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Oppara is Taldor's thriving capital — a shining monument to the grandeur and majesty once common to the entire Taldan empire. Seated on the black cliffs of the River Porthmos in Opparos Prefecture, Oppara bears all the gravitas and extravagance that 6,000 years of history have conferred upon it. The roofs and domes of Oppara were once plated with gold, earning it the nickname "the Gilded City," and though past rulers stripped the gold away long ago to pay for the empire's follies, the wealth and decadence of Taldor's capital keep the spirit of that name alive.
Oppara serves as Taldor's primary trade center, with traffic coming both from Taldor's interior via the River Porthmos and from the steady stream of international vessels sailing in from the Inner Sea. It is also the home of Taldor's government, hosting both the Imperial Palace of the grand prince and the polished marble halls of the senate. As the economic and political hub of Taldor, Oppara is the beating heart of the empire and the center of Taldan culture. Twin harbors provide goods to the city’s thriving marketplaces and restaurants, and they're often so crammed with ships that the river cannot be seen. Public fountains and marble statues can be found at many major crossroads and plazas. Columned villas and grandiose temples from every age of Taldor's history line the streets, and even the humbler merchant districts are holdovers from an unparalleled age of glory. Most of Oppara's buildings are made of carved stone, and the roads are paved with either intricate mosaics or well-fitted cobblestones. Much of the city's advanced public works have withstood the test of time, including its labyrinthine sewer system and the network of stone gutters that keep the streets clear of summer rain. The Grand Bridge of the Empire, emerging from the southeastern shore of the city's heart to cross the massive Porthmos, remains one of the most ambitious and impressive engineering marvels in the Inner Sea. Two magically animated lion sculptures stand sentinel atop Oppara's main gate, offering a glimpse into the greatness that currently lies dormant within the empire. At night, the city is lit with tens of thousands of lanterns, causing it to shine like a beacon in the darkness.
Every year, the empire of Taldor celebrates the Grand Day of Exaltation. On this prestigious day, the Grand Prince is empowered to elevate a commoner to the ranks of nobility. The event itself is the embodiment of formality, with the elevated commoner selected months or years in advance. What makes the day truly special is that the preceding week is a holiday throughout the empire. Nobles, senators, and hopeful petitioners fill the capital city of Oppara for galas, performances, and parades. To the nobility, the week before the Grand Day of Exaltation is a time to conduct important business deals, issue noble proclamations, and hold private parties. With so many prominent politicians arriving from across the empire, the Taldan senate uses Exaltation Week to vote on matters of nationwide importance.
Visitors flock to Oppara in the days leading up to the Grand Day of Exaltation. The populace of the city doubles during this time, making Oppara larger than any other city in the Inner Sea region, save Absalom. The self-importance of the already prideful Taldan people swells in equal measure. Street vendors sell traditional Taldan foods—anchovy skewers, anglebobs, canal crossings, clamguards, jubilee pie, honeyflake, long wine, yonder tarts, and more—including regional delicacies from separated provinces such as Andoran mince and Chelish raven cake. Family banners and provincial flags drape the sides of most buildings, with merchants hawking heraldry ranging from replica banners of the old Armies of Exploration to wooden swords and handheld Taldan flags for children. Taverns offer themed drink and food, with varying bars adopting well-known nobles from the long history of the empire as their mascot or self-declared patron.
Alongside all the pomp and circumstance filling Oppara is a noteworthy moment in history: the imperial senate is poised to hold a historic vote to end primogeniture. The potential end of the millennia-standing law of succession is the talk of the town. Streets and taverns are abuzz with conversations; some wish to see the law thrown down to pave a way for Princess Eutropia to ascend to the throne, while hardliners (especially elder nobles) believe the vote to be another wound in the great history of the empire, allowing not only the rabble-rousing Eutropia to inherit family power, but every ill-deserving woman. Regardless of the outcome, both sides of the debate agree that life will go on, and despite the serious ramifications of primogeniture's potential end, the streets of Oppara hold no signs of unrest during the jubilant celebrations of the Grand Day of Exaltation.
Each of you has another reason to be excited for the Grand Day of Exaltation. You have each been contacted by Lady Martella Lotheed, the illegitimate daughter of the prestigious Lotheed noble family and a burgeoning spymaster. She has hired you to serve as her covert agents at the Grand Day of Exaltation festivities at the senate buiding. She has promised each of you 150 gp the next day for completing your missions, in addition to the extraordinary access and prestige granted by attending one of Taldor's most exclusive and high-profile political events. She has also provided each of you a 30-gp line of credit at her favorite tailor shop, Thread Rare.
The Grand Day of Exaltation has finally arrived! Martella has asked that each of you meet with her an hour before the Exaltation Gala to familiarize yourselves with your fellow agents and to answer any remaining questions you may have. The meetup is to take place at a small cafe several blocks from the senate building.
By lunchtime on the Grand Day of Exaltation, Amandine has prepared the flat for her absence. Mostly that means buying a few extra groceries for the larder, and leaving a few coin for Calix. Her younger brother probably won't need the extra, she expects to be back by early the next day at latest. But, this will be a new kind of work, and she doesn't precisely know what to expect of Lady Lotheed.
Early afternoon is a quick visit to the tailor shop to pick up her new dress, then back home to make sure her kit for the evening is gathered and ready. Finally, she spends a few minutes sharing a snack with Calix.
She dresses and leaves for the cafe designated by Lady Lotheed plenty early. She doesn't want to be late of course, but she also hopes to be first. It would soothe her nerves to be able to observe the place for a little while before going in.
Of course Amandine has been enquiring about Lotheed here and there where she knows a person or two for a couple of days beforehand. She doesn't like not knowing who exactly knows enough about her to offer a job so suddenly, and she wants to amend that right away.
