Victor was pleasantly surprised as well. He stood quietly by until Lily mentioned proceeding inside, at which point he added ”Indeed. Let us make our way into the gala proper.”
Lil eases up her tensed muscles as it turns out the woman is actually there to help. When Lillian turns to her and comments about her being silent she rolls her eyes as a devious grin crosses her lips while she thinks to herself Got lucky this time, it wasn't a trap, but damned if I help you next time when it actually turns out to be a trap and you are bleeding out on the ground...
Septis pats Lily on the shoulder with a smile "Seems we didn't have to use coin to get in, helps to have apparently powerful new friends." He gives a nod to the guard in appreciation for getting them ahead in line and follows the others inside.
"Yeah, thanks. I was worried about that thing..." Sif feels even more out of her depth now, so just keeps following along with the others pretending to be a servant.
Lily turns her head to Septis and nods "Indeed. The Gods have blessed us this day it would seem. Let us make haste and help turn the tide."
Once Kathann completes her inspection, she ushers you forward, signaling the guards that you have permission to pass. Leaving the line behind and feeling the envy of those who where not so 'lucky', you begin to ascend the hundred white marble steps to the senate of the Taldan empire, which is surrounded by ostentatious columns carved with glorious scenes of Taldor's history. The stair lead you to the Arcade of Triumphs, an entry gallery that celebrates Taldor's abundant military and political glories. Banners and trophies line the halls of the arcade, some displayed openly while others rest behind intricate glass cases, while armor stands and display cases present countless artifacts belonging to great heroes and soldiers. Aside from many nobles and their aides, a score of Taldan Phalanx troops stand at attention, acting as both ceremonial honor guards for the senate and guides to some of the military assets on display.
Beyond the Arcade, the senate opens into a courtyard. Breathtaking gardens surround the senate building. Catered patios segregated by short iron fences, coordinated military displays, and even a makeshift zoo of imported animals and magical beasts fill the few open spaces here, even including a small hive of bees busily pollinating the exotic flowers and making the honey used by the senate kitchens. Many senior nobles are currently enjoying this open space.
Walking past the courtyard, you reach the Emperor's Hall, a gathering space before the senate chamber, featuring countless statues and portraits of previous grand princes. This beautiful meeting place is, however, pales in comparison to the almost palpable feeling of importance radiating from the Senate Floor, a vast, circular chamber composed of many concentric circles that form both stairs and seats. The walls are adorned with paintings of prominent senators, and undoubtedly powerful, from the past.
From the Senate Floor, two other wings extend: the Imperial Archives to the north, and the Servant Area to the south. Once you enter the archives, however, a feeling of disappointment is evident, for you have the clear impression that they could have been Golarion's greatest collection of transcribed knowledge, had any care been invested into its upkeep. This vast library, instead, acts as a repository of of haphazardly curated books, senate minutes, and genealogy records left open to the scrutiny of uncaring nobles. At this very moment, a host of rising aristocrats and aspiring courtiers tout their knowledge of Taldan history.
Flights of stairs also lead to the Gallery on the second floor of the senate building, which acts as an observation deck to the events of the main floor with offices for various senators lining the outer walls. This day, however, much of the gallery has been dedicated to entertaining the children of various nobles, with extravagant performances occurring throughout this floor.
Hundreds of nobles, senatorial aides, and visiting dignitaries mingle within and without the grand halls of the senate. With this quick 'walk around', you are able to locate many interesting personae, even if all of them are predisposed with sycophants and senatorial matters, considering the coming deliberation.
High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus is in the Arcade of Triumphs. In the courtyard, you noticed both Lady Gloriana Morilla and Princess Eutropia, who is currently talking with a 'friend of yours', Lady Martella Lotheed. Countess Abrielle Pace is in the gallery, while Duke Leonard Centimus is in the archives. Finally, Baron Nicolaus Okerra is in the senate floor.
While still in the 'security check', Sif uses her racial ability to cast misdirection on the syringe. After they enter, and she is sufficiently disgusted by the ostentation on display while people across the empire starve, she whispers to the others. "I'm going to go handle my thing. Back in a bit. See if you can dig up any dirt on senators for me please."
Sif does her best to blend in with the crowd, drifting towards the kitchens. As soon as she is getting into an area where guests would not be normally found, she tries to be as stealthy as possible. If she hears anyone coming, she casts vanish on herself and sneaks on toward her goal.
Victor turns to the others and gives them a nod, making eye contact with Lily as he says ”Good luck, and be careful.”
He then makes his way to stand the expected distance for an aide behind Lady Martella, awaiting any request she may have.
