2021.03.11 A Spear in the Deep 3

[{Category: Tabin]]

Recap

LAST TIME! ON PRIVATEER!

The Privateers successfully found the Invictus. Deciding to go the route of white flagging and parlaying, the Journeyman successfully parlayed with the commander of the Invictus, Goggen Ironfoot. Getting his story, you get more crucial information on the rebel commander's motives and actions. His wife, Ronnie, was slain while fishing by a 'dragon boat'. Maggy and Erin, hearing this, would recognize it as the Shadowfyre, Prince Yraltien ap Ailil of Hawaii's flagship. You also learned that Goggen did not simply revive the old warship and start beating Concordia's ships into Davy Jones' locker either. Instead, he petitioned the Governor of Hawaii, where Yraltien is based, for justice. However, for reasons unknown, the Governor waved off Goggen's pleas and case as lunacy in favor of the Forsworn - something that seems to have left a questionable taste in the mouths of the crew.

With Timand taking the Oath of Accepted Burden, it was decided that the crew must return to Hawaii to find justice for Ronnie's death. How they plan to do this is what we find out now, as the Journeyman hits the waves en route to Oahu - demense of the Governor of Hawaii and the best chance of seeking above-board justice will be had.

The Pacific Ocean

Scene

Timand seems very solumn on the ride back, not saying much to anyone, just standing at the bow of the ship and staring out at the seas. He has sworn an oath, an important one, and while it has given him a sense of purpose and duty, it also ways heavily on his brow. For those who know him, he seems even more stoic than normal.

---

Conn lets Timand sit with his oath for a while, present but on the other Troll's sense periphery. He may want someone to talk to who understands, he may not, but either way the elder Troll thinks it's probably better to be on hand and unwanted than wanted and not on hand. The cannons always need a bit of attention anyway and so he makes sure to take care of the downtime work while he has the time.

---

Erin gives Timand a little time but at some point she will go over to him and take his arm as she looks up at him and gives him a smile. She doesn't say anything, just stands by his side looking out with him till he is ready to speak if he is ever ready to do such.

---

Vika spends the trip sitting at the bow, eyes closed as she concentrates on putting a little more wind into the sails. And enjoying the view at least. Relaxed as she watches the waves clip alongside the boat and the horizon ahead.

---

Timand finally rouses himself from his navel gazing, turns and gives Erin a little nod of appreciation, then stands and turns to look back at everyone else. "Alright so..what th' hell are we gonna be doin' with this governor? This guy we gotta rub out, is he an actual prince, or is that jus' his name."

---

The moment Cicada hears that they will be attending Court with a capital 'C' something seems to snap in the Hsien. It is probably jarring how seriously she seems to take the occasion, compared to how not-so-seriously they seemed to regard everything else. She scurries down into the deck, dragging out a large trunk she'd squirreled away down in the hold that was just about too big for her to manage to drag above deck. Eventually she seems to give up and just come back out to have a look at everyone. With a pout on her lips she assesses the crew. Presumably from being at sea for awhile now, they weren't exactly looking court appropriate. "Mmm... If we go to Court looking like this we'll be a laughing stock... Akan~de." She snaps her fingers and shakes her head.

"Yagi-kun," she calls out to Wick. "I need your help. Ojisan!," Cicada clears her throat, "may I borrow Wick for... formal duties?" Whereas their Captain had made jokes about Cicada getting the crew ready for a 'fashion show' before that seemed exactly what she intended to do just now. "We need to be looking out best, not like we just were hauled up out of the harbor."

---

Tabin has a cup of rum in his hand. Because why not? He can have as much as he likes...or at least as much as Maggy leaves the rest of the crew. Tabin is rattling his Eshu brain as he hmmms, and hummmms, and haruuummss and then takes a drink of rum. As Timand is the first to speak, Tabin looks over at him and gives him an arched brow. "Yraltien? Pfft." He shakes his head. "Yraltien isn't the Governor. Menihiron ap Fiona, Royal Governor of Hawaii, is the big wig. Rules out of Oahu. Prince Yraltien has control over the Big Island, especially the city of Hilo. As for whether he is actually a Prince? Hard to say. Word on the wind is the Dreaming recognizes the title but no one knows what he is a Prince of." He explains. When Cicada asks the Captain to take Wick for Fashion Duty he nods. "I'll take the helm. I'll leave it to you then Bosen. But you best not be putting us in dresses or the like."

