Knowledge(local):
After quietly listening to the back and forth Aerieth decides to chime in:
Isn't this the play which caused all kinds of riots? When I was but a wee elf, I recall people talking about the crazy humans and some violent play which had caused riots. I believe that it was banned shortly thereafter and only performed in underground theaters after that.
Also, if my memory is correct, doesn't the mayor love theatre and like to show his love by throwing wild days long parties?
Janiven steps forward and puts a gentle hand on Asmodia's shoulder as Arael looks shocked and hurt by Asmodia's outburst. "Please. If any of us could we would and you know that. Ailyn took an enormous risk just by coming here with this information. Arael's still a wanted outlaw. And, well, you're the best we've got. No one else can do this with any chance of success. If you don't want to no one's going to make you. And if you do we'll help you as best as we can."
As Aerieth speaks up Ailyn tries her best to cut through the tension. "Yes. That's what makes this such a momentous occasion for him. And a grand opportunity for us. It's even going to be held in the night shade theatre's grand opening. The mayor's even providing the implements to be used in the more graphic portions of the play.
"Of course he is," Asmodia says, "where is the sport in watching the pawns beat each other with blunted swords? I will prepare the spell to detect poison."
Looking rather confused: So this nutty mayor wants to hire a bunch of sell swords to get themselves killed in a play that is at least in part real involving real combat and possible real monsters? Isn't this play still performed in the planes of Hell using real devils?
"Well, if they want someone to fight for entertainment, I know that well enough. Though I hope any fame that comes from this won't have people digging up problems from our past."
Bejis pauses for a moment.
"So if we show up to the cast party all decked to fight, how do we sneak away without being noticed? And if we can do that, how do we keep our... activities secret? We aren't exactly what you would call stealthy."
"It's a cast party. Keep our heads while the rest of the party gets themselves drunk beyond reason. Be nice to the guards, sneak them drinks, arrange as many illicit pairings between staff and drunken partygoers as possible. Hope for the best, and claim to be lost and drunk if noticed. Leave no witnesses if someone doesn't believe us."
I don't know about you all, but I am actually quite good at stealth. I may lack some of the persuasive skills of rogues, but those that require agility I am fairly adept at.
So, we go in armed and dangerous and then undertake some espionage. Does anyone have plans of the mayor's home? It would be nice to know ahead of time what we are working with so that we can set up our departure if things start to go sour.
I don't know about you all, but I am actually quite good at stealth. I may lack some of the persuasive skills of rogues, but those that require agility I am fairly adept at.
So, we go in armed and dangerous and then undertake some espionage. Does anyone have plans of the mayor's home? It would be nice to know ahead of time what we are working with so that we can set up our departure if things start to go sour.
"LeVash has the right idea." Janiven says. "And we'll see about digging up those plans. I doub we'll get anything about the Asmodean Knot but Aberian's Folly shouldn't be all that difficult."
"For now." Arael says. "It would be best to go down to the Limehouse Theatre and see whether that option will even be feasible. After that you have to survive the play. We'll aid you however we can."
"Agreed with LeVash, though I reckon in such debauchery our actions will be easily disregarded as the normal activities found at such a place"
LeVash looks towards Asmodia, then to Aerith, "A thought. For those of you unsure of your acting ability..though I doubt that will come into it...or who need for some reason to conceal your identity, why don't we place each of Lazarod's companions under masks? We'll pitch it to the the director as a way to focus attention on Lazarod, and to separate ourselves from any other contenders, should they be present. Our Lazarod can recieve the benefit of other disguise efforts, but it will be much simpler to create one solid disguise than five."
"The point was to get fame to all of us, so we can use our prestige. The question is, is fame good or bad?"
Masks as you desire aren't difficult to come by. For stage however a carnival mask or similar style headgear may be more palatable. The approach is novel and has some basis in some performances. However it's uncommon and might not fly with the director. Ailyn points out that given the makeup and outfits required it might make little difference anyway.
You spend another half an hour or so goign back and forth on the best way through the mansion. Ultimately you decide to wait. Without the promised plans to Aberian's Folly (the name of the mayoral mansion) and accounting for Xfactors (such as the popularity of the play and your general well being afterwards) such a discussion would be limited at best.