Khalil had arrived in Oppara early the previous day after traveling from his family's modest estates on the northern coasts. He had been to Oppara a number of times but generally his time was spent in the markets of Grandbridge working with the coin exchangers and other clerics of Abadar. This would be his first time coming into the city to take part in the chaotic and sometimes deadly game of politics. With the Senate expected to vote on the end of primogeniture Khalil was hoping to lend whatever weight he could to its supporters. He had been pleasantly surprised when he had been contacted by Lady Martella Lotheed. Although the idea of covert action and subterfuge was somewhat beyond Khalil's experience if it gave him the chance to meet someone that could actually help further the causes he deeply believed in, well so be it.
He had visited the tailors shop the previous day, just before they closed and asked them to provide him with a Courtier's outfit, the cost of which was generously being covered by Lady Lotheed. The decision was admittedly last minute. In theory he should have come dressed as a noble to represent his House Duvan but for years he had simply worn his clerical robes of office and he'd not thought better of it until it was too late. A stubborn part of him almost wanted to attend the gala in his clerics robes but he settled for replacing his simple wooden holy symbol with a shining silver one with some of the gold he had brought with him. As he got dressed the morning of the Grand Day of Exaltation he made sure that the silver scales were proudly displayed, hanging from a simple silver chain around his neck. Then he went to spend the morning getting a feel for the people of Oppara on this lively holiday. Working as a representative for his family's estate had helped him realize how much he liked working with and for people. Learning their stories, struggles and triumphs fascinated Khalil. After getting a general idea for the moods and minds of the people for a few hours Khalil decided that he would head for the cafe they were set to meet up at. As he worked his way through the city towards the cafe he tried to remember everything he had heard and learned about the nobles he would be interacting with today.
The past week has been excellent for business. Not only has the capital been flooded with a host of new arrivals, all willing and eager to spend money, but the residents of Oppara have been spurred to spend more in order to impress everyone.
And where there is spending, you will find debt. And where there is debt you will find credit. And wherever credit is sought you will find Damrak (or someone like him).
But not today. Today is business of another sort. Lady Martella requires his services, and he is keen to oblige. The two have worked together in the past, creating a mutual link based on obligations and favours. Insofar as he has friends, he considers her to be one.
Leaving the privileged environment of Thread Rare (he has a set of smart clothes already, of course, but another set is welcome when someone else is paying for it), he walks through the streets towards his destination. He stops on the way to purchase some honeyflake: a life of early poverty has left him with a love of luxuries like sugar. He walks slowly, and takes his time over the transaction, listening to the hubbub and doing his best to overhear useful information.
The invitation from Lady Lotheed had come as a surprise. Not just to Chana, who had been trying to keep a low profile in her exploratory incursions into 'high society', but to Sophia and Chamus as well. Her adoptive parents had been wary immediately. This wasn't the kind of attention that an unimportant daughter of a minor noble family should have received.
Chana was wary as well, but for a different reason. Martella smelled like trouble. Reeked of it in fact. She had seen the woman only once, but the stench was overpowering. Now trouble can be both good and bad. It can stress you, strain you, force you to fight harder. That wasn't anything new to Chana. It can also make opportunities, give you openings to change the status quo. Of course, it can also kill you. It's a bit nasty like that.
So Chana wasn't going to ignore Lady Lotheed's offer, despite her guardians' warnings. Opportunities like this didn't come up very often. But that also didn't mean going into the meeting with Martella blind. Best to have a sharp or two up your sleeve when trouble came knocking. That's what the kids used to say back in the Narrows.
---------------
She gets Sophia's help with her clothing. The three of them had worked out a system to hide the worst of Chana's many deformities. Voluminous dress, broad rimmed hat covered in bows and flowers, veil, silk gloves. A look in the mirror shows a reflection that looks juuuuust ridiculous enough that it will pass muster at a social gathering. She suppresses a guffaw at the silliness of it all.
Stopping at Thread Rare, Chana and Sophia order a second outfit at Sophia's suggestion. The shopkeep and Sophia engage in an hour-long back and forth about some "dress stuff", leaving Chana thinking about the upcoming "festivity" and what it would entail.
With the bundle with the new outfit secure in tow, Sophia wishes Chana good luck with a hug and heads back home. Chana returns the hug, waves farewell, and then looks out into the street with narrowed eyes.
Under her breath she muses "Mar'ella's go'a be plannin' somefin'. Somefin' Big, don'che reckon Snips?" A squeak of response from her shoulder comes from the rat hiding underneath the outer layer of the dress. "Maybe, 'opefully, somefin' we can use. If we can get 'er 'elp, should be a lot easier ta change things up top." Another squeak seems to cry in agreement.
She takes a moment to make sure her veil is in place, opens the oak and fabric parasol she has in hand, and strides her way purposefully through the streets. To the cafe and into the fire.
The Grand Day of Exaltation is the one day every year when the emperor can elevate a commoner of unusual skill or service to the ranks of nobility.
Because people travel from all over the empire to witness the exaltation, many balls and political events take place in the preceding week, and the senate usually votes on matters of national importance
immediately beforehand.
This year’s noble-to-be is a wide-eyed weaver from the village of Breezy Creek, whose beautiful tapestries have adorned the royal palace and many other royal homes for a decade.
Grand Prince Stavian III is the emperor of Taldor.
Grand Prince Stavian III has no male heir, and he has refused to have any further children since the tragic death of his only son, Carrius, in a riding accident 20 years ago. With the emperor getting on in years, some people worry how this will affect succession.
