Raphael eyes his client warily a moment before he retrieves a quill, sheet of parchment, and a vial of ink from his briefcase. He slides the three to his client and waits, silent. He looks at the parchment a moment, frowning, then back up to Gautier. He looks the man in the eyes for a moment, then speaks in Elven, "Reveal those auras of the arcane that are hidden from my eye."
Raphael snorts in amusement, then quips, "He's a character, to be sure, but I think his eccentricity is understandable given his people's beliefs. And I deal, my dear, with all sorts. It wouldn't be the first time I've associated with a crazy."
Raphael accepts the necklace reflexively, grimacing as he studies it more closely and recognizes what makes it up. He bows, stiffly, to his client, saying, "Thank you, Monsieur Merle. Regrettably I do hear your ancestors, but I wish you and them well. Remember that this accord I have won for you is tentative. For you and all those like you, do not abuse the privilege won today. I'm sure your ancestors would want it."
Sway seems interesting, as I read up more on it.
As for the lawyers, finding one (even long term) to join my practice would be interesting. I'd preferably want someone who shares Raphael's ardor for Durendale and for reforming a city/country that needs to adapt to stay strong/relevant. A criminal defense lawyers, perhaps someone who prefers to work with the downtrodden (all the poor, some non-humans who have difficulty finding representation).
Raphael smiles, replying, "I appreciate the compliment, but I'm sure you exaggerate. I've not had much practice with this particular trinket. Perhaps if I had a few more days? In any case, I'm afraid for now the image of me in Estelle's dress will have to remain merely hypothetical."
Raphael returns Reyes' bow with a courtly one of his own, then studies him for a moment, noting his anxiety. "An honor to meet you as well. I do not mean to set you at ill at ease, Monsieur Montesantos. It is just a little trinket that I hope will raise money for the worthy cause. My little demonstration was meant to be in good fun." Raphaels' clothing morphs back to his own as he continues to study the man, closely.
Mako expresses a genuine, panicked fear around the “short woman.” He expresses that something is wrong, that she isn’t normal, in a way that frightens him. The dog seems confused that you don’t share the same reaction, like merely being around her isn’t burdening you. He says that many of the guests seem strange to him, including Marcus and the well-dressed woman you identified as Romane Vieuxpont. He says there may be others, but among the dozens of guests and smells of food, he thus far has only smelled something off about those three. He confirms he hasn't smelled the scent of the Man in the Mirror or the Spymaster.
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.
Halcyon asks Mako, "Is there a difference between the way they look and the way they smell? If so, they may be shapechangers. It doesn't mean they are evil or dangerous, but it's a good reason to be cautious about them."
"I have known Marcus long enough to trust him. I too have sensed something different about him and his sister. There are people who can change their shapes and he may be one. For your sake, I'll keep my distance from the 'short woman', Gil but let's not overreact. She might just be hiding a deformity with some magic. I can check her out with a few magic tricks I know, however. I'll need to be close to her to get something deeper. Let's go back in. Do you need pee or poop? This will be your last chance for a bit."
"Thanks for your help," Halcyon gives the dog a face nuzzle and a gentle pat. "I promise that we'll try to visit Lilliane this week if we can."
Before going back in, Halcyon will cast Detect Evil and concentrate on keeping it active as she returns. She will do a tour of the hall to give everyone a good look-see. No need for a lot of details unless something strong turns up. Then she will do a similar pass with detect magic active.
“It would be rather nice the more I think of it. It would save me the conversation with Emile and Caroline... And it’d get a few boys off my back...” Beatrice ponders the thought. “Enough on Mirabelle, no reason to dwell on her affairs. If we keep on her business, then we’re just like her.” She gets to her feet once more, holding her flute of champagne in her hand. Beatrice seems to have some strong dislike to the Sylph. “Want to eavesdrop on others and find a coversation worth jumping in on?”
Evelynn grins widely as Seth examines the armor. It is rather plain, more function than form. Thick, lusterless gray plates overlap each other. On her left breast, and right shoulder and arm, is the only color to her mail, the Varianna family crest emblazed for all to see: a white-silver bird of prey atop a shield striped crimson and cobalt.
Evelynn gives two quick, resounding pounds to her armor, ringing as her gauntlet strikes the metal. She grins widely. “Not a damn chance. Still, things might change outside an arena. We’ll have to settle it in the field, see who wins there.” Evelynn takes a sip of her drink. Even without her helmet, the bulky armor makes it difficult for her to sip from her mug. She has to raise the glass high, and cock her head back. “Should be back in the Pit in a couple weeks. Sure you’ll see a surge of customers then, all preaching my performance, I'd bet.”
Cyril wipes the tears away. “We will do well to treasure this. Their voices will speak to us for generations to come. In time, we will all join them.” He looks to the open sky, eyes wide, smile faint. “What a beautiful song they sing today. I can’t wait to hear it way back home...” The strange man departs, whistling a shrill, off-key tune. You aren’t sure if it is of his own creation, or the one he claims to be hearing. Regardless, it sounds rather disconcerting.
“Just Reyes, please. I, um, did not intend to, uh, bring upon apologies. All is well, sir.” He doesn’t break his eye contact with the lawyer throughout the conversation. “It is a delightful bauble, I am sure.”
Augustine takes a step forward, perhaps sensing something off in the conversation, perhaps wanting to keep speaking to Raphael. Reyes takes a measured retreat, hands together close to his chest. “Delightful hardly captures it. It’ll make for quite the spectacle come time for the auction, I’d say. ” The host grins, and turns to Reyes to gives the same expression. The boy nods. “Five minutes or so, that is when we’ll start it.”
The host looks to the sylph hovering just outside the group. “I thought I felt a draft. Mirabelle, be a dear and put me in your little leaflet again? I miss the publicity. ” Mirabelle glides closer. The two of them embrace and laugh, both laughs sounding forced. “Darling, this is Reyes, and Raphael.”
