King Asgore's Court [IC]

[Spore]

Brad hopes for a hearty meal, and tries through subtle questions to get a general idea bout the vizier. Weird questions about size, hair color and favorite meals; but also serious questions about power in the state, whether is a wizard or priest (that could possibly carry the tradition of maintaining the barrier), whether he is emotional or calculating.

One final question: I have read about viziers in the past. Is he the villain here? I have heard viziers are always the villains. They scheme, and manipulate the sultan and cesar and emperor for personal gains.

Spoiler

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I am fine with a time skip if you answer my blunt question
For added hilarity Brad will start looking for signs of demonic possession and/or liches during the meet with the vizier. Because it's always liches. If I have the ability to cast Detect Evil and Good before meeting the vizier and more importantly - without insulting him, I will do so.

[JNAProductions]

Brad-this is not a storybook. This is real life, Asgore says firmly.

"No-of course not," your guide responds. "He's an adviser to the king-nothing more, nothing less. Though he can be a bit touchy, so I would advise not saying anything like that in his presence. For now, let's get you all something to eat, and cleaned up a little. You've been in a fight and could use a chance to do that."

---

The meal is quick, but hearty and filling. Stew, with some bread and cheeses. You're then given a chance to avail yourself of the washrooms, cleaning the dirt and blood out of your fur, hair, and clothes. Before it feels like much time has passed, it's been two hours, and a servant is leading you to where you'll meet the vizier.

As you arrive at the door, the servant stops. "Um... I'm sorry, but the vizier has requested that the king takes only a single guard with him. He's a touch paranoid, see, so..." he says apologetically.

Asgore sighs, but nods. No need to justify yourself-it's not your command. Well, friends, pick one amongst yourselves to come with. As for the rest of you-enjoy yourselves, but do see if you can make some friends amongst the guards or servants. They seem a delightful sort, and diplomacy is more than just kings and queens.

[Spore]

Though I'd love to go myself, I nominate El, she can heal, and she can get help if something bad happens. Brad thinks loudly. Parker could spot danger before it happens. And either Justin or me can be another bodyguard rather than a pair of eyes.

[WhismurWanders]

Justin snorts in mild irritation. "I think either Brad or El should go. If this vizier is silly enough to try something, he's unlikely to use brute force when another monster is there. Someone smart with a touch or two of magic should go." He reaches to scratch the back of his neck, admitting awkwardly, "So long as you guys don't pick me."

[Spore]

Brad smiles sincerely. You know yourself I can cast magic but I do not know its ins and outs. It's all just willpower. My spell preparation is an hour of concentrating on my set of cue cards and learning the magic words really hard. The dragon pulls a few worn filing cards from under his cloak. He shows you the things, and in a few scraggly runes - probably draconic - there are a few magic spells written onto. They seem to be created with crayon.

No, I would not expect to win an open fight in the castle of a minister of a country as large as this. You have seen Michael. When he can beat me in a duel, imagine how skilled the elite guards are. No, we need an expert in there. Someone who knows and sees things.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Uh. Point of order. I'm not the tingling danger sense kind of spider." Parker seems to used to making that kind of correction. It must be the specialty of some other spider clan.

"Anyway. I don't think humans really use magic very much. But. Brad kind of looks the most like a bodyguard if that's what you're going for. El looks more like a magical assistant. I like the idea of her going actually. It's a cool visual contrast."

The spider's hand doesn't stop playing with the cat while Parker talks. They've knelt down to pet the little fuzzball by now.

[JNAProductions]

"Decide soon-the Vizier is ready for you," the servant says.

Eladriel, I think you should come with. Join me, Asgore says.

[puzzler7]

Eladriel pokes her head out from beneath a dresser.

"Oh! Er ... alright, sure, I'll go with you! I can magic, and diplomacy too, if you need."

She flutters over to Asgore's right shoulder, doing her best to look official and formal.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Cool. Have fun." The danger aspect doesn't seem like a big deal at this point; the situation hardly seems set up for a big fight. An adviser with a paranoia shtick. Sounds annoying. But. Probably useful in small doses.

