Sure. What is the worst that can go wrong?
Arael, Janiven, and Ailyn all three wish the party good luck.
The group leaves, and arrives at the Second Flute and find the troupe preparing for a play at the end of the week. The first to be run into is Nuncio, who recognizes Byron, and then gives him a quizzical look, obviously in a hurry to be places on set.
Also: Due to some odd circumstances, my next post will be Saturday Morning.
Colgrim looks about the Second Flute, hoping they can get some useful training for their 'debut'.
Byron gives a sigh of relief when the party enters The Second Flute. True, the building had seen better days, and the ant-hive of activity contained within could charitably be called barely-controlled chaos, but it seemed so much more like home then anywhere else.
He nodded to a few of the chorus members, notably Bartolomeo, Nanni and Lodovico, three young tenors he routinely had to bail-out of bar fights after the show.
"Hi guys! Good luck tonight - after the performance, I have some friends that would like to meet with you, and get some advice on acting and singing - don't worry, the drinks will be on them."
Continuing on, he spotted the somewhat harried-looking mobile mountain that was the half-orc prop-master Nuncio.
"Hey Nuncio! How's it going? I know you're busy, but when you get a chance, I have some friends who would like to pick your brains - they are thinking of trying-out for the Sixfold Trial of Larazod, but would really benefit from some *real* expertise. Do you think you would have time to give them some pointers? I am sure that they could make it worth your while."
Moving on, he gestures up to the stage where an obese Taldan female is belting out an aria that nearly shakes the windows.
"That's Christina Pacci. She's probably our best-known Soprano. If we want to talk with her, though, it would be best to go through the director. Follow me."
He then heads to the director's office, knocking respectfully, before announcing himself:
"Maestro Richenza? It's Byron. I am sorry to disturb you, but I have some friends here who would like to learn a little about the Craft - they are thinking of trying-out for the Sixfold Trial of Larazod. I know it isn't going to be run here, but I am sure that we could come-up with an iron-clad agreement to promote The Second Flute afterwards - think of the revenue it could bring in!".
Dario nods to each person as Byron greets them. If he could secure these actors' help, then their group would be much better off at the audition. At the very least, they needed to learn how to act around talented actors. If they were expected to act with Delour Aulamaxa or Thesing, needed to be comfortable with stage directions.
The Professor simply follows Byron around the theatre, taking in the details backstage. "Leeka, keep your eyes open to details. If we're to do this, then we need to seem like we have at least some knowledge of how a theatre works."
Leeka nods and focuses her energies on learning the behind-the-scenes scene.
Iolana follows closely behind Byron, keeping a careful eye on the performers as they weave their way through the chaos. Performers on the road I know--and they can just as easily be crooks as honest craftsmen. I wonder if this lot is better or worse for being based in a city? she thinks idly to herself. She smiles wistfully as she watches two of the younger company members stagger under the weight of a heavy set piece as they move it toward places. Still, I sometimes miss the camaraderie...I wonder where you are now, Tiberiu?
When Byron introduces the Maestro, Iolana smiles and curtsies at him, but keeps silent, waiting with bated breath to hear what he thinks of their plan.
Colgrim looks at some scripts lying around. Feeegaarow? What sort of song is this?
Nuncio is very frustrated with the cast and crew. He does agree to meet with the group later, although he appears aghast that the Sixfold Trial is going to be played in Westcrown. "Do you know what you are getting into?" He asks, almost incredulously, even as Byron explains that they are aware of the play's infamous reputation.
Christina Pacci looks down on the crowd of other stage workers, and is a proper diva, slapping away an offered snack, but drinking wine instead, as she finishes her song. It does make one wish for earplugs, even though every note is on key.
