Search Posts
Yeah guys, I’m sorry for stringing you along, but I’m just not in the mental headspace to give my all to this game, and it’s hurting your experience. I’m gonna put this game on hold until such time as I can get myself together and get back to you correctly. I don’t know when that’ll be, but I wish you luck in the rest of your games. Sorry, I wish I could be better for you. See you around, gamers.
Okay, sorry again. I know you're probably tired of hearing excuses, so I won't give any. I'm better now, and am here to finally start this game once more, if you'll have me along for it. Working on a new post now, will have it up by tomorrow morning. I am so so sorry for everything, but I hope you'll understand and give this one last shot.
Hey guys, I'm sorry to do this again and just repeat some of the same things I've said before, but this holiday season has been really rough on me, mentally and emotionally. I know it's not an excuse, but I do aim to continue this game in the very near future, and should have my thoughts together completely by Monday, complete with a brand new post and a brand new beginning. Thanks so much for sticking around for all of my antics and delays, but I promise I'll get this show running again very soon!
Hey guys, just checking in with you real quick. I’m going to need a break from this whole forum thing, just to get my mind together and back in the right place. I’ll be back the first of next month, after I have had a chance to collect my thoughts and realign this adventure path for you guys.
Sorry for the recent problems, but hopefully we can get this behind us and move forward.
I want to apologize guys, I have been dealing with some personal issues in my life and letting my games here suffer in the meantime. I know it must be frustrating to play at the slow crawl pace that we have been going, but I am recommitting now to post at least once a day, more if I can manage it. I’m in this for the long haul, and I am sorry that it’s been such a poor experience up until now. I will be better, and I hope you all can enjoy what’s going to happen from here on out.
Gilfroy:
No one in particular seems excited or anxious about the sound of bees, although a few curious heads are turned by the sound of your illusion. No one seems suspicious, unfortunately. Cass and Henrika:
It takes a few moments after Eutropia's speech, as Lady Gloriella speaks to the Princess, but she does finally turn to you and waves an arm at the two of you.
"Surely you have met Countess Zespire, correct? An up and coming lady in the courts, no doubt. And what of Lady Karthis? Noble blood through and through." The Princess offers a hand out for you to kiss, smiling as the pleasantries are exchanged.
Raven: The Baron grins widely as you approach, indicating he trusts you, at least to some degree. He listens to your well-worded argument, and takes a few moments to think about what you have said.
"Perhaps you are right, dear Raven. Maybe tradition can be changed, as long as we follow the correct paths. Very well, you have convinced me. I will pass word onto the Princess that I shall support her and her vote publicly, as soon as I get a statement together on it."
The servant looks quite alarmed when you tell him what the wafer is actually for, and he hands the wafer over immediately upon being questioned. As far as the Phalanx Guard, they all wear closed helmets during the festivities, so it is nearly impossible for him to describe the actual guard who gave him the instructions. ”But surely they didn’t know either, right? It must me some sort of mistake...” he says, suddenly wondering whether this was true or not.
The staff member stutters, his path being interrupted suddenly. He holds the water close to himself, looking unsure. ”I-I...I’ve been instructed to leave this scent wafer next to the bee hives, to freshen it up for the tour of the apiary...one of the Taldan Phalanx guards told me it’d help keep them calm for the event.” It is quite obvious that he isn’t aware of the true purpose of the wafer, and is most likely innocent. The three of you that moved to respond to the disturbance notice the crowd watching and whispering, most likely about you. You know your measured choice to investigate during Eutropia’s speech will most likely cost you some amount of influence in the future.
It appears, for those of you who made the knowledge check, that the wafer is some form of scent bar, and this particular one will agitate any need in the area. You also seem to remember there being plenty of beehives over in the apiary. Gilfroy and Raven leave the speech midway through, much time the obvious disturbance and annoyance of their fellow listeners. The staff member is walking relatively slowly, as it is a heavy wafer, and the pair can stop and talk to him easily. Upon being approached, he does indeed stop, offering little resistance to nay questioning you may have.
