Heroica RPG - Quest #72: A Party

[Scubacarrot]

The raider rolled his eyes after hearing his own words used against him, and weren't they here for work? Nevertheless, he found the server again, took another drink, then walked up towards the guests, and goes to stand next to the man with the hood.

"Not your first time?"

[Pandora]

Nyx marvels at the glass ceiling, and the beautiful light that still pours in through it. She then slowly looks around the room, in pure excitement, picking where to dive in, but also looking for anything out of place. She looks at her colleagues, wondering if they'd ever been to a party before, but gets distracted by the drinks server. With glee, she glides off, grabbing a drink and heading for the Wereraven, thinking to herself that this is much more of a party for her than the Foundation Day ball was.

Waiting for an appropriate lull in the conversation, she curtseys low, as is her custom, and smiles at the Wereraven.

"Hello, I am Nyx; it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. If you do not mind me saying so, I have never met a Wereraven before and I find you quite enchanting. Are you enjoying yourself at the party?"

[Zepher]

"Not your first time?"

Lady Felix smiles as Guts follows him. "I'll allow you two to talk. Lord Chauncey, a word later, when you get the chance."

"Hello, I am Lord Chauncey. It's too bad you scared Lady Felix off. You must be very fearsome indeed. This is actually my first time at Guffington Manor, though he has been a guest at my house numerous times. You are a hero of Heroica, correct? I hired a few just a few days ago to deal with a problem. I hope that they are as good at scaring ladies away as you are..." Lord Chauncey pauses, obviously waiting for a name.

"Hello, I am Nyx; it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. If you do not mind me saying so, I have never met a Wereraven before and I find you quite enchanting. Are you enjoying yourself at the party?"

The Wereraven, who was, Nyx notices, not talking to anyone but rather observing the conversation in front of him, glances over at her with bloodshot eyes.

"Ah, the Lady Nyx of Heroica Hall, correct? When am I not?" The raven gives a wheezy laugh, and his eyes run up and down her body, examining her quickly but thoroughly. It is discomforting. "Strong, versed in magic. I have a nose for it. A fire mage, I'll assume, as most younger humans are when they are gifted with the art. Overly confident but secretly vulnerable. Not a strong family dynamic if there is one at all, and I fear that there rarely is. You cover well for it though. I am Dr. Everstien." He offers his hand. "I am enjoying the party, thank you for asking. And I find myself quite enchanting as well, to be frank." Another wheezing cough.

[Scubacarrot]

"Hello, I am Lord Chauncey. It's too bad you scared Lady Felix off. You must be very fearsome indeed. This is actually my first time at Guffington Manor, though he has been a guest at my house numerous times. You are a hero of Heroica, correct? I hired a few just a few days ago to deal with a problem. I hope that they are as good at scaring ladies away as you are..." Lord Chauncey pauses, obviously waiting for a name.

Guts stayed silent for a few seconds, then shrugged smirked: "Do I seem so fearsome? I try not to show what I am capable of until it's neccesary. If I may ask, what heroes did you hire? I am Captain Holla, by the way."

[Pandora]

The Wereraven, who was, Nyx notices, not talking to anyone but rather observing the conversation in front of him, glances over at her with bloodshot eyes.

"Ah, the Lady Nyx of Heroica Hall, correct? When am I not?" The raven gives a wheezy laugh, and his eyes run up and down her body, examining her quickly but thoroughly. It is discomforting. "Strong, versed in magic. I have a nose for it. A fire mage, I'll assume, as most younger humans are when they are gifted with the art. Overly confident but secretly vulnerable. Not a strong family dynamic if there is one at all, and I fear that there rarely is. You cover well for it though. I am Dr. Everstien." He offers his hand. "I am enjoying the party, thank you for asking. And I find myself quite enchanting as well, to be frank." Another wheezing cough.

Nyx smiles. "You're direct. I like that. I'm afraid you haven't read me completely, but a girl must have some secrets, mustn't she?" and she winks conspiratorially "I'd be interested if you could do the same with someone else, maybe Mr Hinckwell there? I'm most impressed with your abilities, Doctor." she raises her glass in a silent toast to Dr Everstien.

