GM Dak - War for the Crown 2

Game Master Dakcenturi

Celad steps forward, offering a polite nod. "I believe that will be me, Lady Martella. I am ready whenever you are."

"Lady Martella, do you agree we should discredit Countess Pace, then? Is she a sufficiently important figure to target, or do we need to find a more prominent opponent?"

Just trying to figure out how to accomplish the Fraud task.

Martella hands the sealed letter to Celad "Wonderful. Once we are finished here please deliver this to Count Orlundo Zespire. I believe I heard he was last in the archives."

When Bimble asks about the Countess she nods "If she does intend to vote against the repeal of primogeniture then I believe she would be a worthy target. No matter the outcome of the vote, at least by discrediting her it should make influencing her after the vote a bit of an easier task."

As the conversation comes to a swift end, Rossana realizes the one task still left untouched. I don't think they'll view this as a prank if I get caught, she muses, before turning to Sara. "What do you think? Want to team up on this? If so, I'll meet you in the Arcade. I'll be changing forms, though, so I'll let you know who I am by tapping your shoulder twice in passing."

Heading out to find Okerra, Rossana locates him once more and requests his vote for primogeniture. With that task finished, Rossana thens finds as quiet a spot as possible to slip her form into that of a young noblewoman she knew couldn't make it tonight.

With her disguise ready, Rossana heads to the Arcade and slowly prowls the area, getting an idea of where each item is while letting Sara know who she is. Then, waiting for the perfect moment, Rossana slips her hand out and palms the journal.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

"Well I do seem to be half way decent at distracting people." she smiles at the noble woman, says her good byes to the others, and goes to the Arcade.

Once there she'll try and figure out the best way to help her fellow thief.

perception to influence the area A1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Bimble waits for Celad to leave before conspiring with Capricia.

"There we go, noble Celad has departed. Which is good, because I'd like your help in authoring something that will ensure that Countess Pace is not taken seriously going forward. For the greater good, mind you. I'll dictate, but I'll need your help in making sure the script looks suitably feminine."

With years of experience writing satire, Bimble figures it can't be that hard to embarrass someone so insecure and power hungry. He settles on a simple ruse.
Craft (propaganda): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

"Okay, here's the letter."

My Dearest Princess Eutropia

"I am so thrilled to give you my vote in support of primogeniture. It is so wonderful that you are blazing a trail that will help us noblewoman. This will obviously be a close vote, but I have many friends who I've influenced to ensure that you will have the support you need to prevail. I hope you'll remember my good works once you become heir to the throne!

"And now, the good part. We're going to write a second letter."

My Dearest Strategos Maxillar

I am so thrilled to give you my vote in opposition to primogeniture. It is so awful that Princess Eutropia is seeking to overturn centuries of tradition with such a naked power grab. This will obviously be a close vote, but I have many friends who I've influenced to ensure that you will have the support you need to prevail. I hope you'll remember my good works and commend me to the Grand Prince!

"And now, we just make sure both letters are included in a missive to our High Strategos. Writing two different letters and selecting one for the situation seems entirely fitting of Countess Pace. And accidentally sending both to him would be a laughable blunder."

Just need Capricia to supply the Linguistics check, and we can hope this works!

Capricia flashes a bright smile when she hears Bimble's plan; there's not a hint of the unpleasantness that seems to consume the woman when she's near Lady Martella.

"It's too bad we don't have a sample of the Countess's handwriting or her signature, but I can't imagine where we'd find such a thing at this late time in the game. Hmm...perhaps we can get one of our kitchen friends to get a dab of honey to smear between the pages to make it more believable how our ditzy countess 'accidentally' sent both her letters in the same envelope. Tsk, tsk, tsk! The Countess oughtn't eat so many sweets!"

If she has enough time, she'll hunt down Rossana or Marcus...or maybe it would be easier just to grab a sweet off a tray and stick the pages together herself.

Since Liguistics is one of those GM-Rolls-in-Secret deals, I'll just say that Capricia's bonus for creating forgeries is +7 and hope for the best!

Marcus sets off, away from the group, to seek out the High Strategos. Of course, he knew of Maxillar Pythareus - even served a meal to him once - but he was sure the nobleman wouldn't recognize him.

He might hide behind the veil of his rank, but the High Strategos schemes as much as any Taldan noble. He cares nothing for the average people of Taldor - only for his own power. I'm sure he's up to no good. Now I just need to get close enough to find out.

