Indeed, when you enter, you see Molly behind the front desk. The elderly halfling woman seems frail and weak, yet the glitter in her eyes reveals the force of her will and suggests at hidden, secret reserves of strength within. She carries herself with confidence and greets you with a grin.
”Welcome to The Seven Apples, Vyre's foremost hostel for visiting adventurers. If you're looking for a place to stay or a guide to the hottest spots in town, you've come to the right place! How can I help you?"
Lubella greeted the elderly woman with a warm smile and a bow, "Molly Mayapple, I presume? Kyda, at your service."
"We've just arrived from Kintargo, and need a place to stay for two nights. We're here for the social events, and I've heard that you are the one to talk to about invitations.
"As you can see, I'm rather underdressed for such functions. I was also wondering if you could recommend a shop where I could buy more appropriate attire.
Talvek follows inside, nodding respectfully at the elderly halfling. "I've heard so much of this place and yourself, Mrs. Mayapple, delighted to be here. This is our first time in Vyre, as you can probably tell, and we would me most grateful for your guidance."
The tiefling follows Lubella's lead, but wonders why she hasn't mentioned the deeds yet.
Molly Mayapple smiles.
Oh aren't you just precious. You remind me of me when I was a younger me. And you have such dashing friends. I cater to adventurers and the like. We are nearly full with all the events going on tonight. You arrived just in time. I have two rooms left. How long will you be staying?
She takes down your names.
Well, regarding clothing, first you will need a ticket. The Kings and QUeens of Masks do not just let anyone into their parties you know. Invitation Only...to keep out the riffraff. But silly me. What am I thinking? You would not have traveled all this way from Kintargo if you did not have a ticket already.
Lubella replied, "We have other pressing business in Kintargo, so we need to return to Kintargo once the parties here are over. Our transport is leaving in two days time, so we will require two nights accommodations."
She lowered her voice to make sure that the conversation wasn't overheard by unwelcome eavesdroppers,
"I only learned of the events here a few days ago, so unfortunately we haven't had time to acquire tickets. However, I do have something that may be of interest to you: we found several documents in the ruins of a gambling den that used to be run by a criminal organization known as the Gray Spiders.
"One ledger contains a set of deeds for a number of warehouses and waterfront buildings here in Vyre, with you named as the legal owner! I gather that they were planning on using them to blackmail you. Their operation was destroyed by the Hellknights of the Order of the Torrent before they could carry that plan out. I have no interest in being involved with blackmail, so we can return the deeds to you. Is there any way that you could use your connections to get tickets for us?"
She tried to read Molly's reaction to this revelation.
Molly smiles politely Ah yes, two nights. Wonderful. What's this? For me?
She begins to read the ledger and deeds. What...where did...how? she steadies herself, almost dropping the legal documents.
Molly tears up and quietly excuses
herself, I am so sorry... I am..must be leaving you with
Happly Grunn and Letticia Moll for a few
minutes while I collect myself in the
back room. They will take care of the details of your stay. she nods to them and staggers to the back room.
The human agents, Happy and Letticia, take your bags and hand you keys to the two rooms.
Yes, right. I am sure she will return...shortly. Will any of you be needing any extra linens for the evening? No? Tailors and clothing? Why yes. I can highly recommend a couple. Here are the directions to the 'Dandyman' and 'Leather and Lace' shops. Both with the latest fashions.
"'Leather and Lace'? I am intrigued." For some reason, an image of Aldren floats to the surface of his thoughts. Thanking the two for their assistance and suggestions, Talvek leaves his bag in the room before reconvening with the rest of the group.
"Alright, shall we leave our orders with the tailors and then try to talk to Mrs. Mayapple again?"
Sidius chuckles, "Why Jackdaw, I always thought you more the Dandyman type." He nods his head, "I think that obtaining suitable wear is a clear priority -- if only to allow our hostess time to compose herself."
Talvek looks thoughtful for a moment. "You are not wrong, but I believe it might be useful in these circumstances to weave a little misdirection."
The tiefling looks away, coughs. "Besides, what happens in Vyre, stays in Vyre - or so I've heard - and I am curious about new experiences."
Lubella said to her friends, "Let's us our time productively, and visit the shops to order our outfits. We'll be doing do at the last minute, so we have no time to lose!"
