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Callistro nudged Jayma, We dont have to be in such a hurry. This city has so many potentially delightful possibilities. I am sure it wont take us long to deal with this woman. Of course, it would help if friend Gideon here could tell us what he knows about her....
Callistro strides into the Inn with a broad grin and the ai of an old regular. Four plates of your finest fare my good lady, and a bottle of your best wine he calls as he heads over to the table. My, my he muses, doesnt this place just ooze "old world charm". I almost expect to see a mysterious hooded stranger in the corner willing to offer some simple quest to a bunch of fresh faced new adventurers. How
When Gideon approaches he rolls his eyes at the man and mutters Bloody hack. Get on with it man, what is it you want us to do
Callsitro dozes on the deck, watching the stars wheel above them and dreaming of all the things he can get up to in Vyre once they are done with the Dragonflies.
Callistro examines the two items which Fallenta has provided. They are certainly interesting he says, but I prefer my most marvellous cloak personally. Still, its a nice gesture.
At the mention of Vyre he grin grows, The City of Sin, sounds like my sort of place. I am sure we dont need to quibble over the few silver travel and accommodation will cost old man, he says, teasing the Doctor a little.
Callistro looks puzzled, My dear Fallenta, as Jayma said, it would have been better to come and talk to us first. We could have helped with the negotiation, gotten us a better deal than whatever this is going to involve. Does anyone know anything about Vyre or any more about this Society or the trouble they may have? He perks up, On the plus side, I have never ben to Vyre and I do love visiting new places. Do they have any well known play houses or similar venues? Perhaps I could arrange an impromptu performance.
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...
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!
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.
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.
Callistro shakes his head at Marines offer, Never could stand the taste of the damn things.
Callistro helps by keeping his mouth shut and looking pretty.
Callistro circulates amongst the guests chatting and gossiping. He has little interest in the auction and certainly doesnt plan on bidding on anything.
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...
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?
Callistro strides off the stage, his head held high and his ears filled with the cheers of his adoring public, although the last bit my mostly in his own head. Capitalising on his success he makes sure to seat himself next to Zachrin during the meal. Engaging in small talk, he watches the man watching everyone else, noting where is gaze lands, the slight downturn of the mouth signifying disapproval, the merest raise of an eyebrow, the twitch of a finger.
As the cheering from Jaymas toast dies down Callistro also stands, Friends old and new, I can hardly approach the skill and wit of my friends accolades for our good host and this fine venue. Instead, let me celebrate this fine city of Kintargo, which would not exist as we know it without our fine hosts careful guidance during its troubled occupation.
Callistro heads over to the entrance to see what all of the fuss is about. He wrinkles his nose at the unsightly bag lady and heads back to the stage. At the announcement of the fashionable Dance of the Masked Devils he smiles broadly and sweeps over to Louisa Smynne. Darling, I nearly missed you in the crowd. Do forgive me, you are after all radiant this evening. Would you give me the pleasure of your company with a whirl around the dance floor. I am sure we can give all of these clumsy onlookers a most marvellous show. Assuming she agrees he twirls her onto the stage and begins. As they dance around each other he chatters away, My dear, you truly have outdone yourself this evening, such a shame your brother rather lets you down..., he performs an elaborate twisting manoeuvre, I have always thought you would do much better on your own, he spins her in a arc around the floor, nimbly avoiding anyone else practising, Really, he is so last season my dear. I know he is your brother but one cannot let family hold one back, especially when they do so undermine one..., he finishes with a high leaping followed by a deep dip in the middle of the stage.
He escorts Louisa off the stage into the arms of her hopefully very jealous and unhappy brother. As the competition begins he struts, there is no other word for it, onto the stage. With a gesture he conures a spotlight onto himself ( and begins to stalk around the stage. His cloak swirls dramatically, his perfectly coiffured hair sways, his eyes blaze and he owns the stage.
