View RPoL: Distant Echoes - Dinner with the Duke by Segev Stormlord (group 0)

Dinner with the Duke. Posted by Segev Stormlord.	Group: 0

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Segev Stormlord
GM, 293 posts
Sun 20 Nov 2011
at 13:52

msg #1

Dinner with the Duke

When the party from Trademeet Dale is ready to go and steps out of the room, Kelly hops away from Sevastian, blushing profusely but pretending very hard not to be. "This way, m'Lady, m'Lords," she says, bowing slightly and turning to lead the way through torch-lit halls.

Glass is rare and sparing in this castle; where the windows are closed against the elements, they are shuttered. Where they can be seen through, they are largely arrow-slits that are open to the outside. Tapestries depicting coats of arms and ancient battles, nobles at court and even some scenes which seem to depict a set of five men kneeling before an old man in red, or otherwise doing obeisance. In several, they are offering swords or - in one - a single arrow each, to this man.

Attractive girls between the ages of fifteen and forty make up the majority of the serving staff past whom Kelly leads them, though any guardsmen on patrol are, in fact, men. Hun is definitely enjoying the view, and Poe keeps getting irritated with him for not paying attention to her discussion of things they still need to do. It only seems to annoy her more when the boy can rattle off what she was talking about when she was sure he was ignoring her.

It's about a five minute walk from the suite to the dining hall; it's not that the castle is that BIG, but there doesn't seem to be an actually straight path anywhere; one must criss-cross the castle to get from one room to another, when it's possible that the dining hall was actually on the same side, physically, of the building as the suite itself.

The dining hall features eleven tapestries lining the stone walls, with fresh rushes strewn across the floor and children playing with dogs in the corners. Tables fill the hall, and guardsmen in livery bearing a sheaf of wheat shedding golden coins are already present at each of them; other coats of arms are also present, including those of each of the knights who were in that...diplomatic envoy...to Trademeet Dale.

The two best-dressed children are wearing livery bearing the same wheat-and-coin coat of arms, and flank the chair at the head of the high table. Sirs Clavien, Methius, and Vaniel are seated at the same table with three or four guardsmen from their retinues, each. Vaniel rises to pull out a seat left vacant to the right hand of the head chair, smiling charmingly to Beatrix.

When Ocean Soul mimics the behavior for Fire Soul, the girl actually seems surprised, but takes her seat with grace. Hun sits to her left, which places him next to Johy, who seems to be one of the guardsmen Methius brought to attend him at the high table.

The Duke himself does not seem to be present just yet.

Merlin
player, 190 posts
Sun 20 Nov 2011
at 23:03

msg #2

Re: Dinner with the Duke

In reply to Segev Stormlord (msg #1):

Merlin takes this all in and mentally picking out places to hide, ricochet off of, and any dangers not apparently obvious upon first glance. During this he makes sure to catch the eye of the three Knights and give each a small bow of acknowledgment. Despite what any others do, he will remain standing until the Duke takes his seat

Segev Stormlord
GM, 294 posts
Thu 24 Nov 2011
at 19:38

msg #3

Re: Dinner with the Duke

The serving girls and some cooks - discernible by being stouter and less attractive than the maids - scurry out with the first course: a light repast of roast ducks accompanied by a pale wine chilled in the cellars below the castle before being served up here. The Duke's wife - a handsome woman in her mid-thirties with black hair pulled severely back from her face but allowed to flow freely behind her where two white locks brushing up from her temples frame it on either side - comments on the manners of Fire and Ocean Soul to Beatrix, asking, "Are they your brother and sister, Lady LeSchaye? Their garb is a bit plain, but they seem to bear themselves with your nobility."

The Duke - a man of about Sir Clavien's age with a russet-brown goatee kept neatly trimmed - smiles charmingly. "It is always a pleasure to meet with dignitaries from Trademeet Dale," he says, passing a honey-based sauce down the line, "but I must confess I'd never expected them to send such beauty, as well. I do hope Trademeet understands that Oredol seeks nothing but friendship and profitable trade with them."

