Can we not just enter the senate building with those badges?
”I, too, would like to get set up early. Unfashionably early and all that.”
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Lady Lotheed waves a hand somewhat dismissively.
”Martella, if you please. No need to be all formal here. There is a line, yes, and they have some sort of checkpoint set up. But fear not, I am sure it will be fine. The Senate badges will help you get through unaccosted.” Martella says, taking a sip of her drink before continuing.
”Well, if you’re ready to go, I’m sure the building has been opened by now, and the first arrivals have made their way in. Discuss whatever plans you have, quickly now, and then make your way to the Senate. I have other matters to attend to, of course, and will meet up with you after the gala. Fair well, and good luck!”
With that, she stays around to answer any other specific questions for a few moments and then departs.
"Well Lady-" The elf catches himself, correcting his words soonafter. "Martella. I do not worry about the checkpoint. I am certain your invitations and these badges will ensure a smooth and easy entrance to the gala. I wish you a good evening and look forward to speaking about our success afterwards." Krios was confident in himself and in the others assembled. Now it was just to discuss any plans they had to succeed. He would wait to speak until Martella departed, leaving him in the company of his newfound companions.
Krios would look over each one of his fellow agents carefully for a moment, their body language and confidence. He was pleased to find each one poised and ready, some fiercely and some quietly.
"It would appear that most...direct assignments would be mine and Henrika's. I am to sabotage the wine that is being brought in and she is to steal the treasures from the museum. Both cases will rely on us observing the situation and ascertaining what would be the most efficient path; skulduggery or thievery." His attentions turned towards the gnome. "Listening in on the man seems like a touch and go situation. Your skill with painting appeals to the ego and seems like the strongest one to use. I feel that, if he should get suspicious, that the badges will come in most use to assist you. It is easy to notice an eavesdropper, much harder to notice six of them." Lastly there would be the the two nobles and Raven. "Lastly, there is the tasks you have been given. I'd consider them to be the most dangerous ones for we're jumping fully into the political game. What news do you three have of your targets? Any ideas of how to get the job done?"
”And for the wine,” Perdita Vernisant suggests after having been given a brief recap of everyone’s varied tasks, ”I like the idea of tainting it, thereby embarrassing the conservative host who so boldly promoted it as such a superb bouquet. Perhaps I can use a minor prestidigitation to sour it from without, not even breaking the seal or quark. And if I can not cantrip the wine through its bottle and we have to unquark it, perhaps a prestidigitation will re-seal it.”
During both her listening to the others explain their tasks, and giving her suggestion regarding the expensive wine, Perdita Vernisant steals a glance at Henrika — still not 100% sure if the hotspur is Conservative like the uncle who raised her, or liberal like this gathering of Martella Lotheed indicates. ’Well, I don’t get the sense that she has any ulterior motive in betraying Lady Lotheed. I think I needs must reevaluate her; perhaps she’s as liberal as I am. Mayhaps she’s even as incredibly liberal as Countess Cassiopeia.’
”I’m actually quite knowledgeable about a couple of the conservative Senators voting against feminist rights; I think we could share intelligence and come up with a gambit or three.”
”Martella gave Krios a syringe with a reagent to ruin the wine. A syringe through the cork should be undetectable—the trick will be getting Krios access to the wine long enough to be careful enough not to leave a mark. A distraction should help and creating distractions is my specialty; however, my task requires me to remain close to Maxillar Pythareus all evening. Since we are getting there fairly early, however, I propose I help you with your task first thing, and then I’ll need your aid later on with my plan for Pythareus. Nothing dangerous, I promise.”
"Fezziwig is correct. As much as your magic may change the taste, we do not know how many glasses may be poured in total. Spellcasting is frowned upon within the gala and could attract unnecessary company as well. The syringe will suffice for now. Thank you though." Krios says earnestly, nodding towards Perdita. "She was willing to put herself at risk; a social faux pas so soon could ruin her so early in the Great Game. Interesting..." He thought, filing it away for a moment.
"Of course, I will assist however I can Fezziwig. I do have associates working within the gala; common people here and there. With the right sequences and words here and there, I can put them into action. It may open an avenue for us without putting ourselves in harm's way. The nobility tend to look down on the common man and forgive their mistakes as an example of why they are the supposed 'lesser-thans'" Krios's contacts went far and deep; the discontent rabble was eager for change.
