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  1. - Top - End - #91
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    BlueWizardGirl

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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    Clytemnestra

    The elf settled into a more comfortable stance. She took advantage of the circle of chairs in front of the hearth, drawing a smaller, straight-backed chair over and settling into it.

    "Lord Kirsch could not have put it better, sir. Some titles are best earned. Indeed, I am doubly excited to hear that you grew up in this place. Growing up in the Crystal City - well spotted, sir! - I got to know nooks and secrets that no laird or mayor ever did. You get the feel of a place in your bones. I feel stronger and clearer in my thinking each time I go back."


    And it has been too long.

    "I am enticed by what you do not say, Master Hargen. What parts of the castle have been sealed away. Certainly, I understand the desire of circumspection with respect to such temporary guests as me, but sure you are as one of the household.
    What door would be shut even to you?"


    She leaned in.

    "Or is this a topic best left to a quiet moment on a balcony tomorrow?"
    "We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut

  2. - Top - End - #92
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    Clytemnestra and Kirsch

    At Kirsch's words, Hargen may in fact blush but waves it off as just the heat of the fireplace getting to him. "Your generosity of spirit is a credit to your house, dear fellow." And if Kirsch didn't know better, Hargen may be the first mammal in this strange land who may actually be able to discern the meaning behind the shifts in the magician's pigmentation.

    At Clytemnestra's hint at privacy, Hargen peeks back around the wingback of his chair. He notices an elven guard glaring into the room from his station in the grand foyer next to the eastward corridor. The old fabulist chuckles to himself as he settles back into his chair. "Not to worry, my dear. There's little I could say that isn't already in the public domain, as it were. No one worries about anybody talking to me.

    "But, as you say, there are not many places I have not been in Allsatalos, Castle of Locked Doors, but still they exist. I believe you might have guessed one of the party's involved. Let me tell you a brief story:

    "I was born here, spent my youth here, and then left for many years, with decades at a time between my visits. The Marquis was first my lord, then my mentor, and later in life, my friend. Even as a boy, I remember him being so very old, even for an elf. But he too, understood the importance of those places here which must remain quiet, and such was my respect for him, I never attempted to breach them—even at my most reckless. And now, after his death, they are still being watched, for you see... I am eighty-one years old, and from my earliest memories to all my subsequent visits, up until this present day... Father Neomund has always been here."

  3. - Top - End - #93
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    Metastachydium's Avatar

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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    Kirsch emits a short, dry and somewhat sardonic laugh. This fine man of exemplary diligence has made it abundantly clear that we have already piqued his not entirely welcome interest. he then leans somewhat closer to Hargen and Clytemnestra, lowering his voice even further. As did the good Father ours. We are not oblivious of his true affiliation. two semicircular clumps of scales darken to a hue closer to black than they are to green under the lizard's eyes. Speaking of which, did your extensive research, perchance, reveal when exactly the… society in question found its way into the late Marquis's – may his rest be peaceful – domain?

  4. - Top - End - #94
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    Clytemnestra and Kirsch (with Hargen, Western Salon)

    Hargen sits back for a moment in reflection at Kirsch's question. He sips his brandied hot chocolate. Servers enter the Western Salon and finish tidying up all but what has been laid out for the magicians and the fabulist, then retreat once more into the kitchen.

    "If I had to advance a guess, as well as I can, then that organization of which you speak has been here since very nearly its inception. Of course, when exactly that took place is debatable. But what is known is that it has to do with the Skeletal Scourge in the year 935 ANFS. Even the most amateur historian knows of it, though we do not give it so much thought now, more than a hundred years later. But those seventeen months were the grimmest times since the loss of the Conclave.

    "Frosted skeletons, thousands—hundreds of thousands—descended from somewhere among the southern Colossus' Stair. Many kingdoms were shattered, never to be seen again—the Free Commots, that disparate land of independent villages and fiefs, are all that remain of once-mighty nations. All of Eldwizand eventually came to join the battle, even the Overkingdom and Alliance put aside their differences to face this common foe."


    Hargen seems almost as if he wants to stop there, but something of the old storyteller in him urges him onward. He finishes his mug of chocolate, and sighing, he continues, "In the end, great heroes of that age ventured into those icy peaks of the southern Colossus' Stair and put an end to the source of the skeletal legions, whatever and wherever it was..." His pale eyes look from Kirsch's face to Clytemnestra, searching for something—a dawning of realization? "Those same heroes would never say. But what is indisputable is, afterward, they went to Glaem and broke into the Tower of Infinite Calm, claiming it as their headquarters. Whatever they found within, like the secret source of the Skeleton Scourge, they never share. But not more than a few years later, were the now-familiar gray-clad knights seen spreading across the lands: hunting, seizing, and guarding places throughout Eldwizand. More of which are unknown, than known, is my belief."

