"Terribly sorry that I missed breakfast." Caspian says, advancing into the room with smiles all round. "I did make the very greatest haste from the capital but alas, the roads are not what they were. Although my brother's entertainments are never lackings. Titus, how are you dear cousin? Looking a little pudgy I think, clearly country life agrees with you."
He glides past his spluttering cousin and pauses in front of your group, before taking Lucretia's hand and kissing it. "My dear Lady, it is a joy to see you once again."
Bartelby, for his part, seems utterly bewildered by his brother's presence.
"Thank you Lucretia." Caspian replies, briefly clasping Lucretia's hand between his own. "I must admit I feel more confident with you all here. You've proved yourselves to be very resourceful. My sister has always been one to keep secrets and her circle of trust is limited, but bringing you all in has been good for her. Especially now. I'd never have known where to look otherwise. Thank you." He meets Lucretia's eye squarely and smiles winningly. "Make sure you come back safely."
With your shopping complete you all regroup at the Lion's Den and then set out with a small group of your fellow lions. The Dignified Repository is a large, glorified warehouse on a section of open grass in Oppara’s Crownsgate district. The warehouse serves as a massive storehouse for the princess’s various projects, as well as a safe place to hide or employ down-on-their-luck allies, while ostensibly having an official purpose of catering to nobles with long-term storage needs.
A twenty-foot-wide driveway leads through several bushes to a large pair of receiving doors in a forty-foot-tall, L-shaped warehouse. Five service entries along its sides provide access, in addition to the receiving doors. As you all wait in the nearby bushes it becomes clear that at least two pairs of guards are patrolling. Caspian whispers to the various bravos who have come along and they break up into small groups and start running around the buildings. Caspian gives you all a wink and joins them.
You have a short window in which to go for the doors, either the large set of warehouse doors or the small personnel door set within them.
The personnel door is locked, DC 30. The main doors aren't.
Caspian follows the conversation carefully and with a slight frown. "I knew Martella had a safehouse in that area, one of many, but the fact that you have the actual location reassures me. If she's there with whoever took her then the place will be guarded. Give me a few hours and I can have some of the young ones tag along - they don't need to know what's going on beyond a big prank but they can distract guards and make your entrance easier."
He nods decisively. "Yes. Take the afternoon, make your purchases and return her in four hours. We'll move out at sunset. Unless any of you object of course?"
Shortly afterwards a hush falls across the senate and the crowd parts as servants unroll a red carpet through the Arcade of Triumphs, a few paces ahead of Grand Prince Stavian III and a coterie of his Ulfen Guard. He stops to greet a few people by name, including Prince Ali of Qadira while the crowds flock to see them both. Victor receives a passing nod from the Grand Prince, which is more recognition than his daughter gets! She however follows her father into the Emperor's Hall which is promptly cordoned off by the Ulfen Guard.
About a half hour after Stavian arrives the servants bring out a light supper and the confused mumbling and general discontent caused by the Grand Prince's arrival and subsequent departure subsides in the face of good food and excellent wine. The notable exception however is the hundred-year-old bottle of wine donated by Bartelby Lotheed which is opened and served at this point. The senators sampling it react with disgust thanks to Shula's sabotage! Caspian ends up spending quite a while deflecting comments about it. "My brother is a good lord and a highly accomplished mage." He says over and over. "A good taste in wine is sadly not among his skills..."
Finally, the Taldan senate convenes to vote on various issues while guests watch from the gallery above. The hall spends 30 minutes arguing and voting on formalities and spending bills before reaching the event all of Taldor has been waiting for.
The political ruling body of Taldor spreads out twenty feet below the observation deck of the gallery. Dozens of senators and their immediate aides scurry below. The cacophony of voices is almost deafening, and it seems like the ceaseless chatter will continue endlessly. Suddenly, the magically amplified voice of the senate speaker interrupts the noise.
"Thank you all. I would ask that our observers please be silent and seat themselves. We will now begin voting on addendum number twenty-two thousand eighty-seven: the repeal of the ancient law of primogeniture, the issuance of inheritance and aristocratic title solely through male heirs."