"You do? Excellent Perdita, that'll save us time. My only suggestion was that if we can figure out who their rivals are within the gala, we can play the sides against one another and learn quite a bit. We'll have to keep our cards close to our chest though, ensure we're not caught out and embarassed."
Cassi listens to the others planning and smiles.
"I am glad we are more than one, so that we can work together.
I will see what opportunities represent in the gala.
Just ask me and I will provide as much help as I can."
Raven listens quietly to the preparations before rubbing her temples slightly with the palms of her hands. "Its kind of you to suggest it so Krios, but I don't tend to see my task as particularly dangerous. If anything, stealing or sabotage attempts are more difficult to explain away. I already had some passing knowledge on the Baron and brushed up on it before arriving here."
"As for a plan of attack for my task - I confess, I haven't really thought about it yet. I'll probably observe, access, and then attempt to strike up a conversation. I don't foresee problems but it may be a time consuming exercise depending on how things develop."
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Fezziwig’s plan involves setting up his easel in a conspicuous corner of the main gala ballroom (or whatever). He has a sign which reads: Caricatures in Under 5 Minutes. Flattering caricatures of you: 1 gold coin. Unflattering caricature of someone else: 3 gold coins. However, before he can really get started, he’s going to need some “supplies” from the kitchens where he can make a distracting nuisance of himself while Krios tampers with some wine.
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As you finish any final preparations and plannings you may need to do, and finally make your way over to the entrance to the senate, you notice that a line has formed.
It stretches out from the doors of the senate, full of all manner of visitor. Merchants, senators, the works. And topping it all off, there is a checkpoint at the entrance, checking for any unaccounted for weapons or other contraband. During this entire time, the group is nearly constantly accosted by dozens of eager merchants attempt to sell a variety of wares to the you and other staffers—mostly novelty Taldan flags and phony pieces of historical memorabilia.
Several others in the line begin to bemoan the wait, touting their respective level of importance based on association with their affiliated nobles and senators.
After nearly an hour in line, a Vuldrani looking woman in more armor than is allowed inside the senate walks out between the doors, and catches your eyes. Walking up to you with a handful of guards, she motions towards the group, and demands that you follow her over to the base of the walls for a random inspection.
"Come on, over here. Don't make too much of a fuss, just group up over here by the wall."
"I'm Kathann, and I'll be your inspector today. Do you have any weapons or other items I need to be aware of before we start?"
”Just a dagger, madam,” Fezziwig says, popping the knife out of the spring-loaded wrist sheathe.
Cassi moves forward and smiles to the guard. Nodding she points to her dagger on her belt, secured by a peaceknot.
"Nothing more."
Raven keeps an eye on whoever is within the queue checking to see who of significance had been invited to the party. It was unlikely that she would get an opportunity to chat - busy as she felt she would be on this given night - but the information could surely help in future. Unlike some of the other woman in the queue, Raven is content to wait. She always hated rushing things, it was always much prepared to plan, prepare, and use any spare time available productively. Raven spent her time in the line lost in though, wondering how she would best succeed in her mission.
She is jolted out of her mental brainstorm when a Vuldrani woman walks out of the senate and selects them for a 'random' inspection. Raven gives the woman a slightly suspicious look, finding it unusual that she and her allies happened to be selected over anyone else, on a night where covert activities were planned.
"Any weapons? Just my blade" Raven replies to the question, technically being truthful while avoiding mentioning any of the three poisons she has stashed in her back, placed alongside and disguised as extracts or perfume. She is a little worried about the poison being discovered, but technically there was nothing in the rules forbidding its use.
”Hand crossbow that I’ve peace-bonded while in line.”
Krios waited patiently in the line with the appropriately bored look upon his face. All the while though, he took his time to study the many different guests and attendants that were arriving for the gala. There was a nervous itching at his neck though, the stress of the night beginning to pick up. He believed in his own capabilities, he believed in the skills of his comrades beside him as well, but this was the chance he was waiting for. Everything depended on tonight. It was his intense focus that may have tripped the inspector into calling out their little group.
Stepping aside with the others, he maintained the look of annoyance quite well. It didn't surprise him that three women, an elf, and a gnome were the ones pulled out of the line while others passed through uneventfully. Nonetheless, it was the first test of theirs.
"Nothing more than the dagger and rapier you see upon my hip, ma'am." Krios said respectfully, letting her see the peace ties on both of them. Within the folds of his cloak and baggier bits of clothing were his two extracts along with the syringe that Martella had given him. He was hopeful that the clothing and his own skill was enough to keep them hidden away from prying eyes and investigating hands.
