"This need not be a terrible time, someone hum a tune, we can dance right from here to the front door. The celebration is in all of Oppara tonight! Not just within the building itself"
Indir, meanwhile, decides to try an alternate gambit. Seeing a Duke he knows close to the front of the line, he will wave and say "Duke Hensford. Lovely to see you here!"
Indir will then make small talk for a moment, before saying "Well, your worship, I believe I will make my way to the back of the line, as is proper." then pause expectantly.
”I can do better than that, Genevieve. Hum along once you get the tune,” Tru offers, as she begins singing one of Shelyn’s happier hymns about looking for beauty in the souls of every loving being. Hopefully that calmed some frustration in the line. And if gathered her some admirers, so much the better.
Perform Vocal
Amandine sways a little to the Trudeau's and Genevieve's tune, but she's too distracted wondering what might be fun about the Gala to really become involved.
Gen will dance and allow Kunala to lead making each other look good in the process!
Lucius shrugged his shoulders as the others refused the items and at Martella's insistence, he took the remaining smoke pellets and vial of liquid blade on the table. Then followed after as everyone departed.
He fell behind the others by a few minutes before he joined them in the line. He smiled as he saw his compatriots making quite the display out front of the senate hall.
Well I suppose just waiting around would be a bit boring really.
He sighed after a time, watching the impressive footwork and grace that both Kunala and Genevieve had as they danced, not to mention the pleasant singing that Trudeau gave which seemed to act as a music cue for the others to move to. He had not had any time to train in such things while growing up nor since he moved into the city.
As the rotund man with too much makeup began to make a fuss, Lucius decides to move closer and listen to the man's grumbling.
Don't they know who I am?!" a rotund man with too much makeup, wearing an expensive, but mostly unflattering outfit, says loudly to no one in particular. "Just wait until Senator Karthis hears of this. He'll be outraged!"
"Senator Karthis will be outraged you claim? But pray tell, just who will he be outraged for, my good man? The length of the line or just a friend?"
The crowd surrounding you looks annoyed by the musical outbreak at first - they're all far too proper to "lower" themselves enough to show that they actually enjoy themselves. But as the music and dancing picks up - turning from a simple hum to a full-blown song and dance - others begin to clap and join in.
The rotund man turns his nose up Lucius. "I don't believe I was speaking to you, sir." He tips his head forcefully towards the happy crowd. "Why don't you go bother one of those simpletons?"
As Indir makes his way to the front of the line, he catches the attention of one of the inspectors. She approaches him after he speaks with the Duke and says, "Excuse me sir, but will you please accompany me for a random inspection? And I believe you were with some companions, yes? Will you please collect them as well?"
Tru notices Indir being held up, and nudges Amandine with an elbow. ”He’s got problems,” she whispered to the lady. ”We might need to go cover for him,” she said, already moving toward the man, worried about what looked like a pending confrontation.
When Trudeau mentions Indir and trouble, Amandine purses her lips in disapproval.
Of course he's the one. Trying to get something for nothing or freelancing in some way most likely.
Then she sighs. "Alright, let's go see what we can do."
Amandine goes along with Trudeau to see what the problem is.
Rebuffed by the rotund man, Lucius simply shrugged his shoulders and went back to waiting in line.
Well so much for the Taldan wordplay exchange. Maybe it was too short a phrase? Wait, was that an insult? He glanced at the man with annoyance. Perhaps I should have brought him some fig jam.
But the moment had passed. Now he would just be looking for trouble. Instead he turned his attention back to the rest of the line.
He noticed as Trudeau stopped her singing and Amandine began walking toward the front of the line.
He then saw as Kunala stopped his dance.
Wait, are they all planning to go?! There's no faster way to draw attention toward... well I suppose they all had drawn plenty to themselves already.
He let out a sigh and decided to remain where he was. Waiting to see what unfolded next.
"Of course, I would be more than happy to assist in any way that I can." says Indir as he uses his Hypnotic Stare on her. "You are, however, mistaken about me having companions. I was just speaking to the Duke, as I saw him in line and only wanted to offer my greetings. I am sadly unaccompanied, but was hoping to find companionship once inside."
