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"Well, it wasn't all sunshine and roses, but the time I had to suck the scorpion venom out of Cassiel's...let's say 'extreme upper thigh'...was pretty humorous," Tim grins. "In fact, we managed to get poisoned, diseased, cursed, and debilitated by all sots of things on our trek through the desert."
Cassiel chuckles, shaking his head as Timdok recounts the story. His laughter is deep an infectious, the type you can't help but smile at when you hear it ripple through the room.
He slaps Timdok's back and says "Humorous for you, maybe. I still can't believe I trusted you with a dagger that close to my leg. And let’s not forget your running commentary about how 'scorpion venom has a delightful tang while I was trying not to pass out."
He rubs the back of his neck. "Though, to be fair, you’re not wrong about the rest of it. That desert was relentless. Every day was a new challenge. Scorching heat, relentless sandstorms, and of course, all manner of curses and maladies. But somehow, we always pulled through. And I suppose if nothing else, those hardships taught us just how much we could rely on one another. Hmm?"
He glances toward Timdok, folding his arms. "Though I’m still not sure if I should be thankful or embarrassed that you’ve made it your mission to keep that story alive."
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Fallenta writes “FAMILY” in big letters and underlines it.
”Wonderful! Now, let’s move on to Act II. Tell me of your trials during the bulk of your great adventure. I suspect this Act will be the longest, so I would like to include a ‘spotlight’ moment for each of the actors playing you. They’ll each have a chance to perform an aria—a solo song that encapsulates your essence. So I’d like each of you to single out the most important event in your adventuring career and contextualize its emotional impact. Was it a fearful moment? A joyous one? A shameful one? A humorous one? Something else? Inquiring minds want to know!”
Cerulean hides their face for a moment, "Luckily where physical intervention was ineffective alchemical concoctions saved the day. But Timdok's knowledge and resilience to so many poisons proved valuable for working out new anti-toxins and anti-venoms."
They lean back to think for a long while about something that would work for their moment. "It's hard to choose just one really. Perhaps the moment where I finally broke from the shackles of my former provider and joined the party? No, no that'd be covered in our coming together."
Looking to Kharya inspiration strikes. "Oh does anyone remember our meeting with the Court of Sothis? I think we were investigating the presence of a demonic cult and I may have forgotten the presence of a former associate."
They smile awkwardly for a moment, "Some may say jilted lover, others would say rambunctious paramore, I on the other hand would say clingy client who doesn't understand the basic decorum of cortesanship. Regardless the magnate was certainly not expecting me to be in the entourage present and, I had not thought it would come up as an issue again. Wished for me to be chained and sent to the dungeon for my 'transgressions'. Not including those that I actually commited of course, those were very strictly handled through third parties. If memory serves, I do believe that's the first time that Khayra actually spoke out in my favor."
Puffing up slightly and putting on a garish impression of the Azer they continue, "Unhand Cerulean this instant, or I'll show you just how hot my flames burn." They quickly drop the terrible impression of a completely made up set of words and wave their hand. "Or something along those lines I was quite caught up both literally and figuratively in the moment. Those guards certainly did have quite the grip mind."
Tutting for a bit they shrug, "I'm not sure if that would make a good scene in itself and we've plenty more things to pull from if not."
Kharya brings a hand to her chest with a dull clank, thumbing at the plate that hides a scar millimeters from her heart.
"When Izz- when She revealed her true nature and put her rapier through my left lung. Made it hard to sing arias."
"Mine's after that. Her betrayal. I think we could easily have all died there. Kharya was nearly dead, and the rest of us weren't that much better off. But -- and maybe the rest of you don't see it this way -- I wasn't going to let that happen! I knew I could save Kharya, and that would be enough to keep all of us on our feet. I felt like I could barely move -- like I was unstuck in time -- but it was clear I had to act quickly. And so I did! And that let us all survive that day."