By noontime you grab a quick bite to eat and travel towards the Limehouse Theatre carrying your various weapons and gear in bags and canvas rolls to keep from catching the Dottari's attention and wait in line. All around you town criers announce the play and its showing.
The theatre itself is a squat two story building that's quite wide and wedges near the back presumably to make room for the stage proper. The building is old and faded but it seems its popularity has not diminished as a result.
Robahl himself is a former military captain with a history of shouting and a vocabulary larger than some dictionaries. He is firm in his belief that more can be accomplished from his actors if they have no delusions about themselves. Therefore he is blunt, loud, and hammy . He is a living legend among Chelaxian theatre and rumor has it that if this play goes well he'll be propelled into mythical status. Legend has it that he once screamed at the legendary elven actor, Lobbero for a full hour before he eventually passed out from ebing out of breath while the poor victim could do nothign but stand there dumbfounded.
As you wait your turns to be seen you see a number of hopefuls there as well. Just by looking around you can tell most here have not had the experiences you've had. Some are no talent street performers trying to catch a rising star, even if it means a bloody end, others are farm boy adventurers, or rough cutthroats who've probably never felt real pain, killed a monster, or have any idea what's in store for them.
As the last person in front of you leaves, a thin woman who up until moments ago was filled with a naive confidence about her natural acting talent, sobbing loudly her face wet with fresh tears.
Coming in behind her is an ugly man wiht a look on his face a cross between a scowl and a sad frown. He shakes his head as the woman walks away. He then points a calloused finger at Bloodless. "Right. You next."
"Well then, lets get underway then, I didn't come all this way for nothing. It seems your day has been a little disappointing friend, perhaps I can bring a little light to it eh?"
Bloodless hoists his gear and follows on.
As bloodless enters the theatre he is taken to the stage where he finds himself standing in front of a pair of men sitting in the front row of the audience behind a makeshift desk. One is a squat, round man whose size just qualifies him as being human rather than a dwarf. His mustache is long and bushy and serves to give him the look of a perturbed walrus. The man sitting beside him is a hunchbacked man with meaty looking arms adn calloused hands. He's ugly, to say the least. Both are rifling through papers and making notes as you get on stage. Without looking up the mustached man starts asking questions.
"What's your experience in acting?"
"What's your experience in adventuring?"
"What's your availability like over the week?"
"What's your education? Can you read and write at least?"
"Have you ever been tortured before?"
"What reasons do you have for wanting to do this play?"
"Are there any immediate family members that need to be informed in case of your death?"
"Are you comfortable enough with the notion of death to continue the performance even should a friend or family member suffer a gruesome fate on stage?"
"You don't look like any tiefling I've seen. Do you have some bizarre heritage we should know about?"
When each character finishes answering the questions they must make a level check modified by their charims modifire (essentially a 1d20+CHA+3)
Knowledge(local):
I suppose that you are going to want us all to answer these questions:
"What's your experience in acting?"
I have lived in Cheliax for well over 100 years without having run afoul of the Hellknights or authorities.
"What's your experience in adventuring?"
I have travelled throughout the northern Inner Sea region and experienced many things that ordinary citizens never see.
"What's your availability like over the week?"
I have regular employment in Westcrown, but can work with my employer to provide free time as long as I can make up the time later.
"What's your education? Can you read and write at least?"
I have some basic elvish education and can read and write.
"Have you ever been tortured before?"
I have never been personally tortured, although I have been attacked and have lived with the scar on my face for nearly 10 years, which is itself torture.
"What reasons do you have for wanting to do this play?"
After a certain number of years, life becomes stagnant. This play will allow me to show the world my skills and abilities. To show that I am something more than a simple craftsman.
"Are there any immediate family members that need to be informed in case of your death?"
No, my parents were killed many years ago and I have no siblings or spouse.
"Are you comfortable enough with the notion of death to continue the performance even should a friend or family member suffer a gruesome fate on stage?"
Death is merely a step. If a person dies, that is what was intended, there is no need to stop and bemoan the death when such delay can result in ones own death.
"What's your experience in acting?"
