OOC: ok, no-one going in, so i'll give it a go.

Stepping forward, Celene adresses the dapper man. "While your heroism in killing that awful unarmed creature begging for mercy remains unquestioned, I would rather that you did NOT kill this last live evidence that we need to present to Soren Toregson for his arbitration regarding the wedding. I am sure you have not forgotten?" Turning her head towards Amarilde she continues, "but I am curious if you forgot to rescue Lady Amarilde from her imprisonment, since you left before we discovered her - or did you just find it unimportant?"

OOC: Sense motive (based on this evenings experience with the sleuth) to get a hunch if Victor really intends to give the donations to charity (the orphanage).

quote:

23:57, Today: Celene rolled 10 using 1d20+3. Sense motive.

So, is everyone else (npcs)as annoyed by him as Celene is(we are?)? Or are they in fact buying all that he's selling? He's not an official detective, is he?

Angati did not like Viktor, she had had her doubts before, but now, she definitely didn't care for the guy, it was not that he had killed it, it was all the lies he was dressing it all up with, and the smug sense that he was entouring himself with, that he had abandoned them without a word when they might have most needed him... the list went on...

But... the guy had his public, and it would be stupid to make an enemy out of someone like him. She put a hand on Celene's shoulder, and speaking softly to Viktor she said "Surely, you want us to discuss exactly what has happened, before any of us makes the mistake of doing or saying something that the other side would take personal offence on".

She paused a bit before going on for the public "We work for different parties he and us, surely you can see we need to share our information amongst ourselves before jumping to any conclusion. As much as we appreciate M. Viktors impressive methods and keen mind it would be a pity to share seemingly contradictory information when we can easily put everything together in 5 minutes.... so, if you would kindly excuse us for a minute"

"Oh, and please, do not touch that body, it may well prove a key element of the investigation", she said to the congregation to try to take Viktor away, try to avoid the mob from soiling the body of Vrinn's couple.

OOC: I imagine there should be no problem on moving to a separate room with Viktor for a minute. The idea there will be to actually reach an agreement. We hand him all the 'keen mind, that has figured everything out' credit, in exchange for letting us dispose of the corpse and let Vrinn leave.... I hope Celene will see that handing him over is just as much as slitting his throat right away.... in this conversation Amarilde ought to stay out. Our leverage to him will be his cowardice. We cannot touch his great reputation with regards to his keen mind, and we can even foster it... but we can surely put a tache on his reputation with regards to his cowardice, and nothing would be easier with Amarilde testifying more or less what we will want as it's been us that saved him... I'd say its Win-win.

Posting it OOC here so that you guys give your feedback or rp it out if you want... no need to have Angati going through it.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:42, Fri 15 May 2015.

OOC: sure, that's an avenue we can take, fine by me. I had in fact written another draft for Celenes dialogue where she trash-talked him to the sewers as a coward, but decided on a *little* more diplomacy (and between-the-lines sarcasm) :-) As she mentioned earlier, she figured he'd be back to take the credit prematurely, so she's not really surprised or in shock, just plain annoyed. But taking the absolute road of diplomacy and hide our feelings for the low-life (Victor) is certainly something she can do - if the rest of the party can contain their emotions? I am just not sure Victors giant ego will get in the way of ANY deal for a amiable solution..?

Regarding handing over Vrinn to the law, Celene is well aware that's pretty close to a certain death sentence. She is fine by that. Stealing someones life, and selling them off as a slave would certainly warrant that (in her world and mind). She just don't want some self-appointed judge-jury-executioner doing what HE thinks right. Problem is, letting Vrinn go would mean THEY (the party) just do what THEY think right instead, which amounts to the same. Had this been in the uncivilized wilds she would see no problem, but in the city the law should be adhered to in her mind. She was pretty truthful about wanting Vrinn to live simple to serve as evidence. But what do the other characters want to do about him? Do they care for him living?

Sure, we can go back a bit.



Celene thinks back carefully, but nothing that Vrinn is doing seems to be like spell-casting. It seems like he was just concentrating on the Nuari phrase and trying to remember what it meant.