Raven's fixed interactions:
The Baron is easily swayed by Raven's words, and he quickly opens up to conversation, discussing a few small things before she asks her question.
He visibly thinks for a second before answering, his face becoming quite pensive as he tries to think of a way to word his answer. [b]"She does inspire honor and loyalty for sure, but I have one single shard of doubt in my heart: the impact of Eutropia’s successful bid to end primogeniture. As a defender of law and order, I believe strongly in tradition, and I do worry that the princess’s actions endanger the stability of Taldan law.
As you are all listening to Eutropia's speech, the observant of you notice a staffer peel off from the group, and begin heading towards the apiary near the courtyard. Krios and Raven, however, notice that he is carrying what looks like a strangely colored alchemical bar. Something tells you that you should probably be somewhat worried about what he's doing, unless it's something innocuous. Would be embarrassing to leave during the speech or immediately thereafter, for something that could be harmless.
Krios and Gilfroy:
Krios fails to make any purchase on the discovery, being so distracted by Gilfroy's antics.
Gilfroy, however, manages to show enough interest in the gallery, regardless of whether he meant to or not. The curator of the gallery. Copernia Vau, introduces herself to the small gnome. She offers him, and his friend Krios, a tour of the gallery. The trio goes through the adjoining restoration room where artifacts are cleaned
Raven:
The High Strategos receives the compliments extremely well, his face brightening as he listens.
As Raven begins to ask her question, however, his attitude shifts in the extreme. His face sours, and he grunts out an angry response.
With that, he abruptly turns face and walks away, disappearing into the crowd. Cassi:
The Countess looks at Cass warily, her eyes sizing her up as she approaches. The immediate compliments, however, seem to soften her up a bit, and she does respond well to the conversation.
"You flatter me. Rightfully so, but flatter me nonetheless. This meeting? I enjoy it. I am eager to cast my support for Eutropia's platform. The old rule needs to be taken down, there is not a single reason a woman cannot rule as well as a man." The conversation doesn't progress much further beyond that, as she moves on to other peoples' attention. Lady Gloriana notices Cass before she starts talking again, and smiles warmly as she moves up. "Well, truth be told, I am quite aware that you are working for a benefactor, and I very much approve of your cause. Perhaps, after Eutropia speaks, which should be happening any moment now, I could introduce you to her. Come, I see people gathering for her speech now."
Henrika:
Henrika easily palms the other two items, completing her mission nearly effortlessly. Regardless of her plans to return the items, that would have to wait. Everyone:
A crowd growing in both size and volume alerts the group that something important may be happening in the courtyard, and various snippets of conversations do indeed point to something about to begin. By the time the entire group arrives, a few dozen nobles have gathered around the newly arrived Princess. Lady Gloriana loudly clinks her glass and declares that Princess Eutropia would like to address the gathering. With the announcement, the crowd gives Eutropia some space, and Gloriana helps the princess climb onto the garden’s stone railing to be seen and heard above the throngs.
"“My friends, colleagues, and assorted enemies, it is wonderful to see you all out in your finery beneath the beautiful stars tonight. With any luck, the weather will be the only thing that refuses to change this evening." “We have all gathered here tonight to honor Master Kalbio of Breezy Creek, a master artisan and true patriot, for his exquisite skill and service to our glorious empire. Master Kalbio demonstrates so eloquently that a heart may be noble regardless of the stature of one’s birth, and while it may be premature, I hope to be the first to congratulate you, sir, on the exaltation you will see tonight and welcome you into the ranks of Taldor’s long-lived aristocracy."
Gilfroy and Krios:
With the wine task completed, and quite easily might I add, you find it just as easy to walk out of the kitchen, with no one accosting you or even looking your direction.
As Krios flaunts his knowledge of some small object or the like, a guest comments on the history of the crossbow resting in one case. She states that the crossbow Dignity’s Barb, a famed weapon of the Seventh Army of Exploration, was displayed in the case centuries ago, but it was lost and replaced with a reproduction. The guest goes on to detail the crossbow’s history as a weapon that gloriously slew a raving Kellid warlord.
Raven:
Your poor reception earlier notwithstanding, the Baron notices your approach and takes you into consideration for a second before replying.
