Re: Adventure #6 - The Lion of Vilderoy

Swifthand Fri Sep 19, 2014 2:40 pm

"Hmph." Talmut releases his beard and dismounts, following Elodie.

Malazek Fri Sep 19, 2014 2:47 pm

Talmut wrote:"Hmph." Talmut releases his beard and dismounts, following Elodie.

OOC: Hahahaha!

Glitz Fri Sep 19, 2014 2:48 pm

Swifthand wrote:"Hmph." Talmut releases his beard and dismounts, following Elodie.

OOC: Haha! I mean, I would hate for Talmut to lose his long flowing beard...

Alpha Omega Fri Sep 19, 2014 3:46 pm

Egan wrote:Egan recommends tossing a few coins on the ground, to reimburse the innkeeper for his loss.

"Jeremiah pats Stoney, no need to reimburse for your feed eh?"

Upon seeing the depravity of the impoverished denizens of Vilderoy he recalls back to what the Duke had said.

"Man, this place is worse for wear. It looks worse then the streets of Sturmgard"

Upon meeting the guard outside of the Royal Palace, he will hand over the reigns and let him lead Stoney to the Royal stables.

Looking to the guard...

"It's been along time since Stoney got to hang out with some Royal steeds, maybe she'll meet a nice stallion."

Looking back to Miphelgara...

"Do you need a few coins for the inn and food?"

Malazek Fri Sep 19, 2014 4:16 pm

Jeremiah wrote:Looking back to Miphelgara...
"Do you need a few coins for the inn and food?"

"What? Oh," the young dragon laughs. "Yeah, I guess I do."
The guard interjects. "No coin will be necessary. Let them know who you are and why you are there and your stay will be paid for by the crown."

Elodie wrote:She passes Egan's reins to the guard. "May we see our rooms, so that we might freshen up before greeting the Arch-Duchess?"

Talmut wrote:"Hmph." Talmut releases his beard and dismounts, following Elodie.

Jeremiah wrote:Upon meeting the guard outside of the Royal Palace, he will hand over the reigns and let him lead Stoney to the Royal stables.
Looking to the guard...
"It's been along time since Stoney got to hang out with some Royal steeds, maybe she'll meet a nice stallion."

The guard takes the reigns. "If you go up these stairs, right here, and go inside that door," he says, gesturing toward the same door he came out of a moment ago, "a steward will greet you and show you to your rooms."

Inside, the heroes do indeed find a steward waiting for them. After introducing yourselves, he records your names in the official logbook and then claps his hands. A pair of servants appear to carry your bags. "M'lords, m'lady, if you would care to follow me, I will show you to your quarters," the steward says, as he starts walking.

The inside of the palace is even more opulent. The floors of the palace halls were constructed of silver-framed marble tiles, but every room you pass sports a polished hardwood floor with an intricate and exotic rug over it (Talmut recognizes these rugs as products of the Fabled Lands). Every ceiling is painted with the most colorful mural; and every wall is hidden behind a rich heavy tapestry. Statues of marble, silver, and gold are found in every hall. Masterful detail work covers every piece of furniture.

Your rooms, fortunately, are not too far. Three floors above, directly over the entrance. The steward opens the heavy oak doors with a stout golden key and leads you into a suite with six adjoining rooms. "This is your parlor," the Steward says, with a wave of his hand, "to your left is the bath and to your right is the pantry. The other four doors are your rooms."

He pauses for a moment, but then continues "If you need anything, simply pull this rope to ring the bell and a servant will see to your needs." He indicates a velvet rope near the door.

"For now, get acquainted with your quarters. Feel free to explore the palace grounds; there are plenty of gardens and pools and parlors to keep your entertained. A page will along, in an hour or two, to announce supper. The Arch-Duchess will not be attending the evening meal, but you will meet her in the morning, for brunch."

He hands the key to Gumphrey and waits to be excused.

Alpha Omega Fri Sep 19, 2014 4:26 pm

Jeremiah will settle in and take a bath. He will then get dressed in some of his new attire for dinner.

