When Dr. Lazarus leaves the servant, in good hands with Marine, to find a not-so-obvious place to cast his See the Unseen spell, he sidles up to both Jayma and Callistro individually. He fills them in, "I'm keeping an eye on that character by the kitchen door. He's wearing an illusory disguise and acting suspicious."
After indicating the suspect to his friends, the Doctor heads back to attempt to see through the illusion.
Callistro looks shocked at the suggestion. An illusion you say, at such a high class ball as this, oh heaven forfend, what a surprise. Who would do such a thing... he says with a grin, Only just about anyone who thought they could get way with it. I have been known to employ the odd illusion myself to enhance my, err, attributes. Still, disguising one as a servant is a little odd. They could be a competitor looking to spy on a rival, an investigator hired to unearth evidence of infidelity or maybe a spotter for some appalling gang of thieves who want to rob us all!
The last is uttered with a hushed whisper of excitement. Do you think we should let the High Priest know? Or I could just try and discretely dispel the illusion?
As Marine touches the servant's shoulder, she feels coarse, bristly hair. She and Lazarus both pierce the illusion--Lazarus through careful observation, Marine because she touched him and felt the discrepancy.
Under his illusory disguise, the man resembles a bipedal hog with a wide-tusked mouths, bloated belly, and long, bristly tail.
"O-oh," he says shakily, "I'm really looking forward to the dessert course. That should be a lot of fun! I--we have something special planned."
Both adventurers recognize this creature as a fey creature called an azarpal. They can store food in their multiple stomachs for long periods of time, slowly infusing it with a signature poison that causes those afflicted to sweat profusely and succumb to intense nausea.
Azarpals love spreading discontent via poisoned food. The fact that this one is still here means he probably hasn't planted any poisoned food yet.
Jayma listens carefully as Thurston leans in to whisper something into her ear. A suspicious servant in an illusory disguise, he says. Then Marine adds, almost casually, that it is no servant at all but an azarpal.
Her stomach lurches. For a dreadful instant she wonders if she's already eaten something tainted... the fruit, the cheese, perhaps the salmon. She swallows hard, but no nausea rises in her belly; she still feels fine and, it seems, so do the other attendees around her. She exhales, allowing her shoulders to drop. "Not yet, The beast has yet to act."
As Marine and Thurston head back to the illusion-shrouded figure with its nervous little smile, Jayma, her voice firm but hushed, says, "Stay close to him. Do not let him slip away, nor let him near the kitchen. Hold him, but discreetly. I will inform Zachrin."
She glides away from them and heads to the main table. Upon reaching Zachrin, she bends close. Her whisper is quiet and measured, but nevertheless urgent. "High Priest... my colleagues have discovered the presence of a disguised fey at the fete, specifically, an azarpal. We believe his intent is to poison the feast. See him there, across the room?" She tips her chin toward the suspicious looking portly human figure.
She confirms that Zachrin understands the situation before withdrawing and rejoining Marine and Lazarus. "He is warned. Now we keep our eyes sharp, dears. We must make sure our new friend will not have his fun tonight."
Zachrin narrows his eyes at the servant. "...I don't know that man. He's not on my staff. Do you mean he's... azarpals 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."
Regardless of whether that assumption is true, the azarpal notices Zachrin looking at him and starts to sweat. "Okay okay, you got me!" he says, "I'm not a waiter, I just wanted to crash the party. To, uh, get a chance to.. try the food. I'll go. I'll just leave." He ducks away and hurries towards the main entrance.
Marine follows the Azarpal until he leaves the party, then returns with a satisfied smile to enjoy the rest of the proceedings.
Marine confirms that the fey creature has left the party. And at speed--once clear of the gates, he flees into the night.
Abigail Tottlescloff seems a little flustered by Jayma's forward approach. She knocks into a waiter and sends a tray of drinks crashing to the ground, drawing a lot of eyes. "Y-yes," she says, "that's exactly... exact... that's just what--excuse me, I have to find a washroom." She hurries away. Jayma has certainly made an impression.
