Cadenza lets out a long-suffering sigh. "It's that obvious, isn't it? Mother insists that I was 'born for the stage,' but I'd much prefer to focus on my arcane studies. So far, I haven't been able to convince her to relent, so I accept the roles she finds for me, performing adequately but not wonderfully. I've been hoping that eventually, if I fail to make a splash on stage enough times, Mother will give up, but I haven't had much luck thus far. It may be too much to hope, but perhaps you might have better luck convincing her?"
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Cadenza lets out a long-suffering sigh. "It's that obvious, isn't it? Mother insists that I was 'born for the stage,' but I'd much prefer to focus on my arcane studies. So far, I haven't been able to convince her to relent, so I accept the roles she finds for me, performing adequately but not wonderfully. I've been hoping that eventually, if I fail to make a splash on stage enough times, Mother will give up, but I haven't had much luck thus far. It may be too much to hope, but perhaps you might have better luck convincing her?"
Cerulean nods, "When you've spent as much time lying to people as I have. You get a bit of a knack for such things. While I'm unsure if we can convince her of your dislike for the stage. Perhaps we can convince her that you've got an even more important role. As well as one that would aid in your studies. How would you feel if we were able to get you a part in the opera not as a stage actress, but as part of the set-team? Practical effects, illusions, the like? While it may not seem the center stage, it is of course The stage itself, and we may very well be able to convince her that it is even more important than being up infront of everyone."
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Cadenza smiles slightly. "Yes, I think that might work. You could even tell her I'd be studying the actors from backstage to try to learn from them while performing my other tasks."
After a few minutes, Cerulean and Cadenza return to the sitting room. "Splendid. So, shall we solidify my darling daughter's part in your opera?" Eldonna asks.
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Situating themselves at the table Cerulean winks to their companions.
"Actually Madam Eldonna, I believe your daughter may be destined for something even grander than the stage. Why be tasked with the lowly duties of being the face of a single character in an opera when she could instead be the one behind the entire set, the costumes, the theatrics that bring the crowds?"
Wagging a finger they continue, "No she is far beyond the scope for my simple part, but I see a talent deep within her. Grander than oratory works, or acrobatics. She should instead work directly alongside us and bring the world to life. She will not only spread her knowledge to the other actors and actresses, of which they'll benefit no doubt, but also paint the entire canvas of the stage with her radiant glow."
"Hmm... You know what? I think that's an excellent idea!" Eldonna says, clapping her hands. "Consider it done! I am certain Cadenza will learn quite a great deal under your leadership."
Cadenza gives Cerulean a grateful smile.
"Who should we approach next?" Esirelle muses. "I think Ivran Xerysis..."
"Yes, and good work there, Cerulean. No need for us to have a reluctant diva and her mother complicating everything," Timdok compliments.
Ivran Xerysis invites you to meet with him at his family manor in the Greens of Kintargo. The building is modestly sized, compared to the sprawling estates of Kintargo’s 14 major aristocratic families, but lovingly and elegantly appointed interior. This meeting takes place in a library and reading room. The shelves on the walls are filled with leather-bound books, and a desk sits near the fireplace at the other side of the room. A taxidermy albino alligator wearing a suit and monocle stands upright in the opposite corner with a tea tray clutched in its scaly claws.
As the butler closes the door and takes up a position in front of it, the dark-haired man at the desk continues writing for a moment before setting down his pen. Though he’s handsome, he wears an aloof expression. “So you’re putting on an opera,” the man says, raising an eyebrow, then glances to the alligator. “Mr. Scaley, give our guests their refreshments, would you?” With a lurch, the alligator moves and offers out the tray.
"Ah, thanks, Mr. Scaley," Timdok graciously accepts a drink. "Nice monocle, old boy."
"We are indeed putting on an opera," he agrees with Xerysis. "As I'm sure you know, securing funding is a big step. We do already have several prominent investors, but we wanted to give you a chance to engage in the project as well."
