the Kyri Chronicles - last updated 22 Oct
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Plane Sailing
Astral Admin - Mwahahaha!
Thanks for the bump, Darkbard - I've not been able to continue this for a while with pressure from work, but in a lull just before Christmas...
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A little more conversation reveals that Daros has moved on, and they don’t feel like attempting to track him down at the moment, although he is clearly continuing his policy of subverting temples of Asura in one form or another. Still, the barely competent group who have been left in charge here are no immediate threat; although they are not going to be any help in recovering Dala’s sanity and wisdom.
The next thing on their agenda is shopping for the ball. Arilyn protests that here tattered and stained travelling clothes are perfectly adequate for the ball, but Anne-Marie, tutting, takes her to one side and offers to pay for suitable dresses out of her own purse. “You need something special for a grand ball, my dear”
Trajan meanwhile sets off with Dala to the mens costumiers and tailors. The mincing shop keepers try to steer them towards the more ornate and expensive materials, and Trajan is horrified to see that he is expected to wear a half-cloak and codpiece in addition to tights and hose. He selects a demure green and purple combination. Dala, however, in his less-wise-than-normal state decides to go the whole hog and selects a range of clothing in blue and scarlet with gold filigree. He decides to go for a flamboyant extended codpiece with golden dragons embroidered around it “for extra potency, sir”. Dala is determined to make a big impression. He makes an impression all right...
(n.b. Dala's player couldn't make it, and an old friend from Germany was visiting and took over the role (with the players permission). His lack of familiarity with certain rules and spells nicely simulated Dala's currently slightly unhinged state, while giving us some laughs in the process
)
=============
A little more conversation reveals that Daros has moved on, and they don’t feel like attempting to track him down at the moment, although he is clearly continuing his policy of subverting temples of Asura in one form or another. Still, the barely competent group who have been left in charge here are no immediate threat; although they are not going to be any help in recovering Dala’s sanity and wisdom.
The next thing on their agenda is shopping for the ball. Arilyn protests that here tattered and stained travelling clothes are perfectly adequate for the ball, but Anne-Marie, tutting, takes her to one side and offers to pay for suitable dresses out of her own purse. “You need something special for a grand ball, my dear”
Trajan meanwhile sets off with Dala to the mens costumiers and tailors. The mincing shop keepers try to steer them towards the more ornate and expensive materials, and Trajan is horrified to see that he is expected to wear a half-cloak and codpiece in addition to tights and hose. He selects a demure green and purple combination. Dala, however, in his less-wise-than-normal state decides to go the whole hog and selects a range of clothing in blue and scarlet with gold filigree. He decides to go for a flamboyant extended codpiece with golden dragons embroidered around it “for extra potency, sir”. Dala is determined to make a big impression. He makes an impression all right...
(n.b. Dala's player couldn't make it, and an old friend from Germany was visiting and took over the role (with the players permission). His lack of familiarity with certain rules and spells nicely simulated Dala's currently slightly unhinged state, while giving us some laughs in the process
)
Plane Sailing
Astral Admin - Mwahahaha!
The Grand Ball (at last)
That evening, Jordan picks up Anne-Marie and takes her by carriage to the ball. Trajan, Dala and Arilyn make their own way there. Trajan had been planning to remove his Jazumai headband for the occasion, but he has a clear sense of divine displeasure when he does so, so he ties it back in place and proceeds proudly to the Ball. Most of their special belongings are left locked in the safe at the inn, and when they arrive at the grand hall they check their weapons with the guards at the entrance and are hardly held up at all while their invitations are inspected. Trajan’s invite is from Countess Naomi as a result of his performance in the tournament, Arilyn has an invite from Grandmaster Ravi from the Guild of Four. Dala is pencilled in as Arilyns escort (much to her disgust, but it is the only way he can be brought into the ball).
The main hall is vast, and lit with huge candelabras whose light reflects from thousands of mirrors and golden ornaments. High on the wall portraits of statesmen and nobles from earlier ages look down on them. A butler hands Arilyn a card, and Anne-Marie hurries across to her friend. “These are dance cards… there will be ten dances before the entertainments, and then the final masked ball. This is a chance to mingle with guests and get attractive and influential people to sign up on your dance card - I’m off to start talking with the courtiers across the way there”. She moves off to start speaking to the well dressed men in the noble retinues.
“Ain’t gonna be dancin’” Arilyn grumbles to herself.
