Leo takes his leave a hurries to the courtyard, He finds the crowd surrounding Lady Morilla easily. Now getting to his target...is going to be interesting. Three younger nobles in large puffy sleeves surround Gloriana like a phalanx making it nearly impossible to pass through.
He tries a quick tap on the shoulder...
As the man turns to look at who's pestering him, Leo slips skillfully past him and land with a small bow in from of Lady Morilla. Leo presents the note with Lady Lotheed's compliments and waits for a reply.
Finding his stride, Leo makes a quick and clean delivery to Lady Gloriana. Lady Glorianna Morilla, in turn, asks the agent to run messages to both Martella at her table in the gallery and Duke Centimus in the archives.
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Completed Mission
Ianthe: Influence (Lady Morilla) Crit Success
Ianthe: Influence (Princess Eutropia) Crit Success
Kenton: Go
Leo: Mission Success
Xavien: Go
With her disguise still doing the work she needs it to, Aurelia lurks about in the hopes that she'll pick up something from the High Strategos.
Kenton tries to probe into the psyche of the High Strategos by mentioning one of his experiences riding alongside the World's Edge Mountains. The story isn't particularly exciting, but he does his best to convey the thrill of the saddle while probing for information about Pythareus.
Aurelia, well disguised, trails the High Strategos. She stays close to the military commander, watching for unusual behavior or listening for snippets of conversation, but nothing out of the ordinary piques her interest.... yet.
Kenton actively engages. The High Strategos is practical. As a honed equestrian, he lowers his social guard for conversation involving animal development or riding tricks. He also shares a similar love of the hiking, mountain climbing, the outdoors, and otherwise challenging the elements to maintain his physical fitness.
Aurelia: Mission Success
Corran: Completed Mission
Ianthe: Influence (Lady Morilla) Crit Success
Ianthe: Influence (Princess Eutropia) Crit Success
Kenton: Uncover Weakness (High Strategos) Success
Leo: Mission Success
Xavien: Go
Xavien also returns to the Arcade of Triumphs and chooses a conversation partner -- a titled captain in the Guards, it would seem -- near-ish to the High Strategos. He comments loudly that "too many of our noblefolk feel that their station is to lounge on fainting couches all day. The nobility ought to set an example for the populace -- and that means staying fit. A swim in the mighty Porthmos every morning keeps the heart beating, you know."
Unfortunately, Xavien is not aware that the High Strategos had reprimanded that very officer just yesterday...
Xavien fails to even get himself in the line of sight of the High Strategos!
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Go
Ianthe: Go
Kenton: Go
Leo: Go
Xavien: Go
Xavien decides that he needs a conversation partner both of higher rank and closer to the High Strategos, so he moves on. "Good chatting with you, captain! Enjoy the gala..."
He spots one such candidate, a General of Horse and an earl, concluding a conversation with a Senator and slides himself in. "Good evening, General! I am Lord Xavien Marendo Domitian Iactarus Karthis, and pleased to make your acquaintance. I believe I saw you on parade once in Zimar, when I was a youngster, and you were only a major then. I must say that you are even more fit and hale tonight than you were that day! How do you keep in such top shape? Frequent climbing expeditions in the Emperor's Pass, perhaps? I do find that the bracing mountain air gives one vigor, no?"
Xavien finds an open line of attack. His tack of physical fitness works, and his tone is respectful enough to stroke the man's ego. "Aye. It does. I'll be eager to do the same young Xavien. Considering the whips tell me the vote is settled, it'll be good to have this matter over with before bed tonight. ....There's no room on my expedition come the morrow, but perhaps in the future."
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Go
Ianthe: Go
Kenton: Go
Leo: Go
Xavien: Influence (High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus) Success. Fully influenced
As the Princess moves on to other guests, Ianthe sees that Morilla is also being called away by others seeking her favor. Ianthe takes the moment to excuse herself as well.
She makes her way to the Servant's Wing again, hoping that she might glean some new information from them now that they've had time to interact with the other nobles for a time now.
As she makes her way through the wing, she pauses briefly as she passes servants, dropping random tips to help them along.
Duke Centimus was looking particularly famished. I'm sure if that tray of tarts made its way to the Archive, he'd be most appreciative.
