Well, I hardly believe it. Not only did we make it through, but it sounds like the audience loved it. Huh.
As the relief begins to flood through the group, Caladius noticeably withdraws from everyone, making effort to stay quiet and unengaged. If he was uncomfortable during the play, that discomfort is plainly eclipsed by what the burly tiefling experiences during the curtain call. As Dentris' name is called out, followed by his own, he walks to center stage first too slowly then much too quickly. Despite all this, he can't help but catch himself scanning the faces in the crowd. The disappointment he feels in not seeing who he hoped to surprises him again and also jars him back into focus. He bows stiffly, then takes his place in line, inwardly proud that he passed the challenge he set for himself and that he still openly bears every wound he suffered throughout the performance.
Once behind stage again, he does his best to melt into the shadows and avoid any conversation. Once he and the other actors are free to go, he throws up his cowl and vanishes into the night.
"Nay. They're from a pastry shop in Hope's Altar. My guilty pleasure. Enko bought some for the little lads, and.. well..." he trails off, smacking his fingers. "I've had to start hiding them from Bec." he admits, sheepishly. "Says I'm setting a bad example when I come home reeking of a candy shop." he shrugs.
"Rightly so, rightly so, but I can think of worse vices. Prince'o'Darkness is hardly going to drag me off for... for..." he trails off, silencing himself with a glance in Corneleus' direction and a somber look. "Oh. Pardon... m'lord."
Calseinica, from her vantage point on the ground, raises a dainty hand to her forehead as Corneleous walks away, sighing deeply with amorous longing.
After around twenty minutes at the Limehouse, an already inebriated stagehand brings several familiar faces to the door, and some not-so-familiar. Rebecca, Yakopulio, Mathalen, are the faces of those you recognize, the rest are newly acquired fans, desperate to be in your presence, a young man calling loudly for 'Marina!' and a crowd of beautiful woman calling out for the rest of you. The stagehand, along with some quickly gathered help, herds those who're unwelcome back out the way they came.
Rebecca, eyes aglow, rushes into Lucons arms, just holding him. She might have said something, but her words are lost in the carpenters broad chest.
Mathalen bounces into the room, beaming with all the vigor and excitment of youth. "Enko!" and throws herself toward you, hurtling through the air with arms out-stretched. She lands heavily on you, sending you both crashing to the floor in a tangled heap. "That was incredible!" she laughs, her face inches from your own.
Yakopulio walks around, congratulating everyone, offering praises for each performance and contribution. Her eyes did not miss much of your onstage experiences. "I didn't know you had it in you Corneleous, facing off against a giant undead troll like that." After she moves through the whole group, she end up at Sabinus's side last, "I saw what you did in the Belly of the Beast, that could have been deadly without your quick thinking." and places her hand on top of yours.
A stagehand appears at the door, looking a little sheepish and holding a large bouquet of flowers, "Some just dropped these off for an 'Ava', I told her there wasn't no 'Ava' in the production but the lady said someone would claim them?" He lingers at the door a few moment, looking ready to leave as he's sure there's been a mistake of some kind.
Sabinus smiles at Yako's compliment. Although the whole thing was quite absurd, it felt good to be able to contribute to the group. I think we worked well together and took care of each other. And I'm glad you were here watching.. During the rest of the evening, Sabinus seems calmer and more sociable than the group has yet seen. He'll play friendly attention to Yako, but also give her plenty of space for her separate socializing. He's open to meeting and talking to new people, but still keeping a watchful eye out for people who may have other motivations than congratulatory celebrating.
"Ah, I can take those for her." Marina chimes, striding over to the stagehand. She nods thankfully as she takes the boquet."Strange that they would deliver them here, though. Can I ask who gave this to you? Anything you know would be helpful. Her appearance, a voice?"
"Mathalen." Enko grins a wider, freer smile than anyone has seen the monk grin, and returns her embrace. He then collects himself and helps her up, his face already settling into a mask of calm. "I trust you were noting the benefits of defending and redirecting in melekatha; we will resume our training shortly and I will assume you have been practicing." His speech and tone notwithstanding, it is easy to notice that his hand lingers in hers for some time after helping her to her feet.
"Lucon...weren't those a little stale by now?" He arches a brow at the hulking woodworker.
Lucon embraces his bride, sagging with relief and staying silent for some time. "So..." he begins sheepishly, wincing in anticipation of the answer. "What did you think? Of my acting... I mean."
_
Lucon frantically motions at Enko to keep his voice down. "They were so good I had to track down the place myself. I had never had their equal." he says, later, pulling the monk aside and whispering conspiratorially. "The cakes they sell on our street taste like stale Goblin, that good-for-nothing Halfenos..." he says, grumbling something indistinct, letting out a dismissive "Bah!" and then beaming ear to ear. "The shopkeep says I'm their best customer. They always save a fresh batch just for me."
