I'm still here.
I might need to rework Raven's Crunch though, since her concept was submitted to an alternative game.
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Raven nods to the baron, and makes her excuses to step away. She had been pleased with the conversation, and wouldn't have minded chatting more, but her mission had succeeded and she wasn't sure if her friends needed her assistance. Tempted though she was to talk to the High Stategos, Raven considered it an unnecessary risk and besides, she felt that others had it will in hand. Instead she approaches the Archives, and tries to influence the area with her scholarly knowledge, hopefully with better results than her previous attempt.
Lost track a little, are there any other missions outstanding that we haven't covered yet?
Raven heads into the direction of the Baron, hoping to once again try and influence him as part of completing her mission. She trusts the others to handle whatever it was Gilfroy was up to - her own task had taken long enough. As Raven crosses the room, she worries a little that her actions during the speech might have caused some disruption, but she reasons that on balance, stopping bees interrupting the speech probably could have had worse consequences - especially if someone seemed willing enough to try. Plucking up a little more confidence, she finds a moment with the Baron again. "I did want an opportunity to reply to your comment sir, before the speech took priority. I can understand your concerns about primogeniture. I would remind you though that the princess is following normal political avenues as she challenges it. I don't see riots in the streets or any attempt at force - merely someone following political channels - is this not what law and order is about? Support her Baron, the princess listens to her friends and allies. Should you be worried about law and order or the traditions of Taldor, you would be better suited to influence those conversations from a position of friendship wouldn't you say?"
"The scent will do the exact opposite, it will agitate them not keep them calm" Raven tells the staff member firmly. "Would you be able to advise us what the Taldan Phalanx guard looked like?" she asks, hoping to get an idea as to who it was behind the scenes trying to embarrass the Princess.
Raven prepares herself to immediately berate the man for obvious sabotage, complete with some healthy threats before realizing that he might have been clueless about what he was carrying. Certainly someone hellbent on ruining the speech would have gambled and tried to keep walking. "Sir, may I ask who was it that instructed you to carry this bar in the direction of the apiary? Its very important" she remarks earnestly, deciding to give the man the benefit of the doubt for now.
Raven spots the staffer peel away with the rather strange looking bar. With her own prior history with alchemy, poisons and venom, Raven knew a surprising amount about strange chemical combinations, as well as the natural world.
Raven knew leaving the speech would be awkward, and potentially ruin her chances at further influencing the Baron, but the situation seemed unusual enough to investigate, especially in the context to such a charged environment. She immediately heads over to the man, moving faster to intercept if she believes there is cause for concern.
Raven spots the princess attempting to begin her speech. In general, Raven always gave such things her full attention and most especially for someone she respected as much as the princess. However, on this occasion Raven wanted to see who wasn't paying attention to the speech. Who was distracted, or bored, or disruptive. Such people might mark themselves out as obvious antagonists to be aware of. So while she listens to every word of the speech, Raven casts her eyes across the crowd, appraising the people present.
Raven isn't surprised that her other allies like Krios were otherwise engaged and truthfully, is a little glad that no-one had immediately run over to assist. The better she could complete this task, the better opinion her employer might have of her, and the quicker she could be in a position to lend assistance to anyone else at the party.
Raven offers up a lighthearted laugh at the mans quip, resting a slim hand on the mans arm and patting it slightly. "Ah, so there is a mischievous mind behind the military smarts after all. I'm very glad. As for my mind though, sometimes there is something to be said for flying under the radar and being underestimated. Not something I'm sure happened to you very often" she continues casually, passing out the compliment before she half turns slightly, putting the Princess in her sightline. "What do you think of the Princess might I ask? Do you think she inspires honor and loyalty? Or do people underestimate her too?" she finishes, flashing a wink of her own.
