Morgrym will take up a disguise and place himself in the artifact room and his trusty comlaniin will be underground beneath him
"Excellent research."
"Thank you for mostly seeing reason, Professor." Cretien says, continuing, "And if you do decide to endanger existence as we know it by showing the true relic to someone, where would that be taking place? I shall personally be guarding that location the entire night, as literally no other thing is of as singular importance as those devices. Even in the room they are in, they should be covered from view even of the guards. The creatures we count among our enemies can move through solid matter as well, so some manner of visibility will be necessary. I suggest the items be wrapped in cloth and lead, then the lead casing be on a raised pedestal behind glass if possible so that no creature could move up even through the pedestal without being seen."
To his companions (and the other Professor if he is present), Cretien adds, "Be wary tonight, we have to assume our enemy knows of the ruse we have wrought. Any disturbance could be a distraction. I will be watching our ward in the area it resides. If anyone asks for me, I am elsewhere on classified business, and that is no lie. I will not be responding to anything less than an extreme emergency."
Johnathan grins happily, glad to have been able to help. He seems especially flattered by Cretien's approval.
"I'll be in the Plaza... maybe I can spot trouble coming and give us some early warning."
Falko and John
Weber says, "I will reserve that for a private showing for tomorrow. The two other artifacts remain in the safest place in Flint at the governor's house."
Weber then looks at his list and says, "Ah, well it's good that the Jierre chief of security is coming early. He should be on his way from the Danoran Consulate now.' he looks at his notes. 'Security Chief Julian LeBrix, apparently' he pauses and says 'Know him?'
At the museum
Where do you guys want me so stand guard ? So if i understand magic is really required to fight those things. Good thing we brought plenty of that with us he says with a smile
Angus
Then, the Danoran security chief Julian LeBrix enters the museum. He's delighted to see you here. 'Professor Dufresne! Great to see you again, things have been a bit exciting'
Introductions are made, and LeBrix explains how he moved back to Danor following the Incident of the Dying Skyseer. 'I arrived with Lya Jierre last night by ship. She is staying with the King. I just want to go over security arrangements for tonight.'
He walks over the exhibit with you, pointing out weak places and so forth, and seems generally happy with the situation. 'Our primary concern is the Docker element', he admits. 'I'm surprised they are even attending.' He takes out the invitation list. 'This Thames Grimsley is a docker leader, agitating for workers rights and stuff. He's caused trouble at Danoran owned factories before. Why would he even want to come to an educational gala? And this 'Rock Rackus'? Not exactly an educated man, I gather. His 'Jailbreak' number is going to attract the wrong crowd. We also have information that a group of Vekeshi Mystics are currently attempting to assassinate him. The situation could get rapidly out of control.'
'Danor - and when I say Danor I mean both Danor, and the Queen-to-be of Risur - would be grateful if the rabble element were excluded from tonight's festivities on the grounds of security.'
'Of course', Professor Weber agrees sycophantically. 'I never wanted that riff-raff anyway. Thames Grimsely was only invited because the Mayor wants to make peace between labor and the factory owners. I'll remove his invite immediately. Rock Rackus is more complicated, as he has a genuine interest in Ancient artifacts, but I agree he does attract uneducated docker elements that bring down the tone. But he has made some very generous contributions to the museum in the past and he is a celebrity. Perhaps the RHC could advise him to remain away due to an ongoing threat to his life?'
"Is there no fee to attend that keeps away the low-income element? I thought this was a fundraiser..."
Weber says, "There is supposed to be a concert after the gala in front of the Gala but to come inside one has to be carrying a ticket. Rackus is an unpredictable sort but a great contributor to the historical record."
Lebrix says "Do you have any other suggestions, Professor Dufresne? How have things been with you? Lady Jierre is very interested in knowing how well the carriage is coming, she will probably ask you that when she sees you this evening."
"I think my suggestions have been taken as well-in-hand as they will be, though I can't say the events of the past few weeks haven't infused me with a bit of lighthearted nihilism. As for the carriage, though my time has been very tight, I have made something of a prototype. It is not aesthetically pleasing yet, just bare bones utility for testing purposes. Once I am sure the important elements are in place, I will work on a more beautiful model. How have things been in Danor?"
