L'airy
Kat nods approvingly at Dervak's request of Rowan. Better to keep the people with reach weapons providing cover in a situation like this. She advances past Rowan to place herself in a more central position then takes her first stab at one of the ettercaps.
Seeing Dervak decapitating one of the foul spider-like creatures, Mara rushed forward and swung her axe at the one beyond, shouting manically, "Die, die, die!"
Dervak, Kat, and L-airy deliver blow after blow to the unusually resilient ettercaps. Mara unfortunately cannot penetrate it's tough hide.
Rowan moves up to the cocoon and tries to open it.
Rowan tries to disentangle the cocoon but the twisting strands confound him. He is able to see the unmoving form of a human woman within the cocoon.
The wounds on the ettercap's wounds continue to rapidly repair themselves. One bites and claws at L-airy carving off wisps of condensed air. The other goes after Mara but it cannot pierce her armor.
Dervak moves and hacks at Red with his Vorpal Scimitar.
Mara continued to wail on the ettercap in front of her. "Aaargh!"
Theophilus whistles at L'airy; whom slams Yellow and floats back 5' toward the catwalk.
Theophilus steps forward 5'. He then Evil Eye Hex Yellow.
And He Cackles.
Kat stands her ground and unleashes upon the hexed ettercap.
Dervak pops off another head, Mara connects with her axe once, and Kat mercifully puts the final ettercap to sleep. L-airy and the giant spider tussle over the next coupld of seconds but L-airy manages to get the better of the spider.
Mara cried, "Ugh, these things are regenerating! Anyone know how to kill them? I'll keep this one from getting back up.
She gave the spider-thing next to her a good chop with her axe.
"Maudette must be in the cocoon."
Kat knows that the spider like humanoids are ettercaps, hideous aberrations that share many traits with spiders. She further deduces that they have been corrupted by the dark corners of the Dimension of Dreams. They are able to instill fear into those that draw near. They are also allergic to silver.
Dervak keeps hacking at the regenerating monsters.
L'airy turns into a Wirlwind; clearing all the cobwebs. He picks up an Ettercap.
Any safe place to deposit them?
If Rowan is free, he can punch them to death with minimal effort.
Rowan reaches for his flask with his most free hand and tries to take a drink.
L-airy manages to clear some of the webbing but the spell summoning him ends before it gets anywhere near clearing all of it.
The party takes its time mutilating the ettercap corpses, eventually they try the silver daggers they found in Briarstone. This causes the bodies to sizzle and burn finally killing the creatures.
The cocoon contains a beautiful woman in an ill fitting noble's dress. She is conspicuously lacking any jewelry that should accompany such a dress. Mara determines that the woman is alive but paralyzed from poison.
Mara took out a wand and used it to help the woman regain some movement.
"You're safe now," she reassured the woman, who she assumed was terrified.
Theo smiles.
Nice party!
The wand returns some semblance of motion to Maudette. When she tries to stand up she almost tips over, clearly far from complete recovery. Woozily she says, "Thank you! I.. I thought I was food for sure."
Mara said to Maudette, "Let's get you down from here — then you can rest."
She asked her team-mates, "Anyone have any rope? Maudette is a bit shaky for the climb down."
Maudette looks disappointed at Mara's words, "Alright. I won't be able to attend the Sunset Dance like this." She says reluctantly, "Can you give my apologies to the Viscount?"
Dervak can probably descend carrying Maudette over his shoulder.
"We will give the Viscount your regrets."
Mara told Maudette, "I'm sure he'll understand. Don't worry, you should recover fully in a few days." She prepared to descend the ladder, and leave the horrible webs behind.
Kat stows her spear and cracks her back and knuckles. ”I can help carry our guest. I’ve had to deal with a lot of nobles who’d get their petticoats all twisted if a man touched a woman, even to carry them.” She still remembers the time a lord reamed out Ms. Wrentz and demanding one of her fellow detectives get fired because he dared touch the lord’s unconscious wife’s body to move her someplace safer.
Theophilus floats down to the ground.
"Well, Kat, I think nobody here is going to react to just about anything we do, short of attacking them. Nice party. But if you want, you can."
”Best to not take any chances, still. Don’t know when or if the situation changes.”
