"The hammer? No, I don't think so. Though I can't really be sure/. I wouldn't be able to tell you very much about..." She pauses for a moment. "About... my kind. I managed to get my hands on it in the Dusk Markets - They said the silver warded off devils. I'm not sure how true that is... But I don't really want to test it, either."
The day goes on, and the two chat as their session comes to an end. "You can thank my mother and the streets of Westcrown for that." Ava laughs. "They taught me well. Give no quarter and expect none in return. All it takes is one moment of hesitation to end up as food for the shadow beasts." She recites the words as if reading them straight from a manual, a serious expression on her face, but lightens up once more when she finishes.
~~~
Ava smiles at Lucon's clumsiness as he fumbles with the stand. There was something reassuring about it. Something real and earnest and true, so different from the world she lived in. It gave her hope.
"Good afternoon." she says, looking towards the shopkeep. "Forgive my friend, he's had a long day."
"If the letter was intercepted this morning, I think we can safely assume it was meant to be read today and carried out tomorrow." Ava says, "Though we can keep watch today as well, if it will ease your mind. This could be a good opportunity for some our less experienced Torchbearers to get some practical experience."
"You're probably right, Ava, that the kidnapping won't happen until tomorrow, but what if that's not the case? Unless we all have other important things to do, I don't see the harm in going to the theater today at 4pm. That way we'd know what layout and procedures to expect tomorrow. But we'd want to go as individuals, not as a group. But if people don't like that idea, one or two of us can go in with one of the non-fighting Torchbearers, while the others await nearby. If there's trouble, we can send the Torchbearer running for help. In any event, I at least will plan on checking it out this afternoon. I don't have anything better to do."
"We can go in pairs, perchance, with our proteges," says Enko. "While we can't bring weapons, I do recall another tanglefoot bag from Palaveen's gear, and I should be able to hide that in a purse."
He pauses for a second, looking truly puzzled.
"Do we need to bring...flowers?"
Caladius chuckles softly, "A purse. Heh."
Ava recalls hearing the name Calseneica as an up and coming actress, of great beauty and natural skill. The people seem to really love her sincere performances.
The small theater/club is squished in between two tall residential buildings, and leaves much to be desired for size, but it has character. Gaudily dressed men and women mill around out front chatting and drinking happily. There are several groups, some wearing darker, nondescript clothing, probably the stage-crew, and the divas and stars among them looking over their little flocks like jealous crows. Calseinica is nowhere to be seen outside the building. There doesn't appear to be much of a security presence at the door, it seems much too carefree and innocent a place for that.
Enko appears in the temple. His still brand new monk's robes have been augmented by a simple decorative sash of deep blue black, showing the Nine Stars of Old Westcrown, giving a bold look to the usually nondescript monk. He walks to Mathalen and begins to speak without any greeting or opening.
"It appears we have a mission for you. The theatre Il Canzone, in two hours. We are to scout for assailants against an actress. Do you have a dress? Also, we shall need some flowers--I shall find those and meet you here in 1 hour."
Enko arrives, looking splendid in robes and deep blue-black sash, chaperoning his winsome charge, Mathalen, who carries a bouquet of lilies and snowdrops carefully and is bedecked in a dress.
Sabinus will also spend some funds on a wardrobe update, but nothing so flashy. He arrives at about 3:20pm, dressed far less creepily than usual, in restrained but reasonably stylish Westcrani garb appropriate for low nobility. He even brushes his hair and washes his face, although he doesn't trim his nails. He first does a tour of the complete block, in an effort to discern whether there are alleys or other apparent access points to the theater. At around 3:30pm he arrives in front and leans against a wall watching the goings on and watching out for Calseneica. His bat Tycho hangs inconspicuously from a roof overhang across the street.
Sabinus will also cast mage armor.
Afterwards, she'll search for someone to help her make a banner.
Ava will sit the first day out, but also makes the suggestion that one should bring a cane or walking stick (club) if heading inside, just in case they need a weapon.
