Group RP:
"A lady is in trouble," the Snow Princess says to Constantine, after halting their dance suddenly. "Shall we help her?" she quickly asks, with significantly less playfulness in her voice.[/b]
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Group RP: "Foreign," the lady replies. "I have yet to see a natural-born Lady of the Empire wear shoes like hers successfully."
"Do tell me, what has she been seeking thus far? Did she share her butterfly reasoning with you earlier?" she asks, while watching the lady and her prey interact.
Group RP: "You have guessed by intent completely," the lady replies as she dances with Constantine. A moment later, she seems to spy something she is looking for, over his shoulder. "That quest has led me to her," she explains, indicating the woman with the jade-painted nails. "Which, in turn, has led me to you. Might I ask about her?"
Group RP: The Painted Knight encounters a lady dressed in a fine ice-blue gown. Her mask has the appearance of fine ice crystals on a white cloth, and her pale-skinned face is framed by lively blonde ringlet curls.
"You appear to be a center of attention this evening," the snowy lady greets him. "Are you searching for someone?"
"It has been a pleasure to observe such people and to play through the mysteries of the evening. However i must remember to attend as something a tad bigger...ouch." "Your choice of costume was both clever and appropriate. Your willingness to forego the party games in favor of assisting with the music is admirable," the hostess replies. "I admit, I was quite puzzled when I learned of the contraption which you requested, and I am glad to have enjoyed the result. Farewell, my Winged Marquis."
"Your Highness, I say wholeheartedly that this was one of the finest parties I have attended in my life. My compliments to your staff. The music was a particular highlight." "In your life?" she replies, smiling as he kisses her hand. "With such an accolade from a Grand Prince, I am confident for my future at court. Thank you so much for coming, my Prince."
"Thank you for allowing me to come, my lady." With that, she departs as well. "Thank you dearly for coming, fellow lady of winter. Farewell."
"I thank you, also, gracious hostess, for granting me the allowance to bring such an odious caricature into such an elegant hall. I hope that I provided sufficient entertainment to make up for any offense that I caused to anyone's sensibilities." "Your portrayal of our desert-dwelling neighbors to the south was a highlight of the evening, in fact," the hostess replies. "The Satrapy of Qadira is a very real threat to the Empire, though it is one we have grown overly accustomed to. Taldor could use a threat to rally behind, and I thank you for reminding us of the intentions of many who masquerade as simple merchants," she explains, visibly grateful for her performance. "Farewell, Marquise."
"Should you ever find yourself in the area of Nirmathas or Molthune, please call upon Fangwood Keep and ask for the Viscount Quimby DuCharn. I will be happy to repay the hospitality shown here a hundredfold." He gallantly goes to kiss the Snow Princess' hand. "Until we meet again." "Fangwood Keep? That sounds lovely," the Snow Princess says before he kisses her hand. "I will warn you. My visit would likely be with short notice. It is a habit I am quickly developing," she says, along with a playful clicking-together of her heels of her shoes. "Farewell, Viscount."
"The chair?" the hostess quietly asks herself, as masked servants help the Twins by Proxy with their winter coats. "Those doubly-damned Chelish. I certainly hope that a bit of magic will fix whatever has happened," she thinks to herself. The lady then takes a moment to consider something. "Doubly-Damned... How fitting..." "Farewell, my friends, the Doubly-Damned Duke and Duchess," she calls with a smile.
The hostess adds a gentle laugh to the Midnight Samurai's point about Andoran ideals. "If that fire could be brought under control, and used for a cause rather than for personal gain, the demons would in great danger." She finishes her drink and smiles to her gathered guests. "It makes me so happy to have all of you here. I have not had the opportunity to spend much time at the Grand Lodge in the months since the discovery of the Sky Citadel, and I feared that I was growing out of touch. I am glad that my fear was ungrounded. Though I might not be seen in the field, there may be another tale for the Chronicles from my hand soon enough."
"My wit is at your service, my..." she replies, her curtsey adding to the effect. "My Presumptive Prince." Her face takes on a playful grin, in fitting with the gifts she has been bestowing upon her guests. She then turns to the former Carpenter upon rising. "Your own name lends quite well to my gift to you, Theodric de LaMountebank." "And for the lady of the hour," she approaches the Masked Cat. "Yours is actually the simplest-sounding. I will call you the Cleverest Cat."
"I am glad that you are confident in your ability to bolster your own reputation," the hostess replies, taking on a playful smile. "Be careful, though. I may feel compelled to bestow a greater challenge upon you. Baron de Bluster, perhaps?" The smiles continue as she turns to the Frost Witch and the Merchant of Sands. "For you," she says to the Witch. "The way you are standing, with the safety of the wall behind you... Lady Wallflower, I believe." "And as for our humble merchant," she continues, her voice playfully dripping with sarcasm with the word 'humble.' "You have done such an excellent job with your caricature..." she considers her name for a moment. "Marquise de Melodrama."