Following this proclamation, the speaker begins calling on individual senators one at a time to support or oppose the repeal. Early declarations split evenly between the options, with many senators abstaining entirely, and only halfway through the process do votes begin to favor Princess Eutropia's bid to end primogeniture. By the end of the tabulations, the repeal passes with roughly 60 percent of the senate's backing. The speaker takes a moment to compose himself, seemingly shocked by the results, before continuing to formally announce the initial results in a distant monotone.
"And so, the final tally for addendum twenty-two thousand eighty-seven, the repeal of primogeniture, with thirty-six abstentions, the final tally stands at one hundred and seven for, seventy-nine against. The addendum passes. Among other business tonight, the senate recognizes Princess Eutropia Stavian I as the new heir to the Primogen Crown, and the first heir the empire has seen in twenty years."
With the declaration made, the chamber explodes in a riot of applause and condemnation. It takes several minutes for the cacophony to die down. The speaker declares that a closed senate recount is to take place, an event signaled by the speaker declaring a temporary recess of the senate to outsiders.
Following the vote, Martella Lotheed summons you for one last meeting, just as ushers begin announcing Grand Prince Stavian's speech and exaltation to begin in thirty minutes.
"Well done, my friends. It seems we all can bask in the glow of a successful evening. You completed every task I set out for you with plenty of time to spare! As promised, you'll each receive 300 gold tomorrow, and I will definitely have further work for you in the future if you're so inclined."
Combined with the various gifts you have all received (and stolen) tonight's work is going to net you each a tidy sum! Caspian is standing with his sister and insists on shaking or kissing each of your hands as appropriate. "Thank you very much for your help this evening. Martella couldn't have pulled this off without you all!"
Senator Duro takes a few steps forwards when one of Trant's sycophants grabs his arm. Trant grins. "No, I don't think he's going anywhere, and as you're so knowledgeable Sock Girl then you can stay here and once I'm done with the Senator my boys with give you that three on one you want so much. Rough 'em up boys!"
Victor makes his way through the crowds and into the archives to deliver his letter to Duke Centimus who takes it with a nod. "You're doing a good job here tonight young man, working with Lady Lotheed. She has some excellent ideas and is close to the Princess. But I'm sure you..."
Then there's a sudden crash which has both men whipping around. Shula has made a rather spectacular entrance to a rather dull conversation, thanks to tripping over a footstool and nearly falling straight into Baron Astor's lap. Perhaps sadly for most of the guests her native grace helps her catch herself at the last moment and no-one suffers anything more than a slight bruise to the dignity, but it was close!
Lucretia finds that the near miss is all anyone is interested in talking about and her efforts to make a good impression fall rather flat accordingly.
Lollia:
"Well he's quite the countryman. I was just saying that to the nice young man who was here a few minutes ago." An elderly dowager says, peering at Lollia through an opera glass. "Fine young fellow, excellent goatee. I love a man who grooms well. You should go looking for him girl, perhaps he'll be able to distract you from Baron Okerra. The man hasn't looked at a woman since his wife passed anyway!
Diplomacy, Bluff, Knw Local.
Robert:
[b]"Indeed Sir." Baron Okerra replies. "It is important to appear at the great occasions, but life in the city is so..." He pauses and looks Robert up and down. "I don't believe we've met sir, Nicolas Okerra. You seem pleasantly straight-forward if I may be so bold."
The conversation continues for some time and Robert rapidly comes to the conclusion that Okerra is exactly what he seems, an honest man uncomfortable in the big city. He speaks admiringly of the Princess. "I have a daughter of my own, Selli. There's nothing I wouldn't do for her and honestly I'm pleased that the Princess is making her move against the old laws. My Selli is as good as any boy and there's no reason a nephew who has never set foot on my lands should inherit instead of her!"
Mission complete!
Just then Martella's voice comes from your badges. "Trant is on the move. Meet your fellow agents outside the Beldam II ballroom on the gallery."