Mathalen, on Enko's arm, is doing her best to contain her excitement to be both on a mission and dressed so splendidly. Her face is composed but her cheeks are flushed and her eyes are dancing with excitement. She and Enko draw quite a few looks, but most of them are for the lovely young woman at his side. She squeezes Enko's arm tightly and asks, "What exactly are we looking for again? Oh I do hope we get to meet the Calseneica!"
Sabinus is able to walk right into the theater without anyone questioning him. He does get several curious looks however, but none approach the dark stranger. The witches reconnaissance reveals a wide alley running behind the buildings, and one smaller one on either side of the two residential building hemming in Il Canzone. Each of the residential buildings and Il Canzone have rear entrances, Il Canzone's is a larger sliding door, presumably to allow easier access for stage props and sets during the creation or breakdown of a show. The main room dominates the first floor, with a single hallway running behind the stage and the bar, presumably leading to the rear entrance you spotted during your walk around the block. A stairway leads up to the second floor, but is blocked by a loose-hanging velvet rope, more a symbolic barrier than anything. A staff member is letting VIP folks up onto the second floor, which leads to a 10' wide balcony, wrapping around the theater walls and overlooking the first floor, Corneleous is offered a place on that second floor if he'd like.
There aren't any performances scheduled, but a lone bard is singing a slow, powerful and emotive song about war and death up on the stage. Well dressed men and women, mostly young, are entering and exiting constantly. The conversation is loud and bright, women teetering and young men boasting of exploits, and bottles and glasses of wine are moving quickly around the place.
The Viscount is greeted by a thin and cheerful young proprietor, and granted all the deference due one of his rank. He's offered a choice table and waited on with more than some vigor by the staff.
None of you see Calseneica inside or outside at 3:35.
On the assumption that he would be too conspicuous if he hung around out back, Sabinus will stand by the bar, trying to keep an eye on the hallway leading to the back door. He will also position Tycho hanging from an overhang on a building to the rear, to alert Sabinus if there is a disturbance in the rear.
Enko's eyes widen for a moment at Mathalen's arm squeeze and proximity, but he regains his composure. "We are to look for Calseneica, and more importantly, we are to look for anyone who moves towards her in a suspicious manner. If you see that, let me know first, by...an arm squeeze.". Enko collects his thoughts. "We will then move to intercept and give the potential assailant the flowers, pretending to mistake him for an actor."
Enko then leads Mathalen into the foyer, to mingle, sip wine, and to wander out again, repeating as necessary in the standard partygoer fashion.
He does his best to play up being the serene Brother Laberan, recently arrived in town, and introducing his charge, Mathalen, a philosopher.
"Yes, of Iomedae...of course it is the disciplines of Law that govern us all...no, I hadn't heard, and they attacked tieflings? Oh, yes, the tailor suggested something befitting Old Westcrown; I am fond of the Nine Stars myself...Mathalen, mind that fellow, he looks like he wants to offer you his handkerchief..."
Enko listens more than speaks and keeps his senses peeled for hidden messages in the crowd.
Enko doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary... not that this scene is one he'd normally find himself, but specifically no suspicious looking folks or groups are present. The portly actor with wine splattered down his front chortles to himself at Enko's last comment, his neck skin flapping awkwardly under his chin. His deep voice has a whiney, drawn-out quality to it, "I think these 'Torchwearer' fellows are completely insensible! Running around like children, swinging sticks and battling foes? Completely foolhardy and totally incomprehensible! Wouldn't you say?" a few stray droplets of wine finding their way onto your and Mathalens faces.
Sabinus does not try to pretend he is anyone else. He's not very comfortable with small talk with strangers, so he doesn't engage anyone in conversation. If approached and questioned, by the bartender or someone else, he'll say, "I'm studying here in Westcrown and I heard this was a good place. I don't know much about theater. What's playing right now?" If pressed for specific background details he'll say truthfully, "I came down from Egorian to study with a Westcrani wizard, although I don't think I have much knack for being a wizard. I'm much happier exploring the town than studying."
Perception:
The bartender wipes some glasses with a clean towel as he listens, "I think it's Blithe Betty playing here this weekend, but as your from out of town let me give you a tip... This isn't the place to see the good stuff, it's mostly just kids putting on their own stuff for each other and occasionally we'll someone like a Viscount, and he points at Corneleous, "or some other director coming to look for fresh talent." He sighs heavily as the conversation turns towards the city itself, "Theater is one of the few draws these days, truly a thing to behold here in Westcrown. Didn't used to be that way, but that was long ago." He moves off to fill several orders.
