"Oh don't worry about me Tal, I'm already a Glutton. I'm just really good at working it off." she says back mischievously.
As the woman went on with her request Monday's irreverent mind went back to mentally undressing her.
Ailyn is not surprised that the warrior balked at her idea. In her experiences warriors always lacked imagination. She is surprised when the one that was introduced as Mary or Merry stands up and proclaims that the dour-looking man is more than able for the task. She tries to hide her non-recognition of the man so as not to insult him.
Of course We have heard of Naberius! She says.
I am so glad you all have accepted!
When the dour-looking man says that he is not up to the task, Ailyn is disappointed. When he damn-near calls her a tomb-robber and troublemaker, she is downright angry. She shoots Janiven a look as if to say really? and looks to see if the other woman and her pale companion have anything to offer. She is just watching Ailyn like a cat with a piece of yarn while her companion looks disinterested. These are the new heroes of Westcrown?
Just wait until you hear the plan on how to infiltrate the Lord Mayor's House!
With Monday earlier...
Tal takes Monday's comment in stride as he simply says, that is good I guess. I mean about working it off. I did not know you had a cardiovascular routine to keep you in shape. he says distracted as he continues onward.
With the blacksmith...
Tal double checks the name of the blacksmith from Ermolos after having receiving the approval from Areal. Walking slowly to try to come up with the proper strategy to approach the man Tal fids himself there quicker than he expected. Knocking on the door he waits for the man to let him in. Having already commissioned the reworking of his armor Tal is familiar with the man's work. Using that as a starting point Tal dives in. Thank you first and foremost for the excellent work you did refitting the armor for me. It is now just as easy to wear as some other lighter less protective armors I have tried on. It is for partially this reason that I am coming to you today. I wish to make a business proposition to you. I find myself at a crossroads currently looking towards the future. I wish to invest the money I own in businesses that I respect and approve of. To that end I was interested in purchasing your smith and hiring you and Ermolos on. Tal waits for the initial reaction before he continues with pricing and talk of wages.
With Ailyn...
Know local max 10
Tal crosses his arms as clearly Ailyn is not going to divulge what she knows about how to find what they are looking for and just leaves it at mysterious items in the pathfinder lodge. As for how to gain entrance to the Lord Mayor's house Tal looks on hoping for a concrete answer. Please do tell Ailyn. We are waiting on baited breath, he says sarcastically. Looking down to readjust his mental criticism of Ailyn Tal adds, I am a man of few words. Tell us what you know so we may continue on.
Naberius opens his arms in a cordial gesture. He says, "You misunderstand me. I am not trying to insult you, personally. I admit that am not fond of your organisation in general, but I am trying to give you a chance to prove that you are someone we can trust. You must understand that in our position, trust is essential. Dodging the issue does nothing to alleviate our suspicions..."
As the Pathfinder tries to brush the issue aside, Naberius lifts his hand to call for a pause. He keeps pushing, "Before we move on to the details—and before we make any promises about putting ourselves at risk for your benefit—I would like to know if you actually have any empirical evidence linking Delvehaven to the shadowbeasts. The fact that the creatures appeared at roughly the same time as the lodge was closed may very well be a coincidence. I cannot help but notice that your research seems very meticulous where it supports your aims of claiming Delvehaven, but seems entirely based on conjecture where it benefits our goals..."
The wizard pauses to look Ailyn straight in the eye. Finally he adds, "...unless your plan of infiltrating the private residence of the most powerful man in Westcrown somehow clarifies the issue."
"Oh yes, it's very efficient! Maybe I'll get a chance to show it to Lilly at some point later." she says while trying to keep her grin from getting too wide.
Monday can't help but let out a chuckle as Naberius scrutinizes the potential client. "I'm up for it if it does have something to do with the shadow beasts, but all the same is answer Mr. Hellhound's questions." she flippantly says she props her elbows on the table and her head on her hands.
