The Winter Masquerade


Taldor

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Brynja the Frost Witch wrote:

The Frost Witch moves from where she is standing, making her way over to the Masked Cat.

"Gentle feline, I hope you do not mind my sister Witch and I paying a visit?"

The Masked Cat gives a polite smile. "But, of course. It is well known that witches and cats often work together. You are welcome to my feathers.'

She then turns to reply to the Kuthona Rat, "It is indeed a remarkable ending which you are trying to orchestrate to this game. Whether I intended to or not, I have helped bring The Frost Witch within striking distance of the shared victory. Unless you and The Samurai argue over who has the true Grand Prince, then the both of you will also have victory within your grasp. It may yet work . . ."

"Still, if you mean for this to serve as a grand gesture, a symbol of how we all stand together against a common threat, I wonder if it sends the right message. If this game represents our common battle against the demons of the Worldwound, then if any one of us, or even some group, has the capability to end the war, should we not strike decisively? It is better for a few to win a victory than to debate and delay until the demons overrun our land. Or am I mis-interpreting your analogy?"

As a math teacher, who teaches a course about game theory, I am LOVING the ending of this game. I am, perhaps, letting my own perspective color what The Masked Cat would really do in this situation . . .


As an economist/data analyst, I'm also really enjoying this game.

"In addition," the Snow Princess speaks. "A bit of competition among friends is a benefit to all involved. Everyone is motivated to keep their minds sharp, so we all make for fine allies in the future, when the stakes are higher than what I have in mind this evening."

Also... we've just passed the 400-post mark! Excellent!

Silver Crusade

The Frost Witch inclines her head to the Masked Cat.

"Nobody ever truly pays attention to a witch, not unless something has gone wrong or either something is needed." She answers with a wry smile.


With no challenges to the previous plays, the game has entered its final stages. Who will achieve victory by acquiring thirteen feathers?

The Merchant of Sands has asked the Midnight Samurai for a dance.

The Kuthona Rat has played the Grand Prince. He receives three feathers.

The Frost Witch has played the Witch, choosing the Masked Cat. She swaps her feathers with the Cat's.

The Midnight Samurai has also played the Grand Prince. He receives three feathers.

The Masked Cat, after swapping her feathers with the Frost Witch, has played the Princess. She receives two feathers.

Currently:
The Kuthona Rat has twelve feathers.
The Midnight Samurai has eleven feathers.
The Masked Cat and Frost Witch each have ten feathers.
The Merchant of Sands has eight feathers.

There are now three feathers which can be claimed by the Count.

As mentioned, since I'll be GMing at a convention over the weekend, the next choices of actions will be due by Sunday night.

Silver Crusade

The Frost Witch looks at her card.


"While I am intrigued by The Rat's plan to allow everyone to win at the same time, I am not convinced that every player intends to wait so patiently. I am going to make a play to win this turn, and those who wish to share the victory with me are welcome to do so." The Masked Cat seems to throw out a challenge, "I intend to play The Count."

Her tone then softens, and she gives a friendly smile to the other players. "Since I have The Count, I am hardly in a position to question you if you should play The Grand Prince or The Princess. We may yet have a cooperative team of winners."

Sovereign Court

The Kuthona Rat frowns at the Masked Cat's play.

"I understand your choice Lady Cat, I do not begrudge you for your choice. It saddens me, but you did misinterpret my meaning. The battle this game symbolizes is not the one with the demons, but the preparations and politics that come before. The question at hand was whether we could successfully cooperate and coordinate ourselves sufficiently prior to the battle in the Worldwound. A lone person or faction coming out victorious in the aforementioned politicking would result in no coalition or consolidation of forces, thereby spelling defeat in the Worldwound."

He stops to cough again, hacking painfully. He pauses to catch his breath before continuing, his voice is hoarse.

"Seeing as this is the final play, I might as well help whom I can. I have no interest in claiming victory where diplomacy should have more than sufficed. I play the Witch on the Merchant. I hope that this sows a seed of altruism to counterbalance the weeds of greed and avarice."

