Sleight of Hand (food-->scarf)
"Heard things? Yeah, I might know a few things. And maybe you'll remember some things about your parties here. I bet you've seen some things. I'll start."
Tristain plays with his food.
"You might not know this, but that one Priest of Asmodeus allowed himself to be talked out of sacrificing his daughter to ensure the play went off. I think there are a lot of doubts about his dedication to the God of Contract."
He motions for one of the halfling slaves to come closer. "Jimmy wants you to know lady Tilernos likes the wine. Jimmy thinks you should get her some more."
Jimmy smiles friendly at the woman, hoping she won't suspect anything. He places the glass against his mouth and pretends to drink some.
Jimmy: Jimmy's not sure how to get rid of this stuff...
His eyes move nervously from Sascas to Calseinica.
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"Ah, I heard a little bit about that from Robahl. His name is Vestus Savaska, and his daughter is Jeannine Savaska. She's going to be a tyrant when she grows up. I believe Vestus is currently being punished for failing to kill one of you with his summoned creatures." He keeps eating and drinking. "Okay, well, you seem versed in information, so, there's something else I'm interested in learning." He glances over towards the Lord-Mayor, then back to you. "You see, this vaneo has some interesting rumors that I'd be willing to pay for the information. The vaneo has of course the extravagant living area, the dungeon below, and..." another dramatic pause "a vault. The vault is hidden somewhere in the vaneo, but I don't know exactly where. I doubt it's behind the gigantic black door, that's too obvious. So, my chalk artist companion, if you should learn of the vault's location and be willing to inform me of where I could find it inside the vaneo, I would be willing to pay....a handsome amount of gold."
Miss Tilernos says, "Oh my, well thank you. Hey, you should drink that wine, it's good." She gulps a full glass of wine down like water. "Heh, I was trying to control myself, but you know, it's just soo good. I never have wine like this anywhere else. Slave! More wine." She's going to be unconscious soon.
William shakes his head as he sets down the cup. "Please forgive me if I offend, but this wine is much to strong. I have always avoided drinking so much that I get drunk and do something rash. And this wine..., it is entirely too potent for me tonight. I fear if I keep drinking, I won't be able to hold a conversation."
William sets down the cup, waiting for her to say something about the symbol.
Miss Rosdovain says, "You know the amazing thing about the boar is that they only started cooking after serving the first course. In fact, all the food is prepared in just minutes. We have some of the hottest ovens you've ever felt. The cooks have to be extremely careful with the intense heat. You know, I've managed this vaneo since the Lord-Mayor was appointed, and I'm always amazed at some things. Like the water under the bridge. Oh well, your other companions weren't very curious about it, and I'm sure I don't want to bore you with any details about this location."
"But isn't the water just piped in from the rivers outside? I was actually wondering if there were any fish in it. I would think it would be amusing to let guests fish for their own dinner at some point. It could be quaint entertainment. And you will have to excuse some of my companions lack of interest in things. I'm sure you have noticed a couple of them seem rather, uhm, simple if you know what I mean. They just don't express curiosity like most people do."
And if there is an outside source for the water it could also provide a means of sneaking into the vaneo if we don't manage to find what we are looking for this time...
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The Lord-Mayor looks vexed. "It's the damndest things really. There are minor glitches and troubles with the lights, the fireplaces, the hot water, and other areas in the vaneo. Since the contractors were unable to fix the problems, I believe there might be a spirit haunting the vaneo. I'll probably have to get a cleric to come and investigate. Nothing to worry about tonight though."
Shortly afterwards, the head slave comes over and talks into the Lord-Mayor's ear. After the whispering, the Lord-Mayor replies, "Yes, set up the watch. We must protect my things as well. Inform the Hellknight brigade I want them on duty tonight patrolling the vaneo." The head slave bows and leaves to talk to the other slaves.
The Lord-Mayor looks at you very coldly. "What exactly are you all up to? I invited you to my vaneo for a party, and it appears at least some of you must have ill motives despite my hospitality."
The head slave whispers, "My lord, I've been informed by Miss Drovenge that the wizard refuses to drink your wine. This will require us to closely monitor the wizard rather than retire for the evening, as Miss Drovenge is concerned about her safety should she become intoxicated. Do you have any other security concerns?"
