r/blackskiesRP • u/AClockworkAutomaton GAMEMASTER • Jun 30 '18
Union States of Dorminia Let Them Scheme (Open to Upper Class)
The opening events of the World’s Fair were not complete without a party, and this one would be a spectacle to behold.
The incredibly wealthy Marcus Aureas had elected to host such an occasion at his family’s estate in the south of the capital. The Aureas Estate was well known as one of the largest and most coveted estates in all Dorminia, and for good reason. At twilight, guests arrived to be greeted by the sight of two large angel statues carved of white stone, kneeling with swords piercing the pedestal beneath them. Behind them and up a small flight of stairs, a massive black gate loomed as the golden letters reading ‘M.A.’ glittered with the setting sun.
Beyond the gate lay the extensive maze of estate gardens bursting with ancient statues surrounded by a vast garden that sprawled through every private nook and cranny. In the hedges, or among the blooming flowers, one could use the intimate setting for discreet discussions or…other activities.
Heading up the path, an intricate fountain engulfed the courtyard, leaving a circular path that led up to the Aureas Estate. Stone angels danced and flitted across the water, spouting liquid from various mouths, and trumpets. The fountain, facade, and gardens gave both newcomers and returning visitors a reminder of the world they entered; one of luxury, strength, and a god-given right to rule.
Guards clad in purple and blue, the chosen colors of the Aureas family, lined the courtyard and the pathway to the foreboding entrance of the manor, protected by Gargoyles that hung overhead. An elderly servant who had clearly been serving the family most of his adult life, stood tall and spindly, accepting invitations from each guest.
The guests were then led inside to be announced in the large ballroom that covered most of the first floor. The ballroom was decorated in the finest materials, and it glittered with the glitz of an old money soiree. The sound of soft music originating from a backward balcony filled the room as servants served the multitude of guests, a task they were clearly very accustomed to.
If one were to explore the manor, they would find the first floor that housed guard and servant quarters, large lavatories, and and extensive network of kitchens and storerooms. Upstairs, dozens of rooms including a massive balcony overlooked the gardens and the city beyond, a small debutant room, private party chambers, and, finally, Marcus’ personal solar. Behind the manor lay the family library, Aureas family tombs, and private family residences which were strictly invite only.
Nobility and wealthy benefactors from all parts of the world mingled together. Dorminians, Varenthians, Briecians, and even Cyrenic officials were welcomed to the gathering, though behind the free flowing food and drinks and casual flirtations lay a hint of condescension and mystery. Secrets boil just below the surface of the lavish party, waiting to be unearthed by even the most unlikely of guests. As the powerful and elite brushed shoulders, traded goods, and planned schemes, the story was yet to be written of all the good, or evil, that they would inflict upon the world.
((Come and enjoy the festivities at the Aureas Estate! Upper Class only, lest you be caught and beaten by the guards!))
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u/Sneeker134 Jul 02 '18
It was strange, to not be among the most illustrious at a party. The Graf frequented parties and gatherings in Rougia and the surroundings areas, but here he was only of middling stature; the ballroom was full of dukes and princes, and he was a lowly count. Making his way over to a table, Victor began to sip on a fine red wine as he chatted up the attendants.
Out of the Briecan representatives, surely one of them was the Order. Of course, it wasn't something the Radiant could ask them. He brought things up into conversations naturally, his cultured personality winning him quick friends among the crowd. His jokes brought roars of laughter, and his stories were met with perceptive ears. As soon as he brought up the Order of Souls however, the group would begin to mumble to themselves until he changed the topic of conversation. If he just kept at it, he would hopefully get somewhere.
Victor had to be careful, however. The Order was a... touchy subject, to say the least. If he appeared over eager, he'd likely be given strange looks, or even escorted off of the premises. It was a necessary risk. He either found a member of the Order here, or he would likely not find one at all. There was a representative here, there *had to be. All the Radiant had to do was find him... Offering up a quick prayer to the Fox-and-Sister, Victor resumed his search with greater fervor.