Lady Morilla was just congratulating a young Count on a recent hunt. I think that wine would be perfect for them to toast with.
Knowing that the magic behind the disguise will only last for two hours, she continues to lurk about the High Strategos. When Marendo gets introduced and begins speaking with him, she's impressed. But also disappointed. It's awful to think it, but also hardly a surprise that Maxillar spoke readily with a man.
Still, she's hopeful when he leaves. After all, her mission is to find dirt.
Lady Aurelia, disguised as a servant, and therefore beneath notice by one so important, manages to get snippets of conversation, but in the end, the High Strategos doesn't crack or reveal anything. After 45 minutes and plenty of opportunities for him to let fly some morsel of insight, it appears that he's going to continue to hold his cards tight to his chest.
Aurelia: Mission success and completed
Corran: Go
Ianthe: Go
Kenton: Go
Leo: Go
Xavien: Influence (High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus) Success. Fully influenced
Getting used to being a "aide" to Nobility. It is like passing notes between friends in grade school. The parallels between grade school and the Senate are striking. Leo would ponder this a moment and probably get a laugh of the thought, but he's got to get through this crowd!
Heading to the gallery, Leo makes his way towards Marilla.
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Corran makes his way out into the courtyard. The work for the evening going well at the moment, he can't pass up the opportunity to play for the senior nobles--not to mention the Princess herself.
Corran makes his way over near a water feature and some lotus flowers in exotic colors--imports from far away just like his family. Blossoms from afar that grew and thrived here in Taldor, eventually bringing forth he and Ianthe. The Lotus marks the family crest, and the choice of location is intentional. Exaltation is an honor, and one that comes with the responsibility of stewardship and service. Corran seeks to remind and inspire all here to just that.
Lord Clement tunes his lute and looks around at the elder and seasoned nobility. What do I start with? Something light to soothe? Something about the vote? No, not yet. That would need to be subtle and we should grab some attention here.
Corran begins to strum and pluck, warming up. Scales, The Emberto F Major warmup, and some silly games with chords. He stretches his vocal cords at the same time, reciting some classic children's poems and over-enunciating and popping plosives, thumping rhythms. Then when he's ready, he starts to play. Like all of Corran's work, it's inter-disciplinary. Incorporating oration, lute, and song and blending them together, Corran plays.
He plays his own take on three pieces: The Song of Taldaris, honoring the founding and the first Grand Prince and the dream of Taldor. Then effortlessly shifting into Amanandar's Dream, telling of the general (notably a woman) who spread the dream of Taldor to far off shores, vanquished bandits and founded New Oppara. He closes with a risk, a piece he's still developing entitled Remember Your Oath, a ballad that tells a story about an un-named King who confronts Death herself, and must make an unthinkable choice betwixt dying the man he is, or continue living as the person he should be.
Influence the Courtyard. Perform (Strings, Oratory and Song are all +7):
Lady Ianthe's help is quite well received. She finds that the servants loosen their tongue around the lady.
Leo passes Lady Ianthe who then directs him to the Lady Morilla, allowing him to drop one of his two missives off, leaving only a note to Duke Centimus in the Archives!
Xavien fails to even get himself in the line of sight of the High Strategos!
Aurelia: Mission success and completed
Corran: Go
Ianthe: Work the Room (Servants' Area) Success. Room is now Favorable
Kenton: Go
[b]Leo: Execute Mission (Aide) Success
Xavien: Influence (High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus) Success. Fully influenced
As she works the Servant's Wing, Ianthe picks up some juicy gossip about Dame Malphene Trant.
Lady Ianthe gets the sub rosa details on the Dame. She's tough, but most of it is bluster. If she doesn't have her posse with her, she typically will acquiesce.
Corran sets up in the courtyard and nails it. He can tell that he's really starting to draw a crowd. The only issue is the size of the audience. It's going to take a solid performance for a lot longer to fully win the room over. There's just a lot going on here! Still, his performance draws quite the crowd, which means the rumors and intrigue flow like wine.