She pockets the drawing of the image. "Nevermind, just wondering. The whole point of the party is to reach the point where we can no longer hold a conversation sir. It's a wonder the Silverheart clan has any sensibilities in formal settings." She motions for the head slave to come over, and whispers into his ear. The head slave bows to her and walks over to the Lord-Mayor, who is seen nodding in agreement and then says something back to the slave, who then leaves the banquet area.
Chammady whispers to the head slave and says, "Please inform our host that William Silverheart is refusing to drink his wine. He must make arrangements for my security while I attempt to enjoy this party in such terrible company."
"Pumped in from the river?" She laughs and snorts a little. "Excuse me, that was funny. No, nothing in this vaneo is as quaint as simply pulling in water from outside. You must think on a more grand scale. As for your more simplistic friends, I heard one calling the ceiling a painting." She laughs again, and again snorting. "A painting? So silly, that's not a painting. Nothing that quaint. Any two-bit mayor could get a painter. Must think on a grander scale."
Everyone sees the lady speaking with William at the table suddenly call over the head slave, who then goes over to the Lord-Mayor. The head slave, after speaking with the Lord-Mayor, runs out of the banquet hall. The Lord-Mayor is having some terse words with Corey, but you cannot tell what they are, other than he's obviously not very happy. You then hear some loud door being shut. The other slaves serving the meals look around at each other in confusion.
Not a painting? Well, I am very glad I didn't voice such a question to her then. Though if not a painting, what else could it be? I hope I guess right, I really want to make a good impression, I might still have chance to convince her of a tour, especially if she gets rather tipsey, people always talk more then.
"That is very true, anyone at all could have a painting and surely the Lord-Mayor wouldn't bother with something that just anyone, even, dare I say it, commoners could have. Of course it must be magical in nature. I suppose then the river water is also from a magical source, or it an illusion all together? If I reached down to touch it, would it really be there at all? Though if illusion, I think he should add in some lovely swimming goldfish for added value."
Phaedra looks around at the loud noise of a door being shut. "Whatever was that loud noise for? Do you think something is wrong?"
Oh dear, I hope someone hasn't done or said something stupid. I wouldn't be surprised if Jimmy or even Tristain managed to offend someone.
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My Lord Mayor, I haven't a clue as to anyone else's intentions tonight but i can assure you that fully intend to partake in any debauchery planned, just as in the play. Some people have an ill stomach for parties... Corey nods at William for some wine gives them such gas that there arent enough halflings to lay the blame.
Bluff
Tristain's eyes bulge at the offer and information.
"I'll see what I can do." Tristain says, eating pocketing more food. "Yeah, that Vestus guy really doesn't care much about Asmodeus' bidding. His constant failures are becoming a concern to the Church, I would think."
Tristain plays with his food some more.
Tristain looks over at Corey, but continues to chat with Oberingo and attend to the feast.
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She ignores you for the rest of the dinner, but continues drinking.
"I suggest then that he leave my vaneo immediately. If he has an ill stomach, he can be somewhere else. I can't risk the wrath of the Drovenge family. If Ms. Drovenge is uncomfortable, then we have to make accommodations. When the Hellknights arrive, I will have him escorted away and then patrol. Standard procedure. Had something like this happen about a year ago."
"You do that young man. And I wouldn't concern yourself with Vestus, his career is undoubtedly coming to an end, either today or tomorrow."
"Oh dear, it looks like we have a dust up on the other side of the table. If I had to take a guess, the Lord-Mayor is summoning the Hellknight brigade like he did last year. Looks like you're going to probably have a much harder time earning my coin young man. Well, perhaps next time you're in the vaneo you can find it. It would be suicide to take on the entire Hellknight brigade. Only the veteran Hellknights work for the Lord-Mayor; no trainees."
"Jimmy thinks you should definitely drink more," Jimmy says to Sascas. When the woman doesn't look Jimmy will try to pour as much of the wine from his own glass into Calseinica's.
If the intoxicated Calseinica reacts to what Jimmy's doing he'll just smile and say "Jimmy thinks you like the wine too!"
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The Lord-Mayor looks grimly at you, but his drinking is beginning to adversely affect his judgement. "Alright. I think I can trust the lead actor of a most wonderful play."
"Oh my, yes, thank you Jimmy. I do enjoy the wine." She stumbles a little in her chair, nearly falling out of it.
