Spheres of Influence:Rhiannon in Jepardy? GAME

[Zachian]

Airith

Airith wakes up to streams of sunlight coming in the from the window. It seems to be well into the day as the street is sounding busy with the hustle and bustle of city life. Airith looks around but does not see Relsyn in bed or Smoke in the room.
Must have went out when Relsyn left.
Snores can be heard from across the hall yet letting Airith know that Wrinkle is still here. Airith puts his clothes on and picks up some of his stuff before heading down to breakfest. It appears the morning rush has come and gone. There are a few customers sitting at tables sipping tea and talking. Smoke is laying over by the corner of the stage again. He twitches a bit.
Silly dog, how can you sleep with all this noise.
Airith sits at the table closest to Smoke and waits for one of the barmaids to come his way.
"Morning, what can I get you?"
"Just some bread, cheese and tea please."
She heads to the back kitchen and appears moments later with his food. Smoke has realized that Airith is awake and sits next to his chair waiting for scraps.
I wonder how much the others have fed you already?
Airith tosses a chunck of bread down for Smoke, who promptly begins chewing away. Airith finishes his breakfest and sips his tea in silence. He is thinking about his job tonight and the best way to get in and out unnoticed. Airith puts a couple coins on the table and heads out the door. Smoke follows him and they both head out for Tianna's store.
Hope I can find what I'm looking for.
Airith has been thinking about ways to get in and out fast. He figured if he had a vest or something he could put his lock picking stuff into he wouldn't have to waste time fumbling around with that box.
He enters the store and see Tianna working away behind the counter. It appears she is working on a jacket of some sort. It might possibly be for the wedding but Airith can't quite tell how fancy it is.
"I'll be with you in a second. I need to finish a couple more stitches."
"No hurry ma'am. I was just looking for a vest my size."
"Well there are some over there but I don't think they'll fit. Might also want to try over here by the halfling and childrens clothing. There might be a nice looking vest in there."
Airith tells Smoke to wait outside and proceeds over to the adult clothing. He carefully looks through the piles of clothing but doesn't find anything that either fits right or has pockets that fit his needs. He then tries the halfling piles of clothes but doesn't find what he is looking for there either. Tianna sets down her work and heads over to Airith.
"So what type of vest are you looking for? Something fancy to wear under a jacket? Lots of nice bright colors?"
"Actually I was looking for more of a working vest, one with some pockets on the front. I was also looking for some light weight, dark clothing. Nothing to constricting mind you, I still want to be able to move around easily."
Tianna gives him a funny look. Airith isn't sure if its because she has figured what he is planning to use these clothes for or if she is just confused.
"Well, I have one more thing to work on after the jacket there. It shouldn't take me to long to finish them both. If you want I could sew some pockets into a vest you like after I finish with this other work of mine. I made a few vests in preparation for the wedding and have extra material over here. As for the light weight clothing, you can look over there in the work clothing. It isn't nearly as nice as the fancy stuff, but the stitching is top notch and very durable."
"Sounds good. I'll pick out a vest and see what I can find over there then."
Airith looks through the vests and finds a nice dark green one that shimmers a little in the light. He tries it on and then sets it on the counter near the extra material. He then heads over to the work duds and begins to look through the piles. After a bit of searching and trying on some various different things Airith finally finds a pair of dark brown pants and shirt. They're pretty light weight for work clothes but what does he care. He heads over to the counter and sets them down next to the vest.
"You Halflings definitely have your own sense of style. How many pockets do you want on the jacket?"
"I don't know, it looks like you could get four on there without to much trouble. Two on each side, the top ones smaller than the bottom but both not to big. Maybe a pocket on the inside too."
"Sounds good, do you need the pants and shirt taken in or hemmed?"
"No, they fit just fine thank you. What do I owe you for everything?"

 

[Gwaihir]

Relsyn

Shortly after the sun rises, Relsyn rouses himself from Bed. He spends a moment at the wash basin wiping the sleep off his face with the icy water and the rough soap. He then turns toward his morning devotions. Distracted by the staff, he struggles with the ritual prayers but manages his way through them. Calling Jewel to him, he heads down the stairs for a quick breakfast.

