Unti Family/Aldo/Stories/Hopidrii Party

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Roleplay from Fallan
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Fallan looked at himself in the mirror. Earlier in the day he had been on the battlefield, fighting undead, and now, he was looking all clean and respectable...the picture of nobility.

The details had been checked, rechecked, double rechecked, and checked once more. All was ready. The food, the entertainment, the drink (OOOhhh the drink)

Now all that was needed...were the guests.

Fallan, Senator of Hopdrii, host of this fabulous party....descended to greet them as they were to arrive.

{OOC: Okay people, party on. All are welcome, you don't have to actually move to Hopdrii, just claim you have...this is a "One night" party, but the night will last as long as people want to drag it out (Days, weeks what have you)

I look forward to what might occur)
Fallan (Senator of Hopidrii)


Roleplay from Raphael
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Raphael, adorned in the Classic white and black robes of the Old Gods priesthood walks in to the great hall of Hopidrii. He pauses a moment to take in the pure grandeur of gigantic building, all festooned and glittering with decorations. A band began warming up in the corner; soft notes began to float across the antechamber. Raphael noticed Lord Fallan overseeing the maître d' and the placement of the grand banquet. Hitching up his robes he made his way over to Lord Fallan.
Raphael (Imperial Knight)


Roleplay from Fey Twix
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Fey peels a layer of bandaging gingerly back from her left hand, balancing carefully astride Diega, her battlemare. Her breath hisses out between her teeth as she hits a particularly tender spot.

Another mare comes up beside her, its rider watching compassionately. “Want a hand?”

Fey grins at the unintentional pun. ”If you’ve got another I can have instead of trying to dig mine out of all this cloth...”

“Ha! No, but I can help you find yours.”

“Alright, I’d be glad of the help. It’s going to be not a little awkward trying to be charming at Fallan’s soiree while waving about a big ball of cloth, not to mention impossible to get into a dress! Call a halt, we’re almost there. We’ll give the ladies a chance to likewise deal with their bandaging, those who have, and others fix their hair… we’ll have a chance to dress up once we reach Hopidrii Manor.”

“As you wish. Pfewf!! Smell that? They’ve certainly had some undead here...”
Fey Twix (Praetor of Melhed, Senator of Bil Havil)


Roleplay from Fey Twix
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Fey and the Wind of the Gods pause at the grand entrance to the Hopidrii manor, taking in its unique splendor. Despite bearing marks of recent undead activity, the grounds were beautiful, and the building itself was proud and welcoming.

"Well, shall we?" the group of ten lady warriors move as one to the stables, leaving their mounts in the capable hands there, and turn to the main doors. "Here we go..."

The door knocker resounds loudly, and within moments the impressive door is swung wide to reveal a warm and welcoming foyer, with a warm and welcoming Fallan standing close by.

"Come in, come in! Make yourselves at home!" He takes the hand of each lady one at a time, beginning with Fey, and kisses each in a gentlemanly gesture of welcome, causing not a few of the ladies to blush. Not everyone expected has yet arrived, we're waiting on a few more guests... do you need rooms to ready yourselves? I've some prepared..."

The warrioresses consider their states of affairs... damp from the travels, smelling of horse, most wearing patched an repaired travel gear, a few even leather armor. "I think that would be most appreciated, Fallan," Fey speaks for her ladies. "A few of my ladies have more formal attire they've brought as well, have you a chambermaid or two we could enlist to properly unpack them?"

"Of course, of course! Every detail has been looked after. Here, follow the pageboy, he'll lead you to a set of rooms upstairs. Giles, the Violet rooms if you please. I'll send some of my best up to aid you in moments, and perhaps some refreshments as well..?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Splendid! See you ladies once you've freshened up, just follow the music to the main hall!"
Fey Twix (Praetor of Melhed, Senator of Bil Havil)


Roleplay from Nawat Crowe
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Nawat woke up early, without realizing why. He sat on his bed for a few moments, thinking. Then he saw his garments neatly laid out on the table at the foot of his bed, and realized that the ball was tonight. Quickly he changed into travelling clothes that he could quickly change from into his new tailored outfit. He roused his men, quickly ordering them to do the same, and they mounted their horses and rode off towards Hopidrii.
Nawat Crowe (Knight of Rafferty)


Roleplay from Tan
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As the sun slipped below the sea, Tan and his brother Omel guided their mounts to a small inn near the ducal mansion of Hopidrii. Heading inside, they quickly obtained directions to Fallan's mansion and headed off in that direction.

The mansion was perched on a set of bluffs, a high spot overlooking the sea. Torchlights ringed the perimeter of the estate, casting eerie shadows over Fallan's infamous rock garden. The horses gingerly picked their way through, eventually bringing the Fulgor brothers to the mansion.

