Kai pours himself a glass of water and looks across at Dejan "so did you ever explore the Cities of Dust. My clan fear that something may once again be stirring out there?"
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DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond DM - Four bards walk into a bar... Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
"Please forgive me but I think I shall retire for the evening" with a quick nod to each of the others at the table Gideon rises takes a full pitcher from the table and continues to head upstairs. "Enjoy what remains of your evening, goodnight"
"My time in the military took me everywhere, but I spent only a little in the Cities, but it does not surprise me that you say this. I hear the Empress' seer has wailed at great length of the dangers in the west, we know so little of them really that it seems probable that in all the darkness and evil there something exists which could threaten the empire. Who knows, if you come back safe from Ameni you may well find Lord Kan sends you in the opposite direction to investigate there." Dejan turns to Gideon as he leaves, bowing his head "Good night Sir Bytan, I shall see you in the morning."
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Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Watching Gideon leave with a quizzical look on her face, Ophelia turns to the others with a shrug. "I suppose he's not interested in learning about who he will be chaperoning tomorrow..." Within a grin, she leaps to her feet from a slouching position and performs a practiced curtsy. While reasonably well-spoken anyway, Ophelia alters her voice slightly to remove any 'rough edges' that would suggest a less-than-noble upbringing. "Lady Sophia Piast, a delight to make your acquaintances. The younger Lady Sophia, I might add. Mother was never very inventive with names... my darling brother is named after our father, Casimir too. It makes for such dreadful confusion at suppertime."
"I would be delighted to accept your offer of afternoon refreshments at the Dove and Branch, and a tour through the museum sounds divine!", she gushes. "Once my beloved and I are alone, I shall make sure he gets some well-earned rest and is sleeping comfortably. Releasing a disgusting rodent from my purse (she glances at Kai with a smirk), I will attend to the locks while Kaitiaki Tiaki Ngahere... I do hope I pronounced that correctly? My father always said you should learn the full names of those less fortunate than yourself, to make them think they are more important to you than they... I digress, forgive me. Kai shall open the roof hatch, allowing passage for those leaving the room in a conscious state. We will unlock the alarmed cabinet last, so that in the unfortunate event of it being tripped, we already have everything else in our possession."
Dropping the act, Ophelia continues. "At this point, we have options; Kai and Gryffen can leave via the roof, or if we run out of time Kai could shapeshift and leave with me. Should we have the luxury of time, I will make some noise to indicate when Gideon should burst into the room with the guards to find the bodies of my beloved and I."
Reclining in a chair again, Ophelia toasts the rest of the room with a small glass of wine. "Are we ready to perform our heist?"
"I think you are ready for retiring for the night and that come the morrow we are due to have quite an adventure. I will make sure Sir Bytan has an adequate summation of what you have added after his departure and I believe you are not lacking for equipment. I will bid you goodnight, and I will see you at the Dove and Branch tomorrow afternoon. I will report to Lord Kan in the morning and will prepare for our accommodation for tomorrow night, I will give you this information once we have met up tomorrow."
The night passes without incident, the luxurious rooms of the Fountain granting the party a good night's rest. Gryffen finds his training helps him with the night out under the stars and he is very happy with the cloak and how it slowly resizes itself to suit a halfling's stature. The night is mild and he awakes ready for the activities of the day. The streets below begin to fill and empty as people move to their places of work and then the usual traffic of a busy city takes over. Gryffen keeps out of sight waiting, knowing that the day will be almost done before he is called on.
The others wake and descend to their private room, enjoying a good breakfast Gideon seemingly none the worse for any overindulgence the previous night, and the others seemingly ready and willing. The waiting grates a little but lunch comes and goes and the group move into a heightened level of readiness, Ophelia spending time in her room becoming "Lady Sophia Piast" in the details. Gideon making himself out to be the loyal retainer, uses a flash of red and white in his outfit to note the family colours. Kai does not need to dress or behave differently and the usually quiet elf is the least obviously active member of the party although he does check all his gear carefully in preparation for their business later in the day, he does receive a note left by Dejan to meet him at a store near the Dove and Branch half an hour before the carriage is due to collect the others from the Fountain.
