The Ogon Fox wrote: The Fox looks into Tringelda's eyes and sees the suggestion there. He begins to smile as he thinks of how wonderful it would be...but then in his mind's eye he sees a flashing vision of the jorogumo! He cannot quite suppress the shudder that runs down his spine.
"I'm sorry, Tringelda...I have not yet entirely recovered from my experience in the East. I...I need some time."
"But, wait! Don't leave. Please, if you would simply sit with me for a while. Perhaps you could assist me with my composition?" he pleads.
The elf dame smiles lovingly and nods. Ja, my schöne Fox! I would be honored to assist in any way I can...
She moves behind the kitsune and begins to massage his tense shoulders and back...
The Ogon Fox wrote: The Fox quickly sets the organetto aside when he hears the voice of his Tringelda and springs up from his seat. "Do you like it? I am--" he starts to say, but is interrupted by the Dame's kiss. "I missed you, too," he says with a smile.
MJ, do you want to follow closely to how Artistry is outlined here (link)? If so, I think I would pick "Impressive Work" (DC 20) as the category I am trying to reach for this commissioned work. I can make that check (barely) by taking 10. And it would take...a week plus two days of work to complete. That's assuming the full 8-hour (non-adventuring) work day, etc. Also, I need to pay 12 gp and 5 sp for materials, etc. And then when it's complete that's supposed to earn a commission fee of 50 gp. All that sounds like pretty small stuff compared to the levels of wealth that 9th level characters are dealing with, but then it's not my goal to add a meaningful amount to my wealth--this is for story. =)
I am so sorry, Maestro! I didn't mean to interrupt your work! I just had to see you again, and tell you that I am glad you came back to Rome alive and in one piece! I had such terrible, um, what humans call nightmares, during my reverie these past few nights... Spider-ladies wrapping you up in their silken sheets, and... I cannot bare to speak of it! She kisses the Fox again, then removes herself from his arms.
But your work for His Imperial Majesty is more important right now than the silly lovesick ramblings of an elf dame like me! Hahaha! Please, continue... she adds, gazing fondly, seductively, at the Ogon Fox...
The beautiful Dame of Griffons finds the Ogon Fox in the courtyard garden of Palazzo D'Borja, sitting on a fountain basin edge and playing the beautiful opening chords of the processional march he is composing to fulfill the Emperor Sigismund's commission...
Oh, my dear Meister Fox, that is delightful. Is that the commission "your friend", Maestro Okumura, has composed for the Emperor? His Imperial Majesty will absolutely love it! I love it... It is so beautiful, so majestic... It is a musical expression of your noble spirit, my brave Meister Fox... I have been afraid for you, my love, ever since your departure to the East... I felt an oppressive premonition of doom and loss the morning you and your company departed for Marrakech... But Freya saw fit to deliver you safely back to my arms, as I prayed and made sacrifice for it!
She pounces upon Fox, passionately kissing him and embracing him...
Zagathoth wrote: forget about the drama and opt for the orcish booty call? Hmmm, I have heard the cries of ecstasy from Molly at night in the Palazzo...
Oh my! THREE dashing adventurers fighting over my affections? What is an elf woman with 18 Charisma to do!? ;)
Toshio Okumura wrote: A minute passes, and when he steps out from behind the screen, he is the Ogon Fox, no longer. Standing before the lovely elven Dame is none other than the great composer and organist, Toshio Okumura.
"Sie sehen jetzt vollständiger, Tringelda, wer ich bin. Du wusstest, dass der Ogon Fox ein Kitsune ist, und diese Form ist meine natürliche Form. Aber der Name, den ich in meiner menschlichen Gestalt trage, Toshio Okumura - das ist mein richtiger Name. Aber ich bitte dich, meine Dame, meine doppelte Identität geheim zu halten. Die anderen Kreuzfahrer wissen davon, aber sonst niemand."
** spoiler omitted **
Trigelda gazes wide-eyed, astonished, at Okumura, then her expression softens into endeared affection once more. She kisses him even more lingeringly on his human lips, then whispers softly into his ear: I promise you, Maestro Okumura--Ogon Fox...Your secret is safe with me, my dearest one...
The Ogon Fox wrote: Tringelda Dame der Greifen wrote: Tringelda embraces Ogon Fox as he relays his merciful sentiments regarding the striga's execution, smiling with adoration, and kisses him passionately...
