Larin Zespire's page

I... I...

Larin doesn't really much understand what's going on. She taps to try to find her longsword, and shakes her head around trying to understand where they are.

I don't know what happened, Kyralina. - she finally recomposes, still confused and trying to assess the situation - How do you feel?

She looks around again, extending her hand to help whoever needs to stand up.

Larin starts unwrapping her longsword - knowing the peacebound weapon would soon have to be used for something more than a peaceful ornament.

Larin takes the message from Lady Lotheed.

I will deliver it, milady. - she says, not extending too much.

Later, as the Price speaks, Larin puts an effort to not express any more disappointment with the man. Yet, she seems too distracted to notice anything else going on.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

When Kyralina points out the guards, though, she swiftly moves her hand towards her peace-bound sword, as if trying to start loosening the laces. She was concerned - especially after all the nefarious details she heard from spying on the High Strategos - but didn't want to alarm the people in the gala.

Remember, guys... They said something was going on after the speeches. Be ready! - she whispered to her companions.

My apologies for the long time! I should be paying closer attention here, but somehow it got lost within my other campaigns. Hopefully I'll help us wake everybody up :)

Hehe they're always fun! My 4-year-old just wanted to eat sweets.

I thought the whole gala thing was very fun. Larin herself doesn't have any other new goals for the night, but I look forward to the wrap and results of the night (especially the event mentioned by the Strategos), as well as our "next steps".

Larin heads to the courtyard as well. Getting there, she greets Cecilia and, as her companion speaks, she replies.

No... Not really. She should be here soon, hopefully.

Larin touches the badge, in a dark corner, and immediately starts relaying to the others.

Guys... It seems to be as I feared. Something will go on... It seems Maxillar and a group... Including this large man, "Merret"... Are planning something for tonight. Something that will change the world... And it sounded like they're working for Grand Prince Stavian himself!

She pauses, almost confused by herself, then speaks again.

I can't begin to fathom what this all means...

Larin will give a full gold piece (still a lot for commoners, I guess, and kind of like matching our poor level 1 cash! Hehe) to have one of the waiters create a small distraction to try to give her an edge on her stealth attempt. Nothing too much, just enough to take the Strategos attention off her - maybe the waiter can go to him and offer a drink, or spill off something on the floor near him, or simply cough very loudly for an entire minute right by his side. Maybe even hold his attention for some time by being over apologetic.

@GM: If no one confirmed to Larin via comms they could come to help her on the task, would I be able to maybe slide some coins to a waiter for him to create a distraction, and gain some sort of circumstantial bonus on my roll? At this point, just trying to be creative to avoid failing the stealth check again.

Larin insists in her task - she feels she's close to understand a lot better the true intentions of the High Strategos. Again, she asks for her companions help in comms.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 Please add in top of it another +2 if she manages to stay in dim light
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 = 20 Favored Nation

We're close, guys... - she whispers - I might need some assistance here. Maybe someone can create a little distraction or something to help me better conceal my intentions while I try to "read" the target.

Trying to see if anyone can come to roll some assists on my rolls :) With two good rolls needed, especially for my low stealth, anything counts. Assists on the Sense Motive are obviously important too. And we just need one more success!

Larin is happy with her gathering of information. She moves back to the shadows, pulling the comm device, and relays what she heard to the team. At the end, though, she completes with whispers.

Tarren... Does anyone know this name? And what does Maxillar mean by succession worries being laid to rest? - she inquiries her companions - I have a bad feeling about this, team. I will try to gather more information.

Knowledge (Nobility): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 18 Favored Nation; trying to recognize Tarren, or find out what I know about him.

Crisis averted, Larin couldn't help but smile at her companions. Honestly, she almost started feeling bad for Lady Trant, but after their first interaction... She felt as if it was well deserved. She took notes on the young senator's name, but immediately moved back to her original mission.

Using the rolls and actions from the previous post. Thanks!

Oh thank you! My apologies! I should have paid attention that we only had 4 rounds. I just kept rolling. Thanks for letting me keep the action!

Perception: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 2 = 26 Favored Nation

Larin is so "naturally connected" to Lady Trant - after their previous exchange - that her eyes impressively detect the towering woman marching the senator away upstairs. As she notices it, immediately she reports on comms.