The emperor has made no secret of his disdain for Princess Eutropia’s social crusades, especially her efforts to overturn primogeniture so she can inherit the throne, but he has been uncharacteristically quiet about it this past year. Rumors abound that his health is slipping and he has accepted her efforts.
Martella Lotheed The wealthy Lotheed family has been a strong supporter of the Stavians for almost 100 years. They have a long family tradition of arcane magic, adding to their wealth and prestige.
Martella is the black sheep of her family, being a result of an extramarital dalliance with a Qadiran diplomat. She lacks her family’s gift for magic as well, adding to their resentment.
Despite her family’s disdain, Martella still commands some wealth and has extensive contacts, having attended the Sinora Academia, Taldor’s most exclusive girls’ school.
Princess Eutropia Princess Eutropia is the adult daughter of Grand Prince Stavian III and has a scandalous reputation for making trouble and fighting in the streets.
Eutropia is a social reformer, eager to establish schools and other public resources for the poor, and remove political or family restrictions for women and various minorities. Rumors have circulated for a decade that her ultimate goal is to overturn primogeniture — Taldor’s ancient law stating that only male heirs may inherit the Lion Throne—and become the first empress of Taldor.
The princess’s reputation for “fighting in the streets” largely hails from her skill as a fencer, a sport she excelled at during her schooling at the Sinora Academia. Many times in her twenties she matched blades with chauvinistic politicians who would otherwise refuse to let her speak or act within political circles, and those early public duels helped her win unexpected support for her later social reforms—as well as a reputation as an impolite, unladylike brute.
“Ah, I got to see Mr. Smiles at Duke Talbot’s reception this week — he one where Baronet Jivarus got into a row with the servant — and that jester is delightful. Whimsical and biting all at once, and such grace. A tad off-putting, though.”
“People claim Duke Centimus is a gentleman, but he gave me the dirtiest look for asking about his accident.”
The Grand Day of Exaltation is the one day every year when the emperor can elevate a commoner of unusual skill or service to the ranks of nobility.
Because people travel from all over the empire to witness the exaltation, many balls and political events take place in the preceding week, and the senate usually votes on matters of national importance
immediately beforehand.
This year’s noble-to-be is a wide-eyed weaver from the village of Breezy Creek, whose beautiful tapestries have adorned the royal palace and many other royal homes for a decade.
Grand Prince Stavian III is the emperor of Taldor.
Grand Prince Stavian III has no male heir, and he has refused to have any further children since the tragic death of his only son, Carrius, in a riding accident 20 years ago. With the emperor getting on in years, some people worry how this will affect succession.
Martella Lotheed The wealthy Lotheed family has been a strong supporter of the Stavians for almost 100 years. They have a long family tradition of arcane magic, adding to their wealth and prestige.
Martella is the black sheep of her family, being a result of an extramarital dalliance with a Qadiran diplomat. She lacks her family’s gift for magic as well, adding to their resentment.
Despite her family’s disdain, Martella still commands some wealth and has extensive contacts, having attended the Sinora Academia, Taldor’s most exclusive girls’ school.
Princess Eutropia Princess Eutropia is the adult daughter of Grand Prince Stavian III and has a scandalous reputation for making trouble and fighting in the streets.
Eutropia is a social reformer, eager to establish schools and other public resources for the poor, and remove political or family restrictions for women and various minorities. Rumors have circulated for a decade that her ultimate goal is to overturn primogeniture — Taldor’s ancient law stating that only male heirs may inherit the Lion Throne—and become the first empress of Taldor.
The princess’s reputation for “fighting in the streets” largely hails from her skill as a fencer, a sport she excelled at during her schooling at the Sinora Academia. Many times in her twenties she matched blades with chauvinistic politicians who would otherwise refuse to let her speak or act within political circles, and those early public duels helped her win unexpected support for her later social reforms—as well as a reputation as an impolite, unladylike brute.
“High Strategos Pythareus is back in the capital. I guess that means the marriage between him and the princess is back on. He’s so handsome; he’ll make a lovely emperor.”
The Grand Day of Exaltation is the one day every year when the emperor can elevate a commoner of unusual skill or service to the ranks of nobility.
Grand Prince Stavian III is the emperor of Taldor.
Martella Lotheed is some Lady or another.
Princess Eutropia Princess Eutropia is the adult daughter of Grand Prince Stavian III and has a scandalous reputation for making trouble and fighting in the streets.
Eutropia is a social reformer, eager to establish schools and other public resources for the poor, and remove political or family restrictions for women and various minorities. Rumors have circulated for a decade that her ultimate goal is to overturn primogeniture — Taldor’s ancient law stating that only male heirs may inherit the Lion Throne—and become the first empress of Taldor.
The Grand Day of Exaltation is the one day every year when the emperor can elevate a commoner of unusual skill or service to the ranks of nobility.
Because people travel from all over the empire to witness the exaltation, many balls and political events take place in the preceding week, and the senate usually votes on matters of national importance
immediately beforehand.
This year’s noble-to-be is a wide-eyed weaver from the village of Breezy Creek, whose beautiful tapestries have adorned the royal palace and many other royal homes for a decade.
Grand Prince Stavian III is the emperor of Taldor.
Grand Prince Stavian III has no male heir, and he has refused to have any further children since the tragic death of his only son, Carrius, in a riding accident 20 years ago. With the emperor getting on in years, some people worry how this will affect succession.
The emperor has made no secret of his disdain for Princess Eutropia’s social crusades, especially her efforts to overturn primogeniture so she can inherit the throne, but he has been uncharacteristically quiet about it this past year. Rumors abound that his health is slipping and he has accepted her efforts.
Martella Lotheed The wealthy Lotheed family has been a strong supporter of the Stavians for almost 100 years. They have a long family tradition of arcane magic, adding to their wealth and prestige.
