Crossing his arms and shrugging, Constantine looks around. "Do I? I had thought I would stay right here beside the Princess. They'll need someone who can fight without magic if the same trick gets pulled on the Devil-worshipers villa."
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As if the words were something Constantine was edging towards, a broad grin splits his face and he bows to the other Rook. "A noble Knight who happens to be a mercenary captain of what once was, and will be again, one of the most feared companies in the Inner Sea, Brother!" Tilting his head thoughtfully, Constantine strokes his goatee and lets out a small sigh. "Don't make me sound so...common."
Frowning at his "brother," Constantine rolls his eyes. "The day will come, Atticus, when my titles outstrip our elder brothers and father will favor me. The Royal Guard do not have half the fighting experience I have had on the frontiers or abroad. But, alas...it is as you say, although you sound dreadfully like Father, that the Guard has prerogative."
Letting out a small sigh, Constantine grabs a chair and moves it toward the door before flopping down into it, his spear across his knees. "I await here then with her highness. Val, permission to order around Tiberion while you are away if and only if something comes to threaten her and I deem it necessary?" Glancing to his companion, still standing in the doorway and looking somewhat confused, Constantine taps the spear before making a decision. "Anka, if you can avoid being your usual self, and the dear ambassador cares not about one of your past lounging in his villa, you will stay here. Set Maurus, Cyrus and Donus to patrolling the outer grounds. They are not to engage anyone and are to simply retreat here and inform us if there are any issues."
"I have no fear of places lacking in magic if needed. I'd much rather stand by the Princess's side. His majesty is still fine then? It might be easier to guard the two royal personages together rather than separate."
Glancing Atticus, Constantine shrugs. "My father rarely gets out anymore. We will gladly stay here to guard the Princess if she deems it wise. If she would rather rush to her father's aid..well, my spear will always protect to our Grand Prince and his family."
The abrupt noise causes Constantine to bolt to his feet, spear in hand. His first reaction is to teleport outside to Anka and flee, but not with both the Princess and his father present. He moves before the Princess with his weapon drawn and casts Heroism on himself. "Stay behind me Princess." When the detective enters, he's as on guard as the others, mouth set into a thin line. "His Majesty has his own guards. I have no desire to leave while there is a threat to the royal personages. If you do choose to start transporting people, I can bring three as well, Kyra. My carriage awaits outside with additional armed guards." The noble flashes a smile as Anka steps carefully into the villa with her pistol drawn and pointed. "There a problem we need to deal with then, yeah?"
Good god..32 posts overnight? What time zones are you people in o.O
Prophecy..should never be discounted. Constantine clasps his hands together, a few silver rings gleaming in the light as he leans forward. ”The plan is...interesting. Aroden's death aside, it is not a poor idea to plan for whether you believe the Princess or not. Such a bill would have my support even without the news my father brings to light and the possibility of our Grand Prince passing away abruptly. For too long has the nation been stymied by old feuds and tradition. A new way is needed to progress and Eutropia has grand ideas for it.” Sitting back again, Constantine grips his hands together, knuckles paling. ”Chelaxian, whether this is your house or not, whatever we plan here that may be seen as upsetting to Taldan traditions, do not. Do not refer to our current monarch as a rotting arm to excise. That is both distasteful and inappropriate, regardless of your personal feelings. I would not have you asking your lord of lies for information regarding our monarch...anything he provides to you will be highly circumspect. I would not have us act on behalf of such information. My father has quite the spy ring that may gather a great deal of information. I do not disparage, however, your talents in divination. Magic is indeed a unique talent and one we can much use.” Constantine makes no mention of his own abilities although Val's rolls were all high enough to know he dabbles a little. ”What would you propose divining upon? I would not agree to asking the very gods for assistance but perhaps..something else?”
I had a decent post for yesterday night..but it ended up getting lost. I saved it, but its saved on a different PC and I don't have access to it atm. Will post later.
With a sly smile, Constantine leans forward and arches an eyebrow. Why, my dear Princess, I would be happy to assuage Lady D'Apcher's concerns."
