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"Ha!" The Carpenter announces, as he initiates a series of back flips towards the dance floor, all the while holding his drink, and NOT tipping it over! His last somersault is incredibly high and his well-worn boots almost touch the great chandelier hanging by the ceiling. He performs a perfect landing, and quaffs the full drink in one gulp. He tosses the thin glass in the air, extends his trouser's pocket, and deftly catches the champagne flute in one well-timed hip trust, at which he blurts another "HAAA!" (the timing of the "HAAA!" and the hip trust results in a gasp from most ladies in the roooooooooooom, the act of pure male virility resulting in an involuntary subconscious female response.......)
"Let us DAAAAAAAANCE!" he booms, at which point he breaks into a series of twirls, high kicks and other movements that appear to be a mish-mash of different martial fighting styles and flourishes...
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The Kuthona Rat approaches the Priestess wearing the mask of feathers, bows respectfully, and offers his left hand.
"Would you like to dance? You can choose the style or fashion or routine or type if you'd like."
"Forgive my boldness good sir, but would you care to dance?"
"Why, of course!" the Green Knight replies before giving the Frost Witch a bow. Just as they begin walking to the join the dance, a masked servant arrives with a closed envelope laid out for them on a tray.
"It has been years since I have played this game," the Knight comments. "If I may..." he opens the envelope, and inside is a card the size of a Harrow card.
"You've drawn the Count," he announces, showing the card to all the dancers before handing the Witch her card. "It might not mean much now, but keep track of it, because it can be a winning play later. But before that, the first waltz," he says, as he takes the Witch's arm and leads her into the dance.
The Knight's movements and his signals to the Frost Witch are very formal and rigid while he dances, as if his skill was primarily due to endless practice.
The Kuthona Rat approaches the Priestess wearing the mask of feathers, bows respectfully, and offers his left hand.
The tall lady smiles and gives the Rat a curtsey. She does not seem as practiced at gestures of etiquette as many of the other ladies in attendance. "I'd love to," she accepts.
Just as they are getting acquainted, a masked servant arrives with a closed envelope for the Kuthona Rat, laid out for him on a silver tray.
"I've never been very good at this game," the Priestess confesses. "But I've always enjoyed it, especially when there are lots of players."
Inside the envelope is a Harrow-sized card, its face depicting a Princess.
When the two of them begin to dance, it becomes rather obvious that the Priestess is very skilled at dancing, though her movements have a rather untamed nature to them. She seems to be all energy and little grace.
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The Samurai watches the Carpenter for a moment, shock plastered about his face. He finally gains enough composure to shake his head and mutter "How unrestrained," under his breath.
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."
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 Faerie looks a bit unsure as she approaches the Carpenter, holding a silver tray with both a glass and an envelope.
"...Milord?" she asks, once she is close enough to get his attention. "Is your partner around?"
Inside the glass is a delicious wine. Inside the envelope is a Harrow-sized card, its face depicting a Witch.
The Masked Cat approaches the tiger costumed gentleman, with whom she entered the party, and offers her hand for the first dance. She speaks to him quietly, "Remember, I have not grown up dancing your courtly Taldor dances. Still, I can follow the steps well enough, if you give a strong lead, and I will be careful of your toes." She gives him a reassuring smile.
If anyone did not overhear the initial conversation, it will become obvious when the dancing begins that The Masked Cat is a reasonably graceful individual but she does not appear to have any particular training in dance.
A masked servant holding a silver tray approaches the Cat and Tiger. On the tray is a closed envelope.
The envelope contains a card, the size of a card from a Harrow deck. The card's face depicts a Grand Prince.
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"Ah, thank you Faerie dearest," The Carpenter says as he takes the envelope and the glass of wine. He has worked a full lather by now, and his Carpenter disguise is revealed to be a fine silk shirt that now clings to his flawless muscles. The man is built like Qadiran stallion. He quaffs the wine, puts it down on a nearby table, takes the tray from The Winter Faerie, and grabs her by the waist, holding her dangerously close, then says "Would you dance with me, my dear?"
The Faerie blushes at the attention, even moreso at the gesture. "Um..." she tries to answer, entirely unsure of how to reply. A chuckle and a slight gesture from the onlooking Snow Princess gives the Faerie a bit more certainty.