Entering the massive building, both brothers handed over their thick northern coats to waiting servants. Tan was clad in a dark military dress uniform, though he foregoes the usual rows of medals so common among the upper military echelons in favour of a single medal featuring Lin Helon's crest, a radiant sun partially obscured by the profile of Mount Ilythran and a crashing wave. Omel was in even simpler garb; collared blue tunic and pants, a round metal symbol with four points at the diagonals over his breast. Tan knew from experience that the getup was that of an acolyte of the Ibladeshian religion, from the East continent.

I don't know why he still clings to his beliefs like that and even goes out of his way to showcase it, he thought to himself, and then mentally shrugged. I think I've learned to life with him, as long as he doesn't overthrow the government and installs a theocracy.

Leaving his thoughts, Tan scanned the crowd of local nobles and ladies, seeing if he could spot one of his fellow troop leaders.
Tan (Imperator of Melhed)


Roleplay from Fey Twix
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The Violet Rooms, as Fallan had called it, was more a sprawling apartment than a simple series of rooms. It was beautifully decorated and had lodgings for Fey and as many ladies as she'd had at the peak recruitment of her cavalry. All the fabrics were coordinated shades of purples and mauves, contrasting with pure white plaster, polished wood and dark stone.

Fey sat on the chaise in front of her main room's fireplace, mending her gown for the evening. The deep green, taffeta dress had apparently not been meant to go on long trips horseback, and several of the main seams had worn through. She let out a long sigh.

"Fey? Are you in here?" Anna appeared through a carved entrance, dressed in a marvelous yellow gown, silky and down to the floor. "Oh no, what's happened to your dress?"

"It didn't take well to travel, I'm afraid... No worries, it will take me at most a half mark to fix, and then I'll be at the party with you all."

"Oh, dear. Well, if you're certain..."

"Yes, Anna, don't worry about me! Go find some handsome, clean young knights to flirt with, and I'll be there before long." Anna smiled uncertainly, then at Fey's encouraging smile and wave, she grinned back and turned about to return to the main hall.

"Go figure the new Grand Judge's first night in proper public, and she's late in her entrance and repairing a gown no less. ~sigh~" Fey mumbles to herself, and bends over her work.
Fey Twix (Praetor of Melhed, Senator of Bil Havil)


Roleplay from Aldo Unti
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A knock at the door interrupts Fey before she can get much farther than the fourth stitch. Looking up both puzzled and slightly annoyed the Praetor calls for the person to enter and waits as the unknown servant bustles in.

“Sorry to disturb my lady but I was told you were in need….”

Holding up a relatively simple blue silk dress the silvery stitches catch the light and make it seem the fabric was dancing.

Laying the dress down carefully, and then bowing, the servant leaves Fey with the strange gown.
Aldo Unti (Consul of Melhed)


Roleplay from Fey Twix
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Fey sets her torn green dress down slowly, staring at the closed door through which the strange servant had come. She looks about the room, then over at the dress, glittering in the candlelight. It seems to call her, and she arises from her chaise, walking with easy grace to the blue enigma.

She picks it up, the silky material flowing like water between her fingers. "Where did you come from, little lady?" she asks the dress, quietly to herself. She admires the clever stitching, the sparkling detail of silver embroidery twirling across the garment. Thinking of her tattered gown, Fey smiles and shrugs. "I guess if fortune smiles, why not smile back?"

A short time later, clothed in the strangely perfectly-fitted blue and silver gown, the Lady Fey makes her way out of the Violet Suite. She strides down the halls toward the music, so graceful in her steps as to be almost floating, the dress helping the illusion. ~Now, to find out who sent me this marvelous gift!...~
Fey Twix (Praetor of Melhed, Senator of Bil Havil)


Roleplay from Bob Baceolus
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As Bob is relaxing one day someone brings him a reminder.

"Excuse me sir, but don't you think you should start heading out if you plan to make the party in time?"

"Party? Where are these monsters that we are to host a slaughter party for?"

"No, no, no, not one of those parties. I'm talking about the one in Hopidrii hosted by Lord Fallan."

"Oh that party, I think I will just pass on it this time since it is on the other side of the realm."

"But what about the generals orders to attend?"

Bob sighs, "I remember those orders, who does this Tan think he is ordering people to go to parties. I think he may just be looking for a reason to show off to the other nobles. I should have ordered him to go jump off a cliff or investigate Zettermain when I was general, add that to the list of things to do if I ever become general again."

After a long and uneventful trip towards Hopidrii Bob grumbles something about there never being a horde of monsters when you really need a distraction to get delayed.

"Remember that we are here to watch for any signs of treason from Fallan and to determine if he is still working with this Nighthelm in damaging or invading Melhed."

A sign on the side of the road states "Welcome to Fallatopia" and Bob doesn't hesitate to make a detour to kick it down before returning to his cart of "gifts" and "decorations" for the host and his manor to continue the trip.
Bob Baceolus (Duke of Lin Helon)


Roleplay from Fey Twix
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Fey glides down the grand staircase, smiling happily at the turnout. Her own ladies were splashes of colour about the room, chatting with some of Fallan's troops and militiamen. She spots Raphael over to one’s side, distinct in his sharp black and white robes, and heads over to greet him.