”I do not think forgery is a good idea, Lady Rubicon. I do, however, back your idea of proposing to the Senators. Despite some of his ideas, I believe Lord Karthis to be a good man who truly wishes to see Taldor's glory rise. I will see if he will speak to me privately sometime soon.” Placing the glass of wine down, Constantine sits up, swinging both legs to assume a more proper position in the chair. ”My father cuts right to the chase, as expected. I doubt Mendev alone was the cause for this meeting. I know myself, recently returned, have little connection to the Senators..for now. My mercenary company has no plans to leave the borders of Taldor unless it is to protect those same borders. For what other purposes do you and the Princess wish to meet?”
His words, not hers. Constantine, you've got my back, right? If it happened at the soiree or in private, of course! But straight to the Chelaxian asp while in his own villa surrounded by his soldiers and magic in a place that was shrouded from scrying? Not so much. Constantine doesn't care that the Princess seems to trust him, he treads carefully so not to encourage the asp to strike while he rests in its den.
”If our own nobles are considering war with the south, then I would suspect Qadira to be doing the same. Sending a significant group of the Phalanx north would practically be an invitation. Mendev is important, of course, but Taldor would be of no help to it should Qadira sweep in. I do support my brother's opinion of the situation as well. Ridding the country of what is deemed by many a religious nuisance as well as sending troops north without weakening our own position has many benefits. More so if it has the sort of impact Lady Gabrielle hopes it may have upon Qadira.” Shaking his head, he flops lazily into a chair, one leg swung over the arm, a hand holding wine gesturing with his words. ”Such a bill has my complete support, Princess. Lady D'Apcher..as much as I share your opinions of the Chelaxians, I must agree it is in poor taste to discuss invasion in his home.” Glancing to Atropa, Constantine frowns slightly. ”I to stood in Mendev fighting against demons and yet, I left lucrative gold and companions alike to aid in my own nation. Are there perhaps not more important issues to resolve at home first? If a way could be found to unify the border marquis' then perhaps a unified Phalanx could defend more efficaciously against Qadiran raids and free up some money and troops for Mendev?”
Moving to his [s]father's[/] brother's side, Constantine grins. "Ah, my dear brother Atticus. Its good to see you out of the cellar for once. I thought Father might keep you in there for another year or two." Unlike to the Princess's soiree, Constantine came armed this time. He bows his head to Val slightly before taking a glass of wine. As he does, his form blurs for a few seconds and he scans the room. "I'm quite interested in what it is you might have to say, Chelaxian. We are the in the heart of your domain--that is plenty of reason to be concerned about safety. No offense but...you are not exactly a trusted face within most circles."
"Passwords, how mysterious! Truly, your benefactor knows how to play with cloak and with dagger. Egorian, and let us see what words the Chelaxian would spin." Constantine shakes his head and quirks an eyebrow at Tiberion.
Scowling at the image, Constantine waves a hand at it, dismissing the vision. ”Not very useful, as you stated. Care to escort me there then, Anka? Father will heartily disapprove.”
The two take a carriage to the villa guarded by three Blackspear guards. Arriving at the location, Constantine will swing down from the carriage, offering an arm to the pirate who decides its a better idea to stay in the carriage. With a shrug, Constantine approaches the gates. The third son of the Rook family is garbed in a knee-length tunic of dark blue under a lighter blue coat lined in silver and embroidered with black crossed spears. White leggings lead down to a pair of stout black leather boots with the tops turned over. The outfit is very reminiscent of fashion found in the River Kingdoms. The outfit is, of course, complete with a felt three-pointed hat bearing a bronze pin with Shelyn's symbol on it. Approaching the gates, Constantine gives an elaborate bow to the closed gates and looks up with a devilish grin. ”Open them up, Egarion, and bring out the wine.”
Its far more entertaining for the nobles to buck tradition.
