[TURN] Edward
[TURN] Arco Arboros
Arco Arboros: Greetings, Duke Centimus! A message for you, m'lord.
Arco Arboros: I hand him the letter.
Thank you.
Duke Leonard Centimus: How are you enjoying the evening?
Arco Arboros: I must admit, I am not used to such large gatherings. Such an opulent palace and such well-dressed patrons.
Arco Arboros: And the wine's been delicious.
Duke Leonard Centimus: Well, if you keep fraternizing with the Lady Lotheed, you'll get used to it.
Duke Leonard Centimus: And with that the Duke returns to his conversation with Senator Dou.
[TURN] Edward
The Baron suddenly cuts off your discussion.
Baron Nicolaus Okerra: I need to pick up my niece from upstairs. Join me for a walk.
Edward: Sure thing. By the way, you really think the Empire will decline if primogeniture gets repealed?
Edward: I continue chatting with the Baron about primogeniture.
Edward: [SKILL] Diplomacy [d20+4 = 17]
Baron Nicolaus Okerra: Young man, traditions exist for a reason: because they work. Our system of laws has been built on them, and radical changes to our traditions jeopardize that system.
Baron Nicolaus Okerra: I admire your obvious desire to weigh the pros and cons of both viewpoints, however. It's a rare quality in men, and I am afraid even rarer in women.
[TURN] Valkian
Valkian: I try to get a sense of what parlor trick would the kids would find the most entertaining so that I can gain favor with them.
Valkian: [SKILL] Sense Motive [d20+3 = 22]
Valkian tries to read the room, and surmises that some type of performance act like a dance would go over best with the kids.
Valkian: Since I am not much of a dancer or a dramatist, I put on an acrobatic display for the children.
Valkian: [SKILL] Acrobatics [d20+7 = 25]
The kids are extremely impressed by Valkian's extraordinary display of acrobatics, and clap wildly, their little faces filled with pure undribled joy.
The PCs learn the general movements of the crowds within the senate by watching from the upper gallery. [Thanks to their time in the area, the PCs can increase the number of social rounds between subsequent events by 1 each, so long as there is at least 1 social round between events. A PC with the Aide mission gains a +2 bonus on combat maneuver and Escape Artist checks to navigate the senate floor (if the PCs also reach the first threshold of the servant area, she can instead move freely, without the need for checks).]
[TURN] Ivan
Ivan: I ask the countess for a bit of advice relating to the management of servants at my family's manor.
Ivan: [SKILL] Diplomacy [d20-1 = 16]
The Countess seems at first displeased by Ivan's mundane topic of conversation, but soon warms to it once she launches into the intricacies of keeping "the help" in line and working at peak efficiency.
[TURN] Arco Arboros
Arco Arboros: I seek out an archive worker to return Lady Martella's borrowed files.
Arco Arboros: [SKILL] Escape Artist [d20+2 = 16]
Arco easily makes it to the Archives while deftly maneuvering past teeming partygoers. Once inside, the crowd thins, and he takes the time to find the relevant section and slide the file folder in the general vicinity of its proper place.
[TURN] Edward
Suddenly, a silence falls over the gala.
The crowd parts as servants unroll a red carpet through the Arcade of Triumphs and the senate floor.
Grand Prince Stavian III and a host of his Ulfen Guard then arrive, ascending the 100 steps to the building.
Guests quickly flock to catch a glimpse of Taldor's leader, who briskly moves toward the Emperor's Hall.
The arrival of the Grand Prince causes some turmoil among the assembled guests and you observe a host of new and obviously distinguished personages arriving on his train and, once he withdraws to the Emperor's Hall, scattering among the senate grounds and mingling with the nobles.
The appearance of these newcomers throws you in confusion. On the one hand, you are committed to finishing up your missions for Martella, all the while being acutely aware that the night is drawing to a close and you may never get another opportunity such as this to connect with so obviously distinguished personages; the very cream of the movers and shakers of the Empire.
Edward: I see three newcomers on the senate floor
Edward: There's one in the archives.
Ivan: I noticed another wander off into the archives.
Arco Arboros: The ones who came with the Grand Prince, right? Wonder who they could be. There's someone right outside the Emperor's Hall.
Edward: From what I can see, there's two in the Arcade of Truimphs.
Valkian: I noticed a few new people in the Courtyard.
Arco Arboros: Oh my, a gnome is amongst them, Valk!
Edward: Make that four newcomers on the senate floor.
Valkian: Really Arco? They're pretty rare in Taldor.