Parker stands up to start talking to the humans. Whether the cat loses interest or continues following Parker around is entirely up to the cat.

"It is interesting. The surface world. I heard a lot of rumors about it," Parker says to whoever's around to listen. Probably Garrett Junior. "For instance. Up here. I heard that you're never more than ten feet from a spider. That they hide in pretty much every corner year round. But. I haven't actually seen one yet. So I'm not sure if it's true or not."

[JNAProductions]

The servant says "We try to keep this place free of spiders, and, urm..." he peters out, realizing who he's talking to, as Asgore and El walk inside.

---

Inside, Vizier Kazik is waiting. He's a tall man, a touch paler than most of the other people here (likely due to lack of sun) but still with a chocolaty skin color. He's dressed in royal blues and golds, with an elaborate hat perched on his head. "Good afternoon, King Asgore. I am adviser to the king of Indos, Vizier Kazik. Who is your companion?"

Asgore bows deeply to Kazik, and says My friend can introduce herself. But thank you, he rises up, for taking the time to see us.

[Spore]

So....what can we do in the mean time? Brad is a good mood. Anyone up for a little game? I need 3 of you guys, 12 simple cups and beer or wine. The dragon tries to describe his favorite game supposedly to be played by 'college students'. A person named Temmie told him about this practice - be it on sorcerer college or elsewhere. He tries to motivate everyone to play 3v3, where everyone on Team Monster takes their drinks appropriate to their size. Basically Parker takes a thimble and the rest of the beer gets split by Brad and Justin.

[JNAProductions]

"I'm not sure I'm allowed to..." the servant says.

You do recall your diplomatic guide saying that the servants are at your disposal (within reason, of course) so you should be allowed to set up the game with them so long as you order them to.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Uh." Parker's not entirely okay with ordering someone to join a drinking contest when they don't want to. "I'm pretty sure everyone here's supposed to be on duty right now. We could show you after work though. Should be fun."

[Spore]

Duty. Right...well, are we forced to stay here or are we free to explore the city? RG-03 mutters in an almost whiny way. I don't wanna sit here while a whole city needs to be experienced. He pauses for a moment. For diplomacy and connecting to the people of course!

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Brad would like to try and leave if he is able and explore - thus explaining his absence. If he is not allowed he will pick a room and study there, but will effectively just be pouting. He will only stop pouting if Justin lightens his mood afterwards.

Happy Holidays!

[WhismurWanders]

Justin makes his excuses for not joining in the game, deciding to search for either Mr. or Mrs. Ancip with his free time. He could remember Garret Junior saying that his father had more details about the family's military tradition, which had piqued his interest at the time. Looking around for someone looking appropriately servant-ish, he searches for someone to ask where he might find the Ancip parents, heading in that direction once he's given one.

[puzzler7]

Eladriel looks up at the Vizier, doing her best to appear formal. Wanting to look the Vizier in the eye, but not wanting to break formation from her place at Asgore's right hand, El vibrates in indecision for a moment before speaking.

"Hi! I'm Eladriel. I'm a pixie. I'm King Asgore's, uh..."

She struggles for a moment, trying to come up with a formal title for someone who helps out wherever possible, entertains the king and his court, and flies through the walls for a thrill.

"...friend! I'm his friend! I'm friendly. I help out with whatever needs to be done at the castle. And I study magic. It helps with the helping."

Spoiler: OOC

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Really sorry about not posting, holiday stuff. Very sorry about dropping this, especially after I was selected delegate. My sincerest apologies.

[JNAProductions]

Duty. Right...well, are we forced to stay here or are we free to explore the city? RG-03 mutters in an almost whiny way. I don't wanna sit here while a whole city needs to be experienced. He pauses for a moment. For diplomacy and connecting to the people of course!

Spoiler

Show

Brad would like to try and leave if he is able and explore - thus explaining his absence. If he is not allowed he will pick a room and study there, but will effectively just be pouting. He will only stop pouting if Justin lightens his mood afterwards.

Happy Holidays!

"I'll ask, but I don't see any reason you couldn't," the servant says. "That being said, it might be best for you to be escorted around-just to make sure the people are at ease, you see."

