"A fine blade? Oh, you must not be experienced with spellcraft. That blade is most surely the most powerful magical weapon I have ever laid eyes on." Kyra said, looking closer at the blade as Nev showed it to them. "If that weren't impressive enough, the blade you hold is blessed by Sheyln, of all gods...I was just telling Gabrielle the story, you see..." Kyra quickly retold the legend, looking quite animated as she spoke. Ever since she'd been a child she'd rather admired the story, and was obviously delighted to be looking at a piece of ancient Taldan history.
Constantine plainly agrees with Sir Argos and his father. ”Aye, were Mendev not torn by the demons at its gates it'd be as ordered as Cheliax claims to be. There may be no few slaves within our borders, but we do not bow to the Lord of Hell nor rely on devil-fashioned soldiers. Bah..my fellows have said what has to be said on that subject.”
Clapping a hand on Argos's back, the mercenary smiles. ”Perhaps that is a goal we could strive for, eh? Uniting the border lords to re-organize our armies. Threaten them with future alliances with devilspawn and they might just get their act together!”
Nev felt her mouth gape, as she looked down at the blade, her eyebrows knit with confusion. Surely this is too much... She looks at the princess. Surely this is a mistake...? She looks back at Kyra and Gabrielle, frowning slightly. "I... I had no idea." She holds the blade with more delicacy, with reverence. She glances at Gabrielle. "You give me too much credit, old friend. And I am not certain, though I suppose I would not mind. It is not as though I have much to do here in Oppara, and there are members of Her Majesties Guard that I would like to get to know better." She looks back at the blade, knowing that it would be disrespectful to attempt to return the princess' gift, but unsure of the likelihood that she would knowingly give her something so valuable.
The Princess wanders up to the group of young ladies including Nev in their conversation. She Coyly interrupts, ”The Princess knows exactly what she has given Our Lady of Honor. It is more than just a fine blade, and She doesn’t think any soul other than Lady Rubicon has the slightest idea of its potential or purpose… Good evening ladies.” She curtsies, and smiles gladly to all of you. ”If there are no objections, We would like to dispense with the more royal pronouns for a few moments with you ladies.”
Her shoulders seem to relax a bit. Carrying the crinoline’s weight in such an inventive dress can be costly. ”Can you believe that there is enough fabric stuffed in the behind of this dress to make a large tapestry? Honestly, if it weren’t the responsibility of her majesty to be the most ostentatiously dressed at every event, I’d order all the dress makers of his country have their feet dipped in barrels of worms! Haha! What an absolutely horrid a thing to say out loud!”
”I sincerely hope tonight’s events were to your liking. It would be most unfortunate if my new friends weren’t enjoying themselves.” She waves her hand absently, and a servant appears form the nowhere with a tray of wine glasses for you all. ”Kyra, how have you been? I haven’t been able to truly see you since last year’s Soiree, and the gods only know, I’ve not enough time to write anything less than official. I hope everything goes well for you and yours.” She waits for Lady Rubicon’s response before continuing
”Lady D’Apcher! You look so Lovely this evening. Was I mistaken, or did you make an appearance at the now, Forfeit-Lord, LeRoux’s Lehnseid Soiree last month?” She gives you a knowing look. “No, I suppose that couldn’t have been you… The woman was dressed in this drab black ensemble, and I see you have a reputation for more brazen dress then that. Haha!” She again, politely awaits for the Lady to reply.
”Nev, My love! You have done a splendid thing with your ill-gained nick-name. Tch! Wearing chainmail to a party, how outlandish! You keep insisting that you don’t know how to play this game, but, as I see it, you are doing it quite subliminally!” She gives nev a kiss on the cheek while speaking. ”Yes, I do know what that sword is. The story says that it’s blessed by Shelyn herself, but that is only a legend. If you ladies care to hear a quick story about the romances of Taldor’s Long lost past, I would be happy to share.“ She looks at you all with a sparkle in her eye. ”The real story, as it happens is, in my opinion, much more lovely a tale.”
”This blade originally belonged to a very handsome nobleman and knight named Ser Isaac “the Lionheart” Lockland. It was a magnificent weapon before the legend even began. You’ll find the handle is still wrapped with Angelskin, finer than any, save the most exotic leathers. The blade is made of Elysian Bronze, stronger than any steel of the day. The guard was replaced later to give proper balance to a woman’s hand, it’s made out of Elven Mithral… My scholars tell me it’s likely that the guard was once made out of Dwarven Adamantine. I’m baffled as to how they might know these things.” She looks on in delight as she begins.