    With some strain, Hargen Orq leans closer to the magicians, beckoning them to do likewise. And here, the brassy voice lowers to a throaty whisper, "The Tolerance found Allsatalos to be one of their easier acquisitions, no that is not the right word... 'Compacts forged,' perhaps. For the Marquis and his gray elf line had already been performing the same duty which the Tolerance wished to perform here themselves."
    Last edited by Erelamar; 2021-07-01 at 11:59 PM.

  5. - Top - End - #95
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    Having successfully made it to his rooms, Victor takes a little time searching the room for anything interesting, letting the mindless task soothe his thoughts until he had fully collected himself. Wanting to take advantage of the information Spycrist gave him, he runs through his tentative head one last time before leaving. Find the area Spycrist told me of in order to gather what information I can, impersonate the man once I've seen him, and bully the staff to trash his reputation with the lady. Or at least ensure all his wine is thoroughly watered. Never anger those who prepare your food and drink. Ha! Nodding to himself, he rolls his shoulders, cracks his knuckles, and carefully peers out his doorframe as he slowly cracks the door a sliver.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show

    Search the room (1d20+4)[23]
    Spot anything in the hallway (1d20-3)[4]
    "He who makes a beast of himself, loses the pain of being a man." - Dr. Johnson

  6. - Top - End - #96
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    After listening for a moment, Victor winces slightly. Taking a deep breath as if to fortify himself for what it to come, he opens the door fully and strides out into the hallway with a casual gait.
    "He who makes a beast of himself, loses the pain of being a man." - Dr. Johnson

  7. - Top - End - #97
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    The Great Heroes of our age. Kirsch thinks to himself, the ghost of a smirk playing in the corners of his mouth. He'll give them threats to defend against, he sure will. He's finally on the right track and once Hargen shows them around (and the amicable fellow does seem to be more than willing to do so), it will just be a matter of time to look into those Locked Doors. He'll have to find a pretext for lengthening his visit, but that should not be incredibly difficult – supposing the lady gets a say and his colleagues will not turn against him. But for now, that seems unlikely.
    When Hargen beckons to him, the lizard leans closer and listens even more intently than before, making sure he doesn't divide his attention between the fabulist's words and his own thoughts on strategic considerations. Intriguing. he replies to the old man thoughtfully, his scales fading to a modest gray-green. Now, provided watching over the sealed chambers is a duty the late lord's entire line took upon itself, they must have kept records of what they chose to keep hidden, lest a heir fail to grasp the proper weight of this duty – just as the Tolerance would, in all probability, keep similar records on the objects of interest they oversee. Whether these records are, or were, as it may be, oral or written is certainly of quite some significance… he wonders aloud. But I digress.the magician closes his eyes for a moment as he gently touches his sharp little teeth with the tip of his tongue. Clearly, you see, all this knowledge and the very obligation the possession of this knowledge entails must have been passed over from generation to generation a number of times. Who, I ask, was meant to inherit it from the late Marquis? Or did he elect to surrender the this responsibility to the Father and to those that the Father serves? the lizard's eyes pop open and his scales regain their lustre in an instant as he looks at Hargen Orq, with an expression of strange, almost feverish curiosity.

    Spoiler: Checks.
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    Kirsch is trying to recall anything about the Marquis and his family:
    Knowledge (nobility and royalty) (1d20+8)[13]
    Knowledge (history) (1d20+8)[17]

  8. - Top - End - #98
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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    [QUOTE=Ripptor;25102151]
    Spying Victor walking down the hall, Megamax waves at him as they come together in the hall. "Victor! I had heard you were around here somewhere, have you met our Lady Lilet?"

    Having broken with the others, she can only hope that she's given them enough time to find what they need from their rendezvous. "We were just discussing what to do before the festivities. The griffon ride here was quite beautiful, but it's left me rather windswept." Squeezing herself closer to Lilet's arm, she continues, "I had caught Duke Orbal heading off to the Spa in the South Wing, and thought we might go freshen up. Would you care to join us?"
    Spoiler: OoC
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    Presumably the spa is something akin to a middle-ages public bathhouse, and it would be mixed bathing? Otherwise Meagan would have trouble introducing the two to one another

    I'm also somewhat interested in the dynamic between Lilet and Orbal, they seem like they could be interesting!

