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

Game Master Chris Marsh

Xavien enters alone from the shadows of the entry hall. A thick mask, grey as stone, covers his face, its expression that of a haunting sadness. A heavy-set curve of worked silver is embedded above the eyes, while two downward-pointing triangles of gold are plated on the cheeks underneath.

As usual, Xavien dresses richly, if in a style that is somewhat distinct. He wears a grey doublet of quilted navy silk, filigreed with silver thread and lined with grey sable, which covers a fine silk shirt in a brighter blue. Supple leather boots cover much of his grey silk breeches. A heavy torc of worked gold protects each wrist, with another indelicate torc circling the neck; a belt of strong leather graces his waist, covered in thick gold plates. Noble's outfit, 100 gp of jewelry, plus a 25 gp mask.

Leo's costume is, well, unique.

I kid, of course.

Leo takes a quick peak at what he has and goes with something simple: a blue jack with gold trim and matching pants. He wears a brass mask that covers his full face. Feline eye holes and vertical slot denotes the nose and mouth area. The remained of the mask is decorated with small holes that create intricate paisley patterns.

Aurelia acquired a courtesan's outfit and a black mask, opting for something to draw the eye. She incomporates the the 100gp of jewelry she owns into the attire, suggesting that she is a highly sought after lady of the night.

Appearing in a snug silk dress of the brightest scarlet, an outfit with a plunging neckline and slits on the sides that show off pale flesh, Aurelia adjusts the black mask and smiles her most winning smile.

Corran goes very cold.

You can't be serious.

Up to you to track these, as I will not be!
Masquerade:
Kenton Bowe: +1
Lady Aurelia Basri: +1
Lord Corran Clement: +1
Lady Ianthe Clement: +1
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: No bonus (not expensive enough)
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: +1

Much of the entertainment is simple fare, consisting of talented local musicians hired to play background music. Count Lotheed opens the evening’s festivities with a fireworks display, created himself with a combination of the prestidigitation and pyrotechnics spells. A production of the popular Taldor by Right follows the opening ceremonies, a dramatic retelling of Taldor’s founding by the legendary First Emperor Taldaris, performed entirely by halflings. After a few drinks, Dame Crabbe works up the nerve to contribute a surprisingly graceful Qadiran khaleegi dance popular in her youth.

Do you wish to take advance of the opening like Dame Crabb did? There are rewards for great success. There are penalties for failure... If you participate, include a Perform (Any) check

Masquerade!
Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 1 of 5:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: Go
Lord Corran Clement: Go
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Go

Aurelia waits until after Dame Crabbe finishes her dance before moving over to speak to Baroness Voinam. "That was incredible, was it not? I could never match the grace that you demonstrated. Alas, I've yet to visit Qadira myself, and have had to settle for tomes related to the country. Why, did you know it was near end of the Age of Destiny (-78 AR) that Keleshites first invaded Qadira and raised the emperor's green flag of conquest with the Black Blade of War crossing its field? After two years, the Emperor of Kelesh, Adalan IV formalized the conquest and added the Silver Blade of Kings to the flag. He made Qadira a satrapy of the empire..."

She goes on to share bits of history related to Qadira, hoping to find a nugget that the baroness does not know.
Influence (Knowledge History) on Baroness Adella Voinam: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Given the audience, Corran opts for the classics and recites a trilogy of Chivalric romances epics selected from Songs of The Lioness both a salon and Bardic tradition going back to the early courts, traditionally hosted by the consorts and wives of the Grand Princes. It honors the past but recognizes that women have been behind the throne since the beginning.

Slaying dragons, rescuing lovers, impossible quests. That sort of thing.

Oratory: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Aurelia waits until after Dame Crabbe finishes her dance before moving over to speak to Baroness Voinam. "That was incredible, was it not? I could never match the grace that you demonstrated. Alas, I've yet to visit Qadira myself, and have had to settle for tomes related to the country. Why, did you know it was near end of the Age of Destiny (-78 AR) that Keleshites first invaded Qadira and raised the emperor's green flag of conquest with the Black Blade of War crossing its field? After two years, the Emperor of Kelesh, Adalan IV formalized the conquest and added the Silver Blade of Kings to the flag. He made Qadira a satrapy of the empire..."

She goes on to share bits of history related to Qadira, hoping to find a nugget that the baroness does not know.
[dice=Influence (Knowledge History) on Baroness Adella Voinam]1d20+8

She's serious. He drinks.

Lady Aurelia does a deep dive into the history she knows best, and engages the Baroness in all manner of esoteric topics. Meanhile, Corran's performance is lauded by all, with a few standing to ovate. Corran receives an addition +1 on all attempts to Influence for the rest of the night.

