Halcyon enters the warehouse with Vincent. "Thank you for the escort," she says to him and begins to look around. "I expect you have many things to attend to, so don't worry about me. I'll be fine mingling. Good luck."
She looks the crowd over without making a show of it, moving slowly with her staff tapping a bit in front of her and Mako, a silver furred husky who walks slightly ahead of her and pauses when going forward would result in a collision. She is wearing a colorful layered ensemble, with a quilted dress covered with a sash, a tunic, and a cloak. Her elaborate pouch holding her harrow deck is at her side as usual.
She makes her way around until she recognizes Marcus and Lucia and makes her way their direction, pausing only to eavesdrop for a moment on a woman who can only be Mirabelle talking to a short person wearing a mask.
From that point on, Halcyon makes an effort to keep an eye on Mirabelle, particularly if she comes close enough to overhear conversations.
"Marcus, Lucia, lovely to see you again. I assume Seth is around somewhere? Are your lives beginning to get back to normal after all that excitement at the beginning of the year?"
Before Lucia has a chance to respond to Marcus, Halcyon comes and joins them. "Ah Halcyon, you took the words right out of my mouth. Yes he is nearby, I just came over here to say hi to an old friend and before I knew it both you and Marcus have joined me here." Lucia turns back towards Gill introducing her to the two of them. "This is Guillаumine Sаnz, doctor extraordinaire."
Seeing both Marcus and Halcyon join Lucia, Seth decides to move from his place and go and join them. He enters their group as Lucia introduces Gill to them. He then speaks so Halcyon knows that Seth has come over."A pleasure to see both of you again."
"Ah, but do not stop there, Lucia. Who are all of your friends? I cannot make their acquaintances without knowing their names."
"Of course, this is Marcus Tamarin. He owns a bar, though the name escapes me." Lucia gestures to Marcus as she introduces him. "This is Halcyon d'Orsay, an oracle." She then gestures to Halcyon.
“I, Emile de Beaux, in sound health and mind, agree upon the terms and conditions laid upon this table, and will provide my services willingly. Let us take this country by storm, friend?”
When you arrived early to help set up, she goes over some of the guest list with you. She tells you the lead-editor of the Durendale Daily is to be present. She mentions she invited a personal friend, Mirabelle Zephirine, but is doubtful if she will come. She names off three individuals with the last name Vieuxpont, two of them (Gerome and Romane) she mentions with a hint of disdane. Curiously, in the present moment, you recall that none of your friends’ names were mentioned. They all must have been brought by other invited guests.
Vincent is distracted as Halcyon departs, “Yeah. I’ll find you again shortly.” He walks up to his armored sister and the blanket-wearing alchemist. “Look at the two of you talking. I didn’t know you knew each other...” The three of them begin to chat, though it is usually Vincent and Evelynn interrupting the conversation of the other.
Halcyon heads towards her friends, Mako trailing behind her. The dog appears somewhat confused by the event, but seems to focus on the foods and drinks. It looks at the guests and the staff with curiosity, though begins to growl slightly upon reaching Marcus.
Mirabelle grins at Guillaumine’s bluntness, and enjoy listening to her speak. She chuckles a few times, a shared laugh about the suitor comment, another when the doctor speaks of her absence in the sylph's paper, and a third when the dwarf mentions the Vieuxponts. “Easiest to handle? Me? Zat eez a new one, for certain. Well, you found good company, doctor, you are speaking to zee most hated woman in thees city.” She bows, perhaps genuinely, as Lucia arrives.
As the others begin to crowd the area, Mirabelle focuses more on her drink than the others. She gives the doctor a little nod after a whisper. Mirabelle gets up and begins to leave, though at Lucia’s mention of Halcyon's name, she appears to sit back down. What was once just two conversing had become a reunion of sorts, now seven and a dog. She stays quiet until Marcus’s comment, rolling her eyes to the dwarf. “See? Every time.” She smiles, rising from her seat and looking to Marcus. “I gather all this infamy for no reason it seems. First, I am Mirabelle Zephirine, but I cannot expect zat all others know everyone as I do. Secondly,” she says, bringing her hand to her collar, “I make my own introductions, no one knows me better after all.” She chuckles, looking around, lingering for only moments from face to face. It is almost analytical, methodical how she turns to face each person, curl a smile, and move onto the next. Her fingers tap on the table in a flurry.
“And third, Monsieur Tamarin, you flirt with someone all too intent on exposing what you hide.”
“I intend nothing of the sort!” Beatrice intrudes. She pauses, thinking over what the sylph had said. She bites her lip, correcting herself, “I mean, he wasn’t flirting with you, he was being charming. And kind.” Her voice falls to a whisper, “needlessly so.”
Mirabelle seems to be enjoying the company now, or perhaps be enjoying the attention, or maybe even just Beatrice’s reaction. Her breeze has picked up to a draft, and she moves next to the doctor with a smile.
As the group by the drink and snack bar begins to grow, other smaller cliques begin to repel away. A lean, bookish looking woman to the northeast takes a step closer towards her group, comprised of an older man (Sinclair LeBlanc, to all but Gill), an extremely attractive, well dressed woman (whose home many of you broke into during the Mirror Transport chase, whom Marcus knows as Romane Vieuxpont) and a middle aged man (as some know as Alexander Ravenhall).
