You decide to split up into three groups, Icabhod and Henrika explore outside; Tychus and Liraela explore to the west; and Trevor and Xallis explore to the east.
While Icabhod and Henrika explore outside, the howl of a wolf breaks the silence. It doesn't sound close enough to pose a threat but it does serve as a reminder that you are not living in a walled metropolis anymore. For some of you, the rural setting may take some getting used to. Behind the estate is a garden porch with two pairs of glass double-doors leading back into the foyer and a dirt path leading away from the estate into the nearby woods. To Icabhod's trained eye, the mansion is in very good shape. While some bushes have become overgrown and ivy has climbed the walls, Icabhod cannot spot any structural weaknesses in the building. However, while circling the perimeter both Icabhod and Henrika spot a light briefly shining out of the shuttered window of one of the second floor bedrooms.
To the west, Tychus and Liraela come across a conservatory. The room is surrounding by tall glass windows that would illuminate the room pleasantly if it were daytime. On a table in the center of the room is a bouquet of roses that continues to prosper.
Trevor and Xallis search to the east. The first room they pass through is a kitchen. Luckily, the kitchen is empty and there is no rotting food to discover. (But if you want to eat, you'll want to stock it yourselves later). Beyond that, hooking around to the south, they discover a servant's stairwell that spirals up to the second floor. And in the pantry behind the kitchen, is another stairway that leads downward, presumably into a cellar. While the two of them are looking through the kitchen, the piano in the music room briefly plays a few notes. If anyone rushes over to look, the music room is quiet and empty.
"Alright!" Trevor smiled. "Tychus, you take some and go left, I'll take the rest and go right. Feel free to shout out anything of import.
Wonder if this place has a basement?"
"If I didn't know any better, I'd wager you're hoping for a fully stocked wine cellar."
He shoots the cleric a jovial smirk.
To the west, Tychus and Liraela come across a conservatory. The room is surrounding by tall glass windows that would illuminate the room pleasantly if it were daytime. On a table in the center of the room is a bouquet of roses that continues to prosper.
Tychus tiredly runs his hand through his hair. The day was beginning to weigh on him.
"That's a bit strange..."
He steps over to the odd flowers and picks them up cautiously. If there are no apparent dangers, he gives the bouquet a sniff.
If there are no apparent dangers, he gives the bouquet a sniff.
No danger. It feels and smells like a fresh rose.
Liraela is instantly on alert as soon as she sees the live roses, her dagger slipping out from the place she keeps it hidden.
"We are not alone. Be wary, be prepared." she whispers to Tychus before taking a look around the conservatory.
Icabhod is far too lost in his shrubbery examination to notice anything else.
"Alright!" Trevor smiled. "Tychus, you take some and go left, I'll take the rest and go right. Feel free to shout out anything of import.
Wonder if this place has a basement?""If I didn't know any better, I'd wager you're hoping for a fully stocked wine cellar."
He shoots the cleric a jovial smirk.
"Oh! What a blessed gift that would be, though unlikely," Trevor shrugs.
During Xallis and Trevor's exploration, the cleric shouts out the existence of both flights of stairs. With the talk of ghosts still ringing in his head, Trevor cautiously walks down the stairs, hand on his holy symbol.
The unexplained noises puts the summoner on edge. A casting of light emanates from a loaded crossbow bolt to illuminate the area around him. Me murmurs a quiet prayer in hopes that this place isn't haunted.
Meanwhile, Navia takes a low stance and begins sniffing at the air. Perhaps some invisible entity is toying with them?
Would you allow Ichabod’s roll to count as an aid another attempt, since both of us are examining the same thing? ;)
"We are not alone. Be wary, be prepared." she whispers to Tychus before taking a look around the conservatory.
Liraela doesn’t notice anything else in the conservatory.
During Xallis and Trevor's exploration, the cleric shouts out the existence of both flights of stairs. With the talk of ghosts still ringing in his head, Trevor cautiously walks down the stairs, hand on his holy symbol.
Trevor goes down into the basement with Xallis and Navia. The stairs end at a cellar and wine cellar although sadly the wine cellar is bare. There is also a long dark tunnel that stretches on well past Trevor’s light source. The trio are startled by the hiss of a cat again which then bounds away down the dark tunnel.
Navia sniffs the air, the scent of small furry creatures seems to be in every room she’s passed through. When the group goes down into the basement, the scent gets stronger. Although the cat ran down the tunnel, the strongest concentration of scent remains in the cellar. Searching the cellar, they find a tiny hidden door in the northeastern wall. The door is too tiny for any of the three downstairs to fit. Peeping inside, is a round room furnished with three beds and some other furniture sized for Tiny-sized people.
"If I'm not mistaken, the previous Betonys set up a place for the fey to live in the manor!"
Trevor looks to Xallis. "I would rather not kick out any potential helpers. I can offer simple wine or ale every night. But they will likely need more than spirits to live on."
Henrika blinks in astonishment when the group gathers to discuss their findings. "That sounds like evidence of the fair folk! I've some little experience with their ilk. Be wary of offering them thanks, which they may interpret as a gift with no value and take offense. They appreciate goods associated with the household, like food and drink or clothing-- I will leave my old cloak and black leggings out for them, with a bottle of the wine I purchased from the forgotten men on the road and a note making it clear that they are intended for them. How fascinating! I must write to my friend Eduardo about this, for he is something of an expert in the subject. He may be able to advise us how to recruit them to the princess's cause, for they make excellent spies and are usually doughty fighters all." She speaks confidently with no attempt at subterfuge, as if she suspects someone may be listening to her words and wants them to hear. "I do not know if they appreciate magically-created food and drink as well, as for them its essential nature is tied to its value. But fortunately we have more wine than even you can drink, my friend!"