Her toast also earns a round of applause and wholehearted agreement.
Other guests seem to be watching what Lazarus does for cues.
Callistro is able to confirm that Zachrin's interest in the arts is very genuine.
His toast doesn't get quite as loud approval as Jayma's, though he does hold the other guests' attention.
Chopperly oohs and ahs politely through Marine's story. He doesn't seem as invested in adventuring as in art, though he fakes it well as such things go.
Marine carefully observes the high priest. He really is interested in seeing performance as well as talking about the art of it.
The Smynnes seem a little unclear if Marine is intentionally insulting them. Everyone else raises their glasses.
After the feast, the party relocates down into the main auditorium hall while Zachrin and his acolytes and servants prepare for the auction. During the first half hour, the guests are given a chance to relax and further socialize.
Dr. Lazarus watches as the mischievous fey leaves the party. "That was a close one, my friends." Even though he believes the intruder didn't have a chance to poison the food, The Doctor is still a little cautious, but he eventually enjoys the meal.
When talk turns to the upcoming auction, Lazarus takes a sip of brandy and says, "Ahem. My fellow collectors, the unique disc, Opportunity Knocks, is quite exquisite, is it not? Representing gateways to the unknown, it evokes different meanings for each viewer. A one-of-a-kind price which would add value to any setting."
With the feast over, Jayma heads downstairs and works her way gracefully through the crowd. With the auction soon upon them, Jayma decides to try and talk up her painting. With a little luck, she might be able to provoke a bidding war on her portrait of Marine.
She knows exactly how to do it. She tracks down the bumbling gnome painter she'd rescued earlier in the evening. It does not take long before she corners Mottman Primm, and approaches him with a warm smile. "Master Primm, I trust you are faring better now? The spill was nothing, truly. A little color only brightens an evening such as this." She pauses a moment before continuing. "I had a moment to admire your castle of mice earlier. It is delightfuly charming. A whimsical vision brought to life in oil and color..."
She leans in a little closer, lowering her tone ever so slightly to make it sound like a confidence, though in reality it is still well within earshot of anyone nearby. "You must forgive me for saying so, but I too put brush to canvas for tonight's gathering. I captured one close to my heart, our own dear Marine. Painting a centaur was certainly a challenge... but I believe my Marine: Armored Grace captures her spirit and the fluid strength and elegance of her movements." She smiles, her dark green eyes gleaming. "One paints best when the subject inspires, do you not agree?"
A hush of interest moves through the nearby listeners as Jayma speaks of her painting. Her passion and eloquence lend the work a sense of grandeur, and those within earshot find themselves intrigued. She hears whispers about how they must take a closer look at the painting that the artist so clearly poured her heart into. With her goal attained, she turns gracefully away, following the current of guests toward the area where the auction is to be held that will be the next act of the evening's fete.
Marine approaches Almidia along with Callistro. Her larger frame looms over the Aiuvarin lady.
"Hey there, lady! My friend and I - we're adventurers - just wanted to come up here and say howdy."
She lets Callistro seal the deal.
Callistro sweeps up a pair of glasses on the way to Almidia, My dear, Marine and I were just talking about you. I am so sorry it has taken so long to get round to meeting you. There are so many interesting people at this marvellous event. Here, please, do take a glass...
Lazarus does an excellent job of talking up his piece. Enough that Opportunity Knocks would probably be the most popular subject among the partygoers starting to prepare for the auction, if Jayma didn't secure that honor for herself.
"Oh yes, thank you," says Motman, "that is indeed what I--oh, did you now? Well, I..." He talks about his own piece a little, but it's pretty well drowned out.
Almidia looks a little overwhelmed, leaning away from the centaur towering over her. "Oh, hello," she squeaks. "Y-yes, there are," she says, jumping at the chance to talk to Callistro instead, "thank you." She consults a pocket watch. [b]"The auction is starting soon. Oh goodness, I've made in through the entire party. I, um, don't always make it."