"Well not so much acting per se but I was well trained in the art of Diplomacy and debate, although I must admit I am not the worlds best liar. I can, however, usually form a most compelling argument"
"What's your experience in adventuring?"
"This sword is not just for show, I have fought both man and beast, and have only found myself the poorer for it once. I am a skilled and accomplished hunter and tracker"
"What's your availability like over the week?"
"The nature of my employment as a beast master allows me some flexibility, I can be available for the right offers.
"What's your education? Can you read and write at least?"
"Although it was a village I grew up in I can still navigate my words and numbers well enough, and in more than one language"
"Have you ever been tortured before?"
"Well not a rack and cat-o-nine-tails type of torture, psychological maybe"
"What reasons do you have for wanting to do this play?"
"Fame, glory, the chance for stardom. Why else does one become a player? Anyone saying they do it just for the sake of art is probably telling fibs. Art matters, most assuredly, but lust and passion, those are matters of more substance"
"Are there any immediate family members that need to be informed in case of your death?"
"Not really"
"Are you comfortable enough with the notion of death to continue the performance even should a friend or family member suffer a gruesome fate on stage?"
"As long as it isn't mine I am sure I can move past it"
"You don't look like any tiefling I've seen. Do you have some bizarre heritage we should know about?"
"You must be some of the smarter men in Westcrown, I do indeed have a bizarre heritage, I am a childe of the heavens, not some by-blow of an idiot and a Devil. Unfortunately most of the troglodytes walking around this city can't tell the difference, so I suppose there is some opportunity to simply pretend you have a 'real devil' up on stage and add a bit of drama and dash to your production."
"I thank you for the chance to meet and conduct the interview gentlemen, I trust you will be in contact"
Mad skillz CHA roll
"What's your experience in acting?" Professional? None. This is a murder play. I've faced death, and dealt it when needed. I'm not squeamish.
"What's your experience in adventuring?" I don't traipse about robbing tombs and saving fair maidens, if that is what you are asking. I have been involved in the odd rooftop chase and faced off against dark priests, sewer denized and undead.
"What's your availability like over the week?" I am fully available.
"What's your education? Can you read and write at least?" Yes. My education is sufficient for any task you might set. I'd prefer not to get into details.
"Have you ever been tortured before?" Not tortured. I have been wounded, and badly. I'm no stranger to pain.
"What reasons do you have for wanting to do this play?" Fame, Fortune, a lifelong interest in the theatre
"Are there any immediate family members that need to be informed in case of your death?" I'll make my own arrangements for notification.
"Are you comfortable enough with the notion of death to continue the performance even should a friend or family member suffer a gruesome fate on stage?" I have colleagues, not friends. It's not an issue.
Oops - forgot the Charisma roll:
Charisma which is suck at roll:
@Aerieth: As you answer the questions you hear the director mutter. "Oh joy another talentless elf."
"Least she says she travels."
"My friend I've traveled into the Mwangi Expanse and believe me there's nothign out there that makes you a better actor."
Then he asks for you to wait outside.
@Bloodless: He blanches a little as you answer his last question. He turns to the hunchback.
"Is that even legal?"
The hunchback shrugs. "After make up will anyone be able to tell?"
The director shakes his head and dismisses you.
@LeVash: The director sighs as you go through adn answer the question. "A mystierious, emotionless stranger eh? Perhaps we should cast you in the part of a stone pillar? Or is that too alive for you? Never mind, don't answer that."
With that LeVash is dismissed.
[ooc]Just going to wait on Bejis and Asmodia then. If Bejis goes I'll go ahead and play through Asmodia to move on.
"What's your experience in acting?"
"I've performed in the Egorian gladiator arena. I did well enough to make it out alive."
"What's your experience in adventuring?"
"Again, I know the arena. Something big and nasty comes at you, you dodge and kill it."
"What's your availability like over the week?"
I can do afternoons easily enough. If the pay is good enough, I can make time.
"What's your education? Can you read and write at least?"
"I can read and write. My education has been more on fighting for the crowd.
"Have you ever been tortured before?"
Bejis says, "Yes." If this is not sufficient, he starts showing off scars.
"What reasons do you have for wanting to do this play?"
"I want to move on from the arena. The managers there lack imagination and class. This seems like a good chance to make or break it."