Asking that question DOES throw the changling off balance. Vrinn rubs the smooth side of his face where his eye should be self consciously before explaining. "We got caught out in Darokin city and this happened to me... acid spell... I would get it fixed up but the cleric would need to see me in my true form, and if that happens then they would always try and lock me up or kill me!"



OOC: Not important.

Victor ignores her. He is still busy stalking through the crowd, receiving congratulations and taking donations.



OOC: Sure

The party pull back to another side room in the chapel and close the door. They still have Vrinn with them though, since otherwise the doppleganger would be wisked away by the watch.





OOC: I can desribe the whole legal system of Sasserine if required, but here is a little information about what will probably happen to Vrinn to help you make your decision. As a non-human / non-demi-human he has no rights and will not receive a court case. But he is unlikely to be put to death since he surrendered and has not taken a life himself - the most likely sentence is that he will be sent to Carver's Pit mine in the Hullfurnances where he will work until he dies. ANd considering the conditions in the mine that would probably not be so long from now!

Alohan continued to remain silent, but couldn't stop shuddering at the thought of the Face Changer stealing his identity. And the creature knew his language, increasing the chance that the creature could successfully step in as Prince Alohan Nuari. Furthermore, the thing could apparently read his mind! Tried as he might, Alohan couldn't help but think of his family, friends, even Remmi, giving more involuntary details to fuel the creatures fire.

At the manor, Alohan continued his silence. He looked for Remmi but didn't spot him, assuming his hoaloha went back to their meager Shadowshore holdings to catch up on sleep or something else bull and boring. He smirked at Celene and Angati's efforts to persuade Victor, knowing full well they'd fall on deft ears but happy in the knowledge his new companions had a shred of decency. These were peoples he could befriend, even if their relationship had been nothing but business and solving mysteries. He had hoped they'd have more to build a friendship on and they'd enjoy his companionship. Still, Victor was a coward. He might have some measure of prowess but Alohan could only look at the man with hostile indifference.

Alohan remained near Vrinn and the Dawn Guard. He didn't know what to do with himself so he remained protective and watchful. Yet Vrinn stealing his identity, sleeping with his women, and inheriting his throne haunted him. Part of him wanted the creature put to the sword, even if it wasn't in his nature.

---

20:17, Fri 15 May 2015: Alohan Nuari rolled 5 using 1d20 ((5)).
Perception: Whoops! I wanted to watch the crowd. Not knowledge (that was a carry over)
This message was last edited by the player at 00:27, Sat 16 May 2015.

OOC: I missed this earlier. Hmm, based on that roll...

Celene tries to detect if Victor is sincere about giving the money to charity, and he shows every sign that he is serious about using it to rebuild the 'Dawnlight Orphanage'.

Despite Victor not having any official status in the town, the people are lapping up his story of his brave slaying of the doppleganger and heap great praise upon him. Sasserine is a city starved of heroes... it appears Victor is about the best they've got.

OOC: Is there anything more to discuss? Vrinn will not be summarily executed if you hand him over to the Dawn Guard - they are the private police force of Castle Teraknian and the most trustworthy men in the city. The changling will most definitely be sent to the mines and put to work. Considering that he and his friend were going to send Amarilde into slavery, isn't that a just sentence as well as one that corresponds to the laws of the city?

Dungeon Master:

OOC: Is there anything more to discuss? Vrinn will not be summarily executed if you hand him over to the Dawn Guard - they are the private police force of Castle Teraknian and the most trustworthy men in the city. The changling will most definitely be sent to the mines and put to work. Considering that he and his friend were going to send Amarilde into slavery, isn't that a just sentence as well as one that corresponds to the laws of the city?

As mentioned earlier, that's fine by Celene. Not sure about Angati, while Alohan sounds indifferent. Haven't heard from Logan or Kassius.

Someone wanted to handle Victor more delicately, though....?</Red>
This message was last edited by the player at 21:44, Sat 16 May 2015.

