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Book I: Crownfall
The 2nd of Calistril, 4718 Absalom Reckoning
Long, golden beams of the setting sun dance through the cafe’s smoky interior, highlighting breads, cheeses, and wine bottles behind the only counter. Martella sips casually from a steaming mug, dressed in an elegant but reserved gown—at least by Taldan standards. A hand-sized brass cricket buzzes quietly on the tabletop beside her.
“I’m so pleased you could join me this evening,” she begins. “Please order whatever you like; the fig jam is particularly lovely here. And feel free to speak candidly. I’ve taken measures to ensure our privacy.”
She looks about at the collection of individuals about her. A half smile escapes her as she speaks, "I know some of you know each other, but not all. It's time to make introductions because I foresee a long working relationship."
As she and Corran enter Higher Grounds, Ianthe quickly spots Lady Martella with Lady Aurelia. Ianthe rushes over and embraces Aurelia in a warm hug.
A tall, lanky man in his late 20s, clad in the finest red and blue silks and linens with a swirling cape lined in velvet clasped with a rampant lion brooch, bows to Martella. My lady, he acknowledges, before turning to the others assembled. Well met. I am Kenton Bowe, only son of Rydik and Jallyn Bowe, Major of the Taldan Horse knights. At your service.
A tall, blonde noblewoman looks about, clad in finery befitting her station: a dress that it artfully layered in hues of periwinkle, lilac, violet and eggplant. She also wears diamond earrings and a silver necklace set with amethyst. Smiling, she looks around the small group. Friends of Martella's must be good company to have. Oh, and Ianthe is here!
"I am Lady Aurelia Basri, recently returned to Taldor after my years of study at the Arcanamirium in Absalom," Aurelia says, pausing at mention of the prestigious wizards school. "I recognize that some of you may not know much of my family. Put simply, my family and the generations before have helped keep peace and maintained good relations with the elves of Kyonin. There's a great deal more I could share, but I would much rather learn about each of you."
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Striding over to the table, the Ladies Ianthe and Aurelia beside Martella catch Xavien's eye, along with the Lord Corran. A smirk flashes across his face. He knows of the other three nobles, if not well. They have moved in different circles and had different schooling, after all, and he does not recall conversing with any of them at the various balls and parties he frequented this week. The two other men are strangers to him.
"Marendo Karthis," he introduces himself, with a bow and a smile. Martella gives him a look. He gives an apologetic shrug. "That is, Lord Xavien Marendo Domitian Iactarus Karthis. But Marendo will suffice for friends of the Lady Martella," he adds with a grin and another bow towards their host. Xavien stands a little above average height and stocky build. This evening he is dressed in a fine crepe doublet in navy and deep green, a rich tailcoat of burgundy, and sable-lined boots of tooled leather. His only jewelry consists of two thick gold torcs worn at the wrists and another at the neck, plus a signet ring on the last finger of his left hand, which bears the Karthis family crest, but with the charges reversed. At his side is a straight-edged soldier's longsword, which seems to be an intentional choice over the flimsier blades popular among duelists in Oppara today.
"Where have you served, Kenton? Perhaps I have seen you at Zimar?" he asks of his neighbor. But before Kenton can answer, Xavien notices a passing waiter. "Waiter! Some cured ham, goat cheese, and grapes, if you please. And the fig jam with your Galtan croissants for the table."
"Apologies, my friend. You were saying?"
Aurelia returns the hug from Ianthe. "I'm delighted to see you here! Can it be that we'll be up to even more shenanigans?" This last she says with a wink.
Then she introduces herself...
When Marendo calls for food, Aurelia remembers that she is famished. "There is a puree done with peanuts that I admit I'm quite fond of. It's common in some quarters of Absalom. That, on a piece of baguette, with a raspberry jam is... divine!"
"Apologies, my friend. You were saying?"
Started there, Kenyon says amiably, but they soon reassigned me and my regiment to Maheto. Training them up for the next Shining Crusade, don't you know.
Kenton, too, has a blade at his side, lighter than that which Marendo has. A second is barely visible strapped tightly to his right thigh. Both are decorated with fancy silks and dangling baubles — stylish, if a bit flashy.