"Are there any immediate family members that need to be informed in case of your death?"
"Nope."
"Are you comfortable enough with the notion of death to continue the performance even should a friend or family member suffer a gruesome fate on stage?"
"In my experience, stopping one's part of the performance results the end of oneself. I get the job done, then dedicate a night's drinking to them once the action is over."
Asmodia's Roll
Groups Current Popularity: 27
After a few moments one or two more are allowed in and then kicked back out. Soon afterwards the same tired stage crewmember comes back out. "Right, you five can come back in."
Following the amn back on the stage the director looks tired and desheveled. He looks at the group with a sad look of disappointment and desperation. Turning to his hunchbacked companion he remarks.
"Is this really the best we have?"
The hunchbacked man nods slowy. "Afraid so."
The director looks at you frowns deeper and then turns back. "Can we wait another day?"
The hunchbacked man looks through his notes and shakes his head.
"We'd have to delay the production. At this point the costuming alone will take all day."
Robahl blanches. "Delay? Delay!?! But..."
"We could just hire some real actors. No guarantee they'll last past the first act the squeamish bunch that they are."
Robahl sighs. "So to keep one promise I would shatter the other? I truly am caught between devils and flames?"
The hunchbacked man shrugs."Looks like"
Nodding his head Robahl turns to you and speaks to you for the first time since entering. "Congratulations. You're hired. Take comfort in the knowledge that I'm hiring you under duress and strenuous circumstances borne of an overeager tongue and an overdrunk mind. Given another day I'd replace every single one of you with someone more talented, or more skilled, preferably both, but as it seems you are the only ones least likely to vomit on stage at the sight of blood or die to a sudden attack of fluffy white kittens you are the most likely candidates for the great Lazarod and his four companions. Good for you.
My name is Robahl Nonon. The handsome fellow to my right is Millech. He heads the back portion of the stage. However I..." He stands up an unimpressive gesture considering he's not much taller than the desk. "I am the task master, the military seargeant, your lord, your tyrant, your god. When asked whom you answer to you say it is to me, followed by Asmodeus, followed by your dear old mother. My word is law and I am a most malevolent deity. Are we clear? Excellent! Now that we've gotten my introduction out of the way please enlighten us as to your own names that we might delight ourselves with the base drudgery your parents saw fit to inflict on you."
"I play the part of a hopeless drunk extremely well. Also, there are many situations in which I pretend to like 'keep so as I can keep my job, or the way men leer and crowd on me when I'm servin' the tables, like. You know how those types can get, if you don't serve 'em the tongue they be likin' best, ya know? Flippant like?| Asmodia laughs and shrugs. "Guess that ain't what cha'er lookin' for, though."
Asmodia clears her throat and licks her lips before offering a sly smile. "For previous acting experience, I regret to inform you that I have none. Although, I dare say for this particular... venture, acting experience is not what you desire most. I am not as young as some girls, but I am incredibly attractive. Men would likely pay to see me dismembered, or... simply to have an article of equipment ripped off? No?"
"What's your experience in adventuring?"
"I could write volumes that are like to bore, and, to be honest, I haven't a lick of talent for writing. Mine would read no better than most. Close quarters with teams of men swearing and hacking at limbs," Asmodia hums. "Enemies spitting up blood as they die.
[b]"I must admit that I cannot abide the lack of strong, dedicated leadership. In the dungeons, in the dark, I do not wish to debate the merits of any particular plan, I simply wish to be directed where to go, so that I may focus on my talents for keeping my companions performing at their best."
"What's your availability like over the week?"
"Oh, I am extremely flexible," Asmodia replies and laughs, her blue eyes flashing.
"What's your education? Can you read and write at least?"
"Classical, for the most. Myself and my two brothers had the best education gold could afford. I read every day, treatises on a variety of subjects," Asmodia's smile appears again. "I can do better than sign my name, but will leave that to more artistic minds than mine."
"Have you ever been tortured before?"
"That is a question of terms is it not?" Asmodia muses. "I have been subjected to company I did not desire to keep on several occasions, but as for physical pain... Well, care to say I have no penchant for mutilation. Although I have had particularly amorous lovers with greater skill at arms than empathy," Asmodia jests and laughs again.