"All right?" the servant replies, still not entirely sure of what is to come.
When the Winter Faerie is dancing, her common upbringing is certainly on display. She lacks the precision of a lady educated in such matters, but seems to know what to do and where to place her feet.
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The merchant stands to the side of the room for a while, staring at the Green Knight's armor and muttering to herself "under her breath" in a stage whisper.
"Possible materials to produce such a color...abysium? Abysium! A rare and powerful skymetal. Market price for abysium armor is...ah wait, there is none, because...abysium is poisonous and provides no additional protection. A pound is the raw component for the powdered poison form, refined value 900gp, so material value 300gp per pound, times 50 pounds for a suit of plate armor, gives...15000gp! Damn, he already has a partner. Best start with someone else first and work my way over."
She scurries over to the corsair, and falls into a graceless curtsy. "If I may have the pleasure of this dance, good sir?"
She scurries over to the corsair, and falls into a graceless curtsy. "If I may have the pleasure of this dance, good sir?"
The Corsair gives the Merchant a sly smile when she speaks with him. "I assure you, the pleasure is mine," he says.
Just as the Corsair moves to lead the Merchant to the dance, a masked servant holding a silver tray approaches them. On the tray is a closed envelope, inside which is a card the size of a Harrow card. Its face depicts a Lion Blade.
When the Lion Blade begins to dance with the Merchant, it becomes evident that his smooth, playful demeanor extends to dancing as well, as he leads with daring, flashy moves.
All six of the game's players have chosen a dance partner, and all seven cards have been dealt:
The Masked Cat, dancing with the Lord Tiger, was dealt The Grand Prince
The Kuthona Rat, dancing with the Priestess, was dealt The Princess
The Frost Witch, dancing with the Green Knight was dealt The Count
The Midnight Samurai, dancing with the Snow Princess, was dealt The Thief
The Merchant of the Sands, dancing with the Corsair, was dealt The Lion Blade
The Carpenter, dancing with the Winter Faerie, was dealt The Witch
Meanwhile, a non-player also carries a card:
The Snow Princess was dealt The Priestess
From here on out, all cards are hidden from all players. Next, all players will choose another player and change dance partners with that player and his or her partner, and will choose whether to swap cards with that player.
For example, if The Masked Cat chooses to change partners with the Frost Witch, the Cat will find herself dancing with the Green Knight and the Frost Witch will find herself dancing with the Lord Tiger. The Masked Cat will have the opportunity to either swap her card with the Frost Witch's or not. Only the Cat knows for sure. PM your choices on card-swapping to the Master of Games, so I can keep track of who has which card.
As a different example, if the Kuthona Rat chooses to change partners with the Merchant of Sands, the Rat and the Merchant will find themselves dancing with each other, and the Rat will have the opportunity to either swap his card with the Merchant's or not.
Also, a player can choose to change partners with the Snow Princess, who is carrying a seventh card.
To keep things moving, let's all make sure to have our choices posted by Saturday evening.
Best of luck to all of you.
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."
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The Frost Witch seems to be quite relaxed in comparison to her partner, as if she's trying to put him at ease. Her card she has tucked into the folds of the robe she's wearing.
"May I ask where you hail from?" She asks, her long hair swaying back and forth. The glass baubles in her hair gleam under the light.
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"You must be careful about curiosity while there are felines about, or so they say," the Samurai retorts with a wink. "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.
"Now, who to dance with next... Perhaps my charms might make some amends." Bowing low to the hostess, the Samurai approaches the Merchant. "Well, my Lady of the Sands, I believe you have something of value to me in our sport. Surely you must appreciate such a desire to dance?"
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The Merchant finds some grace as she picks herself up from her failed curtsy and begins to dance.
The Merchant seems to be enjoying herself for a while, but then her expression turns to one of horror as she regards the Corsair.
"A Corsair of Cassomir...are you one of Jean Coremont's men? One of those scoundrels who have sent thousands of Qadiran merchant ships to a watery grave?"
The Merchant looks around for an escape, and catches the eyes of the Samurai.
"A moment to compose myself, if I may."
She takes several deep breaths, in her usual over-the top style, then addresses his offer.