Yakopulio keeps Sabinus engaged in conversation, sticking nearby the rest of the celebration. Sabinus does not see anyone in the Limehouse who obviously should not be there.
The stagehand hesitates for just a second before handing them to 'Marina' but shrugs and does so. At her questions he considers the ceiling, trying to remember details, "She was wearing dark clothing, didn't leave her name. She looked quite pretty, tall, husky voice... *ahem*. Does that help?"
Mathalen straightens up, assuming a studious pose, hands pressed together lighting and gives her trainer a slight bow, "Indeed I did note the benefits which you demonstrated quite skillfully Master and look forward to showing you the progress of my training." It is easy to hear the smile in her voice, even though it is hidden with her head bowed.
Rebecca pulls away, "The acting? I... Honestly I very much enjoyed the play... until it became violent. Then it was difficult to focus on lines and such. Now you answer me honestly Lucon Tauranor, did you know you'd be fighting Lemures and undead Trolls when you signed up for this?" Her voice rises a bit at the end, and she gives you a level look into your eyes.
-------------------
With the production over, you're able to get your old lives back -mostly. While not expected to promote the production, walking anywhere on the streets of Westcrown occasionally brings starry-eyed fans up to ask for an autograph, to join them for a free drink, or just to chat about your experiences in the play for a few moments. During these interactions, its clear than many of these adoring fans were not even present at the show, which indicates how your deeds have spread your fame.
The next day Arael and Janiven stop by your dwelling(s), congratulating you and asking that when and if an invitation comes, you'll report it to the Hideout with all possible speed.
Later that very day, you each receive a spoken invitation from Mayor Aberian Arvanxi, delivered by a smartly-dressed servant. The messenger gives them a description of a great feast called the Cornucopia and tells them to arrive tomorrow, an hour before sunset, at Lord-Mayor Arvanxi’s villa (known to locals as Aberian’s Folly, but never to the mayor’s face) dressed in their costumes from the play.
"'Dentris', 'Monris', you may not have received the words from the mayor, but we are invited to the Folly for a Cornucopia party tomorrow evening, and in our costumes," says Enko to the tiefling and dwarf as soon as he finds them in the depths of the headquarters. "Shall we assemble the others and go to Signore Nonon's to request our illusions again?"
Sabinus happily spends time socializing with Yako at the Limehouse. The next day he will take a well earned sleep in, spend time communing and playing with Tycho. Around midday he'll wander to the markets to find some food, and he'll also visit a few of his favorite vendors of oddities and obscurities. He'll pause to talk to anyone who approaches him about the play. He's awkward in the role of an object of admiration and he'll portray himself as a support player, but clearly take some pleasure in reflecting on some of the choicer moments. He'll also pick up some delicacies at the market and bring them over to his old tutor Galenos and his daughter Galene, sharing the afternoon snack and sharing tales of the play.
Upon receiving the invitation, he'll head directly to Torchbearer HQ and join up with the group heading back to get into costume again,
Enko finds Caladius in a back room of the hideout, shirtless and beating repeatedly on a heavy bag hanging from a rafter overhead. Dozens and dozens of white scars crisscross his rust-colored flesh, a permanent reminder of Whitechin's hospitality. As the monk enters, Caladius finishes a brief series of jabs and hooks before turning to the man.
He stares at Enko, holding his gaze for a few long moments before replying, "Go to who? For what?" He gestures to a pile in the far corner, his armor and weapons and other equipment, "I can't just show up at this stupid thing wearing that?" Disappointment is plainly evident in his voice.
-------------
Arael and Janiven are waiting at the Hideout with all those who meet there first. Outside the weather is quickly turning nasty, dark clouds stain the sky, the sound of thunder rings in the near distance, and small droplets are heard occasionally striking the ground and roof outside. When all arrive who are going to, Arael hands Janiven a package and she steps forward. "First of all, congratulations once more for a job well done. It was a difficult task on many levels, but you handled yourselves impressively. While you have been engaged this last week, we remaining Torchbearers have been gathering information on the Mayor and his home." Arael then steps forward as Janiven hands Sabinus a small pouch, which contains five potions of Cure Serious Wounds, and four potions of Lesser Restoration. The handsome half-elf addresses you, "As usual, Janiven sums things up quite well, I only echo her congratulations to you, and thank you for your continued service and example of leadership to all of Westcrown. Thank you."
You make your way as quickly as possible to the Limehouse, but you are accosted at least four times en route by excited and eager fans, begging for autographs, kisses, and the like. The delay is compounded by the unleashing of the heavens just as you arrive, the elements releasing a deluge of rain on Westcrown. There is no way you'll be able to walk the distance to Aberian's Folley without completely soaking your costumes. Regarding the costumes, the staff go with only a minimalist approach to the getups, with little to no magic involved. This does require a bit more makeup, but the mayor has requested no illusion magic for the actors.