A priest speaks to a servant directly north, and, to the north-east, a clingy-couple, one of whom appears to be the only Galatian at the party, entertains a well-dressed man.
You realize that one of the caterers who frantically pours drinks and assembles plates is none other than Alderic Fortier, the man who informed you about the meadery and vineyard, the bartender who gave you a drink earlier this week. He has not yet seemed to have noticed you, but smiles weakly at the sight of the dog whom Halcyon brought.
Away from the others, Augustine Langlais puts an arm around Raphael’s shoulder, and almost begins to lean on the lawyer. His voice is high, chipper, excited. His clothing appears expensive and tailored, sharp, and a bit reminiscent of a particularly ornate caster's robe. “How exciting, a good man! Seldom does Estelle give such praise.” Augustine beams a wide smile, running his hand through his hair as he backs off of Raphael. The young Tizonian man, Reyes is what Augustine called him, curves the faintest grin. He doesn’t appear any older than sixteen, and is almost overly reserved, standing almost two paces out of the gathering. All but his head is covered in clothing, and the boy even wears gloves. Augustine continues. “Did you bring any goodies, Monsieur Good-man?” He begins to take paces away from the wooden stage. “A juicy affidavit, maybe? Oh! Oh! Or one of those miniature hammers the judges wave around?”
Estelle rolls her eyes at the man. She corrects him, calling the item he described as a gavel. “Of course, a gavel, I knew that. What of this: what about a war-gavel? Like from a Judge-Soldier, if there is such a thing, have you one of those? Am I allowed to bid Estelle? Can the auctioneer bid if he absolutely needs something?” Estelle laughs, shaking her head. "How drab."
Halcyon finds herself a nervous once she arrives at the warehouse. Perhaps it was just the walk through the warehouse district, the kind of place a woman generally does not go without and escort and good reason. Although she has both, the events of the past two weeks has her a bit shy in the company of strangers.
She was curious to meet Vincent's sister and chemist, but felt that could wait. Her relationship with Vincent was still forming and she did not want strangers making assumptions that might put either of them in an awkward position of having to explain their connection.
Her nervousness intensified once she was in the crowd. She did her best to hide it and look casual and at ease.
She milled in the crowd until she spotted Marcus. After greeting Lucia, she noticed the woman with strange appearance and suspected it might be Mirabelle. Once the conversation confirmed it, Halcyon kept quiet and tried not to draw attention to herself. When Mirabelle looked her in the eye, Halcyon did her best to evaluate her as the woman was sure to be evaluating Halcyon. .
When Mako reacts to Marcus, Halcyon gives the dog a glare but also makes eye contact with the dog to evaluate what it might be reacting to. She keeps a bit of distance from Marcus, and then glances around to see if Nishara is around. She looks around a bit more at the others, recognizing some from Emile's party, including Emile.
She is curious about the group that includes Sinclair and LeBlanc and Alexander Ravenhall.
Halcyon keeps her distance from Mirabelle and looks for an excuse to wander, but remains for a bit so as not to seem rude or anxious to avoid anyone in the group.
roll + ability
Gill climbs out of her seat with some difficulty, the proportions of a dwarf ill-suited to such tasks, and extends a hand first to Halcyon, then to Marcus. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances, Mademoiselle la d'Orsay, Monsieur Tamarin." She pauses, then offers her hand to Beatrice. "And you must be Mademoiselle de Beaux. I can see the resemblance between yourself and Emile." With the formalities out of the way, Gill returns to her seat.
She turns again towards the bar, forgetting herself, and once more remembers the drawbacks of her outfit. "I'm not going to last this entire encounter like this," she mumbles to herself more than anyone else. She removes her hat first, and then pulls back the cowl of her cloak, revealing the edges of the mask, which are connected with hooks to a coif and held in place by a leather strap. Carefully undoing each hook and then sliding the strap up, she pulls the mask away.
"A drink, Monsieur!" she calls to the bartender. "Something...befitting the time of day. Tea, with honey if you have it." As she waits, she first removes the coif and pulls her braids and hair out from her cloak, then works the spectacles latched over the mask's eye holes loose and places them on the bridge of her nose, before returning her hat to its place atop her head and stuffing the mask into her backpack. She returns her attention to those gathered around, but does not immediately add to the current conversation.
No one can beat minimum.
. See C/Katherine’s alias for results.
Mako has seemed always a bit uncomfortable around the Tamarins, you aren’t quite sure why. He keeps looking at the caterers behind the bar, perhaps he his a bit hungry.
You can tell that Mirabelle recognizes you, or at the very least, your characteristics from what she may know of you. She doesn't appear to give you special notice however, and doesn't go out of her way to follow you. You aren’t sure why she is here, but as a rumormonger, there is no better place to be than among those you spread rumors of. Who invited her, you have no idea.
Nishara doesn’t seem to be present, and while Emile’s sister Beatrice follows Marcus wherever he goes, Emile is nowhere to be seen.
