Dungeon Master S's "War for the Crown" AP

Game Master Chris Marsh

Corran gets very little out of the girl. Mostly vapid responses and hollow cliched questions. While Sepsinia seems utterly immune, Dame Crab's love of Corran only grows.

Cards and Dancing!

In this final piece of day one, you have just a couple of hours - 4 rounds - to try and secure social capital with the guests. In round 1, there is no mechanical difference between cards and dancing, you can move back and forth between them, and target any NPC. You do, however, need to call out whether you're engaging via cards or via dancing. If you choose dancing, indicate if you're engaging with the NPC as a dance partner or in passing upon the dance floor.

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 2 of 4:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: Go
Lord Corran Clement: Influence Success (Crabb)
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Go

Perceptive Sensing Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Kenton moves over to the Count's side, remarking on the handsome newcomer and her grace and manner.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

I'll bite.

"No one likes to play with fire, eh?" Xavien muses at the edge of the room, a twinkle of mirth in his eye. "Heh. Hold my beer," he says to Corran, handing him an empty wine goblet. Unless decorum would discourage it: In a flash, wand appears in his hand, issues a ring of runes, and disappears again. Cast Eagle's Splendor.

"Your Grace," Xavien offers his deepest bow. "I am Lord Xavien Marendo Domitian Iactarus Karthis. Would you do me the honor?" He offers his arm.

Perform (TANGO): 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 21 (dock 2 if the transmutation is discouraged)

Perception per Slack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Lost in his purpose, Xavien is nigh oblivious to his surroundings.

Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Aurelia recognizes the duchess immediately, and files this information away.

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
She is focused on where she should focus her attention next, considering spending her time with Onora Piscum or rescuing Kenton from Bartelby. She opts for the latter.

"Count Bartelby! I have been meaning to speak with all night, but it seems your popularity has made that most difficult. But if my time studying at the Arcanamirium has taught me anything, it's that a patient and studious approach is the way to go. But, of course, this is obvious. Like in questions about paternity, mater semper certa est."

Aurelia throws in a bit of Old Taldane into the conversation, thinking she has picked up on something.
Linguistics (Influence) on Count Bartelby: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 2 = 23 Added bonus from being an arcane caster. Aurelia has 5 knowledge skills too

Somehow, Xavien finds the skill, and dances the tango with the Duchess. He does not notice how all eyes turn towards him. At the end of the dance, the duchess gives him a kiss on the cheek before melting into the crowd and eventually out of the room...

The count turns to give Aurelia his full attention, id est verum. the next few minutes are a give and take of quotations, supercilious affectations, and genuine banter. Kenton tries to break in... but his use of Galtan vernacular doesn't land well.

Cards and Dancing!

In this final piece of day one, you have just a couple of hours - 4 rounds - to try and secure social capital with the guests. In round 1, there is no mechanical difference between cards and dancing, you can move back and forth between them, and target any NPC. You do, however, need to call out whether you're engaging via cards or via dancing. If you choose dancing, indicate if you're engaging with the NPC as a dance partner or in passing upon the dance floor.

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 2 of 4:
Kenton Bowe: Fail
Lady Aurelia Basri: Influence Success (Count Bartleby)
Lord Corran Clement: Influence Success (Crabb)
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: ???

Nobility: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Ianthe takes note of the Duchess's arrival.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Ianthe is largely oblivious to the gathering's response to her arrival.

Happy with her showing at cards, Ianthe excuses herself to mingle. Seeing Aurelia and Kenton converging on the Count, Ianthe makes her way over and joins them, adding to the conversation regarding the Arcanamirium and her studies, trying to draw out the Count's own interests in the Arcane.

Sense Motive, Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Lady Ianthe finds that the man is hardened to the core. Bartelby has only contempt for the common peasant and feels they should know their place and remain quiet. Invoking any sense of compassion for the downtrodden or sense of collective identity with peasants raises his hackles. Prose that includes this causes a -4 to the roll.

Leo's Round 2 action is now moot. Will take a redirect/bot

Cards and Dancing!

In this final piece of day one, you have just a couple of hours - 4 rounds - to try and secure social capital with the guests. In round 1, there is no mechanical difference between cards and dancing, you can move back and forth between them, and target any NPC. You do, however, need to call out whether you're engaging via cards or via dancing. If you choose dancing, indicate if you're engaging with the NPC as a dance partner or in passing upon the dance floor.

