"Malphene, you know very well that I am not a servant," Pavo says in a playfully dangerous tone. "I know it has been a few years. I had to spend some time with my cousin. He's a Hellknight, did you know? Now, normally, I would simply threaten to spank you, but, well, with the blood on your hands, I'll have to call the guards unless you let Senator Duo go."
He pauses. "Oh, what blood? Sorry."
"Broken arms and bloody hands," he sings and then snaps his fingers, summoning fresh blood stains on the right cuff of Malphen's dress.
Tiber steps through the door with his hood pulled over his head, just before Thalasou shuts it. "Looks like you struck first," he says while cracking his knuckles. "Self-defense and all that. Simple enough to defend our case, yeah?"
________
"Not to worry, Senator," Ayalina says, doing her best to sound cheerful. "We'll have you safely out of here in but a moment!"
She's decidedly impressed with the others' hard words, but Ayalina's never been one for violence - even the fake sort. "This does strike me as rather inappropriate, though." She twists her left hand around her write wrist, tugging a loose woolen thread from one of her woven bracelets.
"And besides, I'd hardly call us servants," she points out. "We're more like... conveniently helpful guests." Or interlopers, really.
--
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Round 1
Effects None
Terrain Tables (impassable) and chairs (difficult terrain)
Delena -
Thalasou -
Trant -
Blue -
Blue Dash -
Blue Dot -
Tiber -
Pavo -
Ayalina -
"We'll talk again later, traitor," Trant says as she shoves Dou one last time, then looks at Delena, "And we'll be seeing you again, too. But you won't see us coming."
The bullies take a step toward the door, then one points at Pavo and shouts, "Magic!"
"Don't let them goad you into breaking the peace," Pavo cautions his compatriots. "Open the door and let them break the peace in full view of their peers and the guard."
Adrenaline begins to flood into Thalasou's bloodstream and anxiety rises in his chest. He moves to the side. "Please everyone, Laama’oozhahliani siralono" He seamlessly slips into a strange tongue but doesn't seem to notice himself that he is no longer speaking Common. For a moment Thalasou considers casting a spell on his allies to give them a divine blessing. However, the bully's reaction to Pavo causes him to hesitate. Casting a spell now would only escalate the situation and remove any chance for a peaceful resolution.
"let’s resolve this peacefully"
"That was a harmless trick, not true magic. Just drop it, everyone keep hands down and spells back and you can go planning your backstabbing", Delena says calmly. "Or we can fight, the men of brass won't hear more than a cricket chirp through that door", she continues, smiling cunningly at her companions.
Then she asks "So, how it is now?" and takes a prepared stance.
Actions Ready dazing touch if someone tries to attack.
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Round 1-2
Effects None
Terrain Tables (impassable) and chairs (difficult terrain)
Trant - delay
Blue - delay
Blue Dash - delay
Blue Dot - delay
Tiber -
Pavo -
Ayalina -
-----Round 2----
Delena - ready
Thalasou -
"Maybe they're right, Pheney," one of the men says.
Fists balled at her sides, Malphene replies, "Shut up, Dodge. I'm not afraid of these jumped up peasants."
"Malphene," Pavo says wearily as he steps to the door and opens it, "I am certain that my father and your father would love to discuss how you think my family are jumped up peasants. I am especially certain that your father would enjoy being pulled out of the party to deal with the aftermath of this kerfuffle.
"Come, Duo, it is time for you to exit," he instructs the senator.
"Yes yes, your father would beat her father, and they both would beat mine. My name isn't as prestigious as yours, but it's old enough that I am somewhere in the line to inherit you both", Delena replies, annoyed. She takes deep breath, and continues calmly: "I am not saying you'd be afraid of us, it's what happens when word gets out. You losing votes because people don't approve this, your family expelled from voting, whole thing postponed, who knows? You have too much to lose and little to gain."
Delena moves away from the door, joining Thalasou, but keeps still her pose ready if someone tries to hit her.
Move Move
Standard Ready dazing touch
Looks like taking Malphene out will mollify the other two... Seeing as the others are waiting for Malphene to take the first move, Tiber readies to gut punch her.
________
Given the change in atmosphere, Ayalina can't help but think it would be better if these potentially violent people left first.
