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Angry Magic Tree sadly puts away her axe. "But it talks," she says to her companions. "And it knows the dead lady. The seedling man could learn much from it." She plunges into the acid cloud and tries to pull the wand out.
Not having any success, Angry Magic Tree yells, "Everyone get out of the burn stuff!" before plunging back into the cloud herself.
AMT manages to disable the clockwork owl. Thank you, it says. This act of kindness from AMT is noticed by beings higher than you and suddenly
the plaque by the coffin cracks in half; the remaining inscription now reads,
Remember her deeds and restore her honor.. A feeling of peace suffuses the tomb, healing you for 10 hit points each.
You return to Remaio with Honaria’s laurels, Remaio is pleased with your efforts, eagerly explaining the laurels that he recognizes and basking in secondhand pride.
You rest for before travelling to Oppara. Remaio’s blood, sweat, and tears have finally paid off as you read the letter he has left for you Through bribery and political favors, the would-be nobleman has managed an invitation to the court of Princess Eutropia herself!
You arrive at court, dressed in the courtier outfits that Remaio has provided for you all, although Angry's is a little ill-fitting and Tholl just looks uncomfortable and itchy.
You are here! he says cheerfully.
You enter the court. This ancient and grand palace is decorated with ornate arches of patterned stone. Robed greeters bow as the building’s massive iron doors swing open. Light illuminates the hall through dozens of windows in the ceiling. Shining panels of gold decorate the marble walls.
There are several nobles that you may speak to and their current disposition is stated below. You may speak to more than one and you have up to 1 hour before proceedings begin and each interaction takes 5 minutes.
Princess Eutropia
Gloriana Morilla who is talking to Aayef, the young boy whom you saved from the scorpion.
Dominicus Rell is a top advisor to Grand Prince Stavian III
Father Basri whom you recognise from the Basilica
Inka Heldotor is present only to keep the venue secure for future visits from the crown.
Captain Seferi is a Zimar Corsair, a pirate in service to Taldor’s Imperial Navy who looks uncouth and a bit awkward in these surroundings
Solmon Menander looks like a bitter and overworked bureaucrat
Theon Cenabri is a distant descendant of Italice Cenabri from your recent excursion to the tomb
You may now take a drink and speak to whomever you choose. I will keep a track of time.
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Tholl actually looks quite presentable, but as noted is a little uncomfortable and itchy. He's bathed and perfumed, his hair is neatly combed and pulled back into a long ponytail, and his beard has been combed and trimmed. His time with Sir Boswick gave him enough sense to look presentable before nobles.
Relax Remaio, your well prepared and well informed it will go great.
Tholl actually knows a bit about the highest levels of Taldan nobility and shares it with everyone, Princess Eutropia is the only child of Grand Prince Stavian III, the ruler of Taldor. She intends to inherent the throne upon the death of her father, even though according to the current laws of Taldor, only male heirs are eligible to inherit the throne. So it's exciting to get to meet her.
Once at the gathering, Tholl decides to start with the only friendly faces he sees and heads over to Lady Gloriana Morilla and Aayef.
Lady Morilla, Aayef, so good to see you tonight. Remaio has really solid evidence to restore his house, but we know how these noble gathering are, often times other motivations are more important. Do you have any information about the gathered patrons that might help our man out.
Ah, I recognise you from the description of young Aayef here. I understand that you were of some significant assistance to his youthful curiousity. Indeed, I understand you, more than most, suffered at the hands of that giant scoprion. It is a pleasure to meet you
She sips some wine before adding They can be a dreadful bore these court events. I am here to aid Princess Eutropia. If I may speak freely? She leans in to Tholl's ear, a sweet fragrance on her skin. I have concerns
that several other nobles are on the cusp of finding out information about some of the princess’s clandestine political maneuvering. In particular, she knows that Solmon Menander has some suggestive letters—while not incriminating, they are enough to create suspicion if the wrong person got hold of them. Would you be so kind as to see if you might be able to take a look at them?
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Aylanna decides to speak to the princess.
After brief introductions she says "It was gracious of my lady to give Remaio an audience. I imagine it has already occurred to your grace that helping restore the good name of his ancestor Honaria, a strong female leader deserving of respect but wronged in her own time, may help the current situation as well. It is nice when the politically convenient aligns so perfectly with the right thing to do anyway."
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Alina will speak first with Captain Seferi. She approaches him with a friendly manner. "Greetings, Captain. I feel somewhat out of place is settings like this, having spent most of my life wandering from town to town via caravan. I feel like us travelers should stick together, as my background is probably similar to your life on a ship. I've been part of the group that has helped Remaio gather evidence, and I do have to say that his claim seems to be valid. I'd be happy to show you what we found on our travels in more detail if you wish."
The princess turns to Aylanna And you are? I'm sorry, I don't recognise you and... the Princess peers over Aylanna's shoulder, clearly preoccupied with what Dominic Rell and Inka Heldotor are doing. Eventually she turns back to Aylanna what where you saying? Hmm..yes yes, very interesting She makes her excuses and leaves, peering over once again and Dominicus and Inka
Captain Seferi smiles at Alina, awkwardly These are not my natural surroundings as you can probably tell. Still, we do what me must eh? He looks over admiringly at the princess.
putting the wrong foot forward. You are able to lend Seferi better
clothing or help hime find a suitable gift to offer
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Oh my clandestine operations! Tholl says a little surprised. I'm not sure I'm cut out for such things, but I'm willing to give it a try.