Aurelia: Mission success and completed Choose NPC
Corran: Work the Room (Courtyard) Success. Choose NPC
Ianthe: Work the Room (Servants' Area) Success. Room is now Favorable Choose NPC
Kenton: Go Choose NPC
Leo: Execute Mission (Aide) Success Choose NPC
Xavien: Influence (High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus) Success. Fully influenced Choose NPC
Kalbio of Breezy Creek
Wyssilka the Fantabulous please
Kenton returns to the Senate Floor, both to salve his own ambitions and to try to get acquainted with Mother Taldor's soon-to-be newest noble.
Welcome to you, Master Kalbio! It is good to see you from the foothills of southern Yanmass Province! Kenton deliberately does not refer to him with a title yet, to keep him at ease.
Lady Ianthe gets some insight on the Countess Dechamps. As a Pathfinder, she likes to talk shop.
During an intermission on the set, Corran gets some insight on the soon-to-be noble. He's definitely a yokel, and talking to him about simple things is the way in with him. Just ....treating him like a person and understanding his nerves will help.
Lady Aurelia hears that a kindred spirit works to open up the otherwise inscrutable Wyssilka the Fantabulous.
Kenton catches that playing into the Countess Pace's tastes for the finer things are a way in.
Kenton returns to the first room he worked, and picks up where he left off. He quickly finds himself in a more serious debate, with a particularly odious young politician, to the entertainment of nearby Judge Dartist Mercenian (LN male half-elf aristocrat 6), who offers Kenton a gold ring emblazoned with the Mercenian family crest (worth 300 gp) as a sign of his family’s favor.
Leo: Choose NPC
Xavien: Choose NPC
"What's that you say?" Xavien says, leaning in. "Oh really?"
"Tis true, she secretly looooooves Ciceronian oratory!"
Duke Centimus has caught Leo's eye. Maybe it's the double chin?
Leo finds that the Duke enjoys maps, cartography (reading not making), and geography in general.
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Go
Ianthe: Go
Kenton: Go
Leo: Go
Xavien: Go
"Tis true, she secretly looooooves Ciceronian oratory!"
Is it possible for Xavien to hand this info off to Corran at some point?
Corran continues his concert, looking to lighten the mood after the import of the last piece and spread a few smiles amongst the gathering crowd. We'll hit them with some more social commentary later. He continues with a little Sigh Not So for the Ladies of the court, but then can't resist just a little more light and concealed social commentary and point out that A Bee Can Sting A Bear.
Performance (Strings):
Oh, rerolling that...
Shenanigans.
Corran breaks a string at the WORST time!
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Fail
Ianthe: Go
Kenton: Go
Leo: Go
Xavien: Go
Content with her progress with the servants, Ianthe makes her way back to the Courtyard, hoping to re-engage with Lady Morilla. As she scans the grounds for her new friend, she notices a face that she is unfamiliar with.
Greetings, Marquess Deschamps. I don't believe I've had the pleasure of your acquaintance. I am the Lady Ianthe Clement. I hope you don't mind my forwardness. I've just recently returned home from the Arcanamirium and it's been terribly hard to find any intelligent discourse here. Too many men dismiss my opinion or patronize me in some idiotic bid to gain my favor. Your reputation precedes you and I'd hoped we could talk.
Does it now? Interesting. Go on..." Lady Ianthe feels like she's got the Marquess's attention. The conversation is very much a fencing match as Deschamps tries not to let Ianthe ask specific questions, but nonetheless the Marquess seems to be enjoying herself.
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Fail
Ianthe: Influence (Marquess Deschamps) Success
[b]Kenton: Go
Leo: Go
Xavien: Go
Leo moves towards towards the Archives. Finding The Duke is not hard. It's on of the largest groups at the party tonight. Loe sharpens his elbows and dives in...
Leo manages to deliver the second of two notes. It was pretty easy, even without using the servants' passages. The duke nods, "Can you let Lady Martella know that we're all set? Thank you my good man."
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Fail
Ianthe: Influence (Marquess Deschamps) Success
Kenton: Go
Leo: Mission Success
Xavien: Go
Leo manages to deliver the second of two notes. It was pretty easy, even without using the servants' passages. The duke nods, "Can you let Lady Martella know that we're all set? Thank you my good man."