Lord-Mayor Aberian Arvanxi has some discussion with Corey, and then stands up and says, "You dimwit slaves, go get the next meal. I believe it's squid and stuff. I don't remember the formal name of the meal. HA!" Most of the patrons laugh nervously.
J: Jimmy doesn't know what he should ask!
Tea drinker: Try something, chap! Sir Silverheart told you to get her drunk. He didn't do so for no bloody reason at all!
J: Jimmy still doesn't know what to ask her!
Mother: Women like gossip, boy! Mention gossip and she'll talk!
"Jimmy, uh..." Jimmy slowly leans over to Sascas, and puts his hand next to his mouth as he whispers in Sascas' ear. "Jimmy wonders if you've heard some gossip you want to share?"
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Corey will stand bow to the Lord-Mayor and walk over to William and place his hand on his shoulder...speaking loud enough for those nearby to hear My friend, perhaps you would join me in a walk for a moment...I know how these meals sit with your stomach, we'd best get you outside before you begin to have some gastronomic issues... Corey laughs at his joke...meanwhile he will be using that moment to convince William it is time to go in a hurry via "secret message" passing
Taking William's seat and pulling it out so he can stand, Corey will bow and gesture his friend towards the door.
William looks up, hand going to his stomach as he uses Corey's body as a help to stand up. "Thank you. I fear that the wine and food is going to cause me a bit of trouble."
William gets to his feet a bit shakily, and leans on Corey as he starts to head for the door.
Tristain waits to see what happens, still playing with his food.
William takes a moment to appraise his surroundings before going on.
Phaedra is just going to finish her meal and feign disinterest at her fellow actor's dismissal from dinner as she waits to see if her seatmate answers the question about illusions.
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Miss Rasdovain says, "There are many mysteries in the vaneo, most of which I don't fully understand. The ceiling isn't a painting, that's for sure, as I would be aware of the painters coming and going. The water is real enough, but it can't be from the river, as the water is, as your companions failed to test, very hot. Too hot for fish to be swimming in it. Although, I don't know where the water is heated. The ovens can cook things in a flash, but I don't ever see wood being brought in to heat the ovens. Recently, things are disappearing..." Despite her warnings to you about the potency of the wine, she's heavily intoxicated. It's hard to know if she's speaking the truth or just rambling in a drunken stupor.
The rain continues to pour down, getting you a bit wet in the process. The head Hellknight says, "Okay. We have to search you for stolen goods, then you can go. We have orders to enter the vaneo and protect it's belongings."
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Bluster and Bluff
Corey will bow then turn and start walking back inside...if they are going to stop him they will have to physically restrain him.
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Corey returns to the banquet room, followed by the lead halfling slave and eight Hellknights in full armor. The lead slave says, "For the safety of the guests while they enjoy their party, we have requested the presence of Hellknights. Your wizard friend was escorted out of the party by this man." He points at Corey.
Lord-Mayor Aberian Arvanxi stumbles as he tries to stand up, saying in a slurring voice, "Uhhh, yeah, dey gonna, uhh, patrooll, here. No worries, dey da best Hellknights, no wookies." He slumps quickly back into his chair, slips and sits on the ground laughing, then crawls back into his chair.
Five of the Hellknights then disperse into the vaneo; two remain in the banquet hall near the very large black stone door and one on the bridge in the adjacent room. The head slave motions for the other slaves and pushes them into the kitchen. The slave then says, "I apologize I could not announce the last meal. But for our penultimate meal we have The Ambrosial Serpents." Some of the guests clap excitedly, especially Crosael Rasdovain who is almost giddy with excitement. The halflings come and set in front of you a covered meal plate. Once all the meal plates are placed on the table, the slaves then pull off the silver cover to reveal live snakes. Some of your NPC companions take out their knives and try desperately to cut the slithering reptiles. Rasdovain is the first successful attacker, cutting her snake in half and she starts to eat the bottom end of the snake. The other NPCs are halving a very difficult time cutting the snakes as they wiggle, not because the snakes are fast but because they are highly intoxicated.
The Hellknight looks down on you, and you both hear the sound of the front door locking after the rest of the Hellknights enter the property.
William still looks and feels a bit woozy, and if the hellknight lets him, would lean on his shoulder. "I am sorry, sir knight. I am afraid that the meal that they were serving might make me sick, and was wondering if you could escort me back to my home?"