  9. - Top - End - #99
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    A slight hitch in Victor's step at the unexpected news is quickly and deftly turned into an extravagantly sweeping bow. "Ah, but of course! Lady Lilet has done me the great service of providing the very best of conversation this evening. I had almost started to feel bad for monopolizing such a treasure before a small matter drew me away a bit ago, allowing others to share such a bounty as I've had thus far." Flashing a beaming grin at the lady in question, he turns to Megamax, "Ah, a griffon would be a fine conveyance indeed! I myself decided to take the low road in a more meandering fashion. The views might not be quite as majestic, but you get to enjoy them for much longer, truly appreciating them, and the odd highwayman served as ample entertainment and practice, as it turned out. Quite invigorating!" Gesturing with his cane vaguely towards the south wing, he continues, "As a matter of fact, now that my room has been seen to, I was actually headed to the spa myself just now. I would love to accompany such a pair of visions, surely." Gesturing broadly with his cane, indicating that he will follow, he inclines his head.
    Last edited by Geeksthenewsexy; 2021-07-02 at 10:00 PM.
    "He who makes a beast of himself, loses the pain of being a man." - Dr. Johnson

  10. - Top - End - #100
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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    Megamax grins listening to Victor's overgenerous demeanor. "I envy you, Highwaymen are such wonderful practice. I haven't had the opportunity to really let loose in a while..." The Demon-girls free hand flexes it's fingers for a moment, itching for some fun.

    Accepting his offer to come along, Meagan walks past him back towards his room. "If you could be a dear, I haven't any soaps or oils. Could you check and see if you have enough in your room for us?" Leaning on Lady Lilet as much as she may be leaning back on her, the girls make a wonderful pleading pair.
    Spoiler: OoC
    Show
    To the Spa!

    Meagan (and Lilet?) don't have anything from their own rooms, towels oils or otherwise... Orbal was taking everything with him when they passed, but hopefully they can scavenge a towel and some cleansers from Victor, or the Spa itself

  11. - Top - End - #101
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    BlueWizardGirl

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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    Clytemnestra

    Clytemnestra smiles.

    "Ah. You are a brave man, Kirsch, to wander unarmed into the intricate traditions and laws of elven inheritance."

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Who knew that Clytemnestra's point in Profession (Lawyer) might actually see play? What are the elven laws surrounding inheritance and conservatorship? ​(1d20+2)[22]

    Or knowledge history?: (1d20+7)[27]
    Or knowlege local? (1d20+7)[17]

    I'm not sure what applies best.
    Last edited by Toliudar; 2021-07-03 at 02:29 PM.
    "We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut

  12. - Top - End - #102
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    Clytemnestra and Kirsch (with Hargen in the West Salon)

    "A brave one indeed, Lord Kirsch, as Lady Clytemnestra suggests..." Again, the same look falls over the old man's face, the hesitancy. "I know..." and Hargen struggles, but not with his memory. He peers into his empty mug but eventually sighs.

    "The Marquis' cousin, the former castle magician here, his parents were meant to have Allsatalos, indeed, and all of the March as well, but they perished. Sometime between the end of the Skeletal Scourge and my birth, they were out sailing aboard the castle's skyship, as was their passion: sailing, singing, living joyous lives. They were beset by cloud giant raiders, their ship destroyed and their lives ended."

    Hargen looks to each of you, and there is something of a pleading in his pale eyes. "And what I'm about to tell you next, you must not think too harshly of the Marquis; he came from much more difficult times... Late one night, as I neared manhood, I found him deep in his cups in the Eastern Garden, staring at his sword upon the ground with tears in his eyes. I knew of the fate of the cousin's parents, all in Allsatalos knew, but at that time, the Marquis confided in me the aftermath.

    "He armed himself with vengeance in his heart and he called in the final favor owed his family from centuries long ago by a silver dragon which lairs in the Fraal. Together, they hunted down the cloud giant clan, and in his rage, he slew them all: lords and soldiers, mothers and children, and he crashed their cloud-keep into the waters of the Hekaton Straights. When he returned, he put away his arms and vowed never to take them up again.

    "But that was not the only source of his peculiar melancholy which I experienced all my life; their son, the magician cousin, was in no way shape-or-form ready, or of the temperament, to take on the responsibilities of Allsatalos. Even after training at the Incrementon. The Marquis knew this, he said, and continued, 'At least we have Father Neomund. Who would ever have imagined a snow elf a godsend?' and bitter was his laugh through his tears."


    Hargen Orq sits back in his armchair, obviously winded. "Perhaps, that is the best I can manage in answer to your query." He takes out a handkerchief and dabs his forehead which had begun to perspire, but not from the heat of the hearth. "I believe, I must be getting to my room and rest if I am to make tonight's events at all..."

    Megamax and Victor (with Lady Lilet in the Guest Suite Hallway)

    Lady Lilet's toothy grin spread wide at Victor's words. "Oh, isn't he a charmer. You may have to watch out for yourself," and she nudges Megamax enough to jostle the magician.

    At the mention of the guest spa, Lady Lilet finally disentangles herself from her tiefling escort. "Ah, ha-ha, you wicked things. Gawking at an old lady? No, no. I believe I will take my ablutions in my chambers, along with a light nap, I think." And her yawn while exaggerated—as is her fashion with most things—does not appear to be entirely feigned. "Besides, and this knowledge comes from experience, a bellyful of brandy and chocolate do not mix well with extreme heat. I'd like to faint, I fear." She laughs adding the aside, "And, I'm more than certain, I'm going to be sharing Orby's company rather a lot these two days... at least if I want to get a word in edgewise with Emalia."