Callistro seeks to mollify Hymp a little, having scored a point over him. Seafood, why yes, I am sure. After all Kintargo is a most important port city, its coasts are bountiful, surely the High Priest would have not neglected the local delicacies. I do believe the area produces some most excellent silver salmon. As the Smynnes head off bickering he allows himself a small, contented smile, Stiff as the stage boards and twice as dense indeed! Hah, revenge will be mine you pair of harpies. He sweeps into the centre of the stage, catches up a wine glass, swirls the darkly glistening red around the crystal stemmed glass and downs it in a single gulp while looking for his next target.
Callistro fairly sweeps into the room, hair flowing, boots gleaming and tight pants stretching. His has a natural appearing grace and air, perfected through hours of painstaking preparations. He glances around the room paying little attention to the artworks. He has little interest in arts and crafts, he is here for the people! smaller]I think I am best placed dealing with some of the movers and shakers here.[/smaller] he mutters to his friends, adopting their particular patois in case anyone is listening in. He glides over to the halfling sculptor, Mulberry Hymp. Why, my good Master Hymp he exclaims loudly, I had not thought to see you here. A bold move of you to join us after your last exhibition. How did the critics describe it? Oh, perhaps not, maybe its still a bit of a sore point. Not to worry, I am sure that this event will be much more successful for you. Well, it could hardly be worse now could it he snorts, slapping the halfling on the back and dislodging his hat.
With Hymp hopefully humbled he heads off towards the Smynnes, a pair he rather dislikes after they gave a particularly scathing review of his performance as Aroden in The Hurricane, a tale in which he abandoned his powers and Godhood rather than remain in the world. Why if it isnt two of my very favourite people. My dear Louise and Chopperly. I am so glad you found the time to come along today. The event would not have been the same without the two of you. Such an avant-garde choice of attire as well. Are you making a statement about how much you enjoyed last seasons fashion? Very bold of you both, truly.
Callistro commissions a fine coach pulled by six jet black horses to bring them to the venue. Sadly Marine cannot join them inside and has to trot along beside. He also quietly makes arrangements for a group of excitable locals to be outside the Opera House and cheer them all as they arrive.
As he descends from the coach to the cheering of the crowd he pauses to give a deep bow, sweeping the broad brimmed hat from his head and tossing a spray of flowers into the adoring crowd. Sweeping his cloak he strides into the Opera House, handing in his invitation as he goes.
Callsitro has no skill at making things, his skills lies in crafting poetry, plays and other such works of art. With Jayma having sorted out discovering who will be in attendance Callistro instead focuses on hunting down the perfect outfits for everyone. He will visit a range of speciality tailors, hat makers, accessorisers and similar. For Marine he locates a magnificent caparison in green and gold, bedecked with fancy tassels of emerald flecked silk. There is a matching cloak, emblazoned with intertwined bright yellow wasps and filled with hidden pockets to conceal a variety of small knives. An elaborate conical hat, with a glittering golden point like the sting of a wasp completes the ensemble. For the good Doctor she finds a long coat made of fine leather, delicately stitched with intricate elven script in silver silk. It contains a veritable mass of pockets, belts, pouches and the like for storing all kinds of useful consumables, each of the finest quality. For Jayme, he knows she has her own unique style and would never dare to even consider making purchases for her. However, instead he finds a string of alternating pearls and rubies designed to hold and shapes ones preferred hairstyle. For himself, he locates a fine set of new clothes, dark red pantaloons, a blousy white puffed shirt and a fine set of bandoliers one can hang expensive looking adventuring gear from. When he isnt shopping he spends some time teaching a group f bright new actors, hoping to find some new talent that might be a good pick for their own upcoming production.
