08 - 8/18/21 : Distant Early Warning

In-game date: 5th of Freymond, 3521

“They refer to us as ‘the talent’, darling.”
Erystian Demarne

Brooke awoke in the captain’s quarters of The House, the lead ship of the Sea Maiden’s Faire, where he saw Captain Draen Plavrag dressing himself for the day ahead. Draen informed Brooke that he would have to spend most of his day excusing his absence to the rest of the Sea Maiden’s Faire, and bade Brooke a farewell. Brooke, wishing to continue their dalliance, countered this by informing Draen of the impending party at Ulbrinter Villa and invited him to attend as his plus-one. After a bit of consideration, Draen accepted.
Meanwhile, Reilly made her way to Aelbwynn’s Crown to speak to Fala Lefaliir, with intent to ask them to accompany her to the gala since they were both already invited. Fala reacted with a mixed bag of emotions and apologized, on the account that they had ended a relationship a few months prior on somewhat bad terms and had trouble reconciling their emotions regarding a new entanglement.
Reilly quickly backtracked upon seeing Fala’s reservations, and told Fala that she wished to attend as friends. Fala apologized for the brief lapse in emotional control and accepted this offer.
At Trollskull Manor, Yilani and Megumi prepared themselves for the night ahead. While readying themselves, Renaer Ambermantle arrived to have a drink before attending the gala; an event that he dreaded. However, he was surprised that the party would be attending, and this eased his feelings on the matter.
Megumi and Yilani agreed to attend the gala together as unavailable singles, given Megumi’s relationship with Eula and Yilani’s general disdain towards the idea. With their matters settled and their formal wear acquired, the group made their way to Ulbrinter Villa in the North Ward.
The party was greeted by a Revelmoore city magistrate at the door who asked to see their invitations. After confirming all that stood before him, he noticed that an unexpected and uninvited individual accompanied the party; Captain Draen. After informing Brooke that he would have to take responsibility for Draen’s actions, the magistrate registered Draen under his elaborate and preferred manner of address; “Captain Draen Plavrag of Providence Bay, navigator, pilot, businessman, and general scoundrel”.
With their invitations handed over, the party was allowed into Ulbrinter Villa and was announced by the magistrate during their entry. The foyer of Ulbrinter Villa was packed, the most notable spectacle being that of a dwarven merchant making a sales pitch to the gathered nobles. The merchant introduced himself as Solin Shoutspeaker of Fortune’s Crossing and demonstrated his wares; a pair of autonomous mechanical men known as Nimblewrights. This, of course, caught Reilly’s attention, and she observed them closely in an attempt to discern details about their construction, but given the situation and the clothing the nimblewrights wore, it was difficult.
While the presentation carried on, Yilani spoke to one of the nobles gathered in the crowd; Yalah Gralhund, a white-skinned tiefling noblewoman, introduced herself. Yilani proposed the possibility of getting to know each other professionally and to potentially do business. Yalah responded bluntly and warned Yilani of the danger of rushing into Revelmoore politics. During this conversation, Yilani learned that House Gralhund was a struggling, smaller noble house, and that Yalah’s husband Orond was apparently something of a buffoon.
Brooke met with a separate crowd in the foyer, joining Shan Chien, Fomalhaut the Financier, and an elven noblewoman named Shathyra Cormallen in listening to Erystian Demarne, a bard from the College of Olamn. Erystian flamboyantly spoke of his talents and his social conquests, prompting Brooke to engage him in a verbal sparring match of coy insults and subtle jabs at each other’s charismatic qualities.
The party decided to split up and investigate the different parts of Ulbrinter Villa. Yilani and Megumi remained in the foyer for a moment to listen to an argument between the dwarven noble Lord Daerdain Granseal, and the sea elven noble Aeran Amonasi, regarding what would be the best way to spend a sum of money. Lord Granseal advocated investing in Undermountain expeditions in order to flush out the Ramrider family and the Xanathar guild in order to carve out more mining operations and living space for dwarven clans. Lord Amonasi argued that the undersea settlements of Tharqualnaar and T’Quession already existed in Revelmoore’s dock waters and could use the investments. Yilani expressed her support for Lord Granseal’s perspective, citing her animosity towards both Clan Ramrider and the Xanathar Guild.
In the meantime, Reilly and Fala meadered off towards the villa’s western garden, which Fala cited as one of their crowning achievements in gardening. They were stopped along the way when a halfling noblewoman, Lady Malgrace Nettlebee, noticed Reilly’s striking satyr features and engaged her in conversation. During this talk, Reilly also met a nobleman originally from Khemit named Lord Karim Abadma, as well as a nobleman named Van Galethon. Lord Galethon identified himself as the father-in-law of Panikkaria Vel, the moth-like scholar that the Red Spirits encountered previously at the Book-Wyrm’s treasure.
