|
Lady Vanessa catches the look that Anstrella gives upon seeing the contents of her bag.
Mmmm, zhis vun looks like zhe dominant, commanding sort. I do like zhat riding crop she's ... fondling, too. If I'm not mistaken, it's vun made by Christian Grey of Opparra - just like vun ov mine.
As she repacks her handbag, she maintains eye contact with Anstrella. She keeps her head slightly lowered with a seductive smile and looks out from beneath partially lidded eyes. Finished repacking, she glides around the table to Anstrella. She barely breaks stride to note Thysius' comment, and nods to him thankfully.
"Major Trelax, (it is Major, yes?) I'm so sorry for zhis interruption in your very busy night. Zhese galas must be soooo awwwwfully stressful for a voman ov your importance. So, it's vith zhat in mind zhat I beg you not to bozher yourself vith us. Ve vere asked to give zhis to zhe Ambassador himself, and it vould just be a vaste of your precious time to have to deal vith it."
"You know, daahling, if you need a massage after such a stressful event, I might know a voman vith excellent ... skills..." she finishes in a sultry whisper meant only for Anstrella's ears.
|
Lady Vanessa's personal appeal, with a little help from Thysius, makes quite the impression on the duty officer. Anstrella Trelax blushes above her tight collar.
"Very well. I will arrange to have the ambassador see you, but he is truly busy for the time being."
"Ailena Hospar, lead these guests to the waiting room. I must attend to other matters." With that, the duty officer returns to the room behind the clerk's desk.
Fortunately, the clerk is so preoccupied with getting her fix, she doesn't question the halfling's presence at the door to the security office, and she merely herds him along with the rest of the party into the adjoining waiting room.
The room is sparsely furnished with only a few old chairs and a couch. Two doors—one to the east and another to the west—lead elsewhere within the embassy.
After being led here by the clerk, you're locked in and left alone. The only other door out of the room is locked as well, but shortly after you're placed in the room, you can hear the interior door unlock and open a crack.
Venture-Captain Amari Lee enters the waiting room with a finger to her lips for silence. She casts a message spell.
She whispers, "Only use this spell sparingly. I can't be seen constantly whispering to myself at the gala. You'll only have about an hour to retrieve the evidence and information you need and get back to the waiting area undetected." She hands you a set of keys. "The keys include the key to the doors in this room, another regular door key to what was Zarta's receiving room, and an odd key that ends in the shape of an Asmodean cross. Not sure what it unlocks."
|
|
"I need to get back to the gala, before I'm missed." Amara turns to leave.
"You just need to make your way to Zarta’s chambers—they’re in the southwest corner of the residential wing, but you’ll have to find a route that doesn’t draw the attention of, or raise suspicion with, the gala’s attendees and residents of the embassy."
---
The short hallway doesn’t appear to get much use. The only other door is locked, but the hall ends at a set of crimson draperies hanging from the ceiling to the south.
Beyond the draperies lies the North Gallery. You can probably wait in this empty hallway without fear of being seen while you figure out how to proceed.
|
|
"An hour, eh? " Barbo digs through his small backpack with blue fingers. After a moment he sighs and pulls his hand out. "I nearly forgot! " He flicks his wrist and a wand pops out of his sleeve. "You never know when a door hides an assassin, especially in Cheliax. " He looks at the wand for a moment, his face sad. Or an assassin vine. Poor Seltiel.
Snapping out of it, he quickly says the trigger word, releasing an invisible force which blankets his body. "So, what's our play? Do we send an invisible scout forward first? Or perhaps we give this door a try? " He motions to the eastern, locked, door. "You never know where we might find information about our dear missing Zarta. "
While the group plans, he says a few more arcane words and snaps his fingers. "Jeeves, COME. " He looks at an empty area of the room with great interest. "Good boy. Now, we're being sneaky today. I know. You're already invisible. Very sneaky. So proud. " He looks at his companions, motions to the empty space and mouths 'Can you believe this guy?' He stares at the thin air with earnest. "So, you can't hold my wands today. That would look a little odd. However, STAY right behind me. If this turns ugly, I will ask you to fetch my wands from my bag. But for now, STAY. " He nods, content that his order will be followed. Looking around he asks again. "So, the door, an invisible scout, or all of us sneaky-like? "
|
|
"Barbo, dear, I don't know zhat our scout needs to be invisible. Maybe just a kwvick recon ov vhatever lies beyond zhis curtain by vun ov our little friends vould do," she says looking at Fuzzfoot, Quetta, and the ever-adorable Mr. Sunshine. Somehow, Babe doesn't get the same attention.