Martella is the black sheep of her family, being a result of an extramarital dalliance with a Qadiran diplomat. She lacks her family’s gift for magic as well, adding to their resentment.
Despite her family’s disdain, Martella still commands some wealth and has extensive contacts, having attended the Sinora Academia, Taldor’s most exclusive girls’ school.
Princess Eutropia Princess Eutropia is the adult daughter of Grand Prince Stavian III and has a scandalous reputation for making trouble and fighting in the streets.
Eutropia is a social reformer, eager to establish schools and other public resources for the poor, and remove political or family restrictions for women and various minorities. Rumors have circulated for a decade that her ultimate goal is to overturn primogeniture — Taldor’s ancient law stating that only male heirs may inherit the Lion Throne—and become the first empress of Taldor.
The princess’s reputation for “fighting in the streets” largely hails from her skill as a fencer, a sport she excelled at during her schooling at the Sinora Academia. Many times in her twenties she matched blades with chauvinistic politicians who would otherwise refuse to let her speak or act within political circles, and those early public duels helped her win unexpected support for her later social reforms—as well as a reputation as an impolite, unladylike brute.
Damrak overhears nothing he considers to be even possibly of note.
Long, golden beams of the setting sun dance through the cafe’s smoky interior, highlighting breads, cheeses, and wine bottles behind the only counter. Martella sips casually from a steaming mug, dressed in an elegant but reserved gown — at least by Taldan standards. A hand - sized brass cricket buzzes quietly on the tabletop beside her.
“I’m so pleased you could join me this evening,” she begins. “Please order whatever you like; the fig jam is particularly lovely here. And feel free to speak candidly. I’ve taken measures to ensure our privacy. Do take a while to introduce yourselves to one another, a establishing a general sense of your fellows will prove useful I am sure.”
A neatly dressed noblewoman strides through the door to the cafe, pausing briefly to take in the occupants.
Dressed in a pale blue and white gown, made of thick fabric appropriate for colder conditions, and sporting an elaborate hat, the woman *almost* fits in to the scene. What proves striking is the heavy silver-y white veil that hangs from the edges of her hat and covers her entire face, down to her gown's high collar. The nearly totally opaque veil completely hides her face from the other visitors.
As the veil swishes from side to side, she seems to spot Martella and quickly skitters across the cafe to join her. She pulls a seat out, hesitates for a moment as she tries to remember how she's supposed to sit, and then just dumps herself into the seat in order to not stand out too much. She seems a little harried.
"Ahem- Ms. Lotheed." Her voice is initially husky, but it quickly turns to carry the sound of a simper. "Happy to be here. Chiara Durante." She avoids saying anything else yet. With just herself and the noblewoman, Martella was watching and listening to her too closely and it was too easy to slip up.
Instead she very quietly orders a tea with lemon and settles in to wait.
'Tea with lemon is right, right? That's what Chammy said would be not too aggressive with this Martella lady? Arghhh... why does it always have to be so damn complicated!'
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Striding into the cafe is Olivia Vernisant, wearing a black velvet 4-piece dress intricately accentuated in swirling reds. Jewelry of onyx and ruby line her strong shoulders, but not without her shining silver holy symbol of Iomedae. Black fur sleeves match her fur cloak, slightly concealing the peacebound longsword she refuses to leave without. Though her grace has improved in the last two years, Olivia still stands tall, proud, and militaristic. She curtsies respectfully to Lady Martella Lotheed, and pauses a moment should she care to speak. If not, Olivia will excuse herself to order some wine. Goddess knows she'll need the buzz.
"Ladies." The voice is a deep, rumbling bass, befitting the large frame of the man possessing it. His bulk is draped in rich-looking garments but the broad shoulders suggest that what is concealed underneath is muscle, rather than fat. An iron symbol of Abadar hangs from his neck: its severe austerity forms a contrast with the richness of the rest of his attire. He carries a falcata (the traditional Taldan weapon) in a scabbard at his side, with the air of one who knows how to use it.
Damrak stands for a moment framed in the doorway, pausing before making his entrance so that he can better survey the scene and get an impression of the other arrivals. It has the air of a move that has been practiced to perfection over and over again until it can be done almost without thinking.
He bows his head politely to everyone. After all, there are no strangers - only those with whom we have not yet done business. And since this is business, rather than pleasure, he will stay sober.
Effortlessly catching the eye of a waiter, Damrak takes a seat. "Coffee please. Black as night and sweet as sin."
"It appears as though I am late to arrive. I hope no one was waiting too long on my account," said the young man who stepped up to the table shortly after arriving at the cafe. He'd gotten caught up chatting with someone on the street and part of the way through trying to explain to them why it was foolish to assume High Strategos Pythareus would make a 'lovely emperor' without considering the fact that Princess Eutropia could make a competent Empress in her own right he realized it was a lost cause and hurried to not be late for his appointment.
The outfit he had chosen was largely white but featured numerous patterns and designs in golden thread. The geometric patterns were impossible to not connect to certain trends in the Empire of Kelesh. Not many people expressed a great deal of interest in such garments but apparently people willing to make a statement and stand out were common enough that Thread Rare had a suit they were able to modify for him. The golden thread reminded him of his clerical robes and the patterns brought back happy memories of his mother's layered robes and veils she had brought from her home.
Although it was an unconscious decision the white also made Khalil's darker than normal complexion stand out even more than usual. A quick glance spotted a number of weapons at the table but he didn't have one on him. In his time training with the clerics he learned to wield a spear and crossbow competently but neither would be allowed at the gala. Besides he sincerely hoped that nothing like that would be necessary.