After Reilly struck up a potential deal with House Nettlebee to have their famous mead and honeys sold at Trollskull Manor, she and Fala managed to make it to the western garden. Reilly’s keen senses picked up on the distant sounds of someone having “too much fun” in the garden’s bushes. She revealed this to Fala, who became angry at the thought of someone sullying their garden.
Meanwhile, Brooke meandered to the ballroom to listen in on some of the other guests and potentially uncover interesting gossip. He positioned himself near Grandmaster Bolera Broadmane, one of the four grandmasters of the Knights of the Rose, as well as her lieutenant Master Fae Sarramond. Listening in, Brooke heard Grandmaster Broadmane speak of potential threats looming in the night; the Xanathar Guild, ambitious and unscrupulous nobles, devil cults, and the potential return of an individual known as Veszaltyrr Oussndar.
Brooke recognized this name; Veszaltyrr was an almost mythic individual, known to be an evil wizard who founded the original Black Network hundreds of years ago before disappearing somewhere in the Undermountain. Brooke also noted the surname with High Dragon Solauvaire Oussndar, but was aware that it was a relatively common drow surname and was thus possibly a coincidence. The return of such an individual would be a momentous occasion and reason for dread and fear; something Brooke pointed out when he approached the knights.
Grandmaster Broadmane assured Brooke that it was just a rumor, but it was the duty of a knight to be vigilant and ready for any threat, regardless of how outlandish or unlikely. Brooke then observed another one of the students from the College of Olamn; a red-skinned tiefling woman named Vellith Westbrook, who was dutifully entertaining guests with her violin.
Reilly and Megumi stumbled upon a gambling parlor in the northern end of the villa, where they encountered a number of guests avoiding the hustle-and-bustle of the foyer. Orond Gralhund, husband of Yalah Gralhund, confidently spoke of his family’s impending fortunes. His friend and guest Urstul Floxin, a gruff fire genasi of obvious martial background, mostly remained silent save for an occasional remark on Megumi’s interesting fox-like features. Master Nodrabella Stoutspirit, another Knight of the Rose, sought cards to escape from the boredom of the party. Zerrai Rigaul, a nervous individual and student of the College of Olamn, was trying to calm their nerves before the performance.
Also, Piece of the Puzzle was there. No one was sure how he got in.
Megumi criticized Orond Gralhund’s business acumen, much to his general offense. When he could not come up with an adequate rebuttal, he excused himself in haste. Meanwhile, Yilani got to know Zerrai Rigaul a bit better, but they were unable to do much besides apologize and fret over their missing drums.
Back in the garden, Reilly managed to keep Fala from lighting the bush on fire and led the charge to dissuade its occupants. After a bit of talking, Reilly managed to get the would-be adventurous lovers out of Fala’s garden; Lord Stergios Votanikos and his wife, Lady Antonia Votanikos, begrudgingly departed. With the situation resolved and Fala dissuaded from murder, Fala decided to show Reilly the crowning achievement of their gardening ventures; the spiral walkway of the western garden, leading up to a small hill covered in flowers.
At the top of the hill rested a statue of the Lost Elen God, Rialae-Aibaru, a favored deity of Lady Haventree. Fala and Reilly had a heart-to-heart under the state where Fala revealed that their ex-partner was Ziraj the Hunter, a member of the Black Network and an associate of Raeziel Ramrider. Fala grew up with and moved to Revelmoore together with Ziraj, and ended up breaking things off once they learned of Ziraj’s chosen occupation as an assassin. Reilly in turn revealed her previous debt to Raeziel, to which Fala empathized.
As the various goings-on at the party proceeded, a bell chime was heard, signalling the arrival of more guests. The party gathered back up in the foyer to witness the arrival of Lady Haventree’s guests of honor; Lord Victoro and Lady Amalia of House Cassalanter. The two arrived to much fanfare as the magistrate announced their titles and accolades. Lord Victoro was cited as a shrewd investor and shipping magnate, while Lady Amalia was noted as a generous philanthropist and lepidopterist; one who collects and studies butterflies and moths.
The Cassalanters briefly ran into and spoke to the party, as they recognized their achievements from articles in The Targe. Lord Victoro thanked them for ‘carrying the torch’ of the Cassalanters, whose family was one of the founding houses of Revelmoore and thus had fought in the city’s defense for generations. They then proceeded to the Ballroom to speak with Lady Haventree; the party agreed that it was time for them to do the same, to meet their benefactor and thank her for the invitation.
The party introduced themselves to Lady Haventree, and Reilly’s infallible memory recognized the voice as the one that had pinned her during her Masquerade initiation. They proceeded to introduce themselves to Lady Haventree, who welcomed them and thanked them for coming.
Back in the ballroom, Captain Draen bade Lady Shathyra Cormallen farewell after a prolonged conversation. However, the two stepped in the same direction as they proceeded to leave, causing Draen to accidentally spill a full glass of wine on Lady Cormallen. After a brief moment of shocked silence, Lady Cormallen’s scream of disgust filled the ears of all present in the foyer.