She looks to the boy but doesn’t gesture to him more than a quick nod during her swooping glance to Raphael. The sylph wraps her hands in front of her chest, arms crossed, taking a step back from the host. “I am not your darling. Wonderful to meet you two. I hope zee host eez treating you well.” Mirabelle looks to Estelle. “Not too well, though. Auggie, if you want to see your name in zee Wind, zen you must give me a scandal to work with again.”
Estelle whispered to Raphael as Augustine first spoke to the Sylph. “Mirabelle is a friend. She won’t like you, though. At all really, but try and play nice?”
You can’t quite place the source of his discomfort, but you do notice that Mirabelle and Augustine seem to react to his presence. When Reyes’ name was spoken, Mirabelle adopted a more reserved pose. Whenever Augustine or Reyes moves, the other takes a step away. It almost seems coordinated. There seems to be some unspoken barrier around the boy, a distance that none of them seem comfortable breaching. Estelle, however, seems unaware, and shows no hesitation towards Reyes.
Mako takes care of business quickly. Halcyon comes back into the warehouse. With the exception of Seth now speaking to Evelynn, the southeast group missing, and Vincent conversing with a priestly-type, not much has changed as far as her eyes could see.
Lead by Mako, she took a brief tour of the building, passing up conversation during her small stroll.
Some had active efforts to block your detection magic. You manage to pierce past the endeavors used by Romane's brother, Gerard, and Vincent's alchemist. They had no magical auras that merited special attention, however. Both Vincent and the doctor have weak auras of Necromancy on them.
When searching for evil, you find several with weaker auras. Gerard Viuexpont is the only person who has an evil aura you haven't seen before. Alexander Ravenhall and Darius Agnes still have the same faint evil auras they had at Emile de Beaux's party. Vincent, however, is now without the aura you saw him with that day.
Finishing her tea without further answering Lucia, Gill looks over at the stage. "It looks like it's almost time to start," she sighs. Reaching into her backpack, she digs out the mask and coif, setting her glasses onto the eye holes and securing the fasteners. She removes her hat and carefully tucks her hair back into her cloak, then pulls the coif onto her head, places the mask over her face, pulls the leather strap down. Once it's in place, she very carefully attaches the small hooks to the coif, then pulls her cowl up and returns the hat atop her head.
"It was a pleasure catching up, Lucia. Enjoy the auction."
Seth smiles as Evelynn hits her armor twice, and when she mentions being back in the pits he smile grows. "I look forward to the increased business then, whether they are preaching or not." Seth shifts a bit and coughs into his right arm. "I have a feeling you would still win, but I hope it would be a closer fight."
|
** spoiler omitted **
“It would be rather nice the more I think of it. It would save me the conversation with Emile and Caroline... And it’d get a few boys off my back...” Beatrice ponders the thought. “Enough on Mirabelle, no reason to dwell on her affairs. If we keep on her business, then we’re just like her.” She gets to her feet once more, holding her flute of champagne in her hand. Beatrice seems to have some strong dislike to the Sylph. “Want to eavesdrop on others and find a coversation worth jumping in on?”
Marcus lets her ponder the consequences regarding the possibility without verbal compliment, merely giving her a bemused grin, when she proposes they mingle once again he answers her with a chuckle "I think that's a grand idea there" he then goes with her to evesdrop and finding a conversation to join, looking in particular for anyone talking about anything he is particularily interested in such as, agriculture, alcohol, magic, or the conditions of the non humans in the area
After a stroll around the area, ostensibly to give her a proper sense of the size of the room that she presumably cannot see very well, Halcyon approaches Vincent. "It sounds as if everything is about to start. I'm going to get close to the stage. Good luck!"
Before moving on, she says to the man next to Vincent, "Bishop Charpentier. It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you. I admire you for the work you are doing to help the less fortunate. If there is anything I can do to help, I will be happy to contribute my services in addition to donations." Halcyon makes a mental note to investigate the local charity efforts and make a donation.
She moves toward the stage, moving past Seth and Evelynne. She greets Seth when she hears his voice.
"Hello Seth. I hope you have been well."
To Evelynn, she says, "Good day, Evelynn. I've enjoyed some time with your brother. I look forward to talking more with you, perhaps after the auction. I am heading toward the front where I can perhaps see a little better."
She moves south and toward the stage. As she passes Valentina, she pauses to give greeting. If introduced to Gerome, she will chit-chat briefly enough to let him know she does consulting work.
She nods politely at Darius to let him know she recognizes him from the party, but she does not pause to talk unless he instigates a conversation.
Then she passes Virrill Blightguard and Sibylle Mercier, she pauses. If they are not too engrossed in their own conversion, Halcyon pauses and introduces herself, complementing both on their discoveries she has heard much about.
Finally, she makes her way to the chairs nearest the south side of the stage and takes a seat, giving Mako a treat and having him sit on the floor at the end of the row of seats.
“Fast foes are what give me trouble, there’re reasons The Pit sends dire tigers and hell hounds after me. Crowd like it more too.”
When Halcyon approaches, Evelynn appears joyed at her presence. “Oh, I got some stories if you’re listening.” Evelynn laughs at Halcyon’s last words. Her armor clinks as she does. “Get a better view. That's funny. Wonder how many times she's used that one.”
When the oracle leaves, Evelynn pats Seth, though it almost feels like a strike to his shoulder than a kind gesture. “We could fight on the same side sometime. Bulwark and the Bronco, how’s that sound?” Evelynn nods to the host at the podium. Her voice falls to a whisper as he speaks. “It’d make quite a show. Think about it.”
Marcus circles around the warehouse, Beatrice nearly attached to him. As they near the first group, Beatrice’s glance shoots to the him, smile cutting across her face. From the north, they circle clockwise.
The man: “So we snuck in! It was her idea!” The woman: “I lied! Talked my way through! Aren’t I clever?” The Man: “The cleverest! Though my disguises got us through. Can you believe that they kicked us out the first two times?” The woman: “How rude of them! Luckily they finally realized we were on the guest list.” The Man: “We weren’t though, right?” The woman: “Not at all, love. Still, this is our entrance to nobility! They’ll love you here!” The Man: “They’ll love you more!”