Logan watches from the edge of the crowd, doing his best to blend in.  He's seen summary justice in Shadowshore, and knows how even the best people in the city can fall to savagery.  Years of seeing the worst of Sasserine has bred into the young half-elf both a deep sense of caution and a healthy knowledge for how cheap life can be.  The rogue does nothing but glower at Victor's antics.

Angati turned to the rest, "Let's recap, the only one hurt here has been Amarilde, and that dead guy out there... now, you want to handle this one here to the justice or to plain right kill it which amount to the same thing but only with some hard work in between." Anansi paused for a second, trying to collect her ideas "I'd say that given that Amarilde has been the only one hurt in all this, she should be the one deciding, and... if Vrinn would oblige (which I am pretty sure he would be inclined to do given the options, to serve her and she could bear taking it, it would make a GREAT addition onto her household... otherwise, else, if it's money we talk about to make amends to Amarilde, I am sure I could arrange for someone to make a payment in exchange for Vrinns life and service for a limited time".

[Private to GM: Angati sees a great benefit on having someone like Vrinn if he would stay loyal for a time, and he is sure a house like hers could very much profit from Vrinn and would be willing to pay... (Anonymously of course through me). And she really feels its not fair to give this guy to 'justice']
This message was last edited by the player at 08:34, Sun 17 May 2015.

"Whether Vrinn faces death or slavery is fine by me, as that seems just considering his deeds. However, your other idea is an interesting idea. Since Amarilde is the hurt part, and hardly can press legal charges to get compensation, as Vrinn is not liable nor protected within our laws, giving the victim this chance would seem fair. I can to either way."

Alohan tries to keep an eye on the crowd and spot any suspicious behavior, but it is impossible for him to focus. His mind keeps being pulled back to the thought of Vrinn stealing his identity and his throne. AND HIS WOMEN! The barbarian is effectively blind to everything else but his worry.

So to summarize, Angati wants to suggest to Amarilde that Vrinn enters her service or else enters someone else’s service and she gets the cash. Celene is fine with this idea. Logan is too busy shooting daggers from his eyes at Victor to be bothered, and Alohan’s mind is likewise on something else. Would one of the ladies like to take the lead in making the offer?

Angati walked over to Amarilde, "So... dear, it seems like everything can be fixed, and your wedding can happen without further incident, once your groom understands what has been the origin of this confusion"... she paused a bit before continuing "Now, it remains to be seen what to do with Vrinn... and... I beleive you hold the key to his future, and to a certain extent to yours... you see, I think you have three options open to you, two of which might be beneficial to you, and one that really will do nothing for your own benefit but which might be perfectly understandable, given how shaken you must be. Still, opportunities like these don't happen often... listen:"

"- You can either ask for justice to take Vrinn, which gains you nothing and will ultimately make him as dead as the other one there... or, in case he escapes might give him a reason to hate you and want to exact revenge on your family one way or another".
- Or you can maybe offer him to enter your household. This is risky, but potentially beneficial to you, and to him. He would be indebted to you, but you can probably work out a way to profit this in ways that few people ever get the chance... It is a risky thing and I also see that it requires a certain kind of stomach to have him in your household after all that has happened.
- There is a third option, which would be giving me a bit of time, to try to find someone who might want to give some money to you so that you don't press the charges towards him... in order for Vrinn to be indebted for a time to him." Angati used the masculine as if she had in mind a man for this, when she really was thinking about her sister, or even herself, to play the role of herself as she should be and not as she was now "This, is probably the safest path for you, it assures you that he has no specific reason to hate you, while keeping him appart, and you make something out of all this mess...".

"So, there you go... What do you think ?, please try to be pragmatical, after all, you are a noble, its not just about your pride, but also about your house's gain".

OOC: Ok, so ideally, if she takes the safer option with gain, I would talk to my sister, its a risky business, but if Vrinn learns enough about myself, he could pose as me with the younger figure, and my family could profit from that. I guess that they might be willing to pay to hide the fact of my curse, Vrinn could play a noble as he wanted in the beginning, and at the same time, he could probably have fun while promoting family interests...