Portraits

The Red Spirits

Reilly Springs - A young, anxious satyr artificer and inventor, who attempts to sell her inventions to interested buyers. She has accepted membership in the Masquerade, and has fashioned for herself a magic suit of armor that grants her impressive combat capabilities. With Renaer Ambermantle’s help, she has finally repaid her debt to Raeziel Ramrider. She has taken to spending time with Fala Lefaliir, the serene gardener and proprietor of Aelbwynn’s Crown.

Brooke Acropora - A charming water genasi and a skilled performer who is ‘technically’ from Revelmoore, who entered the Balladeer’s Eclipse on the fateful day of the troll attack to investigate the Black Network. Brooke moonlights as a contributor to The Targe, a broadsheets publication that seeks out the most interesting and sauciest news scoops of the day. Brooke has established a casual, flirtatious rapport with Captain Draen Pravlag.

Megumi - A diminutive kitsune rogue and a traveling merchant, who seems to be looking for something or someone during her quest for wealth in the City of Splendors. Kind-hearted but quite avaricious, she uses her small size to her advantage as she sizes up individuals for valuables and wealth. She has revealed to the party that she must ritualistically offer 500,000 gold coins to Asmodeus by the end of the year, or her soul will be forfeit. She has invented a new persona for herself; the mysterious masked thief, Karma.

Yilani Deniz - A severe, perceptive human druid from the deserts of Khemit that possesses the power to transform into a powerful serpentine form. She has traveled to Revelmoore seeking a new life after being displaced by the war in Khemit. She has expressed great eagerness in bringing out the full potential of Trollskull Manor. She has finally fulfilled her goal of joining the Doom Raiders subfaction of the Black Network, and is now trying to find strong allies among the influential members of the city.

Lackadaisical - More commonly known as “Lacky”, this charming young tiefling woman is the daughter of the famed ex-adventurer Fomalhaut the Financier. She moonlights as a lawyer and represents members of less-than-legal enterprises in Revelmoore, including members of the Black Network. She was recently made the fifth co-owner of Trollskull Manor thanks to her father’s investments. Along with Yilani, Lacky has joined the Black Network, and has also aligned with Solauvaire’s newly named Revelmoore Rangers.

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Violet - A strange purple cat that was purchased by Brooke at the Old Xoblob Shop. For all intents and purposes, she seems to be a completely normal cat; save for the fact that her fur is a deep shade of violet. She accidentally revealed to Brooke that she is capable of speaking telepathically, and has promised to explain the fact to him later on.