[Zepher]

Guts stayed silent for a few seconds, then shrugged smirked: "Do I seem so fearsome? I try not to show what I am capable of until it's neccesary. If I may ask, what heroes did you hire? I am Captain Holla, by the way."

"Fearsome enough to scare off the Lady Felix." Chauncey smiles, but it is controlled and small. "I hired a team of four. i never had the chance to meet them personally, but I believe they were named Atramor, Althior, Ellaria and Tesni." The man speaks the name with quiet ease, clearly remembering the list perfectly.

Nyx smiles. "You're direct. I like that. I'm afraid you haven't read me completely, but a girl must have some secrets, mustn't she?" and she winks conspiratorially "I'd be interested if you could do the same with someone else, maybe Mr Hinckwell there? I'm most impressed with your abilities, Doctor." she raises her glass in a silent toast to Dr Everstien.

"I simply look at the clues and try to draw an analysis. What did I get wrong?" The Wereraven sips on some sour smelling liquid. "Are you a darkness mage? Most young humans are one of those two, but your courageous attitude led me to believe fire." Everstien looks over at Hinckwell. "Henry Hinckwell. He is different than you. I have public knowledge on him. Younger brother to Henreich by only two years. He does not resent his brother or family in any way, but rather is extremely loyal. He is considered snooty and does not mingle well with the lower class, though he is admirable when it comes to those of the same social rank. He, of course, hates the Shadeaux, and is extremely well travelled." Everstien sips his drink again. "Now, personal observations. If it came to a fight, he would not be physically capable of defending himself, a fact that he is well aware of. He has brought a lot of gold, possibly for some sort of transaction or possibly to show off his wealth. He has made eye contact with both you and your fellow heroes numerous times, but you have not seen it yet, which disappoints him."

As Everstien finishes his analysis, the doors to the Dining Hall open and Doc Daneeka and Madame Ladybug walk in, in quiet conversation. Everstien glances at the glass and the sky beyond it.

"8:10," he casually remarks to Nyx.

Edited June 14, 2013 by Zepher

[Scubacarrot]

"Fearsome enough to scare off the Lady Felix." Chauncey smiles, but it is controlled and small. "I hired a team of four. i never had the chance to meet them personally, but I believe they were named Atramor, Althior, Ellaria and Tesni." The man speaks the name with quiet ease, clearly remembering the list perfectly.

Guts looks in the direction Lady Felix walked off in. "Hm. You are mistaking fear for something else. She wants to speak to you, alone. I was inconsiderate, not to notice it. I've worked with Gibbin and Arbour, they'll pull through for whatever it is you need help with, I'm sure. Have a good evening." With that, Guts walks off, finishing his drink as he does. The raider moves over (grabbing another drink from a passing serveras he does) to the figure with the black robes and hair, and introduces himself: "I'm Captain Guts Holla, I was wondering if you could tell me something about what to expect from tonight?"

[Zepher]

"Samuel Shawe. Is this your first Guffington party? I can tell you that it will be an interesting night. Always is. Guffington keeps his parties well stocked, always. And once the wine starts flowing, so do the business deals. Tonight, for example-" Samuel stops talking as he focuses on Madame Ladybug. "Aw, there is my business deal right there!" Samuel excuses himself and walks over to Madame Ladybug, who looks disappointed to see Doc Daneeka leave and equally disappointed to see Samuel.

The man who had previously been talking to Shawe extends his hand to Guts.

"Hello, my name is Richard Marsh. It's a pleasure to meet you, Captain Guts. Do you by chance own a ship?"

Edited June 13, 2013 by Zepher

[Scubacarrot]

Guts shakes the man's hand shortly, but firmly, and says: "I do. A quick, foreign beauty." The raider raises an eyebrow as Shawe leaves to talk to Madame Ladybug. "The Shadeaux and the Guild dealing with each other. Interesting, don't you think?"

