Torin quickly decides that humility would do him a measure of good. Meeting the gaze of the high strategos and ignoring the pain in his hand he nods and seeks to withdraw from the handshake.
"You are the second person to remind me not to rest on accolades tonight my lord." he admits with discomfort, "Still, it was my pleasure to meet you. May you be in health until our paths cross again." Then, with as much dignity as he could salvage he would slink away.
He had promised Copernia Vau he would attend her tour, and though he had missed it he could take the time to lick his wounded pride and offer his apologies. He began walking about the displays looking for her.
If he found her he would quickly approach and offer a nod of his head acknowledging his mistake. "My apologies, I was kept from attending your tour my lady." he offered, "Perhaps you would be up for an alternative conversation? I could always help you move something heavy."
Thonis glances back to see Pythareus watching her walk away with a speculative smile on his face, though he makes no move to follow. Once she has passed beyond easy view, he resumes his air of patient reluctance and another insight about the man strikes her. He's waiting for something, or someone, perhaps.
The Countess does indeed prove susceptible to flattery regarding her attire.
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Zahur observes the Duke as he mingles. His wheeled chair appears to be more than a simple device to accommodate his paraplegia. Whenever he is without a conversation that interests him, he turns to tinkering and adjusting his chair. He brightens visibly whenever someone takes an interest in the contraption, though his face darkens like a thundercloud whenever someone brings up his accident or offers their sympathy regarding his condition.
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The High Strategos almost seems sad to see Torin go. Though his handshake was like being gripped by solid steel, he made no effort to grind or crush the young monk's hand. It seems likely that he is often the target of young warriors seeking to measure themselves against the standard of his sizable reputation. As the military leader of the empire, it stands to reason he strives not to demoralize them too harshly. An army always needs new recruits, after all.
Copernia Vau is unfortunately in a tizzy over some missing artifacts from one of the displays. "Well they cannot have simply grown legs and toddled off on their own, now can they? Keep looking!" She berates the guards as she turns to greet Torin. "Oh, hello again, young man. I fear I don't have time for another tour. This display is meant to be unveiled soon and these incompetent louts have somehow misplaced the majority of the relics. The Earl will be livid!" And she bustles off to help in the search.
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Thonis steers her conversation with Arabella Pace toward the events of the evening, asking her if she heard Princess Eutropia's speech. She then brings up the coming Senate vote on primogeniture, asking for the Countess's insight into how it will turn out.
"On the one hand, I've put 100 shiny gold coins into the betting pool that the vote will go against the Princess. On the other hand, I'm fairly new to the city and have no idea what's going on in politics here. How safe do you think my money is? I'm absolutely on pins and needles wondering whether I'll win or not!"
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Shiyara will head back to the courtyard and will try to engage in polite smalltalk with the gaggle near Magilla Gorilla Gloriana Morilla in a bid to Discover what the politico (politica?) is truly interested in.
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Happy with his observations, Zahur approaches the duke. "An impressive work on your wheelchair, Duke Centimus. Was it constructed here in Oppara? I must confess that I have never seen anything like that... and such a useful contraption!"
Thonis steers her conversation with Arabella Pace toward the events of the evening, asking her if she heard Princess Eutropia's speech. She then brings up the coming Senate vote on primogeniture, asking for the Countess's insight into how it will turn out.
"On the one hand, I've put 100 shiny gold coins into the betting pool that the vote will go against the Princess. On the other hand, I'm fairly new to the city and have no idea what's going on in politics here. How safe do you think my money is? I'm absolutely on pins and needles wondering whether I'll win or not!"
The Countess nods and flutters an ornately decorated fan. "Oh yes, quite a lovely speech, I'm sure. Progress marches apace, onwards and upwards, as I always say." She says rather blithely as she adjusts a few of her larger gems to better catch the light.
"Hmm? Oh you've made a wager, have you? I can't imagine why you would be fussed over such a pittance." She appears to reevaluate Thonis' dress and shrugs. "To each their own, I suppose. Frankly, I'm not sure it matters one way or another. Having an heir to the throne is all well and good but how will the Princess secure her own heir? She shows no signs of seeking a proper union and I daresay her clock is tick-tick-ticking away. Next they'll be asking for bastards to inherit. The very idea!"
