AWRR Chapter 5

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Summary

Session date: 2023-04-02

DAY ONE

Everyone arrives at the estate, save for Lamont, who has been in attendance for several days. Nik is on hand to greet his gusts as they arrive, and speaks with Leonora, Magga and Yadda as well as with Juno and Rosalie directly. Lavinia observes Gueiris arriving with Juno and Agyness in a Cziernos carriage. Katherina tries to speak with Gueiris to understand the situation and is rebuffed.

Coifárë checks in with Victorina and Chitara, as the first recovers from portal sickness, and the three make plans to visit the bathing pools.

Lamont and Gueiris run into each other out in the gardens, and Gueiris explains about his arrival with Juno. Meanwhile, the Whitbottom-Orsino sisters have an awkward meeting with Juno in the hot springs.

Sebastien meets Chitara and they have a frank discussion about their views on marriage. They are joined by Coifárë for a tryst

Leonora learns that Fyan Akan Nabari is present, and she invites him to bathe in order to get to know him.

Nik and Coifárë meet up and press Lamont on his situation. He tells them about his uncle's conspiracy and breaks down in the face of their care and concern. Afte they settle him in his rooms for a rest, they discuss what they might be able to do to help him.

Later that evening, Leonora catches Lamont. She explains her search for a sire for an heir, and invites him to consider whether he has any interest in becoming involved. Meanwhile, Gueiris runs across Lavinia in the kitchen, and they have a conversation fraught with misunderstandings.

Rosalie tries to help Juno in the library, and the pair wind up in a pile on the floor. They discuss books and what it means to make a difference in the world

DAY TWO

Nik meets Chitara at breakfast. they catch up, and he floats th idea of her delegation taking Lamont as a guard. Later, she runs into him while painting out in the gardens, and they have a genial discussion about art and politics.

Coifárë comes across Gueiris in the hot springs and talks to him about his love life. he later runs into Rosalie and the two talk about their futures. Afterwards, Rosalie runs into Coifárë at the springs and the two discuss possible Doumens matches and futures. Chitara seeks out Rosalie and speaks frankly about the possibility of courting her brother.

Gueiris and Juno spar with magic at the Therma Alba training grounds, both going all out. They are interrupted by Lamont towards the end of their bout, after which Juno excuses herself and the guys discuss their messy love lives.

Lamont finds Coifárë in the estate's small chapel, and the two share their mutual affection in front of the statue of Corellon. Afterwards, he runs into Lavinia in the gardens and the two discuss Gerry, Gueiris, and the possibility of happiness.

Lamont runs in to Rosalie in the Library while returning a rare book, and they make plans for a walk out to the vineyards the next day.

DAY THREE - to Be Determined :V

Session

Arrivals

Nik: Therma Alba is the estate of the Amathalis family, located a few hours away from Thantopolis, based around a natural series of hot springs. It has become well-known as a destination for healing and relaxation, and the family have expanded on its natural features to add things like pools, vineyards, gardens, and a series of services such as saunas, massage, exercise and physical training, and other such amenities to entice guests.

Nik: Travel to the location could be done by a few different means, but probably the easiest is to portal from Highmark to Thantopolis and then hire a carriage or ride on horseback. The invitation Lord Evenor has extended is for the duration of a long weekend, effectively - 3 days to enjoy the hospitality of his family, with a grand dinner party planned for the concluding evening.

Nik: On the other days you are free to partake of whatever activities you are most interested in, or simply to relax and take a break from the whirlwind of the social scene. Not only the PCs are invited, I'm sure Nik has invited a ton of people, so if you have specific NPCs you want to have be there, it can probably be the case that they were invited too, or came as a guest of someone who was invited, etc.

Nik: will try to be there to greet people as they arrive, of course!

Leonora: The Wengal clan arrives in a well-equipped airship from Thantopolis, bearing the crest of the Curiate Palatine, Leonora's father. Lady Wengal has of course brought along Lord Wengal, along with young Lady Yadda Wengal their niece, for the event. Nenea Spargo, Lady Wengal's assistant, is near at hand, as are one or two bugbear footmen in the employ of Lord Wengal.

Leonora: is wearing a flowing green dress, rather amply low-cut that shows off her ... fine gold necklace of fine jade in the shape of tree branches. She emerges from the airship and takes in the familiar air of Therma Alba, though she surely hasn't visited since she much younger, growing up in Thantopolis.