"A trade for mutual benefit...yes, this I can understand. But I do not know whether I should take you at your word. Perhaps you wish to trade, but it is hard to read your intentions. With that fine cloth covering your mouth, I could not see if a smirk was playing upon your lips. But, perhaps you are overconfident. After all, the words you chose for your herald to introduce you...portray a particular personality. Do not think you can charm me so easily. I may be a woman of Avistan, but I am also a woman of Casmaron's most mighty empire, and as for my heart...nothing will ever beat the irresistible allure of gold."
The Merchant withdraws a gold piece from her pocket and kisses it.
"I leave the Corsair to you, Samurai. I would be happy to dance with the Hostess instead."
"May I ask where you hail from?" She asks, her long hair swaying back and forth. The glass baubles in her hair gleam under the light.
"Why, of course," the Knight answers. "My holdings are in the Tandak Plains, east of Cassomir, though I spend four months of the year in Absalom these days. This district is splendid, do you agree?" he asks, enjoying the company of a lady.
"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.
"A Corsair of Cassomir...are you one of Jean Coremont's men? One of those scoundrels who have sent thousands of Qadiran merchant ships to a watery grave?"
The Corsair returns with a sly smile. "The same," he declares. "That would make us rivals, though I do not believe I could ever be mortal enemies with a woman, not even one as hollow as your assumed identity," he clarifies for the Merchant. "I would challenge anyone to identify a more unlikely pair this evening," he adds with a short laugh.
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The merchant gradually maneuvers her position on the dance floor toward the Frost Witch and the Green Knight.
When she arrives near them, she addresses the Frost Witch, pointing at the Knight's armor.
"Have you ever seen an armor like that, Lady of Ice? I can only imagine how long it would take to craft armor out of abysium. The craftsmen would have to take great precautions to avoid poisoning themselves. If I may trade partners with you, I wish to speak to him more of it."
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The Frost Witch smiles. "This district is wonderful yes. I should take a little time and explore it one day."
When she arrives near them, she addresses the Frost Witch, pointing at the Knight's armor.
"Have you ever seen an armor like that, Lady of Ice? I can only imagine how long it would take to craft armor out of abysium. The craftsmen would have to take great precautions to avoid poisoning themselves. If I may trade partners with you, I wish to speak to him more of it."
The Witch looks at the Merchant and then nods, stepping away from the Green Knight and dropping into a curtsey.
"Thank you for the dance, my lord." With that she turns, making her way towards The Midnight Samurai. A smile flicking across her face, she drops into another curtsey.
"If I may be so bold again-may I ask you for a dance sir?"
At the end of the first verse, The Masked Cat spins away from her partner with a dramatic flourish. She looks back over her shoulder, both to blow a kiss to Lord Tiger, and also to spy out who will become his next dance partner.
She approaches The Carpenter and The Winter Faerie, laying a hand on The Carpenter's shoulder. "You do know how to make a dramatic entrance!". Even as she is complimenting him, her other hand moves quickly and subtly. It is difficult, even for those standing close by, to tell whether or not cards were exchanged. "I would enjoy a dance with you later this evening, but I believe the rules of the game dictate that we must swap partners at this time."
As they begin to dance, The Masked Cat whispers conspiratorially to the Winter Faerie. "He's quite a handsome gentleman, though I dare say not a subtle one. Do you have any idea who he might be?"
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The Kuthona Rat leads the dance with the Priestess gracefully, . Each step of his complements the moves of his partner, more than enough to make up for any ungraceful steps of hers .
As they dance he counts the feathers on her mask to himself and, when done, moves as though to ask a question, but then stops as the music shifts to indicate the changing of partners. He stands there awkwardly, struggling to decide whom to dance with next. He settles his choice by pointing in random directions while murmuring, "Eeni, meani, my knee, moe, catch a tiger by the--" he stops abruptly and makes his way over to the Masked Cat, not bothering to even finish the rest of the rhyme.
The Priestess seems quite happy to be dancing with a partner with the Rat's skill, though the apparently awkwardness has her a little confused on just how to react to his rhyme. She gives the Rat a polite curtsey, which may or may not be lost on the Rat as he scurries over towards the Masked Cat.
