"That is correct, Maria. Your badges are linked to a master badge that I will be wearing. Only I will be able to initiate contact, and I can only do so a few times per day, so I will only do so when it is important," Martella says.
Sara holds the brooch in her hands, staring, pondering. She had never heard of House Voritas, but before her letter she had never heard of Martella Lotheed neither. She turns it over a few times before affixing it at the top of her dress and just south of her cleavage.
As the man walks back with her coffee, she reaches into the parcel, quickly and blindly grabbing two things. She rolls the smoke pellets in her hand, over and over, as she listens to what the other's have to say.
Finally, she interjects.
"When you send out a message are they like, personal or do we all receive it at once? Or can you choose, bounce back and forth and such?"
"I can choose to either send an individual message or broadcast it to everybody wearing one."
"Were these magicked specifically for us, or is this standard fare for a Senator's aide? I can't imagine that a calm job if so." Sara sips her coffee, the alcohol easing her nerves and loosening her spine, the caffeine only heightening her anxiety. She could deal with it. She would deal with it, had to.
She spreads some of the jam on her scone and opens her eyes wide. It is delicious, the taste and feel of figs lingering a scant few moments. "Thank you for the recommendation, Milady, this jam is truly excellent."
"As I mentioned, these are standard issue among senatorial staff members. And you are correct--no job involving the Taldan bureaucracy is good for one's blood pressure." Martella's eyes twinkle.
"Now then, there are several missions that need to be accomplished tonight. I'll leave it to you decide which one you'd like to undertake--whichever ones you don't choose, I'll see to personally.
"First, in addition to spies, I legitimately need a senatorial aide to provide a cover for the rest of you and to run communications between allied politicians. This is by far the easiest job avaiable, but also the most time-consuming."
"Secondly, I'm interested in learning how the vote is going to turn out tonight. I need you to uncover the true dedication of two senators: Duke Centimus and Countess Abrielle Pace. Find out what their stance on primogeniture is, and the reasons why each noble holds that position."
"Third, I need to discredit a few prominent senators backing primogeniture--not necessarily to sway their votes, but to undercut their influence after the vote. I'll need you to identify one of the major opponents to the repeal, then either spread rumors about or manufacturing damning evidence on the fly."
"Fourth, I need to maintain my web of influence in the high courts. To that end, I would like one of you to make a strong impression on Baron Nicolaus Okerra and remind him of certain debts he owes me. While Baron Okerra isn't a senator, his war record and general popularity make him an influential figure—one whose reputation helped sway a number of otherwise neutral votes tonight."
"Fifth, I would like to exact some retribution against my more powerful half-brothers. Some senators are too powerful or stubborn to influence, but that doesn't mean they're beyond some petty revenge. They've contributed a large bottle of rare, 150-year-old red wine from family holdings in the Opparos province, now held in the senate's kitchen. I'd like one of you to use this putrefying agent to render the wine embarrassingly undrinkable. Be careful not to steal the bottle and to conceal any signs of tampering; it must be drunk at dinner and appear to be of terrible quality to achieve maximum humiliation."
"Sixth, I need someone to keep tabs on my political rivals and update me if they change their tactics, most notably High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus. You'll need to stay close to the military commander, watching for unusual behavior or listening for snippets of conversation, and warn me if he takes any unusual actions, all while remaining unobtrusive."
"Lastly, to further undermine the influence of the recently disgraced Earl Calhadion Vernisant, I would like to see some of the historical artifacts that the earl donated to the senate vanish from the Arcade of Triumphs before they are unveiled prior to the evening's vote. You're free to keep the items--I only wish for their disappearance to further embarrass Vernisant and his allies."
"Third, I need to discredit a few prominent senators backing primogeniture--not necessarily to sway their votes, but to undercut their influence after the vote. I'll need you to identify one of the major opponents to the repeal, then either spread rumors about or manufacturing damning evidence on the fly."
"Fourth, I need to maintain my web of influence in the high courts. To that end, I would like one of you to make a strong impression on Baron Nicolaus Okerra and remind him of certain debts he owes me. While Baron Okerra isn't a senator, his war record and general popularity make him an influential figure—one whose reputation helped sway a number of otherwise neutral votes tonight."
"I've a history in dealing with that sort of shady, undercutting tripe. If you need a thug, looks like I'm your gal. I'll gladly deal with Okerra for you, as well as help with finding and discrediting one of the vote's opponents."
"'Appropriating historical artifacts' sounds like something right down my alley," Zhi says with a smile. "I can probably handle the wine as well."
The small woman swallows the last of her drink.