By this point, a significant part of the conversations overheard at the fete seem to center around the party. They've certainly made a profound impression on the attendees--they're the talk of the town! Not only did everyone at the fete enjoy the group’s presence, they continue to spread stories and rumors about how amazing each of them were!
At this point, ushers direct everyone back into the main theatre. Mulberry Hymp is still finishing one last slice of cake.
Zachrin is on the stage, his voice magically amplified, as everyone else takes their seats.
"We have seven pieces up for auction today. Dance of the Monarchs by Delmonia Crape; [i]Opportunity Knocks by Dr. Thurston Lazarus, III; Obligation by Almidia Decarruf; Abrogail II in Her Pomp by Mulberry Hymp; Marine: Armored Grace by Lady Jayma Thornfiddle; To the Victor by Motman Primm; and Passion in Purple by Abigail Tottlescloff.
"Now, I know all seven of our artists are in attendance today, so we do have a rule for our auction: an artist may not bid on their own piece. Now I do have an initial appraisal value for each piece, but be aware this value is based on immediate impressions as these works haven't been formally appraised yet--so please excuse me if they're inaccurate.
"Anyone who purchases a piece can collect it tomorrow at Songbird Hall, and the same for any artists collecting their payment."[/b]
An attendant brings out the first piece on a cart, which is dance of the Monarchs. Delmonia Crape’s sculpture is made of burnt wood, glass, and porcelain that depicts a pair of peacocks in combat to the death atop a regal throne. This piece is, perhaps, the second-most talked-about piece in the auction. Delmonia gives a frustrated look in Jayma's direction.
"Initial assessment places the value at 2,000 gold." The doctor examined this piece earlier and believes Zachrin is overvaluing it. He places the true value at closer to 900 gp. "We'll start the bidding at 100," Zachrin continues, "Do I hear 100?"
Callistro circulates amongst the guests chatting and gossiping. He has little interest in the auction and certainly doesnt plan on bidding on anything.
Marine isn't here to enjoy art - she's here to have a good time and mayyybe make a profit. She whips up a Mercantile Lore flavoured Greater Cognitive Mutagen and downs it with a sip of Chelaxian wine.
She's about to bid on Delmonia Crape’s sculpture before she hears the Doctor grumble about not having enough gold. She slides a significant number of gold coins (700 GP) over to her friend.
"Here ya go, Doc! Have fun. Think of it as payment for all those times you've been patching up my wounds."
Jayma drifts through the crowd and plants herself where she is certain everyone has a clear view of her, especially Zachrin. If she is to catch his eye and control the other potential bidders during the auction, she must be seen.
The auction begins when several attendants bring out Delmonia's sculpture. The strange peacocks glimmer in the light, their porcelain feathers clashing in frozen combat. Jayma notices Delmonia's look of irritation in her direction, but merely responds to the raggedy artist with a serene half-smile and a knowing dip of her head in acknowledgement
When Zachrin calls out the initial value, Jayma's heart starts to race a little. The starting sum was far less than Thurston's earlier appraisal. If she could claim this work at such a bargain, it would generate a hefty profit and doubtless irritate Delmonia to no end. Jayma pauses only half a heartbeat before raising her cane with slow and deliberate grace. She angles the jeweled shaft just right to catch the light and send it flying into Zachrin's eye.
While the crowd around her stirs, Jayma keeps her chin lifted and her eyes fixed on Zachrin. The look on her face, combined with the elegance of her silent bid, is such that it will take a strong will indeed to challenge the claim she'd just made on Delmonia's peacocks.
Jayma manages to bit without seeming to drive up the bidding war at all. Unfortunately, as one of the most talked-about pieces at the auction, and from a well-regarded artist, one happens anyway. Mostly between Elleste Gudgeon and Mulberry Hymp.
Soon enough, "That's 850. Do I hear 900?"
"900!" says Elleste Gudgeon.
"950?" asks Zachrin. There are no further takers. "Going for 900... and sold to Ms. Gudgeon!"