Whomever volunteers gets a quick blessing before heading out into the corridor.
"As for zhe keys, I can put zhem in my bag vith my ozher keys and locks..."
"But ve shouldn't linger here long, eizher vay."
|
|
Barbo looks at Lady Vanessa for a moment. "Quick... yes, I always forget that is an option. These knees haven't been speedy in a few decades." He points to the offending joints with a grimace. To many years bending down to the bottom shelves, and studying without exercise. He looks down at Babe and gives her a quick pat on the head. You're just cute. And that's ok.
Looking Fuzzfoot up and down, he nods. "Yes, you look quite impressive. Perhaps you can show these Chelaxians what Halflings are made of!"
|
Dear Zarta?!?.. it's not as if she isn't a devil-worshiping sadist." (loading the Shocking Grasp wand into one spring loaded wrist sheath and Magic Missile wand into the other). Winds begin to swirl around Thysius (Breeze-kissed is active).
"Going forward with stealth is all fine and dandy... what is our contingency plan if we encounter a hostile foe? Are we taking prioners or are we sending them to the bowels of Asmodeus' realm?" (nodding to imply his preference for the later) "I have my own preferences, but I am good with either."
|
"Um...couldn't we try just knocking them out first?" Fran asks timidly, a bit alarmed at how quick Thysius seems to be willing to resort to violence. "Even though I know the Venture-Captain didn't specifically say not to kill anyone, it seems like it would cause a dreadful complication, what with having to hide the body and all."
"A-anyway, I'm sure Kitty could help snoop around," Fran continues. "He could shadow Fuzzfoot or have a peek somewhere else. And he's probably not going to draw as much notice if someone spots him."
________
|
|
(taking a very serious look at Fran)"You do know who these people are right? You know what government they represent, right? They trade in human flesh and misery... devil-worshiping filth!" (teeth clenched at the end).
"I am sure the Venture Captain knew good and well that I am among the finest swords in Absalom. I am fine with us trying the subtle approach, but if things go bad... I just want the rest of you to know I am not ending up in the hold of a slave ship bound for who-knows-where!"
(looking at Mr. Sunshine)"He's a familiar right?(looking at Fran)"A magical creature attuned to you, right? I wonder what types of magics of detection might be in use within this foul pit. Is there anyway to mask his magical nature in case someone spots him? I think a magical cat running around might attract some attention.
If Mr. Sunshine was a small devil...none of these Chelaxian dregs would give it a second thought... but a cute and otherwise adorable kitten... that's going to freak them out. Unless we glue some tendrils or horns onto him. (Chuckles softly)
|
"Trust me, I have had to defend myself and my friends before, but I think we should at least try to leave no bodies."
Fuzzy tiptoes up to the curtain and takes a peak, taking care not to set off any alarms or traps.
Curiosity gets the better of him, though, and he pops open the lock due east as well, just to see what is behind the locked door.
|
|
Lady Vanessa shuffles around with Fran as Fuzzfoot sneaks a peek then goes back to the door. As he passes her enroute to the curtain, she assumes he's going scouting, and blesses him with a little insight.
"Thysius, dear, please," she begins, hoping to cool him down a bit. She puts on her best "sweet and charming" look and pops out her fan to cool her own face off.
Normally zhat bloodtsirsty talk vould get me ... excited. But zhis isn't zhe time.
"Let's try to remember zhat zhere's a gala going on out zhere vith a ballroom full of Absalom's nobles, including Amara Li. So if zhey attack us, zhen zhey're hostile. If zhey merely talk to us, or even better, ignore us, zhen we don't kill zhem - okay, daahling?"
|
|
Einn follows the group into the waiting room silently. That didn't work. Let Lady Vanessa talk. She's much better at it.
When Barbo summons Jeeves she gives Barbo a smile. "Too bad Jeeves couldn't help on our last mission. Poor Seltyel." She uses her own wand of Mage Armor on herself, and then uses her wand of Shield.
"One second Fuzzyfoot. Would you like to be invisible or save it for later?" She looks content to let him decide which door to go through first.
|
|
Mr. Sunshine's ears ring with sound clanking pots and pans, the hiss of boiling soups and sauces, the crackling of hearth fires, and many voices talking. She smells food cooking and lots of human sweat.
Fuzzfoot doesn't spot any traps on the door along the east wall of the hallway, and the halfling hears the same sounds as the kitten. None of the keys work, but the rogue makes short work of the door's lock. He peeks inside.
