Lords of Taldor: Ascending Majesty: Act 2

Game Master Phoenix Hunter

He watches in amusement as Calista deals with the young man.

"Ah, yes. I believe we have met, actually. My family House is in the business of trade. I actually own a small waterfront in Taldor, just south of Cassomir. And another in Egorian. Might we have met at either of those, gentlemen?"

I assume noble traders like ourselves have at least met. If you don't want to have met, that's fine. Maybe Valignatr is mistaken, who knows?

While the commotion in the warehouse slowly reaches its peak, There is a sudden shift in atmosphere. The light in the building dims slightly and the noise quiets to a dull roar, and you hear a booming voice over the crowd.

Knowledge Arcana= 15: This is a very large prestidigitation, either coming from a single mage of great power, or many less powerful wizards

Perception= 12: You notice the ceiling of this warehouse now has an image projected onto it. A regal man clad in blue silk with golden fur trimmings and silver highlights, his mask with shifting golden highlights swimming across its surface, begins to speak.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Lords and Ladies! Royauté et Bourgeoisie! Contadini y Nobleza!

Welcome to the Midnight Warehouse! This is the first night of revelries to honor the founding of our great Empire! Raised from the chaos and debauchery by the First Man Himself! This week, in this warehouse, nothing is off limits, and even the lowest of street urchin is as respected as any Lord or Lady of His Majesty, The Emperor's court!"

The light in the warehouse drops to the color of pitch, and a sharp gasp from the surrounding crowds go up as though this was not supposed to happen. There is a loud noise from above and the ceiling seems to have disappeared. In the air floats the a large Ghost-image of the MC. "Fear not good citizens! The voice begins booming again. "It is time to enjoy the Opening fogos de artifícios!" With that you hear 6 pops, watch as 6 streaks of light shoot into the sky and after few seconds the sky is filled with tremendous light, surrounding the warehouse. Then the loudest noise you've ever heard in your life comes to your ears... Pops, Booms and Crackles. it's not entirely unpleasant

Knowledge arcana= 18: Someone insulated the building from sonic energy

Takes 10 on all Kn rolls

"Arr and so it begins, I have all the time in the world for revelries in the woods, and the faye can throw quite a party but nothing is quit like a human Mascaraed carnival."

From in her clothing she pulls a mask and slips it on.

try to detect accent Linguistics check: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

damn nat 1 lol

Know Nobility: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33 to notice the mistake

Barnette is intrigued by the accent he can not place until he sees Terim bow in the formal Osiriani way, he then smiles knowingly and says in perfect Osiriani:

Good lady it is me who should apologies, clearly i was so caught up in my own goings on that i did not notice you and was not able to give you room to pass

Barnette then does his own version of a formal Osiriani bow.

Barnette then terns his attention to the elf woman and he raises an eyebrow at the mention of the harbor master, some one Barnette has plenty of dealing with and loathes, as he is constantly trying to extort Barnette when he is not out right trying to catch him importing illicit goods.

Barnette extends his had to take Dame Ruatria's hand and kisses it and then says

Dame Ruatria it is a pleasure and an honor to make your acquaintance, as the Lady Calista has pointed out, I am Barnette Bright a humble merchant with a penchant for acquiring exotic goods. Please dont apologies for lady Terim here, this is a busy place, literally rubbing elbows with strangers is the point of the night if i am not mistaken

Barnette lets out a hearty belly laugh to lighten the mood.

Barnette's attention is then turned to the Chelish man with a mace on his back making his way towards the now growing group, as Lady Calista recounts what she has heard of him.

I do not doubt he is dangerous Lady Calista, one would not so boldly brazen weapons at an event like this if he wasn't adept at using them, but men like him dont concern me, they will tell you to your face that they intend to kill you and usually give you fair warning, our other guest will cut your through while your sleeping

Barnette is amused as he watches Lady Calista deal with the young man, swirling and sniffing the fine wine, before taking a sip.

Well met ambassador, i was hoping to see you once you had settled in to our little city. I was wanting to discuss some trade matters with the chelish, i wont go into boring details now for the sake of our guests, but please take my card and once you have settled in please let me know when will be best to chat.