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Leo again tries to figure out how Sepsinia ticks

sense motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Leo turns his attention towards Sepsinia, but gets blocked by Dame Crabbe. The woman takes to essentially interviewing Leo, commenting that he seems to be of good stock. She revels in the attention and choices for her daughter.

Cards and Dancing!

In this final piece of day one, you have just a couple of hours - 4 rounds - to try and secure social capital with the guests. In round 1, there is no mechanical difference between cards and dancing, you can move back and forth between them, and target any NPC. You do, however, need to call out whether you're engaging via cards or via dancing. If you choose dancing, indicate if you're engaging with the NPC as a dance partner or in passing upon the dance floor.

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 3 of 4:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: Go
Lord Corran Clement: Go
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Go

I suppose this will be in-passing on the dance floor. I've had a couple of dances with Sepsinia now, but I will approach Dame Parthena and politely ask if Sepsinia would honor me with a walk outside (nearby gardens?) properly supervised, of course. He offers his arm.

Corran expects more of the same from Sepsinia, but he hopes to both impress Parthena with his dedication and look for some clue to the Lady's clear preference to be someplace else. Does her eye rove to another, is she reacting to her mother with any subtlety? My hope is that it looks as though I'm considering her daughter a potential match while I'm sussing her out.

LOOKS like I can use Sense Motive to Influence, but the roll/modifier is the same if I can't and need to use diplomacy.

Sense Motive to Influence Dame Parthena and Sepsinia: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27

There's a change in Dame Crabbe's expression as Corran suspects he's truly won her over. "My dear Corran, if ever you find yourself at my estate, I have a gift waiting for you." This also grants each agent 34 XP.

Cards and Dancing!

In this final piece of day one, you have just a couple of hours - 4 rounds - to try and secure social capital with the guests. In round 1, there is no mechanical difference between cards and dancing, you can move back and forth between them, and target any NPC. You do, however, need to call out whether you're engaging via cards or via dancing. If you choose dancing, indicate if you're engaging with the NPC as a dance partner or in passing upon the dance floor.

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 3 of 4:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: Go
Lord Corran Clement: Influence COMPLETE (Dame Crabbe)
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Go

Ianthe continues talking with the Count as cards are dealt, staying on the topic of the Arcanamirium and the lineage of several of the noble Taldoran families that have graced its halls.

Knowledge:Nobility, Influence: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 2 = 32

Ianthe concludes that the Count is definitely going to be the toughest nut to crack, by far. She also knows she's got his number, and it's really just a matter of time...

Cards and Dancing!

In this final piece of day one, you have just a couple of hours - 4 rounds - to try and secure social capital with the guests. In round 1, there is no mechanical difference between cards and dancing, you can move back and forth between them, and target any NPC. You do, however, need to call out whether you're engaging via cards or via dancing. If you choose dancing, indicate if you're engaging with the NPC as a dance partner or in passing upon the dance floor.

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 3 of 4:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: Go
Lord Corran Clement: Influence COMPLETE (Dame Crabbe)
Lady Ianthe Clement: Influence Success (Count Bartelby)
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Go

BOT XAVIEN as per SLACK:

Xavien moves to Honorary Tribune Onora, to show off his versatility and knowledge--Not only does he Tango with Nobles, but he respects and honors the history of the people of the area.

Knowledge (Local) to Influence: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Bot for Xavien, trying to be the Duchess' new pet — Kn (nobility): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Xavien tries to engage the Duchess in a broad discussion on Taldor.

Xavien continues to get along well with Onora. Conversation continues to focus on Stachys and it's current state of recession.

Cards and Dancing!

In this final piece of day one, you have just a couple of hours - 4 rounds - to try and secure social capital with the guests. In round 1, there is no mechanical difference between cards and dancing, you can move back and forth between them, and target any NPC. You do, however, need to call out whether you're engaging via cards or via dancing. If you choose dancing, indicate if you're engaging with the NPC as a dance partner or in passing upon the dance floor.

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 3 of 4:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: Go
Lord Corran Clement: Influence COMPLETE (Dame Crabbe)
Lady Ianthe Clement: Influence Success (Count Bartelby)
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Influence COMPLETE (Dame Crabbe)

Kenton maneuvers close to the conversation with Onora, trying to learn more about the real her, rather than the front she puts forth.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Kenton can easily tell that the real woman is hidden just below the surface, and it's taking an effort to hold back. Tribune Piscum despises anyone who flaunts their wealth and power (–2), but she warms up to anyone who clearly understands a practical skill or two, such as Craft, Handle Animal, Profession, or Survival (+2).

