Pavo slips the missive into his pouch with a smile. "Certainly. I suspect he will be quite, well, surprised, to be honest, to find that he has an admirer."
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Hundreds of dignitaries, senators, and visitors cram onto the senate floor. A dozen hulking members of the Ulfen Guard stand arrayed around a podium atop the central, circular stage of the chamber. A mix of senatorial staffers and Ulfen Guard assign people to positions within the chamber based on rank and influence, placing the PCstoward the outer wall of the room, well over 80 feet away from the grand prince’s podium. Martella Lotheed stands 20 feet closer, while Princess Eutropia and several prominent nobles stand at the podium’s edge.
Grand Prince Stavian III ascends to the tall stage that overlooks the hall from its center. He raises a single hand to calm the murmurs of the assembled crowd. A member of the prince’s Ulfen Guard escorts a thrilled-looking man in noble attire—the soon-to-be elevated commoner, Kalbio—to stand several paces behind the prince.
“Quite the assembly we have here today,” the grand prince says. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the senate building packed so full; especially not for any of my previous speeches. Even my lovely daughter, now a woman, sits among the players of Oppara’s greatest game. Of course, none of you are here for me. No, today is about something else entirely. Today is about elevation. It is no secret that today is about exalting others to a new status in life.
“I’m sure many of you have had the opportunity to meet Kalbio here. He is a man of the people, elevated at the urging of all the ladies, lords, senators, and aides present in this chamber. I think we should all give him a rousing applause, to commemorate this momentous change in his life.”
The room erupts into cheers as Stavian pauses in his proclamation. The grand prince of Taldor smiles widely as he takes in the adulation of the crowd. As the applause abates, a hulking Ulfen Guard pushes Kalbio forward, almost knocking the commoner down as he awkwardly regains his balance beside Grand Prince Stavian. The leader of Taldor maintains his calm, placing a hand on Kalbio’s shoulder without ever taking his eyes off the crowd.
“I understand your parents sacrificed everything to help you reach this day, my boy. Saving up for your apprenticeship and the tools you needed to achieve greatness. And today you are a grateful son, no doubt making them proud. I too understand what it is to sacrifice; I have given so much for the people of this nation: a brother, a son, a lifetime of service. Even my own daughter’s loyalty.” He pauses, licking his lips and pulling the awkward Kalbio closer to his side. “But unlike you, Lord Kalbio, these Taldans—my children, truly—are not grateful. They scheme and plot, dream of hanging their dutiful father and placing a woman—a woman, sir!—on the Lion Throne! And they have seen fit this very day to induct you into their conspiratorial ranks. And that is why here, now, you, Lord Kalbio, will be the first among them to die.”
And with that, the Emperor of Taldor plunges a jeweled dagger between the ribs of the astonished man in his clutches.
While Stavian’s accusations stun the crowd, Kalbio’s blood showers the front row of the senate floor. Kalbio looks at Pavo and mouths “Ma...ma...pa...” before he collapses to the stage in a heap.
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Casting aside cloaks to reveal armor and blades, dozens of warriors begin slaughtering everyone they can reach.
After a moment's confusion, the Ulfen Guard close ranks around the Grand Prince, and begin killing anyone who approaches—warriors and senators alike.
Masked soldiers guard the doors, swinging large swords in wide arcs to keep people at bay for the mere seconds it takes to turn the entire senate floor into a massacre.
A few moments later, numerous members of the crowd pull hidden weapons and charge the unknown attackers. One even looks like the inspector who checked Ayalina, Pavo and Thalasou into the senate, as she shouts, "Lion Blades! To your duties! Defend the Senate! Defend Taldor!" Even Princess Eutropia and Martella Lotheed draw weapons to fight back the assassins.
Pavo's face pales and his mouth opens in a strangled gasp as the Grand Prince murders the simple but likable young weaver. However, his expression swiftly turns cold and grim as the chaos erupts.
He reaches into his sleeve.
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Round 1
Effects Total Concealment beyond 5 ft. away
Terrain x4 Difficult Terrain (all squares)
Blue
Delena -
Thalasou -
Ayalina -
Tiber -
Pavo -
Even before this catastrophic chaos, people were packed so thick it was hard to move. Now, it's almost impossible to move around, and just as hard to see past the people right next to you.
A barbaric, yet civilized looking man charges out of the crowd and bulls right through Pavo, but just as his greataxe starts chopping down toward the bard's head with monstrous power, the two disappear into the crowd.
Jaw dropping in horror, Ayalina brings a hand to cover her mouth in the moments before the chaos breaks out. She looks around wildly to see her friends, but the crowds are thick with panicking people. She's lucky enough to see two, but Pavo has disappeared.