Irvan listens impassively to your pitch, seemingly bored. He asks you some idle questions about the opera's plot and your past deeds.
Afterwards, his bored expression turns into a wry smirk. "Tell you what. I'm far more interested in your martial prowess than your stage skills. If one of you can defeat by butler, Vorens, in a duel, then I'll sponsor your opera."
The elderly butler gives Ivran a nod. Despite his advanced age, the man appears to be in fine shape.
Kharya keeps chuckling at Mr. Scaley, never quite getting used to his existence. "The rich and powerful in my home were still not permitted such... Variance." She perks up at Ivran's challenge. "Duels though are quite familiar."
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"Yes, and good work there, Cerulean. No need for us to have a reluctant diva and her mother complicating everything," Timdok compliments.
Cerulean bobs a bit as they all leave to the next potential investor. "She wanted to practice magic and I don't believe a mother shoving all her dreams onto her daughter was going to end well. So divert one's and utilize the real skills of the other." They look back at Timdok, "And everyone is happy."
Esirelle sighs at the idea of a duel. It shouldn't be too difficult, she doesn't imagine, but feels like a waste of time. But if Kharya wants to spend that time, it's fine with the halfling.
"What rules?" she asks sharply.
"A contest of arms," Ivran declares. "No spells or reach weapons are permitted, but any other tactics are fair game. The battle will be until one opponent either falls unconscious or concedes. You may use your own weapon, or I can loan you an enchanted rapier if you prefer."
Tim raises an eyebrow at Kharya, and gives a little half-bow, inviting her to take up the duel if she wishes.
Kharya leers and slaps her helmet onto her head. "Spells?" Inferno shoots out jets of flame as Kharya shifts into Overdrive. "Never touch the stuff."
You head into the courtyard to prepare for the duel. Vorens raises his rapier in a salute, then Irvan calls, "Begin!"
Vorens reacts a few moments quicker then Kharya, darting forward to attack. His blade scrapes harmlessly against the dwarf's armor. He then begins to bob and weave in anticipation of her counterattack, his movements almost dancelike.
Kharya barks out a laugh and shuffles forward, leading with a jab and then rushing up trying to get him in a close grab where the only thing his blade can reach is her shield!
Kharya's first strike hits Vorens hard in the gut, but he manages to dodge her attempt to grab him. He continues his dance as he thrusts his blade at her, this time managing to score a hit.
Kharya's armor and shield turn a deadly lunge into barely a scrape, and she keeps lunging for him until she can land a hold, certain that in a game of attrition she's sure to come out on top.
Kharya hits Vorens again but he avoids her grab a second time. He dances sideways and strikes, following up a miss with a critical hit. Iryan winces. ”Watch your flanks! Keep your guard up!” he advises.
Kharya lets the rapier punch through her armor with a grunt, hoping the suction of the wound will trap the blade for long enough for her to finish the fight.
Vorens takes another heavy hit, and he grunts and doubles over in pain. The butler takes a step back and smirks as he lays down his blade and yields.
”Well done! Your skills are impressive, indeed,” Iryan says. ”Congratulations. I will sponsor your opera.”
"Oh, well done, Kharya!" Timdok congratulates the dwarf. "Certainly did a much better job than I would have. 'Never fight fair if you don't have to,' one of my teachers once told me."
To celebrate his sponsorship, Ivran gifts you a storm flash rapier that appears to be made of iridescent crystal yet behaves as if made from metal.
"I think we're natural producers, you guys!" Timdok beams.
"If only punching was asked for even more often," Kharya says with a sarcastic smile.
Davlu Bernai is ready to meet with you in an austere office on the second floor of the Bernai Silver Company warehouse. This room features wall-to-wall cabinets and very little in the way of personality. Davlu is a severe-looking brunette woman in sober dress, seated behind a large desk strewn with paperwork. The office has no chairs for guests to sit at, for Davlu prefers to handle her meetings quickly and efficiently, and “sitting down only invites lollygagging.”