Justin makes his excuses for not joining in the game, deciding to search for either Mr. or Mrs. Ancip with his free time. He could remember Garret Junior saying that his father had more details about the family's military tradition, which had piqued his interest at the time. Looking around for someone looking appropriately servant-ish, he searches for someone to ask where he might find the Ancip parents, heading in that direction once he's given one.

Justin heads away, and eventually finds one of the Ancips.

It's the matriarch of the family, who he finds just outside the throne room. She's standing at attention, maul on her back and resplendent in her official armor, but smiles when she sees Justin. "Justin, right?" she asks. "Thank you again for helping my family."

Spoiler: OOC

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(1d2)[2]
1=Mr. Ancip
2=Mrs. Ancip.

Eladriel looks up at the Vizier, doing her best to appear formal. Wanting to look the Vizier in the eye, but not wanting to break formation from her place at Asgore's right hand, El vibrates in indecision for a moment before speaking.

"Hi! I'm Eladriel. I'm a pixie. I'm King Asgore's, uh..."

She struggles for a moment, trying to come up with a formal title for someone who helps out wherever possible, entertains the king and his court, and flies through the walls for a thrill.

"...friend! I'm his friend! I'm friendly. I help out with whatever needs to be done at the castle. And I study magic. It helps with the helping."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Really sorry about not posting, holiday stuff. Very sorry about dropping this, especially after I was selected delegate. My sincerest apologies.

The vizier nods, looking at the more offical-seeming Asgore with a slightly incredulous expression.

Asgore simply says Eladriel is indeed my friend. She's one of the people I trusted to come with me to this grand city, and while she might not be quite the trained diplomat, she has a good heart.

"Right..." the vizier says. "Well, why don't we being by you explaining what your purpose here is?"

Diplomacy, and a touch of exploring. We've been under the mountain for quite a while, and the world has changed from what it used to be. But, even with that in mind, I'm sure we can come to a mutually beneficial alliance between the two of our nations, Asgore says. For now, it may simply be best for us to be educated in the ways of the modern world, so we know how to best help out our neighbors.

Spoiler: OOC

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I had holiday things too, don't worry. We have lives.

[WhismurWanders]

Justin heads away, and eventually finds one of the Ancips.

It's the matriarch of the family, who he finds just outside the throne room. She's standing at attention, maul on her back and resplendent in her official armor, but smiles when she sees Justin. "Justin, right?" she asks. "Thank you again for helping my family."

Justin gives a respectful nod in greeting. "That's right Ma'am. To be honest, I should be the one thanking your family for showing up when they did. That landshark-thing had nearly taken off one of my hands right before they showed up. We all helped each other bring the beast down in the end." He kicks at the ground gently, not accustomed to admitting a battle-mishap like that to someone else. He also notices her standing at attention at what he assumes to be her post, and hopes he isn't interrupting anything too important. "If you have a spare moment though, I wanted to ask you about something one of your sons mentioned on the road. Garret Junior said you and your husband's family has a bit of a history in Indos's guard and military, and I was curious to learn about that history."

[JNAProductions]

"Sure, I can talk about that," she says. "If anyone comes by, I might have to cut off to talk to them, but so long as I'm just on guard duty, nothing stops me from having a conversation. Is there anything in particular you wish to know?"

[puzzler7]

"We'd definitely like to be a friendly nation with the surrounding states, " Eladriel adds. "That's why I'm here, and not some bulky armed guard to protect the king's every step. We'd just like to be friends."

Spoiler: OOC

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Persuasion to put the vizier at ease, if that's possible for an elected (?) official: (1d20+7)[13]

[WhismurWanders]

"Sure, I can talk about that," she says. "If anyone comes by, I might have to cut off to talk to them, but so long as I'm just on guard duty, nothing stops me from having a conversation. Is there anything in particular you wish to know?"

Justin nods and grins. "Gotcha. Just like when I'm on guard duty." He scratches his chin to stimulate his memory, and says, "Well ... from what I remember hearing, it started a few generations back. Did something happen that sparked that kind of tradition?"

