Clyde and Tih
An invitation for Clyde and some fancy clothing arrive for him at Lord Drownington's Manor. He is clearly set to go, indeed the invitation makes no mention of any guest
Tih is easily able to obtain the clothing she is seeking, while she won;t be the best dressed there, if she retains the current appearance that she wears she will certainly turn heads!
---
Perhaps five minutes after the Bishop, the Lady and the Knight enter Culliver Green. Clyde and Tih approach. You see two guards manning the entrance way to this district. The sound of laughter begins to spill out from within.
Clyde dresses himself and is rather impressed that they had something in his size. Fixing his hat at a jaunty angle he looks over at his new acquaintance.
Shall we be bold tonight and present ourselves at the door? I do have an invitation. Or we could be daring and crash the event by finding a different path inside.
"Presenting ourselves is only polite, I suppose," Tih said, then offered a closed-mouth smile.
Then she presented her arm to Clyde, and made to stride toward the guards.
Clyde and Tih - Entrance to Culliver Green
As Clyde presents himself and his guest the two guards blanche, "Oh no, not again", one guard says to the other. They both look at a list of names on a scroll.
"He is on the list but there's no indication a guest is allowed".
The other responds, "True, but I don't want to do that again..."
The first retorts, "Kieran, you head with our guests to speak with Headmaster Mott. If he is fine, we are fine".
The Guard named Kieran turns to you Clyde, "I will have to escort you to see Headmaster Mott to approve of your guest Sir". You wonder if they would be so deferential to you if you were in your cooking gear, but you don't wonder that hard....
Ho ho! It seems like things are going smoothly! Clyde strode in with Tih. Lead on please, I am sure The Headmaster will fully approve!
Clyde makes note of the area as they enter, making note of any good hiding spots in case a hasty retreat is needed.
Farholde - Culliver Green & Vanderhall Manor - Everyone BUT Sir Balin
While Lady Elliaria and the "Bishop" visited this district the previous day, it looks quite different now!
Six Estates stand on the hill, the intended destination for the revelers is Vanderhall, Baron Arkov Vandermir’s estate, the six estates surround a large picturesque communal green and the green is set up this evening for entertaining.
The center of the green contains a great and seemingly ancient yew tree, it's knotty trunk more than a dozen feet across at its widest point. Light, some mundane torches, some actual magical light, gives the grove an aura of majesty. Reds, purples, greens, and blues light up various trees and tables.
A luminaria display lights the path to Vanderhall.
There are perhaps three dozen actual guests here, some are clergy nuns and priests, some are Knight, others are merchants. None are armed.
However, the Baron's men are armed. Most appear to be young ruffians. Mal, you recognize many of the men here as older boys still living in or at least recently visited the Orphanage. Also moving through the crowd are servers, mostly young ladies but a few young men to hold the heavier trays of meats being served to the guests. In addition to meats, the appetizers are a selection of tasty little beef skewers and crunchy, spicy crayfish puffs.
The Manor house is well lit, the colors on the house match the coat of arms of the Baron, gold and black. The house is quite impressive, it stands tree stories tall built in the Romanesque style [thick walls, rounded arches, and small windows) and has a black wrought iron fence, whose gates are currently open.
Two guards, who do not look like bully boys but professionals guard the door armed with polearms, short swords in scabbards resting on their hips.
Despite the head start, perhaps due to the inclination of the "Bishop" to avoid his fellow clergy, Clyde and Tih alongside their "handler" the gate guard Kieran, arrive at the door to the Manor House at the same time as Mal, the "Bishop", and Lady Elliaria. The guardsman speaks, "Evening". and nods to the three who were delayed by him just several minutes earlier. "Mr. Clyde and Miss, you know, I didn't catch your name... follow me. I need to bring you to Headmaster Mott. He was on the ground floor the last time I saw him".
He heads into the house and peers about the crowd, he hesitates and waits for Clyde and Tih to follow hi but isn't insistent upon it, at least not yet anyway.
The crowd inside is comprised completely of merchants, most of whom do not appear to be locals as their style of dress is different. They are either from the south dressed in the latest trends or not from Talingarde at all.
Based upon the description each of you received, the Baron is a half-elf. None of you see the tell-tale semi-pointed ears of a half-elf as you scan the room.