When it is her turn, Henrika throws her hair back out of her eyes and gives the inspector a haughty look. "Greetings, Kathann. I am Henrika Karthis. I have my sword and these javelins, which are all peacebound as is appropriate. I also carry a dagger and a weighted glove in my reticule, but to be honest I am given cause to fight with either only rarely."
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The inspector moves past Gilfroy, Cassiopeia, Perdita, and Henrika rather quickly, but takes an extra few moments on both Krios and Raven.
She takes a long glance at these two, her hands reaching out to touch the three vials that she had taken the time and care to disguise so patiently.
"Well done, wise one, but perhaps you should take this scarf and cover the three vials you do not want to have seen. That's right, just like that. There. that should do the trick."
Without offering explanation or allowing a response, she quickly moves on to Krios.
"Ah, you have the same problem as your friend does. If you set the weight just right, they're much harder to see. Here, lean forward a tiny bit and that should help immensely. Yep, there we go. Much better."
"Wouldn't want our common friend to be so easily disappointed with her new friends, right? On you go, then, hurry up. To the front of the line with you. And thank you for your cooperation."
Perdita Vernisant guesses quickly what is happening in this exchange of cooperative subterfuge and she glances furtively about, hoping to notice if anyone is paying attention to the inspector and how she’s deliberately helping us break legal protocols. Of course, paying too much attention to the minutiae of each individual in line hampers her skill at seeing the big picture, as her obsessive attention to detail often does.
Krios watches the inspector first with a complete disinterest until she seems to find and locate the vials that the poison maker had hidden upon herself. Yet it was not a scolding and an immediate disbarring from the gala but instead advice on how to better hide the vials upon herself. His eyebrow raised in surprise at the sheer efficiency that she discovered their hidden items, he thought he had taken the best amount of time to try and secure his hidden items. The look of surprise upon his face showed how impressed he was by her subtle movements and skill.
"Thank you Inspector...Kathann was it? Very impressive and helpful advice." His praise was sincere but there was a lingering distaste in his mouth; he was spared merely by his patron's good graces and connections. For one that enjoyed the success of his plans, as meticulous as he could be, this was a complete and utter failure. Their defeat would have already occurred before they ever stepped through the door.
"This is a lesson. The enemy is skilled and well-composed, this is their territory and they know it well. We must be like a surgeon, cutting cleanly through it all with as minimal disturbance" Krios said to himself, readjusting his collar some and regaining his composure. The night was still young and the gala awaited, Krios would not delay his destiny any longer.
Henrika frowns at the interaction between Krios and Kathann, briefly troubled by the look on Krios's face, but she shrugs and prepares to enter the event.
Raven keeps her cool as the inspector finds the vials, and her face impassive as she waits for a reaction. She's completely surprised that she was offered advice on how to hide her items better, but then realizes that the situation had probably been scripted from the beginning. "That was clever...she knew we had to slip the instruments used to sabotage the wine past security and so enlisted someone on the payroll to ensure that the items make it through the door. It is nice to be working for someone that thinks ahead and removes some obstacles ahead of time to aid in our objectives" she reflects idly.
She was still a little ticked off that her poisons had been so easily found but she wasn't too rattled by it. Doubtless Lady Martella had advised Kathann ahead of time the sort of things to look out for. Still, the interaction served as an excellent reminder that it wouldn't take much for their enemies to also likewise get any weapons through the door - if one investigator could be bought off others could as well. Raven knew that they had to tread carefully.
Gilfroy is first taken aback when not asked to peace-bind his dagger, but then catches on. He tries to remember if he’s met this person before but comes up empty. Since it seems that getting in will now be no problem, he sidles up to Krios and lays out his idea of needing supplies from the kitchen as a distraction for him to taint the wine.
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As soon as Kathann is done with your..."inspection", she waves you through the gates into the senate, and you are awed by the amount of people you find inside. Here's a few helpful locations and a handful of the people you can find there.
Or you can attempt to influence a specific NPC in that area. When you do this, you can either choose a discovery check, to learn a weakness of the specific person that you can use when influencing them, gaining a lofty bonus with future influence checks. Or you can choose to influence said person of interest, in an attempt to gain that person's favor. Gaining a specific NPC's favor has all sorts of benefits, immediate and future.
NPCs present: High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus.
Influence skills: Appraise, Knowledge (history or nobility), Perception, Spellcraft, or Use Magic Device.
NPCs present: Lady Gloriana Morilla and Princess Eutropia.
