Soon enough the instructions from Queen Ilsenine come: Get dressed up properly and report to the court. As each of you enters, you see it's mostly quiet. A few satyrs are sitting to the side, throwing dice and gambling. A piano has been moved in, a beautiful nymph playing it. A soft tune that brings a sense of serenity to the court.
Go ahead and intro yourselves and what you're wearing, you two. I'll post more once that's done.
While Afina has other outfits to replace the sadly lost phase spider silk dress, she indulged in a little shopping at the Cauldron so she didn't have to come home naked. So she flutters into her Majesty's presence with her customary dark orange and purple twin-tailed hat atop her prismatic hair while her figure is wrapped in a tight-fitting harlequin style bodysuit predominantly in the same colours separated by a diamond pattern with black ruffles and frills to bulk it out and disrupt her silhouette here and there.
Directly approaching the throne she lands lightly on her tip toes and descends onto her kness until she's recognised.
Seeing as they're meeting with marids, the most appropriate attire is something that matches his own hat -- dark blues on his shirt and slacks with an aquamarine-colored vest. He again eschews most of his adventuring gear save for his harp and his rapier.
He will fly in to land behind and to the right of Afina and kneel as well.
Crystal is already there, kneeling. She wears a clingy silk dress of white, tight on her hips and with little slits for her wings. She carries no weapon, though she does wear her holy symbol on a necklace. Long, matching white gloves go from elbow to hand, decorated with diamond patterns of sky blue stitching.
Queen Ilsenine is dressed as she always is, regal and rich. "Rise," she commands, "Lady Skye has gone ahead to see to the preliminaries."
Afina is of course armed as she usually is with two blades across her back. Diplomatic meeting or no, she has to be prepared to defend her Majesty. Besides she is a general here so any visitors should expect to see people armed at a crusading fortress. Rising lithely to her feet she looks up towards Ilsenine. "What would you have of me, your Majesty?" she asks, obedient as always around this woman.
"Afina, you will represent Aurora's armed forces. Crystal, you will represent this Court's military structure in coordination with Afina. Moore, you will attend to me." Queen Ilsenine says.
Moore nods to this. "Of course, Your Majesty."
"Understood," Crystal seconds, Queen Ilsenine taking to the air. "We will be joining them in the meeting room," she says, "Afina, lead the way."
What does that even mean? If she was just doing this herself as general of Aurora she'd be fine since she'd just set her own pace, but in the context of a fey court she doesn't really know what's expected of her. Hopefully Crystal has an idea so Afina will just see what she does at first.
As Afina ponders this problem, the group heads to the meeting room. Here you find several people already there. Lady Skye sits in a gown of blues and greens, like the waters of the sea. Morniel is there, clad in his normal armor that shines like gold. Finally, Moonlight is there, clad normally. Right now a conversation in Aquan is going on, one Afina catches the tail end of.
"...why there's now four spires instead of five," Moonlight says, a round of laughter following.
On the other side are five marid. Blue skinned and human-like, four are clad in white and decorated with great amounts of gold jewelry. Two males and two females, the men tall and muscled, the women much shorter and slender, almost to the point of seeming like they're going to snap in half. They wear identical uniforms, white military tunics and pants. Each is decorated with a different array of jeweled medals, giving them splashes of color.
The fifth is a man, a marid with a quick smile as Afina and company enter. He is clad in a uniform of light blue, medals decorating his chest, a gleaming salad of color. He wears a slender circlet of coral. On seeing Afina and friends, he greets them right away. "The court of Aurora has arrived," he declares, "I am Shahzada Badahur Paria."
Either of you can make K:P or K:N&R here if you care to.
taking 10 on planes for 47
Shahzada is not a name by a noble term. It means prince or princess, a title given to marid of the utmost standing (as well as the padisha's children, if any). The circlet of coral he wears is his mark of royalty, much akin to a noble's banner and coat of arms in the mortal world. Recalling your planar lore, you remember that Badahur Paria is a longtime shahzada. He's one of the Coral Throne's better diplomats and mostly sees to planar relations between the marid and various mortal camps - as well as fey, who the marid classify with mortals since they deal with the Prime.