"I had no idea that we had an expert on our hands!" Xallis nods. "Alright, then. We'll leave them an offering and hope for the best. Meanwhile, I'll want to write a letter of my own to get my family in on the loop."
Xallis withdraws a scroll from his robes. An older one, from their harrowing adventures after the slaughter at the senate. He regards it with a mixture of fond regards and bitter nostalgia. "I suppose I may not need to conjure a cleaner after all."
Liraela is instantly on alert as soon as she sees the live roses, her dagger slipping out from the place she keeps it hidden.
"We are not alone. Be wary, be prepared." she whispers to Tychus before taking a look around the conservatory.
"You might be right, but it doesn't look like there is much in here. We should check some of the other doors in this wing."
After you determine that the house isn’t haunted by malicious ghosts, you become less wary of the houses other residents. Exploring upstairs, you find that there are enough beds for everyone to comfortably sleep, as well as a functioning bath. The roof has been maintained and there are no leaks that you can see.
You take the chance of trying to sleep and leaving out a few gifts for the fey. In the morning, the gifts are gone and you find that all your dirty clothes have been washed and folded and left at the foot of your beds.
A hero point for Henrika for her Fey Lore coming into use.
Pharast 10, 4718 (Starday) (Stachys, County of Meratt, Taldor)
Your time is now yours. The Tanager Jubilee will start next weekend. You will get one Persona phase that you can take now to either increase a rank or perform an operation. You can incorporate the town of Stachys or the Betony Estate in what you want to do for the week.
A few details about Stachys. The town, which is actually just a hamlet right now, is badly neglected and in need of many repairs. The population is only 66 people, most of them farmers. Besides the homes and farms, there is a small village square which serves as a market for local artisans and farmers. The public house, the Wolf’s Whisker, is little more than an oversized home with a dirt floor. Stachys has a small outdoor shrine to Abadar, Erastil, Iomedae, and Shelyn. There are no temple buildings.
Your agents have arrived at Stachys and are ready to be used. They are likely all setting up camp in tents around the town, since there is no inn to speak of. (You can help house them later.)
The only NPC of note in the town is Onora Piscum. If any other villager becomes relevant enough to need a name, we can make some up. If you want to name any villagers or any of your agents to make things feel more personal, I’m okay with it.
If you increase a rank, it is the same as last time; perform a skill check, DC 15+twice the rank you are trying to achieve.
If you are performing an operation, you roll a d20+the number of agents used. You can only send up to a maximum of the ranks you have in the relevant facet. So for all of you, the roll is likely 1d20+2. The DC varies depending on the operation chosen.
Edit:
"You might be right, but it doesn't look like there is much in here. We should check some of the other doors in this wing."
If you are purchasing any items this week. There is only 1 minor magic item of the party's choice available. Any other magic item of 100 gp or less has a 75% chance of being available. Common non-magical items are all available.
Icabhod spends his time in his element and starts tending to the manor. He was sure to but good quality locks for the doors and has the grounds cleared of mess and trimmed properly. Windows are checked and he has a grill installed in any chimneys to help prevent entry from that direction.
As for further home defense, he has a hidden sheathed dagger in each room that can be grabbed if need be and there us a small armory with ammonition for everyone's choice of weapon.
Her curiosity aroused, Henrika devotes her time to making the faerie caretaker of the Betony Estate more comfortable. When Eduardo arrives in Stachys along with some of Henrika's other friends, she arranges for him to visit the manor house secretly, in the middle of the night, and wait in the basement in the hopes that he can (and will) coax out the creature. She would very much like to get the local fey on their side in the coming conflict-- not just for everyone's comfort, but also because Eduardo tells her that they would make excellent agents for operations here in Meratt county.
So. Trevor, one morning, takes one of the horses into town. The caydenite stops inside The Wolf's Whisker, the local pub. There the cleric of Cayden Cailean attempts to have a friendly interaction with the pub's owner. Trevor pleads his case, that he wants to work at The Wolf's Whisker and serve the Stachys community.
Icabhod decides to visit the pub and find any travelers moving about the area and starts commenting on the negligence showed these lands and how terribly lack they are, perhaps suggesting that a change is needed.
Liraela doesn't have much interest in the faeries, but will try to remember any local folk stories she may have heard about fae in the area. See if they're something they should be worried about.
Once they've slept, she finally takes chance to wash the trips' dirt and grime off of her.
After that's done, she gets to work on her research into this 'Count Bartelby Lotheed', setting her agents to work on infiltrating his court and attempting to gather whatever information they can find.
Henrika sighs. "You had better go, Eduardo," she says. "I do not think the caretaker is going to show himself. I will remain here and do my best to convey my intentions, in the hopes that the faithful stewards are curious."
She waits about an hour before casting a spell on herself, and brings out one of the bottles of exceptionally fine wine that she purchased from the men on the road.
"Good master steward, I am Henrika Karthis," she says conversationally to the empty room. "My friend Xallis Livara has inherited this estate, but he does not know your ways. Truth be told, I do not know much of them either, for it is my friend Eduardo who is well-versed in your grammar. I have brought you fine strong wine, triple-distilled, and I make no demands upon you. If you should like to speak with me and learn more about the events transpiring outside these walls, I would be happy to share the news." She summarizes briefly the events of the gala and the subsequent fallout, leaving out (for now) Lady Martella's involvement and the tasks that she and her friends carried out for her. "And so, it seems the princess has a valid claim to the throne, though many forces be arrayed against her. That is what brings us here, to try to influence the opinion of all Taldane hearts and minds, and help her take her rightful place to guide us forward to a new age."
With their home settled, Xallis takes just a bit of time to explore the possibilities of the villages markets...
Minor Items: 1d6 ⇒ 1
If you are purchasing any items this week. There is only 1 minor magic item of the party's choice available. Any other magic item of 100 gp or less has a 75% chance of being available. Common non-magical items are all available.