I am so glad that you are a merciful hero, my dear Herr Fox! Our world needs more of your kind, Foxy!
Ogon Fox is surprised by Tringelda's kiss, but responds in kind...when the embrace ends, he suddenly remembers that he stands in the presence not only of his companions but the very Pope Eugenius, Holy Father of all Christendom! He casts his eyes downward, and you are sure he would be blushing if it were possible to see such a thing through all that red fox hair.
"Perhaps we can continue later, in private," he whispers delicately in the Dame's ear. He eyes her seriously, then, and says, "And there is something more I want to tell you about myself."
Fox is ready to reveal his dual identity to this elven lady of whom he is so fond... I am flattered and intrigued, my foxy dear... What can it be?
Tringelda embraces Ogon Fox as he relays his merciful sentiments regarding the striga's execution, smiling with adoration, and kisses him passionately on his fox-like mouth, which seems repulsive to Johann, and reminds Zagathoth of his many questions about interspecies fornication again!
I am so glad that you are a merciful hero, my dear Herr Fox! Our world needs more of your kind, Foxy!
The elf dame griffin rider gracefully dances a minuet to the colorful music that pours from the organetto, casting seductive glances at Ogon Fox...
Cardinal Lucius d'Borja wrote: [dice=Bluff]d20+14
Lucius doesn't look even mildly surprised at the turn the conversation has taken, although he does turn to the Dame.
"Perhaps you could omit this part of the tale, when you recount your travels to the Emperor, my lady?"
Of course, Your Grace! Only the details pertaining to the mission against the forces of the Devil shall be included in my report, with your blessing, Your Grace... Tringelda smiles charmingly at Cardinal Lucius, bowing her lovely head.
The Ogon Fox wrote: [dice=Winsomeness]1d20+13
"Fairest lady, how soon does your duty require your return?"
I am at leisure for a day or two, at least... The violet blush of her cheeks deepens as she looks away from from Ogon Fox and then back into his foxy eyes...
Johann Kaltgeboren wrote: uh oh! Johann does not have a magnetic personality
[dice=diplomacy]d20-2
"COME AWAY WITH ME TO THE BLACK FOREST!"
Giggling and putting her slender fingers over her smiling mouth, she replies, You flatter me, Mister Kaltgeboren! You are very sweet, but... my duties preclude any such adventures in the Black Forest in the near future, as much as I’d love to explore that realm in your company, brave sir!
The Ogon Fox wrote: "Is it His Majesty's request that Maestro Okumura work on the composition in residence at the Imperial court, or rather to send the composition from afar? I believe Toshio has intended to stay in Rome for some time," the Fox says to Dame Tringelda. "Although if you strove to persuade him otherwise, my lady, I am sure he would be very sorely pressed to refuse you," he adds with a smile. His Imperial Majesty would likely accept a composition delivered from afar, if gently persuaded... agrees the lovely elf ranger with a dazzling smile... It would be far more appropriate for Maestro Okumura to journey to the Imperial Court... But he is only a transient subject of His Imperial Majesty, being a visitor from Japan, and if he chooses to deliver the finished composition by messenger, rather than attend the Imperial Court in person, it should be of little consequence in the end... His Imperial Majesty would want to reward Maestro Okumura handsomely, of course, so some way of receiving compensation would need to be arranged... I’d be honored to facilitate that, my charming Mister Fox!
His Imperial Majesty desires a thrilling processional march or some water music for traveling down the Rhine...
I am here on behalf of His Imperial Majesty Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor, who requests a composition from Maestro Toshio Okumura! I understand you are friends with this most remarkable organist and composer, and that he is currently residing here as a guest of His Grace, the Cardinal D’Borja. Is this so?
Johann Kaltgeboren wrote: "I GOT THIS AMULET. IT IS QUITE WONDERFUL. I THINK I'LL HOLD ONTO IT. AS FOR WHAT WE DON'T WANT, MAYBE THOSE WHO DIDN'T GET A WONDERFUL ITEM SHOULD GET THE GOLD."
Johann at least will take himself out of any gold distribution from those rainbow room items
Her amethyst eyes sparkle as she looks at Johann’s magic amulet.
Interesting! You recovered that amulet from the Catacombs? Where did you find it? What were the circumstances? Your adventures must be fascinating!