Soren, taking a disguise as a human woman, heads out to find a suitable "volunteer" for the cause.
Morana turns to you, "I can send Soto down to see what he can see unseen. He can lead them to us in his own subtle way if you wish Grumble".
As you contemplate, Soren returns with a young woman in tow, she is dressed in a tight black little number, if memory serves, she's the favorite play thing of the Baron's, at the moment anyway.
Soren smirks, "Lessons that hit close to home hit harder". The young woman giggles, "Wow, a Knight and two sexy ladies! Usually its just me and the Baron, ah... in the middle of the party we're going to... you know?... Where is the Baron anyway, I thought he'd be here".
Jack gave Morana a nod of approval for her plan, then eyed the Baron's plaything. He grinned. "He'll be around soon. He's off doing important Baron stuff. I'll go let him know you're waiting for him while you keep Soren company."
[Ooc] Sounds like it's just about party time. I'll leave Soren and Morana here to prep a sacrifice and head out to meet the new group.[ooc]
Malleck would give the orphan lads a nod of recognition, but would keep his focus on the actual guards as he heads towards them. He finally stands infront of them, his posture showing his training, as he looks them over a second
"I would prefer to be direct and not waste any time, as you too would probably like things to be. I'm here to see the Baron or perhaps a sir balin. The latter I only know by name. So if you could possibly let either direct me or send someone to inform either one Mal is here to meet, I would be most appreciative"
As they approach the house, she will take a moment to adjust her boot and surreptitiously cast perceive cues.
She is s vision in a lovely gown of cream with golden threads through it. Her hair is worn up, with a braid encircling it like a halo. Unless the guards disarmed her, she would be carrying her rapier, though (apparently) peacebonded with a red cord.
She circles around making small talk and evaluating to try and find those she was supposed to meet, when she notices Mal going for the direct route. She observes to see what the response is to this.
Standing at the gates of the property, the Bishop absently smiles at the guard, as he and his guests arrive to also enter the estate.
The Bishop looks at the rather large, meaty fellow, along with his petite escort and whistles.
Opposites do attract as evidence is available for all to appreciate. Enjoy your party, perhaps we shall all be blessed this night.
Entering the property grounds, the Bishop easily walks through the magically lit pathway (pilfering a tasty little beef skewers and crunchy, spicy crayfish puffs every so often) as they proceed into the manor.
Blue eyes lazily roam the entrance hall, as the Bishop absently smiles, chews, and greets any inclined to present themselves.
As imp-inspired plans begin to form inside the Tiefling's mind, his blue eyes watch Mal begin their quest for their host. The Wizard watches for his results.....
Tih was wearing olive hose, an olive shirt and a maroon doublet. She wore shin-high leather boots with thick laces. Her dark, straight hair was collected in a haphazard updo on one side of her head.
Tih was unaccustomed to parties beyond local festivals. The estates seemed an incredible sample of the excesses of the wealthy.
When the Bishop talked, she smiled coldly, and clutched Clyde's arm a hair tighter. While the people of Drownington struggled, apparently the Mitrans were living the high life. A fact she could exploit, perhaps?
To their escort she replied, "Tih. Similar to the drink." And smiled a different smile to him than she had the Bishop. A conspiratorial one. Tih didn't know if she could get a noble on her side, but she could start with their servants.
Clyde is dressed smartly in what might be like a judge's robe. His large frame was no doubt difficult to make something custom fitted and so he was draped in a fine coat and baggy tunic and trousers. He did find it to be rather comfortable and he was able to hide his dagger well.
Plucking a crayfish puff, Clyde examines it with an expert eye, smelling the scents and testing the crispiness before taking a bite. His eyebrow arches and he looks satisfied.
A fine treat for tonight. Take the edge off of any hunger. Clyde follows the guard inside and takes in the sights.
Farholde - Culliver Green & Vanderhall Manor
Within eye-shot you see Mal and Elliaria as well as a man who looks like he could be the "Bishop". Several feet away and having just stepped past you, is Clyde. Next to him is a woman hovering to his right, could she be a 5th? And how the hell did she even get in if she is?
An absolute behemoth of a Knight walked out of the manor into the courtyard. He had to duck a few inches to get under the doorframe. His dark hair was pulled back into a short tail. He had a lantern jaw covered in short stubble that no amount of shaving would ever get rid of. His five o'clock shadow was more of a five minute shadow.