Sabinus also fails to notice anything out of place or suspicious in the loud and crowded room.
After the discussion with the group, Caladius is eventually persuaded that he can't just wear his worn, dirty leathers under his newly acquired breastplate. He awkwardly requests the Viscount join him, as he has zero experience with tailors, fashion, or what "clashing colors" actually means. It's obvious the whole time that the tiefling is both uncomfortable having had to ask for help and also uncomfortable being so far out of his element.
"Blessings upon you," says Enko to the actor, pausing to dab at his face. "Brother Laberan, and this is my charge, the signorina Mathalen." Enko bows slightly.
Regarding getting the room, Enko is also poking about to see who is an Iomedaean in town. In prepping for more monkliness and clericalness in higher levels, I'm thinking Enko may look for a place to both train with some people (Mathalen) and engage in some not-quite-heretical-but-certainly-not-Asmodean-Disciplines reading and teaching. If this place has a so-so room but also a courtyard or flat roof, perfect. :)
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The Viscount has his eye and spectacles on the lookout for suspicious/infamous folk. In the mean time, he makes sure to attend to his station- hobnobbing only the way a hobnob snob could hob nob. The diplomacy check is if he meets someone of similar (or higher) station to befriend in his revelry.
I believe the Viscount was most interested in the pendant. and or to examine it for powers/properties.
Caladius emerges from the tailor's shop feeling absolutely absurd in his new garments. Glowering grumpily at the Viscount, he stomps off toward Il Canzone to see if this Calseneica is there to be found.
The Viscount did his work well, but sadly it seems that no amount of fine fabric can hide the tiefling's ill temper. Uncomfortable and more self-conscious than he can recall being in years and years, Caladius doesn't respond well to the admiring looks he receives. His mood darkens with each encounter, as attention is always something he's tried to avoid. Getting nods, approving or otherwise, leaves him on edge. Despite this, he still manages to walk through the crowd and ask a few people of Calseneica, "Hey. What do you know about Calseneica? What? Yeah, I'm sure she's lovely. No, I don't care for your dress. Are you going to tell me about Calseneica any time soon? No? Ok, I'm done with you." and "Hey. You. You seen Calseneica before? Uhhh... no, I'm not stalking her. I'm... I'm just a fan is all. Right. And I've never seen her before. No, I don't think that's weird. You're no help. Go away." and "Uhhh... hi. Do you know what Calseneica looks like? Not as pretty as your neice? I don't care about your neice. I just-. Can you-. Oh will you shut up about your neice already!"
It doesn't take long before the tiefling is utterly frustrated and angry. He finds his way over to a corner seat at the bar, orders a strong drink, "What do you have that's strong AND good? And it costs how much? Just give me something strong then," and then turns his attention to watching the crowd rather than mingling with it.
Caladius's appearance is well received, but his abrupt manner is not. His traversal through the room leaves a wake of confused, annoyed, sneering and awkward looks. But once he settles into his corner and observes he sees several noteworthy things.
First, he notices that all of the groups of actors and socialites intermingle and socialize with each other. They'll remain contained for a short time or a long time, but eventually each group will have an exchange of people. One group of stagehands, clad in dark colors, is the exception to this observation. Three men and a woman seem to continually split up and roam the room, but then regather back into their same group rather than linger amongst the others. The womans activities differ in that each time they split up, she goes outside for several moments before returning inside to gather with her small group. There are quite a few people outside who desire to do their socializing in the outside air, and Caladius recalls seeing many stagehands outside as well among the more well-to-doers.
At 3:50 an excited patron rushes inside and shouts to the room at large, "She's here! and a raven-haired beauty waltzes into the room surrounded by admirers and fellow actors. From the buzz of conversation and whispers conversations you pick up that Calseneica had her start here in this very theater. The scuttlebutt is that her rise to stardom has been sudden and unexpected, but she has such natural talent that most everyone believes she deserves the chance at greatness. Not everyone is happy by her arrival, casting dark and jealous looks her direction, but these dark glances seem relatively harmless or at least not deadly malice.