"Now I don't plan on getting caught. No one does, of course. But what's our fallback if that happens? Dissemble? Stall? Spill? Break and Run?" What's the limit of our response?
"But if you'd want me as your aide..."
She stirs her coffee idly, flashing her dark eyes at her patron, smiling. "I think you'll find me more than capable. Up to you, ultimately."
"The gala will be crowded enough that unless you fail spectacularly, nobody should really notice your attempt. If you find your efforts foiled, fall back, lie low, and try again later," Martella says to Zhi.
She looks back to Sara and smiles. "Surely having you at my side will distract many uptight nobles from our other activities tonight. Your particular skills are well-suited to either task. Let's hear which missions the others wish to undertake before we decide."
"Hmm. I might be an able hand at moving through the crowd; I am quite limber and my religious station gives me a bit of leeway when it comes to getting people to stay out of the way," says Zileska as she idly swirls the half-finger of brandy in her glass. "I'm also inclined toward taking a run at Duke Centimus and Countess Abrielle Pace. I've heard a juicy rumor about the Duke."
"I'm also inclined toward taking a run at Duke Centimus and Countess Abrielle Pace. I've heard a juicy rumor about the Duke."
"I can help with that." Melodie says, a lighter tone flowing through her voice at the prospect of social skulduggery. "I can handle the rumors too. People tend to believe things they hear from me."
"I'll try to keep an eye on Pythareus," Maria said, taking one of the dust vials, "If you can think of any information about him that would be useful, it would be appreciated."
"So, Sara will be your aide, Lady. Zileska will handle Duke Centimus and Countess Pace, and Melodie will spread rumors. I'll handle the wine and the artifacts and Maria will deal with the High Strategos."
Zhi looks around at the others.
"That just leaves Baron Okerra."
She looks at Sara.
"Unless you think you can handle him as well as running errands?"
The small woman thinks for a moment.
"That deals with everything as quickly as possible, but everyone's working solo. Should we double up?"
Realizing that she's sounding a little pushy, Zhi shrugs her shoulders.
"Anyways, that's one way we could do it."
"That's actually a fair point," Maria said, "if we've time for multiple attempts at most of this, then we may be able to pair up for some tasks and leave the others until later."
Sara grins, wide and dangerous. "I'm good at multitasking. And at scaring men. I would love to do both."
"It sounds like you have a plan. These arrangements work for me. I'll be spending most of the evening in the senate gallery, should you need to find me," Martella says.
"Overall, tonight promises to be a historic evening, but an evening of work nonetheless. And in the sort of work you're embarking upon, the line that divides success and failure is drawn by the people you know. You have your own tasks to accomplish, but I'm counting on you to support one another to ensure success and discretion. If you need assistance, kindly ask for it. If your assistance is required, give it. And if I'm to be blunt, I would like just once in my adult life to simply enjoy a gala I attend, rather than scamper about with clandestine busywork. If you all complete your work without need of me to clean anything up, I will happily double my promised fee.
"I trust your activities won't occupy your entire evening, so by all means, enjoy the party and make friends. This is an excellent opportunity for you to begin your own political ambitions, but do be discreet. If there are no other questions, I will see you at the gala."
"How will I know the Baron? What kind of debts does he owe?"
"How will I know the Baron? What kind of debts does he owe?"
"I can help you with identifying him." Melodie offers. "As to his debts, its normal not to be specific in these kind of things - veiled hints that you know about them is usually enough for him to fill in the blanks and worry."
Sara side eyed the girl. "I know that much Mel, but I feel like the more information I have, the better."
"Baron Okerra is a bear of a man with white flecks in his black hair and beard. He's become such a celebrity on the tournament circuit partially due to my influence, and you would do well to remind him of that fact."
With a slow nod of gratitude towards their patron, Sara stares at Melodie, knowingly.
"Thank you, milady."
After secreting the putrifying agent in a fold of her dress, Zhi is ready to leave for the event.
"Then, Lady Lotheed, I will see you again after the party." she says with a smile.
After finishing up at the cafe, you travel a few blocks towards the senate building. The Taldan senate is the seat of the senatorial branch of the Taldan government. The structure has existed in one form or another for millennia, though natural disasters, sabotage, and war have partially leveled it several times in the empire's grand history, leading to many large-scale repairs and revisions. The current senate building is a grandiose, T-shaped edifice constructed from white marble. Ostentatious columns carved with glorious scenes of the nation's history surround the building on all sides, while a pronounced flight of precisely 100 stairs ascends to the main entrance.