She asked the agent that had given her the directions, "How does the process of ordering our outfits work? Do we need to show our invitations? We need to get started right away."
Wait! you hear the voice, now stronger and more composed.
Molly returns back in control of her emotions,
I do not know where or how you found these deeds.
But I cannot begin to thank you enough.
You have brought me hope. From the bottom of
my heart in gratitude, please accept this
reward for your kindness to an old woman.
She hands you the keys to nicer rooms.
You can have accommodations at the Seven Apples
gratis for as long and as often as you
wish to visit Vyre. But this I give you as well.
She is handing you a magical haversack, and inside is 800 platinum coins.
These will help you buy suitable garments.
I have heard of what’s been going on in
Kintargo and the rest of Cheliax, and I understand that
Vyre should secure an ally against House Thrune, just to
be safe. Kintargo is an excellent option, but as long as
Barzillai remains in power there, Vyre’s primary point of
contact on the mainland remains in flux.
Molly continues I happen to be on relatively
good terms with the current Queen of Delights
she muttering, more to herself a nice change after the last
few were “such disappointments.”
I am sorry, where was I? Oh, yes.
the Queen of Delights holds monthly banquets
where those she favors are allowed to share a
meal, air grievances, and jockey for her favor.
The next banquet is tonight, and
it’s no big deal for me to arrange for you to
accompany me as my honored guests. There’s no better
way to approach a leader of Vyre about setting
up an alliance. Molly points out, Especially
since the city’s other four leaders are “not
the type of folks you’ll want to make
friends with, by and large.”
Lubella smiled and replied, "We would be honored to attend the Quuen's Banquet as your guests."
She added confidentially, "Barzillai Thrune has been acting erratically lately, so his position may not be as secure as it seems."
She accepted the haversack saying, "We must get fitted for suitable attire for the banquet. Please excuse us while we attend to making ourselves more presentable."
She showed the coins to her comrades, "Shall we attend to our clothes shopping?"
”Splendid. Meet me here at sunset and you can accompany me to the palace.“
Arcos nods, "I'd be delighted."
You depart from the Seven Apples with Molly waving goodbye.
Within a few blocks you are away from the waterfront and into the Nettles district. Following the directions you stride past various denizens of the City of Masks, most caught up in their own vices.
The two shops in particular specialize in the latest fashions. Dandyman for gentlemen clothing, with wool long buttoned coats and leggings. The Leather and Lace, featuring classic Taldorian silk dresses with many layers.
A matronly woman greets Lubella.
”How can I help you, miss? You look like you just fell out of a fishing boat. The Queens banquet you say? Oh honey, not dressed like that you won’t! “
Lubella looked around the shop and replied, "Perhaps something in blue, with golden trim. I'll want something suitable for dancing."
Talvek accompanies Lubella, looking at the dresses with a little dismay.
"Er, mistress, I was wondering what the 'leather' in the name of the shop was about, in fact. I'm, uh, not looking for a dress, but also the gentlemen clothing next door doesn't, er, inspire me." The tiefling swallows. "Do you have something, um, bolder?"
With much gesturing and pointing, he describes a laced up black leather corset over a billowing pale green silk shirt, tight leather trousers with dark purple laces up the sides, and a sleeveless, long black leather coat tapered at the waist and lavishly embroidered in dark green thread and lined with purple silk.
The shopkeeper smiles broadly at Lubella ”Now you are talking, girl! I mean young lady, or well that is just what we say here in Vyre. Not implying you are a girl. Please do not take it the wrong way with the 5 rules and everything.“
She turns to Talvek as a distraction
”Yessir. We can pull something like that together no problem. When we get burly orc or warriors in here our sizes do not run that large and have to make custom. But here and here and there. Try those on for size. Perfect“ she pulls a bunch of items together and hands to Talvek.
Lubella made a mental note to ask Molly about the '5 rules'. She wanted to be clear about what was acceptable in Vyre, and what was not.
After a bit of consideration, Arcos picks out a fairly unassuming outfit. A gray-blue shirt and matching trousers as well as a black overcoat, accented with small golden buttons and thread.
It's of excellent make, but designed to make him as nonchalant as possible.
Once all of the outfits are purchased and ready, you are able to return to the Seven Apples
Molly comments.