"Raphael, right? I don't think we've ever really spoken in person..." she offers her lance-calloused hand in greeting. Rather than shaking it as Fey was more used to, the priest took her hand in his own and made a short, formal bow over it. She coloured a bit and smiled.

"Pleased to finally meet you, Lady Fey. You and your lady cavalry are making quite the waves here, despite the short time you've been here."

"Yes... actually, I'm quite surprised at the attention that is given us. Back home, in the Colonies, there were several units of our sort, though mostly longbow units."

"Really! That's interesting. Were they religiously based? I'd heard of that sort of thing happening in some tropical regions..."

"Oh, no! Definitely not! In Colonies, well at least in my home realm, there was little or no mention of religion. It's a quiet sort of thing, for piety in the home, far as I know."

"Interesting. Oh! Here comes the food. I beg your pardon, Lady, Fallan told me of this course, and I simply have to try, I've been waiting on it all night!"

"No problem, no problem. Do enjoy, I'm going to mingle a little more."

"Thank you. Oh, beautiful gown, by the way."

"Thanks..." Her voice drifts off as Raphael heads purposefully to the hors d'oeuvre tables. Who had sent the dress? Her gaze drifted across the groupings of people, until she spotted Aldo. Remembering she'd had some notes to make on the Laws proposition, she began walking in the direction of the Prime Minister.
Fey Twix (Praetor of Melhed, Senator of Bil Havil)


Roleplay from Bob Baceolus
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Bob finally nears the manor after a long journey.

"Ok stop here, time to get out the decorations."

Bob gets to work unpacking his load of skeletons, undead, monsters and other hideous things left over from the recent battles and begins placing them around the yard and near the manor creating a most frightening scene.

Such a scene, a common sign on the battlefields to most nobles of Melhed is sure to frighten away most nobles or armies from Nighthelm, should they come.

"Time to send the host my gift to him and then off to join the party."

Bob attaches a note to the last skeleton saying "A gift to host Fallan".

"Now you two stay out of sight with the skeleton in the catapult. After I've been in there for a little while fire the catapult and send the skeleton crashing through the roof of the manor."

With that out of the way Bob heads off, knocks on the door and joins the party already in progress.
Bob Baceolus (Duke of Lin Helon)


Roleplay from Veber
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As the party at Hopidrii Manner continued, a conspicuously dressed messenger approached Raphael as the priest was browsing for hors d'oeuvres.

"A messa... Erm... Large stack of papers from Veber, Padre. He should make a showing himself a bit later on, but he wanted you to have these as soon as possible for some reason."

Handing the papers to Raphael, the messenger made his exit.
Veber (Archivist of the Factorium)


Roleplay from Nawat Crowe
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Nawat arrived at the manor, seeing the skeletons everywhere. He laughed, it was quite an interesting sight. He thought to himself as he entered the manor. Perhaps I will like this place. They are good people here, and good warriors. The politicians could use some battle, but they seem decent. But before I make changes... He laughed again, thinking of high nobles paying full attention to him. I must prove myself. He reached the last step and walked into the manor. He drifted over to the food for a light snack, but in such a way has to observe all of the grand room, and what was beyond it.
Nawat Crowe (Knight of Rafferty)


Roleplay from Raphael
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Raphael watched the messenger make his swift exit. Quickly looking around the rapidly filling hall, he made his way to a dark corner to read in silence. Hastily scanning the papers, Raphael began to lose his appetite. “Oh Gods, for once just bring me some happy news! Instead of this…this…I don’t even know what to call this!” he irritably whispered to himself. With a sigh of resignation he began to drift back to the party. All the while forming the report he was going to have to give to the council…and eventually all of Melhed.
Raphael (Imperial Knight)


Roleplay from Raphael
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As Raphael put the report out of his mind for the time being, he began to think of all the Nobles of Melhed all gathered in one place at the same time… he began to mentally prepare a speech on the truth and power of the Old Gods… Realizing what he was doing, he quickly ran to the banquet table and promptly stuck his head into the green punch bowl.

“No! no religion right now! This is a time of fun and joy…not a recruiting opportunity!” he thought to himself.

All of a sudden he realized many of the nearby gests were staring at him quit oddly. “umm…yes, well” he began to stutter” …green is my favorite color you see..”

Raphael immediately launched into a story of how ever since he was a lad in Oligarch, his favorite color had been green…
Raphael (Imperial Knight)


Roleplay from Aldo Unti
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Casting a quick glance around the room with an amused expression Aldo nodded politely as one of Fey’s soldiers spoke to him on her recent exploits in the field.

“The lance is a fine weapon, for the charge, but against foes of strong number it quickly becomes a toothpick.”

“You don’t say? I myself am rather mystified by combat on horseback. I knew that the lance was a traditional weapon of a mounted knight but had not realized that it could be so cumbersome.”

“Oh yes. Why I’ve always wondered why the Valentians put such stock in the glorious charge.....”