"At the least the rain'll scare off all those giggling 'fans'." His voice turns suddenly hopeful, "You don't think this whole stupid party will be canceled, do you?" The question is more addressed to the group as a whole rather than any one individual, but it's clearly obvious all this play-business is something Caladius is long past ready to put behind him.
"Carriages are the best way to go. We can request a pickup later as well...unless we find we have to flee," says Enko. He looks a mixture of noble and mildly ridiculous as a paladin.
"I agree."
Without much difficulty you're able to arrange a pickup from the Limehouse in a couple carriages to easily accommodate the entire group. The other actors, including Robahl and excluding Thesing, also arrive to adorn themselves appropriately, Robahl wearing a hybrid of a fine suit and the Asmodeous costume he wore. Calseinica embraces some of you, but not Corneleous, rather she keeps a little distance between them, stealing unhappy glances at him from across the room.
Outside, it starts to rain in full, and the carriages arrive, pulling as close to the door as possible. Your weapons and packs, also a part of your costumes, are stored on top under a heavy tarp. With as much dignity and speed as you can muster, you're all bundled into the two carriages and with a cracking of whips you are off for Aberian's Folley and the Cornucopia.
Coming around a corner you get a full on view of your destination, soaking in the sight through gaps in the curtained windows. A corpulent building of iron and stone looms over its neighbors in southern Westcrown—the mayor’s abode is anything but subtle. This is no mere house, but rather a bloated near-castle of ochre and black, a huge manor with rusting gargoyles dancing upon its gables among hooks and nails to prevent the birds from settling. Iron gutters vomit rainwater onto the cobbled streets below, but bright lights burn fierce in every window while plumes of smoke boiling up from nearly two dozen chimneys promise an interior as warm and welcome as the exterior is cold and forbidding. Carriages arrive, belching forth their well-dressed contents at the end of a long canvas-topped walkway extending from the manor grounds’ front gates to the villa’s front doors, offering new arrivals protection from the rain on the short trip by carriage to Cornucopia.
As the carriage rounds the bend, Caladius stares at the estate for a few moments before grunting then offering flatly, "Hmpf. Charming place."
As they arrive, you each are greeted by cringing, rainsoaked servants along the relatively dry, canvas-roofed pathway (A1) from the front gates to the main hall (A3). Robahl and the others move in ahead of you, leaving hats and coats with the servants who take them into a room near the main doors (A4). More servants approach you and ask if you'd like anything left in the coatroom. You hear the loud voice of a woman announcing the others, to much applause from a large gathering to the east (A21). Once the coats have been dealt with, other servants are waiting to escort you over a quaint wooden bridge which arches over a river that flows from a large devil’s mouth mounted on the north wall to a pool in the south (A19). This garden area appears open to a cloudless night sky, full of glowing stars. Your finally led into the Banquet Hall, where some 40 guests have eyes turned towards each of you as you enter.
This immense chamber is pleasantly heated by six huge fireplaces and lit by constantly glowing crystal chandeliers. The walls are decorated with unsettling landscapes of twisted hellish realms that, upon closer inspection, seem to depict Westcrown as if it were located in Hell itself. Two thick, wooden pillars carved to represent tangles of serpents rise to support the roof above, and a balcony for observing the banquets here from below winds along the east and west walls at a height of 15 feet. The largest feature in the room the huge, H”-shaped table—this is where the Cornucopia is taking place. The entire place is lit at night by glowing torches and candelabras hanging from ceilings—a close look reveals that the crystals mounted where flames would burn in a lesser house glow with their own radiance. You notice a servant touch a previously unlit light, and it brightens to full radiance at the contact.
The mayors majordomo, a relatively attractive, middle aged woman announces each of them in turn, by name first followed by the name of the PC’s role in The Six Trials of Larazod. First impressions are important, particularly among Westcrown’s elite.
"ENKO LABERAN, AS TYBAIN THE PALADIN!"
'Tybain' enters on his most couth behavior. He bows in his most practiced and flowing manner, his paladin's armor flashing and somehow transforming the infernal light into something warm and noble. His sash of the Nine Stars completes the ensemble. He lowers his gaze in respect to the Mayor and his court. Noting a slight expectation by the majordomo, he assumes a soliloquy worthy stance.
"Untold blessings to the lords and ladies of our most serene City," he says with deep reverence, at the last minute adding a touch of Tybain's usual guileless goofy grin to his countenance, causing the aforementioned lords and ladies to laugh heartily. With another bow and to grand applause, he continues into the entry hall, receiving congratulatory nobles in turn.
