"Indeed, my good lady?" Xavien replies, arching an eyebrow and cracking a smile. "Perhaps the Marquess Charlotte is privy to the Barb's true resting place?" The smile becomes a teasing grin.
She smiles back, "Ha. If you're thinking the Society has it, we do not. It's genuinely lost as far as I know."
Leo quickly takes stock on the area and naturally finds himself in the Gallery. He uses his fairly common features and some quick voice changes to entertain some of the children as he passes through.
Leo's presence isn't really noted, and while he makes a little progress, it's not much.
Entrance "Surprise Round":
Aurelia: Success - Arcade of Triumphs
Corran: Fail
Ianthe: Go
Kenton: Success - Senate Floor. Room is now "Favorable"
Leo: Success - Gallery
Xavien: Success - Arcade of Triumphs. Room is now "Favorable"
She smiles back, "Ha. If you're thinking the Society has it, we do not. It's genuinely lost as far as I know."
"If you say so," Xavien replies, offering a bow. "In that case, I have no doubt you shall be the one to find it! I await the tale of your discovery in the Chronicles with eager anticipation..."
"Ha! You do seem like the type to read it. I'll have my people let your people know when we do."
"T'would be a true kindness," Xavien nods appreciatively. "Tell me, do you know the story of how it came to be lost? Was it the usual archival mix up? Or was it," and here Xavian puts in a dramatic pause, and his voice becomes a feigned conspiratorial whisper, "scandalously stolen?"
Thinking that no one knows the goings-ons of the nobility better than their servants, Ianthe makes her way to the Servant's Wing. If she can pick up some gossip, she might be able to hone in on a few nobles to work on. Under the auspices of ensuring everything is to the proper quality for Lady Martells, Ianthe begins "inspecting" the preparations in the Servant's Wing, pulling servants aside at random and dressing them down as if some imagined error could offend her Lady.
Lady Ianthe's foray into the servant's quarters reveals that she's never attended anything this big, as the servants pay her no heed as they're too busy!
A swelling of the crowd towards the courtyard gives you an indication that something of note is about to happen. Dozens of senators, well-wishers, and hangers-on have begun to gather around the newly arrived Princess Eutropia Stavian, who slipped into the gala unnoticed and unannounced. By the time the rest of you arrive, Princess Eutropia has already attracted a large gaggle of several dozen nobles.
Lady Gloriana Morilla loudly clinks her glass and declares, "Princess Eutropia would like to address the gathering." With the announcement, the crowd gives Eutropia some space, and Gloriana helps the princess climb onto the garden’s stone railing to be seen and heard above the throngs....
“My friends, colleagues, and assorted enemies, it is wonderful to see you all out in your finery beneath the beautiful stars tonight. With any luck, the weather will be the only thing that refuses to change this evening."
“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...."
One of the serving staff breaks off from the group and heads toward the apiary near the edge of the courtyard. The senate apiary consists of three wooden boxes, each housing a small beehive used to pollinate the garden’s various exotic plants and make exquisite honey used in the kitchens.
You also see that the staff member is holding onto a strangely colored alchemical bar....
Closest to:
Kenton grasps Corran's sleeve and nods slightly in the direction of a servant who has quietly moved to the Senate apiary with a strangely-colored alchemical bar . He moves one way and motions for Corran to move another toward the area.
Aurelia listens attentively to what the princess has to say.
Xavien has no idea what the bar does, but he is sure that it means trouble. He hurries after the staffer and grips them firmly by the bicep. "I wouldn't," he hisses between grimly grinning teeth. He does not let go.
Noticing the potential trouble, Ianthe begins to move but sees that the others have the situation in hand and instead moves to stand with Aurelia, whispering quickly to her of what's happening.
Aurelia nods in thanks to Ianthe, turning her attention to watch Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis move to intercept.
Perception:
Bardic Knowledge:
That is... Curious...
But he doesn't even have a moment as Kenton signals him. Corran nods back to him and moves quietly to the apiary to back up his team.
Xavien acts quickly, not knowing what exactly is going on, but is certain that it isn't good. Some of the crowd turns and looks, giving disapproving looks at the lord.
The staffer seems petrified by the forward approach. "I'm sorry!" it's a whisper, but it's a genuine one. "One... one of the Taldan Phalanx guards approached me and told me to place the wafer near the beehives. He said the scent would keep the bees calm for the evening and prevent any incidents. I'm sorry!"
A senate guard rushes over and demands an explanation. He turns and looks at the stick, "You moron! These are the ones that excite them! We only use this when the courtyard is closed to get them to pollinate! Do you realize what might have happened?" The guard apologizes profusely to Xavien, and takes the staffer away.
“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!”
Eutropia’s speech concludes. She hops down from the railing and is suddenly inundated with supporters and critics, but fortunately, not with bees.
