John follows the first swordlord with his eyes as he orders himself a cider, one he plans to nurse slowly over the course of the evening. He tries to discern any angle that might help Taranis' efforts in approaching her.
Jamandi receives the Baron's gratitude graciously. "It has been a pleasure, and a relief, to watch the light of civilization grow in your lands."
John finds her to be careful in her presentation, and difficult to read. The cider is delicious, however.
The Feast: Round 1 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: Discover Angle (Failure)
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: Influence (Success)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Bytor is going to mingle with Lord Lander of House Lebeda to Target his Weakness.
"Lord Lander, what an absolute delight to meet you! It is truly an honor for me!"
"Ah, you must be Redleaf's Grand Diplomat. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. Are you settling into the role?" Lebeda asks with a faint smile.
Bytor senses that Lander considers himself something of a cunning diplomat, and is eager to engage with others in a contest of words.
The Feast: Round 1 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Identify Weakness (Success)
John: Discover Angle (Failure)
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: Influence (Success)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Unrak figures that greasing wheels sometimes takes more than a single effort. With the knowledge he gained about Swordlord Aldori, he thinks he may be able to get further on her good side...
Greetings Swordlord! I hope my brother isn't boring you...have you heard any of the details of how we rescued the Varnhold survivors? Ye gods, what a battle with that lich!!
He goes into detail describing the combat, as well as some of the more thrilling battles leading up to it
Jamandi finds Unrak's tales quite intriguing, and listens carefully.
The Feast: Round 1 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Identify Weakness (Success)
John: Discover Angle (Failure)
Unrak: Influence (Success)
Taranis: Influence (Success)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Augrym is understandably upset that, as a student of Aldori himself, that the Swordlord is so surrounded. But, he will attempt to identify a weakness on Lady Natala in order to report back to Taranis as this is a likely connection for him.
"Good evening, potential new noble friend of House Surtova, Lady Natala. It is with great pleasure that I make your acquaintance. I hope to learn a little about you and introduce you to my great leader brother friend Taranis at some point during this evening. I am unaccustomed to such events but I bathed for the occasion and enjoyed the experience enough that I may do it again in the near future."
Augrym receives only a murmured "A pleasure," and a curt nod from Natala. He does, however, overhear some of her conversation with her maidservant, in which they discuss what scrolls discussing the Conquest the Mayor might have in his personal library. It would seem that Natala is particularly enthralled by legends of Choral the Conqueror and his dragons.
The Feast: Round 2 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: TBD
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Unrak mills about before heading toward Lord Drelev. He tries to get a read on the man.
Sir! Congratulations on your elevation! Quite an exciting time, isn't it? I'm Unrak Redleaf, Coucelor to Baron--soon to be Duke--Redleaf. I'm sure that even a small bit of cooperation between our respective parties would benefit us both, don't you think?
[b]My brother has found a good deal of success, in no small part because of surrounding himself with loyal friends. How fares your dukedom--if you don't mind my looking past your promotion?
<---SRSLY?!?!?!
Bytor visits with Mayor Ioseph Sellmius and tries to win over his influence with a touch of diplomacy.
"Mayor Sellemius, I am Bytor Sniegsun, at your service. As the grand diplomat for Lord Taranis, I wanted to express how honored I am to make your acquaintance. I also want to tell you how fortunate the free city of Restov is to have you as their mayor, especially with your strong sense of freedom in their history!"
John keys in to the conversation Unrak starts with Lord Drelev and watches closely for any possible information that could help.
He huddles up with his friend after and compares their impressions.
Drelev returns Unrak's friendly greeting with something of a cold shoulder. "Many have been slow to recognize my accomplishments... and too quick to heap honors on the paltry achievements of others. Not everyone understands the distinction between wheat and chaff."
Conferring with John, Unrak assesses that Drelev already considers himself a member of the nobility, and can likely be influenced by speaking their language.
Meanwhile, Bytor enjoys a more pleasant conversation with Mayor Ioseph. "I am glad to see that Redleaf has managed to recruit some capable advisors. I must say, I was skeptical when I first met him a few years ago..."
The Feast: Round 2 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Influence (Success)
John: Aid
Unrak: Angle (Success)
Taranis: TBD
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Emboldened by the Redleaf success, the Baron continues to work Aldori herself. He paints a picture of a prosperous and allied future. We are an,investment that is clearly going to make a good return
Jamandi seems receptive to Taranis's overtures.
The Feast: Round 2 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Influence (Success)
John: Aid Another
Unrak: Angle (Success)
Taranis: Influence (Success)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Augrym looks next to Lord Drelev, looking to reveal a weakness his Huntsmen can use.
”Good potential lord friend Drelev. It is good to see another warrior of the Stolen Lands. The Huntsmen are good company to know and I look forward to introducing you to my great leader brother friend Taranis.”