There's a smattering of applause as Elleste looks rather smug (and Delmonia looks rather pleased). The attendants wheel the sculpture out of the way and bring in the next one.
"Our next piece up for bid is Opportunity Knocks by Dr. Thurston Lazarus, III. Initial estimate places the value at around 600 gold. Let's start the bidding at 100. Do I hear 100?"
Dr. Lazarus nods his approval as Jayma bids on The Dance of the Monarchs. As the price gets driven up, Lazarus shakes his head and mutters to the group. "Tis a pity, my colleagues. I was hoping a piece like that would grace our new theater. And make a tidy profit. Alas, it's not meant to be."
Just then, he realizes his piece is currently on the auction block.
The good Doctor waits for the bidding to begin, and then jumps in to help drive up the price.
He then nods to the group to look alive with the bidding on his piece.
Marine yells from her high horse at the party's table.
"C'mon, are you all really going to leave a treasure like that sit there at such a bargain? It's worth much more than that - you can trust me, I've travelled all over Golarion and seen all kinds of art." She boldly claims.
She slams a huge sack of gold coins on the party's table, the same sack which she nudged over to Doctor Lazarus earlier. Coins spill out of the bulging sack onto the table.
"It's all mine, Doc. Unless..." She looks around the room, making gleeful eye contact with the guests and daring them to stop her. bold"...unless anyone here can put their money where their mouth is?"
Callistro helps by keeping his mouth shut and looking pretty.
Jayma's smile stays fixed as the applause for Elleste's winning bid drifts through the crowd. She's a little miffed at not having picked up Delmonia's sculpture for a song, but she shrugs it off. "You can't win them all, and I'll be damned before I give Delmonia the satisfaction of seeing me pay full price for her work."
When Thurston's work comes forth, Jayma raises her cane again, though a little less vigorously this time. She bids in an effort to trigger a bidding war on her friend's sculpture, but falls out before the contest reaches its heights.
"A little on the nose, don't you think dear?" Louise Smynne smirks at Marine. ...but she does go for it, and so do several others. Callistro is successful at being pretty.
Before long, the piece is purchased by
Delmonia Crape for 600 gold.
"Next up," says Zachrin as the attendant removes Opportunity Knocks from the stage, "is Almidia Decarruf's Obligation." Almidia Decarruf’s oil painting 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.
"Initial estimate places the value at around 200 gold. Let's start the bidding at 100. Do I hear 100?"
Starting bids seem a bit lackluster.
"And next is Mulberry Hymp's Abrogail in Her Pomp[/]. Mulberry Hymp’s sculpture 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. [b]"Initial estimate is 1,200 gp. We'll start the bidding at 100. Do I hear 100?"
The attendees seem a little more enthusiastic about this one... a little.
"That brings us to Lady Jayma Thornfiddle's Marine: Armored Grace. Initial estimate of the value is around 600 gold. We'll start at 100 gp."
"Our next piece is Motman Primm's To the Victor." Motman Primm’s oil painting 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. "Initial assessment places the value at around 300 gp. We'll start the bidding at 100."
The crowd doesn't seem very excited about this one.
"And our final piece to close out the evening is Abigail Tottlescloff's Passion in Purple. It's quite, ah. Hm." Abigail Tottlescloff’s sculpture 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; Lazarus assessed this one earlier and determined that this well-crafted sculpture is only worth 50 gp as a result of its lack of originality. "Initial appraisal is about 1,600 gp. We'll start the bidding at 100. Do I hear 100 gold?"
The crowd is interested in this one, rivaling their excitement for Dance of the Monarchs.
Marine smirks as her extremely obvious ploy to help her friend works.
She dangles a deactivated versatile vial in front of Callistro's face.
"Wanna have some of this Cognitive Mutagen? Then you can be smart too!"
Marine proceeds to bid for the underdog. Feeling bad that she scared Almidia earlier, she decides to bid for her painting - just so she can leave with some coin in her pocket.
"300 for Obligation! You got this, lady!"