Marcus keeps himself tucked behind columns, feigning interest in the military paraphernalia that lines the walls, and listens to the general's conversations.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Celad leaves the group, heading for the Archives. He exchanges nods and greetings with various people as he walks, his pace quick, but not alarmingly so.

Upon arrival at the Archives, he looks around for Count Orlundo. Upon spying the man, he approaches. With a polite bow, he says, "Count Orlundo, a message for you." and extends the letter. "If you wish to send a reply, I will wait and deliver it, sir."

Before you depart Lady Lotheed adds one last thing "Well it sounds like you are all off to a great start. I shall remain here in the gallery for a bit if you should have a need of me. Otherwise, continue the good work. One thing though before you depart. I didn’t ask you here just to look over your shoulders. I received word that there’s a young woman here: Malphene Trant, the daughter of Senator Trant. She’s a belligerent, narcissistic ass, and a bully as well. If she’s here, it’s likely to intimidate one of the more junior senators into backing her father. If one or more of you could keep an eye on her and ... quietly intercede should she try, I would be quite grateful."

Finishing up your meeting with Martella you head off to continue on your tasks.

Dame Trant can be located in the Arcade.

Social Round 6

After departing from your meeting with Martella, you each head on your way to continue your work for the evening. With the courtyard empty, aside from guards and Lady Morilla and the Princess, it looks like they are still investigating what occurred. The guests returned to their previous haunts to continue hobnobbing.

Marked out the Politicking & Fraud missions as complete. Courtyard, Lady Morilla and the Princess occupied for 4 more rounds.

What could be in that journal? Rossana wonders, a bit curious about the now hidden book. She circles the arcade, keeping an eye out to see if anyone noticed. She was much more used to obvious open pranks, rather than the quiet disappearing kind. It's a lot more fun to see their reactions, after all, Rossana thinks with a grin. But it's time to move on.

Trying to remember just which pieces they needed, Rossana notices the orante dagger laid on a cushion. Right. That was one of them. Catching Sara's eye for an instant, Rossana walks past and attempts to palm the dagger right up her left sleeve, opposite the arm that her hidden spring blade is placed.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12
+2 for being a dagger. Probably need an aid check here, Sara. We so needed a rogue for this. >D

Also, do not know if it was missed, but Marcus doesn't seem to have a spoiler up there for his action.

Wops my bad. Also, I had the social rounds off, the Social Round 6 part should be above your spoilers. You are actually on Round 7, which comes with the OOC note that we are about half way through the Gala.

Social Round 7

The evening continues to progress rather well. You've been so busy your amazed when you realize you've already been at it for over an hour and a half. You're happy to hear that a light supper and wine is to be served in less than an hour. The vote in the senate looms ever closer.

This is basically for flavor, but I'm casting a spell based on the suggestion that we had a bit of seclusion provided to us by Martella. It only lasts 10 minutes, so I don't think I can keep using it for Round 7.

Once the letters are complete, Bimble puts them in a letter--with a spot of honey as Capricia amusingly suggested--puts up the hood of his cloak, casts a quick spell Oath of Anonymity, and appears much more like a nondescript servant. He takes the letter and ambles off to the Arcade of Triumphs before handing it to one of Pythareus's assistance. "A message for the High Strategos," he says, handing off the letter and slinking away.

* * *

Once that's done, Bimble finds himself in the Arcade anyway, and decides he'd better pick up Martella's most recent task--keeping an eye on Malphene Trant and intervening if necessary.
Perception or Sense Motive?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 Subtract 1 if Sense Motive.

"Oh, really..." Sara expresses wonder, though unfortunately she never listened much to stories about history, so has no idea what the Barb is. "In a way, the point of a display piece is to remind us our history. So fabrication or not, it accomplishes its task." she says with a smile, before dashing to help Rossana with her theft.

Moving away from Rossana she fakes a trip, hoping to draw eyes away and toward her.

sleight of hand aid another: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Incidentally, if there's no need to roll a perception check on Malphene Trent, maybe just apply that roll to an area influence?

Capricia follows the disguised Bible at a discreet distance to where the High Strategos loiters. There she tries to make herself inconspicuous in the shadows and listen to what the man Martella Lotheed said was responsible for her family's demise is saying to his sycophants.

Stealth Check (take 10): 17

Perception Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Rossana moves to pocket the dagger while Sara fakes a trip in an attempt to cover. Even so, Rossana fumbles a bit as she tries to pocket the dagger and ends up loosing her grasp on it as it falls and clanks loudly on the floor, focusing all the nearby eyes on her.