Renaer Ambermantle - The estranged son of Dagult Ambermantle, the previous Open Lord of Revelmoore. A skilled fighter and a man of noble standing, Renaer has expressed his fondness of the party and his desire to continue his association with them. Despite facing almost universal distrust from the city’s nobility, he has a few friends in high places; notably including High Dragon Solauvaire Oussndar, Fomalhaut the Financier, Rydia Margaster the Seer, and Lady Remallia Haventree.

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Fala Lefaliir - A serene wood elven individual and the owner of Aelbwyn’s Crown, a multifaceted store that functioned as a florist, apothecary, and greenhouse. They accompanied Reilly to the gala, where they revealed that they previously had a romantic relationship with Ziraj the Hunter, one of the Doom Raiders.

Captain Draen Plavrag - A human pirate captain from the pirate isle of Providence Bay, originally hailing from the Buntesveldt city of Bliski. Captain Plavrag was contracted by Fortune’s Crossing to act as the captain of the ships that comprised the Sea Maiden’s Faire following the sudden inability of their original captain. Plavrag enjoys his work, but finds himself bored with the ships docked, and has befriended the party in his quest to seek new sights; he accompanied Brooke to the gala, where he has made a scene by accidentally spilling wine on Lady Shathyra Cormallen.

Piece of the Puzzle - A “world famous” tabaxi “author” and “wizard” who has traveled the world and miraculously survived to pen many tales and guides to all sorts of subjects. He made his way into Lady Haventree’s party, though no one is sure how he managed to accomplish this, given his lack of an invitation.

Fomalhaut the Financier - A retired adventurer turned investor and advisor, and an influential citizen of Revelmoore. Fomalhaut accompanied his daughter Lacky and his friend to Trollskull Manor, where he paid off the party’s renovation fees in exchange for taking on Lacky as a fifth shareholder. It was revealed that, like Renaer, he is a member of The Masquerade. He was spotted at the gala, drinking his fill of wine.

Shan Chien - The halfling editor-in-chief for The Targe, one of Revelmoore’s more popular Broadsheets. Bemoaning the lack of a Grand Game in the city ever since Open Lord Ambermantle was deposed, she made her way to Trollskull Manor to investigate rumors of a haunting, only to be surprised that fellow contributor Brooke had already beaten her to it. She is now investigating Lady Haventree’s gala and the inevitable noble drama that certainly must arise.

Victoro Cassalanter - The Half-elven Lord of House Cassalanter, one of Revelmoore’s founding houses and most influential families. A well-known and respected citizen, he and his wife were invited as guests of honor to the gala at Ulbrinter Villa. He is a successful shipping magnate and investor, who turned the failing finances inherited from his father into success and riches in little over a decade.

Amalia Cassalanter - The human wife of Lord Victoro Cassalanter and the mother of their two twin children, Elzerina and Tirenzio. Beloved among her peers as a generous philanthropist who regularly distributes food and clothing to the needy, she is also a respected lepidopterist that boasts a beautiful garden full of butterflies at her villa. Before marrying Victoro, she lived in and grew up in Endhome.

Remallia Haventree - The Lady of Ulbrinter Villa, who took stewardship of the manor as her duty after the passing of her husband Arthagast Ulbrinter. She is a respected and beloved citizen who boasts many connections among Revelmoore’s nobility. Reilly has deduced that she is not only a member of the Masquerade, but a high ranking one at that, since she presided over the ceremony of initiation for her, Brooke, Megumi, and Anitari Starsong.

Veszaltyrr Oussndar - A mythic figure from Revelmoore’s past. He was drow archmage from the Underdark who founded the Black Network hundreds of years ago, before disappearing in the Undermountain for unknown reasons. He is rumored to have returned to Revelmoore to once again pursue his goal of world domination; these rumors inspire much fear and dread in those who believe.

Gala Guest List

Due to the large roster of guests at the gala, the guests can be found here.
Revelmoore Gala Guest List