Halcyon moves from the south entrance of the warehouse up closer to the stage. She passes by the Bishop and Vincent. The priest pushes that Sarenrae believes in the redemption of all those willing, but Vincent insists that he currently isn't in need of redemption. On her arrival, their conversation pauses, and the both of them acknowledge her.
“I’ll be there before long.” Vincent looks to Mako, smiling. "Keep her out of trouble, okay?"
The bishop blinks. The strong wrinkle on his face make him appear solemn, stern, but oddly approachable. “Her light graces you, madam.” He bows curtly, arms resting locked behind his back. His holy symbol hangs from a thin chain, swinging, twisting. He rises, expressionless as before. “Before donations, start with prayer. A good mind is more virtuous than a gold coin. ” He smiles. “But let us take small steps toward righteousness, my child.” Again, he bows.
When Halcyon passes, Valentina seems to shift in personality. She becomes less bouncy, less flirtatious tahn how she spoke to the man. The construct creator stops leaning against a large brass sphere on the counter, instead rising to her feet as her friend draws near. “Hey, Hal! We should catch up. Glad you’re alive. That detective - I think he had quite the crush on me. Fella didn't want to let me go, you get me?” She stops, giving Halcyon a frail smile before she gestures to the man beside her. “Oh, Rome, this is Halcyon d’Orsay. She’s the best seer I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and her boyfriend carries a lot of knives. Hal, Gerome Vieuxpont. He does good work, tell her, Rome?”
Gerome is dressed well, standing tall and hunched slightly in a fitted olive coat. His outfit is more reserved than most, composed solely of earthen colors. He quickly comes off as timid, mousy some would say outside the presence of Verrill and other ratfolk. The noble stammers as he reaches his hand out. “Um, Ye-Yes, it’s your - my pleasure, mademoiselle d’Orsay, ma’am.” Despite his hand outstretched, he still bows. Valentina grins, grabs his hand, and move it closer to the blind woman's.
With his hand returned, he parts his hair away from his brow. “I, um, try to help those who are in jail. I mean - wrongfully in jail, not those that committed crimes. Not that all of their crimes are rightfully wrong, I mean - I, I can’t fight laws...” Valentina nods, tapping his shoulder, reassuring him “Appeals! I help gather support for appeals. The least I can do.” He smiles weakly, nodding, re-affirming himself.
With Halcyon's acknowledgement of Darius, his attention goes away from the four he watched. He curls his fingers one after the other, a wave of sorts to the oracle. He doesn’t talk to her, but he does gaze to her rather frequently, unaware that she might be able to see him.
The alchemists do take note of the oracle. Sibylle rises, pushing the small chair she sat on away with her leg. She closes the gap, stepping a bit too close to Halcyon for comfort. This close, Halcyon gets detailed view of Sibylle. Her skin is a ghostly pale, and her icy blue eyes looks over the oracle’s features. Her hair is straight but frayed, poorly maintained brunette locks that split evenly down her head, tucking beneath the vivid, quilted blanket she wears over her shoulders. Her legs are bare, her arms hidden within her cloth. She’d be rather cute if she tended more to her appearance.
Sibylle leans left and right, again inspecting Halcyon. From her covering, a pale, frail hand emerges. Her right arm stretches out slightly past the elbow and wraps around Halcyon. The difficult, forced maneuver appears to be an embrace or hug. Her voice is soft and toneless. “Yes, you’re her it seems.” Sibylle takes a step back, arm withdrawing back within her blanket. “I was afraid Vincent was wasting my time. Such frivolous requests I thought he was making. Now I see why he wants me to make him someone more than he is.” A frail, genuine smile crosses her face. “Sibylle Mercier. To you he probably called me his 'Chemist.' You may call me whichever feels more natural.”
Verrill watches the interaction with amusement. His hair is clipped with hundreds of pins, giving him a lean, tame appearance. His voice is shrill when he speaks. “Verrill’s never seen her so friendly. An alchemist in Roland that Verrill does not know?”His eyes looks to the Augustine, leaving the group he was with, walking up on the stage. The ratfolk shakes his head, speaking under his breath to himself. “Finally. He realizes he was wasting his time.”
Augustine points to the podium, looking at Estelle “Now a good time?” She nods. Augustine claps his hands together quickly and loudly. He steps out from the group, skipping towards the eastern wall and hopping up the steps, frolicking behind the podium. Behind him are several larger clothed items. Their shape can be seen roughly beneath the cloth.
The man looks at the envelopes in front of him, reading the names upon them to himself, smile stretched over his face. Augustine regains composure and stacks the letters back neatly. He clears his throat gentle, barely heard by those near the front few rows of chairs.
Some take attention, but few give him notice. A second time. “Ahem.” Still, very few linger their gaze on the host. A few begin to silence but those in the back of the room still enjoy their festivities. He closes his eyes, twirls a finger over his head, chanting idly. He opens his eyes, leans forwards, and lets out a whisper.
The general buzzing of the conversation is pierced by a booming, voice. From Augustine comes a thundering soft-spoken whisper. “” his hand shoots to his mouth. His magic stops for a few second. With the attention back on him, he smiles. “Oh, this is a grand spell..” He drops his hand back to the podium and continues to whisper, magic amplifying his voice for all to hear. “” He pauses, collects himself, and continues. “”
His voice returns to normal, still loud, though by his own accord now. The rooms begins to gravitate toward him. He clears his throat once more. “Though those who know may know I flatter easily. More than flattered, however, I was obligated to help. Everything I have has been given to me was by this city, this nation. Durendal. Durendal gave my ancestors a chance for greatness, and they seized it. Durendal gave me the opportunity to pursue my loves, whatever they may be, no matter what they were. Durendal gave me lifelong friends and companions, men and women whom I’ve shared a thousand star-filled nights with.” His gaze bounces throughout the room. “And plenty more drinks than that, I am certain.” A chuckle washes over the crowd.