Callistro beams at the suggestion of securing the Kintargo Opera House, Oh my, that is brilliant. I do love the old Opera House, such an atmospheric place and with such an exciting recent history. No doubt it is full of lingering ghosts of the occupation, actual or metaphorical, which will add an extra delight to the experience... At Marine's mention of clothes he gasps, Of course, we must all secure new outfits, the very best. We want to lean into our role as adventurers, so we probably want to wear our very best adventuring gear but accentuate it with some added style. Don't worry Marine, Doctor, Jayma and I can certainly give you some hints. We probably want to do something with your hair as well... Pausing for a moment he looks out over the City, Do we know who will be attending or anything about them? We arent likely to be the only people wanting to secure the place, it is the very best venue in town after all. If Zachrin is going to permit a premiere then we will have competition. It might be worth doing some snooping, I mean research, on who they might be?
Callistro nudges the Doctor, Dont worry, I dont think they expect us to perform on stage. We will be played by actors but maybe a cameo walk on part..., he lets the suggestion hang in the air. As talk turns to Swirly Callistro's face darkens. I know we have presented him as something of a comic character but that does not mean he wasnt dangerous. He was casually cruel, liked to use people and had no compunction about throwing away the lives of his minions. Swirly's threat lay in the mind, he could manipulate people and even outright dominate them, making them do things they would never have ordinarily done. As for weakness, for me, it was probably his overconfidence. He thought he could control anyone, in the end he was wrong about that.
Callistro places a hand on Marine's shoulder as she speaks and quietly says, It wasn't your fault, you have nothing to be ashamed of. A spotlight you say, something that really shows off who we are? For me, it would have to be the infiltration of the Porcelain Throne. Marine has already spoken of the werecrocodile minions that Swirly employed but he had another, more terrible guardian. The basin, where we would gain access to the Gate, was guarded by a terrible hydra. The lair of the thing stank to high heaven and the remains of its meals were scattered about. It was a most unusual beast, its regenerative qualities could only be suppressed by holy energies, something that, at the time, we didnt have any of. Callistro's eyes go misty as his mind wanders back to that terrible, dank, dark place. The basin was dimly lit, the walls stained with indescribable filth, the water fetid and stinking. It was a terrible place, and the island was hardly the place you could go shopping for specialist hydra fighting gear. It was filled with deep, dank, pools and the thing could have been lurking in any of them. However, by good fortune we had managed to befriend a group of local grippli. They knew of the beast and were able to soothe it with their croaking songs. At least for a little time. He shifts uncomfortably in his chair. I have never felt such nervousness about a performance, my throat was dry and every breath difficult in the stench but I managed it, I sang the song of the Frog people and soothed the mighty beast. We managed to slip past it and reach the Gate to complete our quest. Later, we went back and freed the poor thing from the mind control Swirly had employed on it and managed to herd it out and back to its ocean home. It wasnt really a bad old thing, just like most everything else on the island, Swirly had corrupted it.
Callistro's grin gets bigger and bigger as Fallenta speaks. He cannot keep still and starts pacing up and down the small office. A share of the box office, that's fantastic as this is sure to be a sell out production. Perhaps we can take it on tour, Katapesh, Quantium, Absalom, Egorian! Err, maybe not the last one. As for pay, who cares about money at a time like this. Of course, the Fox is totally fine, it will do for the next few months while we get things sorted. I tell you, I have stayed in far worse in my earlier days. As Marines mention of camping his face goes pale, Camp, outside, in the damp and the dirt and the rain. Are you mad! Think what that will do to my silks. Can't we at least grab a wand of Cozy Cabin or something? Later that day Callistro can be seen sporting a pair of new wands, he brandishes the first, a short, thick wand of dark maple, As I said, welcome to the latest in outdoor sleeping arrangements. I shall of course have to decorate our new cabin with the right soft furnishings and I must buy some drapes for privacy. The second is a slender wand of gray ash, and this is to ensure our privacy should we be out in the wilds.
I have some shopping to do as well, I will catch you all tomorrow.
Callistro gives a small gasp at the suggestion of co-production. Really, oh my, that would be amazing. I have so many ideas about stage design, costuming, special effects and, of course, we must find the right people to play us!