A tall man approaches the group. The man wears a red outfit with gold trim. It fits the current tread of the moment; not too flashy but fashionable. He clears his throat politely and then approaches the hostess. ” Thank you for the invitation.” he says with an appropriate bow to someone of higher status than oneself. After thanking Lady Martella, H turns his blue eyes to the rest of the party. ”Greetings to you all as well. I am Cleomachus Trius Vulso. My Mother is the only one who calls me Cleomachus. Please, call me Leo. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
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Ianthe's arms trail to Aurelia's shoulders as she takes a step back. With a smile and a wink returned, she releases Aurelia and turns to the group.
After Aurelia introduces herself, Ianthe speaks up.
I am Lady Ianthe Clement, recently returned to Taldor after my years of study at the Arcanamirium in Absalom, Ianthe says with a smirk.
Ianthe is a noblewoman of medium height. Copper skin and long, brown tresses speak to her family's long lineage in Taldor. She is wearing a stunning azure silk dress, trimmed in silver filigree. A silver hairpin of wild blossoms is woven into her hair and a magnificent diamond and sapphire pendant hangs from her neck.
It is a pleasure to meet all of you.
She then directs a pointed stare to Corran.
I am Lady Ianthe Clement, recently returned to Taldor after my years of study at the Arcanamirium in Absalom, Ianthe says with a smirk.
Aurelia gapes in mock indignation. Smiling, she nudges Ianthe before saying, "It seems my voice has been robbed by a doppelganger!"
She turns to Corram as well, adding, "Is that your brother??"
Oh, sorry Sister. I was once again struck dumb by the sight of Lady Basri. Thank you for breaking the spell--one could go blind like that. Milady, well met... again. And our host. Sorry to keep you waiting, Lady Martella. I promise to be worth it. he says removing his feathered hat with a gentle half bow to Aurelia, reserved for a more familiar acquaintance, possibly a friend. He then offers a similar bow, but a degree deeper for Lady Martella Lotheed. Corran does not take his eyes off her.
Corran Clement is in the prime of manhood. His brown hair and copper skin echo his sister's. He stands a little over six feet tall, and broad in frame. He's built for power over speed, but moves with smooth confidence. He is dressed in a velvet doublet with bloused shoulder sleeves the color of autumn, and a bolder colored hip-length caplet marked with the colors and arms of The Clements is draped over one shoulder. His hand rests on the horse-styled hilt of a falcata, one that has seen years of service. A waxed and polished, well-loved lute is slung on his back by a strap. Stylish leather breeches are tucked into polished swash-topped boots. He removes new leather gauntlets and reveals the only jewelry he wears--an expensive and beautiful signet ring displaying the crest of The Clements.
He stands and bows politely, as equals, to each of the persons present.
Gentles. Well met. I am Lord Corran Clement. Not nearly as gifted as my dear sister, nor as educated. But ask our music instructor and they'd tell you a different tale.
Once Lady Martella has given him leave to sit with the party, he politely assists both Ianthe and Aurelia to their seats and takes his own. Corran looks to the staff and calls for Coffee, if you please. Tea is for rest and introspection. But today? Coffee is for conspiracy. At first, I thought I was assisting a woman in distress, but looking around... This is a conspiracy. And croissants. I hear they're worth losing your head over.
I am Lady Ianthe Clement, recently returned to Taldor after my years of study at the Arcanamirium in Absalom, Ianthe says with a smirk.Aurelia gapes in mock indignation. Smiling, she nudges Ianthe before saying, "It seems my voice has been robbed by a doppelganger!"
She turns to Corram as well, adding, "Is that your brother??"
He smiles and it's infectious and dashing.
Milady jests. O but I do hate standing next to her. No matter what I do, I appear an impoverished beast when next to Lady Ianthe.
Milady jests. O but I do hate standing next to her. No matter what I do, I appear an impoverished beast when next to Lady Ianthe.
"Come now, Lord Corran. No one wearing breeches of that quality could ever be deemed 'impoverished'," Aurelia says, a grin widening on her face. "And I would say 'beast' is an unfair term. What was it we agreed upon, Lady Ianthe? Rogue? Ruffian? Rapscallion? It began with an 'R', I'm certain."
Though she jokes at Corran's expense, it's clear that it is affectionate teasing.
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Leo politely chuckles. "Lord Corran, you seem to be surrounded. Do you need assistance?"
Leo politely chuckles. "Lord Corran, you seem to be surrounded. Do you need assistance?"
Clearly he does, the poor impoverished beast, Kenton says, sharing Leo's smirk. Yet if we judge one by the company kept, surely their shine illuminates him as well, no?
