Good RPing but I need to know your next line of approach to solving this...
"She seems nice. I think one or two of us should talk to her. Tell her the truth. Tell her we are worried about the sword. If those people are thrown out, the rest of us can look for a meeting. I don't think looking for a meeting will be easy in a crowd of milling people in costumes though." Squeak added as he stacked dishes onto the cart.
Bronwyn reluctantly took a break from dancing to think about what she remembered of the ambassador.
Lucina sighed. "I hate to say it...but talking to her may actually be our best bet. Though, perhaps we should not spill everything right away. I'm sure Bronwyn or Vi can think of something pointless to talk to her about...I would like to hover in on the conversation...get a feel for the woman...see if she seems anxious or scared...or untrustworthy..."
---
Lucina frowned, "Taking out an ambassador, even if just temporarily, might stretch the limits of the free reign we were given to bring Lucan in. If she is just a victim, we will have to answer a lot of questions at this end of this. I think we need to learn more about her, if we can, before taking drastic measures..."
"Concerned. Additionally, it might constitute an act of war and in the very least it would spark an international incident, as agents of Breland assaulted an ambassador to Aundair in Zilargo. This one believes catching subject would become the least of our troubles were we to attempt something that drastic."
Piedra nodded, they were right."Yes, okay, you're right. Let's go talk to her. Maybe, um, me and Squeak? That way, if we're kicked out or tossed in the dungeon, you guys can keep looking."
Vi straightened her clothes, took a deep breath, and walked up to the ambassador. Waiting for a moment when she wasn't busy talking with somebody, she said, "Please, your excellency, may we have a moment of your time?"
Knowledge checks...
It is rumored that this high society masquerade ball provides cover for a number of various covert activities, as well as being an evening's entertainment for some of the most powerful and influential people in Trolanport. Anyone who's anyone in Trolanport's diplomatic community attends the annual Aundairian masquerade ball.
I just had a big powow with all 5 of us, so I don't think we're pretending not to know them.
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Action 2:
Bronwyn glided up to Squeak, beaming with pride. "Your cake is truly the most magnificent thing I have seen in a long time. It definitely makes all those unbearably salty cakes worth it to see you advance so far in your skill. You must remember me when you're famous and too busy to deal with little old me."
She looked around the ballroom at all the masked faces and completely understood why this was the place to undertake covert activities. She shared what she knew with the others about the annual Aundairian masquerade ball.
"Yes, okay, you're right. Let's go talk to her. Maybe, um, me and Squeak? That way, if we're kicked out or tossed in the dungeon, you guys can keep looking."
Bronwyn counter-offered, "Either that or Squeak and I can go. The fact that I'm dragonmarked may carry weight - or not. But Piedra is also a good choice because she can be quite charming herself. But we should decide quickly before we lose our window. Thankfully, either way Squeak's success gives us an in with the ambassador."
"The Cake will give Squeak an easy way to make small talk...At that point, the ability to be observant is as important as the ability to...ugh...be..." Lucina made sarcastic air quote, "...charming." She looked from Vi to Bronwyn, before her eyes settled on Vi. I think that one see's more than she lets on. "I think Squeak and Vi would be best..."
"Or..." Squeak added, desperately "I could give you a card, and then Bronwyn and Piedra could do do it. That way you've got a Dragonmarked and someone charming, and Palisade and I are hopefully still undercover."
Bronwyn sniffed at the druidess, "Whatever." She beamed up at Squeak, "Don't you dare be shy and not take credit for your masterpiece. You and Piedra go." She waved at Tanis over Lucina's shoulder. "I'd rather be dancing anyways." She clapped Squeak and Vi on the shoulders and gave them a smile and a curtsy, "Good luck." Then she took Tanis' hand as he approached and twirled away.
Action 2:
Bronwyn glided up to Squeak, beaming with pride. "Your cake is truly the most magnificent thing I have seen in a long time. It definitely makes all those unbearably salty cakes worth it to see you advance so far in your skill. You must remember me when you're famous and too busy to deal with little old me."
Squeak turned to Palisade as Bronwyn left "I think... I think that was Bronwyn's request for herd bonding?"
Is it too late to use charmer? I get a second diplomacy roll.
Squeak bowed low - hopeful that the time he'd spent observing human males during the evening had given him the right cue. He'd classified this move as Modified bird head-bob with wing-sweep, and it seemed to be the right one.