Oh and if you require anything to help you settle in, perhaps some Chelish art work or spices from home as Master Ash has said please let me know if i could be of service.

Barnette is then interrupted by a loud booming voice as the festivities of the event begin.

"As for trade, I have been looking for other connections in the country, but as you say, now is not the time nor the place for such conversation. Let's speak more of this later. For now, shall we enjoy the display here?"

Looking on in admiration at the loud and colorful celebrations, Valignatir asks a question of the locals.

"Is this a common occurrence among this land's people? And I was not aware this was a masquerade event. Ah, well. I will simply have to make do. Also, how does that man expect these 'street urchins' to be treated as equals with us? Surely he does not mean that."

Barnette smiles at Lady Calista as she slips on her mask

i shall let you know as soon as i have a timeline and a price on your deep crystal My Lady, but until then please excuse me, i must get to know our newest Elven guest and her most intriguing companion

Barnette bows to lady Calista

and then turns to Dame Ruatria and offers her his hand then motions with his head to head towards the center where there is now a throng of people dancing.

His garments also shift colour and shape to compliment the colours and design of Dame Ruatria's garb and his head band shifts and wreaths like a slithering snake then finally settles into a half face Mask

Barnette laughs at Valignatir's comment about treating the "street urchins' as equals

I believe lady Calista could answer that for you, she has a way with the, "lower classes"

No please excuse me, I look forward to talking to you again ambassador.

In the evening Kelith found himself just loitering in front of a Warehouse. Curious about happenings and getting inside he spent some time near the backrows and was watching ongoing speech.

Seeing some strange group of people talking to each other: two elves and human talking with each other before donning masks. Curious sparking inside him and devilish smile appearing on his face Kelith scans slowly the crowd before picking out some interesting costume and mask design on some random nobility.

Concentrating on him a moment before a shimmering begins to occur and soon in place of Kelith stands a man, young nobel with exactly same face and physique whom he watch watching. I do guess that Stalker's Mask does not allow for adopting of clothes or? Not entirely sure but for just RPing fun I will assume so

Disguise: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (15) + 28 = 43

Walking towards the group and soon reaching them Kelith speaks to the them in a strange voice, more of a high tenor and a bit nasal "Greetings, lords and lady. I was quite surprised to see some elves here and was interested to find out what could possibly interest you tonight? I must say it is splendidly done and looks impressive, even if I had done it myself" chatting away as he kept playing with his fingers to straight his mask or other small things "Ooh, I muuuuuust ask you. Where did you get such a beautiful dress. I must absolutely have something similar for my wife. And those colours seems quite expensive. What did it cost to you may I ask? Oh how rude of me, never told who I am. I am Thikel Woodsberg from Cassomir. I do love this city. Second time I am here already"

Kelith likes to play tricks or ruin reputation of other people / nobles-> one way for Old Thom to sow chaos among nobles and ensure best possible outcomes in scenarios. Here and there, everywhere is an opportunity

I was thinking more elf music like this DCD

Ruatria I am taking it that you and Calista would have meet before now, as she is the representative on none human races she would have sort out and elf with a Aasimar companion, I think they would be on good turns. hehe

::"Of course Barnette, it was nice meeting you at last, be kind with her she is a friend of mine."::

@Ruatria
::"Ruatria! your positively aiming to flirt with Barnette here, bumping into him at a party, really. haha, I would have introduced you if you had asked."::

She chuckles mentally at you, and gives you a wink.

your comeback now about her and her companion, the DEVIL worshiper hehe.

"Barnette thank you, I will."

She moves her arm around to encompass the throng.

"Valignatir here in the twilight of empire, there must always be times when the lowest of the low can mix with the highest of born. Its a test you see for both rich and powerful, poor and powerless. For the Nobility tonight the weak in their ranks will be weeded out"

She lightly slaps the boys face next to her.

"Black sheep sons will cross the line, gambling or sleeping away their family's wealth. Dull witted daughters shall lose there virtue and grace, to name but two ways to fall."

She smiles as an obvious Unbeared passes in a pooly made mask.