"Lady Piast" looks both beautiful and every inch a lady of impeccable breeding and her faithful bodyguard looks focused and capable as he accompanies her to the carriage, a fancy as they come, a pair of elegant and carefully groomed mares, their coats pure grey pulling it at the instruction of a driver who looks like he takes his job very seriously and knows exactly how to aid a lady enter such a conveyance whilst maintaining the correct decorum.
As they arrive at the Dove and Branch Ophelia and Gideon are impressed by it's opulence, and "Lady Piast" is welcomed by the head of their waiting staff with all the formality of a visiting dignitary. Gideon is barely acknowledged and is shown to a table where Kai is already waiting for him near to the one where Dejan, far more fancifully dressed than previously is waiting for Ophelia. He rises as she is shown towards the table "Truly ravishing Sophia, truly ravishing, please join me, I have taken the liberty of ordering already, I pray you forgive me but I cannot tarry for as long as I would have wished." He smiles at Ophelia as he helps her seat herself before sitting down himself. Seemingly from nowhere a waiter appears with a bottle of wine which looks as though it has been down in the store for a century or more. Dejan takes the proferred glass, sips, nods indifferently and waves away the waiter with all the airs and graces of nobility. The party assembled realise he is a far more capable actor than they had given him credit for or this is actually how he behaves normally and the previous military man has been an act.
After a delicious light meal Ophelia re-enter the carriage which is to take them to the museum, Dejan having gone ot the bathroom and Kai having escorted him returns alone, without the elf. As he goes to Ophelia he takes her hand that is holding her bag and pulls it towards his lips kissing her, as he does a small mouse escapes from his sleeve and runs straight into the bag.
Having bid farewell to Dejan the three head in the carriage to the museum, arriving five minutes later. As they disembark, with Gideon helping Ophelia down they hear an effete voice call out from nearer the entrance "My darling Sofia, you have kept me waiting for so long, I had begun to despair!"The party all know they are no more than five minutes late. The speaker is a familiar sight to Ophelia but a new face to the others.
OOC - Over to you :)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Upon hearing the greeting Gideon turn to see the approaching man and steps forward, looming large he casts an even deeper shadow over the gentleman a well practised flick of his off hand reveals the top two inches of his scimitar his sword hand lingering dangerously over its hilt eyes fixed menacingly on Ophelia's suitor. He knows all too well the man's intentions but plays his part and asks anyway.
"My love!" Sophia flashes a radiant smile in the direction of her beloved, and plants a small kiss upon his cheek. "It would be most unseemly for a lady to be left waiting for her suitor, don't you think?"
She turns to Gideon, and addresses him almost with a pleading tone. "This is Lord Cezary Szetin, whom I spoke of earlier; a kind and honest man who has stolen my heart. You must not speak a word of him to my father, I beg of you." Sophia links one of her arms, covered to the elbows in gloves made with expensive leather, with Lord Szetin's, and pats his arm reassuringly. "While my father unfortunately has not yet deemed you worthy of his attention, or my affection, there are those in his employ who are more sympathetic to our plight."
She looks towards the door of the museum, then to Lord Szetin. "Shall we begin our tour, my love? I hear there are some wonderful treasures on display!"
"Oh it gladdens my heart to hear you speak so, my dearest!" the Lord's smile looks like it might reach his ears "Please come along, there are indeed many fine things to see inside, though none as fine as you." he simpers. As they walk through Lord Szetin doesn't even pause as he moves past the guards who are there to check for weapons despite wearing an elegant rapier at his hip. As Gideon moves past one of the guards looks at the scimitar belted to his side but then suddenly finds something very interesting to look at just above the paladin's head. The Lord and Ophelia walk through the entrance hall, Gideon following about half a dozen paces behind. Szetin seems very knowledgeable and surprisingly good at describing the artifacts, clearly he has a genuine interest in history and the treasures of the empire.