Really they should have Drena around for this, when dealing with such august elemental personages, but Afina hasn't really been involved at all for putting together their preparations. Approaching Badahur she practices her High Maridi while greeting him. "The Padisha honours us by sending such a distinguished Emissary. I am Baroness Afina Devilsbane, general of Aurora. Please accept my greetings, although out of respect for my comrades I must switch to a simpler tongue." That should be enough to get things off on a good footing before she speaks in Common, "Welcome to Aurora."
Since he's there as part of Illsenine and not on his own, Moore follows her lead, but does smile and offer at least an introductory nod to the Aurorans.
My own K:P would be 46 so no real difference on the info.
Queen Ilsenine takes Moore's arm, returning the greetings, "I am Queen Ilsenine, lord of this court," she announces, "You know Afina. This is General Crystal of the court and that is Moore, my personal attendant." Greetings are exchanged, people settling in and all of that. "Oh, you speak a noble tongue." The shahzada greets her, before likewise switching to common. "Thank you."
Morniel speaks up at that, "Friends of the waves," he says, "We have met as you requested. The onus now rests on you, so please."
"Yep, yep," Moonlight pipes up, "It's been great catching up, but what's the point here?"
Moore keeps a polite smile and nods to the marids in turn.
Turning to Queen Ilsenine, "I understand your court has fallen on hard times," The shahzada says, "We would like to offer support from various fey factions that can aid you."
Her Majesty doesn't blink at that, instead considering briefly, "We thank you for this consideration, but we must wonder if you expect anything in return."
"Of course," Badahur's smile doesn't break for a moment, "Lady Devilsbane," Turning to Afina, "We would like a drop of your blood, so that we may study your unique nature. Word of you have spread to the Citadel of Ten Thousand Pearls, and the Padisha, may she rule now and forever, has ordered an inquiry."
This gets Queen Ilsenine to pause, considering.
Taking 10 for 47 on arcana, aside from a scrying focus what other threats could my blood pose in the hands of someone who wishes me ill?
Lots. It could be used to tailor things to you, to study and understand you or to make a poison against you. Blood is life, after all, and intimately tied with you.
Due to your power, doing so would be harder than usual. In addition, your unique nature would likely make it even harder.
"Unlike many warriors who shed their life with every battle, my blood has been drawn very rarely," Afina replies. Indeed the last person to do so was Hupan, and any of her blood clinging to his blade was destroyed when he exploded. "I am not eager to add to that small toll and so with the greatest of respect I must refuse." She bows apologetically. "That said I would be happy to assist the Padisha and any experts she nominates with less invasive tests, and answer any questions to aid in Her understanding of my nature."
Make a diplo check there, +3 bonus.
[17:58] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+17 shame Moore lacks motivate charisma
[17:58] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=3]
Crystal speaks up here, "No offense meant, but some things simply cannot be arraigned so lightly."
"Agreed," Queen Ilsenine says immediately, "As a member of our court, we do not feel Afina should provide what is asked."
Your guest nods slightly to that, "Perhaps if we sweeten things?" he suggests, "There are marid who favor Aurora's cause, who have little reason to dislike the fire-trash of Baator. The Padisha, may she rule now and forever, has taken action to keep the marid out of this conflict. The general opinion is that joining this conflict would provoke the efreet, at a time when She does not wish to do so. But her edict is not a pearl yet and can still be reconsidered."
"As favoured trading partners of Hell the efreet are our enemies as well, though I can understand being loathe to provoke them over something that isn't any of your affair," Afina concedes, tempted by the offer of support but still leery of giving up her blood. Even if the marids' intentions are honourable who's to say any sample couldn't be stolen by forces of Hell and used against her that way? "But however you wish to sweeten the deal, my blood is too precious to be surrendered without first building a strong bond of trust between us."
It's true as she thinks about it. If Seira or Morwel were to ask she'd have far fewer compunctions about it, but she just doesn't know the maridi well enough aside from Sanzha who is manifestly not part of their current power structure.
"Perhaps," Morniel clears his throat, "You can take that tour now while we discuss your offer and possible amendments, and you consider the same."
"Sure, I can do that," Moonlight hops on up, "Elena'll meet us outside."
The maridi lean in and murmur amid each other, before the shahzada says, "That's acceptable," he says, lead out by Moonlight.