As Maestro Richenza listens to Byron, and looks to the others in the group. "Tryouts are in three days, my son! My goodness, and you have such a green group of actors and actresses, my goodness! We have a play this weekend, and the cast is very nervous, as there are several who think they can make a name for themselves. If you can bring the Second Flute into the limelight with this, I'm willing to help, but you will only get lessons after the others' practice is complete. I do believe we can help, although Nuncio will likely be the best for you. We'll give you the script from two weeks' ago. Come back tonight, and we shall practice Figaro Impiccati"
He hands Byron the script. "If you weren't one of the best we had at keeping the rabble rousing to a minimum, I wouldn't dare give this to you. Take this somewhere that no one will hear, as we plan on modifying it slightly for another play. Each of you should practice lines from the first three pages, including the fake swordfight, the ones that do best at each of these things will get further instruction. I'll be there with Nuncio later.
The group returns to the Temple of Aroden, feeling somewhat better and now, with a script to practice with, has time to do something about it!
As you each practice, I need the following from each of you (I'll use these checks when I adjucate for Nuncio and Richenza:
An attack roll with a fencing foil (rapier for those with proficiency).
A Perform: Acting
A Perform: Sing (Lielessa's song, and yes, cross-dressing does occur in theatre)
A bluff Roll
An Intimidate roll
And a Will save against DC 15, using Charisma instead of Wisdom (simulating stage fright here, bonuses and penalties to all other rolls will occur with success or failure. Range is from -6 to +6).
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Colgrim grabs the script and focuses on Rogarad. Sword fighting? I can handle this.
Colgrim's unluck with weapons still seems to be plaguing him and he fumbles with the unfamiliar blade.
What follows is an abomination, what erupts from Colgrim's throat matches the vile texts on the Tapestry of the Dark. It oozes through the air and down the streets, making shadowbeasts crouch in fear and eventually reaches the graveyards where the ground begins to tremble. The ground suddenly explodes and long dead actors erupt from the moldy earth, the utter blasphemy against their work has torn them from their rest and the corpses race down the streets to put an end to the one who disturbed their rest.
The undead are driven further into rage by Colgrim's attempt at his attempt at merging a drinking song with Chelish art.
Colgrim isn't fooling anyone that he has potential.
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Watching Colgrim's "performance", Leeka comments, "Well, we're all dead. Westcrown is doomed."
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"Thank-you. I very much appreciate the assistance that you are giving us. I agree, they are green actors, but they are a good group to have at your back in a fight, which may give them a fighting chance in the murder-play..."
Returning to the Temple, he tries to assist the others in going through the play.
"Now, I know it may seem a bit silly and uncomfortable at first, but just try to remember what our end-goal is..."
Byron acquits himself well in the stage fight, showing himself to be a dab hand with the foil.
Having spent many nights watching both rehearsals and performances, Byron knows the how of acting...
...but unfortunately, when given the aria, shows that he is more basso profundo than soprano.
Nevertheless, he recovers well...
...and does a passable job of looking intimidating.
Nonetheless, his emulation could do with a bit of practice.
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Iolana studies the script carefully, shaking her head at Colgrim's appalling performance. "Let's see...maybe...Figaro? Though I'd hate to portray an Asmodean...much less a Rovagugite...hmmmm...surely not Lissella?" Muttering to herself, she flips pages and gives her abilities a try...
She's not awful with the sword, but not great with it, either. "Stupid twig could hardly hurt a fly in a real fight," she grumbles.
Her acting, too, is passable but nothing to call attention to.
Her singing, however, leaves much to be desired....
...as does her attempt at bluffing.
Fortunately, Iolana's sturdy build means that she's an intimidating type. It's hard for her not to pass in the Rogarad parts, especially pissed off as she currently is.
...but ultimately she's just not cut out for a life on the boards. By the end of the session she's a hot, sweaty, and panicky mess. "You sure I can't just be a dancer in the background?" she mutters desperately to Byron.
[ooc]Right there with you, Colgrim. :P
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Stanley looks on, concerned and somewhat displeased with the choice to have to go through with the thing altogether. As he goes through each of the tasks, however, he still gives it his all. He doesn't beleive anyone benefits when someone does just the bare minimum to get by.
First, he grabs the blade, with little to no familiarity, using his left hand to get it to sit correctly in his right hand. He adjusts and refixes his grip repeatedly, trying to make it feel marginally comfortable. Finally feeling better with it, he thrusts and almost throws it at one of the others, before accepting, "Well, it is probably for the best that I chose a life of healing others over harming."