Tholl tries to be nonchalant by mingling around for a couple minutes before approaching Solmon Menander.
Nice occasion isn't it? Name's Tholl. Tholl tries to get the man talking.
Solmon looks at Tholl, indifferent toward the Human This place is full of over privileged people who've never had to work a day in their lives. Don't you agree?
Solmon looks over at Remaio, working the room. You know, you wouldn't believe some of the things I could tell you about him. In fact, cross my hand with twenty gold pieces and I'll tell you what I know - and don't look at me as if I'm immoral. I'm underpaid for the work I do.
Inka says to Angry Yes, it is tough, but so am I. Are you?
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Inka suddenly finds herself three-and-a-half feet higher as Angry Magic Tree easily lifts her with one hand. Grinning, the leshy gently lowers her to the floor. "Tough enough to do that!" she says proudly. "And you should hear about when we fought a scorpion as big as a horse! Aylanna tells it better though - let me go get her!"
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Aylanna goes with Angry to spin her tale of the epic battle with the massive scorpion. "The creature had a skin like steel, and pincers with the grip of a crocodile's bite. But worst of all was that stinger! Like a piercing spear laced with deadly poison! In the end however, none of it could measure up to the powerful blow delivered by Angry's Axe! The beast fell, its life goo oozing out across the dry, barren sands."
After her regaling tale and any ensuing chats, she takes her leave, saying "That princess sure must be tough too, these high society engagements can be just as grueling, and even as hazardous, as that scorpion."
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I agree most of these nobles are self righteous and lazy, but some of them seem okay. Tholl digs around in his pouch and finds he has exactly 20 gold, Let's not make this exchange out in the open. I thought Remaio was one of the better ones, I'd like to see what you have. Tholl encourages them to move to a slightly more secluded location, before paying the man.
He takes in what the man discloses about Remaio, It's hard not to let the lines blur in this place.
He then adds, I heard tell of documents concerning the Princess and that you may have those documents. Think I could take a look.
Sensing the man's reluctance.
I'll never tell where I saw them.
@Angry/Aylanna - brilliantly done and well RP'd.
Inka is now friendly, as is the Princess.
Seferi takes the scent from Alina Your kindness toward strangers serves you well Madam and i am in your debt he boys
The letters make no sense to Tholl but Gloriana is grateful nonetheless You have been a great help to me, come, let me get you a dri...
Gloriana is interrupted by the clinking of metal against crystal. A servant speaks to the room. Esteemed ladies and gentleman and... he looks at Angry ..others...ahem. Court is now in session!
Remaio glances over at you. He has beads of sweat on his head.
Princess Eutropia takes to the stage. Good evening all. We have much business to attend to and the first matter of order is the nobility, or otherwise, of the Alcasti house. She takes a seat on a red velvet chair. I am prepared to be petitioned. Commence!
Remaio steps forward, smile beaming, toward the stage but the Princess holds up her hand Not by you, Remaio. From what I hear, your companions have done much work on your behalf to seek the honor or otherwise of your name and I will listen to them and to them only .
You may try to convince the Princess that Honoria was honorable and that Remaio should be awarded a baron title. To do this requires three statements supporting your case based upon you adventures: the recovery of the blade, the bust of Honaria from the basilica, the trinkets from her tomb, the letters from her aunt's farm, or the evidence that she took care of villainous bandits in the forest.
If you wish, you may stick it to Remaio and reveal his financial impropriety for a DC 25 on the same checks.
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Not the most skill orator, Tholl will attempt to aid, presumably Aylanna, who is more skilled in the art of persuasion.
Tholl thinks back to the beginning of there journey. The blade, the noble blade, Soldier’s Glory, is well a remarkable blade. One so strong in magic, that it, itself has intelligence and can offer direct testimony to Honaria's honor and Remaio claim. Tholl speaks out.
And I speak for the bravery of these travellers and by extension, Remaio says the young Aayef. He drops his head in shame I...I thought I was brave, but I stand here before this court only because these warriors saved me from certain doom. Princess Eutropia...I am not worthy of your company but if you will listen to a boy, then I beg of you to take their words as true
The boys speaks the truth, foolish though he was! says the Priest. These advernturers came to my aid and helped to rescue an heirloom that had....been mislaid beneath the Basilica. They are honourable and even returned goods of mine that the Ratfolk had stolen. I can vouch for them, and their employer.
Aayef and the Priest steps back to the shadows. Princess Eutropia holds up her hand. Thank you travellers. Indeed it does seem that you have had quite the journey and your service to Taldor will not go unrewarded .
Her eyes narrow at Remaio, like she doesn't quite trust him. And what say you Remaio? Have you anything to add to this tale?
Remaio bows his head in deference, a wry smile upon his lips No Princess, I can add nothing to these tales of truth . In the background, Solmon snorts in derision but the Princess ignores it.
So be it, she says I am satisfied that Honaria's name should be restored in good faith and that you Remiao, servant of Taldor, should have your family name restored to its former glory.
Remaio is visibly shaken and a small tear forms in the corner of his eye and he glances over at you Thank you he mouths.
And you, Princess Eutropia turns to you all Your service to Taldor will also not go unnoticed. Through the grace of the court of Taldor I hereby grant you all Knighthoods and declare you all to be Knights of Taldor. Long may your service to Taldor continue... she looks at Angry and smiles Not that I have ever had one quite so tall in my service! The court erupts into laughter as the band strikes up and the Princess shouts Now let's raise the roof on this celebration!