---

Erin looks over to Cicada as she starts speaking and then looks down at her clothing and scoffs "I look fine thank you" she crosses her arm.

---

Conn nods and starts peacebinding his sword with gilded steel cable. It's a gesture he's always found somewhat absurd and trite, given that half the fae he knows can call hefty magics down from the sky, but it is generally the Protocol. A token gesture which, among the fae, is a significant thing. Swords securely peacebound, he nods and puts them back on his belt. "Well Timand, you're the one with your neck on the line here, you got a plan of action?"

---

Timand looks from Cicada to Tabin as he listens to what the captain has to say. "Shit." Is what he comes back with in response to that. "Does th' contract mean I gotta kill th' prince, or can I capture 'im an bring him back ta Goggen. Would killin' a prince..ya know...hurt me long term?" He glances from Tabin to Conn, giving what might pass for a helpless shrug "Beats th' hell outta me, I'm gonna leave th' court shit ta ya."

---

Wick stands at the helm, keeping their course steady. But as Cicada calls for him, he blinks. He tilts his head and glances between them and Tabin. But as the captain offers to take the helm, he nods and heads over towards Cicada. He smiles. "Your entrances are always spectacular. You want me to help for this one?"

---

Erin leans back as she looks thoughtful "Well, we don't know much about this guy other than we have heard.. MAybe we can go to this court, listen and see what we are really getting too and then decide"

---

Tabin frowns. "Maybe. We don't know who was aboard the ship that day. Yraltien may not have anything to do with it. He's an Ailil. He very well may not have but still claim to have done it, if it suits him." He shrugs. "I mean...the fucker's an Ailil, but it could be a setup too. So we'll need to peg who was out to sea the day Ronnie got shot down and what ships were out of ports." If only there was a court position that could possibly know what everyone was doing without being seen.

---

Conn chuckles "I should do a side class on Noble Houses. They're one of the Unseelie Houses, sometimes a bit sketch, but you can take that with a pinch of salt given I'm a Noble from a different House and House politics are cut throat."

---

"If your people are supposed to wear 'dresses' to court, then you're going to have to wear dresses!" Cicada chirps back at Tabin before turning back to Wick. "Hai~. This will go better if we uh-- How do you say it. Dress for success... and at least get everyone cleaned up so nobody can tell anyone has been at sea for however many weeks." She reaches up to investigate Wick's dark locks that no doubt had a very 'beachy' look from being at the helm. "We want to look good. But not too good! High ranking people don't like it if you show off TOO much or look too much better than they do. Especially if you're a Commoner Good enough that they won't just throw us out and give Conn a hard time bringing us in there." She looks up at the sun. "Everyone should have time for a shower... if they're quick."

---

Tabin, also, provides a breakdown of what he knows through Eshu awesome talespinning.

Menehiron, to hear Tabin speak of him, is everyone's favorite Frat Boy. Dont be discouraged by the tales of Menehiron and his drinking parties. He's an Arcadian Sidhe through and through. But there is a certain...aloofness, when dealing with Menehiron. Some say it is the standard affair of Sidhe of being slightly out of touch with the land they rule, others say he just ignores happenings. Others, more darker whispers, say he provokes them. Sadly, there is no truth or evidence to any of these depictions. All that is known is that Menehiron seems to brighten when things are in order, and can appear near blind when situations arise.

Yraltien ap Ailil, is a different story. He's a Prince. He's an Ailil, he's an Arcadian Sidhe. His freehold is in Hilo, on the Big Island, and Unseelie are -everywhere- on the Big Island with Yraltien the center of the storm. Everything from nightly houseparties to orgies to darker rumors of getting people so drunk they are sent to the hospital are all standard affairs when talking about the Forsworn Prince. Forsworn? He's an Oathbreaker, though no one knows what he broke, or when he broke it, the Dreaming has deemed him Forsworn. However, he takes /pride/ in his besmirched entitlement. Which should tell you something about his character. He's slimy, five steps ahead of everyone else and makes other Sidhe look bad in the Pride department. He's almost legendarily self-absorbed.