He moves on to practicing the lines. He easily learns and repeats them, but they are emotionless. He recites them plain, simple, and bland. There is nothing more to his performance beyond the ability to simply remember the words.
Clearing his throat a few times, he attempts to sing the lines, but again memorizing does nothing to add effect to the words. Then again, neither does being somewhat tone deaf.
So far the best he has done is convince the others that he actually means what he says, when reciting or singing, both emotionlessly. That may be due to how often he maitains his same composure in most everything else.
It's this stony demanor that lends no real weight of intent to his words. He is unable to convey the notion of bearing so much anger toward the other characters. Even in combat he is more willing to give the enemy quarter if they are willing to mend their ways.
All of these issues could also evolve from being the center of attention. He likes the calm quiet confines of his office, or sitting soothingly at the bedside of his patients to guide them on when they pass. Addressing a large group is far outside his comfort zone.
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Dario acquits himself rather well in the stage fighting, shows he can even hold a melody, and even holds up decently in the face of the others'. But as an academic, the thought of being in front of a large audience is terrifying to him. "Blast it all! A peer review of a publication, I can handle, but with all sorts of rabble watching me and jeering? I don't know..."
Colgrim is at wit's end after the abyssmal practicing. Maybe we should just wait for them to go to the actual play and then sneak inside.
<0-4 = -6 penalty to above rolls, poor Colgrim.
5-9 = -4
10-14 = -2
15 = Success, no penalty or bonus.
16-20 = +2
21-25 = +4
25-30 = +6
Nuncio, as Byron's fellows begin their practice, smiles. "I am glad to help. They look more like Dottari, scholars and bakers, than actors, but it is a chance to improve one's lot in life. Let's see how they do.
Nuncio, watching each person in pairs, Colgrim goes first with Stanley, and Nuncio begins pouring (un)holy water on the ground after Colgrim's performance. [b]"You, sir, have no business on a stage, other than as the jester everyone throws rotten fruit at! Stanley, you do have a way with words, but you do need to get over your stage fright!"
Iolana and Dario go next. While Dario is quite nervous, he does succeed quite nicely in the Rapier and is somewhat successful with the singing, bluffing and intimidation. Iolana, while not terribly successful with... anything... "At least you aren't that theater fiend over there!" Nuncio says, with a wry smile as he indicates where Colgrim is standing.
Leeka, on the othr hand, succeeds in Singing, Indtimidation, and with thw swordplay. She plays very well off Byron, and can evne keep up with his acting to a point. "These two, my friends, have some strengths and weaknesses, but they have done very well. There is a great deal more to do."
Nuncio begins giving a critique to everyone... slowly repeating how to get over stage fright, and how to learn to love the stage. He requests a second sitting for each of you. "A cold reading is a cold reading for each of you. You each can do something well. I would like to see another reading, tomorrow evening. It is getting late, and the shadowbeasts will be out soon. Rest, and we shall see each other tomorrow. "
I would like another set of checks, with all checks at +1 circumstance bonus, with the Stage Fright check at +2 with Nuncio's encouraging.
Byron smiles warmly.
"Thank-you for all of the help that you are providing. It means a lot to me."
Once again, Byron puts on a dazzling display with the fencing foil...
...and manages to remember all of his lines, putting in little flourishes here and there to act as crowd pleasers.
However, his singing still leaves much to be desired; falsetto is clearly *not* his forte.
Byron manages to recover quickly, and smoothly moves into the next section of dialogue...
...as a result of which, he thoroughly terrifies the audience!
Much to his relief, he also starts to get over his stage fright.
Stanley nods, but starts to stress over the fact that a name was put to what was bothering him. Stage fright. He was actually concerned by the outright open public speaking. Being aware of it, now only made things worse. He approached every task worried about whether he was worried or not.
He once again proved that a weapon in hand is very dangerous, but more to himself and his allies than his enemies.