"Of course, trouble is my middle and last name", Gen follows behind Kunala.
The woman is unfazed by your bluff attempt. "I know for a fact you were accompanied. Your companions were attempting to entertain the crowd, if I'm not mistaken? Aha - I believe they're approaching now!"
As the group walks forward, the woman points in a direction, indicating a small temporary structure butting up against the senate building. "If you'll please step inside, this inspection will take but a moment." She waits by the door, but is clearly impatient for you to enter.
The woman appears to be one of the many inspectors tasked with ensuring those who enter the senate building aren't concealing anything off-limits. She appears to be a typical law enforcement official.
"Of course" Amandine replies to the inspector. She tries to get some sense of whether this is truly routine from her as she enters. She also shoots Indir a nasty look.
Indir follows, a bemused look on his face. "My dear lady, had you wanted to get me alone into a closet, you had but to ask..." says Indir as he follows the woman into the room.
Tru was a bit worried. Have we been set up by our benefactor? I don’t see how anyone else would have known we were here this early. Or maybe this is a friend to make things easier, she thinks, not sure what to make of the situation. She follows the inspector, waiting to see how things shake out.
The inspection doesn't seem routine - but it also doesn't seem hostile at all. In fact, you notice the woman looking around cautiously to determine whether or not there are people paying attention to your group entering the tent.
Gen steps into the tent breezily without a care in the world.
Amandine can't get enough of a read on the inspector to be sure of her intentions, so she decides not to take chances. Judging the vial to be more innocuous, she watches the inspector. When she catches her looking the other way, she palms the smoke pellets in her bag.
Lucius tried, in vain, to blend into the crowd. But apparently he'd been too obvious with his failed exchange in banter with the rotund man. He stood out now in line.
As his associates moved forward, he glanced over and saw the inspector woman unmistakably eyeing him with growing annoyance.
Oh come now, I hardly did anything!
Turning his head down to cough momentarily, he composed himself and fully locked his gaze back to the inspector. He shifted his eyes left, then right, and nodded. With an air of someone unconcerned and dutifully fulfilling a service, he walked forward.
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Once you're all gathered in the make-shift shelter, the woman speaks quickly. "My name is Kathann Zalar. I apologize for the pretense - we have a common friend, and I'd like to be of assistance." Noticing Lucius' attempt to play it cool, she adds, "You have nothing to fear from me, but there are others on the inside who won't be so kind. Let me help make sure you don't raise any suspensions."
She then quickly inspects each of you. If she finds any contraband on your person, she provides tips on how to properly conceal the equipment.
Once the brief "inspection" is complete, she opens a door leading into the main building, allowing you to bypass the line. "Best of luck tonight," she says quietly, shutting the door behind you.
Directly in front of you, 100 white marble steps lead to the senate of the Taldan empire. You hear the sounds of hundreds of people already gathered ahead of you. Once you ascend the stairs, you see a magnificent building ahead of you.
The Taldan senate is the seat of the senatorial branch of the Taldan government. The structure has existed in one form or another for millennia, though natural disasters, sabotage, and war have partially leveled it several times in the empire’s grand history, leading to many large-scale repairs and revisions. The current senate building is a grandiose, T-shaped edifice constructed from white marble. Ostentatious columns carved with glorious scenes of the nation’s history surround the building on all sides.
You are now free to socialize with gathered dignitaries and guests!
Senate Map
Here is a description of the following areas. I'm not doing it all in ooc font, because I find it tiresome to read. :) Additionally, I'll add all this to the Campaign Info tab.
There are more NPCs filling the senate. The map doesn't show it (obviously) and the descriptions below only highlight major NPCs. But imagine this place is packed to the brim with people.
A1. The Arcade of Triumphs
This entry gallery celebrates Taldor’s abundant military and political glories. Banners and trophies line the halls of the arcade, some displayed openly while others rest behind intricate glass cases, while armor stands and display cases present countless artifacts belonging to great heroes and soldiers. A score of Taldan Phalanx troops stand at attention, acting as both ceremonial honor guards for the senate and guides to some of the military assets on display.