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Shiyara will head back to the courtyard and will try to engage in polite smalltalk with the gaggle nearMagilla GorillaGloriana Morilla in a bid to Discover what the politico (politica?) is truly interested in.
Lady Gloriana is duly impressed with Shiyara's knowledge of Noble Houses. She also takes an interest when she inquires into her profession. "And have you made this gown yourself? How perfectly splendid! I fear I've been away from Taldor too long, I've not yet had a chance to peruse your wares. I do so enjoy meeting industrious folk like yourself."
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Happy with his observations, Zahur approaches the duke. "An impressive work on your wheelchair, Duke Centimus. Was it constructed here in Oppara? I must confess that I have never seen anything like that... and such a useful contraption!"
The Duke looks up... and up at Zahur and smiles. "Why yes, quite so, my good man! I commissioned it from a local artisan, a gnomish gentleman called Fezrick Starborne. He makes all sorts of clockwork contraptions. But I have made a few modifications myself. For instance..." He reaches down and flips a lever and the chair raises up about 3 feet until the Duke is looking at Zahur at a much more comfortable angle. "Ah, much better. Funnily enough, I am taller like this than I ever was on my own two feet." He grins proudly. "It just goes to show how little one's physical characteristics matter in the grand scheme of things. It's the mind that really matters." He says while tapping his temple sagely. "That's why I mean to vote to overturn Primogeniture. Eutropia is fair minded and not so caught up in her own ideas that she doesn't listen to advice. I'm sure she'll make a fine ruler."
Walking out into the open air and beautiful scenery of the courtyard Torin spots both Shiyara and the lady Morilla. To be fair it would be hard to miss the pair. The elf in her fantastic dress and the noble woman in a glimmering outfit of jewels and fine metals. Something about the contrast between them made the monk briefly consider his own sense of fashion.
He moves to join the two, passing through the throngs of people to come up alongside Shiyara. "Finally, someone I know." he begins before offering a polite bow to Gloriana Morilla, "Torin Argentus my lady. I saw the two best dressed women together and had hoped Shiyara would be sharing her craft with you. To a simple man like me her work is mystifying. I would hope to benefit from listening in."
Thinking to himself of what he had seen of nobility during his deliveries he tries to contribute by mentioning other styles that Shiyara could comment on.
Shiyara smiles graciously at Gloriana and conjures a business card from who-knows-where. "Of course, m'lady. You may also have seen my handiwork tonight on Countess Basri and her niece, Baron Filnor's first daughter, and Ms. Albus Mr. Of Crow Street of Lady Lotheed's entourage. I would be happy to schedule you a fitting, but here are my ideas..." She goes on to outline a few different potential outfits for Lady Morilla.
Lady Gloriana Morilla is delighted by Shiyara's discussion of her craft and how she might create the perfect look for her. She smiles in greeting when Torin joins them but her attention can hardly be diverted from Shiyara's impromptu design meeting. When she finishes describing her vision, Lady Morilla applauds lightly.
"Oh it all sounds so wonderfully complex! I never dreamed how much there is to consider. Have you had a chance to meet the Princess yet, my dear? I daresay she may need to commission a new gown when we announce her to the world as the recognized heir of the Primogen Crown. It's all just so exciting!"
Lady Gloriana makes the introductions, including young Torin, who she gives the title of Lion Champion. Princess Eutropia takes each of their hands in turn and gives them a firm handshake. "You really have been causing a sensation in that dress," she confides to Shiyara. "Why the way it seems to give the effect of waves rolling in from the sea, it's like magic!" She heaped on the praise, clearly impressed, as many Nobles have been tonight.
Eutropia gives Torin a knowing smile as well. "And I've heard you gave my cousin quite a workout in the arena yesterday. Allow me to congratulate you. He's quite the combatant, you know. Did I hear rightly that you won your match against armed men without a weapon at all? You must be quite the martial artist."
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A great fanfare of horns calls the attention of all in attendance as the Grand Prince, Stavian III arrives at the Grand Exaltation Gala. A hush falls over the event as the crowd parts for his attendants while they roll out a red carpet through the Arcade of Triumphs and the Courtyard, all the way to the Senate Floor. The Grand Prince's pace is brisk and he keeps his eyes trained ahead, ignoring all attempts to gain his attention. He is bracketed by a host of his Ulfen Guard. The regal parade proceeds to The Emperor's Hall and only a few Gala guests are allowed in before the doors are closed and barred from within. Among them are Earl Calhadion Vernisant and the High Strategos, Maxillar Pythareus.