Team... I just noticed Lady Trant escorting a junior senator away. - and as she starts following from a distance - They took him to the Upper Gallery... No, they're still going. They're going into the Bedlam II Waiting Room. I can't hear much... Just some muffled yells. I don't know if I can remember who the young senator was...

Knowledge (Nobility)?: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11 Favored Nation

Happy to have collected some information about the Strategos - although a little cryptic - Larin immediately shares with her companions via the comms. Something is going down after the votes... We need to be ready..., she thinks, as she tries to convey the same feeling.

After that, then, she goes back on trying to gather more information. Her investigations continue on the routine of blending and hiding, then trying to get a sense from Maxillar from a distance.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 Another +2 if she's able to stay more in the shadows, under dim light
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 = 20 Favored Nation

I had already digged Pythareus I believed (the horse thing?) in game - if it's an extra one, maybe Kalbio if no one did him yet?

The Feeling

Larin continues her "dance of shadows" in the room, trying to find an unique position to spy. This time, she hopes to coordinate some distractions and assistance from her colleagues to succeed.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 Another +2 if she's able to stay more in the shadows, under dim light
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 = 21 Favored Nation

Can we assist each other? Or do we have to roll separately? As in, rolling 10 or more to give someone else a +2. Since it's my task with the High Strategos, maybe people could roll to assist me and improve my rolls instead of everybody trying on their own? :P

With Cecilia's help, Larin tries again to blend around and observe the High Strategos.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 Another +2 if she's able to stay more in the shadows, under dim light
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 = 27 Favored Nation

Yet, once again she manages to do part of her task well... And botch the other.

Thanks Cecilia, and my apologies - I fear that my cursed dice might be spreading to you!

Gotta love my dice rolls... But with a low Stealth and relatively low Sense Motive/Perception, this mission might require me two good rolls. Well, I never backed down from a challenge so... Let's do it.

Larin doesn't repeat again on the comms that she might need help, just getting hopeful that she gets it on the near future. Instead, without a good angle for the Strategoes, she moves around to blend more, hoping to be more prepared when the opportunity arises.

Larin tries to blend again with the crowd, and observe the High Strategos. She's starting to reckon she might not have the proper skills to accomplish her mission - and, confessedly, the young noble is still a little shaken from the conversation with Malphene (as much as she tries to pose differently!).

Team... I might need help observing the High Strategos here at the Arcade of Triumphs... Anyone who's observant enough on someone's intentions and can stealth their way to not be noticed would be very appreciated here. - she says to her companions on the comms, as she makes an effort to "read" her target.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 Extra +2 if I manage to get within dim light
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Larin puts her left hand to cover her mouth before speaking.

Oh, Lady Trant... I am so, so sorry to hear it! I didn't know the Trant family was going through such harsh times. Sometimes the economy can affect us all! - she paused before continuing - I am sure the Zespire house wouldn't mind lending you some of our stable hands with no cost. Oh, now I feel so bad!

She shook her head, preparing to leave lady Trant's company - but before greeting her good bye, she spoke again in a good volume.

Look... If you or anyone else in your family is in need, we can also share food and clothing. It would be a pleasure... The Zespire are always interested in helping those in need! - and she opened a big smile.

You're lady Malphene... Trump, right? - says Larin, clearly mispronouncing the other noble's name, before continuing - I'm Lady Larin... Larin Zespire. I am sure you know my uncle, senator Lord Orlundo Zespire?

She barely pauses, then chuckles loudly before speaking - but just enough to pull attention. She then continues in her normal voice tone - not whispering, not yelling, just audible enough to the nearby people.

Oh, milady, you are so funny! So talented! I have no idea why we still hire jesters. Honestly, though, I fear you might be right... I did found myself sometimes exposed to stable-like smells. You can't help it when you admire majestic creatures like our Taldan Jennets. - she says, before following in a more serious tone - One should learn to respect these animals and what they represent to the military power of a country.

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 2 = 18

GM: Can we post our social round 2 actions already, or maybe do some RP?

Larin looks at the young lady with curiosity. She pauses for a brief moment, pondering and looking her up and down as if trying to identify who she was, before finally responding.