The gala returns to full swing, with clusters of people forming and breaking with relative frequency. A telepathic message blossoms in your ear. It's Lady Martella speaking through the Senate Aide Badge.
"Nice work with the bees Xavien. Now, let's get to it. Everyone has a mission. Let's reconvene in an hour. Good luck, and may the gods give approval for our undertakings."
"My friend, come grab this note from me and deliver it to Count Orlundo Zespire in the archives. He'll be mobbed, so work carefully."
Kenton nods to Lord Xavien, knowing his quick actions will have repercussions but that they have also been a great boon. He quietly asks the serving staff member, Can you tell us which of the Phalanx guards gave it to you?
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Go
Ianthe: Go
Kenton: Go
Leo: Go
Xavien: Go
Leo discretely works his way to Lady Lotheed's side, "My Lady, unless you have need of me, Lady Basri, needs my assistance for a few moments..."
Ianthe accompanies her brother to the Archives. Feeling more in her element amongst all the books, she scans the room as they enter and sees Duke Centimus among the stacks. She approaches him. As she does, she exclaims, My, what an exquisite piece of work! She steps up and leans over to him, then passes him to the side to examine his chair.
This really is quite amazing. I don't think I've ever seen it's like, even at the Arcanamirium. Sir, this is a work of art. Did you do this work yourself?
"Good eye young lady! Good eye!" He beams, "I did actually. Others may think I'm less effectual because of this, but it's simply nothing more than another challenge to overcome!"
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Go
Ianthe: Influence Success - Duke Centimus. Weakness also found
Kenton: Go
Leo: Go
Xavien: Go
Corran smiles as he watches Aurelia.
It is impossible to remain balanced with her. By my troth, she is good lady.
He blows a kiss at Aurelia's back, and another at an exquisite suit of armor before he exits the Arcade and heads to The Archives, where he knows Lord Centimus to be. Just outside, he catches Ianthe's eye and they make their way in together.
And of course, she's everything I should be, he thinks as he watches her engage with Centimus and charm him with her wit and the way she carries herself. Awaiting an opportune time...
She does have a good eye. Two. The best, actually. And she knows a thing or two about overcoming challenges. Greetings, Lord. I am Lord Corran and I see you've made the acquaintance of my sister. May I formally present the Lady Ianthe Clement, recently returned from studies in Absalom. Are you the Lord Centimus? Corran will ask supporting questions about his house, his family, and how he's been underestimated by the others in the senate since his accident.
Influence, using that sweet bonus Ianthe unlocked--Knowledge Nobility:
"Indeed! Well met Lord Corran and Lady Ianthe. I was just explaining that it is in our deeds not our circumstance that matter when it comes to leadership. Tradition is important, I'm no Andoran, but it's deeds. That's why I'm very curious to see how the vote turns out. I'd like to see primogeniture end... but are we ready?" He continues to wax philosophical on the matter as the conversation matures and grows.
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Success - Influence Centimus
Ianthe: Crit Success - Influence Duke Centimus
Kenton: Go
Leo: Go
Xavien: Go
Hoping that Leo can indeed help her out by listening nearby, Aurelia makes a point to speak directly to High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus as a kind of distraction.
"High Strategos, what an absolute honour it is to meet you," Aurelia starts off, words followed by a curtsy. "I wanted to first thank you for the years of loyal service in the defense of our great Empire. Taldor's glory grows brighter each day, and it's thanks to you."
"My brother has shared a interesting take regarding the dangers of our neighbors, suggesting that there is no danger? Is that true? Are we in a position of comfort?"
Add +1 from Perfume Kit (assuming applicability)
Unaccustomed to the brush off, Lady Aurelia finds that she struggles to get the attention of the High Strategos...
Aurelia: Fail
Corran: Success - Influence Centimus
Ianthe: Crit Success - Influence Duke Centimus
Kenton: Go
Leo: Go
Xavien: Go
Kenton glides back into the Senate Floor, but quickly finds this mock debate treading a curious path: the discussion wends its way to forced retirement in the military. While he has seen his share of folk well past their prime clinging to past glories, he instinctively knows he should argue against such a change.
Surely, Kenton rises when his turn comes, the gentlewoman from Porthmos would not have us believe that those who can still effectively wield the blade and ride the saddle need be put out to stud while they remain able to outperform the greenest recruits? Kenton appears aghast. Wouldst you declare the same for a noble...? Or a Senator...?
"Lady Basri, I will be with you momentarily. I have an errand to attend to first." He holds the note in his hand and off he goes to the Archives.
----------
Arriving in the library he quickly sees the mob. He does his best to squeeze through the throng...
Leo can't seem to make his way to Count Zespire.
Kenton continues to work the Senate Floor proper. He gains a bit more traction there, though not as grand as the initial opening.