At the Blacksmith
The aged master hears the knock on the door but is busy hammering a gauntlet into shape. Where is that boy? he mumbles to himself. Ermolos seems to have been quite taken with the life of an adventurer over the life of a blacksmith. Not that the aged master could blame him. He had once heard the call of adventure in his youth. Hold your horses! I'll be there in a minute! He yells to the door. He gives the gauntlet a few more whacks with his hammer and holds it up with his tongs in the light. Hmmmm... is the only sound he makes, which is a sound of approval. He dips the gauntlet in the tub of water and a loud swooosh fills the room along with a steam cloud. He lays the gauntlet on his bench and opens the door. He is surprised to see the young man who he re-fashioned the Hellknight armor for. I see you dented me armor. I suppose you want me to take the dents out. When the young man offers to buy his place and hire him, the aged master is shocked. He rubs the stubble on his chin while staring the young man in the eyes. You want to buy me place? He says after a few minutes. Look, sonny, I'm an old man and city life is for the young-especially this city. I have been thinking about retiring to the country. Maybe raising chickens or something. Was going to sell the place once Ermolos got his hammer and anvil. I guess I could sell it now and stay on and finish Ermolos' training. He is real close to finishing. Now come on in and let us discuss price and salary over a flask of dwarven ale.
With Ailyn
Ailyn looks at the group I apologize. We Pathfinders are not used to having our credentials - or integrity questioned. You are correct. I do not have any empirical evidence linking Delvehaven to the shadow beasts, but I have known some Pathfinders, myself included, who have started expeditions for less. Look. You don't know me. I don't know you. Janiven and Arael will vouch for me just as they vouch for all of you. So do we have a deal?
Mera steps back in, cutting the wizard off before he can respond. In a boisterous and very animated fashion she steps up to Ailyn and shakes her hand. "Absolutely. However..."
Mera releases the handshake and moves up to put her arm around Ailyn. "You see, you know the danger you are asking of us. I understand there is great potential for rewards at the completion of this task, and while dreams of destroy the shadow beasts will etch our tales to be forever retold it will not fill our bellies nor raise us from the grave. We would like to receive payment," Mera pulls her arm back and shrugs as if it is nothing, " upfront so that we can take the proper precautions to protect ourselves. Surely you can't intend to send us to our destinies without necessary supplies? You could have gone anywhere, but nay, you have chosen us for a reason."
Mera stands tall and motions to her companions, "Empower us to fulfill your request and we shall see it done."
Mera nods, satisfied. Naberius is going to kill me.
As the talk switched to discussing payment Monday's irreverent mind once again started doing Mental exercises with both Mera and Ailyn.
Naberius furrows his brow at Mera as he keeps getting interrupted, but as the singer speaks his expression lightens considerably.
The wizard turns back to Ailyn, nodding his head approvingly. He voices his support by saying, "Indeed. I do appreciate your honesty, but Lady Mera brings up an important observation. Our time is valuable. We cannot waste time running around chasing shadows—figurative ones, that is—without a guarantee of some form of compensation..."
Tal smiles as he is rcognized by his armor and gives the master smith a chuckle, I hope that the knowledge of this armor stays with you and Ermolos. It would not do to have that spread to others. It would be bad for my health I would think. As for the dents, they add a bit of character and mask the armor as well. Perhaps later I could have them taken out though.
As talk turns to the business of why Tal was there Tal can see that the man is highly interested in the prposition. I could go for that ale while we iron out the wrinkles. As the man names the figure he wants for the forge and the cost of hiring him on Tal does some quick calculations.
Tal considers the options laid before him and while he does not have the gold with him it is within his budget. Sir, I think we have a deal. I do not have the money with me but I can have it available when you sign the title over to me. I agree with paying you the extra sum for the training of Ermolos. He is quite a lad and eager to help in other areas but I want him to have a solid foundation to fall back on. There is one stipulation though that I would add and that is a 26gp sum for your continued silence in any strange business or associates that I bring here.
Tal listens as Mera and Naberius seem to work the pathfinder over. Remaining silent as he voiced his concerns already he looks instead to Janiven and Areal for the mentioned vote of confidence and approval from them.
Mera folds her arms as she lets Naberius come in to seal the deal. She smiles politely, letting her pearly whites show.
At the Blacksmith
The old master thinks things over. I believe we have a deal! He then holds out his hand to Tal.
With Ailyn
You want something besides the fame that will accompany your exploits and the satisfaction of helping rid this city of shadow beasts? She sighs. Very well. You all drive a hard bargain. She then holds out two circlets. These two circlets are circlets of persuasion. I think some of you might need these for our plan for you to gain your way into the Lord Mayor's house. She then pulls them back. I am only lending these to you although you might be able to keep one depending on if you bring me anything of scholary importance that you find in the Asmodean Knot. Of course this will be in additionion to your reward for retreiving the Chelish Crux, naturally. So do we have a deal?