Cards and Dancing!

In this final piece of day one, you have just a couple of hours - 4 rounds - to try and secure social capital with the guests. In round 1, there is no mechanical difference between cards and dancing, you can move back and forth between them, and target any NPC. You do, however, need to call out whether you're engaging via cards or via dancing. If you choose dancing, indicate if you're engaging with the NPC as a dance partner or in passing upon the dance floor.

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 3 of 4:
Kenton Bowe: Biases revealed (Onora)
Lady Aurelia Basri: Go
Lord Corran Clement: Influence COMPLETE (Dame Crabbe)
Lady Ianthe Clement: Influence Success (Count Bartelby)
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Influence COMPLETE (Dame Crabbe)

Working in tandem now with Lady Ianthe, she adds bits of knowledge about the various noble houses, benefiting from the tomes her family has collected as records.
Knowledge Nobility (Influence) vs Count Bartelby: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Cleomachus does what he can to support the conversation with the tribune. Hearing that she appreciates practical skill, he shares a few tidbits about surviving in the wild country.
Survival (Influence) on Onora Piscum: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 2 = 22

Lady Aurelia jumps into the melee of words, applying her knowledge with the precision she uses with her spells. Still, it's going to take more than an evening of cards and banter to win over the Count. Success

Leo goes for broke with his approach, and finds that the Tribune speaks competently about matters on what's available in the wild country. Success. Influence skill unlocked (Survival.) Onora's expression changes a bit, Were all nobles like you and your friends, the future of Taldor would look very different. Indeed, I count myself fortunate to have an ally in you. Know that you can also count on me..." The words hang pregnant with possibility.

Cards and Dancing!

In this final piece of day one, you have just a couple of hours - 4 rounds - to try and secure social capital with the guests. In round 1, there is no mechanical difference between cards and dancing, you can move back and forth between them, and target any NPC. You do, however, need to call out whether you're engaging via cards or via dancing. If you choose dancing, indicate if you're engaging with the NPC as a dance partner or in passing upon the dance floor.

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 3 of 4:
Kenton Bowe: Biases revealed (Onora)
Lady Aurelia Basri: Influence Success (Count Bartelby)
Lord Corran Clement: Influence COMPLETE (Dame Crabbe)
Lady Ianthe Clement: Influence Success (Count Bartelby)
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Influence COMPLETE (Tribune Onora)
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Influence Success (Tribune Onora)

The night begins to wind down, and many of the goers say their goodnights. There's but one opportunity remaining this evening, and only two targets for your social machinations; Count Bartelby Lotheed and Baroness Adella Voinam...

Cards and Dancing!

In this final piece of day one, you have just a couple of hours - 4 rounds - to try and secure social capital with the guests. In round 1, there is no mechanical difference between cards and dancing, you can move back and forth between them, and target any NPC. You do, however, need to call out whether you're engaging via cards or via dancing. If you choose dancing, indicate if you're engaging with the NPC as a dance partner or in passing upon the dance floor.

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 4 of 4:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: Go
Lord Corran Clement: Go
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Go

Knowledge Nobility (Influence) on Count Bartelby: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Aurelia continues to pepper her conversation with noble factoids, but the card game takes more of her attention than she'd like.

Despite Lady Aurelia's feels about the man, the mission is the mission. you need to get as many locals loyal and warmed over. she finds that even a low effort attempt on her part plays into Bartelby's personality.

Cards and Dancing!

In this final piece of day one, you have just a couple of hours - 4 rounds - to try and secure social capital with the guests. In round 1, there is no mechanical difference between cards and dancing, you can move back and forth between them, and target any NPC. You do, however, need to call out whether you're engaging via cards or via dancing. If you choose dancing, indicate if you're engaging with the NPC as a dance partner or in passing upon the dance floor.

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 4 of 4:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: Influence Success (Bartleby)
Lord Corran Clement: Go
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Go

Letting Bartleby lie for the moment, Xavien spends his last moments of the day carefully positioning his goodbyes to occur near Baroness Voinam, hoping to overhear an angle for use tomorrow.

Sense Motive to Discover Weakness: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 bah

Xavien ends the night on a low note, still thinking about the strange dance...

Cards and Dancing!

In this final piece of day one, you have just a couple of hours - 4 rounds - to try and secure social capital with the guests. In round 1, there is no mechanical difference between cards and dancing, you can move back and forth between them, and target any NPC. You do, however, need to call out whether you're engaging via cards or via dancing. If you choose dancing, indicate if you're engaging with the NPC as a dance partner or in passing upon the dance floor.

