France: Waltz of Dust

[Human Paragon 3]

Welcome to the France: Waltz of Dust IC thread, back after a short hiatus. You can see the old thread here as a point of reference. We'll be using the same OOC thread for simplicity's sake. I decided that I'd give you a chance to chat in the carriage to get back into character before arriving at the party. I strongly recommend that you re-acquaint yourself with the plot by re-reading the old thread. Have fun!



The carriage leaves the next day, as promised. It is large and luxurious enough to seat all of you comfortably, as well as a small imp who wordlessly observes you. The driver tells you that it will take the entire day to reach the mansion, with scheduled breaks to stretch your legs and answer nature's call.

[The_Werebear]

Brother Patrice

The priest studies the imp for near a quarter of an hour when they first enter the carriage, attempting to figure out what they would want with such a creature in the vehicle.

All the spirits will have to protect us for this to work. I hope this priest is as foolish as many of the others.

Spoiler

Show

I have bound Naberius again. Binding check for a good pact is DC 15, and my binding check is +8. The skills I selected for using untrained are Knowledge: Geography and Forgery.

Also: what type of knowledge check would I make to figure out why an imp is in the carriage. Not that it bothers him, but he suspects spying.

[Toliudar]

Brother Guillaume

The slender young priest takes a seat next to his con-frere. He slips out of his outermost travelling cloak, still leaving a hardy leather coat. This evening's finery waited in the bags.

Guillaume takes a quick swig from a flask of water, and passes it over to Patrice. Guillaume is staring impassively at the imp that's already in the carriage.

What is your name? And are you some kind of guide or servant with us today?

[Human Paragon 3]

Patrice:

Spoiler

Show

Not sure what the knowledge check would be. Local? Nobillity? Or you could ask, like Guillarme did.

The Imp replies in a high, rhaspy voice. I's called Lamac. I serve your minister of war. I am ordered to accompany you to the party, but I can't go in... Lamac musn't go in. I give you what help I can, though. And I report to the master. Lamac remember everything, report everything.

[Mikeavelli]

"Oh my, this must be terribly exciting for you, spying on spies and whatnot." The good doctor says, seemingly (or actually, it's not clear) not realizing how dreadfully impolite such a statement must be. Without waiting for a reply, the good doctor continues on in what must be the most condescending tone imaginable. "However, we are going to have to work on your grammar if you will continue to work with us, Lamac. Repeat after me, 'I am called Lamac.'"

[Human Paragon 3]

The Imp looks directly at the doctor, and speaks in a completely serious tone.

If you are Lamac, who am I?

[The_Werebear]

Patrice

The monk's face curls into a grin. Well played, Imp Lamac. His voice is clear of its rumbling tone today, leaving it a smooth tenor. So... Are we all clear on how we will attempt our subversion? One thing that was never settled to my satisfaction- What shall we do if we hit upon an incorrect target, a nonspy. How shall we extricate ourselves without appearing to be traitors ourselves? No offense to your master, Lamac, but I doubt he would lose sleep if we were executed as traitors for attempting to lure our targets out.

[Lepre_Khan]

Riq Kelborn

"Yes, that would be a rather ignoble death. Still, I don't believe we intend to simply throw ourselves at our targets as volunteers, now do we? We'll simply present ourselves in a position to be of service. If they're a non-spy, nothing shall be asked of us. This also keeps us from looking too much like conspirators, those of us assigned to an innocent be asked to perform any unpleasant tasks. Though, I suppose it would have been more beneficial to arrive in separate carriages. Ah well, I guess it can't be helped."

Riq is lounging as insolently as the limited carriage space allows, which leaves him in a rather uncomfortable looking position, but he appears not to notice a thing. His smells ever slightly stronger of roses today, and his clothing is, if possible, even more spotless with his golden roses positively gleaming.

[Toliudar]

Guillaume

The soft-voiced young priest smiles across the carriage at the Rose Knight.

Well and true, Monsieur Kelborn. However, Brother Patrice and I had spoken, at least tentatively, of the possibility of speaking to Father de Noailles as, er, rather fervent followers of his line of thinking. The better to draw him out. Overplayed even a bit, or overheard out of context, and it could easily have us turned over as traitors.

[Lepre_Khan]

Riq Kelborn

"Well, should anyone be so foolish as to doubt your loyalty to King and and Country, I would gladly defend your honor and word with my blade. The accuser will hold his tongue, or find it pinned to the roof of his mouth."