Serving girls flirt shamelessly with Captain August Galen, and even jest about whether or not there is a raid planned on the castle. Merlin easily notices that the Duke's son keeps glancing at the three knights at the table, trying to emulate them and look noble and heroic. A difficult feat for a boy surrounded by grown men and women at a feast table.

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:41, Thu 24 Nov 2011.

Nath
player, 2 posts
Wed 30 Nov 2011
at 19:35

msg #4

Re: Dinner with the Duke

Waiting attendance on Sir Vaniel, Nath presents his very best serious demeanor, striving to out-do the tow well-dressed pages flanking the Duke's chair in his impassiveness. The boy does his best to hide his relief each time Vaniel sends him to fetch something, or deliver some morsel to a higher-ranked noble at one of the lower tables in a show of diplomacy; it's obviously difficult for him to hold still for so long, even if he can be very diligent in any activity he's assigned.

Beatrix LeSchaye
player, 192 posts
Solar
Zenith
Fri 2 Dec 2011
at 20:30

msg #5

Re: Dinner with the Duke

Beatrix smiles politely. "No, madam, these are no relations of mine, but rather promising young business associates who have accompanied me on this journey. However, I thank you for the compliment all the same."

"As for you question, Duke, we have ever had splendid relations with Oredol, and it is not your lands that are of any untoward concern to me. I know you bear us know ill will, as amply displayed by your impeccable hospitality. Rather, it is Duke Lothus of Watch Hill who has me worried, for he has formed some very peculiar ideas about Trademeet, and what is more, he has acted upon them in a most unpleasant manner."

After having a sip of wine, she continues; "Dear sir Amaran, do you know anything of Duke Lothus that you could share with us?"

Alistr Hamrsoung
player, 10 posts
Full Time No Moon Lunar
Part time Smith
Fri 2 Dec 2011
at 21:14

msg #6

Re: Dinner with the Duke

While everyone's eyes are looking elsewhere a small mouse darts across the floor. It skitters under tables and around peoples feet even seeming to stop for traffic as it were. It reaches the group of people from Trademeet Dale and looks at them for a moment. Then it runs over to the well dressed young man and climbs his cloak. The mouse then sits on his shoulder and tugs his ear trying to get his attention.

15:06, Today: Alistr Hamrsoung rolled 40 using 6d10 with rolls of 2,8,9,5,6,10. Stealth + Dex. 4 Successes. At least that is what you might see. Merlin the tugs are on you.

Segev Stormlord
GM, 295 posts
Fri 2 Dec 2011
at 23:00

msg #7

Re: Dinner with the Duke

The Duke's smile falters just a touch as Beatrix calls him "Sir," but he seems not to have taken any offense. "I was never knighted, my Lady," he replies with a roguish grin. "My lord father had me busy learning to count coins for my older brother. Regarding Duke Lothus...he is a temperamental man. I hear his commonfolk either love or fear him, if not both, depending on who you ask. Personally, I find him a bit abrasive - apologies to his loyal Knights - but he strikes me as a good ally, cold friend, and bad enemy."

The Duke's wife frowns primly at her husband's frank appraisal, and adds, "My lord the Duke means no disrespect of his fellow protector of the King's lands. Duke Lothus has a hard fight at all times, you see, and that can make for hard men." She glances at her son out of the corner of her eye, as if to make certain he is not getting any improper ideas for how to speak of others. "I must say, as sad as the tidings that must bring you through, Lady LeSchaye, it is wonderful to meet one of the nobility of the Dale. So often, it is merely common traders coming through."

The Duke interjects quickly, "And we're always delighted when they do. But my lady wife is correct; we're most pleased to meet you, personally."

Captain August Galen
player, 64 posts
Sat 3 Dec 2011
at 00:58

msg #8

Re: Dinner with the Duke

Segev Stormlord:

Tapestries depicting coats of arms and ancient battles, nobles at court and even some scenes which seem to depict a set of five men kneeling before an old man in red, or otherwise doing obeisance. In several, they are offering swords or - in one - a single arrow each, to this man.