She carries Maudette, if no one objects.
Maudette blushes as Dervak and Kat fight, if amicably, over who will carry her down. As Kat gets her into a fireman's carry Maudette apologizes, "I'm sorry to be such a burden." Seeing Maudette off she offers, "I live not far from the bridge across Naraxa, I don't have much, but I can at least give you a hot meal."
You've delivered the viscount's regrets to one of the people he's pledged to dance with but two remain: the merchant prince Ardvin Telgriette and Lady Urdrenda Splinterbone.
Theophilus floats about the room. The well dressed and well mannered gentleman tips his hat; toasts various guys and does a quick dance with a Lady--or fourteen.
Dervak asks around about Lady Urdrenda Splinterbone.
Mara made sure Maudette was looked after, and conveyed her situation to the Viscount. The first step of her task completed, she headed back out among the guests and asked if they'd seen Ardvin Telgriette, the wealthy merchant.
After what feels like 3 hours of hobnobbing with the various guests:
Mara, with the help of a handsome man with flowing blonde hair in a suit that leaves little to the imagination, tracks down Ardvin at the center of a knot of wealthy partygoers. All of whom are using the gala as an excuse to share drinks and negotiate business. The blond man comments, "They mean to drain his wealth for their own benefit. The trade prince would do well to not associate with such sycophants, I hear he's nearly broke already." Ardvin is a thin, dark-skinned man with short dark hair and a neatly trimmed goatee, he clearly enjoys being the center of attention in this corner of the gala.
Theo's dancing pays off; his latest partner indicates that Lady Splinterbone is nearby on the dance floor. Having spotted her, Theo sees she is dancing with a gaunt pallid man. Lady Splinterbone herself is a stunningly beautiful woman with dark hair, red lips, and an elegant, clinging black dress. She appears to be having a genuinely good time dancing in the setting sunlight that never seems to dip below the horizon.
Mara approached the merchant prince, and introduced herself, "Hello, I'm Mara! Wonderful party, isn't it? I wonder if I might have a word with you?"
She tried to be as discreet as possible, "I've spoken with Viscount Brellin, and it seems he has a bit of a problem. He was a little over-enthusiastic in setting up a dance partner for the Sunset Waltz, and has three appointments. He would be grateful if you could help him out of his embarrassing predicament. If you could release him from his promised dance with you, I'm sure he would be favorably disposed to you in the future. You might even find a way to gently remind him of your favor to him, when it's time to conduct trade negotiations."
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Dervak wonders if he is going to be called upon to be this Ardvin's dance partner.
Rowan. Rowan should dance. He's got as much charm as a cabbage, but that monk-stuff he does is basically dancing, right?
If he wants to dance with a lady, Kat could maybe do an overhead lift with him. But neither she nor Mara are really charming.
Theo? He dresses well, so there's that.
"Uh... Theo... is there just one Sunset Waltz? How do they know when it is time? I think it has been sunset for a long time now."
She appears to be having a genuinely good time dancing in the setting sunlight that never seems to dip below the horizon.
Dervak decides to lend his meager support to Mara's cause.
"Please rest assured that the Viscount has the highest regard for you and means you no disrespect. And no doubt there are many worthies in attendance here who would also owe you were you to honor them with the Sunset Waltz. Lady Splinterbone, perhaps."
As far as anyone knows there is only one Sunset Waltz which happens right as the sun sets behind the nearby mountain. You are unsure how much time you have because while the sun appears to be setting any minute it's position hasn't changed at all since you arrived. Your subjective experience of time leads you to believe you've been partying for at least 5 hours. This matches with the research you've done indicating that Celephais is timeless.
Kat smiles and waves off Maudette's concern. "Oh, you aren't any trouble at all. I just wouldn't want to put you in an awkward position. You know how people are always looking for gossip. I'll definitely take you up on that meal if I get the chance, though." Growing up poor definitely made Kat the kind of person that never turns down a free meal, if she can help it.
Kat refrains from dancing as much as she can, instead focusing on drawing info out of people in conversation.
Kat meets up with Theo as they find Lady Splinterbone. "You want to take the lead here, or should I?"
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Rowan tries to position himself so he can see all of his companions. He doesn’t understand or trust this place.