”The story that only a few have heard is still only partially correct. There was a duel between two women for the love of Ser Isaac. Priestess Pattinella, was not the virgin-priestess as the legend claims, that was changed to make it more dramatic for to sway more followers to Shelyn’s cause. The priestess was actually the rightful wife of Ser Isaac, they met and married while he was on his tour of duty in what is now called Cheliax. The unnamed noblewoman in this tale was actually Princess Clarista VI, third daughter of the, then, Emperor of Taldor.
Some years into his tour of duty… Specifically, while he was unable to communicate with his homeland, The Princess had announced her betrothal to the absent man, and insisted that once he returned, they would be wed. She also made the promise that she would produce an heir on their wedding night. It was a lofty and rather arrogant thing of her to do, being that her three older sisters were already wed, and still unable to produce a legitimate heir.” She pauses and closes her eyes for a moment then points her finger in her wine glass.
”Forgive me, but I must always have my wits about me, even when it appears I may not.” She smiles and takes a sip of her wine.
”When Ser Lockland returned home with his new wife, the Princess was furious, and called on her father to commit an annulation of the marriage. When her father refused to call an annulment to a union blessed by Shelyn, the Princess demanded that Pattinella commit to a duel. Ser Lockland convinced the Princess to give his beloved wife 3 months to put her affairs back home in order…
This, of course was a ploy. Lady Pattinella refused to flee from the angered woman, no matter her station, insisting that all peoples are deserving of respect regardless of the circumstances of their birth, and that the princess was not above the requirement of being respectful… I don’t think, from the stories I’ve read about him, that Ser Lockland’s honor would’ve allowed him to marry a woman with any less courage than his.” She smiles at the thought.
”So, instead of putting her affairs in order, Pattinella insisted that her husband train her how to use a sword, a thing quite unbecoming for a woman to do back in those days. He obliged her, and also spent quite a lot money to secretly enchant his own sword to better fit her style of fencing. I like to think that this is because he wanted to stay by her side when she needed him the most, but then, we women are known to be sentimental on occasion! Haha!” She takes another sip of her non-alcoholic wine.
”When the duel was to begin, instead of fighting for herself as she had insinuated months before, the Princess chose a champion from among her court… Ser Lockland himself. In a cruel twist, the Princess had decided that if she wasn’t to be married to the Knight, than neither was Pattinella.
When they drew their blades, Pattinella couldn’t move, so Ser Lockland grabbed her blade, and slid it between his own ribs into his heart. It’s said that before his final breath upon her blade, he kissed her one last time… “ her gaze begins to drift upward, wantingly , then she comes back to her wine.
”In her rage at her champion’s act of simultaneous love and betrayal, Princess Clarista, had Pattinella enshackled, and had ordered the woman’s execution to commence immediately. The Emperor arrived just in time to stop the swing of the executioner’s sword with his own.
He was shamed by his daughter’s behavior, but as she was his royalty and in the estate he had seen fit to give her rule over, even the emperor couldn’t abolish her right to justice. It was the emperor who had insisted, instead of killing the woman, that she her soul be bound to the sword of her lover as a form of penitence, and so it was. Only, there is one book that I have read that recalls a certain curse being put on the blade long before these events… One in which Ser Lockland was cursed to have his soul trapped in the blade should his own blood ever be spilt upon it…” She smile, and looks at the sword in Nev’s hands. ”So you tell, me, Pattinella… Are you in there all by yourself, or do you share eternity with your beloved because of the wisdom of an old romantic man?”
"Because of this arrogant Princess, the rights of inheritance in this empire were made more strict. A woman may not own land, may not legitimately command troops, and may not formally choose who she marries... Of course we women do these things still, but only at the behest of the men in our lives.
I only command my guards because, as an adult, I now speak for the will of my father in matter regarding my own safety... Your brother has been most accommodating to me in regards to this fact, Kyra. I might even say lenient, considering we've had mild disagreements on certain subjects, but he still obliges me on most issues." She looks at Kyra almost pleadingly.
Gabrielle, I know the pressures your mother has been putting on you to marry a man to her liking, and believe me when I say, I can empathize with you. It is difficult to be both who you truly are and who you are supposed to be." Her glance no less intense as she speaks to Lady D'Apcher.
"And Lady Atropa, I meant every word I said tonight. You are an inspiration to me, because you are exactly who you are when the rest of the empire sees women only as tools to be used in the trade of land and manufacturers of the male currency to continue a names." her eyes this time is full of desire.
"Ladies... I need your help. You must know that I've been trying to get the senate to abolish the laws prohibiting women from inheritance. I need women like you who are strong, independent, and studious to help me bring Taldor back up to the rest of the world... Our two most hated enemies, Qadira and Cheliax both allow women to inherit and command, why should such backwards and evil nations be leading the world in these matters? Let alone, the upkeep of the lands that used to be ours?