When it comes time for Jayma's painting to come up for sale, Marine does the exact same pose she performed for the painting and proclaims, "Sorry folks, you can't have me - I'm taken...taken by the spirit of adventure! But you can have the next best thing - me as a collectible one of a kind painting!"
She gestures enthusiastically at herself, captured in paint.
Lazarus smiles, but waves her off. "Thank you, my dear. However, I'm fairly certain we can work out finances if we end up as proud owners of a new piece."
Dr. Lazarus watches with mild curiosity as other works go up for bid. He studies the bidders carefully with his investigative eye. When Jayma's work is on the block, he considers and strategically jumps in.
He also nudges Jayma and whispers, "Good luck, Jayma dear. Look sharp!"
Callistro shakes his head at Marines offer, Never could stand the taste of the damn things.
When Zachrin announces that her piece is up next, Jayma feels her heart leap into her throat. Marine: Armored Grace is carried onto the stage by two attendants in immaculate white gloves. The frame glimmers in the lamplight; the crowd murmurs; the auction begins. She nods appreciatively when Marine and Thurston do their best to help things along.
Marine places her bid. "I see 300. Do we have 400? Anyone for 400? Going for 300... and... sold!"
Abrogail in Her Pomp sells to Delmonia for 300 gold.
Marine: Armored Grace doesn't do quite as well as Opportunity Knocks, but it still makes a profit when it sells to Elleste for 500 gold. She gives Jayma a satisfied look and a little wave of her fingers.
To the Victor sells to the Smynnes on the first bid, for only 100 gold.
Dance of the Monarchs sells to Almidia for 800 gold.
"Remember, you can pick up and pay for your purchases at Songbird Hall tomorrow, and artists can collect your earnings there as well," says Zachrin before retiring from the stage for the night, "Have a good night everyone!"
The fete drifts to an end after the auction, as the servers with drinks and cakes slowly dwindle and the revelers slowly leave the opera house over the course of the next half hour. Everyone seems to be talking about the adventurers. They're the talk of the town! Not only did everyone at the fete enjoy the group’s presence, they continue to spread stories and rumors about how amazing each of them were!
Marine is a little sad that Jayma's painting of her didn't sell for as much as the Doctor's, but swallows that emotion for now.
She turns to leave the auction, waving goodbye to those she recognises. When she has a quiet moment with the party, she remarks with a bright smile on her face. "I think that went very well. Jayma and Callistro, you guys charmed the pants of the artists. Oh, do you want some coffee with those cakes, Doctor? I'm going to make myself a batch. What flavour do you want yours?"
The next day, she goes to pick up Obligation and pay Almidia. If she has time, she will get it properly appraised. After that, she attends Zachrin's estate with the party.
As the gavel falls on the final bid, Jayma feels a momentary sting at falling short of Thurston’s total, but that flicker of competitive fire is quickly extinguished. Catching Elleste's smug little wave from across the room, Jayma smiles and offers a subtle curtsy in return. "Yes, darling, thank you for the gold."
She then glides over to congratulate Thurston. "Well done, Doctor, Six hundred gold for that piece of yours... quite the triumph. I daresay you will have to consider a second career as a sculptor if your medical work ever grows dull."
Then she crosses to Marine, who is still admiring her newly won painting. "Marine, my dear, Obligation is a striking choice. I hope it turns a profit for you... assuming you're willing to part with it."
As the last of the auction’s excitement fades and the fete slowly winds down, Jayma allows herself to bask a little in the adulation of the attendees before seeking out Zachrin. She thanks him warmly for his generosity in hosting the fete and for his kind words earlier in the evening. "Your hospitality has made this night a delight, High Priest. I look forward to calling on you again tomorrow."
With the fete at an end, Jayma makes her way out of the opera house alongside her companions and heads back to The Feathered Fox. She enjoys the cool air of the Kintargo night and breathes it in with a sense of quiet satisfaction at the night’s successes.
The following morning, she partakes of her usual breakfast before heading out with her friends to Songbird Hall to collect her earnings and to speak with Zachrin in his office.