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 4 of 4:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: Influence Success (Bartleby)
Lord Corran Clement: Go
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Fail

Corran sits down for one round of cards with Count Lotheed, observing every move, looking for weakness.

Sense Motive to discern Weakness: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Kenton, knowing he isn't properly attired to sway the Count, tries to learn what perhaps he can.

Perceptive Sensing Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 sigh

But his "cousin" is inscrutable.

The length of the day begins to show itself as the party is jus tout of momentum this evening...

Cards and Dancing!

In this final piece of day one, you have just a couple of hours - 4 rounds - to try and secure social capital with the guests. In round 1, there is no mechanical difference between cards and dancing, you can move back and forth between them, and target any NPC. You do, however, need to call out whether you're engaging via cards or via dancing. If you choose dancing, indicate if you're engaging with the NPC as a dance partner or in passing upon the dance floor.

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 4 of 4:
Kenton Bowe: Fail
Lady Aurelia Basri: Influence Success (Bartleby)
Lord Corran Clement: Fail
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Fail

Picking up Aurelia's new tack, Ianthe pivots to talk of the local nobility with the Count.

Know: Nobility, Influence: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 2 = 28

The team begins to hone in on the Count. The conversation is erudite, just as he likes it. Lady Ianthe can tell that he's starting to warm up to the team.

Cards and Dancing!

In this final piece of day one, you have just a couple of hours - 4 rounds - to try and secure social capital with the guests. In round 1, there is no mechanical difference between cards and dancing, you can move back and forth between them, and target any NPC. You do, however, need to call out whether you're engaging via cards or via dancing. If you choose dancing, indicate if you're engaging with the NPC as a dance partner or in passing upon the dance floor.

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 4 of 4:
Kenton Bowe: Fail
Lady Aurelia Basri: Influence Success (Bartleby)
Lord Corran Clement: Fail
Lady Ianthe Clement: Influence Success (Bartleby)
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Fail

BOT LEO

Leo chimes in now and again, keeping the conversation with the Count flowing.

Diplomacy to Influence Bartleby: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Leo's luck isn't with him, and Bartelby largely ignores the man. It's also a conversation ender. Most of the party goers turn in for the night, and the length of the day begins to hit everyone. With minimal effort (and a lot of ghosting from people) everyone heads to their rooms...

15 Calistril

Breakfast is spatchcock served in the garden; a large bowl of water filled with live eels is set before each guest, along with a miniature harpoon for them to spear their choice of fish. Once an eel is harpooned, servants split its belly and grill it beside the table. The head is left intact, mouth still gaping when the meal is placed before the diners, ready to be eaten.

During breakfast, the assembled nobles brag of their hunting or tracking prowess, and money changes hands as they bet who among those assembled will be the first to bring in an eel.

Will give you time to RP. I'm pretty busy in the AM, so I'll advance later.

Per slack, Making Onora helpful nets each agent 34 XP and a new ally.

A Noble Breakfast

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 1 of 1:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: o
Lord Corran Clement: Go
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Go

Seated not far from Baroness Voinam and feeling refreshed by the brisk morning air, Xavien watches the Baroness carefully as she engages her eel, and does his best to do as she does. (Though he does try to kill his eel in a single spear-stroke near the base of the head.)

Sense Motive to Discover Weakness: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Sadly, he has no better luck than he did a few hours ago.

Discern Weakness, Count Bartleby Lotheed: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Corran makes pleasant conversation, and overdramatizes the Eel Hunt for comedic effect, but he's watching The Count, looking to gather information.

What sizes are the wagers? If it's reasonable and if the count is one of the braggers about Eel catching, Corran will place a small wager on the count.

Xavien doesn't pick anything up over breakfast, but Corran does. It's not surprising, but there's a streak of greed and pride within the Count. Bartelby is greatly swayed by intellectual gifts. Anyone presenting him with an antique or spellbook worth at least 250 gp gains a +5 bonus on the next check to influence him, and +1 on any checks thereafter.

A Noble Breakfast

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 1 of 1:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: o
Lord Corran Clement: Discover Bartelby's Weakness
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Fail

Kenton gamely tries his hand at the sport, exchanging vapid pleasantries with the Baroness all the while. He tries to probe her psyche as he does.

Sense Motive (weakness): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Kenton gathers a bit about the Baroness. Baroness Voinum respects those with regard for tradition and an interest in history of the county and the nation. He also discerns that while she could be a potent ally, she'd find any espionage distasteful. Playing into this with prose grants bonuses on Influence checks.