Fallenta takes more notes. "Alright, now let's move to Act III. The final act is the opera's climax, and I want the majority of it to be an epic reconstruction of your final clash against Akhenaten. But before that battle begins, I want to afford the enemy performer an aria as wel. So, tell me these two things: the greatest danger your nemesis represented and the greatest weakness he harbored."
Cassiel folds his hands in his lap as he takes a moment to think on this.
After a moment, he leans forward and speaks in a somber tone "The greatest danger Akhenaten represented was his ability to manipulate memories and, through them, people’s very identities."
He pauses for a moment, his voice growing colder. "As for his weakness? It was arrogance. The belief that stolen knowledge could make you infallible, that no one could stand against the sheer weight of the memories amassed."
"Splendid! I think I've got a stronger grasp on your stories now," Fallenta says.
With the basic framework of the opera settled on, Fallenta is eager to get started on writing—a process that will take time. As she writes, though, there’s still plenty you can do to help, and foremost on that list is to secure a venue for the opera.
Fallenta already has a venue chosen, but there’s a problem with it. Her choice is the famous Kintargo Opera House, as a significant premiere hasn’t taken place there since before Barzillai Thrune took control of the city nearly 10 years ago. After a time under the stewardship of the Silver Ravens, the opera house has spent the last few years under the care of Songbird Hall, Kintargo’s largest temple of Shelyn.
Further complicating things is Fallenta’s continued desire for her presence to remain secret. She wants to wait to announce the premiere of the opera until they have the venue locked down and she at least has a completed first draft—so as to prevent competitors from beating her to being the first new premiere at the famous theater.
It thus falls to you to speak to high priest Zachrin Vhast to secure the Kintargo Opera House for the upcoming premiere. While Fallenta trusts Zachrin with the knowledge that she’s writing and directing the opera, she impresses upon you that you should only mention her to the priest if you have to. It’d be best if they could secure a general “reservation” for the venue, pending further information. She expects you to lean into the fact that it’s about your own adventures and to rely upon your reputations to help convince Zachrin.
However, a wide range of poets, artists, directors, bards, and the like tend to court Zachrin, and he’s constantly being bombarded with requests to perform in one of the many venues the church controls (beyond the opera house and Songbird Hall, the church maintains well over a dozen smaller venues throughout the city). As it turns out, Zachrin will soon be hosting a fete at the Kintargo Opera House to celebrate several of the city’s painters and sculptors. Fallenta produces invitations to the fete for each of you, explaining that it’s a great opportunity to not only impress Zachrin, but to start building your reputation among the city’s artists! Once the party is over, you should be able to get a private audience with Zachrin to secure the opera house as a venue—and the better impression you make at the fete, the better the chances you'll have of success.
Fallenta also notes that most of the attending artists are bringing samples of their work to be put on display during the event, and that at the end of the event, Zachrin intends on running an auction for all of those in attendance to purchase artwork. Submitting a work of art isn’t a requirement to attend, but it’s a great chance for the artistic among you to show off your talents!
The fete in question is scheduled to take place in a week, so you should have 7 days to rest, recover, and prepare. Fallenta suggests that the you dress in your adventuring gear to help sell that you're heroes but simultaneously encourages you to “gussy up” and add flourishes to your outfits to impress.
Zahchrin Vest is a public figure, so it is easy to gather information about him. He’s a friendly man and well-known for his philanthropic works; he also takes pride in boosting awareness for talented but relatively unknown artists, which means that you might find yourselves at a slight disadvantage when pitching your proposal, being relatively well-known heroes already. While Zachrin never openly supported the rebellion during Barzillai’s rule, he was in a delicate position as the leader of the only non-evil church in the city allowed to openly worship—once the rebellion succeeded, he and his flock have been instrumental in helping Kintargo recover and find itself.