The first song has ended, and as is customary, the dancers all change their partners. As this is the winter season, bringing with it a new year, there is a silent tradition of curiosity about, as dancers venture forth and experience new partners, their masks protecting them from the sting of an untimely misstep. When one's reputation is vital, anonymity encourages bravery.
The Midnight Samurai makes the first move, giving the Merchant of Sands a chance to escape her partner, a Corsair of Cassomir and bane to her persona's countryment.
However, the Merchant, in a manner fitting of her character, shows her designs on the Green Knight, or rather his green armor.
The Masked Cat, perhaps impressed by the boisterous nature of the Carpenter's movements, or perhaps due to the curiosity of her character, approaches the Carpenter for dance with him.
The Frost Witch is apparently happy to have the Samurai take her hand. Rather than having to change partners with him, the partners in her way swapped themselves.
Meanwhile, the Kuthona Rat, perhaps out of an interest in rescuing the Cat, perhaps out of a desire to answer the Corsair's challenge regarding unlikely pairs, or perhaps simply out of an interest in a dance with her, takes the Cat's hand just as the next song begins.
As the next song begins:
-The Merchant of Sands is dancing with the Green Knight
-The Midnight Samurai is dancing with the Frost Witch
-The Carpenter is dancing with the Priestess
-The Kuthona Rat is dancing with the Masked Cat
-The Snow Princess is dancing with the Corsair
-The Lord Tiger is dancing with the Winter Faerie
All players have six songbird feathers.
All players, when they swapped dance partners, also had an opportunity to swap each their held cards with their chosen player's card. Whether or not a swap actually occurred is only known to the player. Thus, all seven cards are now hidden, and the full game begins.
There are now three choices of actions:
-Change dance partners, along with privately choosing whether to swap cards.
-Look at your own card.
-Announce that they are carrying a particular card and gain the benefits of its ability. If the player announces that he or she is carrying the Lion Blade, the Fool, or the Witch, the player also chooses which other players will be affected.
The next choice of action is due by Wednesday evening. If a player announces that they are carrying a particular card, challenges to that claim are due by Thursday evening.
Best of luck to all of you.
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The merchant smiles at the Green Knight. Though she is attempting to keep her attention on his eyes, her gaze is continually drawn down to his armor-covered chest.
"I can see that you take great pride in your armor, and your pride is well-justified. It is truly a splendid work of art. I would be most interested to hear the history of this piece. How was it forged, how did you choose it to be your armor, and how has it fared in battle?"
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"Careful, friend!," the Samurai calls out to the Green Knight. "If you think she's trying to get you out of your armor for any reason, it's only to sell it to someone else!"
The Samurai takes a look at his card, shielding it from the Frost Witch. "Pardon, milady," he says to the Witch. "I've simply learned to never trust a beautiful lady when there's a reason for subterfuge."
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The Merchant shoots back to the Samurai, "And what would you know of business? What happens between two consenting parties is really none of your affair."
The Merchant slides her card out of her slit-purse sash and glances down at its face. She returns her attention to the Green Knight, awaiting his reply.
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The Carpenter bows to the Priestess, takes her hand gently, and kisses it. He blinks twice and his thin fine silk shirt clinging to his sweaty chest is suddenly replaced by a very dry fine wool long coat. His wide-brimmed hat's circumference also suddenly shrinks to that of a fall or winter fedora, and his beard is now short cropped. The smell of tall pines now follow him, and his hand is cold to the touch.
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The Kuthona Rat gleefully bows, checks his card, and introduces himself again^,
"Hi again! I'm the Kuthona Rat and I know a secret, but don't tell anyone okay?"
He then begins to dance with the Masked Cat. He leads skillfully while softly talking them through the steps of the dance when new ones are introduced as well as compensating for any missteps with his usual dramatic flair.
*
"You dance very gracefully," The Masked Cat compliments her partner. "Perhaps much of what I had heard about rats is simply ugly inter-species prejudice."
She spins away from The Kuthona Rat momentarily, and produces her card with a flourish (without showing it to anyone, of course, that would be cheating). "As you no doubt remember from the start of the game, I hold the Priestess. My own small store of feathers is insufficient for my feline curiosity, and I would dearly love to see two of the Samurai's. Perhaps they are a different color, which would complement the ones I already have."
The second song, a lengthy waltz, has concluded its first verse, and the dancers are getting acquainted with each other.