Masquerade!
Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 1 of 5:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: Influence Success (Barones Voinam)
Lord Corran Clement: Earns Performance +1
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Go

Ianthe approaches Count Bartleby.

Nobility: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 1 + 1 = 15

Not as accustomed to mingling well with high society, Ianthe stumbles in getting the Count's attention as she pauses repeatedly to readjust her mask and jewelry.

Seeing Lady Ianthe literally and figuratively stumbling with the Count, Leo tries to use the commotion to see any insights into the man himself.

sense motive to find an angle: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Round 1 Bot for Xavien:

Not to be topped, Xavien takes the stage and sings! Performance, Sing: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Kenton casually glides on the fringe of the conversation around the Count, trying a bit of flattery with him.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 1 = 16
Excellent show, cousin! he says, though he can't help his eye wandering to a bit of sparkling wine one of the servants brings about. He plucks a glass and turns back to Bartleby. I confess I've never been able to master the arcane arts. Too busy with the Taldan Horse, I'm afraid.

While Xavien gets some polite applause, it's nothing compared to what Corran received. The rest of the team fairs no better.

Masquerade!
Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 2 of 5:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: Go
Lord Corran Clement: Go
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Go

Round 1 Bot for Xavien:

Not to be topped, Xavien takes the stage and sings! [dice=Performance, Sing]1d20+10

Indeed, Xavien chooses a song, sad but hopeful, about the common man of Taldor choosing to leave his home and hearth behind to defend his country. His booming baritone fills the halls.

"Our flag is unfurl'd, and our arms flash bright,
As the sun wades up the sky;
But ere I join the deadly fight,
Lovely maid, I would say 'Good bye,'
I'm a young volunteer, and my heart is true
To our flag that woos the wind,
Then three cheers for that flag, and our country too,
And the gals we leave behind.

"Then adieu! then adieu! 'tis the last trumpet's strain,
This is falling on the ear;
Should it so be decreed that we never meet a-gain,
Oh, remember the Young Volunteer.

"When over the desert, through burning rays,
With a heavy heart I tread;
Or when I brave the forest's blaze,
And bemoan my comrades dead,
Then, then I will think of my home and you,
And our flag shall kiss the wind;
With huzzah for our cause and our country too,
And the gals we leave behind.

"Then adieu! then adieu! 'tis the last trumpet's strain,
This is falling on the ear;
Should it so be decreed that we never meet a-gain,
Oh, remember the Young Volunteer."

His performance done, Xavien beams wide and takes a sweeping bow. Then he finds himself a glass of wine and wanders over to listen in on Aurelia's conversation with the Baroness. He pays careful attention to their back-and-forth, giving the impression of being an interested student of the subject witnessing an exchange between masters.

Sense Motive to Influence Voinam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

After the song, Xavien turns to the Baroness. After some small talk she comments on the wine in his hand. "I must admit to a certain fondness for the grapes the Betony vineyards once produced before the fields flooded. As the new nobility, I dare say that if you can restore the estate farms, I'll happily agree to a trade deal that provides youwith extensive infrastructure repairs, sayyy.... 3,000 gold coins. Once you're up and running of course."

The Baroness is now Friendly which nets you each 100 XP as well as a conditional 3,000 Gp in upgrades. Yes, this is a preview of things to come...

Masquerade!
Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 2 of 5:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: Go
Lord Corran Clement: Go
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Influence Sucess (Baroness Voinam)

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 1 = 18 Desna hates this line of attack, clearly.

Kenton tries to engage Bartelby in a number of small talk conversations, but the Count is having none of it.

Corran, "holds court", at a table either with the Baroness or adjacent to and he just Geeks Out over the production of Taldor By Right and combs over all the historical details, nit picking all the inaccuracies and praising any weird esoteric details that may be correct, even if they were not intended.

Influence Baroness Voinam, Knowledge(History): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Huh. Apparently Reddit Nerd was the wrong way to go here! :D

Xavien bows low to the Baroness. "You are most kind to suggest such a deal! Restoring the estate farms to their historical capacity shall be one of our first priorities."

"May I ask if you are fond of any particular grape varietals?"

Xavien continues to engage the Baroness in conversation, seeking to show an understanding of her aims and intentions. Sense Motive to Influence Voinam: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 1 = 25

Remembered my bonus this time.

Influence (Knowledge History) on Baroness Voinam: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 = 17
Aurelia continues to pick at the bits of Qadiran lore she knows with the baroness but is starting to run out of the interesting bits.

Embarrassed by her fumble with the Count, Ianthe moves over to the crowd around the Baroness and tries to add to Xavien's discussion of the local wine history.