One of the guards comes over, seeing the dagger from the display missing and now on the floor. He glares at Rossana and asks "What's going on here?"

At the same time Bimble works to find Trant and does his best to keep an eye on her. In the process you scope out the Arcade and take note of all the wonderful artifacts that are on display. You even see when Rossana blunders her attempt at pocketing one of them, and a guard comes over to question her. Before you have an opportunity to act though you're approached by the senate’s curator of antiquities, Copernia Vau, she notices your obvious interest in history and asks "Haven't seen many other of your kind at the Gala. I believe I heard some of the guests talking about your love of history, even impressing Duke Centimus. You know we have some wonderful historical artifacts. One history lover to another, if you're interested I can give you a brief tour of the adjoining restoration room, where artifacts are cleaned and preserved."

While the others are busy Capricia sneaks up up near the High Strategos and tries to listen in, but Dame Trant blocks your path as she makes her way over to Pythareus and starts up a conversation with him, while sipping heavily from a glass of wine. Combined with the the racket from Rossana it's hard to hear anything they are discussing.

Across the way Marcus finds a much better vantage point and manages to overhear the High Strategos note to Dame Trant that he had heard Senator Duo was in the gallery.

Bimble, as long as you display interest in Copernia’s work anyone attempting the Theft mission gains a +5 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks to steal valuables from the arcade. 2/3 successes on the Spy mission. Rossana let me know how you intend to deal with the guard. Marked out the Arcade area as influenced.

You rushed it, Rossana chides herself. It seemed that Sara's trip had at least diverted attention during the attempt, so she might be able to talk her way out of this yet.

"I am so sorry, Sir," Rossana says. "I was looking at all of these beautiful pieces of art when my sleeve must have got caught on the dagger's edge," she explains, holding up her large sleeve. "I apologize for making a scene. My clumsiness seems to have gotten the better of me again." Hopefully he buys that, cause if this starts to get more attention...

Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Should she manage to avoid being kicked out, Rossana will head to the gallery and find a point to shift back to her self once again and wait near Martella for a bit, unwilling to head to the Arcade until some time has passed while hoping the others can manage for a time.

The guards looks at you questionably then scoffs "Well, perhaps someone so clumsy would do best to stay away from these artifacts. Be on your way." He picks the dagger up and places it back on the display, then watches as Rossana quickly heads out of the Arcade.

Social Round 8

As the evening marches on you would have expected things to start to wane, but quite the opposite is taking place as the gala only gets more boisterous. It seems that people, no matter their voting intentions, are getting more excited about the vote.

Unnerved at almost getting caught and knowing she would be pushing herself too far without some time to calm down, Rossana decides to try something a bit more calming. When Martella notices her, she replies, "Just letting a few heads cool down in the Arcade. Please send a message to Sara, though, and let her know I'll be back in a while."

Afterward, Rossana will let loose some by letting Wyssilka take a break and entertaining the children for a time. Picking an easy, simple dance, Rossana leads the children around for a few minutes, letting thoughts of her slip-up fade away. She will also flip through a few pages of the journal if she finds a quiet moment alone.

Dance: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22 to influence the Gallery.

Rossana's tendency to lose her speech when too pressured will keep her up here this social round, so anyone else can try if they're feeling lucky. She can try thieving again next round with another disuise.

At the same time Bimble works to find Trant and does his best to keep an eye on her. In the process you scope out the Arcade and take note of all the wonderful artifacts that are on display. You even see when Rossana blunders her attempt at pocketing one of them, and a guard comes over to question her. Before you have an opportunity to act though you're approached by the senate’s curator of antiquities, Copernia Vau, she notices your obvious interest in history and asks "Haven't seen many other of your kind at the Gala. I believe I heard some of the guests talking about your love of history, even impressing Duke Centimus. You know we have some wonderful historical artifacts. One history lover to another, if you're interested I can give you a brief tour of the adjoining restoration room, where artifacts are cleaned and preserved."

Bimble, as long as you display interest in Copernia’s work anyone attempting the Theft mission gains a +5 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand checks to steal valuables...

"Eep!" Finding himself staring with fascination and dread as the guard approaches Rossana, Bimble jumps as Copernia Vau approaches him. It takes a moment before he realizes he isn't being accused as an accomplice to the theft!