DOWNTIME MANIPULATE
A PC crafts a unique work of art in the days leading up to the party. This work of art must be visual and physical, such as a painting or sculpture, and should be something small enough that it’s easy to carry. A PC who has already created such works previously can opt to select one of those items. Submitting a work of art they didn’t create is risky, since if anyone recognizes the PC as a fraud claiming someone else’s work as their own, not only will that artwork be removed from display and the auction, but the PCs’ reputation will suffer.
A PC who Crafts a new work attempts a DC 30 Crafting check each day they work on the art (to a maximum of 7 days); these checks accrue Victory Points. If the PC reaches 5 Victory Points, they’ve completed a modest work of art and can choose to stop there and finalize the piece, or they can choose to continue working in hopes of achieving 10 Victory Points to create a masterwork of art. A PC who fails to create a modest work, or who attempts to move on to a masterwork and fails to reach 10 Victory points ends up with an incomplete work. If at any time the PC goes below 0 Victory Points, they fail, and inspiration leaves them—they can’t create a viable piece of art for the show at all in whatever remaining time they have. Later, when a PC Brags about Artwork or when a PC attempts to Bid on PC-created Artwork, incomplete works increase the DCs by 5, while masterworks decrease the DCs by 5.
The Crafting check to Create a Work of Art doesn’t set the artwork’s value—that’s determined at the auction.
"I'm not much of an artist, myself," Timdok assures everyone modestly. "I'll see if I can learn anything about the fete and maybe pick up some baubles to wear to it."
After wandering the city with Timdok, Esirelle beings to fret about the complications required to acquire rights to perform in the opera hall. And while she frets she quilts, trying to keep herself distracted from her nerves and focused on her goal.
After several days, she looks down at the piece, and realizes it's not bad. Certainly worth bringing to the party.
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Spending their limited downtime to carouse around town Cerulean tries to gather up rumors about the upcoming Fete as well as the host of the event before acting upon such information. Knowing fair well that their craft, while suited to many things may not be seen as 'artwork' to the majority. And even then their actual artistic works are often comprised of bonbastic and short lived showings.
Talking of home has made Kharya wistful, and so she finds herself putting together a new statuette of brass and gears. The carving is meticulous, the engineering more so; it's not her finest work, but it's nothing to shame her either.
Esirelle and Cerulean are able to learn that three score or so of high-society people—both established and aspiring—have been invited to the fete; all of them hope to break into the arts scene and are eager to catch Zachrin’s eye at the party. The most notable among them include Delmonia Crape, Almidia Decarruf, Mulberry Hymp, Motman Primm, Louise and Chopperly Smynne, and Abigail Tottlescloff. Additionally, one of Fallenta’s greatest rivals, the outrageously confident and magnificent Elleste Gudgeon will be attending the party, with hopes of securing the Kintargo Opera House for her own premiere; despite Fallenta’s work to avoid direct competition, fate has already set Elleste (unknowingly) against her.
With your combined knowledge of society, you know the following about the guests:
Delmonia Crape: A provocative anti-establishment female human sculptor. Delmonia is enthralled by anyone who appears to be dangerous or transgressive in some way.
Almidia Decarruf: A nervous and jittery female aiuvarin painter. Almidia is socially awkward and easy to overwhelm with numbers.
Mulberry Hymp: An arrogant and self-assured male halfling sculptor. Mulberry becomes flustered if he feels that someone is disrespecting him.
Motman Primm: A bumbling but good-natured male gnome painter. Motman is something of a walking minor disaster, constantly causing drinks to spill or committing faux pas of one embarrassing kind or another.
Louise and Chopperly Smynne: Gossipy female and male human and dromaar art critics. Louise and Chopperly can dish it out but have trouble accepting criticism;
Abigail Tottlescoff: A flirtatious and scandalous female human hellspawn nephilim painter. Abigail doesn’t take competition well.
Elleste Gudgeon: A competitive female human diva and playwright, author of the Queen of Peasants, among many others. Elleste enjoys using obscure words to generate veiled insults in conversation.
"None of the softer, fabric arts? Well, I should hopefully be able to stand out, then!" Esirelle comments.