Finished with his speaking, he retires to his chair at his original table as another coughing fit begins. He covers his mouth with one of the table napkins.

Perception DC 15:
There was blood spots on that napkin after his latest coughing fit.

Alchemy, Heal, or Sense Motive check DC 10:
What skin of his that is visible has taken on a definite pale pallor, a sheen of sweat glistening in the ballroom lighting. His eyes are distant and his pupils are mere pinpricks. His hands have ceased their trembling, his veins are readily visible through translucent skin. These symptoms collectively are sure signs of either a terminal illness or an extreme withdrawal from some sort of drug.

Sovereign Court

"As in real life, the valorous warriors usually die first, while the shrewd politicians will live another day and make speeches on the valor of their nation's dead warriors and how their sacrifice served us all. Typical, but I was hopeful to meet another breed of Taldans here tonight. So far I will take with me the knowledge that there are at least some here who are willing to see to the greater good of our nation. Mr. Rat, after this game is over, I would greatly appreciate a meeting with you after you unmask. I believe we have much to discuss. If I may be so bold, you are also invited to my estate with the Merchant. Although the subject of discussion with the Merchant will be related to trade, I would be greatly honored to discuss the direction of our country with you in matters of politics and military strategy. In fact, the subjects are not mutually exclusive - trade, politics and military strategy must all be discussed if we need to tip the scale in Mendev."

Lantern Lodge

The Samurai stands for a moment, lips pursed in thought as he gazes about the room. He sets his card down on the table.

"You now, Lady Cat, I imagine your haste was inspired by my rebuttal to the Rat before, which is understandable. You must admit, though, he is quite the speaker. Rather than join you on the podium, I shall challenge your play of the Count. In my sign of good faith, I shall also play The Lion Blade on the Merchant, rather than a winning play." He takes a drink from the Winter Fairy and takes a sip from it.

Scarab Sages

The Merchant's jaw drops at the Rat's play.

"Well, then, um...I...don't understand. Why would you trade with me when you have more feathers? I, um..."

Her forehead wrinkles and her eyes shut tight in a deep expression of thought. After a few minutes, something dawns on her. She mutters under her breath, in a stage whisper,

Aha! It is because you wish for me to be in your debt. Well, I know just what to do when I have the upper hand! To take the chance to steal the advantage, and play the Thief, like the Thief I am! But, no, the Samurai is on to me. He would seize victory from my grasp. AH! I cannot win this game. What could this mean, that the Samurai would keep watch, to prevent me from exploiting the generosity of the Rat. I feel that this means something, but what? Ah, my head hurts from trying to sort this out. Could it mean that Taldans are foolish? But then my head wouldn't hurt, because I already knew that. How could they have bested me? Me! A proud daughter of the most glorious Padishah empire. I am a disgrace to my ancestors...

In her confusion over the situation, the merchant gravitates toward the Rat. Distraught and misty-eyed, she extends her hand to him.

Mr. Rat, there is something I need, er, we need to talk, I, I um, I don't know, but, after coughing stops, you, me, dance?

The merchant would like to dance with the Kuthona Rat. Good game, everyone!

Scarab Sages

Figuring out what the merchant notices from the Kuthona Rat's coughing fit
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Sense motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27


dancing: 5d20 ⇒ (14, 12, 9, 1, 19) = 55

As the current song reaches its climax, the game has also reached its climactic stage. One player has moved to claim victory, while the one who proposed a coalition has, to the surprise of the Snow Princess, declined his chance to share in that victory.

The Merchant of Sands, also in disbelief of the Kuthona Rat's play, has decided to answer that surprise with a dance.

The Kuthona Rat, wishing to help the Merchant, as played the Witch, with the intention of swapping his feathers with hers.

The Masked Cat, pouncing on her chance at victory, has played the Count.

The Frost Witch, leaving herself out of the conflict, examines her card.

The Midnight Samurai, in a turnabout, has played the Lion Blade on the Merchant of Sands.

The outcome of the game is certain at this point. I will spare you the bout of anticipation...