Right before everyone begins to split up, Lillian blurts out "Goats. The emergency code word is uhm, goats." With a nod she turns and begins to discreetly make her way through the crowd observing all of the beautiful people and all of the important people, which were clearly two separate crowds.
She runs through the list in her head one more time. An ornated fan, spyglass, journal, dagger, buckler.
Right.
She makes her way around she searching for the location of the curious, offering polite smiles when appropriate.
Coming across the ornate fan, she smiles and thinks to herself Time to make it vanish. She casually walks by and flicks her wrist out to snatch it up and slide it underneath of her sleeve as she continues to walk past it.
Septis heads to the senate floor, he wasn't going to miss an opportunity to try and garner some influence plus the Baron he needed to talk to was there so he figured he would kill two birds with one stone. Lil followed behind quietly and waited near the door as instructed when they arrived at the senate floor. He found his way into a conversation near the Baron to ensure the man could over-hear. There were some other lesser known Senator's talking about their various military service. He introduced himself as he told his own story "Good evening gentleman. A wonderful evening to share stories of past triumphs yes? I am Septis, a pleasure to make all of your acquaintance. I couldn't help but overhear you talking about your various military escapades and I thought you might find my own tale of interest."
He goes on to weave a tale about while not an official member of the military, when he was younger he ran off with his sister to watch one of the skirmishes between the local militia and a band of mercenaries from Qadira that had been trying to cause trouble in Taldor. His sister got too close to the action and he ended up having to get involved and save her from nearly being killed. Some of the soldiers took note of his skill with the arcane arts and asked him to help finish the battle. While his magics weren't the deciding factor they certainly helped lean the battle in their favor and the group managed to put down the Qadiran mercenaries like the thieving dogs that they were.
A couple minutes later, you notice most of those present here are heading towards the courtyard... apparently something is about to happen there.
You have no doubt that you left a good impression on these men. Your conversation is interrupted as you notice everybody leaving the area towards the courtyard... apparently something is about to happen there.
Once you reach the wine cellar, you quickly identify the correct bottle and with a combination of stealth and your magic, you are able to tamper with it without being noticed. However, once you remove the syringe, you notice that if someone actually checks the cork, they will see it was tampered.
The cork is marked with a strange symbol, which means that you can't simply exchange it with another bottle... all you have left is hope that the person opening the bottle is distracted enough to not notice the tampering. Once you leave the servants area, you notice the crowd is moving towards the courtyard... apparently something is about to happen there.
Dozens of senators, well-wishers, and hangers-on have begun to gather around Princess Eutropia Stavian, who apparently have slipped into the gala unnoticed and unannounced. At this point, however, she has already attracted a large gaggle of several dozen nobles.
Lady Gloriana Morilla loudly clinks her glass and declares that Princess Eutropia would like to address the gathering. With the announcement, the crowd gives Eutropia some space, and Gloriana helps the princess climb onto the garden’s stone railing to be seen and heard above the throngs. "My friends, colleagues, and assorted enemies, it is wonderful to see you all out in your finery beneath the beautiful stars tonight. With any luck, the weather will be the only thing that refuses to change this evening." As she says this, you can easily discern a couple obvious 'enemies' to her.
"We have all gathered here tonight to honor Master Kalbio of Breezy Creek, a master artisan and true patriot, for his exquisite skill and service to our glorious empire. Master Kalbio demonstrates so eloquently that a heart may be noble regardless of the stature of one’s birth, and while it may be premature, I hope to be the first to congratulate you, sir, on the exaltation you will see tonight and welcome you into the ranks of Taldor’s long-lived aristocracy." As the Princess congratulates this man, you notice a common man in noble clothes (that you assumed to be simply another aide of some senator), that constantly fidgets with the cuffs of his new shirt. His sun-beaten face suddenly becomes deeply red. He apparently can't find words to thanks the Princess, even if he gives a genuine smile.
Craft (alchemy) or Knowledge (nature) DC 15
"But we gather here to discuss matters of state, as well. And just as the exaltation reminds us that our glorious empire must always look out into the world to refresh the greatness of its leadership, we must all look out into the world around us and see how it has grown. The child-nations our empire birthed... Andoran, Cheliax, Lastwall, have grown strong by examining the great traditions they inherited from our motherland, and embracing those relevant to this new world and discarding those that held them back. So too will we, this very night, examine one of Taldor’s oldest traditions, primogeniture, with eyes wide open, to determine whether it has held us back from the glory and stability our wayward states have found."