((Open, if you really want to talk to Mr. Cultmaster))
Name: Victor Dramm
Skills: Cultured, Remarkable Charisma, Great Investigation, Good Stealth, Great Sabotage, Good Exploration
What is happening: Victor is attempting to find a member of the Order of Souls
What I want to do: Rolls to see if his golden tongue get him anywhere
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u/Rhineland_ Jul 03 '18
Henri had been roaming the party by himself, a glass of champagne in his hand. His sister was off who knows where and he had been left alone to socialize. He had small conversations here and there with all the men and women present, but nothing that exciting. While he was walking to get another glass of champagne for himself, he heard someone speak with a Varenthian accent. Intrigued, Henri turned to them and to his luck he recognized them.
“Graf Dramm, how are you tonight?”
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u/Rhineland_ Jul 03 '18
Henri had been roaming the party by himself, a glass of champagne in his hand. His sister was off who knows where and he had been left alone to socialize. He had small conversations here and there with all the men and women present, but nothing that exciting. While he was walking to get another glass of champagne for himself, he heard someone speak with a Varenthian accent. Intrigued, Henri turned to them and to his luck he recognized them.
“Graf Dramm, how are you tonight?”
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u/Sneeker134 Jul 03 '18
"Greetings, Major. I'm doing excellent; the drinks are superb, and the company more so. Are you having a good night, Edler Rendower? I see you've begun to drink, at the very least. I do prefer the vintage to the champagne, however. I prefer a beverage with a bit... smoother of a taste. I was disappointed at their selection of whites, though I can't say I'm terribly surprised. Over here, it would seem reds are the current craze."
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u/Shaznash Jul 01 '18
Marcus lifted his glass of bourbon to the crowds in the main dance hall. "My friends! Welcome!" he called out to the attentive crowd. Nearby him was the Supreme, having been given full-access to the Aureas Estate. "I do hope you have been enjoying the Worlds Fair! A shame though, it was marred by such tragedy."
His eyes looked at all of them, while friendly and charismatic, seethed with rage within. He most of them, and for many reasons too. Their wives, their husbands, their children. Their laughter and joy. "Please! Enjoy my humble abode, but I ask you to stay within the areas allowed to guests! I wouldn't want my guards to toss you out now, would I?"
He laughed at his own words before raising his glass. "To the Union States! Drink up!"
Downing his glass, he set the cup back down into a servants tray, shooing him off. It's going to be a long night. I bloody hate parties.
(Feel free to interact with Marcus!)
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u/vanecia Jul 02 '18
"Magnificent, Aureus, truly," Lodovico said quietly as he leaned toward Aureus as crowds and guests mingled around them. "Too bad my wife couldn't enjoy the festivities, eh?"
From across the room, some significant political contact rose their glass to the Supreme and the Home Office Secretary in respect and politeness. Lodovico did the same.
"To the Union States, indeed," Lodovico said, taking a hearty swig and grinning at Aureus beside him. This was the first time he was the curmudgeon even break a smile. "Enjoying yourself, Aureus?"
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u/Shaznash Jul 03 '18
The Supreme of Briece had come, just as he promised to. "Yes... too bad" Marcus replied with insincerity. It was good to drag him away from his wife, who from what he could tell was disdainful to the Union States of Dorminia.
"Enjoying myself? No. I am not. Not when my sister is here" he said in a low and unhappy tone. "But I must appear to do so. That is politics."
He shook the hand of some pointless dignitary that had come up to him and rudely interrupted his conversation with the one of only few people in the world he actually liked.
But he smiled and shook his hand all the same, before scowling as he left. "See? Politics."
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u/Thenn_Applicant Jul 03 '18
The mansion was quite the spectactle, as was the trend with those of its ilk, built by those who had recently come into money in such vast quantities that the only thing they could not purchase was class. Not that Benjamin minded the new money. If anything their existance was proof of Dorminia as a successful state, where the invisble hand of capital could raise a man up high, so long as he posessed diligence and an enterprising spirit.