Swifthand Fri Sep 19, 2014 6:16 pm

Talmut follows suit.

Malazek Sat Sep 20, 2014 8:13 am

Jeremiah wrote:Jeremiah will settle in and take a bath. He will then get dressed in some of his new attire for dinner.

Jeremiah finds the bath to be large and luxurious. Unlike the metal basins Jeremiah is used to, this bath is built directly into the floor. And it's already full of hot water. The bath itself is wide enough for a dozen bathers and deep enough that the water rises to his shoulders when he sits. A multitude of scented soaps are arranged in ceramic bowls around the perimeter, surrounded by glass bottles full of perfumes, salts, and scented oils. The bowls and bottles are joined by a multitude of candles and towels. As Jeremiah bathes, he slowly realizes that the water is somehow circulating around him, as clean water rushes in to replace the dirty soapy water.

Talmut wrote:Talmut follows suit.

Eventually, Jeremiah exits the bath, dressed in his new fancy attire. Talmut takes his turn and enjoys a similar experience.

Gumphrey wrote:Gumphrey takes a bath next.

- OOC: Does Elodie clean up, as well? Or no? She has been riding for several days.

Glitz Sat Sep 20, 2014 9:04 pm

As Jeremiah heads to the bath, Elodie thanks and dismisses the attendant. When it is her turn to bathe, Elodie sniffs the bottles of perfumes and oils until she finds a few that she likes, pouring them liberally into the water before splashing in. She soaks for a bit, and then dresses in one of her new outfits. If the page has not yet returned to announce dinner, Elodie will choose one of the bedrooms and explore it.

Malazek Sun Sep 21, 2014 12:10 pm

Just as Elodie is finishing her bath, their is a knock at the door of the suite. Gumphrey opens the door to reveal a well-dressed young woman waiting to escort you to the feast. "If this is your first time in the palace, it would be my pleasure to escort you to the royal dining hall."

Alpha Omega Sun Sep 21, 2014 6:19 pm

"Indeed it is our first time visiting, so if you'd please we would like an escort to the dining hall."

Jeremiah will try to make a mental map of the royal palace, beginning with this route to and from the rooms to the royal dining hall, and everything in between.

Swifthand Mon Sep 22, 2014 2:02 pm

"Ahh, yes. I am Sir Talmut Xisper, and you are...?" asks the Conjurer whilst bowing low.

Malazek Mon Sep 22, 2014 4:42 pm

Talmut wrote:"Ahh, yes. I am Sir Talmut Xisper, and you are...?" asks the Conjurer whilst bowing low.

"I'm just a page, m'lord," says the girl, with a curtsy.

Jeremiah wrote:"Indeed it is our first time visiting, so if you'd please we would like an escort to the dining hall."

"Yes, sir. Right this way."

Jeremiah wrote:Jeremiah will try to make a mental map of the royal palace, beginning with this route to and from the rooms to the royal dining hall, and everything in between.

The palace is humongous. The journey from your rooms to the dining hall takes a surprisingly long while. (OOC: If Talmut has more questions for the girl, there's plenty of time to talk during the walk there). On your way there, you pass SO MANY rooms; other guest suites, parlors, ballrooms, libraries, and more. Most of the doors are closed, however, so you can only guess what's behind them. Artwork is everywhere. Jeremiah is confident that he knows the route well enough to get back to his room and is pretty sure he could find most of these other rooms, if he had to.

One room in particular catches your eye; a lavish audience chamber with a big gold throne in the middle of it. Sprawled across the throne, with one leg over the arm rest, sits a slovenly man in filthy finery. Unshaven and unkempt, the man casts a vacuous stare at the hallway. He barely seems to notice that you're even there. As you walk past his doorway, he lifts a wine bottle to his lips and swallows an enormous gulp. Jeremiah and Elodie notice two more wine bottles, both empty, on the floor beside him.