"That Delmonia Crepe seems right up your alley, Farrina," Tim comments. "She preferers the scandalous."
"Perhap's I should chat up those critics. I don't know art, but I know what I like."
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With these new individuals identified Cerulean spends a day researching Elleste for any weakness that they may be able to use to ward against any attempts to secure the venue. The next is spent discreetly sowing rumors among the populace that Abigall is losing her touch and that she's looking for a new muse to spark her creativity again.
The next day is spent with Cerulean modifying her outfit to draw even more eyes, but at the end of it they don't feel particularly well about it.
The last two days are spent creating batches of alchemical goods that could be useful for the party that need to be longer lasting than the usual things.
Cerulean isn't able to learn anything about Elleste to use against her, but their rumor about Abigail begins to circle among the city's artists.
Soon enough, the day of the fete arrives. The party is scheduled to begin an hour before sunset. The Kintargo Opera House is fully lit, its marquee and poster boxes adorned with “SPECIAL EVENT—INVITATION ONLY” signs. Acolytes of Shelyn stand out front, checking invitations, and they welcome you once you arrive.
Assist: A PC can help another PC out with their action; this Fete Activity functions the same as the Aid reaction but takes as much time as the action being assisted.
Impress: During the half hour, a PC can grandstand, show off, schmooze, and otherwise try to make a favorable impression with one of the other noteworthy guests. The PC attempts a Deception, Diplomacy, or Intimidation check against the chosen guest’s Will DC to earn Fete Points. Once anyone successfully impresses a noteworthy guest, no further attempts to impress that NPC can be attempted during the fete.
Mingle and Relax: A PC can simply spend the time mingling, chatting, and people-watching. Doing so allows them to attempt a DC 25 Perception check; on a success, they notice something about the others at the party that they can take advantage of—their next skill check attempted during the party gains a +2 circumstance bonus as a result.
Spend Time with Zachrin Vhast: The high priest mingles with the partygoers throughout the event, and as such, a PC can spend one of their two Fete Activities during an hour to observe and chat a bit with him. Doing so allows that PC to attempt a Discover check against the priest, which can give the group a head start on the influence encounter with him later in the evening.
***
After you are checked into the theater foyer by neatly dressed acolytes of Shelyn, you're led into the main theater where the art show takes place. Guests mill about on the stage, look over the art and compare notes, or mingle in the seating area or balcony above. As you enter the main theater room, you're each announced by a herald, herself dressed in incredible finery—as are all the staff. The finest drinks and delicate appetizers are served throughout the event, but never to an extent that appetites for the feast are in danger of being ruined.
Shortly after you arrive, Zachrin Vhast steps up onto the stage and calls for attention. Zchrin is an androgynously handsome human man clad in fine blue-and-turquoise robes. "Hello everybody, and thank you for coming. I would like to pay particular homage to our biggest sponsors tonight, Elleste Gudgeon, and to Kintargo's most influential art critics, Louise and Chopperly Smynne, who will be helping to judge each of the works on display tonight. Those who pursue the arts are blessed by the Eternal Rose, and I know that Shelyn herself smiles down upon us tonight. I hope you all appreciate the artists' work, and that you might see fit to purchase the art here later in the evening when the pieces will be auctioned off. Now then, enjoy the festivities!"
The crowd applauds as the party gets into full swing.
The PC spends a half hour bragging about a piece of art they or another PC entered in the show. The PC can attempt a DC 25 Art Lore or a DC 30 Society check to earn Fete Points. If the PC is bragging about their own artwork, they gain a +2 circumstance bonus to this check.
The PC spends a half hour looking over the artwork on display but also keeps an eye on how others regard the pieces. If the PC intends to purchase any of the artwork during the auction, they can focus their attention on one chosen piece of artwork during that half hour and then attempt a secret DC 28 Art Lore or a DC 32 Perception check. Regardless of the result, describe to the PC what all five pieces of art look like.