Knowledge (Nobility) DC 20:
All of the information in Constantine's background is easy enough to locate. He was a well-respected officer within the Taldan Phalanx. His raids against Qadiran soldiers were often elaborate moves with multiple plans and backup plans, which of course always fell apart once initiated and led to many close scraps. Despite this, he was practically always successful—in no small part due to his brother Theodoro's assistance. The rumors of Constantine's numerous...meetings with ladies of wealth and nobility are not unknown in court. However, generally, the actual names are kept secret—not things to be discussed openly. The only two that are known are due to him legitimizing two of his children—Lucia and Quintus. Knowledge(Nobility) DC 30:
For someone formerly enmeshed in the Taldan Court, Constantine did a good job of keeping the names of paramours close to his heart. While rumors abound, his blatant flirting irregardless of status, race or sex in the court obfuscate his actual relations. Its known he has four children among most despite only two being legitimized. The third is Septimus, a fifteen year old son with a wealthy merchant family from Kyonin whom has had assistance in trade within Taldor since the scandal. The other is Cassius, a fourteen your old son with Maria Eiredor, a distant cousin within House Eiredor who has been banished to a rural household for her part in the relationship. The Eiredor's sought Constantine's marriage as a result of the child, but he refused to be hooked. His exploits on the frontier as well as the slow rise of his father's name made it difficult for the Eiredor's to press the claim since Maria was, while beautiful, had not titles for Constantine to inherit nor any particularly noteworthy connections amongst the house with both parents deceased. Knowledge (Nobility) 35:
And yet, there are more secrets abound behind Constantine's fair features. While these four are well known, there exist three other children much hidden. Cheif among these is Arlinius, a five year old boy born of union with Theophano Vecarios, the Red Right Hand. This single-time relationship led to child—a fact that Theophano will never forget. She pushed for marriage to legitimize the boy, not wishing a bastard to be born of her own womb. In response...Constantine joined a mercenary group and fled the nation, claiming a desire for broadened horizons.
The other two children are Claudia, an eleven year old daughter born to an adventurer woman, an Ulfen from the far north. Her current whereabouts are unknown to all but Constantine. Rumor has it he has a lock of her hair still kept. The other is eight year old Vipsania, an eight year old daughter to House Rosencruz formerly of Galt. The house fled to Andor where they still dwell. Sitting cross-legged in Cantus Manor, Constantine stirs a finger within the silver bowl before him. Clear water shimmers at the touch and he smiles, ringing the finger around the edge and steadily reciting words well-known to him. On a small stand before the bowl is an elaborate sketch of the Jeggare ambassador. The only color on the sketch is red, drawn along the edges of his clothing matching his recent ensemble. One hand tosses dew of the lunary into the bowl, disturbing the surface more. Overhead, a mummified eye the size of Constantine's head looks down at the ritual, imbuing it with more power. Outside stand six Blackspear with mismatched armor and newly sewn tabards bearing the crossed spear insignia beneath the Rook family crest. Beside him, the exotic Anka Sarraf frowns with crossed arms, leaning over his shoulder to see what emerges.
Groaning at his father's intrusion into his mind, Constantine grumbles about his lack of capability to return the spell without spending money, something he dearly does not wish to depart with. Instead, he composes a much more traditional letter and sends it via a very traditional messenger. Lord Rook:
Dear Father, Thank you for the invitation. I will splendidly accept as it sounds like the sort of decadent event I much missed. The Esteemed and Honorable Crusader and Knight Constantine Rook
Some stress is good! Good luck with it though. I recently started taking on way too many things (baby on way, full time grad school, full time new job, learning new programming language, ADD counseling) and organization is a necessity! Now if only I could solve the problem of a cat destroying stuff every time I leave for a few weeks on training or job stuff. I might use this weekend to write up a bit on House Rook sort of like the other noble house pieces.
There was a metamagic feat in 3.5 that cost +0 to add that could make a spell invisible.
Also, regular, non-outsider, non-magical people don't detect as good/evil/law/chaos in my world's. I heartily approve of this. Darn, I need to remember Constantine can give himself see invisibility as a swift action any time he wants..