Once gone, Queen Ilsenine looks to her court and says, "Opinions?"
"I'm not surrendering my blood to people we don't know," Afina says. "It's too powerful a weapon against me in the wrong hands."
"Seconded," Crystal says, "They seem like they're legitimate...are they?"
"They are. I met them myself in the Citadel of Ten Thousand Pearls," Morniel says. "They speak for the Padisha."
"My first concern is that it could be enemy action, that they will surge forward and forthwith conspire against us with this blood, and that verification cannot fully absolve this, for spies and politics could muddy the waters." Crystal goes on, resting her chin on her hand.
"Very well," Her Majesty says, "Lady Skye and Moore, do you have anything to add?"
"It did seem a bit..." Moore taps his chin. "Sudden? That they'd just ask for it like that. Well, it's certainly obvious they want to use this to get leverage for their own side... perhaps we could compromise? Maybe a hair instead of blood?" Moore considers. "Of course, it isn't me that they're asking for, so it may be best to not budge on the matter at all... It depends on if they're just trying to take a gamble to see how much we 'need' them."
"Ahem," Morniel coughs lightly, "I insinuated that Aurora appreciates direct approaches rather than diplomatic wrangling."
"That's fine," Afina nods to Morniel, "But I think Moore's right - they're probably making a huge request as their opener without really expecting to get it, knowing that even if we barter them down they'll still come out well. The Mercane do things that way as well. Hair or pixie dust I can part with more readily if it comes to that, but lets see if they go with my first offer of helping their tests and answering their questions."
"The knight's approach," Crystal says thoughtfully, "A gallant charge to break up the enemy and force them to react as you want, rather to let them have the initiative and strike boldly. The marid's strategy, that is."
"We concur," Queen Ilsenine murmurs, "Moore, can you inspire us to better handle these matters before they return?"
Moore nods to Morniel and Afina. "Yes, I think it's best that we stick to the hard line for now."
To Ilsenine's question he nods as well. "Yes, of course. I'll play some quiet music to allow you all to focus on the tasks at hand."
Intent is to play some quiet mood music for the marids and us and use Song of Fortune as needed on the Aurorans. I'll also throw up a Divine Insight in case I need to do a musical performance.
Quick refresh, what does song of fortune do?
+5 on skillchecks
Any actions on your part, Afina?
nope
Soon enough the diplomats return. They're talking away with Moonlight, smiles and laughter as they come back. Once everyone's settled in, Morniel says, "I trust everyone is ready to continue?"
"Yes, quite," The shahzada says, "Have you given any thoughts to a counter offer?"
"Yes, if my own testimony is insufficient there is something I am prepared to offer rather than blood. Pixie dust is a commonly sought reagent due to the power embedded within it, although it lacks the vital nature of blood. You could receive a sample of mine in exchange for concrete support of our Crusade," Afina offers.
The marid come together, talking quietly again. They soon part and Badahur asks, "How much pixie dust?"
"One eighth of an ounce," Afina figures she can part with that much without exerting herself, and it should be plenty potent stuff given what she is. "If that is satisfactory why don't you tell us more about these fey factions and the support they can offer us?"
A pause of consideration before the shahzada counters with, "Two thirds of an ounce," he says. "One eighth may not be sufficient, we wish to be through."
Can you take 10 on a Sense Motive check?
Yes.
Taking 10 for 32 in that case. Moore's trying to see if they really need that much or if this is more of an attempt at something.
Moore can't get a read on him. You get the feeling a snowflake wouldn't melt in his mouth, he's so cool and calm.
Moore will simply continue to play music and let the others handle fielding that request, since he can't offer them any insights.
"It may not seem much to a being of your stature but please bear my proportions in mind before asking for such amounts of material," Afina says. She hasn't ever harvested her own pixie dust but she doubts her wings have much available at any given time.
"We understand that," Badahur grants, "It would take some time to gather that much. That's no problem, we don't need to wait for some or all of it so long as we have a good faith agreement."
"And so what exactly will we be receiving in return for this material?" Afina asks again with manifest patience. He's been blanking her on that for a while and it's starting to feel like they're being given the runaround. Weren't they here for Aurora in general anyway? The sheer focus on getting parts of her body is suspicious.