[Spore]

Yeah, okay. For courtesy's sake I will accept company. How about Michael here? He can best me armed so I think he is more than capable of stopping anything that could happen around me. Brad looks into Michael's eyes. And I think he deserves a bit time away from the family. He is a good warrior but he stands in the shadows of people who are even greater than him.

Brad leaves, not caring if more people other than Michael follow him, heading straight into the busiest parts of town. He feels the attention he gets on every thread. Often fear, sometimes hatred, but the occasional curiosity as well. The guard or guards following him do their best to stabilize the situation. Brad always looks for ways towards a suitable weapon if need be but he follows common sense mostly.

[JNAProductions]

"We'd definitely like to be a friendly nation with the surrounding states, " Eladriel adds. "That's why I'm here, and not some bulky armed guard to protect the king's every step. We'd just like to be friends."

Spoiler: OOC

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Persuasion to put the vizier at ease, if that's possible for an elected (?) official: [roll0]

Spoiler: OOC

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That'd be a good roll, if the vizier wasn't a naturally paranoid person. As it is, I would've pegged the DC as somewhere in the 15-17 range, so 13 doesn't quite cut it.

"I see, I see. Have you any proof of this?" he asks.

I came with but a small group of guards, simply enough to keep myself safe. We have helped your royal guards in their hunt for the Bullette, and have disarmed ourselves as per their requests while in your city. In addition, you have my word that we have dealt with you all fairly and honestly.

The vizier hms and hems, looking suspiciously at you two.

Justin nods and grins. "Gotcha. Just like when I'm on guard duty." He scratches his chin to stimulate his memory, and says, "Well ... from what I remember hearing, it started a few generations back. Did something happen that sparked that kind of tradition?"

"Did something start it? The whole 'military tradition' is more from Garrett's family, but I don't think so," she says. "They simply felt it was their duty, something they were good at, and volunteered their services. I think that, a few generations ago, that is, is when they first became the elite cadre. They've been serving in the military for centuries."

Yeah, okay. For courtesy's sake I will accept company. How about Michael here? He can best me armed so I think he is more than capable of stopping anything that could happen around me. Brad looks into Michael's eyes. And I think he deserves a bit time away from the family. He is a good warrior but he stands in the shadows of people who are even greater than him.

Brad leaves, not caring if more people other than Michael follow him, heading straight into the busiest parts of town. He feels the attention he gets on every thread. Often fear, sometimes hatred, but the occasional curiosity as well. The guard or guards following him do their best to stabilize the situation. Brad always looks for ways towards a suitable weapon if need be but he follows common sense mostly.

Michael is fetched, and joins Brad. When asked if he needs more guards to assist him, he says "I can handle the big guy, don't worry," and smiles at Brad.

Out in the city, he asks "Do you really mean what you said? I don't feel like a great warrior, really. I mean, look at that last fight we had-the real one, with the bullette, not the sparring. All I did was shoot a few crossbow bolts..."

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Parker continues awkwardly hanging around with the servant staff.

"Well. I guess we have some time. Could we maybe take a tour of the kitchen. I heard human food is really interesting. I could show you guys some monster dishes too. If you want."

[Spore]

The reptilian warrior stops in his tracks and lays his hand onto Michael's shoulder: Yes, you are a great warrior. You are determined but you still have to common sense to listen to your fears. Bravery is fighting despite knowing you fear the dangers. He pauses for a brief moment to think. As for your combat technique, you did really well. Of course I pushed you towards certain movements. I attacked viciously because you need to defend until the time is right to attack. There are larger things than the Bulette out there. And these things can only be brought down by protecting yourself, and tactics of course. Our lot in lif is it to throw us between danger and civilization in a routine manner. You need to learn damage control one way or another. And not everyone is a hunky Minotaur that can shrug off lethal blows like nothing. Brad's eyes wander. He is caught in thoughts, after a full minute, he regains focus And even he uses a shield. Mike...what is your weapon of choice?

[JNAProductions]

Parker continues awkwardly hanging around with the servant staff.