At Calseneica's arrival, Sabinus focuses less on her, and more on looking around to see if anyone is acting suspiciously (expressions of envy not being particularly suspicious).
Perception:
Enko scans the crowd.
"Let us get near her," he says to Mathalen.
Enko and Mathalen make their way closer to Calseneica, but are blocked partially from getting too close by the gathered admirers around her. Unfortunately they fail to notice the same group of suspicious folks that Caladius did.
Corneleous engages another Viscount he recognized in conversation about the lovely Calseneica and her history. It turns out she's got a vicious and one-sided rivalry with Visbaronettess Delour Aulamaxa. The story goes that it began during the popular opera The Winter of White Roses. When Aulamaxa was caught in an accident involving a horse-drawn carriage and a panicked imp, she spent the production’s premiere in the care of several priests of Abadar, barely able to walk, and Calseinica took the stage in her place. When Calseinica’s portrayal of the domineering, scheming Witch of Roses took Westcrown’s critics by storm, the director arranged for her to perform for all of the productions and fired Visbaronetess Aulamaxa from the part.
Caladius, as he's spotted the group already, notices that the standout group of stagehands has started working their way slowly and unobtrusively towards Calseneica. Another man has entered in from outside, this one dressed in dark colors but also more finely than the other four and he stands near the door - seeming to be waiting for something.
As the crowd closes in on Calseneica, Caladius catches Sabinus' eye and holds it for a moment before looking at the stagehand nearest to the diva. Then, still angry from how difficult just asking a simple question of these people proved to be, he sets his glass down with force before rising from his chair. The tiefling then proceeds to unapologetically bull his way through the crowd "Move. One side. Coming through. Out of the way. Watch it, lady," and over to the front door, but he adjusts his route so that he intercepts Enko and Mathalen. He whispers to Enko as he forces his way by, "Hands are looking kind of grabby today." Once he breaks free from the press of bodies, he shakes his head in renewed frustration and exits the building. Once outside, he tries to blend in with the general crowd and look as unobstrusive as possible as he seeks a parallel alley that will let him loop around to the back of Il Canzone.
A few of the stagehands are in the vicinity of Caladius, Enko and Mathalen when the exchange of information goes down, and the womans eyes get large as she hears and deciphers the rangers message. "They're on to us!" she screams in a shrill voice which cuts through the clamor. The woman starts to reach into her pocket, going for something concealed inside.
- Sabinus
- Corneleous
- Stagehand5
- Stagehand4
- Caladius
- Lucon
- Stagehand2
- Enko & Mathalen
- Stagehand1
- Stagehand3
"Caseleneica! Beware the stagehands! Mathalen. We will flank if possible. You will take total defense only."
Enko flips over the heads and shoulders of any and all theatregoers to land next to Caseleneica.
Whomever attacks at her will be met with a Redirecting Trip.
Mathalen moves to flank.
Enko intends to wind up directly south of Il Divina Diva. Mathalen won't be able to flank, so I'll have her go south-south east to eventually flank with Caladius (depending on what he does)
For their part, stagehands 1 2 and 3 will probably react to your actions and attack the nearest Torchbearer with weapons unknown. :)
Caladius looks down at his feet as the woman's vial shatters on the ground. He looks back up, scowls at her, "Hey! What do you think you're doing? These shoes were stupidly expensive, lady!" and rushes in on her.
vs target's CMD
Grappled: A grappled creature is restrained by a creature, trap, or effect. Grappled creatures cannot move and take a –4 penalty to Dexterity. A grappled creature takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls and combat maneuver checks, except those made to grapple or escape a grapple. In addition, grappled creatures can take no action that requires two hands to perform. A grappled character who attempts to cast a spell or use a spell-like ability must make a concentration check (DC 10 + grappler's CMB + spell level), or lose the spell. Grappled creatures cannot make attacks of opportunity.
The woman walks in boldly, looking delighted at her surroundings. She is dressed in a brightly coloured marigold dress, the handspun cotton a far cry from the silk gowns of her peers, but somehow no-less flattering. Real marigolds and blue bellflowers adorning her long tresses of hair. tied up in an elaborate birds-nest. A silver songbird broach set with a rather large sapphire adorns her neck, but her husband wears no such finery.