"And the poor to are tested, for a few nights they see and feel what power and wealth is like. They get close to it, they can just about taste it. If they fall under its spell, they will want it with all their hearts, they will spend the rest of their short lives trying to achieve it, permeability!. Arr but here is the they they will try knowing! the system has nothing but obstetrical's to stop them, yet they will carry on striving. All but a very few will make it, the rest will sink, crushed, expectorated, used up under the yoke of this culture. The wise would find some other state, some frontier where wealth and freedom can got with far more ease, but nights like this dear Valignatir, where the unbeared can see us, mix with us... well they become far far less wise."

She smiles a smile at at him of complex understanding.

"They say your state is evil, but is it as evil as this, A state where dreams are used to crush human spirits."

She looks at him, there is no expression on her face at all, she is studying his response.

Kn Eng to know his race DC22 Android

Calista, I figured I would give a good mix. This is an hours long festival, and I'm sure that there are many other songs.

If anyone would like to include instrumental scores that might be in flavor for the other races/regions in golarion, you may do so freely.

As the various musics take their time in the limelight, a large group of attendees forms in the center of the Midnight Warehouse. The bronze skinned Ser Rook and his masked Lady of Snow among the first, to begin dancing. Each song is accompanied with it's own distinct dancers, and the warehouse fills with the most beautiful smells of each culture. The images on the ceiling dancing along with the tempo, as though enchanted.

With the end of each song, comes a dispersal of the latest group of dancers, both men and women, into the crowd, most of which approach the masked attendees and beckon them to the more private, tented areas of the warehouse. As the Ambassador's nose is just getting used to the return of the most pleasant smells of his homeland, a beautiful woman with tell-tale Chelish looks about her approaches him, and gives him a slight kiss on the left cheek. She whispers in his ear before leaning to his right to kiss his right cheek,"Majesty, if you come with me, we can remember, fondly, our homeland this night."

The jade-nailed noble stalked around the shoulders of a handsome, foreign looking man in a black suit. ”Possibly a foreigner herself. Or at least her parents were...what do you think? Is she new nobility or old?”

When he smells what he recognizes as familiar spices from Chelish markets, he breathes deeply, enjoying the familiarity of the scent.

When the young Chelish woman approaches him, Valignatir asks to be excused, and moves off into the crowd with her.

She looks on as Valignatir, then looks over at
Professor Baxter Mirrermax as if they are carrying on a conversion, She then turns to Kelith Thilen.

"Arr yes a new comer to our ranks, Do you know it's quit a thing to have even a cleric of Asmodeus not wish to keep ones company."

She smiles a dark smile.

"Now you sir, what drama's come with you? humm, few have the wit and will to stay buy my side."

She looks at the dull witted boy standing close to her, then at you Kelith Thilen.

"And what shall we talk about?

"Do tell me, what has she been seeking thus far? Did she share her butterfly reasoning with you earlier?" she asks, while watching the lady and her prey interact.

"Ah, I was just wishing to know about the dyes used in that splendid costume. Also that mask is maaarvelous" Thikel [Kelith] answers "I do must say, I haven't seen such a large gathering of people before. I must say I am happy with this kind of things. Just shame that more of these lesser nobles are also here, like those fellows. as Thikel smacks his lips in a distasteful manner Let the show begin and a smile crept on Thilek face

[ooc=@Everyone]sorry for the slowness of my posts. Been doing yardwork and cleaning up as I get my roof redone next week. Normally I'm very good at posting at least 2+ posts in a rp. Also today I was supposed to be off but due to a sudden call out I got into work. Sorry about that y'all. Also my iPhone hates long posts and is very tempermental when it comes to typing out posts. <_< And now to the rping![/ooc]

Terim was a bit surprised by Barnette as he greeted her in Osiriani. Returning his greeting and the bow, she was however a bit annoyed when the human kissed the elf's hand.

Smiling as Barnette kissed her hand, Ruatria smiled. "Thank you very much Lord Bright. It is an honor to meet someone who is also interested in other countries besides our own. Although Ive always been fascinated by Taldor's past as a child. Which reminds me, have you seen the two plays I wrote: Fall of the Whisperer and Legacy of Coren?