"What reasons do you have for wanting to do this play?"
"I wish to be known" Asmodia emphasizes. "Being cast as a drunk is useful when you do not wish to be bothered, but a life lived in obscurity is not that which I would wish upon myself. I want to be touched because I am desired, not simply because I am available."
"Are there any immediate family members that need to be informed in case of your death?"
"No family, no. Neither do I believe that the host of my employers would be much bothered by my absence. My trade is simple, and the turnover rate is quite high."
"Are you comfortable enough with the notion of death to continue the performance even should a friend or family member suffer a gruesome fate on stage?"
"There we have another question of definitions, do we not?" Asmodia says and takes a breath. "Comfort with death. Nay, cannot say as though I am comfortable with death, but it is what an adventurer accepts when they strap on their armor and go forth into battle. I would be remiss if I did not keep myself and my companions in the best possible health to tackle any challenge. Should they fall... I will continue to offer aide to any who remain, and triumph."
"Bloodless, for reasons that should be pretty obvious. When do we start?"
Asmodia's eyebrow raises at the creatures gall to lord over gods, and her stomach seethes with anger at its emphasis on law and Asmodeus.
"Asmodia," she answers, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"My name is Bejis Krupt." Bejis attempts to make a suitably elegant bow. "It is a pleasure to work for you, Master Nonon."
I am wearing a mask. A pretty face is forgettably memorable - a horrific scar is something that people cannot forget.
I am Aerieth. You will not regret your choice.
Robahl grunts at your various responses. "Very well then. At least your manners are not base. Millech go prepare the trials."
With that the hunchback gets up from his seat and goes back stage bringing out several buckets of stones and rotten fruit and setting them by the desk and then climbing the ladder into the upper stage while he attaches a separate bucket to a rope.
As Millech goes about his tasks Robahl explains to you what's about to happen.
"My friends you are about to embark on a dangerous journey into the dark waters of theatre. Like a young girl with her first man you are unsure, frightened, and bleeding. But I promise you that by the end of this, live or die, you will have all the fame you could ask for. But first! First we must see what part you must play in all this! I have devised a number of trials of my own you see and these trials are determined to find who will make my stalwart Lazarod, my faithful Tybain, my intelligent and wizened Dentris. Shall we begin?"
Robahl hands you a card with a paragraph written on it. "Lazarod is our main protagonist! As such he must be the one who can act best! I fear it'll be like scraping grease from a pan with a biscuit when I desire bacon but we must make due with what we must."
The character must act this line, the first and lengthiest
Larazod knows no lies, great magistrate, and no slanderer’s
tongue caresses my dignity. The accusations you speak are
as true as Asmodeus’s sword. They cleave clean through.
Let the witnesses suffer no more lash. To burn their
innards with pokers and steal their eyes is simply to waste
precious toil better spent in Asmodeus’s service. There is
but one point misaligned in this dark constellation—I
seek not your death, though the secrets you harbor in your
feeble heart deserve a gruesome demise.
I carry no assassin’s blade, nor breath-stealing spell
to rob your mortality. To end you I need only know you,
and to cast you in an honest shade. I pierce your “shadows
of truth” and show you for what I know—a false knave, a
demon-supping wag-tail, a balor’s bawd, a pus-leaking
cataract in the eye of Asmodeus’s justice, and subject to the
multi-handed ministrations of a marilith whore, dretchloving
plunderer, and traitor to our great Dark Lord.
Afterwards make a Perform (Act) check.
"Dentris is Lazarod's oldest friend. A devout worhsiper of the prince of darkness and a powerful wizard Dentris is above all intelligent. Such a thing may be too much to ask of some of you but we will forge ahead."
In this test you attempt to impress Robahl with your knowledge of a particular scholarly subject. Make a knowledge History, Arcana, or Religion check.
"And now we come to Tybain. Tybain is a paladin of Aroden and the comic relief of our play. It should be noted that in these days he is also the target of much malevolence form the audience. HOWEVER! It is absolutely imperative that our Tybain remains in character and performing the play despite the taunts and jabs of the audience. If the rest of you will join me down here. Except you . You stay there."