These kitchens (A6) are very busy right now. Fortunately, with the gala well underway, the cooks are far too busy to think in terms of embassy security.
Before Fuzzfoot picks the lock on the door to the kitchens, he peeks through the curtain to the south.
The north gallery (A5) is a hallway, bustling with servant activity, that runs along the north edge of the grand ballroom and is separated from it by heavy red curtains. To the east, the hallway extends beyond the ballroom with a door that might lead to the gardens. Through a door on the north side of the hallway comes the racket of the kitchen. This is the hallway that the embassy’s servants use to move food, dishes, and other supplies between the kitchens and the ballroom and foyer where the gala is in full swing. Loud discussion and music can be heard through the curtains as the guests enjoy themselves.
|
|
After Fuzzyfoot and Mr. Sunshine share their information Einn askes a couple of questions and makes a suggestion, "I don't think the kitchens are much use to us right now. What about the hallway? We can try to disguise ourselves well enough to pass as servants, and head further into the embassy to the south. I want to stay away from the receiving room to the west."
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Einn, dearie, I agree zhat ve should stay avay from zhe entrance area. But, daahling, do you reeaaly tsink I can pass as a servant?" she asks with one raised brow and a wave of her hand across her body that could have any number of meanings.
"Vhat did I say to Fran earlier about confidence? You're my entourage. Ve'll eizher valk straight tsrough zhe gala, or around zhe building tsrough zhe gardens."
I'm still peeved zhat my invitation to zhis gala vas lost. Unless... zhey didn't invite me because zhey know how ... close ... I am to Zarta. Yes, ov course, zhat must be zhe case.
And with that, Lady Vanessa steps out from the small space into the main servant's corridor and peeks through the large curtain, attempting to ascertain how hard it would be to get her "entourage" through the main reception without drawing too much notice.
|
|
"Very well, servant it is."
The halfling tugs on his sleeves, and suddenly he is wearing a uniform identical to the servants running back and forth.
With that, he pops out into the hallway and heads to the east door, knowing that to the west leads to guards and security.
If the doors are open, he walks through to see what is on the other side. If locked, he will pick them if no one else is in the hallway.
We passed a closet-like room on the way to the waiting area. I wonder if it might have uniforms for the others to borrow?
|
|
Lady Vanessa steps out from behind the curtain and into the bustling hallway, almost knocking over a servant trying to balance a tray of cocktail glasses full of sparkling wine.
Noting the dhampir's extravagant dress and haughty demeanor, the servant bites down on the curse that was about to pass his lips. He locates a slit in the massive curtain to the south and enters the Grand Ballroom (A7).
Lady Vanessa gets a brief glimpse inside. This enormous ballroom takes advantage of the building’s vaulted ceilings to look even more extravagant than it otherwise would. Fluted columns carved in the shapes of various devils soar to the ceiling on the north and south ends of the room, hard up against the elegant crimson curtains through which servants continuously pass bearing food, drink, or serving ware. Diplomats, merchants, and nobles mingle as a chamber orchestra plays near the eastern wall, into which beautiful stained glass windows and open double doors to a balcony are set. Two sets of open double doors lead west toward a well-appointed foyer.
The sous chef opens the door to the kitchen, looking for someone or something. "Waldo, where did you--" He looks down at the halfling working over the locked door. "What in the nine hells do you think you're doing, slip?"
|
|
"Me? Sorry, sir. I am new here, and was told to come fetch a pitcher of water for Anstrella Trelax, who is parched and waiting. She has a reputation for being, well, unforgiving to those such as myself. I got confused and thought it was through here, and I dare not make her wait! No, I dare not. She will probably have me beaten for the time I have taken already. Or worse... I will forever be in your debt if you can help me?"
|
|
Lady Vanessa smiles at Fuzzfoot's improv then grabs a glass of red wine from a passing servant and steps back to the curtain concealing her teammates.
"Ah, zhere you all are. Come, come, ve're going to zhe gahhhdens," she says, adding a bit of extra volume and imperiousness to her words.
She turns down the hall toward the chef. "You zhere, Master Chef," she calls out while waving her free hand at him to get his attention.
She sips the wine as she approaches, smiling at the nice Chelish vintage.
"Somezhing from zhe Iseld region, I believe, yes? Somevhere near Misarius, if I'm not mistaken, is zhat right, Master Chef? My entourage and I got a little lost looking for zhe gardens. Please be so kind as to show us zhe vay,"
|
|
Fran sighs and bends down, scooping Mr. Sunshine up in her arms. "It will be alright, Kitty. Now come on, we need to give Lady Vanessa our support!" she whispers as she steps out into the hallway as well.