It only takes a couple minutes for the five of you to assemble. Caspian is there as well and he gives a quelling glare to a servant who seems about to intervene. Victor opens the door to the ballroom revealing a 30-foot-by-30-foot area, with lavish white marble floors and sturdy wooden walls. The centerpiece of the room is a vast 10-foot-wide gold-trimmed window peering down over the city of Oppara. Chairs and tables are spaced throughout the chamber to promote socializing.
Malphene looms over Senator Doru, haranguing the wincing young man. "Have you no loyalty, you double-crossing dog? My father counted you as an ally, and now we hear you've decided to side with the uppity princess's friends. That is very rude, little man. I don't like people who are rude."
Her cronies stand nearby, and noticing the five of you, one taps her on the shoulder. Malphene turns to regard you imperiously, hands on her hips. "How dare you interrupt a private meeting? We don't need the help at the moment, thank you. Leave us at once!"
"There is a Qadiran delegation here tonight." Caspian says pensively. "Prince Ali Hassan al-Badbwah, he's here from the Satrap on a peace mission. I don't think he's the kind to engage in kidnapping but it might be something. I'll spend some time with him, see if I can sound him out." He adds, an unspoken look passing between the siblings. "My Lords, My Ladies." He departs with a bow and a twinkling look at the two Ladies Vernisant.
"We aside from that you seem to be doing well." Martella says. "There is one small complication arising however. Senator Trant is an outspoken traditionalist and he seems to be attempting to peel away my votes. I need you to keep an eye on his daughter, Malphene. Weapons are discouraged of course but she's got the quite the reputation as a brawler and I suspect she'll be doing some strong-arming at some point. If she does then try to... discourage her. I will observe as well and let you know if I see anything."
As Martella leaves a tall, and clean shaven, man emerges from the crowd. Without his mustache Caspian looks like a changed man, and it is greatly for the better.
"Come with me." He suggests, offering Lucretia his arm. "I'll show you around a little."
This entry gallery celebrates Taldor's abundant military and political glories. Banners and trophies line the halls of the arcade, some displayed openly while others rest behind intricate glass cases, while armor stands and display cases present countless artifacts belonging to great heroes and soldiers. A score of Taldan Phalanx troops stand at attention, acting as both ceremonial honor guards for the senate and guides to some of the military assets on display.
High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus is here, a muscular man in his early forties with weathered skin and close-cropped silver hair. He wears a blue-and-green tabard emblazoned with Taldor's official coat-of-arms. Also here are the five items donated by Earl Calhadion Vernisant for the night's ball--an elaborate silk fan, a brass spyglass, a leather journal, a fine buckler, and an ornate silver dagger.
A2. Courtyard
Breathtaking gardens surround the senate building. Catered patios segregated by short iron fences, coordinated military displays, and even a makeshift zoo of imported animals and magical beasts fill the few open spaces here, even including a small hive of bees busily pollinating the exotic flowers and making the honey used by the senate kitchens. Many of the senior nobles enjoy the breaks between ceremonies in this open space.
Lady Gloriana Morilla is here, sporting the finest of Absalom's fashion.
A3. Emperor's Hall
This gathering space before the senate chamber is set aside as the property of the emperor, and features countless statues and portraits of previous grand princes. While formally these chambers are for the use of the emperor, no grand prince has ever maintained an office within the senate building, and the space is understood to be public meeting rooms by silent agreement.
A4. Gallery
Note that this area doesn't appear on the map.
The second floor of the senate building acts as an observation deck to the events of the main floor, with offices for various senators lining the outer walls. This area of winding passageways is typically open to noble observers and senatorial aides. Much of the gallery is dedicated to entertaining the children of various nobles, with extravagant performances occurring throughout the upper balconies of the senate building.
Countess Abrielle Pace is here, dressed in ridiculously gauche noble clothing and fine jewelry. Also here is Wyssilka the Fantabulous, a halfling jester entertaining the children.
A5. Imperial Archives
The Imperial Archives could have been Golarion's greatest collection of transcribed knowledge, had any care been invested into its upkeep. Centuries of redirected funding and senate-sanctioned pruning of "sensitive information" has ruined the once immaculate reputation of the archives. This vast library now acts as a repository of haphazardly curated books, senate minutes, and genealogy records left open to the scrutiny of uncaring nobles. During the Grand Day of Exaltation, a host of rising aristocrats and aspiring courtiers here tout their knowledge of Taldan history.