"First of all, there's a group of fey knights that owe us favors. Satyrs, an entire brigade of them. A few words from us and they'd come join Aurora's cause," Badahur explains.
Queen Ilsenine speaks up here, "The name of them?"
"Oak Pride, Majesty," The shahzada turns to her, "They're based out of a Prime world but focus more on the matters of the planes. Their founder had many battles with extraplanar threats and grew weary of them, so made Oak Pride to defend against them."
Nature taking 10 for 49, how reliable/badass are these dudes?
They're not bad, just obscure. In the grand scale of things they're no solars or anything like that, but they're not fumbling children. They've held their own against planar threats before, or so you've heard. Assuming they're around where you think they are, they'd be a decent addition.
Yeah they're not bad it sounds like. But is Afina selling herself short? She's indisputably a unique creature of a sort never before seen in the planes, isn't she? Maybe she should consult Baleruk as to what prismatic pixie parts are worth? She'll just hum non-committally and see if they offer anything more.
Crystal is less quiet, nodding, "More knights are always good, but my friend," she gestures to Afina, "Afina is one of a kind, a living legend before you. Perspicacity tells us that her pixie dust is a treasure of great rarity and value, one we must weigh accordingly lest we find ourselves cheapening Afina and sullying her fair honor through our indifference to her exalted prismatic status."
> roll 1d20+36 diplomacy Crystal
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=16]
Badahur merely bows his head at that, "I do not contest your words, fair general," he says, "No disrespect to General Afina is implied or desired, nor is this the fullness of what we may offer, beyond the standing thought of a more permanent agreement between the marid race and Aurora. By your leave, we will continue."
Awww, Crystal gets her! Giving her fellow pixie a nod and a little smile for saying what she was more or less thinking, she waits on the marid continuing their sales pitch.
"Then yes, continue," Morniel says quietly.
"Secondly, there are more than a few nymphs in the Citadel of Ten Thousand Pearls. As beings often tied to a spring, they find Water pleasing. There is a guild of them, one that we can put you in contact with and give you a good word for," he says. "We do not control t hem, but as guests of the marid, they must fairly consider our suggestions. It is a fertile ground for recruiting."
Sounds like something worth checking out when she goes to deliver the dust, maybe bring along some of the Butterfly Kinship as well. There's nothing for her to interrupt over so she waits for them to continue their pitch.
Don't forget the +5 from Moore that he's giving you all on skillchecks!
Thank you, I did forget. Fortunately, Crystal made the DC anyway.
After a short pause, "Finally, we can offer you the services of the Waltz Prince, who currently owes the Coral Throne a favor."
Taking 10 on nature for 54 on who that dude is. I have arcana and planes at similar amounts if it's not a fey
He is a fey. A prince of the courts, though not attached to any. He is a figure of grace and romance, an unique fey who serves as an ambassador of various courts to groups across the planes. He's also an accomplished warrior, as one directly leads into the other. He reports to Queen Titania and no one else, one of her personal diplomats.
It's not a bad lineup, but it must be remembered that none of it's concrete just favours and recommendations with no marid actually sticking their necks out. "You have given us a deal to think about," she says, wanting to confer before making any decision. "If it would please you we offer Aurora's hospitality to see to your comforts while we decide our position on your offer?"
Moonlight leads them off again. Once they're gone, it's Queen Ilsenine that speaks up, "We desire to be clear, are they offering an alliance with the marid on top of that, or with that instead?"
Morniel turns to the pixies, the marid gone, "In addition to, I believe. Elena," he says, "Confirm that with our guests, would you? A simple yes or no is sufficient."
"He said at the start that the Padisha doesn't want to provoke the efreet by entering the conflict," Afina points out. "Support from various fey factions is what they're offering, but it's not a guarantee - the marid will exert their influence on our behalf but that's not the same as Celestia making a decision to support us and sending out its legions the same day," she nods respectfully to Morniel as part of said support.
Would Moore know if there were any potential allies from Fire (but not Fire exactly, like the Mineral folks) that we could recruit? 50 on take 10 K:P if that matters.
"We could make it dependent on results," Crystal points out, "If they come through on all of these and they work out, we agree."