The dandy continues to lounge, delivering his offer in an off-hand, almost absent minded manner. From the tone, he may as well be offering to go for out to the Opera.

"If we can not count upon our Ministerial employer, then we must count on each other."

[The_Werebear]

Brother Patrice

The monk nods, looking thoughtful.Well... It is comforting to have someone watching my back...Someone corporeal at least...I'll pray that it doesn't come to that, and that, should you be accused, I have the strength to defend you in a similarly... vigorous... manner.

[Mikeavelli]

Dr. Thaddeus Klein

"Hmph." Is the only retort the now-sulking Dr. Klein can come up with.

In regards to the more serious conversation that has come up in his wake, Dr. Klein chimes in, "I daresay, quick escapes and defending each other's honor is what this business is all about. However, I believe that with the proper foresight and faith in our good minister, we should not have to fear the wrath of the crown."

[Toliudar]

Guillaume

The slender young priest nods appreciatively at Riq's declaration. Perhaps there is something extra in the twinkle of his eye...but it goes immediately.

Dr. Klein's words bring a small, wry smile to Guillaume's lips.

Ah, but good Doctor, we are not in the many fractured kingdoms of Prussia, wherein the crowns can take a slightly more personal interest in the comings and goings of individual citizens. This -

He breathes deeply, and gestures out the window for emphasis.

Is the glory of the world, the jewel of Europe. This is France!

He settles back into a slighly more prosaic tone.

If we mis-step badly at this gathering, I would suggest that we will be sloughed off by your doctor's guild, by the court, and even by the Church, fast enough to make your head spin.

He leans back in the jouncing coach, steepling his fingers. He glances speculatively at Lamac.

I fear that the dashing Monsieur Kelborn is correct. We are likely to be able to rely on only each other in this.

[Human Paragon 3]

After a day of liesurely travel, you arrive at your destination. While you're still a mile out, Lamac blinks out of sight, becoming invisible to the naked eye.

No demons allowed inside, he says. I will be observing. If you need me, come outside and call to me- say Lamac three times.

The carriage rolls up to the mansion, and you disembark. A shimmering barrier stands at the huge, highly ornate doorway barring any extraplanar creatures from entering. A separate station scans guests for any firearms or dangerous magical items. Sabres are allowed if part of a uniform, however.

Your invitations are checked, then you are led down the a hallway and into the main ballroom.

The party is lively. A quartet plays a waltz by Shubert and the dance floor is full of beautifully dressed women and their escorts- various nobles and notables from across the kingdom and abroad. A table is set up with a lavish selection of food and wine. Conversation fills the air, mixing with the sounds of clinking glasses and silverware and creating a pleasant din. The ceiling is host to an elaborately changing pattern of colorful lights, casting a mood of wonder over the main room. There are large windows that look out onto a rose garden and several doors that lead out to various parts of the house.

[The_Werebear]

Patrice

Someone watching closely might have noticed just the tiniest tremor in the priest's face when he crosses the barrier, but it is gone the second he is through, his normal calm demeanor back in place in seconds. Once inside, he rubs his hands together and tilts his head to the side, popping his neck with an audible crackle. Shall we find our Priest, Brother Guillaume? He scans the crowd, talking quietly while he does. Once we find him, lets lead him out to someplace private like the Rose Garden over there. We should have relative peace there, simply because no one expects to get any there and for now, the party is here. Besides, it would hardly seem suspicious if three priests went out to enjoy God's green earth.

One final thing. When should we meet up, and should we have an emergency signal?

[Toliudar]

Guillaume

Guillaume offers to turn his ornate cane over to the station at the entrance, but is leaning on it in such a way as to suggest that it is not purely an affectation. He notes Brother Patrice's reaction as he crosses the barrier, but politely declines to inquire further.

Guillaume nods at Patrice's suggestion.

A garden seems an excellent place to talk. Harder to be overheard, perhaps.

And as to an emergency signal, may I suggest that if any of us scratch the back of our heads, the others take it as a signal that we should move out to the topiary garden to confer? And that elsewise, we gather there at midnight to compare notes?

[Lepre_Khan]

Riq Kelborn

Midnight seems a bit early to compare notes, does it not? While a man of God must sleep early so that he may rise early and say his prayers, it is not uncommon for a court function such as this to head on into the early hours of the morning. It would be a shame if I had to leave Mademoiselle deChamp to meet with gentlemen...even gentlemen as esteemed as yourself. A true man should always put the lady first, in all things. No, rather than meet at midnight I propose we meet tomorrow for breakfast and discuss the evenings revels then. This allows considerably more freedom tonight, if perhaps a little more risk.