Arco Arboros: Yes, the last time I've seen a gnome was when I still lived in the Verduran wood. Lovely people, so friendly and fun loving. They all know Sylvan, you know? The language of the animals.
Edward: Make that three in the Arcade of Triumphs. Had a hiccup there.
Arco Arboros: [SKILL] Perception [d20+11 = 30]
Valkian: [SKILL] Perception [d20+5 = 13]
Ivan: [SKILL] Perception [d20 = 6]
Edward: [SKILL] Perception [+2] [d20+2 = 7]
Edward: There's one in the waiting room we were in too, remember that scuffle you helped stop Ivan?
Ivan nods.
Valkian: They all seem like very important people indeed.
As you pass through the courtyard you hear Princess Eutropia recuse herself before her father's expected speech.
-> Arco Arboros: Your eye catches Pythareus retreat to convene with the Grand Prince in the Emperor's Hall.
Arco Arboros: I see Pythareus, fellows. He's gone into the Emperor's Hall.
Edward: There seem to be some prominent figures downstairs on the senate floor, I might try to approach the one that's bald with the tiara.
Edward: I continue my conversation with the Baron hoping to influence his point of view to be more favourable towards the Princess.
Edward: [SKILL] Diplomacy [d20+4 = 8]
The Baron listens thoughtfully to your words, nodding to show that he understands and respects your viewpoint. When you have finished, he takes a few moments to respond.
Baron Nicolaus Okerra: That is all well and good my friend.
Baron Nicolaus Okerra: I am sure she is a fine woman. It's her administrative skills that I am worried about, and the damage to the Empire and our very social fabric if every woman were inspired from her example to suddenly try to become like her.
[TURN] Valkian
Ivan: I feel there are a lot of opportunities here this evening, but my first priority must be to complete the mission I've pledged to undertake.
Edward: And I am sorry, but I just happen to like this Baron too much to simply throw his reputation to the dogs.
Arco Arboros: I have to say, lads, the courtyard calls to me again.
Edward: And it seems the High Strategos has retreated into seclusion with the Emperor. What could they be doing in there?
Arco Arboros: Must be important if it's the Emperor he's speaking with.
Valkian: Greetings, name's Valkian. What about you?
Marquess Charlotte Deschamps: I am Charlotte.
Charlotte: I am Charlotte.
Valkian: I was just around here entertaining the children earlier and I saw you from over there. What were you doing here?
Charlotte: Taking in the crowd below and trying to avoid trite conversation,
Valkian: You're in luck. Small talk is not my thing eiher.
Charlotte: And what is your thing, Valkian?
Valkian: I guess you can say I'm a bit of a reformer. I see how Taldan society can be at times and I want to change a few of those aspects. That's one of my goals anyway.
Charlotte: So we have more in common than I would have guessed.
Valkian: So Charlotte, where are you from?
Valkian: [SKILL] Knowledge (Local) [d20+7 = 27]
Charlotte: Marquess Charlotte Deschamps comes from humble beginnings and has hustled hard to reach the position of Senator that she only recently achieved. She is self-conscious about that and harbors insecurities that can be subtly exploited.
[TURN] Ivan
[TURN] Arco Arboros
Arco Arboros: I make my way over to the courtyard looking to enjoy the scenery and chat up that gnomish woman.
Arco Arboros: Hello there, my lady. Enjoying the flowers as much as I am?
Green-clad, rainbow-haired gnome: I don't know what else there is to enjoy in life besides flowers...
Arco Arboros: I tilt my head and cast a sad look at the gnome
Arco Arboros: Why, but what of life itself? The wilds! The trees!
Arco Arboros: I breathe in deep the air as I speak
Green-clad, rainbow-haired gnome: That's what I meant.
Arco Arboros: As we're speaking, I observe the wild-haired gnome and her manner of dress.
She has beautifully styled rainbow hair and a glowing smile, and she's dressed in the rich greens of the Verduran Forest with a stylized broach of some design at her shoulder.
Arco Arboros: Miss, I couldn't help but notice your dress. Such a beautiful shade of green. It reminds me of the time I've spent in the Verduran Wood. I haven't seen a gnome since then, actually. My name is Arco Arboros, may I have yours?
Tanasha: I am Tanasha and I am delighted to meet another forest-dweller in this drab and boring city.
Arco Arboros: I give her a warm smile. A sense of familiarity falls over me.
Arco Arboros [Druidic]: [Translation] Such a lovely name.
Such a lovely name.
[understood by: Arco Arboros]
Tanasha: Huh! I am afraid I can't understand you, but I wish I could! Such an interesting-sound language.
