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Posting in all of my games. We made it to CA... but finding a home that meets my family's needs (while being in price range) is proving a bit challenging... will be off the boards for a bit. Please bot me as necessary (and possibly send good vibes/prayers my way). Thanks for your continued patience.
Tabar nods and gives the Judge a sober look. "Very wise words, my lord. I will endeavor to keep them in my mind and heart." He gives the Judge a bow as he returns to his conversation. Gradually walking around the room, he eases closer to his social target, Baron Okerra. Rather than attempting to jump into the conversation directly he listens to the debate going on for a few minutes, attempting to follow the conversation and see the motives behind the words.
Tabar graciously takes the ring from the older gentleman in the handshake, smiling. "I am most grateful that I was able to provide you with entertainment, my Lord Mercenian. I only wish that my debate partner had been more capable of making arguments from facts and reason instead of against the personal standing of his opponent." He gives the gentleman a formal bow. "But my manners are slipping, and for that I apologize. I am Tabar Ballast, third son of Lord Nasir Ballast of the northern provinces. I would not be surprised if your lordship has not heard of my family, given we are lesser nobility at best... but it is my hope that, should Abadar will it, I may change that." As he speaks, the places the ring given on his right index finger. He holds up his hand slightly to both admire the craftsmanship and to ensure he is displaying the crest correctly. "I thank you for your favor, my lord, and I will endeavor to live up to it."
I should have my post here up tonight after getting to the area.
Next two days will be on the road again. With any luck will be less eventful than the trip to here was (oldest apparently gets motion sick... we have since acquired children's dramamine, so hopefully that negates it). Will be stable once we get there for a little bit again before the final push.
Tabar looks pointedly at the man's jacket, then smiles as he looks back at him. "Oh, that... yes, that was unpleasant. I had to ensure that a friend of mine actually received his food. Poor servant was heading in the completely wrong direction." He chuckles ruefully. "As for the Princess and her speech, I actually found it to be... well argued. I might not be quite as progressive as her Royal Highness is, but I found her logic to be sound. Which is more than I can say for some of the arguments I have had lately, I might add." He looks in the direction of the man in the breastplate as he says this but not directly at him. "Still, her argument had much going for it. It pulled upon the grandness of our Empire, historically, yet showed what could be possible with change, as demonstrated by the test beds of our former states. They would have no claim to greatness if not for our empire and the gifts we gave them. Some would say that anything that they have done since that time is unimportant and not worth study. I disagree. They have taken our common starting point and run in different directions. Some of their paths have been successful, others less so. I say that it is our Imperial right... nay, our Imperial duty to study what they do that works, what they do that does not work, and what they do that we can do better as befitting our birthright." Smiling, he looks directly at the man once more. "Although I gather you must have differing views on the matter... I would love to hear you express them."
Tabar takes the bar and nods as the servant leaves. Whew... that was too close... His internal elation is cut short as he catches the looks of the others present. Great... I turned out to be the biggest distraction from her royal highness by default... well... still, better than the alternative. Turning from the crowd he faces the wall and taps the badge once more. "Crisis adverted. I did not win any favors doing so, but at least the worst of their worries is a noble being a bit overloud in addressing a servant. Do you have a way to get this compound to the Princess with a note? She should know that someone wanted to cause a more... dangerous... stir during her speech." In the meantime, Tabar places the bar within his inside pocket of his breast coat and makes his way back to the Senate floor.
Tabar smiles in a polite, but firm, manner at the servant with the chemical. "It is Baron Okerra. He needs... well, I shouldn't say it out loud here," Tabar looks around as if the walls themselves might be listening, "but he has a need that must be met immediately. Here, I will take that from you for now, you go see to his situation." He holds out his hand expectantly, with hopefully just the right sense of impatience.