---

Cicada seems to be happy when Tabin explains things.

---

Clover's still up there in the nest with Lark, and while she makes sure to keep an eye out for possible dangers, she also keeps an ear out for what's going on down on the deck. She smiles as the breeze blows on her face and through her hair, and she tilts her face down so she can look over those below. The talk of what shenanigans Yraltien gets up to with the parties and whatnot gets a brow arched and a curious grin.

---

Erin leans towards Timand and crosses her arms "DResses are fucking gross and I fucking hate them" she shakes her head "I have clean clothes and a nice shirt and I showered' she grumbles "No one likes a fucking swamp ass" she mutters a little to herself and then shuts up as she turns to listen to to Tabin as he speaks.

---

Wick bows his head allowing the diminutive (yet mighty) Cicada to examine his hair as they wish. Days navigating under the sun has drawn out subtle hints of bronze in his otherwise dark hair. He gives a small nod, smiling. "Mm. We'll all look presentable. But. Not too much."

The Satyr glances over as Tabin begins to explain. Hearing this... it slowly clicks in his head. A Sidhe court. Growing apprehensive, his gaze flits to Conn.

---

Vika comes from her spot at the front of the boat, dragging her fingers through her hair; the wind didn't do it any favors. She looks to Tabin as he talks, then her brow furrows faintly as she asks. "Why is he suffered to live? If someone is so underhanded and bad for the people as a whole why not take him out to sea and drown him like the rat he is?"

---

Timand lets out a little jet of air as Tabin relays the story, then after listening to Erin unload he lets out a small laugh. Giving her a pat on the shoulder, he rises from the deck and makes his way down to the galley, coming out with a bottle of rum. No glasses, he just starts to drink the bastard from the neck. Because why not. "Alright..so...maybe it wasn't th' prince who did th' killin, maybe it was onna his henchmen. If we can bag that feller that would satisfy th' contract, right?" He glance between the crew for confirmation. "So Conn, I'm gonna need ya to take th' lead on this court stuff."

---

Cicada lets go of Wick's sunkissed hair and looks over her shoulder while Tabin explains the political in's and outs of the persons of interest. She purses her lips when she hears about the parties and debauchery. "Hey how come you don't have any of that back in Prospect? I have noticed a distinct -lack- of orgies." She hums and taps her lower lip. "So they're party people... this should be easier then. Is it custom to come to Court bearing gifts in your lands?"

When Erin complains about dresses Cicada quirks a brow. "Betsuni kamahen de," she says taking out a compact, "but we could really bring out the colors of your... face." She indicates that Harlequin patterning Knockers tended to have. "--And fluff up those pigtails." With a side glance to Timand she hums. "Hmmm. That would probably be a good idea... for you to act as if you're part of Conn's retinue. At least just this once. Just... don't wander around looking lost. It makes some people uneasy and other people... hungry."

---

Conn shakes his head "If it comes out that I'm a member of House Scathach, which is quite likely, then you will be at a disadvantage; we can try my presenting myself as a member of the Red Branch Knights, which is true. As to avenging the murder of Goggen's wife? I think you're likely to just know when the Oath is fulfilled, we can give it a go."

---

"Sounds like it!" Clover calls down to Timand. "Whoever is responsible for her death. Eye for an eye," she growls, grinning a bit as she looks back to the ocean and gazes out over the glistening water. She props an elbow on the nest and rests her chin on her palm, and she sighs happily for a moment. She's watching the water again, then gives a little meep and look around. Musta been a bug. She goes back to watching for the island!

---

Erin looks at Timand then nods "If we find out who it was that killed her and deal with that person that should do it" she eyes Cicada and slowly hides behind Timand using him as some kind of shield as she looks at her "Touch me with that and i'll put you in the water" she warns as she grumbles.

---

Vika just looks from person to person, then shrugs and goes to start putting her armor on, since that'll take her a minute or two anyways. Bow and quiver too.

---

Wick has gotten quiet, head still bowed a bit. Though he glances up at Clover with a soft smile at the fierceness of her growled words. But he frons a bit as Erin threatenes Cicada. Not that putting Cicada in the water will do much to the water fae.