In this test Tybain reads his first line of the play while making a reflex save (DC 15) failure is to take 2d6 points of bludgeoning damage as the group pelts you with rocks.
"Hurl his arrogance and accusations back at him, Larazod.
He wants precious golden-yoked truth? Give him more
than he can choke down. For whether revealed by the
brilliance of Aroden’s eye, or the long red shadows cast
by your Dark Lord’s fiery gaze, a man false at heart and
shrouded in hollow faiths is nothing more than a traitor to
all. Let him that judges false be judged by wraiths—smote
by his own brand shall he fall."
In this test Millech has released his swinging bucket of rocks at you. You must defend yourself! Make an attack roll against it!
In this test you must do an intimidate check and attempt to frighten Robahl.
I assume that you want one if each roll:
Perform(act):
--> Aerieth gets up on the stage and begins to recite the passage. She recites it without err, every word, every sound reminding the audience of a combination of fingers on a blackboard and a cow dying a slow and painful death.
Knowledge(Arcana):
Knowledge(History):
Knowledge(Religion):
--> At the mention of knowledge, Aerieth's eyes light up. First she describes the intricate differences in summoning creatures of air and water. As she sees the director's eyes glaze over, she switches to providing a detailed accounting of all the historical events which took place with the decades before and after the play was first performed. She finishes by discussing the many deities of the Inner Sea and how most of them offend Asmodeous.
Reflex:
--> Having expounded on the relationships of the arcane, history and religion. Aerieth suddenly realizes that the director and his cohorts have begun to throw things at her. Aerieth dodges all the fruit, but has to brush some tomato from her cloak which just missed hitting her.
Attack:
--> As the next test begins, Aerieth looks stage right as the bucket is launched from stage left. Realizing her mistake, she turns and swings her sword only the realize that the bucked was already behind her. Finally, after several more aimless swings, she trips and falls down.
Intimidate:
After being embarrassed by the bucket. Aerieth puts on her scariest face and shouts: Down you vile beasts, you have bothered us for the final time.
--> This is so overdone, that it is almost laughable and one of the directors actually breaks out laughing at her attempt.
Actions and rolls would be preferred. But rolls by themselves aren't terrible either.
Added some color cometary to my previous post.
Bloodless clears his throat, and then after a moments pause begins reciting the part of Lazarod...
Perform Act(untrained)
"Not sure this is really me I think I might be better placed elsewhere..."
"Ahhh Dentris, well I didn't spend much of my time learning much about Religion or Magic, so at a bit of a loss but will have a go"
Know Religion (untrained)
... a what? Not sure. Could have been in the class I missed."
"OK this Tybain appears pretty funny, I was always the joker in my village, reckon I could try my hand at... hey what are you people throwing!"
Reflex save
"I don't mind you throwing food, but make sure its still fresh and ripe, I'm not that wealthy and could always use a fresh meal. I also find that when a gentleman insults a lady in a bar he should keep his mouth open for the free drink"
"Hit the what? A bucket? or a monster? hey oh that thing"
As the bucket swings by, Bloodless whips at it with his sword...
Still with his sword in hand, Bloodless looks at his run sheet...
"Says this part is a woman here... are you trying to have a go at me? DO YOU THINK THIS IS FUNNY!? "
Intimidate
"Soooo, how was that? Totally just playing the character in that last bit, none of taht was serious, I completely respect you as an artist and master of your art..."
Diplomacy - smooth things back over in case the last part offended...
Bejis gives a flat, unimaginative recital of the lines he can remember.
"Uh... can you repeat the question?"
taking of damage.
Bejis seems to slip into a trance, almost automatically going into a heavy swing with the greatsword, but slips a little on the ground, throwing off his aim. Afterward, he seems a bit unfocused and fatigued.
Bejis belts out an impressive war-cry, his eyes filled with an urge for destruction, advances upon Robahl.
Asmodia's fingertips trace the lines provided on the card several times, and she mouths the words as she attempts to commit them to memory, though she does not form the name Asmodeus at all. Her eyebrow rises several times during the process, and she spares Robahl a glance that speaks volumes of her derision.
"Who speaks like this?" she inquires, holds up her hand to indicate that the question was rhetorical and then places the card face down on the floor.