”Oh yes! Excellent choices! You will be the talk of the town. Remember this is a party where diplomatic skill is paramount and blades and armor will be frowned upon. Remember also to keep the 5 rules of Vyre:
“I Shall Honor All Coin”,
“I Shall Speak Many Names”,
“I May Wound Yet Shall Not Kill”,
“I Know None Are Below Me”,
“I Shall Let Closed Doors Remain Closed”,
Lubella asked Molly, "Do you recommend that we leave our we weapons and armor at the Seven Apples? I admit I'm a little nervous about being completely unarmed.
"I admit I'm not completely familiar with the 5 rules of Vyre. Can you elaborate on the details? I want to make sure that I don't cause offense though a misunderstanding."
She tried to observe Molly's body language to detect if there was anything that the older woman was glossing over.
”Pretty simple actually. Small one handed blades are fine. Don’t you be going in with a halberd or crossbow. Makes people right uncomfortable it does. 5 rules? One:Honor all coins helps travelers such as your self an promotes trade without need for money changers. A silver is a silver. Two: don’t challenge if an alias is given. People come to Vyre to escape their life elsewhere. Three: you can defend yourself but leave them alive. If you worry about revenge then don’t hurt anyone. Four: you are not any better than anyone else. Respect all from slave to Queen. Five: Don’t go snooping in other peoples business.“
She smiles with a bit more teeth than she intended.
”I am sure some legal clerk has them written somewhere nicer, but you get the idea. Are we ready?“
Lubella replied, "So do you think my scimitar will be OK? It's small for a human, but could be considered a moderate size for me. I suppose one of the others could carry it for me if that would be more acceptable.
"I heard someone that say that guests should bring a gift. What do you think would be appropriate?"
Molly suggests Waiting until the last moment before arriving—not quite late,
but certainly not early enough to appear too eager, as
the Queen of Delights has little patience for beggars. We have time for a bit of walking, talking and shopping before our arrival.
She chuckles as she takes one of Sidius's arms and Talvek's other.
If you men are to gain the queen’s favor, you must be on
your best behavior during the banquet. I am warning you
to be respectful of the queen and her
guests, even in the, quite likely, eventuality that some
of those guests might not deserve respect.
Furthermore, stay away from the topic of religion
during dinner!
She frowns at this point.
Oh, and as a last-minute word of advice, I should probably
mention that the queen’s husband shall “be in
attendance,” but you are not to speak of him.
Acquiring a small gift for the
queen is also a good idea—anything more expensive than
500 gp is generally viewed as bribery and looked down
upon, but anything less expensive than 10 gp is thought
of as cheap. Gifts can be anything. but Molly points
out The queen is particularly fond of spiders, onyx
jewelry, and fine mead.
less commonly known preferences of the queen:salacious works
of art, lacy gloves
less commonly known preferences of the queen:fancy potion vials, flowers with black petals.
less commonly known preferences of the queen: Ustalavic novels, or exquisite banquet utensils.
Lubella asked around near the Seven Apples about the Queen's tastes.
After a while she returned and reported, "The queen is known to like salacious works of art and lacy gloves. She is also reported to like fancy potion vials and flowers with black petals. And finally, someone told me that she might especially like Ustalavic novels or exquisite banquet utensils. I'm thinking that one of the last two might make the strongest impression."
She asked Molly, "Where would be the best place to find one of these things for a gift?"
Kenji nods.
“My friends, I have chosen attire that is impeccable, yet not ostentatious. Look at the colors and how it incorporates subtle onyx accents. And I’ll not be wearing overt symbols of religion or allegiance!“
He thinks.
“As for the gift we present to the queen, I propose that we find an exquisite onyx brooch in the shape of a spider, accompanied by a bottle of fines mead, a balance between luxury and modesty!“
Talvk ponders the suggestions from Lubella and Kenji.
"We probably don't want to go with the most obvious choices here, what everyone knows. As for the less known items, salacious art does not feel appropriate to gif in a semi-public setting like a banquet. The novels might be good, but it would have to be something rare or recently published, otherwise we risk gifting her a copy of something she already has. Banquet utensils... I don't even know where to begin, but perhaps Mrs. Mayapple might have an idea. Perhaps we can fins an onyx potion vial in the meantime."
Once your choices are made, Molly tugs the arms of her strong escorts.