Okay Fran, be confident...act like you're supposed to be here!
"Ah...yes, you see the Lady really likes nothing more than a lovely stroll before attending any sort of social function," Fran adds, trying to sound relaxed. "It's a wonderful mental palate cleanser!"
|
|
Hurrying up to the group, Barbo whispers, "Don't forget. We have the two scrolls of, well, you know. And the two elixirs of, well, you know." He gives an exaggerated wink, so happy with himself.
He looks down at his robes and frowns. "I'm a fairly disheveled valet. I must have other uses..." He looks up at the others and opens his mouth in shock. "Not like that! Like, magic tricks and stuff."
|
|
Eyeing the entourage heading his way, the man's attitude shifts from bullying to obsequiousness, "Merely the sous chef, madame." He jerks a thumb at Fuzzfoot. "This slip belong to you? Caught the little bugger jimmying the lock. Free folk or slaves, they're all thieves at heart. Best watch your valuables, with one them in your service." A loud voice booms from inside the kitchen. "'Scuse me, m'lady. Chef's calling." He heads back into the kitchen.
|
|
Fuzzfoot rolls his eyes as the nasty cook returns to his kitchen. "Well, my mere presence her may be causing too much notice. How long do those scrolls last? Perhaps we should change my appearance even more? Or, I could get smaller..."
"In any case, what's your plan for getting us around? Place seems too busy to use stealth."
|
|
Einn breathes a sigh of relief, and gives Fuzzyfoot a wink, "Perhaps we should remove him from sight. Mr. Fuzzyfoot does appear to be causing notice." She looks around the hallway.
|
|
Fuzzfoot realizes he's not the only halfling in service at the Embassy of Infernal Cheliax, and his glamored uniform is perfect. If only that sous chef hadn't stepped out of the kitchen just as he was trying to pick the lock on the door only a few feet away!
The hallway's bustling with servants heading to and from the kitchens and the Grand Ballroom. The service staff is far too busy to worry about a handful of people in the hallway, though, as long as nothing strange attracts their attention.
Of course, no one's yet seen the pig make its first grand entrance at a high diplomatic function...
|
|
Fuzzfoot is positive he wasn't able to open the lock. It looked to be of average quality, maybe locked for security, maybe to prevent guests from wandering into the area. The locks on exterior doors and in high security areas are probably more complex--they usually are, in the rogue's experience.
When Lady Vanessa peeked into the Grand Ballroom, she saw some of the dignitaries moving out into the gardens through open double doors in the eastern wall. Everyone is dressed in very fashionable attire. She didn't spot any pigs, but there was a woman with a long-haired cat, and a Tian man with a peacock.
|
|
(Looking in Einn's direction), "Lady Vanessa will undoubtedly blend in just fine. Perhaps Einn has a point, maybe a couple of us should be invisible just in case. The fewer of us they see walking around is probably for the better."
(Looking to everyone in the group), "Whatever we are going to do let's just do it fast!"
Whatever happens, it looks like we are in for quite a show!
|
|
Barbo stares at Einn, slightly shocked. "Babe is a very well behaved familiar! She'll fit in just fine next to that peacock. " He blushes, a little embarassed. At least I hope so. She did tinkle in the litter box, so that part is covered. He pulls out a scroll and looks at Fuzzfoot with an odd look. "Perhaps gnome would fit you better? A disguise might suit you well. "
|
|
Einn suggests a ballsy social 'Charge through the Grand Ballroom,' and the party discusses its available resources.
Earlier, during Fuzzfoot's scouting peek around the corner while everyone else was dealing with the clerk at the 'spy's entrance,' he saw a door in the corridor to the south. Then, when he opened the door and looked into the security office, he saw a door in the southern wall of that room, too.
Babe looks confused and a little worried. Surely, they don't mean to disguise me as a gnome! Oh, the humiliation!
|
|
After she makes sure everyone is ready, Lady Vanessa gathers her entourage, and heads out into the ballroom. Conversation in the immediate area stops as eyes fall upon her. She smiles at the first of the many nobles that she knows as she makes her way across the ballroom floor towards the curtained area to the south.
"Lord Smyth, how good to see you. Lady Smyth isn't vith you again? How convenient...."
"Countess Gohrink, you look maahvelous! Vhereever did you get zhose vunderful earrings?"