They move past exhibits from the northlands, crude but full of symbolic power, made of natural materials, some appearing brand new, some fragmented and laid out with replicas of how they would have looked next to them. Further on in the ground floor are the items from the farthest north, wicked looking objects, cruelly designed sacrificial knives and bowls for collecting the sacrifices in. Szetin waxes lyrical about the barbaric practices of the tribes long since overwhelmed by the monstrous races of the far north beyond the mountains, he seems almost too interested but his exuberance is infectious in some way. They ascend a marble staircase to the first floor, where the items from the east of the empire are displayed. The people of the old east were mystics and believed strongly in the power of dreams and the magic of the earth, the relics on display reflect this, dream-catchers and necklaces designed to protect the wearers from evil spirits that could enter your dreams are some of the items Szetin highlights, and it is clear he has a good eye for the finer things on display, wasting time with what describes as "filler, nothing of note, no true quality or value."
They proceed to the second floor, dedicated to the southlands, a land formally, as it still is today, of simple folk, the fertility and harvest related items hold little interest for Cezary and he moves with purpose towards a doorway heading into the annexe. Grasping Ophelia's hand he turns to her "My darling, I know we do not have long and I am so desperate for you to see this, you will love it, it is a true wonder. One day I hope to give you something as grand as these treasures to show you just how great my love is." Almost dragging her towards the door he suddenly stops "I have been rather presumptuous and asked these fine fellows if we could have some time alone to fully enjoy the exhibits, they have agreed to my polite request and will wait outside" On cue several of the guards move away from the door to the annexe. "I am sure you would prefer privacy as well, would it not be better should your guard remain outside?" he asks a smile that seems a little more passionate than before creeping across his face "It will certainly be an unforgettable experience my dear."
Seeing the blatant disregard for protocol at the entrance Gideon knew he might be able to occupy at least some of the guards, he just needed a window to get a few of them from their posts, soldiers loved a distraction from the mundane, wine being the most favoured. The young lord was doing the majority of the talking his passion for these artefacts made Gideons teeth itch, or was that a longing to drink, either way the gushing of Lord Szetin became almost tedious to listen to. Snapped from his thoughts he did not even realise they has come so far through the exhibits the guards who shared the room with them all filed out as if on Que, a show of power indeed from this young Lord, alas it would do nothing to impress the particular conquest he sought.
"I am sure you would prefer privacy as well, would it not be better should your guard remain outside?"
"It will certainly be an unforgettable experience my dear." he had no idea Gideon thought, holding eye contact with Lord Szetin Gideon speaks directly to him "I would hope you do not presume to speak for my Lady, i will take my leave by her word alone my Lord"
"Why Cezary, my love, you have thought of everything, how wise of you." Sophia looks at him with innocent doe eyes as she takes his hand to be led into the annex.
Ignorance was in itself the greatest grievance, Gideon turned and exited the museum "Spoilt children the lot of them" he speaks directly to the guards as he leaves the room "I served the family fought for the family, commanded men of my own and for what, to be a glorified footman, my grandfather would look on me with disdain, career soldier, what a joke" He slumps onto a nearby step eyeing the guards as he does for a reaction and produces his wine, a gift from Dejan the night before he is eager to share "How rude of me, would you care for a sip? where are you from?" he says holding the wine out to the nearest guard.
OOC: i think i edited whilst you posted, but Ophelia ignoring her guard actually works a treat.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I am sure you would prefer privacy as well, would it not be better should your guard remain outside?"he asks a smile that seems a little more passionate than before creeping across his face "It will certainly be an unforgettable experience my dear."
Ok so Kai is nestled somewhere in Ophelia's bosom, handbag, whatever, watching (Perception = 17 / Stealth = 13) ready to intervene at a moment's notice.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond DM - Four bards walk into a bar... Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
Gideon and the guards are now standing about ten feet away from the entrance way to the annexe, which runs an additional 20 feet before the entrance to the annex proper (remember the annexe is essentially in a separate building connected by an arch way). Ophelia (and Kai) are walking with Lord Szetin over the "bridge" between the two areas and reaching the entrance to the target room.
"Drinking on duty, well seeing as we are about to close up, once those two have had their fill, I won't say no" answers the first guard and his acceptance encourages the other three to step forward as well, in short order all of the guards and Gideon have had a shot of the drink Dejan provided which is a delicious, spicy, and very strong hit indeed, the guards, all hardened veterans of taverns if not the front lines all smile and nod appreciatively laughing at the youngest who splutters a little. "Don't mind Miek, he'll be fine, I'm Garin, these lads are Davic and Costar"the first one speaks on behalf of the others "What do we call you?"