As Halcyon paces about, she is able to hear the conversation of Sinclair LeBlanc, Alexander Ravenhall and a beautiful woman. Sinclair seems to be congratulating Alexander on some accomplishment. The term “foundlings” keeps coming up. The lovely, raven haired woman mentions that she heard the news from her father, and by her body language, seems to be flirting with Alexander. The bookish woman seems to be merely jotting notes, and doesn’t participate in the conversation, or even react to what causes others to smile or laugh.
Beatrice smiles, but seemed almost taken aback by Gill's comment. “We have the same chin, I know. Curse of my father.” Beatrice takes a hop forward, leaning over Mirabelle to shake the dwarf’s hand. “Charmed. Beatrice, artist of all varieties.” She looks at the doctor, still masked at the time, before she steps back to Marcus’ side to the relief of the sylph she hovered over.
“Tea, tea, tea,” rattles one of the caterers. He appears to be the only without an outfit, a mark of distinction that he wears a commoner’s outfit, though it is unknown if that is for better or worse. He appears a bit of a mess as he searches his station, his medium length brown hair falling over his face, his brown-green eyes frantically searching for tea. He grabs a metal canister, opens it, and gives a quick, joyous prayer upon identifying the leaves. “Wonderful. With honey, eh?”
He begins to make the drink, pouring the leaves into boiling water, and preparing ice stored in an extradimensional bag. He smiles widely at Guillaumine as he waits for the leaves to steep, before recalling other duties, and going back to preparing a plate for another guest.
The sylph watches the doctor unmask. “Finally, my question eez answered: you do have a face. And here I was, ready to write zat you were hiding something.” Mirabelle places her drink on the table, pushing it towards the caterer while looking at Gill, almost pushing the glass over the edge. “Hmm, so we can assume business eez over, no? Zat is what zee mask was for?”
Augustine Langlais
roll + ability + feat
C/Katherine Beaumont
roll + ability + feat
Gaston Robert
roll + ability + feat
Gerard Vieuxpont
roll + ability + feat
Gerome Vieuxpont
roll + ability + feat
Jade Earthlight
roll + ability + feat
Jean-Christophe Charpentier
roll + ability + feat
Lionel Deschamps
roll + ability + feat
Reyes Montesantos
roll + ability + feat
Halcyon d'Orsay
roll + ability + feat
Marcus Tamarin
roll + ability + feat
Nishara Tamarin
roll + ability + feat
Raphael Montefiore
roll + ability + feat
Seth Varianna
roll + ability + feat
Valentina Silverstone
roll + ability + feat
Gill smiles, and counters, "Au contraire, Mademoiselle Zephirine. Business has yet to begin - I will have to put the mask back on when the auction starts in earnest. It represents my position as a doctor."
Seth listens to Gill and Mirabelle speak before chiming in towards the end. "And one hell of a doctor at that." Seth then turns towards Mirabelle. "I'm sorry, I don't think we've met before." Seth extends his hand. "Seth Varianna, it is a pleasure to meet you." Seth then pulls his hand back allowing the conversation to continue.
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In the week of 1/8:
All of Raphael's actions for previous weeks are now done (more or less). I believe I have my actions for Estelle Stingborn and Emile de Beaux from the previous week. Is that a correct assessment? If so, I'd like Emile to try and track down a promising young lawyer who I could add to my firm (and hopefully eventually turn into another contact). I'll need someone to help with cases and (preferably) to begin to take up cases where Raphael doesn't do most of the legwork, but instead can take to the court and review major aspects of the case.
As for Estelle, let's have her stick close to Raphael as a guard for the week given the escalated threats related to the Bonnet case. This should end my actions for the week of 1/8.
In the week of 1/15:
Income: * 100 = 600 + 800 = 1400 gp.
I have 3754 gp in floating cash. Devoting 450 gp * 0.75 (faction perk) towards buying a few magical trinkets (which will be a surprise below) for the auction. Do I need to spend an action on this? If yes, I'll save to buy more properties next week instead of doing #4 below. Leaves me with 3417 gp.
I should have a total of 5 actions now, right? 3 from myself and 2 from my contacts (Estelle/Emile?). For Raphael's actions, I'm thinking the following:
1.) Attend the auction at Estelle Bellerose's invitation.
2.) Take the case of Merle vs. Durendal acting as a civil litigant for the cleric and escalating to higher courts where possible to get a definitive ruling. An argument would be argued along the following line. My courtroom roll is (with Silver Tongued Haggler):
"Ladies and gentlemen of the court, I ask you today to consider with an open mind the unique situation of one Monsieur Merle and the town whom he represents. A cleric of , it is a time honored tradition for his people to seek the wisdom of their elders in a not-dissimilar way as many of you must have. To preserve local tradition is one of our most cherished birthrights in Durendal, and it pains me to say the Monsieur Merle is not fully able to do so. The reason, ladies and gentlemen, is that he requires magic to commune with his ancestor's spirits and to seek their guidance.
I understand your trepidation, but I must ask you to consider for a moment the situation. For years, indeed some this village has quietly gone about its business and flourished for it before the overbroad, hasty ban on all magicks of certain types was passed. Though the law was intended to right a wrong, it has proved to have oversights, some of which I have argued before you before. I believe this to be one of these cases, and I intend to demonstrate for you that the magic that Monsieur Merle should be another exception carved from a liberty-limiting rule set without careful deliberation."