He wore a red doublet over a black tunic and trousers. At his belt were a matching longsword and dagger set, both hilts adorned with the crest of the Knights of Alerion. A gold solar burst pin sat on his lapel, a rare but highly recognizable honor bestowed by the crown for acts of valor and service.
He gave the guards approving looks and nods of recognition as he passed, speaking to one of them quietly. The guard pointed to the other knightly looking fellow and his small group.
He crossed the courtyard like a lion, lazy and proud, and hooked his thumbs in his belt when he stopped before the group.
"I hear you're looking for me."
Absolutely genius. I must remember that directness does indeed deliver.
The Blue eyes of the Bishop sparkle at the impressive sight of The Mountain that Moves arriving to greet them. Mephistopheles simply wades through any passerbys to come directly to their host.
Slightly nodding his cowl covered head, the Bishop smiles politely at Sir Balin.
Sir Balin. An honor to be invited to such an esteemed event. Bishop Reginald Dublin of Matharyn, at your service.
You can use Bluff to pass hidden messages along to another character without others understanding your true meaning by using innuendo to cloak your actual message. The DC of this check is 15 for simple messages and 20 for complex messages. If you are successful, the target automatically understands you, assuming you are communicating in a language that it understands. If your check fails by 5 or more, you deliver the wrong message. Other creatures that receive the message can decipher it by succeeding at an opposed Sense Motive check against your Bluff result.
Mephistopheles' quick tongue delivers secretly to Sir Balin.
I appreciated your invitation. I am Mephistopheles, awaiting the call
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Clyde looks up at the huge man before him and strokes his chin. Looking for me? I must say that is a question that many people have asked themselves. Looking for oneself is debated by philosophers all across the land. He looks at the lady on his arm. Do such questions keep you awake at night? Who am I, where am I going? Ah...a fine glass of wine and a cool night would be an excellent place to engage in such debate.
Malleck gives Balin a salute
"Malleck, as requested"
She nods at Sir Balin, watching to see his reaction.
Sir Balin looked at the bishop for a long time. His expression didn't change, but the gears of intelligence grinding away behind his dark eyes were struggling to decipher the cryptic message. After a few moments he simply looked away, giving no real indication whether he actually understood or not.
He side-eyed the large fellow and grunted a short, rough laugh. "Nothing keeps me up at night. I got better things to do than ask myself pointless questions."
His eyes flicked between them like he was mostly seeing what he expected to, but lingered on the bishop and the woman on the large man's arm. Those two he wasn't as certain about. He nodded once, acknowledging Mallak's salute, and seemed to come to a decision.
"We need to get to know each other. Let's head inside for a more private party. Come whenever you're ready, but not as a group."
Without another word the big knight left. He spoke briefly with a few other people at the party, gave the Baron's guards some instructions, then disappeared back into the manor.
Malleck nods, as he gathers himself, making sure his attire is not creased or wrinkled, then follows the direction to meet with Balin properly
Being addressed as a group was a surprise. And by a knight of the realm, as well. This could prove to be a most dangerous evening, Tih thought as she watched and listened.
She smirked at Clyde and answered, "I sleep well most nights. Purpose is not so hard to find as the philosophers say."
A private party or a private trap?, Tih thought, and her eyes briefly darted to her surroundings, looking for the approach of guards, torches, and hate. But there seemed to be none for now.
Then back to Clyde, "Before we join with Sir Knight, could we have a private conversation? I have a query. And if you'll accept it, a gift."
Clyde turned to Tih. Of course! We are supposed to enter separately so taking a little time to chat and finish our wine would be fine. Clyde follows her for their chat.
Ellaria will spend a little time mingling with people at the party before heading back to the guards.
Tih strolled with Clyde. She imagined that in a party full of backroom dealings and unsubtle trysts, two people finding a quiet corner would not seem out of place.
When they were alone she moved close, and spoke softly, "May I ask who invited you to Farholde? My invitation was from a creature whose name started with a 'T'." Tih's arms rippled with gooseflesh as she offered the rare token of trust.
"As for my gift, if we need to fight our way out of here, I want to make sure your mind is unfettered. My abilities allow me to help with that, if you accept."
Peering about his suddenly swift present state of solitude, as the others all went in different directions, the Bishop sighs.