Other than that, I forgot to ask Amerilde, and Vrinn, I do not know if its too late, but I would have asked them about the involvement of Amarilde's previous lover, and the robbery of her dress, if they could think of any reason that might have happened.

Angati and Celene go and find Amarilde. They are told she is in Soren's room, so the pair go and knock on the door and it is opened by the burly gladiator.

"So it is some of the heroes of the hour! How I am ever going to repay you for bringing back my Amarilde to me... the real one that is!... I will never know how to repay you all," the big man says as he returns to the sofa in the room and takes Amarilde back into his arms. It appears that things are well and the wedding is back on track. Amarilde has even retreived the wedding dress that Trym took off before his escape attempt (he was fortunately not wearing it when he was executed) and is now wearing it again.

When Angasti explains that she has an offer for the youn noble, Amarilde insists upon Soren being there to hear as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:02, Mon 18 May 2015.

"What?!" exclaims the young noble-lady. "Whatever gave you the idea that I would be willing to have that... thing... wandering the streets with the ability to imitate me at any moment of its choosing? Let alone having it serve in my house! That is absolutely crazy. No, I want it gone from the city. Either up to the mines or maybe executed, I am fine with either."




"Maybe so, but this is too much to ask. I know my family will be behind me whole-heartily in this decision. And that is the end of the matter." Soren tightens his grip on her to show that she has his full support.



Cool idea, actually I would've loved to incorporate that into the game because it would have led to some interesting plot points later on, but it just isn't gunna happen. I think you can all understand that Amarilde wants Vrinn gone forever. He is just too much of a risk.



Don't worry, but you will get another shot at asking Amarilde questions.

After Amarilde has heard Angati's proposals and selected 'option three', the bride and groom leave the side room and re-enter the main chapel where the guests were congregating again. The news that the wedding was back on and all was explained was greeted with cheers of joy and a huge wave of applause.

Then there is just the matter of Vrinn to decide. Amarilde faces her kidnapper one more time, Soren's arm protectively around her shoulder.

"You cannot be forgiven for what you have done. Maybe death right now is what you deserve, but I think the city should get some use out of you yet. You will be taken to the mines in the Hellfurnances and work there until you die." The crowd cheers again and Vrinn hangs his head in response.

The changling is led out by the dawn guard in heavy chains and with two men on either side. Victor waves him off, crowing to the about 'another mission accomplished' and 'case closed'.

As Vrinn was walked past Alohan, the doppelganger comes to a halt and stares at the Pearl Islander with his one good eye.

"Maybe I was wrong, but I thought we shared a moment there back at the dress shop Alohan Nuari. I look forward to seeing you again."

The guards roughly jerk him back into motion again. The changling calls back to Logan. "Hey thief! I bet you one hundred crowns that I can escape before I ever reach the mines. What do you think! Ha!"

Angati walked to Vrinn and whispered to him before he was taken "If you ever walk out and decide you want to be a noble around here... search me out, I might have a good proposal for you".

She then turned back to the rest and looked at Amarilde expectantly. There were payments to be settled, and she wanted to get rid of these people as soon as she could.

OOC: Meaning Amarilde, Viktor etc...

OOC: I'm going to move things along a little, but feel free to make a parting comment to Vrinn before he is carted off to the dungeons under Teraknian, if you want to.



Vrinn looks surprised, but then gives her a wink. "Well sure!" he says.

Once Vrinn has been moved on, the wedding gets back on track. Both and the bride and groom look happy as the ceremony is finished and the party moves on to one of the huge dinning halls inside the mansion.

Due to the wedding being called off earlier in the day, everything is chaotic as the guests file into the room. There is no seating plan so the party members have the opportunity to choose who they sit next to. Admittedly it is a bit of a 'B-list' crowd, but some of the characters might be interesting to share a meal with...

Amarilde Toregson (nee Vanderboren) - if you rush quickly enough you can claim a seat next to the blushing bride herself, and no-body could refuse you since you are the heroes of the day. Perhaps there are final questions to ask? Around payment? Does all of her story check out?