Edited June 13, 2013 by Scubacarrot

[Pandora]

"I simply look at the clues and try to draw an analysis. What did I get wrong?" The Wereraven sips on some sour smelling liquid. "Are you a darkness mage? Most young humans are one of those two, but your courageous attitude led me to believe fire." Everstien looks over at Hinckwell. "Henry Hinckwell. He is different than you. I have public knowledge on him. Younger brother to Henreich by only two years. He does not resent his brother or family in any way, but rather is extremely loyal. He is considered snooty and does not mingle well with the lower class, though he is admirable when it comes to those of the same social rank. He, of course, hates the Shadeaux, and is extremely well travelled." Everstien sips his drink again. "Now, personal observations. If it came to a fight, he would not be physically capable of defending himself, a fact that he is well aware of. He has brought a lot of gold, possibly for some sort of transaction or possibly to show off his wealth. He has made eye contact with both you and your fellow heroes numerous times, but you have not seen it yet, which disappoints him."

Nyx leans conspiratorially towards the Wereraven.

"You have a remarkable talent. I'm not about to disclose anything you may have missed, sorry ; I did acquire my Darkness abilities very soon after joining Heroica, though, so that might explain your.. addition." she looks over at Henry Hinckwell "Well, I wouldn't want to keep disappointing the gentleman, now would I? Excuse me." and she winks again and grins at Doctor Everstien as she drains her glass and glides over to Henry Hinckwell, picking up another couple of drinks (just like Guts) on the way over.

Her customary curtsey, and she introduces herself with another sweet smile, proffering the glass.

"Lord Hinckwell, it is an honour to meet you. I am Nyx. I hope you do not mind me intruding upon your time in such a presumptuous way?"

[Brickdoctor]

I approach the faun, momentarily glancing in the direction of Guts and Nyx and the man dressed like Lady Wren* at the same time.

"Good evening. Bartholomew Docken."

I hold out my hand to shake that of the faun.

"I have seen many different species during my time in Eubric, but I have not seen fauns before. Tell me, are there many in this area?"

[Zepher]

OoC: You still with us, JimBee?

"The Shadeaux and the Guild dealing with each other. Interesting, don't you think?"

"The Shadeaux and Guild," the man laughs a high pitched piercing laugh. "You should talk to Lord Chauncey. He claims that everyone in Eubric believes that this city is the center of Olegia. I live on Gull, those names mean little to me other than distant contractors who occasionally hire me. I'm an investor and middle man, by the way. If someone wants something shipped, they come to me. If you're looking to do business, I can help you get your ship on the market." Lord Chauncey, hearing his name, glances over, but Lord Marsh studiously avoids eye contact.

"Lord Hinckwell, it is an honour to meet you. I am Nyx. I hope you do not mind me intruding upon your time in such a presumptuous way?"

"Ah, hello, Lady Nyx. It is a pleasure to meet you," says the older gentlemen, leaning in and giving her a kiss on the cheek. He lingers near her face just a little too long before retracting himself from her personal bubble. "It is pleasant as ever to see the heroes of Heroica. Do you know Captain Elba?" The captain that Henry was talking to offers his hand. "Finest man to ever drop out of the Bonaparte command, if you ask me. Guffington scalps all the best men. I wish I had scalped this lad when I had the chance."

"Good evening. Bartholomew Docken."

I hold out my hand to shake that of the faun.

"I have seen many different species during my time in Eubric, but I have not seen fauns before. Tell me, are there many in this area?"

The faun shakes his hand. From the faun's clothing, it is clear he is a server, though Guffington has of course spared no expense and has dressed them nearly as well as the party goers. The faun has a gravelly voice and a friendly manner

"Hello, sir, how do you do? Thomas is my name. I can't say that there's many more fauns in the city, but we're certainly here and there. It is a great honor to serve at the house of Guffington, especially with so many exquisite creatures around! Lady Felix is quite an eyeful, and that other server Avery... well, she's in the kitchen right now, but oh ho ho, when she comes out, just get a look at her! Even in her server's clothes she looks nice. Such poise!"

[JimBee]

OOC: Still here, yes. Had to take a one day trip, didn't expect to be so eventful.