---

Cicada tries to spruce up the Privateers!	Cicada rolls Wits + Style vs 5 for 1 successes.	WP

---

Conn almost ruffles Wick's hair affectionately but gives second thought to mussing up the small Satyr's hair and instead opts for a kiss to the brow. "You'll be fine, love, Court isn't so scary. Just remember to bow at the appropriate times and you can always just pick up a lute or dance."

---

Timand glances back towards Cicada and mutters "Then ya don't know the right people." He gives a little shake of his head, then focuses again. "What if i think goin' drinkin' with th' prince an his gang is a good idea, try ta get one of 'em ta spill the beans an' confess, then I knife 'em right then an' there." He gives a mmmm to that, as if considering the options. "That might work, right?" When Conn speaks he nods, then says "Well, i mean ya know th' courtly etiquette stuff a lot better than I do. I've been paying attention ta class an' all, but still."

---

Erin stays behind Timand then hmms "That would be bad, you don't want to do it at court then you would be in the bad actually.." she shrugs "I think if we find out who it is that did it in the ocean would be better" she nodsnods.

---

Conn nods "You must have some experience with Court in your handful of past lives, right? Can you rely on that to help plug the gaps, in case my House membership works against us?"

---

Vika turns and clears her throat, trying again. "Is there any reason why we shouldn't just end this fellow regardless? It sounds as though he's a bane to his own people."

---

Tabin arches a brow at Vika. "Apart from the fact that everything is rumor?" He shrugs. "No one has evidence. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to tell that the guy emits slime like a football jock fosters sweat. But nothing sticks. It's how nobles get away with everything. Can't prove it, and since you can't prove it you have to let them go." He grumbles. The topic a sour spot in the Eshu, for more reasons than just Hawaii. "Though if people want to gak the Prince I ain't gonna stop them." Cuz that sounds like quite the epic Side Job if you ask the ST.

"Alright. If that is all then let's get prepared for Court. We're heading for Oahu, so everyone put on your game faces."

---

Wick peeks up at Conn with a soft smile and murmurs a quiet appreciation. And then glancing from Conn to the others, he nods. "I can offer music to the court if it would help. If it... I guess... might help increase our favor. I'll dig out my guitar."

---

Conn nods "Then there's the fact that it would make us criminals, and that violations of the Right to Life are generally taken very very seriously and 'we did it in a different time zone' isn't a good defense."

---

While leaning up against the nest, Clover calls down, 'The Escheat, right? Can't go killing our own just for funsies. Even if the person is a total douche!" She grins at that, then turns and leans against the railing, glancing down to everyone again.

---

Cicada grins and shows her sharky teeth to Erin. "Oh no! Not the water!" Her grin fades when Vika speaks up, nose wrinkling. "Jibun aho yarou? You can't just kill someone with that much status and not have there be cosequences. Also... what the others said. Their laws, omae!" She blinks, suddenly feeling a since of de ja vu, but shrugs it off... Cicada then proceeds to help everyone get ready with Wick's help. Everyone that would allow her to anyway. From out of the trunk Cicada produces an old fashioned but remarkably well kept skipper hat to place on Tabin's head, tilting it to one side. Her own appearance was something intensely out of the Edo period, leaning more towards male fashion, but still crowned with her favorite pair of shades in leiu of a hair arrangement. When all the arrangements were made she'd head over to Conn and attempt to place some kind of echantment on him, stuffing what looks like paper talismans inside his coat if he didn't just yeet her off the boat for 'helping'. She'd then spend the rest of the trip debating if she should blacken her teeth for her appearance at Court or not.

---

Vika listens to all imput, curious as it was a legitimate question. Though she does shake her head a little at something, the Mer goes with what the land dwellers say. She finishes buckling her armor into place, settles the quiver into place then the bow overtop. Looking to Cicada. "A parasite is a parasite. If he causes more woes than his worth then you would think someone would deal with the matter. But that is my perspective, that is all."

---

Erin goes to change and actually she doesn't look that bad when she tries to dress up and adjust her clothing and yes she has gloves as she gets ready to follow the group. She pats her cat to keep him in the ship to keep it guarded. She looks towards the others then looks to Vika at something she says.