The Midnight Samurai's challenge to the Masked Cat's play of the Count leads to a dramatic moment of anticipation. The Masked Cat's card is revealed, and she is in fact holding the Count.

The Masked Cat has acquired thirteen songbird feathers, and is the winner of the game.

In keeping with tradition, as the Winter Masquerade is not over, the other players' cards are not revealed. To answer the question of whether that cunning play you noted two turns ago was a bluff, or whether you were actually holding the card you thought, your only resource is the candidness of your friends this evening.

Instead, the cards are taken by servants, who deliver them to the Master of Games. She then silently returns the cards to a pocket in her white silk robe, politely curtseys to the players, turns to the hostess to curtsey again, then acquires herself a rather tall drink.

The night's dancing, of course, is far from over. At the Winter Drake's signal, a rather festive song begins to be played, an opportunity for guests of all levels of skill to enjoy the music and turn themselves about the floor.


"An excellent victory, Masked Cat," the hostess announces with approval, having excused herself from her dance partner.

She then walks past the former Carpenter and approaches the Midnight Samurai. She is handed a glass of wine which she tastes before she speaks to him.

"You were on the precipice of victory," she says in greeting. "A play of the Princess or the Thief would have placed you alongside the Cat, but you chose the figurative way of peace instead. And I am left puzzled regarding why."

"There is more to you than meets my gaze," she continues after another sip of wine, her posture indicating that she would rather dispense with the glass and dance. "I wonder what to call you after this evening."

Lantern Lodge

The Samurai gives a helpless shrug at the Snow Princess' question. "The Rat spoke true, and struck a chord - the greater glory in this game certainly stood in cooperation. It would have been a masterful display, the sort of round that would have been storied, particularly as an omen of what could come. I chose to stand against the Cat in order to see whether the game might be prolonged for Master Rat's vision..."

He drains the rest of the glass of wine in his hand. "However, the game is over now. All glory has gone where it need go for the evening, and the evening is yet young. Shall we?" He puts on a rakish smile and offers his arm to dance.

Brava, Mistress Cat!


The Snow Princess wrote:
"An excellent victory, Masked Cat," the hostess announces with approval, having excused herself from her dance partner.

"Thank you, Snow Princess." The Masked Cat then adds, with some humility, "As you correctly point out, there are several others who might have done just as well."

She then crosses the ballroom to speak with The Kuthona Rat, laying a hand on his shoulder to comfort him during one of his coughing fits. "Master Rat, you are truly a gentleman, and a man of integrity. That you would give up your own chance to win to help your competitor . . . well, not many people would have done that. Taldor should be proud to have heroes like you. I feel that, although I have won the game, it is your daring gambit of cooperation that will be long remembered from this night's festivities!"

She then speaks to the wider audience, "However, lest I be cast in role of the villain this evening, let me offer my own story of hope for our future endeavors. As some of you have already revealed your identity, behind the mask, let me share something about myself. I was not born into nobility, nor was I even born within the borders of Taldor. I am something of an outsider, here."

"In that, there is a lesson to be learned. If you hope to "win the game" in the Worldwound, teamwork and cooperation is desperately important, just as The Rat has so eloquently spoken. But cast your net of cooperation wide. Do not overlook any, however humble their beginnings, who might have the skills to swing the advantage in your favor. And, if I may offer one more piece of advice from the perspective of an outsider, do not overlook the talents of your Princess Eutropia. Do not overlook her as future leader just because you have never had a queen before."

Finally The Masked Cat returns to the side of the tiger-masked gentleman with whom she entered the party. She leans in and speaks to him quietly, "Was that too boldly spoken? I think I understand Taldans and then I find that I do not understand them at all . . ."

Scarab Sages

Seeing that the Rat is in no state to accept her hand, to dance, the merchant turns her conversation to the Rat's affliction.

"Are you all right? Might I...you, cure, for what ails? It would not be too overly expensive I assure you. Let's see, let's see..."

The merchant casts a spell.