    At Megamax's mention of necessities, Lady Lilet waves carelessly, "Don't worry a drop on any of that, honey. They've got all you need in there, softest towels and robes you've ever felt, masseuses greased to the elbows with scented oils and cooling creams; they'll even prestigi-, presdig-, oh listen to me! They'll magic your clothes clean while you settle in for a soak." She makes to retreat back to the open door of her guest suite in the corner of the hallway. "Just down that way to the end, darlings!"
    Last edited by Erelamar; 2021-07-03 at 08:09 PM.

  13. - Top - End - #103
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    "Letting loose can definitely be cathartic, but the only thing I intend to let loose at this moment is the tension in my shoulders from a long journey." Making noises of sympathy and polite distress that she won't be joining them, Victor bows slightly as Lady Lilet makes her departure... and immediately looks quite relieved once she is out of sight for a moment before recovering. A hint of a sardonic smile flashes across his lips as he muses aloud, "I really am looking forward to that spa."
    "He who makes a beast of himself, loses the pain of being a man." - Dr. Johnson

  14. - Top - End - #104
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    When Hargen recounts the Marquis's comment on snow elves, Kirsch has the sudden urge to laugh as Athanas's surly, bald head springs to his mind. But he quickly reminds himself that this is no time for laughing.
    Of course. he says simply but pleasantly instead upon hearing Hargen excuse himself. We shall pester you no longer. I am immensely grateful for your time as it is, and I am certain that Clytemnestra shares this sentiment. The lizard gracefully moves out of the way before adding I sure hope you will be able to rejoin us this evening, or barring that, tomorrow, for that little walk.
    Last edited by Metastachydium; 2021-07-04 at 11:32 AM.

  15. - Top - End - #105
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    BlueWizardGirl

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    Clytemnestra

    Clytemnestra's voice is distant.

    "So the magic-using cousin is likely the heir to this palace, but was made unwelcome. But now his whereabouts are unknown. Fraal is ruled by Emalia. And winter is coming."

    Taking her cue from the ever-gracious Lord Kirsch, Clytemnestra struggles to her feet and she seems to be dragging herself back into the present.

    "Indeed, sir. We have taken advantage of your generous spirit overlong. Would you like company back to your room?"

    As they strolled - either towards Hargen's room or onwards, depending on his wishes - Clytemnestra found an opportunity to murmur to Kirsch.

    "The missing piece to this puzzle, a shape that begins to confound, is the Lady Emalia herself. The Emalia I knew would certainly never skip a party, especially one she herself was throwing, nor would she be content to let someone else greet her guests. She has changed, or her circumstances have."
    "We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut

  16. - Top - End - #106
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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    Kirsch shakes his head slowly with a faint, bitter smile on his face. When the cousin was found wanting, the late Lord resolved to leave the castle in more capable hands, or so it would appear, and at any rate, the unusual inheritor he would seem to have chosen exercises control over it since the Marquis's departure. The dominion of the kind Lady over Allsatalos and, perhaps, over its holdings as well is but nominal. You certainly remember the incident that Lady Lilet recounted, that of her will being overruled by the decrees of the Father. the lizard folds his arms behind his back before going on. Newly ennobled and of limited magical prowess, the kind Lady is of no concern to the true lord, the one that undertook the task of receiving us in her stead, and even if she could remove the good steward, that would achieve little: it would, by necessity precipitate a violent backlash that she would be powerless to defend against. Kirsch looks up at the ceiling in thought. Emalia is no fool, or at least she wasn't when they would occasionally meet. It is quite probable that she understands as much, and this knowledge must be a heavy burden. But then, he adds, his scales shifting to a friendly hue of green. I strongly hope I am merely underestimating her. I sure would not be the first person to make such a mistake.

  17. - Top - End - #107
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    BlueWizardGirl

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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    Clytemnestra

    Clytemnestra speaks softly, clearly enjoying this exchange.

    "I'm not certain that we share the same understanding of elven law, Lord Kirsch. It's not clear to me that the late lord COULD have disinherited his cousin, even if he had wanted to. And if no substitute heir of suitable blood has been publicly named - and surely Hargen would have known if there had - then anyone else would generally be seen as a steward at best. Possession is, in this case, not nine tenths of the law.