Drelev lets a moment hang after Augrym's words. Then, with some annoyance, he replies simply that "We shall see about that."
Augrym surmises that Drelev was expecting some sort of gift or tribute, and that might be helpful in improving his disposition.
The Feast: Round 3 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: TBD
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Taranis continues to work Aldori. It's a gambit as there are so many here who could be potential allies, and she may be a tough one to full win over. Still, between Unrak and himself...
He continues to try to influence her, guiding the conversation towards her own triumphs, looking to hear a potential situation where the Marchlands can help HER...
Round the Third
John continues to hang back and observe Unrak's interactions, then confer with him afterwards.
Bytor, led by his success, enjoys himself immensely. He proceeds to visit with Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev and her dog, Jewel.
"Lady Pavetta. What a joy it is to finally catch up with you. And is this your dog, Jewel? What a treasure! I can see that she is far more valuable than all the gold in the treasury. Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier. I am Bytor Sniegsun, Grand Diplomat under Lord Taranis Redleaf. I am so honored to meet you and your delightful companion."
Taranis continues to make progress, but it seems that Jamandi is keeping her cards close to her chest for now. John shadows Unrak, sipping his cider.
Jewel immediately begins barking at Bytor, NONSTOP. Pavetta simply talks over the noise, making it somewhat difficult to hear her. "Yes, this is Je*ARF!*! My dear *ARF!* little *AFR! ARF!* is always the life of the *ARF!*-ty."
The Feast: Round 3 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Influence (success)
John: Aid
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: Influence (success)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Unrak decides to shake it up. Although he's not the most perceptive, he surmises that's his best bet--trying to figure these people out. He wanders about a bit, and finds himself in front of Quintessa Maray
He gives a reasonable facsimile of a polite bow. Lady Maray, a pleasure. Unrak Redleaf, Councilor to soon-to-be Duke Redleaf. How fares the court of soon-to-be Duke Drelev?
he's obviously a bit distracted by her looks to be of any use at this time.
Maray gives Unrak a small, polite nod. "Wonderfully," she replies airily. Unrak and John cannot make heads or tails of her just yet.
The Feast: Round 3 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Influence (success)
John: Aid
Unrak: Angle (failure)
Taranis: Influence (success)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Augrym continues his rounds of discovery from around the room. His next victim: Quintessa Maray
"Hello potential fine feathered friend lady Quintessa May. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance and you are really going to enjoy my fellow Huntsmen. I hope you are enjoying your evening."
Augrym catches up with Lady Maray just after she finishes a bout of dancing with Drelev. He notes that, as a skilled dancer herself, game is apt to recognize game.
The Feast: Round 4 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: TBD
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Unrak heads over to Taranis.
I think Jamandi will appreciate some war stories. I'll talk to her some more...you go see what you can find out about some of these other folk.
He then makes his way back to the Swordlord. He waits for a lull in the conversation, when she's not with anyone.
Swordlord, a word?
he drops to a lower tone--not quite a conspiratorial whisper, but definitely a private conversation.
I seek your advice. Our group had a battle with a troll some time ago. Nasty bugger left me with this... here he lowers his collar enough to show the atrocious scar that is the only visible sign of the battle, which saw Unrak fall. A skilled swordlord would likely recognize how bad that wound was! I have never been able to determine what I might have done differnetly in that battle. Here's how the battle progressed...
after describing the fight in as much vivid detail as she seems willing to listen to
...and I awoke to my friends--not far from this very spot, actually! Now, do you see any gaping holes in our tactics there? He pauses a beat Aside from the one in my neck, I mean!
John finds Taranis' goggles pressed into his hand discreetly as the Duke stands beside him briefly at the bar.
"If you like a good cider m'lord, this one reminds me of a warm apple pie like my Reykala used to make on cold autumn days."
Taranis exudes his usual confidence and grace, and thanks John warmly.
"Another of these, barkeep if you please?" John hands Taranis the finely carved wooden mug, moisture beading on the intricate relief of vines and leaves that adorn its base.
John raises his own at Taranis' offered toast and the two men sip appreciatively. "Firelocks and Hemlock! John that is an excellent brew!
The stiffly formal bar tender offers, "Tis a noble brew sir, in every sense of the word. Our hostess had it imported from Korvosa, where the sovereign lord of that city, King Odric the Stout, fashioned the recipe himself, rumor has it..."
John nods again, dons the goggles once he and Taranis part, and observes Pavetta, looking for an angle to approach...
Given that he's now standing next to John, Taranis sets his now uncovered eyes on the lady. He notes the ebb and flow of the conversation, and gives a polite and sensible chuckle at the mention of the new king out west.
He observes the subtle changes in the woman's body language, looking for the threads of conversation that make her relax, even if just for an unprotected moment.