He does get better at delivering the lines on point, but only because the second read committed them better to memory. They felt more like his own words.
When he sings, Vesnik starts out trying to help, chirping along. But as Stanley continues to tonelessly warble out the words, his companion decides to fly up to the rafters for a brief respite from the noise.
Getting comfortable with the words as he has, however, does wonders for his ability to add weight to them. His delivery may be less than theatrical, but he is believable in his intensity.
That is, as long as he faces away from the audience.
Dario continues to excel in the mock swordplay, but it's clear he will never be much of an actor. A singer, however, isn't far from his reach as he continues to be able to hold a tune. His ability to keep a stern profile on the stage remains good, but still his stage fright is the worst bit though it is getting better.
Iolana takes a deep breath and steels herself. Focus. You can do this. It's not so different from performing with your brother on the road...just talking and singing instead of dancing. C'mon! Exhaling sharply, she steps up to give another performance.
This time, somewhat to everyone's shock, she's actually perfectly competent, albeit not brilliant. Her martial training actually shows in her handling of the fencing foil this time, and her acting and singing are both quite competent. Actually, all of this makes her seem less gruff and forbidding, but she still manages to instill some fear as Rogarad.
This evening, Leeka has some serious highs, and serious lows. Mostly lows.
As he sees each of the players coming into their own, he smiles.
"So, you are all doing quite well with your roles here. Here are my recommendations, for practice. Byron, Colgrim, and Dario, you three should focus on your swordplay, bluffing, and intimidation. Each of you performs admirably in the acting field... well... Colgrim excepted. However, much of acting is about the appearance, which the bluffing and intimidation will do well! Colgrim, with your muscle, you could also learn the backstage trade. You follow instructions well.
Stanley, you can sell ice to a white dragon, so I'd focus on that, perhaps with practice with Byron and Dario, you could sell it that much more.
Iolana, Leeka, you two swing the pendulum both ways, although both of you do decently enough at singing, acting, and doing a reasonable job with your stage fright. Although I've never seen a slip act before or sing as well as you did when you weren't shaking like a leaf." He smiles warmly at Leeka.
He thinks longer about it, and hands each of the party a ticket to the show the next night.
"Show up in proper attire, and you will all be able to sit up there, in the left balcony. Rumor has it that there are a few other actors and actresses who will be viewing this play from the right balcony tomorrow. Show up in attire fit for the rabble on the ground, and we'll let you sit with the rabble. You'll all do well to see how professionals ply their trade. "
Byron nods.
"Once again, thank-you."
He will make a point of going and purchasing suitable attire.
Colgrim will sit with the rabble. After his horrible showing, he prefers not to have to deal with actual actors who might want a demonstration from him.
Can Leeka dress herself as Dario's slave? Perhaps wearing some sort of livery?
Iolana smiles at Nuncio's praise. "Thank you, Nuncio. I appreciate the feedback." She leaves the theater and returns to her apartment, choosing to relax for the night. When she returns to the theater the next day, she's wearing her regular clothing; she has no desire to mingle with the upper crust.
Stanley looks disturbed by the turn of phrase, who would want to sell ice to a dragon in the first place, let alone a white one. Still he understands the intent, even if he prefers straight talk. Deciding it best that none of their group offends or says the wrong thing to those of either prestige or power, he chooses to upgrade his apparel to one more fitting a fancy appointment. As such he joins Byron in shopping for an outfit.
Dario will join Stanley and Byron in the balcony. Unfortunately, he only has enough to purchase a cheaper version of the nice garments they buy. Nonetheless, he proceeds to join them with Leeka following along.
As Dario, Byron, Stanley, and Leeka enter the balcony, you see that the entire balcony was provided to the party plus two others. At the top of the stairs, you are greeted by Ezlo Lufrosis and Mikibana Nizzola, two of Westcrown's most well-known theatre critics .
Ezlo is a portly man with a well-kept moustache and impeccable choice of wardrobe, wearing the finest silks even in the cooler weather. Mikibana wears a very conservative dress and fan combination, fitting for her rail-thin body and strange, dark eyes. Both of them eye the party as they enter the balcony, but both of them seem more relaxed once they realize that the party is there to enjoy the play.
