Bryn follows Rylia to the performing area, staying to the side and listening to the stage manager. He looks for an area in the back or off to one side where he may be able to 'hide' behind as he does each face and costume change...

Quote from Rhanloi >>

Bryn follows Rylia to the performing area, staying to the side and listening to the stage manager. He looks for an area in the back or off to one side where he may be able to 'hide' behind as he does each face and costume change...

 DM Give me a perception or Investigation roll

When her food had been delivered, Rylia quickly devours the Firecracker Shrimp and downs the Tinkerer's Tonic. "These are amazing!"  Once the Roast Chicken arrives, she eats perhaps a half portion of it, picking at the yams and pickled vegetables.  Much of the time she absently tapping the fingers of her left hand on the table in various rapid rythms.  When she eventually pushes the plate aside there's still a fair amount left.

"Paladin! Arr! How are you enjoying the evening to this point? It's a shame you didn't try anything from the menu. I'd think you need oils and fluids anyway. Why not try these fancy ones?" she asks, genuinely curious.  "I noticed it said 'aromatic'.  Are warforged able to smell?  I hadn't really realized that.  And what are the infused magical crystals? I've never heard of those!"  

Rylia nods to Cetus when he comes to get her for the performance. "Will you be helping us set up?" she asks him. Once backstage, she looks about, taking in the setting. "This isn't going to be like our street performances," she says to Bryn.  "And I will just remain standing," she tells Ernest. "The bench can go actually, I'd rather be able to move around the stage without obstacles." 

She finds a spot backstage to leave the case for her viol, taking out the instrument and bow.  Playing softly, she makes sure the strings are in tune and then looks to Bryn, "Anything we need before we start? You all set for your... 'costume changes'." She gives him a wink as she says it, now understanding more about his act. 

Arr were observing the multitude of guests that would come to a spectacle such as this. They have themselves lived on the streets for the past they remember and the entire scene that unfolds in front of their eyes appears surreal at best. Rylia’s question rips them free of their stupor and they reflect on the question. “Why?” They mumble. “We don’t know, it is a good question, perhaps we should have tried. We don’t really need it, though, and it felt like a waste of resources.” Then Arr takes a small bone of Rylia’s leftover chicken and eats it delicately, “We can eat, and we smell and taste what we eat, but I suspect it does not give us the same.. how would you say? The same pleasure, perhaps? We can eat several of these plates before we need to empty the food storage compartment but, while it does nothing for us, the food we consume costs money and for the time that we didn’t have coins we grew accustomed to simply not eat.” Arr considers a few seconds, then continues, “We have not yet had any food, oil or otherwise, that had any effect on us. But we must admit that we are curious about the revision that they have planned for us tomorrow morning. We never had one of those either and the name sounds like if it were an intimate procedure.” 

When Rylia leaves for the stage, Arr wishes her all the best, and adds with a grimace that could be interpreted as a warforged grin, “I’m looking forward to your performance. This is certainly something that we enjoy and can’t get enough. If you need any help setting things up, or getting ready, please let us know. Oddly enough, we noticed that we feel very familiar with these kits that you use for dressing up and disguising yourself.” (Arr can offer the help action with disguise kits as they are proficient)

With passive perception of 13, I'd say that Bryn finds a spot next to the instruments that are covered with the cloak of invisibility to make his changes.

"Oh, are you two performing together? Savine didn't tell me about this, so I only set the stage for one, but I don't think that won't be a problem," says Ernest, more like a statement than an actual question.

Rylia and Bryn take the stage and as soon as receives the signal, Ernest opens the curtain which moves slowly in a graceful movement revealing a large backdrop at the back of the stage, presenting a mystical landscape with magic elements that interchange according to the rhythm of the music. Magical lights move softly above this backdrop, creating a sense of discreet movement.

With a performance check of 24, the show of Rylia and Bryn goes greatly.

While the performance goes on - an amazing performance- Paladin fidgets and eventually turns to Brother Coltinar. 

"I am struggling with this idea of avoiding conflict. I was made for conflict. Born from it. And found new purpose in righteous conflict. I can't help but feel... if you are right, then it's true, and I have no place in this world." 

Brother Coltinar says softly as to not disturb the onlookers, "Paladin, you are a warrior true.  Your skill is one of combat.  That does not mean you must always fight.  Your sense of doing the right thing may tell you that in a particular situation you do not need to fight.  If we encounter a young human kid who threatens you with a wooden dagger.  Would it not be wise to just ignore the child and move on or to teach it to make a better choice.  You can be whatever you want to be and be a warrior.  A bartender, brewer, leatherworker.  Fight for your beliefs but measure your responses to the severity of the situation.  I am a priest of Dol Arras and I am charged with helping warforge find a place within our society.  I also fight when it's necessary or to parley with an enemy to see a different path.  Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't.  Does that help?  Let's watch the show and we can discuss this later or tomorrow on the way to the forge."

Rylia nods. "Oh yes. I had not mentioned it to Savine, but Bryn's always a part of my act."  She's glad that it doesn't seem to be a concern to Ernest. She is soon set at roughly the middle of the stage.  She looks over to Bryn to make sure he is set, and then gives Ernest a look to start the show. 