Princess Eutropia begs pardon of her guests. "Please excuse me, the vote will not be long now that my father has arrived. I fear I must see to my preparations as well." And she retires to the Lady's Lounge with her retinue.
Once the excitement has passed, servants begin to bring out a light supper, placing various expensive cheeses, fruits, pastries, soups and wines out on tables or carrying platters to offer momentary repast. The food placates the masses left confused by Stavian’s abrupt arrival and sudden disappearance, and soon conversations return to normal. Socializing becomes easier, as interested parties jockey for positions in food lines to speak with important dignitaries.
Her business done, Ismene seeks out Arthur again. Nearby a rumor about Countess Pace is making the rounds. It seems that a rather salacious page out of her journal, or "Pillow Book" as it is being referred to, describes the various favors she has made available to any who would help to improve her status and standing in Taldan Society. Much to the chagrin of her husband, one could only expect.
A small, secretive smile played at her lips as she gave a satisfied little sigh. "There you are, my Lord. The Grand Prince did not seem pleased with the Gala this year. I suppose he must not be looking forward to the vote tonight, as we are." She wondered for maybe the millionth time why the Grand Prince did not seem to support Eutropia's efforts. Her own father was quite pleased by the prospect that Ismene may soon be able to be named as his own heir. He was older and set in his ways now and seemed to have no desire to wed a new wife to procure a new heir. Was the Grand Prince really so different than Lord Percival Albus? It seemed sad to her, seeing the royal family divided by their respective politics. "Shall we get some dinner?"
Thonis gently corrects Countess Pace regarding her motivation.
"Oh, it's not about the gain or the loss my dear Countess. It's about the risk. The thrill is in making an uncertain choice and then backing one's choice with real stakes. The wager makes the opinion or intuition matter."
"Of course things are different for you. You are a voting Senator so your choices always matter. I suppose you could think of my wager as a way of mimicking what you must feel so often, even if my experience is only a pale shade of your own. But someday I hope to be like you!"
After leaving Countess Pace, Thonis seeks out Lady Lotheed to report her findings.
"If the High Strategos is not plotting something himself, then he is aware of someone who is. He is is here fully armored, and explained his choice as a precaution considering the heightened tensions around the vote on Primogenitor this evening. That by itself might make him seem a little paranoid, but he is also definitely waiting for someone or something in particular. He's not prepared just in case something happens, he's prepared because he knows something is supposed to happen."
"I'm still confident he is the one behind the attempt to stir up the bees. I think he has other plans to spoil things in the works as well."
"For her part, Countess Pace is not personally invested in the outcome of tonight's vote one way or the other. I wasn't able to get her to reveal how she is currently leaning, but I would not be surprised if her final decision comes down to her finger in the wind. Her real vote will be the one she thinks will most safely advance her position in the Senate."
Torin sighed as Shiyara managed to influence the lady Morilla as much despite his help as with it. He wasn't sure either women was even paying him any mind until the conversation carried them to the princess and he was properly introduced.
"It is as you say your highness. Were I not trained in the dragon style he would have bested me." he explains. A small smile played across his features before he added, "My entire body is my weapon."
The monk watched with great interest as the prince entered with such fanfare and pageantry, and remembering the awards of the day before he couldn't help but be excited. Sadly, there were to be no speeches as the prince simply went on his way and the higher nobility separated themselves from the party.
As the princess excused herself he bowed formally and gave a sidelong look to Shiyara as if expecting the elf to tease him. Then, as the food began to arrive he was quick to claim a thin fluted glass of wine for the two ladies and himself. "It would be my pleasure to secure us seats and a proper table." he offered to Shiyara and the lady Morilla, "If it would please you both after being on your feet for so long."
If his company was amicable he would quickly hurry through the servant passages in search of a small table, a proper cloth to place over it, and two chairs.