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Caladius shoves his way past the majordomo before his introduction is even finished as he presses into the ridiculous chamber. He stops short as everyone stares at him, mouths agape. Flatly, he offers, "What?" before continuing on to a vacant seat at the table, ignoring and unintentionally demeaning everyone he passes by in the process.
I hate this already. I'm not some songbird to be paraded about on a stage!
*mumble mumble* "
The towering figure of Dentris ducks into the hall, his towering figure made much less imposing with his hood down and acid burns neatly bandaged. He answers the stares and applause with a sheepish smile and a gentle wave, dogging Enko's heels as he greets the lords and lady's of the court, mumbling his own courtesies at the tablecloth and trying not to make a spectacle of himself.
"LADY MARINA OF ABSALOM; MONRIS BLAKSWARD"
Marina bursts onto the scene in full character, laughing raucously, patting people on the back and shaking the hands of people who wouldn't touch her with a 10-ft pole. "Aye, now that we're 'ere the party can begin proper!" she bellows, toting her borrowed bagpipe in front of her. "And ye cannae 'ave a decent party withou' a bit o' music!" She launches into an ear-splitting din, causing many of the guests to wince away and block their ears. Eventually, she's persuaded to stop playing and find a seat, where she regales the nearest guest with a tirade of crass dwarven "humour".
"... 'an so 'e turns to me, goblin guts smeared all across his face, and says 'How's that fer gnollengrom?' Ha! Get's me everytime."
"Sabinus Teros in the role of Farus, loyal wanderer...OH! OUCH!"
Sabinus attempts a grand entrance, but instead slips on his robes and tumbles down the stairs and hits the ground hard.
You're entrances are noted by every eye in the room, some revealing little about their first impression of you, others openly tittering and hiding laughs behind their hands. Enko and the Viscount seem fairly well received, but the others are not so obviously and eagerly accepted at the table. Conversations stills as servants usher the last of the diners from various nooks and crannys back to the table.
As the actors and all the other guests and other guests gather in the banquet hall to find the H-shaped table well stocked with food and drink. The wine the PCs are offered is Jeggarian 4683, known as “The Blood” for its rich red hue. The hungry mayor, standing at his end of the table, raises his glass in a quick toast, "To the arts and its artists!" and takes a healthy gulp of wine, and entire table following suit. All around you the upper class Westcrani erupt in loud laughter and gay conversation.
There are dozens of well-dressed and powerful people in the room, but the attention, when it's not lavished on you actors, is directed toward a few particularly powerful personalities. Whispered inquiries about them to your neighbors reveal the names of those not already known to you.
Lord-Mayor Aberian Arvanxi - Aberian is a rotund, balding man with a quick and somewhat too-wide smile. He wears the Westcrown colors in his elegant suit, along with a cloak made of winter wolf fur.
Crosael Simiin Rasdovain - Crosael is a relatively attractive, middleaged woman who has long served the Arvanxi family. She wears dark robes and has a knack for blending into a crowd and not being noticed.
General Vourne - Vourne is a grizzled, mean-looking middle-aged man with receding black hair and a neatly trimmed mustache. He wears a suit of stiff, black ceremonial leather armor that displays his rank in the Chelish navy.
Chammady Drovenge - Chammady is a beautiful but dangerous-looking woman. She arrives dressed in a scanty blue gown cut high along the sides and low in the front, her long crimson hair up in a ponytail and a strange fur draped over her shoulders—what appears to be a serpentine, wolf-headed creature with wings.
Eirtein Oberigo - Eirtein’s well-lined face always seems fixed in a tight grin—he greets everyone like a long-lost brother or sister, but this mellifluous voice is somewhat unsettling in its eagerness. He wears a flowing robe accented with black peacock feathers.
Sascar Tilernos - Sascar is a delicately featured woman who wears far too much makeup. Her silver hair is up in an extremely tight bun, over which she wears an outrageous headpiece shaped like a winged, erupting volcano.
The familiar faces in the bunch include the easily-visible Visbaronetess Delour Aulamaxa, Robahl Nonon, and Calseinica Nymmis. Delour has eyes only for Enko, wide eyes even more hungry looking after Enko's grand entrance. The director finds himself at the center of attention, attention perhaps only rivaled by 'Larazod' himself. He catches each of your eyes at some point during the first course, and lifts his glass in a silent toast, but then gives an odd look to his glass, and then back to you, leaving you to interpret his meaning.
As you sip your wine, the main course is slowly consumed. A helpful servant lets you know that this particular course is entitled; The Feast of the Gluttonous Wolf. This course consists of beef marrow fritters, boiled side of axebeak, loach flavored with spices and sage, eels in jelly, and smoked fillet of giant gar set in jellied aspic. After a half-hour of drinking and eating, the servants arrive and start clearing away plates, preparing the table for the next course. As the food is cleared, guests push themselves away from the table and begin to circulate around the accessible area, congregating in small groups and exchanging bits of gossip faster than you can follow. The mayor lords you in front of anyone and everyone, boosting his standing in the process, but doesn't actually linger near you to converse. Presumably, the next course will be served on the hour, giving you a few minutes to mingle and chat. Corneleous, the pretty starlett Calseinica clings to your side as you circulate, showing no signs or desires to part your company.