Raven was a little disgruntled that she hadn't made much of an impact on influencing the room, as she observes the crowd and finds limited interest. Debates had been her thing but maybe she was losing her touch - or perhaps it was just a particularly tough crowd. She sighs a little to herself, and takes comfort in the fact that it could have gone worse - she could have had opinions lowered of her which would definitely not have helped matters. Raven hears the hum of her Senate badge and the whisper suddenly in her ear. It takes no small amount of control not to react in any noticeable way as she hears Krios' voice in her ear. "With a bit of luck, I won't need much help, but if anyone is skilled in being particularly intimidating or scary, feel free to come lend a hand as I'll see if I can influence the Baron now - but don't let it interfere with your own missions" she remarks anxiously. In truth, Raven wasn't used to asking for help from anyone - mostly relying on herself. Raven waits for a gap in the conversation before approaching the Baron from the side, so that he couldn't see her coming "Ah Baron, its so good to make your acquaintance this evening. Your military career is anyone seems to talk about - truly an inspiration. I haven't fought myself, but I always thought a good commander inspired loyalty in his troops, and in turn was rewarded in turn with success and the glory that comes with it. What do you think? Is loyalty and perhaps living up to certain obligations still prized in those with a military background?"
I'm up for an Obsidian Portal page. Its excellent for bookkeeping purposes and I think thats probably going to be useful in the long term with such an intrigue game with a variety of NPCs Take care GM - dentist appointments can definitely be...uncomfortable!
Raven steps into the large chamber, and is almost overwhelmed with the large number of significant persons within the crowd. She could see some high ranking members of the Senate - even Princess Eutropia was there in the background. Raven basks in her pride at being a part of such important party before cool hard logic returns and she appraises the crowd with a practiced eye. Tempted though she was to immediately go over and speak to the Baron directly - she wasn't sure if it should be the very first thing she should do. Raven was a little concerned about any watchers and didn't necessarily want to make things too obvious. Instead, she focuses her attention on the Senate Floor itself, and begins winding her way through the crowd, wondering if she can improve her standing within the room.
Raven keeps her cool as the inspector finds the vials, and her face impassive as she waits for a reaction. She's completely surprised that she was offered advice on how to hide her items better, but then realizes that the situation had probably been scripted from the beginning. "That was clever...she knew we had to slip the instruments used to sabotage the wine past security and so enlisted someone on the payroll to ensure that the items make it through the door. It is nice to be working for someone that thinks ahead and removes some obstacles ahead of time to aid in our objectives" she reflects idly. She was still a little ticked off that her poisons had been so easily found but she wasn't too rattled by it. Doubtless Lady Martella had advised Kathann ahead of time the sort of things to look out for. Still, the interaction served as an excellent reminder that it wouldn't take much for their enemies to also likewise get any weapons through the door - if one investigator could be bought off others could as well. Raven knew that they had to tread carefully.
Raven keeps an eye on whoever is within the queue checking to see who of significance had been invited to the party. It was unlikely that she would get an opportunity to chat - busy as she felt she would be on this given night - but the information could surely help in future. Unlike some of the other woman in the queue, Raven is content to wait. She always hated rushing things, it was always much prepared to plan, prepare, and use any spare time available productively. Raven spent her time in the line lost in though, wondering how she would best succeed in her mission. She is jolted out of her mental brainstorm when a Vuldrani woman walks out of the senate and selects them for a 'random' inspection. Raven gives the woman a slightly suspicious look, finding it unusual that she and her allies happened to be selected over anyone else, on a night where covert activities were planned. "Any weapons? Just my blade" Raven replies to the question, technically being truthful while avoiding mentioning any of the three poisons she has stashed in her back, placed alongside and disguised as extracts or perfume. She is a little worried about the poison being discovered, but technically there was nothing in the rules forbidding its use.
Raven listens quietly to the preparations before rubbing her temples slightly with the palms of her hands. "Its kind of you to suggest it so Krios, but I don't tend to see my task as particularly dangerous. If anything, stealing or sabotage attempts are more difficult to explain away. I already had some passing knowledge on the Baron and brushed up on it before arriving here." "As for a plan of attack for my task - I confess, I haven't really thought about it yet. I'll probably observe, access, and then attempt to strike up a conversation. I don't foresee problems but it may be a time consuming exercise depending on how things develop."
