The Vudrani decides to be impetuous, and speaks first to Count Lotheed first. "I must say, the Iron Lash of Meratt was quite thrilling. Are such creatures common to this area?" Bala asks. From there, he tries to guide the conversation to a discuss about the sentient animals and guardians of Vudrani lore.
Book 2, Act I: Songbird
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Bohemond
- Level 12
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Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
Making use of the healing available to guests, Bala returns to the soiree to mingle with the nobility. The monk has made to point to change his tunic. He wears the original outer robe, cleaned but unmended, the claw marks leaving sections of the contrasting blue undershirt peeking through the saffron garment. A way to quietly display battle prowess to a martial culture while keeping an adherence to simplicity.
The Vudrani decides to be impetuous, and speaks first to Count Lotheed first. "I must say, the Iron Lash of Meratt was quite thrilling. Are such creatures common to this area?" Bala asks. From there, he tries to guide the conversation to a discuss about the sentient animals and guardians of Vudrani lore.
The Vudrani decides to be impetuous, and speaks first to Count Lotheed first. "I must say, the Iron Lash of Meratt was quite thrilling. Are such creatures common to this area?" Bala asks. From there, he tries to guide the conversation to a discuss about the sentient animals and guardians of Vudrani lore.
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ManWithDoor
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Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
Emilia
1. The Dame finds the guards and servants to be easy marks, especially armed with gifts of high-quality drink that share around. Most of them at most get little sips sneaked in the kitchen or hallways, not enjoying a full glass of it. The servants are full of rumors about the mysterious Night Swan. Despite their possible attempted assassination, they say that he recently robbed a trade caravan and gave the money away ... except they think the news is just propaganda rather than reality. The guards are instead grumbling about "the riffraff out in the Beggarwood" robbing and accosting travelers, and want someone to "do something" about them. It's pretty clear what they hope to be ordered to do, or have someone else ordered to do.
2. Emilia finds the Tribune in a corner practically spitting blood from the 'Hunt'. She hates everything about it, especially the flaunting of power and wealth just to be as cruel as possible. When Moffis is mentioned her fists clench and turn white, knowing he was arrested and imprisoned for such a trivial offense. When Dame Emilia reveals that not only did they save him from the Iron Lash, they gave him medical aid and then sent him home, she actually tears up. People of the land, such as farmers and ranchers, are the people she protects. Not the gentry. She thanks you profusely for being so wonderfully kind to those who will be their subjects soon.
3. Count Lotheed walks the ground floor with Emilia, while she opines on the engineering and layout of the Palace of Birdsong. She holds her own when talking about the materials, structural components, and design. Bartelby is clearly an educated man but doesn't know everything, so he nods agreeably when hearing something new. When he expands the conversation to the historical significance of the Palace she is entirely lost, so he appears less impressed that he might otherwise.
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Bala
1. The foreign monk raises a quiet murmur as he walks around with his battle-scarred outer robe, some clucking at the vulgarity, and others nodding respectfully for his martial prowess. The good Count makes no comment or reacting himself, instead focusing on the discussion. He is able to comment knowledgably on manticore sightings over the past few lifetimes. He also opines on the religious significance of the manticore in various mythologies, and sounds quite pleased that the monk is educated on such things as well, so they can have a fruitful conversation. Bartelby also lets slip something he likely didn't mean to. He shares about a gift from a traveling scholar of an old tome on mythical creatures, and how he hosted the scholar for a week and gave him access to his personal library as a generous reward. It seems he is susceptible to old or intellectually interesting gifts.
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Bala (round two and three) ...
Mercutio ...
1. The Dame finds the guards and servants to be easy marks, especially armed with gifts of high-quality drink that share around. Most of them at most get little sips sneaked in the kitchen or hallways, not enjoying a full glass of it. The servants are full of rumors about the mysterious Night Swan. Despite their possible attempted assassination, they say that he recently robbed a trade caravan and gave the money away ... except they think the news is just propaganda rather than reality. The guards are instead grumbling about "the riffraff out in the Beggarwood" robbing and accosting travelers, and want someone to "do something" about them. It's pretty clear what they hope to be ordered to do, or have someone else ordered to do.