She carefully moves past the chairs to leave their path to the door open. "Er, Senator, why don't you come step over here? I'm sure he'll let you pass - why don't we let these people go on ahead of us so there's no confusion."
To the others, she notes, "There's no need for violence here - I'm sure this is all just an unfortunate misunderstanding." Smiling, Ayalina adds, "Why don't we let you go on your way first? We'll escort the Senator back to wherever he was heading and we can all forget about this."
------
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Trant laughs loudly, "Your ignorance is actually quite cute. Now, get out of our way."
As Pavo and Tiber walk away from the door, Trant says, "Good doggies. Find me later and I'll give you a treat."
Once all the bullies leave, Senator Dou offers his hand to each of you. "Thank you most kindly. Senatorial Politics can be . . . interesting sometimes."
Pavo steps out of the bullies' way. He rolls his eyes at Malphene's barb.
He takes Senator Duo's hand and smiles. "You have no idea." The faint sheen of sweat on his brow belies his calm tone.
Ayalina exhales quietly, relieved when the potential for a fight to break out diminishes, Trant and her followers safely gone.
"I'm only glad it didn't become any more interesting," she says, smiling brightly at him as she takes his hand. She hums for a moment, as he greets everyone, but finally asks, "Are you alright?" They'd come more or less as soon as they'd seen Trant and her unpleasant friends making off with the junior senator, but he might well be shaken up or need a moment to just sit.
"What a stupid move, physically bullying someone here. They could only lose votes with that", Delena mocks Trant's team when they have left. "I'm a bit disappointed that they gave up, I would have liked to mess up their minds with a spell or two."
"But, I need to lie in paper to give more weight to my spoken lies. Pavo my dear, could you lend me those better papers and inks you got?" Delena asks Pavo innocently, as if this was a common daily task.
Seeing as Trant hasn't attempted to maul anyone, Tiber steps back as well. Only once they've left does he allow himself to relax. "Probably would have been a little fun though... As kids we always wondered what it'd be like to pummel those well-to-do nobles that treated us like dirt," he says as he shakes Dou's hand. Wonder what role violence plays in our politics... This was a pretty bold move.
Hearing Delena share his sentiment, his attention turns to her. "And if Pavo doesn't have what you're looking for, I've got a selection as well," he offers, opening up his leather bag to give her a view of his writing materials.
"Whew." Thalasou comments after the others leave. "That was getting a little bit intense."
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"This is your first time in the senate," Dou says, "I can tell. The threat of physical violence absolutely would have worked, and is used quite often."
The senator hands everyone a small card with his name and information written in gold-inked calligraphy. "I would like to show my appreciation. Please stop by my office tomorrow."
Tiber takes the card with a nod of his head and stows the card in his bag.
"Now that that's over..." he begins as he adjusts his clothing and straightens out his bag. "I've got two letters that need to find their way home, but there could always be responses. Once I wrap it up though, I could pitch in to help y'all handle any of the remaining voters," he offers. "Is anyone else trying to finish up their task for Lotheed?"
"I don't know how much longer we have to schmooze these people, but at this point we might benefit from having a more coordinated effort. Should we try tag teaming them? Might be easier to win them over with all of us working together, eh?" he says, folding his arms. Not to mention I won't have to have any extended conversations with them!
"Well, I have finished up my tasks so I'm willing to help. Who seems to need the most help? Tiber, it sounds like you've got thing in hand, does someone else feel less certain?" Thalasou looks around the room, hoping to spot a bite to eat.
"Oh thank you, you are such a dear", Delena thanks Tiber for the offer of inks.
"I need to strengthen the rumours a bit with some concrete evidence, that's what I needed the better inks for. I was planning to do more political play around the archives and senate floor, there seemed to be interesting discussions around. Of course, if someone has something more fun to offer, I'm game."
She sits at the table and starts to sketch a bookkeeping page in elegant writing. "I think a countess would have a very sophisticated and orderly bookkeeper. Maybe the handwriting would have some influence from celestial? And then, the numbers and lines, something that resembles a code. Food items with strange ratios and suspiciously exact numbers, or footnotes?" she chatters while still paying attention to the discussion of the team.
He takes the card and bows, "Thank you."