Raven takes the cricket carefully and puts it within her shoulder bag. "Thank you Lady Lotheed, I will look after it carefully and with luck - it will aid our missions tonight and allow you to enjoy the gala uninterrupted." Raven settles back in her chair, observing the interaction between Henrika and Perdita. She chooses not to comment on it, but inwardly is a little troubled, hoping that whatever issues the two woman had wouldn't harm the tasks they had to complete. Reflecting that only time would tell, she takes another sip of wine before nodding at Krios. "I tend to agree with Krios here, we should attempt to gain entry into the Senate sooner rather than later. No doubt there will be a queue to enter and I'd rather put my time to good use inside the building instead of waiting outside in the cold to gain entry"
Raven reaches out and takes her badge in her hand, inspecting it for a moment before turning it over in her hands, reflecting for a moment. She indicates the cricket once again. "At the end of the day, its your invention, and I'm not asking to keep it. I was just wondering if such an item might be useful during our missions tonight. As we have several to complete, and are most likely going to work together, I was just keen to see if we could have any advantage possible. At any rate, I leave the decision up to you if you are willing to temporarily part with such an item - I'm aware of the possibility that it might be of us to you tonight as well - doubtless you have your own objectives to achieve."
Raven follows Lady Lotheed inside the cafe, glancing at her fellow members of the group. She knew some of them by reputation, and knew a little more about some others. She nods, and flashes a brief smile of greeting in the direction of Krios recognizing him as someone she had challenged in many debates in the past. As a rather secretive poisoner with a headstrong attitude, Raven would often visit taverns or places of ill repute where people could be a little more free with their own political views. For her part, Raven treated the debates themselves as merely a way to sharpen the mind, and as a way to prepare herself for a possible career in the senate in the future. As other members sit down at the table, Raven selects a seat where she can see the door. A little melodramatic perhaps but she had to sit somewhere and Raven liked to see who was coming and going from a particular location. Raven doesn't miss the lightly buzzing cricket on the table. Lady Lotheed was someone well used to political intrigue and she figures that the cricket had some effect to limit divination magic or even some mundane forms of eavesdropping - especially considering the current topic of conversation. She listens quietly to Krios introduce herself. Some of it was rather new to her and she allows herself a wry smile of amusement at the name of the Academy. The Academy of Open Minds, how ironic that some views were still not welcome she reflects to herself before briefly leaning forward to speak after a gap in the conversation. "My name is Raven, Raven Nightshade. Some of you might have heard of me, some of you might not. I don't tend to seek out the spotlight and I'm usually a bit more self reliant because of that - I don't have many individuals to do me favors" she begins, giving a brief nod of acknowledgement to Krios. "I'm currently trying to integrate myself into politics, although that has been exceedingly difficult for someone from minor nobility to succeed there. My boss apparently thinks that all I'm qualified for to fix someone's tea. So perhaps that's why I have been following the Princess so closely, hopefully it brings the change Taldor needs and with it, new opportunities." "As for abilities, its hard to explain. I have access to some basic arcane magic, but I didn't get it from study or reading books - it just comes naturally. I don't tend to spread that information around though - I don't believe witches are well liked or trusted. Aside from that, I have similar expertise in alchemy as perhaps Krios might - although I tend to focus more on the creation of more lethal concoctions." "For my mission", she continues "I'm tasked with making a strong impression on Baron Nicolaus Okerra, and perhaps reminding him of the debts he owes the princess. I'll be completely honest in that I haven't the faintest idea how to achieve it yet, but I'm confident that an opportunity will prevent itself. Still, I'm happy for any assistance offered, and also happy to assist anyone else with their own mission - I'm aware that my own task probably shouldn't take too long to complete." Pausing for breath, Raven hesitates for a moment before addressing Lady Lotheed directly. "May I inquire as to the purpose or function of gadget buzzing on the table? I'm wondering if it could potentially be of use during some of our tasks. Is it a unique item?"