Bala
1. The foreign monk raises a quiet murmur as he walks around with his battle-scarred outer robe, some clucking at the vulgarity, and others nodding respectfully for his martial prowess. The good Count makes no comment or reacting himself, instead focusing on the discussion. He is able to comment knowledgably on manticore sightings over the past few lifetimes. He also opines on the religious significance of the manticore in various mythologies, and sounds quite pleased that the monk is educated on such things as well, so they can have a fruitful conversation. Bartelby also lets slip something he likely didn't mean to. He shares about a gift from a traveling scholar of an old tome on mythical creatures, and how he hosted the scholar for a week and gave him access to his personal library as a generous reward. It seems he is susceptible to old or intellectually interesting gifts.
Bala (round two and three) ...
Mercutio ...
Rule Number 12: "A soft answer turneth away wrath. Once wrath is looking the other way, shoot it in the head."
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Zorbeltuss
- Level 12
- Posts: 1939
Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
Mercutio feels as there are blank spots in their knowledge, so he decides to set out to learn more of those here gathered.
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Bohemond
- Level 12
- Posts: 1384
- User Class: Scout
Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
Bala shifts his focus to Baron Okerra. Under the guise of continuing his discussion about religion, he discusses Matravash, a Vudrani deity known for her compassion for the persecuted and her peaceful resistance to tyrants.
Lastly, the monk visits with Parthena and Sepsinia. Bala is respectful in his interaction, but shows a clear interest in the younger Crabbe, asking if she would share a dance with him should the opportunity arise latter in the festivities.
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ManWithDoor
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Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
Bala
2. Bala finds Baron Okerra an interesting conversationalist when bringing up the concept of peaceful resistance to tyrants and compassion to the persecuted. Dame Emilia has revealed a great deal of Nicolaus' personality, that he associates goodness with obedience and service, and holds lawful and direct action above all else. But he is not a monolith, and sees his duty to protect his people and treat them fairly. In situations of persecution or the perversion of law with evil, he struggles. He is not mentally deficient, so he sees the problem where trying to work within the system is impossible to effect justice. The deity Matravash being known for peaceful resistance to tyrants being an interesting idea that isn't opposed to his morals. They aren't tearing down the kingdom, burning villages and creating chaos. They are showing how the system should be, and any further persecution would show clearly the hypocrisy of the tyrant to all the world.
3. Dame Crabbe is an incorrigible gossiper, and loves having the foreign monk approach her. Whatever the conversational topic, this will give her bits of conversation to talk about for weeks to come. She is pleased when he shows possible romantic interest in her daughter. Given she only knows her own local monastic culture, so she doesn't know if Bala's humble clothing is just cultural, or if he truly is a moneyless wanderer. So she leaves the option open until she learns more.
2. Bala finds Baron Okerra an interesting conversationalist when bringing up the concept of peaceful resistance to tyrants and compassion to the persecuted. Dame Emilia has revealed a great deal of Nicolaus' personality, that he associates goodness with obedience and service, and holds lawful and direct action above all else. But he is not a monolith, and sees his duty to protect his people and treat them fairly. In situations of persecution or the perversion of law with evil, he struggles. He is not mentally deficient, so he sees the problem where trying to work within the system is impossible to effect justice. The deity Matravash being known for peaceful resistance to tyrants being an interesting idea that isn't opposed to his morals. They aren't tearing down the kingdom, burning villages and creating chaos. They are showing how the system should be, and any further persecution would show clearly the hypocrisy of the tyrant to all the world.
Rule Number 12: "A soft answer turneth away wrath. Once wrath is looking the other way, shoot it in the head."
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ManWithDoor
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Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
Mercutio
The dashing counterfeit Heir flits about the feast, lightly touching connections and then drifting on. He spends more time listening than talking, overhearing conversations and observing how the target responds.
1. Bartelby is clearly dismissive of those of low social station, especially if they are penniless peasants. Servants are useful and merchants valuable. A peasant is a dime a dozen, and he has no empathy for the struggles of their lives. He has no guilt about using 'criminals' to hunt for sport, and even sees himself as generous for reducing their sentences in recompense, rather than nothing at all.