"Our obligation tonight is not about one person or one vote in the senate. It is about the nation we love and about ensuring that nation does not fall behind the times. We are the inheritors of mighty Azlant, and I say that we must work together to avoid sharing that old empire’s fate. Taldor endures!" As she concludes, she hops down from the railing and is suddenly inundated with supporters and critics.
Sif watches all this and seems to be considering the princess's words carefully. She looks around, trying to reconnect with her group.
Septis follows as the other senators leave toward the courtyard. He arrives just in time to see Lady Morilla helping the Princess up onto the nearby stone railing he quirks his brow a bit as he sees Victor near Martella who herself is awefully close to the Princess.
In the midst of the Princesses speech Septis notes, that there is a member of the serving staff that seems out of place heading toward the apiary. He watches the man for a moment.
Lil stands near Septis just watching the crowd seeing if there are any particularly handsome senators she can try and entice at some point or another. As she notices Septis starting to watch a member of the staff moving toward the apiary she watches as well. Just moments after watching she spots the man pull some strangely colored alchemical bar out of his pocket. She nudges Septis and points it out to him. Seeing it now he starts to move toward the person and Lil follows behind.
Seeing an opportunity to finally get a little excitement she moves ahead of Septis and intercepts the staff member grabbing his hand that holds the alchemical bar and noting under her breath "What sort of trouble are you trying to get up to?"
Septis stands near by trying to block the scene of Lil accosting the man from any onlookers as he waits to hear the mans response.
Victor notes the staff member move off, but given the hustle and bustle, dismissed it somewhat as normal activity in the event.
Lily finishes her fan extraction and begins to move towards the commotion. While the princess speaks however, she is so focused on her speech that she is completely oblivious as to what is going on around her as well as unable to locate her team members.
What an opening! she thinks, enamored by Eutropia’s presence.
The staffer seems a bit surprised as Liloria grabs his arm. "N...no trouble milady... I was told to put this wafer near the beehives, for it will keep the bees calm for the evening and prevent any incidents." Looking at her in doubt, and a bit unnerved, he then asks. "Am I doing it wrong, milady?"
Septis steps forward to the man as he looks at the apiary "It doesn't look like there is anything wrong with them to me and its a little odd for you to be doing that right in the middle of the Princesses speech. Maybe we should go talk with whomever instructed you to put this here?"
Lil continues to maintain a hold on the staffer until Septis notes otherwise.
The man nods in agreement. "O...of course. It was..." He looks around, apparently trying to find someone. As he looks around, he becomes more nervous at every second. "I... I can't find him! It was a guard. I... I'm not sure who it was... they look all the same in those armors!" He looks to you, worried. "I'm new here... they told me to obey the guards and all the guests, do whatever they told me to do..."
"Please, milord, I beg your pardon if I'm doing anything wrong... it was not my intention!"
Septis looks the man in the eyes and notes "Well, why don't you leave that with me and I will get to the bottom of this... you are making me miss the Princess's speech..." He nods toward Lil and she extends her hand to take the item from the servent and will let him go if he hands it over.
Assuming he hands it over Septis continues "What's your name? Be sure you don't leave the Gala in case I have any other questions for you..."
The man quickly hands the wafer to Lil, apparently eager to get rid of it. "Thank you milord, and sorry for the inconvenience! The name is Martin, Martin Gutvaar."
Neither Septis nor Liloria notice any lies. The man appears to be telling the truth and as soon as he is allowed, he leaves the pair and heads back to the servant area.
Septis takes the nods toward Lily to hide the item and then lets the man walk off as he turns his attention back to the speech just as it is ending. He looks through the crowd trying to spot his companions to try and see if any of them might know what the items purpose was.
Once Eutropia finishes her speech, the crowd disperses once more, each one of them moving with their own agendas in mind. Noticing Victor, Lady Martella discreetly moves towards him and hands him over what appears to be a letter.
Knowledge (nobility) DC 12
Before the others have a chance to move off Septis works with Lil to bring them all together so he can explain what had happened during the speech. He pulls out the alchemical bar and asks if anyone can identify it.
Once the speech concludes, Lily begins to wander the hall and takes note of Septis. Moving towards him she passes by him and stands back to back, standing adjacent to him but making sure to not appear to be addressing him. With a smile on her face she looks at no one in particular says "How's it going? Have you gotten anything good yet?"
Septis has Lil show Lillian the alchemical bar "One of the serving staff was acting off during the Princesses speech. We confiscated this from him. It is some sort of alchemical item, but I'm not sure of its exact purpose."