Shiyara whistles to her bird for a momentary preparation on their way to the princess and he makes himself scarce before their final approach. Shiyara shakes the royal hand and meets the royal gaze with a smile. "I am delighted that you even noticed my handiwork, your Highness. I am, of course," She bows her head towards the princess and holds out her hand as if to ask for a dance, "At your service." As she finishes, her brilliantly blue songbird alights upon her outstretched hand, holding a card in its beak towards the princess.
She will affirm Torin's skills as well. "If you believe the stories, Master Argentus won the day with a single flying kick! It seems that the monastic life pays off."
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How delightful, Master Argentus. I would be honored. She will sit down with a drink, a small bowl of soup, and a bowl of grapes which she feeds to the bird.
The Countess preens under Thonis' praise of her power and position. "Well, aren't you just adorable. To tell the truth, I care little for the outcome one way or another. You can do that when your position is as secure as mine. Perhaps I will flip a coin!" She titters a condescending laugh at her own idea.
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Eutropia laughs delightedly and applauds Shiyara's excellent showmanship, tucking her card away for future reference. The ladies of her retinue are clearly impressed. The Princess bids Shiyara and Torin a fond farewell before excusing herself.
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At the conclusion of the dinner, a familiar bottle of wine is brought out. The gentleman uncorking the bottle nearly gags and only a few glasses are passed around before sounds of disgust tip everyone off to the undrinkable quality of the wine. The man Thonis heard the Grand Strategos call Bartleby, storms over to investigate the bottle and looks appropriately embarrassed when he cannot blame the failing on some servant. "It was a gift from Qadirans, I suppose we're lucky it was not filled with sand!" He offers the crowd, but only a smattering of people find his quip amusing.
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Finally, the Taldan senate convenes to vote on various issues while guests watch from the gallery above. The political ruling body of Taldor spreads out twenty feet below the observation deck of the gallery. Dozens of senators and their immediate aides scurry below. The cacophony of voices is almost deafening, and it seems like the ceaseless chatter will continue endlessly. Suddenly, the magically amplified voice of the Senate Speaker interrupts the noise.
“Thank you all. I would ask that our observers please be silent and seat themselves at this time. I hereby convene this session of the official Senate of the Empire of Taldor. First, we will review the old business." Announces the magically amplified voice of the Speaker, his great white mustache quivering along with his speech. An audible groan is heard from many impatient guests in the upper gallery.
"I would like to remind our guests at this time, that any interruption will only extend what is already a lengthy process. Thank you." The hall spends half an hour arguing and voting on formalities and spending bills before reaching the event all of Taldor has been waiting for: whether to abolish the long-standing law of primogeniture.
"We will now begin voting on addendum number twenty-two thousand eighty-seven: the repeal of the ancient law of primogeniture, the issuance of inheritance and aristocratic title solely through the first-born male heirs.” Following this proclamation, the Speaker begins calling on individual senators one at a time to support or oppose the repeal. Early declarations split evenly between the options, with many senators abstaining entirely, and only halfway through the process do votes begin to favor Princess Eutropia’s bid to end primogeniture. By the end of the tabulations, the repeal passes with roughly sixty percent of the senate’s backing. The Speaker takes a moment to compose himself, seemingly shocked by the results, before continuing to formally announce the initial results in a distant monotone.
"And so, the final tally for addendum twenty-two thousand eighty-seven, the repeal of primogeniture, with thirty-six abstentions, the final tally stands at one hundred and seven for, seventy-nine against. The addendum passes. Among other business tonight, the senate recognizes
With the declaration made, the chamber explodes in a riot of applause and condemnation. It takes several minutes for the cacophony to die down. The Speaker declares that a closed senate recount is to take place, an event signaled by the Speaker ordering a temporary recess of the senate to outsiders. You are foisted out as an uproarious argument ensues on the Senate Floor. You hear a now familiar soft chime from your senate aide badges and listen as Martella calls you to one last meeting to discuss recent events. You find her in the same area as last time, looking quite pleased.
He lightly claps at the announcement and looks over as Ismene. At the chime of the badge he takes her hand and leads her out of the senate. Likely being the first two to arrive he sits Ismene and offers to get a drink for each of you?
Zahur smiles, appreciating the outcome. Usually he cared not for politic matters, knowing full well that whatever is decided in the senate building, people like him were at best unaffected and at worst pushed even more to the mud... this time, however, he allowed himself some hope.