After a quick reunion with the Great Guffington and entering his magnificent house, Hybros watched as his allies spread about the party and mingled with the guests. At the mention of a gift from Guts, Hybros shot him a glance a mumbled something back, about silly human customs.

Hybros, not much of a socialite, hung back and wallflowered near Madame Ladybug and the one who he overheard to be one of the Shadeaux, trying to listen in on their conversation inconspicuously. The others seemed to have the rest of the guests covered, after all.

[Pandora]

"Ah, hello, Lady Nyx. It is a pleasure to meet you," says the older gentlemen, leaning in and giving her a kiss on the cheek. He lingers near her face just a little too long before retracting himself from her personal bubble. "It is pleasant as ever to see the heroes of Heroica. Do you know Captain Elba?" The captain that Henry was talking to offers his hand. "Finest man to ever drop out of the Bonaparte command, if you ask me. Guffington scalps all the best men. I wish I had scalped this lad when I had the chance."

Nyx blinks slightly, before smiling and turning her attention to the Captain and taking his hand to shake firmly but not too tightly.

"Captain Elba, you are clearly highly regarded by Lord Hinckwell here, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." she curtseys yet again.

[Brickdoctor]

The faun shakes his hand. From the faun's clothing, it is clear he is a server, though Guffington has of course spared no expense and has dressed them nearly as well as the party goers. The faun has a gravelly voice and a friendly manner

"Hello, sir, how do you do? Thomas is my name. I can't say that there's many more fauns in the city, but we're certainly here and there. It is a great honor to serve at the house of Guffington, especially with so many exquisite creatures around! Lady Felix is quite an eyeful, and that other server Avery... well, she's in the kitchen right now, but oh ho ho, when she comes out, just get a look at her! Even in her server's clothes she looks nice. Such poise!"

I return the faun's greeting.

"How do you do, Thomas?

"I...see. Have you been working for Lord Guffington for a long time?"

[Scubacarrot]

"The Shadeaux and Guild," the man laughs a high pitched piercing laugh. "You should talk to Lord Chauncey. He claims that everyone in Eubric believes that this city is the center of Olegia. I live on Gull, those names mean little to me other than distant contractors who occasionally hire me. I'm an investor and middle man, by the way. If someone wants something shipped, they come to me. If you're looking to do business, I can help you get your ship on the market." Lord Chauncey, hearing his name, glances over, but Lord Marsh studiously avoids eye contact.

The raider shrugged: "Gull is hardly an hour sailing away, I figured someone in your line of work, and succesful enough to go around being called 'Lord', would get a lot of business from the Houses. Guess I am wrong. I am interested in business. Tell me more."

[Zepher]

Hybros, not much of a socialite, hung back and wallflowered near Madame Ladybug and the one who he overheard to be one of the Shadeaux, trying to listen in on their conversation inconspicuously. The others seemed to have the rest of the guests covered, after all.

"...but it would be mutually beneficial, Madame!"

"I don't care, Samuel. For the evening, at least, I'm the representative of the Guild, and I have no interest in furthering your operation."

"Think of the-"

"Deaths? I will. Good day."

Madame Ladybug walks off towards one of the servers. Samuel shakes his head sadly and spots Hybros.

"Hello there."

Nyx blinks slightly, before smiling and turning her attention to the Captain and taking his hand to shake firmly but not too tightly.

"Captain Elba, you are clearly highly regarded by Lord Hinckwell here, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." she curtseys yet again.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well. I have been a fan of your Hall for a long time, though I admit, your saving Master Guffington last year particularly pleased me. If you ever need anything shipped, I'm sure Gerald would be more than pleased to loan my services."

"But of course his estate stays neutral in all business arrangements with the Houses. A shame, a folly!"

"Master Guffington wishes to remain friends with all. He admires all the houses equally. Is that such a folly?"

"Only when he keeps all the talent of Eubric out of the hands of people who could put it to good use. If you ever find yourself looking for a job, come find me, Elba!"

"I...see. Have you been working for Lord Guffington for a long time?"