Perhaps, a bit of entertainment as we abide our time? No? Anyone? It's this Bishop thing, isn't it. Puts folks off like Bishops don't know how to party too.
Watching the others begin to conduct whatever business they have to conduct, Mephistopheles aimlessly wanders the rooms of the first floor of the manor. Tasting, sipping, talking, dancing, the Bishop spends his time carousing.
Once his blue eyes begin to see the others spending an inappropriate amount of time glancing to see if anyone else has been first, Mephistopheles dances one more song just prior to heading upstairs....
How did I come here? Well it was a dream, a voice, a whisper from the bottom of a well. I found myself being drawn here by my dreams and restlessness. I came to the inn we met at and there was a fellow there that knew about me and gave me in invitation to this event and so here I am. Clyde beamed and waved his hand dramatically.
As for your offer, thank you. But I shall decline as I will take the risk and leave my mind as is. No insult to your abilities as it is just something I prefer.
Farholde - Vanderhall Manor
Eventually, you all make your way to the third floor, moving through the opulent Manor of the Baron though none of you have spotted the Baron as of yet.
The room is a bit tight but with the windows open and a cool breeze, it's not too hot.
Seated on a bed, clearly drunk, is a dark haired younger woman giggling along with the woman that Elliaria and Mephistopheles recognize as Morana.
Seated next to the foot of the bed is a young man that Clyde recognizes as the one that approached him in the kitchen of Lord Drownington's Manor. His facial features quickly change as the door is closed and he becomes a she! She smiles and nods.
Standing in the middle of the room, essentially within arms reach of each of you, is the behemoth of a Knight that introduced himself as Sir Balin...
Her eyes flick to the ceiling for the barest instant. Seeing the way it looks at Morana, she accepts that it is a known factor.
Now that the time for pretense is done, she puts away the Mitran holy symbol and relocates the Quill and Scroll symbol that represents Asmodeus' role as the Master of Contracts.
Elliaria then stops breathing. She stops the saccades of the eyes. She no longer shifts her weight the way living beings do unconsciously. All of the little quirks of living beings drop, leaving her so very still.
"I see you've brought the right kind of party favor."
Malleck stays standing, his hands clasped behind his back. No longer in the presence of a superior, simply at one of equal standing, though training and decorum instilled in him makes him still very much a soldier. No matter what company
"Seems our task can now be freely discussed if those present are here on your behest. I will be upfront and say my name, Malleck, former soldier of the main army. I have promised to follow the directives of your patron, but at no stage do I follow them as my personal patron." being direct often removes any form of misunderstandings in regards to group goals and expectations
He seemed a bit sinewy for a soldier, though beneath his frail completion, the muscles of a trained soldier can be seen. His black hair well kept, his attire and demeanor compliments his stature. He may not look as intimidating as Balin, but in his eyes and the way he holds himself, lurks a vicious predator that should not be underestimated.
As Clyde enters the manor after his talk with Tih he keeps silent, his glittering eyes taking in everything around him and making note of the way they came and perhaps determining the best way to retreat if need be.
He has to shuffle himself into a corner when he enters, his wide frame makes the room seem even smaller. The light in the room gleams off of his bald head and his brows rise as the one he had met at the inn shifts into a different form. He mentally shrugs though, he has seen such things before.
Tucking his hands into his voluminous sleeves, Clyde silently waits to hear why he has been brought here, and ready to fling himself out the window if need be.
He does pause when he feels something curl around his ankle. The fur is soft but the sensation of boniness, of malnutrition makes him realize that his 'little friend' has made an appearance. He was to this day not sure if it actually existed or was just some figment of the mind, although the bites it had inflicted upon him were quite real.
A small evil eyed head emerged from underneath his robe and looked at him with that ever smug expression that felines wore and then settled down to watch the proceedings.
Tih nodded along to Clyde's tale. There was no insult taken, but the thing was of no use to Tih now. As he was either mind-addled or a part of a trap himself, Tih was safer, she supposed, on her own.
Her expression was carefully casual as she said, "I understand. Then I shall meet you upstairs." And with that, she walked off, and took a few laps of the party before heading to the meeting.