“Everyone should have the chance to share what we have. Our leisure, our love, our pride, our privilege. They belong not to those in this room, but to this city, to this nation. It is not ours to covet but to give. For these reasons, I am up on this stage. For these reasons, I will match every donation to the copper this afternoon. Let us all show generosity now, not because it is good or charitable, but because it is what we owe to our Durendale brothers and sisters.”
Clapping begins to roar throughout the warehouse as Augustine tears open the first envelope. A few whistle loudly. Augustine gives special thanks to Estelle and Verrill for organizing the charity back-ends, Alexander Ravenhall for providing location and protection, and (seemingly absent from the event) Emile de Beaux for assisting with invitations and the guest list.
He explains the auction to those unaware: half the proceeds funnel to various efforts maintained by Estelle Bellerose and Verrill Blightguard. Augustine will match said proceeds, and if the seller chooses to donate more than half of the item’s sold value, the host will match said value as well. Highest bidder gets the item. Some objects have a starting selling price, and all have a listed increment price (ie., if 100gp, you can go from 1000gp to 1100, but not 1025gp).
Augustine waits for silence before speaking on the first item of the night, a corked, heart-shaped contained with bright pink liquids.
First Auction Wave:
- Philter of Love, brought by Sibylle Mercier. Starting value, 500gp. Increment of 50gp. Augustine advertises that, while love always came a bit too easy for him, the potion could make rekindling a relationship a bit easier. He admits that he pleaded to Sibylle to make this, that it makes for an entertaining, juicy first item.
- Blinkback Belt, brought by Vincent Durant. Starting value, 800gp. Increment of 100gp. The host demonstrates their use, grabbing a knife from the belt and tossing it to the ceiling. When it strikes the metal ceiling and sparks dance overhead, the knife at Augustine’s side, sheathed within the belt.
- +1 Chakram. There is no given vender of the item. Starting value, 100gp. Increment of 50gp. Augustine reads from paperwork stating it was a ceremonial weapon from a Far Away land. He seems clueless on how the weapon is used, placing his arm through the ring and spinning it.
- Clockwork Spy, brought by Valentina Silverstone . Starting value, 250gp. Increment of 50gp. Before Augustine can speak on the item, it buzzes to the air, beginning a shaky flight to the stage. The spider-like device lands, sheathes its wings, and rotates its lens at the crowd. Augustine claps excitedly and begins the bidding.
- Deck of Doors (22/54), brought by Augustine Langlais Starting value, 600gp. Increment of 100gp. While the deck has been mostly used, he describes their function rather than showing it off.
As a standard action, the user can press a card from the deck against a 5-foot section of a wall. The wall must be nonmagical, can be up to 2 feet thick, and must have hardness 8 or lower. In a flash of silvery light, the card grows into a good wooden door (hardness 5, 15 hp) and embeds itself in the wall for 5 rounds, its appearance matching the style of the surrounding architecture. If the user presses two cards against a wall at the same time, the cards instead turn into a double door for 10 rounds. The door can be opened from either side, allowing passage through the affected section of the wall. When the duration ends, the door peels off the wall and withers into a blank, nonmagical card, leaving the wall intact
Second Auction Wave
-
- ???
- ???
- ???
Gill takes a seat in the back row. She sits quietly through the first two items, but when the chakram comes up, she makes the first bid (at 100gp).
Obfuscate intentions towards chakram
roll + ability + rank + class skill + trait + feat
Seth chuckles along with Evelynn at her comment about Halcyon. When Evelynn calls Seth the Bronco, Seth can't suppress a smile and a laugh. "I can say I've never heard that one before." As the host begins speaking he also quiets down to a whisper. "We would make quite the team and I've never fought anything except for men and common beasts. It would be quite the match, and I'm sure the crowd would love it."
Seth pays more attention as the host begins the first wave of items. Seth is silent during the first wave, not placing a bid on any of the items named.
Halcyon sat quietly as the auction got underway. As the first item was described, she smiled inwardly as she asked herself, mostly as a courtesy to Vincent, for she wanted his auction to be a success, 'What if I bid on that?' The thought was dismissed as quickly as it had arisen. 'Wouldn't Mirabelle have a day with that!' She imagined the headline on one of her pamphlets: 'Noted seer tries to snare the heart of famed bodyguard Vincent Durant with magic potion!'. She did make a mental note of those who bid on the potion with an eye to suggesting those who did not get to buy the spell consult with her on more straightforward and honest ways to win over a love.
She next two items were for those who had to fight on a regular basis, so she sat quietly through those bids. She noted with interest when Guillaumine bid on the 3rd and 4th items.
The clockwork spy interested her, she had to confess to herself, but again did not bid. Mirabelle would certainly take notice and word would get around that Halcyon was not so gifted as she might appear, that she relied on spying devices to get information on her clients. The same thoughts emerged as bidding began on the deck that created doors to go through walls. As she thought about it, there was not probably anything she could bid on except something non-magical, such as a pretty piece of jewelry. Anything that might help her in her work would also be the kind of thing she would not want advertised as something she relied on, such as a scrying mirror.
"The night after examining the book, my sleep was greatly disturbed, and I found myself entirely drained the following day. I resolved to leave off reading the thing, but my colleague, Demerrick, became obsessed with the book, and over the next few weeks read the whole thing. After this, he was useless to the point of liability and during the day he was constantly exhausted. One morning he came to me and said, 'It’s not actually true. You don’t die for real if you die in your dreams. I died!' I told him to go get some rest, since he had become a babbling fool, but when I checked on him at lunch, he was reading the damned book again.