Taber smiles good humoredly at his retreating sparring partner. "Of course, I would love to continue our discussion once you are... ready." Seeing the glass raised in salute from the older half-elf, he returns the gesture with a ever so slight bow. He is about to make his way over when he notices the surge of attendants moving toward the courtyard. I should follow... at best it is something I should see... at worse, one of my companions might need my assistance. He gives the half-elf an apologetic smile and a nod, hopefully indicating that he will be back soon, and follows the commotion. Once arriving, he finds himself rewarded for the gamble by seeing the Princess speak. Interesting... Kalbio is to be exhalated? I heard that it was going to be one of the Ulfen guard.... I wonder if she had some influence over that change...
As he listens to the well crafted, passionately delivered speech from the Princess, Tabar cannot help but to notice the errant servant begin to walk into the bee-hives carrying something. What on Golarian is he holding?
As he looks closer at the bar, he realizes with a start what the compound he is bringing will likely do to the bees within. Someone, it seems, does not want this speech to go off without a hitch. Well, given our ultimate goal aligns with the Princess's... Leaning down, he taps the badge once more. "Someone is trying to stir up the bees in the Courtyard. I am going to try to stop them. Assistance would be appreciated, but might not me necessary." So whispering, he follows the man. "Excuse me. I beg your pardon, but I need your help with something that absolutely cannot wait." He calls at the man once within earshot of him.
Tabar turns to the armored figure and raises his eyebrows. Hm... can't get a read on him, beyond that he seems to want to debate me on this topic... well, this should help get the good Baron's notice if I play it correctly. He gives the man a polite smile and salutes him with his wine glass. "Very good point, sir. No, the armies of our glorious nation were indeed instrumental in the securing of our greatness, and far be it from me to suggest otherwise. No no, I do not mean to disparage our brave soldiers, past or present." He takes a sip of the wine after raising the glass in a salute to their soldiers. "That being stated and set aside, however, it is worth noting that our military is as well trained and funded as it is precisely because of the rules and decrees of our beloved Emperors and this venerable body. The incentives, the pays, the rewards for service.... all laid out and hammered into existence on this floor." Once again, he raises his glass in a salute, this time to senators past, taking a sip afterword. "No, these educated 'philosophers', as you put them, were smart. They knew that our nation needed to maintain its army to the highest possible standards if we were to become the empire we were promised to be. The nobility that walked these hallowed halls knew that showing our armies that they were valued and respected was the surest way to ensure that our great nation would prevail in the conflicts we faced at all sides. And while it is very true that the army is the reason why our law is enforced and order is maintained, both at our borders and within them, it is the works of the dignified gentlemen within these halls that allow us to have any laws to enforce in the first place. They provide the grace that separates the order maintained within a civilized nation and that of a petty warlord's pathetic spat of land."
Tabar looks at the cologne, giving it a delicate sniff. Elvish:
"That is a decent smell... very good quality indeed." Taking a bit, he applies it. "Thank you, this will help I hope. My compliments to your supplier."
Tabar does not have to actually act inconvenienced, though he is silently grateful that their benefactress yet again has intervened on their behalf. Just how deep does her influence go? Following Cecillia's lead, Tabar nods at the rest of them. "Good luck, all." With one final smile, he gradually makes his way around the building until he finds himself on the Sentate floor. Ah... one day, I will be here for more than just parties... His internal revilie is cut short by spotting the living and moving visiage of the man whos portrait he had received this morning. Talking with others right now... I will need to get his attention somehow... must make it natural. Taking a glass of wine, he begins to discuss with the others around him the local significance of the room they were in as well as the influence that senators had on the shaping of the nation as a whole.
I will be stationary for this week, traveling again on the weekend. I will be doing things with the family (probably go to the zoo etc) but I am not having to drive multiple hours each day.
Tabar nods as he listens to the others. "That is consistant with my findings... allegedly a lot of safe rooms in there are just undocumented old rooms from the older incarnations of the building. You all should have gotten a packet with all my findings on nobles, the history of the event, the geography and structure, and local sentiment. Let me know if you need a synopsis." He smiles and opens the pouch. "Additionally, we got these from our benefactoress. I personally do not think that I will need any of them, but I am willing to carry a few inside if someone wishes." Tabar is wearing a well tailored silver suit, complete with a black vest and a red bow tie, with matching red cummerbund. His sword cane has been peacebonded, and the only jewelry he is wearing is his signet ring and the badge previously provided.