Ezlo manners himself as a lesser noble, whether true or not, while Mikibana smiles politely and speaks with the party about how the play progresses for anyone interested, with a 'shusshing' from Ezlo every now and again.
On the floor, the theater is fairly full, and the day is wonderful enough for it. The less wealthy population come to the play and enjoy themselves, there are apple sellers, and even someone selling fruit... that isn't as good as it should be. A few things are sold here and there, and both Colgrim and Iolana are eyed with a certain suspicion since they seem to be less comfortable in this environment. However, they do meet Paola diCenta, a washwoman who has spent her prior month's savings to buy the ticket to the theater as her only small joy after her family moved away and husband passed. She tells Colgrim and Iolana what she's excited to see, then what she hopes doesn't happen in the play. It's all a soap opera to her and she's uneducated in the theater and doesn't realize the same play has been played over and over in Westcrown, just simply that there are many playwrights in town who cycle their plays through many theaters... or that have their plays stolen by one company or another.
The play being produced is about a mistreated deformed human and how he finally fits into the society.
The opera begins with a trio of singers. Dressed in a very revealing red and black number, Christina Pacci sings soprano, a high tune of Asmodeus.
Next, Bortolomeo sang of the wonders of Rovagug and his mortal servants and other downtrodden, finally, a very suggestively dressed man likely from the Mwangi expanses sings in a deep bass voice, of the wonders of Calistria and the sacred Sting.
The show continues through the first act, as Christina sings and the young actor, wanders the Achena Vallex, an ancient Azlanti site, and the main setting for the first act. Christina sings and the actor, Carlo Cero, wanders about the stage, hunched over. The first act brings much violence, or at least theatrical violence upon young Carlo, and while he is mistreated, the Mwangi singer's voice rises and booms beyound Christina's in harmony with Bortolomeo's singing for Rovagug, intertwining the two melodies and lyrics.
The act comes to a crescendo, and Carlo is thrown out of the Achena Vallex, forced to wander the island of Azlant.
At this point, a few of the rabble throw rotten vegetables and even a caramel apple at the poor downtrodden Carlo. It's just as Christina's layered performance with the Mwangi and Bortolomeo come to their own crescendo. The act ends.
The Second act, is almost entirely a solo for Christina. She sings Carlo through his trials, and more fruit and other unpleasant things being thrown onto the stage. A few of the rabble are "escorted" out of the theater for the remainder of the performance. Even a few fans of Christina are thrown out for trying to get past the orchestra and onto the stage. The second act is much more chaotic than the first, but it, too, returns to the Achena Vallex, as Carlo learns that he can stand up straight, and, in doing so, will lose his hunchback.
The final act brings the deep bass of Calistria and the Tenor of Rovagug together, as those that conspired against Carlo comes back to the Achena Vallex. The sword play sequence is stupendous, and it is a wonder no one was hurt as the swords were quite real and quite sharp (based on Colgrim's view from the floor). At the end, Cero stands blodied and victorious over the now dead who conspired against him. To this end, Christina sings and joins Cero in song, and they leave Azlant forever to sink, only to come together and find peace and order in Cheliax with but one flaw in the entire performance. At the end, Christina's voice cracks to a "C" above the highest "C," shattering wine glasses throughout the theater!
From the 'stage right' balcony, the group hears some shouting and screams from the few aristocrats who attended, while Ezlo only mutters about having the theater pay for his pants to be cleaned.
Below, in the rabble, the crowd goes wild.
***
Afterwards, a handful of others wait around, while Ezlo and Mikibana begin debating the performance, inviting the group in the Balcony to discuss the play, and its merits, further.
"The play had too much of a rebellious theme, even if they did come to Cheliax for propriety later," Ezlo complains.
"But the singing... minus that last bit, was marvelous. To have a single soprano versus all those deep tenors and that bass... oh my..." Mikibana says as she is fanning herself.