A Noble Breakfast

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 1 of 1:
Kenton Bowe: Discover Baroness Voinum's Weakness
Lady Aurelia Basri: Go
Lord Corran Clement: Discover Bartelby's Weakness
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Fail

Hoping to capitalize on her inroads the prior evening, Ianthe engages with the Count again over their eel, noting the hunting acumen of the Taldan nobility.

Nobility, Influence: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 2 = 32

The count's opinion of the flattering Ianthe grows!

Kenton gathers a bit about the Baroness. Baroness Voinum respects those with regard for tradition and an interest in history of the county and the nation. He also discerns that while she could be a potent ally, she'd find any espionage distasteful. Playing into this with prose grants bonuses on Influence checks.

A Noble Breakfast

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 1 of 1:
Kenton Bowe: Discover Baroness Voinum's Weakness
Lady Aurelia Basri: Go
Lord Corran Clement: Discover Bartelby's Weakness
Lady Ianthe Clement: Influence success (Bartelby)
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Fail

Aurelia wakes the next morning ready for what the say will bring. When Corran whispers his tidbit of gained knowledge Aurelia grins and retrieves Dagio's spellbook. "Magic comes in many forms. The same is true for its practitioners. I have in possession the spellbook of an awakened animal, one who chose the name 'Dagio'. It's a marvel what the creature was able to learn, and I would like to present this to you, Count Bartelby, as a gift."

She hands over the tome, and proceeds to share her conclusions on how an awakened rodent was able to wield this magic.
Knowledge Arcana (Influence) vs Count Bartelby: 1d20 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 5 = 23

Like wolves surrounding prey, the party hones in on the Count...

The count's opinion of the flattering Ianthe grows!

Kenton gathers a bit about the Baroness. Baroness Voinum respects those with regard for tradition and an interest in history of the county and the nation. He also discerns that while she could be a potent ally, she'd find any espionage distasteful. Playing into this with prose grants bonuses on Influence checks.

A Noble Breakfast

Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 1 of 1:
Kenton Bowe: Discover Baroness Voinum's Weakness
Lady Aurelia Basri: Influence success (Bartelby)
Lord Corran Clement: Discover Bartelby's Weakness
Lady Ianthe Clement: Influence success (Bartelby)
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Fail

Leo joins Xavien and attempts to use what Kenton has learned to best effect. After all, he's the sort who'd rather keep things simple.
Sense Motive (Influence) vs Baroness Voinam: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 - 2 = 21 Added the penalty for being young

"It's unfortunate that Taldor has a history steeped in espionage and secrecy. I've always hoped that we, as a people, were more comfortable speaking plainly. It'd surely make being understood easier too!" Leo says with a smile. "Fortunately, I've learned a few tricks to spot tells..."

Leo rides a line of conversation that speaks to the Baroness. Just as breakfast ends, she gives the man a gentle half-smile. Success

The main event for the second day is a mock hunt: peasants are dressed as animals and released from the estate to hide within nearby territories to which they have been assigned, and then the assembled hunters are allowed to track their quarries and bring them back to the palace. The use of fake quarries helps prevent accidental injuries (at least to the nobles) that might otherwise mar the grand event....

You're assigned to an area called the Brashen Deeps.  Bartelby laughs, "Ha!  You might need to do some real hunting, Lash the manticore has been seen there.  No worries, he's been quiet of late.  I think he's moved on."  You're given a pair of bloodhounds.

After assignments, the quarry is brought out—four local “volunteers” who are gashed across the cheek to give the hounds their scent before being sent on their way. Bartelby promises the captives that if they can evade capture until nightfall, they will be absolved and granted a handsome reward of 50 gp. Your assigned quarry, Moffis, is a man in his 30s.  He's dressed as a wild ox.

Bartelby has his eyes on your reaction to the spectacle.

Even if you find the hunt distasteful, you've got the savoir-faire to know that outwardly objecting would undo a LOT of your progress with the more traditionally leaning nobles.  Best to make a show of it, at least at first.  

For the next hour or so, the hunters sit around drinking
warmed brandy, eating, and talking, while their quarry is given a "sporting chance."

Here we need some meta action. If your character finds this distasteful and wants to hide the fact, roll a bluff check. If you don't want to hide it, or you don't find it to be so, no check is needed. Either way you're free to handle it as you wish.

Aurelia does her best time hide her distaste at this "sport".
Bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25