Travel days today and tomorrow. Bot as necessary.
Tabar shows Izalco the card before placing it in his pocket.
Tabar smiles as he picks up the portrait, examining the man's features and committing them to memory. Good, now I won't be guessing. As he does this he notices the other stash of goodies. Well, I will have to share these before we begin the party in earnest. Tabar secures them within a satchel and brings them with him to the rendezvous.
So my cane sword would be sealed, assuming the IDed it as such... which I am assuming they will as he has no reason to hide it. I am done shopping... everyone would learn everything Tabar did prior to us meeting for the pre party... say that morning via sealed message.
As they are walking inside, Tabar shakes his head and whispers to Izalco. "It isn't about the money. I had to keep playing the part of entitled noble unrelated to you all... lets face it, whomever sent them will eventually be asking them what happened. Making it look entirely like a combination of bad luck and incompetence is better than them knowing that we actually are aware that we are being targeted." Giving him a smile, he holds the door open for them. Tabar blushes a bit as the seamstress fusses over his damaged shirt, accepting gratefully the replacement as well as the measurements for a proper suit for the Gala. He is about to bid everyone a good evening when the man approaches him. He smiles and takes his card with care, taking a moment to examine and appreciate the quality of it. "We shall see... I am nothing if not a just person, and as such I will allow the legal process its chance to work before resorting to... other means of recompense. I will, however, keep your offer in mind in case the justice system proves to be too blind to see the truth of things." Pocketing the card, he gives the man a nod before having to resist doing a double take at his referral to Cecilia. FIANCEE! What the... "Ah, yes... I am most fortunate... that she was in a position to help me... and obviously I admire her courage in the face of dangers... yes." The words just tumble out of his mouth as if on autopilot, and he looks to Cecilia with a look that is both bashful and pleading. Please don't take offense please don't take offense please don't take offense...
Before the constable leaves, Tabar nods back. "Of course, of course, just let me know where and when. As long as it does not conflict with the Gala I will be more than happy to provide whatever statement you require. That being said, I do expect these two to be forced to repay me for my ruined outfit. It might not be my most fancy set of clothes, but that is no justification for not having to pay for its damages." With a final nod, Tabar brushes some of the char off of his outfit and heads into the Thread Rare.
Tabar speaks up as the law finally arrives. "Thank all that is holy you have arrived so quickly, good sir. These two men attempted to cook me alive is what happened! I just wanted a pair of shiny shoes and they tried to convince me that they had 'special, expensive oils' to make them shinier. Then the next thing I know, this lout," he points at the burned man, "is swimming in a gout of fire that, were it not for the quick actions of these other bystanders," he indicates his fellow party members, "would have turned me into a cinder as well. His fellow," he points to the thug that is now at sword point, "attempted to flee the scene, but this brave young woman prevented him from doing so. I demand justice from these two!"
Heh... that was fun... cannot say I expected them to be that dumb though... So I will be posting this in all my games: I am moving from EST to PST finally (this was kinda expected but has been in limbo due to the pandemic). The movers will begin being at my house tomorrow, with final pack out day being Thursday, after which time I will begin to be on the road. I am not making a straight shot, as it were, across the country. I will have a few rest periods to see family on the way. I expect that I will finish the cross country period mid OCT, after which time I begin the house hunting phase in earnest. I should be able to keep posting during this time period, but some days (especially any that I am driving) are probably going to be limited in quantity (though hopefully not quality) of posts. That said, feel free to bot me in combat it necessary to keep things moving.
Tabar takes the advice of Cecilia and does a quick roll, putting out the remaining flames. "Stop him! Guards!" He calls out loudly, throwing the blanket over the other thug. "As for you, roll and put out the flames! I will not have you dying before I can charge you for the damage you and your friend caused me. 'Fancy special oils' indeed!" Turning back to Cecilia he nods his thanks and leans in close. "Careful, the other one still has an unopened vial in that box. I'll keep an eye on this one... neither are exactly bright, but the running one was marginally smarter." He nods and turns his attention back to the burned man.