Pausing mid-sentence the soldier curtsied roughly and Aldo turned around curious who had garnered so much attention only to find Lady Fey. Retreating under the excuse of food Aldo and Fey soon found themselves left relatively alone.

“Should I be worried my lady?” asked Aldo smiling slightly.

Merely raising an eyebrow Fey waited.

Chuckling he continued, “It pleases me to see that you have accepted my simple gift this evening; I must say that it suits you well. I’m sorry that I could not bring it myself but when I heard that your cloths were in disrepair I thought it best for a servant to carry the gown.” he smiles ruefully, “There are already enough rumours about me, without making things too easy for the other nobles.”

“So how fairs the lady judge; enjoying the party?”
Aldo Unti (Consul of Melhed)


Roleplay from Fey Twix
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Back at the party............

Fey stopped a moment, surprised that the gift of the dress had come from the Prime Minister himself.

"I, well... thank you. There is something magical about this dress, I quite like it. As for the party, I haven't been to one in ages, and so far, this one doesn't disappoint! Much more lavish than those we had at home, and Fallan is a great host."

"Agreed, he has quite outdone himself this time."

"Definitely. Though, I heard someone mention, I think it was Nawat, that the decorations outside have been augmented by someone...?"

"Haha yes, most likely Bob. He seems to think Nighthelm is coming to ambush us, and his additions would scare them away."

"Indeed. Oh! I almost forgot, I had a few comments for those law drafts..."

"Oh good, I haven't heard much from anyone about them yet."

"Yes! Well," Fey clears her throat and gathers her thoughts, then continues. "I would first of all request clarification on some of the terms... for example, what is a civis? That is minor, though. The main thing I wished to discuss is specific punishments for offences. In a few places, the documents mentioned for example, double punishments for a false claim being brought before the Judge. In this case, no original punishment was stated. A few of the punishments seem to be nebulous, very subject to interpretation... Now, I wasn't sure whether they should be made more specific, so that they would always be equally enforced, or left nebulous that they could be made more specific in different cases. I do think that somehow they should be reworded though, there is something inconsistent with the specific penalties throughout the document." Fey realizes she'd been rambling a bit, and pauses, looking to Aldo. He is nodding slowly, one hand stroking his chin thoughtfully, eyes unfocused and aimed at the floor. "Your thoughts, Aldo?"
Fey Twix (Praetor of Melhed, Senator of Bil Havil)


Roleplay from Aldo Unti
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Pausing for a moment Aldo studies Fey closely. Finally after what must seem forever he smiles, “Someone finally taking a bit of an interest, eh?”

Clearing his throat he flags down a wandering servant to bring him some wine and begins to address Fey’s questions, “Civis is another word for citizen or townsman. I think that would be the only word that I forgot to define in the text itself though if there are others just remind me. Now as for punishments…… yes the present laws are seemingly lacking in listed punishments but there is a reason; precedence. Specifically it seemed best to use precedence to determine punishment for crimes, but of course for that to work we first would need someone to break said laws. My primary reason for leaving things like this is because there are so many variables that the list I recommended would have to be substantially longer if I were to try and cover them. Actually Court Law 3 was only added after Fallan’s inspiring election campaign last month…. I hadn’t thought of such a possibility. That is why I hope to get a great deal of impute from others before the Senate votes, there are doubtlessly things that I’ve missed,”

his drink arriving Aldo thanked the servant and turned back to Lady Fey,

“In the specific example of Tort Law 3, the penalty would be doubled with respect to what the false claimant had said the innocent party had done, though we might also work in a more monetary penalty depending on the situation. As for the other laws, I based as much as I could off ancient Melhed tradition, the spirit of the republic and careful analysis of what would be needed to maintain order. The result of this is that in many cases citizens are expected to solve their own problems, to a greater or lesser degree based on the offence in question, with the Praetor acting as a mediator. By example, probably the most telling laws is Tort Law 6 which states that: If one has maimed another and does not buy his peace, let there be retaliation in kind whether by the wronged or the Praetor depending on the need. Should no agreement be reached the Praetor may assign the fee. This of course means that should a noble engage in duelling or an assassin harm one of our citizens the aggressor should expect retaliation unless they manage to reach an agreement with the one they injured. The second part of the law allows the Praetor to step in if things seem to be escalating into a feud. A similar vein follows throughout most of the Tort laws with people being given the opportunity to solve the problem themselves with a framework to support them; I mean it seems only fitting that nobles would be allowed at least a chance to settle the matter without having to stand in line to see the Praetor like peasants to see their lord.”

Realizing that he’d just given Fey an impromptu speech Aldo calmly takes a sip of his drink to allow her to ask further questions.
Aldo Unti (Consul of Melhed)


Roleplay from Nawat Crowe
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Nawat heard this impromptu speech, and remembered something. He moved closer to Aldo and Fey. "You mention the Tort laws. I like the idea, and many of them are well and good, but the peasant tort laws in particular seem somewhat unnecessary." He paused.