Lady Martella sits in silence, looking at the team she's put together. Outwardly she is calm and collected, but under the surface is the kind of pride only visionaries truly know.
This! This is the future of Taldor, and it is bright and it is wonderful!
The waiter delivers the food in a timely fashion. It's not lost on him that this table is a who's who. He delivers everything tapas style, and everyone begins to pick and enjoy when Lady Martella speaks up.
"Well, I see this team is going to get along just splendidly!" She places a pouch on the table. "This is a gift for all of you, and I shan't accept anything but your acceptance. Don't get too excited. I think once you take inventory, you'll see that this is no mere social function."
She chose your booth carefully, and it affords a fair bit of privacy. Within the pouch is a lot of gear you don't usually bring to a party:
"Also, I know some of you have never been in the Senate before. The gala has very strict rules about weapons. Make sure you know them quite well."
"Also, each of you take one of these, and listen closely to understand how they work. These badges badges once belonged to the staff of the long-dead Senator Voritas, whose family line was involved in the senate for nearly a thousand years before dying out about a century ago. Senators and other politicians of note traditionally hand out senate aide badges of extinct or exiled family lines to guests they invite to senate events, identifying them at a glance as guests rather than sitting senators or staff. Guards are also more wary of visitors wearing the badges of extinct lines, given the ease with which a rabble-rouser or assassin could abuse this system, so be aware."
"Now, each of you has a specific mission, but you're also a team, so it's likely a good idea to share your mission with the others. It will help everyone out. While you're working I intend to spend most of the evening in the senate gallery, should you need to find me, but I need to hobnob as is expected of me."
After a moment of silence amongst the group, Aurelia shrugs. "I can go first."
"I have been asked to keep an eye on High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus. I will stay close to the military commander, watching for unusual behavior or listening for snippets of conversation," she summarizes. "I know something of the man behind our armies, but if know more I would love to know it. Regardless, I might benefit from the dust of illusion. It would allow me to perhaps impersonate a servant or guard."
"while you are out doing your tasks." Leo starts."I will be assigned to Lady Martella as her personal attaché."
Kenton goes next. I have been asked to make a strong impression on Baron Nicolaus Okerra, on behalf of the views of Princess Eutropia and her faction.
"Interesting, Kenton. I wonder..." Aurelia trails off, turning her attention to Martella. "Lady Martella, I am curious: was there a specific rationale behind the tasks you assigned each of us? I ask because having come from a long line of diplomats and having studied the art of persuasion I am surprised that the task you gave me is one of... listening inconspicuously. I do not mean to be rude, I simply wish to understand."
"Not at all. I know you're new to this. We have many things to accomplish, and helping each other out is a good idea. I think you'll find that you are better equipped than you think. after all, that dust alone should help with the inconspicuous part."
"The tasks are more about who you've been to me these last days, months, and years. You're each coming into your own. I think we'll learn as much about each other as we will our targets."
"Very well. In that case, know that I would be happy to help you out, Kenton."
"My charge is rather straightforward," Xavien says cheerfully, popping into his mouth the last bit of a split croissant piled high with goat cheese, jam, and a layer of cured ham. "I need only polish off a bottle of wine. Or something like that," he adds, winking at Martella. "An endeavor I am quite experienced at, really. Though one of these pellets might be a handy diversion..."
He pockets one of the pellets, and pins the badge to his coat's lapel.
Corran also takes a pellet and one of the badges. He's been quick to laughter until now, suddenly becoming quiet as he listens carefully to everything said. Looks to Xavien.
A bottle of wine?
To the others, he says, Not all of the Senators have been open about the upcoming vote. I'm to discover the dispositions of two of them, and the reasoning behind them. I'm to report this back to Lady Lotheed. The senators in question--Duke Leonard Centimus and Countess Aribelle Pace--are relatively unknown to me, though my preliminary investigations have borne some fruit.
Duke Centimus is the attendant of Grand Duchess Cisera Tiberan of Tandak. He's an intellectual and amateur engineer of sorts. The term I heard was, 'Tinkerer'. I hear he is a fine administrator but awkward with people on a social level. He lost the use of his legs in a riding accident but refuses to permit a divine spellcaster to heal the damage. He has a, 'keen', interest in the world beyond our borders.
Countess Pace is from the western borders of Taldor, and seeks to advance her station by any means. I'm told she is affable and agreeable to those she deems of use, but dismissive of others.
If any of you know more of Duke Centimus or Countess Pace, I ask to hear it.