Stress pushed Squeak to clipped speech, and honesty. "Confession: this is the best work I have ever produced. Baking is a transient craft. The only product I truly created is the memories of those who saw it. Thank you for your kind words."
Squeak stared at the ground. "Confession two: I have taken advantage of the inestimable chef Jean-Pierre. He was in need of a master baker, and I took the job to speak discretely with you. I am uncomfortable with deceit, but at least one life hangs in the balance"
Squeak looked back up. "A cursed item responsible for the death of my commander's brother is headed towards you as we speak. I and others have been contracted to intercept the courier. We need to know whether you are a target, a source of knowledge, or a purchaser. If a target we need to protect you. If a source of knowledge we need the knowledge. If a purchaser we need to advise you of the nature of the item's curse. We do not intend to harm you. We do need to speak where we cannot be overheard. We understand you will want to bring significant protection."
Squeak looked back up. "A cursed item responsible for the death of my commander's brother is headed towards you as we speak. I and others have been contracted to intercept the courier. We need to know whether you are a target, a source of knowledge, or a purchaser. If a target we need to protect you. If a source of knowledge we need the knowledge. If a purchaser we need to advise you of the nature of the item's curse. We do not intend to harm you. We do need to speak where we cannot be overheard. We understand you will want to bring significant protection."
Neya was very briefly startled; she never expected this from a master chef. She smiled, "Your cover is very good, master chef."
She moved to the side of the room and a couple of waiters, those with domino masks, seemed to have gotten closer to her. One of them offered her champagne before taking a position leaning against a wall not far from her. Neya continued, "I am well protected right here and this is the best place to... talk."
She smiled again, "You throw hints and innuendos at me. What is this about? What is your interest in all of this, master chef?"
Piedra felt a brief moment of shame that Squeak had managed where she had failed. However, she consoled herself by remembering his current celebrity status. Good thing, too. Since Squeak had elected to tell the truth, she elaborated.
"My friend speaks the truth, your excellency. We have been hired by the Brelish crown to track down a very dangerous fugitive, his name is Lucan. He has stolen a cursed sword of enormous powers. We confronted him on the road from Sharn, but he eluded us and made it to this fair city. Our only clue is your name. We don't know if you're an intended contact or victim, but we're really hoping for your cooperation, so we can apprehend him before more people die."
Action 3:
Bronwyn felt a flush of excitement as the music picked up in tempo. Finally things were going to get interesting.
The wizard became engrossed in dancing and barely noticed anything around her. Even Tanis just became a prop for her to use for her amusement.
Lucina continued to skulk around the conversation. Naturally being a distrusting person, Lucina winced slightly as she overhead Squeak's immediate honesty. However, she did not notice anything but surprise in the woman's face. She frowned slightly as the trio retreated to a side area where she could not discreetly follow, so instead she focused her attention once more on watching the crowd, looking for anyone who seemed to be observing the ambassador's exit.
"It's not really a cover." Squeak explained "I am actually a baker, as well as a surgeon, smith, alchemist, siege engineer and Quality Assurance Officer."
"My friend speaks the truth, your excellency. We have been hired by the Brelish crown to track down a very dangerous fugitive, his name is Lucan. He has stolen a cursed sword of enormous powers. We confronted him on the road from Sharn, but he eluded us and made it to this fair city. Our only clue is your name. We don't know if you're an intended contact or victim, but we're really hoping for your cooperation, so we can apprehend him before more people die."
"I suspect the sword may have stolen him." Squeak added "Based on the sudden change in behaviour."
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
"I believe you are about to see him now, then." Squeak responded "Is he likely to be friend or foe?"
"This is a personal matter. The sword has killed a member of my House. Destroyed the reputation of my Ward's relative. It needs to be stopped."
Lucina's eyes widened as she saw the red hair. Finally! She thought to herself. Now to tell the others...Vi and Squeak will have to wait, their current mission is more important. Palisade is...? Probably watching Bronwyn like a hawk and Bronwyn is....? She looked over to see the young woman dancing away, seemingly without a care in the world and let out a deep sigh. She approached her and grabbed her by the arm. Turning to Bronwyn's dance partner, she mumbled, "Um...I need to borrow Bronwyn for things...Uh...girls things...like...talking about dresses and...er...boys."