Once Duo is on his way, Pavo slips open his pouch and hands Delena a small parcel. "Here you are. Feel free to hold onto it until after the gala," he says.
"Does anyone have tasks left for Marella that need doing that I might be able to assist?" he asks the others. "Elsewise my effort is probably best spent circulating or trying to influence some of those that you have made some headway."
"Thank you," Ayalina says with a broad smile, carefully tucking the card into the folds of her clothes for later.
Once the senator has safely vacated and the conversation turns to their tasks, she blushes with embarrassment but raises a hand. "I, uh. I could use some help. I think I've made some of the more martial guests uncomfortable in the Arcade of Triumphs." After a brief pause, she adds a bit more detail. "I think I've almost got enough to report back to her, but I've been struggling to get close enough to listen unnoticed."
"So radiant beauty has a downside, you just cannot go anywhere unnoticed? Delena sneers at Ayalina's problem. "Maybe someone less noticeable could help, or we may create some kind of distraction to ease your hiding", Delena offers. She pats the viper around her neck. "Disriana is wonderful at hiding, but unfortunately speaks only snake. Martella wouldn't be happy with a report 'Hssss shhsss ssh'".
"Ayalina, if you are still struggling to look plain, I'll do what I can after I complete my route to assist you," Tiber says with a smile before disappearing into the crowd.
He pushes his way to the Imperial Archives and looks for Duke Leonard Centimus. "Duke Centimus, a letter for you!" he says as he hands him the message from Lady Morilla.
________
Thalasou walks with Tiber back towards the archives.
"You know, I feel like we're really making progress here. It feels so good to be working for such a just cause. We're really making a difference." He keeps his voice low but the youthful excitement is still quite noticeable.
At the archives Thalasou steps away from Tiber and finds a group of people discussing Taldan history -- it seems to be a popular topic tonight.
"Have any of you seen the tarrasque gashes?" Thalasou abruptly changes the topic from discussions about the Third Army of Exploration. "I've always been fascinated by that episode in history. You remember, when Oppara was destroyed. Sometimes when I ride out in the countryside I see the gashes still left in the rock where that massive beast left it's mark. Just think about what would happen if a tarrasque came through our city now."
"Well, that was invigorating," Pavo says while shaking his head as he catches up with Kalbio. "Wine or ale just brings out the worst in some people."
He makes his way from the Arcane to the outer courtyard and then to the gallery where the entertainers can be found. "If you would bear with me, I will introduce you to a less violent if no less disturbing form of politicking," he says quietly to the young weaver as he meanders towards the Countess Pace.
"My Lady Pace!" Pavo says, breaking into a bright grin. "How is the weather in the west? Not too much trouble from the Andorans, I trust. Have you had a chance to meet our Grand Prince Stavian's choice for elevation, Kalbio of Breezy Creek? I heard rumors that the Grand Prince had chosen another Ulfen for elevation, but it appears that he has made a traditional choice."
He moves aside to bring Kalbio forward and allow Pace time to take the bait and pull out the line. Once she's had a chance to show her opinions, Pavo moves back into the conversation. "And I think our Grand Prince's wise choice certainly underscores our Princess' point in her lovely speech in the courtyard. The circumstances of one's birth do not define the nobility or value of one's heart or place in the Empire."
Delena finishes writing her forgeries in the peace of the waiting room. "These will do nicely. Now, how can I find a conspiracy theory loving noble? There can't be many of those here", she says to herself, then burst in a laughter: "Only nine out of ten here!"
She leaves the waiting room, and walks around listening to anyone mentioning the rumours she sent out earlier. When she finds a hushed discussion about Pace's bribery, she joins in: "I know about them, look, I got this page of bookkeeping records from one of her servants. It is not what it seems, the line items are weird, and numbers way off. They are bribe sums. See this one, it refers to the judge!"
She lets her discussion companions hold the paper, and quietly fades to background, leaving the paper to find its way through the senate.
Action: Mission: Manufacturing damning evidence
Rubbing the back of her neck nervously, Ayalina smiles brightly at the others, certainly embarrassed, but reassured all the same. "Thank you," she says, "That would be wonderful." She pauses a moment at Delena's reaction, but grins at the woman's joke. "I bet Disriana still has more luck than me!" A quiet giggle. "But honestly, anything would help. I think I've got most of what I need, but I think I'll need just a few more tidbits of information to properly report back to Lady Lotheed."