"Those with the judge are good, but those considering the relationship between peasants and nobles I dislike. When you say a peasant may not marry a noble, I understand where you are coming from, but truly, it is not the peasant you infringe upon, it is the noble. They should be able to marry whomever they like."

"There are some other laws of the same strain, I cannot remember them now, that try to guard nobles who were not performing their responsibility to the country and its people. You may of course point out that under these laws, peasants are not people. I ask you why."
Nawat Crowe (Knight of Rafferty)


Roleplay from Aldo Unti
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Aldo looks up from his glass, “Greetings Nawat. Ah yes the Peasant Torts I thought they might cause some undue confusion….. You raise a good point, if a nobles wishes to marry a peasant then they should be permitted; though the fine noble ladies of the realm might take offence,” chuckling he scratches his cheek and thinks a bit, “I’m afraid I can’t recall which law you refer to that guards nobles who were not performing their responsibilities, could you narrow it down?”

At the last question he smiled, “Ah yes the peasant is property law, I thought that one would raise a few eyebrows. The law itself was a later addition; actually it should probably read “A peasant is property of their lord”. As to the reason it’s there is twofold: first it exempts peasants from most of the tort laws. And second, it makes it legal for soldiers at war to loot in foreign lands, otherwise any looters would be considered thieves and punishable by law,” Aldo swirls his glass a bit, “hmmmmmm actually that might be a problem, if a peasant is a lord’s property then to kill or steal from one would be theft against the owner. Yes that law could use some rewording to make it more fluid with the others. That’s what happens when one is pressed for time.”

Pausing Aldo gives Nawat a sly look, “You aren’t by chance upset about the role of peasants in our society? I would point out that a peasant has no vote, nor voice in how we do things. In fact they are little more than slaves really, though it is our duty to protect and care for them as any parent for children. The nobility may rule itself after the Reformation, but the peasants have been given no such right.”
Aldo Unti (Consul of Melhed)


Roleplay from Fey Twix
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"While peasants may be counted as property and under servitude, they are still citizens, are they not?" Fey jumps back into the conversation after some consideration. "I realize that they do not, and agree should not, have the same rights as we ourselves, but should not some further provision be made for their well-faring? If we did not have them, we would have nobody to till the fields, repair the buildings, sail the ships..." Her impassioned words draw the attention of some of the others nearby, surprised at the fervor coming from their pleasant and cordial Lady Fey.

"I do see where you're coming from, Fey..." Aldo begins, "however, I think you are perhaps missing some of the perspective. In Melhed's history, we have at times had to make difficult decisions to ensure the survival of the realm, which put our servants at quite a hefty disadvantage. For the sake of the realm as a whole, during wartime, we were forced to leave our own people short of food, that enemy armies would be hard-pressed to stay on our territory as well."

Fey has her head to once side, keen eyes watching Aldo as she listens intently. "This is something I had not known... You say it was entirely necessary?"

"Everything else had been tried. To ensure the greater good of all Melhed would remain, that we could stay sovereign, we even sent our TLs and soldiers on what could be described as suicide charges. It was the only way to keep them back. Now, had our peons a set of rights, they may have resisted this, and our realm have fallen, and who knows what could have happened..." Nawat and Fey are both nodding, fairly slowly. Fey's hazel eyes show a mixture of understanding and troubled emotion.

"I... do understand... there just... I can't imagine starving my people, just to starve enemies... I suppose I have never been involved in a great war..."

"Think on it, Lady. We have records from those times in the grand Library in Agyr, you should peruse them should you find yourself in difficulty. Now, perhaps, enough of this political darkness? It is, after all, a night for festivity."

"A grand idea!" Fey's jovial blonde second-in command bounces into the circle.

"There are far too many glum faces in this corner, you trying to crash the party? Let’s go, they're putting out the desserts! Maestro, something to dance to, if you please!" The band in the corner stops awkwardly as their conductor turns to the request. He stands up straighter and taps out a beat on his stand, the players perking up. Without ado they launch into an energetic rendition of 'Sailor's Swing', and Fey and Nawat find themselves dragged off across the dance floor, Aldo following bemused behind them.
Fey Twix (Praetor of Melhed, Senator of Bil Havil)


Roleplay from Nawat Crowe
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Nawat willingly goes off to the dance floor, if a bit grudgingly. He will talk to Aldo about what he meant later, but for now, as Fey said, he will dance. He smiles and shows the skill of a traveler who has been many places and learned many things.
Nawat Crowe (Knight of Rafferty)


Letter from Bob Baceolus
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_Consider this letter to be written after that dance.IC_ The guarding nobles who do not perform their duty was not actually stated, but if a peasant is property than nobles might be tempted to ignore the fact that they are to protect as best they can, the peasants of the land they have been given. I agree a peasant is the lord’s to command, but I think it should be made clear that the lord is there to protect and rule them, making the best decisions they can. I am not upset about the role peasants play in our society
Bob Baceolus (Knight of Rafferty)


Roleplay from Aldo Unti
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OOC: This fits in before the little gathering gets broken up for fun and games.