Following breakfast, Relsyn picks his way through the city to the Church of St Macedone, stopping at a small stand to buy some shiny yellow apples (-2 pennies). Entering the Church he goes straight to the library, keeping his head bowed and eyes down as he passes through the large foyer.

"Good Morning, Foscil," Says Relsyn

"and to you." Replies Foscil, "What are your plans for today?"

"I thought I'd start on cataloging shelf 19, at least for the morning, then I may sit down and work through the dissertation, looking for spots to insert information about the use of intelligence in the campaign. Have you found anymore references to the Markume' ?"

"No, " mumbles Foscil, his head deep in a large old tome while he scribbles notes on a small scroll to the side.

Relsyn begins going through shelf nineteen, letting his mind clear and thoughts wander as it so often does while dealling with books--a kind of meditation. As he works, he sets aside a few misfiled books, such as The Training of Hippogriff Mounts and Hippogriffs in the Air,as he goes. His features evidence excitement when he comes across a book called, Spys and Spymasters. He notes the position of this book on another scroll and continues cataloging the shelf.

At midday break, he wanders off to a nearby park for lunch.

 

[Zachian]

Airith

"Well the vest is going to be a little more expensive than normal, extra material and time. The pants and shirt, to be honest, I am glad to see them go. How about 5 crowns, and I'll throw in a belt for the pants."
"That sounds fine. Should I figure on picking them up after lunch sometime?"
Airith hands her the 5 crowns.
"Better figure on late afternoon."
"O.K. I'll be back then, thanks."
Airith heads for the door and looks out over the square. It is once again packed with people buying and selling whatever they have.
I've got some time then. I should see about a sachel or something for anything extra I might want to take along.
Airith makes his way across the mob of people looking for a small backpack or sachel. He spends an hour or so looking over the merchandise everyone is selling but not seeing anything that he likes. Instead of wasting even more time looking there he makes his way back to the Underplow and takes a load off. He orders a light lunch with some ale and quietly eats it while listening to the chatter in the dining area.
After Airith finishes his lunch he heads upstairs and starts preparations for the job tonight. He sets out his climbing gear and a majority of the thieving tools from his box.
I think that should be enough. If I take to much it is just going to make noise.
"Stay here Smoke, I'll be back in an hour or so."
Airith shuts the door and heads downstairs.
I'll bet that outfitter shop has a sachel.

 

[Zachian]

Airith

Airith once again sees the outfitter shop and makes his way in.
Funny how there isn't a sign out front for this place. I wonder if they want to keep a low profile?
Airith waves to the owner as he enters and heads over to the backpacks and sachels. Once again the security guards are watching him like a hawk. Airith finds a sachel that will fit his needs and takes it over to the counter.
"Just the sachel today."
"O.K. That will be 1 crown."
Airith hands him the crown and gives him a head knod as he heads for the door.

Airith enters Tianna's with his sachel over his shoulder. It appears she is finishing his vest so Airith makes his way up and down the piles of clothing waiting for her to finish.
"There we are, all done. You should look fairly handsome at the party."
"Yes, thank you Tianna. I hate to rush off but I have a few more things to do."
"O.K. dear, have a good day."
Airith waves as he heads out the door and back to the Underplow.
Get back to the Underplow, take a nap, have some dinner, then change my clothes.

 

[Tilmamir]

Relsyn

Upon returning to the library, Focil asks how the morning went.

"Well, I believe. Shelf nineteen should take a week or so to finish. I found two books which may be to the point of my research, and six that were shelved incorrectly."

"I find some sections are catalogued worse than others. That is why this work needs to be done. When you finish a shelf, take this chalk and initial the casement to tell me it was done. Thanks for your help."
That afternoon, Relsyn pulls the two books aside and reads deeper into them. The passages can be summarized by this information:

Title: The exploits of Salix, and why he was so effective.
- Dissertation in 3516 RY -copied times 3, Summary:
Section on networking in enemy territory.
It is little known that Saint Salix had many friends among the barbarians. He traveled greatly in the northern lands, and was welcome in many of the huts and tents of the indigenous people…
While most hated the "strong ones", as they called us, some saw that the motive behind our actions was the spread of the love of ELI. They too knew of Eli, and believed that the other 'barbarians' were lost to Eli…
Thus Salix formed a group of people allied to him among the barbarians. Together, they learned to form an intelligence network across the North. He heard of approaching attacks, sometimes before the armies even began to move…
Powerful, and rich, supporters of the crusade aided Salix in his work. Through the communication lines, many which were secret, word of his needs got back to Antioch, Malta, and Tarsus. Supplies would arrive when and where he needed them, even in the territory of the enemies.