You got it :) I'm not really planning on taking many standard 'Investigator' talents like Amazing Inspiration / Underworld Inspiration / Expanded Inspiration / Combat Inspiration / Empathy etc. I'm mostly picking up Anathema and Greater Anathema so I can poison things that are normally immune, and then debuff with them a bit by reducing DR / Movement Speed / Spell Resistance / Energy Resistance. After that, she probably picks up some of the Alchemist discoveries but I'm still unsure of which ones I'll take. So, in that respect shes probably more of a half Alchemist instead of an Investigator since I probably won't be using Inspiration as much to boost my skill checks, since I'll be primarily using it as a pool to argument my poisons.
Raven eventually has her alterations done, and while the dress seems to be a bit tighter around the waist than she would like, she considers it passable for a senate party, combined with the borrowed jewelry. Outfit sorted, Raven then briefly returns home to put her face on, before joining the rest of the agents outside the senate building for any preparations.
Agreeing with Krios. I'm happy to talk with others in Thread Bare but I'm also equally fine to move on :)
Raven sits at her breakfast table, elegantly slipping open the envelope with a silver letter opener and unfolding the note addressed to her. Truthfully, she was a little flattered that she had been entrusted with a mission and was determined not to fail it. On the other hand, she was a little put out that her maneuvering closer to the Princess had been spotted so obviously. It wasn't as if Raven had tried to hide her interest in the Princess's political aspirations, so she wasn't too upset, but she wondered that if it was obvious to Lady Lotheed it might be obvious to others. Raven was however, quietly thrilled with the line of credit available at Thread Rare. Appearance was everything and if she could look her best, then so much for the better. Clutching her favorite bag, potions and poisons disguised inside, Raven heads out in the streets, cursing her heels as she navigates the cobblestones. Tempted though she was to immediately head over to the tailor for a bit of pampering before the evening, Raven was firmly fixated into going into her mission with every possible advantage. She doesn't have many political contacts yet, but Baron Nicolaus Okerra was still very well known in certain circles, and Raven attempts to gather as much information on the man as she can before the party.
Encouraged with the small amount of information she was able to gather, as well as the tiny amount of headway she had towards her given mission, Raven heads toward Thread Rare, clad in a figure hugging midnight blue dress. Raven hoped that the tailor would be able to alter the original dress so that it mimicked what a noble might wear, complete with jewelry accessories so that she could impress whoever she needed to influence - or at least not look out of place. The bell chimes as Raven steps through the threshold to Thread Rare, but Raven't good mood fades at the sight of the significant queue of people in the shop, waiting to try on garments or to purchase something for the evening. In hindsight, Raven reflects that it was logical she wouldn't be the only person making late preparations for the night, but she was still irritated at the delay - patience didn't always come naturally to her after all. Craning her neck slightly, Raven sees a few vaguely familiar faces up ahead deep in conversation. She considers shouting out in greeting, but decided that could be considered rude, so she tries to find some inner peace so as to not throttle the elderly lady ahead of her in the queue, dithering over what shade of red she wanted for her scarf.
@Krios That sounds perfect actually. Raven probably attends debating clubs (or probably more accurately, taverns / establishments where debating on politics might be encouraged) so its likely we could run into each other there.
Hi guys :) Raven is definitely from one of the more minor nobles houses in comparison to some of you I think. I don't think much of her poison background would be known, since she keeps that close to the chest, but shes probably been sighted hanging out in some unsavory places (maybe the Lion's Head?) which has probably created a few scandalous rumors. She has been fairly active politically though, albeit in a fairly minor role up until this point. Its possible that she has heard of / met Perdita Vernisant as both are senate hopefuls. I'll think a little more about further links. As a witch, I see it unlikely that Raven met anyone through formal magical study, but as an investigator, its possible she met up with a few of you through study. As for where I am, I'm from a little place called New Zealand. I tend to keep weird hours though :) |