...and he finds it to be quite disappointing. However, this is also an opportunity! After all, if they're going to improve the lives of the people of the community, that will naturally bring in business. And it would be foolish to not get in on the ground floor.
The summoner quickly gets to work drafting a letter for his family.
To my dear and loving parents,
Greetings! I write to you from my newly acquired home in the nearby town of Stachys. As it turns out, I did some routine genealogy research with Our Friends In Red and made a starting discover! I am in fact the second cousin, once removed, of the late Lady Allis Betony. This has left me as the sole heir to her estate.
My companions and I are already hard at work evaluating the property and preparing for renovations. And more importantly, I've already begun introducing myself to noteworthy locals in preparation for the opportunities that come with my recent inheritance.
I still remember the friends I made during the recent celebration, and I believe that now is the time to start getting in touch with them formally. This town is small, and in much need of work. But as that work is done, the gold will once again flow, with me at the center of it all. And I also want our mutual friends to be there with me. Included with this letter is a draft of tariffs that I'm sure they will find quite agreeable. After all, we'll need to entice commerce into this area to attract entrepreneurs.
If you know any aspiring traders who know their wares and know how to take orders, do send them my way. I'm sure you'll appreciate having a town's economy being run by people who owe you a favor.
May our fortunes rise and our legacy shine,
~Sir Xallis Livara
Xallis reviews his writing, hoping that his parents will pick up on the somewhat blunt phrase of "Our Friends In Red" referring to devils, which in turn implies that a level of deception was used to obtain the property. Either way, he muses, they'll probably care more about results.
Along with the letter, Xallis prepares a draft of a tariff proposal that will aid in economic growth in the town, leading to good fortunes for any merchants that want to get in on the ground floor of his plans.
Developing Persona
Trevor pleads his case, that he wants to work at The Wolf's Whisker and serve the Stachys community.I'm not doing a full post now but I'll give you feedback for your post, Trevor.
I'll consider your diplomacy a success.
Onora Piscum is the owner of the Wolf's Whisker and has been forced into a mayoral roll because no one else wants it. She wants nothing more than to be able to just return to bartending. She will allow Trevor to work this week as a trial run and see how he does.
During the week, Trevor does whatever task is asked of him, cleaning, sweeping, chores, even cleaning up drunken sick off the bar.
As he works, Trevor talks with the patrons, which are his new neighbors. They discuss what trouble areas Stachys needs improvement on.
Later, the cleric takes these concerns to his agents, who helps in collecting donations to put forth Stachys most pressing problems.
Trevor awaits Madam Moiscum's verdict on his first week of work at the Wolf's Whisker.
With their home settled, Xallis takes just a bit of time to explore the possibilities of the villages markets...
...and he finds it to be quite disappointing. However, this is also an opportunity! After all, if they're going to improve the lives of the people of the community, that will naturally bring in business. And it would be foolish to not get in on the ground floor.Minor Items: 1d6 ⇒ 1
If you are purchasing any items this week. There is only 1 minor magic item of the party's choice available. Any other magic item of 100 gp or less has a 75% chance of being available. Common non-magical items are all available.
Tychus accompanies Xallis to the market, less to buy, and more to observe and understand. As Xallis heads back to draft his letter, Tychus continues on to the shrine of Abadar.
"There's a lot of work to be done here. But that's never stopped me before..."
After a quick prayer, he heads back to the manor.
Week Pharast 10-16, 4718 (Stachys, County of Meratt, Taldor)
Henrika
Hmm, can I roleplay Henrika trying to befriend the faeries outside of the Persona phase? I don't know exactly what to do for that, but I'm guessing it's maybe Diplomacy?
Henrika and Eduardo spend a night or two trying to coax the fey to appear but have no luck. Her attempt also puts her at the butt end of a “prank” by these creatures. The next morning, Henrika wakes up not in her bed but outside on the hard wood of the front porch.
Undeterred, Henrika tries again the next night with some wine. This time, she meets success. The three black cats that they party has seen around the estate make a reappearance. They circle and sniff at Henrika, and then with a poof of glittery smoke transform. Barely knee-high, the small fey look like hairy old men with more beard than flesh.
”Well why didn’t you say so?” says one of the fey. ”We thought you were looters. I’m Blunk and these fellows are Nodd and Wink. We are domovoi.”
The domovoi accept Henrika’s offering and spend the night talking with her. They explain that they have dwelled in the building since the original watchtower was constructed over a thousand years ago. Lady Allis Betony befriended them while just a child, and they remained her lifelong friends, insulating her from the worst influences of Taldan high society. After Allis passed and no one inherited the house, they felt it their duty to protect their departed friend’s home and even maintain it (as best they can with no raw materials).
Before Henrika leaves, Blunk says, ”Wait. Before you go, we would like to give you a gift back. For your generosity and partially an apology for our prank. We stole this from a courier a millennium ago but never really found any use for it. It looks like you might be able to use it.”
Nodd and Wink retrieve a magical sword from their hidey-hole and offer it to Henrika. When Henrika touches it, she immediately recognizes this as another relic and it imparts her with the knowledge of its abilities.
Koriana’s Blade is a +2 defending longsword. It’s strangely curved, betraying its origins, and has five gemstones in its pommel. Four are broken, but the white gem in the center is intact. Once per day, the wielder can trigger this gemstone as an immediate action to absorb and negate all arts targeting her from a magic missile spell.
When the wielder transfers at least 1 point of the weapon’s enhancement bonus to her AC using the defending special ability, she also chooses one creature other than herself within 10 feet to gain a +1 bonus to AC until the wielder’s next turn. This bonus is always +1, regardless of how much of the weapon’s bonus the wielder transfers to her AC.
”We are happy to have a new family to work with and maintain our role as caretakers. Just don’t forget to leave us offerings every now and then.” says Blunk.