Duke Leonard Centimus is here, a round-faced half-elf seated in an elaborate wheelchair.
A6. Senate Floor
Normally closed to non-senators, the vast, circular senate floor is open to special guests during the Grand Day of Exaltation, and myriad would-be nobles take the opportunity to duck in and live out a few moments of power fantasy, issuing mock legislation or engaging in lively debates.
Baron Nicolaus Okerra is here, a handsome man standing a head taller than the rest of the crowd. Also here is Kalbio of Breezy Creek, the intended recipient of the noble elevation from Grand Prince Stavian. He uncomfortably wears clothing of noble finery, constantly fidgeting with the cuffs or scratching at his neck.
A7. Servant Area
While several hidden corridors crisscross the senate building, allowing servants to come and go without disturbing the assembled politicians, this area houses most of the storerooms, workshops, and kitchens where the building's small army of servants bustle around to maintain the facade of opulence. Even this area, never meant for noble eyes, is of exceptional quality, though the gilt has worn thin on most corners, and here and there cheap repairs mar artistic furniture.
Each of the people of import are currently predisposed with sycophants and senatorial matters, considering the coming deliberation. You'll have to wait to try to influence them, but in the meantime, you can do your best to work the crowd.
A PC can attempt an appropriate skill check with a set DC for one of the areas of the senate, hobnobbing and impressing the general crowd in that area. Each area has two thresholds, which represent levels of influence over that area. Every point by which the PC's result on one of these skill checks exceeds the DC is added to a pool of points specific to that area. When the number of points earned by the party as a whole exceeds the threshold of an area, then the GM provides the PCs with the information and story award associated with that area's threshold value.
You can each make one check now. These are the skills associated with each area:
A1. Appraise, Knowledge (history) or (nobility), Perception, Spellcraft, or Use Magic Device.
A2. Handle Animal, Knowledge (engineering, local, or nature), or Perform (keyboard, percussion, sing, string, or wind).
A4. Acrobatics, Disguise, Perform (act, comedy, or dance), or Sleight of Hand.
A5. Knowledge (arcana, geography, or history), Linguistics, Profession (librarian or scribe), or Stealth.
A6. Bluff, Knowledge (local, nobility, or religion), Perform (oratory), Profession (clerk or barrister), or Sense Motive.
A7. Craft (alchemy, carpentry, jewelry, sculpture, or stonemasonry), Heal, Intimidate, Profession (baker, butcher, cook, innkeeper, or porter), or Sense Motive.
"My Lady Vernisant, Lady Vernisant, Lord Merosett, Lord Stavian, thank you all for coming so quickly." Caspian says, offering a wide, white smile. "This is my sister, Martella, and her associate Miss Shulamit. Martella has a proposition for you all and reached out to me to bring you all together. Please, sit."
Caspian suits actions to words, taking his own seat once the ladies have taken their places in the semi-circle in front of his desk and making a beckoning gesture to his sister.
"Thank you Caspian," Martella begins. Hers is a severe face, finely boned and handsome but with command stamped upon it - Lucretia, Robert and Lollia all know that she is in her mid thirties but she seems older. "Now, I have taken precautions to ensure that we are not overheard, so you may speak freely." She pauses to ensure she has everyone's attention.
"I would like you all to attend the Exaltation Gala tonight. As I'm sure you know Princess Eutropia has been working for years on securing a senate vote to overturn Primogeniture and tonight will be the culmination of our work. As such I will have a large number of things that will need doing tonight, wheels that need to be kept in motion, and to do so will require a dedicated and trustworthy group of aides. Since this will be a very grand occasion I spoke to my brother to see if he had anyone he could recommend to me. Miss Shulamit is a long term associate of mine, but I will need more than one person to assist me tonight. In recompense for your services tonight I offer each of you a stipend of one hundred and fifty gold pieces, as well as an unparalleled networking opportunity. Since a number of you are... not on the best terms with your families I thought this might be a valuable opportunity to strike out on your own, to make your marks on the world."