"Khalil al-Shirin Duvan at your service Lady Lotheed and party," he said with a small bow before finally taking his seat. He spoke with genuine warmth as he said it. Lady Martella Lotheed, like himself, had some direct Kelish heritage and it had been a pleasant surprise to receive her invitation. And on top of that he actually personally recognized one of their other party members, Damrak Lendar, a member of the church of Abadar. Actually looking around the table there were an almost humorous number of holy symbols on display. He didn't specifically look at Damrak at this point since truth be told he wasn't sure he wanted to be the first to play his hand and it might be worth while to avoid mentioning that he had worked with the man in the past.
Instead he ordered a cup of tea and posed Lady Lotheed a lightly probing question, "So are we expecting any more members to this gathering or should we move onto the business soon at hand?"
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The last time I was dressed so well, I was an even greater fool than I am now, Tanglefoot thought as he strode confidently, almost swaggering, down the wide and crowded street. He spotted the cafe where he was to meet with Lady Martella Lotheed, natural daughter of Lord Lotheed.
A bastard, I'm sure there's a bawdy story there. I'll have to learn it, the bard thought, a smile flashing across his face, But today I'd best be on my best behavior. Better pretend like I'm a politician again, if only for an hour.
He wore a black suit, simple by Taldan standards but nonetheless sharp. His was nonetheless a rather comical image, as usual, due to his rotundity, his general expression, his red nose, and his beard, though he had wagered that he didn't look unlike some middling nobleman for exactly those same reasons.
He sang a few lines of an old and ribald song that came to mind as he arrived, his voice deep and joyous, though untrained.
"Well she pulled off her blue silk gown
She laid it on the table
And he pulled off his uniform suit
And he hopped in bed with the lady."
Bit of a frog in my throat today, he thought.
He looked around, and finding the eyes of a serving girl, reached down to his waist, grabbed the tankard hanging there, and raised it to her, "What sort of wine do you have here? Normally I'd have ale, but today I am the landgrave's nephew!"
Noticing the similarly overdressed (in his opinion, fancy clothing was always overdressing) group gathering nearby, he realized that he must be late, and that this must be his group.
Giving the most exaggerated bow he could muster, a gesture that made it's way from bow to curtsy by the end, he greeted them, "Ah, Lady Martella Lotheed, it is my most sincerest pleasure to make your esteemed acquaintance."
He looked over the other arrivals. What a bunch of peacocks! he thought, and a laugh burst out, though he stopped himself from continuing.
"And greetings to you lovely turtledoves and turtles. I am Lord Tangle of House Foot. You may call me Tanglefoot."
Mentally running through her spiel as Olivia approaches, Chana is caught off guard by the gaudily dressed woman immediately leaving again. When Damrak and Khalil arrive, she's a little more prepared.
Hands folded in her lap, she inclines her head at each of the two new arrivals. "Chiara Durante. Daughter of Davrin Durante and last of the Durante line. My hobbies include-" she pauses for half a second to check the "hobbies" written on a note affixes to the inside brim of her hat. "-reading, embroidery and fencing." A little gargle of forced laughter, probably intended to be a titter, escapes her. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."
Turning her body a little to face Damrak, she continues "But I didn't catch your name, uh, sir."
When Tangle-foot arrives, she's silent for a few moments as she tries to gauge the right response for a noble to his tavern ditty. Shrugging, she repeats "Chiara Durante, pleasure to meet you, Mr. Foot."
Tanglefoot snatches Chiara's arm, and the old fool gently kisses her hand.
"Ah, but the pleasure is all mine," he says, his eyes twinkling with humor. He looks around. "Indeed, what a noble gathering of us nobles here at this noble place. Ah, what aristocrats are we."
"Hrm." Damrak gives a noncommittal reply at the arrival of this strange stranger, setting down his coffee and giving the man a penetrating look. He spends words as a drunk scatters coin...and to much the same effect. In his experience, those who treat life as a joke are either youths with no responsibility, or those who have seen the hardships of life up close and choose humor over despair.
By the looks of him, this fellow has seen his share of troubles.
Ever polite, he nods his head in greeting. "Well-met, Lord Tanglefoot. And you, too, Lady Durante. I am Damrak Lendar. My hobby is making money." From the way he's dressed, he's very good at it.
Amandine lingers across and slightly up the street from the café. She has no difficulty spotting Martella Lotheed as she arrives. Amandine has a composite description supplied by friends and it’s a good match. Lady Lotheed arrives alone, which Amandine notes. She waits a little longer, using up the rest of her extra time before the meeting, to see who else might be coming and going from the café. There are several people doing one or the other and it suggests nothing to Amandine. It’s a good practice though.
When Amandine enters the café and spots Martella Lotheed’s table, she sees a few other people gathered there as well. She is surprised, but careful not to show it. She lifts a hand in greeting when Lady Lotheed notices her, and walks to her table.
The young woman who arrives at the table is obviously half-elven. Her brown hair is cropped to well above her shoulders and it, along with her elven features and a trace of freckles on her face and cheeks, gives her a pixieish air. She is smiling warmly. As she glances from one person at the table to another her brown eyes seem clever, as if they are memorizing the details of each person.
She wears a deep green dress with black accents. It is a relatively simple affair by Taldan standards, but the clean lines flatter her slender figure. She wears a rapier, which is not held by a belt, but a rope-thick braided looped silk cord sewn directly to the dress. She also carries a small satchel-like handbag.
With a hint of a curtsy she says ”It is my great honor to meet you Lady Lotheed. Amandine Santon at your service, and your guests’ as well.”
Amandine settles herself at the table and requests coffee with cream.