Knowledge (Nobility?): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 Do I know her? Knowledge Local would be +4 instead of +6, if more appropriate

Well, I must confess I'm not always fond of it, milady. - she speaks - Sometimes, I prefer being around horses and the Nature. There are moments where I'd certainly be in the company of a good, strong, beautiful horse than certain people, if you know what I mean.

Her eyes at this point at fixed at the present company. As she complements, keeping her tone audible but not yelling, she just hopes to strike the right keys considering the Strategos weakness. As he glances at her, she throws him a wink and a smile before bowing to the towering woman and going her way.

To be honest, I don't know how flexible the system is to allow us to explore creativity and little quirks, but even without any kind of mechanical effect I like the opportunity to do some RP :)

Larin excuses herself from Lady Lockheed with a smile, and then goes back to her previous task. The dandy ranger navigates the rooms slowly, but steady, until she finally finds the High Strategos again. Her path is full of smiles and swings, charisma and cunning.

As she gets to her goal, she briefly touches the communication device, updating her companions - and then proceeds to try to blend to the crowd, sticking to the shadows as much as possible. From afar, she tries to read the man's intentions and notice any special interactions he might be having with the other guests.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 Another +2 if she's able to stay more in the shadows, under dim light
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 = 11 Favored Nation

Larin is trying now to simply stick to her individual mission. She will still help her companions if needed, but wants to wrap up her part as soon as possible.

Enjoying so far! It's refreshing to have more RP options than the regular dice rolling. While I enjoy D&D/PF-style combat, these opportunities of RP are great here in the forums.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Good evening, milady. - says Larin, greeting her with a mostly composed face - I've been keeping an eye on the High Strategos. I probably still need some more time to get a more precise feeling, but there's something... A little off, bugging me right now. He seems a little too joyful tonight, from all that I gathered about his usual.

She changes her tone, approaching a single step before continuing.

After the events in the garden, it almost feels like the gruff man is scheming something, and happy with how things go so far.

Thanks GM - I posted the Sense Motive now. Hopefully it's now more inline with the overall "social rounds" thing :) I appreciate the patience with my little girl here, hehe.

Hidden in the crowd, Larin tries to observe the High Strategos - as per her mission. After what she heard about him on the streets, she's fairly sure something fishy might be going on with the large man.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 2 = 19 Favored Nation

Hi GM! The post that I did counts as the round 3, right? Sorry, I think I confused myself. I'm eager to post but I fear I'm a little ahead :) Hehe

Larin wants to observe her target to see if anything strange happens, any interactions with weird individuals. However, she felt she had to make him comfortable with her presence on the vicinity, and I think the influence thing probably helped. Just trying to work the mission in an organic way.

You're very kind, High Strategos. - says Larin, keeping her task at mind - Yes, I wish I could have learned, but these are times in the past, now. The kind of impressive physical skill one should acquire while still young.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 2 = 24 Courting him; +2 because of "Favored Nation"; Another +2 if he's friendly or helpful.

It has been a pleasure. I see you're busy, so I won't take any more of your time. Who knows... Maybe we will have the opportunity to acquire more of the stallions in the future. But I think the world is already jealous of our Taldan Jennets, regardless. - she smiles and chuckles, before greeting him again and taking some distance.

The dandy ranger pretends to continue the movement she was doing before, blending in the crowd and just keeping an eye on him from distance. Hopefully, he wouldn't be alarmed or uncomfortable if they crossed eyes again - with the conversation they just had, hopefully he'd assume she was simply admiring him from a distance. Yet, she was now trying to carefully mix with the crowd and observe him as stealthily as she could.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 Another +2 if she's able to stay more in the shadows, under dim light

Larin relays all the information she already gathered to her companions via the communication devices.

Also in standby at this point waiting for round two. Even if I don't post until then, I'm lurking around :)

It's probably a good idea. My apologies for jumping the gun over there in Gameplay, I'm still kind of learning the intrigue system.

Trying to learn the drill here for the social scenes. These are great! I love the RP opportunities of this AP.

Larin tries to seek the High Strategos in the gala; she didn't know exactly where he'd be, but asking here and there she figured she'd eventually find him. With the new information in hands and the target nearby, she tried to approach as inconspicuously as possible.