As they enter the Annexe Szetin closes the door behind him, Ophelia is alone with the Lord in the target room which looks exactly as she remembered it. The exhibits are where she remembers them and as Szetin moves up to the first case, a collection of necklaces, he begins again to tell her the history of the artifacts. He seems to be very familiar with everything in the museum, and clearly is a devoted student to the history of the empire. As he concludes his recount of the history of the necklaces he is already moving steering Ophelia to the case with the Ioun stone "And here is the item that I truly wanted you to see, Sophia. It is a truly wondrous item, and so beautiful, just like you. It is a shame though, it is designed to be used, to enhance the greatness of a person, instead it sits here wasted, to show the populace that magic should be confined and restricted, I wish it were otherwise. But then , when can somebody have everything they want!" he exclaims with a chuckle his hand suddenly appearing on her lower back.
OOC - I've noted that crit perception roll, although I should remind you Kai is in a handbag and not as alert to everything as he otherwise would be.
"My lord, do you not have everything you want right here?" Sophia lets a mischievous smile cross her face. She looks at the closed door, then back to Lord Szetin. "Will they hear us?"
"Whether they hear or not, they will not enter. They understand what I have paid them for, and they know their place." He laughs, rather cruelly to himself "these soldierly types need to be directed, but once they are, well, I suppose if they heard me brutally murdering you they'd stand outside like the good little servants they are. Would probably clean up after me too..." He laughs again turning back to the case, his eyes fixed on the Ioun stone his hand still at Ophelia's back." Do you see the cut of the gem, they call it a box cut I believe, very few examples exist of them in any stone, it is a risky process, you risk destroying the stone you see. I suppose they did it prior to the enchantment." He says quietly, half to himself.
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Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
"My.. my lord?" The hairs on Ophelia's arms rise at the words of her 'beloved', and she tenses up involuntarily. Trying to regain her composure, her voice betrays a nervousness that isn't entirely acting. "You must not say such vulgar things! Surely you would not wish harm upon my person? I am shocked to hear you say such a thing so casually!"
While talking, she gently releases the clasp of her purse, should her 'pet' mouse need to come to her aid.
With a chuckle at the lad Miek, Gideon takes another shot of the drink gifted to him the night before. "Ha I've been called Captain for a while, Sir for a time, but I'm mostly called Guard these days" he says chuckling "Don't worry lads, I've got enough to look after us tonight" He opens his cloak revealing a full skin of the pubs wine, deciding to think ahead for a change rather than drink himself into a stupor the night before he filled his skin to nearly bursting. "Names Amek, tell me" he asks between sips of the wine skin before passing it reluctantly on "Is this a rotation for you or are you part of the city watch?"
While talking, she gently releases the clasp of her purse, should her 'pet' mouse need to come to her aid.
Kai is ready, watching and waiting. As converting back is a bonus action can he ready an action to leap out, transform (Bonus Action) and attack with a short sword the minute that Lord Szetin makes a threatening move towards Ophelia.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond DM - Four bards walk into a bar... Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
Spoilers time - do the right thing folks ;) and try to keep actions and dialogue to something that could be managed with a six second(ish) window - if you could reply in spoilers too that would be great.
Ophelia and Kai
Reaching out towards the wrist holding the purse Szetin whispers to Ophelia "You will have no need of this, set it down. It is time for this relationship of ours to develop into something more, something powerful and passionate."The intensity in his eyes is unmistakable as he attempts to move her hand holding the purse to a small table by the side of the main case containing the Ioun stone.
Gideon
As the men drink and seem to relax Gideon notices Garin give a small nod to Costar who moves to stand in front of the door, effectively blocking off Gideon from the room containing Ophelia and Szetin. At the same time Gideon feels a twinge in his stomach, a twinge which becomes a sharp stabbing pain for a second. He notices Daric and then Miek both look puzzled and uncomfortable at the same time. "We are private contractors Amek, we are not a part of the Watch, and after our business here is finished we will be done for the evening."