Most of Fire tilts towards evil. Zaaman Rul, Prince of Elemental Good for Fire, is the exception. His hands are generally quite busy, however. Kossuth, the deity who rules over flames and fire, also has a great deal of power and cares little about good and evil. Thus his worshipers can be potential, too.
"Perhaps we can give them less reason to be concerned if we can bring in some allies of Zaaman Rul or Kossuh. We could use it as further leverage." Moore suggests. "I'd be willing to pursue those leads, if we decided to go that route."
"We've tried to get an in with Kossuth before and it didn't work out," Afina tells Moore. "We're friendly enough with Zaaman Rul but he has his own problems, still our various elementals seem to get on well enough so I don't think having more allies from one elemental plane precludes help from another."
"Well, that was before we had a prismatic General, wasn't it?" Moore says with a smile. "You're right, though, we have both forces from Mineral as well as Air here, so it proves that we can work with anyone. It's just a matter of giving them less excuses while still bolstering our own forces."
"It's still an option," Queen Ilsenine says, "Afina, are you comfortable giving your dust away to them, beyond the needs of the Crusade?"
"I admit I'm still a bit leery," Afina says. "But dust isn't nearly so personal as blood so the threat should be minimal. Like Crystal said though, we should get our money's worth - there's no other source for anything like it anywhere in the planes, so it's difficult to properly appraise. Asking Baleruk wouldn't be a bad idea though."
Queen Ilsenine nods to that, "Very well, the two of you should go do that," he says, looking to Afina and then Moore.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Moore says with a nod.
"Shouldn't take long," Afina says, flying off to take a portal to the courtyard before flying up to Baleruk's lair.
You find Baleruk is indeed in his lair. He sits on his great pile of gold coins, several tools from the obsidian building he commandeered floating around him. Amid all of this is 27, floating in mid air as Baleruk silently stares at the badger-slaad.
"Not interrupting, am I?" Afina asks, fluttering over towards the two.
27 and Baleruk both turn to face the two pixies at precisely the same moment, "You are," Baleruk rumbles.
"Apologies," Afina says, unruffled by the synchronicity and deciding to just be brisk so they can get back to it all the quicker. "Just a quick question then. Supposing someone wished to purchase one of your shed scales, what sort of price would you demand?"
Baleruk whirls on Afina, coins going in all direction, "WHO?" Baleruk bellows, "WHO DARES TO DEMAND ONE OF MY PRISMATIC SCALES?"
"No one!" Afina flutters back a few paces, hands raised up placatingly. "But the Padisha of the marid is interested in my pixie dust. My prismatic pixie dust."
27 suddenly falls to the ground, landing with a solid THUMP. He shakes his head back and forth, clearing it.
Make a diplo check here, Afina. Feel free to contribute as well Moore, but make some wording at him first if you do.
[20:14] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+14 Afina is not diplomatic
[20:14] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=16]
"Baleruk, no one is demanding anything of you. Although, unrelated to this current conversation, I wouldn't mind experimenting somewhat with my anarch powers with you." Moore says, hopefully distracting Baleruk's ire from the topic at hand.
Taking 10 on the Diplomacy for 50.
Afina gets the full glare, but something Moore says gets through to him. Baleruk sniffs the air many times, "Yes, an anarch," he says with calmness. "VERY WELL! WE WILL TAKE A FIELD TRIP TO LIMBO AFTER THIS!" Then to Afina he turns, "At least 20,000 gold. One of Tiamat's is only 10,000, and I am far superior to her."
Isn't that actually pretty cheap? Moore just shrugs and smiles.
That's all? Well to be fair there are two prismatic dragons out there, but there was only one before Baleruk showed up! Confident she's getting a good deal now Afina nods. "Thank you for your input, I'm sorry to have disturbed your meeting," she gives 27 a respectful nod before beating a swift retreat.
"I'll see you later, Baleruk." Moore says before he darts after Afina.
Add a Limbo field trip to pending stuff, Moore. Anything else here or ready to go back, you two?
"Honestly I expected far vaster sums to be considered," Afina says to Moore once they're out of the lair and flying back down to Aurora proper. "The support the marid are offering even provisionally easily outweighs that."
lets go back
You return to the others swiftly. You find them waiting, "Well?" Queen Ilsenine asks.