Lucon is clearly dressed in the clothes of a craftsman. His beard has been trimmed and his hair combed and his white shirt is clean, but he wears only a copper wedding ring and his faded velvet doublet is several years out of fashion and far-too tight around the waist.
He fusses with his doublet, making a beeline for his friends with his eyes cast down. His wife, however, surveys the theatre with an airy delight, smiling up at her husband. Lucon has a look on his face that Ava has seen there a hundred times or more. The look of a man who can't believe his luck.
"Sorry we're late. Bugger nearly wouldn't let me in the door..." he murmurs apologetically, trying to flatten down his sizable waist. "Have you met my wife, Rebecca?"
_____________________________________________________________________
Lucon will spend the rest of the afternoon staring into his cup of wine, sheepishly avoiding the curious glances of the other patrons and looking exceedingly grateful when Caladius gives up and makes his way to the bar. Rebecca has her eyes fixed on the stage, content by her husband's side, commenting on the beauty of the costumes and how long it has been since she's been to the theatre.
Sabinus stands to point at the woman 'stagehand', the one who yelled out to raise the alarm, and use the slumber hex on her. He also shifts north to more firmly block the hallway. She manages to fight off the effects of his hex.
The Viscount wastes no time in beginnign the spell to summoning forth his Lemure, intending to bring it in a protective position near the singer.
Stagehand5: With a flourish of his hands and a word of power, a strong wind suddenly manifests inside the building, creating a line of powerful forces from the 'stagehand' by the door to the stage, toppling patrons, overturning tables, sending tableclothes and plates, dresses, capes, careening through the air to slam into the stage near Lucons wife Rebecca. The inside of the theater is instantly transformed into pandemonium, with patrons rushing forward and back, some trying to get in to see what's happening, others desparately trying to get out.
Stagehand4, the woman, draws a vial of something dark and swirling, and tosses it at Caladius's feet. It explodes and releases a dense cloud which quickly fills up the west side of the room. Those on the outside of the fog can see that where the fog intersects the magic wind, it is quickly blown away. But the rest of the cloud remains intact. The would-be kidnappers seem concerned with creating mass confusion and chaos up to this point. Before the fog envelops her she smiles at Caladius, "Now you see me..."
Caladius looks down at his feet as the woman's vial shatters on the ground. He looks back up, scowls at her, "Hey! What do you think you're doing? These shoes were stupidly expensive, lady!" and rushes in on her. He easily overpowers her and the surprise on her face is evident he caught her so easily in the dense fog. She starts to struggle in earnest.
Lucon starts to his feet as Rebecca is hit by the gust of wind, his fists curling and his eyes darting frantically about the room "Wh... What's happening! Are you okay?" he says, over his shoulder, leaving himself wide open before turning to the battle at hand, glaring at the stagehands and gritting his teeth. He'll stand his ground over his wife and ready an attack should any be foolish enough to get in range of his fists.
Stagehand2 moves south and grabs Caseleneica by one arm, she's fallen to the floor in fright at this point, and she mistakes the 'stagehand' for a would be rescuer, but the dark look on his face quickly convinces her otherwise.
"Caseleneica! Beware the stagehands! Mathalen. We will flank if possible. You will take total defense only." Enko flips over the heads and shoulders of any and all theatregoers in an effort to land next to Caseleneica.
Mathalen, directly in the path of the wind, just holds her ground an assumes a defensive posture like Enko advsised her. She tries to make her way south to help flank, but is unable to move against the wind.
Stagehand1 tries to fight his way to the east through the wind to reach his target. He's unable to make any progress however, and remains in place.
Stagehand3 moves north and manages to avoid Enko's attempt to trip him. He then quickly grabs Caseleneica's other arm, eyeballing the hallway which Sabinus now guards.
"Nobody told me we were expecting trouble..." he murmurs, looking mournful for a moment. "Rebecca, are you hurt?" Lucon says, brow furrowing with worry before his eyes fix on a likely culprit and wading into the fray.