Morgrym is in the main artifact room acting as a dignitary that the professor said he could be and his little friend is under his feet in the earth.
Asher will go back and forth between the Entrance and the Plaza, keeping an eye on people. He's dressed in a colorful suit not of his choice, and carries his gun in an elegant, clipped sheath on his back. Something that would fit in with a proper gathering.
Cretien will be patrolling primarily between zones 4 and 11 to ensure the artifacts are safe and also no one is coming in the loading bay. He will wear his RHC parade armor so he is presentable but also definitely looks on-duty.
(Id be wearing my chain shirt under my jacket. Not necessarily trying to hide that I'm wearing armor, just politely covering it.
Angus will be with Cretien as well.
Professor Weber opens the doors at 7pm on the dot and stands in the central hall nervously, as well-dressed people and the odd scruffy group enter in dribs and drabs. By seven-thirty the Museum is almost full and you spot several familiar faces in the crowd, who come up and say hello.
Finona Duvall, Danoran archaeologist, greets you warmly. 'So great to see you guys again. I'm so excited to see these artifacts. Weber looks stressed!"
Benedict Pemberton, the famous industrialist, enters and looks around and he spends some time speaking earnestly with Flint Governor Governor Roland Stanfield.
Hewerd Sechim, alchemist and nephew of the last Skyseer hugs Cretien, Angus, Johnathan and Falko. 'I'll never be able to thank you for saving my factory from those arsonists. And for all you did to help my uncle' He turns to John and says 'He had high hopes for you' he says. 'And now I see why.'
Morgan Cippriano, the well-dressed and high-ranking don in the 'Family' who also goes by the moniker of 'Godfather', who assisted you during your last case, comes and shakes your hands and introduces himself to the newer member of the group. 'Bonjourno, the new recruits. Well, you may be aware that my coffee shop and other business interests are always at the disposition of the RHC. We share a similar dislike of the psychopathic local crime lord Lorcan Kell. I trust our little understanding continues, si?'
A trumpet sounds outside and a noisy carriage pulls in. LeBrix stands to attention by the door as the Danoran Minster for Foreign Affairs - and fiance of the King of Risur - Lya Jierre, strides into the museum. On either side are two strange bodyguards you saw before on Axis Island: a snide half-elf with over-muscled arms who carries a pair of elaborately decorated platinum rods, slotted into holsters at his hips; and a hulking half-deaf half-orc with a massive steel helmet and a long cashmere-topped walking staff. Lya spots you and waves regally, and walks across the room to say hello.
Meanwhile, Rock Rackus has appeared. His entrance is untrumpeted but greeted with far more enthusiasm by a half-drunk large group of dockers hanging out by the free wine bar. Thames Grimsley is there chatting animatedly with Falko. When Rock enters Thames gets the Dockers to quieten down. 'Shh. Save it for the song in an hour guys, we don't want to make a fuss.'
Seeing Cretien, Lya Jierre walks over to him with her entourage and says, "Professor Dufrene, I did not expect to see you here this evening, I was planning on paying a visit to RHC HQ tomorrow morning but luckily, I have the time speak to you now." a she offers the top of her hand to you.
Cretien responds appropriately, before saying, "Yes, my lady , we are here to ensure the safety of the people from the artifacts, as best we can anyway. They have brought nothing but calamity since they were unearthed, so if I may advise one such as yourself, keep your men close. I'm sure you heard the reports from when the staff went off."
Johnathan looks down embarrassed by Hewerd. "A long way to go still."
He'll mingle with the crowd, politely deflecting most conversation and keeping an eye out for anyone suspicious.
Morgrym will continue to closely monitor the crowd and watxh the artifacts looking at them as if studying them
Jierre nods at what Cretien says and then asks, "The consulate gave a write up of what was in the paper but what really happened at the Fare a month ago? By the by King Aodhan and I are extremely excited to see your prototype carriage. Maybe we can swing by next week. I will be going to Slate to meet with him and then be back before catching my ship back to Cherage."
Heward says, "Constable Holbrook, you shouldn't sell yourself short. Anyway, if you need anything you are always welcome at mines."