    "Of course, if someone is willing to disregard the actual law, then by definition they will not be constrained by it. But that doesn't mean that it wouldn't carry weight among the elven nobility."
    "We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut

  18. - Top - End - #108
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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    Kirsch receives the lecture with a smile, deciding not to take offense. I will readily defer to your expertise so far as such legal matters are concerned, and permit me to assure you that I spoke figuratively when I referred to the lizard lowers his voice suddenly the true lord of this exquisite noble residence. That said, I must stress that Allsatalos is more than a mere heap of stones and were that fine elven gentlemen to press his claim to this estate, he would inherit little more than that. Kirsch unfolds his arms and makes a vague gesture with his clawed right. Likewise, the good Father demonstrably has the means to keep this cousin disinterested in spending his time hereabouts, while I continue to posit that it is not within his power to drive the Father away. The magician clears his throat and folds his arms again. But let us steer back to the calmer waters of elven customs. Would you argue that the cousin enjoys precedence over the wife in this particular scenario?
    Last edited by Metastachydium; 2021-07-05 at 02:59 PM.

  19. - Top - End - #109
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    Clytemnestra

    The elven woman smiles and leads Lord Kirsch back toward the guest Library that Spycrist had introduced her to, and continues the conversation here (once she confirms that the room is still unoccupied)

    "I've already swept this room for listening devices. We should be able to speak freely here.

    "I believe that your analysis of the realpolitik of the situation is completely correct. In title, Emalia rules this land, and in theory the cousin is heir to this estate. But functionally, it seems likely that Neomund and his followers have solidified a hold over this place.

    "For reasons not yet clear to me, Duke Orbal seemed very interested in me on the way here. Perhaps he thought that, as a grey elf, I am more part of the power structures of this place than I really am. He is looking for money and power to counterbalance the end of his regency over his son's affairs. Perhaps he sees his next pivot point, so to speak, as being here, either with Emalia or within a new household structures. Certainly, though, he evinced none of the distaste for magic that Neomund seems to have. And if he's half the warrior that Lady Wassername described, he'd be a useful ally in case the need to help reassert lawful authority becomes...realpolitik."



    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Metastychydium, my eyes are fairly crap. If we can take as assumed that the two of us are speaking quietly to each other, could we just keep to the default font size? I have to adjust the page magnification each time just to read your posts.
    "We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut

  20. - Top - End - #110
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    Clytemnestra and Kirsch (Western Salon)

    Hargen does struggle a bit to get to his feet and picks up an old walking stick that had been resting out of sight. He waves off Clytemnestra's offer of escort, "I'm not so far gone, yet, dear lady. Besides, the Father knows how my knees are these days with all the stairs and arranges a special room for me on the ground floor of the South Wing, just off the Portrait Gallery. I'm quite fine to make do on my own. Gods, I'd better be. No, go and find something to amuse yourselves, please. The South Wing Library is just off that way past the Games Room."

    He turns from where he's achingly made his walk to the doorway to the Grand Foyer—briefly interrupting the magicians' murmuring—and he lays a hand over his heart. "I have it on good authority, it stocks some of the finest fables in the land." He smiles and stiffly bows, "Lady Clytemnestra, Lord Kirsch..." And the old man shuffles away toward the eastern corridor off the Grand Foyer, leaning heavily upon his stick. The elven guard watches him pass, but says nothing.

    Clytemnestra leads Kirsch back to the First Hall with the grand staircases. She easily pieces together, from Spycrist's meandering tour, the way back to the Guest Library (i.e. the South Wing Library). Both magicians see the cold, silent corridor which leads north from the First Hall deeper into the ground level of the castle's citadel. Kirsch, however, having come this way earlier, notices this time an elven guard stands at the corridor's mouth. He stands at attention, and he stands watching.

    The pair of magicians ascend the stairs, the grand doors at the second story landing are open and servants are hard at work in some kind of theater. They are dusting the cushioned benches and setting up props upon a stage at the far end. From there, you find the balcony level above the Grand Foyer; the servants are streaming between the theater and the door Spycrist had lead Clytemnestra and Megamax through a few hours ago, all manner of brooms and mops and polishing rags in their hands. The lizardman and elf make it to the "games room" across the balcony: billiards tables, cards tables, and even a skittle alley are scattered around throughout. And looming above it all are the stuffed heads of mountainous monsters (behir, peryton, and the like). From there, they cross into the library: a wide, long wood-paneled room bursting with books up to its vaulted ceiling. Tall ladders on rollers slide across every wall save where more great windows are set: those to the north looking down on the wisteria garden and to the south out over the mountains and the vacant Skywalk. Leather couches and deep, comfy chairs wait empty.

    Clytemnestra and Kirsch are alone in this chamber. The echo of the servants can be heard hustling back out between the Grand Foyer's balcony and second-floor landing, but they are very far from earshot, at least anything of a civil volume.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    I've opened up another room on the second-floor map. The servants are streaming between the western door in 49 and the newly revealed "theater" in 69.

    Clytemnestra and Kirsch are alone in 51, and 50 (the game/trophy room) is also empty.
    Last edited by Erelamar; 2021-07-05 at 04:47 PM.