Critical Success: The PC correctly appraises the artwork they’re focusing on, plus one other piece of artwork of their choice.
Success: The PC correctly appraises the artwork they’re focusing on.
Failure: The PC fails to come to a conclusion about the artwork’s value.
Critical Failure: The PC conducts a misappraisal of the artwork’s value.
Almidia Decarruf’s oil painting, Obligation, depicts a sobbing woman in a shadowy landscape surrounded by mocking and jeering aristocrats; a closer inspection reveals that one of the aristocrats who looks identical to the sobbing woman has turned her back on the scene. This painting grows more haunting and disturbing the longer one looks at it.
Mulberry Hymp’s sculpture, Abrogail II in Her Pomp, is made of partially melted wax, carved driftwood, and moldy cloth and depicts Queen Abrogail II as a doddering old woman with a silver chain around her ankle.
Motman Primm’s oil painting, To the Victor, is a fanciful depiction of a legion of mice who have built a sprawling castle out of a discarded aristocrat’s boot in a flower garden. It looks pretty, but its commentary on commonfolk building homes out of castoffs from higher society feels cliched.
Abigail Tottlescloff’s sculpture, Passion in Purple, is carved from a block of porphyry the size of a cat and depicts two succubi entwined in passion. The work shows skill, but those in the know note that it merely apes the more elegant and subtle work of Magnimarian sculptor Ayvyah.
Timdok cleans up surprisingly well, his hair slicked into the latest style and wearing an outfit that would be appropriate in most of the courts across the Inner Sea.
He casually inserts himself into conversation with the art critics as they get settled into the party, trying to play himself off as an expert.
"Interesting showing for the fete; a few pieces are genuinely thought-provoking, don't you think?"
After chatting with them, he goes to pay his respects to the host of the event, though he mostly watches the high priest's reactions to the other attendees.
The Smynnes size up Timdok as he approaches. Louise wears an astoundingly elegant full-length gown that sparkles, while Chopperly is clad in a dashing brown-and-black suit that enhances the deep greens of his complexion. "Yes, indeed. Though whether the thoughts they provoke are ones of admiration or revulsion depends on the piece!" Louise says with a derisive chuckle.
"I'm sorry, good sir, but I'm afraid I don't recognize you," Chopperly says. "Are you new on the scene? Do you have any pieces on display here tonight?"
"Timdok Grayhand, at your service," Tim bows over his hand as he offers it to the critics. "I am new to the art world of the city, but I've seen my fair share of pieces across the Inner Sea. I'm currently in the retinue of Esirelle Peck."
"I'm happy to see the developing scene here, though we have a long way to go before rivaling Absalom, or even Sothis, where I lately resided. We do have the benefit of being an 'outsider' community here, however. I find that, unshackled from the traditional forms and materials, the fresh and new have a way to flourish."
"I can see imitations of greater masters anywhere, but I don't think I've seen such heartfelt fabric work or unusual landscapes in a long while."
"Oh, is this Esirelle's work here?" Chopperly asks, peering at the fabric work on display. "Hmm. Yes, I see. Not bad."
"Not good, but not bad," Louise purrs and quirks an eyebrow.
Chopperly chuckles and gives his wife a playful nudge. "Louise! Please excuse my wife, she can be quite catty at times. So, Mister Grayhand, tell us where you and your retinue have been before you came to Kintargo. You mentioned both Absalom and Sothis. Did you hear any choice bits of gossip while you were abroad? Or perhaps you'd be willing to share some juicy morsels about those you travel with?"
"Don't worry, your secrets are safe with us!" Louise chimes in. She and Chopperly share a brief glance and smile.
"Well, Sothis is a bit safer now than it was a few months ago," Timdok confides. "We were able to track down and defeat a villain there who was stealing peoples' memories. Put an end to that."