She pauses and looks around the semi-circle, taking you all in. "So? What do you think of my proposal?"
First of all my best wishes to Dak and I hope you're back to full fitness soon. Secondly I'm going to bow out of this game. As a teacher I'm back in school now and working more and I'm doing more GM-ing now as well so I want to cut back on a game or two and I feel like this is the one where my absence will cause the least problems.
Best wishes to you all! Eutropia and Taldor are in safe hands. :)
"Looking to their spellcasters who are unlikely to want it, then to Capricia who has already declined it, her gaze stops at Caspian. "You would be more suited to it than I, is what I'm saying."
"I would be honored." Caspian says bowing slightly to Sara and then to the domovoi. "My thanks friends, I will carry this weapon proudly."
For much of the following week, in between helping out with the first round of renovations, Caspian can be found in the slightly overgrown back gardens, practicing sword forms. It's clear that he's not overly experienced with the longsword, but he sticks at it, approaching Capricia occasionally for tips and soon amasses a level of proficiency which is not to be sneered at.
--------------------
Halfway through the week a carter arrives, wearing the livery of Count Lotheed, and driving a wagon full of tools, cordage and a large crate of whisky - everything in fact, that the domovoi said they needed for the house. Caspian takes possession of the delivery, tips the carter and then tells the domovoi to make free with the supplies, although he cautions them to save the whisky for after the work is done!
Rossana:
"A small apology, from my house to yours." Caspian says, when Rossana eventually asks him about the delivery. "Bartelby should have been a much better lord to Stachys than he has been and now the burden falls on you to deal with. Let this be my apology for my brother." He turns and kisses her hand in the appropriate formal manner. "And I must admit, it is my pleasure to assist you as well." He adds with a smile.
I'm paying the 500gp for the manor renovations. :)
"Domovoi, House Spirits." Caspian says. "It is a pleasure to meet you gentlemen. Lady Rossana here is the new tribune of Stachys, she has inherited from Lady Betony. As to what you heard us speaking of, we are here to help the Princess Eutropia. My brother, Bartelby, is the Steward of Merrat and the Princess wants us to work with him in order to support her claim to the throne. However, that job comes with responsibilities to Stachys, and I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that we take these responsibilities seriously. If you are willing to suspend judgement for a time you can make up your own minds about us, by our actions and the fate of the town."
"There are a number of fey who can turn into animals." Caspian says, without pausing his petting. "Although if you all keep doing this then I'm going to give you all cat names instead." He adds, addressing the creatures in elven. "You are lovely though. I'll keep each and every one of you."
Caspian, who is in fact a cat person, shows somewhat less restraint than Sara, approaching slowly before crouching down and offer his hand to be smelt. If that does not result in violence he then begins to rub behind the nearest cat's ears - knowing that almost all felines enjoy such sensations.
Caspian meanwhile leaves the majority of his gear in the vestibule, bowing to the inevitable and spends his time writing a short letter, which he leaves on his door.
"Greetings Spirits. We are not Lady Bettony, and cannot replace her. However Lady Rosanna has a genuine desire to care for this house and town. If you allow her to stay there will be life and joy here once again, it will be a home and well loved, not a neglected building. Yours in friendship. Caspian.
P.S. If you must remove my clothes again I would appreciate it if you leave my boots.
"I will serve in that capacity if required." Caspian offers. He leaves unspoken that his being visibly involved in rejuvenating the town will likely also be a good thing.
Caspian steps up to Rossana and speaks quietly in her ear. "It is a just punishment, but it doesn't solve the problem. She may remain sober for a week or so while she works, but what after that? You would be well within the law to expel her from the town entirely. It may be the better course for Stachys as a whole."
He then retreats, keeping his head bowed throughout the conversation.
"Wise priorities. Once we have made the basic improvements I will happily ride out to speak with Baroness Voinum and Baron Okerra. Having their goodwill will be important and they both offered aid as well." Caspian adds, trying to remain circumspect so that his family name doesn't end up tarnishing a good reputation.
"Entirely down to your skill my lady." Caspian disclaims gallantly, as is expected of him.