”We particularly like cream, porridge, or sweet rolls.” says Nodd.
”And whiskey!” says Wink.
”Goodnight!” the three fey say before vanishing from sight with another puff of smoke.
Domovoi Lore
•A domovoi’s type is fey.
•These sometimes-helpful fey creatures known as house spirits bind themselves to rural families and live among them. Some bear a resemblance to the family’s ancestors, a similarity that grows more obvious the longer they remain in the family’s service. House spirits use their compression ability and invisibility to stay out of the sight of those among whom they live.
•A domovoi is vulnerable to cold iron.
•A domovoi can throw objects via telekinesis.
•A domovoi can change shape into a cat or dog.
•A domovoi has spell resistance.
•Its spell-like abilities include: invisibility, lullaby, mage hand, mending, prestidigitation, reduce person, sleep, and augury.
•Domovoi speak Common and Sylvan.
Icabhod
Icabhod walks around town looking for travelers and notices that there are very few passing through. To the ones he does manage to stop, they find his comments unwanted and respond with rude gestures before dismissing him.
Icabhod does find that Stachys has a decent stock of common goods and purchases a few supplies to upgrade his home’s defenses. After Henrika befriends the domovoi, they are willing to show themselves to Icabhod and offer their assistance. The domovoi prove to be excellent handimen and with their Tiny size and spell-like abilities like mage hand and telekinesis they can reach areas out of reach for Icabhod. The fey are very chatty and like to tell stories from times before Icabhod was born.
There is one incident where Biblio tries to eat Nodd and afterwards the fey insist that the party does something to keep the gishvit away from them.
Liraela
The first night, Liraela cannot find any hot water for the bath. After the domovoi are befriended, they make sure that a hot bath is drawn for Liraela every night onward.
At the end of the week, Liraela’s agents return successful.
Trevor
When Trevor first comes down to the Wolf’s Whisker, he is greeted with an annoyed look across her face. But Trevor’s charm wins her over at least enough to accept some help.
”Stachy’s hasn’t had any official leadership or infrastructure since Lady Betony passed 10 years ago. Our official tribune, and my husband, Roren Piscum, passed away 5 years later. Ever since, I’ve shouldered most of the burden of protecting my neighbors and keeping people organized while still running my small tavern here. To say I’m overwhelmed is an understatement. Why don’t you help out this week and show me your skills.”
At the end of the week, Onora rates his bartending as ”just average” and ”not quite at her level yet” but she is willing to let Trevor continue to help out in the future. The locals take note of Trevor’s efforts as well and are appreciative.
While working in the tavern, Trevor also overhears a rumor from the locals.
“The pump house feeding the Stachys Spur has been blocked for years—abandoned and haunted, they say. Blocked deliberately, is what I say.”
Xallis
After Xallis pens his message to the Livara Estate, he also finds out that to deliver the message, he will need to hire a messenger.
Onora looks over Xallis’ proposal for a tariff and nods with approval. ”I do believe this would help. Maybe you aren’t all talk after all.”
”It’s important to keep my body temperature in check, you see.” Liraela explains to the domovoi after her first bath. ”I’m quite sure you’ve never had any of my kind here, just know that I am grateful for your help and companionship, should you wish it.” She understands being small and forgotten and has a sort of pity for the smaller creatures: though she’d never voice that thought out loud.
I’ll have them poke out a weakness, I’m not really interested in playing nice with this one.
Liraela's agents report back that Bartelby is greatly swayed by intellectual gifts. Anyone presenting him with an antique or spellbook worth at least 250 gp gains a +1 bonus on checks to influence him.
”I’m quite sure you’ve never had any of my kind here, just know that I am grateful for your help and companionship, should you wish it.”
"You're right about that." says Blunk. "I've never even heard of a vishkanya before. So...are you like a reptile?"
"Do you lay eggs?" asks Nodd.
"It's nice to have some variation. Too many humans around these parts if you ask me.' says Blunk.
"Not enough fey either." says Blink.
They fey have a different sense of privacy than humanoids do and take Liraela's invitation for companionship to mean they can pop up at any time, although they mean no harm in it.
Liraela is all too happy to converse with the fey, not having any irritation at all or trying to hide their conversation. She makes it clear any of her party are free to listen or join.
”Not a full reptile, no. More like a snake/human hybrid than anything else, but even that is a simplification. And yes, we do lay eggs. I have not, but eventually I might. Once all this….business is over with.” she says, waving her hand around at the general situation her and the rest of the party has found themselves in.
”You ought to see the streets of Indapatta, capital of Vudra. I grew up there, and there was so much variety in the people you’d see. Humans, elves, orcs, and even a handful of div-spawn. You would love it there, I’m sure of it.”
Trevor
When Trevor first comes down to the Wolf’s Whisker, he is greeted with an annoyed look across her face. But Trevor’s charm wins her over at least enough to accept some help.
”Stachy’s hasn’t had any official leadership or infrastructure since Lady Betony passed 10 years ago. Our official tribune, and my husband, Roren Piscum, passed away 5 years later. Ever since, I’ve shouldered most of the burden of protecting my neighbors and keeping people organized while still running my small tavern here. To say I’m overwhelmed is an understatement. Why don’t you help out this week and show me your skills.”
At the end of the week, Onora rates his bartending as ”just average” and ”not quite at her level yet”[/bv] but she is willing to let Trevor continue to help out in the future. The locals take note of Trevor’s efforts as well and are appreciative.
Trevor apologies. [b]"Every pub and tavern is like a woman: each having their own quirks and way of doing things. I will promise to do better next week."
The cleric goes on to ask. "You seem to find great joy in bartending, Madam Piscum. Do you follow the ways of The Drunken Hero as I do?"