Influence skills: Handle Animal, Knowledge (engineering, local, or nature), or Perform (keyboard, percussion, sing, string, or wind).
NPCs present: None
Influence skills: None
NPCs present: Countess Abrielle Pace and Wyssilka
the Fantabulous.
Influence Skills: Acrobatics, Disguise, Perform (act, comedy, or dance), or Sleight of Hand.
NPCs present: Duke Leonard Centimus
Influence skills: Knowledge (arcana, geography, or history), Linguistics, Profession (librarian or scribe), or Stealth.
NPCs present: Baron Nicolaus Okerra and Kalbio from Breezy Creek.
Influence skills: Bluff, Knowledge (local, nobility, or religion), Perform (oratory), Profession (clerk or barrister), or Sense Motive.
NPCs present: None
Influence skills: Craft (alchemy, carpentry, jewelry, sculpture, or stonemasonry), Heal, Intimidate, Profession (baker, butcher, cook, innkeeper, or porter), or Sense Motive.
Cassiopeia Tages a der breite Looping around the massive amount of people. This seemed to be almost all the major players of Opparra and then some. Taking a deep breath she moved forward to the Courtage she smiled when she saw the princess.
I can't approach her. I am way to low. But Lady Moriella. She belongs to the pathfinders. I can try to speak with her.
Moving forward she Courtage deeply before Lady Moriella and smiled.
"Maylady, may I introduce myself. My Name is Countess Cassiopeia Zespire. My cousin thrice removed Lady Ambereyes is a member of the society and she speaks so very highly of you. I Was made aware tat the reconstruction of the Amber Theater was only done by your graces and it is more than spectacular."
Krios nods in agreement with the gnome, the talented artist had an unusual set of skills and together, the two of them could cause quite the disturbance. The inspector finally released them and they were able to make their way through the line and amidst the most influential individuals in all of Taldor. Even to Krios's expectation and estimations, it was astounding the crowds that had amassed there. He had only seen so many people within Oppara's slums and none displaying the kind of wealth and power like he saw here.
"I am truly here. I made it." Krios thought, letting him have the moment to savor the victory he had achieved. Years of hard work, of feet upon the pavement, of shouting rhetoric and challenging the status quo, had led him to this moment. It was his chance to truly prove he belonged here, that the kindness of the Atticuses was not wasted. Taking a deep breath, he smiled and turned towards the others.
"Well, we have our tasks and I am certain our own goals here. If you'll join me, good Fezziwig, I would like your help taking care of the wine as soon as possible. That will allow us to work on your task in greater detail." Turning his attention to the women, he continued to speak. "If there is anything you need of either us, contact us using the badges. I wish you all luck on your tasks." With a polite bow, he would turn and make his way towards the Servant Area.
It was impossible to hide his excitement, the energy thrumming through him. To Fezziwig, to usually stoic elf seemed more alive than any meeting would've have shown. There were dukes, duchesses, counts, and barons galore. His eye widened at the sight of Princess Eutropia, mentally taking note that he needed to speak to her. Even gracing her notice for a moment would be an achievement.
"Keep calm Krios. Too much excitement could deride the task at hand. You have your goals, your plans. One thing at a time." He thought as he exchanged pleasantries with a few other guests before making his way into the controlled chaos that was the servant's area. He stood out like a sore thumb there for a moment. While his outfit was nowhere on the tier of most of the nobility, it was enough to mark him not as a member of the staff. That moment of hesitation brought him exactly what he wanted, a small grin coming to his face as one of the footman began to approach.
"Sir, you do not belong here..." He began to say, a middle-aged Taldoran man who didn't lack the confident to talk to guests directly if politely. As they did though, Krios reached down to his sleeve on his left arm and began to pull it back up his arm, a cold smirk spreading across his face. Upon his wrist was a tattoo, one that the man immediately seemed to notice.
"I assume you recognize this tattoo, Alexander. Now...my associates have no need to let Count Edanlin learn about your...visits with the countess AND his daughter. You'll work with me here, won't you?" Krios expected that the servants could put up some trouble with having guests run through their workspace but it could be all excused if the footmen approved them being there. Now he just needed to be sure that his fellow conspirators had gathered enough evidence against the young man to get him to do what they needed. It would be a different side than the generally kind and polite side that Fezziwig had seen in either of his personas.
Perdita Vernisant meanders through the Arcade of Triumphs for several minutes, haphazardly catching eye contact here and there with this or that person, even allowing her eyes to linger for a few moments longer in some random cases, as though she had something to say to that specific person -- though she doesn't.