”As a matter of fact, young lass, I think honor and loyalty are the two most important virtues any military should hold in high regards in their day to day operations. You have a smart mind, young lady, perhaps they should’ve listened to your words more carefully earlier.” he replies, winking mischievously at the small slight. Henrika:
Luckily for you, no one even gets close to noticing you pick up the ornate silver dagger on display here, and you even manage to snag the family journal as well! Unfortunately you don’t think you have time to open it and peruse its contents out in the open here, and you also know you need one more item to complete the task Lady Martello assigned you.
Your hand off to your cohort works perfectly, and no one sees it thanks to the distraction caused by the rumbling of art work set up by your companions inside the Gallery itself. Cassiopeia: As you approach, the Duke is outwardly suspicious, wondering what someone could want from him. As soon as you mention his crafted wheelchair however, his guard drops and you can tell he is intensely interested in discussing it with you. He goes off into a whole rant about how he had to go to great lengths to acquire the pieces and metals needed for the chair. This goes on for nearly twenty minutes as he carries on about the Dwarven import chain necessary to get all of the material for his chair, as well as how the cold winter almost rendered the entire process moot to begin with. After the story, someone else pulls his attention away to ask him a question about his land, but you can tell you have made an impact by being so interested in his chair.
Cass:
Just cleaning up a few things here. Your attempt to influence her wildly impresses her, and you notice even after you finish talking that her eyes are kept on you as you continue throughout the galla. You feel you haven't quite achieved her full trust, but another conversation or so should do the trick nicely. Perdita:
Your looking around for information on the Earl's whereabouts are enough to point out that he is in the Arcade of Triumphs, relishing over the attention he is receiving from his donations to said Arcade.
His donation consists of an elaborate silk fan and eye glass with certain historical significance, a journal that belonged to Earl Vernisant’s great grandfather and details his extensive genealogical work to connect their family line to the heroic Arnisant legacy, as well as a buckler and silver dagger that the Earl proclaims to have been used to slay the vampire Malageur. As far as the Baron and the Duke, the Baron is known as a kind and stern leader of his people. He has little time for pomp and circumstance, instead usually secluding himself in the noble courts of the senate building to debate with aspiring nobles on the importance of law. The Duke, on the other hand, is much more caring in his attitude and demeanor, as he lost the use of both of his legs in a riding accident and is now forced to use a wheelchair to get around. Not that that stops him from being just as respected as before, of course. Unusually, however, he has refrained from hiring a divine caster to heal his wounds, despite his contemporaries insisting he do otherwise. Henrika:
Maxillar Pythareus is the commander-in-chief of the Taldan army, and nearly everyone in Taldor recognizes him as the right hand man of the Grand Prince himself. The high strategos is direct and confidant, ignoring any fluff or niceties and gets directly to the point on most issues, a trait the Grand Prince finds invaluable.
As far as the Arcade of Triumphs is concerned, the main person of interest to keep in mind (beyond the high strategos) is Copernia Vau, the senate's curator of antiquities. She knows much about any of the items in the Arcade, and offers a nice tour to any who express sufficient interest in any of the items inside the gallery.
Raven:
Unfortunately, your attempt to take part in any of the debates or conversations fails to make any significant impact on the groups view of you, but you seem to barely manage to hold your own, not decreasing their opinion of you either. Lucky you! Krios and Gilfroy: Luckily for the two of you , gathering your pool of expertise and knowledge seems to have been the correct choice, as you do manage locate the correct bottle in the sea of other affluent drinks, right before you almost decided it was hopeless. And to top it all off, as Krios is more than confident on the actual tampering part, as he cleanly administers the sabotage, without even breaking the seal. Job complete!
Cassiopeia:
Gloriana's eyes widen ever so slightly when you mention the society, and she stares back at Cass for just a tad bit too long before speaking. "Greetings, Countess. It's good to meet other supporters, especially here of all places." She looks off into the distance for a second before continuing.
Krios and Fezziwig:
The staff in the kitchen are quite shocked by the two of you bursting in so suddenly, but are quickly turned to your side by the performance of the smaller artists' antics.