"Absalom is much as it always is. The Grand Council maneuvers and the Low Councilors scheme. The Knights of Lastwall has established quite a presence in the city; they've almost rebuilt the Precipice Quarter," he adds. "Are you very familiar with the city?"
Kharya grumbles about having to reattend High Society, but she cleans up surprisingly nicely. Gone is the brazen plate and inhuman helm, but she's not in her work-stained breeches and undershirt either. Instead, her hair is tightly coiled into knots, and she's unearthed and refreshed a doublet (still sleeveless), and divided skirts from her years in her mother's court, though the accessories, heavy, brassy, and a bit sharp edged, do more than hint at the battle armor she more often wears.
She stares into a looking glass before she sets off, smoothing her scowls and tension, remembering what it's like to live life to the metronomic tick, tick, tick of an entire city set to a single will.
She puts a hand to her not-quite fashionable pectoral. "Showtime girl."
***
Kharya begins by finding a place that's she's already carved out for herself - artist. Her piece is intricate, and the depth of skill and details of munsahir crafting benefit from some exposition where they are not well known. Luckily, though she keeps it within the bounds of etiquette, Kharya has never been too shy to speak of her successes or the greatness of her work.
***
Once she's completed a tour of the onlookers to her own sculpture, she finds herself drawn to the depth of Decarruf’s Obligation. With drinks in hand she tracks down Almidia Decarruf, extricating her from the crowd if need be. "Can I offer you a drink? I know that talking about my own piece makes for thirsty work, so before I badger you all over agin, I wanted to make sure you could fortify yourself."
Esirelle begins by wandering through the party, looking at the other artists' works . After sizing up the competition, she decides to talk up her own work. Unfortunately, she's never been one to boast, and doesn't make much of an impression.
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Alchemical: Antidote x1(consumed right before fete)
Elixir of Life x3
Contagion Metabolizer x2
Everlasting Adhesive x1
Bottled Sunlight x1
Egg Cream Fizz(Chocolate) x1
Slumber wine x1
Insight Coffee(Double Coffee) x1
Soothing Tonic x1
Cerulean takes some of the provided flutes of wine and mingles. While others may have brought a 'simple' outfit, they've outfitted themselves with several easily swappable layers designed to be shed throughout the evening. Representing the shifting nature of city life and fashion, the current layer is a simple yet elegant off-white like that of a pure gown that's been covered in a very thin layer of dust. Though others won't likely understand it's to represent the yet to come beauty of Kintagoro hidden beneath the drabness that was present under the former leaders.
The human presenting alchemist struts over to the display of artwork taking in the various pieces, but unable to really determine the true value, or meaning, of any of the pieces. Unlike their mother, artwork was never quite their forte.
With a disinterested look they move on and spy Mulberry Hymp which perks their attention as they schmooze over to the halfling. "Enjoying the evening mister Hymp? It seems we've a lovely gathering today to include such artistic integrity as yourself. I must ask who exactly is the woman presented in your piece? It feels like it should be at the tip of my tongue."
"We haven't had the pleasure of traveling to Absalom yet. Please, do go on," Louise says to Timdok. The two hang on the halfling's every word as they prod for juicy bits of gossip.
Afterwards, Timdok observes Zachrin Vest, learning a bit about him.
***
Kharya does an incredible job of bragging about her own artwork. The other guests hang on her every word and peer at her piece with curiosity.
Additionally, Kharya notices one of the servants seems suspiciously
attentive to her bragging, a portly, bearded human man. When Kharya tries to meet his gaze, though, he quickly shuffles away...
Later, Kharya approachs Almidia Decaruff. Short, nervous, and with mousy brown hair, Almidia appears awkward in her off-the-shelf “fancy gown.” She gives Kharya a grateful look and takes the offered drink. "Oh, yes please," she says, giggling nervously. "Sorry. These soirees aren't really my scene. I'm just trying to make it through the party without panicking and fleeing off into the night. I, uh, have been known to do that. From time to time."
