Henrika has been carefully watching the Arcade of Triumphs for some time now, looking over all of the pieces as well as speaking with others present. She feels confident about the comings and goings of the curator as well as the ebb and flow of attention surrounding the high strategos.
When she sees Krios and Fezziwig enter the hall, she narrows her eyes, not sure what game they are playing, but when she sees Fezziwig set up his easel and hears the buzz from her badge as Krios and Fezziwig confer, she comprehends their plan. "I appreciate the distraction," she murmurs to the others. "I will put it to good use, I promise you."
She picks her target carefully, choosing an artifact that is normally prominently displayed and whose absence will bring great embarrassment when it is looked for and not found. She also identifies the drop-point, helpfully arranged earlier by her friend Barntólf to be easy to access without being suspicious.
She gnashes her teeth as it looks like Barntólf must have been unable to enter the hall as he had intended. He gave no warning sign! she thinks furiously, before pausing to think that perhaps he might be in trouble. That will have to wait, she decides.
Henrika holds the artifact for the time being, and she looks around anxiously for a good place to hide it. Her eye falls on the high strategos and his officers. Dare I? she thinks. If it were to wind up among his possessions, well, no one would accuse him of stealing it, I am sure.
Emboldened by her success Cassi continues. Her next point of interest is Duke Centimus. Looking around till she finds him in the imperial archives she approaches him. On a wim she decides to use his chair as method of approach.
With a deep curtesie she approaches the conversation to impress him.
"Your grace, please excuse this woman for asking, but this seems to a marvel of technology. You must have masters from Alkenstar to build it.
Could I ask you to indulge me of one or two of its mysteries?
Please forgive me, I am no adept in the arts of engeneering, but my mind is baffled. Please forgive if I have to ask once or twice to better understand it.
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As Krios flaunts his knowledge of some small object or the like, a guest comments on the history of the crossbow resting in one case. She states that the crossbow Dignity’s Barb, a famed weapon of the Seventh Army of Exploration, was displayed in the case centuries ago, but it was lost and replaced with a reproduction. The guest goes on to detail the crossbow’s history as a weapon that gloriously slew a raving Kellid warlord.
”As a matter of fact, young lass, I think honor and loyalty are the two most important virtues any military should hold in high regards in their day to day operations. You have a smart mind, young lady, perhaps they should’ve listened to your words more carefully earlier.” he replies, winking mischievously at the small slight.
Your hand off to your cohort works perfectly, and no one sees it thanks to the distraction caused by the rumbling of art work set up by your companions inside the Gallery itself.
Krios gave a little nod, smiling coyly as Henrika does her business somewhat. A few items seemed to have been missing but no one was the wiser yet. He slowly extracted himself from the others though, making his way closer towards where the High Strategos was. It was Fezziwig's part to stick close to the man, listen to what he had going on, and see what they could learn. Such tasks were always easier when two different agents were on the same target.
"I'm aiding Fezziwig at the moment Raven, I cannot help. I am sorry." Perhaps one of the others would be able to assist her for the time being. When he was close enough to the man, he would begin to listen and study the man's words and mannerisms. Learning more about his primary political rival could only be good for the cause of the loyalists, after all.
His stand set up, he begins a spiel designed to attract interest in having portraits done. While producing an unflattering caricature of a minor count on behalf of the count’s neighbouring baron, his ears strain to catch a sliver of what the High Strategos is saying to an elderly Banker of Abadar as they walk by, in hopes of finding a useful line with which to broach the subject of producing a portrait for the man.
Raven isn't surprised that her other allies like Krios were otherwise engaged and truthfully, is a little glad that no-one had immediately run over to assist. The better she could complete this task, the better opinion her employer might have of her, and the quicker she could be in a position to lend assistance to anyone else at the party.
Raven offers up a lighthearted laugh at the mans quip, resting a slim hand on the mans arm and patting it slightly. "Ah, so there is a mischievous mind behind the military smarts after all. I'm very glad. As for my mind though, sometimes there is something to be said for flying under the radar and being underestimated. Not something I'm sure happened to you very often" she continues casually, passing out the compliment before she half turns slightly, putting the Princess in her sightline.