The head cook, Alexander, stutters out a few short lines before moving to the side and waving a hand towards the rest of the kitchen. "C-carry on..." he mutters weakly, before leaving you to your business. Another halfling cook from the rest of the staff walks up to Krios meekly, and offers him two vials, which he explains should slow the onset of any poisons or other effects you may encounter in such a place.
As soon as Kathann is done with your..."inspection", she waves you through the gates into the senate, and you are awed by the amount of people you find inside. Here's a few helpful locations and a handful of the people you can find there. Social Rounds:
So the way this works is you get social rounds in between specific timed events. At this point you can attempt a check to either influence an area, where you spend time mingling in that specific area, and given enough success, can gain a benefit from that area.
Or you can attempt to influence a specific NPC in that area. When you do this, you can either choose a discovery check, to learn a weakness of the specific person that you can use when influencing them, gaining a lofty bonus with future influence checks. Or you can choose to influence said person of interest, in an attempt to gain that person's favor. Gaining a specific NPC's favor has all sorts of benefits, immediate and future. Area A1, Arcade of Triumphs:
Description:This entry gallery celebrates Taldor’s abundant military and political glories. Banners and trophies line the halls of the arcade, some displayed openly while others rest behind intricate glass cases, while armor stands and display cases present countless artifacts belonging to great heroes and soldiers. A score of Taldan Phalanx troops stand at attention, acting as both ceremonial honor guards for the senate and guides to some of the military assets on display.
NPCs present: High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus. Influence skills: Appraise, Knowledge (history or nobility), Perception, Spellcraft, or Use Magic Device. Area A2, Courtyard (Senate Exterior):
Description:Breathtaking gardens surround the senate building. Catered patios segregated by short iron fences, coordinated military displays, and even a makeshift zoo of imported animals and magical beasts fill the few open spaces here, even including a small hive of bees busily pollinating the exotic flowers and making the honey used by the senate kitchens. Many of the senior nobles enjoy the breaks between ceremonies in this open space.
NPCs present: Lady Gloriana Morilla and Princess Eutropia. Influence skills: Handle Animal, Knowledge (engineering, local, or nature), or Perform (keyboard, percussion, sing, string, or wind). Area A3, Emperor's Hall:
Description: This gathering space before the senate chamber is set aside as the property of the emperor, and features countless statues and portraits of previous grand princes. While formally these chambers are for the use of the emperor, no grand prince has ever maintained an office within the senate building, and the space is understood to be public meeting rooms by silent agreement. The Emperor’s Hall sees rotating use throughout the night for various backroom deals, and serves as a private space where the PCs can meet quietly.
NPCs present: None Influence skills: None Area A4, Gallery:
Description: The second floor of the senate building (not shown on the Senate of Taldor map) acts as an observation deck to the events of the main floor, with offices for various senators lining the outer walls. This area of winding passageways is typically open to noble observers and senatorial aides. Much of the gallery is dedicated to entertaining the children of various nobles, with extravagant performances occurring throughout the upper balconies of the senate building.
NPCs present: Countess Abrielle Pace and Wyssilka
Influence Skills: Acrobatics, Disguise, Perform (act, comedy, or dance), or Sleight of Hand. Area A5, Imperial Archives:
Description: The Imperial Archives could have been Golarion’s greatest collection of transcribed knowledge, had any care been invested into its upkeep. Centuries of redirected funding and senate-sanctioned pruning of “sensitive information” has ruined the once immaculate reputation of the archives. This vast library now acts as a repository of haphazardly curated books, senate minutes, and genealogy records left open to the scrutiny of uncaring nobles. During the Grand Day of Exaltation, a host of rising aristocrats and aspiring courtiers here tout their knowledge of Taldan history.
NPCs present: Duke Leonard Centimus Influence skills: Knowledge (arcana, geography, or history), Linguistics, Profession (librarian or scribe), or Stealth. Area A6, Senate Floor:
Description: Normally closed to non-senators, the vast, circular senate floor is open to special guests during the Grand Day of Exaltation, and myriad would-be nobles take the opportunity to duck in and live out a few moments of power fantasy, issuing mock legislation or engaging in lively debates.
