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Good ol' Beryl
"I'd advise against fighting the Plumes. One blow and your disguises might disappear, if not your life,"
"Lets hope it doesn't come to that."
Ragnar is right behind Beryl as he enters the alley."I'd advise you lads to be on your way."
While one of the Red Plumes still has her caged to a wall, the other two turn to look at you. One of them says, Why should we?
They ain't exactly quaking in their boots, and last thing we want is a fight right now.
Ragnar decides to speak to them in the language everyone understands and reaches into his coin pouch.
"I know you lot are just trying to make a living, and no doubt working hard. How about you kind folk go have some drinks on me?" He produces 30 gold coins from his pouch and offers them to the guards.
Scarlet will not leave her companions behind and moves to back them up.
Beryl turns and looks at Ragnar, then back to the guards. He looks like he is about to say something, but instead looks at the two Red Plumes, reading them.
Alysha approaches the Plumes and tries to act coy. "You three look like real men, unlike these bunch of feeble things," pointing to her companions. "What say we meet up for drinks after this party we're working at? Leave that foul treelover being to her own devices," Alysha says.
The Red Plumes snatch up the coin and walk away whistling. The poorly disguised half-elf thanks you, apologizes for not being able to compensate, and darts away herself.
You continue to make your way towards the tower, and soon find yourself nearing it.
The Tower of the First Lord is a tall, impressive structure that stands over 200-feet-tall. The place is bustling with activity. Deliveries are being checked by the Red Plumes, groundskeepers are sprucing up the gardens, and a tent has been erected a short distance from the tower. A line of people leads inside the tent where a man surrounded by Red Plumes sits at a table speaking to each person in turn.
The people in line are residents of the city who are looking for work as staff for the masquerade. Behind the man at the table, a small group of people mingle in the back of the tent closely watched by the Red Plumes. These are the lucky few who have done well enough with their interviews to have been selected. When you get in line, you overhear a few
conversations between possible employees.
You eventually make it to the table where the a gaunt man with a goatee greets you and introduces himself.
He looks up at you and with a bored smile and pleasant voice says, Welcome to The Tower of the First Lord. Are you here to offer your services? If so I would like to ask you a few questions. He does not look any of you in the eye, as he finds your status beneath him.
What is your name and where are you from? What experience do you have serving large numbers of people? How long have you been in Hillsfar? What skills do you bring to this position that you feel will help to make the Masquerade a success?
"My name is Aisha and I am a proud resident of Hillsfar. I have been here all of my twenty summers.. all right, twenty-three. I have plenty of experience serving people, having worked in numerous banquets and also work at the Tipsy Troll. If I can handle a bunch of half-drunk hooligans and still maintain a smile, I am sure I will be a good choice for this banquet! Hire me and I'll be able to ensure that there will be constant merriment as I keep mugs foaming and plates filled," 'Aisha' says, with a smile.
Why'd ye have to give those horsepiles yer gold? Beryl grumbles, Don't deserve it, them slags.
Beryl helps the half-elven girl up and says with a genuine smile, Best be touchin' up yer make-up, lass.
--
Leaning in to the the nearest PC to himself, likely Ember, Seems as though those that share some gossip get less questions... pass it on.
Name's Carter. Me pa always wanted me ta go into the family business, but anyone with brains can see that a good servant be takin' care of. Ya know, as it is, the Treyvons and Marthains have treated me right good, they have! The best servants are good at knowin' what their guests need and not talkin' too much, Beryl says easily.
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Ragnar, having helped saved a woman from the guards, is feeling greatly confident when his turn comes.
"Good day sir! My name is Ragnar, and I have spent a great deal of my adult life serving one lord or another. In fact, not too long ago I served a noble woman by the name of Astriq Saj over in Mulmaster for a garden party she was hosting. I haven't been in Hillsfar long, but I already feel at home here, and how can one not? Humans and nonhumans were just never meant to mix, am I right my goodman? So far as skills I bring, well, I think my history speaks for itself. Let's face it, you need competent help, and I'm miles more competent than the lot you've already selected."