Naberius eyes the circlets for moment before taking one of them for closer inspection. He tactfully decides against checking its authenticity right there and then, but looks it over nonetheless.
The conjurer glances over to the others, and replies, "This seems adequate to me. Of course, I assume anything we find that is not of importance to you will be ours to keep..."
"My opinion might yet change, depending on how risky this plan of your actually is. I am ready to hear more," he adds, leaning back and crossing his arms.
Tal looks at Naberius as he answers in a round about way. He was interested himself if for no other reason than to get the shadow beasts gone and free the night so Lily and him could go for walks without worry of being attacked. As such he waited to hear more of the plan but had to ask. Just what are these circlets and how are they part of the plan?
Naberius looks to Tal and says, "Ah... My apologies. They augment one's force of personality. Wearing one, you would feel more confident, and exude a more powerful... presence, I suppose."
He glances meaningfully to Mera. "The effect is quite subtle. I doubt you would even notice it."
The wizard turns back to Ailyn. "This would lead me to believe that we are taking a diplomatic approach," he deduces.
Ailyn chuckles when Naberius mentions the 'Diplomatic Approach'. I'll leave that up to Janiven she says with a bemused smile. Janiven looks at all of you and it is obvious she does not know where to start. She takes a deep breath and says. We believe we have the perfect plan to get you into Lord Mayor Arvanxi's house. As some of you might have heard, Lord Mayor Arvanxi likes the theater and in particular the Theater Mortrescci She waits for a reaction from the group, especially Mera before continuing. Theater Mortrescci are plays where not only the cast’s reputations, but their very lives, are on the line during each performance. A cross between a play and a bloodsport, the Theater Mortrescci you might have heard is often refereed to more vulgarly as the “murderplay”. Unfortunately it has become one of Cheliax’s fastest-growing forms of entertainment. Mayor Arvanxi’s favorite play in this genre is a notorious work known as The Six Trials of Larazod Again she looks at Mera to gage a reaction.
Janiven then continues, As luck would have it, a prominent director is preparing to cast and direct this play with aims to perform the full and uncut version for the first time in years as part of the celebration of the newly reconstructed Nightshade Theater in Westcrown’s Parego Regicon—the central island where the city’s nobility and the traditional seat of government are located. If tradition holds true, and if the performance of the play pleases the mayor, he’ll invite the cast and crew to his home for a banquet and party—a gala event that would give undercover agents such as yourselves a singularly perfect opportunity to explore the manor.
She pauses briefly before continuing We know this is dangerous, but the danger far outweighs the rewards for if we succeed she says the rest counting off on her fingers
1. As guests invited to the mayor’s home, you, the heroes-as-actors don’t need to worry about hiding from his guards or sneaking into the house.
2 .Mayor Arvanxi’s obsession with and respect for the theatrical world would grant you, the heroes-as-actors, a huge advantage in squeezing information from him.
3. The mayor’s parties have a well-known reputation for running long—sometimes over the course of days—so you should have an excuse to remain in his home for more than enough time necessary to get the job done.
4. The mayor will doubtless require that you come in full costume from their performance, and since you’ll be playing adventurers and the like in the play, that essentially means you’ll be able to walk right in to his manor fully armed and armored, no questions asked.
5. The mayor and his staff celebrate hard—it shouldn’t be long before he and the majority of his guards are so drunk and distracted that they’ll be in no condition to ask questions if you slip away for several hours to look around.
She pauses and awaits the onslaught Any Questions?
Anything else we can roll for? The Asmodean Knot? The Chelish Crux?
"Yes, I am aware of these plays," says Naberius, clearly offended by the concept. "The Theatre of the Real, as I have heard them called. Thankfully, I have never had the displeasure of witnessing such a performance. The mere thought of reducing the noble art of Chelaxian Theatre to a something so base and crude..."
The wizard wrinkles his nose and shakes his head in disgust. He looks to Mera and raises an eyebrow.
"Do you know of this particular... play?" he asks, quite reluctantly.
Performing for the Lord Mayor definately catches Mera's interest. Her smiles radiates while Ailyn describes her plan.
That is, until she mentions Theater Mortrescci. Her smile fades as she thinks to herself, Murderplays. Figures. That is not art! How- Her own thoughts are interrupted when she catches the name of the particular murderplay. The Six Trials of Larazod.