"Hmmmm?” Aldo raised an eyebrow and smiled sadly, “I see that you understand some of what I mean Lady Fey but maybe an example would help complete your understanding...”

“It was winter, a cold winter, even by the standards of the northland. The city streets were choked with snow and terror. It was a time when the Children were in force; the provinces had already suffered under their occupation with the dead and missing numbering in the thousands. Those who survived fled to the city bringing with them tales of horrible feasts of blood and flesh, cruel games of man versus beast and the sounds of screaming young in the night that haunted them still. For a time all was well, or as well as it could be, the army kept the Children at bay and people could continue their lives in relative peace.”

Staring darkly into his swirling wine glass Aldo continued,

“However, the Children soon grew tired of their sport in the provinces and sought to consume the last stronghold of humanity. Already knowing our resolve they decided that a direct battle where we could fight them would not serve their purpose. So instead they besieged us, slaying any who would leave the protection of the walls and displaying the remains for all to see, that which they did not consume anyway. The effect was devastating.”

“Soon enough the swollen city ran out of food, there was none to be found anywhere no matter the price. Those brave fools who dared the blockade were quickly turned into snacks themselves, well until the poor wretches became too scrawny to be worth picking the clothing out of their teeth. Soon after the bitter cold and famine brought the peasants to the steps of the Imperial Palace, for in those days the Reformation had not yet been declared, though it soon was. They came to the palace demanding we feed them, we protect them, we tuck the scared little children in bed and deal with the things that go bump in the night.”

His face becoming blank he looks at his audience with piercing eyes,

“So I did. First all able body men and women were conscripted, the official story, they were going to run the blockade and bring food. In truth they were to die so that there would be fewer mouths to feed. Next the bodies of the dead were not burned but instead used to lure wolves and scavengers so that those who had lost their friends and family could use them to survive. Of course there was the ever-present fear that a Children shaman would get too close and that the bait would become a hunter. I’m sure some took to eating the dead themselves, though such a practice has dire consequences of its own. Further it was declared that if the Children would eat us then we would return the favour, any monster captured would be offered up to the peasants as a bounty of alien delicacy. Many took great pleasure in taunting the Children that still lived with the bodies of their dead in those days. It was a long savage struggle, but in the end we managed to resist the siege and the Children were driven back. Though I believe the dead outnumbered the living many times over before victory was ours.”

“To this day, out of respect for those who died, I still drink the fermented blood of those monsters so that I might never forget what they did.”

“So you see though these days ours is a land of enlightenment and reason, our people are also a savage lot who will do what it takes to survive. It is our duty to protect the peasants, as a whole, and sometimes that means that individuals have to die.”

Sighing Aldo smiles a little tiredly, “And that’s why young and old bloods are often at odds. The old see the young as naive and ignorant, and the young see the old as jaded and arrogant. As always we need both.”

Shaking himself a bit he grins, “But for now let us celebrate life and enjoy ourselves.”
Aldo Unti (Consul of Melhed)


Roleplay from Bob Baceolus
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Fey sits to one side of the ballroom, wineglass in hand, taking a break from the festivities to muse over Aldo's earlier words.

"Conscripting people, knowing they would die, just so there would be fewer mouths to feed... How dark were those times..." She had been in wars, yes, but never besieged, and never cornered by an inhuman force. There had always been a route of escape overland, and being fleet of foot she had always successfully taken it. But under siege, she had never been.

"Milady Fey, is something amiss?" Lord Fallan had ghosted his way up beside Fey without her noticing.

"Oh! Fallan, I didn't see you there... I'm having a fine time, just trying to come to terms with some information imparted to me. It seems I am not so worldly as I once thought."

"Yes, there is always much to learn, even for one experienced as myself."

CRASH!!! klunk-k-k-klunck-thud-rollll-tap.~~

Part of a skeleton came crashing through the roof unexpectedly, one shattered pane of glass coming with it. Two legs, hip sockets, and part of a spine scattered across the ballroom floor. Up high in the glass-paned ceiling, part of a ribcage and an arm could be seen dangling, caught from the outside.

Fallan barely batted an eye. "Ah yes, ballistic missiles is something else I haven't as much knowledge of as I would like. I do believe this must be Bob's addition to the decor, though I see part of it was miscalculated... If you'll excuse me..." He sketched a bow to Fey and strode off across the ballroom, no doubt in search of Bob.

Fey sat agape for a few more moments, finally realizing that she was attempting to sip her wine and the glass was empty. She shook herself from dazedness and stood, then went off in search of more wine. ~What a night this is turning out to be...~
Bob Baceolus (Praetor of Melhed, Senator of Bil Havil)


Roleplay from Frederick
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While the party was already in full swing, a dark figure arrives, wearing a jet black cloak.

When a servant arrives to take his cloak, Frederick hesitates for a second, surveying his surroundings, then relaxes and gives his cloak to the servant. Removing his cloak revealed black gown bearing the insignia of the Dark Mistress, one of the Old Gods. The insignia consists of a silver book and dagger being devoured by a purple flame. Remarkable for man of religion, were the dual daggers attached to his sides, which he refused to give to the servant. As he makes his way through the crowd, he sees some familiar faces.