DC 15 Spellcraft:
message

Though the merchant does not lean in close, a whisper appears in the Rat's ear:

DC 20 Perception:
"This is the one dressed as the merchant, using a message spell. I don't wish to cause you any distress, so if you would like some space, please, say the word and I will leave you in peace. To step out of my character for a moment, I am concerned for you. I would like to help you, if there is any way I can."

Perception on the Cat's comment to the tiger-masked gentleman: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Scarab Sages

The merchant takes care to turn her back toward the Cat, before whispering to herself, and into the Cat's ear.

DC 20 Perception:
"All Taldans are not the same. I am a staunch supporter of Eutropia. You may feel yourself an outsider, but your words ring true. We cannot make the mistake of assuming that the way to regain the glory that Taldor once held is to repeat the policies of the past. Stagnation is our worst enemy. We must recognize the strengths that we now possess, such as the brilliant and visionary mind of our Princess, and seize the chance to rise again as a champion among nations. "

Sovereign Court

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With a light clap, the Grand Prince smiles widely. "A mighty victory, Madam Cat, and a dashing show of nobility, Sir Rat. You are all, of course, correct to think that cooperation is good and quite necessary for victory.

"I will be sending diplomats across the inner sea to shore up deals for allies; glory ... and safety can be had by all. In fact, I will admit that I've already begun diplomatic efforts. Have I not, in the form of Pathfinder agency, sent you all across Avistan? Garund? As fine representatives of our mighty empire, I'm certain that you all have conducted yourselves admirably.

"But as for the future, you must double your efforts. We must find friends where once we found rivals. We must find strengths that we once ignored. We must be better Human beings, Elven beings, Feline and Rodent beings. We must sound the horn and bang the drum, so that troops fall under our banner, and march for us, but also we must yell the cries of war so that armies add their banners to ours. Taldor CANNOT take all the glory, if we are to win against the fiends of the Abyss."

Stavian steps to the Snow Princess, whispering. "Perhaps the rat could use the help of a physician?"

Sovereign Court

Theodric approaches the Masked Cat, "Well done Milady, and congratulations!" He adds with a skeptical whisper, "Is this the real Grand Prince???"

Silver Crusade

The Frost Witch dips into a graceful bow towards the Masked Cat.

"Well played, noble feline.". She says with a smile before moving back to her original spot against the wall to people-watch again.

Sovereign Court

The Kuthona Rat smiles appreciatively beneath his mask, but his eyes are still dull and dreary. He then responds to the Merchant by virtue of her spell.

DC 20 Perception:
"Your concern for my well-being gladdens me, but unfortunately there is little that can be done concerning my affliction. Time is short for this lucid state of mind, so the long story must wait for another day. In short though, there are some substances trafficked on the streets of the poor and desperate. Drugs and medicines of questionable benefit and origin with effects beyond the desirable."

He retrieves his hip flask from his side and holds it contemplatively.
Continued:
"There are even some, such as this one, that become as needed as food and drink and air after consumption. My medicine changes what reality I perceive into a surreal dream. I spend most times in that mind-state. Occasionally, when I realize I must be rational, I will put off the dose for an hour or so as I try to accomplish what I can before the addiction asserts itself too much. Thank you, Lady Merchant."

Tilting back the flask, the Kuthona Rat drinks a lengthy draught from it before sighing with relief. "I hope the Lady Rose above forgives me. For if anyone was overly competitive tonight, it was most assuredly I. Well played everyone, I had fun muchly," he says as his color noticeably improves.

As a psychology and literature double-major, I can say that this game was a truly exciting and enthralling exercise. Well played everyone, thank you for the absolutely riveting experience.


The Midnight Samurai wrote:
The Samurai gives a helpless shrug at the Snow Princess' question. "The Rat spoke true, and struck a chord - the greater glory in this game certainly stood in cooperation. It would have been a masterful display, the sort of round that would have been storied, particularly as an omen of what could come. I chose to stand against the Cat in order to see whether the game might be prolonged for Master Rat's vision..."