As if slapped across the face, her smile is gone immediately. She tries not to let the color drain from her face as she blanches, but she lets it slip for a moment while she loses herself in the thought. She quickly regains her composure, but doesn't resume smiling. Instead she wears a concerned frown that does not suit her. Her mind drifts as the various steps are counted off by the Pathfinder. She snaps back to when she hears the wizard speak.
"Do you know of this particular... play?"
She nods to Naberius, head she shakes her"Unfortunately I have."
"The Six Trials of Larazod is the fictional account of a Chelish tiefling. This opera in seven acts was written in the early 46th century AR and was banned for over a century until the rise of House Thrune legitimized the worship of Asmodeus. This play, the reason it is so popular, is because the play is rarely performed to completion. The reality of these trials in their most lethal form prove so intense that nearly every performance ends in the gruesome onstage death of the actors."
Mera shivers, fighting the urge to drop the facade and run from the room and vomit. Being asked to perform in this of all things made her sick to her stomach. She was an artist, not a hack like Thesing!
Why couldn't it be The Fall of House Jeggare or The Goddess of Light? My chance to shine in the Nightshade Theater under Robahl Nonon has come. But at this cost?
Mera looks down at the floor, unsure whether to continue the facade, vomit on Ailyn, or break down in tears.
The conjurer blinks at Mera. "Nearly every performance," he repeats incredulously.
Naberius turns back to Ailyn and Janiven and asks, "Do you actually expect all of us to survive this?"
Tal shrugs his shoulders, It can't be that bad right? I mean it has to be exaggerated to create such an uproar. Even exaggeration is grounded in some truth though. Turning to Ailyn and the leaders, What makes you think that this No-No guy would even choose us. I am about as talented on stage as a stuffed dog and not as adorable. I just can't see myself being an actor. he rest of you seem to fit on stage. Mera was born for performances while Monday has a strong personality about her. Even Naberius could pull it off I think. Myself, there is not much that I could do on stage but just stand there. PerhapsI could be a stage helper so that way I am involved but not in the lime light.
"Sometimes truth is more horrible than fiction," Monday chimes in while leaning back in her chair, propping her feet onto the table to keep her falling over completely. "And we are in a city of shadow monsters in a country of Devils... why would a play where the actors are sacrificed for the nobility's amusement be all that out of place?"
"What makes you think that this No-No guy would even choose us. I am about as talented on stage as a stuffed dog and not as adorable."
"I am certain Lady Mera could recommend us," muses Naberius. "But I am not sure if actual talent even enters into it. What is the point of casting good actors if you are intending to have them killed? Surely, they would want people who can actually last for an act or two..."
Looking to both the leaders and Mera, he asks, "What do we know of the director? Is it his sole intention to see his cast dead, or is he willing to actually give us a chance?"
"Myself, there is not much that I could do on stage but just stand there. Perhaps I could be a stage helper so that way I am involved but not in the lime light."
"If we are to do this, I would have you as close as possible," says the wizard. "We do not yet know the roles. There might be one suited to you. Perhaps something of a more... physical nature."
"Why would a play where the actors are sacrificed for the nobility's amusement be all that out of place?"
"Out of place?" the conjurer asks. "No, I suppose it is not..."
"...but I would still like to believe we are civilised people, and not bloodthirsty savages..." he mutters morosely under his breath.
"...but I would still like to believe we are civilised people, and not bloodthirsty savages..." he mutters morosely under his breath.
"Same thing." Monday quips.
What makes you think that this No-No guy would even choose us.
Mera is slightly offended by Tal's comment. She scoffs and retorts, "Tal, he will choose us because of my name and presence quite obviously. Do you not know how things work?"
"And we are in a city of shadow monsters in a country of Devils... why would a play where the actors are sacrificed for the nobility's amusement be all that out of place?"
First Tal, now Monday? What's wrong with these people all of the sudden?
Mera frowns as she turns to face Monday, putting her hands on her hips. "That is not art. These ", she waves her hands, completely flustered at the idea of a murderplay being considered a true performance, " fools believe they can flop about on stage and kill someone and call it a masterpiece. The fraudulence of it all makes me sick!"
"I am certain Lady Mera could recommend us," muses Naberius. "But I am not sure if actual talent even enters into it. What is the point of casting good actors if you are intending to have them killed?"
Finally! Some sense!
She nods in agreement to his comment, but sighs heavily at Monday's response.