***
The rabble are shooed out of the theater, as the next Theatre performance must be properly cleaned for and they note that they need to get that done. Paola looks to the Iolana and Colgrim, smiling broadly "That was exactly what I had hoped it would be! What did you think? How was it? Did you enjoy it?" She asks excitedly.
Colgrim nods to the washerwoman, a bit distressed at her situation. Hmmph, leaving their mother all alone! Shame on them! Well I hope you enjoy the play, this is my first time here as well.
Colgrim stoically watches the play and nods, hoping to get a little more exposure. The yokels annoy him and he almost gets to his feet a few times to boot them out but restrains himself. After the play, he meets with Paola,Quite the experience! Not bad at all for my first play, I might check these things out more often.
Dario chats quietly with Mikibana during the play, asking her things about the theatre as well as trying to show off his own knowledge of history and local topics. He tries to be charming as well as polite as he plays his role of local Professor.
"The singing was amazing. But does that happen often?" He gestures to his cracked wine glass. "Such a talented cast, I hope you don't find too much fault with that last bit. It did seem like a good production. You must get to see all the great performances and meet the wonderful actors and singers. Have you met Delour Aulamaxa and Thesing? I hear they are the best."
Leeka, resplendent in her purple and black silk dress, runs her hand inches over Dario's sleeve, and the wine stain lifts out and disappears. She waits for Dario's nod of permission before doing the same for Ezlo.
As Dario begins to converse with Mikibana, Stanley decides to try and find some common ground with the overweight Ezlo. "It makes it hard to truly focus on performances when there is so much chaos within the crowds below. Not to mention, the need to hit that note and break glasses seems like an unnecessary display to try and show off without thinking of the consequences prior to doing so. I do hope there is no permanent damage to your outfit?"
"Ah, but the rebellious theme is what gave the play its zest! Without it, there is little to differentiate it from any other competently-performed variation on that production. I agree, the casting was quite impressive, and the soprano had rather a... powerful voice!"
Ezlo looks at Leeka as she reaches out to him. "I do say!" He exclaims, then he smiles at Dario. "Well, this is a forward little slip, I see. Although I am not in need of those services at this time."
Clearing his throat and dealing with glares from Mikibana, he blushes and continues "Yes, the singing was quite well done, but I think that soprano's voice cracked at the end. You don't see glasses breaking like that, which could mean her career is over, or she could be one of the rare ones who maintains their voice after such a thing. It is something I must think about as I review the play."
Mikibana seems more in tune with his latter comments than his initial... vulgarities... towards Leeka. "He is more bark than bite. Mind you, I think he's more interested in that Mwangi bass singer." She smiles as it becomes Ezlo's turn to glare. "I agree that the rebellious theme was wonderful. Bringing it all home to Cheliax from those practitioners of debauchery in lost Azlant made it that much more fitting. Rebel, but come home to somewhere orderly."[b]
She smiles happily at that thought. [b]"so, do you do the theatre often? I do not believe I recognize any of you from the other exhibitions recently."
Paola looks at Colgrim "They're a great escape from the humdrum of washing clothes for me. They give you a bit of excitement that doesn't come easily elsewhere. And it's quite a bit safer than adventuring about the country side!"
Iolana looks as if she's about to say something about adventuring in the countryside, but she quickly closes her mouth.
The countryside? No doubt crawling with those shadowbeasts, never heard of anyone doing camping or anything else near Westcrown.
"Oh no, we rarely get the pleasure. Most of the time, I am locked away with my books, right Leeka?" Dario pulls her away from Ezlo. "You see I'm still teaching at the University, so we're just in Westcrown for a couple of nights."
"But such fortune for us to get seats with you! Tell me, what makes a true actor stand out on stage? What makes the crowd love someone? Is it the costumes or the singing? In your prolific experiences, what really sets a performance apart?"
Except for a brief flash across her meek features as she contemplates tossing the man off the balcony, Leeka dips a brief curtsy in reply to Dario's question, a portrait of handling servility.
A lock of contrite sadness crosses Byron's features.
"Sadly, no - I do not get the chance to come as often as I would like, but happily, it would appear that things might change soon in that regard!"