As the Kuthona Rat considers the Midnight Samurai's proposal, the Snow Princess breaks the silence. "That is a generous offer. I agree that, with a few adjustments, the two of you would make a lovely pair," she says to them. "I have it now," she adds after a short pause. "Milord Samurai, I believe I shall call you..." she closes her fan and puts the tip to her chin, playfully drawing out anticipation. "Lord Valourous, I believe." She then addresses the Kuthona Rat. "And for your willingness to throw yourself upon your sword in the name of your idealist plan for peace..." she tilts her head and squints behind her mask of ice and snow. "I will call you Baron de Fatale." In Taldan society, reputation is as valuable as currency. A title of honor can lift a man from the sewers of Cassomir to the Westpark district of Oppara, while an aura of ridicule can follow a man permanently, sending him to his grave weeping. All who were his peers fondly remember Richard de Poira, the Clever Chevalier, while one would be hard-pressed to uncover the Marquis de Stumblebum's birth name. The hostess has given two of her guests a name which can become either their most beneficial boon or their most terrible curse. It is up to the recipients to embrace or disown them as they craft their reputations.
Stavian steps to the Snow Princess, whispering. "Perhaps the rat could use the help of a physician?" "That would appear to be the case," the Snow Princess replies. "However, the difficulty lies in whether he wishes to be helped. If it were obvious, I would have sent for His Holiness hours ago."
"...do not overlook the talents of your Princess Eutropia. Do not overlook her as future leader just because you have never had a queen before." "Fortunately," the hostess responds. "I do not believe that the Princess is in any danger of being overlooked. If she is finest successor to the throne, she will express her desire and ability to rule in time. If a different solution to the problem of succession presents itself, it will also be carefully considered by Taldan society. At this time, I do not see any conflict, as there is only one path before us. Unless a finer ruler than the Princess is revealed, she is our only choice after all." "Thus, as time passes, it is obviously in her best interest to present a public face and build our confidence in her. The less anxious we are over her ascension, the smoother the transition will be."
The Samurai gives a helpless shrug at the Snow Princess' question. "The Rat spoke true, and struck a chord - the greater glory in this game certainly stood in cooperation. It would have been a masterful display, the sort of round that would have been storied, particularly as an omen of what could come. I chose to stand against the Cat in order to see whether the game might be prolonged for Master Rat's vision..." There is a faint glimmer of disappointment from behind the hostess's mask of ice and snow. She seems to be considering the Samurai as he explains his reasoning. He drains the rest of the glass of wine in his hand. "However, the game is over now. All glory has gone where it need go for the evening, and the evening is yet young. Shall we?" He puts on a rakish smile and offers his arm to dance. The gesture is obviously quite appreciated by the Snow Princess, as evidenced by her smile. She takes a moment to draw from her own glass and hand it to a passing masked servant before accepting the Samurai's arm.
"An excellent victory, Masked Cat," the hostess announces with approval, having excused herself from her dance partner. She then walks past the former Carpenter and approaches the Midnight Samurai. She is handed a glass of wine which she tastes before she speaks to him. "You were on the precipice of victory," she says in greeting. "A play of the Princess or the Thief would have placed you alongside the Cat, but you chose the figurative way of peace instead. And I am left puzzled regarding why." "There is more to you than meets my gaze," she continues after another sip of wine, her posture indicating that she would rather dispense with the glass and dance. "I wonder what to call you after this evening."
"In addition," the Snow Princess speaks. "A bit of competition among friends is a benefit to all involved. Everyone is motivated to keep their minds sharp, so we all make for fine allies in the future, when the stakes are higher than what I have in mind this evening."
The hostess considers the Masked Cat's question for a moment. "The Decemvirate possesses the power of a nation," she says. "But their agenda is more hidden than the agenda of any nation." "Perhaps that is what is truly needed. If the Decemvirate truly wishes to involve the Pathfinder Society in the Worldwound, then their agenda in the Worldwound needs to be unmasked." She looks to the Midnight Samurai. "I also trust that the Ten possess the ability to guide the Society to a solution to the Worldwound. What we cannot be certain of is whether they will."
"I believe we had collectively arrived upon a plan of action regarding the Worldwound," the Snow Princess comments between dances. "The Decemvirate can grant the armies of the Empire use of the Hao Jin Tapestry for transportation and for supplying them, thus eliminating many of the harsh consequences of such an expedition." She gently taps her closed ladies' fan as she speaks, in rhythm to the points she makes. "Though we can pledge to do what we can, in this case it is on the Decemvirate to decide whether the Pathfinder Society is a genuine ally of Mendev. As you have mentioned, actions speak louder than words."