Liraela is all too happy to converse with the fey, not having any irritation at all or trying to hide their conversation. She makes it clear any of her party are free to listen or join.
Fascinated, Trevor knees down before the fey. "Good sirs. I'm honored to make your acquaintance. I am Trevor Kastner, your alcohol and spirit provider for the foreseeable future. I apologize that I only have simple wine and ale to offer for your help. Once I develop a better relationship down at The Wolf's Whisker, I will try to bring you better alcohol." The noble bows his head in respect to the helpful roommates.
Icabhod is intrigued by the fey, having them as allies is certainly useful. Perhaps when we have a party here, they can keep an eye on guests to make sure they don't wander where they shouldn't
Liaela lays eggs? If she is like a chicken we might have an emergency food supply!
Icabhod is disappointed with the results in the village, seems the surly inhabitants don't wish to chat.
Seeing the poor state of the shrines while he was in town, Tychus gathers a few supplies and heads back to do a bit of maintenance on them.
Maintain Shrines (Sacrifice)
Maintain Shrines (Sacrifice)
While Tychus knows the proper way to tend to the shrine to Abadar, he can't quite recall the rites for the other deities Erastil, Iomedae, and Shelyn. The locals appreciate the effort but are not impressed.
Pharast 17, 4718 (Starday) (Palace of Birdsong, Lotheedar, County of Meratt, Taldor)
The morning of the Tanager Jubilee arrives at last. You dress in your finest clothes and pack your belongings into your waiting carriage. Although Lotheedar is 22 miles from the carriage makes haste to ensure you arrive before noon. You only briefly pass through Lotheedar on your way to the Palace of Birdsong but looking out the carriage windows you can easily tell that Lotheedar is much larger than Stachys or even Pensaris and one of the county’s most well-to-do settlements. Past Lotheedar is the Palace of Birdsong where the Tanager Jubilee is to be hosted.
This sweeping estate is nestled among beautiful vineyards and orchards heavy with apricots, olives, and plums. The estate belongs to the Stavian family, though it’s been under the administration of the Lotheeds for some time. At first glance, the home is breathtaking, with graceful arches and domes made of expensive marble. However, behind this facade lurk hints of neglect: the marble is crumbling and the ivy creeping up its gates is uncontrolled. The Lotheeds have gone to the trouble to ensure that the estate’s overall upkeep is handled, but no loving hands have seen to the estate’s finer details in many years.
Once you approach the palace, you meet with an astonishing array of guests, nearly 40 altogether, all being fussed over by an army of servants sporting bird masks. Bartelby has hired additional staff, and the normally quiet palace throngs with chatter and laughter. Numerous entertainers—ferret-jugglers, fire-breathers, stilt-walkers, and other amusements—keep guests occupied as they arrive.
Upon seeing new guests, Count Bartelby Lotheed approaches you and introduces himself warmly while a servant unloads your baggage.
“Well met, newcomers. I am Count Bartelby Lotheed, steward of the county of Meratt, landgrave of the Hyden Marches, and tribune of Lotheedar. We understand you are the new heirs to the Betony lands. It is quite the honor to be our new neighbors, we’re sure.”
Henrika climbs out of the carriage stiffly, and recognizes Bartelby from the gala, though she hopes that he does not remember her. "Greetings, Your Lordship. Thank you for the invitation, and I am sure we are quite overwhelmed by the honor that you do us by having us here. I am Henrika Karthis, the only daughter of Henri Karthis. I have heard you are quite the magic-user, and I am looking forward to see what arcane entertainments you have prepared! I am sure your wizardry will be the talk of the county for many years to come."
Navia emerges from the carriage soon after, offering a hand to assist Xallis in stepping out. In adition to her usual corset and jewelery, she wears a decorative veil over her mouth to hide the expanded mouth.
"Count Lotheed, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Sir Xallis Livara. This is my assistant, Navia." He gestures and the eidolon bows.
"It is indeed an honor to make your acquaintance. It is my hope to bring great prosperity and to this town. And, more importantly, its noble lords and ladies." He offers his best merchant's smile. The one he's been practicing in the mirror over the past few days.
Tychus glances around nervously as he waits in line for his turn to greet Count Bartelby. He feels under-dressed compared to the other attendees in his usual formal, but plain, black outfit. He at least made sure to fix the stitching on his cuffs this time.
"Sir Tychus Marcaius, follower of Abadar, and courtier to Sir Livara and the Betany household. May wealth flow through our lands." Instead of bowing, Tychus extends a hand in an offer to shake his.
Liraela motions a servant over to open the door for her, and holds a hand out for him to help her down. Her extravagant gown is a bit more frilly than she is used to, but it’s important to make a good first impression when you’ll be working with new acquaintances. Whether or not any of those people end up dead at the end of the work isn’t of any import.
She slowly makes her way over towards the Count, holding out a hand to hold his and give it a gentle kiss, being sure to display her Envoy Ring and medusa-styled golden snake hair jewelry. Her serpentine eyes meet his and a smile breaks across her face.
”A pleasure to meet you, Count Lotheed. Lady Liraela Varima, at your service.” she straightens back up and takes a step back before speaking again. ”What a delightful event you have set up, very excited to see what this night has in store for us all!”
A handsome young man exits the carriage. He's dressed in a fine taldor navy courtier's outfit, accented with fine matching jewelry of sapphire and tourmaline, with a shiny rapier at his waist. A silver holy symbol of Cayden Cailean. His black hair is expertly quaffed, his dazzling iridescent eyes look down as he bows before Count Lotheed.
"Good day, your Lordship. Please permit me to introduce myself. I am Sir Trevor Kastner, cleric of Cayden Cailean.
Formerly of Oppara, now citizens of your lovely Stachys, along with my extended family. I pleasure to meet you, my lord."