Aurelia: Fail
Corran: Success - Influence Centimus
Ianthe: Crit Success - Influence Duke Centimus
Kenton: Work the Room Success (Senate Floor)
Leo: No progress on Mission
Xavien: Go
Making an excuse about feeling famished, Xavien heads over to the Servant's Wing. Passing by the enormous rack of wine carefully curated as the evening's culinary compliments, he keeps a sharp eye out for a particular house crest stamped on one very old bottle...
Lord Xavien looks around and he narrows it down to a few options, but just can't seem to commit to one!
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Go
Ianthe: Go
Kenton: Go
Leo: Go
Xavien: Go
Leo tries again to push his way through the crowd....
Leo makes his way up to Count Orlundo Zespire. "Thank you my good man. Do me a favor. Run this message," he hands Leo a sealed envelop " to Junior Senator Duo. It's about the same thing, so do it discretely. Got it?"
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Go
Ianthe: Go
Kenton: Go
Leo: First Mission success
Xavien: Go
Xavien sidles closer to the rack, feigning curiosity and munching absentmindedly on savory tart. It must be here somewhere...
Xavien finds THE large bottle of rare, 150-year-old red wine from family holdings in the Opparos province, now held in the senate’s kitchens. This is DEFINITELY it. Xavien grabs the syringe and prepares to spoils the wine, making it look like a forgery.... It's trickier than expected.
Leo makes his way up to Count Orlundo Zespire. "Thank you my good man. Do me a favor. Run this message," he hands Leo a sealed envelop " to Junior Senator Duo. It's about the same thing, so do it discretely. Got it?"
"Oh Course, My Lord." Leo heads to find the Junior Senator.
Corran smiles and enjoys this discourse with Ianthe and Lord Centimus. He seems to be an ally, but can we be sure? Corran pays careful attention, looking to confirm if these philosophical queries are just musings or if they are dangerous doubts...
Perception:
What do I sense from him?
With the room reasonably well disposed, Kenton takes a deep breath and makes his first approach on the good Baron.
Imagine, he says with a light chuckle, insisting that one's prowess in the battlefield is solely dependent on one's number of sojourns about the sun. No regard for the lessons experience might bring. One might well conclude that they feel advancing years renders one fossilized and ne'er able to consider growth.
Not one to let it go, Aurelia continues to work to get the attention of the High Strategos.
+1 from perfume
And when it becomes apparent that she's destined to get nowhere, she disengages and decides her pursuits are best aimed elsewhere.
Aurelia really struggles to even get in close to the High Strategos. It's like she's not even there. The good news is, that means she hasn't offended him either...
Corran keys into what the Duke is saying sub rosa and he's confident that the Duke DOES think now is the time for change.
Kenton turns his focus on the Baron, the Baron actually looks a little... intimidated by Kenton. "Ahhh yes. Yes indeed. Say, I saw you with Lady Martella, did I not?" He puts a hand on Kenton's shoulder and peels away from the latest debate, "Listen, can you give her a message from me? I know I saw you with her, so I'm guessing you're one of hers. Tell her that not only do I have her repayment ready, but ....tell her the answer to her bigger question is 'yes.'" He then walks away from Kenton. After a couple of steps he turns and faces Kenton once more, "I appreciate your words, and I'll not forget them."
Aurelia: Fail
Corran: Mission Success
Ianthe: Go
Kenton: Mission completed successfully.
Leo: First Mission success
Xavien: Go
Kenton merely nods respectfully and gives a sweeping bow. I shall let her know on your behalf, with your leave, he says. And please know that any appreciation my words engendered have been well-earned by your service to Mother Taldor.
Once the Baron is out of sight, he wheels and retreats to the Emperor's Hall, reporting in to Lady Martella. The good Baron has agreed to repay his debt, and with a "yes".
Well done Kenton! Now either help your fellow agents or build alliances of your own. Good work!
Xavien looks left, then right. No one is around. He mutters a quiet spell to help him with this next part...
The syringe that Martella gave him would do the job, but his friend Bavarius -- an alchemist himself -- has an improved needle that would make the job easier, even for someone unaccustomed to such work. He had promised to leave one in the trick compartment that servants sometimes use to stash a bottle for their own use... which should, by custom, be located in the rack's base at the bottom of the column third from the right.
One expert tap in the right spot, and the compartment slides open to reveal the promised needle. Xavien quickly swaps it out with Martella's, and gingerly pushes it into Opparos bottle's cork. Taking a deep breath, he depresses the plunger.
The precious liquid spent, whether for good or ill, Xavien pulls out the syringe and tosses it into a nearby cooking hearth. Taking a candle from his pocket, he lights its wick and waves the flame over the bottle's wax seal, concealing the tiny mark where the needle penetrated to the cork.