Wait... they aren't that stupid, are they... no... they can't be... Trying his best to keep his face looking like an expectant entitled noble as opposed to the look of abject horror, Tabar smiles at the idiot, keeping still.
As the flames wash over him, Tabar cries out in shock and pain. "What in the devil!"
Giving a huff, Tabar nods. "Very well, very well. I expect you to use some of those more expensive oils on my boots. I have an audience with my fiance's parents for dinner soon to discuss... well, I suppose the sordid affairs of the nobility would bore you at best. Suffice to say, between your shine and the new suit waiting for me at the tailor over yonder," he gestures to the Thread Rare idly with his cane, "I should be set to be a rather wealth man." He gives them both a smile. "Wealthy enough to afford those 'pricey oils' you two are so worried over. So don't skimp. Show me what you have and what it can do."
So... I passed the following message to our benefactress through our badges and asked that she pass it to you all. Assuming she did so it was: "Warn the rest... folks following us are planning on burning the tailors. Get out." If she did not, however, disregard this... I am trying to... defuse the situation personally... hopefully without burning.
Outside:
So... not just spies... but arsons... it seems someone does not want us to make the Gala... that said, it sounds like they did not notice me leaving and don't know I am associated. Tabar smiles, pulls the pin from his lapel and taps it. Warn the rest... folks following us are planning on burning the tailors. Get out. Once finished, he places it in his pocket, scuffing his shoes as he does so. Let me see if I can do something to prevent this. Sitting down in their chair, he points to his boots. "Shine'em up good, boys. I'm feeling lucky..." He gives the shiners a grin, tapping the box with his cane. "Come come, the polish won't pop out of the box by itself!" Turning toward the tailors, he yawns and enunciates loudly, hoping that his companions might hear, "What is the matter, why haven't you started already! DO I HAVE TO LIGHT A FIRE TO GET SERVICE OR SOMETHING?" As he says this, he taps the box again with his cane as if to say hurry up.
Tabar acts like he is nonchalantly looking at the services of the vendors nearby as he gets closer to the two... "shoe shiners"... keeping his ears pointed toward them as much as possible as he does to pick up any stray bits of conversation.
Odd... why would they be following Lady Licinia? Tabar follows the strange men as quietly as he can, staying back a little bit in order to (hopefully) prevent raising suspicion.
Tabar smiles at Kyralina but shakes his head. "I appreciate the offer of a ride, truly, but I find the best way to learn about a place and its people is to walk it among them. I will see you at the Thread Rare, assuming you are not finished with your fitting and departed by then."
At the tailor, Tabar nods. "An interesting tidbit... I have not had a chance to hear her perform before. On the way over I heard that it is expected that the Emperor will be exulting another of his bodyguards, as he did for Baron Vinmark. There was... some consternation over this possibility... what with most Taldain looking on our empereror's Ulfen protectors as little more than savages. Having not met anyone from the region, I can only say that their culture and histories are... different from our own."
Knowledge/Rumor Rolls:
Tabar nods to Cecillia as she gets ready to depart. "I will add their names to my research list. If I learn anything particularly interesting I will send a messenger to your residence with the information sealed." Finishing his drink, Tabar waits a moment longer so as his new allies might add any other topics to look into prior to departing on his own to the Thread Rare.
Tabar stands as his benefactress makes her exit, giving her a polite bow in response to her curtsy. Well, I wanted to find a way to take a seat in the Sentate... with friends like these, I should be able to do so... just a matter of keeping things... on the level. Sitting back down, Tabar smiles. "Well, after I get fitted for a few updates to my cloths, I intend to do studies on a few things. If anyone has anything they would like me to look into before the big day, I would be happy to add it to my list of topics to research."