Section on politics in the church
Salix was a powerful man among the church. His friends were of influence, and often informed Salix of what to do or say to impress the leadership of the Church…. [many examples]
When serious trouble arose, or disagreement among orders prevented the real work of Eli from being accomplished, Salix was able to hear from each faction and determine which course to chart to get unity again. He was a master of intrigue, occasionally needing his spies to perform other tasks, like sabotage or blackmail, in order to gain the upper hand and the good of the situation…


Early dissertation on Salix's fighting techniques.
Salix was a master of the attach, fall-back, draw back, and surround technique. Many attacks of towns were just that: attack the town frontally, draw the fighters out of the town as they fell back, and then the town fighters were closed around and slaughtered. Many town was decimated this way. He did not have to kill women and children, he did not need to. Salix left nothing to supply the town in the winter… many die of starvation…

Chapter on weapons used by Salix:
For a while in his youth, Salix was very fond of a great axe, forged by the dwarves in KimmerDeep Mines. He called it 'Peacemaker' because he rarely left an enemy alive after he fought with it… [a chapter of stories where it was used]
During his training as fighter, he had a blade forged of the finest iron known at the time. Named 'Ivenyerow,' it was forged and infused with magic at the same time - holding a keen edge and never rusting as long as he had it. He passed it on to an unknown disciple after it was used as the pattern for Durandal, the greatest sword of all time…
'Nes-Fer-yaw,' a triangle made of three staffs of santuary. Powerful because you could enter one place and exit another…
'White Eye' was a staff in Salix's posession. While he could use it, it was not the type of weapon he liked to carry as it did not allow him to see the eyes of the one he was destroying. Some say this may have been the 'Staff of Elioim,' but it was given to one of his patrons in Malta as a thank-gift.
Durandal the mighty sword is the most famous sword in history. It is said that Salix had it forged of metal provided by Eli Himself from the sky. This sword was never mentioned in his exploits before the second Crusade, perhaps just before, but was infamous in the last battles. It too was lost, along with his mortal remains.

 

[Tilmamir]

Airith, Wrinkle, and Relsyn

Smoke is waiting for Airith at the door. One of the young cooks sees him and saunters over to Airith and Smoke. She says "he's pretty smart, isn't he" as she smiles at Smoke. Don't want attention tonight. "Yea, I guess so, for a dog."

Airith leads Smoke up to his room and apologizes to the dog "You are very smart, Smoke, she does not know the half if it." Smoke curls up on the floor and starts to twitch in that dog-dreaming way as Airith nods off himself.

Dinner that night is one of Underplow's specialties, roast pork in garlic, onion, and blue cheese. On the side are mashed potatoes with heavy cream and chives mixed in, along with the best of the winter vegetables (carrots and rutabeets.)

Relsyn arrives, rubbing his eyes. Shortly after, Wrinkle sits down and orders the house plate for dinner. They discuss what Relsyn found today in the library.

 

[Zachian]

Airith

Airith wakes from his nap to the sounds of yelling and hollering in the streets. Smoke not bothered by the noise twitches next to the bed in deep sleep. Airith playfully pokes and puls at him until he wakes up. The two roll around for a couple of minutes playfully poking and biting before heading downstairs for dinner.

Airith sees Wrinkle and Relsyn sitting at a table and heads over to join them. They are both enjoying the house pork and talking. Airith sits down and orders the house dinner. As much as Airith would like to talk about what Relsyn discovered at the library he is preoccupied thinking about his little venture tonight.

"Airith, ...Airith are you listening? I asked what you did today."
"What, oh sorry Relsyn. I uh..., I went and picked up some new threads and then took a nap. Any plans for this evening?"
relsyn replies, "Probably head back to the library unless something else come up."
Wrinkle whistles play here tonight.