Theophilus takes Kat's hand. The smiling gentleman bows low; tipping his hat grandly out wide.
M'lady Kat. I would be honored to accept your gracious invitation to a Waltz. We shall observe our prey. We may overhear something useful.
His smile never leaving his face.
The White Rabbit is seen nursing a drink.
Ardvin dribbles some wine on his ascot tie as Mara and Dervak approach. After they explain the situation Arvin scowls and loudly proclaims, ”Unacceptable! I simply need the exposure that the Sunset Waltz can provide. The investment opportunities alone, why I could have 10,000 gold from various financiers before the night is out. No. You must ask the Viscount to reconsider!”
When Dervak suggests that he could dance with Lady Splinterbone he goes sheet white, ”You know she’s a… uh.. well nevermind. Should she request it I will decline politely because I will be engaged with the Viscount.”
Kat notices that Lady Splinterbone is lightly kissing her dance partner’s neck, only her red lips seem moist afterwards. Its then she notices that the man is sluggishly bleeding from his neck and that the Lady has no shadow. Kat concludes that Lady Splinterbone is some sort of vampire, one that can stand to be in the setting sun. Kat knows that vampires are highly resistant to injury but an enchanted silver blade does harm them. They usually recoil from mirrors and strongly presented holy symbols, but can overcome this weakness with a show of will.
Lady Splinterbone smiles at you even though you feel as though you’ve been discreet. She finishes ”Did you need something my dear? I couldn't help but notice your interest.”
Mara told Ardvin, "I may be able to help you with your finances. I'll be back in a few minutes."
She sought out her companions and explained the situation with Ardvin Telgriette. "Perhaps we could offer him something valuable in exchange for sitting out the dance. Our Dreamland items seem to still be with us the next time we perform the ritual, even after we give them away, so we could give him the Gem of Seeing."
Kat pulls back her hand from Theo in surprise. "Uh, I meant take the lead on talking to her, not...that. Sorry, gov, you ain't my type of partner, you hear me?"
Kat looks like she was about to say more when Lady Splinterbone approaches. F+*&ing hell. Course there's a bloody vampire here. Gotta keep her placated until I can pass it on to the others
Kat rushes a bow. "It's hard to not notice a lady fine as yourself. Theo here was quite entranced with your dance. He had something he wanted to tell ya, didn't he?" She nudges Theo with her elbow.
"That sounds good, Mara. I think we have a solution."
Theophilus smiles wider. The Mad Hatter bows low to Lady Splitterbone.
My fairest Lady! I am Theophilus Carter. I am a tailor of some grand fame; and I absolutely need to dress you! I have never beheld such splendor: even in my dealings with princesses and queens! I nust know of a chamber that will be marvellous!
Lady Spinterbone purses her lips, ”My dear no need for deception. If you wanted to get me alone in a room you have but to ask.” She looks in Kat’s direction and winks, ”Maybe not quite alone.” She smiles like a crocodile and then cutesys, ”Where are my manners? I am Lady Urdrenda Splinterbone.”
"Greetings. I am Dervak."
Theophilus winks.
Marvelous!
Lady Splinterbone's last dance partner is gaunt and pallid, he looks unwell but also content and he wears a genuine, if weak, smile. He staggers into the throng of guests before you can ask him anything.
Mara knows that she's some sort of undead creature that looks human just by the aura she gives off but Mara is uncertain what kind. Rowan determines she is a vampire but doesn't know much more than she drinks blood to sustain herself. Dervak thinks she's a normal human, but something is definitely wrong with her dance partner so has reason to be wary. Theo is clueless.
Lady Splinterbone licks her lips, "Charmed, what ever did I do to deserve this much attention?"
Time to find out what Lady Splinterbone wants. Mara tried the same pitch that she gave to Ardvin Telgriette,
"Hello Lady Splinterbone, I'm Mara. I trust that you're enjoying the party.
"Viscount Brellin asked me to speak with you. It seems that he got a bit carried away with setting up a dance partner for the Sunset Waltz, and has three partners for the same dance! He would be grateful if you could help him out of his embarrassing predicament. Is there a possibility that you could release him from his promise of a dance to the Sunset Waltz?"