Pheral takes her lunch to go and eats it on the way to see Threestrings. It's time for an important discussion.

When she arrives she immediately takes notice of his performance. The Yawning Portal was full as always and Threestrings did his best to not really do his best. She waves him over to an empty table.

I have a problem. She slides the letter to him so he can read it. This is a disaster Threestrings. I'm in way over my head. What exactly is "formal attire" ?

UPDATING "TOMORROW". =)

After recieving the invitation, FC orders two whiskeys on the rocks from Lif and saunters over to Danitriel. He wouldn't dare approach a high elf, let alone one so beautiful without wearing his best tux after cleaning up himself. He smells more like lavander than his natural sulfur ash odur and offers her the drink. He pulls out a small, silver tin which holds two freshly cut cigars.
He offers one to Dani, and regardless if she takes it or not, lights his own up.

"So." He says, quietly. "Fancy a drink over at The Portal?"  (He's putting it on a fair bit, so may aswell roll for suave: 18)

Danitriel showed FC her invitation. "Certainly, just not right now. Be careful, big guy, the Zhentarim are just as bad as the Xanathar guild. If you think you can use them, be my guest, but watch your back, there will always be knives aimed at it." She said in a concerned tone.

"Aye. Bah, I never said I'd agree to their offer, only seeing if you were considering it yourself?" He replies.

Danitriel breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, of course, my mistake. For me, it's a hard pass, personally I tend to favour a certain musically inclined faction."

FC nods in interest and continues to chat with Dani for as long as she'll entertain his company, asking about her college and faction.

Azrael was Truly torn... As he sat on the ground in his home in the basement waiting for his bed to be made delivered, and built (as it would be too large to fit down the door fully built)

On the one hand, his friend Jalester was in the Lords Alliance... And he'd never known, though he had suspected something before. On the other hand.... the Order of the Gauntlet aligned much more with his personal mindset, and life goals by far... other than the fact they worshiped and unworthy patron. Thoughts buzzed in his head, as this was probably the only decision that had ever given him pause in his entire, short, life. Normally, he knew exactly what he felt was right at all times. His conviction was unbreakable, and his faith unshakable.

Azrael stood, heading upstairs to where Lif would likely be, at this point, Azrael had accepted the ghost was what it said. He asked for a simple sandwich, and some sort of sweet drink that matched X and Y specifications. As the food inevitably appeared, he chewed on it passively, sipping far more often on the drink than anything else. His tail shifting behind him like an angry root. A few hours passed, and he had still not come to a decision, so he began to pray.

Oh great Bahamut, lord of all good Dragonkind, I beeseech you. Even as he spoke, he began laying out his incense and candles on the table, lighting them all. The room quickly filling with a scented, smoky haze, and a soft glow. You know of my dilemma. I have never before come across a situation where I did not already know my path. I take this as a Test, a trial, to overcome, as all life is, to prove my worth in your grand order. I would never stray my faith away from you for some deity whom would dare consider them-self worthy of thier position and title, when they send thier followers to places they themselves are unwilling to go. Guide my path, so that I may better serve you. Religious Intensity: 15

Azrael could feel Bahamut only gently. This was a choice he would have to make himself.

After only a moment's more consideration, he realized his answer should have been obvious.... He would see what this order required of him.. and so long as it did not require him to serve another pantheon or patron, or renounce his own.. he would consider it. And with that, he would decide to head there immediately. No time like the present.

He would use.. something to scribble on, leaving a note for the rest of the group, saying he would be away for a short while as he looked into something. And that he wished to bring his fellow Acolytes from their temple, into the basement with him, and that they would ultimately provide benefits, like those listed below:

(Azrael also thought of another good idea, involving Lif, for when we get our home to be.. more presentable. atleast the first floor! Thanks cherri!)

Leon didn't rush getting back to home base, taking a look at his surroundings as he slowly made his way back to the manor, newly bought crossbow in his possession (it took him a while to decide on if he really wanted a bow, figuring a crossbow would work just as fine and not to mention, was easier on his pocket). Upon entering the building he greeted Lif and politely declined his offer of food or drink, heading up the stairs to tidy his room a bit more. If he were to stay there then he had to make it as comfortable as possible. The flowers he bought did help, as it reminded him of his home back at the temple. Now, it was a matter of finding a decent bed, although, he was quite content with sleeping on the floor as it was something he did... very often.

When he heard the knocks on the door, he didn't think too much of it until they asked for him specifically. Once handed the invitations to the two factions who had an interest in him, he was perplexed. He mulled over them, reading them through and through in his room and yet he found himself... lost. No doubt everyone else got some sort of an offer like this (if he wasn't mistaken, the Lords Alliance wanted all of them) but would they take it? What would they get out of it? What did the factions really want from them?