The Snow Princess snaps her fan closed, creating a single discordant note from the sound of metal sliding against metal as she purposefully watches the Carpenter tear up his card, unmask himself, and reply to the Midnight Samurai's clever remark. A moment later, she turns to the Kuthona Rat. "What you have proposed will require a great deal of unity and trust. I look forward to seeing how it all works out," she says to him, before signalling the Master of Games to continue.
"Oh dear," the hostess says in reaction, concealing her expression with her fan for a moment. She then returns her attention to her dance, wondering just how the Kuthona Rat's proposal will turn out.
"I am sorry that I did not possess just what you were looking for, friend Cat," the hostess says. "Although, I am finding the chaos of mistaken memories quite entertaining."
"There is a card I have not seen for some time, and I think our gracious hostess may have been holding it for me until I needed it. Is it permissible to play the Lion Blade on you, Snow Princess, or must it be played on one of the active participants?" The Snow Princess smiles at the Masked Cat's request. "Tonight, I welcome your spying, my friend Cat," she replies.
"Pity them all for they are not of Taldor!" adds The Carpenter, resuming his male human form. "As was discussed at length earlier," the hostess says, upon receiving a free moment. "The Empire can stand to gain from the proper carefully-chosen relations with our neighbors. I wonder if Galt is nearly ripe for being courted. With the right leadership, they would make an excellent vassal state."
"Sir Rat, you may enjoy the company of the lady of the North," the Samurai says with a deep bow. "I, for one, must, I believe, return to our hostess... for I feel that may be my most winning move." The hostess offers a graceful curtsey in acceptance of the Midnight Samurai's request. Her departure from the Corsair's company was quite a bit different, as the two of them seemed to interact as though they were quite familiar with each other. "A winning move..." she says as they dance. "Have you already found a path toward claiming the lead?" she asks, gesturing to the Samurai's four songbird feathers. At an appropriate moment in their dance, the Snow Princess retrieves her white ladies' fan from a loop about her waist. She slowly unfolds it while hiding her expression from the Samurai's view, revealing the card kept wedged between one of the sticks and the cloth of her fan.
"And I must return the compliments - your home and company are quite the treats. Perhaps one day I might return the favor and you might visit my keep." His eyes twinkle behind the mask. The lady smiles. "I would certainly enjoy that, given that this keep is not too inaccessible, of course," she says, just in time for her to curtsey and turn away from him in anticipation of the changing of partners.
The Snow Princess appears to be enjoying her dance with the Midnight Samurai. "A Pathfinder with knowledge of the finer things is a rare acquaintance. My compliments to you, Lord Samurai," she says to him when they have a free moment. "You have made me incredibly curious about the identity under that mask."
He walks over to the Snow Princess, setting his depopulated tray of drinks down along the way, and bows low. "Well, milady, it seems I should be the first to thank you for your hospitality and ask for the pleasure of the dance." The hostess demonstrates impeccable poise as she curtseys. "It is a pleasure I would be glad to share," she replies. A moment later, a masked servant approaches the two of them, holding a silver tray with two envelopes on it. Inside the envelopes are cards the size of Harrow cards. The Samurai's card depicts a Thief, while the card in the Snow Princess's envelope depicts a Priestess. "Though I am not a player this evening," the Snow Princess says, while she shows her card to those in the game. "It seems that I have a role to play." She secures the card between the sticks of her white ladies' fan before she offers her arm to the Midnight Samurai. Once she begins to dance, her movements are precise and graceful, demonstrating an excellent sense of balance.
The Snow Princess lets out a gentle laugh when she comes to a certain realization after examining the area. "I do not believe that thievery will be a problem," she says, before looking up at the Drake. "With that vantage point, any mischief would have to be overlooked by our maestro." "I am grateful for the magical assistance, though. It is a comfort to know that my friends will come to my defense."
"A invisible thief?" the Princess repeats. She glances about the room, seeming to instinctively reach for her mask to adjust it as if it were a pair of eyeglasses. Failing that, she gently nudges her mask into place. "This thief, wherever he is, has a terrible sense of timing, in addition to a terrible sense of manners. Although, after the discovery of a secret spirits shelf earlier, I would not be entirely surprised if you were pinched by another sort of spirit."
The hostess replies with a smile. "I would like that very much," she says, before glancing over to the Master of Games. "It appears that we are just about ready to begin. I wonder just what the nature of my own role will be in this game."
"You are quite welcome," the Snow Princess says. "The previous owner had maintained such lovely grounds that when she left, I felt compelled to continue this artistic masterpiece. As for the music, I believe I will be venturing to the floor rather soon. Will you as well?" she asks, before taking on a playful tone. "And what about you, Your Majesty? Lord Samurai?" she adds, placing the two men in the costumes of Stavian III and the Midnight Samurai on the spot.