Happily, the group leaves the theater, with the group meeting up later to discuss the events of the play and how they saw the interactions from both the Balcony and the Floor levels. The next day, the Sixfold Trial's casting begins.
As you enter the Nightshade Theater, you are placed in a casting Queue, and each of you are given a script. Each of you can perform for one of the following roles:
Larazod: One of the two starring roles, the other being Montieguy Handerthan. Larazad is the primary protagonist of the play. Larazod is a Tiefling, who is on trial here.
Dentris: He is a man of sharp tongue and many insults to match his quick wit. He acts as a father figure for Larazod.
Tybain: A member of Aroden's faithful, Tybain is treated as comic relief in the play due to his faith nowadays in Cheliax. traditionally, he is the first character to die, but, if Tybain survives longer, it could mean wonderful things for the play.
Drovalid: A torturer who decides to change sides during the play, choosing to protect Larazod. Traditionally a star combatant of the play, thus this role requires a dual
Monris Blacksward: A fiendish dwarf with blood red eyes and a shock of red hair, his role is mostly silent, but he does play the bagpipes.
Farus the Traveled: A self-styled Gypsy king, Farus is a smiling tower of joy who speaks in riddles.
The following Roles have been Cast:
Narrator: Visbaronetess Delour Aulamaxa, of whom you know and have knowledge.
Montiguy Handerthan: Played by Thesing, of whom you know and have knowledge.
Ilsandra: Played by a Calseinica Nymmis, a rising starlet
The Director: Robahl Nonon
Backstage: Millech, a hunchbacked human.
Each player can try out for all the roles, or just one or two. In any of these, you may perform an additional Perform (Act) roll to account for any problems with the other rolls. This is it folks, you can have some serious fun with the role, perhaps ad-libbing if you'd like.
Dario, Stanley, Leeka, and Byron each ganed a +2 bonus to any Perform (Act or Sing) check, along with any Bluff check, along with +1 versus Stage Fright.
Leeka tries out for Tybain.
Blech!
Colgrim tries out a bit for Tybain, wanting a more humorous role in the debacle might be workable.
Drovalid might help, since he would be swinging a weapon.
Perhaps a fellow dwarf in Monris?
Dario attempts several roles to get his access to the troupe.
Dario fairs adequately is most of the roles, but as would be predictable, he begins to shine in the role of Farus. With his background, he's no stranger to historical riddles and arcane speeches. The Professor merely tries to channel some of the more ridiculous and out of touch faculty at the University. He always knew the students would chuckle behind their backs at Dr. Krobald with his absent-minded bumbling, and Dr. Dristan with his over-the-top animated lectures to get students excited. The combination evidently works better than even his impressive historical knowledge, as he has the several of the other actors doubled over in laughter.
The professor also acquits himself quite well in the role of Drovalid, showing of his sword skills alongside his acting. He earns some impressed looks as he parries an attack in a perfect textbook manner and ripostes, driving his practice sword into his opponent's heart.
Confident that Colgrim and Dario have the roles of Monris and Farus well in hand, Byron tries-out for the remaining roles.
Byron shows that he is quite adept at dealingout cutting remarks, knowing exactly what to say to crush the audience's spirits.
He then tries-out for the role of Tybain, but his heart clearly isn't in it - something about playing a comic-relief cleric makes his skin crawl...
Next, he tries his hand at Drovalid's part, but his confidence is still shaken from his poor-showing as Tybain, and he badly mauls the performance.
However, when it comes to trying out for Larazod, he has managed to get his confidence back, and does a passable job of *not* mangling the role.
Iolana is deeply nervous as she heads into the theater to try out, but as she reviews the list she swallows and steels herself. Ok. Breathe. You can do this. Let's see...
She tries out first for Dentris. Not necessarily the most type-cast role, but there's a bit of a dearth of female roles open...
Her audition isn't bad, but it's not great, either. Since her acting has not, so far, been very impressive, she decides to try out only for Drovalid, figuring that at least the combat part of the role might work to her advantage.