"Of course, My Lord." Leo backs out with a bow. He gives a side grin to the young lord with the sore ribs as he leaves.
----------------------
"Lady Martella, Duke Centimus gave me a message for you. He said, " We are all set."
"Excellent, while that's good news, it means I have ONE more errand for you. Get this one done and we'll be done for the night and you can enjoy the rest of the evening."
Hoping to see other areas during this event, Aurelia drifts off to the gallery. She wanders through the winding halls, admiring some of the performances.
To a group of children she lets them in on the secret of her current disguise, providing them with a bit of entertainment and teaching them the power of magic in espionnage.
Seeing that Aurelia has her eye on Trant, Xavien wanders to the Courtyard for a breath of fresh air. He walks in just as Corran's string snaps, and cuts in to fill the void with his baritone vocals.
"Come cheer up, my dears! 'Tis to glory we steer,
To add something more to this wonderful year;
To honor we call you, to stand proud'n'fast,
For who are so rea-dy as we here at last?
"Heart of oak are our ships! Heart of oak are our kin!
We always are ready, steady, friends, steady!
We'll strive and we'll rise high again and again!"
** spoiler omitted **
Lady Aurelia works overtime in the gallery. She learns the general movements of the crowds within the senate by watching from the upper gallery.
Xavien tries his own hand, and despite his composition, he finds the room only moderately more captivated.
Aurelia: Work the Room (Gallery) Success
Corran: Fail
Ianthe: Influence (Marquess Deschamps) Success
Kenton: Go
Leo: Mission Success
Xavien: Work the Room (Courtyard) Success
Kenton sees that the Dame is testing the waters by looking for an eager target, but she's not making a scene. Best to not light her fuse for the moment, but keeping an eye on her is likely a good idea.
"Here. Run this file folder I “borrowed” back to the
archives as well. This is my last ask of you tonight. After this, go and enjoy the festivities!"
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Go
Ianthe: Go
Kenton: Go
Leo: Go
Xavien: Go
Leo heads to the Achieves one last time. He walks through the stacks like he belongs there and puts the file back in place...
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Go
Ianthe: Go
Kenton: Go
Leo: Mission Complete!
Xavien: Go
Aurelia decides to stay in the gallery for a bit longer, mingling with the crowd and studying those around her under cover of her magic disguise.
Lady Aurelia finds a target rich environment. Her mingling is quite successful, but much like the courtyard, there's a lot of ground to dover.
Aurelia: Work the Room (Gallery) Success
Corran: Go
Ianthe: Go
Kenton: Go
Leo: Mission Complete!
Xavien: Go
(Prose Edited as per Slack.)
The damn string has caused a problem. Just a slight one, but a problem nonetheless. The crowd is still here, still happy, just no longer energized. Xavien passes the message on to Corran about Eutropia, and upon hearing the news, Corran's eyes go wide. Gods. Ciceronian? Nobody loooooves that, but... Yikes it's been awhile. Well... It's good information for another occasion. I think she's likely heard enough from people bucking for position tonight...
He waits for a pause in Xavien's set before clearing his throat and then getting as much attention as possible with some loud trills, not loud so much as a different sound to get as many as possible looking his way.
Gentles! Ladies, Lords, Knights. Dame Knights! I beseech you, and not bee-seek you--for the Apiary should be left alone--give me your ears and I shall sing to you of Love and Rivalry, old and new...
Corran makes a big show of cracking his knuckles, stretching, he cracks his own neck in the way of the Monks of The Seven Forms, and begins...
Performance, Song to work The Courtyard.
Corran continues to make solid progress. As he hits the climax of his performance, he sees that he's not quite there. One more whiticism, one more line. It will be the piece de resistance!
Aurelia: Work the Room (Gallery) Success
Corran: Work the Room (Courtyard) Success
Ianthe: Go
Kenton: Go
Leo: Mission Complete!
Xavien: Go
Kenton stays put in the Arcade of Triumphs, knowing the time will come that Dame Trant begins to act up and eager to be ready for it. He keeps a close eye on her.
Not wishing to steal Corran's thunder in the Courtyard, Xavien joins his fellow's melody for the chorus, hoping to spur still others to sing along.