Monday shrugs defensively. "I never claimed it was! What the nobility find amusing and what is artistic I highly believe to be two very different things."
Pouting she curls up in her chair, murmuring. "I didn't think it was art, I didn't call it art..."
Mera is slightly offended by Tal's comment. She scoffs and retorts, "Tal, he will choose us because of my name and presence quite obviously. Do you not know how things work?"
Tal gives Mera a look as she tries to give him a snide remark. No Mera, I do not know how this works. I have been toiling in the streets and have not had the luxury of the nobility. I know you can make the cut based on name alone. Myself though I figure i would need to audition which is not my strong suit.
"If we are to do this, I would have you as close as possible," says the wizard. "We do not yet know the roles. There might be one suited to you. Perhaps something of a more... physical nature."
Hopefully there is something that I am suited for as if this play is designed to test the limits of the performers endurance, I should dare so you are gonig to need me.
Looking at Mera, Ailyn, Areal, and Janiven What details do we know about this play in particular. Is there records of what is involved in the six trials of Larazod?
Mera nods to Tal in agreement, "I think we can agree on that Tal. IF we are going to do this, we certinaly are going to need to be prepared for some underhanded treachery. I would want you, uh, erm" Mera seems to get caught up in her words as she mentions wanting Tal. Memories of laying in his lay, pulling his head down to her lips temporarily cause her to lose focus. She stops talking, staring into Tal's eyes longingly for a moment.
When someone mentions her name she inhales sharply and says, "Close. We, all, all of us, would want you to be close to all of us."
Quickly she changes topics. "I'm actually quite familiar with it. It's so obnoxious, it's considered required studying material. Here's a brief synopsis.'
"Larazod receives a vision from Asmodeus in which the dark god unveils a prominent Chelish magistrate—the sinister Paraduke Montigny Haanderthan—as a traitor to Cheliax, who has compacted with demonic powers and plans to bring the worship of Asmodeus to a sharp and brutal end. Burning with unholy justice and diabolical purpose, Larazod, along with his stalwart companions, that's us I assume, set out to expose the highly placed traitor Haanderthan. They are greatly overmatched, as Larazod is a minor scion of a piddling noble house whose influence lies tattered in the wake of Thrune's seizure of power in Cheliax. Undaunted, Larazod vows a smoldering blood oath to Asmodeus to see the traitor fall before Haanderthan's actions bring the dark glory of Cheliax low.
Larazod's actions swiftly bring him to the attention of the Paraduke, who has the young tiefling scooped up in the crushing grasp of the law and brought before his dark tribunal for questioning. There, a dire confrontation ensues wherein Larazod reveals his vision and heaps accusations upon Haanderthan in full view of a well-attended tribunal session. Outrage and scandal threaten to topple the order of things, and Larazod's enemies grow in number. Only one high-placed member of the tribunal takes his part—a beautiful daughter of House Sarini and rival of Haanderthan named Ilsandra. A sultry love affair between Ilsandra and Larazod develops as the pair seeks to topple the treacherous Haanderthan."
Mera's mind pauses. Considering the possibilities of role casting for a moment before continuing.
"Haanderthan, using the awesome influence granted a man of his stature, forces Larazod to undergo six trials to prove the truth of his accusations, stating, Larazod agrees to the trials, blasting the magistrate with unholy oaths to see his foolish plans undone."
Mera turns to Tal, "The trials follow. Combat with foul beasts and grievous tortures leaves Larazod and his companions brutally maimed both in body and soul. At it's climax, though, Larazod emerges unharmed and is vindicated as Asmodeus himself drags the nefarious magistrate to Hell."
Mera cautions, "That is, that is how it is supposed to end. Murder plays notoriously never make it past the trials."
She shakes her head and grows slightly dizzy. She reaches out to steady herself and prevent herself from falling.
"Fun." Monday mumbles.
"Do you actually expect all of us to survive this?"
Janiven responds, I have heard it said that they have used convicted prisoners in the past, so ones skilled such as yourself should have no problem.
"Fun." Monday mumbles.
See! Piece of cake! Ailyn adds.
Tal sits up straighter in his chair. I have one last request before I consider this matter settled then in my book. Giving the grisly nature of the task at hand and the propensity for us to die, what death benefits do you plan on providing? I ask as if something should happen to me I want to make sure Lily is provided for.