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Olivia barely stifles her laughter when a rotund bearded man swaggers into the cafe singing obscenities. She gets her wine (which she sneaks a gulp of when she thinks no one's looking), and starts heading back to the table to meet with the others. Just as she's about to reach them, Olivia spots a slender woman in deep green and black. Her pixieish hair combined with those freckles, her warm smile combined with those clever brown eyes...
Ba-dum, Ba-dum, STRIKE!
"I'm Olivia" She splutters.
Mentally reprimanding herself, she gently clears her throat and says "Excuse me. Olivia Vernisant at your service. Pleasure to meet you."
'Damn it, Liv, you blew it already!'
Tangle-foot finds Chana's hand and arm to be wiry and tense, and for her part she pulls her arm back as soon as he's done. In contrast, she speaks reasonably warmly as she says "I take it that means you're not a noble? Some kind of performer maybe?"
At Damrak's response, Chana offers "A silver piece a day, inn-" she stops herself from continuing into a Thieves Guild saying popular in the Narrows "A silver piece a day, indeed."
'Fella's named after the legend, I guess. Looks like it suits him just fine.'
"Hello Misses Santon, Vernisant. Pleasure to meet you both." The veiled young woman nods, understanding quite well, but refraining from any comment.
The very athletic looking woman is obviously noble, so when she doesn't suggest a title of address in introducing herself it catches Amandine out. She only notices the woman's prominent holy symbol and that she seems to slide a bit, as if to make some room for Amandine. She takes it as an invitation and sits beside her.
"Thank you... Lady,.. Olivia" Amandine decides.
Abadar and Iomedae represented in no short supply here. What sort of thing could they and I both possibly be useful for?
"My intentions are noble. But I am indeed a performer, as are we all. Golarion's a stage, and we are merely role-players."
Tanglefoot pulls out a chair, and slumps down onto it, crossing one leg over his knee and leaning back.
Because people travel from all over the empire to witness the exaltation, many balls and political events take place in the preceding week, and the senate usually votes on matters of national importance immediately beforehand.
This year’s noble-to-be is a wide-eyed weaver from the village of Breezy Creek, whose beautiful tapestries have adorned the royal palace and many other royal homes for a decade.
Grand Prince Stavian III is the emperor of Taldor.
Grand Prince Stavian III has no male heir, and he has refused to have any further children since the tragic death of his only son, Carrius, in a riding accident 20 years ago. With the emperor getting on in years, some people worry how this will affect succession.
The emperor has made no secret of his disdain for Princess Eutropia’s social crusades, especially her efforts to overturn primogeniture so she can inherit the throne, but he has been uncharacteristically quiet about it this past year. Rumors abound that his health is slipping and he has accepted her efforts.
Martella Lotheed is some Lady or another.
Princess Eutropia is the adult daughter of Grand Prince Stavian III and has a scandalous reputation for making trouble and fighting in the streets.
Eutropia is a social reformer, eager to establish schools and other public resources for the poor, and remove political or family restrictions for women and various minorities. Rumors have circulated for a decade that her ultimate goal is to overturn primogeniture — Taldor’s ancient law stating that only male heirs may inherit the Lion Throne—and become the first empress of Taldor.
Martella who has been watching he mechanical cricket by her side wearing a thoughtful expression looks up blinking at the group and scanning each in turn,
"Are the niceties concluded? Good. The first I shall present you each with a senate aide badge. These badges once belonged to the staff of the long-dead Senator Voritas, whose family line was involved in the senate for nearly a thousand years before dying out about a century ago. Senators and other politicians of note traditionally hand out senate aide badges of extinct or exiled family lines to guests they invite to senate events, identifying them at a glance as guests rather than sitting senators or staff; thus you can expect guards to be more wary of you than the majority - given the relative ease with which a rabble-rouser or assassin could abuse this system. You must keep them with you at all times."
She places the badges on the table before each of you, each resembles an oval golden shield with a unicorn being entangled by a serpentine dragon, evidently the symbol of the now defunct Vortias family.
"Importantly the badges also allow for telepathic communication with the master senator badge pinned to my gown, I can contact you, but you can only respond to me. I can only make a limited number of replies each day, and both my addresses, and your replies need to be 25 words or less, you must reply within a minute in order to reach me. Please pin on your badges, and if you have any questions regarding their usage now is the time to ask."
Khalil watched as everyone introduced themselves and kept an eye on how everyone reacted to each other. Keeping things orderly and ensuring that everyone worked together to do their jobs properly and efficiently was a large part of his duty within the church of Abadar. From his limited association with Damrak he felt that the man could be trusted to do as he thought was beneficial to himself. Since he tended towards the progressive Khalil was willing to take that as a positive sign. When the young woman with Iomedae’s holy symbol introduced herself Khalil paused for a moment to consider why her name sounded so familiar. Obviously he had heard of the Vernisant family but he couldn't quite remember what he'd heard about Olivia herself. He had spent months trying to pick up what he could about the important figures in the Taldan nobility but there were so many families and children and bastards he still didn't have a firm grasp of it. He would have to seek to improve that understanding quickly if he was to be of use to this group.
Of his other companions he did not recognize the others at all. He was rather curious about the interestingly dressed woman with her face almost completely hidden by a veil. The half-elven woman seemed well put together but the name didn't ring any bell. And the same was true of the entertainer. Perhaps if his family was more influential and had spent more time in the capital things would be different. For now he would have to do his best to hide his ignorance and work to minimize it whenever possible.
When Lady Lotheed presented the badges Khalil reached out and picked up one of the golden shields and looked it over before pinning it to his breast, opposite his holy symbol. Having never been accepted to such a prestigious event it was the first he had heard of the Senate Aide Badges, "While this will likely prove useful I must admit I still feel somewhat at a loss. While I cannot begin to thank you enough for the opportunity to come here and argue my beliefs to those with enough power to affect them, I must say I dont entirely know what you wish of me in return. What, precisely are we expected to accomplish for you at the Gala?"