Kharya determines that Almidia is as she appears to be, a painter who lives and works here in Kintargo.
***
Esirelle examines Delmonica Crape's work. The sculpture sems to be quite valuable. She appraises its value at 900 gp. After examining the artwork for a bit, Esirelle tries to brag about her own artwork, though she is easily overshadowed by Kharya's earlier display.
***
Cerulean makes their way to Mulberry Hymp. A grandiose artist with spectacular sideburns and a tall hat to go with his impeccably colorful purple suit, Mulberry is a dark-skinned halfling who carries a cane as a fashion statement rather than a need. He seems to have perfected the stunt of looking down on others even though he’s nearly the shortest person in the room.
He frowns up (down?) at Cerulean. "Seriously? Do you not know the queen of Cheliax? I suppose if you're not a native of Ravounel, you may not. But still, she is one of the most infamous villains across the Inner Sea region! I would think even a country bumpkin in the backwaters of Varisia would recognize her."
Some of the other nearby guest snicker, and Mulberry sputters. "Bah! Oh, I see, you are mocking me! Such disrespect! Hmph! I simply shall bid you a good day." Flustered, he takes his cane and walks away with his nose in the air.
"Well, most people who go to Absalom stick to the most famous sites--the Starstone Cathedral or the Forea Logos, for instance--but I really recommend getting a local guide," Timdok confides. "Why, I met a priest of Sheyln from Ilbyos, of all places, that was running underground art markets in the Puddles. Breathtaking creativity, pieces like I've never seen."
Kharya gives the mousey artist a crooked grin. "Sounds like what you need is a guardian - someone to hold her shield high when you need to hunker down, eh?"
She clinks her glass against Almidia's. "To teamwork - and not retreating before the night is won."
The strange servant again catches her eye. "That's an out of place cog if I've seen one. There's too much wealth here for a servant that ill-mannered... Forgive me a moment, Ms. Decaruff. No running off while I'm gone though."
Kharya thumbs her large flat pectoral as she stalks after the servant. What's he getting up to now..?
The Smynnes keep trying to direct the conversation back to Timdok and his companions, attempting to learn about any scandals they may have been involved with. When it becomes clear Timdok isn't giving anything up, they politely excuse themselves and leave to find a new target.
***
Almidia giggles and tugs at her sleeves. "I'll stay put. For now," she promises as Kharya moves to follow the servant. The bearded man notices her approach and gives an apologetic grin.
"Oh, hello! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make a spectacle of myself," he says. "I was merely distracted by the sight of all you fine folk enjoying yourselves. I do need to get back to my work now, though. If you'll excuse me?" He bows and tries to retreat back into the kitchen.
"Nope," Kharya corrects him with a hand to his shoulder, "We're gonna go have a talk."
As Kharya touches the man's shoulder, she feels coarse fur under her fingers. She is able to disbelieve the illusory disguise he has created, seeing him for what he truly is--a creature resembling a bipedal hog with a wide-tusked mouth, bloated belly, and long, bristly tail.
The being seems undeterred by Kharya's attempt at coercion. "I don't think we have anything else to talk about right now. I would kindly ask you to let me finish my work."
Scanning the room after the critics disengage, Timdok spots Kharya accosting a member of the help. Here we go again!
He very quickly weaves his way through the gala crowd and slides in behind the servant.
"He there, friend," he addresses the servant. "It seems this guest wants to have a word with you. It would be rather rude to rush away."
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Cerulean looks admonished that Mulberry thinks that they are mocking the halfling. "Well I haven't ever-" But he's already gone away before they can speak their mind so with a shrug they turn to mingle with other more polite company.
Picking some poor stranger who isn't tied in conversation already to vent at they start up, "What a bore just because I'm not from here doesn't mean I'm being rude asking about local political members, the nerve of some people."
Esirelle, seeing her companions converging, cringes mentally. Here we go again. Another disaster in 3-2-1... Hoping to forestall an ugly scene, she joins the others. What's going on, Kharya?"