"Well. I guess we have some time. Could we maybe take a tour of the kitchen. I heard human food is really interesting. I could show you guys some monster dishes too. If you want."

"Of course," the servant replies. He leads Parker down into the bowels of the palace, where the passageways grow smaller and less well-adorned. Soon enough, they arrive at the kitchen, where it's calmer than usual (seeing as it's not a mealtime) but still bustling.

The reptilian warrior stops in his tracks and lays his hand onto Michael's shoulder: Yes, you are a great warrior. You are determined but you still have to common sense to listen to your fears. Bravery is fighting despite knowing you fear the dangers. He pauses for a brief moment to think. As for your combat technique, you did really well. Of course I pushed you towards certain movements. I attacked viciously because you need to defend until the time is right to attack. There are larger things than the Bulette out there. And these things can only be brought down by protecting yourself, and tactics of course. Our lot in lif is it to throw us between danger and civilization in a routine manner. You need to learn damage control one way or another. And not everyone is a hunky Minotaur that can shrug off lethal blows like nothing. Brad's eyes wander. He is caught in thoughts, after a full minute, he regains focus And even he uses a shield. Mike...what is your weapon of choice?

"Thank you. I really mean that," he says. "As for my weapon of choice... I don't really have one yet. I've been trained in bows and swords, crossbows and mauls, warpicks and spears... Everything, really. But I haven't really settled on any weapon as my choice. Unlike my mom-she's practically married to that maul of hers," he adds with a chuckle.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Parker skitters around, examining the dangerous cookware in detail. This room feels a lot like home, actually.

"Cool. Now where to start. Who here is chef."

After hunting down Chef and hopefully overcoming everyone's initial shock at seeing a giant humanoid spider in the kitchen, Parker wants to talk shop. "I've always wondered how humans prepare food. We made some bulette steaks earlier. But uh. That's not a great example of cuisine. Obviously."

Parker. Stay on target. Please.

"So. I was thinking. If you want. I can show you some monster baking techniques. I'm not sure if you'd know this. But monster food dissolves when you eat it. And converts directly to energy. It uh. Also doesn't spoil or anything. Like uncooked meat sometimes does."

Parker patiently waits to see whether the cooks agree to the culinary cultural exchange.

[JNAProductions]

The cook, a tall, portly man, looks at Parker with just a hint of shock. A few of his chefs look too, before he barks "Get back to work, louts!" at them, sending them scurrying to their duties.

He shakes his head a moment, then nods. "Sure-we've got the vegetables over there, meats in the ice box, some herbs... WHY THE HELL ARE THEIR HERBS HERE? I TOLD YOU TO CLEAN THESE UP! Eh-hem, anyway, let me give you a bit of a tour. You say you convert food into energy? That might be useful for our men on the field, for the long treks. How do you do that?"

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Uh. It kind of depends on the food. But the general idea is to get rid of most of the physical matter. Which doesn't digest efficiently. Here. I'll show you."

Parker picks up a few ingredients and grabs a human cooking pan not altogether different from the quasi-weapon they confiscated. There's not a single bucket of snails or spiders in the place, but there are plenty of veggies and ice and sugar. Parker can make this work.

Spoiler

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Granted, there's a fine line between Monster Food and healing potions, which Parker decidedly shouldn't know how to make. Unless healing food is a thing in 5e for some reason? That would be weird.

Anyway, artisan's tools go! We're going to show these humans how it's done!

(1d20)[10] +2(int) +3(proficiency) +???(circumstance) = Profit!

[WhismurWanders]

"Did something start it? The whole 'military tradition' is more from Garrett's family, but I don't think so," she says. "They simply felt it was their duty, something they were good at, and volunteered their services. I think that, a few generations ago, that is, is when they first became the elite cadre. They've been serving in the military for centuries."

"A few generations ago..." Justin's words echoed as he struggled with the significance. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was some detail that was missing. Something had to have happened where they were promoted to the elite. He changes his line of questioning instead, asking "Who was the first elite Ancip? It would have been Mr. Ancip's..." He pauses, counting a few generations back on his fingers. "Great-great Grandfather? Someone around there?"