Callistro breathes a sigh of relief as the auction comes to a close. He pays a last round of goodbyes to each of the attendees, finishing with the High Priest. A most enjoyable event sir, a triumph if I do say so myself. Now, we must take our leave, until tomorrow perhaps.
He heads out into the courtyard of the Opera House, in full view of everyone. Feel free to use the carriage friends, I shall see you in the morning. For now, I need to feel the wind beneath my wings!
With that he transforms himself into an impressive emerald green dragon and shoots into the air, quickly disappearing over the city skyline.
When Marine bids on the relatively unknown piece, Obligation, Dr. Lazarus considers what he knows of the piece in an effort to appraise it.
After Jayma's painting of Marine nets a tidy profit, Dr. Lazarus congratulates them. "Well done, dear ladies. It seems our hard work earned our merry band some much-needed gold for the months to come."
With the evening finally over, Dr. Lazarus breathes a sigh of relief. While the evening was interesting enough, it's an effort for him to make small-talk at such affairs when so many find his personality off-putting. Making his way into the carriage, he's surprised to see Callistro take a dragon form. He raises an eyebrow, asking Jayma and Marine, "Did you know he could do that?"
Later when Marine asks if he'd like more coffee, the Doctor nods, "Indeed I would. The double-coffee seems to suit me. Thank you."
When the team heads to Songbird Hall the next day, Lazarus and Jayma are able to collect their payments for a total of 1,100 gp.
Marine also meets briefly with an aiuvarin woman with thin spectacles and her hair in a tight bun, the professional art appraiser. "You have an excellent eye for value, Ms. Marinelle," she says, "You only bid 300 on this? I think it's the most valuable piece in the show. I daresay you could get five times as much."
The staff asks Marine for her 300 gp payment, but in exchange give her the painting she's purchased along with a certificate placing the value at 1,500.
With that handled, the high priest is ready to meet when they are. Afew acolytes escort them to the office; these acolytes are visibly impressed with and excited to have the party visiting.
Zachrin’s office is elegantly appointed, decorated with paintings, tapestries, small sculptures, and more—exquisite art created by many of the temple’s previous high priests. He welcomes the party and invites them to join him around a low table on which has been set out plates of cheeses and fruits to snack on while they talk. He says that he is eager to hear about their plans for the opera house, as he’s been looking for something significant to premiere at the venue to “relaunch” it officially as one of Ravounel’s world-class attractions.
That morning, Dr. Lazarus makes notes in his writing pad highlighting what we learned about Zachrin at the gala.
The Doctor congratulates Jayma on her fine eye. "An impressive profit, my dear. Well done."
As he enters Zachrin's well-appointed office, Lazarus gazes around quite impressed. He says, "My dear Mr. Zachrin, I'm the renowned forensics professor Dr. Thurston Lazarus the Third. Perhaps you've heard of me."
He shakes hands and suggests. "As a fellow art aficionado, with your keen knowledge of the arts, your input would be invaluable given our recent foray into the theater."
Callistro arrives at Songbird on time, unusually for once. He gratefully accepts some cheese and fruit, it seems he hasnt had breakfast yet.
Between nibbles he complements the High Priest in his décor, his style, his choice of artwork and his desire to see the Opera House returned to active use. Of course the old place needs something suitably spectacular for its debut night. I can assure you that our production, especially with our renowned director, will fit the bill quite perfectly.
Heading into Songbird Hall the next morning, Jayma feels in good spirits despite the late night; the fete’s success in advancing their plans was unquestionable and she was going to use every bit of it to convince Zachrin to let them use the Opera House for Fallenta's production.
Collecting their proceeds from the auction, Jayma makes notes in her accounting ledger. When the appraiser informs them of the true value of Almidia's Obligation, Jayma turns to Marine. "Congratulations, my friend. I did not realize you had such a good eye for art." She then pays for the artwork from the earlier proceeds while the centaur claims the painting.