As he is called, Zahur turns his back to follow to the meeting point.
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Martella smiles and nods as she greets you. "Yes, I think something bubbly is in order. Arthur, if you would do the honors." She gestures to a bottle sitting in an ice bucket on the table with gold foil wrapped around the cork. Assembled around it are seven elegantly tapered flute glasses. "Truly excellent work out there tonight, everyone. I really don't think we could have pulled it off without you. And I didn't even lift a finger! You've definitely earned those bonuses I promised you."
Just then, an usher walks by, ringing a bell to help draw attention to his announcement. "The Grand Prince will perform the Exaltation Ceremony and give a brief speech to conclude the Gala in one half hour. I repeat, the Grand Prince will..." His voice trails off as he wanders through the crowd, repeating his announcement again and again.
"Well, I have never heard a Stavian give a concession speech, but I suppose there is a first time for everything. After all, we shall have our first Grand Princess in our lifetimes, can you imagine? I still can hardly believe it. I will make my way to congratulate Eutropia, if you don't have any questions for me. I shall see you all at the Ceremony in half an hour. Oh, and don't forget about Kalbio's letter, Zahur. Try to give it to him before he leaves tonight. You all have my deepest thanks!"
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Ismene is all bright smiles as she takes the offered flute, almost in disbelief at the good fortune you all have had this evening. "It really has been a splendid event. So much the better that I was able to enjoy it with you all." Though she takes you all in with her glance, it seems pretty apparent she speaks mainly to Arthur.
Feeling a little tipsy from all she'd indulged that evening, she turned her thoughts toward some mental math and realized that by some standards, this could be considered her and Arthur's third date. They'd had drinks last week, shopping and the tournament yesterday and tonight the Gala. She felt a flutter of butterflies in her stomach as she considered what that meant for them tonight.
Shiyara spends the intervening time mingling and drumming up business.
With his royal gut and rather typical libations he is barely feeling the amount of drinks he has had tonight. He takes off the golden foil and taps the neck of the bottle to get it ready. He picks up a dinner knife and slices air the first time. Then with better accuracy he pops the cork by guiding it out. Then filling the flutes before passing them out to those at the table.
"Congratulations to the passing us into a brighter future!" He offers in toast to the group with his flute in hand raised to the group before he takes a long sip.
Thonis barely avoids being late for the dinner. Rather than settling down to eat with any members of her team, she barely eats. Instead she continues to circulate making new introductions and chatting. She spent so much time with her attention locked on Pythareus and Countess Pace, she feels like she missing out.
She is also thoroughly convinced Pythareus, or an ally of his, will be springing something else nasty. So she stays on patrol looking for any sign it might be coming.
Thonis does the same in the Senate chambers. When nothing happens to wreck the proceedings in either place, she can't complain of course. But she does feel a little put out at being wrong. Her instincts about such things aren't often wrong.
Zahur takes the flute and slowly appreciates the wine. It isn't common for him to have the opportunity to drink such fine wine, since he prefers to spend his spare gold on food.
As Martella mentions the letter, Zahur nods and shows the letter is still on his pocket. "I have not forgotten about the letter, milady."
Among the throngs of those watching the proceedings of the senate Torin stood with his arms crossed and his features were set as solemnly as he could manage. Despite working for repeal the entire evening he wanted to show no support for either side.
As they were called again before Lady Martella he did allow himself a faint smile at her praise. "It was my pleasure." he reminded her. As Arthur pours out drinks he takes the time to split the fourth share of coins that had proved unnecessary.
He took an experimental sip of his drink before he laid out the coin for the other two men. "I was misinformed earlier." he explains as simply as he can, "There were only three shares."
He continued to sip lightly from the fluted glass and think quietly to himself over the events of the night. Being so new to the social climate and working with others, his features showed plainly how perplexed he was at how to take everything.
Ismene's focus on Arthur was obvious even to the distracted monk, and he returned Arthur's toast by raising his glass as well and his earlier smile returned. "I hope you all had an entertaining evening as well." he added, "Excuse me. I would like to be front and center when the prince speaks." With a polite nod to the group he then turned and walked away with his thoughts.