  21. - Top - End - #111
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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    Megamax waves Lady Lilet off, "We'll surely see you soon!"

    Walking further with Victor, she echoes with his excitement. "Indeed, I am quite certain it will be as wonderful as the rest of the facilities have been so far. Especially if Lilet is to be believed. I could use some strong hands on this body after the last few days."

    Meagan looks Victor up and down, once again taking her unseen servant's arm down the hall. "Speaking of pains, I assume you've had the chance to meet Father Neomund? The Tolerance has been making us magi feel very welcome so far. I can't wait to see what we have in store for this evening."
    Spoiler: OoC
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    To the spa + massages!

  22. - Top - End - #112
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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    Kirsch pays little attention to the games room beyond ascertainig that it is empty; rather, having made sure to close its door, he heads straight for the library, granted, at a slower place than what he'd prefer so that Clytemnestra can keep up without exerting herself. He always felt at home among books, and that they managed to slip in here unattended is a welcome development, as well as an opportunity that might not present itself so comfortably later.
    While it might be unlikely that they'll find anything truly revelative in the guest library, the lizard would rather ensure that it is not for a lack of trying, and he begins circling the room, methodically scanning the contents of the shelves.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    I'm not sure that it's designed for this kind of thing, but here's a Search check: (1d20+4)[18] (Kirsch is looking for historical accounts, anything that can give him a picture of the building phases of the castle, anything about the Conclave and anything that stands out/seems useful for trying to locate the entry point to the Tracery)
    as well as a Knowledge (local): (1d20+7)[11] to see what Kirsch knows about how libraries usually arrange their books in millieus like this
    with a Knowledge (architecture and engineering): (1d20+8)[21] for roughly the same, and to see if there's something unusual about the room.

  23. - Top - End - #113
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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    Victor can't quite keep the amused smirk off of his face. "That depends entirely on your definition of 'meeting' someone, I suppose. He introduced himself, and I gave him my name in kind. And that was that - I haven't seen him since. I've actually spent more time chatting with Lady Lilet than anyone else, so far. She's introduced me to a few of her friends, as well." Giving a nonchalant shrug, Victor glances back down the hallway where they left Lady Lilet's company... and he seems to pick up the pace just a smidgen.
    "He who makes a beast of himself, loses the pain of being a man." - Dr. Johnson

  24. - Top - End - #114
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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    Megamax and Victor (Guest Spa, Second Floor, West Wing)

    Free from Lady Lilet, the magicians follow the long West Wing hallway past their rooms and to the final doors. Even just pulling them open exposes Megamax and Victor to a shock of humidity. A pair of elves, their blond hair pulled up in messy buns, wearing simple white outfits, offer greetings in unison.

    With chalkboards in hand, they run through a list of services: massages, skin treatments, wet and dry saunas, and relaxing pools. They speak of a series of chambers to pass through: the salt room, the gem room, the clay room. Halfway through the questionnaire, the elves hand Megamax and Victor chilled water in crystal bottles which the magicians didn't even know they already needed until it was given to them. They inquire if you prefer iced tea or something stronger when decompressing in the steam baths.

    If asked, they offer that three other guests are currently making their way through the spa, the first of which should be reaching the steam baths within the hour. The elves take down each of the magician's choices and offer them lockers for their possessions, and direct them to the changing rooms and the whole process begins...

    Sixty-five minutes later, after the last deep-tissue massage, Megamax and Victor reunite. The blond elves—who could say if they were even the same ones that greeted Megamax and Victor when they arrived? so similar they all look—have wrapped the magicians in down-soft robes, given each a tall glass of iced tea or a flute of champagne as requested, and ushered them into a steamy, tiled bath hall. Magical columns lining the chamber glow white-hot and water runs in sheets down the walls, either evaporating or disappearing into invisible troughs. Two long pools stretching into the haze are separated by a tall dividing hedge of broadleaf plants and sweet-smelling flowers, dripping with condensation. Megamax's elven attendant motions for her to go to one side, while Victor's own does likewise with the other. Apparently, the spa is sensitive to human notions of modesty.

    Megamax can hear talk bouncing around the walls of the room, but of the women's pool, she encounters only one other figure relaxing in the bubbling waters: a thick-built human woman, still wearing a minty face mask complete with cucumber slices over her eyes. She listens to the men's pool chatter beyond the hedge in silence. If she has detected Megamax's presence, she gives no sign.

    Victor sees the conversation is coming from two blurry silhouettes relaxing in the water. At his approach, he hears a rumbling voice, "Look here, Orbal. Another gentleman with the sense to make use of the castle's facilities. Come, join us, stranger!" The man speaking is an older stately sort, plump and with a receding hairline, his skin scoured to a radiant red.