There is a faint glimmer of disappointment from behind the hostess's mask of ice and snow. She seems to be considering the Samurai as he explains his reasoning.

The Midnight Samurai wrote:
He drains the rest of the glass of wine in his hand. "However, the game is over now. All glory has gone where it need go for the evening, and the evening is yet young. Shall we?" He puts on a rakish smile and offers his arm to dance.

The gesture is obviously quite appreciated by the Snow Princess, as evidenced by her smile. She takes a moment to draw from her own glass and hand it to a passing masked servant before accepting the Samurai's arm.


Masked Cat wrote:
"...do not overlook the talents of your Princess Eutropia. Do not overlook her as future leader just because you have never had a queen before."

"Fortunately," the hostess responds. "I do not believe that the Princess is in any danger of being overlooked. If she is finest successor to the throne, she will express her desire and ability to rule in time. If a different solution to the problem of succession presents itself, it will also be carefully considered by Taldan society. At this time, I do not see any conflict, as there is only one path before us. Unless a finer ruler than the Princess is revealed, she is our only choice after all."

"Thus, as time passes, it is obviously in her best interest to present a public face and build our confidence in her. The less anxious we are over her ascension, the smoother the transition will be."


Grand Prince Stavian III wrote:
Stavian steps to the Snow Princess, whispering. "Perhaps the rat could use the help of a physician?"

"That would appear to be the case," the Snow Princess replies. "However, the difficulty lies in whether he wishes to be helped. If it were obvious, I would have sent for His Holiness hours ago."

Sovereign Court

I had forgotten that the Hostess is dancing at the moment, so perhaps Stavian asks after.


No worries. Time is very "slushy" here in this thread, so it might seem as if the Snow Princess is in multiple places at once. This applies to everyone; don't feel constrained by your PC's last post. Within reason, of course.


The Kuthona Rat wrote:
"I hope the Lady Rose above forgives me. For if anyone was overly competitive tonight, it was most assuredly I. Well played everyone, I had fun muchly," he says as his color noticeably improves.

The costumed servant notices a stray handkerchief and picks it up off the floor to return it. She takes on a look of disbelief when she notices the blood.

"Umm... sir? Are you all right? Do you need anything?" she asks the handkerchief's owner.

Lantern Lodge

The Samurai's style of dance is energetic and physical, but with a certain natural grace to it. The masked man seems untrained, but with an enthusiasm to make up for it.

As the dance ends, conversation is renewed. The Samurai makes a deep and formal bow to the hostess and Stavian before turning his attention to the Kuthona Rat. He gives the man a garrulous slap on the back.

"You made a convert of me tonight, Lord Rat. Your poise and speaking style are truly masterful - you speak in a manner that truly inspires. Tell me, should I need to dismiss my man Stewart, would you be amenable to delivering heraldry? Your gilded tongue and my exploits, there would be a winning combination."


As the Kuthona Rat considers the Midnight Samurai's proposal, the Snow Princess breaks the silence.

"That is a generous offer. I agree that, with a few adjustments, the two of you would make a lovely pair," she says to them.

"I have it now," she adds after a short pause. "Milord Samurai, I believe I shall call you..." she closes her fan and puts the tip to her chin, playfully drawing out anticipation. "Lord Valourous, I believe."

She then addresses the Kuthona Rat. "And for your willingness to throw yourself upon your sword in the name of your idealist plan for peace..." she tilts her head and squints behind her mask of ice and snow. "I will call you Baron de Fatale."

In Taldan society, reputation is as valuable as currency. A title of honor can lift a man from the sewers of Cassomir to the Westpark district of Oppara, while an aura of ridicule can follow a man permanently, sending him to his grave weeping. All who were his peers fondly remember Richard de Poira, the Clever Chevalier, while one would be hard-pressed to uncover the Marquis de Stumblebum's birth name.

The hostess has given two of her guests a name which can become either their most beneficial boon or their most terrible curse. It is up to the recipients to embrace or disown them as they craft their reputations.