Lily takes the bar and looks it over, flipping it around in her hand. "Interesting. Neither do I. Did the servant act suspicious? What was he going to do with it?"
When Septis relays what he knows, Lillian shrugs. "I can't see how this is going to benefit anyone. I suggest we pocket it for now and move on to the next task. Did you find anything out? I was able to obtain one of the items on the list, but there is more to be done. Have you seen the others?"
Septis nods to Lillian's suggestion and as she asks about his work so far he shrugs "My targets were pre-occupied, so I just worked on garnering some influence with the other senators. It went well enough." he concludes with a smirk. Taking the item back he stows it away and then gives Lillian a nod "Well I'm going back to it then..."
Heading back to the Senate Floor where the Baron was Septis starts to ask around about the Baron from some of the other senators he had been talking with earlier hoping to find a good way to approach the man.
Lillian follows Septis out as she tries to take note of where the military genius might be. As she hears him fumble and stumble his way around, she grimaces. She quickly steps up behind him and cuts him off "... what I believe he's trying to say is this, actually." before she rattles off a few tidbits of information that she's picked up throughout the night as she's moved through the crowd.
Seeing that the others are busy with their own tasks, Sif looks around for someone who will be voting against the princess.
"Very well. I know exactly where I should look... but it will take me a couple minutes to properly answer... Sir, I believe I do not know your name."
With the situation in better hands, Lillian smiles at Septis and says "If you'll excuse me." and backs out as she begins to look for High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus. She moves through the rooms deftly, drawing no attention to herself while simultaneously remaining perceptive and alert.
After identifying Duke Georgi Backus Talbot II as a senator who would vote against the princess, Sif starts to work her way around the room spreading damaging rumors about him. She invents evidence on the spot, claiming that the Duke has a sexual fetish for tiefling boys. Sif spots some appropriate gossips and tells them all about the duke's penchant for leather restraints and young demonflesh, pretending to have been told about it from her nephew, one of the Duke's callboys.
As Lillian is about to depart Septis grabs her shoulder and leans in to whisper in her ear "Looks and quick on your feet. Thanks for your help..."
Lil stands by still not saying a word but starring daggers at Lillian as Septis leans in to whisper in her ear, but maintains her silence.
Septis steps back as Lillian moves on to see to her own tasks and then heads over toward Baron Okkara. When he sees the man is in between discussions with others he moves in to talk to him "Excuse me my lord, you are Baron Nicolaus Okerra yes? I'm sorry but I had to come and introduce myself. I am Septis Hadrias and I must say that I am really a fan of your concern for all of the citizens of Taldor. A lot of the other senators, as I'm sure you are well aware, are really only focused on what benefits them or their little circles of influence, which more often then not leaves the downtrodden in perilous straights. I would love to get your insight on the vote tonight and what you think the implications might be."
Certainly not a shy person or one who wants to become anonymous, the High Strategos is easily found once more on the Arcade of Triumphs, surrounded not by politicians but instead by seasoned commanders. Maxillar Pythareus is a muscular man in his early forties. Years under the elements have weathered his skin, and he keeps his silver hair closely cropped. He wears a green-and-blue tabard emblazoned with Taldor’s official coat of arms, publicly declaring his loyalty to the nation more than anything else. Despite being direct and confident, it appears he would much rather be inspecting troops or training on horseback than being here tonight.
As you spy him, unnoticed, you hear nothing unusual and nothing but small talk.
Baron Nicolaus Okerra is handsome bear of a man that stands a head taller than the crowd, and while starting to show his age with flecks of white in his black hair and beard, he retains a youthful smile and gentle eyes. The baron turns to you, pleased with your introduction. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Hadrias. Indeed, I'm surely aware that to many of those gathered here tonight, the people are nothing but investments bound to generate income, or worse, sheep to be herded and then discarded when the needs arise."
Once the matter of the vote is mentioned, the baron shows some clear uncertainty. "To be entirely honest, I must confess I'm still undecided, Mr. Hadrias, for I fear the impact of Princess Eutropia's successful bid to end Primogeniture. As a defender of law and order, I believe strongly in tradition, and I'm worried that the princess’s actions could endanger the stability of Taldan law. On the other hand, I'm fully aware that since the beginning of the Empire, many new laws are added to our Letter... What are your thoughts, Mr. Hadrias?"
The whole process of damaging the duke's reputation could not have run more perfect. While spreading your rumors, you notice the duke handing a servant a small note, which you manage to pilfer from her pocket. The message was just a place and a time but you use it as an 'evidence' that the duke asked you to arrange a meeting between him and your nephew. Many nobles believe your lie, eager for a scandal. Due to the duke's influence, however, no one has the courage to confront him about the veracity of such gossip so you leave the room unscathed.