Stealth?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 Not sure if Stealth is the best roll for it. Her Disguise would be a +3, and her Bluff would be a +8, if they're more appropriate. She doesn't him to think she was there because of him.

At the right moment, she swiftly bumps at his back, immediately apologizing.

Oh... I'm sorry. My sincerest apologies! I'm so clumsy sometimes! - she spoke in a shy manner, gently bending her knee as if greeting him, before completing - I'm lady Larin Zespire.

Continuing after the options above...

... I was hoping I'd see you tonight! You personally trained those magnificent Nidarrmar Stallions being shown at the animal exhibits, right? I heard you're one of the most skilled equestrians of the whole Taldor! - she threw the bait, giving him some seconds before following up - My father used to ride too, but my family had a strict policy against the women learning this incredible art. While I always wanted to learn, I must confess I was already happy to be able to admire such incredible animals.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 For the small talk, I guess. If Bluff would be better, it'd be a +8 instead. Now, if my conversation above somehow made him more friendly, I'd have an extra +2 in both social rolls.

So... What was the result of my rolls? I guess I'd try to discover weakness before influencing? Would influencing be a diplomacy check after that?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 Another +2 for common citizens and lower nobles, another +2 if the initial attitude is friendly or helpful

Larin leaves the yard after the speech silently. The dandy had been mostly sneaky during these first moments of the night; taking her time to ambient and feel the environment, feel the waters, understand the court rhythm. It was all a big dance, and she felt she knew the basic steps.

At this point, however, she decided to start working up more on Pythareus. Despite what she had already gathered outside the gala, it was now time to try to find more about the man and how to influence him. Larin's zone of influence was always the lowest parts of nobility - not the Barons or Dukes, but the overall lords and knights, ladies and dames. As she move through the evening seeking information, she tried to use her skills towards this particular crowd, especially the ones more friendly towards her already.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Another +2 for common citizens and lower nobles, another +2 if the initial attitude is friendly or helpful

Knowledge (Nobility): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 Trying to discover influence for Maxillar

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Trying to discover weaknesses for Maxillar

GM: I'm still trying to understand the social rounds, from my read of the player's guide. Still playing some catch up after my leave of the last few days. My apologies if I'm doing it wrong. I don't know if I should assume she speaks with someone and try to narrate both sides of the scenes, like my colleagues. I also don't know if I can make all those rolls or what order, so please feel free to reorder them or suppress the inappropriate ones. While Larin feels that getting on the Strategos good side might be the best to accomplish her mission, being aware of his weaknesses and posing as a "friendly challenge" could be a cool way of doing it as well. She will try to influence him once she has more data.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11

Enthralled by the princess, Larin doesn't notice anything special going on. The taldan beauty immediately starts clapping when the speech ends, engaged with it and trying to pull the crowd to do the same.

She notices her companions from early arriving at the courtyard too, but doesn't immediately greet or acknowledge them, preferring to keep the distance for now.

Back, and bringing my bad rolls to the party! :)

Hi team! I will be travelling for the upcoming days for work (yes, irk! In Covid times!) and should be back by Friday. I'll try to keep an eye here and update as possible, but don't let me hold the action if I slow down a little bit. Cheers!

Larin interjects as the others speak.

I haven't, Olnaris. However, I heard about my target, Lord Pythareus... Despite his positive fame of charity, it seems this may be all a facade, as I have reports of him acting very differently in the background. - she stops, before following - Which has definitely fed my interest in keeping an eye at him tonight.

Larin carefully peacebinds her longsword. The weapon itself was ornamented with beautiful drawings, and the scabbard had the colors of the Zespire. She pulled white cloth and wrapped around it, giving a sturdier look but mostly hiding the coat of arms. The shield tied to her back didn't have any noticeable symbols.

She was used to the leather armor underneath her clothes, but yet the fancier clothes were somewhat cumbersome to use. She did her best, trying to keep her hair in a beautifully organized fashion, ending in a tiara. Yet, despite all her best efforts, a skillfull makeup and jewels, she still had a certain tomboy aura to her.

Happy with the information she gathered, Larin takes some notes and heads back to the others. There would be opportunities to act on the information - maybe even work the rumors; but for now, the priority was to focus on the grand scheme of things.