“Ah! You’d be my next appointment. The theater producers? I see you’re prompt, at least. My secretary’s briefed me on your proposal, but I wish to hear more about the show before I commit any funds.”
Davlu listens to your description of the opera carefully, asking questions about the plot to make sure it’s not “encouraging debauchery.” Topics Davlu objects to include excessive violence, casual romantic relationships, risque scenes, bawdy jokes, and “strong language.” She approves of stories of heroic deeds and “morally upstanding” protagonists, especially those who serve Abadar or Torag.
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When Davlu makes it known that they're quite the prude and don't take well to casual romantic relationships or risque scenes, or bawdy jokes, or.. this woman just hates Cerulean's life doesn't she? Or that of any adventurer really. The kitsune pales a bit and tries to stifle their own found enjoyment of how much it must make her squirm hearing about what the group has gotten up to.
"Ah yes our opera does contain many of these things, such is the life of adventuring. It isn't an easy one, but we shall make audiences aware fully upfront that things may be included in our production."
"Yes, just because it has those themes doesn't mean it's encouraging them. After all, if you read a book about a dragon when you're a child, most people don't start thinking they're dragons!" Esirelle adds.
"We'll make sure to dim the lights if there's anything we don't want people staring at too closely."
Despite her reservations, Davlu grudgingly agrees to sponsor the opera with the "distasteful" themes intact, trusting you to handle the material tastefully and responsibly. She gives you a standard-grade dawnsilver breastplate emblazoned with the symbol of Abadar and a full set of elegant dawnsilverware worth 2,000 gp.
***
Next on your list is Lady Mialari Docur. She invites you to meet with her at her academy, Lady Docur's School for Girls. Seated in an armchair with a steaming pot of tea on the table in front of her is an elven woman with long red hair. Upon the door opening, Mialari smiles and gracefully gestures to the other chairs.
“Greetings! I’ve heard about your opera, so I was delighted when you reached out. I understand you convinced Oriole to come back to the stage; that’s quite an achievement. Please, tell me about your show.”
Mialari discusses the opera’s plot and themes with you, taking a keen interest in your responses. When you've finished, she asks each of you to demonstrate the talent you're most proud of.
"Alright, here I go: Hey! What's that over there!" Timdok distracts the potential patron as he slips out of sight.
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Cerulean eyes the pot of tea and gently wafts a bit of the steam towards their face for a moment.
They make a face for just a moment. "Hmm hibiscus, lemon, and a hint of orange peel citrus. Steeped for about six minutes, served without sugar to see who has a refined lady-like pallette." Looking at the placement of the cups the bend slightly and rearrange some things that look intentionally placed out of place.
"My studies in alchemy have also lead to learning a lot about the culinary arts."
"My finest work? You're looking at her," Kharya brags, showing off the flawless craftsmanship and innovation of Inferno.
"I make sure everyone's where they need to be, when they need to be, and doing what they need to do!" Esirelle says.
Mialari claps her hands. "Very impressive. I am happy to sponsor your opera, but I do have one request that is out of the ordinary. I'll still give you the customary sponsor's gifts, but I don't expect them to appear on stagestage—they’re for you to do with as you wish. Instead, I would ask simply to have a few lines of text worked into the opera's dialogue—preferably in the context of an aria. This will be my way of advertising my sponsorship—I feel that adding a few custom lines of text to those productions I help finance represent a less distracting method than awkwardly placing product on the stage for all to gawk at."
Mialari hasn’t yet decided on the exact phrase she wants to include but promises to do so at least a few weeks before the opera’s premiere. She’s willing to work with you so that the meter and flow of her lines work well with that of the aria.
As they leave the new sponsor's house: "Well, I suppose she won't want the actors to say anything too ridiculous. Esirelle's actor declaring that she went to a finishing school, for instance." He grins at the group's manager.
Esirelle scowls. "I'll finish you!" she says in a mock severe tone.