While senators may enter the senate building with a minimum of fuss, the process for aides, staff, and other attendees to enter is long and tedious. The five of you get shuffled into an expansive line dedicated to senatorial aides, minor noble attendants, and various others deemed as "people useful to people of import." The line progresses ponderously, and it will likely take several hours to finally reach the front. During this time, dozens of overeager merchants attempt to sell a variety of wares to you and other staffers—mostly novelty Taldan flags and phony pieces of historical memorabilia. Several others in the line begin to bemoan the wait, touting their respective level of importance based on association with their affiliated nobles and senators.
The entire affair is quite tiresome.
You are halfway through the line when a dreary inspector approaches you. "You've been selected for a random inspection," the Vudrani woman says. "Follow me."
"Crowds ain't even a thing." She stares gladly and giddily at the flash and dazzle, the beautiful women, the bright lights. Every pillar they pass, she takes in, in awe and excitement. She loves this city. "Try the Narrows on market day. At least these hawkers aren't wagging stinking fish at us."
She rolls her eyes when she is selected for the random search, but doesn't expect it to be anything more than it seems.
Besides she has nothing to hide. No weapons, nothing suspicious in her purse. The only thing she's hiding is her flask. And two smoke pellets. S!!!.
As Zhi approaches the senate building, she leans close to Maria and whispers, "Have you ever seen anything more overdone?" The disgust is evident in her voice.
Tossing her tattered cloak before getting in line, she adopts the practiced look of total boredom as she raises her parasol over her shoulder and produces a colorful fan to keep away the pests.
When she is approached for an inspection, she does a quick mental inventory. The smoke pellet and the putrifying agent are stashed with her thieves tools. They shouldn't find those unless the inspection is more then casual.
"'Inspection'? What is this 'Inspection'?", Zhi responds in accented common.
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Zileska rubs her whip idly and says, "So... who decided to 'randomly' select us for screening?"
The woman keeps an impassive face as she escorts you to the base of the steps to the senate building. Once you are away from the crowd, she says softly, "My name is Kathann Zalar. We have a common friend."
The actual inspection is a short affair, with Kathann quickly glancing over you. Seemingly satisfied, she nods. "Alright. You're free to go on inside." She ushers you forward ahead of the line.
"One is imminently grateful, Kathann Zalar," Zhi says with a bow, as she moves forward past the line.
This. THIS. This is what it felt to be important. Elite. No waiting in line, no hiding your contraband, just welcomed in.
She tugged and pulled at her dress, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. Tonight was her night. And she was ready.
Maria nodded in agreement with Zhi when she pointed out how overblown the building was. "As if the world needed even more reminders that our nobility is desperately clinging to lost glories." She kept her reply quiet as there could be any number of people nearby who would take offence to such a remark.
She'd been worried about the "random inspection" but had little chance to consider the woman asking before the others followed her. And her not following them would cause more problems. So her relief at the mention of a "common friend" and how she expedited their entrance was understandable.
You ascend the hundred marble steps to the senate of the Taldan empire. Hundreds of nobles, senatorial aides, and visiting dignitaries mingle within and without the grand halls of the senate. You spend a few minutes getting the lay of the land.
A1. Arcade of Triumphs
This entry gallery celebrates Taldor's abundant military and political glories. Banners and trophies line the halls of the arcade, some displayed openly while others rest behind intricate glass cases, while armor stands and display cases present countless artifacts belonging to great heroes and soldiers. A score of Taldan Phalanx troops stand at attention, acting as both ceremonial honor guards for the senate and guides to some of the military assets on display.
High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus is here, a muscular man in his early forties with weathered skin and close-cropped silver hair. He wears a blue-and-green tabard emblazoned with Taldor's official coat-of-arms. Also here are the five items donated by Earl Calhadion Vernisant for the night's ball--an elaborate silk fan, a brass spyglass, a leather journal, a fine buckler, and an ornate silver dagger.
A2. Courtyard
Breathtaking gardens surround the senate building. Catered patios segregated by short iron fences, coordinated military displays, and even a makeshift zoo of imported animals and magical beasts fill the few open spaces here, even including a small hive of bees busily pollinating the exotic flowers and making the honey used by the senate kitchens. Many of the senior nobles enjoy the breaks between ceremonies in this open space.
Lady Gloriana Morilla is here, sporting the finest of Absalom's fashion.
A3. Emperor's Hall
This gathering space before the senate chamber is set aside as the property of the emperor, and features countless statues and portraits of previous grand princes. While formally these chambers are for the use of the emperor, no grand prince has ever maintained an office within the senate building, and the space is understood to be public meeting rooms by silent agreement.