Callistro declines the airlift, instead using the Helpful Steps he provided on the way down. On getting back into the fresh air Callistro grimaces at Jayma's description, Frankly, the woman seemed to be quite mad, a true horror although she claimed to be a powerful witch. However, recovering your actors was the priority so we have left her down there. Frankly, I would notify the authorities that they have a crazy death cultist problem but the decision should probably be for you. I dont think the building is useable while she is still haunting it, especially considering the nightmarish things she has down there.
Callistro keeps his mouth firmly shut during the negotiation, I cannot believe they are negotiating with this...creature! Oh well, practicality before principle I suppose. Very well, I suppose we can live with this arrangement, providing you dont go around kidnapping more people. Or making more of, whatever the hell these things are! he says gesturing at the weird monsters she surrounds herself with.
Callistro looks over the various messages, All sounds like a lot of nonsense. Entering the room with the strange woman and her appalling creatures, When you make such threats you give us little reason to trust you he says, and adding to that these hideous abominations you have here inspire no confidence whatsoever. Even if we did manage to come to some agreement, how could we ever trust you. I suggest, as a start, that you let these poor actors go. They are hardly in any position to tell anyone anything, given their condition.
Callistro carefully picks his way through the rotting detritus in the narrow corridor. Well, this place doesnt improve any does it. He runs his fingers lightly over the messages on the walls. Do these mean anything to anyone? I wonder who left them. It looks like someone is living down here. I suspect Fallenta will want them evicted and if they have done something to our actors then we may need to involve the authorities.
Callistro examines the ring carefully. See here, he says, pointing to several carved laughing faces inscribed on the inside of the band. Clear evidence of this being a Ventriloquists band and, if I am not mistaken, he places it on his finger and suddenly his voice starts to emerge from different parts of the room, it is of the greater version and can therefore be used as many times as you want. A handy little device. He carefully conceals the hand on which an identical ring sits as he expounds.
As the Geists are felled the flames around Callistro die down. He flicks a few pieces of imaginary soot from his cloak and looks around. This place really isnt any more pleasant with those things gone. I do hope Fallenta doesn't expect us to spend any time here. As the Doctor works he looks over the items we found, turning each over in his hands.
Looking at the armour he notes the tiny blue runes etched into the stitching. Its is equivalent to what we already wear but also protects the wearer from electricity. Could be useful, pretty too. He picks up the rapier and makes a couple of clumsy thrusts with it. Again, of similar power to our own weapons but capable of harming incorporeal creatures. How ironic. It seems it did not help its bearer here... As he examines the boots he inhales, I smell soot and flames, they are warm to the touch, aha, Hellfire Boots indeed. these do speak to me but I am not sure I want to give up the alacrity which my current footwear provides. They also cannot protect me from my burden. One of you two may find a use for them. It would make you a little safer if Jayma or I have to catch you within our magic. Even so..., he looks a little wistful.
Callistro raises his conductors baton and twirls it in the air. Its time for the spotlight scene and all of you are invited to participate. With that bright light erupts from him, flooding the room! In its wake wounds heal but the ragged spirits are burned through. Actions: ◆◆◆ Cast Rank 6 Heal hitting everyone.
Callistro gives a little sigh. You rally ought to understand that all of this is quite unnecessary. It's time to move on, the last song has been sung, the final bell has rung and the curtains are closing. I am afraid that you do not get an encore. As he finishes speaking a glowing blue barrier appears around him. Actions: ◆◆
Callistro looks around the room. Are these things supposed to br frightening? I mean, the room is a bit of a horror and weird puppets with glowing eyes could be scary but mostly it all just looks a bit old, and frayed, and sad. You should all probably just stop this nonsense, it really isnt helping anyone, least of all yourselves. We will bring this place to life, I promise, in time, you will have enjoyable performances which will fill your souls with joy... As for you nasty spirits with the glowy mouths and eyes and things, I can assure you that my allies here are quite capable of dispatching you forthwith! Actions: ◆◆ ◆
Callistro steps into the room and peers around. Well, this isnt weird and unsettling at all is it. Who knew that poppets could be quite this disturbing. He looks over to Lazarus, What have you found good Doctor? Some evidence of what has happened to our missing actors? I do hope all this blood does not suggest something, permanent, has happened to them?