Lucon, if little else, knows his wines. He can hardly suppress a low whistle. The rich red wine goes straight to his face, and by the time Robahl makes his toast he's already deep into his cups, unable to interpret the man's odd gesture.
Lucon wolfs down the marrow fritters, gingerly picking at the other offerings. Having never had jelly before, he quickly determines that it's something to be looked at, not eaten. The boiled meat goes down about as well, and by the time the course is cleared Lucon is eager to be away from the table. Flushed from the wine and utterly out of his depth, he manages to stumble into a conversation with General Vourne.
"When I was a lad the harbour used to be filled with the most magnificent warships. Why, I'd never seen anything so big!"
At first the disposition of Vourne is grim and sour-faced, he expresses his distaste for "Fools who's claim to fame is surviving a play." But as you converse, the General is impressed with your knowledge of the locale and your 'interesting insights', and you two end up having a rousing discussion about battle tactics. Later, he fills you with interesting knowledge about his many naval battles. Ava happens to walk by at one point and the General snaps his fingers without looking, "Hurry and fetch me a new drink woman!" He complains to you, loudly and strongly, about the poor food and wine at this frivolous event. Uncharacteristically won over by your quick rapport, he leans in and shares a very interesting tidbit about Aberians Folley. He speaks in low tones, in a voice obviously meant only for you, and prefaces what he's tells you as pure hearsay:
"Supposedly, there is a pit fiend is imprisoned deep under Aberian’s Folly, a gift years ago from the House of Thrune and the source of the manor’s extravagances, such as its hot water and self-lighting fireplaces. Chances of the pit fiend escaping its imprisonment," says Vourne, "are remote—Andoran is more likely to reclaim Cheliax’s respect than that devil is to find its way out of its Thrune-built cage. What do you think of that nonsense?!"
Ava samples a bit of everything, thoroughly enjoying the experience. The exquisite textures and tastes almost tempt her into gorging herself, but she quickly calms herself down, making sure not to forget their true objective.
Glancing about the room, she quickly tries to discern the best person to get an in with, and eventually settles on Eirtern Oberigo. There was something about his unsettling appearance that made him seem like the perfect start.
"Ah, what a feast!" Marina says, having dropped out of character since her entrance. "And to think, we're just getting started."
She'll chat to him for a while, eventually steering the conversation towards the manor itself.
"My, my, the Folly certainly is the center of many a rumour... It's so hard to discern the truth from fiction. What do you think?"
Caladius is a little shell-shocked by the wealth represented on the table before him. Used to stale bread and spoiled fruits, this kind of sumptuous feast is far behind the tiefling's experience. Similarly used to watered ale, the wine's potency catches him off guard and its heady aroma and intoxicating effects help him shed a good deal of his discomfort and anger. Milling about once the course is finished, he turns to his right and is surprised to find the stunning and provocatively dressed Chammady Drovenge beside him just disengaging from conversation.
Can't make things much worse without burning the place down... might as well introduce myself.
"Oh! Excuse me, I hadn't realized we were standing so close. Lady Drovenge, isn't it? As painful and dangerous as that play was, it was all worth it for the chance to meet someone as stunning as yourself. Caladius Rend, at your service."
It quickly becomes clear that Eirtern clearly loves his gossip, as the shrewd, traditionalist leader of the Oberigo family, the slick Eirtein is always out looking for information or opportunity. He drops several obvious hints about his willingness to trade secrets for secrets, but so charmed is he by your obvious wit and verbal acuity, he spills some information before realizing it, his voice low and conspiratorial.
"Aberian’s Folly consists of three distinct regions—the manor itself, the dungeons below (the Nessian Spiral—a place even I would hesitate to try to enter), and the manor vaults named the Asmodean Knot. The entrance to the Nessian Spiral is beyond a well protected door just east of the dinner table, while the entrance to the Asmodean Knot is hidden elsewhere. If you happen to stumble upon it, I’ll pay you 2,000 gp for its location!"
He seems to realize you'd gotten information out of him with nothing promised in return, and regards you carefully, impressed by your ability to garner information. "Well, a pleasure, Lady Marina, perhaps we can converse again later?" and moves off, a little stiffly. You have the distinct impression that he has more information he held back on.