"Eventually it was packed up and sent to Absalom with several other curiosities, and I thought no more of it. Demerrick returned to his usual stodgy self, and I had no cause to think of the journal again for years. Demerrick and I were walking through the market in Totra when he suddenly said, 'This is where I died!' and flung himself into the dirt. A crossbow bolt sliced through the space Demerrick had just vacated, and nicked my ear on the way by. We were beset by assassins, but after a few more shots from the rooftops, they fled. Demerrick swore he suddenly remembered dreaming of being killed by a bolt in the market, exactly as it almost happened. Unfortunately, he never dreamed of the poison in his food three days later."—Maspero Lacaus Sothis
I'd recommend leaving off the bit about the poison at the end, given recent events. Some version of this could be read to the audience, with the source being Halcyon's extensive knowledge of lore and her ability to 'read' items by holding them.
Note: I will pay the listed price for this, 600 gp. Can it thus be assumed at some point, Halcyon read through it as described in the text of the item and henceforth can call on the magic to get a re-roll?
Dream Journal of the Pallid Seer Aurano
aura no aura (or faint divination); CL 3rd
Slot none; Price 600 gp; Weight 2 lbs.
Description
This battered, leather-bound book looks like an aged and heavily worn notebook. Anyone reading the journal for an hour or more has strange dreams the following night, the details of which he cannot remember. The following day the character is fatigued. Reading the journal for a total of 24 hours or more causes the reader to have a prophetic dream wherein he sees his own death — though, as before, he cannot remember the details. If a character who has had this vision comes near death at any point afterward, at the moment he is about to die he may reroll any failed saving throw made within the last round or force an opponent to reroll a killing attack. The character must accept the result of the second roll, regardless of its outcome.
Once a character has had the opportunity to avert death, regardless of its success or failure, the journal provides no more benefit and never aids the character again.
The Dream Journal of the Pallid Seer is affected by a permanent magic aura that makes it appear to be nonmagical.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Craft Wondrous Item, guidance, magic aura; Cost 300 gp.
Here's what I have for the past three intercessions:
484_1_1
Income: 1260
Spent: 150 on 6 speak with animals spells. 4 of them have been used. CL1, Druid.
Net gold: 3210.
Actions:
1) Researched list of murder victims and survivors of murder attempts on New Year's Eve.
2) Tried to locate Luc Gardiner, but only learned that he disappeared on New Year's Eve. Obtained a cloak and confirmed that the mirror gang had some contact with him.
3) Used Speak with Animal potions to learn about Lilliane's activities through Mako, the dog.
Contacts:
Caroline: Researched history of Druids in politics and revolutions.
Jean-Tom: Asked him to obtain documents of Blair Bey, but could only follow her and report her activities and contacts.
Other events: Party at Tall Tail. Dave with Vincent. Set up date with Vincent to visit garden and to attend an auction. Talked with Nishara about Blair Bey.
484_1_7
Income: 1200
Spent: 600 on Dream Journal of Pallid Seer
Net gold: 4410 - 600 = 3810
Actions
1) Date at garden with Vincent
2) Consulted a seer trying to locate Luc Gardinier.
3)
Contacts
Caroline:
Jean-Tom: Researched possible enemies of Luc Gardinier.
484_1_15
Income: 1210
Spent: TBD
Net gold: 5020 - spent.
Actions
1) Auction
2)
3)
Contacts
Caroline:
Jean-Tom:
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Marcus stops at the 6th group interested in the pair of alchemists
"Ah if it isn't Ms Mercier and Mr Verrill Blightguard, how do you fair on this fine day" he asks with a smile
---
When the betting starts only one item strikes his fancy, and only if he can snag it for the minimum price, the clockwork spy, though he would rarely have use for it in terms of it's namesake he could have if record and playback music and perhaps deliver drinks to people, depending on how sofisticated the device was.
Price wise he'd ask for advice from the person he registered the item with for the auction
Marcus and Beatrice stop at the chatting alchemists. The blanketed woman looks to Marcus first, pausing for a second before speaking in a whisper-like voice that contradicted her blunt sentiment. “Do I know you?” She leans a bit closer, inspecting Marcus. “Some of my experiments’ fumes have rendered a bit of my life hazy, do tell me, have we met?” She extends a frail arm from her blanket, little more than skin and bone. She smiles softly.
“Fine, pleasant, well, sir. Verill Blightguard, the pleasure is Verrill’s. This is Sibylle Mercier, but it seems you know this already.” Verrill stretches for his own handshake. While the fur on his arms give him more perceived weight, his grip is almost as weak as the last chemist’s. He looks to Beatrice and smiles. “Beatrice, and without your brother, Verrill sees? So glad to see you’re free at last!”
“Oh yes, free. Out of the birdcage, I spread my wings. It has been far too long, Verrill, you don’t stop by anymore.”
“Caroline is seldom ill now. Verrill is not exactly a star on the guest lists anymore, and pray it stays that way. For a doctor to be popular, all others must be feeling dreadful.”
The first bid is kicked off by two individuals, a young Galatian man and a young Durendale woman. The two of them are layered in bright, poorly matching clothes, with loud, bright jewelry that seems too gaudy to be real. The woman jumps to the air. “Love Potion! Mine! Mine! I call it!”
The two bidders don’t sit on the chairs, they hop up and down, standing right next to each other in a frantic race to outbid the other, flailing their arms, grinning at one another, near shouting. If anyone else wanted to bid, their voices or gestures went unnoticed. “Wait, not her, me! Six hundred! Over here, me, me! Toss it down!”
Augustine doesn’t have to search for a higher bid. The woman begins to jump again. “Seven hundred! He doesn’t need it, he loves me!” The woman walks up to the stage, reaching to the podium.
Silas follows. “She doesn’t need it either! Magic-love isn’t fair, she just wants it so she can love me more than I love her!!” The man tries to climb the stage. He manages to stretch a leg onto the stage before announcing his bid. “Eight hundred!”
Rosalie crawls up, wrapping her hands around the podium and attempting to pull herself up. Her footing falters with the little space between the podium and the stage’s edge. “Darling, I need this. If I have it, no one can else will, and then no one can steal you from me. Nine hundred!”