"I'm pleased to meet you, Sir Victor..." he says and soon turns his attention back to a couple bookshelves. After a couple minutes, once he notices you are waiting for his reply, he turns back to you. "Oh, sorry, you need not to wait there, immobile like some furniture... come back later and I'll have your reply... enjoy the festivities, yes?"
Victor nods and says ”As you wish, Sir,” before bowing and taking his leave. He then mills about, trying to recall what he can in regards to Count Orlundo and how to best impress him...
Septis considers the Baron's question a moment, he hadn't actually really decided where he stood on the matter yet, in all honesty he was acting just like one of those senators he commented on, using this opportunity to further himself regardless of what cause he was helping.
After a moment he replies "Well, as you said, new laws are added over time as circumstances change and the world advances, necessitating us to consider things that weren't an option before. Perhaps this is one of those times. With any new law there is bound to be some difficulty as the populace adjusts but more often then not those new laws benefit then entire Empire in the long run. Honestly, if I had a daughter I wouldn't want her to loose opportunities just because of her gender."
He smiles and shots Lil and knowing look before continuing "Plus, I know women that are more capable and formidable then many men, why hold them back from having the opportunity to do great things and progress the Empire?" he shrugs.
Having completed her assigned intrigues, Sif tries her best to blend in to the background, keeping an eye on the progress of her companions.
While observing the Pythareus, Lillian catches sight of the journal that looks strikingly like the one she is supposes to be pilfering. Meandering over in that direction, she casually scoops it off the display area into her waiting hand and slips it under her clothes. She smiles politely but turns away as a passerby gives her a wishful smile that she doesn't have time to entertain.
Lillian once more pilfers an item from the exposition without anyone noticing a thing while still keeping an eye on her target.
Baron Okerra appears to really consider your words before replying. "I believe you might be entirely correct, Mr. Hadrias... indeed, I'll think about it, but you have the right about it."
Soon after that, a ancient man comes looking for the Baron, asking him to follow him so he can introduce him to his granddaughter.
Apparently surrounded by those wishing to be left alone while looking into the archives, or perhaps just bad luck, Victor discovers nothing new about the count.
Septis nods to the man and as he excuses himself to follow the ancient man he bids him farewell. Turning back to Lil he smirks "Well, I think that went well." She rolls her eyes and gives him a shrug but still doesn't say anything, obviously still perturbed by the whole 'no talking' talking.
He sighs and shakes his head making his way about the various guests looking for his next targets, first seeking out Duke Centimus and trying to find out any useful information on the best way to approach him.
With little more to do than wait and continue digging, he does just that and keeps trying to learn what he can...
Lillian stays focused on her tasks and gets into the zone, ignoring all of the chatter and hobnobbing going on and pays attention only to the general. She quietly moves through the crowd taking measures to not be seen, all the meanwhile keeping an eye and ear out for what is happening around him.
As she passes spyglass she pays special attention to slide it up her sleeve in one fell swoop, holding it with the palm of her hand until she can find a place to deposit it.
Sif wanders the senate floor, complimenting the outfits nobles she recognizes with impromptu rhymes and small magical effects using prestidigitation.
The spyglass disappears swiftly inside of Lillian's sleeves. Meanwhile, she manages to once more spy on the High Strategos. One woman he is talking to asks about the rumor that he is about to marry the princess, but the High Strategos dismisses the rumor as nothing but that.
Septis walks around the senate trying to gather any bit of information about Duke Centimus, but discovers nothing knew about him. He finds the Duke on the Archives.
While making compliments, Sif is caught by accident in a debate about the validity of Primogeniture and other traditional institutions. She excels in her comments, leaving a good impression on the senators present there.
Despite trying hard to discover more about the count, Victor finds nothing of note once again. However, a woman with a simpler dress, probably an aide, fetches him, bringing him back to Count Orlundo's presence, who handles him another sealed letter.
"Sir Victor... here is the answer your former letter prompted. However, you shall deliver it to Junior Senator Duo." After handing you the letter, it appears to cross his mind that Victor might not know the mentioned senator, so he offers directions. "Mr. Duo is a wiry man that despite being young, doesn't have a single hair in his head. I believe he will be at the Gallery, since tonight he is accompanied by his wife and his twin baby daughters..."
_________________________________________
Having been so successful on the senate floor, Sif takes her knowledge of the nobility to the gallery, to gather influence there.