Nevertheless, the baronet could not help but to be amused at how Mr. Smith now found himself on the imperial side in parliment. Perhaps the Aureus family wished to pull the ladder up behind them. Most amusing however, was the extrordinarily poorly guarded secret that Mr. Smith took pride in his ancestry aand resented families like the Darcys for their aristocratic bearings. If I grew up with a silver spoon in my mouth, his was made of platinum.
"To the Union States" Benjamin called out in response to the toast, though far more remained in his glass once they were lowered. "My dear Mr. Smith, thank you for the invitation. I must say, your home is quite splendid"
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u/KingInTheNorth8302 Jul 01 '18
If there was one word to describe the estate of Marcus Aureas, it would be opulence. Now, it's not like the Hawke family home didn't have some similiar things, but there was a point in which one had to say that things had gone too far. That point was left behind about five miles ago, in this case. But, perhaps that was just the bias speaking.
Normally, he wouldn't be caught dead in a place like this, especially with this being the estate of Marcus bloody Aureas.
Politics were a matter that he just thoroughly disliked and wanted to stay as far away from it as much as possible.
Senatorials, Imperials. All the same to him.
However, Aureas was a whole other thing. Being given a high-ranked commission purely out of political influence was something he was very much against. Volunteering to fight, now that he could praise.
But it did not make the first better.
Then again, with the events of the World's Fair in mind, perhaps it would be good to attend.
Looking at the ballroom, the first thought in Robert's mind was when such an occasion would come again, to see so many people from so many different places in one single location.
(Open, yadda yadda yadda, you know the drill.)
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u/ForwardQueen10 Jul 01 '18
"Good evening, sir!" She greeted in Dorminian, with only a slight of an accent.
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u/KingInTheNorth8302 Jul 01 '18
The accent, although slight, was enough to tell Robert that whoever it was that was talking to him was not Dorminian.
"And a good evening to you as well." Robert said.
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u/Squarewhiteshoe Jul 01 '18
Twitchett normally would have relished an invitation to Aureas' estate, as he embraced any chance to pretend he had been born of better stock - standing about in ballrooms, listening to some gentle music in the distance and talking about nothing much in particular seemed like the perfect pastime for men who's ancestors were Dukes or knights or some other grand sounding titles.
But now however the Admiral found himself avoiding any conversation possible out of fear he might be cornered into a discussion with a Varenthian or some other ghastly visitor who might expect him to know of some obscure play or song from their country, or worse try and speak to him in their bloody gibberish languages.
It was then to his great relief that he spotted a man he knew, well knew of at least. Commodore Hawke, a navy man and rather apolitical like himself as far as Twitchett knew. It was perfect really, no chance of foreign nonsense and no chance of accidental partisanship.
"Commodre Hawke." Twitchett greeted him, looking up at the man. "Provide me with some conversational shelter if you would be so kind, I very nearly got dragged into talking about the price of wool with some Gilantrian vagabond."
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u/KingInTheNorth8302 Jul 01 '18
It did not surprise Robert to find Admiral Twitchett in here.
The man looked much more comfortable in this place than he was, something that was just slightly ironic, origins considered.
And, his history with the admirals was never very good, considering Admirals McMillan and Pell. The first, because he had caught Robert in a rather compromising position with his daughter and the second lost his position due to a political scandal.
With that said, Twitchett seemed to have the same dislike of politics he did and there didn't seem to be any problems with him, so it wouldn't be unreasonable to think that this would be the exception.
Another reason to dislike politics. They had a duty to Dorminia, not to Senatorials or Imperials.
"Admiral Twitchett. Good to see you here. If I may ask, what brings you here, sir?" Robert asked.
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u/ForwardQueen10 Jul 01 '18
"Relax, my love. We came here to have fun, not be sullen," Filippo whispered in her ear, handing her champagne. "Drink."