NPCs present: Baron Nicolaus Okerra and Kalbio from Breezy Creek. Influence skills: Bluff, Knowledge (local, nobility, or religion), Perform (oratory), Profession (clerk or barrister), or Sense Motive. Area A7, Servant Area: Description: While several hidden corridors crisscross the senate building, allowing servants to come and go without disturbing the assembled politicians, this area houses most of the storerooms, workshops, and kitchens where the building’s small army of servants bustle around to maintain the facade of opulence. Even this area, never meant for noble eyes, is of exceptional quality, though the gilt has worn thin on most corners, and here and there cheap repairs mar artistic furniture.
NPCs present: None Influence skills: Craft (alchemy, carpentry, jewelry, sculpture, or stonemasonry), Heal, Intimidate, Profession (baker, butcher, cook, innkeeper, or porter), or Sense Motive.
Okay so I'm going to outlay the entire senate for you, as well as provide a list of all of the figures of import that will be available to be talked to/influenced. I'll get that together and then you can tell me where you'd like to spend your time in the senate before certain events happen. Gimme a bit and I'll have the senate description up for you guys.
The inspector moves past Gilfroy, Cassiopeia, Perdita, and Henrika rather quickly, but takes an extra few moments on both Krios and Raven. She takes a long glance at these two, her hands reaching out to touch the three vials that she had taken the time and care to disguise so patiently.
Without offering explanation or allowing a response, she quickly moves on to Krios.
"Wouldn't want our common friend to be so easily disappointed with her new friends, right? On you go, then, hurry up. To the front of the line with you. And thank you for your cooperation."
As you finish any final preparations and plannings you may need to do, and finally make your way over to the entrance to the senate, you notice that a line has formed. It stretches out from the doors of the senate, full of all manner of visitor. Merchants, senators, the works. And topping it all off, there is a checkpoint at the entrance, checking for any unaccounted for weapons or other contraband. During this entire time, the group is nearly constantly accosted by dozens of eager merchants attempt to sell a variety of wares to the you and other staffers—mostly novelty Taldan flags and phony pieces of historical memorabilia.
After nearly an hour in line, a Vuldrani looking woman in more armor than is allowed inside the senate walks out between the doors, and catches your eyes. Walking up to you with a handful of guards, she motions towards the group, and demands that you follow her over to the base of the walls for a random inspection. "Come on, over here. Don't make too much of a fuss, just group up over here by the wall." "I'm Kathann, and I'll be your inspector today. Do you have any weapons or other items I need to be aware of before we start?"
Perditas: The main two strongest opposer to Eutropia’s vote is your own cousin, Earl Calhadion Vernisant himself. He strongly detests any and all people who support Eutropia’s claim to the throne, and has made this fact quite publicly clear. In order to discredit him, you’ll likely have to find or create some dirt on him first.
Lady Lotheed waves a hand somewhat dismissively. ”Martella, if you please. No need to be all formal here. There is a line, yes, and they have some sort of checkpoint set up. But fear not, I am sure it will be fine. The Senate badges will help you get through unaccosted.” Martella says, taking a sip of her drink before continuing. ”Well, if you’re ready to go, I’m sure the building has been opened by now, and the first arrivals have made their way in. Discuss whatever plans you have, quickly now, and then make your way to the Senate. I have other matters to attend to, of course, and will meet up with you after the gala. Fair well, and good luck!” With that, she stays around to answer any other specific questions for a few moments and then departs.
Marcella glances down at the cricket in her hand once more before looking back up at Raven, nodding subtly. ”Alright, you’ve convinced me. You can temporarily borrow one of the two I brought with me today.”
”Overall, tonight promises to be a historic evening, but an evening of work nonetheless. And in the sort of work you’re embarking upon, the line that divides success and failure is drawn by the people you know. You have your own tasks to accomplish, but I’m counting on you to support one another to ensure success and discretion. If you need assistance, kindly ask for it. If your assistance is required, give it. And if I’m to be blunt, I would like just once in my adult life to simply enjoy a gala I attend, rather than scamper about with clandestine busywork. If you all complete your work without need of me to clean anything up, I will happily double my promised fee.”
