Esirelle is so surprised that she completely forgets her plans for problems like broken -- well, normally weapons, but same thing, really -- and fumbles her exchange badly.
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Enjoying your burbling pronunciations immensely, Oriole claps their hands."Very nice! Now, your props are malfunctioning! You'll need to adjust the scene accordingly."
PROP MALFUNCTION
Overcome: DC 30 Thievery to surreptitiously replace a prop with another, DC 32 Crafting to repair the prop, or DC 34 Performance to work the malfunction into the show
Bumping into the table on the set caused one of the legs to buckle and snap, Cerulean spins low on their heel and quickly applies some alchemical paint to the prop to reinforce the table leg again. Only causing a minor shift of all the props on the dinner table they had all been sitting at in the beginnning.
Kharya gives the trick bookcase a restorative thump to get it rotating again. "Easy fix, not to worry."
Oriole nods approvingly. "Good. Now... smash the table! Then continue on as if it were an unexpected accident."
SET MISHAP
Overcome: DC 30 Performance to use the mishap in the scene, DC 32 Deception to pretend like the mishap was all part of the show, or DC 34 Acrobatics to avoid being inconvenienced by the mishap
This is all getting a bit strange for Timdok, but he manages to pass off the "accident."
"They just don't make those tables like they used to."
Esirelle puts on her stern face as the table suddenly becomes splinters. "A-hem!" she snaps. "I understand everyone is very interested in their share of the inheritance, but that's no reason to act like children. If you have to resort to blades instead of words, you may quickly find yourself ... cut out of the will!"
She concludes after a dramatic pause, wishing she had a pair of spectacles to take off dramatically to further make her point. Or an orchestra to let out some sort of screaming sound.
"We're nearing the end of the scene. Let's bring it home! Suddenly, a fight breaks out!" Oriole says.
STAGE FIGHT
Overcome: DC 27 Deception or Performance to pantomime the scene, or DC 30 Athletics to perform a real duel
Inferno flaring around her in a fiery spectacle, Kharya seizes Timdok and lifts him bodily off the ground, flinging him into the air to complete his own stunt!
"No, no, children, this isn't right!" Esirelle screams, comically ducking under the table to hide.
Oriole guffaws at your antics. As the fight comes to a close, they rise to their feet and applaud heartily. "Bravo! Brava! Your skills are astounding! It's been a long time since I've seen that kind of passion and creativity on stage. Your impromptu performance has reawakened my love of the stage, darlings. I would be honored to be a part of your production!
"Give me the rest of the day to pack and prepare, and I shall be ready to depart with you to Kintargo. You may rest and recover here in my home, if you'd like. And I have gifts for you, yes. Expensive gifts!"
Timdok is happy to take a break after all that acting, "That was fun, but I don't think it's enough to bring me out of retirement. After the treasure we found while defeating Akhenaten , we should all be living lives of leisure."
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Cerulean takes a bit of time to cool down from the performance, offering restoratives to the party as needed.
"We'll need a day here, then it'll take two days to get where we're going by way of teleportation. But I can o ly get us part-way each day."
It doesn't take much to show that they agree with Timdok, "Luxuary, wealth, comfort and desire. Those are the things we should be enjoying. But a play on the side in our 'retirement' isn't out of the question either."
"Retirement? Pah. The labor of this show is nearly too little as it is." Kharya stretches, and collapses Inferno onto her back with a smile. "One day on the beach before returning to Kintargo though shouldn't go amiss."
"Too little? Do you realize how much work remains to be done? We have to get props set, and scenery. Costumes and fitting. Deal with unions to make sure everything is done to order..." Esirelle says, starting to tick items off on her fingers. "Make sure everyone knows their lines, get music scored, make sure the performers know the music, choreograph everything, advertise to get an audience..."
Act 2, Part 2: Setting the Stage
That evening, over dinner with Oriole and their odd Grandmama, the singer asks several questions to get to know you better. Their questions are mostly about Fallenta, with whom Oriole has never worked), and about your nemesis Akhenaten. Even now, Oriole is starting to build up ideas on how they want to portray the villain on stage.
After a few days of travel via teleportation, you return to Kintargo with Oriole in tow. The opera star is eager to spend some time exploring the city after being away for so long. In the meantime, you meet with Fallenta, who is delighted to hear that you've secured Oriole to play Akhenaten on stage.