With Sascas intoxicated Jimmy doesn't even bother touching the wine anymore, because there's no need for him to continue bluffing for her. There is, however, a new problem.
Tea drinker: Jimmy, chap, just continue to attend this dinner. The situation's become more troublesome with the arrival of these bloody Hellknights... just pretend to be intoxicated like the others, and continue to eat.
Jimmy does his best to act like he's at least slightly more intoxicated than he actually is. When the next course arrives Jimmy grabs his knife from the table, and attempts to kill the snake. Jimmy first misses a couple of times on purpose before he aims to kill the animal.
Jimmy's eating the.. the, uh... uhhhhh... *hiccup* Hahaha! Jimmy's eating the... the snake, you know!
Tristain jabs and stabs with the rest, trying to spear his final course that he will eat little of.
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Miss Tilernos doesn't even make an attempt to kill the snake. She collapses and puts her head on the table.
When you eat the snake, it tastes really weird.
The Hellknight looks at you and says, "My orders are to guard the door."
It continues to rain, and a light burns brightly by the door. There are carriages waiting outside the compound waiting for guests to exit the vaneo. It's getting dark, so you don't have much time.
J: Jimmy didn't know what to ask!
Tea drinker: Easy chap, you can't help that. Now focus on the main objective, do you remember it?
J: Jimmy and the others have to sneak off, and find useful stuff.
Mother: Indeed boy, but wait a moment. Let's hope those Hellknights leave.
Tea drinker: And if not... bloody good luck, chap.
And so Jimmy waits a minute, hoping for the Hellknights to leave. Meanwhile he compiles a small list of excuses to leave the table inside his mind, in case the Hellknights don't leave the room after a minute.
Tristain jabs and stabs with the rest, trying to spear his final course that he will eat little of.
Being reminded too much of the play and having a slithering thing burrow into her flesh, Phaedra makes a half-hearted attempt to spear the snake with a dagger and sighs in relief when it crawls off the table and onto the floor.
Gah, I don't want to eat anything that still wiggles or isn't even cooked.
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The slaves come and pull the snakes from the ground (most of the people are having problems cutting the little slimy suckers) and put them back on your plate. The slaves begin laughing quietly when they do this, which is rather remarkable as it's the first sound you've heard them make. One slave even utters "Ieeofff" and the other slaves laugh.
After a few more futile attempts at cutting their snakes, most of them slither off harmlessly onto the ground and the slaves pick them up and carry them back into the kitchen. However, about half the NPCs have captured their snake and eat about half of it.
The lead slave doesn't even bother announcing the next course, but brings in some pipes and liquor. The lead slave helps the mayor light his pipe, but a few minutes later he collapses, as does virtually everyone else. The slaves look at you to judge your state of mind.
Once the slaves are convinced you are intoxicated and about to go unconscience, they leave the banquet hall. Where they went you do not know. The hellknights that you can see remain where they are.
Tristain 'drinks'.
Bluff (humans)
[ooc]What is needed to stumble into Area A22? Are guests free to go explore? Or are people confined to this one room for the party? And where are the latrines?[/oco]
When Jimmy eats some of the snake he feels his stomach twist and turn.
Tea drinker: You alright, chap? The slaves are gone, if you're okay you should go with the usual tactics.
If he has made the save Jimmy uses one hand to cast shield of faith on himself, and the takes out his buckler with the other.
Tristain rises from the table, looking to relieve himself.
He will ask the first person/half-person he sees the directions to the restroom.
Phaedra curls up on the floor beside her chairs and tries to act like she has passed out drunk.
I hope the slaves and Knights leave the room soon, this floor is hard and cold.
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Tristain rises from the table, looking to relieve himself.
He will ask the first person/half-person he sees the directions to the restroom.
The lead slave helps the mayor light his pipe, but a few minutes later he collapses, as does virtually everyone else. Once the slaves are convinced you are intoxicated and about to go unconscious, they leave the banquet hall. Where they went you do not know. The hellknights that you can see remain where they are.
As you stand, the Hellknight on the bridge walks over to you. "Do you require assistance to find the restroom? I will go inform the slaves you are not intoxicated and need assistance." He almost starts to walk away to a location unknown at this moment.
"Yeah, I'm happy to keep drinking, but need to empty my bladder...is that river where I should go?" Tristain asks with a slur.