The lady Chammady Drovenge regards Caladius coolly for a moment, before offering a smile and raises her hand for you to kiss, "A pleasure for both of us, I'm sure. It's not often when one has a chance to dine with an upcoming legend." her words are vague and slightly mysterious, making it hard to know if she's referring to you or to herself. She gives you a look from head to toe, "Are you as uncomfortable in that costume as you appear to be? It seems quite ungainly." While amicable enough, you get the impression she does not desire to share any gossip at the moment, at least not with you. A few steps away, many of the lesser nobility wait like excited chickens under the feed, hopping anxiously for a crumb of attention to be tossed their way, and watching your exchange with obvious envy.
Enko freezes like a startled hare at the sight of Delour, his demeanor visibly deflating. Uncharacteristically, he takes a goblet of Jeggarian from a passing servant and gulps at it, then appears somewhat horrified at the richness of the vintage. To add insult to injury, his monastic dietary habits are sorely at odds with the platters of steaming slabs of meat before him. He picks at them, trying to find some vegetable matter and bravely swallowing small bites of the tamer looking gobs, fillets, and medallions. The meal goes by in a dull blur.
Girding himself for a re-entrance into society, and trying to navigate away from the Visbaronetess, he finds himself before the Signora Rasdovain. "At your service, m'lady" he mumbles, then continues, "Are you enjoying your evening?"
Could you not think of anything else to ask? Really now. Enko winces at his inner thoughts' chastisement.
Crosael Simiin Rasdovain, gives Enko a small smile, recalling his grand entrance and not judging his lack of eloquence too harshly, but doesn't seem to confide anything either. "It is quite impressive here, and I've overseen many parties thrown by the Mayor in my time here. You've been given a great honor." She bites her lower lip, momentarily hesitant, "I hope you won't think me too brash, but would you consider a request to perform some poetry for me? I have a particular weak spot for the classics." She looks at you hopefully. After her request (and no matter your response) she politely converses about the artistic nature of the home, pointing out interesting architecture and ancient pieces of craftsmanship.
"Gods yes! Is it that obvious?" Caladius hitches the silly robes up slightly and pushes the absurd pointed hat further back from his brow. "I'm just not built for wizard's robes," he confides. He pauses for a moment then, his eyes fixed with hers.
You're prattling. Quick, what would that wordy, over-the-top Pavaleen have said?
He pauses for another moment before continuing, "You, on the other hand, seem not only comfortable but quite stunning tonight. I hope the rest of the evening is even half as enchanting as you, my lady."
Sabinus approaches the dinner table sheepishly, but delights in exploring all the varied delicacies, so unfamiliar given his upbringing in an out of favor low noble family in Egorian.
Not highly intuitive at his best, Sabinus is too distracted by the food to catch Robahl's message.
During the break between courses, Sabinus spends most of the time awkwardly circling the room, unsure how to engage any of the important people in conversation. He'll be polite to anyone who approaches, but in light of his small role and pathetic entrance, he's not expecting much fan adoration.
Eventually, he'll build up the confidence to approach Sascar Tilernos. "Hello. I just had to come over and tell you how much I love your headpiece. Can you tell me more about it?". If she's willing to engage with Sabinus, he'll eventually comment on how amazed and bewildered he is by the Manor.
Sascar looks over at you, an immense smile on her face. Already her eyes are a little bloodshot as she downs drink after drink of the rich wine. Her voice is annoyingly shrill as she responds, "It's a family *hic* heirloom! Would you be a dear and procure that passing wine glass please?" she says as a server walks nearby Sabinus. Her smile turns positively grateful as you snag it carefully and hand it over, and she puts a hand on your shoulder, her shrill voice turned suddenly quiet, "Isn't this a magnificent party? Too bad the Mayors diseased son couldn't join us." She looks around quickly to make sure the Mayor is far distant, and goes on, snorting an odd laugh, "It's really too bad about the lad, quite ugly and breaks out in burns at the slightest glint of sunlight. That's why he's always trapped in the attic, don't you know. Why just last summer, we tried to explore the manor attic to see the mayors secret harem, and the Mayor promptly ended the gala and ejected over a dozen of us! Can you believe the nerve!? I suppose he was just too ashamed of his poor son to let us wander around up there. I mean what else could possibly have caused him to react so? It seems very clear to me. Ohh, let's try that vintage!" She moves swiftly after a servant carrying drinks in the opposite direction.
Over the next five hours, drinking, eating and conversing, and many less 'wholesome' activities take place. Several of the guests excuse themselves rather than take place in the debauchery, but the Mayor won't hear of any of you leaving, continuing to parade you in front of the lesser nobles, often many times over as he drunkenly forgets who you've met.
The Worshipful Hog: This course consists of roast peacock, thick broth with salty strips of worg flank, fresh chuul soup served with Chelish black bread, and a roast dire boar of such size that it takes 12 bearers to bring it into the Garden. The General takes his leave, bidding farewell to those he encounters and saying he needs to look after his men before retiring.