"What do you think of the Princess might I ask? Do you think she inspires honor and loyalty? Or do people underestimate her too?" she finishes, flashing a wink of her own.
Understanding that she is dismissed Cassi seeks Countess Abrielle Pace. and finally finds her in the gallery.
Bowing deeply to her superior she smiles and starts a conversation, trying to impress her.
"Countess Abrielle, I am positivly shocked on how well this colour of your dress matches your eyes. You must have a servant who is a true treasure and with incredible style. I am sure you will make a lasting impression on the royal court. But then rumors are, you will be rising soon anyway. And who would deny you this well-earned honor.
I heard you found an ally in the Duchess.
What do you think of this meeting? If I am allowed to be so bold to ask? Who has even half your taste?"
After her talk she returns to Lady Gloriella, trying to capitalize on her first success.
"Mylady, I am just a young aide, but I do seek a way to better my country. I do bear a great name, but names are words. I seek a chance to prove through deeds my worthiness.
As a member of the pathfinder society, you must value people who do not shy from risks. While some are goods at digging through ancient ruins, my expertise is the human nature and the labyrinths of the court. I also have learned on the Kithomere the true ART.
How can I prove myself worthy to you? "
Henrika watches and waits for the perfect moment to attempt to steal another Vernisant artifact or two. The gnome and the elf were centered on the High Strategos, and certainly drawing the attention of others in the Arcade of Triumphs. When she judges the timing is right, she repeats her psychic performance-- focusing her mind in that way she has done in the past to cause her blood to rush to her muscles and her mind to buzz with lightheadedness. Then she reaches out to nab the spyglass (and possibly the fan if she thinks she can get away with both).
As she crosses to the High Strategos, her mental faculties return and she feels momentarily exhausted. She pauses and reflects. Gilfroy and Krios are currently engaging with the general, and they are particularly memorable companions. If he were to find stolen artifacts on his person, she realizes that he might suspect that they planted them there. Quirking her cheek, she contemplates the consequences for them all if he should think to accuse them.
Instead, Henrika leaves the room and makes her way to another place at the event, the outer courtyard. There, she decides that she will wait until the gala has ended and then return the artifacts to their proper place. So: she must now delay and not draw negative attention to herself. Upon seeing Lady Gloriana Morilla and Princess Eutropia here, she watches them for a while, looking for a promising opening in their conversation to introduce herself.
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Gilfroy, however, manages to show enough interest in the gallery, regardless of whether he meant to or not. The curator of the gallery. Copernia Vau, introduces herself to the small gnome. She offers him, and his friend Krios, a tour of the gallery. The trio goes through the adjoining restoration room where artifacts are cleaned
and preserved. As part of the tour, she offers you one bottle each of universal solvent and unguent of timelessness so they can practice the skills she describes.
As Raven begins to ask her question, however, his attitude shifts in the extreme. His face sours, and he grunts out an angry response.
"The Grand Princes of Taldor should be just that: Grand Princes. I am loyal to the crown, and Grand Prince Stavian, and that is all."
With that, he abruptly turns face and walks away, disappearing into the crowd.
"You flatter me. Rightfully so, but flatter me nonetheless. This meeting? I enjoy it. I am eager to cast my support for Eutropia's platform. The old rule needs to be taken down, there is not a single reason a woman cannot rule as well as a man." The conversation doesn't progress much further beyond that, as she moves on to other peoples' attention.
Lady Gloriana notices Cass before she starts talking again, and smiles warmly as she moves up.
"Well, truth be told, I am quite aware that you are working for a benefactor, and I very much approve of your cause. Perhaps, after Eutropia speaks, which should be happening any moment now, I could introduce you to her. Come, I see people gathering for her speech now."
"“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."
“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."
“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!”
Henrika raises her eyebrows in surprise as the central issue with the succession is laid bare. She looks about at the other assembled nobility to see how the others react.