They both are on the stage now. Augustine struggle to keep a straight face as he announces the bids. Some of the mercenaries have moved inside as the spectacle continued. “I’ll hold onto it, then!” The blonde man leans forward, eyes on the pink elixir in Augustine’s hand. He turns his head to the woman, sticks out his tongue and yells. “Five thousand!”
The bidding ends, the woman holding her head in her hands, defeated, the Galatian dancing a jig in victory. When Augustine confirms the bid of five thousand gold coins, the two bidders instantly look to each other, eyes wide. They spoke in unison: “Gold?” Following that, they begin to babble, the man saying that they didn’t know they were bidding with coin, the woman insisting that it was a scheme to get everyone excited about the auction.
They both end their explanations around the same time, cock their heads towards each other and again speak in unison: “Isn’t that right, love? No, that wasn’t- It was- ” They begin to argue, no longer attempting to cover themselves but instead trying to convince each other which excuse was the better one. Some of the guests seem amused at their antics, most are confused, but a few appear rather angry. Among those laughing are Gerard Vieuxpont and Darius Agnes.
Darius raises his hand, calling out “five thousand for the show alone.” Sibylle announces that all proceeds will go to the charity, to which Augustine states that with his matched contribution, ten thousand gold had been raised within a single minute. The confused, angry, and those recovering from laughter all joined together in applause. Augustine walked the couple off stage, whispering to them, eventually turning them to a gleeful silence. Silas and Rosalie hold hands as they exit, the entire event behind them it seems.
Vincent’s Blinkback Belt starts with a several bidders, each seeming to recognize its value to be quite a steal. As the prices raised however, the enthusiasm began to fade away. The bid crawled to a slow, ending a bit over over four thousand gold, all going to charity.
Dr. Sanz leads the bid on chakram, though quickly is outpaced by an unrecognized guest and Sinclair LeBlanc. At each exchange, Sinclair bumps the bid to a round number, one hundred to five hundred, to a thousand. Half through the bid, Sinclair is cut off by a woman at his side. She offers careful, exact bids, strange increments that seem nonsensical, large sounding numbers that trail into silver and coppers. As soon as the other bidder counters her number, she gives out another figure in an instant. The other bidder begins to concede, perhaps out of confusion, or perhaps recognizing her drive to acquire the item. The bid ends at two-thousand, three-hundred and five gold coins, eight silvers and six coppers. Augustine tries to double the figure mid-speech to say what is being donated to charities to some difficulty.
Marcus offers the minimum on the Spy, and for a while, it seemed no one else wanted it. Valentina seems distraught that her creation was going for so little, and tries to push those around her that it was worth far more than that. Before Augustine ends the item’s run, Mirabelle places a bid on the clockwork spy. The mood shifts for dozens at the sound of her voice, and it sparks a long series of bids, likely in fear of what the rumormonger could do with the device. At fifteen hundred gold, the bids slow, to which Mirabelle announces another bid, playfully entertaining it was worth three thousand to her. Gerard Vieuxpont raises the number, and several others follow. The bid ends at six thousand, eight hundred gold coins, Valentina ecstatic. She only keeps the cost of the items creation, seven hundred and fifty gold pieces, for herself.
Everyone seems a bit hesitant on the cards. It is clear that Augustine wanted the deck to be a hit, and he reverses his earlier decision to not demonstrate the deck's power, using one of the remaining card. A door appears where the card was pressed, and with a turn of the knob, Augustine reveals the streets outside: dock workers confused over the newly-formed entrance to the warehouse appearing four feet off the ground. With a bow, the host closes the door. A slow bid begins, stopping at eight hundred and fifty gold coins.
Second Auction Wave
- Dream Journal of the Pallid Seer, brought by Halcyon d’Orsay. Starting value of 100gp. 50gp increment. Augustine sells up the item as a mystical book capable leading one to not only predict their own death, but also avoid it. He says he tried reading it, but the item was far too dense and without enough pictures for him to enjoy. The auctioneer details one account of a Roland Councilwoman escaping death when she recalled that the exact meal placed in front of her was poisoned during a dream she had when reading the book years prior. When the food was examined, it was indeed found to be poisoned! A week later, however, the Councilwoman was shot with a crossbow in the streets, and died from her rooftop assailant. “How grim! Lovely tale, can’t escape death forever, everyone, but you can put it off a little while with this.”
- An Oracle’s Consultation, provided by Halcyon d’Orsay. Starting value of 50gp. Increment of 25gp. Augustine advertises that there is never a better time to consult with a seer than yesterday, but today, or the near future, is the second best time for such a meeting. Whether a valid claim or not, the auctioneer states the offer is an easy way to “skip the lines” many Oracles have.
- The Tall Tail Inn’s Special Bundle, provided by Marcus Tamarin. Starting value of 100gp, 50gp increment. Augustine details a full week’s stay at the Tall Tail Inn, billing it as one of the most pristine, up-and-coming spots that he hasn’t had the time to visit. When reciting the contents of the basket of wines, mead and sake included, Augustine jests that he is thirsty now, and calls to the caterer in the back to get a drink ready for him. He jokingly threats that whoever wins this package best bring along a date, and that it better be Augustine himself.
- A Single Secret: to be Hidden Forever, or Revealed in Private or Public, provided by Mirabelle Zephirine. Start value of 500gp. Increment of 100gp. Augustine begins to chuckle after he reads the item-in-question’s contents aloud. He looks to Estelle in the crowd. “Please can I bid, Stella?” Estelle shakes her head. After pantomiming a falling tear, Augustine goes into the details. Mirabelle has promised that she will never speak of nor publish a single secret of the winner’s choosing, OR reveal/find a single secret of a given individual, and for it to be published in her magazine, The Word on the Wind, if wished.
- Cracked Magenta Prism Ioun Stone, from Jade Earthlight. Starting price 50gp. Increment 25gp. When Augustine places the tall stone above his head, it begin to spin idly. He says the item comes from Jade Earthlight’s home country somewhere Far Away, and bestows enhanced abilities to any skill of its owner.