History, Influence: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 1 = 19

The party REALLY struggles for a moment. Maybe it's two days of hypervigilance, maybe it's the wine. Either way, it's not their finest hour.

Masquerade!
Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 2 of 5:
Kenton Bowe: Fail
Lady Aurelia Basri: Fail
Lord Corran Clement: Fail
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Influence Sucess (Baroness Voinam)

Lady Ianthe effortlessly engages with the Baroness, who seems much warmer to conversation than before.

Masquerade!
Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 2 of 5:
Kenton Bowe: Fail
Lady Aurelia Basri: Fail
Lord Corran Clement: Fail
Lady Ianthe Clement: Influence Sucess (Baroness Voinam)
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Influence Sucess (Baroness Voinam)

BOT MOO:

Leo chats up The Baroness, asking about her lands and their import and their location and tries to show he knows his way around a fief.

Knowledge, Geography: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Midway through the evening, Count Lotheed announces that the ballroom has been invaded, and all guests must rush to its defense—the classic opening to a popular dance called the Dance of the Phalanx. Equal parts strategy game and formal waltz, the dance is performed on a gridded floor, and partners are allowed to select the next dance steps from a predefined list related to the music played. Each pair of dancers cannot move into a square occupied by other dancers, and the object of the game is to force every other pair of dancers off the grid, leaving your “phalanx” in control of the “battlefield.”

Winning the Dance of the Phalanx requires both grace and strategy. To play, one partner adds their Intelligence bonus, while the other partner contributes their Dexterity bonus to determine the couple’s Dance Maneuver Bonus (or DMB) if you select an NPC as a dance partner, I'll give you their mod as the dance starts. If one or both partners have skill ranks in Knowledge (nobility), they know enough of the rules and strategy to add 1 to their DMB per partner trained. If one or both partners have skill ranks in Perform (dance), they move with enough instinct and fluidity to add an additional 1 to their DMB per partner trained. There is time here to continue to influence.

Masquerade!
Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 3 of 5:
Kenton Bowe: Go and Dance?
Lady Aurelia Basri: Go and Dance?
Lord Corran Clement: Go and Dance?
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go and Dance?
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Go and Dance?
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Go and Dance?

Corran sidles up to Aurelia and clears his throat.

*Ahern*. Ah. My Lady Basri?

"Me, Lord Clement? I'm shocked that you've chosen me of all the potential dance partners," she says this with a grin. She puts her hand out for Corran to take. "I hope you can keep up."

DMB? Are we Dancing Nancies?

Ianthe sidles up next to Kenton.

Kenton, this dance presents a most interesting logistical challenge. The permutations of possible moves across the dance floor in conjunction with the changing tempo of the music is a fascinating puzzle. I wish to participate. From our prior engagements, I've determined that you are the most compatible partner with which to maximize the statistical likelihood of successfully navigating the transpositions to victory.

Ianthe holds out her hand.

Shall we dance?

"Me, Lord Clement? I'm shocked that you've chosen me of all the potential dance partners," she says this with a grin. She puts her hand out for Corran to take. "I hope you can keep up."

Corran, quite serious through a smile honed through years at court says, I'm still learning. But I know the games and I'm fast. Frankly, Lady Basri, we're going to depend on your head for strategy more than my grace. Let's get close to The Baroness if we can and discuss some esoteric history nearby to catch her attention.

Knowledge(History): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16 to Influence The Baroness while Aurelia and Corran try to either win or at least look hot while losing.

Ianthe sidles up next to Kenton.

The Clements are Legendary sidlers.

My lady, Kenton says, taking the proffered hand and leading Lady Clement to the dance floor.

Kenton is +3 DEX, Ianthe is +4 INT, and we are both trained in Kn (nobility) for an additional +1 — alas, neither of us have Perform (dance) as a skill, but together the partnership has a total of +9 DMB.

Xavien crosses to find Tribune Honora and offers his arm. "Would you care to show these nobles how a master hunter maneuvers?"

Xavien grants a +1 from INT and a +1 from Kn Nobility, to be paired with her Dex.

Leo does not know his way around a dance floor. he continues to observe Baroness
sense motive to find an angle: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

"Let the dance BEGIN!"

DC 10:
Count Bartelby and a socialite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Baron Okerra and Lady Marthaine: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Count Bartelby and a socialite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Baroness Voinam and Earl Merkondus: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

DC 12:
Count Bartelby and a socialite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Baron Okerra and Lady Marthaine: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Count Bartelby and a socialite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Baroness Voinam and Earl Merkondus: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 OUT!

It doesn't take long for the Baroness and Earl to get forced off the dance floor! Dancers! One member of each pairing needs to pass a DC 12 Dance Maneuver check to keep the pair on the floor.