Now comes the true business of the morning. Once in Zachrin's office, Jayma settles into her chair and nibbles politely on some of the proffered snacks. When the opportunity presents itself, she leans forward and makes her pitch. "High Priest Zachrin, we are most grateful that you agreed to meet with us this morning. After last night's fete, I believe you can see how much enthusiasm the people of Kintargo have shown for our little group. If a new opera chronicling the story of our facing Swirly the Spiral Summoner were to be presented, it would undoubtably be a great success. This is especially true if it were the work of a distinguished producer and were brought to life on no finer stage than the Kintargo Opera House."
A strange look crosses Zachrin's face and a frisson of fear runs up her spine. Sensing his mistress tense up, Twyl shifts nervously on her shoulder...
...but it was just a trick of the light. She lets out a slow breath of relief as Zachrin appears to be positively influenced by her words.
"Aw, thanks Jayma! To tell you the truth this was an impulse purchase. I didn't want Miss Almidia to leave looking so sad. Say, do you think we can get her to design the promotional posters?" Marine both explains herself and spitballs another crazy idea.
She does a double take when for once, Callistro turns up on time. "Wow, Callie, I didn't think you were capable of waking up early! Hey, do you want some coffee to go with your cheese? I've got Doctor Lazarus' dose right here!" She somehow manages to both inadvertently insult and make an offer at the same time.
She tries her hand at Influencing Zachrin using the Theater Lore that Callistro relentlessly drilled into her.
"We want to put on a real good show! It will be as dramatic as Fallenta's best works - you remember the one where the evil merchant was trying to steal a pound of flesh from the protagonist, "The Merchant of Chelliax"? Except this play will be based off the true story of our adventures, so it'll be as authentic as authentic can be!"
"Oh, um.. yes, of course, Doctor," says Zachrin with a polite smile. "You know, Elleste Gudgeon said something similar. She also wants to open a show here, and I'd been strongly considering it until your friend asked me."
"Oh yes!" Zachrin makes no effort to hide his excitement when Callistro brings up Fallenta, "I'm a huge fan! What kind of show were you planning, though?"
"Oh, an adventure story. Exciting! And yes, I admit you've made a better impression than Ms. Gudgeon. I suppose that's why I was hesitating to accept her proposal. I can't say I personally care for Elleste’s pride or the way she works to diminish the accomplishments of others to bolster her own fame. Having an alternative show to help revitalize the opera house is very compelling—but I'm just not yet sure about risking this opportunity on an unestablished group, as impressed as I already am with all of you after last night."
Zachrin nods in delight, noting that he’s glad his instincts are proving correct and that the adventurers seem to have an uncommon passion and an inspiring spark about them. "Yes, one of my favorites." He promises to spread the word about them to his worshippers as artists and performers to watch.
Zachrin spends a few moments in thought, then gives an eager nod. "Okay, I've made up my mind! I've decided to give you the premiere you hope for."
The high priest is impressed with the heroes' drive and says as much.
While he doesn't expect them to set the date for the premiere of their work now, Zachrin tells them that the sooner he knows, the better. "That detail will help me finalize a little more restoration and reconstruction work on the opera house."
Callistro beams as the High Priest accepts their pitch. I am sure we can let you have all of the details as soon as they are worked out. This is going to be fabulous!
Jayma feels her breath catch as Zachrin speaks the words she'd been been hoping to hear for days now. Then a delighted smile spreads across her face. The tension in her shoulders melts away and she straightens in her chair. "High Priest Vhast, you have our deepest gratitude, I cannot think of a worthier stage for our tale, nor a more gracious host to grant us the honor."
"Excellent! A toast to new beginnings!" Marine prepares to Quick Alchemy up some Bravo's Brews.
The Doctor smiles and gratefully accepts them. "Thank you, my dear. I didn't realize how much I'd enjoy them."
When Marine offers Bravos Brew, Dr. Lazarus politely declines and pours brandy for himself. Raising his own snifter, he adds, "Indeed! A toast to new opportunities!"
Zachrin is happy to chat about art, theater, and the heroes' plans for the rest of the allotted hour, but has no further business matters to discuss.