The Snow Princess, as a sort of gift to her guests, has given the Midnight Samurai and the Kuthona Rat each a moniker. Treat them as roleplaying hooks for you to embrace or ignore as you wish, as this new nickname might follow your character throughout Taldan society, or it might not catch on over time. Either way, it's your choice as a player, so do what's most fun for your experience.

Lantern Lodge

The Samurai smiles widely and bows graciously. "My Lady of the Snow, I will do my best to ensure that this title become one of valor and honor, not a name of ridicule and mockery, for that would be poor treatment of such a token from a beautiful lady."

Yes, I am definitely adding that to his list of titles. He collects them and/or makes them up.


"I am glad that you are confident in your ability to bolster your own reputation," the hostess replies, taking on a playful smile. "Be careful, though. I may feel compelled to bestow a greater challenge upon you. Baron de Bluster, perhaps?"

The smiles continue as she turns to the Frost Witch and the Merchant of Sands. "For you," she says to the Witch. "The way you are standing, with the safety of the wall behind you... Lady Wallflower, I believe."

"And as for our humble merchant," she continues, her voice playfully dripping with sarcasm with the word 'humble.' "You have done such an excellent job with your caricature..." she considers her name for a moment. "Marquise de Melodrama."

Sovereign Court

"Careful Princess, you presume upon my duty, my birthright, giving away all of these titles. But then, you have been doing so quite amusingly." Stavian says with a wink and a smile. "Please continue, my lady, I anticipate greatly my next chuckle."


"My wit is at your service, my..." she replies, her curtsey adding to the effect. "My Presumptive Prince." Her face takes on a playful grin, in fitting with the gifts she has been bestowing upon her guests.

She then turns to the former Carpenter upon rising. "Your own name lends quite well to my gift to you, Theodric de LaMountebank."

"And for the lady of the hour," she approaches the Masked Cat. "Yours is actually the simplest-sounding. I will call you the Cleverest Cat."

Silver Crusade

The Frost Witch's lips twitch slightly at the title given to her, but she remains where she is.


"That is a title I will wear proudly . . . and try to live up to," The Masked Cat thanks the hostess.

"And regarding our earlier conversation, I would not make unbelievable boasts that I can influence the entire Qadiran Satrapy, but I am on good terms with several Qadiran agents within the Pathfinders. If a small few show that they can put aside their patriotic differences and work to oppose the demons, then perhaps more will follow that good example. Who can say whether the Decemvirate will grant your request for use of the Hao Jin Tapestry, but I will do what I can to help the cause."

I apologize that I have not been very active in this thread since the end of the game. That's partly that The Cat kind of said her piece and waited to see the reaction, and partly that I just got busy in real life.

Lantern Lodge

The Snow Princess wrote:

"I am glad that you are confident in your ability to bolster your own reputation," the hostess replies, taking on a playful smile. "Be careful, though. I may feel compelled to bestow a greater challenge upon you. Baron de Bluster, perhaps?"

The Samurai's mischievous grin returns. "Ah, but that title fits so poorly compared to your first. The honor and courage of the Midnight Samurai's true facade has never been in doubt, milady. I have no doubt that such a nickname would be sadly wasted compared to your first."

The Masked Cat wrote:
"And regarding our earlier conversation, I would not make unbelievable boasts that I can influence the entire Qadiran Satrapy, but I am on good terms with several Qadiran agents within the Pathfinders. If a small few show that they can put aside their patriotic differences and work to oppose the demons, then perhaps more will follow that good example. Who can say whether the Decemvirate will grant your request for use of the Hao Jin Tapestry, but I will do what I can to help the cause."

"We would do well to foster other relationships among our other Pathfinder colleagues and allies. I know a few of those sticky-fingered Varisian types who have been adequate companions, and the Andorans don't lack for heroics, even if they're a little idealistic."

Sovereign Court

"Snow Princess, ha ha ha! how did you know? that is the name they gave me when I tried to attend the Kith! I failed acting miserably, and was quite devastated in my youth, but it was a blessing in disguise as it led me to find my true calling."