2. The retired Legate is as rigid in posture as she is in her view of the world. She is not callous to the problems of Taldor, both nationwide and local, but she is very judgmental on the cause. She is outspoken, her viewpoint clarifying after only a few short conversational snippets. The social decay of the nation is a lack of personal responsibility and discipline, along with respect for tradition. The original Empire extended its power across the length and breadth of the Inner Sea, and it was because of the strength and fortitude of its leaders and citizens. The slow decay since then has been the fault of the people compromising their principles. Her inflexibility is meant to blatantly call out everyone around, showing them what they should be.
3. Lady Lucretzia is quiet and polite, which makes it difficult for Mercutio to subtly observe her. She is not the center of attention, and keeps her conversations short and surface level. He has to approach and try to find a topic that will keep her interested enough to learn something about her. In the end, he settles for reading her reactions and trying to understand her underlying biases from it. One thing he is able to get from the conversation is an interesting relationship to shown wealth. She herself is well dressed, but nothing special in this setting. But Mercutio sees a slight narrowing of eyes when seeing Dame Parthena Crabbe walk by, her eyes focusing on the lavish dress and bright pearls. Even the dashing dandy across from her with his ostentatious bracers draws a subtle sneer, although not nearly as bad as the jewelry.
The dashing counterfeit Heir flits about the feast, lightly touching connections and then drifting on. He spends more time listening than talking, overhearing conversations and observing how the target responds.
1. Bartelby is clearly dismissive of those of low social station, especially if they are penniless peasants. Servants are useful and merchants valuable. A peasant is a dime a dozen, and he has no empathy for the struggles of their lives. He has no guilt about using 'criminals' to hunt for sport, and even sees himself as generous for reducing their sentences in recompense, rather than nothing at all.
Rule Number 12: "A soft answer turneth away wrath. Once wrath is looking the other way, shoot it in the head."
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ManWithDoor
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Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
Event - The Masquerade
After dinner, the guests are dismissed for an hour to retire to their rooms so they can rest and change. The remainder of the jubilee is planned as a Masquerade, consisting of dancing, drinking, shows, and the Count's favorite party game: coppers from heaven. Some of the guests brought their own personalized outfits, while others choose from loaners made for the occasion.
Count Lotheed does start off the evening's festivities with a bang, setting off a fireworks display created by himself with a combination of prestidigitation and pyrotechnic spells. A production of the popular "Taldor by Right" follows the opening ceremonies, a dramatic retelling of Taldor's founding by the legendary First Emperor Taldaris, performed entirely by halflings.
Much of the entertainment is simple but tasteful fare, consisting of talented local musicians hired to play background music. For many of these it is an opportunity to catch the attention of a noble patron, gaining a stable place entertaining at their manors. After the play ends, the ballroom is open for guests to dance as they wish. After a few drinks, Dame Crabbe works up the nerve to contribute a graceful Qadiran khaleegi dance popular in her youth, earning a surprised applause at the impromptu performance.
Some of the masqueraders have approached their costumes in a minimalist fashion, not hiding their identities to any appreciable extent. Others have gone to the opposite extreme, even trying to change their voice, keeping their anonymity as long as possible.
After dinner, the guests are dismissed for an hour to retire to their rooms so they can rest and change. The remainder of the jubilee is planned as a Masquerade, consisting of dancing, drinking, shows, and the Count's favorite party game: coppers from heaven. Some of the guests brought their own personalized outfits, while others choose from loaners made for the occasion.
Much of the entertainment is simple but tasteful fare, consisting of talented local musicians hired to play background music. For many of these it is an opportunity to catch the attention of a noble patron, gaining a stable place entertaining at their manors. After the play ends, the ballroom is open for guests to dance as they wish. After a few drinks, Dame Crabbe works up the nerve to contribute a graceful Qadiran khaleegi dance popular in her youth, earning a surprised applause at the impromptu performance.
Rule Number 12: "A soft answer turneth away wrath. Once wrath is looking the other way, shoot it in the head."