[ooc=@Barnette]the two plays she's talking about are ones she wrote prior to leaving Taldor to become an adventurous bard knight. He first tells of how Taldor aided in bringing about the downfall of the whispering tyrant while the second is about the exploits of the Taldan third army of exploration and its leader Coren. Both plays were never produced until three and half years ago when her siblings discovered the plays and had a local theater group act them out. Long story short: both plays were smash hits and the grand emperor is a huge fan of both. However because of the success of both plays there have been requests for Ruatria to write more, something she is shy to do. However the grand prince is one of those sending the requests.[/ooc]

[ooc=@Calista de Romano]yes all three would know each other and Ruatria knows about Calista And her printing business.[/ooc]

Turning towards her fellow elven noblewoman, she smiled. "Ah, Lady Calista de Romano! It's so good to see again! You remember Terim correct?" When Lady Romano suggested that Ruatria was flirting with lord bright, the aasimar looked horrified and her silver furred cheeks turned bright red from shock, turning her head so her bard knight would not see. Dame Nyvannalis simply chuckled and smiled. "Oh you're such a tease Lady Romano! I'm just here to show Terim a bit more of Taldan culture. So how is your printing business coming along? By the way have you ever thought about entering the antiquities business particularly in old books? During my time as an adventurer I came into possession of several ancient books on the azlanti prior to the age of darkness from the perspective of the elves. As well as a couple dealing with the conflict between the serpent folk and the empire of azlant from the point of view of the elves. They are quite old and I've been meaning to ask you in making copies of them before something happens to them."

When she heard chelaxian mentioned she shuddered a bit. "Uh chelaxians," she said cursing under her breath, "I had the...misfortune of encountering their hell knights, particularly the order of the rack."

[ooc=@Everyone]She has mainly had run ins with the order of the rack one of which resulted in the death of the brother of one of sour relations. And again sorry for being so slow. At work and it's a bit of a busy day.[/ooc]

The dainty Chelish woman leads the Ambassador to the dance floor, where her seductive dance begins. Swaying left then right, a twirl here and there. Then laying herself against the man and giving him a kiss on the lips... She tastes of fine chelish wine... Jeggare wine. When the Song is done she leads the Ambassador to one of the tents on the side of the warehouse, and closes the curtains.

Perception 15 + be on the dance floor (And not Valignatir) with sense motive 28: everyone can see the Ambassador and this woman dancing, but those of you who are on the dance floor with high enough sense motive notice when she’s not looking at him, she is almost scowling in disgust.

::At this point I will have a skip in the spoilers. If you are on the dance floor and inclined to investigate what you might’ve seen please pick it up in the “TENT” spoiler. Elsewise, I will put a second group RP up afterwards that disregard what’s happening to the Ambassador::

He retaliates, throwing a curse back at the naked assassin.

"How dare you attack an Ambassador of Cheliax in my Queen's name!"

Blindness/Deafness Fort save, DC 19, or be blind permanently.

(Looking for 75+) Miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 46
attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
...But misses...
Disoriented balance: 1d20 + 9 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 9 - 5 = 8
and stumbles to the ground.

Perform (any music) 13: While the music has been more of a background to those who are talking, something seems off about it for a second… it sounds like a shrill alto woman where it should’ve been a crescendo bass male… then you realize it’s not the music.

::If you got neither chances to notice, you simply brush it off as noises heard throughout the night’s party and continue what you were doing::

Summon 6- 1d3 bearded devils: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Seeing his three barbazus arrive (Superior Summoning), he commands them to restrain the assassin, and drag her outside of the tent.

One grapples her, and the other two assist the first one.
(They can't fail the Aid Another check, so I included their bonuses.

Grapple #1: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

The three barbazus emerge from the tent, dragging the assassin from the tent.

And Valignatir follows.