Oahu, Hawaii

The Privateers arrive at the island of Oahu and attend the freehold of Count Menehiron ap Fiona, Royal Governor of Hawaii.

Setting

Time...inevitably passes.

The Journeyman once more docks at Oahu, and the portmaster, eager for even MORE dross, accepts the payment from Tabin for the docking fare as everyone either follows Cicada's advice toward getting dressed, or sticking to their guns. After that, it is following the Captain-leader into the mean streets of Oahu, meaning your hailing a bunch of taxis and ubers.

It is a hike to the Freehold up into the hills overlooking the island. The governor's mansion is located in the high hills overlooking Oahu. To mortal eyes, it looks to be an old warehouse for the old sugarcane industry. Now? It is derelect. To fae eyes however none can compare the beauty of the tropical beauty of the Governor's mansion. made of fresh stone and marble with a roof that is made entirely of leaves. The Freehold is accessed through a rusty door on the warehouse grounds, flanked by two trolls and a Boggan who is furiously recording all arrivals for the Court's records.

There is little to see of the Governor's manse, as you are directed by Kinain attendants to the gardens, located in the center of the manse's property. Here it would look like someone took a chunk of wild Hawaiian forest and dumped it squarely in the center of someone's house. Coconut trees and fresh flowers bloom in carefully tended arrangements with stone benches flanking cobblestone walkways. At the center of this slice of tropicana is where Menehiron ap Fiona holds court.

Backed by a legitimate waterfall that feeds into a goldfish reservoir is a tree whose stump has somehow naturally molded itself into a chair. Seating seems to be preordained by prestation. Plush lounge seats are nearest the tree-throne, obviously held by the nobles. Stone benches with velvet cushioned tops for everyone else focus on the throne in a half circle further out. Lastly are what look more or less to be lawn chairs, are behind the benches. The commons.

Courtly Sequence

This Court will follow a sequence of events, wherein each character may perform an action within that sequence. Actions done must be plausible for the sequence, as Sovereign 1 - Protocol is in effect. Breaking sequence requires a Willpower roll vs 8. Acts of violence (but not the threat of it) also requires a willpower roll vs 8 to override Protocol. The following sequences are...

BEFORE COURT BEGINS: This takes place before the arrival of the Governor, and is oftentimes overseen by the Household's Chancellor/Chamberlain.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Governor arrives and gives opening announcements pertinent to all courtiers.

CLOSED COURT - NOBLES: Issues of the Nobility will be heard by the Governor. This takes place in a chamber beyond the audience hall. Commoners during this time are overseen by the Court's Reeve who usually takes a tally of what to present to the Governor later.

RECESS: The Governor breaks Court for 30 minutes. Refreshments are served by rank.

FOREIGN RELATIONS: The Governor will hear the issues of foreign nationals, visitors to the Court and attendees otherwise not beholden to Hawaii.

OPEN COURT - COMMONERS: The Governor will hear issues of the Commons. 
 
CLOSING REMARKS: The Governor issues any last minute proclamations.

Scene

Sequence 1 - Before Court Begins

The Court is already riddled with guests and attendees, all congregated around their various areas of interest. Like most courts, Nobles tend to stick to their own and Commoners tend to stick to their own. Tabin, being the one who knows the names and faces, informs the crew of the general runamaloo of who is present.

Dame Nahome ap Fiona - The open lover to Menehiron, Nahome is a member of his Household and serves as his Chancellor. She is a bombshell of a beauty with cream skin, lustrious dark hair and sparkling eyes. She has a gait that can only be described as 'head cheerleader', with her upturned chin and Better-than-you posture.

Baron Lenidd ap Eilunid - The only baron of the Royal Governorship, Lenidd is the Eilunidd Baron of the island of Maui, the second largest island in Hawaii. He has some qualities one might see in Yraltien as looking at him makes you feel like he knows more than you suspect he does, knows less than what you are thinking he doesn't, and just seems to be bored because he knows everything already. He is an Autumn Sidhe, and therefore does not have the detachment his fellow Arcadians do. That said, he holds himself to the standards of his fellows...or at least he seems to try to.