Aldori smiles at the request, and listens carefully---but then adopts the countenance of a teacher evaluating their pupil's work, rather than that of an impressed audience. "The Aldori way has the answer you seek. In an exchange of steel you must ever be the guide for your opponent's blade---and never extend beyond your reach unless you can be sure of a victory stroke."
In the meantime, John and Taranis starting putting together the pieces of the puzzle on Lady Pavetta. John notes that her eye is often drawn to others' jewelry, suggesting that she has a keen sense for material value , while Taranis observes that her demeanor softens towards anyone who compliments her dog, Jewel... or her own fashion sense.
The Feast: Round 4 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: Discover Angle (success)
Unrak: Influence (failure)
Taranis: Identify Weakness (success)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Bytor decides to keep influencing Lady Pavetta by exploiting her weaknesses.
"What kind of dog is Jewel? Clearly one of the smartest dogs I've ever met. With a treasure like that, who needs anything else? Well, unless you are talking about your dress. Did I tell you how stunning that is? It must be the talk of all the kingdom, especially with you in it! I don't know how you are going to fend off suitors with that kind of fashion."
Despite heaping compliments on Pavetta and Jewel, Bytor actually finds himself struggling. "Only *ARF!* finest-bred Drandanian, of co-*ARF!*! Can you not tell by *ARF!* angle of the ears and sn-*ARF!*?"
The Feast: Round 4 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Influence (failure)
John: Discover Angle (success)
Unrak: Influence (failure)
Taranis: Identify Weakness (success)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Augrym will perform that above mentioned reconnaissance for Bytor.
Augrym quickly surmises that pet-care tips are well-received by Pavetta.
The Feast: Round 5 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: TBD
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Taranis, hoping to engage Lady Aldori befor ethe night is over continues his conversation with her. After all, she's a natural ally, and when fencing with multiple opponents, closing a line is a top priority:
Taranis returns to his previous course, where he continues to make inroads with Jamandi. She seems to be enjoying the conversation, though a small smile playing on her lips might suggest some bemusement that she has been able to learn much about you---and you have learned little yet about her.
The Feast: Round 5 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: Influence (success)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
John watches Taranis' easygoing amd apparently productive conversation with a bit of envy. He never did have the gift of social grace, but instead usually kept to the side of any crowded room. He takes the time alone to examine the intercourse carefully.
John notices that almost everyone Jamandi speaks to---with the exception of Mayor Ioseph and the brothers Redleaf---also bears an Aldori sword and the Aldori name.
The Feast: Round 5 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: Uncover Bias (success)
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: Influence (success)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Bytor returns to visit with Lord Lander Lebada.
”My Lord, I was thinking that you and Lord Redleaf could be of mutual benefit to one another. One with your experience and friendship could no doubt bring much to the kingdom!”
"Perhaps, perhaps," Lebeda replies with a polite smile. "But the best arrangements are indeed mutual, no?" Bytor thinks he made a good impression, at least.
The Feast: Round 5 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Influence (success)
John: Uncover Bias (success)
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: Influence (success)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Unrak takes a break for a drink & conferring with his friends. He knows he can't take advantage of Jamandi's bias directly...but he's willing to try his best to continue to make an impression and to get more into her good graces.
In no rush, he keeps a side-eye on her while she mingles with other guests, and during a lull, he approaches her again.
Ma'am, I've been thinking about what you said a moment ago. I've never been one for finesse--who would have guessed, right??--but you've piqued my curiosity and interest, and I'm eager to learn. Let's say, the enemy approached this way...my instinct would be to sidestep, use the blade to parry like THIS, then make a powerful follow up like...THAT. Unrak is making stances & gestures that are clearly mimicing swordplay--but are not huge & obnoxious What might a Swordlord do instead?
"Ah, a common instinct," Jamandi replies, with genuine interest. "But why use two strokes when one will do? Better for the parry to be the counterstrike. One motion." Unrak finds himself again in the role of pupil rather than coequal.
The Feast: Round 5 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: Influence (success)
John: Uncover Bias (success)
Unrak: Influence (failure)
Taranis: Influence (success)
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Discover weakness on Quintessa.
From a distance, Augrym notes that Maray is apt to cut short any inquiry about her precise role in Drelev's court.
Meanwhile, the Feast continues apace.
The Feast: Round 6 of ??
Augrym: TBD
Bytor: TBD
John: TBD
Unrak: TBD
Taranis: TBD
Available NPCs
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Lord Lander of House Lebeda
Lady Natala Surtova
Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Lord Hannis Drelev
Lady Pavetta Stroon-Drelev
Imeckus Stroon
Lady Quintessa Maray
Taranis continues to be keen on becoming tight with Lady Aldori.
His banter stays targeted and couched in metaphor and innuendo...