Eventually, if they haven't taken their leave already, he says he has other matters he needs to attend to and ends the meeting.
After that, there... don't seem to be any other immediate demands on the heroes' time.
Fallenta is thrilled by the news, and schedules a check-in soon.
When the heroes arrive for that meeting, though, she's too distracted to discuss the opera house.
“I apologize for not being more forthcoming, but the real reason for my secrecy has backfired on me. Many years ago, I had to flee Kintargo, and to keep House Thrune from tracking me, I hired the Dragonfly Society—a group of smugglers based in Vyre who specialize in helping people start new lives with new identities—to help in my escape. It worked wonderfully, but over the years, the Society’s been more and more aggressive about demanding new payments from me. Their latest demand is a step too far—they want complete creative control over our new opera, and a lion’s share of the profits!”
"What!" The centaur yells, outraged. Marine's hands reach for her sword and she starts waving it in the air. "That is unbelievable! It's our adventure, darn them! Isn't there anything we can do?" She looks furious and seems about to charge off towards Vyre herself.
Callistro looks shocked, What, you've been paying them all this time. Are they some sort of blackmail group! That's terrible. Creative control is completely unacceptable. Can't these people be negotiated with? Or, failing that, something more permanent arranged...
As Fallenta explains about the Vyre smugglers, Dr. Lazarus mutters, "It's never too early for some brandy." It's 8am. It probably is too early. For most people. But not The Doctor. He pours two fingers of the amber liquid into his snifter.
After a sip, Lazarus retrieves his writing pad to take notes. He asks, "Can you describe the nature of your contract? Was it truly remuneration in perpetuity?"
Lazarus Pursues a Lead about the Dragonfly Society's involvement in the production.
Jayma feels her jaw tighten as Fallenta explains the situation in which she finds herself. Twyl senses his mistress's change of mood and twitches his whiskers in agitation. "The Dragonfly Society," Jayma repeats, her face showing her distaste. "Smugglers turned extortionists, it seems. How very Chelaxian."
Jayma continues, her voice low but fierce. "When I escaped Cheliax, it was the Bellflower Network who risked their lives to help me. They asked for nothing but secrecy and a promise that I would help others in kind. This Dragonfly Society is clearly a beast of a different color."
She smiles, a dangerous little smile that does not reach her eyes. "Perhaps we should pay this Society a visit... and remind them that art, like magic, is not so easily controlled."
"Well, there wasn't a contract per se. But they kept documents--Callistro has it right, it's really more blackmail."
Fallenta sighs and gives Jayma a tired smile. "Sounds like I found the wrong group, but I didn't exactly have a full list of options, of course.
"As for negotiating, well..."
Fallenta goes on to explain that the individual who contacted her with this demand, an attractive but unsettling man named Gideon Shanklett, initially threatened to spread word to Thrune agents of her true identity in return for control over the opera and its profits. House Thrune, as far as Fallenta knows, believes the woman who’s theatrical works slandered Abrogail Thrune years ago has long been dead, and if they were to learn she merely changed her name, their interference could make Fallenta’s life a literal living hell. At the same time, giving up so much was a step too far, so Fallenta pushed back against Gideon, then somewhat shamefully admits she “may have volunteered your services instead.”
As Fallenta explains, the Dragonfly Society has had their own trouble with a rival smuggler of late, and for reasons Gideon wasn’t willing to come clean on, he’d rather have someone outside of the Society go in and solve their problem with the competition. If Fallenta’s “heroes” were to come to Vyre and help the Dragonfly Society out, Gideon promises to not only drop his demands for creative control but also destroy all documents on Fallenta still held by the Dragonfly Society—thereby permanently releasing her from any further payments.
Fallenta hopes the adventurers aren’t too annoyed that she volunteered them for this task, but from what she’s seen and heard, “dealing with some smugglers” should be a simple task for them. And if this competing guild is as sinister and awful as Gideon claimed, adding a bit of local heroics to their resume could help build the party’s fame in the region.