When the curtain opens, the magical backdrop throws Rylia off for a moment, though it likely goes unnoticed, except perhaps by Bryn. Grasping the crystal hanging from around her neck, she uses Minor Illusion to create the sound of a low, haunting string instrument, reverberating through the room as the show opens.  She then comes in playing a vigorous haunting tune to cut through the sound.  Over many minutes she plays a variety of tunes, slow to fast, cheerful to sorrowful, and various points between. All the while, creating a backdrop for the nearly miraculous changes of costume to various characters which Bryn plays out. She freely moves about the stage, moving to the music, at times almost dancing as she plays. 

Well into the show she makes a sign to her performance partner and moves once again to the very middle of the stage.  She then begins to play one movement from a very well-known concerto - a romantic piece with spectacular runs of fairly difficult technical difficulty and a brisk tempo.  This piece she plays alone, a study of careful concentration as she does, although she clearly is enjoying herself as she gets lost in the music.  It is not something even Bryn has heard her play, as they've usually played taverns or street settings.  This seems a piece more fit for a concert hall. 

She then speaks briefly to the audience. "Thank you all very much. I am Rylia Lionrage and I would like to thank the wonderful Bryn for his accompaniment this evening.  This final piece is what we hope to be the start of a much larger musical tale set right here in Sharn.  I hope you all enjoy it."  Then with a signal to her partner, she begins playing the music, telling the tale familiar to the other party members watching at their table. Several strangers walking the streets of Sharn on a rainy night. How they witness a man murdered on a high bridge. And then their valiant defeat of what turns out to be a warforged assassin.  The group, including two heroic warforged, part ways. 

The piece appears ready to end on a tragic note, as another cloaked assassin attacks one pair from the group.  The two left bleeding for mortal wounds in the midst of the rain, appear to be about to die. The music appears set to fade out to this melancholy end, until a blurred blue and white light appears (created by yet another [spell]Minor Illusion[spell] spell).  It surrounds the victims, growing brighter and brighter until almost blinding.  And the music now plays a mysterious tune filled with hope.  

And there the piece ends.  Rylia signals for Bryn to come up beside her.  She has him take a bow, while she makes a small curtsy to the crowd.  She has a beaming smile on her face as she looks out to everyone, though in particular she picks out her new friends amongst the party members first.  She gives them an almost imperceptible nod.  After a short time acknowledging the crowd, she slips back behind the curtain with Bryn.  Hastily, she gives him a tight squeezing hug. "That was great! Really well done!"  She quickly gets her viol into the case and prepares to head back to their table with the others. 

Arr join the applause for Bryn and Rylia's performance. Dramatic musical presentations somehow hit a nerve for them and leaves them mesmerised during the play. 'What is it that captivates about music and show?' they wonder when they return to their senses. On reflection, they are taken aback on how much injured Arr must have been when they decided to attack the assassin on the bridge. Did Bryn play that part truthfully to the facts or did they exaggerate for drama? If it is true, Arr were truly reckless and they probably should become more careful. Now that they start to think about it, they find their own memory somewhat defective during episode and can't recall much details. According to the play, they were out of sorts, maybe that was the reason? Perhaps they should ask the others what they are or were doing if something like this happens again. Arr rejoin the second wave of applause for their friends.

Bryn hides behind the cloak as Rylia begins her show, coming out during several songs to act out the tunes. He too increases the artistry and challenge of his act, using mimicry and costumes to complement the music rather than trying to be the focus of the audience attention. For the final song, Bryn and Rylia perform together, dancing and acting out the scenes with Rylia as the main character and Bryn acting out the rest of the party and the assailants. Although the costumes are simple changes on a theme made with a few scarves, tunics, or hats, his 'transformations' of size and shape are nothing short of magical. He even managed to look exactly like his new warforged friends!

When the performance is done, Bryn is breathless and flushed with the thrill of performing with Rylia."You were, I mean are, amazing! I think that new piece and our combined dance worked really well! Come, after that performance you deserve some sweets - want to split my chocolaty decadence?"

By the end of the presentation, the audience erupts in enthusiastic applause. At the rear, a few whistles resonate as the young artists express their gratitude.

As Bryn and Rylia descend from the stage, they see a young and elegant Elf who was watching them in a side corner, next to Sir. Ernest. He approaches and greets both politely and cheerfully. First addressing Bryn. “It was amazing! You are fantastic, really fast! Congrats!”. And then he turns to Rylia.

"You play with remarkable skill. We thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm Ruven D'Phiarlan, by the way. My partners and I are up next on stage, with an even greater responsibility following such an impressive performance," says Ruven with a smile.
"And I'd like to extend an invitation for you to a special participation in the final segment of our show. We'll be featuring dance and acrobatic performances, and we'd like to end it with a duel between instruments. What do you think? Are you comfortable with improvisation?"

Rylia gives Ruven a confident grin. "I certainly can improvise!" Given how quickly she and Bryn put together their final number, she thinks, 'That was pretty much improvisation right there!'