Did you know that Cheliax sponsors orphanages for children of war, and Qadira holds nearly as much trade power as we do... It all starts with allowing people with forward thinking ideas like ourselves to be allowed to have a say in what our country is doing.
I want to be able to bring back the old Taldor, where knights like Ser Issac "The Lionheart" are a common occurrence instead of the unrealized idealization of what we should be. Why should Galt or Andoran be known for their honor and glory, while Taldor provides the most funding and troops to Mendev? Why should these Paranoid Lords on our borders be allowed to deflect incoming invaders to their neighbors, instead of banding together and pushing them out like we used to?"
After her very impassioned speech, she lets out a deep sigh."I'm sorry ladies, this is a lot to lay at your feet. At this time, I ask, not as The Princess, but as a hopeful friend... Won't you consider what I have said this evening? I must retire now, as the hour is getting late, and I seem to have worked myself into a bit of a frenzy. I beg your pardons, miladies, and I hope to see you again in a fortnight." She sets her glass down on a passing try and begins her walk up the stairs to the palace.
"Ladies! It seems I must retire now, a long day has taken it's toll on me, and I would be remiss if I looked ugly in the morning for lack of rest! haha! Have a great night, and please, find your ways home safe this night!" She bows to her audience, and makes her way inside.
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”Lady D’Apcher! You look so Lovely this evening. Was I mistaken, or did you make an appearance at the now, Forfeit-Lord, LeRoux’s Lehnseid Soiree last month?” She gives you a knowing look. “No, I suppose that couldn’t have been you… The woman was dressed in this drab black ensemble, and I see you have a reputation for more brazen dress then that. Haha!” She again, politely awaits for the Lady to reply.
"I was invited to LeRoux's gathering, but my mother believed that socializing with that many Chelish was not appropriate for me. Thankfully, her wisdom proved to be very insightful," Lady Gabrielle replies.
"As for the rumor... Between friends, I admit I am quite happy to have my form compared to that lady's. I have read that she has a rather striking figure," she adds, completing her thought with a gentle laugh.
---
"Calista the Sixth," she muses, before taking a moment to adjust her glasses. "I wonder, would Her Majesty appreciate a retelling of the tale?" she asks Kyra and Nev rhetorically, after Her Majesty has retired for the evening. "Lady Patinella was Chelish," she notes.
”I sincerely hope tonight’s events were to your liking. It would be most unfortunate if my new friends weren’t enjoying themselves.” She waves her hand absently, and a servant appears form the nowhere with a tray of wine glasses for you all. ”Kyra, how have you been? I haven’t been able to truly see you since last year’s Soiree, and the gods only know, I’ve not enough time to write anything less than official. I hope everything goes well for you and yours.” She waits for Lady Rubicon’s response before continuing
Kyra smiled as the Princess approached the trio, beaming as Eutropia hints at the mysterious origins of the thereafter mentioned blade and her praise. She laughed in particular a bit hard at Eutropia's jest, though earnestly did love the glamor of well crafted dresses a bit too much to agree.
"Ah Eutropia, it was a splendid night. I had no idea you'd invited someone with enough skill to actually match my own ability. Much more fun than last time!" Kyra giggled with a little girlish cliche before taking another glass of wine, referring to the engaging dance she'd had earlier. By now her cheeks were actually a little rosy, but she seemed to be handling her alcohol just fine. Her face became a little more concerned as she spoke next though. "Hmm, well things aren't exactly ideal for my family. My father is still broken up about Cyrus, it seems he intends to live out the rest of his days in recluse. And of course with my useless brother Gavrill and my absent brother Lexarius our family's estate has fallen to my care. It's a lot of work but I won't say it hasn't been thrilling to have some real responsibility for once. And of course it made my new theater possible." Kyra explained, clearly somewhat torn on the issue of her family matters.
Kyra listened on as Eutropia turned to Nev, eyebrows raising in surprise as she spoke of the blade and what was apparently the real story behind it. The more Eutropia spoke the more enthralled Kyra became with the tale, clearly hanging on what she said.
-----
"That was a wonderful tale, and an excellent speech Eutropia." Kyra said with a genuine smile as the Princess finished. "I look forward to discussing the issue with you further." Kyra told her, holding back for now that she'd overheard hers and the Ambassador's discussion earlier.
Kyra turned to Gabrielle. "I think that would be an excellent suggestion. Certainly more pleasant to entertain than what I learned earlier." She sighed with a somewhat pained smile. "Her majesty gave such a rousing speech, but I worry to the lengths with which she will go to see her goals achieved. Perhaps we should speak about it somewhere more private?"
Nev blushes furiously as the Princess tells her that she did, in fact, intend to give her such a generous gift. She spares a small moment to wonder if Eutropia knew what she had been thinking, but brushes it off as folly. She listens intently to what she has to say, smiling at the thought of worms.