Capricia Belacrest-Maxeme wrote:
Capricia places her eggs on top of her toast--a creation she calls "All Eggs on Deck!"--and thoroughly enjoys the meal. In the carriage she turns to Caspian and asks quietly, "No bad dreams?"
"No." Caspian replies, with a relieved smile. "Pleasant ones only last night."
He makes his farewells to the company, his intention to return to Stachys clear. "I hope I can come for a visit or two." He says to his brother. "We have been strangers for too long. And we need to get you married and working on the next generation!"
As she returns to the group, Rossana throws a glance over at Caspian. "I'm sure Sir Caspian has something to offer, as well, right?" Rossana poses with a small smile.
Gojira!
"Alas, my brother has always been the most talented performer in our family." Caspian says, inclining his head to his brother. "I focused on other things."
Caspian, garbed in a fine coat of gold with a matching lion's mask, complete with animate mane nudges Rossana gently. "You should perform my lady. It would be a sight to see I'm sure"
When the dance is being set up Caspian takes the initiative and moves over to Rossana. "My lady, would you honor me by being my partner for this dance?" He asks, full of courtly grace. "And I should warn you, if you decline then Bartelby may well ask you next." He adds with a slight smile.
"He's served his 'punishment' by being in the hunt." Caspian replies. "He should be let go now, and no need for a petition." He sounds confident enough but Sara can see that his face clouds over for a moment.
Caspian ignores the conversation going on behind him, but from his head shaking he does not appear to be overly impressed with Moffis' attitude.
"Thank you Sara." He says when Sara brings her horse over. "The two of them should be enough to do the job, but we had best get going, our return will be much slower."
"Traditionally participation in the hunt is enough to clear whatever misdemeanor Mr Moffis may have committed." Caspian offers. "Hopefully Bartelby will stick to tradition at this point. We should take the body back, the trophy will impress everyone and might just distract enough attention."
He starts harnessing up his own horse and looks around to see if anyone else is will to help out.
Caspian descends from the tree, takes a deep breath and then stabs the manticore, running his thin blade through its ear and deep into its brain - a lethal blow that does no further damage to the creature's hide.
"This monster is quite a prize." He says. "We should take it back to the manor, Titus will be quite envious."
"You won't impress my cousin." Caspian replies, "Titus is competitive through and through. The rest of them though, a good showing would make a favorable impression I think."
"It isn't meant to be lethal." Caspian replies quietly. "Traditionally these people have committed small crimes and instead of a fine they act as 'quarry' for a hunt and receive a pardon. It's not exactly... well, our father would not have approved." He finishes grimly.
------------------
Capricia - earlier
Caspian pales as Capricia recounts her dream. "Martella would never..." He begins before lapsing into silence. "This is too similar to my own for comfort. I think this might have been deliberate - someone attempting to disrupt us. But who... who here would hold that sort of grudge and power. I refuse to believe that Bartelby..."
Caspian refrains from social activity for the duration of breakfast. He still feels distinctly under the weather and having messed up with Voinum twice last night he decides to retain what dignity he still possesses and just focus on eating.
"Not as well as I used to." Caspian replies, trying to make light of the situation. "Too many memories perhaps but it was... difficult to sleep last night."
He makes a desultory attempt to spear a spatchcock but, when Titus isn't looking, he simply pushes the bowl away and goes for the bread instead.
Caspian too seems less than his usual self. He is immaculately dressed as normal, but his skin is a little pale and his eyes are jumpy, moving swiftly around the table as though he's waiting for something bad to happen. When Count Lotheed appears Caspian scrutinises him intently, before turning away without comment.
"I will take a bow or crossbow as well, if they are being provided." He says quietly. "I hope you all slept well ladies. We will need to be at our best for this."
It is fairly obvious to anyone who looks closely that Caspian didn't sleep well!
Caspian, although he'd never admit it, is glad that the evening is over. Social gatherings can be trying, and ones with considerable family pressure even more so. He does however make sure that he escorts the ladies to their rooms, partly to make sure Bartelby is not hanging around to try his luck with Sara...
That done however he seeks his own bed and hopes to find all his possessions where he left them in the morning!