"Splendid! I shall see to Oriole's accommodations at once. But you, my friends, don't have time to sit idle, for your jobs as coproducers now begin in earnest!"
First, Fallenta requests you begin securing funding for the opera. She’s already sunk much of her own money into the production, so you must find sponsors to subsidize the remaining costs. Once you do so, Fallenta will assign you additional production tasks.
Fallenta has done the work of identifying potential sponsors already, and you with these eight Kintargo locals, all of whom have sponsored theatrical productions in the past. Fallenta happily tells you as much as she knows about each local, though she only has details that are public knowledge. She warns you that some of these sponsors are eccentric and might have their own demands in exchange for their donations, but then notes that it’s tradition in Kintargo for sponsors to prove their intention by providing valuable gifts to those they’re sponsoring as proof of their commitment. The general idea is that these gifts will eventually feature in some way in the production, although such isn’t required.
Aphigenia Jhaltero: Daughter of Baron Canton Jhaltero, a noble on Kintargo’s Silver Court, Lady Aphigenia Jhaltero is a patron of the arts and an avid opera fan. She’s a vivacious woman with a passion for all things musical, eager to entertain proposals of shows to fund. However, she also has a peculiar quirk: she only sponsors a show if its producers win over her “little pet.” Unfortunately, Fallenta doesn't know what Aphigenia's current favorite pet is at the moment.
Davlu Bernai: The inexorable Davlu Bernai, head of the Bernai Silver Company, is a notable philanthropist who runs a charity dedicated to “improving the morals of Kintargo’s downtrodden” and often sponsors performances she deems “uplifting.” Although her charity does provide aid, her definitions of “appropriate morals” are rather restrictive, and she’s quick to turn her gimlet glare on anyone who suggests she should be more flexible.
Eldonna Aulamaxa: An imperious, stately woman, Lady Eldonna Aulamaxa is head of the Kintargo branch of the Aulamaxa noble family. Though she attempted an opera career—and fancies herself a retired performer—her reviews were decidedly uncomplimentary, and she never achieved the fame of her more acclaimed cousin, Delour. Resentful at her lack of success, Eldonna instead projected her hopes for operatic stardom onto her daughter, Cadenza, and pulls strings to get her daughter cast in roles every chance she gets.
Ivran Xerysis: Born in Westcrown, Lord Ivran Xerysis relocated to Kintargo to look after his family’s holdings in the city shortly after the Silver Ravens’ revolution resulted in Ravounel’s independence. Now a member of the Silver Council, Ivran is wealthy and well-connected, and although Kintargan gossip holds that he has the humor of an undertaker and the charm of a wooden post, he’s known to donate to artistic endeavors that catch his interest.
Mialari Docur: Lady Mialari Docur is a prominent figure in Kintargo, most known for her academy, Lady Docur’s School for Girls. She’s highly influential and has a well-known love of the theater, often sponsoring productions.
Ricovial Cebarinne: Opera divas tend to be outsized personalities, and Ricovial Cebarinne proves no exception. During his career, the mercurial tenor was known for being a perfectionist. His rivalry with Oriole was legendary, and sparks often flew between them—not all of them antagonistic, though the two never fully struck up a romance. When Oriole retired, Ricovial was very publicly scathing about them “giving up,” even though he retired shortly thereafter. Theater gossips hold that his heart wasn’t in it anymore without Oriole to clash against. Now, Ricovial runs a voice training school for aspiring singers out of his lavish estate and dedicates some of his personal fortune toward funding operas he deems worthy of his time.
Tevandis Sastrien: Salmon magnate Tevandis Sastrien is a prominent Kintargan merchant and philanthropist who’s branched out into funding the arts. Recently, inspiration struck him to use his donations to promote his products, and so far he’s funded a salmon-themed series of paintings, salmon sculptures, and even—in a venture with somewhat unsettling results—an interpretive dance about the salmon’s epic migratory journey upriver to spawn.
Vaizeth Ilviak: Though they look the part, Vaizeth Ilviak is an atypical Kuthite. They follow a splinter sect of the faith that holds Zon-Kuthon’s current condition is a result of him martyring himself to save his sister Shelyn from an unnamed great evil. As the orthodox faith of Zon-Kuthon views such beliefs as heretical, Vaizeth fled their homeland of Nidal. They resettled in Kintargo, where they’ve become a patron of the arts. They’re very enthusiastic about “showing a friendlier side of the faith” by engaging in such philanthropy.