"Oh dear, you startled me, Copernia. But it is a great pleasure to meet the Curator of Antiquities! You've really placed some fine artifacts in this hall, and in remarkably good shape." He gestures toward a nearby artifact. "For instance, this stone carving of Aroden's Code looks like it could have been made yesterday, except of course for the historical style and Azlanti script. I would love to tour the artifact restoration room. Just give me a moment, if you would, I just need to clean myself up and I'll be right back."

Heading toward the privy, Bimble sends a quick message to the others. "The Curator of Antiquities would like to give me a tour of the restoration room! That means less attention on the artifacts in the arcade."

Upon his return, Bimble gladly joins Copernia for a tour. "Have you had the resources you need to continue your good work, by the way? This place seems to be in much better state than the Imperial Archives, but I always worry about the current generation failing to value their history. . . ." Bimble chatters along, genuinely curious to learn more.

Celad offers a polite half-bow as he accepts the letter. "I am happy to oblige, Count Orlundo."

Performing a textbook about-face, he will make his way to the gallery, looking for Senator Duo. He will use his badge to notify Lady Martella accordingly.

Since the High Strategos hasn't seemed to take note of her, Capricia remains in the shadows and again tries her best to eavesdrop on the man's conversations.

Perception Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

That's better!

Sara takes a breath to settle her nerves. Sara notices the gaurds are tracking Rossana as she leaves, so she tries to swipe the dagger now.

sleight of hand: 1d20 + 2 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 5 + 2 = 24 +5 from Bimble's distraction of the curator. +2 since it is a dagger?

Marked the Spy mission as complete.

Social Round 9

Once again you hear Lady Lotheed's voice in your head. [b]"I've spotted that bullheaded Trant up in the gallery. I saw Celad was just with Senator Duo and it looks like Trant is headed that way. If you intend to intercede, now may be the time."[/i]

Trant passes by Celad and storms into the senator's office, followed by two rather muscular men, not even giving Celad a second thought. They close the door behind themselves, after they are all inside.

"This is quite nerve-wracking." Sara thinks. The wine bottle was exilerating, this though...
She watches the guards. Bored men stuck watching 'things' as lovely young women, way past their station sauntering back and forth in silk dresses meant to draw the eye.

"Huh... maybe this won't be as hard" she muses.

slieght of hand: 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 5 = 24 WOOHOO!!!

She simply walked by the picked the spyglass up without pausing, without fumbling. Though her heart pounded with every step, expecting a shout or an arrow to come flying at her.

Sara leaves the room, headed to the gallery for a drink. Quite done with thievery for the time being.

A bit calmer, Rossana seeks out Sara once more, and is both surprised and excited to find her finishing up the task. We got away with three, and they'll start to notice any moment now. I count that as a win.

Having just passed through the courtyard to reach the Arcade, Rossana knows the Princess is still tied up. Deciding to push her influence, she heads back to the Senate Floor to further discuss the upcoming vote on primogeniture with the higher nobles. The Princess was her best bet of finding a way out of her predicament, but making as many connections as she could wouldn't hurt either.

To think that I'm here on the Senate Floor where not even my father has stood. Now that was a victory.

Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 to influence the Senate Floor further. Current Threshold is at +13.

The Gallery was at +12 to its Threshold from Capricia's influence earlier unless it didn't stack with Rossana's.

Yes, sorry forgot to include it. You increased the Threshold by +10 for a total of 22.

Hearing the exchange between Dame Trant and the High Strategos, and then Lady Lotheed's message, Marcus moves to keep up with Dame Trant as she moves toward Senator Duo's office. He sees the door close, and moves toward Celad.

"Celad, I believe we have a senator to help. I'm afraid Dame Trant and High Strategos Pythareus are attempting to intimidate the senator - a typical move of the worst of the nobles. We can't let that happen."

Hoping Celad is behind him, and moves to open the door, his other hand hovering over the dagger at his belt.

Marcus isn't going to go in, "guns blazing." He wants to see how they react to him walking through the door.

As Bimble completes his tour of the restoration room and exits, his eye catches Sara sneakily reaching for a spyglass. He immediately spins around to catch Copernia's attention. "Say, do you want to stop to get a drink or a snack? In all this excitement, I really forgot how famished I am." Bimble tries to get Copernia moving away from Sara so the baker can complete her little mission.

Keeping up the +5 bonus to Sara's thievery.

Better late than never, Capricia swoops into the gallery, seeing Celad and Marcus already there.