Lamont: of course, is already here :x

Victorina: Victorina sits between the kan Vappoheimers as the carriage rolls through the green countryside. Fortunately the portal-sickness wasn't as bad as previous occasions (probably because she ate sparingly beforehand). Eudora goes on and on about the amenities available at this exclusive location, and planning on how she's going to take advantage of them. The Baron and Victorina let her babble on, she's easily doing enough talking for all three of them. Victorina is a little miffed about the trip; she'd planned a march for Ebenmar that now has to be rescheduled because of this. The Baron hopes someone at this long weekend will be willing to take his guest off his hands.

They'll arrive wearing new travel suits, more expensive finery is reserved for later in the day.

Rosalie: and Sébastien will arrive together in their duchal glory in fashionable travel clothing. It's just the two of them, with a small staff for travel

Lavinia: Maria, Katherina, and Lavinia Whittbottom Orsino will arrive in a large carriage, presumably rented in Thantopolis after porting in. A flag of the Orsino crest flutters from the back. Lavinia stares out the window, raptly gazing at the countryside as they approach the springs. Lavinia sports a fluffy, pastel green and white dress, probably more suited for a dinner party than a visit to a hot spring.

Katherina: Is as usual dressed similarly to her sister, in a bit plainer version of her dress, and in yellow rather than green

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: arrives in a Thanatoplian carriage bearing the marks of the local house Czeirnos. He steps out wearing a black vest with bare arms, revealing the many arcane tattoos that cover them, and graciously aids his companion, Magus Juno Morticia Auspex, out of the carriage.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: (who are quickly followed by her cousin Agyness Czeirnos)

Lavinia: From one of the windows of the villa, Lavinia's eyes light up to see Gueiris step down from the carriage, but immediately her features freeze and then fall as Juno steps out beside him.

Lavinia: quickly disappears in a flutter of curtains.

Juno Morticia Auspex: looks more comfortable in Thantopolitan style, a flowing garment that's luckily a bit closer to modern Highmark style. She's sporting a rare smile at seeing Therma Alba again.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will arrive with the rest of the Brescias, a group of the younger generation with a few older chaperones for (Highmark) propriety. The group will have come in ornate carriages pulled by unicorn servants. (Servants will arrive slightly later with much less pomp.) Coifare themself will be in a flowing silk Thantopolitan traveling gown, likely made special for the occasion, looking thrilled to visit.

Lavinia Sees a Problem

Katherina: hurries after her sister

Lavinia: Who in the nine hells is that!?

Katherina: Is who?

Lavinia: On lord Kyrnon's arm!

Lavinia: points to the window.

Katherina: peeks

Katherina: Hmm.... do you want me to find out?

Katherina: maybe she'd a family friend?

Katherina: Or someone form the company?

Lavinia: worries her nails and nods.

Lavinia: You don't think... he wouldn't forget about me so soon...

Katherina: he wouldn't dare. I'll destroy him.

Narrator: (You guys should probably at least recognize the Cziernos crest, which is decidedly not Gueiris's family)

Katherina: that's a big Thantopolitan family though, I know I've seen the crest before....

Katherina: frowns

Lavinia: Oh no...

Lavinia: Cziernos, right? I don't know much about them.

Katherina: That sounds correct - you pay closer attention to those lessons.... But look. I can go and say hello

Lavinia: If you would, I would be grateful.

Katherina: then... please try and relax meanwhile! maybe book yourself for a massage, that sounds divine!

Lavinia: Yes... yes, maybe that will be good. I'm sure it's nothing...

Katherina: whatever happens, we shall have a delightful time

Lavinia: takes a deep breath and forces a smile.

Lavinia: will finish changing into her spa clothes and then make her way down to the massage parlor.

Misunderstandings

Juno Morticia Auspex: will be grateful for the aid out of the carriage, though she's quick to resort to her own power once on the ground.

Katherina: will head out to the area where folks are arriving, and head towards the Cziernos carriage

Juno Morticia Auspex: will note the oncoming halfling, but refrain from comment as she does not know her directly.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: is standing aside while the carriage is being unloaded, letting the Czeirnos take the lead

Katherina: Oh hello there, Lord Kyrnon and... Lady Cziernos?

Juno Morticia Auspex: will be overseeing skeletal servants in somber finery unloading their belongings.

Juno Morticia Auspex: smiles at Katherina and glances over at Gueiris.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Ah, Lady Whitbottom. I take it you and your sister have already arrived.