"Only for the night, sir. As far as the word goes, Daneeka and U'Ordissium are the only two employees of Guffington Manor on a regular basis, though I believe Captain Elba over there too serves Guffington exclusively. Guffington hires servers for each party. This is the chef and server's first time in the Manor!"

The raider shrugged: "Gull is hardly an hour sailing away, I figured someone in your line of work, and succesful enough to go around being called 'Lord', would get a lot of business from the Houses. Guess I am wrong. I am interested in business. Tell me more."

"Oh, I deal with the Houses plenty. I just don't care if they deal with each other, or whatever tension may arise with them. The only one I need to stay on good terms with is the Bonapartes, so they're the only ones I watch. Terrible what happened to Reno."

"As for business, you may give me your information. If there is something that needs shipping, and I think you're the right man for the job, I'll contact you by this new Z-Mail. Damn magic. Don't trust it, but I suppose its a necessity at this point. Of course, that goes the other way around. If you need a message delivered, or even a package, and want to do it discretely, I'm the man for the job. The men and women of Gull are known for their discretion, and their connections. I get jobs daily."

[Pandora]

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well. I have been a fan of your Hall for a long time, though I admit, your saving Master Guffington last year particularly pleased me. If you ever need anything shipped, I'm sure Gerald would be more than pleased to loan my services."

"Ah, you are too kind, but my three companions here were the ones who saved Master Guffington back then. I am a newcomer here, but I'm very pleased to be here nonetheless. That is a very generous offer you make, and you never know, we may take you up on it."

Nyx continues to sip at her glass, smiling and looking around the room, watching the interactions. She sees Samuel walk away from Mme Ladybug towards Hybros.

"Gentlemen, if you would excuse me, but I have heard so much about Mme Ladybug and I should very much like to present myself to her." she nods and smiles to her companions in a friendly way.

Nyx joins Madame Ladybug at the server, taking a fresh glass and leaving her empty one behind. She turns to the lady.

"Madame, are you enjoying the wine? It seems Master Guffington has excellent taste. I am Nyx, by the way, and I am honoured to make your acquaintance." and she smiles and curtseys, yet again.

[Scubacarrot]

"Such a terrible thing..." The raider mumbled. Clearly remembering it was his blade that ended Reno's life. He continued: "I don't do Z-Mail. If you need me, send a message to me in the hall, or on my ship. A paper message. It'll reach me. For someone that delivers packages and messages for a living, that shouldn't be a problem?"

The raider finished his drink and walked off again. These weren't exactly his kind of people (few people were). These people all seemed to think they were so great, all for being rich, for being able to take things from others, for being better at something. Guts took another drink from a passing server, and proceeded to lead against one of the walls. He hoped that whatever Guffington had planned would be more than these kind of conversations.

[JimBee]

"Hello there."

Hybros looked around before realizing Shawe was addressing him. "Oh, eh, hello. I am Hybros. I could not help but to overhear... eheh... I take it Madame Ladybug is not the most agreeable type?"

[Brickdoctor]

"Only for the night, sir. As far as the word goes, Daneeka and U'Ordissium are the only two employees of Guffington Manor on a regular basis, though I believe Captain Elba over there too serves Guffington exclusively. Guffington hires servers for each party. This is the chef and server's first time in the Manor!"

"Ah. Well then, I should probably avoid interfering with your job. It was a pleasure meeting you; hopefully some time later you can tell me more about fauns around Eubric and their culture."

OoC: I found them! I found the new hired helpers! And we know who the butler is. Can we lynch them now?

[Zepher]

"Madame, are you enjoying the wine? It seems Master Guffington has excellent taste. I am Nyx, by the way, and I am honoured to make your acquaintance." and she smiles and curtseys, yet again.

"Ah, Lady Nyx. I believe I recognize your face from somewhere? You were at the Founder's Day, weren't you? A terrible event, but the Houses do owe you some debt. I've still got a headache from where I was beamed over the head by a chair. Didn't see who did it, but I guess we were all a little out of our heads. Thank you for saving us." The Madame gives Nyx a stiff hug.