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- Item from Beatrice de Beaux
- Item from Guard Commandant Robert Gaston
- ???
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When the bid for the "Special Bundle" begins, Gill once more offers the opening bid (at 100gp).
Free Action
Obfuscate intentions towards "special bundle"
roll + ability + rank + class skill + trait + feat
As the first wave of items ended, Seth asked the bar tender for a glass of water. As the second wave of items comes around Seth is quite up until the last item. Seth thinks for a moment as Augustine speaks on the item before deciding to place the first bet on the ioun stone. Seth is obviously being aggressive with his betting, placing bets almost immediately after someone else places one.
Seth will bid up to 700 gp on the ioun stone, and will only bid on the increments.
Seth seems quite interested on the ioun stone, and will go a bit high to acquire it.
Halcyon will continue to sit quietly and make no bids on the first two (since these are her donations). She is very curious what happens around Mirabelle's single secret, but not interested in encouraging her to make money off of her information, even for charity. Seems tawdry to Halcyon.
Halcyon will be interested in bidding on the ioun stone.
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Marcus and Beatrice stop at the chatting alchemists. The blanketed woman looks to Marcus first, pausing for a second before speaking in a whisper-like voice that contradicted her blunt sentiment. “Do I know you?” She leans a bit closer, inspecting Marcus. “Some of my experiments’ fumes have rendered a bit of my life hazy, do tell me, have we met?” She extends a frail arm from her blanket, little more than skin and bone. She smiles softly.
** spoiler omitted **
marcus takes both offered hands, grasping firmly but gently.
"I do not believe we have been formally aquatinted, I merely recognized you from a bit of research into alchemy and alchemists for my business, I want to make something uniquely enjoyable, so that the people may eat drink and be merry, but I don't want to take up the time of someone helping those less fortunate out of the goodness of their heart."When the secret comes up for sale Marcus stage whispers obstenibly to his date but said so that any fairly close by could hear "I do wonder about whoever buys those secrets. What must they have to hide. Or what are they dieing to know?" he tries to keep track of who still bids after hearing that statement, and only bids for it himself if he can get it relatively cheep.
He also takes note of anyone who bids on his own bundle.
Sibylle’s face twists in confusion from some of Marcus’ words. Her tone didn’t shift, still hardly more than a whisper. “Goodness of my-” The blanketed woman looked to the ratfolk alchemist. “Oh, he meant you. Hmm...Uniquely enjoyable… Is that noble-speak for narcotics? Ask the Dwarf doctor, her firm must have some opiates. Or Romane, her chemists make those things more often than I.” She smiles, before she is scolded by Verrill.
As Marcus’ item is bid upon, it is clear that Beatrice had to hold herself back from the bidding herself.
When Mirabelle’s secret is bid upon, Beatrice again fights an urge. “It’s - It’s really not worth it. Rumor is she’ll give any secret she has for a secret she doesn’t know. They’re all lies anyway, least what I’ve heard...”
When Beatrice’s item was brought up to be bid on, she whispered to the innkeeper. Beatrice tried to hide a grin as the bidding began, holding Marcus close.
The Dream Journal is met with some hesitance, perhaps the crowd is doubtful for it’s effects. After a few bids, the item reaches its final price of 350gp.
Halcyon’s consultation shows more success, a steady stream of bidders including Alexander Ravenhall, a Halfling Guardsman, and a Sarenrae Bishop. The bidding closed at 415gp closed by the first bid of Gerard Vieuxpont.
Marcus’ Special Bundle begins with a curt raise of the hand by the doctor for 100gp. A few others in the crowd up the ante, including an Oread woman and Estelle Bellerose, though Guillaumine ends the bid with a round 300gp bid.
Mirabelle’s “item” begins with silence. Perhaps many had the same thought as Marcus, wanting to see who had secrets to learn or hide. Perhaps the silent bidders didn’t want to appear as though they had anything to hide. Romane was the first to break the ice, an almost whisper-like offer heard clear amidst the silence. Her brother Gerard offers a larger sum, and quickly following the Vieuxpont siblings, a wave of other bidders join. The final bid ends at bit over three thousand gold coins, won by Valentina Silverstone.
The ioun stone sees many low-bids before Seth bids with a commanding bark. As the mercenary lord places his bids, many of those seemingly interested cower away, until the only two bidding were Halcyon and the mercenary himself. Both Seth and Halcyon went back and forth, raising the prices from the mid-three/four hundred range to the low seven hundreds. At seven hundred and fifty gold pieces, Halcyon won the bid.
- Lupine Robe, brought by Beatrice de Beaux. Starting price 500gp, 100gp increment. Augustine says the silk robe is an artifact recovered from a “Kit-soon” tribe during the Durendale Expansion Wars four centuries ago. He tries it on, the foxes embroidered on the robe’s sleeves dancing as he moved. The auctioneer rushes through the items abilities to improve one’s charms, nimbleness, and clever natures in times of need, focusing more on the “funny pattern”.
- Four Leaf Clover, brought by Commandant Gaston Robert. Starting price 400gp, 50gp increment. Preserved within two panes of glass and bordered by a wooden ring lies a four leaf clover. While Augustine himself seems unimpressed, he begrudgingly reads the details of the item, citing the “claims of luck and whatnot” the item is said to bring.
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Sibylle’s face twists in confusion from some of Marcus’ words. Her tone didn’t shift, still hardly more than a whisper. “Goodness of my-” The blanketed woman looked to the ratfolk alchemist. “Oh, he meant you. Hmm...Uniquely enjoyable… Is that noble-speak for narcotics? Ask the Dwarf doctor, her firm must have some opiates. Or Romane, her chemists make those things more often than I.” She smiles, before she is scolded by Verrill.