Larin spins her longsword back, then sheathes it as quickly as she can. Delicately, she reattaches her shield and turns her head towards the constable, smiling in a shy manner and swiftly bending her knees as both hands hold her long dress skirt.

As her cousin compliments her, she turns around and blinks, again shy. Finally, however, the facade seems to drop for moments as she whispers to him.

I actually wanted to get him out for some questions. Regardless, I'm glad with the manner our companions operated.

Later, as the man hands Tabar a card, she steps sideways and again whispers to her companions.

I will try to gather some information for the event. I'll be back soon. - she completes, get herself ready to leave.

Her intentions are to gather as much as possible information about Maxillar Pythareus. She wants to gather information mostly from the commonfolk - she is native, and relatively known as a benefactor, from a family known for their charity.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 29

Larin advances, sword and board at hands, and violently attacks the man with the back of her blade.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 3 - 4 = 15 Nonlethal
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

She is basically trying to knock him out, but might be clearly not strong enough to do so; yet, she positions herself in front of him, shield up, to attract his attention.

Back now, guys - trying to catch up with the action, if I understood what's going on with the theatre of the mind. Larin hopes to gather some information about her target if we get the chance to do some diplomacy/asking around before the event.

Hey guys! Got a bit of a rough couple days at work. Sorry for the lack of posting - it'll normalize by Monday. @GM, please feel free to bot me until then. Thanks guys and I'll be back soon :)

Larin looks at Kyralina and Cecilia with a somewhat relieved face. The ranger knew she wasn't cunning or scheming enough to most of the court politics, having always relied on her charms and bloodline to navigate things safely; however, it seemed now the time to get out of the comfort zone was quickly approaching, and being able to share these tasks was a good way for her to smooth her learning curve and put her profile more to the right use.

I'd gladly share my task with you, miladies, and help you to the best of my skills. - she said in a nice tone. She was the only true noble scion between the three of them, but yet behaved in a humble manner.

Larin has her letter in hands and if Kyralina and Cecilia agree, she will share its contents. It feels obvious, however, that she's still not fully trusting anyone around here, and might even look a little shy or fearful as they work the tasks details.

Larin took the badge and looked at it with curiosity. She had preferred to hold her silence when her cousin started speaking - and as the other spoke of dangerous politics, she was sure this had been the right decision. She definitely didn't find it easy to trust anyone, nor even Martella; yet, she was aware of her task, and would perform it to the best of her skills - while, at the same time, would keep an eye at each person here.

I understand, milady. - she finally answers Martella's question, yet being brief - Wouldn't we perform better, if we maybe... Share such tasks? Any reason in particular why we shouldn't?

She realized she was daring on challenging the efficiency of the solo engagements, but at the same time she needed to get a better feeling of Martella and her surrounding companions.

Beautifully dressed, yet exhorting a tomboy vibe, Larin arrives in slow steps, not really seeing bothered by the time. In her case, it doesn't look more of a matter of being fashionably late, but more of not showing a true concern for what time it is exactly.

I see you're already here, cousin! - she finally speaks, breaking her silence, as she approaches the table - Please, feel free to pour me some of your choice as well.

As she stops by the two men, she lets out her easy smile and a chuckle. She gently bends greeting them, then extends her hand to be properly greeted. While she doesn't directly talks to the guards, she explicitly smiles at each one in a warm way. It feels that if she was alone here with just the guards and peasants, she'd probably be breaking some jokes, laughing and sharing the food.

Checking in too. Thanks for the selection, VERY happy to be here! Finally I'll get the chance to play this AP.

@Izalco: what is your relationship towards Orlundo (the Zespire Senator NPC)? I guess Izalco can be a distant cousin of Larin? Larin is the daughter of Hector, brother to Orlundo (and, therefore, his niece).

About the party size, I wouldn't suggest going beyond 6... Already big enough! :) Even with four or five we'd be golden already. But your call!

About maps, I like both Roll20 and Google Slides, so please feel free to choose whatever is easier for you. I know, as a GM, sometimes it's a pain to deal with those.

Cheers!

Happy to be considered! Crossing my fingers here. Really great quality of submissions, although I'm under the impression some people don't exactly know what they're signing up for (the type of RP-heavy AP this is, I mean).