"Greetings, Your Lordship. Thank you for the invitation, and I am sure we are quite overwhelmed by the honor that you do us by having us here. I am Henrika Karthis, the only daughter of Henri Karthis. I have heard you are quite the magic-user, and I am looking forward to see what arcane entertainments you have prepared! I am sure your wizardry will be the talk of the county for many years to come."
”As you should be. And you have heard correct. My talent is unmatched except by perhaps my uncle Duke Panivar Lotheed.”
"Count Lotheed, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Sir Xallis Livara. This is my assistant, Navia." He gestures and the eidolon bows.
"It is indeed an honor to make your acquaintance. It is my hope to bring great prosperity and to this town. And, more importantly, its noble lords and ladies."
Count Lotheed smiles genuinely when he sees Xallis and Navia. ”The honor is all mine. I was not aware that Lady Betony’s heir was a summoner but I am pleasantly surprised.”
"Sir Tychus Marcaius, follower of Abadar, and courtier to Sir Livara and the Betany household. May wealth flow through our lands."
Count Lotheed shakes Tychus’ hand. ”Pleased to meet you.”
”A pleasure to meet you, Count Lotheed. Lady Liraela Varima, at your service.” she straightens back up and takes a step back before speaking again. ”What a delightful event you have set up, very excited to see what this night has in store for us all!”
Count Lotheed meets Liraela’s eyes without pause. Although not serpentine, his eyes hold their own venom when returning Liraela’s gaze. ”Oh, I am sure the events we have prepared are unlike anything you’ve seen before.
"Good day, your Lordship. Please permit me to introduce myself. I am Sir Trevor Kastner, cleric of Cayden Cailean.
Formerly of Oppara, now citizens of your lovely Stachys, along with my extended family. I pleasure to meet you, my lord."
”Pleased to meet you as well.” he replies.
”Well it would appear that you are more well bred than I expected. I insist that you stay in the palace apartments. Your attendant will show you the way in time. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have many guests to greet. Have you met Dame Crabbe yet?”
Court Lotheed wanders off without actually introducing you.
You are free to wander and chat while sampling fine local white wines, cheeses, and jellied calves’ feet. Much of the early discussion is speculation about when or if the reclusive Duke Lotheed, Bartelby’s uncle, will arrive. Before you can wander far, you are set upon by Dame Crabbe.
Parthena is a broad, middle-aged woman with a wide smile and expressive eyes. She smells overwhelmingly of camphor and sugar.
She immediately proceeds to question you about everything she can imagine. ”You must be the new Betony heirs. I am Dame Parthena Crabbe and this is my daughter Sepsinia.” Sepsinia, in contrast to Parthena is rail-thin and pale. When Parthena mentions her name, she looks surprised and shyly turns away. ”We hail from Moost, a hamlet near the western edge of Meratt. Gossip is that you came from Oppara. You must tell me, what is it like in a big city? What do they wear there? Do they wear that?” She frowns at some of your outfits. ”What kind of food do they have there? Speaking of which, you just have to try the wine they are serving. It comes right from the Lotheed vineyards. The Lotheeds produce some of the best wine in Taldor, and that’s not just my opinion. How are you finding the Bethony Estate so far? Is it just ghastly? If you have time during the jubilee, please speak with my daughter. She’s eligible.” Parthena winks. ”Especially if you are a wealthy bachelor.”
You are free to wander and chat while sampling fine local white wines, cheeses, and jellied calves’ feet. Much of the early discussion is speculation about when or if the reclusive Duke Lotheed, Bartelby’s uncle, will arrive. Before you can wander far, you are set upon by Dame Crabbe.
Parthena is a broad, middle-aged woman with a wide smile and expressive eyes. She smells overwhelmingly of camphor and sugar.
She immediately proceeds to question you about everything she can imagine. ”You must be the new Betony heirs. I am Dame Parthena Crabbe and this is my daughter Sepsinia.” Sepsinia, in contrast to Parthena is rail-thin and pale. When Parthena mentions her name, she looks surprised and shyly turns away. ”We hail from Moost, a hamlet near the western edge of Meratt."[/b]
"Pleased to meet you, Dame Crabbe." The handsome stranger bowed before both women. "I am Sir Trevor Kastner. I serve Cayden Cailean as a cleric."
"Gossip is that you came from Oppara. You must tell me, what is it like in a big city?"
"I used to live in Kastner Manor in Oppara. It was a beautiful radiant city", Trevor explains, with a slight frown. "Once Grand Prince Stavian unleashed his Purge, the grand old town shutters like an injured puppy. Sad."
"What do they wear there? Do they wear that?” She frowns at some of your outfits."Obviously, for special occasions like a Jubilee, those who can wear extravigant clothing such as what I currently wear", the aasimar answered.
”What kind of food do they have there? Speaking of which, you just have to try the wine they are serving. It comes right from the Lotheed vineyards. The Lotheeds produce some of the best wine in Taldor, and that’s not just my opinion."
"I have heard the vaulted praise of Lotheed Vineyards for many years. I look forward to experiencing it at it's source", the caydenite smiled with a small bow.
"How are you finding the Bethony Estate so far? Is it just ghastly?"
"Actually, it was very well preserved. Perhaps by the use of magic", Trevor offered. "The grounds still need some work, of course. But overall, Betony Estate is quickly becoming a home."
"If you have time during the jubilee, please speak with my daughter. She’s eligible.” Parthena winks. ”Especially if you are a wealthy bachelor.”
Trevor bowed once more to the shy Sepsinia. "Miss Sepsinia, I hope one day you find someone who will make you happy."
Turning back to Sepsinia's mother, Trevor bowed again. "I appreciate you for introducing yourself and your lovely daughter, Dame Crabb. I hope we can talk more later. May Cayden's Spirit of Freedom and Frivolity dwell this us all this day."