I am from the Blessed Isle of Avalon, ruled by Her Fey Majesty Morganna, but my particular profession allows me to serve many masters as a messenger and courier. Each of them likes to think of me as their Dame of Griffons, or official messenger, but in truth, I am a free lance... The elf smiles at Ogon Fox and leans closer to him.
Have you met the Maestro Toshio Okumura, the organist and composer from Nippon, said to be residing here in the House of His Grace?
The Ogon Fox wrote: Answering the summons, the Fox enters the dining room.
I want to avoid having Toshio associated with the Crusaders too strongly, as much as possible.
"Greetings to you, my lady," he says to the elf. "I am the Ogon Fox, a member of this group which has lately become known to the public as the Crusaders of the Catacombs. I would be honored to learn your name," he finishes with a deep bow to kiss her hand.
You do me great honor, Sir! I am the Dame of Griffons, Tringelda, at your service! chirps the pretty elf, blushing a violet hue.
Thank you, ever so much, Your Grace!
The elf griffon rider perches herself upon a high-backed wooden chair.
Appearing in the doorway, the slim but commanding elf Dame clears her throat...
In English: A Thousand Pardons, Your Grace and gentle sirs, but as a servant of His Imperial Majesty in the matter of news and messages among others, I can’t help but appeal to your chivalry and ask if I might attend this meeting of your formidable company, that I might report back to His Imperial Majesty?
Cardinal Lucius d'Borja wrote: "Blessings of our Father and His Son upon you, fair courier, and your illustrious master." Lucius replies in perfect German. "Herr Okumura will receive the missive as soon as he returns. Meanwhile, might I offer yourself and your mighty steed refreshments? I would fain to hear news of the Empire and of Lombardy. How fare the lands across which you flew?" Many thanks, Your Grace! The Wars in Lombardy rage on, I fear, Venice ever vying with Milan, both sides enriching mercenary companies more than anything else... His Imperial Majesty is well, and fully recovered from a magical hex placed on him by a coven of Black Forest witches during Yuletide... The coven has been rounded up and burnt, after being tortured into confession, of course... The elf dame mutters this last sentence with a look of distaste on her face...
The courier and her griffon steed graciously accept Cardinal Lucius' hospitality, sending out a silver raven to report successful delivery of the imperial message to Maestro Okumura's current residence, and then taking rest and feasting in the Palazzo D'Borja...
The high elf griffon courier arrives at Palazzo D’Borja following diviners’ claims that the elusive Japanese organist Toshio Okumura was residing there, carrying with her the imperial commission!
In English: Be of good cheer, House D’Borja! For I bring imperial tidings of commission for the brilliant musician Okumura residing herein! From His Imperial Majesty Sigismund!
The lovely elf ranger delivers the vellum scroll sealed with the imperial signet to Cardinal Lucius...
The messenger’s griffon pumps its wings to vault over the peaks of the Italian Alps, frost forming on the beak and talons at such altitude... Below, the patchwork kingdoms of men were laid out like a map...
Meanwhile, the lady griffon rider is soaring over the northern foothills of the French Alps with the imperial message secured in the leather saddlebag on her fierce steed...
Spying a flock of wyverns over the peaks of Tyrol, she guides her griffon mount into a bank of clouds to obscure her approach to the great Alpine barrier...
Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund wrote: Emperor Sigismund commands one of his swiftest and most capable messengers, female wood elf Tringelda Dame der Greifen (Dame of Griffons), to fly south from the Imperial Palace in Frankfurt, across the great Alps, and down the Italian coast to The Eternal City of Rome, there to deliver an imperial commission to the en vogue young Japanese composer and organist, Toshio Okumura, at the Palazzo D’Borja, where it is said (by the imperial diviners) that he is a guest of the Cardinal Lucius D’Borja.
Überbringe diese Nachricht so schnell wie möglich im Palast von Borgia in Rom an Maestro Toshio Okumura!
** spoiler omitted **
The Emperor hands Dame Tringelda a scroll of vellum sealed with the imperial seal in red wax...
Bowing low before the emperor, Dame Tringelda accepts the vellum scroll.
Wie Sie wünschen, Ihre kaiserliche Majestät!
Turning, the Dame of Griffons strides swiftly out of the imperial throne room and off to the aerial stable, where her griffon steed is tethered to a windswept terrace. Saddling and mounting her griffon, looses the tether with an expert flick of her wrist. Spurring her fierce steed skyward, they soar high over Frankfurt and southward for Rome...
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