Dala looks on as he sees a number of beautiful young women arrange themselves around Trajan, hanging on his every word and complimenting him on his heroism, his looks, his sense of humour. Dala is feeling a bit annoyed - as one of the most charismatic men in the city who happens to be hanging around with the only person more charismatic than himself.
Trajan is trying to extricate himself from the attention of the ladies, recognising the steely glint in the eyes of men who were quite obviously their dates for the evening who keep staring over in his direction.
Meanwhile, Dala starts attracting quite a different kind of problem. Several times young men approach him, and after a little conversation “remind” him that the normal meeting place is at the bottom of the west kitchen stairs (with a knowing wink). After a while even the slightly befuddled Dala recognises that these men are attempting to arrange an assignation with him, attracted by his personal magnetism - although why they should be identifying him as a potential date is a mystery...
That evening, Jordan picks up Anne-Marie and takes her by carriage to the ball. Trajan, Dala and Arilyn make their own way there. Trajan had been planning to remove his Jazumai headband for the occasion, but he has a clear sense of divine displeasure when he does so, so he ties it back in place and proceeds proudly to the Ball. Most of their special belongings are left locked in the safe at the inn, and when they arrive at the grand hall they check their weapons with the guards at the entrance and are hardly held up at all while their invitations are inspected. Trajan’s invite is from Countess Naomi as a result of his performance in the tournament, Arilyn has an invite from Grandmaster Ravi from the Guild of Four. Dala is pencilled in as Arilyns escort (much to her disgust, but it is the only way he can be brought into the ball).
The main hall is vast, and lit with huge candelabras whose light reflects from thousands of mirrors and golden ornaments. High on the wall portraits of statesmen and nobles from earlier ages look down on them. A butler hands Arilyn a card, and Anne-Marie hurries across to her friend. “These are dance cards… there will be ten dances before the entertainments, and then the final masked ball. This is a chance to mingle with guests and get attractive and influential people to sign up on your dance card - I’m off to start talking with the courtiers across the way there”. She moves off to start speaking to the well dressed men in the noble retinues.
“Ain’t gonna be dancin’” Arilyn grumbles to herself.
Dala looks on as he sees a number of beautiful young women arrange themselves around Trajan, hanging on his every word and complimenting him on his heroism, his looks, his sense of humour. Dala is feeling a bit annoyed - as one of the most charismatic men in the city who happens to be hanging around with the only person more charismatic than himself.
Trajan is trying to extricate himself from the attention of the ladies, recognising the steely glint in the eyes of men who were quite obviously their dates for the evening who keep staring over in his direction.
Meanwhile, Dala starts attracting quite a different kind of problem. Several times young men approach him, and after a little conversation “remind” him that the normal meeting place is at the bottom of the west kitchen stairs (with a knowing wink). After a while even the slightly befuddled Dala recognises that these men are attempting to arrange an assignation with him, attracted by his personal magnetism - although why they should be identifying him as a potential date is a mystery...
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Plane Sailing
Astral Admin - Mwahahaha!
Just a quick Happy Christmas to those who read the storyhour, and double Happy Christmas to everyone who posts a question or encouragement
And Andrzej - if you are reading this, get yourself registered and post Arilyns personal thoughts on here!!
Cheers, and thanks!
And Andrzej - if you are reading this, get yourself registered and post Arilyns personal thoughts on here!!
Cheers, and thanks!
Plane Sailing
Astral Admin - Mwahahaha!
Amongst the noble entourages they spy Baron Parry, Baron Kagiro and another that they do not recognise. Countess Naomi and her husband are also visible amongst the ranks of simpering courtiers. There are also a number of ambassadors at the ball too, here to discuss and forge agreements.
Arilyn is standing near some of the food tables, absently nibbling on pastries and thinking about a knotty problem in arcane calculus when she realises that the older gentleman sampling the fois gras has spoken to her.
“Excuse me, my dear” says ambassador Sheen, of Morannon.
“You seem a long way from home, no? Your desert touched skin and deliciously almond eyes speak of the heritage of Mendonna, I believe, no?”
“Could be” responds Arilyn, annoyed at being distracted from her thoughts.
“So I’m wondering” Sheen continues “whether you might be here on, uh, business?
Dmsnote: Mendonna is well known as the city of assassins - *all* assassins are trained in that nation
“Oh yes, sure” replies Arilyn, thinking about the information she hopes to trade at the guild, and the artworks they are returning to Jorash.