As the servant brings wine, she graciously declines the offer, and watches quietly as she engages in conversation with the other women. She smiles slyly at Her Majesties comment about the Dark Lady, wondering what Thorn would have to say on that subject.
"Thank you, Princess Eutropia. I do believe I am learning, due to the great deal of help I have been receiving from Lady Gabrielle."
Nev listens in rapture to the tale of her new sword, holding it ever more preciously as the story goes on. As the Princess speaks towards the sword, Nev feels quite warm and happy, the chill of the night lessened, her concerns with it. She smiles at the thought, that Pattinella was not trapped in the sword by herself.
She finds herself nodding as the Princess continues, and blushing and thanking her in near gibberish at yet another compliment.
"Of course, I will think on all that you have said. Please, take some time to rest this evening. Thank you for all of your kind words, and this most generous gift." She watches as the Princess makes her way out of the gardens.
She listens as Gabrielle and Kyra speak softly before interrupting as they discuss moving closer to the fountain. "I fear I don't have a mind for speaking of such matters this evening. I believe I shall take my leave of you. Gabrielle, thank you for taking such good care of me for my first soiree, and Lady Kyra, it was lovely to finally meet you. Again, I ask that you thank your brother for me, as I believe you shall see him before I will." She smiles and gives her friend a hug, sword still in hand, before turning to head inside. She makes a slight face of disgust at the smoke wafting out into the gardens, but moves inside, looking for familiar faces that she should say farewell to.
"Ah, I don't particularly blame you. Such topics don't exactly inspire a good mood. Nevertheless, it was a pleasure; I look forward to our next get together. Hopefully I can pry him away from the Princess for a bit." Kyra gave Nev a wave as she left, before walking with Gabrielle over to the fountain she'd pointed out earlier, giving a sigh of relief as she sat down on the edge.
"Oh~ Much better." Kyra said somewhat relaxed now that she was off her feet. "Now we can talk about earlier. Did you see Ambassador Jeggare with the Princess during the dance? I thought it was suspicious when he cast a silencing spell. As it was I overheard him anyways, talking over proposals with Eutropia for a resolution in the senate to introduce cognatic succession. A discussion which involved Lord-Senator Karthis and his proposals for a war into Qadira, ostensibly to garner support for such a resolution as an emergency." Kyra looked clearly disgusted by the thought as she whispered to Gabrielle. "I swear, I have no idea why the Princess or Genevieve trust him, that devil-worshiper wants to help fund a push for Taldor to get stuck in another centuries long war that is going to bleed us dry. And that's just aside from the other things he insinuated." Kyra huffed.
At that point the familiar clinking of plate armor sounded the arrival of someone else.
Lexarius strode out into the gardens past a few lingering ladies. The party seemed to be dying down so he figured he might as well look around and try to catch his sister before she left. Spotting her familiar blonde hair, he nodded to her and made his way over to the pair.
"So good to see you again sis, and Lady D'Apcher." Lex inclined his head respectfully to Gabrielle. "Argos said you wanted to talk?" He knelt down for a moment, and after an eye roll from Kyra she leaned and kissed his cheek.
"Hello big brother." Kyra said, taking a moment to be affectionate with her brother for a moment before she leaned over to whisper into his ear. "Abassador Jeggare proposed to have Stavian assassinated for Eutropia earlier, she declined." She said, and to his credit he managed to keep his face neutral at the news.
Kyra leaned back, "So I'd like you to keep an eye on him if you would? I was just discussing with Gabrielle what else I heard him talking about." Kyra filled in Lex on what she'd just told Gabrielle, at which point Lexarius did grimace.
"Hmph, orphanages dedicated to bringing up die hard diabolists." Argos muttered under his breath and shaking his head at Valignatir's words. He did however manage to give a chuckle to Constantine's jest, nodding along. "Hmph, well, it would certainly be a start. But the interior is where the real troublemakers are, I'd say."
Looking around, Argos noted the time and the dwindling crowd of men, including some of their wives returning to drag them home. Sighing, Argos stood up. "Well gentlemen, that was quite the riveting political discussion, but I shall be needing to take my leave. It appears the Soiree is coming to a close and I shall be needed to return to my charge before my wits have left me. Constantine, it was good to meet you, I'll keep in touch - perhaps we should cross blades sometimes, I'd like to test your mettle." Argos gave him a thump on the shoulder with a smile before turning to his grandfather, and noting he seemed asleep, forwent any parting words. Rounding back on Valignatir, he affixed the man with a suspicious stare. "Abassador." He said curtly, declining any parting courtesies or insults in a professional manner before leaving.
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Lady Gabrielle considers Kyra's words while she speaks to Lexarius, seeming to pace around the fountain for a few steps. She suddenly turns in place, sharply closing her fan before she speaks.