Gilfroy, who thinks it’s silly for the orientation of ones reproductive bits having anything to do with fitness to rule or lead, is not shocked by the announcement and more than a little amused at the obvious discomfort of many of the menfolk present, especially those with power to lose. He watched to see which men in particular are most put out, especially potentially the High Strategos.
Krios follows the woman on the tour, stepping along and listening half-heartedly to the woman's explanation to the restoration of these ancient artifacts. He leans in close to Gilfroy, whispering softly as he did.
"I am sorry friend. I am no closer to learning about the Strategos. How about yourself?" It was then that the woman turned and offered them useful alchemical items. Taking them in hand eagerly, Krios gave a bow of respect as he slipped them underneath his jacket. Such tools, while currently useless, could be quite handy in the right circumstances. It was never a bad thing to have more tools to use.
The crowds began to gather outside though and Krios's curiosity could not be stopped. He followed along, watching from the fringes as the princess gave her speech. The slightest smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he watched her deliver with poise, grace, and passion. She was right, it was time for Taldor to cast off the shackles of past traditions and embrace their future fully. This was not the first time that he heard her speak though and, as she did, his eyes looked over the crowd cautiously and carefully. There was more to learn from those attending and listening than the speaker's words.
Cassi listens intently to Princess Eutropia and claps her hands in support, not caring that she would be observed.
Her mind raced and she thought about what she know about the Taldan upper crust. Looking for Countess Abrielle Pace, she obeserves also her reaction.
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Raven spots the princess attempting to begin her speech. In general, Raven always gave such things her full attention and most especially for someone she respected as much as the princess. However, on this occasion Raven wanted to see who wasn't paying attention to the speech. Who was distracted, or bored, or disruptive. Such people might mark themselves out as obvious antagonists to be aware of.
So while she listens to every word of the speech, Raven casts her eyes across the crowd, appraising the people present.
Having not had any success getting anywhere with Earl Calhadian's inner cadre -- but keeping the location of the silver dagger in mind (the one he claims to have used against the vampire Malageur), and having not had any success catching either Baron Nicolaus Okerra's nor, more importantly, Duke Leonard Centimus' attention, Perdita Vernisant moves with everyone else to the courtyard to hear the Princess address the august assemblage.
'Well, no luck so far, either getting my great-Uncle's attention (I wonder if he actually killed the Vampire Malageur?), or in the Imperial Archives with Duke Leonard.'
'This will have become a complete failure now, unless I can manage to get somewhere soon.'
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He visibly thinks for a second before answering, his face becoming quite pensive as he tries to think of a way to word his answer.
[b]"She does inspire honor and loyalty for sure, but I have one single shard of doubt in my heart: the impact of Eutropia’s successful bid to end primogeniture. As a defender of law and order, I believe strongly in tradition, and I do worry that the princess’s actions endanger the stability of Taldan law.
As you are all listening to Eutropia's speech, the observant of you notice a staffer peel off from the group, and begin heading towards the apiary near the courtyard. Krios and Raven, however, notice that he is carrying what looks like a strangely colored alchemical bar.
Something tells you that you should probably be somewhat worried about what he's doing, unless it's something innocuous. Would be embarrassing to leave during the speech or immediately thereafter, for something that could be harmless.
Gnomes are eccentric anyway, and small, so Gilfroy ducks into the crowd and follows the staffer. If he’s wrong...oops.
Cassi looks curious at the servant.
She quickly looks around if any of the other coconspirators has seen this. As she is soon to be introduced to the princess, she knows she can´t leave, but maybe someone else can.
Krios's good eye spots the unusual movement occurring with the staffer, the man holding some kind of strange bar within his hands. It was unusual and for it to take place during the Princess's speech, deviously timed as well. His small friend was already in hot pursuit but Krios was a little more well-known, it could look bad for him to leave during a speech that so fit with what he and his own wanted. Instead, he studied it as well as he can.
Raven spots the staffer peel away with the rather strange looking bar. With her own prior history with alchemy, poisons and venom, Raven knew a surprising amount about strange chemical combinations, as well as the natural world.