”Ok, we are at the optimal time to stroll to the party. “
Lubella headed out to look for a gift to bring to the banquet. She spent a while searching, but eventually settled on a fancy potion vial with a stopper carved out of onyx.
When she returned she asked Molly, "Can you give us an idea about the format of the banquet, and how long it will last? I'm trying to plan my spells for the evening."
Talvek went in search of a second gift, knowing they needed every advantage they could muster. Asking around at booksellers and purveyors of exotic goods, he manages to find a recent release by famed author Ailson Kindler.
Right before entering the location of the banquet, Talvek quickly downs a small vial, then takes a deep breath, gently squeezing Molly's hand on his arm. "Let's do this."
You approach the Queen of Delights home
as an ancient and decrepit-looking estate.
Located on the fringe of the Opal Market,
a building known as Cobweb Manor
for the unusual number of dusty-gray, fist-sized
spiders that scurry among its eaves
and across its foundation stones.
rumor has it the Queen of Delights is a witch with an uncanny knack for whispering to spiders
Molly pulls you into line behind some other guest.
This will be our best spot in line. Just follow my lead until we get inside. These events usually last all night, so figure from 4-5 hours until midnight. Dinner and social opportunities will be in multiple courses.
She pauses and nods to the people ahead and behind as she waves politely.
In a hushed voice she states...
You may see thing that affect your morale code or the like, so be prepared. Many of these people are not good. Behind us, yes the female halfling in gray dress, is Elitu Rosewinter. Just entering now, ironically enough is the human Asmerru Krupt, he is a Chelish aristocrat visiting from Hinji. Oh here we are. Pay attention.
As you reach the entry doors of Cobweb Manor, a lumbering,
7-foot-tall figure with pale skin and terrible scars
attends the door. This “man” is dressed in a fine suit,
but does not speak—he merely nods upon seeing
invitations and steps aside to allow entry.
Cobweb Manor is quite clean and well decorated
within, albeit with spider and spiderweb motifs. The
ceilings, draped with sheets of cobwebs, hold numerous
chandeliers lit with continual flame spells, while the woodpaneled walls are decorated with many erotic paintings
of subjects quite varied and scandalous in nature. Little
is left to the imagination in these works of art, though
in several, the same dark-haired, crimson-eyed, horned
beauty seems to be placed in a position of prominence.
Lubella guessed that making a good first impression was important, so she cast a spell to help the group with the introductions.
She whispered to Molly, "What's the correct protocol for the greetings and gift giving? How should we address the queen?"
Talvek takes in the décor, trying to appear unfazed.
Arcos shrugs, "Well, it is called Cobweb Manor after all. I wouldn't expect anything especially...normal from it."
Only a few minutes after your arrival, you are ushered into a large hall, the focus of which is a sprawling table capable of seating two dozen guests. The head of the table is reserved for a setting for the queen herself, while the last setting at the far end of the table contains only a slumped and dusty skeleton clad in fine clothing at least a decade out of date. Three more of the hulking butlers stand motionless in the corners of the room.
You are all seated together, along with Molly, in a row of chairs near the foot of the table--Lubella has the "honor" of getting to sit next to the bones.
Soon enough, the host of the banquet enters the room--the Queen of Delights, Manticce Kaleekii. Manticce is a beautiful tiefling woman clad in a long, flowing gown with black spiderweb lace and elegant gloves. Her dark hair is held back in a net of cobwebs, revealing her pointed ears, little red horns, and the spiderweb tattoos on both sides of her neck. Her eyes are an unnatural crimson, and she moves with an unnerving grace— all manifestations of her tiefling heritage.
The guests rise to give the queen a standing ovatoin, and she smiles at you.
”Greetings, new friends and old, to my home. I see some familiar faces here, and some delightfully unfamiliar ones as well. It is always a pleasure to serve new tongues the delectable offerings of House Kaleekii, and I trust you shall remember the meal to come for the rest of your lives. Tonight’s banquet is brought to us by master chef Annatolintis Tasetas, all the way from Katapesh, and consists of four expertly prepared courses. I expect the conversation to be lively and thought-provoking, and as always, I shall accept your gifts during the serving of dessert. Without further ado, let us begin!“
A small army of servants enters the room, all clad in diaphanous white robes and wearing wraps of gauzy veils over their faces to hide their identities. They distribute the first course to all the guests--including the skeleton next to Lubella. None of hte other guests speak of the bones or even cast them much of a glance, even as the food is placed before them.