"Well, we need money--and a draw for an audience--and I think everyone loves a comeback. Let's get Ricovial back on board!" Timdok suggests.
"He does seem like the easiest fish to land -- more than Mr. Salmon," Esirelle agrees. "And maybe we should see if we can find out who Aphigenia's current pet is."
"Sensible enough. Aphigenia's affections can't have left no trace."
Unfortunately, while you are able to learn the name of Aphigenia's latest pet ("Princess Sweetie"), nobody can quite agree on exactly what sort of animal it might be.
You can meet with Aphigenia at the Jhaltero Estate in northeastern Kintargo; she receives all visitors in a colorfully decorated parlor, the walls of which are covered with dozens of posters and fliers for previous plays and operas she’s helped to produce in the past. Aphigenia is a blond woman clad in a ruffled purple gown. She reclines on an armchair, fanning herself idly.
“My butler tells me you all have a show to produce,” the woman says, motioning over a maid bearing a tea tray from the corner. “You absolutely must tell me all about it, my dears. Let’s see if your charming venture will benefit from my guidance.”
"Well, there's certainly lots of action and adventure. Betrayal, death, the whole panoply of mortal existence, really. With some immortal existence to boot." Timdok introduces, but remains vague. "We'd love to have you invested in the project; we're enthusiastic, but you're much more familiar with the dramatic arts."
"And it will have animals!" Esirelle adds, in case the lady's pet is in fact a pet. She does not make a great impression, unfortunately.
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Ooh this is.. an awful first impression, Timdok is wearing the wrong coat and Esirelle oh Esirelle..
Cerulean clears her throat a bit behind the rest. "Yes we are in the works of producing an opera of our time as adventurers. In conjunction with several well known names within Kintagoro. We'd be honored to recieve your patronage and are sure it will be a remarkable payoff on investment. Why with such famed names as Fallenta and Oriole in our midst we're bound for success."
Apigenia listens to your pitch attentively. When you have finished, she smiles. "Well, I must say that your opera sounds positively divine. But it's bad luck for me to sponsor a show without approval from my dear Princess Sweetie—she’s such a little connoisseur."
The noble lady looks to her maid, who ducks into a side room, returning carrying a cage. Within the cage is a strangely adorable monkey-like creature with iridiscent wings. Its big eyes gleam in the light, and it lets out a little cooing sound.
"Hello, my little faerieling! Who's a little cutie? You are! You are!" Aphigenia says to the creature, making little kissing noises at it. She then turns to you. "Go on, my dears. Let's see what Princess Sweetie thinks of you."
"What a charming creature!" Timdok proclaims with a bead of sweat running down his forehead. "I think I'll admire his fascinating qualities from a respectful distance."
"What a long tongue he has! (For instance.) And so sharp. You rarely see that in nature, and almost never more than once."
He gives the group a cautioning glance.
Seeing Timdok's glance, and knowing she's not all that good with animals, Esirelle keeps her distance.
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Being of dubiously maybe fey-nature herself as far as some uneducated people assume of Kitsune. Cerulean swallows and takes their chances, if anything they've at least got the alchemical know-how to fix whatever might happen, probably.
So moving forward with as much courage as one can fake in the situation. Cerulean bows to the tiny princess.
"A pelasure to meet you Princess Sweetie. We all hope that you'll see it worthy to have your mistress sponsor our grand operatic adventure."
Kharya's just glad that Inferno's mask makes her grimace into a decent poker face...
Princess Sweetie regards Cerulean for a moment. Then, the little creature chirps and settles back into the cage. It turns to Aphigenia and gives an approving nod.
"Hooray! She likes you!" Aphigenia says. "It is settled then. I shall sponsor your show! Allow me to offer you a gift to commemorate this occasion!"
She gifts you with an elaborate silver tea service set worth 3,000 gp and an accompaniment cloak.
"What sort of woman keeps a skull peeler as a pet?!" Timdok gasps in disbelief as soon as they are out of earshot. [b]"Hopefully her investment keeps her from buying anything more horrifying...a krenshar named Duke Cuddles, perhaps?"