Pausing here for dramatic effect, Riq tosses his cape over his shoulder before continuing, hands on hips,

Besides, I'm sure that we can handle a little risk.

Spoiler

Show

OOC-My rapier is allowed as part of my outfit? Or does the fact that I'm not military disallow its presence?

[Altharis]

Spoiler

Show

Toliudar, if you look at the previous thread, you will notice that I had chosen the colour purple. So take back your claim or face me in an honorable duel! I am also assuming that myself and Riq, being adventuring buddies, would have had time to rehearse a simple code.

The young duelist, who up until now had been sullenly silent, appears to loosen up as soon as he enters the party. After insisting that his rapier is part of his costume, he enters the party, casting a trained duelist's eye on the local partygoers for all usable factors: Tone of voice, gait, handedness, physical defects, basically anything he could get an advantage from in a duel.

As the plan is suggested, he instantly joins in with the conversation, a loud, ringing, but also vaguely confrontational and brash tone entering his voice: "Friends! To suggest a code would be wise, but to pull my good friend Riq away from a lady...not at all wise. That is the first and most important lesson I have learnt, and you would do well to take it to heart. Riq has the presence of mind enough to know when to help, and we have some old signals that I can use. I, however, should be more free, as to be seen with fine men such as yourselves gives my image only good regard." His usual snobbish disdain is gone, and replaced by a voice of naive brashness.

[Human Paragon 3]

An old, plump woman recognizes Riq as the doorman requests he turn over his sword.

But of course you recognize the famous rose knight? Asking him to leave his sword would be like asking him to leave his beautiful flowers!

Of course, Madame, the porter nods.

[Toliudar]

Guillaume

Spoiler

Show

Purple is all yours, Altharis. Apologies for the tresspass.

Guillaume smiles at Riq's infectious enthusiasm for the party.

You mistake, my dear sir. I had meant midnight to be a mid-party opportunity to compare notes, so that we'd have ample opportunity to work further on what we'd learned. I'd assumed that a few hours would give you ample opportunity to gain the fair lady's confidence, and perhaps give you time to gain her confidence several more times over the course of the night.

His composed tone betray no hint of the words' subtext, but he hadds a half-wink at the end. Guillaume turns to Jacques.

Ah, you experienced men of the world. If you share your, ah, signals, with us, I will do my utmost to carry them off with some small portion of your panache.

[The_Werebear]

Patrice

Spoiler

Show

Not sure where my weapons and such went. None of my weapons are magic. In fact, my only magic item is a Ring of Sustenance. My sling and some stones are in an inside pocket of the habit, and the sickle is inside the haversack, along with my tools and books.

Also, still scanning the crowd for our targets.

[Human Paragon 3]

The haversack, being magic, is searched, and the sickle is removed.

Spoiler

Show

Anyone can now make a spot check to notice targets. The DC is 17, but can be mitigated by a knowledge:local or nobillity check.

[Mikeavelli]

Dr. Thaddeus Klein

Dr. Klein nods to the others, acknowledging the rendezvous plans, "I'll do my best to stay absent the hands of a fair maiden when midnight rolls around, but I make no promises, gentlemen. If not then, I'll be seeing you all at breakfast."

Spoiler

Show

Most of his personal effects come in a handbag, the few magical scrolls which might be suspect slipped in among a mess of lecture notes, a half-written play, and other miscellanious papers, hoping no-one bothers to search him, or if they do, don't recognize what they see.

He doesn't even try to bring the dagger or crossbow in.

and what the hell, Here's a spot check to notice Mats Tolander, (1d20+2)[15]

Failing to spot the merchant outright, Dr. Klein moves through the ball awkwardly, searching out the sorts of people an arms merchant might associate himself with. Or, failing that, mingling with the party guests more or less at random.

[Human Paragon 3]

The good doctor begins moving through the crowd, and notices somebody who may be of use... a decorated army officer. His chest is a mess of medals and a sabre dangles proudly at his side. He's an older gentleman, grey whiskers invading his once-sterling black mustache and goatee, and calling him "stout" would be generous. He wears a monacle over one eye, and is speaking energetically to a woman over the punch bowl.

Madame, I find your accusation reprehensible! he croaks. I would never relieve myself in a garden of iris flowers- the fluer de lis is the symbol of France!