"I can understand the notion of the Princess requiring a sense of urgency in order to get the succession law revised," she says. "However, the fact that she came to us shows that she is receptive of other, less-direct methods. I pray she is not desperate enough to seek assistance from the Chelish. The more chaotic the region becomes, the better for them."
"There is also the matter of Andoran between our nations. I assume that the Lumber Consortium will take any excuse to further exploit the Verduran Forest, and a war would hand the opportunity to them. The Treaty of the Wildwood will be one of the war's first casualties, the very thing that sustains the Northern Lords. Even if we survive the war, with the Treaty torn apart, the Empire will lose the North."
"Fortunately, war is not an inevitability," she concludes.
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Seeing Argos's look and realizing the party was in a downswing, Constantine also chose to excuse himself. There were, after all, several attractive noble women leaving the party whom wanted to make his acquaintance. "Sir Argos, it was a pleasure. The clash of blades is a musical duet dedicated to Shelyn herself! I would love to pray to her with y our steel pressed to mine. I should wander off myself, for there are lovely ladies with no arm to lean upon during this fair night and its a truly sad state of affairs."
He bows to Argos and to his father. "Lord Rook, try not to make too much trouble for this poor, despairing house. We need our wits about us and to be clear of such scandals as offered by your lauded self." His words making little sense, much like a fey from some Taldane fairy tale, Constantine winks at his father before turning on a heel to leave. As if almost forgetting, he turns his head to say one more thing.
"Ah yes, and our dear Chelish Ambaassador. I pray your nights be short and full of Taldor's pleasures rather than any horrid Chelish traditions you may have. A pleasure!" And with that, he departs.
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Ignoring the negative aspects of his companions comments, Valignatir stands up, and takes a small bow.
"I, too, must depart. I have business to attend to, things to do back home. I think I'll be taking a short vacation. Until we meet again, gentlemen."
He nods towards Sir Argos as he leaves.
"Sir." he says sarcastically before the man leaves.
Turning to Constantine and his father, he smiles at them.
"It was nice to finally meet you in person, Lord Rooks. I did enjoy tonight, but I must leave you."
"And I hope your days are full of success at aiming Qadira's armies at other noble fortresses."
"A good night to you both."
He then leaves the table, and strides out of the parlor, intending to find Nev in order to say goodbye, or leave with her on his arm.
Nev looks about the room, standing awkwardly in the doorway, clasping the sword close to her chest. She sees Val exit the parlor and look around, and she waves softly as she walks towards him.
Val notices Nev standing there, and changes his course to go talk to her.
"Oh, there you are, Lady Nev. I had seen several nobles leaving, and had decided to go find you. What a coincidence I found you here!"
Nev smiles softly. "Valignatir, I was just leaving as well, and thought that I should say goodbye, as I have not seen you much this evening. I hope that you had a lovely time." She says, more of a question than a statement. She gestures towards the exit, rather hopeful at the opportunity to escape the smell of cigar.
"I am sorry for being so absent tonight, for I just had to take the opportunity to meet several of Taldor's highest nobility, and I know how you are around new nobles."
He says this sincerely, at least seeming to care about your feelings.
I was hoping I could make up for it by actually leaving together, as we have much to catch up on. I see you wear a blade that was not previously there. You'll have to tell me about it on the way."
"Yes, of course I understand. Unfortunately I feel like I was involved in more conversations than originally anticipated anyway." She nods at him, smiling softly. "Yes... Well, that... Apparently I have garnered quite a bit of interest and praise from Princess Eutropia, quite unexpectedly." She continues to tell him the story as they walk towards the exit.
Kyra nods at Gabrielle's assessment. "I hadn't considered the Lumber Consortium, Taldor's hold on the forest is considered crucial to its naval strength. Still, as you say, that can be avoided. Swinging the senate into Eutropia's hands would be one way, and she's thankfully laid much of the groundwork herself. I think she will probably speak to us on that subject soon enough, and we can discuss the finer points then. Lex will of course be discussing this with her as well." Kyra pointed out, standing back up, and giving her brother a pat.
"Hmm, in the meantime, I think I'll give Pattinella's story over to my script writers and see what they can come up with. Drumming up some support with a good old fashioned drama can go a long way!" Kyra smiled enthusiastically. "The night is getting a bit late and all those drinks are finally starting to get to me, so I think it's about time I retired home for the evening. Ah! Before I forget!" Kyra turned to her brother. "I spoke with Dame Atropa earlier and she wanted to convey her thanks. I think she really appreciated the help."
"Ah well, good to hear. I hope she had a good evening regardless." Lex said with a small smile as he rubbed the back of his head. "It was good to see you again Kyra, you as well Lady D'Apcher. I'll talk with the Princess tomorrow and see when she'll be up for a private get together. Until next time." Lex saluted, before leaving.