3.)Free action to go talk to Bonnet, specifically trying to understand the facts of the case from his perspective and hopeful get him to give up the names of anyone higher up the food chain (kills 2 birds with 1 stone, as it helps my personal investigation into the murders and also is the best way to get a decent plea deal). Also would like to know what evidence is being entered by the prosecution.
4.) Purchase more properties. I think 3000 gp spent (leaving me with 416.5 gp) to add an average of 300 gp (maybe converting the d4s to d6s and another 100 flat rate on top of that?). 2d4 averages 5 and 2d6 averages 7 with a bell shaped distribution for both. The properties could be buying out that ship entirely? Or maybe just buying it out (mostly) and also adding some additional paralegals to help with the extra caseload I'm working? Maybe you have some other thoughts? :P Interested in focusing on law/MTC stuff for now.
Emile's action: Investigate the Society of the Arcane Arts to try to understand power structure/contacts of interest/opponents/etc.
Estelle's action: Guard my client (Merle).
Raphael takes the paired ring from the table and slips it onto his finger with only a moment's hesitation. "My mistake then. Or perhaps I just craved another bottle after having sampled my retainer and misremembered. Either way, it is indeed a day to celebrate."
He pauses, listening to Emile, then nods and says, "I, Raphael Aldric-Helene Montefiore, in sound health and of clear mind, agree upon the terms and conditions outlined in the documents laid before me on the table, and do agree to lend my name in the manner agreed therein." He takes Emile's outstretched hand with one of his own, shaking firmly. A wolfish grin spreads over his face, and the feared lawyer who normally hides behind a veneer of polite society emerges, "Let's see that she is led where she must be led if she and we are to thrive."
Raphael listens emphatically to Estelle, surprised to learn of her desires to become a cleric of Sarenrae. He shares his own experience with the church of Abadar. The training and education sought by his father and his growing appreciation for his teachings. He also discusses some of the shame associated with his family name at the time, given his grandfather's actions. He'd felt undercurrents of distaste at the time from his tutors and certainly from certain members of the public who he'd interact with.
He avoids discussing his time at the Guard, but is otherwise fairly open about his past. He seems to enjoy himself and relaxes his normally carefully composed persona, laughing quietly and smiling more sincerely.
Raphael arrives for the party wearing a brilliant emerald green jacket embroidered with silver thread. With his white tunic underneath and a pair of fine black breeches, he cut a resplendent figure. He quips to Estelle after having joined her, "I hope this is satisfactory? It is perhaps a little over the top, but I believe you'll certainly have reason to like it by the time the auction is through."
Raphael notes as each of his friends and acquaintances as they enter. He suppresses a snort of amusement at Valentina's antics with moderate success by playing it off as a sneeze. Setting away his handkerchief, he watches Verill Blightguard with interest, recalling his conversation with Valentina some time ago. I would very much like to meet him, particularly after that last case, but it should be a natural meeting. No need to set him on edge. He is caught with his attention wandering, and feigns an embarrassed shrug as he brings his mind back to the conversation at hand. "I admit that I may have bitten off more than I can chew in the last few weeks. It seems that I've spent more time in the last three weeks poring over case work then the rest of the previous year combined. Or perhaps it's just that I'm getting older. My birthday is in a few short weeks, after all ." He shrugs, "And I just try to do what I can. I've a fancy for a challenge and I don't mind taking those cases that others find to be too much to bite off. If it was easy, then it wouldn't be worth doing, I think."
Raphael keeps his balance with a slight effort as the auction's host very suddenly leans his weight against him. He raises an eyebrow at Estelle as Augustine makes his explanation, smiling. He replies to the man's enthusiasm without delay, "I did in fact bring a few trinkets that I think will do quite nicely. If you would stand just there-" He gestures a few paces away, "-I'll show you."
Assuming Augustine complies, Raphael studies the man for a moment, murmuring softly to himself. After a moment's intense study, he falls silent. The silence stretches only an instant before the jacket that Raphael wears begins to tug and morph and twist, until it settles into a robe that very closely resembles the robe that Augustine was wearing. "Perhaps another demonstration is in order? I could change my clothing into something very closely resembling your dress, Estelle, but I don't think I'd do it even close to the justice that you do. So perhaps, monsieur... ? I'm afraid I didn't catch your name, my apologies. I'm Raphael Montefiore, a good friend of Estelle's. Perhaps I could have you stand in the same spot Augustine and I will see if I can repeat the same trick?"
|
"Headless kindness, never have I heard such a notion," he turns back to the Slyph "though truly I apologiz on my bastardization of your name, Slip of the tongue I assure you, likewise I assure you that wasn't flirting.." he pauses, considering something, "or rather I didn't mean anything by the flirting if I was doing such, I simply enjoy speaking in such a manor, it amuses me, and often pleases those I talk to, and all I have to do is speak honestly about any positive qualaties a person may have, and phrase myself in a particular manor. It's good fun, and it's often effective at breaking the ice to get to know someone better. Truly spreading merriment and getting to know people are some of the only things I feel I'm particularly skilled at, everything else I mostly just dabble I suppose"
When the dwarf removes her mask Marcus listens to the byplay but takes a step back to quietly ask Beatrice if she's ok, attempting to convey through his eyes that he cares about the answer to the question.