Subtlety and intrigue was not his strong suit frankly. He could dance around things if necessary but most of the time he was more comfortable being forthright and getting straight to the point. He leaned back and kept his eyes on his companions to see how they would react to his approach. As he did so he took a sip of the tea that had been brought for him.
At Damrak's response, Chana offers "A silver piece a day, inn-" she stops herself from continuing into a Thieves Guild saying popular in the Narrows "A silver piece a day, indeed."
Damrak has taken Lady Lotheed's advice and is biting into a scone piled high with fig jam (she's right: it is delicious). Chana's remark makes him cough slightly, and he gives the heavily-swathed young woman a piercing glance, before relaxing. Slightly. She probably means nothing by it.
Tanglefoot's remark about playing a role makes him shift uncomfortably: he was happier when the man was merely making sport of their clothing. He is glad of the distraction Martella creates by handing out the badges.
"Convenient." is his only remark as she elaborates on the badge's properties.
Other than that he nods his head in agreement as Khalil asks the sensible question: what are they here for? "Indeed." He gives Khalil an amicable look: the man hasn't really acknowledged his presence but he assumes that there is a reason for this. It takes all types to make a profit, after all.
No doubt he will offer his greetings in time.
Chana carefully picks up one of the badges and turns it over in her hand. After a moment of hesitation she draws a little circle in her palm and utters a few rough sounding words.
With magic enhanced sight, she brings the badge underneath her veil and takes a look at it.
When her magical intuition fails to reveal any specifics, she gives it a quick sniff and takes it back out again. After a couple of rubs of the badge, she overcomes her hesitation and puts it on.
"Ms. Lotheed. You've gone to quite an expense. Why will we need these?"
Amandine's questions are the same as the mysterious veiled woman and the priest. The delay by Lotheed in telling them exactly what they are supposed to do makes her uneasy.
Surely the badges matter less than what she wants from us. Is she trying to draw us into accepting something before we know because otherwise we would refuse?
She holds the badge in her hand, but does not pin it on just yet.She doesn't re-voice the questions about the assignment, they are already on the table now.
She's not entirely sure, but she thinks she hears the veiled person sniff the badge! What is underneath all that covering?
Martlela nods in response to Khalili and Chana's questions, "Do not worry if you deem what I ask of you to be too much you can remove the badges and return them. They are not cursed, or any such thing. To be frank I see potential in you all as agents working under me, to further causes dear to my heart and eventually, with proper planning and preparation, to allow me to take over my vile House and forcibly reform it. To that end I would endeavour to provide you with ample rewards and opportunities for growth, both in a personal, and more importantly political sense. If you are willing to work for me it ins very much in my interest to help make you all as powerful and influential as is possible within my means."
"To be more immediate and specific I have a number of missions which I require completing at the Gala tonight. I am a talented woman, but I cannot do everything, or even most things on my own. I will outline the missions and I hope each of you will choose to fulfil one of them for me. For this I will pay 150gp to each of you."
She glances at the mechanical cricket, at flicks it with a fingernail eliciting it low rumbling hum to increase, "The missions are as follows..."
recently disgraced Earl Calhadion Vernisant," Martella inclines her head slightly to Olivia, "I would like to see some of the historical artifacts that the earl donated to the senate vanish from the Arcade of Triumphs before it is unveiled prior to the evening’s
vote. You are free to free to keep the items; I wish only for their disappearance to further embarrass Earl Vernisant and his allies. The artifacts should not be secured; the senate assumes anyone sophisticated enough to attended this crowded gala would never dream of stealing anything on public display. Specifically the items area buckler, a dagger, a fan, a journal, and a spyglass — but three missing should be sufficient to disgrace the earl."
embarrassingly undrinkable; but you must not steal the bottle, and need to conceal any sign it has been tampered with. I hope it will be drunk at dinner and appear to be of terrible quality or, even better, a forgery. A little petty perhaps, but I work hard and deserve a little fun, I can assure you they are well deserving of it and more."
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Olivia frowns slightly while listening to the missions. She speaks slowly, choosing her words deliberately.
"Lady Lotheed, I sympathize with your desire to reform your house. I've considered the same, though nothing to this extent. I'm concerned about a few of these missions and their... illegality. Those who are attempting these acts on your behave, do you have any way of protecting them from capture and arrest if they fail?"
"I assure you Lady Olivia, every act I have suggested is, while hardly encouraged, perfectly legal with the regulations and bylaws of the Senate. Though in a couple of instances they are legal only within the bounds of the Senate, which is exempt from Taldor's laws, replaced with its own narrower, but deeper set of auspices." Lady Morella replies, seeming to have expected the objection.
Chana listens in to Martella's explanation, and follows her offer with "That's very generous. Could you tell us what the causes near and dear to you are? Before we start fu-" She smoothly adjusts what she was about to say "-helping to make changes happen, it would be important for us to know what those changes are going to be."
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Once each of the missions is explained, Chana leans forwards in her chair. "I can listen in to Duke Centimus and Countess Pace."
"I am a woman hoping to take over my House, it should be no great revelation that overturning the law of primogeniture would be in my interest. I would like to see Taldor become more progressive and dynamic, and though certainly a part if it is ingrained personal prejudice I would like Taldor to be a leader in the field of technology, though it is not my most pressing concern," as she says the later she glances down at the mechanical cricket.
Amandine is not surprised to hear the Senate operates under differing sets of laws. Doesn't everything concerning the law depend on who you are, and what you pay, after all?
Reassured she won't be taking any great risks she speaks up.