As the game begins, Leo saddles over to learn more about the Baroness. He makes a mental note to add riding to her list of passions.

Masquerade!
Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 3 of 5:
Kenton Bowe: Go and Dance
Lady Aurelia Basri: Go and Dance
Lord Corran Clement: Go and Dance
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go and Dance
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Insight (Voinam)
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Go and Dance

Backwards and in heels...: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Still in it.

Aurelia takes some time pre-dance to try and influence Baroness Voinam.
Influence (Knowledge History): 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 = 10
But she gets her facts wrong. Is it possible she's actually looking forward to the dance with Corran?

DMB vs DC 12: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 plus Onora's modifiers, but a pass either way

Xavien and Onora move methodically about the dance floor, holding territory near the center.

As he passes one side, he offers a parting nod to the Baroness to acknowledge her sporting try, and gauges her reaction.

Sense Motive to Influence Voinam: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 1 = 31 BOOM

Corran can't help but steal sidelong glances at Aurelia, trying to focus on the task at hand instead of, is she having a good time?, but it's near impossible to focus. They do get through the round, however. Lady Basri isn't a talent, but she's got a natural head for strategy and in her costume, he doubts anyone is paying much attention to their steps anyway.

He watches Baroness Voinam and Earl Merkondus leave the floor and he can tell that loathes the loss, but is being very cool about it. He catches her eye and flashes her the legendary salute that General Kal Ricienne gave to his opponent after his maneuver at the Battle of Tanaab. Will she catch the reference?

Influence with Knowledge(History): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Shelyn's Glaive! Was the reference too obscure? Ugh! Why couldn't Aurelia be dressed as a Goblin or something?

As the couples prepare to join the dance, Ianthe pulls Kenton over next to the Baroness and the others and tries to engage her quickly in a bit of history about the dance and it's influence on Taldan society.

Knowledge: History to Influence: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 1 = 26

Kenton and Ianthe step onto the dance floor as the music starts. As Kenton is leading, Ianthe unconsciously flows into step as she vigilantly watches the other dancers and offers a continuous stream of maneuvers to Kenton.

DMB vs DC12: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

"Let the dance BEGIN!"

DC 14:
Count Bartelby and a socialite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 OUT!
Baron Okerra and Lady Marthaine: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Count Bartelby and a socialite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Embarrassingly, the Count steps on his partner's foot and they tumble!
Corran and Aurelia: Go
Xavien and Onora: Go
Ianthe and Kenton: Go

Xavien manages to cross paths with the Baroness with whom he continues to make progress.

Masquerade!
Social Combat

Rules of Engagement

Turn 3 of 5:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: Go
Lord Corran Clement: Go
Lady Ianthe Clement: Go
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Insight (Voinam)
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Influence Success (Voinam)

Dance of the Phalanx!
Minigame

DC 14:
Baron Okerra and Lady Marthaine: Still in it
Corran and Aurelia: Go
Xavien and Onora: Go
Ianthe and Kenton: Go

Masquerade!
Social Combat

The dance is a bit too much multitasking for some of the party, but Ianthe works her magic with the Baroness.

Rules of Engagement

Turn 3 of 5:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: Fail
Lord Corran Clement: Fail
Lady Ianthe Clement: Influence Success (Voinam)
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Insight (Voinam)
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Influence Success (Voinam)

Ianthe and Kenton continue to maneuver their foes off of the game board.

DMB vs DC14: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

I could have daaaaanced all night...: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Corran almost gets lost for a second with his mind drifting but at the last moment he blinks and leads Aurelia to the next square, and surviving the round.

Is it... Is it warm in here? Sorry. Nevermind. The practiced smile never wavers.

DMB v 14: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Xavien and Onora maneuver into an advantageous position. "I think we have an opening here..."

All of the agents maintain their presence on the board!

Dance of the Phalanx!
Minigame

DC 16:
Baron Okerra and Lady Marthaine: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 OUT
Corran and Aurelia: Go
Xavien and Onora: Go
Ianthe and Kenton: Go
The positioning is tight, and only three pairs remain on the board, each with an agent.

Masquerade!
Social Combat

The dance is a bit too much multitasking for some of the party, but Ianthe works her magic with the Baroness.

Rules of Engagement

Turn 3 of 5:
Kenton Bowe: Go
Lady Aurelia Basri: Fail
Lord Corran Clement: Fail
Lady Ianthe Clement: Influence Success (Voinam)
Cleomachus Trius Vulso: Insight (Voinam)
Lord Xavien Marendo Karthis: Influence Success (Voinam

DMB v 16: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

"Stay on target..."

Nobody puts Lady Basri in the corner: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Spoke too soon.