It wasn't the best cover in the world, but she hoped that her overall awkwardness all night would camouflage her current weirdness.
Once she had Bronwyn and Palisade alone, she muttered to them, "Over by the south wall. Red hair. Owl mask. Looks as unhappy as me to be here..." Once the others got a chance to see her, she added, "The brother can't be far."
Lucina's eyes widened as she saw the red hair. Finally! She thought to herself. Now to tell the others...Vi and Squeak will have to wait, their current mission is more important. Palisade is...? Probably watching Bronwyn like a hawk and Bronwyn is....? She looked over to see the young woman dancing away, seemingly without a care in the world and let out a deep sigh. She approached her and grabbed her by the arm. Turning to Bronwyn's dance partner, she mumbled, "Um...I need to borrow Bronwyn for things...Uh...girls things...like...talking about dresses and...er...boys."
It wasn't the best cover in the world, but she hoped that her overall awkwardness all night would camouflage her current weirdness.
Once she had Bronwyn and Palisade alone, she muttered to them, "Over by the south wall. Red hair. Owl mask. Looks as unhappy as me to be here..." Once the others got a chance to see her, she added, "The brother can't be far."
Bronwyn was slightly annoyed to be interrupted but also knew that Lucina wouldn't do this if there wasn't good reason. Smiling apologetically at Tanis, she leaned in and whispered, "Actually, she wanted a turn at dancing. You don't mind do you?" With that, Bronwyn took Lucina's hands, "Let me lead and try not to look horrified," and spun her around the perimeter of the dance floor until they could exit near Palisade.
The wizard was obviously enjoying herself as she deposited Lucina next to the 'forged. "So, what's up?"
After Lucina had explained herself, Bronwyn offered, "I'll go and distract her for a bit and you see if you can narrow down where Lucan is. We're all in masks so I'll just be a persistent 'friend' who mistakes her for someone else." A determined look came into Bronwyn's eyes, "She won't be able to get rid of me that easily."
With that, Bronwyn started to make her way through the crowd towards the owl masked red head. Coming to a stop before her, she greeted her excitedly, "Laurella!" She followed this up with grasping the woman by the shoulders and air kissing both her cheeks. "I'd know you anywhere. What have you been up to since school ended? The music is fantastic, isn't it? Have you had a chance to dance yet? If not, I know a great partner."
Let's wait to see what Vi (who's also holding up my Rebel's game) does... :)
Game on!
Lucina looked predictably unhappy to be lead across the dance floor by Bronwyn. However, the surly woman was not so ungraceful as one might guess and was able to navigate across the floor without damaging anyone's toes.
--
Lucina groaned as Bronwyn immediately flew across the floor to speak to Grilsha. If asked, she would have said that she was frustrated that her companions seemed so determined to out themself. In reality, though she would never admit it, her concern may have been something closer to empathy for the seemingly introverted Grilsha who was about to have all of Bronwyn's extroversions unleashed upon her. Skulking back to a corner, she still obeyed Bronwyn's directive and began trying to scour the crowd for anyone who might be expressing concern at his sisters persistent new 'friend'.
Action 2
Piedra bit back a frown - she was sure the ambassador was lying about not having heard from Lucan lately. However, she wasn't going to accuse her of lying. This required...delicacy.
"I'm sure that's true, your excellency. After all, he's been in Sharn for some time. Perhaps he sent you a message? We wouldn't bother you about it if it weren't a matter of life and death."
Action 3
"As far as the Brelish crown is concerned, we ARE the professionals," Piedra said, drawing herself up to her full height. She regretted coming as a gnome- they were too easy to dismiss. Good thing she was with Squeak - though she barely came up to his midsection.
"Trust me, this is no game. Our teammember's uncle's life was destroyed by this sword. It is vital that we get it away from Lucan, before more people die. If he loses control with it someplace like this, the loss of life would be catastrophic. Please, anything you can do to help us will earn you the gratitude of the Brelish crown."
Slowly, Vi realized that there was nothing they could say to the ambassador that would make her take the threat seriously. She was like a child playing a game. Mention of a secret nearly made her explode with anger; she hastily bit back a curse.
When she asked for a secret, Vi sighed. "How's this for a secret? Don't tell anybody, okay?" She stared at the ambassador for a moment, memorizing her features; then slowly and deliberately changed her features to mirror Krell's own. It was the only thing she could think of on short notice that might get the woman's attention. After mirroring her shocked expression, she let her features relax back to changeling grey, then she took up the mantle of Piedra again.
tag?