He needed to speak to someone about this he thought as he gnawed at the bottom lip, baring holes into the two invitations as he went down the stairs to the ground floor. Though, he stopped at the first step to the taproom, his nose picking up a certain aroma of... was that incense? With a raised brow he headed to where the smell was strongest, leading him to the main table of the taproom, green hues automatically locking onto the note that was left there. The half-elf picked it up, read through it and set it back down gingerly. Well, there goes that... He thought, wanting to speak to Azrael as he was also offered to join the same factions as the monk. He needed a second opinion or multiple for this matter.

Lythril.

Leon didn't know exactly where she was but her opinion would aid in his decision. Least he could do was try, right? He was quick to head back upstairs and made way straight to her room where he hoped to see her. Without hesitation, he knocked on her door.

"Lythril, are you there? I wanted to, ah, speak to you about something, if you have a moment."

Danitriel leaned comfortably against the wall and chatted about various things: attending the barding college in the elven fortress city Evereska, her family's liqueur making business, her twin sister's constant magical pranks before tentatively mentioning her approval of the basic ideals of the Harpers. 

REMINDER: Two things. Cherri brought up a good point on Discord I feel like I should mention. The rooms do come with BASIC ORDINARY furniture you can use. The manor is not a barren landscape. It's got the basics. If you want anything special, though, you'd have to purchase it. There will be PLENTY of gold making opportunities in the campaign

HINT: The manor is a fully stocked and functioning tavern as long as Lif is around. If someone is feeling entrepreneurial, you could make a business out of it.

Finally, if you have any questions about the factions or joining them, let me know. You don't HAVE to join the one you've been invited to, or you can join a different one, too.

I'll update later today, I have some real life boring stuff I have to take care of. =P

PHERAL: Threestrings is happy to see you. He has heard of your team's deeds and any time he can converse with a beautiful woman makes his day. He explains to you that "formal attire" would involve you wearing a dress, having your hair done, and wearing the right shoes. He knows an amazing tailor and stylist that could get your fitted, as long as you mention his name to the owner - that would cost you about 10g for everything.

Thanks my love. Pheral says to Threestrings. She gives him a deep and passionate kiss as a reward for the info. Wish me luck.  Pheral follows the instructions of her paramore and purchased the formal attire. An emerald green dress with long open sleeves with matching slippers. She has her hair done professionally giving it's a firefly glow as it shimmer from the wash. Its it done up into a complex braid she could never do on her own and she wears flower ornaments in it. She has a matching silver and green circlet and belt. The dress is a form of crushed velvet and trails lightly behind her.

(Imagine the dress the queen wore in the movie Brave. That's what I'm going for.)

FC likes the idea of tidying up the front of house as a bar/ perhaps even a dining experience. Now he has a 'working relationship' with the local woodworker, this could turn out well. Another time when he pops in to the Elf's shop, he'll purchase some basic restoration and woodworking tools. Sand paper, chisels, mallet, etc...  and begin stripping back some of the furniture's old surfaces.

You hear the sounds of shouting, punching or slapping, and stomping coming from the room beyond. You feel a little apprehensive at first but your knock opens the door to see Lythril in a loose linen shift shouting and stomping her feet. She sees you but continues to dance.

Lythril finishes her dance and greets you with a wide smile. "Helloooo, what can I do for you?" 

Lythril's room is sparse with just minimal furnishings. You've all just moved in so it's hard to tell if that is by choice or because she isn't done decorating like your more flamboyant friends. The one standout is her armor stand and weapon rack. Everything is finely oiled and polished, very well cared for. The balcony is clean and has some chalk marks on it.

(Yes, converting the first floor to a bar/food place was the idea I was mentioning above. Once we get some work done on the place)

((Also I'll wait to post until the gauntlet stuff is done, since i'm assuming you're waiting to see if the others are also coming to the gauntlet place)

It was a little awkward for him to just stand there and watch her dance, a blush of embarrassment passed his once pale cheeks, but it was kind of mesmerizing as well. He had never seen this kind of movement before, rough and commanding? He couldn't put words to it, but it was interesting to say the least.

Once she was finished and spoke, Leon broke out of the small trance he was in.

"Oh, yes, ah, sorry to bother you," He stammered. Goodness why was this awkward? She knew he was there and she allowed him to watch, what was there to be sheepish about? Guh, just be normal, ignore the heat on your cheeks, IGNORE IT.

"I just wanted to ask you about these..." He flashed her the two invitations in his hand. "To, um, ask how you felt, what your thoughts are, but I can.. come back?"

Pheral returns after her shopping and hair extravaganza. She asks Lif if he could deliver a message to the rest of the group.  Please tell them they are invited to the theature tonight. Please tell the "The harps are supposed to be quite wonderful"

Quote from Cherri >>

 

"I just wanted to ask you about these..." He flashed her the two invitations in his hand. "To, um, ask how you felt, what your thoughts are, but I can.. come back?"

 

 As she steps closer you notice her shift is a little damp with perspiration and she smells of mint. Just a touch out of breath, she reaches for the missives and makes a small mew while readng them. She hands them back and her brow crinkles in thought.

”Well, it looks like responsibility to realm acts and professional courtesy...versus smashing evil. I know what my hammer would say.” She gives you a wink and smirk.