She grinds her teeth slightly at Mialari's request. Hopefully that won't be a problem.
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The penultimate patron you're scheduled to visit is salmon magnate Tevandis Sastrien. Tevandis agrees to meet with you in his second-floor, river-view office in Silver Suppers, his on-the-docks storefront. This wood-paneled office is decorated with multiple silver sculptures of fish in various poses sitting atop small pedestals. Its most eye-catching feature, however, is an enormous portrait of a mustachioed halfling man above the room’s desk, shaking hands with an anthropomorphic cartoon fish and grinning exuberantly at the viewer.
At the desk sits the man depicted, wearing exactly the same expression. “Welcome! I’m told you have a proposal for me. Please do have a seat!”
Tevandis listens attentively your description of your opera, offering snacks of silver salmon jerky and salmon spread on crackers, all while often exclaiming “Brilliant!” and “Capital!”
Tevandis tells you he’s happy to fund the production, but there’s a catch: he wants his salmon to be showcased in the opera, such as showing the stars eating it (with prominently branded packaging, of course) and mentioning every so often that “we wouldn’t have had the strength to fight without our lunch of Sastrien Salmon!” He even eagerly suggests giving the heroes an ally in the form of a bipedal salmon-costumed character and having an aria dedicated to the fish!
Esirelle barely manages not to visibly wince in front of Tevandis. "That ... won't quite work. Much of the production is set in the middle of the desert," she hedges.
"Oh," Tevandis says, seeming to deflate a bit. "I don't suppose there could me an oasis in the desert where the salmon spawn? No? Hmmm... Very well, we'll forgo the singing salmon this time."
To celebrate his sponsorship, Tevandis gifts you a ring of swimming, four dawnsilver salmon sculptures worth 500 gp each, and a case of fine smoked salmon worth 50 gp.
***
Vaizeth Ilviak is the final potential sponsor. Unlike the others, the Kuthite does not own a fancy house, nor do they maintain a storefront or business for their philanthropic pursuits. Much of their wealth quickly gets put back into funding new projects. They agree to meet with you at the Long Roads Coffeehouse, one of Kintargo’s most famous cafes, where the priest often spends time discussing theology with other patrons. They wait for you at a corner table—an incongruously dressed person, gaunt, scarred, and clad in all black with spiked metal piercings running all the way up their ears. In spite of their intimidating garb, however, they offer those approaching a friendly smile.
“Have a seat! Fallenta tells me you’re seeking donors for an opera production. I may not have the deep Kintargan traditions or influence of some of your other potential sponsors, but I’m happy to do what I can.”
Vaizeth gladly agrees to sponsor the play but stipulates that you must work in a scene with a sympathetic Kuthite priest—they want the world to know not every worshipper of Zon-Kuthon only desires to spread pain.
Esirelle shrugs, not having any major objections to the idea. There are awful Sarenites, and, sure, there can be not-awful Kuthites.
The halfling sighs, and sensing her companion's discomfort, turns a disappointed look to the cleric.
"I have no objections, but we're trying to keep this true to our actual adventures. And, truth be told, we had very little interaction with any Kuthites, for good or ill..."
Her heart isn't in it, however.
Hearing no objections, Vaizeth is pleased. They ask to stop in on the production sometimes as rehearsals proceed, as they’re interested in the concept of theater that doesn’t involve maiming...
***
You have secured numerous sponsors for your opera, but the show can’t go on without actors! Now, the task falls on you to cast the opera's major roles. Oriole, of course, is already cast to play your nemesis, Akhenaten. You've also agreed to cast Ricovial Cebarinne in a significant role. You now have to fill out the cast with actors to play the rest of you!
Timdok asks around about the potential actors: "We're looking for 'world-weary charm, meets secrets from the past, meets redemption arc.' Oh, and handsome doesn't hurt."
"The muscles and armor can be manufactured. We need someone who can handle themself, someone who has the right fire."