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"My name is Tilda Swinton, and I am a sage and a minor student of the arcane arts. It was my intent to assist with the masquerade by providing cantrips to heighten the atmosphere, but a pair of young men racing horses through town nearly crashed into me and I was forced to drop the supplies I was carrying, which ruined them. Then I saw a subhuman..."
Skyreaver continues weaving a tale, being careful not to lie.
What is your name and where are you from? What experience do you have serving large numbers of people? How long have you been in Hillsfar? What skills do you bring to this position that you feel will help to make the Masquerade a success?
Jiro walks up and puts on a fake nervousness. He had this speech down pretty well by now, but just had to focus on getting hired rather than his usual scam of selling fake “ancient artifacts” as well as tweak a few details to play to his audience.
”Good day, sir. My name is Pindleton Montague IV, sir.” He flashes his falsified identification records. ”My father was a great explorer, and we traveled around much of the Moonsea, sir. Sadly... *sniff* *sniff* ... he was killed... by - by... elves. He was on an expedition to Myth Drannor, sir, and they killed the whole expedition and then stole everything of value we had, sir. My mother thought we would be safe from their kind, sir, here in your beautiful city. I have a strong back, sir, and am a hard worker. I can help in all sorts of ways, sir. Also, my parents taught me to sing and play some instruments. I’m willing to help your fine party any way I can, sir.”
As Beryl turns to Ember, it's clear that she's nervous about being questioned
"Right, oh yeah I noticed that too... " she says, chewing on her lip...
When she gets to the desk she takes a deep breath and steps up.
"I'm Embe... Uh, Emma and I come from Phlan, I guess... I've been at big parties before with nobles and everything and I've got, uh, steady hands, you know for carrying stuff..." she holds up a hand that's trembling slightly (and is that a little smoke wafting from it?)
Snatching her hand back behind her she leans in to the man at the table. " Do you know I totally saw these guards take a bribe earlier... that were questioning this lady who had, you know, pointed ears, just slightly. Then a guy went up to them and passed them a bag and told them to go get a drink or something!"
Ugh, I feel so dirty, I hope this works!
The Chamberlain looks a bit astonished at the news, Indeed? Well, someone with such integrity is certainly the right person for the job!
He turns back and whispers to one of the Red Plumes, and the guard plus one more head off into the city.
She sighs as she approaches, distasteful of the deceit, though her voice purrs as she approaches the man. "I am Krys, and serving others is my calling. It has been said my hands can relieve the pain of hard work and battle and I am quick to study and anticipate the needs of those I serve, I do fear I may have been misinformed as this city - I thought it stood for purity, and I have seen no less than four inhumans on the way here."
Once Torgrave has selected a couple dozen people - you included - he picks his papers up and heads toward the group in the back of the tent.
There is much to be done in anticipation of tonight's festivities; I trust you are ready to put in an honest day's work. Torgrave turns on his heel and beckons the group of new hires to follow him. The Red Plume patrols follow after that. Torgrave leads you down a path that seems to lead to the back of the tower.
Rounding the tower, you can see that most of the delivery wagons have been led here and, already, a dozen laborers are unloading the cargo and taking it inside the tower. Occasionally, Torgrave stops at one of the wagons, peeks in and nods to the driver. Eventually, Torgrave leads you and the other laborers into the Tower.
The tower is immaculate and of fine construction. A number of tapestries hang on the walls and a number of busts and other statues are placed on pedestals throughout. The hallways are usually 15-feetwide with 20-foot-high ceilings. Fist-sized, rune-engraved iron orbs enchanted
with continual flame hang from delicate silver chains. As a result, the interior of the tower is well lit.
Fresh flowers, perfume, and fine food waft by, giving the tower a wonderful aroma. Parlor music, muted conversation, and the footfalls on stone from servants and Red Plume patrols come to your ears.
Well, we might be split up throughout this party, so just keep yer eyes peeled, Beryl whispers to the group, And be careful.
"My... how pretty. Never felt comfortable on these occasions. So this is how the other half lives," Alysha says, looking at the pretty pastries and steamed peacock.
You leave the quiet serenity of the tower's grounds behind as they enter. The large room they find themselves in is full of yelling people, porters carrying (and occasionally dropping) heavy loads, and the usual cacophony that typically precedes any well-planned event. As always, however, Torgrave is an island of calm collectiveness in this sea of chaos.