When she does catch sight of a risk - an urban barbarian! - her hands move to tangle in her skirts as she calls out a warning to all who can hear her: "Ware the man with the blue furs! He'll do more harm the more crowded he is! And he'll lose nothing in his ire!"
Without being able to see, there's little else she can do, so Ayalina sings out as loudly as she can, beginning a bardic performance.
"♪Rock the spirit, rock the soul,
Bring forth that hidden heart of gold!
♩Be not afraid, be bold be calm!
Be not a hurt, but be a balm!"
She can't see to know if this will be helpful, but given the lack of immediately usable weapons, her voice is her next best weapon. The song she has chosen is one that she hopes will calm those around her some given its historical roots in celebrations and festivities dedicated to the good of people.
--
Bardic Performance: Inspire Courage
+1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
Delena looks with growing interest the scene folding out in front of her, sipping wine from her glass. "So, daddy doesn't agree with his little girl? This may open some nice ways for us," she says, to nobody in particular. When Kalbio gets knifed, she merely raises her eyebrow, and when the combat breaks out, she throws her wineglass away staining a panicked noblewoman's dress.
"Time to continue with other means, it seems," Delena comments dryly. She pulls out a scroll, utters a word: "Armatura" and a shimmering glare momentarily surronds her.
Move: Pull out a scroll of magic armor
Standard: Activate the scroll
Tiber's eyes go wide and his jaw goes slack as the blood spurts from Kalbio. In nightmare slow motion, the massacre erupts around him and he finds his weapon in his hand, his body reacting before his mind has even begun to process the calamity that is unfolding around him.
His mind is jarringly brought back to reality as Pavo gets shunted through the crowd and out of sight. PAVO!" he shouts ineffectually after him. "Stay together and make for Lady Lotheed! We can exit once we have her!" he calls out to the remaining members of his team.
________
Undo peace-binding on shortsword as full-round action.
As soon as the chaos breaks out Thalasou jumps from his chair. A surge of uncontrollable anxiety floods from his gut throughout his body. Wide-eyed, he turns from side to side trying to find his compatriots. He closes his eyes and bows his head slightly in order to gather himself in the commotion then says a few words to release a burst of divine energy.
He reaches for the dagger tucked into his belt.
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Round 2
Effects Total Concealment beyond 5 ft. away
Terrain x4 Difficult Terrain (all squares)
Buffs bless, inspire courage +1
Blue
Delena -
Thalasou -
Ayalina -
Tiber -
Pavo -
Delena pulls out a parchment scroll, then drops it to the ground as the air around her body shimmers for a second. Thalasou shouts something incomprehensible, but his allies still understand the blessing at a subconscious level. Ayalina also energizes her allies, though her words are intelligible. Only Tiber actually draws a weapon, and only he clearly hears Thalasou's shout as the barbarian steps into Tiber's view and swings his axe where the ranger last saw yet another companion.
Tiber shouts, even more distressed now. Quickly strapping his shield to his arm, he grits his teeth. This big a@#+&$~ is gonna pay, first Pavo and now Thalasou?!
"Looks like we're gonna have to cut a path to Lotheed!" he shouts back to the other two before thrusting his shortsword at the brute in front of him. Unfortunately, remnants of the peacebinding snag on the hilt, stopping the attack depressingly short of its intended victim. FOCUS Tiber, can't let this madness get in the way of basic things!
________
Move: Don Shield
Standard: Attack Blue
"What the devil is happening there?" Delena curses. She pulls out the book of spells she received and pushes forward agonizingly slowly through the group, toward the sound of combat and Tiber's shout.
Standard (Move): Pull out the book scroll of 6 spells
Move: Move
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Round 3
Effects Total Concealment beyond 5 ft. away
Terrain x4 Difficult Terrain (all squares)
Buffs bless, inspire courage +1
Blue
Delena -
Thalasou -
Ayalina - Pass
Tiber -
Pavo -
Delena pulls out more scrolls, then moves closer to the sounds of combat. Tiber finds it too distracting, trying to don his shield and attack at the same time. Fortunately, the barbarian misses, too.
Despite the congestion and constant bumping and pushing, Tiber manages duck under the axe swing. While trying to shake his sword loose, he lashes out with his shield instead, sending the rim straight for the brute's face. Why didn't I do that in the first place?! The thing wasn't even peace-bound!
________
Standard: Attack
You won't need your crossbow, Ayalina, she thought to herself sarcastically as she let go of her performance. You won't need to draw your weapons here anyways. It's just a party! Grimacing at the lack of vision - and thereby the lack of ability to act offensively - she carefully draws her rapier.