A4. Gallery
The second floor of the senate building acts as an observation deck to the events of the main floor, with offices for various senators lining the outer walls. This area of winding passageways is typically open to noble observers and senatorial aides. Much of the gallery is dedicated to entertaining the children of various nobles, with extravagant performances occurring throughout the upper balconies of the senate building.
Countess Abrielle Pace is here, dressed in ridiculously gauche noble clothing and fine jewelry. Also here is Wyssilka the Fantabulous, a halfling jester entertaining the children.
A5. Imperial Archives
The Imperial Archives could have been Golarion's greatest collection of transcribed knowledge, had any care been invested into its upkeep. Centuries of redirected funding and senate-sanctioned pruning of "sensitive information" has ruined the once immaculate reputation of the archives. This vast library now acts as a repository of haphazardly curated books, senate minutes, and genealogy records left open to the scrutiny of uncaring nobles. During the Grand Day of Exaltation, a host of rising aristocrats and aspiring courtiers here tout their knowledge of Taldan history.
Duke Leonard Centimus is here, a round-faced half-elf seated in an elaborate wheelchair.
A6. Senate Floor
Normally closed to non-senators, the vast, circular senate floor is open to special guests during the Grand Day of Exaltation, and myriad would-be nobles take the opportunity to duck in and live out a few moments of power fantasy, issuing mock legislation or engaging in lively debates.
Baron Nicolaus Okerra is here, a handsome man standing a head taller than the rest of the crowd. Also here is Kalbio of Breezy Creek, the intended recipient of the noble elevation from Grand Prince Stavian. He uncomfortably wears clothing of noble finery, constantly fidgeting with the cuffs or scratching at his neck.
A7. Servant Area
While several hidden corridors crisscross the senate building, allowing servants to come and go without disturbing the assembled politicians, this area houses most of the storerooms, workshops, and kitchens where the building's small army of servants bustle around to maintain the facade of opulence. Even this area, never meant for noble eyes, is of exceptional quality, though the gilt has worn thin on most corners, and here and there cheap repairs mar artistic furniture.
Each of the people of import are currently predisposed with sycophants and senatorial matters, considering the coming deliberation. You'll have to wait to try to influence them, but in the meantime, you can do your best to work the crowd.
Zhi deliberates for a moment before speaking quietly to the others.
"I'm heading to the kitchens to deal with the wine first. I want to get that out of the way before I try to figure out what to do with all the 'historicals'."
With that said, she begins moving through the crowds, bowing and smiling as she goes.
Once she reaches the servant area, she begins watching the ebb and flow, attempting to determine where her target may be stored.
"Many pardons, please", she says to a passing servant. "So sorry, but where is ... drink ... for tonight? It is most sacred month of the new star. Drink must not be stored facing the dawn. We would be most grateful if you would be assisting?"
The servant brushes Zhi off. "Sorry, I'm very busy."
The Tien woman spend several minutes trying to get somebody's attention, but they all either ignore her or brusquely dismiss her as they bustle about their tasks.
Melodie slips quietly into the kitchen and stands by the door, simply watching the comings and goings of the servants for a while. Gradually she begins to identify the patterns. "There!" She points, drawing Zhi's attention.
Sara stares into the eyes of the Baron, recognizing him immediately. From afar, she attempts to gain his attention, and without the notice of any, let him know she would love to speak with him, motioning with her head.
Melodie catches a glimpse of a few servants bringing bottles of wine to and from a set of stairs that likely leads to a cellar. She and Zhi are starting to understand the hierarchy of the area, though more study is warranted.
Meanwhile, on the senate floor, Sara navigates her way through the debating crowds. She fixes Baron Okerra with an intense stare, trying to get his attention. He's still preoccupied with the crowd around him, but several of his attendees notice the tall woman trying to get their patron's attention. It's a start.
"Thanks," Zhi says quietly to Melodie.
"I'm having a really hard time soaking this all in. Too many people doing too many things."
How was he not noticing her? With her bun and her four inch heels, the very tip top of her head had to be 6'6"! The whole point was to stand out, be visible, be seen. She sighs and clicks her heels together, looking around the room for the weaver.
Zileska enters the archives, moving quietly among the stacks. Though she is not innately a sneaky person - she is more flashy and prone to excess - apparently she has decided to be on her best behavior. She moves soundlessly through the scrolls and books, taking in titles and shapes, occasionally holding up her coiled whip and almost-but-not-quite brushing it against the bindings. She disappears between shelves and manages to remain unobtrusive and out of the line of sight of Duke Centimus, while staying close enough to hear whispered rumors.
As Zileska sneaks through the archives, she overhears a historian gossiping to his companion.