"Aldo, old friend, I thought you wouldn't want to miss this occasion to party. Was that lady Fey that just ran off, looking a tad pale? You've been telling some of those old horror stories about the scourge again, haven't you? I bet you have."

"Ah, Frederick, it's nice that you finally turned up. I was starting to think you wouldn't be coming", Aldo replied, "we were just discussing the role of our peasantry

"Then you must be Nawat, I assume. I haven't had the opportunity to meet you before, it's a pleasure to meet you at last. I did hear about your very unorthodox, perhaps even foolish ideas of the peasantry. There's no need to oblige a lord to take care of his or her peasants. Since they're rather valuable in the long run, a lord always looks after them, like people tend to do with objects of value."

CRASH!!! klunk-k-k-klunck-thud-rollll-tap.~~

Frederick glances upwards where the sound comes from and steps aside for a falling leg, while Aldo pulls Nawat out of the way of a stray vertebra.

"I see you're not really used to this kind of occasions, Nawat", Aldo said as Frederick snatches a rib, bound for impact on Nawat's left shoulder out of mid-air.

After hearing a dull thud, accompanied by a faint yelp, Frederick noted: "Hmm, according to the noise, someone was hit, probably a servant. She must be new as well, at least now she'll pay attention in the future. Shouldn't we go help her?"

"That would be unnecessary," Aldo said, "she's already surrounded by helpful people, that we'd only get in the way.

"Well, then I'm off to look for the owner of that skeleton, to give him a good fright, I'll be right back. Well Nawat, you should take another glass of wine, you still look a bit startled. Just don't drink too much, or you'll lose your reflexes" Frederick said.

As Frederick fetches his cloak and heads outside, he's spotted by Fallan, going in the same direction.

"Hey, Frederick," Fallan yelled, "wait up, I suppose you're looking for Bob, I'm coming with you."

"So it was Bob who launched the skeleton, now you mention it, it does sound like him. I was going to give him a good fright, want to join me?"

"Huh, I'm not sure how useful I'll be sneaking up on him", Fallan chuckled, gesturing to his bright formal gown.

"Right, take this", Frederick said and handed over his black cloak, "I'm still dressed in black now, and you're much more concealed. According the impact of the skeleton, it came from the east, out of the woods, so let's head that way, it can't be hard to find the trebuchet that launched it."
Frederick (Senator of Rengo)


Roleplay from Bob Baceolus
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Ok, this shouldn't be conflicting anymore:

(... (see my previous attempt at a roleplay) "Right, take this", Frederick said and handed over his black cloak, "I'm still dressed in black now, and you're much more concealed. According the impact of the skeleton, it came from the east, out of the woods, so let's head that way, it can't be hard to find the trebuchet that launched it.")

Noticing the debris lying around everywhere, Fallan stated: "Clearly the work of Bob, he's the only one with such a peculiar sense of humour."

After a minute or so, they neared a clearing where a trebuchet was set up, aimed at the palace where the party was taking place.

"It seems like those guys are having their own party here", Fallan noted, looking at the campfire, and the beverages around it.

"They're sure having fun, but it seems like Bob is nowhere to be seen.", Frederick stated as he looked around. "Still, something needs to be done about those guys though, before they wreck more havoc. Wait, I have an idea", he grinned, "I'll be right back".

Before Fallan could say a word, Frederick has disappeared in the shadows, to return a few minutes later with an improvised bow and arrows.

"Uh, now what are you planning to do young man", as Fallan started, "I could get you fined for this!"

"Relax, Fallan, my aim is true, and besides, you're not a judge anymore, "Frederick whispered as they approached the clearing. "Now collect some bottles of drink, that shouldn't be too hard while staying concealed."

Flustered, Fallan murmured something about "Old habits die hard" and obeyed Frederick's command.

Frederick slowly approached the campfire, careful not to be spotted. Successfully avoiding being spotted he reached the campfire. Once there he carefully lit an improvised torch, and retreated back to where Fallan was concealed with the bottles he collected.

He put a little dry moss on an arrow, and lit it. He aimed carefully at the rope that held tensed the trebuchet.

"They use that trebuchet as storage for their food, the people inside will have fun!"

Frederick released his arrow, cutting the rope in two, firing the trebuchet, flinging a pile of food at the palace

Angry, one of the men shouted: "Hey, who launched the treb... By the gods, the trebuchet is on fire!"

"Quickly Fallan, throw the bottles at the trebuchet, try to get it soaked!", Frederick ordered, while throwing the first bottle.

In moments, the trebuchet was ablaze, and the futile attempts to extinguish the fire were in vain

"Now that's what I call a bonfire", Fallan said, "but aren't you worried about the rest of the wood?"

Assuringly Frederick replied: "Nah, the trebuchet is in the middle of the clearing, and it has rained recently, the forest is safe."