Once the question is answered and he hears her interest in the auction he asks her "if I may ask, is your interest primarily as a buyer or seller?"
"Primarily as a seller. I'll be selling potions today, on behalf of my clinic," Gill answers, looking over her shoulder at Marcus. "And yourself? Will you be buying or selling today, I wonder?"
Gautier’s face is gaunt and pale, his eyes appear glazed over, and have dark circles underneath. He has been tortured, certainly so, but you wonder about the extent to what the inquisitors have affected your witness. His hands are bound in shackle. When you say your name, he repeats it back to himself several times over. “Raphael Montefiore. Montefiore. Montefiore. The lawyer I asked for...”
His voice is a hoarse whisper. His eyes search you. He appears afraid. “C-Can I have a quill? I have t-to - I need to write something.”
Several expert witnesses are called to the stands, Divine and Arcane alike, speaking both on the history of this magic, and the dangers of it. You are quick to object to mentions on dangerous magics, telling the judge that this is not what this case is about. The case is about tradition, of religion and freedom to practice by a trained cleric of a divine faith. The word “undead” is cut off on every turn, and you can tell that the rival attorneys were seeking to use the more questionable necromancy techniques as a scare tactic on the jury.
Estelle Stingborn guarded Cyril Merle per your instructions. He came under no threats, though Estelle tells you that she didn’t know you “dealt with the crazies.” She does admit that she enjoys protecting your clientele.
At the end of the week, after a surprisingly powerful, mournful testimony by Cyril Merle himself on how his small village and perhaps hundreds like it have suffered from the oversight of Roland’s lawmakers, the jury reaches a verdict in your favor. Speak with Dead, and spells similarly without malice, should have a place within communities which desire them. The judge rules that a committee created by the Roland Society chapter and the School of Divine Affairs in Hauteclere will look through the school of Necromancy and allow exceptions of spells deemed safe to cast for religious observances.
Cyril thanks you for your services, handing you an almost beaded necklace with an iron ring around it. On closer inspection, the beads appear to be fragments of polished, rounded bone shards, and what looks to be teeth. “Once more, the voices of my ancestors can be heard. Do you hear them, Raphael?” The pale man smiles, looking up into the open sky, tears in his eyes. “They’re singing for us. Isn’t it beautiful?” The wind cuts through nearby buildings, whistling as it passes. You hear nothing else as he wipes the tears from his face.
On sway, it is a concept in Ultimate Intrigue I am gradually intent on introducing.
The NPC might perform small favors for the PCs that do not involve a significant expenditure of resources. The NPC speaks favorably about the PCs to others. The NPC does not interfere in the PCs’ plans unless they conflict with her goals.
The NPC might perform favors for the PCs that require some of her own resources or are time consuming, as long as they do not threaten the NPC’s overall interests. The NPC actively seeks to convince people to work with the PCs. If the NPC’s plans conflict with the PCs’ goals, the NPC tries to work with the PCs to find a mutually acceptable resolution to the conflict.
There is also a major sway, which is basically they will endanger themselves for you. I’d say moderate sway is usually when someone will become a contact for you, which means Estelle is nearing that point. I’d say Emile is in moderate sway, still unable to work in ways that threaten himself or his way of life, but willing to pull some strings and give some significant time each week to help you out. Some contacts might not require sway. I see it as a supplement to NPC attitudes, as a drive to assist you, and what they are willing to do for you.
See below, you know nothing of her.
See Augustine’s page for knowledge on the man. You may view the DC 20 and DC 25. You did not roll high enough to learn anything of Reyes Montesantos.
For the adding of contacts, I like to have them rather difficult to receive. While Emile can get you another lawyer for the firm, which I would allow for an increase in your weekly income, a contact-eligible NPC will likely just point to a name and what he knows about them. I have existing lawyers, but if you have some traits, ideologies or expertise in mind, I can make one for you to pursue and convince to join you.
You know now that Greater Galatine has chosen their lawyer. Curiously, they didn’t choose an attorney from Greater Galatine, instead hiring Elvire Flavienne, an attorney from the city of Courtain. As of now, no evidence has been submitted by her, and many of those in your practice are unsure if they have anything up their sleeve. Your office is somewhat relieved that a Royal Barrister will not against them.
Buying a trinket would be an action, yes. I’ll ignore action #4.
Emile will compile his resources, and states that he will get back to you by the end of the week. While he smiles at you focus on the Society, he doesn't ask any questions. In your brief talk, you renew your vows, both of you agreeing to “continue to hold yourself to the agreed upon documents.”
“How fun,” Augustine begins, clapping his hands together in applause loudly. Several guests turn to look, only to go back to their conversations upon seeing it was merely Augustine. He offers a small laugh when the lawyer says he wouldn't do the dress “justice,” to which Estelle shakes her head, smiling in silence. “And my outfit, you wear it better, I might add. Who knows on the dress until we see you in it though.” When Raphael addresses the young Tizonian, the young man takes a step back. Augustine doesn’t reach towards him, but cocks his head to call him over. “Reyes, let him do his trick. Who knows,” he grins, “it might not even work.”