Nik: is there to greet the new arrivals as well

Nik: Good afternoon, Lady Cziernos, Lord Kyrnon, I hope you had a pleasant journey?

Katherina: Oh yes, Vinnie is getting ready to indulge in some of the estate's amenities, Ib thought it would be good for her nerves.

Juno Morticia Auspex: smiles and gives a short bow towards Nik.

Katherina: says pointedly

Juno Morticia Auspex: Lord Evenor, so good to see you. Thank you again for the invitation. My cousin so rarely gets to leave Nachtur.

Juno Morticia Auspex: You're looking quite well.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Allow me to introduce you to Lady Juno Morticia Auspex Cziernos... Magus, this is Lady Katherina Whitbottom Orsino

Nik: Oh, I'm glad you could make it! I wasn't sure with your military duties whether you would be able to attend, so it's wonderful to see you both 🙂

Juno Morticia Auspex: turns to smile and bow to Katherina.

Katherina: curtsies

Juno Morticia Auspex: A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Orsino.

Juno Morticia Auspex: spares a questioning glance towards Gueiris.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Is your sister well? was there an issue with your journey? I am aware portal travel can be unnerving.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: gives Juno a similar questioning look

Katherina: yours as well, I'm sure, Lady. And no, my lord, Lavinia was quite excited for the visit, only quite recently have her spirits been somewhat dampened I'm sure she'll soon find there was no cause for it though, and perk right back up.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Therma Alba is the place for it. The Amathalis estate is quite restorative.

Juno Morticia Auspex: can step aside to continue unloading and talk to Nik to give Gueiris and Katherina some privacy.

Katherina: So I am told! smiles at her and Nik as they step away, then steps a little closer to Gueiris

Katherina: (quietly)A family friend?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I've only met her recently. It's complicated.

Katherina: Well that's not an encouraging message to relay I'm afraid....

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: has a confused look

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Was there a message to relay?

Katherina: Well it is an unexpected development to spring on her so, don't you think?

Katherina: sounds a little surprised that you don't seem to see the issue

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I am sorry that you and your sister have not been communicating, and I am not going to make assumptions on the reasons why, but you really need to work things out with her.

Katherina: frowns I assure you our communications are unimpaired, but I certainly can convey your sentiments to her, my Lord.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: She should already be aware of my sentiments.

Katherina: glances towards Juno and Nik and the Czeirnos carriage, then back at Gueiris, then responds frostily Then I will tell her that you consider her a in position to draw the correct conclusions. Good day, My lord.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Good day to you, my Lady.

Katherina: will return to the house, fuming on her sister's behalf

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: has a vaguely confused look, but shrugs it off

Nik Greets Leonara and Yadda

Leonora: is taking Yadda around the grounds, as she hasn't likely been here before, showing her all the interesting water features, etc., while at the same time keeping a keen eye open for a list of folks she wants to see.

Leonora: Now, Yadda, here is where ... well, the less said about that the better, actually. It was a long time ago.

Nik: will be nearby and stroll over to greet you both.

Leonora: gives a knowing smile.

Leonora: Oh, and there is Lord Evenor himself!

Nik: Lady Wengal, a pleasure to see you! How are you finding the grounds?

Yadda: Good day Lord Evenor

Leonora: As lovely as ever. It has been some years, I must confess. Life in Nachtur has kept me away from Thantopolis and its many pleasures.

Leonora: Thankfully my father was able to spare an airship so we were able to travel over with ease.

Nik: Ah, you will find many new offerings that perhaps will be to your liking, my family try to keep the place updated.

Nik: Good day, miss... ? I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met.

Leonora: Oh, my apologies!

Leonora: This is my niece, Lady Yadda Wengal.

Nik: A pleasure to meet you, Lady Yadda.

Nik: bows politely

Lavinia: will curtsy.

Leonora: Yadda, this is Lord Evenor. Therma Alba belongs to his family, the Amathalis. I've known his parents - well, the Palatines have known the Amathalises, for many years.

Nik: We briefly met at the foosball match, did we not? It was so busy, all a bit of a blur.

Leonora: Quite right.

Leonora: Thank you, once again, for the invitation. I find that too many events in Highmark make for a rather insular social season.

Leonora: It is good for people to remember that it is not the center of the world.

Nik: Well, I wanted to ensure that everyone had a chance to relax and unwind - the busy schedule of the social season seems to make people quite tense at times.

Yadda: It's a lovely estate, My Lord.