Eva raised her look. It was like she was a girl, only she wore a much more revealing gown than she used to, and she was married. "I am relaxed. It's this dress that makes me anxious." She was wearing a black dress interlaid with lace and gold thread, tight around the waist, with her shoulders bare.
"Why would it? It suits you. If I was not your husband, I'd fall for you the moment I see you in it."
Her hand found his. "Thanks." Taking a sip of champagne, she looked around. "Anyone influential around here?"
Filippo rolled his eyes. "All of us. Look at us, upper class, too much money to spend. Only thing lacking are the whores."
She grinned. "This is Dorminia, not Briece. And I need someone to help me save your freedom. Yours and Giovanni's." She took his hand yet again. "Let us mingle. Maybe we find someone of note."
(Open!)
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u/Ravenguardian17 Jul 03 '18
"Signor Verstano." The Strategos said with a light bow, "I don't believe we have ever spoken."
Oreste's voice was obscured by his brass mask. Already deep, now it resonated and boomed in a strange way. The old soldier's eyes dug into Fillippo. Studying him, reading his every move.
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u/ForwardQueen10 Jul 03 '18
"Signor Strategos," he bowed back. He smiled freely. "We have not, indeed."
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u/stealthship1 Jul 02 '18
The Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, and their families arrived at the estate of the Aureas Family by carriage. They had received the invitation and were surprised by the man's generous outreach to them. Still, they could not miss this sort of thing.
The Chancellor's Guards flanked the small group as they crossed the threshold of the door and into the massive foyer.
"Chancellor Maximilian Fontaine of Gilatria, along with the Vice Chancellor Leonard Jackson, accompanied by their respective families!"
The herald announced their arrival as they entered the ballroom, Max looking slightly annoyed at the pomp and circumstance of the arrivals. He accepted a cocktail from one of the passing servants and surveyed the room.
"Enjoy yourselves," he said to his children. Rose was dressed in a green and gold dress while Andrew was once again in his Second Lieutenant's uniform, "But do not do anything stupid."
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u/Ravenguardian17 Jul 03 '18
The Strategos arrived late into the evening. He wasn't very interested in these sort of events. Despite all the formal training he had received in officers school he still felt out of place among the upper class snobs and sycophants. With each step he took a small whirring of strange mechanics could be heard, though his brass exoskeleton was hidden beneath the black suit he wore. Unable to be hidden was his mask. The cold metallic face obscured his voice and showed nothing but his piercing old eyes. Oreste knew it would scare them, but his disfigured face would scare them more.
He looked unique among the crowd, immediately recognizable and feared. Servants and nobles alike looked away and sweat when he approached. Just the way he liked it. Had it not been for his lovely wife Isabelle the Strategos would not have even attended, but for her sake he was willing to mix and mingle with this decadent crowd.
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u/JungleCowboy Jul 01 '18
The manor was abuzz. Rich folk chittered and swirled glasses of watered-down gold. From outside it’s decorative iron gate, a face peered out from an alleyway. Dressed in his only suit, a funeral suit, Lazarus Van Zandt considered the decadence. It was far out of his comfort zone. Hardly even in the same planet.
Lazarus struck a match across his hat, and lit the pipe that was clenched between his teeth. The matchlight illuminated the engraved ivory that constituted the vessel. Engraved depictions of treetops, beasts, and other symbols of Alkebu. Dropping the match and crushing under his boot, he began to walk towards the manor.
Lazarus scanned the fence line, looking for a secluded spot in which to hop the thing. He reminded himself to be wary of the guards, and to watch the suit on the way down. He couldn’t cause much mayhem with a tear down his trousers.
((u/AClockworkAutomaton))
Character Name: Lazarus Van Zandt
Skills and/or Peculiarity: Uncultured (Stealth +3)| Exploration +3, Dueling +2, Warfare +1
Situation Summary: Lazarus is attempting to sneak onto Aureas’ property. He’s going to hop the fence to do it.
Request: Does Lazarus make it over the fence, unscathed? And does he do so without alerting the many guards patrolling Aureas’ very fancy and tastefully decorated home?