The small space of the room was not to Tih's liking, and she lurked near the door. A tiefling, a human and an aasimar here for a party, a soldier who didn't follow orders, and a madman. Perhaps she had been better off on her own, and yet, the hate inside her stilled her feet. "Vengeance, a thousand-fold", the words that had drew her here rang in her mind.
The Bishop haphazardly walks the upper floors. His pristine clergy attire softly gliding in his wake, as he steps. Eventually, the Bishop arrives at the official looking meeting room (the number of individuals crammed inside tips him off).
Blue eyes look at Morana casually seated on a bed with a clearly inebriated female. The Bishop smiles.
Appears that my arrival is right on time for the party!
He glances up.
The Wizard nods expectantly. The Bishop then lifts his crystal goblet to....
Standing, casually sipping from a fine crystal goblet, a tall, muscular man with red skin, cloven hooves, and black hair and horns raises said goblet to his lips. His blue eyes crinkle in amusement at those gathered together.
Greetings all. Mephistopheles at your service.
The Illusionist nods in response to the other Illusionist, as she changed her look.
Cousin.
The Tiefling's blue eyes find Malleck, Tih, and Clyde also crunched into the apparently performance chamber. He nods to each in turn.
Then his blue eyes turn to their host.
How can we help you, Sir Balin?
Sir Balin seemed like he was chewing on a thought. He nodded as Mephistopholes revealed himself. "Good," he said. "That was going to be our first step. We gotta make sure all of you are who we were told to expect." He gestured between Meph and Tih. "You two were the ones we couldn't peg."
He eyed Tih. "I'm still not totally sure of you, but I'm willing to risk it."
"Before we get comfortable, I want you all of you to tell me who asked you to come here, and your reason for agreeing."
Mephistopheles begins to blush at Sir Balin's comments about his trustworthiness, reliability, availability, astoundingability. The red skinned Tiefling's blue eyes only sparkle at the inclusion of Tih.
Peering about the crowded room, the Wizard laughs
Comfortable? Doubtful, but if anyone wanted to shank someone there's that.
Mephistopheles simply says
Preferences for not going to Prison seems applicable. Besides, I've never been this far north. Probably reasons though.
"Not what I asked." Sir Balin said, his voice taking on a bit more of an edge. "That's two against you, Mephistopheles. First, you showed up disguised as someone we did not send an invite to. The message that sent is that you can't keep your identities straight. Second, I asked you who sent you, and your purpose, and you gave us a half-answer. The message that sends is that you can't lie convincingly enough."
"Now is not the time to be playing word games. You want to try again, maybe give us a different message?"
Elliaria was about to answer, but holds to see how this plays out between the two. If there is going to be a conflict, it should be handled quickly and decisively. A quick problem should be easy enough to conceal to the guests, but an extended fight will be harder.
Clyde was about to speak but a sudden pain from his ankle let him know that the cat had bitten him. Gritting his teeth, he cooled himself and realized he should wait for this little drama to play out and think on how he wants to answer.
Again there seems to be no cohesion forming, he straightens out again, before speaking
"A certain Tiadora came to me with a proposition. She gets me out of jail, and I come to this place to meet with you to accomplish a grand scheme. I have unfortunately not yet been informed of this scheme. But I am willing to participate. As for my reason," he looks around "The hypocracy of this nation needs to be put forward and exposed"
"Now that's a good answer," Jack said with a wide grin.
It was now or never, Tih supposed. And without a gesture, she changed, for the first time in a long time, back to herself.
The young woman's face was now that of a fox. The sides of the fox's head were red, but around her eyes and muzzle was black fur that matched that of her paws. A black tail with a white cap dangled free from her doublet, and her knees seemed to bend backward.
She breathed deeply, and then spoke, "Tiadora. Vengeance. Like I said before, purpose is not so hard to find as the philosophers say."
"Sad you had to hide such a beautiful form from us, but i do appreciate it that we can now see it" he nods his head at Tih
"I wondered if you'd show us your real skin," Jack said with a nod of approval.
Mephistopheles simply stands, surrounded by potentially like minded (certainly to a degree) independent individuals involved in illicit, illegal, ill-gotten, infamous intended gains.
The Wizard grins.
Tiadora sent me. Why? Perhaps ask the young lady herself. I can only surmise that whomever fed you your information about my person could be incredibly incorrect. Or not. What I can infer from said lady's procurement of myself for your mission is that my talents are necessary. Take that for what you will, Sir Balin.