Then she looks for any officials or secretaries in Earl Calhadian Vernisant's retinue, or better, his inner cadre. Nonchalantly, even apathetically, she'll ask if anyone's seen the Earl.
....After a few minutes of meandering she makes her way through the manicured Courtyard and Emperor's Hall to the Imperial Archives, crossing the Senate Floor and respectfully nodding to Baron Nicolaus Okerra on the way, acknowledging his presence with due respect.
Once in the Imperial Archives she makes a purposeful beeline toward the stacks that cover Planar occurrences in Taldor's history, and mutters under breath -- for eavesdroppers to hear -- "May as well use party-time wisely." Within a minute, Perdita Vernisant has three or four books and begins perusing them, as though she's on a research mission.
Gil knows that his work for Martella has begun to pay off when he sees the grandeur and splendor of this gathering he's been able to attend. He has to step lively to keep his small frame from being trampled in the press of the crowd.
Fezziwig accompanies Krios down into the servant area. He tries to remain unobtrusive in the beginning, scanning the room for the most harried and overworked servant, and when Krios is ready, he suddenly becomes a vibrant and visual force in the room as he makes his way to that person to start self-importantly pestering him/her for assistance.
"Greetings! I am the famed portrait artist, Fezziwig. Perhaps you've heard of me? I am here by invitation and will be creating portraits during the party for many prominent and powerful attendees. I have need of some supplies that you can help me find." He proceeds to list off a host of nonsense items, such as bowls, water, salt, and other things, trying to hold attention on himself and the nuisance he's making while Krios completes his task.
Henrika makes her way to the Arcade of Triumphs, intending to get a good look at the artifacts she is supposed to hide and some idea of their protections. She is surprised to see the High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus there too, and she watches him carefully from a distance before she approaches.
Raven steps into the large chamber, and is almost overwhelmed with the large number of significant persons within the crowd. She could see some high ranking members of the Senate - even Princess Eutropia was there in the background.
Raven basks in her pride at being a part of such important party before cool hard logic returns and she appraises the crowd with a practiced eye. Tempted though she was to immediately go over and speak to the Baron directly - she wasn't sure if it should be the very first thing she should do. Raven was a little concerned about any watchers and didn't necessarily want to make things too obvious. Instead, she focuses her attention on the Senate Floor itself, and begins winding her way through the crowd, wondering if she can improve her standing within the room.
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Gloriana's eyes widen ever so slightly when you mention the society, and she stares back at Cass for just a tad bit too long before speaking.
"Greetings, Countess. It's good to meet other supporters, especially here of all places."
She looks off into the distance for a second before continuing.
"Ah yes, the Amber Theater. Quite the piece of work that was!" she says, laughing just a touch too loud as she apparently recalls some memories from the past.
The head cook, Alexander, stutters out a few short lines before moving to the side and waving a hand towards the rest of the kitchen.
"C-carry on..." he mutters weakly, before leaving you to your business.
Another halfling cook from the rest of the staff walks up to Krios meekly, and offers him two vials, which he explains should slow the onset of any poisons or other effects you may encounter in such a place.
Krios's bows his head gratefully at the head chef, who quickly beats a retreat away from the elf as fast as their legs could carry them. When the halfling approaches with the two vials in hand, offering them up in supplication towards him, his eye return back towards the chef for just a moment. The man was watching, waiting to see if his gift would suffice, but quickly looked away when he was caught watching. The cold and almost vicious nature that the elf had showed previously disappeared, a warm smile spreading across his face as he nodded to the young worker.
"Thank you. These will be most helpful. It is people like you that help the leviathan cogs of the kingdom continue to spin."" The elf slips him a small, silver coin as a tip before making his way towards where the bottles were kept. Fezziwig was expertly handling the situation, getting the staff into a tizzy, which gave him just enough time to study the fine bottles of wine on display.
"Dear Fizziwig!" Krios calls out, looking back for the gnome. "May I have your opinion on these bottles? It looks like some fine vintage has arrived." With the gnome closer, he would slip him one of the anti-toxin vials and whisper his concern about the bottles. It seemed like it was down to just two very similar brands and the elf found himself unsure of which it could be.
Once he was sure he was interacting with the correct bottle, it was time to get to work. Taking out the syringe, he would carefully move around any features that could reveal that the old bottle of fine wine was in fact tampered with.