He leads you to an office in which a middle-aged woman sits flanked by a pair of Red Plume patrol. This woman is Malkyn Grenefeld - the First Lord's Chamberlain -and she needs to approve all new hires. Her job is to control access to the First Lord. Anything that looks like it may cause him harm is treated with much scrutiny.
Malkyn does not let anyone who is flippant or disrespectful work in the Tower. They are escorted out and have to find another way into the party. Malkyn draws a sheaf of paper from her desk and indicates that all of new hires must sign their name (or put an "X" for those who cannot read). They must also swear an oath not to divulge anything that they may see or hear during the course of their employment. Those that refuse to sign are escorted from the Tower by the pair of Red Plume patrol that stand guard outside her door.
Alysha takes a look at the papers. Hmm... what's this? Never written my name before... She puts an X on the paper, feigning illiteracy.
She whispers to the others. That's the First Lord's calendar. He is meeting with representatives from Damara in a week's time in Yulash.
Ye have me word, on the name of me father, Carter the senior, that I'll not be repeatin' a word o' what I may hear.
Skyreaver says "Yes, missus, I won't say anything, on my honor."
'Krys' signs in some swirl that looks like it could be word, but is impossible to determine what word that may be. "I am the very soul of discretion."
"I do absolutely swear to not say anything about what I see or hear, even to my own mother, ma'am. I swear on the grave of my father, Pindleton Montague III, the famed explorer, who - oh, sorry, I beg your pardons, ma'am. I do not mean to be taking so much of your time." Jiro puffs out his chest, "But I do swear - with all my heart."
Then he signs his (fake) name with a flourish.
Ragnar is utterly disinterested in the papers on the desk. He scribbles what might be his name, and swears his oath.
You all sign the papers with various signatures, some real, some forged. And you are set to serve the party.
There is a buzz of excitement in the air as the time for the party draws nearer. The decorations have been hung and the food prepared as the guests begin making their way up the winding road to the Tower of the First Lord. Torgrave Needlebaum gathers you all to give his final
instructions.
He is accompanied by two soldiers carrying a number of wrapped packages. Thank you all for the help in preparing this joyous occasion. As you know this is a masquerade. So we have provided costumes and masks for you to wear. It is only fitting that those that serve the First Lord and his illustrious guests not be dressed as beautifully as them.
So the First Lord has thought it fitting that the servers at tonight’s party be dressed as the rabble that no longer plague our city - thanks to his Great Law.
As he speaks, he leads you to a dressing room.
You will find appropriate costumes in these packages. You may of course trade among yourselves if you prefer to be a specific lower race. With that, Torgrave dons a fine porcelain mask and leaves the room.
Inspecting the costumes, you note that all of them are of some non-humans race and that all the racial features of each costume are exaggerated and grotesque:
- Elven and half-elven ears are long, drooping and tipped with tufts of coarse hair.
- Dwarven masks have large, bulbous vein-shot noses.
- Halflings have tiny, beady eyes and their mouths are turned up in unbecoming, mischievous sneers.
- Gnomes are ugly, bulbous-eyed creatures. - Dragonborn and half-orcs appear to be little more than slavering monsters.
- Tieflings resemble demons with cruel eyes.
- Aasimar look identical to the Tiefling, but without horns.
- Goliaths have over-sized chins and foreheads, each jutting out beyond normal proportions.
- Genasi are all blended, making no distinction between the elements, with fire around the eyes, wild windy hair, green skin, and a rock for a nose.
There are no other races, as all the rest are so far below consideration that they wouldn't be presented as high of a station as a server or boot polisher.
The other servants with you are amazed at the likeness of the costumes and love the idea of playing "monsters" for the masquerade. Some of them even adopt faux mannerisms as part of the fun.
Red Plume guards are posted outside the dressing room, and you're not allowed to leave until you've stopped looking like a human. Once you are ready to leave, you're assigned a job (player choice):
Server, Kitchen Staff, Porter, Messenger, or Cleaning Staff.