The hostess adds a gentle laugh to the Midnight Samurai's point about Andoran ideals. "If that fire could be brought under control, and used for a cause rather than for personal gain, the demons would in great danger."

She finishes her drink and smiles to her gathered guests. "It makes me so happy to have all of you here. I have not had the opportunity to spend much time at the Grand Lodge in the months since the discovery of the Sky Citadel, and I feared that I was growing out of touch. I am glad that my fear was ungrounded. Though I might not be seen in the field, there may be another tale for the Chronicles from my hand soon enough."

The hour grows late, and though the Masquerade officially concludes the next morning, and a number of guests will likely stay until they stumble outside in a daze, it is about time to start wrapping up the thread. Conversations and dancing may continue, of course, but the thread is approaching its conclusion.

Sovereign Court

The Winter Drake continues to play, though as the hours draw on...it is clear that he is tiring. From time to time, he switches his tiny clawed fingered hands in playing. All the while he continues to observe the room to the best of his ability.

Dark Archive

Standing and stretching, the female twin crosses the room to her hostess. "Dear, its been a beautiful evening but we must be off. My brother sails for gods know where in the morning, and I have been dispatched on a diplomatic mission to the north. Your hospitality was surely the pride of Taldor."

Sighing, her male counterpart joins his sister and offers her his arm. "Sister. It is not wise to discuss Imperial business." Turning to regard the Lady of the house, he continues, "You have been a most gracious hostess, Snow Princess. We will remember the evening fondly. I regret that the demands of my station call us away." Disregarding the proffered arm, his sister makes for the door and the waiting carriage. The male Twin lingers a moment and adds in a whisper, "I apologize about the chair..." Then, he turns and strides after her into the night.


"The chair?" the hostess quietly asks herself, as masked servants help the Twins by Proxy with their winter coats. "Those doubly-damned Chelish. I certainly hope that a bit of magic will fix whatever has happened," she thinks to herself.

The lady then takes a moment to consider something. "Doubly-Damned... How fitting..."

"Farewell, my friends, the Doubly-Damned Duke and Duchess," she calls with a smile.

Lantern Lodge

The Samurai too approaches the Hostess. "Alas, milady, I fear that I too must retire. Who knows what exploits the Decemvirate will send me on next..." He removes his mask, revealing a pleasing face with a few marks of combat upon it. "Should you ever find yourself in the area of Nirmathas or Molthune, please call upon Fangwood Keep and ask for the Viscount Quimby DuCharn. I will be happy to repay the hospitality shown here a hundredfold." He gallantly goes to kiss the Snow Princess' hand. "Until we meet again."

As he rises and goes to leave, he can be heard muttering "Now where did that shiftless herald get to..."

Scarab Sages

The merchant smirks gleefully.

"The 'Marquise de Melodrama' you say? I heard it was simple to get raised to the nobility in Taldor, but I did not realize just how simple it was!

The merchant fiddles with her sleeves, and the slit purses and tacky Qadiran garb disappear, replaced by a white mask and a white and gold gown.

The smirk drops, leaving an appreciative smile in its place.

"While I would love to stay to mingle further, the hour grows late, and I fear that I have obligations tomorrow morning. This has been a lovely evening. Thank you, Snow Princess, for your hospitality. And to all of you who are still here, as well as those who have already left, thank you for the pleasure of your company. I hope that we meet again someday, with our true faces. Perhaps we know each other already, or perhaps we will meet again for the first time."

The former merchant curtsies to the Snow Princess.

"I thank you, also, gracious hostess, for granting me the allowance to bring such an odious caricature into such an elegant hall. I hope that I provided sufficient entertainment to make up for any offense that I caused to anyone's sensibilities."

She waits to give others time to reply, and once they have said their piece, she will turn and depart.

Silver Crusade

The Frost Witch seems to glide over to the Snow Princess, dipping in a graceful bow.

"Thank you for allowing me to come, my lady." With that, she departs as well.

Sovereign Court

Linda Zayas-Palmer wrote:

The merchant smirks gleefully.