“I trust your activities won’t occupy your entire evening, so by all means, enjoy the party and make friends. This is an excellent opportunity for you to begin your own political ambitions, but do be discreet.“
"Speaking of mechanical devices, I have a handful of ones specifically for you." She pulls out a set of six small badges that seem to have a royal crests on them. "These are senate aide badges. Originally designed many years ago, these once belonged to the staff of the long-dead Senator Voritas. They allow the wearer of the main senate badge, me, to communicate with the bearers of the smaller ones at great ranges, as well as receiving messages back from those people." "The Taldan senate usually loans out these badges to newcomers in the senate, to easily identify them from the staff of actual Senators, so they won't look suspicious at all."
Lady Lotheed listens politely to each of you in turn, and you get the slight feeling that none of this is new information to you. When Raven mentions the cricket, she picks it up in her hands and looks down upon it with a sense of pride. "Oh, this? This is one of my many mechanical experiments. It muffles the sound of conversation from beyond a smaller circle, without bothering the members of that conversation." She flips it over several times, and reveals that it is made of gears and metal. "I am quite proud of it, as you can obviously tell, and they're quite hard to make. It would take some convincing for me to part with even one."
Luckily for the group, Lady Lotheed does eventually show up to the meeting. The appointed meeting place is right outside a small, smoky cafe a few blocks away from the senate building. "I'm sure you have introduced yourself briefly, but the rest can wait until we get inside. Come, come, let us go inside." Once inside the cafe, you see that the long, golden beams of the setting sun dance through the cafe’s smoky interior, highlighting breads, cheeses, and wine bottles behind the only counter. Martella sips casually from a steaming mug, dressed in an elegant but reserved gown—at least by Taldan standards. A hand-sized brass cricket buzzes quietly on the tabletop beside her. “I’m so pleased you could join me this evening,” she begins. “Please order whatever you like; the fig jam is particularly lovely here. And feel free to speak candidly. I’ve taken measures to ensure our privacy.” "Go on, finish those introductions. I have secured an invite for each of you for a specific reason. I am sure you are quick enough to know why."
Well, somewhat spoiler time, how it’s gonna go is something called ‘Social Combat rounds’. Your tasks will be accomplished during combat rounds, with some sort of rolls with bonuses based on what you say. It is nearly impossible to get inside the Senate before the party, and this is immediately apparent upon viewing the guards and other wards. Has everyone posted on the gameplay thread? Doesn’t feel like we have had all six members post yet.
Perditos:
The proprietor of Thread Rare, or at least the shopkeeper of the day, is a younger woman, obviously not of age yet but nonetheless quite excited to be working here among the nobility.
She eagerly nods when Perditos speaks, replying in perhaps a tad bit too rushed of a manner.
Taking the piece out and offering to help the lady put it around her neck, the shopkeeps' eyes widen in admiration at the piece.
Gilfroy:
An attendant is also readily available to help the young Fezziwig find the attire he requires, although Gilfroy's sharp eyes catch her glaring at his outfit choice in some manner of disbelief as what she believes to be a spoiled child picks out clothing befitting such a person.