Victor Saint-Demain - the self proclaimed genius of Cudgel district and the city's most famous sleuth. Do you want to tell him what you think of his recent actions? Or maybe stroke his huge ego and try to make a useful ally?

Keltar Islaran - he is the habourmaster of the city and the head of the first family of the Azure district. He is sitting down one end of a table coughing phlegm up into a well-used handkerchief. Hmm, maybe not the most charming of dinner guests.

Rowyn Kellani - the only child of the second family of the Azure district, she is a successful businesswoman in her own right. Coming from one of the rougher districts, she has her 'ear to the ground' when it comes to the darker going-ons in Sasserine and might have heard about these 'Lotus Dragons'.

Nylaria Absalee - this enormous women is the manageress of the opera house and a former diva herself. She knows pretty much everyone in high society, so may be a good person ask about what the nobility are up to.

Diamondback - this is the Alphatian stiltwalker that Celene saw performing yesterday. She apparently takes her craft very seriously since she is still in a harlequin costume and wearing a small mask over white face paint.

Choose who you want to sit next to (first come first served!) and post it in below. I will make a separate thread for each conversation because I hate overlapping dialogues.

Celene has had her share of intrigue and action for now. She is most happy to avoid both the happy bride, and the annoying investigator. Nylaria she'll be filling in on it later. For now she just like to enjoy the evening and chat with some nice and normal people.

Seeing that no nice young men seem forthcoming, Keltar Islarian is simply not appealing, and a harlequin stiltwalker is way more freakish than anything this day (and an outsider too!), that slightly rough but still peaceful looking woman, Rowyn Kellani, gets a nod back as she acknowledges Celene. She walks towards her.

OK, thread created.

At dinner, Logan studiously avoided sitting next to Victor and Amarilde.  His feelings towards the former were quite evident already, and he had no more intention of dealing with the flighty newlywed, despite the fact that much of his opinion of her was derived from the activities of the changelings impersonating her.  Logan glanced around the room again, and finally sits next to the harbormaster.  Logan figured the hacking man would attract little other company, and the rogue was used to people suffering from all matters of minor ailments in Shadowshore.  Plus, the rogue did need more information about Sasserine's first families.

Angati did not really feel like talking at all, and that stilt walker seemed silent enough. She did not give a frak about the wedding now so she just walked over to the weird guy and sat down next to him with a nod of her head.

Threads created. BTW, Diamondback is a lady.

Don't worry, the conversations can be brief or long depending on how interesting we find them.

Alohan still tasted the bile in his mouth. He swallowed reflexively and looked at the arrangement of guests. He had to steal away for a bit. To collect himself. He had to get some fresh air to help settle his nerves. After the Face Changer's words, Alohan wasn't feeling proper. 'A moment' he thought to himself, mortified. 'We did NOT have a moment.' It took many minutes for the Nuari, to steady himself but he was finally ready for the night's festivities. He took a moment to smooth out his sutddly -albeit ripped and torn- leather vest before heading back inside.

Upon returning, Alohan discovered his companions now at separate tables. He felt alone. Where once he might have been able to sit next to Amarilde for the evening, the Face Changer had ruined such a prospect. In fact, he didn't really want to look at the bride, what for the hideous reminder of the Face Changer's existence. His relationship with Amarilde had been something of worth. Lies. It had been a rouse. <i>'and to think, I kissed it's hand'...

...The native took a moment to collect himself after his brief relapse. He looked at the assembled crowd without an idea of Sasserine customs. He felt a bit lost. Spotting Celene easy enough, Alohan had no qualms joining her and her new acquaintance. They hardly spoke but Alohan had come to appreciate the priest's arcane prowess. That was reason enough for Alohan to want to be around her.

---

If it isn't too late, shoulder Alohan into Celene and Rowyn's thread por favor.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:24, Wed 20 May 2015.

Consider it done! It is a hard road to find the perfect woman, Alohan.