"Interesting," muses Galen to no one in particular. When the Duke enters, The Captain makes sure to see what color he wears.

Segev Stormlord:

Serving girls flirt shamelessly with Captain August Galen, and even jest about whether or not there is a raid planned on the castle.

Galen takes a drink. "Oh? Do you want to join my crew? I could use an inside woman."

Alistr Hamrsoung:

15:06, Today: Alistr Hamrsoung rolled 40 using 6d10 with rolls of 2,8,9,5,6,10. Stealth + Dex. 4 Successes. At least that is what you might see. Merlin the tugs are on you.

((OOC: 19:53, Today: Captain August Galen rolled 1 success using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7. Per+Awar to spot Alistr.

I don't think that worked.

Are all the PCs sitting at the same table?))

Segev Stormlord
GM, 296 posts
Sat 3 Dec 2011
at 01:06

msg #9

Re: Dinner with the Duke

((OOC: All PCs are sitting at the same table, yes. And no, you did not beat his stealth roll, so at BEST you noticed that there is, in fact, a mouse. If that.))

Captain August Galen
player, 65 posts
Sat 3 Dec 2011
at 03:57

msg #10

Re: Dinner with the Duke

In reply to Segev Stormlord (msg #9):

((OCC: Is the Duke wearing red, like da man in the tapestry?))

Merlin
player, 192 posts
Sun 4 Dec 2011
at 21:12

msg #11

Re: Dinner with the Duke

In reply to Alistr Hamrsoung (msg #6):

Merlin makes himself busy with his food while the high and mighty play their social games of intrigue and status. However, he is using his senses to 'feel' the mouse. He lowers the appropriate arm to pick a crump off his lap and signals the rodent to climb up into his lap while whispering, "Aya?"

Some things about the shape changers are so handy!

Alistr Hamrsoung
player, 11 posts
Full Time No Moon Lunar
Part time Smith
Mon 5 Dec 2011
at 01:16

msg #12

Re: Dinner with the Duke

The mouse climbs into Merlin's lap. It sits and waits for Merlin to make some sort of move to excuse himself.

Segev Stormlord
GM, 297 posts
Mon 5 Dec 2011
at 05:48

msg #13

Re: Dinner with the Duke

The Duke is actually in blue with puffed sleeves slashed with black. the only red on him is a gold amulet with a ruby in its heart. His wife is in a red dress with purple petticoats and neck-fastenings, while his son is in a red doublet and purple pants with blue slashing his puffed sleeves.

Nath almost snickers at the antics of the Duke's son, but Ocean Soul interjects, "Sir Vaniel, would you mind if I asked your squire to get Fire Soul here a drink? It's a bit tricky to get out of these exquisite but heavy chairs, or I'd do it myself." At Vaniel's surprised glance at the boldness of the boy he'd been classifying as "servant," Hun simply smiles with the easy confidence of the ambitious freeborn. The young knight nods once, and glances at Nath, who is already off to fetch a flagon. "Tell me," asks Hun, turning to the young nobleman, "What is the proper term of address for a Duke's son? I do not wish to be rude, but we haven't got any nobility such as yourself in Trademeet Dale."

While the younger boy gives the commoner an appraising look hidden almost competently by a hearty bite of some quail, the serving-girl spending an inordinate amount of time helping Captain Galen with his plate giggles, and responds quietly, "That depends, m'lord, on what sort of position you might have for me."

Merlin
player, 193 posts
Tue 6 Dec 2011
at 03:44

msg #14

Re: Dinner with the Duke

In reply to Segev Stormlord (msg #13):

Merlin coughs, takes a drink, but only a moment later coughs again. He takes his glass and excuses himself to get the frog out of his throat. Once around the corner and in a slightly recessed alcove he pulls the mouse out of his sleeve.

"Now what?"

Alistr Hamrsoung
player, 12 posts
Full Time No Moon Lunar
Part time Smith
Tue 6 Dec 2011
at 04:28

msg #15

Re: Dinner with the Duke

As you set the mouse down it changes to a 5'9" 175 lbs man with a silver hammer and anvil on his forehead. He wears smith garb. " I am Alistr and I believe you were told to expect me."