As they disperser, she heads back to the Arcade of Triumph, determined to see this task through one way or another. Her brief success with the others isn't anywhere near the level of success she finds on the stage, but it comforts her all the same. Perhaps it's just the idea that they're in it together?
She adjusts elements of her clothing again, adjusting the colors of her bodice and skirts, shifting some of the decorative elements - and gives the Arcade of Triumph another go.
--
"Thank you, sir." The Duke says, "You may move on to your next task, I have no need of your services."
Once Tiber leaves, Centimus opens and reads the letter, then quickly burns it.
"I know, right?" Kalbio replies, "Mam has the same birthday as two of her friends, and this one year, they drank a barrel of beer that one of them had bartered for her husband's carpentry." Kalbio forms his arms into a circle a good two feet across.
"Well, that night papa forgot to lock the door to our house, and when mam came home and saw it was open . . . she woke up papa with a bucket of water and then slapped him all the way across the house while he went to lock the door!"
Countess Pace looks at the wrinkles in Pavo's garments, then at Kalbio's garments in general, and holds a palm up to the bard's face, "Perhaps you should go check on that weather."
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Social Round 9
Effects A5 #1
Ayalina - Mission spy (failure)
Delena - Mission fraud (complete)
Pavo - Influence Pace (failure)
Thalasou - Influence A5 (+6)
Tiber - Mission aide (success)
Though a few of the more patriotic guests find Thalasou's choice of topic in poor taste, far more people find his story fascinating. In contrast, Delena's forgery is quickly grabbed and gabbled over by every single noble that sees it. Ayalina's efforts, on the other hand, are a complete and utter failure.
"As you wish," Tiber says before heading straight to Lotheed. Yes! Sounds like this is wrapping up nicely. Strutting a little, he takes a brief detour near the Servant's Area to sample a couple of hors d'oeuvres before returning to Lotheed.
"A return letter for you!" he says, smiling proudly, letter extended.
________
"Apologies, Kalbio. Maybe it would be best if we checked on the weather given the rumors I've heard about the Countess tonight," Pavo says as he turns the weaver away from Abrielle Pace. "Maybe we can find some sunlight inside."
He leads the way through the Senate floor and into the Imperial archives. Scanning the attendees, he spies Duke Centimus and makes his way over.
"My Lord Centimus!" the noble stars with a smile. "Have you had the pleasure of meeting our soon-to-be aristocrat? He is a man of astonishing talent who has overcome the circumstances of his birth--and quite a harrowing or, at least, lively home life as I hear--to become one of Taldor's most gifted weavers. His work is true artistry. Kalbio, come, come!" He gestures him forward.
Exasperated by her lack of success - all of the others were doing well, why couldn't she? - Ayalina took a few minutes to re-examine the situation and slipped to a washroom to more thoroughly adjust her clothing and appearance. Adjusting her hair was quick and easy. The mirror made it decidedly easier to ensure her prestidigitation color was a natural-seeming blonde. The shift in her clothing wasn't the best this time, but there wasn't much else she could think of to do. She released the folds in it and let it be an easy dark blue.
She took another look in the mirror and carefully washed her hands before returning to the Arcade of Triumphs, this time loitering in a different part of the room where High Strategos Pythareus was holding court, just close enough to hear, but not so close as to draw attention.
---
Delena walks toward the Arcade of Triumphs, but sees Ayalina in her new disguise quietly listening to the High Strategos. "So, your first steps in the world of intrigue? You'll end deep in the darkness soon, little songbird" she mutters to herself, and turns to go to the Senate floor instead.
She starts going around the area, making up political 'facts' as she goes, this time about other nations: "Oh, Cheliax? Their queen will be very unhappy if we force the princess out. Sisterhood wins even with devil worshippers." Then, when discussion moves around the neigbouring nations: "Andorans would like us to abolish the nobility, but any extension of the possible people to rule delights them. Stopping the princess from ruling might stop our trade with Andoran."