Major NPCs Present: High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus
Missions: Theft & Spy
A2. Courtyard (Senate Exterior)
Breathtaking gardens surround the senate building. Catered patios segregated by short iron fences, coordinated military displays, and even a makeshift zoo of imported animals and magical beasts fill the few open spaces here, even including a small hive of bees busily pollinating the exotic flowers and making the honey used by the senate kitchens. Many of the senior nobles enjoy the breaks between ceremonies in this open space.
Major NPCs Present: Lady Gloriana Morilla and Princess Eutropia
A3. Emperor’s Hall
This gathering space before the senate chamber is set aside as the property of the emperor, and features countless statues and portraits of previous grand princes. While formally these chambers are for the use of the emperor, no grand prince has ever maintained an office within the senate building, and the space is understood to be public meeting rooms by silent agreement.
The Emperor’s Hall sees rotating use throughout the night for various backroom deals, and serves as a private space where you can meet quietly.
A4. Gallery
The second floor of the senate building (not shown on the Senate of Taldor map) acts as an observation deck to the events of the main floor, with offices for various senators lining the outer walls. This area of winding passageways is typically open to noble observers and senatorial aides. Much of the gallery is dedicated to entertaining the children of various nobles, with extravagant performances occurring throughout the upper balconies of the senate building.
Major NPCs Present: Countess Abrielle Pace and Wyssilka the Fantabulous
Missions: Discovery
A5. Imperial Archives
The Imperial Archives could have been Golarion’s greatest collection of transcribed knowledge, had any care been invested into its upkeep. Centuries of redirected funding and senate-sanctioned pruning of “sensitive information” has ruined the once immaculate reputation of the archives. This vast library now acts as a repository of haphazardly curated books, senate minutes, and genealogy records left open to the scrutiny of uncaring nobles. During the Grand Day of Exaltation, a host of rising aristocrats and aspiring courtiers here tout their knowledge of Taldan history.
Major NPCs Present: Duke Leonard Centimus
Missions: Discovery
A6. Senate Floor
Normally closed to non-senators, the vast, circular senate floor is open to special guests during the Grand Day of Exaltation, and myriad would-be nobles take the opportunity to duck in and live out a few moments of power fantasy, issuing mock legislation or engaging in lively debates.
Major NPCs Present: Baron Nicolaus Okerra and Kalbio from Breezy Creek
Missions: Politicking
A7. Servant Area
While several hidden corridors crisscross the senate building, allowing servants to come and go without disturbing the assembled politicians, this area houses most of the storerooms, workshops, and kitchens where the building’s small army of servants bustle around to maintain the facade of opulence. Even this area, never meant for noble eyes, is of exceptional quality, though the gilt has worn thin on most corners, and here and there cheap repairs mar artistic furniture.
Missions: Sabotage
Social Rounds
During social rounds (considered to be roughly 15 minutes each), you can attempt various skill checks to influence NPCs or to generally carouse a specific area of the senate. You may attempt only one major action each round, including influencing an area, influencing a specific NPC (both detailed below), or attempting mission-related skill checks, but you can travel freely around the senate between social rounds to investigate or influence new areas or characters.
Social Round Actions
Influencing an Area
A PC can attempt an appropriate skill check for one of the areas of the senate, hobnobbing and impressing the general crowd in that area. There are benefits to influencing areas, including information and future social "rewards" (such as making it easier to influence an individual in the area).
Influencing an NPC
A PC can attempt various skill checks to influence the NPCs. Each social round, a PC can move to any location in the Senate and select a single NPC in that area as her target to influence. She then attempts either a discovery check or an influence check.
A discovery check allows a PC to learn either one of the skills she can use to influence the target or a weakness that grants her (and any other characters with whom she shares this information) a bonus on future influence checks. The exact skill for a discovery check varies; learning an influence skill normally requires a successful Sense Motive or Knowledge (nobility) check. Learning a target’s weakness requires a successful skill check using the skills and DCs listed in parentheses in the target’s Weakness entry; I (the GM) can reveal the skills needed to recognize these weaknesses without need for a separate discovery check - just ask.