    "Yes, of course, Baron Vorgus is right. Come, we speak of manly things," Duke Orbal adds with a smirk, delicately sipping from a champagne flute. The portion of his sinewy torso exposed above the foam is a crisscross of battle scars; some, one could imagine, which should have been fatal.

    Spoiler: Megamax and Victor
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    Once you finish the steam bath ending of the spa, you both will benefit from a +2 competence bonus to Str, Dex, and Con ability checks and Str-, Dex-, and Con-based skill checks for the next 24 hours.
    Last edited by Erelamar; 2021-07-07 at 12:59 AM.

  25. - Top - End - #115
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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    HIs suspicions confirmed, Kirsch is a little disheartened. The books on the shelves are pretty – and pretty much worthless. However, the magician is determined not to be the sore loser that quits fuming when the job is but half done. He quickly scans through the shelves bearing works of fiction as well, shelves that he largely ignored before. The titles he sifts through are as meaningless and just as useless to him as those in the rest of the library, but then, he happens upon a familiar name on the ornate blue cover of The Octarium of Hargen Orq. Recalling the fabulist's parting words, the lizard flashes a satisfied little smile and carries the thick volume to the nearest table of comfortable height. You would not let me down, would you, Master Hargen? he thinks to himself, opening the book carefully.

  26. - Top - End - #116
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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    Meagan parts ways with Victor, availing herself of the massage and gem room before reuniting only to be separated once more. Carrying her ice-cold tea into the sultry water of the pool, the demon pouts slightly at the lost opportunity to mix. In the coven, the red witches were given full rein over the bath, with male consorts allowed in at their discretion. It appears that she'll have to talk or listen through the vegetative wall if she wants to keep up with Orbal...

    Seeing the built woman already listening against the hedge on her own, Meagan quietly slips over and positions herself beside her, hanging her robe on an extended broadleaf stem before settling deeper into the waters. Sipping at her tea to stay hydrated, she reclines her head back against the hedge as well, closing her eyes to match her companion as she listens intently for the Duke and his company.
    Spoiler: OoC
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    I want to avoid another conversation if possible, to focus on the men's pool...

    Move Silently (1d20+9)[13], to quietly move + match the other woman in place and pose, like a child mirroring their mother.

    Spa Day: +2 Str, Dex, Con checks / skills

  27. - Top - End - #117
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    His stylish hat 'disappearing' at some point during the changing process, Victor's hair is instead now tied back with a braided leather cord as he devests himself of his clothing. Clothing that looks decidedly more shabby in this receptacle provided than when he was wearing it. The only other thing he keeps with him as he arrives at the baths is his reddish crystal shard, inscribed with arcane symbols and banded with mithral, hanging from a small silver chain around his neck.

    Hearing the call from the two strangers, Victor makes his way towards them, sipping lightly on his flute of champagne. "Manly things you say - how could I possibly refuse? I've near been assaulted by the excitable fluttering and buzzing of the court ladies since arriving and this was the only place I could think of to escape their fair clutches. And to my delight, there is at last a manly peace." With a light chuckle, he flashes a toothy grin and makes his way into the water to join his new bathing compatriots.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show

    Hat of Disguise shifted in to a hair throng. Aside from the Hat of Disguise, he only retains his Empowered Spellshard.
    "He who makes a beast of himself, loses the pain of being a man." - Dr. Johnson

  28. - Top - End - #118
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    Megamax and Victor (Guest Spa, West Wing, Second Floor)

    Perhaps her muscles are still too loose, but Megamax's attempts at slipping into the tub unnoticed seem to fail. Luckily, besides a slight tilting of the head at the detection of movement, the other woman makes no comment. She never even takes a peek out from under the cucumber slices over her eyes.

    Beyond the hedge wall, it is easy for both to hear, "Quite right, quite right, just so," the pudgy nobleman agrees and sips his champagne. "The frills of an elven palace are one thing, but the ladyfolk outnumber the men two-to-one at Emalia's parties—"

    "An arrangement not so displeasing elsewhere," Duke Orbal interrupts with a grin.

    His companion thinks on it for a moment, screwing his face up in confusion. Then burst out laughing, "What a cad you are, Orbal! Ah, yes, introductions. This is Duke Orbal of Bruckwald. I am Baron Vorgus Vollenveen, and no-no, before you ask, Countess Yzonde is my sister. My much older sister." His chuckling resumes. He pats his brow with a washcloth. "Who might you be, fine sir?"

    Once answered, the Baron continues, "But quite right, manly things, we speak of matters of statecraft and hunting. How I do enjoy hunting, early in the morning up in the blinds. A sip of whiskey as dawn breaks, then the beaters and dogs drive out the quarry. I've shown the Duke my crossbow; had it custom-made by a master arbalist in Chinyere. Manly things indeed."