Lord Rook stays behind, sweeping the party with Detect Magic and Detect Evil one last time before heading to his carriage.
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"Kyra, Ser Lexarius, I believe we shared quite a fruitful evening. Farewell," she says to the two Rubicons as they depart.
With her mother already departed, Lady Gabrielle felt no compulsion to leave the soiree as anyone's captive. Instead, she walked the grounds alone, seizing the opportunity to explore the intricate hedge maze while she could, all the while contemplating matters of family, friends, war, and succession.
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Lord Rook takes a few moments to observe the empty rooms on his way through as the last guest.
In the upper corner of the ballroom he sees the magical aura of illusion magic, it's roughly the shape of a humanoid and it appears to be hanging from the ceiling.
There is no evil eminating from the aura, however.
Smiling to himself, Lord Rook casts See Invisibility, and sees if he can catch a glimpse of the thing without making it obvious that he's looking.
What you see after casting See Invisibility is the figure of a woman hanging in a squatting position from what looks like a rope attached to the ceiling.
Her body seems to be covered in tight black leather, and it has red tracings that look like a spider's web. Her hair hangs upside down, but her face is covered with a red mask from more to chin.
When your gaze lingers a bit too long in her general area, she quickly scurries away using all four limbs as though a spider climbing on the ceiling.
Your knowledge local mixed with profession indicates that a small but elite band of assassins calling themselves the Black Widows have been known to operate in Taldor from time to time. You aren't sure as to their typical M.O., but what little you do know, tells you they will wait days or weeks in one spot for the perfect opportunity to strike. You know this because they are the group that came closest to ending your life over 2 decades ago... It's obvious by this woman's actions that you are not her target. Likely no one at this party was.
If Lord Rook has time to take a single action, he'll attempt a Hold Person spell — Will DC 19 to resist — in the hopes that the assassin freezes up and falls off the ceiling, though there might not be time for that.
Date: Moonday 8th Sarenith, 4715AR
Time: 1200 Noon
Location: Wherever you are
Scene Character Eligibility: Not a Clue
It has been two days since the end of the Princesses' soiree, and you have spent the time doing who knows what.
But today, a letter appeared in various places at each of your respective estates, arriving as if by magic in several cases.
It was wrapped in the finest red envelope, with a dark black ribbon around it.
There was no doubt as to its point of origin, no one else admired the two colors together as much as he.
I enjoyed seeing you again at the Princess’ soiree, and am glad that we remain on such good terms.
However, that is not what this message is intended to address. A friend we have in common and I would like for you to attend a meeting of some of the nobles we met at the party, to discuss the future of Taldor itself. I plan on having this meeting in my villa in Oppara, on the 20th of Sarenith.
This is a matter of the utmost importance, and it is imperative that no one know about this but you. I have lined the envelope this came in with a slight layer of lead, but you must destroy this as soon as possible.
I specifically requested your presence, believing you to have some part to play in all of this. I look forward to seeing you again in the meantime, should you decide to continue your scheduled visits.
The password will be the city of my birth. You have no problem recalling it, correct?
Hoping to see you soon,
Valignatir Jeggare
I am very pleased with the battle of wits we engaged in at the Princess’ party, and did enjoy meeting one of your sons, Constantine.
It is this intelligent conversation that has led myself and an interested party, one which with you are familiar with, to decide to invite you and your son to a meeting of some of the most important people in Taldor, yourself included. As much as you distrust me and my motivations, now is the time to reveal several of my cards. While the party chooses to remain anonymous, this little get together will be held at my villa in the capital, Oppara, on the 20th of Sarenith, a day before the summer solstice.
The topic of this meeting, and in fact the meeting itself, must remain a complete secret to all but you and Constantine. To this end, I have entrusted this letter to one of my most loyal servants, Tiberion. You should recognize him from one of the several times I have been in public with him.
I do hope you decide to attend. No reply is necessary, and I prefer you not send one, as that presents opportunities for this information to be intercepted.
As for entering my abode, the password shall be the city of my birth. Surely you can figure it out, or even know it already!
Respectfully,
Ambassador Jeggare.
While I did not get much time to converse with you, I am nonetheless delighted to have met one of my favorite opera singers in the country. I have attended several of your performances, and been simply amazed at the quality of music.
That being said, this letter is meant for more serious matters. As much as you must distrust me, I do have the best of intentions. With this in mind, I hope you will seriously consider my invitation to a grand meeting of some of the most influential people in this decadent land. It needs all the help it can get, and this shall be the beginning. On the 20th of Sarenith, in my villa in Oppora, I shall hold this meeting, along with a friend of both of ours.