An influence check is an attempt to win the target’s favor. A successful skill check counts as one success, indicating growing affection or respect for the PC. Each NPC has a unique number of successes needed to gain their favor.
A failed discovery or influence check can be attempted again in subsequent rounds with no penalty unless otherwise noted.
Mission Checks
Each mission has its own specific skill checks and may be attempted during any social round of the evening. It may be best to "soften the crowd" before attempting your check, or perhaps you prefer to just get the dirty work out of the way so you can enjoy the evening.
Trudeau bravely strides into the Arcade of Triumphs. She walks around looking at all the military items on display. She didn’t want to distract the soldiers, but she quietly told anyone present all about the Nobility associated with each item.
Know. Nobility
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The people milling about the Arcade are impressed with Tru's knowledge of the items. In particular, a middle-aged woman names Copernia Vau seems to take notice of her knowledge of the artifacts.
Seeing the others spread out and mingle, Indir makes his way to the Senate Courtyard , ostensibly to look at flowers, but in reality to mingle among the powerful. As he is walking, he spots Lady Morella, a long-time mainstay at court and rumored friend of the Pathfinder Society. She will make a good shield to allow me to perform my other duties this evening. I should speak to her now, before she is surrounded by others.
Affixing a pleasantly surprised look on his face, he deftly bows and says "Lady Morella, I believe? I admit that I have wanted to make your acquaintance for some time now. There are quite a few...." Indir's voice trails off as he notices the Princess standing slightly off to his right and (now) behind him. She would be much more like a sword than a shield! Indir thought to himself, momentarily agag.
He did not become the rather smooth man that he is today by allowing himself to gape like gutter-trash, however. He gracefully spins and drops to one knee, saying "Your highness. Please excuse my rude behavior. I must admit that I did not see you, although it is clearly due to my having been struck blind by your sheer radiance." he says, eyes firmly affixed on the ground.
Lucius walked away from Kathann's inspection with a concerned expression. He was a little more confident now, at least regarding his ability to hide items that should not be discovered. But now he was also more aware that his skills were lacking in several areas of diplomatic conversation and unobtrusive behavior.
He thought about this until he realized that he'd finally made his way into the senate floor. Finding himself in his designated spot, he began to walk around the Arcade of Triumphs when he noticed that Trudeau was also within the area quietly expounding her knowledge of various pieces presented here. He listened to her talk for a short time as he himself was becoming entranced by her knowledge. But before too long she finished with that one.
The reaction from the crowd was encouraging and he gave her a small nod before resettling himself to his own task.
"Well I suppose now might be the time to gather a bit more information myself."
Lucius then began walking around the Arcade, speaking to various individuals about the high points of the evenings gala and listening in on conversations while picking up on anything noteworthy he heard about the High Stetegos and his plans.
Once Kathann Zalar has escorted Amandine and her colleagues into the Senate building, Amandine takes a drink from a tray and finds an inconspicuous place to stand for a few minutes.
Her eyes dart from person to person quickly as she takes the scene in. Amandine looks for familiar faces, but doesn't expect to see any other than those of her co-workers. More she watches the mechanics of the people's interactions: posture, gait, conversational flow and turn-taking. She's looking for those unspoken things, comportment and body language, that are rarely consciously seen but always noticed. She makes adjustments to her posture and facial expression, reminds herself to take shorter, slower steps, and changes how she carries her bag.
As soon as she feels she can circulate without appearing too out of step with the crowd, Amandine makes her way to the Arcade of Triumphs. She had noticed Trudeau going that direction already, and it seemed to Amandine to be the most likely place to find the artifacts she's searching for.
She mills around the room, greeting people, making some small talk, and commenting on some of the displays. Meanwhile, she searches for the Lotheed family display she needs to find.
Your group's combined effort has made quite an influence on the entry to the party. The room has noticed you're here - and that the Gala is better for it.
As Lucius makes his way through the crowd, he learns a little about about Maxillar.