Airith finishes up his dinner while Wrinkle and Relsyn discuss Relsyn's findings. He excuses himself and heads upstairs with Smoke. Airith first puts Smoke's saddle on him and then lays out what he wants to take along with him. He changes his clothes and puts what gear he can in the pockets of the vest. He also places his dagger along his back on his belt. He picks up his sachel which he threw his climbing stuff and a few extra thieving tools he couldn't find a pocket for.
Look good enough to actually be a guest at a wedding. At least a Halfling wedding.
Airith leaves the Underplow with a wave to Relsyn and Wrinkle. The sun has almost set and it is begining to get dark. The streets are busy but not to bad. Airith quickly heads over to the Gold District.

The streets are much less busy here. They usually are anyway but due to the wedding even more so. Airith slowly crosses the last bridge before coming up to the house and looks up and down the street for anyone approaching. When he thinks the coast is clear he and Smoke jump over the side and quietly make their way along the wall to the house.[Move Silently +9, Hide +10(Smoke would probably lower those)]

Airith find a good spot for Smoke to stay along the wall while Airith goes inside.
"You stay here until I get done. If i'm not back by morning head back to the Underplow."
Airith attaches his climbing gear to his shoes and hands, and starts climbing the wall at the South-West corner.[Climbing +5(+3 and +2 from gear)] Airith then drops down behind some bushes and pauses a couple minutes to see if anyone heard him and take off his climbing stuff.[Listen +7]
(Not sure what direction the house is sitting. I figured the entrance would be to the East.)
If everything goes to plan I can get in through one of the master bedroom windows, make my way to the den, find the ring and back out the way I came.

 

[Tilmamir]

Inwe

About the time Wrinkle, Relsyn, and Airith are starting dinner, Bee and Inwe are finishing up the dress details and making their way into the salon.

"oh my, the Youngstrom is a fine family. Certainly yes, they are fine! The senior Lord Youngstrom lives in the heart of the Hill. You will see it soon. They have five children, each of whom live in their own palaces…"

"They throw the grandest parties, I'm told. Fine, regal, ostentatious parties. They are way up in The Game - that family. Perhaps at the top even. This wedding will be an Event, I tell you…"

"Gossip is, though, perhaps one of the younger Youngstrom lords had a 'doing' with a Fairweather. I am sure the two newlyweds to be are in love. But, you know, it is unusual for a family like Fairweather to marry so quickly at the top. Hmm, unusual that. Do you think the wedding is permitted, um, under some duress from the Fairweathers? Hmmm, well, dearie, I would not know. Little Bee just buzzes around here with Master Coffield…. Speaking of the Master, here he is."

In the salon, Coffield enters from another door, adjusting his sash. He looks up and smiles amicably. He is in a white shirt with a fine red silk vest under a embroidered red jacket. His pants, matching the jacket, are perfectly pressed. A gold broach on his lapel has a fancy emblem. Its symbol was also on the gate, Inwe noticed as she entered, and must be the Fairweather family crest. He looks very noble and grandfatherly, at least for a human.

"Inwe, you are stunning. [She blushes a bit] Now it is time to be leaving, but I would request you call me Lord Fairweather for the evening. Some things these Gamy people just cannot take it too much change." He talks politely while they wait for his coach to be brought around. He is interested in her background, where she is from, what she likes to do, and the like, but is never prying when Inwe is reluctant to answer.

The coach arrives and Coffield helps Inwe in before entering, facing towards her, back to the front. He points out the beautiful stonework of some of the estate walls, sometimes naming the family, more often naming the architect or lead builder who designed them. North, then East, then North again, the driver of the coach advances along a line of coaches until he finds a particular place to pull into the line.

Inwe asks, "why can we not just drive up to the door now?"
"I forget you are unfamiliar with 'The Game' People in this city are absorbed in themselves and their status among the others. Among the lower classes, this is ignored, but as ones wealth and status increases, so does the desire to be better than everyone else. I played the Game, too. But after my wife passed, I stopped trying and decided to enjoy what life offers rather than fighting to get more… I have been fortunate, as well - I am respected enough that no one has tried to eliminate me, rather they tolerate me as I am not a threat.
Anyway…
We get in line to enter after the less fortunate players, and before the high standing ones. I do not make waves, if I can help it."