"It is also a pleasure to meet you Mr. D'Phiarlan. I'm very much looking forward to enjoying your show." Her heart pounding with excitement she thinks, 'And really looking forward to being IN the show!' 

"Just let me know when to come up. Um, and I guess what you want me to do exactly." Although still giddy with excitement, the thought of getting up on stage in a duel of instruments, with established professionals, was a bit daunting. It was difficult to maintain her composure and not just start spinning around the place with nervous energy.

"Perfect!!! Call me Ruven, please! And don’t worry," says the Elf to Rylia. "I'll let you know when the time comes close. And the idea is to explore freestyles, so, you have no reason for concerns."

//--- DM Rylya please roll 3 Performance check.---//

(Rylia Performance Checks: 16, 13, 25)

Bryn and Rylia return to the table and the following presentation begins.

The velvet red curtain that was closed after the first show, slowly draws open again, revealing an also amazing backdrop and different from the first one.

An artistic set of magical lights illuminates the stage, creating a mesmerizing effect of colors, shadows, and smoke.

Three elegant elves move to the stage taking the positions for their performance. With delicate and graceful features so typical of their race, they don stunning sophisticated outfits, with intricate runes designs that seem to be moving.
A music begins to play softly, filling the tavern with melodious notes that captivate the audience.
At the top of the stage, behind them, a big flag flutters with the coat of arms of the House Phiarlan.

The performers commence their act with an exquisite and hypnotic dance, their fluid and evocative motions are followed by an angelical voice narrating tales and entrancing the spectators.

When they finish, a complete darkness takes over the stage. Then, some drums begin to play a piece of vibrant music that resounds loudly throughout the place. two characters wearing a shiny, tight, and flexible black outfit enter the stage doing pirouettes. They twirl very quickly and showcase impressive acrobatic skills, leaping and twirling across the stage in perfect synchrony, doing movements that seem impossible.

Meanwhile, you can see that they do a kind of morph into different people changing their faces and their bodies. In the end, when they approach the front of the stage, bowing thanks to the public they show their real faces. They are two changelings who are applauded effusively by the audience.

After a moment, the performance continues and the artists engage with the audience, involving them in their acts. They play performing illusion tricks, turning ordinary objects into dazzling and magical visions.

Ruven, who seems to be the leader of the group, then takes to the front of the stage. "Thank you! Thank you very much! You are very kind! Unfortunately, we are closing to an end and it is almost time to leave this beautiful audience.
You all should know that our house is known across the continent for the talent with which its virtuoso performers have been graced and blessed.
So, in the name of House Phiarlan, we would like to invite some people to the stage for a special performance and to receive a special gift from our house as a sign of our gratitude."

The changelings suddenly appear walking among the tables in a nice and charming way carrying funny hats that they put on the heads of those people who are pointed out by Ruven.
"Please, come on! Give us the pleasure..." Says the Elf. 

Guests include Rylia, Coltinar, Arr, and Braxiel besides a Dwarf from a table in the back and the female dragonate from the table to your side.

"Don't be apprehensive. There is no danger. You will only help us to finish our presentation in a pleasant way."

Braxiel is amazed by the show and shoot’s up, “I am more than willing to join!”

Rylia watches intently as the two performers come out after the darkness. Her eyes widen as she sees how they morph both faces and bodies. She suddenly turns toward Bryn, looking to almost blurt out something, but then stops herself.  Instead, she speaks telepathically into Bryn's mind. 'I think they're changelings! Imagine that!' She turns back to focus on the pair as it becomes obvious they are changelings. 'They are! Oh... this is Rylia.  Um... I meant to let you know I could talk to people this way sooner.  Oh, and I can't hear what you say back like how Brother Coltinar does.'  She joins in with the rest of the audience in loud applause. 

As the performance continues, she steals a number of glances in Bryn's direction, very curious as to his reaction to running into other changelings. 'It's probably no big deal to him,' she thinks. 'After all, he likely knows lots of changelings. Right?'  She cheers on the performers quite vocally as appropriate, applauding more at their act. 

After the acts conclude and the changelings put a hat on her head, Rylia stands immediately and comes forward. She leaves her viol in its case at her chair, though as she walks she starts to feel unsure if she needs it at this point.  But she just goes continues on up smiling as she sees her companions joining her. She briefly scrutinizes the two others called up as well.  She comes and stands near Ruven, turning to face the audience as she waits to see what happens. 

When asked to join on the stage Arr glance around for who they could have asked to get on stage because they surely could not have meant them. As everyone around looks to them and the changeling urges them more directly and put. hat on their head, they suddenly realise that it is them who are invited on stage. Upon realisation, they slowly get up and make their way to the stage while searching eye contact with their friends. With no idea about what they will be asked to do, they just shrug and go along with it. On the way to the stage they produce from somewhere dark glasses and put them on in an attempt to complement the hat they have received and to make their appearance more comical. He looks approximately like this:

Brother Coltinar says, "Paladin, be watchful and enjoy the show.  We'll be back shortly."