Callistro stands in the middle of the old basement shivering in the damp. Well, this place is frightful. So, it looks like our missing actors fled to the south. It seems likely that these doors lead to the same chamber as the collapse does there. I for one am all for not clambering over broken bricks, splintered beams and rotting plaster. Lets try the doors...
Callistro steps up to Jayma and closes his eyes. My dear Jayma, this magic of yours is excellent, I am looking forward to it. After they settle down at the bottom he takes out a scroll. Casting the spell a delicate spiral staircase appears, rising up to the stage. We dont want to have to clamber back up now do we.
Callistro brushes off the soot and flakes of ash from his clothing. That was unpleasant, glad the stupid thing has been dispatched. Sadly it seemed to be immune to my magic. After the Doctor finishes tending his wounds Callistro hops on to the stage, but keeps to the edge. You say there is a hole here? He studiously avoids looking too closely at the illusion, not wishing to replace the swish interior with a depressing and grimy scene. Turning to Fallenta he says, You hired actors yes? I dont see any of them in here now, could they have gone down this hole or be hiding out somewhere else in the building?
Of course I am mocking you you dullard. Just how stupid are you! snaps Callistro. Now, you lot, its time to get serious, this thing is no joke, well, it is, but not that kind of joke so lets get to finishing it off!
He then gestures with his conductors baton (staff) and casts a spell, Its time for you to take directions and bow to the crowd! Actions: ◆ Courageous Anthem with Lingering
DC30 Will Save Success The creature is unaffected.
As he passed I havent bothered to sustain Roaring Applause.
Callistro winces in pain as the flames wash over him. That did not feel terribly mock! he exclaims! Also, monsters of fire and smoke, totally unfair, what am I supposed to do to that thing! I know he says with some glee. You may be made of fire and smoke but its time to rain on your parade! Now, you are on my stage and if you are on the stage you really must dance. Its time for your audition!
Come now my good Doctor, I am sure with proper instruction you can do fantastically well. And if not, well, the rest of us can make up for any shortcomings, says Callistro as he continues to dance.
Callistro slips into the room behind Jayma. He swirls his cloak around himself and leaps into the midst of the Pixies with a shout of It is I, Oberon, my friends, join me in the dance of life and death! With that he begins to twist and leap in amidst the fey spirits, leading them in a dance to celebrate their immortal lives and return to the essence of the First World.
Callistro had already gotten bored and wandered back into the foyer to examine the decor and get an idea of Fallenta's taste. After all, he was going to have to work with her on set design and promotional material.
Callistro watches from outside the room, providing moral support if nothing else.
Callistro peers into the gloomy room at the "turtle". His voice drops to stage whisper as he hisses, This looks tricky, we should probably take our time. Unless of course you want me to just disintegrate the thing? You might need to be ready to grab the key to avoid any noise.
Callistro gives a shout of alarm, No, you can't spray silk with foam, it will be ruined! He starts to furiously pat himself down before remembering its all an illusion. Marine, be more careful with those things. If that had been real you would be getting the bill from my laundress!
Callistro gratefully accepts the mutagen from Marine and glugs it down. Hmm, tastes of blueberries
He is quite distracted by the foyer and doesnt really notice what is going on with the first challenge room By the time he pokes his head inside the group seem to have everything under control. Does anyone need any help? he asks.
Callistro grins, Well, well, this is different to any audition I have undertaken previously. How amazing, a novel experience! I assume you dont want us to harm your actors, that would be terrible. We might scare them quite a bit mind, I assume you have briefed them?
A room Doctor, a room! Surely not, I think we should hire out a suite, it will be far more comfortable for us all.
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