Curtseying deeply, "Baroness Ladlee, it's an honor to see you again. How is zhat dear niece ov yours?"
"Varmaster Loovingel, you've been vorking out," she says, stroking the upper arm and ego of the barrel-chested warrior. "I'm sure your stamina is much better too, yes, daahling....?"
Gushing over the tiny little bear-thing sitting on the shoulder of the next strapping young noble in her sights. "Marquis de Brottenville, vhat a cuuute little familiar. I'm unfamiliar vith zhe species, zhough. You'll tell me allll about it later, yes, my dear?"
As she approaches the southern curtain she is stopped by the hulking, white-haired form of one of her newest acquaintances. "Grand Raja Peejay, I vouldn't have expected to see you here. Vhat brings you to Absalom on such short notice?"
|
|
The assembled dignitaries greet Lady Vanessa with air kisses on both cheeks, though Varmaster Loovingel gets a little handsy. "Ah, Lady Vanessa! Your skin is as pale and smooth as I remember!" His blue-haired wife snatches him away from the dhampir's clutches before he can embarrass himself.
The Grand Raja Peejay, an old man sixteenth in line to the throne of the Padishah Empire, smiles and squints at Lady Vanessa's outstretched blue-veined hand. "Absalom is the self-proclaimed 'City at the Center of the World.' No better place to do business. I'm here to place a few commodities futures trades. There's a great deal of gold to be made in the lentils and pork bellies trade."
|
|
________
"Kitty, you may need to pretend like you're Lady Vanessa's pet while we're out there, okay?" Fran whispers down to Mr. Sunshine as the group prepares to brave the ballroom. "I bet some of those people would be really impressed to see you with her!"
Well aware that she's not going to fool anyone into thinking she's nobility with her current attire, Fran follows a few feet behind Lady Vanessa as a retainer or lady-in-waiting might. If anyone meets her eyes she does her best to smile and give a small curtsy of respect, but otherwise doesn't engage anyone in conversation on her own.
Come on Fran, you might not look the part but maybe you can act the part?
|
|
"Maow!"
Okay Fran, I'll do my best. But if anyone's mean to you out there or tries to hurt you then I will scratch them!
As the party files out into the Grand Ballroom, Mr. Sunshine strolls right along with them as though he has every right to be there - the natural confidence of his species hopefully a boon in this situation.
|
|
Einn is wearing her usual Ulfen robes. She quickly casts Prestidigitation on them to make them look more richly colored. She breathes out, and tries her best to look an exotic and mysterious woman from the north who is with Lady Vanessa.
"Lady Vanessa can you please introduce me to your handsome friend?" She gives the Grand Raja a slight smile, and a deep bow.
|
|
Eyes turn as the party files into the Grand Ballroom. Gentlemen cough and twist their mustachios. Ladies twitter behind elaborate fans.
Grand Raja Peejay puffs himself up, indignant. "Why, Lady Vanessa, you surprise me. Your web has always ensnared an eclectic circle of friends, but this particular, em, assemblage is a bit rustic for an event of this society."
The blue-haired wife of Varmaster Loovingel can't resist adding a comment of her own. "Lady Vanessa has certainly lived up to her reputation this evening. Whatever will the ambassador think, I wonder. He will definitely want to see this."
She cranes her thin neck about, searching for the Chelaxian diplomat. "Where has the man gone? I saw him speaking to that Tian woman only a moment ago. The gardens maybe? Husband, keep them here while I go find him."
|
|
"Grand Raja, my dear, rustic zhey may look, but I'm sure zhis entire gala vould look simply barbaric in zhe Padishah's courts, yes?
So, might I introduce Einn Sparkbearer, Freya ov her Clan and Merkis to vun ov zhe Ulfen Kveens, Vhite Estrid. Obviously, zheir idea of formal attire isn't exactly zhe same as Absalom's, or certainly Isfahel's."
"Madame Loovingel, yes, please, do scurry off and leave your husband vith me. I'm sure he'd like nossing better...." you b+%*+.
|
|
Barbo straightens his back and looks down his nose at the woman. "Lady Vanessa, I know you commanded us to be humble. But I just cannot. " He snaps his fingers and, in a blink of an eye, he is dressed in the same style as Lady Vanessa. His top is a bit less low cut, and the bottom of the robe covers his ankles, but it is without a doubt made by the same tailor as the Lady. "Lady, may we leave this spectacle? Perhaps the ambassador is through here. " He motions to the Southern curtains.