"I heard of that. It is the talk of the hovels," says the waitress, whom none of the heroes had noticed before. "Steerpike the Poisoner, wasn't it? Poison is the weapon of a coward."

"Such a terrible thing..." The raider mumbled. Clearly remembering it was his blade that ended Reno's life. He continued: "I don't do Z-Mail. If you need me, send a message to me in the hall, or on my ship. A paper message. It'll reach me. For someone that delivers packages and messages for a living, that shouldn't be a problem?"

"Paper message, understood," says Marsh, and shakes Guts' hand again. He then hands him a card. "This is my information."

Hybros looked around before realizing Shawe was addressing him. "Oh, eh, hello. I am Hybros. I could not help but to overhear... eheh... I take it Madame Ladybug is not the most agreeable type?"

"I'm afraid not. My request is mutually beneficial. I'm trying to get the Guild to supply the Shadeuax with a new more powerful bomb to sell. This military grade stuff is being sold to the Bonapartes, but apparently the Guild doesn't want them to get into the hands of private armies. It's ridiculous. The armies will be getting them anyway sooner or later, that's the way of the world. Why not allow themselves and us make a little gold off of it? Tell you what, do you have standing with the Guild? Perhaps you can convince her - I hear she's indebted to the Heroes of Heroica now anyway. I'd be willing to throw a little bit of gold your way for the favor, say 150 gold and an increased reputation with the family I serve?"

As the heroes talk, a woman wanders into the room from the kitchen. She appears to be a little tipsy. Lord Marsh nods to her - she is apparently the Lady Marsh, the only guest the heroes have no met yet. The Wereraven leans over to Guts and glances up at the skylight.

"8:25," he remarks casually.

Edited June 14, 2013 by Zepher

[Scubacarrot]

The raider overhears Hybros conversation, and whispers in the little man's ear: "I might be able to help, I've helped the guild, and dealt with herself as well. Your call." He looks at the little card in his hand, and puts it away in one of his pockets, he then quickly finishes his drink, and takes another one. Mystery drinks and business talk. Why couldn't there be music and an open bar?

Guts turns to the wereraven, and asks: "That's... the time. You mind telling me at what time something is supposed to happen?"

Edited June 14, 2013 by Scubacarrot

[Zepher]

OoC: I made a mistake when he told the time to Nyx earlier, that is indeed the correct time, I'm sorry. You made edit it back to your original snippy remark if you want.

[JimBee]

"I'm afraid not. My request is mutually beneficial. I'm trying to get the Guild to supply the Shadeuax with a new more powerful bomb to sell. This military grade stuff is being sold to the Bonapartes, but apparently the Guild doesn't want them to get into the hands of private armies. It's ridiculous. The armies will be getting them anyway sooner or later, that's the way of the world. Why not allow themselves and us make a little gold off of it? Tell you what, do you have standing with the Guild? Perhaps you can convince her - I hear she's indebted to the Heroes of Heroica now anyway. I'd be willing to throw a little bit of gold your way for the favor, say 150 gold and an increased reputation with the family I serve?"

"I do not see how that would be beneficial to anyone besides yourself. The Shadeaux have offered me a deal before, but I refused. Old habits, I am afraid, eheh. You will just have to figure out this bomb thing for yourself. Though I am no fan of the Bonapartes myself, they have enough to deal with protecting the city without upgraded weaponry on pirate ships." Hybros shifted his eyes away from the man. "Good evening." He said with a nod and quickly turned, eager to get away, but ran into Guts instead.

The raider overhears Hybros conversation, and whispers in the little man's ear: "I might be able to help, I've helped the guild, and dealt with herself as well. Your call."

"You are free to accept his offer yourself, but I will have no hand in the matter, hehe..."

Hybros spotted a waitress whom he had not noticed before. Unaccustomed to party manners, he walked over to her, intending to grab a drink like the others. Although he didn't mean to drink it anyway, the tray was too high and the waitress didn't seem to notice him. He tugged on her dress. "Eheh, excuse me, I do not recall seeing you before. Do you work for Guffington regularly?"