Arco Arboros: I clear my throat
Arco Arboros [Druidic]: [Translation] Excuse me, Tanasha. Uh...old habit...
Excuse me, Tanasha. Uh...old habit...
[understood by: Arco Arboros]
Arco Arboros: What I meant to say is that your name is lovely! Tell me, Tanasha, what brings you here so far from the wood?
Tanasha: Unfortunately, I work here.
Arco Arboros: Is that so? And what would your profession be?
Arco Arboros: I talk at length about the bounty of nature and how it provides all we need to survive and thrive in her realm.
Arco Arboros: [SKILL] Survival [d20+10 = 15]
Arco Arboros: [SKILL] Survival [d20+10 = 30]
Marquess Tanasha Starborne serves as the senator representing the interests of the gnomes of Wispil and the fey of the greater Verduran Forest. She dislikes this position and is bored by it and by civilized life, and could be easily swayed by joyous, enthusiastic people bringing excitement into her life.
[TURN] Ivan
Ivan: With grim determination, I make my way over to Abrielle and once again try my very hardest to make a positive impression on her with small talk about other nobles and tales of my exploits at war.
Ivan: [SKILL] Diplomacy [d20-1 = 7]
Ivan: [SKILL] Diplomacy [d20-1 = 9]
GM: The Countess barely stifles a yawn at your continued contrived attempts to impress her to the point where you swear she will walk off. And then she does.
Ivan: Defeated, I head off in search of help from my companions.
[TURN] Edward
Edward: You raise a good point Baron, but surely you've noticed the Empire's decline. Perhaps something drastic IS in order to raise our Empire out of this slump. Besides, I've spoken to the Princess at length, and she seems to have some good policies planned.
Edward: [SKILL] Bluff [d20+8 = 12]
Edward: [SKILL] Bluff [d20+8 = 12]
The Baron solemnly hears your contrived lies, shaking his head with disapproval, as it's clear that even you don't believe them.
[TURN] Valkian
Valkian: You said that you came from humble beginnings, so did I. But I didn't have to be around nobles all day. I imagine you had to smile sometimes when you didn't want to?
Valkian: [SKILL] Bluff [d20+6 = 13]
The Baron solemnly listens to Edward's reasoning, trying to make sense of it and reconcile it with his staid, traditionalist viewpoint. For a while, he says nothing, and Edward fears the worst; but suddenly the Baron breaks into a wide grin and lays a hand on Edward's shoulder.
I see your point, my friend, and in my deepest heart I think I have known it all along. The world moves forward, and traditions change for reasons as good as those for which they were invented. Maybe Eutropia is the way forward for Taldor after all.
[TURN] Ivan
[Delete one of Edward's rolls and give him a +4 modifier.]
Young man, I only smile when I want to, and no one—noble or commoner—can force a smile, or any other kind of reaction, out of me.
[TURN] Arco Arboros
Arco Arboros: Marquess Tanasha, you and I seem to have a lot in common. I too feel stifled in the trappings of civilization. I am also a priest of Cayden Cailean, praise His name. Adventure, danger and good drink is my way of life. How do you feel about Cayden, my lady?
Arco Arboros: [SKILL] Sense Motive [d20+4 = 20]
Marquess Tanasha Starborne: Cayden is one of the good ones. Whatever you say about him, at least he isn't boring!
[TURN] Edward
[TURN] Ivan
Ivan: I walk over to Edward in search of help.
Ivan: Edward, you've got to help me, I'm at my wits' end with this woman. Whatever I try, I just can't seem to make any progress with her.
Ivan: Gods know why we want to put one in power.
Baron Nicolaus Okerra: Who is your friend, Edward? And which woman are you referring to, friend?
Edward: This is my friend Ivan, we've known each other since we were young.
Ivan: Nice to meet you, Baron Okerra.
Ivan: I smile and shake his hand.
Baron Nicolaus Okerra: It seems you neglected to use your powers of persuasion on your friend, as you have done on me.
Edward: Yeah, I can help you out Ivan, sure. It's the least I can do for letting me crash at your place.
Edward: He's just a little troubled at the moment, I'm sure it'll pass.
The Baron takes Ivan's hand and shakes it vigorously in a strong grip.
Edward: I'll go and talk to her shortly.
Ivan: I was only joking Baron, I'm in a bad mood.
Baron Nicolaus Okerra: Well, I am sure that Edward will resolve whatever's bothering you, Ivan.