    Duke Orbal's smile, while pleasant, does border on the sarcastic. Victor might catch his eyes rolling from time to time. "Yes, Baron. Manly things." The Duke increases the volume of his voice, "But I'm afraid, sir, we do not speak in peace. Dominique have you caught up with us over there! Though, in reality, Lady Dominique is more 'one of the boys' than most of the men at Allsatalos!" His grin returns and he brings the champagne flute up such that the bubbles likely tickle his nose.

    Beside Megamax, the woman speaks, her strong voice not needing to be raised to carry through the shrubbery, "I'm as much a Lady as you are a Duke, Orbal."

  29. - Top - End - #119
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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    Meagan snuffles at the woman's sudden retort, so simultaneously sharp and blunt. Dominique and a Vollenveen, what an auspicious circumstance!

    Her laughter almost certainly audible through the hedges, Megamax leans a bit further back to call out herself, "Careful Orby! The Cleaver's of the mood to cut you down clear through these hedges, and then poor little me would need to find something to wear..."

    Rolling her head sideways to Dominique, she smiles at the cucumber slices that would usually be looking back at her. "Megamax, High Daughter of the Red Coven. A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance." She'll wink with her one visible eye, even if she keeps the cucumbers on... After all, Meagan can see through her eyepatch!
    Spoiler: OoC
    Show
    Meagan has literally zero idea if Dominique is going to find her nickname charming or not, but lets try to play it as cute as we can!

    If it's supposed to be a 'secret' then hopefully her smile just seems 'knowing' rather than threatening, but she's risky

    Diplomacy to make nice with the new acquaintance, taking 10 for Diplomacy 25 (Lost +2 from her Glamerweave Cloak)

    On the note of lost clothing: Like Kirsh, Meagan has left most of her trinkets behind excepting her horn-clasp headband, eyepatch and signet-ring.

    Presumably Baubie is not allowed (?) and is sleeping safe in her cloak's hammerspace...
    BUT if Baubie is allowed she'll keep the dragonkin close! He'd love the heat, I'm sure!

    Spa Day: +2 Str, Dex, Con checks / skills

  30. - Top - End - #120
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    Default Re: A Misdirection of Magicians (IC)

    Megamax and Victor (Guest Spa, West Wing, Second Floor)

    "... the Cleaver's of the mood to cut you down..." and it's like the oxygen is sucked from the steamy room. Victor watches Baron Vorgus' mouth hang open such that a dribble of champagne rolls down his chin. Duke Orbal's grin does not disappear but his surprised eyes stare at the hedge wall in expectation.

    Dominique's head rolls to face Megamax's direction as she finishes speaking. The green face mask and cucumber eyes take on a menacing quality. There is a healthy silence, then Dominique emits a bark of amusement followed so closely by Orbal's own laughter less keen ears would believe they happened in unison.

    "They must be a hard-nosed lot in the Red Coven, wherever that is," Dominique says relaxing back into her previous repose.

    "Th-the Valley of Fire," offers Baron Vorgus attempting an airy tone, though there is a concerned-ashamed-childish giggle contained in his voice.

    "Oh," grunts Dominique. "I don't know much about it, I guess."

    "But you have hit the nail on the head," Duke Orbal adds. "They are a 'hard-nosed lot,' indeed. Though we are blessed to have the fairest of their number joining us on this fine occasion." He raises his champagne flute in a toast only seen by the Vorgus and Victor.

    Those words do cause Dominique the Cleaver's hand, recently scoured calluses still raw upon it, to rise from the foam and lift a cucumber long enough to takes a one-eyed gander at Megamax. She snorts at the sight, whether derogatory or in acceptance, it is hard to determine. The cucumber falls back into place.

    Dominique begins, "Valley of Fire, huh? That's near where you're from, Orbal. Gnomon, on the edge of the Thousand Towers, right? Tell us again what you did there?"

    Victor watches Baron Vorgus, finally cooling from the momentary tension, turn with all curiosity to the Duke, the fat around his eyes pulled wide with interest.

    The Duke isn't smiling for once. "You'll have to forgive your tub-mate, Lady Maximus. She has a very blunt edge to her social skills. They lack practice, you see, with suitable sorts."

    "Eat me, Orbal." Despite the thick mint-scented cream upon Dominique's face, Megamax can see she is smiling.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    It is clear, Dominique the Cleaver is very unschooled in nobility and royalty (and history, geography, and local matters) if she could not connect the Red Coven to the Valley of Fire.

    Gnomon is a major trade city on the near, northern edge of the Land of One-Thousand Towers across the gulf from the Sandrinel Alliance (so just off the world map I posted in the OOC's second post under the Geographical Information spoiler). Like all settlements there it is ruled by some kind of spellcasting overlord. Any further information about it would require knowledge checks.
    Last edited by Erelamar; 2021-07-10 at 11:20 PM.

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