Kai pours himself a glass of water and looks across at Dejan "so did you ever explore the Cities of Dust. My clan fear that something may once again be stirring out there?"
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
"Please forgive me but I think I shall retire for the evening" with a quick nod to each of the others at the table Gideon rises takes a full pitcher from the table and continues to head upstairs. "Enjoy what remains of your evening, goodnight"
"My time in the military took me everywhere, but I spent only a little in the Cities, but it does not surprise me that you say this. I hear the Empress' seer has wailed at great length of the dangers in the west, we know so little of them really that it seems probable that in all the darkness and evil there something exists which could threaten the empire. Who knows, if you come back safe from Ameni you may well find Lord Kan sends you in the opposite direction to investigate there." Dejan turns to Gideon as he leaves, bowing his head "Good night Sir Bytan, I shall see you in the morning."
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
Ophelia
Watching Gideon leave with a quizzical look on her face, Ophelia turns to the others with a shrug. "I suppose he's not interested in learning about who he will be chaperoning tomorrow..." Within a grin, she leaps to her feet from a slouching position and performs a practiced curtsy. While reasonably well-spoken anyway, Ophelia alters her voice slightly to remove any 'rough edges' that would suggest a less-than-noble upbringing. "Lady Sophia Piast, a delight to make your acquaintances. The younger Lady Sophia, I might add. Mother was never very inventive with names... my darling brother is named after our father, Casimir too. It makes for such dreadful confusion at suppertime."
"I would be delighted to accept your offer of afternoon refreshments at the Dove and Branch, and a tour through the museum sounds divine!", she gushes. "Once my beloved and I are alone, I shall make sure he gets some well-earned rest and is sleeping comfortably. Releasing a disgusting rodent from my purse (she glances at Kai with a smirk), I will attend to the locks while Kaitiaki Tiaki Ngahere... I do hope I pronounced that correctly? My father always said you should learn the full names of those less fortunate than yourself, to make them think they are more important to you than they... I digress, forgive me. Kai shall open the roof hatch, allowing passage for those leaving the room in a conscious state. We will unlock the alarmed cabinet last, so that in the unfortunate event of it being tripped, we already have everything else in our possession."
Dropping the act, Ophelia continues. "At this point, we have options; Kai and Gryffen can leave via the roof, or if we run out of time Kai could shapeshift and leave with me. Should we have the luxury of time, I will make some noise to indicate when Gideon should burst into the room with the guards to find the bodies of my beloved and I."
Reclining in a chair again, Ophelia toasts the rest of the room with a small glass of wine. "Are we ready to perform our heist?"
"I think you are ready for retiring for the night and that come the morrow we are due to have quite an adventure. I will make sure Sir Bytan has an adequate summation of what you have added after his departure and I believe you are not lacking for equipment. I will bid you goodnight, and I will see you at the Dove and Branch tomorrow afternoon. I will report to Lord Kan in the morning and will prepare for our accommodation for tomorrow night, I will give you this information once we have met up tomorrow."
The night passes without incident, the luxurious rooms of the Fountain granting the party a good night's rest. Gryffen finds his training helps him with the night out under the stars and he is very happy with the cloak and how it slowly resizes itself to suit a halfling's stature. The night is mild and he awakes ready for the activities of the day. The streets below begin to fill and empty as people move to their places of work and then the usual traffic of a busy city takes over. Gryffen keeps out of sight waiting, knowing that the day will be almost done before he is called on.
The others wake and descend to their private room, enjoying a good breakfast Gideon seemingly none the worse for any overindulgence the previous night, and the others seemingly ready and willing. The waiting grates a little but lunch comes and goes and the group move into a heightened level of readiness, Ophelia spending time in her room becoming "Lady Sophia Piast" in the details. Gideon making himself out to be the loyal retainer, uses a flash of red and white in his outfit to note the family colours. Kai does not need to dress or behave differently and the usually quiet elf is the least obviously active member of the party although he does check all his gear carefully in preparation for their business later in the day, he does receive a note left by Dejan to meet him at a store near the Dove and Branch half an hour before the carriage is due to collect the others from the Fountain.