Ivan: I say goodbye to Edward and the Baron and head to the Archives.
Ivan: I try to strike up a conversation with the blond-haired warrior.
Baron Nicolaus Okerra: [d10 = 2]
Ivan: You look just as out-of-place here as I do, friend. What's your story?
As Ivan heads down to the Archives, he overhears a snippet of conversation from a pair of nobles going up to the gallery. “Ah, I got to see Mr. Smiles at Duke Talbot’s reception this week—the one where Baronet Jivarus got into a row with the servant—and that jester is delightful. Whimsical and biting all at once, and such grace. A tad off-putting, though.”
Blond warrior in gold-and-crimson plate: Hmmm... As a sitting senator, I wouldn't say I am out of place in the senate. As for my story... it's a daily struggle against the forces of evil in this world, and towards the light within us all.
Ivan: [SKILL] Knowledge (Nobility) [UNTRAINED] [d20+2 = 19]
Remilliard Kastner is the latest in the Taldan Kastner line to lead his household. A devout paladin of Ragathiel, he champions the cause of battling against devil-ensnared Cheliax and freeing the common folk from the oppression of devils and House Thrune.
Ivan: Of course, I should have recognised you at once.
Ivan: I talk to Kastner about his campaigns against Cheliax and try to work out a bit more about him.
Ivan: [SKILL] Knowledge (Nobility) [UNTRAINED] [d20+2 = 12]
Kastner either isn't in the mood to discuss his life's work at the moment, or he just doesn't like you. He listens to you politely enough, but replies with mostly nods and monosyllables, making it impossible for you to get a read on him.
[TURN] Edward
Edward: I was impressed by the entrance of the Grand Prince, and decided to ask around to see what other nobles knew about him.
Edward: [SKILL] Knowledge (Nobility) [d20+6 = 9]
Edward: [SKILL] Knowledge (Nobility) [d20+6 = 18]
Grand Prince Stavian III has no male heir, and he has refused to have any further children since the tragic death of his only son, Carrius, in a riding accident 20 years ago. With the emperor getting on in years, some people worry how this will affect succession.
The emperor has made no secret of his disdain for Princess Eutropia’s social crusades, especially her efforts to overturn primogeniture so she can inherit the throne, but he has been uncharacteristically quiet about it this past year. Rumors abound that his health is slipping and he has accepted her efforts.
[TURN] Valkian
Valkian: I continue to ask Charlotte questions about herself to gauge what her interests may be.
Valkian: [SKILL] Sense Motive [d20+3 = 15]
Born in Oppara to commoners, Charlotte Deschamps seized social-climbing opportunities wherever they present themselves, even slipping into noble households disguised as a page to learn everything she possibly could of upper-class customs.
[TURN] Ivan
Ivan: I continue talking to Kastner, trying to find some kind of opening.
Ivan: [SKILL] Knowledge (Nobility) [UNTRAINED] [d20+2 = 21]
The Kastner lineage is one that traces back to the earliest days of the Taldan empire. Given that long history, it was only relatively recently that a major schism drove apart the bloodline: when Cheliax succeeded from Taldor, a fifth of the Kastner family remained loyal to Taldor, believing their kin to be wrong in departing. When the Chelish Kastners’ long-standing practice of diabolism came to light in the Thrune-dominated nation, the Taldan Kastners felt their decision to remain supremely vindicated, and they managed to regain a sliver of their noble standing within Taldor.
[TURN] Arco Arboros
Arco Arboros: I attempt to brighten up Marquess Tanasha's day with a joke.
Arco Arboros: [SKILL] Perform (Comedy) [d20+1 = 18]
Arco Arboros: I have a joke for you, Lady Tanasha! Why do half-elves have such terrible aim?
Arco Arboros: Because they miss the forest for the trees!
The Marquess breaks out in a wide grin at Arco's silly joke, clearly delighted to be in his company among the stuffy, self-obsessed Taldan nobles she dislikes.
Following the Grand Prince's arrival, servants begin to bring out a light supper, placing various expensive cheeses, fruits, pastries, and wines out on tables or carrying platters to offer momentary repast.
The food placates the masses left confused by Stavian's abrupt arrival and sudden disappearance, and soon conversations return to normal. Socializing becomes easier, as interested parties jockey for positions in food lines to speak with important dignitaries.
[The PCs gain a +2 circumstance bonus on all checks to influence an area or NPC because the food makes social encounters easier to engineer.]
A century-old bottle of wine donated by the Lotheed family is opened and served at this point, but the senators sampling it react in disgust.
[TURN] Edward