Beryl picks up a dwarf mask and stares at it briefly, lost in thought. Then with a grunt, he puts it on his face and turns to the other servants, Aye laddies and lasses, let's get us dressed up right!
Beryl takes a thick leather apron that makes him look like a smith, and takes up the tools to be a cleaning servant, figuring that he can be called to clean up in sensitive areas, if luck is on his side.
True to her word, Skyreaver will use magic to enhance the party's atmosphere. She will change her disguise to appear as a stereotypical wizard, and will use her non-combat cantrips to great effect as a storyteller, producing or extinguishing fires, Thunderclap (while not standing next to anyone) to emphasize other performer's performances, and so on.
Alysha decides to work as cleaning staff. She grabs a mask at random.
She picks up a Genasi mask. "Well, my anger has always been said to be elemental. The nose is certainly an improvement," she says.
With a wry smile Scarlet picks a Tiefling mask, and filters into work as Serving Staff. She speaks quietly "We should try and spread out among different roles and locations."
Ragnar takes up a Goliath mask and dons it without comment. When he can find a moment where neither the guards or the other servants are paying attention, he pulls Ember and Beryl aside, and hands them a gas bomb each, "Just in case."
Then, he chooses to be a porter.
Jiro wears a dwarf mask, figuring the bulbous nose might help with covering some of his illusion-hidden snout - especially if it is crowded and he might bump into anyone. However, he finds maintaining the mannerisms of an eager young lad to still be the best way to go.
He elects to be a messenger, hoping that might be a good source of information.
After donning you costumes and receiving your tasks, you're sent to perform your duties and mingle with the guests.
The main two rooms that each of you find yourself in are the ballroom and the kitchen. There are also hallways and a stairway that lead further into the tower, and occasionally guests make their way down those areas.
The ballroom where the party is being held is enormous and even that is not enough to hold the hundreds of people that have come to the celebration. The patio doors have been left open and the gardens offer a nice respite from the loud and rather warm ballroom.
First Lord Torin Nomerthal and his Court are on a long, elevated dais that sits five feet above the ballroom floor of the ballroom. They are the only ones in the room that are not wearing masks. A string quartet plays music in the corner; however, there is no room for dancing.
Long oak tables are full of food and servers are feverishly carving meat off of the bones of various cooked animals as hungry guests shout what they want. Servers with trays full of hors d'oeuvres and glasses of champagne walk among the guests.
- I hear that the members of the Guilds were not invited. That likely doesn't help their opinion of Torin.
- Thessaly is certainly a beautiful girl, it is about time Nomerthal made an honest woman out of her.
- Malkyn Grenefeld must be just a mess now that the First Lord is courting. It's no secret that she has always had feelings for him. She came all the way from Mulmaster to take the position in his court.
- I always wondered why Torin was always so close to Davon.
- I have noticed that there has been an increase in Red Plume patrolling lately. Someone very important must be coming to the area soon.
The kitchens are very busy. And, with all the cooking, very, very warm. Many of the workers here have stripped down to undershirts and most of the men are barechested.
Those working in the kitchens can learn several things while working:
- I hear that Torin and his closest advisors are traveling out of the city for the first time ever. I hope Torgrave goes too.
- That Thessaly Malaeda is such a lovely girl. She is good for Lord Nomerthal.
- I think it is creepy that Thessaly looks so much like her brother.
No matter where you work, it is easy to slip away from your duties to explore the tower.
Beryl heads to the Kitchens first, hoping to get a feel for the other servants before the guests.
Who's this Torgrave? Sorry, haven't been here long...
It's a bit hard to remember who's who with their disguises and all, but Alysha will hang about the ballroom, wiping tables, removing used plates and glasses and wondering what some of the odd little food items are.
Who's this Torgrave? Sorry, haven't been here long...
Torgrave is the man who hired you, outside the tower.
Ember signs her name as Emma and mumbles out the oath to say she'll keep the secret of anything she sees or hears in her employment.
She frowns at all the masks, especially the genasi one, then dons an elf mask, electing to work in the kitchen...
She gets caught a few times staring at some of the shirtless men and then after preparing ingredients for the main meals she decides to try and slip away and sneak up the stairs...