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Session 31 - What would YOU do for a god soul?

General Summary

Two Princes, One Gala... Plus Many

 
As the Prince sits behind his desk, he motions to the Baron who very quickly summons enough chairs for everyone. Afterward, the Baron slumps down into his chair, man spreading and watching with interest. The Prince notes that this is a larger, more ecclectic group than he recalls from the Shrine. How was the trip? Teagan notes that they were assaulted by followers of Prince Nalahiti and the prince doesn't immediately seem surprised. Did they ascertain your identity? No? Excellent, they musn't know you are a Gravesinger. Valtaris notes that perhaps he neglected to mention, but the Gravesinger robes and veils simply won't cut it for the Gala.

Down to business, the Prince provides an overview of the situation (the Gala) for the evening:
  • Prince Nalahiti Mal Kerrym has used the Book of the Dead to seize control of a member of the Obsidian Company and employs them as her personal guard.
  • Valtaris believes that she has has grown somewhat arrogant. It seems she believes that her small taste of victory means she is guaranteed the whole feast.
  • Valtaris believes the reason for the gala is generally two-fold: (1) Flaunt her power to the other royal families and the nobility and (2) make a bid to gain further noble house allegiances, thereby weakening Mal Vrammyr, and more importantly, Mal Mavkazan.
  • Valtaris cautions against assuming that Prince Nala's arrogance has blinded her, as that doesn't appear to be the case. She has chosen the time of her Gala strategically: (1) The relatively short notice prevents Valtaris from gathering his full legion of support and (2) most of Malachor's clergy will be unable to attend (and voice their dissent) due to ritualistic obligations in the bowels of the Temple of Malachor.
  • Prince Nala is an Earthen Drow and a royal. She is an apt political player, skilled in combat, cunning when she needs to be, and lethal when she must. She will expect Valtaris to scheme (it would be odd if he didn't). She has enough sworn allies (known and unknown to Valtaris) who can keep an eye on anyone deemed a threat. However, Valtaris will endeavor to keep as much of her attention as possible (when needed).
  • No one will expect a Gravesinger to be a player.

  During the Gala, the Prince notes that they will have to accomplish the following (1) find where the Book is being kept, (2) Find out how to access the Book, (3) Discover and remove any safeguards, (4) potentially distract the Obsidian Company, and (5) get the book out and bring it back to the Mal Mavkazan Estate. Specifically, directly to Valtaris' office... preferably without a fight and without bloodshed. Yenush immediately asks what Valtaris plans to do with the Book. Valtaris simply states that he will safeguard it. He's not being untruthful, but he's not being entirely truthful. There is more that Valtaris isn't saying, though Yenush prods no further.
  What are the upper clergy DOING in the Temple of Malachor? Valtaris is not a member of the clergy (and clearly Arkyn is new). He surmises they are acquiring knowledge from corpses and otherwise serving at Malachor's whim. But like, what could they POSSIBLY be doing? Valtaris twitches slightly as the matter is pressed. However, he does note that if the group is curious, not all of Malachor's clergy will be inaccessible. He has gotten word that one priestess – Xyressa – will be available and, given her past royal lineage and tendency to engage with politics, she may be a good ally. If other allies are of interest, Valtaris also notes that there is an Ambassador from the Northern Airborne clans. He isn't sure who sent the invitation, but an Airborne ally is better than an Airborne enemy. On a juicy note, Valtaris has information that one of Mal Kerrym's most loyal vassals may be wavering. His children seem to have been slighted.
  After consultations with Valtaris' team of designers and stylists, the group splits in three with the Baron accompanying Teagan and Milo. Prior to splitting, Aiaoue offers up a prayer to Omen: "Omen, we thank you for this blessing. We spit on Varoona, Amen."

   

A Priestess, An Ambassador, and A Shirtless Count

 
Milo, Teagan, and the Baron head to the Temple of Malachor at the lowest level of Malachor. The Temple itself is built on an underwater river with a bridge flanked by statues of Pale Robes and Malachor himself. Banners with the jackal skull and scroll of Malachor flank the massive obsidian doors marking the Temple's formal entrance. The acolytes, attendants, and locals pay no mind to a guard, a noble, and a Gravesinger seeking entrance. Beyond the main doors is a grand entrance hall of white and gold... with anoterh obsidian door locked and sealed. Archways to the left and right lead to the outer loop of the Temple. After walking for a bit, Teagan notes a more ornately-dressed figure: Priestess Xyressa.

Xyressa is immediately intrigued at a Gravesinger attending the Gala. After moving to a more private location, Xyressa asks who invited a Gravesinger. It's either the host (meh), one family (in which case Xyressa will have to poison you and send your ruptured corpse to her aunt), or the other family (how fun). Teagan admits to working with Valtaris and requests Xyressa's assistance. What do I get in return? Teagan notes that she'll be getting back at her family, the Prince will personally offer a favor, and Teagan – the great MOIRA – will offer a personal favor as well. Oh you could have stopped at the first bit. The Priestess then leans close and warns Teagan to not trust the nobles he's with. They will change allegiances the moment their prospects look better elsewhere as she nods to both Milo... and the Baron.