"The 'Marquise de Melodrama' you say? I heard it was simple to get raised to the nobility in Taldor, but I did not realize just how simple it was!

The merchant fiddles with her sleeves, and the slit purses and tacky Qadiran garb disappear, replaced by a white mask and a white and gold gown.

The smirk drops, leaving an appreciative smile in its place.

"While I would love to stay to mingle further, the hour grows late, and I fear that I have obligations tomorrow morning. This has been a lovely evening. Thank you, Snow Princess, for your hospitality. And to all of you who are still here, as well as those who have already left, thank you for the pleasure of your company. I hope that we meet again someday, with our true faces. Perhaps we know each other already, or perhaps we will meet again for the first time."

The former merchant curtsies to the Snow Princess.

"I thank you, also, gracious hostess, for granting me the allowance to bring such an odious caricature into such an elegant hall. I hope that I provided sufficient entertainment to make up for any offense that I caused to anyone's sensibilities."

She waits to give others time to reply, and once they have said their piece, she will turn and depart.

"My lady, I hope, with all that happened, that you were never truly offended. You're part was well played, and I was honored to dance with the Merchant of the Sands. I bid you farewell, and hope that we might meet again under more honest circumstances, so I might know the brilliant and inspired woman who so well portrayed an amusing desert trader."

Stavian turns to the Snow Princess. Taking her hand to kiss it, should she offer.

"Your Highness, I say wholeheartedly that this was one of the finest parties I have attended in my life. My compliments to your staff. The music was a particular highlight." Stavian says giving a bow to the Winter Drake. "For now, the hour grows late, and I've a country to run, and so now is my bittersweet exit necessary. Come Argyle, back to the palace."

Stavian makes his exit.

Sovereign Court

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The Winter Drake bows to all whom address him and once the last guest has exited, motions to the orchestra. The two members at the very start of the evening slowly lower the wires holding him in place.

With what is clearly a pained step, he shrugs and the costume slowly comes apart. revealing, the Marquis Tarn Davric, he lays down on the ground and does a kippup... which results in the audible cracking of his back from the compression he experienced throughout the evening. He puts on his black hat with a long red feather and bows.

"It has been a pleasure to observe such people and to play through the mysteries of the evening. However i must remember to attend as something a tad bigger...ouch."


The Midnight Samurai wrote:
"Should you ever find yourself in the area of Nirmathas or Molthune, please call upon Fangwood Keep and ask for the Viscount Quimby DuCharn. I will be happy to repay the hospitality shown here a hundredfold." He gallantly goes to kiss the Snow Princess' hand. "Until we meet again."

"Fangwood Keep? That sounds lovely," the Snow Princess says before he kisses her hand. "I will warn you. My visit would likely be with short notice. It is a habit I am quickly developing," she says, along with a playful clicking-together of her heels of her shoes. "Farewell, Viscount."


Linda Zayas-Palmer wrote:
"I thank you, also, gracious hostess, for granting me the allowance to bring such an odious caricature into such an elegant hall. I hope that I provided sufficient entertainment to make up for any offense that I caused to anyone's sensibilities."

"Your portrayal of our desert-dwelling neighbors to the south was a highlight of the evening, in fact," the hostess replies. "The Satrapy of Qadira is a very real threat to the Empire, though it is one we have grown overly accustomed to. Taldor could use a threat to rally behind, and I thank you for reminding us of the intentions of many who masquerade as simple merchants," she explains, visibly grateful for her performance. "Farewell, Marquise."


Brynja the Frost Witch wrote:
"Thank you for allowing me to come, my lady." With that, she departs as well.

"Thank you dearly for coming, fellow lady of winter. Farewell."


Grand Prince Stavian III wrote:
"Your Highness, I say wholeheartedly that this was one of the finest parties I have attended in my life. My compliments to your staff. The music was a particular highlight."

"In your life?" she replies, smiling as he kisses her hand. "With such an accolade from a Grand Prince, I am confident for my future at court. Thank you so much for coming, my Prince."

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