Prince Yraltien ap Ailil - The Foresworn Prince is a picture of stunning beauty. Porcelin skin that does nothing but compliment solid black hair pulled in a ponytail. He is dressed per his station, all regal finery of silks and velvets of blacks and silver making him deceptively similar to Lenidd, who is neither Ailil or Unseelie.

Lord Devlin ap Fiona - Lord Devlin is not someone you really want tied to your name. Devlin used to be a member of the House of Commons and an ardent member of the Seelie faction within Parliament. That is of course until it was discovered that he was both not Seelie and not a member of the faction - instead feeding information to the Unseelie faction. The political scandal burned him and left him politically isolated until Yraltien came to the rescue, adopting him as a member of his household.

Dame Awais ap Fiona - Baron Lenidd's second-hand. Far more sociable than her leige, she is the rumored face to the Baronial hold of Maui. She carries the skin tone of Polynesia, even in her fae mein with cream skin and dark hair with brown highlights and sparkling blue eyes that remind one of the sea. She too is an Autumn Sidhe, much like her leige.

THE COMMONS:

Roger Almsley The Boggan with the epic Mutton Chops returns! He is with a cohort of Boggans, whispering among themselves in the corner. Roger was the one who hired you for your last run.

Nualla The proprietress of Fairytales is in attendance with her Troll bouncer/friend/bodyguard Gavill. She speaks to the other commoners in attendance and seems to be a center of activity.

Simion A monkey pooka who keeps eyeing Dame Awais from beyond where he is in the gaggled group around Nualla.

Jude - A Slaugh who talks to no one, she is the epitome of goth beauty, /especially/ for a slaugh. Velvet mask around her eyes and a rich, black victorian dress with velvet gloves to her elbows. Don't mind the stains, the oblong body and the weird distortions Slugh give to 'hourglass figure' and you would think she was beautiful.

You are announced upon arrival and everyone takes a moment to give the crew a once over. Nualla smiles and waves at you. Yraltien narrows his eyes and whispers to his fellows. Roger Almsley seems surprised, but not compromised, and Baron Lenidd seems to have already known you were arriving as he merely nods, without looking at you, at your arrival.

---

Cicada enhances manipulation!	Cicada rolls Shui Tan + Manipulation + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 vs 6 for 12 successes.

Conn and Cicada get +3 Manipulation for 2 hours.

---

Conn profers a formal bow, proper and polished though seldom used in Prospect, and waits for a count of three before standing and taking stock of the Court, to determine to appropriate place for his party to locate themselves. He nods and smiles and waves at all who greet him, doing his utmost to put his best foot forward on behalf of the crew.

---

Wick's horns glint and shine from their polishing. And with a shower and fresh set of travelling clothes - he has cleaned up as best as he can. He carries that magnificent guitar slung over one shoulder, marking him as a musician. He keeps quite close at Conn's side, or following just in his wake. He only just manages to keep his head lifted and chin up. His gaze flits from commoner to noble. But as he catches the Foresworn Prince, he stills and can't help but stare.

---

Upon arriving and following others into that lush area of the manse, Clover is wide-eyed and smiling brightly, drinking in the sighs and cooing a whispered, "Wow.. Talk about a beautiful home.. Geez.." She blinks a few times as she looks about, and she hushes up once she sees those who are already inside. Of course, Clover is on her best court manners, smiling to whoever she should and bowing when necessary. She spies Nualla and sends her a happy smile and lift of her brows, but then it's back to following along and finding a place to sit.

---

Timand has cleaned up as well, wearing decently respectable clothing that is clean and not at all smelling like the forest. Hair is washed, combed and braided properly, same with the beard. He keeps his mouth shut, following behind Conn, and he casts his gaze through the room. He lets out a little stifled sigh, but otherwise shows no emotions.

---

Erin stays somewhat to the back as she stays specially behind Timand as she looks around at all the people gathered. Those Nobles do get a bow of her head apperently she knows her manners so that's good things for sure. She scans the people as she seems to be looking for someone or more than one person.

---

Vika follows towards the rear, and in court or not, has the air of being on guard duty. She doesn't tend to focus on any one person for very long, instead paying attention to the layout of the room, where the court guards are and the like.