Knowledge Nobility for High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus:
Knowledge Nobility for Baron Nicolaus Okerra:
I am ashamed to admit I know little of The High Strategos beyond what's public knowledge, and nothing of The Baron Okerra.
Does Corran know where one might get a writ of Spellcasting for the Senate? His is an entertainer, though he may not be on, "the list".
Aurelia thinks on the other names mentioned so far...
Sadly, those writs were handed out a long time ago to thoroughly vetted people.
Ianthe is silent as she takes in everyone's responses.
For my part, I'm on a mission for a mark. I'm to wander and listen and find someone new who opposes Eutropia and stir up some trouble when I do.
Aurelia has run in the circles enough to have a feel.
A noble and hero in the county of Meratt, Baron Okerra is as equally renowned for his good looks as he is for his combat skills. He is a handsome bear of a man, and stands a head taller than the crowd. While starting to show his age with flecks of white in his black hair and beard, he retains a youthful smile and gentle eyes.
An attending duke of Grand Duchess Cisera Tiberan of Tandak prefecture, Leonard Centimus is an intellectual and tinkerer whose head for systems makes him a good administrator, if a little awkward with people.
Only ridiculously gauche noble clothing and fine jewelry set Countess Pace apart from any other Taldan. Her face is usually in a smile, though it quickly turns to a sneer when she loses control of the conversation. She has short but well-kept brown hair locked back in a stylized bun.
Grand Duchess Tiberan has long since switched from the elegant dresses of Oppara for a more practical and conservative look appropriate both for someone of her station and someone who hunts down smugglers. With green eyes and soft features, Ciseran realizes that while looks can be distracting, they can also have practical uses. she is NOT expected to attend, sending Centimus in her stead.
Aurelia quickly explains what she knows of the four, hoping to catch up anyone who is unaware.
“Overall, tonight promises to be a historic evening, but an evening of work nonetheless. And in the sort of work you’re embarking upon, the line that divides success and failure is drawn by the people you know. You have your own tasks to accomplish, but I’m counting on you to support one another to ensure success and discretion. If you need assistance, kindly ask for it. If your assistance is required, give it. And if I’m to be blunt, I would like just once in my adult life to simply enjoy a gala I attend, rather than scamper about with clandestine busywork. If you all complete your work without need of me to clean anything up, I will happily slide you each 30 Platinum Crowns."
“I trust your activities won’t occupy your entire evening, so by all means, enjoy the party and make friends. This is an excellent opportunity for you to begin your own political ambitions, but do be discreet.”
At the mention of platinum Aurelia says nothing. But her eyes light up at the idea of enjoying the party. She turns to Ianthe. "It won't be anything like when we finished our final exams and celebrated at the Wounded Wisp. But I daresay the food will be better. I'm looking forward to this!"
Oh, indeed! And this time, we won't have the Bandir brothers to brush off. Tonight should be fun!
There's little left to do before the gala proper. You've been given the rules, is anyone planning on trying to bend, break, or circumvent them?
spring loaded sheaths are not prohibited correct? if someone wanted to fake peace bonding, what would that take?
Aurelia will apply some exotic perfume before leaving for the party. When others catch the scent, she smiles. "Something special that was imported all the way from the Mwangi Expanse. I adore the smell."
Nobility do not receive bills, the tab is handled "by others." So once completed, the team heads towards the Senate
While senators may enter the senate building with a minimum of fuss, the process for aides, staff, and other attendees to enter is long and tedious. You get shuffled into an expansive line dedicated to senatorial aides, minor noble attendants, and various others deemed as “people useful to people of import.” The line progresses ponderously, and it takes several hours to finally reach the front. During this time, dozens of overeager merchants attempt to sell a variety of wares to 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.
The entire affair is quite tiresome.
Corran strums and plays to pass the time, and to entertain and keep calm the people about him. Perhaps even the recognition may help him later.
Perform:
It is a GREAT performance, oration, song and lute. Something patriotic to psych up the people for the event.
Corran's entertainment is well received, and certainly makes the time pass more favorably. Once you get halfway through the line, a member of the security detail whom others call "Kathann" steps out. She points to you as a singular entity with a swirl of an imperious finger, "You, step aside and over here for a random inspection."
There is nothing "random" about this.
Sense Motive:
Corran points to himself and mouths, Me? Us?, shrugs and moves aside be inspected.
Kathann, yes? My what big arms you have.