Raven knew leaving the speech would be awkward, and potentially ruin her chances at further influencing the Baron, but the situation seemed unusual enough to investigate, especially in the context to such a charged environment. She immediately heads over to the man, moving faster to intercept if she believes there is cause for concern.
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It appears, for those of you who made the knowledge check, that the wafer is some form of scent bar, and this particular one will agitate any need in the area. You also seem to remember there being plenty of beehives over in the apiary.
Gilfroy and Raven leave the speech midway through, much time the obvious disturbance and annoyance of their fellow listeners. The staff member is walking relatively slowly, as it is a heavy wafer, and the pair can stop and talk to him easily.
Upon being approached, he does indeed stop, offering little resistance to nay questioning you may have.
”Good evening, my good man,” Gilfroy whispers. ”I couldn’t help but notice you walked out on the Princess’ speech. I certainly hope that none of your employers also noticed.”
Raven prepares herself to immediately berate the man for obvious sabotage, complete with some healthy threats before realizing that he might have been clueless about what he was carrying. Certainly someone hellbent on ruining the speech would have gambled and tried to keep walking.
"Sir, may I ask who was it that instructed you to carry this bar in the direction of the apiary? Its very important" she remarks earnestly, deciding to give the man the benefit of the doubt for now.
Krios watches as the servant leaves and Fezziwig and Raven pursue after him. The elf quietly moves closer to the area but does not leave the speech, just moving closer now to keep be nearby to assist others if needed.
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The staff member stutters, his path being interrupted suddenly. He holds the water close to himself, looking unsure.
”I-I...I’ve been instructed to leave this scent wafer next to the bee hives, to freshen it up for the tour of the apiary...one of the Taldan Phalanx guards told me it’d help keep them calm for the event.”
It is quite obvious that he isn’t aware of the true purpose of the wafer, and is most likely innocent.
The three of you that moved to respond to the disturbance notice the crowd watching and whispering, most likely about you. You know your measured choice to investigate during Eutropia’s speech will most likely cost you some amount of influence in the future.
Cassi looks around checking if anyone else has some interest in the servant.
"The scent will do the exact opposite, it will agitate them not keep them calm" Raven tells the staff member firmly. "Would you be able to advise us what the Taldan Phalanx guard looked like?" she asks, hoping to get an idea as to who it was behind the scenes trying to embarrass the Princess.
The murmurs of the socialites around him did nothing to faze Krios, who kept his chin up and a proud demeanor upon his face. Let them speak whispers about him and his comrades. He was certain that by the end of the night, things would be in his favor.
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The servant looks quite alarmed when you tell him what the wafer is actually for, and he hands the wafer over immediately upon being questioned.
As far as the Phalanx Guard, they all wear closed helmets during the festivities, so it is nearly impossible for him to describe the actual guard who gave him the instructions.
”But surely they didn’t know either, right? It must me some sort of mistake...” he says, suddenly wondering whether this was true or not.
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Gilfroy whispers to the man to continue on towards the bees, just without the wafer, which he instructs a Raven to keep out of sight. As the speech winds down, Gilfroy concentrates inwardly, whispering your the others, ”Watch the crowd.”
A hum grows from nothing, then a buzz, then the sound of angry bees, some distance off, but getting closer.
Using his racial spell-like ability to simulate the sound of angry bees with ghost sound, Will save DC 15 to disbelieve.
Cassi is waiting for Lady Gloriella to introduce her.
She quickly checks her dress and hands and takes her time.
Henrika is impressed by Eutropia's speech, and decides to introduce herself to the princess, assuming she can get close.
She twitches at the sound of bees, and quickly scans the crowd to see who else reacts, smirking in admiration of the gnome's audacity.
Raven heads into the direction of the Baron, hoping to once again try and influence him as part of completing her mission. She trusts the others to handle whatever it was Gilfroy was up to - her own task had taken long enough.
As Raven crosses the room, she worries a little that her actions during the speech might have caused some disruption, but she reasons that on balance, stopping bees interrupting the speech probably could have had worse consequences - especially if someone seemed willing enough to try. Plucking up a little more confidence, she finds a moment with the Baron again.