Naturally, those men suspected foul play and wouldn't let the culprits get away with destroying their trebuchet

"We must search the woods," one of the men said, "whoever did it can't be far"

Suddenly the bottle the man was holding shattered, and a dagger impacted in the tree next to him. Looking at where the dagger came from, they faintly spotted a tall black figure across the blazing trebuchet, barely visible through the flames.

"Be gone, don't let me see you in the vicinity of the palace again", Frederick boomed.

Meanwhile Fallan threw a bottle that was left on the fire, which promptly exploded. This triggered a general reaction of panic among the men. Panic-struck, they fled into the woods, away from the palace, leaving everything behind

"Our task is done here, let's go back inside", Frederick said to Fallan.

While the two men went back inside, a few people were gathering at the window to view the flames visible above the treetops, wondering what has happened.
Bob Baceolus (Senator of Rengo)


Roleplay from Bob Baceolus
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Bob was mingling with a few people off to the side at of the party thinking that anytime now his gift to host Fallan should be arriving.

CRASH!!! klunk-k-k-klunck-thud-rollll-tap.~~

Bob wanders over to investigate the noise along with a number of others and notices they missed Aldo but it was a pretty good shot overall.

Right away Frederick is seen rushing outside to investigate where it came from while Bob nearly laughs when he wonders what the reaction will be when he notices all the other monsters and skeletons in the yard on his way back.

There was another THUD as the ribcage that was caught finally fell. After investigating the note attached to it and before returning to the rest of the party Bob calls out,

"Fallan, I think it's for you."
Bob Baceolus (Duke of Lin Helon)


Roleplay from Veber
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Dressed in ornate robes, Veber approached Hopidrii Manor. About his waist was a sturdy belt from which was suspended a strange tome, locked and heavily bound. Seeing the grounds strewn with skeletons and a small fire burning in the distance, Veber mumbled something about parties in Melhed and proceeded to the entrance.

Having cleared the retinue of servants who waited on new arrivals and announced them, Veber entered the main hall. The party was in full swing, and the main hall was bustling with Melhed's nobility in all its glory and pomp.

To his immediate surprise, Veber found the floor littered with skeletal remains and broken portions of the ceiling. To his further surprise, he found a butler and two female servants cleaning them up in good cheer.

"Today, the living play with the dead. Tomorrow, the dead play with the living. Such is the way of life in this harsh land." Removing a well-crafted flask from within his robes, Veber took a long gulp of its contents and proceeded to a table of hors d'oeuvres.
Veber (Archivist of the Factorium)


Roleplay from Morgan Darby
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As Morgan's carriage drives up the road toward Fallan's manor, sheet lightning lights up the sky, and what appears to be a very large and awkward bird.

"Drive a bit more carefully," calls Morgan to his coach driver, "If that was a winged monster, we don’t want it to find us."

Having thoroughly frightened the coach driver, the vehicle slows considerably. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to settle for being fashionable and late.


As Morgan enters the hall, he sees the skeleton and the hole it made in its probably glorious and unexpected entry. Adding this to the sight strewn across the front lawn, and the object he had seen flying through the air, he quickly realized what had happened. It was not an undead invasion of the party, but Bob and his antics. He couldn't help but laugh at this.

Hearing the loud , hearty laugh, everyone in the room turned to see who the new arrival to the party was. Seeing him, everyone was so stunned that a full minute of silence went by. Standing at the entrance to the hall was a ponderous figure with what appeared to be Morgan's face. But it was not the person that caused the silence, it was his clothing.

Morgan was wearing ostentatiously poufy garments, made from bright blue and yellow brocade with cuts all over it and a blood red cloth bursting forth from the slashes. on top of this, he had a flowing black cape lined with bright purple and dragged all down its length with all kinds of animal shapes, though all the animals were food animals, from cows and sheep to carp to turkey. On his feet he wore dark brown shoes that were so pointy, they had to be tied back to his shins just so he could walk. But these were the most normal pieces of clothing, for on his head, he wore a dome so large that it completely spanned his considerable width.

Finally, they silence was broken by a loud crash of thunder. And with that, it started to rain. "Looks like I'm just in time," Announced Morgan. "Here, cover the hole in the roof with this." He handed his odd looking hat to a servant and went to mingle with his fellow partygoers, despite the fact that they were all dressed in the height of Melhed fashion and not that of Nighthelm as the invitation suggested.
Morgan Darby (Quaestor of Melhed, Duke of Agyr)


Roleplay from Aldo Unti
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Looking around the general chaos of the party Aldo shook his head and smiled. Things had turned out to be a great success, much to Fallan’s credit, and expense.

While chatting with a rather upset Fallan about the state of his roof a scribe came running through the debris excitedly waving a letter.

Excusing himself Aldo carefully reads the letter, and promptly frowns. “Sorry Fallan but it appears we have something else to attend to besides your manor.”

Laving Hopidrii Aldo heads for the Senate and the inevitable discussion there in.
Aldo Unti (Consul of Melhed)