Grimsley smiles and says, "Not a problem, constable." he then follows Falko off to the side for a chat.
Falko
"The staff was activated and otherworldly creatures seeped through. We are unsure if they are related to other creatures we have seen, but they appeared to be hovering ball creatures with unnaturally large mouths who existed simply to destroy. We have, in addition, witnessed the handiwork of ghostly creatures that can pry the brain out of a victim. According to the research of one of the constables in my squad, they are affected by strong thoughts more so than weapons, so bear that in mind should you need to defend yourself, my lady. We are unsure if weapons are wholly ineffective, but if they have no flesh that may be the case."
Cretien takes a breath before continuing, "As for the carriage, I have a prototype available to see. It very clearly favors function over form at this stage, the aesthetic accoutrements shall be added later."
Angus will stay on watch and will be as far away from Rock and the dockers as possible
Jierre nods to Cretien and says, "I will then take a quick glimpse of the artifacts and take my leave, see you in a few days, professor."
And with that she and her entourage walk past and look at the artifacts and then leave the gala.
Rock sees Angus and gives him a dirty look and then makes his way over to Falko and says, "Constable, thank you once again for helping me. Are you going to get on stage with me later, I heard you had some skill."
Falko
Johnathan walks over to Falko. "Something wrong?"
Johnathan moves over to Falko seeing that he had left his agreed upon position and the docker goes off to the side to try and get some of his fellow dock worker most likely to get the Rock and Grimsley.
As Falko points John nonchalantly to the skylight....
The skylight above the Ancient gala hall shatters, and a woman in black leather falls 40 ft towards the floor until she is jerked by her carabiner clipped onto the silk rope amid the crashing glass. After the jolt she releases the clip rolls onto the floor, stands up and then she flicks her head to adjust a braid of red hair, revealing Xambria’s face. But something in her eyes is different—cold, calculating, alien. You can barely recognize her; none of her humor is left. She carries Xambria’s old miner’s pick, but does not wear the golden icon necklace you’ve seen her with every time before.
One of the museum's guards takes a step toward her, but she pulls back her miner’s pick as a threat, and he pauses. A hush falls over the crowd. 'You know,' Xambria says as she glances at a diorama depicting Ancient dress, 'they really didn’t look like that. You all clearly don’t know what you’re dealing with, so just give me what I want and none of you have to die.'
Asher watches this from afar, not acting yet and giving Falko a chance to talk her down.
If Asher thinks he could get away with taking a few slow steps out of line of sight with Xambria without setting her off, he'll do so. Once out of sight, he'll take his weapon out, and be ready to act once sounds of conflict begin.
Xambria looks expressionlessly at Falko as he speaks to her, and points at him calmly with a black-gloved finger. 'Levity, ha! Stay back, or face the consequence. This won't take long.'
She twists her hand so it's facing flat, directly over the (fake) artifacts and the real one. For a second nothing happens, just a sort of a deep thrum that only Falko and Johnathan can feel, then the glass cases explode. The crowd screams and a little girl faints. Xambria keeps her hand like that, and the three artifacts start to very gently to levitate towards her. Slowly rising up through the air.
'Noone move', she warns. The crowd remains still, enthralled. A few people at the margins are creeping out but most of them just watch in a mix of fascination and horror.
Asher dips behind the statue and arms himself.
Falko jumps and grabs the amulet in mid air and holds onto it. As he does so Dr. Meredith slams her pick in his direction missing the attack as the other two items continue to float towards her.
Rock says to Grimsley, "We gotta gets da Falks back ya heard"
Initiative: Asher , John , Angus , Morgrym , Rock , Thames
Order: Dr. Meredith, Falko, Rock, Asher, Thames, Morgym, Angus, John and Cretien
Round 1
Meredith simultaneously slams her pick at Falko , Falko is able to avoid the hit.
And also psychically attacks Johnathan ranged touch, hitting for DC 17 Will pass
Falko
use Magic to beat her was the advice He remembered as he rushed into combat
AOO on Falko miss
Rock Rackus double moves toward where Falko is to see what is going on.
Asher