"Apparently the market for prismatic dragon scales is cheaper than expected. We could probably get one of Tiamat's for little more than a simple magic weapon if we knew where to look," Afina says. "So it does seem like the marid are being generous with us if pixie dust and dragon scales can be compared fairly."
"The difficulty is not in the price, but obtaining one," Morniel points out. "Though now I must take a look at Baleruk's example."
"In that case, we can accept their offer," Queen Ilsenine says, "Afina and Moore, I will leave you two to deal with recruiting his leads."
"Then I suppose we can call Badahur back with our decision, unless there's anything else?" Afina looks Morniel's way as she asks that since he set most of this up.
The group soon meets again. "After some consideration, we are interested in your terms," Morniel says, "But as Elena mentioned, we require clarification on the main point. You referred to the Padisha's edict of non interference as not yet a pearl, so it may yet change?"
Shahzada Badahur smiles slightly, "Yes, though that level of commitment would take further diplomacy. These negotiations would be a step towards that."
"Then we accept," Queen Ilsenine says, "Matters can be begun immediately."
Smiles and nods amid the marid, one of the helpers handing the shahzada a sheet of paper. He reads it before saying, "The simplest are the satyrs. Little more than calling in our favors is required, though some time for them to move and arrive is required."
There's some fairly mundane IC issues to be hammered out here. Do you want to skip pas them or get hands on?
I'm good with skipping
From there it's negotiations, mostly handled by Queen Ilsenine and Morniel. The pixie group leaves in good cheer, returning to the court. Queen Ilsenine sits on her throne and says, "With this, we have taken another step to Lifasa's liberation. Rest for today, for soon you will be engaged in further efforts."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Crystal bows deeply to Ilsenine and turns away. Sidelong to Afina she murmurs, "Come with me?"
"By your leave, your Majesty," Afina bows, wondering if she has time to go visit Shinear. Probably not, no telling how soon she'll need to visit the marid, and she needs to see about scraping off some dust anyway. And there's Crystal offering another diversion! Nodding to her friend she flutters off to see what the knightly pixie wants.
"If there's anything else Your Majesty needs, please let me know." Moore bows as well before he glances over at Crystal. It doesn't seem like he was included in that request, but he leaves with the two of them nonetheless. He'll stay politely out of range of the conversation unless Crystal gestures him over.
"There is. Stay, Moore," Queen Ilsenine commands.
I'll split off Afina and Crystal into a new thread. Go ahead and react in the meantime, Moore.
"Of course, Your Majesty." Moore responds, kneeling back down.
"I have a small request of you," Queen Ilsenine answers, a ghost of a smile gracing her face, along with a slight blush. "There is a celebration dance next week for all the court. I would like you to attend."
"It would be my honor to attend, Your Majesty. If I may be so bold, in what capacity would you have me?" Moore asks, keeping a light-hearted yet serious and respectful tone.
"To attend to me," Queen Ilsenine says after a mere moment's hesitation.
"Of course, Your Majesty." Moore nods and bows his head. "I will see if I can find an outfit suitable for such an occasion."
"Please do," Queen Ilsenine says softly, smiling fully now. "We look forward to it."
"Of course, Your Majesty. Then, if there is nothing else for now... I believe something has been put on my agenda by a prismatic dragon." Moore says with a small smile. "By your leave, Your Majesty."
"Ahem," Lady Skye speaks up, "May I, Your Majesty?"
Queen Ilsenine nods to this, Lady Skye picking up right after. "As you may or may not know, there is a substance known as fey-nip for sale. It is recommended that it be used with discretion and careful consideration, as the side effects are not always trivial. Especially fey unison."
Moore tilts his head slightly. "Yes, I had heard some talk about its rather... notable effects. I have been told I can be a bit of a bore when it comes to that sort of thing and alcohol in general, as I tend to prefer... ah... more mild beverages." Moore says with a bit of a smile that disappears soon afterwards. "However, your concern is noted and I will be sure to be mindful if I am offered any."
"Quite," Lady Skye agrees, a severe nod before she goes.
Assuming nothing else, what's next on your agenda?
I believe a prismatic dragon has requested demanded my presence.
Superb. Lemme lock this topic and move you into a new one.