The boy looks to Augustine. “It’ll work, I am certain.” He takes a wary, almost uneasy step near Augustine, who promptly takes a quick step behind him. “I am Reyes Montesantos. An honor.”The boy doesn’t extend his hand, but rather bows curtly. Reyes is no taller than 5’6’’. He doesn’t appear to have anything magical on his person, though his clothing is well tailored. He wears tall boots, with his dark pants tucked within. A vivid undershirt is hidden by a black, embroidered cloak, though as he moves, the colorful patterns beneath reveal themselves. He watches Raphael and he appears reach to react, almost on guard.
Mirabelle sighs when the doctor mentions the mask. "Zee mask! What eez with you, eet just makes eet difficult. What if I was deaf? See, in ways, zat mask makes you insincere. No, not to me, but yes, to some."
The sylph puts on a face, feigning like she is thinking deeply. “Varianna. Well, zat eez a name I have nothing on, but eez a name zat rings bells.” She “shakes” the man’s hand. Her grip is soft, and the interaction is more of a brushing of the fingers. She looks to her hands, and shows them to all those around, revealing nothing but her empty palms. “See zat? No dirt! Get eet?” She begins to giggle. “Zat was good, no? I will need to tell Estelle later, she will hate zat one.”
Mirabelle listens to Marcus, nodding. “I feel zee same on getting to know people, I find I am all too good at. I hate taking zee wind from your sails, darling, but,” she looks to Gill with a grin before returning to Marcus, “wait, no, I love doing zis. I am saying zat complements are cheap, and from nobles, even cheaper. Yes, while I take some time in zee morning to pretty up, no, I cannot say zat anyone who called me lovely so quickly leaves a lasting impression on me. And next to Beatrice and our favorite Oracle friend? Two truly lovely girls deserving of such words? I know not what to call eet but flattery.”
The breeze stops, and her hair falls, no longer dancing behind her. Her smiles fades entirely, and her playful, bouncy voice becomes flat. “Zee wind blows both ways, Marcus. Getting to know me means I get to know you. Eez zat really something you’d like for me to do?”
Her breeze picks up once more, and she turns a smile, playfully nudging Seth. "A double-edged sword! Zat eez what zee people here call zis situation, no?" She grabs a small bag on the floor, slinging over her shoulder. "Eet has been fun. Normally, I am not zat fond of groups, no, but when I am zee center of attention eet changes zee way zee wind blows. I have a friend whose date eez dangerously close to being poached by another. Please excuse me." Grinning, she wiggles from the teeming table, sending little winks to all she makes eye contact with. She glides through the crowds, north ().
Gill gives a wry smile. "Today, the mask is just a symbol. Though I imagine that, if you were both deaf and in need of my services, you would prefer I prioritize my ability to render services over my ability to converse with ease. Perhaps I am wrong, but that has been my experience, at least." After Mirabelle leaves, Gill turns back to the bar, awaiting her drink.
The man behind the bar strained the tea leaves and added quick spoonful of honey. After a quick mix, he pours the steaming beverage into a container full of ice, and after a series of shakes, empties the now-cold drink into a tall, cold glass. “Tea, tea, here we are, good doctor.” He leans over the table, placing the glass within reach.
Lucia takes a few steps closer to Gill. "I did not expect to see you here. You're not one for getting out there and you aren't the kind of person to throw money around." Lucia looks at Gill curiously. "So why are you here?"
Okay, so before I do all of my actions, I just need to know if coming to the auction counts as an action for Lucia, if not then I will add her action later on.
Seth's final action is going to be purchasing a blacksmith's establishment. He wants it as another source of income and as a source of any sort of weapons his men will need.
Lucius's action is going to be to research into the mercenaries at the auction/other mercenary groups. You can give me the information at the end of the event, or now.
Gill sips quietly on her drink. "A friend invited me, and it's for a good cause," she offers after a long moment. "I'm here primarily to show solidarity, so the fiscal and social elements are just mild inconveniences."
Halcyon listens to snippets of conversations from the clique around Sinclair. She shakes hands with Gill and says, "Doctor. A pleasure to meet you." When Mirabelle drifts off, Halcyon keeps an eye on her without staring directly at her, using her usual trick of following with her eyes, not her head, under the cover of her dark glasses. Halcyon is curious whom the gossip-monger calls friend. Once she is far enough away to allow Halcyon to move closer without appearing to be following, she moves a bit closer by going to an open section of the food service island. There she asks Alderic, "Have you any food like a kabob or grilled meat? I'd like to reward my friend here for helping me avoid walking into people."
When she gets something she thinks Mako might like, she crouches down to be at the level of the dog and offers bits of meat and rubs his fur appreciatively.
Then she keeps a few of the hors d'oeuvres for herself and a glass of red wine and taps her way closer to the group around Sinclair. She stands nibbling from her plate of food, sipping wine, and waits, curious who might initiate a conversation with her. She feels most ill at ease in such a place, much as she did at the party. When she was a teenager, she was never invited out to parties and on the rare occasions her family hosted events, she had to stay in her room. So she was not used to being in such a large space with so many people.