What strong magics did you use to find that stuff out, Lord Rook? xDBeing a snarky old man, mostly. Anything that would be unreasonable to find out without magic I probably would have no way of knowing—but we'll assume Lord Rook remembers every piece of gossip he's ever heard, uses magically-augmented hearing to gather every rumor at the parties and dinners he goes to, and probably has your entire family tree somewhere in one of his genealogy books, etc. Constantine is a diviner :D
Seeing Argos's look and realizing the party was in a downswing, Constantine also chose to excuse himself. There were, after all, several attractive noble women leaving the party whom wanted to make his acquaintance. "Sir Argos, it was a pleasure. The clash of blades is a musical duet dedicated to Shelyn herself! I would love to pray to her with y our steel pressed to mine. I should wander off myself, for there are lovely ladies with no arm to lean upon during this fair night and its a truly sad state of affairs." He bows to Argos and to his father. "Lord Rook, try not to make too much trouble for this poor, despairing house. We need our wits about us and to be clear of such scandals as offered by your lauded self." His words making little sense, much like a fey from some Taldane fairy tale, Constantine winks at his father before turning on a heel to leave. As if almost forgetting, he turns his head to say one more thing. "Ah yes, and our dear Chelish Ambaassador. I pray your nights be short and full of Taldor's pleasures rather than any horrid Chelish traditions you may have. A pleasure!" And with that, he departs.
Internet here is broke. Will hopefully be up tonight. Do not wait! Use flexible time and just move on since its just one wrap up.
Away at training again. But I've been promised internet. Also, that was a crazy wall of text!
Constantine plainly agrees with Sir Argos and his father. ”Aye, were Mendev not torn by the demons at its gates it'd be as ordered as Cheliax claims to be. There may be no few slaves within our borders, but we do not bow to the Lord of Hell nor rely on devil-fashioned soldiers. Bah..my fellows have said what has to be said on that subject.” Clapping a hand on Argos's back, the mercenary smiles. ”Perhaps that is a goal we could strive for, eh? Uniting the border lords to re-organize our armies. Threaten them with future alliances with devilspawn and they might just get their act together!”
Waving a hand dismissively, Constatine shapes his head. "I meant defensively of course. Mendev suffers from sitting behind wardstones too often and it's no date I wish to see upon our nation... He pauses for a moment, looking up. The idea of relying on devil worshippers is worse than those southern barbarians. Its be like inviting the asp into your own home to keep out the wolves. Works great until the damn thing bites you in your sleep.
I actually banned full casters for the game I'm running. And fighters and non unchained rogues.
I always forget that the magic weapon rules for it are awful. In implementing it in my game, I chose to go a different route of granting the enhancement bonus as a bonus to all weapons picked up and used while magic weapons still exist, don't cost any extra (a +1 weapon is the same cost) with the exception that simple enhancement bonuses no longer exist/stack. So instead of buying a +1 longsword, you'd buy a Keen longsword or such. I've encouraged my players for breadth of ability in combat over sheer numeric increases. Partially by constantly throwing free abilities/proficencies/feats/etc at them and partially by having combats with substantial penalties. Pitch black rooms where cantrips don't work, anti-magic areas, duels, unarmed combats, ambushes while unarmored/unarmed and a few more. They are looking forward to jousting, having to fight via horseback, archery battles, artifacts that grant gestalt levels and yet more free feats/abilities/magic.
"Fortifications are useful if you are playing a defensive war. I feel that Taldor has kept to such a policy for too long, relying on our crumbling defenses rather than our keen edged blades and determination. And yet..with how the Phalanx is funded these days, I doubt they'd win against a Qadiran charge nowadays." With a sigh, Constantine picks up a cigar from a platter offered to him and allows the servant to light it. He puffs on it, blowing a smoke ring toward the ceiling. "However, your great grandfather was a genius tactician. He acted as he ought to rather than relying simply on following orders, and that, I respect greatly, Sir Argos." Motioning to several chairs, Constantine lowers himself down into one, facing his father and hoping Sir Argos followed. "Sir Argos..what is your opinion on the state of our military these days?"