Nik: Thank you! I hope you'll find many enjoyable ways to pass your time here. Please let me know if there's anything you would like to do, and I'll try to make it happen 🙂

Leonora: Not to mention that its many features provide ample opportunities for people to get to know each other ever so well.

Nik: smiles at that

Yadda: Do you suppose Lord Vilyawen will be here?

Yadda: will try to ask casually.

Nik: Coifare? Yes, they have arrived with some of their family, I believe, although I haven't had the opportunity to speak to them yet.

Leonora: We can make sure to make some time to see them, then, Yadda.

Yadda: will smile.

Leonora: Oh, that reminds me to ask you, though, Evenor. Stillmarch, did he make it here?

Leonora: We had some hopes.

Leonora: He sent me a letter. But ... I wanted to make sure.

Nik: Yes, he's here. He arrived a little early in fact, and has been resting, but he's much improved even in just these past few days.

Leonora: Oh good!

Nik: I'm sure you will be able to see him, he's been up and around.

Leonora: Of course I will make time for that.

Leonora: And your parents, are they here in person? Or have they left you in charge of the place?

Nik: laughs at that.

Nik: Oh, I don't think they would entrust such a responsibility to me on my own. They're here, although they did promise they would not... well, not lean over my shoulder too much.

Leonora: The estate has been marvelous to visit. The new fountain behind the sauna is remarkable.

Leonora: When I was a little girl, which of course is now more than twenty years ago, that sauna wasn't even there. There was an older one, as I recall.

Nik: Thank you, you're most kind! Yes, there have been many new amenities added. I think perhaps since I was not able to venture out too widely, my parents wanted to make sure there were new things for me to enjoy here.

Nik: Have you seen the reflecting pools yet? I can show you around a bit more if you would like, some of the more out of the way sites are quite lovely and get less traffic 🙂

Leonora: No, I haven't, and Yadda would love to see them as well.

Yadda: Oh, yes, that would be lovely.

Nik: Then permit me to take you there 🙂

Nik: offers his arm to Yadda so we can stroll, if she wants

Yadda: will take it somewhat shyly

Coifaire, Chitara, and Victorina Meet Up

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will spot Victorina doing her breathing exercises and approaches.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Miss Allement, are you quite all right?

Chitara/Gale: Sees Coifare and smiles up at them

She's just a bit portal sick, unfortunately

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Oh, poor dear. Would you like some help?

Victorina: "It's...it's all right. I'll be all right. It's mostly faded already."

Coifárë | Vilyawén: It would be a shame if Therma Alba made a less than stellar impression because of the unsteadiness of portal travel, I'm sure.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: It's good to see you as well, Chitara. I was sorry to have missed you at recent events.

Victorina: She smiles wanly and waves a hand, "Oh, I'm one of those unfortunate few who always gets portal sickness. It wouldn't have affected my first impressions of this marvelous place."

Chitara/Gale: It's wonderful to be reunited with the both of you.

Beams at them both

We were called away to some diplomatic engagements in Vanillora, which were... productive, if not as socially fulfilling.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I'm glad to hear that. I think Miss Allement managed a productive time recently as well, corresponding with a god and all.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: smiles.

Chitara/Gale: Corresponding with a god?

raises an eyebrow

Victorina: Victorina smiles back, "I met with some priests who recommended I write a letter explaining our cause."

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I was able to help with some introductions. I'd be happy to put you in touch with them as well, Chitara. They seemed quite sympathetic to your shared cause, in which I find myself in alignment as well, these days.

Chitara/Gale: I would appreciate it, thank you. Those sound like potentially powerful allies. What priesthood, might I ask?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Erathis, Sehanine, and Avandra. I'm passingly familiar with Councilors Rihtbraeden and Laekseid, and the Gaath respectively.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Modern heroes of Nerath, but nicely progressive.

Chitara/Gale: smiles more

Ah, Sehanine and Avandra are near to my heart, I can't say I'm surprised they'd support us. Erathis, however... well, that's going to appeal to exactly the people who are resistant. And of course, any political alliances are very welcome.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: You really should meet Councilor Rihtbraeden. Many of her family have been staunch supporters of Ahkasic rights for some time. Her grandfather was instrumental in negotiating the end of the last of the Ahkasic wars.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And I didn't realize you were a devotee. Forgive me, I had assumed you followed the Sovereign Host, though I suppose they would claim they're all one and the same, wouldn't they?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Sorry, theological opining is a bit of an occupational hazard.