"what? No I don't deal in narcotics. Well not yet, I've considered branching out into that but if I do decide to do so that'd bea different project" he pauses to consider something before continuing "no I mean confections with magical properties, like recreating that firewhisky now that the original creator has died and supplies are running low, or something that changes the color of your hair as you drink it, , just harmless entertainment. Things that bring a laugh to someone, or maybe something a tad more practical like consecrated wine or alcohol that has hangover cure built in"
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Raphael studies the man a moment longer, before finally retrieving a quill from his briefcase and sliding it, an inkwell, and a sheet of paper across the table to the now sobbing man.
He watches as the man frantically scribbles on the offered paper. He reads, torn between disgust and surprise as the man pleads with him to read from the paper. He who has disobeyed the law so egregiously now wishes to honor Durnedal? My nation? He suppresses his instinctive desire to yell at the man, instead asking, "Why did you write this? What does 'Glory to Durendal' mean to you, monsieur Bonnet?"
Raphael watches the unusual man walk away, whistling his unusual and off-key tune with arms open to the sky. I suppose I should have learned by now to trust Estelle's assessment of people. Looking down at the unusual necklace the man had given him, he wraps it in a kerchief and tucks into his satchel with a disbelieving shake of his head.
Raphael makes a mental note of the space given to the unusual Tizonan and makes a point of maintaining it. "I am glad to hear it, Reyes. I, of course, must be Raphael instead of sir, however." He smiles disarmingly at the man, returning the man's continued gaze levelly.
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind, Monsieur Langlais." He smiles and quips, "If I can help a worthy cause by making a spectacle of myself, then surely there is no better use of my time?"
Raphael leans closer to Estelle to hear her whisper, inclining his head once to indicate he'd heard. He whispers back, serious and then teasingly, "Any friend of yours is a friend of mine. It's a shame that she won't like me, but perhaps my charm may win her over?"
He greets the new arrival with a polite nod and a disarming smile, "Raphael Montefiore, attorney and master of a trading company of little note. It's good to meet you, mademoiselle..." He trails off and waits for a more full introduction.
Augustine's booming voice cuts through the low chatter of the crowds and Raphael looks up from his conversation with Estelle. He listens to Augustine's speech with interest, nodding approvingly and clapping heartily in reply. He remarks to Estelle, "I can see why you asked for his assistance, he has quite the way with words. It is a remarkable thing you and Monsieur Blightguard have put together tonight. The good men and women of Durendal together seeking to combat the misfortunes and iniquities which afflict our fellow countrymen."
During the auctioning of Valentina's clockwork spy, Raphael makes a few bids for the item, hoping to prompt a greater spending on his friend's work. He clicks his tongue in vexation as the bidding trails off. He comments in a whisper to Estelle, "Her work is rather remarkable, so it is a shame to see it so sadly-" He is cut off by Mirabelle's bid. By the end of the furious round of bidding, he nods approvingly and waves to Valentina, mouthing, Congratulations.
Raphael has already demonstrated the Sleeves of Many Garments (200 gp) that he will contribute. The handy translucent cloth tubes allow the wearer to transform her clothes into any non-magical set of clothing (sans jewelry).
The other item he contributes is a Traveler's Any-tool (250 gp). If asked about the item, he spins a tale about having to build a camp and guard tower with only one such tool and his wits in his time with the Durendal Special forces.
Raphael watches the bidding, chatting amiably with those around him. When Estelle makes her bid on the Tall Tail Inn, Raphael raises an eyebrow at her, but says nothing. After she's outbid a final time, he raises a hand and offers, "Five hundred gold pieces, even, I think."
After the bidding has moved on, he whispers to Estelle, "After the effort you've put into the good work tonight, I should think you deserve a pampered stay at Marcus' exquisite inn. Just be sure to save a glass of his exquisite dry red for me? That said, the gentlewoman who was bidding against you seemed rather keen on it, so perhaps you might invite her for a few nights? I'm afraid I don't know her... do you?"
Raphael, recognizing the veracity of the claims related to the clover, will also bid on the Four Leaf Clover, up to a value of 2000 gp.
“Raphael Montefiore - this is a scripted compulsion, do not attempt to respond or question monsieur Bonnet, he knows no details of the following. You and your actions have obtained the attention of our Organization. Whether you agree with our methods or cause is not this contact's concern, the purpose of this compulsion is to create a dialogue between you and our Organization.”
Gautiuer pauses. Except his mouth, the man has yet to move since sitting up straight. “On the last day of the month, we will be waiting at 113 North Wall Road at 2:15 PM. You may bring anyone you feel necessary to ensure your safety. At the site of any Guardsman however, your chance will be forfeit, and you will be deemed a foe of our Organization.”
Again, the prisoner pauses. His eyes are unmoving, staring directly at Raphael. “By taking Gautier’s case, you’ve already shown promise among the ranks of our Organization. If you fail to attend our meeting, further measures will be taken to determine your relationship to our cause. I look forward to meeting with you, monsieur Montefiore. Glory to Durendal.”
When the message stops, Gautier blinks once more. His hands rise, and a large grin stretches across him. Tears begin to flow once more. “Gods, I’m - I’m still alive! I’m alive! Glory to Durendal!” His laughs echo the room. Eventually, he recovers, wiping away his tears of joy, looking to his lawyer. “They - They want me alive! Which means you’re the real lawyer! You- You’re going to save me!”
You recognize the man Valentina is speaking to as Gerome Viuexpont, often regarded as the “good son” of the Vieuxpont family. The Vieuxpont name is one of those known for their long lasting power, having generations of influential family heads. Within this room, their power and longevity is rivaled perhaps only by the Langlais name.
"Zephirine" she answers with a smile. “Writer and Editor of a paper of little note.” She does a small curtsey with her dress, a gesture that seems almost mocking, or in the very least, not rehearsed. She looks to Estelle with a grin before addressing Raphael once more. “I saw zat you changed outfits, no? Zat eez nice, perhaps I will be taking zat before zee day eez over. I don’t zink zat anyone here has seen me in a dress before, and I already grow sick of zee looks.”