"Lady Piast" looks both beautiful and every inch a lady of impeccable breeding and her faithful bodyguard looks focused and capable as he accompanies her to the carriage, a fancy as they come, a pair of elegant and carefully groomed mares, their coats pure grey pulling it at the instruction of a driver who looks like he takes his job very seriously and knows exactly how to aid a lady enter such a conveyance whilst maintaining the correct decorum.
As they arrive at the Dove and Branch Ophelia and Gideon are impressed by it's opulence, and "Lady Piast" is welcomed by the head of their waiting staff with all the formality of a visiting dignitary. Gideon is barely acknowledged and is shown to a table where Kai is already waiting for him near to the one where Dejan, far more fancifully dressed than previously is waiting for Ophelia. He rises as she is shown towards the table "Truly ravishing Sophia, truly ravishing, please join me, I have taken the liberty of ordering already, I pray you forgive me but I cannot tarry for as long as I would have wished." He smiles at Ophelia as he helps her seat herself before sitting down himself. Seemingly from nowhere a waiter appears with a bottle of wine which looks as though it has been down in the store for a century or more. Dejan takes the proferred glass, sips, nods indifferently and waves away the waiter with all the airs and graces of nobility. The party assembled realise he is a far more capable actor than they had given him credit for or this is actually how he behaves normally and the previous military man has been an act.
After a delicious light meal Ophelia re-enter the carriage which is to take them to the museum, Dejan having gone ot the bathroom and Kai having escorted him returns alone, without the elf. As he goes to Ophelia he takes her hand that is holding her bag and pulls it towards his lips kissing her, as he does a small mouse escapes from his sleeve and runs straight into the bag.
Having bid farewell to Dejan the three head in the carriage to the museum, arriving five minutes later. As they disembark, with Gideon helping Ophelia down they hear an effete voice call out from nearer the entrance "My darling Sofia, you have kept me waiting for so long, I had begun to despair!" The party all know they are no more than five minutes late. The speaker is a familiar sight to Ophelia but a new face to the others.
OOC - Over to you :)
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
Upon hearing the greeting Gideon turn to see the approaching man and steps forward, looming large he casts an even deeper shadow over the gentleman a well practised flick of his off hand reveals the top two inches of his scimitar his sword hand lingering dangerously over its hilt eyes fixed menacingly on Ophelia's suitor. He knows all too well the man's intentions but plays his part and asks anyway.
"My Lady?"
Sophia
"My love!" Sophia flashes a radiant smile in the direction of her beloved, and plants a small kiss upon his cheek. "It would be most unseemly for a lady to be left waiting for her suitor, don't you think?"
She turns to Gideon, and addresses him almost with a pleading tone. "This is Lord Cezary Szetin, whom I spoke of earlier; a kind and honest man who has stolen my heart. You must not speak a word of him to my father, I beg of you." Sophia links one of her arms, covered to the elbows in gloves made with expensive leather, with Lord Szetin's, and pats his arm reassuringly. "While my father unfortunately has not yet deemed you worthy of his attention, or my affection, there are those in his employ who are more sympathetic to our plight."
She looks towards the door of the museum, then to Lord Szetin. "Shall we begin our tour, my love? I hear there are some wonderful treasures on display!"
"Oh it gladdens my heart to hear you speak so, my dearest!" the Lord's smile looks like it might reach his ears "Please come along, there are indeed many fine things to see inside, though none as fine as you." he simpers. As they walk through Lord Szetin doesn't even pause as he moves past the guards who are there to check for weapons despite wearing an elegant rapier at his hip. As Gideon moves past one of the guards looks at the scimitar belted to his side but then suddenly finds something very interesting to look at just above the paladin's head. The Lord and Ophelia walk through the entrance hall, Gideon following about half a dozen paces behind. Szetin seems very knowledgeable and surprisingly good at describing the artifacts, clearly he has a genuine interest in history and the treasures of the empire.