You also notice that the page hastens her step as she walks past.

Glitz Mon Sep 22, 2014 10:17 pm

Elodie stops for a moment and waves, and then scampers after the page. "Who was that?" she asks quietly.

Alpha Omega Tue Sep 23, 2014 7:17 am

Jeremiah will ask the page,

"Do you mind if I look through some books in the library when we are done with dinner?"

Malazek Tue Sep 23, 2014 3:50 pm

Elodie wrote:Elodie stops for a moment and waves, and then scampers after the page. "Who was that?" she asks quietly.

"Oh, him? That, uh, that was the king; Guy III"

Jeremiah wrote:Jeremiah will ask the page, "Do you mind if I look through some books in the library when we are done with dinner?"

"I'm sure that would fine. It is my understanding that you are free to explore the palace at your leisure."

Malazek Tue Sep 23, 2014 4:12 pm

A short while later, you reach the royal dining hall. The room itself is huge and occupied by a large number of nobles and other courtiers; some have taken their seats, but most are standing about, engaged in one conversation or another. Three very long tables fill the center of the hall, with fifty chairs lined up beside each of them. As you enter, the page announces you, "ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE THE COURTIERS FROM UMBRAFALL: LORD TALMUT-XISPUR, DEFENDER OF UMBRAFALL, LORD OF THE ARX, AND SON OF THE FOURTH HOUSE OF NU'UL; SIR JEREMIAH LAQUEUS, DEFENDER OF UMBRAFALL AND CAPTAIN OF HER ARMIES; LADY ELODIE, DEFENDER OF UMBRAFALL, AND WARDEN OF THE TIMBERWYLD; AND SIR GUMPHREY, DEFENDER OF UMBRAFALL." When she finishes shouting, the page turns on her heel and leaves the hall. Most of the other guests don't even seem to notice. Those who do, quickly return to their conversations. (Elodie notices that a few glares linger longer on Gumphrey).

The tables themselves are draped with clean, white, cotton table covers. Gold plates sit in front of every seat, with platinum goblets to accompany them. Platinum utensils also sit next to every plate, wrapped in purple napkins. Three large, glass bowls sit on every table, teaming with fruit, bread, and cheese.

You also notice that many of the attendants are already holding goblets full of wine, but they do not seem to have disturbed the place settings. As if in answer, two young boys approach you, with a goblet in each hand. "M'lords, m'lady. Would you care for an aperitif?" They hand a full goblet to anyone who says "yes."

Suddenly, Talmut detects the prying presence of a magical sensor. Someone is scrying on you.

Glitz Tue Sep 23, 2014 8:32 pm

"Why, thank you." Elodie accepts the drink and looks for an empty seat, attempting to smile at anyone who looks her way.

Alpha Omega Wed Sep 24, 2014 11:27 am

Jeremiah accepts the drink as well and takes a seat at the table.

Nobility +1 (Manners)

Malazek Wed Sep 24, 2014 6:49 pm

Elodie wrote:"Why, thank you." Elodie accepts the drink and looks for an empty seat, attempting to smile at anyone who looks her way.

Jeremiah wrote:Jeremiah accepts the drink as well and takes a seat at the table.
Nobility +1 (Manners)

As Elodie moves towards a chair, Jeremiah uses his recent studies to choose the best seats for a group of your stature. Grabbing Elodie's arm, Gumphrey follows Jeremiah. And so does Talmut. You sit for a moment, before the Shadow Man reaches for piece of bread. Realizing that Gumphrey is about to commit a faux pas, Jeremiah stops him, before he disturbs the artistic center pieces.

Before long, two elderly nobleman approach the Band of Four. "You must be the adventurers who stopped the Mighty Jarigor? Tell us: what do you think of royal capital, so far? Are you enjoying your stay?"

Alpha Omega Thu Sep 25, 2014 7:19 am

"You must be the adventurers who stopped the Mighty Jarigor? Tell us: what do you think of royal capital, so far? Are you enjoying your stay?"