"I did want an opportunity to reply to your comment sir, before the speech took priority. I can understand your concerns about primogeniture. I would remind you though that the princess is following normal political avenues as she challenges it. I don't see riots in the streets or any attempt at force - merely someone following political channels - is this not what law and order is about? Support her Baron, the princess listens to her friends and allies. Should you be worried about law and order or the traditions of Taldor, you would be better suited to influence those conversations from a position of friendship wouldn't you say?"
Krios heard Fezziwig's words and would keep a non-plussed look upon his face as the others went to their work. He kept an eye out though on the crowd, scrutinizing them for any reactions that would not be common for the loud, buzzing noises of insects quickly approaching.
He doesn't pick up anything from the crowd; too many people around and too much commotion for him to really pick anything up. Giving a deep breath, he moves through the crowd and whispers softly through the badge. "What other objectives do we need to accomplish?"
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"Surely you have met Countess Zespire, correct? An up and coming lady in the courts, no doubt. And what of Lady Karthis? Noble blood through and through."
The Princess offers a hand out for you to kiss, smiling as the pleasantries are exchanged.
"Ah, I am glad to say that I have heard news on both of you, actually. Good to see you here! What did you think of my speech?"
"Perhaps you are right, dear Raven. Maybe tradition can be changed, as long as we follow the correct paths. Very well, you have convinced me. I will pass word onto the Princess that I shall support her and her vote publicly, as soon as I get a statement together on it."
Bowing deeply Cassi breathes the kiss on her hand and tries her very best not to flush.
"Your highness, I was moved. You have touched our national pride with your words. I am not sure that we have to endure, I think it is time that we prevail! And I think you will unite everyone onto this high goal!"
Henrika takes a moment to compose her thoughts, watching Cassi respond. She nods in agreement, and adds, "You've struck right at the heart of the problems that Taldor faces. As long as closed-minded traditionalist values hold sway in our country, we will turn to stone and erode away. And yet, as high as your ideals and noble your cause may be, I am sure you will collect enemies among those who do not wish to see the future of your reign come to pass. You will need friends around you to protect you from their plots." She takes a breath and puffs herself up a little. "I would be honored if you would consider me your friend."
Henrika winces as she senses she has overextended herself. Too soon, she thinks, embarrassed. She tries to transform her frank offer into a flippant bow and hide her flaming cheeks as she does so.
Krios watched his comrades move around the gala carefully as he mentally kept track of what was left to be done. He had, with the help of the gnome, been able to sabotage the bottle of wine. Henrika seemed as if she was able to snag the relics she was supposed to grab, ensuring the embarassment of one of the nobility. Raven was engaged to the Baron at the moment, leading the smart duelist to believe she had things in hand.
All that was left was eavesdropping on the High Stategos and learning the voting of a few senators, Fezziwig and the Countesses's tasks respectively. His eyes searched the crowd for the important frame of the High Strategos and he closed in to listen in carefully.
"Fezziwig, I'm with you." Krios murmured into his badge. He would draw in closely but not too close, trying to keep the suspicion of the man in check. He would speak to those around him, doing his best to play the part of a courtier.
Since the High Strategos is not falling into his passive web, Fezziwig takes the game to him, nodding appreciatively at the support from Krios. Going right up to the man, the gnome bows low and says, ”Greeting, High Strategos. I am the artist Fezziwig. I’ve had the pleasure of sketching and painting portraits of many of the guests of tonight’s festivities, it I have not had the privilege to commit your illustrious features to either paper or canvas. Your uniform is truly resplendent in this lighting: would you permit me the honour of staying close to you for a short while to make some sketches of your illustrious person, to honour such an important occasion as this?”
Raven nods to the baron, and makes her excuses to step away. She had been pleased with the conversation, and wouldn't have minded chatting more, but her mission had succeeded and she wasn't sure if her friends needed her assistance.
Tempted though she was to talk to the High Stategos, Raven considered it an unnecessary risk and besides, she felt that others had it will in hand. Instead she approaches the Archives, and tries to influence the area with her scholarly knowledge, hopefully with better results than her previous attempt.