“Ah, as I thought my dear. Wouldn’t be business considering anyone I know, no? Never mind. I don’t mean to pry. Perhaps I could be putting a bit of business your way myself, no?”
“Well, I’m up to my neck in plans at the moment” says Arilyn with some frustration.
“Ah, I’ll not be pressing you when you have serious business right now then. Maybe another time my dear, no?”
With that, ambassador Sheen sidles off into the ebb and flow of people in the ball. A number of his retinue glance back at Arilyn then look away quickly. Arilyn barely seems to notice, and gets back to thinking about the knotty problem on interplanar shifting that she’s been working on.
Arilyn is standing near some of the food tables, absently nibbling on pastries and thinking about a knotty problem in arcane calculus when she realises that the older gentleman sampling the fois gras has spoken to her.
“Excuse me, my dear” says ambassador Sheen, of Morannon.
“You seem a long way from home, no? Your desert touched skin and deliciously almond eyes speak of the heritage of Mendonna, I believe, no?”
“Could be” responds Arilyn, annoyed at being distracted from her thoughts.
“So I’m wondering” Sheen continues “whether you might be here on, uh, business?
Dmsnote: Mendonna is well known as the city of assassins - *all* assassins are trained in that nation
“Oh yes, sure” replies Arilyn, thinking about the information she hopes to trade at the guild, and the artworks they are returning to Jorash.
“Ah, as I thought my dear. Wouldn’t be business considering anyone I know, no? Never mind. I don’t mean to pry. Perhaps I could be putting a bit of business your way myself, no?”
“Well, I’m up to my neck in plans at the moment” says Arilyn with some frustration.
“Ah, I’ll not be pressing you when you have serious business right now then. Maybe another time my dear, no?”
With that, ambassador Sheen sidles off into the ebb and flow of people in the ball. A number of his retinue glance back at Arilyn then look away quickly. Arilyn barely seems to notice, and gets back to thinking about the knotty problem on interplanar shifting that she’s been working on.
Plane Sailing
Astral Admin - Mwahahaha!
this space reserved for double post
(Doh!)
(Doh!)
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Plane Sailing
Astral Admin - Mwahahaha!
Trajan, meanwhile, receives an invitation from the Count to join the noblemen and ambassadors as they retire to the smoking room, for brandy and discussions of world affairs. As he makes his way after the others he feels a pat on his rump - glancing behind him he is astonished to notice the Countess, apparently deep in conversation with someone else but the only person who could -possibly- have touched him.
“C’mon man” calls the Count, “Stop dallying. And bring your friend”
Dala joins Trajan as they enter the smoking room, the sorcerer still looking a little bit glazed, and his attention wandering all over the place.
During the various conversations Trajan learns that Baron Kagiro has lost some of his Companions while they were investigating something over the border in Morannon, and he is looking for replacements who might carry on the investigation. Would his adventuring company be interested? Arrangements are made for Kagiro’s warlord to see them later after the ball to discuss details.
The Lythanian ambassador is able to pass on some of the latest news from Knightsbridge and their homeland. The Singharese ambassador, a short and podgy man with a stammer attempts to make conversation about trade treaties but starts sweating profusely every time he is asked about refugees from Singh. “There is no refugee p-p-problem, no p-p-p-problem at all” he stammers.
Dala finds that his exotic codpiece draws unwanted attention from Baron Parry, and he decides that enough is enough and he ducks behind some heavy velvet drapes and casts an incantation to make the codpiece invisible, before arranging his remaining clothes decorously.
Meanwhile, out in the main hall Anne-Marie finds herself the unwanted focus of attention for a drunken old man, clearly up from the Sword Coast and delighted to find another Swordcoaster for company. He persistently tries to arrange a dance with her, even though she points out time and time again that her dance card is now full (apart from the spot she has been reserving for Jordan, her date for the evening - but she hasn’t managed to get to see him yet, for some reason).
“C’mon man” calls the Count, “Stop dallying. And bring your friend”
Dala joins Trajan as they enter the smoking room, the sorcerer still looking a little bit glazed, and his attention wandering all over the place.
During the various conversations Trajan learns that Baron Kagiro has lost some of his Companions while they were investigating something over the border in Morannon, and he is looking for replacements who might carry on the investigation. Would his adventuring company be interested? Arrangements are made for Kagiro’s warlord to see them later after the ball to discuss details.