Action: Influence Area: Senate floor
When Kalbio eagerly sticks out his hand toward Centimus, the Duke barely extends his own, forcing the weaver to take a step closer in order to complete the handshake. "I have not, and unfortunately do not have the time to do his stories justice. Please accept my congratulations on your exaltation and my apologies for being in a hurry."
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Social Round 10
Effects A5 #1
Ayalina - Mission spy (complete)
Delena - Influence A6 (+15)
Pavo - Influence Centimus (complete)
Thalasou - Pass
Tiber - Mission aide (success)
Fortune finally favors Ayalina with her smile, allowing the bard to complete her mission. Delena actively seeks out attentiong, though. And she finds more than most would imagine possible. Within minutes, she becomes the recipient of two different versions of her own lies.
Encouraged by the group's response Thalasou continues on with more history. "You know, one thing always raises the spirit of pride in my heart. Everytime I hear about the Shining Crusade, and our part in it, I can't help but think of how great this country has been."
"Ah, well, apologies," Pavo says to the noble-to-be. "Perhaps I am aiming too high with your introductions. However, do remember my first point: nobles are just people. I'm sure you've met plenty of people outside the aristocracy who think they're better than other people. I know I have."
He smiles and heads back to the Senate floor. "Let's wash our palate with the absurdity that is everyone else in this building."
"Understood, I shall return it home personally!" Tiber responds as he stows the file in his bag. Well practiced navigating the crowds by now, he confidently makes his way towards the Archives.
Then I'll see who is still in need of some help!
________
Moving around the senate, Delena catches Pavo talking to Kalbio. She touches Kalbio's neck with her nails, and the viper wrapped around the touching arm also getting uncomfortably close. "And then there are us who are better than other people, she comments. She glances at Pavo and continues: "I've done nobles, and outlanders, so maybe it is time for the other people. A separatist rebellion would fit nicely in this mess.
Delena goes on with her idea. She looks around for people looking most Opparan, and goes to talk to them: "Have you heard that the peasants in the eastern parts are growing restless? They believe that Oppara doesn't care for them except as a source of food and taxes, and want to oust the current rulers, maybe even separate as a nobleless nation as Andoran."
Action: Influence Area A6 Senate Floor
Utterly relieved to have gotten close enough to actually hear something of use, Ayalina exhales softly before adjusting her position. Maybe she could take this a step further and learn something more about the High Strategos?
Joining a nearby group of scholars, she makes a few observations on the subject matter before turning the conversation to their fellows at the event, leaning in as if to share a secret.
"You know, I've heard not everyone's really too excited to be here. Did you hear about the young lady in the purple dress? It turns out..."
--
"Boy, have I ever," Kalbio agrees, "There was this one boy in town, thought he was a nobleman's son. And his mother did always have money, and he always seemed to get away with things. But, Papa always told me to stop complaining and punch that boy in the nose." Kalbio looks at his shoes, then back at Pavo, "I never did. I even sold him a tapestry once, for half price."
The weaver suddenly smiles, "But that was before I got so good at weaving. Have you seen my newest work? It's really great! The Grand Prince Stavian III himself bought one!"
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Social Round 11
Effects A5 #1
Ayalina - Discover Influence Pythareus (success)
Delena - Influence A6 (+14)
Pavo - Influence A6 (+4)
Thalasou - Influence A5 (+2)
Tiber - Mission aide (complete)
Like Thalasou, all of the guests take pride in Taldor's leadership of the Shining Crusade, but when the oracle has nothing new to add, they move on to other conversations.
Out on the senate floor, Pavo's veiled insults and Delena's threatening lies put down a young politician from the east that had been rather annoying to the more experienced senators. After a raucous laugh at the final insult about the young man's lineage, a nearby judge offers Pavo a gold ring emblazoned with the Mercenian family crest, "as a sign of his family's favor".
Now that she isn't trying to overhear secrets, Ayalina has little trouble participating in conversations near the High Strategos. In particular, she picks up the line, "I'm a soldier first, last and always. I care about my soldiers. My job is to keep them alive, and words are a lot safer than swords, whether they be kind or menacing."
Now for some fresh air... Task complete, Tiber walks out to the Courtyard for a change of pace. Having found the spot, next to a fountain and a flourishing flowerbed, he finds himself within earshot of the Princess!
________