The Masked Cat is the first to act, declaring her intentions just as the opportunity presents itself. She has declared that she holds the Priestess, and seeks to take two feathers from the leader. Since there is currently a six-way tie for the lead, the Cat has chosen the Midnight Samurai.
Players have the remainder of Thursday to challenge the Cat's play if they wish.
With no challenges to the Cat's play, the Cat receives two feathers from the Masked Samurai. The identities of the rest of your cards is being sent to you over Personal Messaging.
Currently:
The Masked Cat has eight feathers.
The Frost Witch, Merchant of Sands, Carpenter, and Kuthona Rat have six feathers.
The Midnight Samurai has four feathers.
The next actions are due by Saturday evening. Until then, enjoy the dance...
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The Kuthona Rat slips away with a nod, his mischief accomplished. He walks up to several people not participating in the dance and attempts to get them to join, to no avail. After several such errors, he approaches the Midnight Samurai and offers his hand to his partner, the Frost Witch.
"Hi again Mr. Swordsman, is it okay if I have a turn? I haven't met such an ice lady before."
"I think I would enjoy that," replies The Masked Cat, curtsying to The Carpenter. "You dance quite . . . energetically!"
As she takes The Carpenters hand, she take a a subtle peek at her own card, just checking whether her new dance partner has initiated an exchange. When she is not trying to draw attention, The Cat handles the cards quite dexterously, and if you were not paying attention, you might have missed that she made any move at all.
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"I think I would enjoy that," replies The Masked Cat, curtsying to The Carpenter. "You dance quite . . . energetically!"
As she takes The Carpenters hand, she take a a subtle peek at her own card, just checking whether her new dance partner has initiated an exchange. When she is not trying to draw attention, The Cat handles the cards quite dexterously, and if you were not paying attention, you might have missed that she made any move at all.
The Carpenter attempts to take a peak at his partner's card! His dance is so energetic and since he must crane his neck quite a lot to even look down properly, he effectively pauses for 3 full seconds, looks down, then resume his dance...
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The Carpenter attempts to take a peak at his partner's card! His dance is so energetic and since he must crane his neck quite a lot to even look down properly, he effectively pauses for 3 full seconds, looks down, then resume his dance...
[dice=Perception]1d20 - 2
"Oh, it's probably still just the Priestess," The Masked Cat assures him, with a smile. "I just didn't want to make a move that would cut short our dance."
As the next verse concludes, the Frost Witch is the first to make her move on her chosen partner, placing herself right in the path of the Kuthona Rat with the intention of sharing a dance with him.
Just a moment later, the Merchant of Sands has declared her intent to play the Lion Blade. If her play is not successfully challenged, she will be able to examine her own card and another player's card, and can choose to swap them.
Since I was a bit late in posting today, challenges to the Merchant's play are due by Monday night, instead of tonight. As normal, the next actions are due by Wednesday night.
Masked Cat, Kuthona Rat, Midnight Samurai, and Carpenter, your actions will occur after the Merchant's is resolved.
The Merchant's declaration goes unchallenged, and she now has the opportunity to look at both her card and the Kuthona Rat's card, and decide whether to swap the two.
A moment later, the Kuthona Rat takes the Frost Witch's arm, and they begin their turn in the ballroom.
The Midnight Samurai returns to his first partner, the Snow Princess, perhaps to acquire her card, or perhaps out of a to be in her company once more.
Sensing that the Carpenter is sending glances her way, his intentions as plain as his overalls, the Masked Cat examines her own card.
Just as she does, the Carpenter bows in greeting, and takes her arm for an energetic turn.
Currently:
The Masked Cat has eight feathers.
The Frost Witch, Merchant of Sands, Carpenter, and Kuthona Rat have six feathers.
The Midnight Samurai has four feathers.
The next actions are due Wednesday evening. Merchant of Sands, Masked Cat, check your PMs.
The merchant will continue dancing with the Green Knight, or rather, with his suit of armor.
After the bit of boisterous dialogue between the Merchant and the other guest, the Green Knight resumes his conversation with the Merchant of Sands.
"Just what the armor is made of is unclear, since it is from a legend surrounding the Verduran Forest. If it is this costume you speak of, I commissioned a suit of magically-colored ceremonial plate."