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RorytheRomulan
- Level 12
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Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
With her ensemble, Amelia wears a white leather mask painted green in a diamond pattern over the eyes, her hair framing it like a lion's mane. She couldn't bluff her way out of a paper bag, so everyone should know be able to tell who she is.
Feeling the spur of the moment, she borrows a lute to try her hand at a song often heard at the taverns across the country during the week that Taldaris was crowned emperor.
She joins Baroness Voinum again, this time in a candid manner, asking the legate about figures of the past - starting with the most obvious and possibly the only one she knows, Taldaris, but may include even the late Aroden - and what they would think or do about the current crisis. Who would they side with in light of recent events and rumors? Stavian, or his opposition? Does the baroness believe there could be a "right way" for the opposition to contest the Grand Prince?
Feeling the spur of the moment, she borrows a lute to try her hand at a song often heard at the taverns across the country during the week that Taldaris was crowned emperor.
She joins Baroness Voinum again, this time in a candid manner, asking the legate about figures of the past - starting with the most obvious and possibly the only one she knows, Taldaris, but may include even the late Aroden - and what they would think or do about the current crisis. Who would they side with in light of recent events and rumors? Stavian, or his opposition? Does the baroness believe there could be a "right way" for the opposition to contest the Grand Prince?
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Zorbeltuss
- Level 12
- Posts: 1939
Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
Mercutio would never stoops so low as to use "loaners", at least certainly not the persona he is cultivating for this role he is to play. He chooses an outfit chiefly of black and blue tones, a snugly fitting embroidered doublet, his sleeves ending in white frills. The upper part of his face concealed by a white mask with golden details, plumed with feathers. Though his contours and silhouette are broken, he is easily recognizable from a far through posture and attitude and he knows it.
He takes a moment to complement the count on his magics, expressing that he would like to learn such tricks himself, though while true, he has little inclination to put in the effort, but no need to tell Bartleby whole the truth of it.
He takes a moment to complement the count on his magics, expressing that he would like to learn such tricks himself, though while true, he has little inclination to put in the effort, but no need to tell Bartleby whole the truth of it.
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ManWithDoor
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Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
Emilia of Hartbrook
The Dame truly is a woman of all seasons. Not just a skilled warrior or a nascent politician, but an artist of music as well. She strums with confidence and strength the strings of the lute, her auburn hair framing her mask like a lion giving her a majestic appearance. Conversation halts completely as she plays, and then only slowly returns once finished. The local musicians look a little green around the gills, as they have been completely upstaged.
Baroness Legate Voinum hides her reactions well, but she is discomfited by the scenario. She is a great supporter of authority and tradition, but here it is unclear who holds the Imperial right, given the chaos of the Grand Day of Exaltation. Did Grand Prince Stavian III actually adopt High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus before his disappearance and death? Was Princess Eutropia declared the Heir by the Senate before the massacre, or is that just nonsense propaganda? If either is true, then they are legitimate. If either is a lie, they are traitors of the highest order. If both are true, then the Empire rightly stands on the brink of destruction since both have a legitimate claim on power and only an independent and functioning Senate could decide the matter. And that isn't likely to happen any time soon.
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Mercutio
Getting the Count to talk about magic and arcane knowledge is easy, and Mercutio smoothly guides him along from point to point with subtle ease. He is normally aloof, both that is countered by focusing on his obsessive side. In no time at all, the bard has their host practically reviewing his spellbook and pet projects.
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Bala ...
The Dame truly is a woman of all seasons. Not just a skilled warrior or a nascent politician, but an artist of music as well. She strums with confidence and strength the strings of the lute, her auburn hair framing her mask like a lion giving her a majestic appearance. Conversation halts completely as she plays, and then only slowly returns once finished. The local musicians look a little green around the gills, as they have been completely upstaged.
Mercutio
Getting the Count to talk about magic and arcane knowledge is easy, and Mercutio smoothly guides him along from point to point with subtle ease. He is normally aloof, both that is countered by focusing on his obsessive side. In no time at all, the bard has their host practically reviewing his spellbook and pet projects.
Bala ...
Rule Number 12: "A soft answer turneth away wrath. Once wrath is looking the other way, shoot it in the head."