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Ismene's focus on Arthur was obvious even to the distracted monk, and he returned Arthur's toast by raising his glass as well and his earlier smile returned. "I hope you all had an entertaining evening as well." he added, "Excuse me. I would like to be front and center when the prince speaks." With a polite nod to the group he then turned and walked away with his thoughts.
Though Torin moves in early and jostles for position, he finds his attempts to be close to the ceremony stymied as rank seems to figure in, again. Hundreds of dignitaries, senators, and visitors cram onto the senate floor and it takes the Guard's authority to keep people in their respective places. Here, you see a dozen hulking members of the Ulfen Guard, personal bodyguards of the Grand Prince, stand arrayed around a podium atop the central, projecting stage of the chamber. In the end, the six of you are lucky to find standing room against the back wall.
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 young 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.
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As she watches the stage, Thonis starts to feel that nagging uneasy feeling start to bubble up again. She's had entirely enough of it for the evening though, and tamps it back down so she can watch the coming show in peace.
Torin found himself confused during the prince's speech, not knowing the context to everything said. He briefly looks around at the crowded space, trying to judge what reaction he should give, and settled on trying to appear stoic.
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Zahur is applauding with all the others when he notices something strange. He reaches for the others and point to the doors and to a bunch of armed, black-garbed personnel moving around. "Is it my impression, or those guys appear to be blocking the exits?"
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Shiyara nods and murmurs, "It's not just you. Cover me? I'm going to cast a spell."
She'll wait a few seconds for someone to cause a distraction, then she grabs the loose thread on the sleeve of her dress, reaching through it to the threads that bind all things together, and with her mind she pulls, hoping to yank open the doors behind the men.
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Shiyara's spell tugs at a nearby door, only to rattle it against it's hinge. The noise leads the Guard to turn and double check it and you see from the way he pulls against the handle that not only are the doors guarded, they are locked.
"Well, honestly. What can they hope to achieve by cooping us up in here? Surely the Grand Prince wouldn't try to force another vote? It would never be considered legal under such coercion!"
Alerted to the situation by the keener eyes of the group Torin grimly looks at the locked doors and reaches quietly to his right side and opens a belt pouch to withdraw a potion.
"Don't kill anyone if you can help it." he cautions, "Ladies, you might want to position yourselves behind us fighters." Then he lifts the potion and downs it's contents.
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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 as he casts a baleful eye on Eutropia, who stands just before the stage beneath them.
“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 pulls a jeweled dagger that flashes toward the hapless weaver, slicing open the throat of the astonished man in his clutches. The nobility below is showered with poor fellow’s blood. Kalbio gurlges, mouthing “Ma...ma...pa...” before he collapses to the stage in a heap. A red-stained Princess Eutropia defiantly stands among the nobility, staring up at her father in shock and disbelief.
Casting aside cloaks to reveal armor and blades, the unidentified soldiers in the chamber launch into movement, cutting down the attending masses in a wholesale slaughter. A total of 50 armed soldiers surround the room.
After a moment’s confusion from most of the Ulfen Guard, the viking warriors attempt to close ranks around their emperor, cutting down anyone — black-clad warrior and panicked senator alike — who approaches. Heavy helmed soldiers guard the doors and make wide-arc slashes with their swords to keep the crowds at bay. Within mere seconds, the senate floor becomes a killing field, as Stavian III looks around in deranged wonder at the butchery he has begun.
Round 1
Zahur
Shiyara
Ismene
Torin
Arthur
Thonis
Blackguard
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"NNOOO!" Zahur yells from the back of the grandiose room as the emperor murders poor Kalbio.
As the indiscriminate killing starts, Zahur draws one of his hidden kitchen knives and then assumes a strange fighting stance... to those used to combat, it appears the humble cook is more than what he appears to be. Noticing Thonis is being guarded by Torin and Ismene by Arthur, Zahur moves forward to protect Shiyara. "We move together..." He then looks around, searching for the closest door.
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Seeing Thonis between himself and the chaos Torin quickly moves to step past her, but something in the movement of the crowd tells him he can act. Without hesitation he shifts his balance and breaks into a sprint. Brushing past Thonis with a hand on her shoulder he propels himself through the crowd. Before each collision in the crowd a firm hand was extended, pushing into the contact in advance and helping him shift past. In all this chaos the monk somehow made a direct charge at the guard blocking the north door. Almost stumbling as he came out of the throng he instead took a leap from his last firm footing and launched a chopping right at the unexpecting guard's head.