In order to enter my villa safely, you should speak the password, which so happens to be the city of my birth. Perhaps you have performed there before?
I do hope you choose to accept, and shall see you there if you choose to do so.
Admiringly,
Valignatir Jeggare
While I did not have much interaction with you at the party, I did have enough to measure your character.
Having done so, I would like to invite you to an event that will have some of the most prestigious members of Taldan high society, including yourself, hopefully.
The actual topic and purpose of this event shall remain a secret until the actual time, but it shall be held in my villa in Oppara, on the 20th of Sarenith, I do hope you can put aside your judgements for just long enough to hear me out, as there is a third party that is truly hosting this meeting that would love to have your cooperation.
I have endeavored to protect my villa to the best of my ability, and as such, you will need a password. It matches the city of my birth; surely you have enough resources to figure that out.
Respectfully,
Ambassador Jeggare.
Around the time that Lord Rook's informants have told him the lights in Valignatir's estate usually go out, the Chelaxian finds himself jarred awake by a sudden message of twenty-five words, projected directly into his mind.
Amused to meet such an amateur at spycraft, though the letter looked expensive. Maybe Cheliax is more trusting than I thought. Will attend, of course.
And, fifteen minutes later, again unbid, and possibly just as startling, a second message of equal length...
An afterthought: if you [ii]actually enjoyed[i] meeting Constantine, you might not enjoy meeting my other sons at all. So I'll send another your way.
About ten days later, as he ventures into the city on some errand, Tiberion is stopped on the street by a handsome black carriage, out of which steps a tall nobleman wearing a cape of black fur over blue silks. He introduces himself as Sir Bellarius, Baronet of Castle Rook, and, frowning—as though he has no interest in doing this—hands Tiberius a small, ribbon-bound wooden box. The bottom of the box is stamped with "Doctor Janus's Magical Cures, Elixirs of Oenopion."
The box contains two small glass vials, each of which a Detect Magic spell reveals to be Potions of Owl's Wisdom.
On the morning of the 9th, a message from your father enters, unannounced, into your head.
Your friend, Lord Jeggare, wants us to join him in some amateurish plotting. Could be fun. His villa, meeting on the 20th, password is "Egorian."
About a week after Val's messages, when Rook has had time to gather some information on the subject, the pixie receives two Sending spells from Lord Inkwell conveying the following message:
Have heard your friend, Lady Atropa, has begun spending some time with Valignatir. The Chelaxian is a curious and sneaky fellow, though possibly not dangerous.
It might be in her interest if you kept an eye on this—I doubt any malice, but I like Taldor's crusaders to stay safe.
Cast Sending twice, and spent 300 gp on item crafting costs. Bringing my servitor into the city for a week or two as a general distraction while Rook spends the second week meeting with the servants and urchins he's paid to spy on Valignatir and House Thrune's interests in Oppara.
This prefaces "Episode 2"
Val replies the next morning, having had time to prepare the spell.
Trusting? Hardly. I would have guessed of all people, you would enjoy the letter the most. Isn't that what they did in "the old days"?
The frustrating thing about spying on Lord Rook is that he keeps most information about himself public. In general, he has been a personal crusader for transparency and consistency in Taldan law and historical scholarship, and your searches or servants find very little about the Rook family that it would seem they would not want you to know.
Marion Rook was born at the fringe of nobility, but inherited an unexpected barony after his numerous older brothers and cousins perished in wars and plagues. He had traveled much as a mercenary in his youth, and brought foreign ideas and philosophies home with him, ideals that have helped him stay above many of the follies of Taldan society. A master of information-gathering, he served briefly as official spymaster to Stavian II; when the old Prince died, his son, mistrustful of his father’s allies, retired the position and had Lord Rook sent away from court. Various circumstances soon after led House Rook into conflicts with neighboring Baronies, though these tended to end in disgrace, public embarrassment, or invasion by other neighbors of the threatening houses.
Lord Rook is a devout worshipper of Irori, a deity rarely seen in Taldor due to his ties to the Kelish pantheon; rather than invoke his patron’s name, he tends to merely describe himself, when asked, as a “disciple of the Master of Masters,” explaining his magic and monastic training as intense foreign meditation techniques he picked up while serving on the Isle of Jalmeray. Known as something of an expert in such foreign traditions, Lord Rook has been known to help financially support Taldor’s own Monastery of the Seven Forms, a traditional Tien monastery in the World’s End mountains where one of his sons currently serves as an assistant to the abbot. Rook is also one of the many names rumored to be connected to the Pathfinder Society’s secretive Sovereign Court faction.
