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Re: Book 1: Crownfall, Act 1: All The King's Men

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 3:25 pm
by Zorbeltuss
Mercutio gives Bertram, and cousin dearest what he hopes is a sign for them to keep stealing, or at least for cousin to steal and Bertram to divert anyone straying too close.

Then he strides into the room, acting as if he is acquainted with everyone in close proximity and calling attention to the brewing fight like a promoter of a mummer's show, a very classy promoter of a very classy mummer's show, they probably had some other name for it, the snobs. Good evening lords and ladies, we are tonight's entertainment! Hah, he'd make a grand fool of himself if he went in so theatrically, wouldn't quite do to have his fellow associate get roughed up so, but two or more on one wasn't exactly fair, was it? Whatever trouble he might have talked himself into, maybe Mercutio's vast experience with the subject of talking himself out of trouble, or trying to, failure was the best teacher as they say, might apply to the art of talking someone else out of trouble.

Doing his best to let flair and audacity fix attentions upon himself, and secondary to Chricton getting pummeled, he moves theatrically towards the fray in measured leisurely steps. "Well, well, well, what have we here?" He very much enjoys this part. "A re-enactment of a scene from the back-alleys of the less stellar parts of our fine city is it? But where is the booming voice of the narrator setting the scene and wetting the appetites of imagination? I'm all for improvisation, but even that requires form!"

Re: Book 1: Crownfall, Act 1: All The King's Men

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 7:42 pm
by GuyWithSword
Aurelia bought a bit of time, at least, but it is clear she needs to do more. She locks her gaze onto one of the thugs, giving him a look that hopefully will slow him down enough to get hit. She adds a bit of physical flair to this, positioning her left leg in a way so that all of it is revealed between the high slit.
Use Evil Eye on the thug that is getting attacked by Betram (and hopefully Chrichton), giving him -2 AC.

Re: Book 1: Crownfall, Act 1: All The King's Men

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 11:30 pm
by JohnnyWeird
Crichton's master was taught all the arts a gentleman must know. Fencing, horsemanship, archery, and of course the manly art of pugilism, honorable fisticuffs.

Crichton, having been taught all the arts of a gentleman's gentleman, follows up Bertram's tankard to the head with a sudden, brutal jab to the groin.
Fun fact: the C in Crichton also stands for Cockshots.

Hopefully Bertram's attack means I'm flanking, and can do sneak attack damage on top of my feeble fists.

Re: Book 1: Crownfall, Act 1: All The King's Men

Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2019 10:05 am
by ManWithDoor
Theodrix can practically see the cogs turning in Lady Gloriana's mind as she processes the name and (minor) noble house. "A pleasure to meet you, master Dewmore. Come, the party will not last forever." She guides her new acquaintance over to the lady of the hour, and the various nobility and hangers-on part for her. She makes a few subtle gestures to the guards, and they just as subtly create a small amount of space for a semi-private conversation.
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Present before the fallen nobleman is the most powerful woman in the nation, Princess Eutropia Stavian I, acknowledged bastard and presumed heir to the throne of the nation of Taldor. She is dressed at the height of the fashion of the realm, although she also sports a gleaming rapier at her side, and two hunting dogs sit at her feet. Lady Gloriana makes the introduction, presenting the man as 'Theodrix Dewmore of the Cassomir Dewmores', quoting him exactly. "He has a most impressive knowledge of nautical lore, and seems to have more interest in real conversation than the majority of the gadflys gathering about us." Theodrix does notice that Lady Gloriana is making a series of hand gestures to the Princess, clearly some sort of visual language that he is unfamiliar with. Two conversations seem to be going on at once. Having made a glowing introduction, she gestures for Theodrix to carry the rest of the conversation with the Princess.

Meanwhile, in brawl town...
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Rather than drawing attention away from the action, Mercutio instead gathers onlookers from within earshot to witness the brawl in court. "A re-enactment of a scene from the back-alleys of the less stellar parts of our fine city is it? But where is the booming voice of the narrator setting the scene and wetting the appetites of imagination? I'm all for improvisation, but even that requires form!" He so humbly takes it upon himself to narrate the action, not-so-subtly casting Malphene Trant and her minions as the evildoers.

Aurelia stares down one of the mooks, and he seems to stumble a little bit. Brother Bertram steps up and attempts to club the man upside the head. Even with the man distracted, the mug sails clear over his head. This double distraction makes a certain part of the man's anatomy vulnerable - his balls. Crichton is tired of being slapped around, and drives his fist hard into that most sensitive part of the male form. The man crumples to the ground, in so much pain he can't cry out. One arm instinctively starts pulling him away from the fight. His comrade pauses, surprised and confused by this turn of events. Their lady still seems to be struggling with her own thoughts, and gives no directions.
Aurelia = Evil Eye on Mook 1 (-2 AC).
Bertram attacks = 2+2 +2 (flank) +2 (Evil Eye) = 6, Miss.
Crichton attacks = 13 +2 (flank) +2 (Evil Eye) = 17, Hit for 1d3+1d6 = 4 Damage.
--- Mook 1 at 2/6. Surrenders (or in this case, mainly incapacitated).

Trant = Still struggling with the Spell from earlier.
Mook 2 = Scared and confused, doesn't do anything this Round.

Crichton = 5/10 HP, all other PCs full.
--- @JohnnyWeird = It looks like you only chose 1 Feat at Level 1. As a Human, you get a Bonus Feat.

Re: Book 1: Crownfall, Act 1: All The King's Men

Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2019 6:09 pm
by Vardaen
"Your Grace...." Theodrix bows deeply to the Princess, but he purposefully doesn't fawn or fret over the would be queen. He has a reputation already as no sycophant so he wants to keep that up. He lifts his head and his eyes catch on the sign language, and he takes note of any repeated gesture as best he can. He is in over his head, but he can bullshit with the best of them, so he does his best to speak openly but with subtle innuendo.