They move past exhibits from the northlands, crude but full of symbolic power, made of natural materials, some appearing brand new, some fragmented and laid out with replicas of how they would have looked next to them. Further on in the ground floor are the items from the farthest north, wicked looking objects, cruelly designed sacrificial knives and bowls for collecting the sacrifices in. Szetin waxes lyrical about the barbaric practices of the tribes long since overwhelmed by the monstrous races of the far north beyond the mountains, he seems almost too interested but his exuberance is infectious in some way. They ascend a marble staircase to the first floor, where the items from the east of the empire are displayed. The people of the old east were mystics and believed strongly in the power of dreams and the magic of the earth, the relics on display reflect this, dream-catchers and necklaces designed to protect the wearers from evil spirits that could enter your dreams are some of the items Szetin highlights, and it is clear he has a good eye for the finer things on display, wasting time with what describes as "filler, nothing of note, no true quality or value."
They proceed to the second floor, dedicated to the southlands, a land formally, as it still is today, of simple folk, the fertility and harvest related items hold little interest for Cezary and he moves with purpose towards a doorway heading into the annexe. Grasping Ophelia's hand he turns to her "My darling, I know we do not have long and I am so desperate for you to see this, you will love it, it is a true wonder. One day I hope to give you something as grand as these treasures to show you just how great my love is." Almost dragging her towards the door he suddenly stops "I have been rather presumptuous and asked these fine fellows if we could have some time alone to fully enjoy the exhibits, they have agreed to my polite request and will wait outside" On cue several of the guards move away from the door to the annexe. "I am sure you would prefer privacy as well, would it not be better should your guard remain outside?" he asks a smile that seems a little more passionate than before creeping across his face "It will certainly be an unforgettable experience my dear."
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
Seeing the blatant disregard for protocol at the entrance Gideon knew he might be able to occupy at least some of the guards, he just needed a window to get a few of them from their posts, soldiers loved a distraction from the mundane, wine being the most favoured. The young lord was doing the majority of the talking his passion for these artefacts made Gideons teeth itch, or was that a longing to drink, either way the gushing of Lord Szetin became almost tedious to listen to. Snapped from his thoughts he did not even realise they has come so far through the exhibits the guards who shared the room with them all filed out as if on Que, a show of power indeed from this young Lord, alas it would do nothing to impress the particular conquest he sought.
"I am sure you would prefer privacy as well, would it not be better should your guard remain outside?"
"It will certainly be an unforgettable experience my dear." he had no idea Gideon thought, holding eye contact with Lord Szetin Gideon speaks directly to him "I would hope you do not presume to speak for my Lady, i will take my leave by her word alone my Lord"
Sophia
"Why Cezary, my love, you have thought of everything, how wise of you." Sophia looks at him with innocent doe eyes as she takes his hand to be led into the annex.
Ignorance was in itself the greatest grievance, Gideon turned and exited the museum "Spoilt children the lot of them" he speaks directly to the guards as he leaves the room "I served the family fought for the family, commanded men of my own and for what, to be a glorified footman, my grandfather would look on me with disdain, career soldier, what a joke" He slumps onto a nearby step eyeing the guards as he does for a reaction and produces his wine, a gift from Dejan the night before he is eager to share "How rude of me, would you care for a sip? where are you from?" he says holding the wine out to the nearest guard.
OOC: i think i edited whilst you posted, but Ophelia ignoring her guard actually works a treat.
Ok so Kai is nestled somewhere in Ophelia's bosom, handbag, whatever, watching (Perception = 17 / Stealth = 13) ready to intervene at a moment's notice.
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
Gideon and the guards are now standing about ten feet away from the entrance way to the annexe, which runs an additional 20 feet before the entrance to the annex proper (remember the annexe is essentially in a separate building connected by an arch way). Ophelia (and Kai) are walking with Lord Szetin over the "bridge" between the two areas and reaching the entrance to the target room.
"Drinking on duty, well seeing as we are about to close up, once those two have had their fill, I won't say no" answers the first guard and his acceptance encourages the other three to step forward as well, in short order all of the guards and Gideon have had a shot of the drink Dejan provided which is a delicious, spicy, and very strong hit indeed, the guards, all hardened veterans of taverns if not the front lines all smile and nod appreciatively laughing at the youngest who splutters a little. "Don't mind Miek, he'll be fine, I'm Garin, these lads are Davic and Costar" the first one speaks on behalf of the others "What do we call you?"