Lord Rook is famously the survivor of over a dozen assassination attempts, several of which lost him limbs; this is supposedly the subject of his memoirs, entitled “The Invincible Lord Rook,” which he has been working on for the last few years with the help of a rather sensationalist Opparan author. Aside from his family, he has been known to associate mostly with his adopted son Janus, who is now one of Oppara’s foremost alchemists as well as something of a nationwide expert on treating age-related illnesses. The Rook family’s business interests are otherwise relatively mundane, focusing on overland trade, without any historical interest in expanding their land holdings; this has begun to change, however, as Ser Constantine Rook, finally returned from the wars he fought in, relocates a small army of mercenaries to the mostly unsettled land along the border of the Barony of Garrowglade.
Groaning at his father's intrusion into his mind, Constantine grumbles about his lack of capability to return the spell without spending money, something he dearly does not wish to depart with. Instead, he composes a much more traditional letter and sends it via a very traditional messenger.
Dear Father,
Thank you for the invitation. I will splendidly accept as it sounds like the sort of decadent event I much missed.
The Esteemed and Honorable Crusader and Knight Constantine Rook
[oos]Constantine dearly wishes he had actual titles simply to tack onto his name. Not for glory. Not for honor. Not for money. But for sheer vanity.[/ooc]
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Red and black? How macabre, Lady Gabrielle thought upon receiving the letter. She was strolling through her family's greenhouse, admiring the blooms, when the message arrived for her. My character? What are you up to, Ambassador? I should likely attend, if only because of Genevieve. His is a web she had best not be ensnared by.
As for this password, you are a Jeggare... , take higher - does she know where he came from?
I would be surprised if this letter does not vanish in a puff of brimstone.
Lady Rubicon was in her father's study and minding the affairs of her family's estate when the house Seneschal personally delivered the letter to her. Taking it in hand she scowled and immediately knew who it was from. Just to be cautious, she scanned it with Detect Magic and finally feeling satisfied she wasn't about to open a note of Explosive Runes began reading it.
She reread it twice more before sighing, standing up and walking to the nearby fireplace to toss the letter inside, igniting it with a Spark spell before sitting down. "Well...it seems I will need to clear my schedule...and get myself a drink." Kyra muttered, before floating herself over some liquor from the cabinet with Mage Hand.
Date: Starday 20th Sarenith, 4715AR
Time: 1030 Morning
Location: Various Locations in Oppara
Scene Character Eligibility: Primary; Cohort; Trained Pets/Mounts.
Today is the day that you are supposed to have that meeting with the Ambassador, whether loathed or intrigued, for better or worse, you've made a point to be available for this meeting.
Carte d'Oppara
It’s been a while since Lord Rook got up to any proper mischief, so if he’s going to do this, he’ll need disguises. Over the two week period, he uses the wealth he gains to commission a Collar of Disguise and a Greater Hat of Disguise from Janus.
An infusion of Age Resistance lasts 24 hours, and will be sufficient to allow him to pose as his “scandalous and addled” fourth son Atticus Rook, the "black sheep" of the family—it’s been about 10 years since he used the role, but Atticus exists mostly in legends, as the noblemen who pride themselves on knowing these things whisper about the secret shameful Rook son, kept shuttered up inside the family castle by his father after killing a man in a duel, running over a horse merchant in a riding accident, or something similar. And while Lord Rook is fine with any co-conspirators knowing who they’re working with, he’d prefer that the rest of Oppara continues to think of him as a battle old cripple, while his least favorite son Atticus rides around the city at night, meeting with ruffians and bards and Chelaxians, with Lord Marion or his heir Sir Bellarius as occasional, unhappy babysitters. (Constantine already knows about the ruse, and Val has gotten some cryptic hints that Lord Rook may use such disguises)
…that is to say, Lord Rook is spending the day in the guest home he currently resides in, practicing walking on the new, whole leg that the Greater Hat of Disguise temporarily affords him, trying to train Snowball (wearing his own Collar of Disguise) not to growl or roar when disguised as a horse, and instructing a few of the house servants on how best to subtly line a hat and coat with lead.
Will save DC 27 or be forced to halt for 11 rounds. This can affect up to 11 creatures
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Lady Gabrielle was enjoying a small pot of matcha tea from Minkai, as she watched the canal traffic go by. Fortunately, the teahouse was tall enough that she could see the edges of the Imperial Square. Though there was noise aplenty due to the bustle of business, a stir from the palace would be apparent due to the grandeur. If the Chelish ambassador was hosting on the Princess's behalf, as he had led her to suspect, Her Majesty had to leave the palace sometime, upon which Lady Gabrielle would leave to follow her from a distance. If there were no disturbances by the time her last teacup was finished, it would mean that the Princess was being overly secretive or she would not be in attendance. Either way, Lady Gabrielle sensed that she could learn something about the event she was due to attend.
Also, this was her favorite teahouse in the city.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"One moment, please. I'll be right there."