She draws a card, as she often does in such situations, curious what the cards advised for her. She frowns at the card, which shows a sickly woman, suffering from some disease. While the card looks bad, it could also refer to good health, depending on its placement in a spread. She glanced at the food and remembers the events of New Year's eve with some dismay. She shrugs and puts the card away.
Lucia listens to Gill, and at the mention of a friend she can't hold back a smile. "Just a friend?" She winks playfully. "I know you aren't one to make a lot of friends, so this one must be special." Lucia then looks around the room curiously, trying to figure out who might have invited her. She stops her scan of the room and then looks back at Gill, pressing her to answer.
Okay, so before I do all of my actions, I just need to know if coming to the auction counts as an action for Lucia, if not then I will add her action later on.
Seth's final action is going to be purchasing a blacksmith's establishment. He wants it as another source of income and as a source of any sort of weapons his men will need.
Lucius's action is going to be to research into the mercenaries at the auction/other mercenary groups. You can give me the information at the end of the event, or now.
I will say Lucia still haves an action, yes. If Lucius does his action now, it may not provide information on this current group of mercenaries. If he does it following the auction, you can have him research this specific group if you get information on them here.
As for the blacksmith, do you want any mechanical benefit in lieu of some of its revenue? IE, 50gp instead of 100gp per week but allows for passive upgrades on missions? Perhaps the ability to give a few soldier per week a +1 passive bonus until their next mission to reflect their better or more suited gear?
Mirabelle continued north, approaching Raphael as he prepared some sort of parlor trick to a young Tizonian. She watched, sharing a glance with Estelle, who could be seen by all but Halcyon.
East, one of the caterers managed to wiggle himself away from a robed man, evidently a priest of some sort. As the caterer flees, the cleric appears glum, and walks toward the southeast corner of the building. There, the word “honey” seems to emanate every few seconds, once by a woman, then echoed by a man shortly after.
To those who could see him, an elven man leaves his group, walking towards the doors as he procures a rolled cigar. As he leaves, so does Valentina Silverstone’s attention, and she meanders to the bar, opposite side of the mercenary, the kitsune, and the doctor. The uniformed Halfling appears more relaxed with the two of them gone, though the Oread woman beside him remains (somewhat literally) stone faced as they leave. Their conversation is lost among the louder ones in the building.
Evelynn and Vincent continue to argue, and in their squabble, Vincent’s alchemist Sibylle, the woman who wears blankets, shrinks away, circling the station away from Valentina and the two men she now loiters with. Her quilt drags across the floor behind her, and she appears dreadfully bored. She hangs in the brink of Halcyon's vision, arms lost under the folds of her outfit.
Mako's attention is split more ways than one can track. The dog stares at Marcus, before turning to face a beautiful woman to the east, then curls back to the snack bar where the food lies. When the dog finally noticed the doctor when Halcyon interacted with her, it stopped in its tracks and began to bark, almost in panic, stepping backwards from her. Halcyon was able to calm the animal, but it seemed uncomfortable as soon as it became aware of Guillaumine's presence.
The man behind the counter looks at the dog, before checking what he has around the small station. “Wasn’t told there would be dogs… they know I don’t like dogs...” He ducks under the counter as Halcyon soothes Mako, metal objects seem to clank together, and he rises after thirty or so seconds. He has two plates in his hands, one of a prepared steak, beef it appears, the other an assortment of nearly picked bones. “Your options, Madame: spoil ‘em with something lavish or we have a few, um, oddments he can tend to. There isn’t much meat on the scraps, but what is there is nicer than most this city gets.” The man smiles warily at Mako, who still appears shaken. The food seems to elevate his spirits however.
Closer now to Sinclair and the others, Halcyon is able to deduce that Alexander Ravenhall has opened a rather large orphanage by where the Crater lies. Watching Mirabelle, Halcyon narrowed her suspects of the gossiper's friend. Though she could not see Estelle, Halcyon knew her to be with Raphael, the somewhat flamboyant man, and the young, reserved Tizonian. One of them was her friend, one was her friend’s date who was being “poached,” and the another was the poacher.
Once Halcyon has calmed Mako down with a bit food, she walks down around the refreshments island opposite from Gill and the others and back out toward the front doors to the warehouse. As she passes Vincent, she slows and tilts her head at Mako as if to explain that she is attending to the dog's call of nature.
She pulls out a potion of Speak with Animals and drinks it. Then she says to the dog, "Why did you get so upset? Have you seen the short woman before or smelled her?"
"Special?" Gill sets the tea down, articulating herself. "I suppose... We're in a similar...line of business? Is it weird to call what I do a line of business?" She lifts the mug and sips at it again. "And I may be overstepping, referring to him as a friend. It hasn't been...formalized? Are friendships formalized? I mean, we've only recently met, after all. Hmmm..."