--
Delena looks around in the crowd, considering, then shrugs: "Well, this can't be more dangerous than swinging a sword around."
She browses the book, finds the right page, and utters the words to complete a spell: " Sphaera flammae!" A ball of flame appears above her. She points above the place where Tiber seems to be hitting, then down. The ball follows her directions, and descends behind some people, out of her sight.
Standard: Cast flaming sphere from a scroll
Move: Direct the sphere into the square Tiber seems to be hitting
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Round 4
Effects Total Concealment beyond 5 ft. away
Terrain x4 Difficult Terrain (all squares)
Buffs bless, inspire courage +1
Blue (4 damage)
Delena -
Thalasou -
Ayalina -
Tiber -
Pavo -
Delena drops a small napalm where the barbarian seems to be, as Tiber watches the man expertly dodge the wizard's attack. Seeing Tiber using his weapon, Ayalina draws her own. The ranger manages to strike from a more balanced footing this time, but still can't quite connect with his opponent's body.
Oddly, the barbarian has trouble connecting with Tiber's body as well. Just before his greataxe cuts into their ally's torso, Ayalina and Delena see their companion disappear.
"What? That's, that's..." Delena shouts in amazement, but her thoughts are disrupted by the axe-swinging man coming at her. She starts waving her hands, carefully keeping an eye on the axe swings. "Obstuficio!" she commands, pointing at the head of the barbarian.
She continues her hand movements, forming a ball and then pointing at the barbarian's location. The flaming sphere follows the orders and rolls at the man's feet.
Move: Move flaming sphere
Standard: Cast Daze at blue defensively
"What?!" startled, Ayalina lowers the point of her rapier, greatly reducing the momentum of her attempted jab.
--
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Delena -
Pavo -
Delena pulls the floating napalm toward her attacker, then tries to hurry up a spell and fails, while Ayalina has trouble even pointing her rapier at the right person.
Fortune favors the barbarian though, as his axe cleaves through Delena and into Ayalina. Somehow though, both women vanish just as the blade touches their clothing. They suddenly feel a little dizzy, cold, and completely blind.
"Oomph," he says, banging his shin in the dark on something hard. He feels around for a moment. "Ambushed by some furniture over here, so I'm guessing this isn't a jail cell. Oh, this is ridiculous. There's got to be a solution to this."
He hums several bars and snaps his fingers several times. Once or twice a few visible sparks appear in the air.
A quartet of translucent, silvery lanterns appears, circling just above Pavo's head and shedding light across what appears to be sleeping quarters for servants. He squints and blinks around the room as he assesses who is and who is not present.
"At least we're not murdered," he says with a lopsided smile.
Ayalina lowers the rapier she'd been brandishing before returning it to its place among her skirts. She glances around the room at each face, then exhales as the tension leaves her body.
"I thought we were," she admitted grumpily. "What an unfortunate end to a tale that would be! Ha! And what on earth was that mess? I thought they at least had an understanding, but..." Ayalina trails off.
"That was more brazen than anything I've heard about by several magnitudes," he says. He slips his iron knuckles into his sleeve and then works on the peace knot binding his sword. With a glance at his breast, he muses, "Maybe there was more to Lotheed's antique brooches than she let on."
Tiber also begins working at the peacebonds on his weapons. "It is good to see we all made it. Does anybody know where we've gone though? This doesn't look like the Servant's Area to me, but I doubt I saw all of it," he suggests. "I can't believe what happened. To just slaughter everyone there... I'm glad someone seemed to have caught wind of that plan! Lion Blades... Has anyone heard of them before?"
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Faded wallpaper lines the walls of this thirty-five-foot-by thirty-five-foot room, peeling up at the seams. Six beds line the western wall, each pristinely made but caked in a thick layer of dust. Eight closed wooden lockers line the northeastern corner of the room. Two doors exit the room: one to the north and one to the east.
"You haven't?" Pavo asks with an arch of his brow.
"The Lion Blades? I'm sure you've heard of them Tiber. But they are mysterious."
As the light expands, Thalasou looks around the large room. "So, this is a strange place. Looks like it hasn't been used for a while. I wonder what's in these cabinets." He moves to the first cabinet and starts to examine the latch, checking for traps.
Pavo glances at Thalasou and chuckles. He begins to open the lockers, starting from the opposite end of the row.
Delena shakes her head to clear the dizziness. "What a spell! I have to learn that one. I prefer to keep axes far from my neck", she says.