Sorry for the delay; I thought I'd posted something for this round.

Marcus opens the door with Celad and Capricia trailing him. You hear Trant say in slightly slurred speech "You best consider your options. You know I'm not above giving a good beating should you decide to go against my father's wishes!", then she proceeds to shove the man against a nearby wall. All the while her two sycophants laugh and cheer her on.

When they notice your entry Trant looks to Marcus for a moment then just waves her hand dismissively and notes "Be gone. No one called for some servant to interrupt us."

"My goodness! Intimidating and assaulting a senator?!" Capricia huffs as she sees the junior senator shoved against the wall. "I may just have to report this appalling behavior!"

The lanky swordswoman sets her feet, swiveling her hips to make certain the bully can see the falcata she carries, and sizes up Lady Trant.

Not sure if this is a sort of hard diplomacy [+5] or intimidation attempt [+1]. I was leaning more toward an "It's your move" sort of showdown.

Marcus moves up next to Capricia, trying to use every bit of his height to support his colleague. His hand flicks toward the dagger at his belt - such an imperceptible movement that no one could be quite sure if they even saw it.

"Yes indeed - I don't believe that's anything that could be considered proper senatorial behavior, Dame Trant."

Aid in either Diplomacy or Intimidate.

Aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

@Capricia You can go ahead with Diplomacy. Will wait until this afternoon to see if Celad chimes in or will roll for him to keep things moving.

Diplomacy Check (AA-Marcus): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 = 13

Yes, that should help escalate things. ;)

1d6 ⇒ 2
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Celad chimes in noting how this isn't proper behavior for a Lady, trying to aid Capricia. However, between the three of you, she doesn't seem all to convinced. Instead she turns to her sycophants and says "Looks like we need to teach these peasants a lesson in questioning their betters...."

Trant roles up her sleeves and motions to toward Marcus who stands in front, "Get 'em boys!".

Attack-S1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Damage (nonlethal): 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Attack-S2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Damage (nonlethal): 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Attack-T: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Damage (nonlethal): 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The two sycophants move forward and attempt to punch Marcus in the face, but he manages to avoid them. However, when Dame Trant storms up to him, she clocks him right in the jaw with a nasty left hook.

Round 1
Enemies, >Party

Sorry to the rest of the group, you're in a bit of a holding pattern until this get's resolved.

Capricia shakes her head and then strides forward, drawing her falcata. She takes a quick swing at one of Trant's sycophants, using the flat of her blade.

falcata (nonlethal): 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 6 - 4 = 12 for nonlethal damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 (19-20/x3)

Note, since you weapon was peace-bound, it takes a full round action to draw it.

Marcus is going to attempt to find an improvised weapon to thrown at Trant. Seems like there should be plenty around to use, but let me know if that's not the case and I can change.

Marcus swears to himself as he lifts his hand to his chin, rubbing the spot where Trant had punched him and trying to clear his head. Stepping away from the woman, he reaches to the senator's desk and grabs a paper weight. Concentrating hard on the woman's face, he focuses and flings the paper weight at Trant's head.

Free Action:5-foot step away
Move Action: Studied Target on Trant
Standard Action: Ranged attack with improvised weapon

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 3
Damage (based on a light hammer, which seems fair): 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

I guess none of that matters with a natural 1...

Celad steps up and tries to restrain one of the sycophants.

Grapple: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

AoO: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

He manages to grab a hold of the man and restrain him for now, even as the sycophant tries to get a jab in. Capricia starts to unbind her weapon in an attempt to wield it while Marcus grabs on to a paper weight and tosses it at Trant's head. However, it ends up flying past her and nearly hits Senator Duo instead.

The one man being held by Celad does his best to escape.

CMB: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

He has no luck, as Celad keeps a tight grasp on the man. The other sycophant, seeing Capricia reach for her blade, grabs a nearby chair and swings it at her.

Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

With the cramped space all he manages to do is swing it to her side, missing by a wide margin. Seeing Capricia reach for her blade Trant does the same and begins to unbind her well crafted longsword.

Round 2
Enemies, >Party

Gesturing at Trant as she starts to unwrap her sword, Marcus shouts out a warning.

"I don't think you want to do that, m'lady. You're outnumbered here, and your boys don't really seem up to the task."

As he speaks, he reaches around for another item on the desk, this time grabbing a jar of ink.