As the duo are guided back to the secret entrance to the Mal Mavakazan Estate, Teagan tries to discretely whisper to Milo that the Baron was sus. Said Baron places a hand on each of their shoulders and reaffirmed that you shouldn't trust him. But the Prince's ambitions are his own. After waving his hands around for a bit, Teagan notes that the Baron has a "vibe" about him, but that ring contrasts it. The Baron is married to a summer Eladrin (Myrria). She took his finger apparently. Is it hard being apart? It seems to duit the duo well; She uses him as an excuse... and the absence makes his heart grow fonder (don't like how you said that, bud). The Baron is also ALL FOR violence happening at the Gala... his hand resting on the hilt of his Obisdian Blade.

Aiaoue and Cadence are escorted to the Embassy, a 3-story complex filled with all amenities needed to house visiting dignitaries and ambassadors. Built of paler stone, it contrasts with the natural, darker stone around it. The lowest level features a courtyard with a statue of Malachor and four smaller statues (recognizable as Ah'Shal, Eresh, Tamasvi, and one other figure). Inside, stone pillars support an arched, vaulted ceiling with chandeliers providing light. Aiaoue, who woke up deciding she was going to SUCCEED, easily convinces someone to take her to see the Northern Airborne ambassador. Ourania is immediately suspicious of Aiaoue (though not at all of Cadence), but Aiaoue quickly rectifies that - she was RAISED by Airborne. Ourania notes that Aiaoue may be the only decent Drow in Mal Korvian, except for Gravesingers. We're working with a Gravesinger!

Aiaoue pitches that the Prince, albeit perhaps not great, would disrupt Prince Nala's intentions. Ourania, after some thought and discussion with her retinue, note that a disruption of power would be better for her people rather than a continuation of current power. The Airborne ambassador seems to dislike Tamasvi and regards with Obsidian Company with fearful respect. She notes that they are supposedly undying. Although she cannot help too much with political engagement, she can certainly help if there is a fight. Hopefully, there will be no ill omens at the Gala tonight.

Meanwhile, Yenush and Arkyn travel down to the Obsidian Forge: a two-story structure lit by black-silver flame... and no smoke. A massive stone barrel - decorated with arcane runes - spins constantly, churning obsidian within it. Material in a pool below is worked by a single Drow figure. Approaching the Drow, he notes that he is currently not taking commissions. As Yenush begins to make the Count an offer, the stoic Drow stops him. Choose your words carefully if you are here to make me an offer. What enters my mind could be used against you. Is there a place we could talk alone? The Count turns, says a short phrase in another language, and the entire Forge shuts down.

In a small grotto, the trio talk. Yenush attempts to dicretely (and vageuly) entice the Count and finds little success... until he remembers the man has CHILDREN. What assurances could you give him that his son would be brought back from the Blood Soaked Plains? Words are insufficient. When Yenush and Arkyn fail to offer anything else, the Count does offer to speak with their "patron" at the Gala. With that, he turns, says a short phrase, and continues his work at the Forge.

As everyone prepares for the Gala, Valtaris notes that Teagan will have to pose as someone. A lover would be easiest and to further slight Nala (whom Valtaris has apparently slept with), Teagan chooses to be some nobody Valtaris picked up off the streets. Don't worry, it's all an act.

 
   

The Gala Begins

 
Upon arriving at the Mal Kerrym estate, Valtaris is the perfect gentleman as the group is led into the Grand Hall. Aiaoue gets Detect Magic up and kicking, nothing that there is ample Abjuration magic here (though the weapons the magic guards are not themselves magical). Ourania and her entourage linger near the edges of the group - Aiaoue offers a subtle nod. The Count is no longer shirtless and seems to be accompanying his wife. Arriving late is the Priestess who has to go through Mal Kerrym TSA due to the amount of poison she attempted to smuggle in... And then the sound of heavy armored footfalls.

 


 
Prince Nalahiti is accompanied by a member of the Obsidian Company. Nala quickly identifies Valtaris and moves straight towards him, noting that he has disregarded the details of her invitation. Though, she is happy to show she is a better host than Valtaris is a guest. Prince Nala spares no time in hurling insults at Teagan. A tour then? A show of luxury that the "strays" Valtaris has brought will not see again. As the group begins to move, Jin oddly seems like he fits - as if he knows how to move and carry himself amongst a noble crowd... though his eyes say he's looking for things that MIGHT be easy to nab.