The female Twin picks up again. "Exactly, my brother! Which is why the vassal states should do the dying, while Taldor claims the glory for leading them." The Snow Princess lets out a gentle laugh. "I am afraid that we will have to progress one step at a time. It is my understanding that the Andorens require dramatic demonstrations of prowess before they can be compelled to do anything," she explains, her white fan fluttering as she travels through her thoughts. "The common folk have to be won over, a task which requires a different method than a pointed argument to a particular leader. I imagine that they will want to lead themselves into the battle at first, once they are convinced," she muses, considering a thought for a moment. "The Empire's leadership would be what they adhere to once Taldor shows them how to bypass the struggles they would face alone. I wonder what sort of emotional display would best draw them in..." she wonders, just as the Frost Witch greets her. "Greetings to you, noble lady and lord." "Welcome, noble witch of the north," the hostess replies, before gesturing to the ethereal snowflakes which have been conjured above her. "I see the eternal winter of Irrisen has followed you all the way here."
The Snow Princess blushes at the attention brought upon her by the Midnight Samurai. Her white fan flutters a hint more rapidly than the calm pace she had adopted for the duration of the evening. "Your compliments are too kind," she says, managing a smile. "It warms my heart to see such friendship among you, my guests and comrades. Friendship... and intellect as well. I believe that between all of us here tonight, if we put our best efforts into it, we could solve any problem faced by the Society or the Empire." She looks up to the Winter Drake. "As our maestro has been urging, it is nearly time for the dance. I have something special in mind for this dance, though, a game of not only wit and deduction, but of dance as well."
"That sounds like a wonderful idea," the Snow Princess speaks in reply. "However, simply spreading reputations, as effective as it can be, does have a limit. A good reputation will not exactly speed any army's progress across the hostile territories between Taldor and Mendev. We would need something more tangible to assist this army as well." She seems to think for a moment, the gentle waving of her fan adding to the sight. "Oh, yes," she resumes, having found the idea she was looking for. "The Pathfinders make heavy use of the Hao Jin Tapestry to move themselves back and forth from Absalom. It could be used to move this army as well! That would greatly reduce the provisions required to support this army on its way to the Worldwound, as well as make supplying them with arms simple as well!" The Princess smiles. "And if there are any problems at our southern border, the Qadirans would know that our army could be upon them within hours. Between the good reputation the Masked Cat wishes to promote and the Hao Jin Tapestry, our chances are greatly improved. The Society wants to solve the matter of the Worldwound, so they would be glad to make use of the Tapestry to that end, I would assume?"
The hostess considers both the Samurai's and the Twin's points for a moment. "It appears," she responds, gently waving her white ladies' fan as she speaks, "that the fundamental problem is one of victory. If Taldor emerges victorious from the Worldwound, then there are many benefits to success. If Taldor is defeated, then we will likely be invaded by a Satrap." She seems to search for a solution. "The benefits of success are uncertain, while the costs of failure are real. That is a powerful reason for Taldor to hold back. If only there were tangible benefits to be realized, or if there were a way to guarantee a lower cost. If Qadira were to participate alongside the Empire, or if Qadira were to be meaningfully punished for not participating, that would be lovely. Perhaps the Society could assist in this regard?"
Stavian watches her walk away, perhaps just a fraction of a moment past appropriate, but quickly collects himself, turning to the Midnight Samurai, with a chuckle, "My ... if Qadirans are this prone to giving up, perhaps I've been too timid with my military?" The hostess lets out a gentle laugh. "Though the scene is humorous, it leads me to consider a question. If Taldor were to commit its military to the Worldwound, would that not leave the south open to a Qadiran invasion?" she wonders. "How can we both be fully committed to the northern conflict while guaranteeing that the south will be unmolested?" She turns to the Midnight Samurai after he re-enters. "Noble protector of lord and land, what would be your response to this dilemma?" she asks.
, +3 if it's actually Fort.
Spend a ki for Stunning Fist, take +2 to hit/AC/Reflex, then charge: for plus a DC 22 Fort save. Then Vanish as a swift.
vs. Cone of Cold:
vs. Disjunction:
-Ring of Protection +4 is destroyed;
Before heading into the final area, Gabi will put up: images
Gabi will fly (Acrobatics 50) up and around the linnorn. Spend a ki for Stunning Fist, then attack defensively under Reveal Weakness, with flank... for ; DC 22 Fort save at -8. Opportunist if Morgrym hits:
Choose it for Osyluth's Guile.
For her turn, she will draw a scroll of Fly and use it.
Against breath:
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