Move Action: Grab a jar of ink from the desk
Standard Action: Intimidate to demoralize Trant

Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

To her dismay, Capricia finds her signature weapon peace-bound and fumbles to untie it.

"What sort of cowardly fop invented these?" she exclaims aloud with a huff.

Seeing the tyrant Trant loosing her own blade, Capricia changes targets and tries to belt the noble cow upside the head with the flat of her blade.

falcata (nonlethal): 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 4 = 13 for nonlethal damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 (19-20/x3)

Well, I've got the damage rolls down pat and the attack rolls trending slowly in the right direction....

Celad wrestles the man to the floor pinning him to the ground. Marcus tries to dissuade Trant, and it seems to be working as she lowers her weapon a bit, but Capricia comes behind her and conks her in the back of the head causing Trant to fall to the floor unconscious. The last sycophant tries to make a break for it, but is met at the door by a handful of guards alerted to the disturbance. The lead guard walks into the room looking over the scene and sees Capricia with her weapon drawn, he sternly exclaims "Drop it! What is the meaning of this."

Feel free to give me a diplomacy or bluff.

"These gentlemen (she motions to Celad and Marcus like they're a couple of strangers) and I came upon this cow and her two cronies threatening this young senator about the coming vote on primogeniture. When she punctuated her threat by slamming the good senator against the wall, we three asked her to stop. When she and her dogs attacked us, I fought back, as any good bodyguard would. Struck with the flat of my blade so as to not cause any permanent harm to the instigator."

Diplomacy Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Bluff (to pass secret message to Senator Duo): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

The secret message is along the lines of "If you say I'm YOUR bodyguard, Trant will likely be in big trouble, not me."

Celad looks up to the guards as he continues to restrain the one man and nods "Yes, we were just aiding the Senator. If anything we've helped you apprehend these troublemakers."

Diplomacy-Aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

The senator picking up on Capricia's meaning chimes in "Indeed, my bodyguard and her friends got here just in time to stop things from getting out of hand."

The lead guard listens to each of you in turn then motions for his men to move forward. "Take the troublemakers to the servants area and we'll deal with them." Looking to Caprcia he bows his head slightly "I appreciate you not harming them and stopping this from getting any worse. You'll need to peace-bind your weapon again however."

One the guard departs with the others in tow, Senator Duo comes over and shakes each of your hands vigorously. "Please, I would ask that you stop by my office in the morning for a proper reward. In the meantime, I have something to attend to." He takes a note off the desk, seals it and hands it to Celad. "If you would, can you please see this delivered to Lady Lotheed."

Marked theft mission as complete. Dame Trant has been successfully dealt with.

Social Round 10

Late in the evening, a silence falls over the gala, and the crowd parts as servants unroll a red carpet through the Arcade of Triumphs and the senate floor. It seems as though someone of import is scheduled to arrive soon and preparations are being made.

"Oh, these two aren't with me: They just happened to be in the area at the time of the attack and stood up to these bullies," Capricia gently corrects Senator Duo, trying to ensure that no one makes any connection between herself, Marcus, and Celad. When she shakes his hand moments later, she nods and smiles, adding, "It was my pleasure."

Giving another nod to the guards, she peace-binds her falcata again.

In case a Bluff check is needed....

Bluff Check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Caught up her discussions, Rossana loses herself in it, a bit surprised at herself at how much she is enjoying it. She hadn't been able to go to many large gathering with her impairment, but unfettered from her worrisome family, Rossana was able to partake in the debates without hesitation. I have to remember my original goal, though, Rossana thinks.

Nobility: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

The mood changes some the rumor of an important figure showing up spreads. Her curiosity instantly peaked, Rossana heads to the Arcade to see what it was for herself.

Does the Courtyard open up again this round? I'm hoping it is, but it's a bit ambiguous whether it's this round or the next.

After a bit of light refreshment with Curator Vau, Bimble bids her farwell, promising to come again in the future to talk more about the Imperial artifacts. He wanders back into the Courtyard, seeing that it has reopened again and figuring it would be a nice area to take a break. After all, it seemed that their missions were now largely complete.

He gazes up at the moon and the stars before proceeding to wander the gardens. He had heard quite a few stories about the magnificence of this place, and starts to amuse himself with comparing those stories with reality. Area influence check. Knowledge (local) DC14: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Sara will go back to the gallery to drop off her stolen treasures. "Lady, do you have any other tasks for us?" Sara asks their patron, hoping the answer is no so she can enjoy the amazing opportunity the gala presents.