Looking at Mera is there a way to get a copy of the script ahead of time to knoe exactly how we are to be tortured and tried?
Mera arches a brow at Tal's question, "Death benefits? Uh, I'm not planning on dying here. I know that's a quick path to fame, but I think I'll take the alternate path thanks."
Mera looks up as she ponders Tal's request. "Probably. I can visit a few places that should have a copy of it, but I can likely address any questions you have about the content."
I don't plan on dying either but accidents do happen. As such I wish to be prepared as possible. That preparedness is why I wish to know what we may be up against. If the trials are nothing more than trials by combat I am not worried at all. It is other nefarious means that I am worried about. Would we be poisoned, stabbed while being held, held over a flame? It is those that concern me.
"Don't worry Tal, if anything happens to you I'll just bring you back. You and Tuez can be ghost-brothers!" she says perfectly innocently in an attempt to assuage the fighter.
Naberius listens intently to Mera's synopsis, scoffing intermittently.
"Thrunish propaganda," he summarises after the fact, looking like he had tasted something sour.
The wizard quiets down and waits for more information, nodding along with Tal's queries about the trials themselves. He makes no reaction to the talk about 'death benefits.' Quite sensible, he thought, but he had no one depending on him for financial aid. He does frown slightly at Monday's talk about bringing back the dead, but does not bother making a comment.
"The same goes for each of you," she quickly adds on. "None of you have to worry about dying while I'm around, well, worry about staying dead anyway."
Tal gives a soft shudder trying to keep Monday from noticing. No thanks Monday. I don't think Lily would appreciate that. Then again you would have to speak to her if such an unfortunate circumstance would come to pass.
Monday rounds on the armored warrior, her head tilted to the side in confusion. "But why? Then you could protect her forever! She'd be sad enough if you died, would you want her to be like that the rest of her life?"
Trying to be tactful of the situation Tal replies, Not everyonehas your comfort with what some call the paranormal. My wife is one of those. She believes in the natural order of things to a degree. Even though my passing would create sorrow and a time of grieving that too would pass. Such is the natural order and the way things typically are. I say typically as there are those like yourself that can transcend the boundaries. Simply put, it works for you but not for Lily.
Monday stares blankly at the fighter before turning back to the table. "I'll talk with Lily later." she murmurs.
Mera tries to think back on the trials, it was awhile ago mind you. "From what I can recall there was a trail of love, torture, combat and a few others. I specifically remember something about disemboweling and dismemberment."
The singer shivers as she tries to shake the thoughts out of her mind.
After recomposing herself she looks around for her glass of wine. She walks over to the table, takes a long pull from it and inhales deeply.
Better.
Glass in hand, she glides back over to join the group, speaking the entire way.
"Let me tell you about our esteemed director. While I've never actually performed for him, I've met his aquaintence and know his reputation. It's quite easy to overlook him as he is a man so short and stout that he could pass for a dwarf. The fact that Robahl has a huge walrus moustache and a frightful frown does not help his case either. Working against the dwarf angle is his toupee, it's sadly obvious. He likes to associate with higher nobility, but his faded color of his once fine attire is glaringly out of place."[/b]
Another pull from her wine glass as she walks back to the front of the room, addressing everyone.
In control. Out front. Where you flourish best my dear.
She continues on, embellishing in her description only slightly. "A tyrant, minor noble, former military captain, and professional shouter, Robahl runs his troupe with military discipline. He delights in his fruitful and colorful use of language. Never betraying a paucity in his considerable vocabulary by resorting to abject profanity, he pummels those who disappoint him with outrageously long sentences containing obscure insults and flowery observations. You can see why that it is no suprise the he would select a murderplay, hmmm?"
Another sip. More posturing and she holds her half-full wine glass out as a prop, motioning with it in small concentric circles while saying, "His face and neck turn increasingly crimson as his anger builds and becomes a tirade, and he has been known to run out of breath while abusing an actor. Legend has it that he once railed against the great elven actor Lobbero for so long that the director passed out, leaving the still standing Lobbero speechless for the only time in his life."
She finishes her description and takes another sip. Looking among her companions she asks, "I'm sure I can get us in the door, we're going to need to be prepared as there are only a thousand ways we can end up in Pharasma's boneyard by act three."
I can't beleive you're actually considering doing this.
Robahl’s way with the ladies is equally legendary, and rumor holds he once married a Thuvian princess, but when her father found out, he had her put to death—Robahlescaped a similar fate by fleeing back to Cheliax.