Asmodia inhales with her diaphragm and centers herself before speaking, mentally composing a prayer to her lord Cayden not to be forgot when he is dispensing his grace in the evening.
In the trial for the part of Derios, Asmodia regales the director with a tale of the glorious ascension of House Thrune, but she mistakes the dates, confuses the names of the catalysts and the main participants, and even mispronounces the name of their first queen.
Asmodia delivers the lines attributed to Tybain while displaying uncanny grace dodging the stones thrown at her. Reference to Aroden she would prefer to replace with her Lord Cayden, but would rather not be tortured and killed for her troubles. Though Cayden would sooner take Urgathoa to his breast than a paladin, Asmodia cannot help but feel for the tragic figure of Tybain, treated with such derision by the diabolists. No goodly cleric could find his faith and courage in the face of prolific evil slight.
"Your monster is unimpressive, friend," Asmodia says to the director. "I've seen more frightening things at the bottom of my cups."
Asmodia stalks up to the director, places an arm over his head and stares down into his eyes. "You want a strong woman, eh?" she says, "Lending breath to voice and voice to spells, I can call forth a beast capable of rending your flesh to tatters. And I will watch and feel nothing."
"I am LeVash. And yes, emotionless stranger would be correct. Still, I will attempt."
Lavash takes a classical stance, and his voice is rhythmic and metered.
"Larazod knows no lies, great magistrate, and no slanderer’s tongue caresses my dignity.
The accusations you speak are as true as Asmodeus’s sword. They cleave clean through.
Let the witnesses suffer no more lash. To burn their innards with pokers and steal their eyes is simply to waste precious toil better spent in Asmodeus’s service.
There is but one point misaligned in this dark constellation—I seek not your death, though the secrets you harbor in your feeble heart deserve a gruesome demise..."
LeVash stops, dropping in to his more habitual slouch, "...sufficient?"
"Alas, Lazarod, it is subject about which even the most learned men are unsure. History here is not the rock it is in other places, but changes to the needs of the state."
"Hurl his arrogance and accusations back at him, Larazod.
He wants precious golden-yoked..uhn..truth? Give him more than he can choke downnn..urk. For whether revealed by the brilliance of Aroden’s eye, or the long red shadows..dammit..cast
by your Dark Lord’s fiery gaze...ok, we're done here. Let Bloodless play Aroden's whipping boy."
LeVash strikes the bucket, knocking it away, "Bother me no more, creature."
LeVash stands very straight, but swaying slightly from side to side, "Come here then...if you dare."
By the end of the various tests, LeVash seems to get into the process, though he closes up and fades back once they are complete.
And the final casting Results are!:
Lazarod: LeVash
Dentris: Aerieth
Tybain: Asmodia
Drovalid: Bloodless
Krona: Bejis
As Robahl grits his teeth through various performance flops, missed attacks and buckets to the face. Robahl takes a moment to comb through his grinded memories
@Aerieth: You impress Robahl with your knowledge. However he stops you in the middle of many of your lines "Thank you! Thank you! Your portrayal of a dying animal is quite charming but I'm afraid that parts already been cast for! Next!" He casts you in the part of Dentris muttering somehtign about your harsh voice not being a problem coming out of a withered old man hidden in a big bushy beard. Thankfully you didn't earn a blackeye from the bucket while you were at it.
@Bloodless: Overall being the most impressive performance Robahl has difficulty casting you. Eventually he settles on Drovalid. Robahl seems unmoved by your rant however Millech yells down almost jokingly at you while filling another salvo of rocks . "Stay there on stage you twinkle toed princess and I'll give you effete looking." You decide it best not to test the hunchback's patience and vacate the stage.
@Bejis: There's a collective groan of shared pain as you eat a bucket to the face. He remarks that the stage might prove more lethal than any torture that might be inflicted on you. Robahl seems disappointed in you taking the part of Krona and notes that soemtimes the part of Krona was played by men to make a mockery of savage peoples. Millech can't help but holler from his post above that Bejis would look great in fake t$**.
Bucket damage
@Asmodia: You seem to connect with Tybain who stands by his friend despite the repeated invocations of the prince of darkness. The director seems to see this and you are cast in the part of the paladin. Which in and of itself is kind of a joke.