Icabhod is the last out of the carriage and adjusts the buttons on his dark black tunic and pants. The cut is well done but is quite simple compared to the bright costumes of his group. He did purchase some simple rings and a lapel pin so he didn't look like a servant and so keeps to the back as his group hob nobs.
When able, he speaks. Perhaps we can coordinate? I am rather poor at being charming but if we use the Message spell, I could help feed info if I recall anything to aid schmoozing.
"Once Grand Prince Stavian unleashed his Purge, the grand old town shutters like an injured puppy. Sad."
”Yes, I heard about that. Very sad.” Parthena says without any genuine sadness in her tone.
”Obviously, for special occasions like a Jubilee, those who can wear extravigant clothing such as what I currently wear"
Parthena looks over Trevor’s outfit with a frown. ”I see. I thought Opparan nobles had higher fashion. My necklace alone is worth at least 1,000 gold pieces. And you wouldn’t believe what this dress cost.”
"Actually, it was very well preserved. Perhaps by the use of magic", Trevor offered. "The grounds still need some work, of course. But overall, Betony Estate is quickly becoming a home."
”I heard it was haunted and that the only one who would even go near the place was that commoner, Onora Piscum. It would seem that I need to get better sources of gossip.”
"Miss Sepsinia, I hope one day you find someone who will make you happy."
Sepsinia looks up at Trevor with sunken eyes and then stares back down at her feet while clutching on to her mother’s dress. She murmurs a barely audible reply. ”…Thank you…”
Shortly after chatting with Dame Crabbe, the gong in the Grand Ballroom sounds to gather attendees for an event. This first event is the Meratt tradition of assigning a personal assistant to each visiting group: a jester to act as the guests’ guides and announcers, lead the guests to events, and attend to their personal needs.
Grand Ballroom
This massive, open space is tiled with marble and painted in rich, warm colors. Ten-foot-tall windowed doorways stand in the north, and plush benches line the east and west walls. The ceiling here is 40 feet overhead. Four guards patrol the floor in this room.
A young woman in a lavender bird mask approaches you. She puts a flute to her mouth and plays a few flitting notes. ”A little birdy told me that you are from the Betony Estate. I’m Purple Finch and I’m your personal assistant. I bet you are egg-cited to be here. Please follow me. I will lead you to your rooms. Flock this way.” Purple Finch plays her flute as she marches leading you upstairs to the second floor of the palace. Upstairs three rooms are assigned to you where fresh linens are laid out. ”Please make yourselves comfortable while I go over the jubilee’s schedule. The first event of the jubilee is a jousting tournament. The joust is open to any guest willing to participate. Baron Okerra was last year’s champion and he’s favored by the guests to win this year as well. For those of a more genteel persuasion, a field is set aside for trucco a short distance from the jousting list, complete with sandwiches and tea. Dame Crabbe is particularly fond of this game. Let me warn you, she does not enjoy losing. Afterwards, will be the Feast of the Victor in the ballroom. The feast will be followed by more evening entertainment. Then the night will conclude with some dancing and cards.”
”On the second day, we will start with a hearty breakfast. Then the main event is a hunt which will occupy all of the afternoon. Once the hunt is concluded, we will have the Feast of the Hunter back in the ballroom again. Finally, the jubilee will conclude with a masquerade.”
”Since the masquerade is expected to go late into the night, guests are allowed to stay overnight. That Moonday morning, breakfast will be served in your rooms and you will be expected to return to your own estates.”
”Now you will have several hours to prepare for the afternoon’s tournament. There is a restroom across the hall should you need it. I’ll bring up your belongings shortly. Once you’ve freshened up, most guests will likely be gathering on the veranda. You are encouraged to socialize.”
”If you have any additional questions or needs, I will be accompanying you for the duration of your stay. Toucan ask me anything. Owl be right back.” Purple Finch plays a few notes on her flute and heads off to get your bags.
You will have your first three social rounds before the next event, which we will do one round at a time. Count Bartleby Lotheed is consumed with his duties greeting other guests, but since you made a good first impression, you each can get one opportunity to influence him during this time if you wish.
Veranda
A marble porch overlooks a garden of bushes, green grass, and hedges cut into rampant lions and owls, all arranged around a fountain. The tweeting, twittering, and hooting of songbirds arranged in gold cages around the porch is nearly deafening.
What each of the guests are doing:
•Count Bartleby Lotheed continues to greet guests as they arrive.
•Nicolaus Okerra is over by where they are setting up for the jousting tournament and preparing for the event himself.
•Parthena Crabbe is gossiping on the veranda. Her daughter never leaving her side.
•Adella Voinum is walking around the garden.
•Onora Piscum is over by the jousting tournament looking eager for it to begin.
•Yander Merkondus is socializing on the veranda.
•Lucretzia Marthane is keeping to herself in a far corner outside.
•Titus Lotheed-Casava is also socializing on the veranda, already quite drunk.
•Sir Gul Gusairne stands in the gallery looking out on the veranda scanning over the guests with a critical eye.
”Perhaps we can coordinate? I am rather poor at being charming but if we use the Message spell, I could help feed info if I recall anything to aid schmoozing.”
A young woman in a lavender bird mask approaches you. She puts a flute to her mouth and plays a few flitting notes. ”A little birdy told me that you are from the Betony Estate. I’m Purple Finch and I’m your personal assistant. I bet you are egg-cited to be here. Please follow me. I will lead you to your rooms. Flock this way.” Purple Finch plays her flute as she marches leading you upstairs to the second floor of the palace. Upstairs three rooms are assigned to you where fresh linens are laid out.
”If you have any additional questions or needs, I will be accompanying you for the duration of your stay. Toucan ask me anything. Owl be right back.” Purple Finch plays a few notes on her flute and heads off to get your bags.
Trevor laughs uproariously at Purple Finch's bird puns!