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Thonis gasps in horror when that poor kid Kalbio is murdered by the Grand Prince. The deed is so beyond comprehension she can muster no further reaction.
However, when she realizes the entire room has been designed to become an immense and lethal ambush, Thonis screams. As the black clad men move from the doors into the crowd and begin to slaughter everyone, Thonis continues to scream. She turns to rush behind Torin and hide, and for a moment she believes his thinking is the same as hers as he moves forward to her and takes her by the shoulder. She stops screaming and shifts to move behind him.
But then he keeps on going into the crowd.
There's no way Thonis could, or ever f$~$ing would, follow Torin pushing through the crowd toward a bunch of assassins, so she stops moving and starts screaming again. Looking about for anyone else, she sees Zahur. He seems big enough to accommodate two people behind him, and besides Thonis is small and doesn't take up much space.
Thonis runs to Zahur and buries herself into his back like a tick. She stops screaming long enough to ask Shiyara "what are we going to do?", and assert "we're all going to die!"
After summing up the situation for the elven woman, Thonis opts to cease screaming in favor of crying.
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Shiyara nods to Zahur and stays behind him, trying to stay as unobtrusive as possible. She casts mage armor on herself and pulls out her net. She reaches out to Thonis to steady her and says, "Not if we stick together, we won't. Stay close dear."
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Ismene's reaction was nearly the diametric opposite of Thonis'. Her hands leaped to cover her mouth as she looked around at the carnage surrounding them, the rich tones of her complexion paling as the blood drained from her face. Her pitch black eyes, wide with horror flew to meet Arthur's and she hardly spoke above a whisper as she lowered her hands from her face to grip his sleeve in a white knuckled grip. "By all the Gods, he's gone mad. Eutropia! We have to reach Eutropia!"
Up about 30 ft ahead of you, Lady Martella Lotheed breaks the peace bond on her sword and begins moving through the crowd, struggling to also reach Eutropia's side and protect the heir to the Primogen Crown and the future of Taldor!
He looks up at his great Uncle in aghast horror. Then he stops himself, looking around he looks at the flow of the crowd and his objectives. He then yells at those around him, "First we secure Eutropia and Lotheed! Then we follow Torin. Come follow me!" He states with his authoritative voice using his oration skills to guide the group. Then he quickly whispers, "I will be right back." With that he slips away from Ismene leaving Zahur as the guiding protector. He moves quickly with ease through the crowd as if they weren't there. He draws his sap in one hand ready to dissuade anyone from laying hands on him. There he looks his cousin dead in the eye stating in a firm voice, "Come with me and you might live. Lotheed will follow." He secures his free hand on hers.
At 1st level, an urban barbarian gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC when adjacent to two or more enemies. In addition, her movement is not impeded by crowds, and she gains a bonus equal to 1/2 her barbarian level on Intimidate checks to influence crowds.
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Ismene nods solemnly, knowing Arthur has to go to protect his cousin. "I will try to help Torin clear us an exit, bring them back this way." And she quickly quaffs an extract she'd held clenched in her hand and moves closer to Torin to be able to throw.
As the conflict escalates, other members of the crowd pull hidden weapons from their clothing and engage the Blackguard agents. Up ahead you recognize Kathann Zalar, the inspections agent who helped Zahur and Ismene to secure their questionable goods in line for the Gala. She produces a blade, seemingly from nowhere as she leaps to guard the Junior Senator who was standing nearby shouting, “Lion Blades! To your duties! Defend the senate! Defend Taldor!” Martella Lotheed presses toward the Princess and deflects an attack with her sword as she Gloriana Morilla swings Eutropia into the crowd behind her and begins backing away from the Black clad assassin's advance on their position.
Princess Eutropia draws her weapon as Baron Okerra and Duke Centimius maneuver to surround and shield her from harm as well. Countess Pace presses in close, clearly hoping to shelter inside the zone of safety the others try and build around the hope of Taldor.
Torin's triumphant expression falls from his face as his charge is deflected by an extremely solid suit of armor. As an amused laugh echoes within the closed helm. Another Gala guest, one of the Senators guards, joins Torin in his attack and the Blackguard cuts him down mercilessly with two quick swipes of his bastard sword. His dark laugh echoing again.