@LeVash: Your "other" face can't help but poke out and your higher education shows in your performance. Because of your performance or because of a lack of a better choice you, the emotionless stranger, gets the part of Lazarod. Robahl only hopes you can drop the aloofness part on stage long enough to get the job done. Also, since you will have to be seen during the play you'll need to lose the hat.
Damage
Current Popularity: 47
With each of you being given your parts congratulations and bandaids are passed around. Millech mutters soemthign about "gathering the army" and wanders backstage.
"Excellent, you have now been assigned to the roles that are best suited to you're particular talents. If we are lucky I can manage to drag the tiny dead husk of meat you call talent out of you and breathe some form of life into it. If not, well at least something is likely to bleed in an entertaining way but I will not get my hopes up. If you'll follow me I'll introduce you to the rest of your cast mates."
Robahl leads you backstage where the detritus of a thousand different performances awaits you. Masks and sets from a thousand different plays froma thousand different eras lie about. Robahl takes you to a small corner through narrow corridors while you duck under hanging marrionettes to a room marked "The Visbaronetess".
With a tentative knock on the door the director calls through it. "Delour? Delour are you well?"
The door opens to a massive alabaster skinned woman with more in common with a river barge than a human being. Her expensive fur scarf wraps around her thick neck while expensive makeup jsut barely manages to cover the passage of years. Her outfit is completely outrageous and a brief calculation estimates that the large amount of jewelry she wears easily costs more than the entire sum of your home, your equipment, and your teeth.
When she speaks it is with the arrogance and haughtiness of a decadent noble. "Yes, Robahl? I am quite well save for the constant interruption of my private hour. What is it this time? I heard an animal die out there. You know I won't perform even in practice in such disgusting conditions!"
Robahl laughs. "Nothing so droll as that my dear Delour. I've come to introduce you to our newest cast members." Robahl steps back and with an expansive wave that does little to convey the true expansiveness of the woman's ego or bra size he presents her."Newest cast members this is Visbaronetess Delour Aulamaxa."
Without even sparing a glance she outstretches her bejewled hand with a sigh and says "Charmed."
Waving jovially at Millech and with a friendly smile, Bloodless departs heeding the common sense of not over staying his welcome (or luck).
Upon meeting the Diva;
Know Local (untrained)
"Your grace it is an honour and a privelige to share not only a building with you , but a stage as well..."
Gently Bloodless takes her hand and kisses it with a deep bow.
"Your grace it is an honour and a privelige to share not only a building with you , but a stage as well..."
Gently Bloodless takes her hand and kisses it with a deep bow.
Asmodia laughs heartily at Bloodless's cosmopolitan display. Aye, playing the part where the woman eats him!
"Aye, Goody Ship, er... Lady," she quickly corrects herself. "I have been cast as Tybain. In that role only am I certain to entertain, and am least likely to compete with your brilliance."
Following Asmodia's comment, Bejis immediately jumps in, hoping to interrupt any possible offense, hoping he isn't making things worse: "My lady," he gushes, "It is a pleasure to take part in a play in which your grace is participating. My name is Bejis Krupt," Bejis again tries to make an elegant bow, "I will be playing the part of the fierce Krona."
Afterwards, Bejis pulls Asmodia aside, away from the Visbaronetess. "What's wrong with you? We need to be making connections, not enemies."
Bloodless just looks on, worried that this might all be about to turn ugly...he awaits the reactions...
"You call that a potential ally? I am comfortable wagering that she spends my monthly allowance on food per day. And those rings!" Asmodia seethes and shakes her head. "I agreed to this farce for the children. I'll not be saddled with entertaining a sow's inflated pride."
Knowledge(local) =
"You call that a potential ally? I am comfortable wagering that she spends my monthly allowance on food per day. And those rings!" Asmodia seethes and shakes her head. "I agreed to this farce for the children. I'll not be saddled with entertaining a sow's inflated pride."
Still in the aside to Asmoida:
"We all want to help those in less fortunate positions. But she has fortune to spare." Bejis takes a sideways glance at the Visbaronetess. "Besides, she probably has quite a bit of political weight. Do you really want her to hinder us?"