The Lythanian ambassador is able to pass on some of the latest news from Knightsbridge and their homeland. The Singharese ambassador, a short and podgy man with a stammer attempts to make conversation about trade treaties but starts sweating profusely every time he is asked about refugees from Singh. “There is no refugee p-p-problem, no p-p-p-problem at all” he stammers.
Dala finds that his exotic codpiece draws unwanted attention from Baron Parry, and he decides that enough is enough and he ducks behind some heavy velvet drapes and casts an incantation to make the codpiece invisible, before arranging his remaining clothes decorously.
Meanwhile, out in the main hall Anne-Marie finds herself the unwanted focus of attention for a drunken old man, clearly up from the Sword Coast and delighted to find another Swordcoaster for company. He persistently tries to arrange a dance with her, even though she points out time and time again that her dance card is now full (apart from the spot she has been reserving for Jordan, her date for the evening - but she hasn’t managed to get to see him yet, for some reason).
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Plane Sailing
Astral Admin - Mwahahaha!
Arilyn has successfully fended off all attempts by men to get on her dance card, and is disturbed once more by a cough from behind her; she turns to find two of the journeymen from the Guild of Four. “No, I don’t want a dance…” she starts, but then she realises that the two are staring at her with an unfriendly leer.
“So, sneak” one hisses “do you intend to sleep your way to the top of the guild?”
The other laughs nastily “we’ve seen the way Ravi looks at you, and the provocative way you swirl your hair around”
Arilyn seems a little nonplussed. What -are- they talking about?
“Be careful” says the first, “don’t forget she’s from the city of -assassins-“
“nasty little pointy-nosed bitch” replies the second. Then they push roughly past her, and make their way towards the stage area.
“oh!” says Arilyn, gingerly touching her somewhat prominent nose. “That was a bit unfair”.
As the noblemen re-enter the hall, the band strikes up the first of many tunes for the evening, a lively polka. Laughing and waving dance cards women start seeking out their partners and the ball starts in earnest!
“So, sneak” one hisses “do you intend to sleep your way to the top of the guild?”
The other laughs nastily “we’ve seen the way Ravi looks at you, and the provocative way you swirl your hair around”
Arilyn seems a little nonplussed. What -are- they talking about?
“Be careful” says the first, “don’t forget she’s from the city of -assassins-“
“nasty little pointy-nosed bitch” replies the second. Then they push roughly past her, and make their way towards the stage area.
“oh!” says Arilyn, gingerly touching her somewhat prominent nose. “That was a bit unfair”.
As the noblemen re-enter the hall, the band strikes up the first of many tunes for the evening, a lively polka. Laughing and waving dance cards women start seeking out their partners and the ball starts in earnest!
Plane Sailing
Astral Admin - Mwahahaha!
A short dancing interlude follows, with several dances traditional amongst the nobility are performed. Anne-Marie actually has some skill at this kind of dancing, but to her (well hidden) disgust, Trajan and Dala both outperform her handily, with their natural charm, poise and sense of timing. Ah well.
The dancers all wear their masks on their shoulders for this part of the ball. They will break for entertainments, then everyone will mask up for the final grand masked ball and people will dance with anonymous partners - unless they recognise the mask from this stage, of course, and seek out particular partners.
The last of the waltzes comes to an end, and the two journeymen from the Guild of Four take to the stage and start performing intricate juggling acts with flaming doves.
Something draws Anne-Maries attention...
The dancers all wear their masks on their shoulders for this part of the ball. They will break for entertainments, then everyone will mask up for the final grand masked ball and people will dance with anonymous partners - unless they recognise the mask from this stage, of course, and seek out particular partners.
The last of the waltzes comes to an end, and the two journeymen from the Guild of Four take to the stage and start performing intricate juggling acts with flaming doves.
Something draws Anne-Maries attention...
Plane Sailing
Astral Admin - Mwahahaha!
She is standing near the entrance to the kitchens, and she overhears one of the waiters whisper something to another who is carrying a tray of drinks.
“Don’t forget, the flagon with the dragon is for Baron Purry. It has been fixed”
Anne-Marie watches as the waiter expertly weaves his way through the crowd of people towards a wealthy and well dressed man laughing amidst his courtiers. She waits until the servant reaches him. The Baron reaches out his hand, plucks his drink from the tray - and Anne-Marie springs into action.