"It might be good to find out more, though, when we have a chance," Esirelle says. "We have experience with friends becoming enemies!"
With Aphigenia's sponsorship secured, you head next to meet with Ricovial Cebarinne. Ricovial agrees to meet with you in the same sitting room he uses to teach his students out of his estate in Villegre, Kintargo’s scholastic center. Instruments and sheet music in glass cases are displayed prominently in this sitting room in an arrangement that might tactfully be described as “cluttered.” A flashily dressed aiuvarin man with long dark hair lounges on a divan on the other side of the room. As the door opens, he waves a hand languidly, the ostentatious rings upon it glimmering in the sunlight.
“Yes, yes, you’d be the producers who wanted to meet with me? You know my reputation, if you’re here. All right then. Impress me.”
"We've lured Oriole back to the stage; this is your chance to see them perform again. This could bring back the full theater scene in Kintargo!" Esirelle declares, hoping Ricovial will rise to the challenge.
"And we're sure to succeed, being such accomplished actors," Timdok assures the former performer.
Ricovial scoffs at the mention of Oriole. "Truly, you've cast them in your play? Oriole knew they could never outdo me. If you ask me, that's why they gave up the stage."
He leans forward. "I will provide funding for your production, but on one condition. I want you to cast me in a prominent role in the opera as well. I will admit, I am looking forward to finally calling that so-called virtuoso what a real stage legend can do."
"That's probably not a bad idea, though I think it makes sense. Their rivalry makes both of them better, and will definitely draw an audience!"
She turns to Ricovial.
"We need to make sure it's OK with our director, but as long as she concedes, we agree."
"Friction means heat and clashes mean sparks," Kharya agrees, "We just have be able to ground them at need."
"Excellent," Ricovial says with a smirk. With his sponsorship secured, the aiuvarin gifts you with a platinum fortune's coin and a scroll of missed cue.
After Ricovial, you schedule a meeting with Eldonna Aulamaxa. Eldonna meets with you in an elegantly appointed drawing room on the ground floor of the Aulamaxa estate. Her daughter Cadenza is in attendance as well, and both meet you at a breakfast table replete with tea and pastries. Eldonna is in her early fifties, while her daughter is in her early twenties, but they share the same striking shade of red hair. The older woman looks up, smiling brightly as you arrive.
“Welcome! Please have a seat! I understand you wanted to meet with me regarding a production. This is my daughter, Cadenza. Say hello, dear.”
The younger woman nods and murmurs a polite greeting, then quickly glances away.
"You are as well-informed as you are stunning, Mistress Aulamaxa," Timdok lays it on thick as he bows to the woman. "We are indeed seeking funding for an exciting new opera project. With your help, we could make it a piece of art to remember. Action! Drama! Betrayal! Cast of thousands!"
"Hmm? Oh, yes, that sounds delightful," Eldonna says, not paying much attention to your pitch. "And it's about your previous adventures, is it? Splendid. I shall sponsor your show, provided, of course, you cast my darling Cadenza in a prominent role. I think she'd be excellent playing you," she says, gesturing to Cerulean. "You're both so attractive, after all!"
Cadenza glances back over to you with a slight frown.
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Cerulean who had been paying more attention to the younger woman perked up when pointed out. "Oh? Me? Surely you jest your lovely daughter makes me pale in comparison."
Giving Timdok a tiny kick under the table and a side eye that says stall. Cerulean places thier hands together, "I'm sorry to bother you as we've only just begun our potential partnership, but would you be so kind as to escort me to the lavatory. The morning tea seems to be hitting me quite quicker than I imagined."
Motioning ever so slightly to Cadenza, "Perhaps I could tell the young miss a bit about myself on the way so that I might judge her for a good for for our performance?"
Esirelle sighs. "I did want you not to drink so much, Cerulean," she says, trying to add her voice to the deception.
”Yes, of course, of course,” Eldonna says with an indolent wave of her hand. Cadenza quietly stands and moves to lead Cerulean to the powder room.
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Cerulean walks alongside Cadenza as they head towards the powder room but peers over once they're well out of earshot of the others.
"I can't help but notice you aren't invested in this. Something I was actually fairly certain would be the case long before we came to petition with your mother. I won't make try to bribe you into doing something your heart isn't in. Especially if it's not the stage."