Talvek stands up and bows as the hostess enters, pleasantly surprised to see that she is a tiefling like him. It doesn't take a great stretch of intellect to deduce that the mouldering bones at the other end of the table belong to the queen's husband, and he privately wonders at the story behind that.
As they get seated again and the first course is announced, he wracks his brain for some interesting Katapesh trivia as a warm-up conversation topic.
Sidius considers the options, then says, "Red and Black have always been a striking combination, at least, I've thought so. With some accents of silver or platinum. I would think a collared jacket would be appropriate, though sleeveless, and with a few well-placed slashes to reveal the colour of the shirt beneath.... and to allow a small, mouselike creature to lose itself in the folds. That said, I'm on a bit of a budget, and couldn't really spend more than 200 gold."
Sidius does his best to watch the other guests and their reactions to his companions -- including Molly -- and to the hostess... without being too obvious that's what he's doing.
Lubella read the room, looking for social ques about polite etiquette and following the lead of the others.
She guessed that the skeleton next to her was the husband not to be spoken of, and did her best to conceal her unease. She made an appreciative comment about the appetizer, which she was vaguely familiar with from her childhood, despite never having tasted it before herself.
Kenji, understanding the importance of making a good impression, puts on his most charming smile and engages in polite conversation with the guests seated around him. He takes care not to stare too long at the skeleton, following the example set by the other attendees.
Throughout the meal, the he converses with their fellow guests, exchanging stories and anecdotes, and he intends to direct a question towards the Queen of Delights herself if the opportunity arises. Kenji is ensuring that he does not touch upon controversial topics such as religion, and he treast everyone at the table with respect and courtesy.
Molly, while standing for the initial ovation, motions for the entire party to stand and clap politely. Following the lead of the others.
Each of the courses requires specific
and proper etiquette to consume. At the start of each
course, ask each PC if they want to immediately begin
or if they want to wait and watch other guests to learn
the proper etiquette through observation. A character
who starts at once must succeed at Knowledge
(geography or local) or Profession (cook) check to
know the proper way to eat the meal
This first course consists of quicksoup—a strange and
unusual delicacy first pioneered in the Iobarian city of
Orlov. Each guest is given a tureen of heady, boiling-hot
soup sitting atop a nest of five short candles, a smaller
bowl in which swim five live minnows, and a set of utensils
that include a two-tined fork, a sharp, slender knife, and
a spoonlike sieve.
Elitu Rosewinter, the halfling woman mentioned earlier, calls to Molly.
I see you brought guests with you, Miss Molly. Are these new friends or bodyguards? I have not seen them in Vyre before today.
An elderly male Keleshite human speaks to Kenji
Xoshak Zabrinni is happy to be attending. Xoshak has never seen one of your race before. Dare he ask from whence you travel? Are you here on business or pleasure?
Sidius and Lubella both notice the servants try to be as unnoticed as possible
The other guests are likewise sizing up the other guests, with hints of curiosity and jealousy as they try to navigate the dinner without embarrassing themselves.
Talvek greets the guests seated in his vicinity, doing his best to be polite and courteous. He tries for more neutral topics of conversations, like travel and sightseeing in the city of Vyre.
"I have to admit that I did not travel outside my native city until recently, and the experience is quite eye-opening. It is rather easy to stay in one place and enjoy the comfort of the familiar, but I believe that we only grow when we are challenged."
Lubella whispered, "Who knows how to eat quicksoup?"
She tried to remember if what she knew about the topic.
Lubella waited for an appropriate time to reply to Elitu Rosewinter, "We've travelled here from Kintargo, having heard about the stimulating social scene in Vyre."
Talvek views dishes involving live creatures with distaste, but he cannot let that show. He begins to eat - first scooping up a minnow with the sieve, then placing it in the hot liquid, then quickly and efficiently deboning it with the fork and knife.
"This is quite the special dish. I heard that its invention originated in an accident, a mishap in the kitchen that a brilliant cook turned into the famous delicacy it is today. Life is sometimes like that, isn't it? Something that most might view as misfortune could be the beginning of something wonderful and unexpected."
Kenji will wait and watch how to eat the meal.