"Princess Stavian it is my great pleasure to be present tonight and to bear witness to what I hope is a historic vote for all of Taldor and its noble ladies." He let's his eyes caress the rapier in the woman's hand, looking it up and down as a lover might. "Are you classically trained in fencing or perhaps a more exotic style my que...." he catches himself with a wink, "....Princess?"

Re: Book 1: Crownfall, Act 1: All The King's Men

Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2019 9:40 pm
by JohnnyWeird
I took SF Bluff as my bonus feat, which is what makes me feel confident trying nonsense like this.
Crichton's fist recoils from his quick and brutal jab as he shrinks once more into pitiful quavering. He holds his hands in front of him, as if shielding himself from the remaining tough.

"I've l-l-learned my l-l-lesson, sir! I beg you satisfy yourself with the b-b-beating I've received!"
Bluff to trick him into thinking he won this fight and that he can walk away tall, for you Better Off Ted fans.

Re: Book 1: Crownfall, Act 1: All The King's Men

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 11:15 am
by Grimbold
Brother Betram looks to see if there is any ale left in the mug and takes a sip. "Jolly good fun, is it not?" he comments.
Still ready to counter an attack.

Re: Book 1: Crownfall, Act 1: All The King's Men

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2019 3:46 pm
by Zorbeltuss
In his element, and enjoying every minute of it, Mercutio keeps on being loud, especially to the eyes, this was either a horrible idea or a brilliant one, madness/genius, who cares? It's a party!
Hopefully cousin dearest is stealing everything that isn't nailed down while Mercutio plays impressario, is it persuasion to turn the crowd anti-Trant?

Re: Book 1: Crownfall, Act 1: All The King's Men

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 7:52 am
by GuyWithSword
The enchantress is ready to hinder anyone (thug or Trant) who tries to attack!
Ready an action to Evil Eye (-2 to attack rolls) on anyone who attacks the party

Re: Book 1: Crownfall, Act 1: All The King's Men

Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2019 9:37 pm
by ManWithDoor
The brawl hits a bit of a lull. Crichton has clearly had the crap kicked out of him, while one of the toughs is on the ground moaning for his tortured testicles. Malphene seems trapped in her own mind, while the other brute looks uncertainly at his injured partner. What seems to break the stalemate is Crichton's pleading. "I've l-l-learned my l-l-lesson, sir! I beg you satisfy yourself with the b-b-beating I've received!" This seems to snap Madam Trant out of her reverie, and she draws herself to her full, haughty height. "Then let that be a lesson from your betters, servant. Stay in your place, or be struck down." She turns and walks off in a huff. The standing tough picks up his pained companion, and follows along.

Mercutio, riling up the crowd, gets a few laughs and jeers as Malphene Trant and her minions back off, being too far away to get all the details besides a scuffle, and then her mooks backing off with one almost unconscious. From a bystanders perspective, the group of 'heroes' certainly came off looking better. As the crowd finishes their chuckles, Mercutio is startled by a voice behind himself. "So cousin, what'd I miss?" A familiar face stands looking curious, with a sack in one hand. He looks down and jiggles it. "Got the rest of the list. Feeling like a common criminal, but it's worth it."


Back near the entrance to the Senate Building is the fanciful and opulent Courtyard, full of lights and conversation. Theodrix hears blasts of horns approaching while he converses with the Princess. At the mention of her rapier her eyes light up, and she draws it in one smooth motion. She falls into a natural stance, her formal gown not seeming to impede her at all. Seeing the ease at which she holds herself, Theodrix is pretty sure she could finish him off even if he were fully armed and armoured. Having a decade-plus of training by the best in the Empire will do that. "What think you, Master Dewmore? I stand ready to defend my land with my mind and my strong right hand. I do enjoy some variations on the theme, but my heart belongs to Taldor. How could I stand by any other style?"

At that point the approaching horns reach a crescendo and then go silent. A pall goes over the gala and the crowd parts as servants unroll a red carpet through the Arcade of Triumphs and the Senate floor. A host of Ulfen Guard march in in their full regalia, spacing themselves along the path. They turn inwards and then go to present-arms, and in strides the most powerful man in the realm. Grand Prince Stavian III ascends the 100 steps to the storied building, and makes his grand entrance. Guests flock to see the leader of a nation, getting as close as they dare to the Guard.
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The Grand Prince has not aged kindly, the weight of an ancient Empire, loss of family, and political strife have taken their toll. But he stills walks with vigor, showing his hale health and strength of personality. He is not the most attractive man, but he has clear power of personality as he nobly waves to the crowd with his scepter. As he passes the Guard fall in behind him, escorting him deeper in to the Senate building. The Ulfen clear the space known as the Emperor's Hall, setting it aside for the Grand Prince. A number of high-ranking officials and officers gather to attend, including Maxillar Pythareus. The Princess nimbly sheathes her rapier. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Master Dewmore. I do hope we meet again. Not everyone impresses my good friend." She smiles at Lady Gloriana.
... Anyone who uses a 'Better Off Ted' tactic deserves to win!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cL9zIo-4ts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeYBqhdmDrc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fpqp2MUEMvY

Alright, combat kind of fizzles out, the jerks withdraw, and they look like dicks to the crowd. Well done!

The Grand Prince has arrived and made his similarly grand entrance. Theodrix has one more rejoinder he can get in before she scoots off to converse with her father. The Emperor's Hall area is now closed for the remainder of Court.

You know that the next item of business is a Light Dinner (likely in about 2 more social rounds), then more maneuvering, then the Senate deliberation and official vote. So you're getting to the last section of the Act!