As they enter the Annexe Szetin closes the door behind him, Ophelia is alone with the Lord in the target room which looks exactly as she remembered it. The exhibits are where she remembers them and as Szetin moves up to the first case, a collection of necklaces, he begins again to tell her the history of the artifacts. He seems to be very familiar with everything in the museum, and clearly is a devoted student to the history of the empire. As he concludes his recount of the history of the necklaces he is already moving steering Ophelia to the case with the Ioun stone "And here is the item that I truly wanted you to see, Sophia. It is a truly wondrous item, and so beautiful, just like you. It is a shame though, it is designed to be used, to enhance the greatness of a person, instead it sits here wasted, to show the populace that magic should be confined and restricted, I wish it were otherwise. But then , when can somebody have everything they want!" he exclaims with a chuckle his hand suddenly appearing on her lower back.
OOC - I've noted that crit perception roll, although I should remind you Kai is in a handbag and not as alert to everything as he otherwise would be.
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
Sophia
"My lord, do you not have everything you want right here?" Sophia lets a mischievous smile cross her face. She looks at the closed door, then back to Lord Szetin. "Will they hear us?"
"Whether they hear or not, they will not enter. They understand what I have paid them for, and they know their place." He laughs, rather cruelly to himself "these soldierly types need to be directed, but once they are, well, I suppose if they heard me brutally murdering you they'd stand outside like the good little servants they are. Would probably clean up after me too..." He laughs again turning back to the case, his eyes fixed on the Ioun stone his hand still at Ophelia's back." Do you see the cut of the gem, they call it a box cut I believe, very few examples exist of them in any stone, it is a risky process, you risk destroying the stone you see. I suppose they did it prior to the enchantment." He says quietly, half to himself.
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
Ophelia/Sophia
"My.. my lord?" The hairs on Ophelia's arms rise at the words of her 'beloved', and she tenses up involuntarily. Trying to regain her composure, her voice betrays a nervousness that isn't entirely acting. "You must not say such vulgar things! Surely you would not wish harm upon my person? I am shocked to hear you say such a thing so casually!"
While talking, she gently releases the clasp of her purse, should her 'pet' mouse need to come to her aid.
With a chuckle at the lad Miek, Gideon takes another shot of the drink gifted to him the night before. "Ha I've been called Captain for a while, Sir for a time, but I'm mostly called Guard these days" he says chuckling "Don't worry lads, I've got enough to look after us tonight" He opens his cloak revealing a full skin of the pubs wine, deciding to think ahead for a change rather than drink himself into a stupor the night before he filled his skin to nearly bursting. "Names Amek, tell me" he asks between sips of the wine skin before passing it reluctantly on "Is this a rotation for you or are you part of the city watch?"
Kai is ready, watching and waiting. As converting back is a bonus action can he ready an action to leap out, transform (Bonus Action) and attack with a short sword the minute that Lord Szetin makes a threatening move towards Ophelia.
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
Spoilers time - do the right thing folks ;) and try to keep actions and dialogue to something that could be managed with a six second(ish) window - if you could reply in spoilers too that would be great.
Ophelia and Kai
Reaching out towards the wrist holding the purse Szetin whispers to Ophelia "You will have no need of this, set it down. It is time for this relationship of ours to develop into something more, something powerful and passionate." The intensity in his eyes is unmistakable as he attempts to move her hand holding the purse to a small table by the side of the main case containing the Ioun stone.
Gideon
As the men drink and seem to relax Gideon notices Garin give a small nod to Costar who moves to stand in front of the door, effectively blocking off Gideon from the room containing Ophelia and Szetin. At the same time Gideon feels a twinge in his stomach, a twinge which becomes a sharp stabbing pain for a second. He notices Daric and then Miek both look puzzled and uncomfortable at the same time. "We are private contractors Amek, we are not a part of the Watch, and after our business here is finished we will be done for the evening."
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
Kai's Action
Continue to watch and wait - see Post #15 - Ready Action still stands
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]