Prince Nala leads the tour through the Garden and Parlor. Upon ascending to the third story of the public portion of the estate, Arkyn is promptly incapacitated by a wave of lethargy. Unable to touch Sayah, it is the Baron who manhandles Arkyn out of the room. When Teagan also falls under the influence, Valtaris swoops in and carries him out bridal style. Valtaris may be wizard-coded, but he's an average strength boy. In the weapons Gallery, Aiaoue is immediately bombarded with magic everywhere. All of the weapons in this room are magical. All of the weapons have abjuration magic on them... And then there's one weapon with illusion magic on it. Curious. Prince Nala highlights her favorite: a warhammer. After exuding confidence, Nala gives Teagan the warhammer, who handles it with no issue. Nala hides her shock while Valtaris does not. The Baron seems to be assessing Teagan in a new light now: a worthy fight. After insulting Nala's dress ("you should be more familiar with alleyways, that IS where you found your dress."), Nala takes the weapon back and returns the insult in kind. As the tour continues, Valtaris urgently notes that if Teagan has any OTHER surprises, he should inform Valtaris.

 
The "Private" Quarters (quickly dubbed the "Fuck Rooms") have a modified Private Sanctum on them - to ensure that no sound escapes. (Teagan: "Is this the one who coudn't perform?" Valtaris: "Dearest, you really shouldn't". Nala does not react). From there, Nala shows the Dining Hall (with full open bar) and, in route to the ballroom, the group passes a series of protraits. There is a portrait of Nala and an almost identical portrait next to it, though obscured with a black veil and with incense lit underneath it. Finally, in the ballroom, musicians occupy a stage and have already begun to play. Amidst the pipes of the organ is a tome. Well, that can't be real, can it?

 
As Valtaris and Teagan begin to swirl around the Ballroom with the other dancers, Cadence notes that the nobles don't care about the Book, per se. They seem more interested in what the Book being here could mean for them. The Obsidian Company member is much like a statue and doesn't appear to breathe. In the middle of discussing the plan telepathically with Valtaris, Teagan is spun away into the arms of Prince Nala. How did you meet? Grand Aetheria... why weren't YOU invited to the Festival? Why was Valtaris there? Nala mentions that perhaps Teagan should ask what happened to Valtaris' last lover. You may not even feel the knife he already has pressed to your throat. Returning to Valtaris, Teagan throws up a leg and openly declares they should perhaps go somewhere a bit more delicate as he makes direct eye contact with Nala.

 
Arkyn and Milo move into the Dining Hall. Arkyn nods to the Count and taps Milo into the ring. Milo opens with a question about the weapons upstairs: did you make any of them? The Count notes that the hammer is his doing, though is very humble about it. His wife (Countess Lyra Von Umbra), however, seems very happy to talk up his skills. Milo asks if the Count would accompany him to the Gallery; he'd like to ask some questions up close. Although the Count seems about to refuse, his wife is happy to accept. She passes off her husband to Milo as she goes off to chat with the girls.

 
Aiaoue dips out to the Gardens and enters an awkward huddle that seems oddly intimate with Ourania who takes a moment to deduce what Aiaoue is doing and why. Aiaoue assures her it's fine - she's married (though the hug feels somewhat nostalgic and nice with the feathers and wings involved). Ourania notes that it's not blasphemous for her people, but it may be for the Drow. Regardless, Ourania promises to listen for anything - she seems a bit out of her depth here. Regarding the Book, Ourania notes that if you don't trust anyone, where would you hide something of import? Aiaoue wonders... is it in the armor? Ourania is confused. There is a body in the armor? Is there though? Ourania is not quite sure. Perhaps she will find the Priestess and inquire. Aiaoue and Ourania agree to "do a lap" and meet up later.

 
Yenush heads to the "Fuck Rooms" and proceeds to immediately ignore the clear signs of a haunting until he finally gets annoyed with the door opening and closing so many times. In the steam-filled bathroom... something begins to write on the mirror: Can you help me?

Gala Drip

 

Aiaoue

 
"Blue flapper-style dress with either sleeves or a shawl, but instead of tassels, they’re thicker like jellyfish tentacles. And instead of a headband, it’s a cloche hat, resembling a jellyfish dome, also with some tentacles. Blue and purple color scheme."

 


 

Arkyn

  "Shift the colors to white, gold and silver and think that fits the vibe given."
 


 

Milo

 
"I imagine to that he would wear essentially a classic and simple black tuxedo, with a black bow tie and cumberbund, so I don’t think he’d divert much from that. But if it’s on loan from the Prince, it’s probably made of fabrics and any embellishments that would be appropriately found in drow, and in whatever the color the prince thinks is fitting for the night. but I don’t think Milo would go for anything attention-grabbing."

 

Yenush

 
"The overall look is like the first picture, but with the sleeves of the second and it has the obsidian color with blacks/browns".



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