[Lepre_Khan]

Riq Kelborn

Riq bows to the older, slightly plump woman, "Thank you, Madame Bonacieux. You are as kind and diplomatic as you are beautiful. I apologize that business has kept me from your house, but I assure it was through no lack of desire. The spirit is willing, but unfortunately, for the moment, the flesh is detained. Then, there is the small matter of your husband and his hired guards. Still, please, take this token to remember me until I am able to return."

Riq flourishes one of his trademarked roses and bows again, presenting the rose as he kisses the ladies hand.

Spoiler

Show

d100 1-33=Red Rose, 34-66=White Rose, 67-99=Pink Rose, 100=Black Rose

As she blushes, he bids her "Au revoir!" and returns to his companions, clapping Guillaume and Patrice on the back.

"Well, my good priests, the signals of Jacques and I aren't necessarily symbols that men of your profession could emulate. They generally involve somewhat impatient, exaggerated, and inebriated interruptions into the others private affairs which are then dealt with in a suitably outraged manner. Our subterfuge is rarely subtle; I find the best deception is to be the center of attention. People rarely look beneath my impeccable good looks and dashing adventures."

Riq preens as he speaks, flashing an outrageous smile at his friends.

"And really now, why should they? I am, after all, the Rose Knight. Now gentlemen, I bid you adieu. Should you need help, just make some sort of commotion and I'll be certain to swoop to your aid. I'm sure I'll be quite fine this evening. See you all at breakfast! Say...Ten o'clock, at the Hotel de Villernes?"

Riq turns swiftly on his heels and struts into the crowd, scanning for Mademoiselle deChamps.

[Lepre_Khan]

Spoiler

Show

Woops...forgot a few rolls last post. (d100)[21] <--For the rose.

After that, Riq heads and looks for Mademoiselle deChamps.

Spot: (1d20)[5]
Knowledge: Nobility/Royalty (1d20+5)[7]

Failing that,

Gather Information and Diplomacy to see if someone is willing to point her out to me

Gather Info (1d20+3)[17]
Diplomacy (1d20+13)[28]

[Toliudar]

Guillaume

Against his better judgement, Brother Guillaume is charmed by the antics of his rather forward companions. He smiles wryly as the three scatter into the corners of the party, and gestures to Patrice that they might as well join them.

Shall we? The wine my monastery makes is a bit uninspired, and I'm rather looking forward to something more robust.

Spoiler

Show

Spot check as needed (1d20+6)[13]

[Human Paragon 3]

Riq:

After about half an hour of hob-nobbing and charming, you find somebody that knows DeChamps. A young gentlemen entertaining a group of ladies with card tricks is glad to be of service.

DeChamps? Of course I know that young flower. I had the honor of escorting her to the Orleans ball last fall, though sadly I've scarcely seen her since, save tonight.

She keeps an appartment upstairs, as do a fair few of the guests here. Many who wish to be close to Paris this time of year rent rooms in this chatteau. The Duke of Penthièvre is very generous in this regard, and he certainly has the spare room, as you can see. Most of us all will spend the night, at least, but Mademoiselle DeChamps and her girl have been here for about a month.

She tends to come late to parties such as this- says all the company bores her. She'll probably be down later.

Of cousre, you could meet her in her chambers, though I dare say that would be outlandishly inappropriate.

Was this your card? I knew it, the Knave of Hearts! Thank you, thank you... you are too kind...

Guillame, Patrice:

Spoiler

Show

Close, but no cigar. An aid another and at least one succesful knowledge check between the two of you will get you to the target. If not, you can try gather info or just go around talking to people the old fashion way.

[Toliudar]

Brother Guillaume

Spoiler

Show

ASK people? Pah. That never works.


Depending on which knowledge is more appropriate (and, if Brother Patrice's skills are better in this, happy to convert my checks into "aid another" rolls):

Knowledge Religion: (1d20+7)[9]
Knowledge Nobility & Etiquette: (1d20+7)[21]

[The_Werebear]

Brother Patrice

Indeed. I look forward to sampling what they have. He closes his eyes, focuses for a moment, then slips into character. I certainly do hope that Father Jean-Paul is around, I have been looking forward to speaking to him, for all of this is most troubling. His voice is loud enough to be overheard invite directions, but not so loud that it seems like he is being noisy.

Spoiler

Show

Knowledge Religion - (1d20+8)[26]
[roll=bluff]1d20+12[/roll]