Looking over the party...

"Yes, we are the Band of Four. We did indeed defeat Jarigor but if it wasn't for the heroic soldiers of Umbrafall keeping the giant army occupied, we would have never been able to get to Jarigor. It was definitely a joint effort."

pausing...

"In fact, I'm not sure there are tougher soldiers anywhere to be found."

Looking back to the noblemen

"The palace and royal grounds look extravagant, although we have just arrived so we haven't had a chance to see everything. What did you say your name was again?"

Malazek Thu Sep 25, 2014 4:59 pm

Jeremiah wrote:"What did you say your name was again?"

"Oh, my apologies. I am Remy-Loic, Lord-Baron of Manoir-d'Oterie. And this ... this is my cousin, Jean-Sevar, the Lord-Baron of Cotes-d'Vert. I am sure we'll be seeing a lot of one another, over the course of the winter. Do you like Brandy? You should join us, later this week, for a game of Belote."

Jean-Sevar chimes in, "Indeed, you should."

At that moment, a couple of younger women wander over. "Lord-Baron, why don't you introduce us?"

"Oh, my pleasure," the old man says. "This is the famous Band of Four, who slew the Jarigor the terrible, over near Umbrafall. Let me see if I got this right. This ... would be .... Lord Talmut-Xispur, Sir Gumphrey, Sir-Captain Jeremiah, and Lady Elodie. My new friends, allow me to introduce the Ladies Anne-Fleur and Cerise. Their father is the Duke of Westhaven."

"And I," a young man interrupts, "am Armond, Prince of the Scarlet Sea, Conqueror of the Barbu-Palourde, and Lord of the Lit-Drap."

The two young ladies giggle and snort "Armond, you better stop now. Don't let the Arch-Duchess hear you."

Jean-Sevar explains. "This is my nephew, Armond, the Squire. He likes to exaggerate ... rather inappropriately."

Fluent in Royal Nar, Talmut quickly realizes the boy is using crude innuendo to make some rather boastful (and sophomoric) claims about his love life.

"Tell us more about the giant," one of the girls says.

"Yes, yes! These four slew a giant ... a REAL giant."

Malazek Thu Sep 25, 2014 5:13 pm

DM wrote:"Oh, him? That, uh, that was the king; Guy III"

OOC: Per Swifthand, via conversation earlier today ...
- Knowledge: Nobility +24

Before coming to the Realms, Talmut had heard rumors that King Guy III was so distraught over the death of his young queen, that he basically handed the reigns of the kingdom over to his sister, the Arch-Duchess Adelaide. No longer interested in the affairs of his kingdom, the young king withdrew from the public eye, searching for solace at the bottom of a bottle. Apparently the rumors were true, to some degree or another.

There were also rumors that he simply despised politics.

Talmut also heard that it was Adelaide, not Guy, who sanctioned the war of their brother, Prince Leon the Gray. Even now, Leon the Gray is looting and pillaging settlements in the lands of the old August empire (which is now occupied by the armies of the Fabled Lands). Many lives have been lost, on both sides of the war, but Leon has yet to gain a permanent foothold in the south. Still, he shows no signs of giving up.

Talmut is also aware that nobles on either side of the war are treated cordially by the nobles on the other side ... a sort of "professional courtesy" that is not reserved for the common soldier.

Glitz Thu Sep 25, 2014 5:59 pm

Elodie waves and smiles when Remy-Loic introduces her.

"Well, he was--by far--the biggest giant that we've ever encountered. But we utilized our resources and had a great strategic advantage over him...so the battle was over in a few seconds," Elodie explains.

Alpha Omega Fri Sep 26, 2014 8:11 am

Girl wrote:"Tell us more about the giant"

"Well, he was a storm giant with violet skin; standing at about 25 feet and weighing every bit of 10,000 pounds. Some say that these types of giants can live up to 600 years as well. Well until I carved this one in half with my axes, that is. If you'd like I can show you the axes that cut him down after dinner..."

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