Nearly every Taldan recognizes commander-in-chief Maxillar Pythareus as Grand Prince Stavian III’s right hand and a fanatical supporter of the throne. He believes in political might and economic stability through military supremacy, advocating for new wars of conquest against wayward colonies like Andoran and Cheliax, or even Qadira.
Maxillar is a muscular man in his early forties. Years under the elements have weathered his skin, and he keeps his silver hair closely cropped. He wears a green-and-blue tabard emblazoned with Taldor’s official coat of arms, publicly declaring his loyalty to the nation more than anything else.
The high strategos is direct and confident, cutting to the heart of any topic. He despises politics, preferring to focus on matters of military and strategic concern. His presence here is a formality; Maxillar would much rather be inspecting troops or training on horseback.
One of the guests, seeing Tru and Amandine admiring the artifacts approaches. "See that crossbow there - the one marked Dignity's Barb," she says, pointing at an old wooden weapon sitting upon a large purple pillow. "That's 'spose to be a famed weapon of the Seventh Army of Exploration. It was displayed in the case centuries ago, but it was lost and replaced with a reproduction. The one currently on display is just a cheap fake!" she says, giggling conspiratorially. She then goes on to detail the crossbow’s history as a weapon that gloriously slew a raving Kellid warlord.
In the courtyard, Indir manages to catch the attention of the princess - but only momentarily. Slim and athletic, Princess Eutropia bears the distinctive cheekbones and nose of her Stavian father and grandmother. Despite the ostentatious jewelry she wears, her gown and hair are more conservative than that of most of the gala’s attendees. "Excuse me sir, I must beg my leave. Please enjoy the Gala." she says, stepping towards the garden's stone railing.
The crowd has migrated towards the courtyard, and the rest of you naturally follow.
A tall woman, sporting the finest of Absalom’s fashion, clinks her glass and the crowd falls almost instantly silent. You see her then help the princess onto the railing, allowing her to be seen above the crowd.
"My friends, colleagues, and assorted enemies, it is wonderful to see you all out in your finery beneath the beautiful stars tonight. With any luck, the weather will be the only thing that refuses to change this evening.
“We have all gathered here tonight to honor Master Kalbio of Breezy Creek, a master artisan and true patriot, for his exquisite skill and service to our glorious empire. Master Kalbio demonstrates so eloquently that a heart may be noble regardless of the stature of one’s birth, and while it may be premature, I hope to be the first to congratulate you, sir, on the exaltation you will see tonight and welcome you into the ranks of Taldor’s long-lived aristocracy.
“But we gather here to discuss matters of state, as well. And just as the exaltation reminds us that our glorious empire must always look out into the world to refresh the greatness of its leadership, we must all look out into the world around us and see how it has grown. The child-nations our empire birthed—Andoran, Cheliax, Lastwall—have grown strong by examining the great traditions they inherited from our motherland, and embracing those relevant to this new world and discarding those that held them back. So too will we, this very night, examine one of Taldor’s oldest traditions—primogeniture—with eyes wide open, to determine whether it has held us back from the glory and stability our wayward states have found.
“Our obligation tonight is not about one person or one vote in the senate. It is about the nation we love and about ensuring that nation does not fall behind the times. We are the inheritors of mighty Azlant, and I say that we must work together to avoid sharing that old empire’s fate. Taldor endures!”
Eutropia’s speech concludes. She hops down from the railing and is suddenly inundated with supporters and critics.
During the speech, one of the serving staff breaks off from the group and heads toward the apiary near the edge of the courtyard. You managed to notice the strange movement and that the staffer is carrying a strangely colored bar.
Tru knew the staff shouldn’t be milling about while the Princess was addressing the room. She wasn’t sure what was happening, but she knew she wanted a closer look in case anything out of the ordinary was occurring.
She deftly takes a double move around the crowd, heading toward the staffer, or toward the server’s destination.
If Tru is able to get to the servant in one round’s time, she whispers to them that ”I shouldn’t age to tell you this, but when the Princess is talking, you shouldn’t be milling about and disrupting her.”. While talking to the servant, she tries to get a better look at the strange bar.
If she is not able to close in one round, she keeps following.
Now that is unusual. Well I suppose I shouldn't let this opportunity slip by.