To his face, however, she is nothing if not kind, encouraging and complimenting the little lord in his choice of both colors and shapes to pull the whole outfit together. Rules of the Senate:
The rule for the gala the day before the senate vote tomorrow are quite simple:
-Breastplates, ceremonial armor, and light armor may be worn inside the senate building, but no other armor is permitted for anyone except guards. -Potions, scrolls, spell component pouches, and wands are permitted inside the senate building, and in fact, many senators are themselves spellcasters. However, spellcasting is not permitted within the building without written approval (often issued to entertainers).] -Only light and one-handed weapons are allowed inside the senate building; ranged weapons and twohanded weapons are not allowed inside the building. All weapons brought into the senate building must be peace-bound—secured in a sheath with a length of decorative cord. Drawing a peace-bound weapon requires a full-round action. Guards do not need to peace-bind their weapons. -Animals are generally not permitted inside the senate building, excepting familiars and service animals. Animals larger than an average member of the senate guard are not permitted within the building under any circumstances. Cassiopeia:
As far as information gained with your checks, this is what you know:
Martella Lotheed: The wealthy Lotheed family has been a strong supporter of the Stavians for almost 100 years. They have a long family tradition of arcane magic, adding to their wealth and prestige. Martella is the black sheep of her family, being a result of an extramarital dalliance with a Qadiran diplomat. She lacks her family’s gift for magic as well, adding to their resentment. Despite her family’s disdain, Martella still commands some wealth and has extensive contacts, having attended the Sinora Academia, Taldor’s most exclusive girls’ school. Duke Leonard Centimus: An attending duke of Grand Duchess Cisera Tiberan of Tandak prefecture, Leonard Centimus is an intellectual and tinkerer whose head for systems makes him a good administrator, if a little awkward with people. With a round face and a few extra pounds, Leonard looks very different from the waifish ladies’ man he was 5 years ago. He takes great pride in tinkering with his wheelchair, revising its design and paying artisans to embellish it. Countes Abrielle Pace:A countess and member of the senate from the western borders of Taldor, Abrielle Pace seeks to advance by any means available. Only ridiculously gauche noble clothing and fine jewelry set Countess Pace apart from any other Taldan. Her face is usually in a smile, though it quickly turns to a sneer when she loses control of the conversation. She has short but well-kept brown hair locked back in a stylized bun. As for local rumors, you do catch a handful of interesting pieces of gossip being spread around town, but the two most important sounding or interesting to you are: "Ah, I got to see Mr. Smiles at Duke Talbot’s reception this wee —the one where Baronet Jivarus got into a row with the servant—and that jester is delightful. Whimsical and biting all at once, and such grace. A tad off-putting, though." "High Strategos Pythareus is back in the capital. I guess that means the marriage between him and the princess is back on. He’s so handsome; he’ll make a lovely emperor.” Raven: As far as the Baron goes, you know that A noble and hero in the county of Meratt, Baron Okerra is as equally renowned for his good looks as he is for his combat skills. This handsome bear of a man stands a head taller than the crowd, and while starting to show his age with flecks of white in his black hair and beard, he retains a youthful smile and gentle eyes.
As for hiding poison inside of a potion or perfume vial, it is certainly allowed to bring in potions into the senate, as stated in the rules above. Whether or not you can manage to sneak it past anyone who may be looking is an entirely different problem.
The day has finally arrived. The Grand Day of Exaltation, one of the most important events that go on in the grand city of Oppara, capital of the empire of Taldor. However you managed to attract Lady Martella Lotheeds' attention, you now stand in the capital, all of you with a specific individual mission that will deal with certain high class elements at the Exaltation. But more on that later. Before heading out to the event, Lady Martella has made sure to provide each of you with a small line of credit at her favorite tailor shop, Thread Rare. It is just enough to cover a new courtier's outfit, or you can upgrade it to a fresh noble's outfit with an extra 45 gold pieces. Regardless of which you choose, Martella has provided you with explicit instructions to join up in front of the senate building an hour before the event starts, in order to meet up with the other members of your party. Before that, you have the entire morning to prepare yourself for the meeting.
Countess Cassiopeia:
Dear Lovely Cassiopeia,
Your attitude inspires many of us here in the higher echelons of Taldan society. We need more of that nowadays, and it's in that capacity that I am offering you a very lavish opportunity. You are hereby cordially invited to the Grand Day of Exaltation, and you'll find your paper invitation inside of this letter. The real reason I wrote this to you, however, is more slightly more unsightly. I need your help. Or rather, I trust you to be able to perform a specific task. I am sure you are familiar with Princess Eutropia and her attempt to undo the archaic laws that are holding this grand nation back. I am most confidant that she has the votes necessary to accomplish her goal, but I do hate loose ends. What I need you to do is uncovering the true dedication of two senators: Duke Centimus and Countess Abrielle Pace. It is unknown which way they will vote, and I need you to find out what position they hold, and why. In exchange for completing this task, I will procure 150 gold pieces for you the following day, and of course you must account for the wonderful opportunity to attend such an event in the first place. Respectfully yours,
Gilfroy:
Dear Elusive Gilfroy,
Your work as both a wonderful painter and also a discreet illusionist is incredibly valuable to me, as you already know. And it is under such circumstances that I'd like to provide you your most lucrative opportunity to date.