The coach arrives about one half hour before the ceremony is scheduled to begin. As many as three hundred men and women are already in the great hall, as Lord Fairweather and Lady Inwe Galanodel are introduced by the butler. All eyes turn their way, but Inwe holds perfectly still and hides the uncomfortable-ness from her face. The moment passes as the next couple are introduced.

Free to look around a little, Inwe notices that all the women wear white dresses. She is dressed much finer than most of the women, but some are close. As other couples are introduced, perhaps another fifty people, their clothes are progressively much nicer. Looking around some more, all the men are in red. Again, the status of the person appears to be a factor in how fine the clothes are, and the quality of the cloth. For both men and women, the richness of their clothes and adornments are far greater than most on the street she has seen could possibly afford.

During the latter arrivals, there appeared to be some twitter that Russell Manning Jr. dressed finer than his brother Albert. Some were agreeing that this was proper, and others thought this was a great affront to the leader of his family. Of course, most of the conversations were fairly quiet, but Inwe's excellent hearing picked out more than anyone suspected.

A fanfare marked the final arrivals. Four families, introduced with Youngstrom surnames enter and were brought up to the balcony overlooking the room. The Fairweather family was then introduced.

Coffield leaned over and said "My brothers family - the only chance they will get to rub elbows that high" He chuckled. "We will be seated for the wedding shortly now."

 

[Tilmamir]

Airith

Two guards are talking while walking in the streets north of The Hill. While they appear to be on high alert, they appear to be more alert and interested in who is in the coaches as they pass.
"ooh that was the senior Goodwins. All fine tonight"
"Why do we get stationed up here tonight? All the fun will be down South of here" the other grumbles.

"What is that, boy and a dog..." The two begin to move toward the boy, but a passing coach distracted them.
"Only a boy, and not heading to the party. Let's head south, maybe we can catch a glimpse of the Queen's Carraige!"

"Yes! lead on"

[Airith makes it to the inside of the garden unnoticed further]

 

[Zachian]

Airith

Airith patiently waits behind the bushes until he is sure no one heard him jump down. He starts to approach the house but stops as thorns from the bushes begin to scratch his arms. Rather than make noise trying to get between the bushes he takes a detour around the bushes and ends up approaching the house directly from the South. He carefully creeps toward the house keeping a watchful eye towards the servants quarters on the other corner of the property.

One of the servants steps outside, to which Airith slowly lays down on the ground hidden by some bushes and other vegetation between him and the man. The servant lights a pipe and begins smoking it, some laughter can be heard inside the quarters but no one else comes out to keep the man company.
While the cats are away, the mice will play. Sounds like everyone is in their, or at least I hope so. It would make this a lot easier.
Airith waits for the man to finish his pipe, which he does and then heads back inside. He then heads for the house and looks around the corner at the gaurd house. He can't quite see the guard but can faintly hear a snore or two coming from that general direction. He then heads to the other side of the house and looks in one of the two windows.

It is a very nice looking master bedroom. Tall ceilings with ornate tapestries on the walls, a grand four post bed, and very fancy furniture throughout. It is hard to judge just how expensive everthing in there is but one could guess it is pretty darn pricey.
Oh boy did I get lucky.
Airith spies the other window is open a crack and makes his way over. He slowly opens the window a little wider. A faint squeek comes from the hinges but not loud enough to carry very far. Airith pulls himself up and nearly falls into the room. He catches his balance and momentarily hangs with his top half inside and his legs dangling out. He slowly falls to the floor and slides the rest of his body inside quietly.
Nice going, make to much noise and it will be over before it begins.
Airith takes a moment to survey the room from the inside. The tapestries and furniture are indeed fancy. The linens on the bed and decorations around the room would probably feed several families for a long time.
The owner of this place must make a pretty penny.
Airith checks the first door he sees. It appears to be the ladies quarters just as he thought it might. He moves to the next door and listens for a moment. When he is sure that no one is around he moves to the wall on the far side and looks for a secret door.
Boy, is it nice to know the lay-out ahead of time. I must thank that butler for the map of this place.
(Figure it is about 9:30)