"Ah, I got to see Mr. Smiles at Duke Talbot's reception this week--the one where Baronet Jivarus got into a row with the servant--and that jester is delightful. Whimsical and biting all at once, and such grace. A tad off-putting though."
Maria moved off after Sara, figuring that the more they got out of the way quickly, the better. And the common perception of tieflings could be an advantage.
That and she liked the idea of screwing with a member of the nobility.
She took her time to find a place in the Baron's line of sight and where the crowd was a bit thinner between them. She was counting on her outfit drawing his attention a bit more simply because it seemed more utilitarian than what most others had. That and the dark outfit's contrast with her pale skin and ash-blonde hair. When it looked like his gaze came her direction, she gave him what she hoped was a knowing nod.
Sara sees the weaver, Kalbio, lost amidst a sea of well-wishers and hangers-on. The poor man seems way out of his element here.
Maria's presence on the senate floor definitely begins to gather attention. Members of the crowd begin to murmur, eyes drawn to the striking tiefling. Baron Okerra looks her way, and his brows raise slightly at her knowing nod.
Before the baron can respond, though, the crowd begins to swell toward the courtyard. Okerra follows in their wake. In the archives, Duke Centimus and his coterie move in that direction as well. Something important is about to happen.
Dozens of nobles and aides have gathered around Princess Eutropia, who slipped into the gala unnoticed and unannounced.
Lady Gloriana Morilla loudly clinks her glass and declares that Princess Eutropia would like to address the gathering. With the announcement, the crowd gives Eutropia some space, and Gloriana helps the princess climb onto the garden's stone railing to be seen and heard above the throngs.
"My friends, colleagues, and assorted enemies, it is wonderful to see you all out in your finery beneath the beautiful stars tonight. With any luck, the weather will be the only thing that refuses to change this evening.
"We have all gathered here tonight to honor Master Kalbio of Breezy Creek, a master artisan and true patriot, for his exquisite skill and service to our glorious empire. Master Kalbio demonstrates so eloquently that a heart may be noble regardless of the stature of one's birth, and while it may be premature, I hope to be the first to congratulate you, sir, on the exaltation you will see tonight and welcome you into the ranks of Taldor's long-lived aristocracy.
Kalbio blushes at the princess's words.
"But we gather here to discuss matters of state, as well," Eutropia continues. "And just as the exaltation reminds us that our glorious empire must always look out into the world to refresh the greatness of its leadership, we must all look out into the world around us and see how it has grown. The child-nations our empire birthed—Andoran, Cheliax, Lastwall—have grown strong by examining the great traditions they inherited from our motherland, and embracing those relevant to this new world and discarding those that held them back. So too will we, this very night, examine one of Taldor's oldest traditions— primogeniture—with eyes wide open, to determine whether it has held us back from the glory and stability our wayward states have found.
"Our obligation tonight is not about one person or one vote in the senate. It is about the nation we love and about ensuring that nation does not fall behind the times. We are the inheritors of mighty Azlant, and I say that we must work together to avoid sharing that old empire's fate. Taldor endures!"
Eutropia's speech concludes. She hops down from the railing and is suddenly inundated with supporters and critics.
Having drifted into the hall with the others as people were rounded up for the speech, Zileska listens to Eutropia's pitch and claps appropriately at the end; she does seem genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect, though not to the point of losing her decorum.
Noticing a servant moving toward the apiary, she looks puzzled for a moment, then moves smoothly toward the three beehive boxes. Unsurprisingly, her Calistrian garb fits perfectly with the yellow-and-black motif.
The crowd around Zileska seems a bit put-off by her sudden departure. She reaches the apiary before the servant does. He bows deferentially to her. "Pardon me, my lady." He tries to step around the half-elf.
Zileska is evidently quite used to not caring what other people's opinions are regarding her, and she steps to one side so that the servant can continue his business, though she does regard one of the apiaries with her black, searching eyes, watching the bees going about their business.
"More politics," Zhi says quietly in disgust to Melodie.
"Whatever he's doing, he shouldn't be doing it right now," Zhi says, eyeing the servant.
Quickly making her way to intercept, she notices Zileska having the same idea. When she reaches him, she interposes herself between him and the bees. She pokes him in the chest with the tip of her parasol and says quietly, "Whatever you're doing can wait until after the Princess has finished. You wouldn't want to disturb her speech would you?"
Sara remains enraptured by the speech. The Princess is so brave and beautiful. She had never seen her before.
Out of the corner of her eye, she notices Zileska headed towards the beehives. Typical. Buzz buzz and all that.