But as with all things that go on in the grand capital of Taldor, I have secondary goals with this invitation. I need someone to keep tabs on political rivals and update her if they change their tactics, most notably High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus. This agent must stay close to the military commander, watching for unusual behavior or listening for snippets of conversation, and warn me if he takes any unusual actions, all while remaining unobtrusive. I am more than sure you are easily capable of completing this task, as you have all the other ones before this, and will be providing the typical 150 gold piece rate, as well as the glorious opportunity to attend such a prestigious event. Respectfully yours as always,
Henrika Karthis:
Dear Delightful Henrika,
Your unique talents and incredible upbringing has brought you to my attention, and I'm reaching out to extend an incredible opportunity. I am quite sure that you will be quite interested in attending, and perhaps doing a bit of work for me.
What I need you to do is good for someone with your specific talents. To further undermine the influence of the recently disgraced Earl Calhadion Vernisant, I would like to see some of the historical artifacts that the earl donated to the senate vanish from the Arcade of Triumphs before it is unveiled prior to the evening’s vote. You are free to keep the item; I wish only for its disappearance to further embarrass Earl Vernisant and his allies. The artifacts likely aren’t secured; the senate assumes anyone sophisticated enough to attended this crowded gala would never dream of stealing anything on public display. Just a handful of items from the Arcade. In exchange for completing this task, I shall provide 150 gold pieces and obviously the event itself is worthy of your time. Respectfully yours,
Krios:
Dear Loyal Krios,
You have made splashes in your recent years of arrival in Oppara, growing your support base with every move. I'd like to extend a generous offer to help you achieve this goal even more. You are hereby cordially invited to the Grand Day of Exaltation, and you'll find your paper invitation inside of this letter. But beyond just attending, I need you to perform a service for me as well. I would like to exact some retribution against her more annoying half-brothers, who have contributed a large bottle of rare, 150-year-old red wine from family holdings in the Opparos province, now held in the senate’s kitchens. I will provide a single syringe filled with a putrefying agent to render the wine embarrassingly undrinkable but I must warn you not to steal the bottle and to conceal any signs of tampering; it must be drunk at dinner and appear to be of terrible quality or—even more scandalously—a forgery. This task should be relatively easy, and should you accomplish it, I shall reward you with 150 gold pieces. And of course the wondewrful opportunity to attend the event in the first place. Respectfully yours,
Raven:
Dear Mystifying Raven,
Your moves to make your way closer to Princess Eutropia hava not gone unnoticed, and as an ally of the Princess, I would love to extend you a wonderful opportunity. You are hereby cordially invited to the Grand Day of Exaltation, and you'll find your paper invitation inside of this letter. Of course, with everything else that happens in the capital, I expect you understand I have other specific goals in inviting you to the event today.
This task should not be too hard to accomplish, and I believe you to be more than capable of doing so. Should you, I shall provide you with 150 gold pieces, and of course the invitation itself is plenty a reward to begin with. Respectfully yours,
Perditas: Dear Heavenly Perditas,
Your otherworldly heritage attracted my attention from the moment I discovered you, and I would like to offer you a chance to earn back a bit of the damage that disgrace your family suffered. You are hereby cordially invited to the Grand Day of Exaltation, and you'll find your paper invitation inside of this letter. And of course, like everything that goes on in the capital, I have other reasons for inviting you, and a mission for you. I need you to discredit a few prominent senators backing primogeniture—not necessarily to sway their votes, but to undercut their influence after the vote. You can identify them quite easily, and I am sure you will find a way to do the job just as easily. If you manage to complete the tasks successfully, I will provide you with 150 gold pieces, and of course the opportunity to introduce yourself to the scene as well. Respectfully yours,
|