The Fat of the Land: This course consists of honey-roasted hogfish, venison, sturgeon, and lampreys in hot sauce. In addition, a vast caravan of fruits and breads, olives, jars of curious pickles, huge stuffed peppers, figs, dates and honeycombs is offered as well. Chammady Drovenge, with a wink at Caladius, takes her leave, slipping out unnoticed by all but the most observant eyes.
The Dance of the Engorged Vulture: This course consists of whole roast baby squid served with honey sauce, minted lamb with fresh vegetables, sauced hatchling alligator, tureens of cod spawn in garlic, and leveret stewed in wine and parsley.
The Ambrosial Serpents: A particularly unsettling course that involves the guests eating live serpents that have been gorged on drugged mice and other mind-altering substances. The snakes are harmless, but you are not expecting them and might be shocked at discovering living reptiles upon lifting a platter’s lid.
The Insatiable Hungers: This last “course” consists of exotic tobaccos and potent liquors that deliver the coup de grace, rendering many guests insensible and resulting in what can only be called an orgy. By this point, the guards are extremely drunk or assisting the servants in trying to keep guests from drowning in their drinks or falling off of railings or into pools. It is now after midnight, and while the festivities show no signs of letting up, everyone seems to be engaged in their own devices.
During and between the remaining courses (so 5 more 'efforts') you have time to talk or try to explore, but your window of time is limited as the Mayor will be looking for you to return at the start of each course.
Thus far, you get the feeling you've learned all the gossip you can from Sascar Tilernos, and some of what you can learn from Eirtein Oberigo. The Mayor, Chammady Drovenge, Crosael Simiin Rasdovain and the General have not really shared any interesting tidbits with anyone.
Enko suddenly remembers the epic poem The Riddle of the Rune Giant, and begins to recite it flawlessly. He concludes with the final stanzas:
"The menhirs shook, the ruins did fall
And gave the skies an eerie pall
Of ancient scrip and graveyard dust
Where once ruled Wrath, and Greed, and Lust
Then dark Maerdha her magicks threw
And in one blast the Runed One slew
With lighted letters 'pon his hame
He lay, and dying, gasped out the name
Of empires built by gods of men
Who chained him many ages then
His last rebuke to those long gone
"I am now freed from Thassilon".
He finishes and bows. "I do so enjoy a good mystery, Lady Rasdovain. Do you as well?"
The Worshipful Hog: Enko eats some bread and dips into the chuul soup with some relief, as only a fishmonger's son can.
"Have you fought chuul yourself, Lord General? I understand they are mighty adversaries," he says perhaps a little too casually.
The Fat of the Land: Enko enjoys--enjoys! another cup of wine, and discusses the merits of sturgeon and lamprey collection to some fascinated nobles, including, unexpectedly, the Mayor, who seems to appreciate Enko's speech and diminishing sobriety.
"My Lord Mayor, a toast to you for reviving theatre and the arts in Westcrown. If I may be so bold--my table companions--" he points vaguely to a few surprised nobles in the vicinity "--and I would be honored if you could show us some of the fine art works you have assembled for the Manoral Collection." He blinks slightly, wondering if he has asked too much, but lifts his glass nonetheless.
The Dance of the Engorged Vulture: Enko is truly enjoying the seafood. He pauses, realizing the squid are spinning slightly in his plate, and quietly requests a glass of barleyed water from a servant.
"Lady Tilernos, you outshine us all this evening," he attempts. "Are you a patron of the arts?"
The Ambrosial Serpents: Enko's eyes widen and he excuses himself to wander by the fireplaces.
Finding the Visbaronettess there, he apologizes humbly for avoiding her and kisses her hand. "Forgive me, Delour," he says simply, and is pulled away by Eirtein. "The Visbaronettess is a dear friend," he says with little further explanation, "Ser Oberigo, my humble greetings. Do you know the symbolism behind that last course? I do hope it was symbolic," he says, suppressing a shudder.
The Insatiable Hungers: Enko nibbles some remaining black bread and imagines how serious of a flogging he would get at the Upper Reach if he had eaten this way as an acolyte. Really, there is another way, I think, between monasticism and complete hedonistic debauchery.
Avoiding clouds of flavored smoke and puddles of spilled cordial, he rotates to the Lady Rasdovain again. "I have to be honest, my Lady, I do not know how the nobility can hold up during these soirees," he says somewhat conspiratorily. "The truth is, the Trials of Larazod were easier than this meal." He hopes that his Tybain bounce and humor is still intact, despite waves of exhaustion coursing through his ascetic's frame.
What follows is a mildy painful, definitely pleasurable, and altogether too quick trist that leaves both of you gasping for breath. Chammady, lying on top of you, leans down and kisses you luxuriously, then stands and dresses quickly in the darkness. "We shall do this again, 'wizard'." she states in no uncertain terms and slips quickly out the door, leaving the keys with you.