At least, that was her intention - she plans to cartwheel impressively through the gathered throng to the Barons side, but misjudges the footing and her flouncy dress. She crashes into some of the delicate ladies, bringing them all to the floor. As she gets up the ladies she struck cry out in pain and start weeping hysterically. All eyes turn away from the entertainments and focus on the (now somewhat disheveled) Anne-Marie. Several of the gentlemen present move to help up the distraught women and want to know what in the seven depths this sword-coaster woman was up to. Luckily, the commotion has distracted Baron Purry from his drink, and Anne-Marie is able to gasp out “Stop! The drink is poisoned!”.
While Trajan soothes the tempers of the young gentlemen, Anne-Marie explains that she overhead one of the waiters saying that the drink was poisoned. Guildmaster Ravi saunters up and waves a magical periapt across the top of the glass.
“Ah, I don’t think you’ll be wanting to drink *that*, Baron. Very nasty magical poison in there I’m afraid.
The Baron looks shocked, and glances around before fixing his eyes on Arilyn, still standing on her own near the food table.
Other eyes turn in her direction too, and whispers run around the hall before Ravi calls out “Enough interval! Back to the show!” and he conjures a fountain of rainbows which directs everyones attention back to the stage and the rest of the entertainment.
As the masquerade ball starts, Dala decides to make himself scarce to avoid the unwanted attention of some of the gentlemen at the event, and decides to kill two birds with one stone by dancing with Arilyn, drawing attention away from her a little. Arilyn doesn’t really want to dance, and isn’t any good at it, continually treading on Dala’s feet or attempting to turn the wrong way.
Trajan’s attention is attracted by a delicate tap on his shoulder, and he finds a lithe woman in a catlike mask looking to dance with him. He spends the ball in a surprisingly intimate fashion. He suspects that he is dancing with the countess Naomi herself, but he doesn’t ask and she doesn’t offer any information, although nobody comes to cut in on the dance.
Anne-Marie is upset that things haven’t been going to well, and she was expecting to have the final masquerade ball dance with her paramour, Jordan; but he isn’t around. Unless - is that him over there, talking and laughing with his mates? “I’ll just creep up on him and give him a surprise” she thinks.
“Don’t forget, the flagon with the dragon is for Baron Purry. It has been fixed”
Anne-Marie watches as the waiter expertly weaves his way through the crowd of people towards a wealthy and well dressed man laughing amidst his courtiers. She waits until the servant reaches him. The Baron reaches out his hand, plucks his drink from the tray - and Anne-Marie springs into action.
At least, that was her intention - she plans to cartwheel impressively through the gathered throng to the Barons side, but misjudges the footing and her flouncy dress. She crashes into some of the delicate ladies, bringing them all to the floor. As she gets up the ladies she struck cry out in pain and start weeping hysterically. All eyes turn away from the entertainments and focus on the (now somewhat disheveled) Anne-Marie. Several of the gentlemen present move to help up the distraught women and want to know what in the seven depths this sword-coaster woman was up to. Luckily, the commotion has distracted Baron Purry from his drink, and Anne-Marie is able to gasp out “Stop! The drink is poisoned!”.
While Trajan soothes the tempers of the young gentlemen, Anne-Marie explains that she overhead one of the waiters saying that the drink was poisoned. Guildmaster Ravi saunters up and waves a magical periapt across the top of the glass.
“Ah, I don’t think you’ll be wanting to drink *that*, Baron. Very nasty magical poison in there I’m afraid.
The Baron looks shocked, and glances around before fixing his eyes on Arilyn, still standing on her own near the food table.
Other eyes turn in her direction too, and whispers run around the hall before Ravi calls out “Enough interval! Back to the show!” and he conjures a fountain of rainbows which directs everyones attention back to the stage and the rest of the entertainment.
As the masquerade ball starts, Dala decides to make himself scarce to avoid the unwanted attention of some of the gentlemen at the event, and decides to kill two birds with one stone by dancing with Arilyn, drawing attention away from her a little. Arilyn doesn’t really want to dance, and isn’t any good at it, continually treading on Dala’s feet or attempting to turn the wrong way.
Trajan’s attention is attracted by a delicate tap on his shoulder, and he finds a lithe woman in a catlike mask looking to dance with him. He spends the ball in a surprisingly intimate fashion. He suspects that he is dancing with the countess Naomi herself, but he doesn’t ask and she doesn’t offer any information, although nobody comes to cut in on the dance.
Anne-Marie is upset that things haven’t been going to well, and she was expecting to have the final masquerade ball dance with her paramour, Jordan; but he isn’t around. Unless - is that him over there, talking and laughing with his mates? “I’ll just creep up on him and give him a surprise” she thinks.
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