"He's a poisoner, a fey who's just hiding his face. You can feel his fur right here."
The servant’s eyes dart between those converging on him. With a snort, he turns to flee!
Kharya yanks at her pectoral and Inferno slams down around her, certainly creasing her dress where its trapped in brazen armor, but barely slowing her down as she seizes the fleeing fey.
Kharya grabs the fey before he can get very far. He twists and turns in her grasp, managing to break free. With a squeal, he dismisses his illusory disguise, revealing his true porcine form! A ripple of shock goes through the crowd as the azarpal darts towards the exit!
Esirelle watches, but doesn't try to stop the creature. "You, sir, are not welcome here!" she calls out after him.
"Hey now, let's get to the bottom of this," Tim dashes after the disguised fey.
He whispers in the creature's ear, "Dangerous to turn your back on us."
Kharya crackles with power as she prepares for a chase, Inferno pistoning faster and faster as she rushes forward to tackle the fleeing fey.
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Cerulean gasps alongside the rest of the crowd at the scene happening over near their partners, but maybe not for quite the same reason. A shapeshifter being found out, dropping their form and immediately being accosted causes the hidden Kitsune to shirk away. They is a familiar sensation of their hackles riding even in this form which makes the situation all the more frightening combined with knowing exactly how dangerous those two could be.
They try to recover and think of how they might aid Kharya and Timdok, not that the two would need aid in subdueing anyone really. Instead they muttered some words of uninterest and slunk deeper into the crowds, searching for other opportunities to arise from all this commotion.
As they do so a hillariously cartoonish large butler glove appears inbetween all of the combatants and waggles it's puffy index finger as if telling them all no, before pulling out a tiny sign that shows a crossed out circle containing what looks to be a pair of people fighting.
Timdok grabs a hold of the fleeing creature and holds him tightly as Cassiel and Kharya move to try to subdue the fey. Neither one manages to hit, though. Cerulean blocks the view of the fight with an illusory glove.
Frustrated, the azarpal breaks out of Timdok's grasp. It whips its tail at the halfling, but he is able to dodge!
"Should've kept running," Kharya grunts as she grapples with the fierce fey, sparing no effort in stopping his flight.
Seeing the fight progress, Esirelle winces a little, and decides she'd probably better help. She pulls a handful of bones seemingly out of nowhere and rolls them, seeming to imbue both Timdok and the fey with their fated results.
"I didn't realize this was a dance party," Timdok mock bows as he dodges the tail swings.
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Cassiel manages to hit the fey, distracting it long enough for Kharya to grab a hold of it and punch it in the chest. Then Timdok feints and delivers an uppercut to the azarpal's chin! The creature reels, completely stunned and unable to act!
With the fight taken out of him, it's a simple matter to fully detain the rambunctious fey. He snorts and squeals as you bind him, and the crowd applauds your efforts!
Zachrin Vest comes over to personally congratulate you, gesturing for the guards to take the fey into custody. "An azarpal. I shouldn't be surprised. These fey have become a slowly increasing threat in Ravounel, although this event is the first time one has dared make so public a scene in Kintargo. I suspect that Cheliax might be behind these increased fey actions—and that using a non-diabolic element here marks an attempt to keep a distance from the events in case they’re found out. Whatever the case, I am grateful for your intervention."
"Of course, that's just what we do," Esirelle says, mnodding in satisfaction. "Are there any other similar problems in the city?"
Tim straightens his outfit as the fey is dragged away, "Now, where did I set down my drink?"
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Cerulean seems to glide out of the crowd that gathered after the fight had been handled at Timdok wondering where his drink went, sensing an opportunity. Handing him a flute of wine, "Let's give it up for the dashing heroes of the party."
They gently grab his hand and raise it for the crowd to clap along, for the daring crew of adventurers. Timdok meanwhile might feel some slight nervous trembling in the human-guised kitsune's palm.