Level up with character weapons are awesome!
"Ah! I love good war stories. I have heard the name before. However, I would love to hear more, if you don't mind. Small victories are more than Taldor has these days."
Characters: Eilidh Allie’s request pales the woman’s face. It seems the Tilernos girl is not the only one with some concern. However, despite that, she nods. ”Sarenrae welcomes all who choose to turn from their past and embrace the light. All may be reformed in the glory of the Dawnflower and all deserve to choose good over evil.” She swallows again, gaining strength in her own words and she looks at Allie with zeal in her eyes. ” It is not kind to call others monsters, Eilidh. This world is full of them--the murderers and the vampires, the werewolves and the like. An orc who claims to worship our Sarenrae? That sounds like no monster but either a misguided barbarian or an enlightened brother.”
"Wit is something my father has in spades." Constantine replies with a shallow smile. He bows to the departing women before shaking Argos's hand vigorously. "While the women poison their minds, we will poison our lungs. And I'd be happy to hear of your house's history, Sir Argos. With the rumors going about, it would do well to re-affirm some of our relationships with the more military houses."
I feel like you all have encyclopedic knowledge... In my case, its just lots of internet usage. I've only read a few history books, mostly around general subjects. When I want an area or character to feel truly authentic, I pour a lot of time into researching how I want them to come off. For example, I fashioned Vigil's walls off of COnstantinople. So each tower has a name, the walls were double layered. The marketplaces are in appropriate places with ties to various nearby areas. There's an entire policy for how and when merchants can enter the city since Vigilants are picky about who trades within, directing most foreigners to Vellumis instead. I had to research Byzantine styles of dress to describe the merchants, byzantine architecture to describe both the towers and the guild buildings. Byzantine military rank affects the titles various NPC watchguards have as well as how many watchguard there are on patrol or in different groups. I find its more entertaining to make strong parallels. The Sczarni in the game rely on some readings about the Bulgarian mafia and have a structure similar to the Sicilian mafia while telling myths and legends fashioned after old Cuman/Hungarian stories.
Constantine smiles broadly at Lady d’Apcher. ” I sincerely hope to be distinguished by more than my family one day. It is not easy for a middle son to find titles of his own.” Smoothing a hand through his hair, he waves to Nev as she walks away. ”My pleasure, my lady. Take good care of your companions. Hopefully we may exchange stories in the future.” Gabrielle’s mother is quick to arrive and faster to leave. Constantine does not have time to respond as she vanishes into the crowd and he blinks, looking to the group. ”Your mother is as quick with an exit as I hear she is with her words.” Shaking himself from his musing, he takesthe time to respond to the lady. ”Your brother? Do you know who he joined up with? I believe the situation in Mendev is..not likely to fluctuate much. The demons seem endless and where we make inroads toward the Worldwound in one area over time, we may lose ground elsewhere.”
I love all the detailed titles. It helps a bit in my other game as I fashioned Lastwall and Taldor very heavily off of Roman/Byzantine culture, dress, architecture and military style.
Spotting the two, Constantine arches an eyebrow. ”I'm..familiar with her companion. Although its been years since we've met. I recall her mother being quite cunning and entertaining to speak with. Her talent with words reminds me of my father, although I do not know much about the daughter. Ah! I ramble!” The spearman extends a shapely hand to Thorn, beckoning with one finger. ”Up, then. Vomit on this outfit and I'll be irate. You don't want that. Who would?” He flashes a smile at the small pixie and follows the little one's instructions, speaking to his father at his side. ”Glory and coin and beauty. These things are what is important in life, Father!” He flourishes with his hand, nearly knocking the pixie off his shoulder as he speaks. ”Coin runs the universe and preserves are decadent way of life here in Taldor. Glory is what we seek, what we crave, the lifeblood that is slowly draining from this former empire and beauty..well what would a bedroom be without a pair of beauties within?” At this last, he sneaks a sly smile at his father, just as they round the corner near the tail end of story—from the opposite side that Kyra joins from. ”Ah! My ladies Atropa and D'Apcher! Lord Commander! I have come seeking tales that have already been told, of woe and honor. Of Grey Ladies and deadly assassinations!” With an extravagant bow, Constantine knocks Thorn from his shoulder, gracefully catching him in one hand and extending that hand toward Nev. ”Your intrepid companion has encouraged me to seek you out as a fellow crusader. If I may introduce myself, and my dear witless father, Sir Constantine Rook and Lord Rook, Baron ((Duke?)) of Garrowglade.”
