hellknight order.
"Righteousness by obedience."
Hrraggar sits in the corner with his face in his palm.
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[dice=Sense Motive]"I, Szymon Wojcik,promiise that I will in the future be faithful to this lord, Rupert Surtova, never cause him harm, and will observe my homage to him completely against all persons in good faith and without deceit..." And after a full breath, he continues, "on condition that he will hold to me as I shall deserve."
He kisses Rupert's ring, rises, and takes his place among the other new vassals.
The mayor's eyes go to the ground, as he doesn't want to see Szymon, one of Restov's best, swearing feilty to a Surtova.
"You shouldn't condition your obidience towards your new King. "Rupert speaks gravely.
" But I know you are a good and honest person, and I wouldn't ask from you to turn on your values. I will hold you as you deserve, but you will have to hold me as your King. "
Much gossiping is heard, as Szymon's words are brave, but maybe too daring.