"I can see to the wine and the donated items. It won't be a problem" she tells Lady Lotheed.
I won't exactly be playing my stronger hand at the Gala, but I have to guess the others would be completely hopeless at trying to do these particular things.
Khalil leaned back in his seat, his tea saucer held before him mostly ignored as he listened to Lady Lotheed explain what it was she wanted of them. Frankly he was glad when Oliva spoke up because he had been thinking the same thing about several of the missions. Particularly the theft and poisoning of the wine. She was so quick to defend her stance that it made him hesitate just a moment but he assumed that she had reason to suspect some hesitation given that she had taken on three individuals with connections to various holy orders. Khalil appreciated things to make sense, to be orderly and concise. In his opinion the state of this country didn't make sense, it violated the basic laws of equality and progress that he believed in. Because of that he was willing to do a great deal to see positive change occur. But at the end of the day he was a member of the church of Abadar and law helped to protect the people. He wasn't going to try and prevent anyone else from undertaking those missions, especially if they were technically legal, but he quickly turned his focus to the more interpersonal undertakings.
"I do not know much of Baron Nicolaus Okerra I'm afraid but as someone who aspires to the senate I would be happy to try and sway him to lend his voice to our cause if at all possible. Although I would appreciate any information any of you could provide to me about the man before I meet him face to face," Khalil says after considering all of the missions. This one sounds by far the easiest to stomach of all the options and it also allows him to make contact with the nobility that might one day help him climb to a position of greater influence.
"Oh, and before I forget I discovered some of you had looked into my background, as well as the day, the Emperor, and Princess Eutropia. This is commendable, and I encourage you to continue such habits, to be overtly cliche, knowledge is power. To reward such initiative allow me to present a few items that might prove of use, though not necessarily for the Gala."
Placing a small elegant hand bag upon the table she opens it and produces a number of items. Two palm sized metal tubes, eight pellets, a small purple glass vial filled with a shimmering liquid, and two clear glass vials filled with a fine metallic dust. Touching each in order Lady martella identifies them in turn,
"Two vials of liquid blade, eight smoke pellets, a single dose of soul stimulant, and two vials of dust of illusion to use however you deem fit."
Damrak listens, slightly unsettled by the talk of theft. He has broken many, many laws in the past but now that he works for Abadar he prefers to stay on the right side of his deity.
He offers his assistance to Chana and Khalil: "I may not know the people in question, but persuasion, influence and reminding debtors of their obligations is part of my stock in trade. Perhaps I can assist you."
Knowledge Nobility (who are these two)
A celebrity in the tournament circuit and a kind but stern leader, Baron Nicolaus Okerra is considered one of Taldor’s chief defenders of law and order. He has little time for pomp and circumstance, secluding himself in the noble courts of the senate building to debate with aspiring nobles on the importance of law.
His charming demeanor is only somewhat mitigated by his staunch devotion to order, even when he defends the shadier aspects of a lawful society.
western borders of Taldor. Rumours speak of a minor scandal involving her getting a tailor imprisoned when either her dress tore at a function, or when he attempted to collect her debts, the true of the matter is unknown. Countess Pace is not particularly famous and not from nearby so it is more difficult to have knowledge of her.
The journal belonged to Earl Vernisant’s great grandfather and details his extensive genealogical work to connect their family line to the heroic Arnisant legacy.
The dagger is an ornate +1 silver dagger that the earl claims one of General Arnisant’s lieutenants used to slay the vampire Malageur your father used to use it as a letter opener, and bragged about it frequeNtly.
western borders of Taldor. Rumours speak of a minor scandal involving her getting a tailor imprisoned when either her dress tore at a function, or when he attempted to collect her debts, the true of the matter is unknown. Countess Pace is not particularly famous and not from nearby so it is more difficult to have knowledge of her.
Tiberan of Tandak prefecture.
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Olivia shifts a little to speak to Amandine next to her. "If it's alright, would you please do a favor for me? The journal and the dagger are relics of my family's line, tied to General Arnisant, who fought beside the Inheritor herself against the Whispering Tyrant. They are important to me both in blood and faith. If you would please bring them to me, I would be... very grateful."
"Gratitude is all well and good Lady Olivia, but those are valuable items. I would suggest given that you are to be operating as a team you split any profits evenly. If I were one of your companions I would be deeply reluctant to give you items you likely had very little contact with unless you were willing to use your share. I would suggest that you keep the journal, but give up on the dagger, even against a vampire you would likely be better served with a silver sword." Martella says her tone even,
"But if you can reach an equitable agreement between yourselves I would have no objection."
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Olivia tenses slightly and clenches a fist beside her thigh.
How DARE he give away these priceless relics of our family history, just on a whim. At least when he was using the dagger as a letter opener, he still OWNED it.
She smiles to Lady Martella Lotheed and replies "I'm interested in the journal, the dagger, the fan, and the spyglass. The buckler has no significance to my family. I am more than willing to purchase or work for any of those items, as dictated by the new owner."
Chana seems to turn her head to watch Damrak. "Interested in the Duke and Countess, Mr. Lendar? If so, I can focus instead on discr- dis-... undercutting one of the opponents of primogeniture. I will keep my ears open for anyone of the Senators who seem to swing that way."
"And thank you for the equipment, Ms. Lotheed. We will definitely find some use for them." 'Like pawning them off for drinks! Eheh.' Under her veil, Chana grins. While the smile itself can't be seen by anyone, when she continues talking it's with clear mirth in her voice.
"So Ms. Lotheed, pardon me for pointing this out, but you mentioned vampires and gave us a salve to help recover against them. You don't mean to suggest that we might expect a vampire at the senate?" She suppresses the urge to snicker.