During the next course and the conversation, Chammady's tongue isn't loosened any more than it was previous, but she is doing interesting things with her feet under the table that make conversation of any kind difficult.
She admits to you that she’s particularly concerned about one of the newer hires—a servant by the name of Sian who’s been missing for 2 days now along with a relatively valuable bust of Asmodeus. Crosael worries that Sian has stolen the bust and fled into the city to pawn it. "I just get sick thinking about it. Terrible isn't it?"
When conversing with the Mayor later in the evening, he does let slip something interesting about his home. For the past few days, he’s been growing increasingly frustrated with “phantoms and gremlins,” by which he means an increase in minor glitches and troubles with the lights, the fireplaces, the hot water, and other magical enhancements in effect on his house. He suspects that some sort of magical pest or mischievous spirit has gotten into the works—nothing to worry about, but he’s afraid it’ll set him back a fair amount to have it fixed later in the week.
As the courses progress and during whatever seconds you have around one another, you quickly surmise that Eirtein Oberigo, the General, and Chammady Drovenge have shared all they know. Alas, after the second and third courses the General and Chammady are nowhere to be found.
Sabinus continues to enjoy the wild variety of the foods; he is not easily unsettled by oddities, even the squirming serpents. Although Sabinus does not specialize in witchly brews, it was certainly a part of his coven’s practice, and handling disgusting and rare creatures was common. But, knowing the risk of getting overcome by heavy food and drink, Sabinus is careful to only sample a little bit of each food and he goes takes only modest sips of wine. Between courses, Sabinus will touch base with his companions to share in brief what he has learned get any tips from them about approaching any of the personages.
After the second course, The Worshipful Hog, Sabinus approaches Chammady Drovenge and introduces himself. ”I couldn’t help but notice your spectacular fur! If you don’t mind me asking, what manner of creature is it?" If she answers or seems receptive to conversing, Sabinus will continue, ”I myself am intrigued by the many mysteries and oddities of our world; with so many spectacularly strange things on the dinner table alone, I can only imagine what can be found in other parts of this Manor.”
After the third course, The Fat of the Land, Sabinus approaches Calseinica. "It was such an honor to be on the stage with you, and I'm so glad that you did not come to any harm during the performance. Isn't this Manor amazing? Have you learned anything interesting about it this evening?"
After the fourth course, The Dance of the Engorged Vulture, Sabinus approaches the Mayor. ”I want to thank you, Mayor, for inviting us mere actors to partake in such festivities with such esteemed personages. I also must compliment you on your spectacular home. Did you design it yourself?”
After the fifth course, The Ambrosial Serpents, Sabinus approaches Robahl. ”I have to thank you, Robahl. You were tough on us during the rehearsals, but we never would have survived the performance if you hadn’t already toughened us up. I’m really amazed by this Manor. I never thought I’d find myself in a place like this. And it is so big! What do you think the Mayor needs all this space for?”
By the time of the sixth course, The Insatiable Hungers, Sabinus has learned from Ava how much Eirtein Oberigo appears to know and how he operates. After the course, Sabinus approaches Eirtein and introduces himself. ”You seem to know everybody here! I bet you know a lot about the folks here and this Manor. I’m relatively new to Westcrown, but I have heard some pretty interesting tidbits tonight! Maybe I can tell you something interesting and you can tell me something interesting?” If Eirtein is willing, Sabinus will share what he learned from Sascar and hope Eirtein will give him something juicy in return.[/b]
Between courses, Sabinus will also try to explore a bit. After the first course, he will wander into A22, explore, and try to open the door to the East at an opportune moment. After the second course, he will wander into A23, explore, and try to open each of the two doors at an opportune moment. After the third course, he will wander into A3, and up the North set of stairs to explore that area. After the fourth course, he will wander into A3, and up the South set of stairs to explore that area. After the fifth course he will try to open each of the two doors in area A19 at opportune moments. He will then proceed into A3 and try to open each of the four doors at opportune moments.
If stopped by any guards, Sabinus will feign drunkenness and claim to be seeking a water closet. He'll take advantage of his costume as Farus the Varisian wanderer to play himself up as a harmless fool. If the guard expresses serious skepticism about his claim, Sabinus will confess to curiosity about the Manor and claim that he understood the guests were free to wander. If chastised, he will apologize. If severely chastised, he will cease his explorations after further courses.
After the sixth course and after approaching the Mayor a second time, Sabinus will seek to join up with his companions to share information and strategize.
Enko confers with the other Torchbearers with what he has learned, observing that Sabinus is ticking off gossip items mentally to assemble a list. "This is the polar opposite of a monastery," he sighs in wonderment, then notices Caladius patting what appears to be an animal bite on his neck. "Were you...did the serpents...?...oh, never mind."