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Fezziwig goes over, affecting a disgruntled state. ”The mucky mucks invite me to their homes to paint for them, but they don’t give me their fine wines.”
He points at one bottle. ”I’m sure I’ve seen a bottle exactly like this in Lord Farquad’s conservatory, but this one I’ve never seen before. Could be one of a kind.”
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His donation consists of an elaborate silk fan and eye glass with certain historical significance, a journal that belonged to Earl Vernisant’s great grandfather and details his extensive genealogical work to connect their family line to the heroic Arnisant legacy, as well as a buckler and silver dagger that the Earl proclaims to have been used to slay the vampire Malageur.
As far as the Baron and the Duke, the Baron is known as a kind and stern leader of his people. He has little time for pomp and circumstance, instead usually secluding himself in the noble courts of the senate building to debate with aspiring nobles on the importance of law. The Duke, on the other hand, is much more caring in his attitude and demeanor, as he lost the use of both of his legs in a riding accident and is now forced to use a wheelchair to get around. Not that that stops him from being just as respected as before, of course. Unusually, however, he has refrained from hiring a divine caster to heal his wounds, despite his contemporaries insisting he do otherwise.
As far as the Arcade of Triumphs is concerned, the main person of interest to keep in mind (beyond the high strategos) is Copernia Vau, the senate's curator of antiquities. She knows much about any of the items in the Arcade, and offers a nice tour to any who express sufficient interest in any of the items inside the gallery.
With the wine job complete, Gilfroy heads to track down the High Strategos, finding him milling about the Arcade of Triumphs. He tugs at Krios’ sleeve. ”I’m going to set up and encourage folks to have portraits done. When I get started on his portrait, I need an excuse to ruin it, so if you could make a noise or bump my easel, something like that?”
Once in the Arcade, he sets up his easel in a corner and puts out his sign advertising his willingness to make portraits of party guests (or unflattering caricatures of political enemies), then starts calling out in performance mode to hawk his wares, peppering his spiel with compliments on various attire and jewelry.
Krios smiles at a job well done, looking down at the wine bottle. The sabotage was perfect and, with Fezziwig's help, the correct bottle was selected. Leaning down to better hear his comrade over the commotion of the bustling servant's area. He nodded quickly, following after the gnome and making his way back into the gala proper.
"We should likely reconvene occasionally with the others, see how their tasks are going and if they've learned anything of interest." Krios muttered, looking towards his badge for a moment before slipping his hands around it. There was a gentle pulse, like a thrumming against his fingers, and when he next spoke it would be heard as a whisper throughout the group.
"I am done with the kitchen and am off to help Fezziwig. Should we convene in the Emperor's Hall, speak in private?" His task was done but there was still so much more needed to be done. If the others wanted him to, Krios was more than willing to assist in their own tasks.
The Arcade of Triumphs was a marvel to see; the history and glory of Taldor on display for all to see. The history here was palpable and once more, that sense of awe spilled into Krios's otherwise calm and calculated form. Catching himself from looking too much like a tourist, the elf's eye centered on Fezziwig and he gave the most subtle of nods. The elf stepped around the room, happily talking with his fellow guests there about the history behind the many banners and portaits on display. Getting a feel of the room, he prepared himself to be ready to aid Fezziwig at a moment's notice.
Raven was a little disgruntled that she hadn't made much of an impact on influencing the room, as she observes the crowd and finds limited interest. Debates had been her thing but maybe she was losing her touch - or perhaps it was just a particularly tough crowd. She sighs a little to herself, and takes comfort in the fact that it could have gone worse - she could have had opinions lowered of her which would definitely not have helped matters.
Raven hears the hum of her Senate badge and the whisper suddenly in her ear. It takes no small amount of control not to react in any noticeable way as she hears Krios' voice in her ear. "With a bit of luck, I won't need much help, but if anyone is skilled in being particularly intimidating or scary, feel free to come lend a hand as I'll see if I can influence the Baron now - but don't let it interfere with your own missions" she remarks anxiously. In truth, Raven wasn't used to asking for help from anyone - mostly relying on herself.
Raven waits for a gap in the conversation before approaching the Baron from the side, so that he couldn't see her coming "Ah Baron, its so good to make your acquaintance this evening. Your military career is anyone seems to talk about - truly an inspiration. I haven't fought myself, but I always thought a good commander inspired loyalty in his troops, and in turn was rewarded in turn with success and the glory that comes with it. What do you think? Is loyalty and perhaps living up to certain obligations still prized in those with a military background?"