She giggled, “So what would I get if I pointed him out to you?”
How about I don't shove Ice in your leg? Sighing, Vi said, "How about a favour? You've seen what I can do. I'll mimic whoever you want, for a few minutes, for whatever purpose you want, shy of killing anybody."
“I am not Laurella and I do not know you. Now please leave me alone, I’m looking for someone.”
Bronwyn giggled, "Nonsense! Your owl mask is almost an exact match for your familiar Gerard. Just because you may not want to admit to some of the shenanigans that we got up to when we were younger is no reason to pretend you don't know me. I have quite a few stories to tell your friends or by chance, husband? Who are you here with?"
waiting on at least one more post, which probably won't be from Palisade...
Relieved, Squeak shut up and let Vi do the talking. 'How did she realise the woman was hiding something? This is so confusing!' Instead, not wanting to be overheard, he sent the domino masked waiters off to fetch wine and ice cream, and then concentrated on producing the rumbliest, lowest pitch tone he could.
Squeak looked to Vi in confusion "Report?"
Action 1:
Bronwyn watched incredulously as the woman in the owl mask scrambled away. "Well that was extremely rude! You have not aged gracefully, Laurella," the wizard muttered to no one in particular. It seems like we've found Lucina's long-lost sister.
Not that Grilsha's awkward escape deterred Bronwyn. Quickly finding Tanis, Bronwyn followed the woman back on to the dance floor to better keep an eye on her. With Grilsha's red hair and her partner being a gnome, it wasn't difficult to keep them in sight.
Lucina rubbed her temple. She had no clue how to find Lucan and Grilsha was fleeing Bronwyn far too quickly for her to figure at out. They needed to stay close to her to find him, so as far as she could see she only had one option and she didn't like it at all. She had to be social. Approaching over to Bronwyn, she chastised her, hoping that Grilsha would hear it as she fled. "She says she doesn't know you. Just leave her be!"
Walking off with a sigh, she watching as Grilsha moved awkwardly around the dance floor. If the two were as similar as she thought, she suspected the spy's sister would look for the first opportunity to escape the dance ruse. Once Grilsha retreated back to a quiet corner, Lucina moved to hover nearby. She began muttering grumpily out loud for the other woman's benefit, "Aren't these things awful? Frivolous affairs...filled with the spoiled spawns of nobles who have never heard the word no a day in their lives."
Well, I got to keep the game moving along otherwise people will get tired of all this socializing and no killing bad guys. :)
You can always go back and keep trying.
I'll roll it for you. I do appreciate PCs stretching out of their box; it makes for a much more fun game in my book. :)
In general, are you guys OK with all this 'non-traditional' RPing? I mean it's not too many games that spend a lot of time visiting a PC's home for dinner or baking a cake. :)
Just wanted to take the pulse and make sure everyone is still having fun.
Thoughts?
Game on!
PS: I intend to move things along later today.
So...
Bronwyn is watching Grilsha.
Lucina attempts to talk to Grilsha.
Squeak asked Vi for a report.
What is Vi and Palisade (and Squeak) doing?
I'd like a little more input before moving things along.
If nothing else comes to mind then fine, I have my own series of events that will occur but these will be hard to stop once they start.
Questions?
Game on!
Sorry, no time to post tonight, or tomorrow until after dinner. Vi will report to Squeak that she lost control of the situation and wasn't able to offer a fair exchange of information. How about if we take out one of the waiters, and Vi takes his spot? Then I have an excuse to stick close to Krell. Sorry I can't write that up. [/ooc]
I like the non-traditional nature of it.
I grant you it doesn't exactly fit neatly with Pathfinder mechanics.
Squeak is quote nervous about getting the chef in trouble, so is likely to be reactive. Note that he is expecting to react harshly!
I can see him trying to talk to Grilsha if he is made aware, but I'm not sure that's a good idea...
The guards, too few for sure, are all gnomes with those nasty gnome pick/hammers.
I'll move this along later today.
Questions?
Game on!
Squeak, worried about the chef, concentrated on keeping everything perfect. While he looked around for Lucan, he was terrible at telling humans apart. 'Why couldn't they have been made with glyphs?' he wondered.