This message was last edited by the player at 17:38, Tue 06 Dec 2011.

Captain August Galen
player, 66 posts
Tue 6 Dec 2011
at 16:22

msg #16

Re: Dinner with the Duke

Merlin:

He lowers the appropriate arm to pick a crump off his lap and signals the rodent to climb up into his lap while whispering, "Aya?"

((OOC: Would this allow a re-roll on Perception?))

Segev Stormlord:

"Excuse me, Your Grace, but I couldn't help but notice these beautiful tapestries hanging around your grand hall. I am fascinated by the red figure in them. Please forgive my ignorance, but who is that figure?"

Segev Stormlord:

the serving-girl spending an inordinate amount of time helping Captain Galen with his plate giggles, and responds quietly, "That depends, m'lord, on what sort of position you might have for me."

Galen's eyes go big for a moment, and the Captain forgets to chew before reflexively swallowing a large bite. Galen flops forwards, chocking and trying to get the food down.

This message was last edited by the player at 16:24, Tue 06 Dec 2011.

Segev Stormlord
GM, 298 posts
Tue 6 Dec 2011
at 22:13

msg #17

Re: Dinner with the Duke

Captain August Galen:

Merlin:

He lowers the appropriate arm to pick a crump off his lap and signals the rodent to climb up into his lap while whispering, "Aya?"

((OOC: Would this allow a re-roll on Perception?))

((OOC: No, but unless Merlin wants to make a Stealth roll to disguise speaking to the critter, Galen can notice that he said something. If Merlin DOES wish to, then Galen may roll Awareness to oppose the Stealth roll.))

Captain August Galen:

"The figure in red?" the Duke reacts with only a modicum of surprise to the sudden shift in topic, "That is, according to legend, the first King of Falan, accepting the ancestral weapons of the first Dukes in fealty before he went off to slay a great beast that was threatening the land. A dragon, or a rogue godblood, or - if you believe the Immaculates who've wandered through periodically - 'doubtless a foul Anathema.' He was one of the Exalted, according to legend." The Duke smiles in bemused pride over the possibility, but looks like he somewhat doubts its truth. "Regardless, it is from him that our current King descends, and from the men kneeling to him that I and my fellow Dukes - as well as my noble son, here (who is technically a 'prince,' my young fellow)," he adds to Ocean Soul, "(though not the crown prince, who is the King's son and heir) - where was I? Oh, yes. The five Dukes are descended from the five men presenting their swords to the 'figure in red.'"

Captain August Galen:

Segev Stormlord:

the serving-girl spending an inordinate amount of time helping Captain Galen with his plate giggles, and responds quietly, "That depends, m'lord, on what sort of position you might have for me."

Galen's eyes go big for a moment, and the Captain forgets to chew before reflexively swallowing a large bite. Galen flops forwards, chocking and trying to get the food down.

"M'lord?" asks the girl, slapping Galen on the back. "Are you okay, m'lord?"

The Duke's wife's eyes widen in concern. "Is he alright? Sir Lawren, get the healer! The Captain is choking!" The Duke rises to his feet and gestures, and a knight - presumably the one his wife named "Lawren" - hastens from the room.

Captain August Galen
player, 67 posts
Wed 7 Dec 2011
at 00:20

msg #18

Re: Dinner with the Duke

Segev Stormlord:

The Captain is quite embarrassed that this small accident is disrupting everyone's evening. Galen tries to stand up, placing a clinched fist under Galen's own ribs followed by the other open hand, and begins to give quick, hard movements up & in.

((OOC: Medicine roll- 2 successes.
19:18, Today: Captain August Galen rolled 1 success using 4d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7. Heimlich maneuver + 1 Willpower .))

Segev Stormlord
GM, 299 posts
Wed 7 Dec 2011
at 05:26

msg #19

Re: Dinner with the Duke

In reply to Captain August Galen (msg #18):

((OOC: That's more than sufficient to successfully perform the Heimlich.))

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