The red-skinned Tiefling's blue eyes show only merriment.
Myself. I much prefer this backwater town to going to prison. And the hor' d'oeuvres were excellent. Yes. Why am I here?
He then turns his blue eyes to follow the responses recited by his fellow conscripts, smiling wider as each remains silent until the Soldier speaks then the Fox.
Nodding in respect to the Fox, Mephistopheles again addresses his Host.
Sir Balin this is your mission and apparently Tiadora sent us. We eagerly await your briefing.
"I was also sent by Tiadora. I was created specifically to further Asmodeus' agenda to take down both the Church of Mitra and the Kingdom of Talingarde." She lets her hatred seethe through her words, a huge change from the sweetness she was projecting down in public.
She bows to the group. "I look forward to working with all of you. Let our shared strengths drive us onward to victory."
Myself. I much prefer this backwater town to going to prison. And the hor' d'oeuvres were excellent. Yes. Why am I here?
He then turns his blue eyes to follow the responses recited by his fellow conscripts, smiling wider as each remains silent until the Soldier speaks then the Fox.
"Much better. I suppose just having hellspawn blood would be enough," Sir Balin said, sounding much more understanding than he had earlier. "Mitrans will kill our kind just for existing."
I was created specifically to further Asmodeus' agenda to take down both the Church of Mitra and the Kingdom of Talingarde."[/b] She lets her hatred seethe through her words, a huge change from the sweetness she was projecting down in public.
The knight's face split into a wide grin. "Oh, you I like."
He turned his black eyes on the last of the new arrivals. "What about you, big guy?"
Clyde speaks. I heard the name of Tiadora as well. Although there was no elegant card or stealthy meeting in the shadows. Instead there were whispered words in a dream and the lapping of eater. Clyde spreads his hands. Omens, urges, and riddles, these things tend to happen to me.
So I headed Ņ̶̧̟̱͎̞̦̟̘͉͔̼͎͕̖͇̼̝̣͉̿̋̄́͗͛͗ͅƠ̵̧̛͉͕͍͎̬̪̦̙̤͕̼̝̦̆̏̒̑̋̋͑̊̚͘ͅͅR̵̒̍̒̈́̉͐̿̄͆̾̔̓͝ ̨̘͖̲̩͕͙̫̟̫͙̺͖̺̪̺͉̜̯̮̈́̇ͅT̵̨̝͖̰̘͙͍͉͉̣͓̞̉̏͑͑̂̎͜͝H̷̛̛̹̠͈̳̰̯̣̩̯̐͑̈́̐́̉̒̋́̎̒̊̃̀̒̇͘ ̡̣͖̱̫̳ as my guide urged and found myself in this city. I did not know how long I was going to be here and so managed to acquire a position at an inn. While there, this one. he waves to the tiefling on the bed. Said that I was invited here and that doing so would help me find my purpose
He tucks his hands back into his sleeves. I offer my skills, be they of cooking, stealth or combat to help achieve your goals.
Sir Balin's brows rose. "Omens? So you're some kind of oracle? Alright, good."
"Now, just one more thing to do," he said, holding his hand out to Soren. She passed him a small knife with a glittering red edge. A Ruby Blade, one of the holy symbols of Asmodeus. Being found with one was heresy against Mitra of the highest order, punishable by life in prison, or execution.
He picked a silver bowl up off an end table. "Your new Boss doesn't actually care about worship." he said with a gesture towards Malleck, addressing the warrior's earlier concerns. "He only cares about devotion. Loyalty. This is the part where you swear yourself to the cause. Once you're in, I'll tell you what really brought you here."
"A couple of you might not know how this works, so I'll tell you." He stood up and stepped aside so they all had a clear view of the insensate woman on the bed. "We're going to make a little art together. We're drawing His sign on the floor. Five lines for five of you. Bleed her, fill the bowl, draw your line, pass the blade. Make sure not to kill her. She has to be alive for the next person in line. I'll paint the circle the end."
He held the pommel of the Ruby Blade out to the group. "Who's first?"
The soldier takes a look at the blade and listens to the explanation
"Devotion to the cause I can do, but I am only participating on behalf of my own patron. Swearing an oath to yours is not something I can do" he explains his stance in the matter, waiting then for a reply as to how much this means to patron and cause.