---

Cicada was careful to keenly observe the goings on of the Western Changelings. She follows Conn in and bows, though more in the rigid formal style accustomed to the Japanese than some of the sweeping gestures the locals are likely to perform. She's quick to veil her white and blue kabuki painted face behind a fan as soon as she is free among the hall. In her Samurai-Age finery she passes by Roger, tilting her fan so only the Boggan could see her smile. She looms near Wick and whispers something to the Satyr behind her fan.

---

Wick turns quite pink at whatever Cicada whispers and draws in closer at Conn's side. But gazing off after her, he catches his lower lip. The Satyr wants to contribute something. To be useful. And so gathering his courage, he drifts further into the heart of the room. With a deep bow, with courtly accents, he slips his guitar from his shoulder and begins to pefrom. He doesn't sing - not wanting to interrupt the conversations. It is merely an offering of an entrancing little melody - hoping to win favor on behalf of his crew. To disract some and lower the guards of others.

---

CREW MEMBER ACTIONS - SEQUENCE 1
Cicada seduces Prince Yraltien!	Cicada rolls Manipulation + 3 + Remembrance vs 6 for 0 successes.
Conn observes power relations in the room!	Conn rolls Wits + Etiquette vs 6 for 5 successes.
Clover eavesdrops on the Commoners!	Clover rolls Perception + Stealth vs 6 for 2 successes.
Erin eavesdrops on the Nobles!	Erin rolls Perception + Stealth vs 4 for 4 successes.
Timand speaks to the Commoners!	Timand rolls Intelligence + Remembrance vs 6 for 1 successes.
Vika eavesdrops on Prince Yraltien!	Vika rolls Perception + Stealth vs 6 for 2 successes.
Wick plays music to help unwind the crowd to the benefit of the crew!	Wick rolls Dexterity + Performance vs 2 for 6 successes.

CONN: The weakest link is Nahome. Without Menehiron, Nahome seems to have little pull amongst the nobility, even as Chancellor. Instead the nobility seem to be polarized between the Baron and Prince Yraltien. You can tell by how they speak to each other and how Nahome, when she tries to get a word in, clearly yields to the Baron and you can tell the Baron supports the Chancellor, so the Baron is not one who embellishes his gathrered influence The Commoners, Nualla is definately center stage. She has the most contacts with everyone and even Jude talks to her. Simion seems to talk about Dame Awais at any opportunity. Roger seems a fish out of water, having little care for the affairs at Court and is here for his own reasons.

TIMAND: You talk up the Commoners! Nualla greets you and invites you over and is eager to hear whether or not you found the Invictus, which makes ALL the Comoners turn to you. Fishing for details about the Night in Question, you are directed to Jude. Why? Because don't tell anyone, but Jude has a lot of friends in the port authority. She could tell you if anything funky happened that day, and she has a GREAT memory. You just may have to hear one of her poems though...and ... ew.

CLOVER: Eavesdropping on Commoners is easy. They are loud, boisterous and generally a merry bunch. They are currently talking about the Invictus with Timand, and you overhear someone saying that the Shadowfyre was not in port the Night in Question. Didn't the Baron have to go off-island that day too?

VIKA: Prince Yraltien is whispering about the recent arrivals of the Journeyman. He saw the ship earlier but has no idea who you are and contemplate how much you threaten the 'design.' He is preparing to gather intelligence on you.

ERIN: The nobles are currently discussing the proclamation brought by the Queen's Parliamentary Representative, Roger Almsley. Menehiron seems anxious for some reason to get the affair over quickly. Everyone is surprised Prince Yraltien is in attendance, as the Prince doesn't often show up with retinue to Menehiron's court, instead holding his own court in Hilo. They suspect it has to do with Roger's attendance, perhaps the Forsworn Prince knows Roger outside of courtly elements.

CICADA: Attending Prince Yraltien he greets you with all the merit royalty should. He learns your name, the general runamaloo. When you put the pressure on Yraltien seems delightfully enchanted, you dance seductions but it is clear that Yraltien is just toying with you, and you detach from the conversation politely before you get too burned.

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SCENE PAUSED