Victorina: "I try to avoid political discussions involving religion. Too many differing opinions held fervently."

Coifárë | Vilyawén: A bit more difficult for us Nerathi, when two gods ostensibly sit on our governing body.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: But I do take your point.

Chitara/Gale: laughs

I suppose I should say that those aspects of the Sovereign, properly. But honestly, I tend not to pay too much heed to the traditionalist nitpicking. They represent aspects of the divine I particularly heed. But I do take Victorina's point as well

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: How are you feeling, Miss Allement? Shall we take in more of the grounds? Perhaps fresh air will help.

Victorina: She stands and wipes her skirt off. "I think a walk might help. I need to stretch my legs after sitting for so long."

Coifárë | Vilyawén: is happy to offer an arm to either or both.

Chitara/Gale: A walk sounds wonderful

will happily take their arm

Victorina: Victorina will take the other arm.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: You know, Chitara, I envy you your time in Vanilorra. I'm told it's beautiful, especially in spring.

Chitara/Gale: It was very beautiful, yes. But it felt rather like... a grandparent's fine porcelain things. Beautiful, but you hardly dare breathe on anything.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: That jibes with my experience with many of the old elven Houses. Granted, there are other reasons for an icy reception in my regard. Little love lost between Aethrennar and Vanilorra. What's the old saying? . "They chose the wrong dragon," roughly translated.

Chitara/Gale: laughs

Yes, I imagine that would be cause for contention indeed. Though, the oddly stiff 'hospitality' we got was quite funny in its own way, I imagine you could have a very similar experience.

Victorina: "How did they treat you, Chitara? We haven't had much time to talk since your return."

Chitara/Gale: Our host was quite gracious, he was a friend of Lord Callais and very sympathetic. The others we interacted with... well, they were painfully polite and not subtle about their casual disdain.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: That...sounds like eluar nobles. I'm sorry you were treated so regrettably.

Victorina: Victorina bites her lip to keep from saying something she might regret.

Narrator: (Say it! 😉 )

Chitara/Gale: That said, we did win people over. It wasn't as bad as all that.

Victorina: "Good."

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: How do you feel your cause it progressing?

Victorina: "It's hard to tell, honestly. I feel that the normal populace is coming towards our side. But it's convincing the politicians who cast the vote is another matter."

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Perils of a republic, I'm afraid, especially ours. Things can come at a glacial pace, even for my people.

Chitara/Gale: My uncle seems pleased by our progress, which is a great sign. He's not particularly optimistic

Coifárë | Vilyawén: When even the pessimists see the light at the end of the tunnel, we all have something to celebrate.

Chitara/Gale: Definitely, yes. And I admit, I am very much in the mood to celebrate this weekend

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Well, then, I believe you should take every opportunity to do so.

Victorina: "How did you want to do that? Anything here catching your interest?"

Chitara/Gale: Oh, goodness, there's so much to do here, but I will have to check out the baths at some point for certain. Maybe a massage?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Oh, yes! Nik was telling me they have great masseuses here, and I was planning to relish the opportunity.

Victorina: "I'm curious about the hot springs. I might join you for a massage later."

Chitara/Gale: Well, we could head toward the springs and then get a massage afterward?

Victorina: "Oh, that sounds like a wonderful plan!"

Coifárë | Vilyawén: That works for me!

Chitara/Gale: Wonderful! Shall we, then? And does anyone object to the traditional baths?

Victorina: "I've never done a hot spring before, what's the proper dress code for it?"

Coifárë | Vilyawén: A lack thereof. 😉

Chitara/Gale: Well, that's what I was asking about. Traditionally, there would be no dress

Coifárë | Vilyawén: If we hew to Thantopolitan tradition.

Victorina: Victorina turns a deep, deep red. "Oh."

Chitara/Gale: There are others where you wear bathing costumes, we don't have to go nude if you'd prefer to not.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: There are also more modest options if you prefer.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: It's of course a matter of comfort.

Victorina: "I...I...um..." She clearly doesn't know what to say.

Chitara/Gale: Apologies, I didn't mean to fluster you

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Cultural differences can be daunting.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Why don't we adjourn to retrieve our bathing attire, and meet back up at, hmm, the pool by the south garden?

Victorina: "That, that sounds delightful."

Chitara/Gale: smiles

I will see you both there

Rumor and Scandal

(include only every second chapter)