Tabar pulls out his letter and slides it over to the others. "My task is relatively easy, by comparison. I merely have to... remind... Baron Okerra of his debt to Lady Lotheed. I think I can manage that, provided I have the correct introductions."
Tabar nods at the response. "Thank you, milady. And I would appreciate the introduction, my Lord Zespire. I will confer with you on the details of my task after our benefactor is finished with us today. For my part I am willing to lend whatever assistance I can with any of your endeavors... or with any one else's for that matter. I might not be as socially connected as I would like, but if any of you need some prior research for your tasks I should have the time to look into things before the gala."
Tabar strokes his stylized beard as he listens to the banter and political thoughts of his fellows. "I understand completely. I have three sisters in a similar... predicament. My elder sister was married a few years back, and is... content is the best way to describe it, I suppose. Happy would be too far of a stretch, but so would miserable. My younger two sisters have marriages being courted and planned as we speak, though it would not surprise me if either just snuck out and left one day. Neither wish to be 'tied down' at all, least of all to someone not of their choosing." He takes a sip of his wine and looks like he is going to continue when their host arrives. He stands upon her entrance and sits down when she does. Interesting. So we all have different jobs. I wonder if there is natural overlap between any of them. As she asks if there are questions, Tabar nods as he retrieves a badge. One day... Without further thought, he places it upon the lapel of his jacket. "Yes, milady, I have a question. Do you have a portrait of my... contact... for reference? Or failing that, do you have any idea what he will be wearing tonight? It has been a while since I have had to rub shoulders with such esteemed personages, after all."
Taking a glass of wine, Tabar nods to Cecilia politely. "I appreciate your understanding, Lady Volso, as well as your polite greeting. I seem to remember meeting your family once when I was a child at... some event or other. That being said, I cannot recall if I met you or not personally... I am inclined to say that I did not, but if I did I sincerely apologize for my memory failing me for once." Tabar almost laughs at Izalco as he sits down. "Sadly I am not a Lord, good sir. That honor still rests with my father and will pass to my eldest brother upon his passing. And, for what it is worth, I have no envy or complaints about this. It leaves me freer to pursue... other paths." He gives Izalco a smile. "As for their ideology and... political leanings... we tend to be more traditionalist than progressive, though just barely so. I tend to be the outlier in the family due to the excessive amount of education I have received over the years. Taldor must begin making steps into the modern era if it is to ever have a proper opportunity to recapture our past greatness. That being stated, I am more in favor of a gradual implementation of reforms, allowing people to adapt to the changes as they are made in a controlled manner."
A well dressed man with slightly olive skin and a well-kept mustache and partial beard walks into the establishment, putting the note back into the inside pocket of his jacket as he does. "I do hope that I am not too late. Mother always was chiding me for not arriving 'fashionably early' to events such as these, but frankly Oppara's streets can be confusing to navigate when one has not done so routinely." The man chuckles to himself, taking in the rooms other occupants. Mostly other nobles, though that one strikes me as having been down on his luck recently... Taking off his gloves, Tabar gives a bow. "Tabar Ballast, third son of Lord Nasir Ballast. I would be shocked if any of you have heard of either of us this far south, though I do hope to change that. Has anyone seen our... benefactor... or did I manage to arrive before her at least?"
Maps wise I am cool with either, but I typically prefer google slides. It is a bit more compatible with my phone for when I am checking things on the go. @Cecilia, think that having the two avatars is almost standard for vigilantes... every time I see one you the player swaps between the two, for just that reason. If anyone wants to concoct some past reason why we would know each other shoot me a PM and I will happily hammer it out with you.
Hm... I am on the fence... the last time I was in a group that voted in a seventh it wasn't long before we lost folks... so it kinda evened out in the wash. That being said, I am still not convinced that the starting number didn't contribute to people leaving. (shrug) If pushed for a vote, I would vote yes on the grounds that the random person you squeeze to fit in might just have some of the coolest ideas in game... but it isn't a strong yes, if that makes sense.
Checking in as well, I updated the formula to include my inspiration pool. Looking forward to this. |