"BRAVO! Bravo! How wonderful to have a bard of such talent as our personal assistant! You are most welcome, Purple Finch!"
Social Round 1
Trevor walks over to the well-dressed inebriated young man, greeting him warmly. "Ah! It does my caydenite heart good to see a man who appreciate a fine wine, and it's effects. May The Drunken Hero keep you close to his heart, good sir." The aasimar with the iridescent eyes bows.
"I am Sir Trevor Kastner, cleric of Cayden Cailean. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
A young woman in a lavender bird mask approaches you. She puts a flute to her mouth and plays a few flitting notes. ”A little birdy told me that you are from the Betony Estate. I’m Purple Finch and I’m your personal assistant. I bet you are egg-cited to be here. Please follow me. I will lead you to your rooms. Flock this way.” Purple Finch plays her flute as she marches leading you upstairs to the second floor of the palace. Upstairs three rooms are assigned to you where fresh linens are laid out.
”If you have any additional questions or needs, I will be accompanying you for the duration of your stay. Toucan ask me anything. Owl be right back.” Purple Finch plays a few notes on her flute and heads off to get your bags.
Trevor laughs uproariously at Purple Finch's bird puns!
"BRAVO! Bravo! How wonderful to have a bard of such talent as our personal assistant! You are most welcome, Purple Finch!"
A vein can be seen throbbing on Tychus's temple, but he keeps any comments he might have of their punny guide to himself.
Social Round 1
Unsure of what to do with himself, Tychus wanders around a little aimlessly, until he spots Onora by the jousting area.
"This should certainly be something. By the look on your face, I take it you are a fan?"
He pauses for a beat to let her answer as he watches the joust preparations.
"I've never actually seen a jousting match before. Growing up poor in the Narrows of Oppara, the only sport that exists is staying alive. Once things started to look up for us, my father promised to bring me to one. That is until the fire took him..."
Henrika decides to take up a position near the entrance, watching their primary target Count Bartleby Lotheed. She compares his behavior with each of the different guests with what she knows about them and their various stations in the aristocratic pecking order to attempt to figure out what lines of conversation might yield particular results.
Social Round 1
Likewise, Xallis will use this fleeting opportunity to get to know Bartleby Lotheed just a little better. He may as well probe him for reactions with a few targeted complements. If he had to guess what would work....
"Oh, you've noticed that Navia is my eidolon? How perceptive." The summoner smiles and taps the side of his head, pointing his finger towards the red rune that visible on his forehead. Naturally, it's identical to the one over Navia's collarbone. "It's good to be around a fellow learned man. Honestly it can be so tiresome having to explain things in the simplest possible terms, again and again, with each and every new acquaintance."
"BRAVO! Bravo! How wonderful to have a bard of such talent as our personal assistant! You are most welcome, Purple Finch!"
”You flatter me, sir.” Purple Finch bows.
"This should certainly be something. By the look on your face, I take it you are a fan?"
He pauses for a beat to let her answer as he watches the joust preparations.
"I've never actually seen a jousting match before. Growing up poor in the Narrows of Oppara, the only sport that exists is staying alive. Once things started to look up for us, my father promised to bring me to one. That is until the fire took him..."
Onora turns to Tychus. ”Oh, it’s you. You’re right. I am a fan of jousting. Although I’ve never participated. Generally, it’s a sport for knights and nobles. The only time I’ve been able to watch a real joust is here at the jubilee each year. However, like most people in Stachys, I know how to ride a horse and the Lotheeds have some of the finest horses in Meratt. I enjoy watching the animals more than the people seated atop them. I’m sorry to hear about your father. Losing a loved one is never easy.” Onora turns back to the list field. ”Are you going to participate?”
Henrika decides to take up a position near the entrance, watching their primary target Count Bartleby Lotheed. She compares his behavior with each of the different guests with what she knows about them and their various stations in the aristocratic pecking order to attempt to figure out what lines of conversation might yield particular results.
After watching Bartleby for a while, she determines that she has little in common with the Bartleby. Her best bet to influence the Count is to fake it.
"Oh, you've noticed that Navia is my eidolon? How perceptive." The summoner smiles and taps the side of his head, pointing his finger towards the red rune that visible on his forehead. Naturally, it's identical to the one over Navia's collarbone. "It's good to be around a fellow learned man. Honestly it can be so tiresome having to explain things in the simplest possible terms, again and again, with each and every new acquaintance."
Count Lotheed smiles at Xallis. ”It is rare to have a guest with magical talent of any note. I agree that dealing with simpletons can become rather droll. I could tell that you stood a head above your companions the moment I saw you. I truly hope that you enjoy your stay. I look forward to having a neighbor with a shared interest in the arts. Perhaps you’ll bring some civility to the barbarians living in Stachys now. I would love to continue this conversation but I have more guests to greet. Let us talk again later.” Bartleby shakes Xallis’ hand and moves to another group of new arrivals.
Trevor walks over to the well-dressed inebriated young man, greeting him warmly. "Ah! It does my caydenite heart good to see a man who appreciate a fine wine, and it's effects. May The Drunken Hero keep you close to his heart, good sir." The aasimar with the iridescent eyes bows.
"I am Sir Trevor Kastner, cleric of Cayden Cailean. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
”Greeting Sir Kastner. You are observant. It’s not like there’s anything else to do around this place. And these birds!” Titus sweeps his hand in a wide wave across the garden. ”They won’t shut the f@+@ up! Why my cousin insists on keeping them is beyond me. I suppose they are a relic of when the Stavians first built the place but they are nothing but a headache, especially when you wake up with a hangover. Can I help you with something?”
"Just making pleasant conversation", Trevor pivoted. "So you are Count Lotheed's cousin! Did you two grow up side-by-side, or mainly see each other at functions?" The aasimar asked.