I figure he could meet both simultaneously.
Thorn's revelation seems to shake loose a few memories for Constantine. The mercenary leader's eyes widen slightly and he lets out a small laugh. ”Genevieve Atropa is your patron? Intriguing. I've heard of her, while in Mendev myself, although I've never had met her.” Glancing around the party, Constantine frowns and looks back to the pixie. ”I don't recall seeing something so...strikingly different. A chainmail dress you said? What a horror. It sounds awkward. Oh...I have got to meet this individual. Thorn, care to introduce us?” Constantine turns to his father and gives a short bow. ”My Lord Rook, care to join me in a brief expedition? And do not get the wrong idea, I continue to have no plans for marriage but...such a woman sounds like someone I must meet.”
Glancing down at his bright garb, then back up at Thorn, Constantine glances out over the field of dancers. "That is the second time you've mentioned Nev. She is your patron, I take it? I have been...away from the court for several years and am not familiar with the name."
Using Anka's craft wondrous to change some item costs and add a few items to boost Constantine's saves by a little. Also finished his estate up with 5 watchtowers set on Garrowglade's borders each staffed with a group of elite guards.
The fashionable noble extends his hand, then frowns, and simple inclines his head in a slight bow. ”A pleasure to meet you, Thorn. I have not met any of your kind before either, my experience with fey is..nonexistent.” Turning to face the dancers, Constantine speaks while watching the whirl of color. ”Mischief, Thorn, can be troublesome. The best mischief is accomplished with steel or behind silk curtains.”
Phew lots of posts! I am going to try to get something up later, but have lots of plans today/tonight after getting home from work.
Constantine is reluctant to try the spiced delicacy. He's had unfortunate occurrences with his father's past preferences. With a sigh, after observing Val take a sample, he follows suite. "Showing you around is unlikely to happen anytime soon, Ambassador." Somehow, the noble makes the word sound like an insult. "However, if we happen to bump into each other, I would introduce you to the delicacies of that locale." Making a small gagging sound as he takes a tiny bite of the pepper, Constantine drains his drink and waves a servant over for water. "Water, now...Urgh. Father, your tastes in food are ever eclectic and abominable!" While frantically clearing his palate, Constantine observes the slow decrease in wine from the goblet. He wonders what game is father is playing at, assuming some peculiar and invisible visitor has joined them. He doesn't make comment, but doesn't remove his gaze from the location, watching as Thorn slowly appears.
..Divine protection is such an unfair feat :(. I didn't realize Constantine's saves were so abyssmal for his level or I'd have spent more feats on it. At least he still has a fair bit of cash to spend to up the saves! Also, I forgot his cohort has Craft Wondrous (joys of mystic counting as caster levels) to take advantage of..I need to make an alias for her, but her sheet is at home on my PC.
I haven't found a good way :(
An arched brow and a snort welcome Val's response. "Perhaps you are more interesting than the dreary nation you stem from." He turns to his father, reaching for a peculiarly emptied glass of wine. He doesn't bother to cast a spell, simply frowns down at it and places it back down--assuming something untoward may have occurred. As nefarious as a noble or servant stealing his drink, perhaps. "My dear father prefers food as pickled as his own liver." Constantine responds dryly, glancing over at Lord Rook. "However, that may be a family legacy. I met this wonderful Tien woman in Mendev who made the most delicious food. Almost as delicious as the Thuvian delicacies my Vicarius, Anka, serves up during the times I spend on the lands you've graciously allowed me to build upon." |