She looks around the room, then heads to the lockers with the others. She joins the search, but lets the men open the doors, concentrating instead on finding any hidden objects they might miss.
"Whatever is the purpose of the Lion Blades, or anyone involved in protection, the senate mess was an utter failure from them," she comments dryly. With no change in tone, she continues: "Probably freed some positions, just need a way to grab them. I might even have moved closer to being the Queen, I think my place is around eight thousand in the line, six if morganatic marriages count. Pavo should be a few thousand closer, though."
"Morganatic...?" Ayalina tries the unfamiliar word before shrugging. "What a strange word. It's... a way of referring to the line of succession through marriage, right?"
She glances around the room again and wonders aloud, "Why eight lockers if there are only six beds?" Shaking her head, she goes to check the door in the southeast.
--
”Until I become queen?” he clarifies with a chuckle.
"Marrying too far apart in ranking. There was this Duke whose first wife was just a daughter of a knight, and it was declared that their son didn't receive the duchy. He's still noble, and lesser titles can be traced through him", Delena explains to Ayalina.
Delena smiles at Pavo's chuckle, and adds to his joke: "Yes, didn't you listen the senate, the next ruler will be a queen? So you'd better get in a dress and start looking for a husband."
Tiber reddens a little. "Well, growing up they were sort of this enigma more than anything else. To be honest, I didn't even think they were real, the way people talked about them. We were skeptical! Don't they look out for what's best for Taldor or something? It didn't make sense to us that such a group were real when we saw people die of hunger or crime in the streets..." he admits. Isn't a nation's heart and soul the common people?
Seeing everyone else look around, he takes a peak under the beds. "Good question Ayalina... Their contents might give us a clue. In the guardhouse, we used to keep a few extra lockers for first-aid supplies, extra bedding, things like that," he says in between sticking his head under a bed.
________
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Thankfully, nobody finds anything dangerous like a trap, but they also don't find much of value. All but one of the lockers is empty, and that one only contains a grooming kit, simple hand mirror, and some moth-eaten clothing.
Suddenly, Martella's voice practically shouts in everyone's minds, "Where did you go?! I just saw you and several others in the senate vanish into thin air!"
Pavo touches the pin at his breast and concentrates on Martella as he says, "We are not certain--servants' quarters--but we must be in range as we hear you, so still in the senate."
"The spell wasn't her doing? Somebody else is playing with us, not that I wouldn't prefer being in one piece, but this is unnerving," Delena complains.
She follows Pavo's example, touching the pin and saying: "There's nobody else except us five here. The room seems old and abandoned, if that gives any hint of its location".
"Has anyone checked the doors? If we are still in the Senate, we should get back out there!" Tiber insists as he hustles to the nearest door and tries to open it. "If it wasn't Lotheed or the pins, who saved us?"
"Are we sure whatever magic this is was cast with the intention to save us in specific?" Ayalina asks, considering their predicament. "Perhaps there were some casters simply looking to remove people from danger as quickly as possible. We were certainly in danger." The last bit comes out a bit wryly.
After a moment of debating which of the two panels to try, she shrugs and tries the eastern door, poking at the panel and trying the door in turn.
"Maybe it was a part of the peace bond." Thalasou goes with Ayalina to the east door.
"It wouldn't explain why we are here but nobody else is. Many people were in danger, and even Martella told some others disappeared, too. Where are the others? There was something in the spell that tied us together, for some reason", Delena analyzes the suggestions, while going through the seemingly empty lockers. She checks the mirror, grooming kit and clothes for any hint of the owner.
"Or the others are spread out in random locations," Pavo says. "Infinite possibilities when it comes to magic."
He draws his rapier and moves beside Tiber.
"But if Martella didn't do this, and it's just us five exactly, then someone else must know about us and that we're all working together." He wait with Ayalina at the door.
"Lady's choice?" he asks, looking to Ayalina with a brave smile.
She jumps slightly when the doors open, but otherwise shakes it off. Literally. Ayalina gives a little bit of a shake to get rid of the awkward tingle of paranoia that's beginning to creep up her spine.
When he calls her a lady, she giggles and dips a faux curtsy before cheerfully suggesting: "Well, let's go this way then! It looks a bit less foreboding than this one, don't you think?"
She summons her own dancing lights to send down the hall, manifesting them as small orbs of light to reveal the way ahead while Pavo's lights keep them aware of their immediate surroundings.
Ayalina moves carefully down the hall, unwilling to meet her demise by tripping.
Thalasou skips to the open door on the north side. He stays within range of the light provided by Pavo and Ayalina. "Whatcha think? This looks like fun. A bit of an adventure. Or at least a mystery."