Perception: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (14) + 23 = 37
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26

Not really interested at the dancing of the woman and Ambassador but still having to pose as a noble Kelith had to pretend at least enjoying this kind of thing. Noticing the attitude of the woman and registering it Kelith moves a bit closer to them. As they move to tent Kelith stares a bit after them but otherwise will continue watching the crowd

Perception: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (10) + 23 = 33

The voice among the music catches Keliths attention as he turns and moves toward the tent to see what is going on. Opening the door to tent he sees a woman on floor on her butt and Ambassador summoning devils. Smirk appearing on his face Kelith retreats back to the crowd and chuckles to himself

Something seems off about her. The way she moved, it was less graceful than a dancer should be, or at least a different kind of grace, the lithe grace of a predator.
Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31

As they returned to a tent, David bowed to this company and began weaving his way through the crowd toward the tent. Suddenly there was a flash and a scream. Picking up his cane, he increased his pace. Dave was unable to make it though before the ambassador had it well in hand. A pair of devils dragged the naked lady out of the tent. Dave slowed to a normal canter.

He approaches Valignatir and whispers. "My people have secured a route out of here. We can be in a secure cellar within minutes if you've need."

"This woman is a Red Mantis Assassin. Or at least pretends to be one. She assaulted me in my tent, but I was able to incapacitate her."

"Someone fetch the appropriate authorities, I will hold her here while we wait."

"I would have expected a man of my standing to be safe here, of all places. But that is not important. I will take care of this matter."

In Infernal:
"Do not let her go. If she tries to escape, kill her."

The devils are here for about 10 more rounds, or a minute. Surely there are law enforcement agents within a minute's travel.

@Kelith Thilen

"It was small dress shop in old port, I can give you the address for you wife if you like"

@Ruatria Nyvannalis

Cool, :) note she was using telepathy only to one of you :)

"Yes I remember Terim"

She chuckles as Terim blushes,

"The Science Academes are doing well, and we are printing more books than ever. There is such a demand, I just wish we could find a way to print magical texts but our experiments are fruitless at the moment. It may be that they will have to be done by hand becomes of some other fracture. As for old books, yes I would love to see them, and if they hold information we do not have, for our Encyclopaedia then I will seek to add them to our book repository, an..."

Just then she looks over at a tent that Mr Ash and Kelith Thilen had just set off for.

"Sorry Ruatria it seems there is trouble with the Ambassador, Shall we go see if we can help."

She follows the two men, not waiting to see if Ruatria and Terim follow.

[spoiler=TENT RP]

Perception DC15 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33 Y sense motive DC28 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (18) + 23 = 41 Y
Perception (Sight)DC20 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35 Y
Perception (Sound)DC151d20 + 20 ⇒ (19) + 20 = 39 Y
Perform (any music) DC13 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 N

Calista follows Kelith Thilen and Mr Ash as they go to the tent, as Thilen looks in the tent, she waits until he is done.

Then as the Devils come out with the naked human, She looks at the good prof next to her, He nods and seems to fade from view.

"A a Red Mantis Assassin really, well I never. Do you mind if I have a little talk with your attacker, it's not often one gets to meet a live Assassin."

Concentration roll 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (13) + 25 = 38 to hide power

Not messing here lets see if his stuff works mind probe, Will Save DC27

She stands for a moment next to the girl and devils. Then her clothing seems to change, Hat of Disguise to something far more business like. She takes off her mask. bends down so she can talk to the naked woman.

"Hello there, you seem to be an Assassin now could I ask, are you? and is it just you tonight? or are there more?"

She says this in such a nice voice, calming and interested, she pays no heed to the devils.

Perform (Sing): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
Perception(sound): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9
Perception(visual): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 2 = 14
Wow! One out of three not good. I came close on the last one!

Ruatria was about to reply when she realize something off about the music. "That's not right. I know this song...." That was she realized that it wasn't part of the song or music! Upon seeing the half naked woman being dragged out by devils, she glared at the scene. "Oh great. More chelaxian hi jinks!"
She motioned Terim to follow both her and Lady Romano. She hoped the chelaxians weren't up to something or there would be trouble. "Stupid arrogant ingrate of an ambassador thinking he can come to Taldor and start summoning devils" she cursed under her breath. She heard the ambassador accused the woman of being a red mantis assassin.

[ooc=@Romano]lets just assume that she and Terim saw what you did in the tent.[/ooc]