Round 2
Zahur
Shiyara
Ismene
Torin
Arthur
Thonis
Blackguard
Zahur doesn't follow Arthur into the center of the Senate Floors. He has watched the Grand Prince himself murder a good and simple man, which caused his normal mistrust of nobility to spike. He looks back at Shyiara and the frightened Thonis at his back and decides that if he is going to risk his life, it will be for them.
He grabs Thonis' hand and pulls her behind him, towards where Torin is. "Come you all, lets get out of here! I'll try to distract the guard with Torin so you can escape... if you do, do not stop running and do not look back. Do not wait for us, just flee!"
Torin is thrown a moment as what he thought was a fine strike was deflected harmlessly. As he came down from the blow his opponent didn't even attack him, but rather cut down another guard who had rallied to him. His anger flared up, pushing back the doubt he had in the moment at potentially being outclassed.
"This is why no one invited you!" he accused as he pressed closer to his armored and blade wielding foe, "You suck the fun out of everything!" Fear would do him no good this close. Only pushing forward would he have a chance to survive. Drawing out the latent arcane power of his bloodline his fists tightened. He came in on the man's blade side with a left straight that flew in right between the arms at his helmeted head. Then he followed with a hook, mimicking a dragon batting at it's prey only to sweep in with the opposite claw.
Shiyara moves her hand from Thonis to Zahur as her usually wry amusement has given way to grim determination. "Let us take the exit then...but we must hold it. We may not be able to get to them," She motions to the redoubt forming around the Princess. "But perhaps they can come to us, with the rest of this crowd."
As they press towards the exit, Shiyara calls out to the nearest guard. "Today you have chosen the wrong side of history, and the full might of Taldor will soon come down upon you and snuff the memory of you from Golarion."
Eutropia's face is grim determination as Arthur reaches her side. She has wiped poor Kalbio's blood from her eyes with her white glove leaving her with a pale mask around her eyes in contrast to the rest of her red-stained countenance. As Arthur urges his cousin to join him while he leads her to safety, her eyes narrow a moment in suspicion as she questions his motives.
Finally, with a quick nod, she takes his hand, ready to follow him out. "Is that really my father up there? Why is he doing this, Arthur?" You see a trace of the girl she used to be as her bottom lip quivers momentarily in grief and fear for what has become of the man who used to swing you both up into his arms when you were small children.
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Shiyara's words fall on deaf ears as the Blackguard swings his sword at Torin. By some miracle, the monk just manages to dodge the first slash and then finds that he easily avoids the second.
Ismene rummages in her bag, quickly mixing reagents with the catalyst she had prepared earlier that day, which now seemed so very long ago. Her mind raced with potential scenarios and could only conclude that the Grand Prince meant to destroy everyone who had witnessed the repeal of Primogeniture. They had to escape this place!
"Torin! Incoming!" She called as way of warning, her voice barely reaching him above the ring of steel on steel and the clamor of voices raised in pain and terror.
Round 2
Her bomb impacted the Blackguard's shoulder and exploded, the *BOOM* drawing eyes, even in this cacophony of noise. The man inside the armor grunts in surprise and pain. Fortunately, Torin is spared any splash damage due to her inspired application of a targeted admixture.
Round 3
She turns to see that Arthur has reached the Princess and will be bringing her and Martella back this way soon. Hurriedly, she mixes and throws again, hoping to drive the Blackguard from his post on the door. He roars inside his helm but still does not move.
Torin grimaced as the armor turned aside his attacks again. Already the sword arm was coming up to cut him down. Seeing the unwieldy bastard sword descend, he ducked to the right. While the sword followed him the change in angle stole power from the strike, and the magic protecting him stopped it. He stumbled away with him momentum to get to a safe distance. The armored man recovered his balance and tried to follow with a thrust, but Torin was able to turn it aside with ease.
He went to attempt another blow when he heard a shout behind him. An instant later a compact explosion seared his opponent and sent powdered glass and a rush of warm air blowing into the monk. "Seems a fancy suit of armor doesn't make up for a poor guard after all." he mocked. He didn't have time for another full rush, so the monk pressed in almost body to body with his opponent and threw a viscous body blow right into the belly of his armored foe.