Putting on a confident face, one that showed the belief that the future of the Empire is secure, Lucius began to make his way through the crowd toward the apiary.
Without standing or moving, Indir says "Of course, your majesty." As she moved to make her speech, Indir would have followed in the middle of the crowd that trailed the princess, and nodded along at her speech, staying roughly in the middle of the pack of gathered nobles, the better to avoid too much attention.
Gen wears a dress whose colors match those of the Taldoran flag. It is conservative in that it does not reveal bosom but quite tight in that it shows she has curve sin all the right places. Upon her finger is the same exquisite electrum ring, the pearls are around her neck and this time a diamond bracelet around the wrist opposite from the ring finger. The badge from Lady Martella completes her outfit.
Upon her head is a wig in an updo of a color lighter than her normal hair, stark platinum blonde. Her make-up is dark in colors around her eyes giving her a mysterious smoky eyed look.
---
As the team breaks off into groups to handle their appointed tasks, Gen seeks out an area of the Gala where Baron Nicolaus Okerra is located (or at least where those who might serve with or for him are located). She begins by working the crowd in praising the record of the Taldoran military, especially the accomplishments of one Baron Nicolaus Okerra, she tries to make sure her back is to him and close enough that she cannot see him and that he overhears her singing his praises. She wants him to notice her and approach, not the other way around. She also wants to make it seem incidental that she mentioned him by name not that she called him out because he was nearby.
She lifts her glass and makes a toast, "To the heroes of Taldor, the men and women, but especially men, who shed their blood for our great nation to stand for a millennia. May it stand for another millennia and a thousand after that.
Indeed, it is men, great men like Baron Okerra whose bravery and honor do us in the present day honor and so too do his works honor our ancestors. Both those remembered in songs and forgotten in the mists of the past".
Though most of the individuals gathered on the Senate Floor appeared to be engaged in political debates or discussions, all look up as Gen raises her voice for the toast. The room raises its collective glasses in agreement - including Baron Okerra, who nods and smiles in appreciation of the compliment. Okerra, a handsome bear of a man, stands a head taller than the crowd, and while starting to show his age with flecks of white in his black hair and beard, he retains a youthful smile and gentle eyes.
As Tru and Lucius move towards the staffer, you hear the murmurs from the crowd. "Excuse me!" "How rude!" "No appreciation for the rules..."
As Tru approaches and speaks to the staffer, he lets out a small yelp of surprise. He whispers, "I'm sorry, milady - the guards just instructed me to place this bar near the beehives ta' keep the bees calm for the evening and prevent any incidents." He extends the small bar for you to inspect if you'd like.
Perception
Tru takes a long look at the bar. She didn’t know much about fauna to be honest, so she wanted to see if anything stuck out to her about it..
She knew the others didn’t like her moving her way through the crowd, but she had to be sure everything was on the up and up. It would be a disaster for something to happen on the Princess’s big evening.
Lucius brushed off the various comments. Breach in decorum aside, he was more interested in what was occurring here.
He reached the spot moments after Tru and the servant began conversing. "Bees? You were instructed to do this now?"Lucius asked quietly.
He also gave close scrutiny to the odd colored bar, wondering how it could have served such a purpose.
Neither of you are able to identify anything particularly interesting about the bar.
Trudeau shrugged. She tried, but couldn’t figure out anything out of kilter with the bar. She tried to let the embarrassment roll off her shoulders and she waved the servant away. ”And hurry back with my drink,” she calls out, trying to cover her tracks as well as she could.
Lucius rubbed his neck, now unable to busy himself with anything he felt the stares of others boring their way into him. Starting to feel uncomfortable now he began talking quietly. "Well Trudeau, it looks like we both noticed something we ought not have concerned ourselves with at this particular time. Perhaps we should allow the gala to disperse our notoriety."
”Well, we did not get off to a rousing start, did we,” She whispers back to Lucius.
Once the speech ended she made her way back to the others. ”Apologies. I saw something strange and I guess I overreacted. Just a minor thing, though. I’m sure we will get back on the right foot soon enough.”