Naberius clears his throat nervously. He was not even sure if he was more afraid of dying on stage than actually attending the Lord Mayor's celebrations afterwards. Altogether, this was more attention than he was prepared for. Might there be someone in Westcrown who still remembered his family...? He would rather not find out, but the only other option was to leave the city behind entirely. The thought was tempting...
The wizard glances almost imperceptibly to Monday, and then turns back to the singer.
"Very well," he says, with a tone of resignation. "This is your area of expertise, Lady Mera. I will follow you, if you deem that we have a chance at this."
He pauses for a second, trying to meet Mera's eyes. When he does, the conjurer adds, "I mean that quite literally. Once we know more details about what we may be facing, I will do everything in my power to make sure we come out of this alive. All of us. However, it is up to you to lead us through..."
Yes. That is what we need. A true leader.
Tal scoffs at the idea of dismemberment and disemboweling from Mera. That simply can not be true. That is a sure death sentence for anyone, not a test of strength or suvivability. As for the performance itself Naberius is right. This is where Mera takes over and leads us into stardom.
Hemming and hawing at the notion of Monday talking to Lily Tal aims for a compromise. How about we wait to see if such a conversation is needed. Upopn my untimely death then you can talk to her about such topics. until then I don't think that is a conversation she would like to have or think about.
That simply can not be true. That is a sure death sentence for anyone
Thus the stupidity of the murderplay. Bravo big man.
Mera sloshes the liquid around in her glass, thinking about her response before speaking it aloud, thinking about Naberius's statement of leading them. Was she up to that task?
Mera's eyes flutter while her mind races on what is at stake here. She nods in affirmation to Naberius, "I will get us into this play and secure your positions accordingly." She shoots a glance toward Tal and adds, "Some of us may need some additional rehearsal preparations before we make our official appearance. A slab of marble does not much stand a chance of convincing the world it is a magnificent sculpture without the proper tools of the trade. We should begin training immiedately."
Turning toward the Pathfinder she asks, "I'm sorry, did you have a timeframe for us on this endeavor? " She eyes the offered possessions and adds, "I have a feeling there are some sculptures among us who may need to take use of your offered gifts."
"I'm sorry, did you have a timeframe for us on this endeavor? " She eyes the offered possessions and adds, "I have a feeling there are some sculptures among us who may need to take use of your offered gifts."
I guess that depends on when the director is ready, so like you, I am at his mercy. she says with a chuckle. Now about these 'death benefits' you all are asking about. Never heard of adventuring types needing 'death benefits' before. She says the last part with a slight mocking tone. Tell you what, whoever doesn't make it, the survivors can sell the circlet and divide the proceeds along with the reward with the survivors beneficiaries. In other words, you all have the potential to make out quite well in this endeavor, If you do not see fit to look out for each other.. She leaves the question hanging out there. When we Pathfinders undertake an expedition and some of us don't make it, the survivors always take care of the other's family with whatever reward and treasure we gain.
Naberius scoffs, "As you might have noticed, we are not Pathfinders. Nor am I an adventurer, whatever that means..."
Well, it is clear that Pathfinders are prohibited from operating within Cheliax for a good reason... Just as unprofessional as you would expect.
"Pardon me..." he sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose and taking deep breath. "There is some sort of a preliminary date set for the actual performance, is there not? These are hardly spontaneous occurances. There are a lot of preparations on multiple fronts, not to mention the large sums of money involved with each process of stagecraft. We are talking about amounts you do not spend if you do not intend to make a profit. What are we talking about, a week? A month? Surely you must have a rough idea, seeing as your whole plan hinges on it..."
Turning back to Mera, he adds, "Regardless, it would be best to contact this Nonon as soon as possible. If he is anything like you describe, he should make sure we rehearse the play. Extensively."
Tal claps Naberius on the back, I fully agree with the scholar. We are not adventurers. We, well at least Mera and myself, are citizens of Westcrown looking to make a positive impact.
Sighing in frstration Tal looks at Mera. At least you called me marble and not shale or pavestones. Still I am not going to be looking forward to practicing how to act. If that is what it takes though then I will do so to make sure I pass the audition. Perhaps the rest of the day you can give me tips on what to do and how to act. Then in the morning we see about these auditions. We do not want someone else to be chosen before we have a chance.