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Mirabelle listens to Marcus, nodding. “I feel zee same on getting to know people, I find I am all too good at. I hate taking zee wind from your sails, darling, but,” she looks to Gill with a grin before returning to Marcus, “wait, no, I love doing zis. I am saying zat complements are cheap, and from nobles, even cheaper. Yes, while I take some time in zee morning to pretty up, no, I cannot say zat anyone who called me lovely so quickly leaves a lasting impression on me. And next to Beatrice and our favorite Oracle friend? Two truly lovely girls deserving of such words? I know not what to call eet but flattery.”
The breeze stops, and her hair falls, no longer dancing behind her. Her smiles fades entirely, and her playful, bouncy voice becomes flat. “Zee wind blows both ways, Marcus. Getting to know me means I get to know you. Eez zat really something you’d like for me to do?”
Her breeze picks up once more, and she turns a smile, playfully nudging Seth. "A double-edged sword! Zat eez what zee people here call zis situation, no?" She grabs a small bag on the floor, slinging over her shoulder. "Eet has been fun. Normally, I am not zat fond of groups, no, but when I am zee center of attention eet changes zee way zee wind blows. ...
"what a sad view of the world, seeing beauty as finite," Marcus quietly says, almost as though only to himself before speaking up "when I said you were beautiful I meant it in such a way that a fire or a tiger is beautiful, it catches they eye but is undercut with danger. Halicon is beautiful with an air of mystique and power, like a puzzle one can only hope to grasp the edges of. Beatrice moves with grace and passion, and has the ability to add further beauty by bringing what is within her minds eye to view for all to see. A single rose is no less beautiful for being amongst the others, espically not when they come in so many colors" he pauses, realizing that he has said more than the quick little tidbit than he had first intended and says as a sort of closing remark " But then I suppose this is where we disagree. I'll not take up a moment more of your time" he gives a sort of bemused grin "good day to you madam"
Lucia listens to Gill intently, the smile only growing as she speaks. Once she finishes speaking, Lucia wraps her arms around her once more. "I'm so proud of you, making a friend." She releases her grip on Gill. "You don't formalize friendships, you just make them. We never did anything of the sort and yet we are friends." Lucia bounces a bit as she talks, showing off how excited she is for Gill.
Since Lucia has her action, I will switch Seth's action with her. So she will go about buying the blacksmith. Also I like that idea, of giving up a bit of money for a slight bonus.
With Seth's action I will have him improve the warehouse he purchased.
As for Lucius' action, I will have him do the research after the auction. I don't want to metagame, since I got the idea from the auction so it only makes sense in my mind.
The mercenaries don’t so much as turn their head, all looking vigilantly forward as Halcyon turns the corner. Outside the event and past the plumed soldiers, Mako begins to bark. His sounds aren't audible from inside the warehouse. “Arf, er-ruff. Yip! Woof, wa-ruff...”
Mako tells you that he will fight his urge to run from the "short woman," and if need be, protect you if it meant him eventually reunited with Liliane.
Beatrice blushes, her face turning red like a roses Marcus mentions, almost as bright as her vermilion dress. She removes her jacket, placing it on the seat where Mirabelle once sat, and hops upon the stool. She tries to suppress a grin. “Grace and passion… You are too much.” Beatrice seems much more recipient for the compliment. She pats the counter, ordering a flute of champagne, face still blush.
The middle de Beaux turns in her seat, first looking at Marcus, as she extends a hand, then giving her attention Lucia and the dwarf. As they converse, she whispers to Marcus. “What a relief. I was afraid I’d let slip something and have my name slandered.” She is given her drink, and nods politely to the man behind the counter, and continued her whispers to Marcus. “Maybe she’ll write that you accompanied me on this date. If everyone learned that way, it’d be quite the scandal!" She takes a sip of her drink, looking around at all the guests. She grins. "Any other friends you want to show me off to, or is it my turn? I must know someone here..."
A few shuffle from their groups.
- The ratfolk man, Verrill to those who knew him, walks towards the now-sitting blanket-wearing alchemist. They begin a conversation more friendly than most others at the auction, though much of their words are of complex alchemical techniques, near-deadly concoctions, and surprising experimental yields.
- A handsome, well dressed man tows a Galatian man by the hand, who in turn holds the hand of a Durendale woman. The latter two wear outfits comprised of a bit too many vibrant, clashing colors. Either they are bold, or oblivious. The three of them pass by the mercenary, the doctor, and the barkeep. They steal their fourth from Sinclair/Alexander’s group, whom the first calls Romane. The four of them settle closer to the stage.
- A striking, silver haired man, Darius to those who knew him, takes steps away from a Durendale man and the platinum-plumed Valentina. He leans against the counter corner, eyeing the newly formed group mentioned above with a small smile.
- Vincent Durant separates from his sister, strangely on a good note given their bickering. Evelynn stays at the table, ordering a drink, placing her helmet on the counter. Her brother almost follows Halcyon outdoors, before he is beckoned by a priestly-man.
Seeing Evelynn finally free from her previous conversations, Seth walks up to her. "You really are something else in your armor." Seth sizes her up. "If I had a chance when you had no armor on, then I wouldn't have a snowball's chance in hell now."
I just threw something quick together on some website. Its simplistic but I don't know what or where I can get a really complex one.
Family Crest