Scene 1: The manor

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Jun 10, 2022 8:47 pm
Quote:
"Well, my Lord, the Caretaker told us we should prepare for visitors. We're setting up the guest rooms and the Cook as sent for supplies."
Roderick grabs Gunther by the back of the collar and brings him close to his face. "And since when keeping your Master in the dark about such preparations has become acceptable in this House? Since. When?" he scolds the poor man, taking pleasure in his discomfort.

He lets him go with a disdainful push. He points a cruel finger at the servant's face. "As for the rooms... listen carefully."

He proceeds to give specific instructions to the man.

"Now go. I shall wait in my study. Go fetch the Caretaker on the double, I want to see him now."
He turns his back to the servant and heads for the sanctuary of his study.

Once in the oak panelled room, he sits in a leather armchair and touches his cold forehead, brooding. Could the Caretaker have written the letters? Upon whose instruction has he arranged for the rooms to be set? We shall soon find out...

Dr_B sent a note to CESN
Jun 11, 2022 1:53 am
KingHotTrash says:
"Another glass for my cousin and top me off. Can't have a toast with a half-empty mug, can you?"
"You know cousin, there are some people would say that the glass is half-full. Erm, it's doubtful any of those people are Rookwoods though. he gives a small chuckle as he sits down and continues "I'm inclined to assume your enjoyment of the local ale is party to prolong your trip to the manor? Uhn, if thats the case, I do think I will join you for a toast."
Jun 11, 2022 4:09 am
"A wise man, cousin, a wise man you are." Alexander says, settling into his seat with a little more ease now that someone else who holds the weight of their name is in his company. It was strange to think of it that way. Amidst the scum and villainy of the world, your name was only as heavy as you made it and Alexander did his best to not rule with it. It was instinctual for others to congregate though, how often did the highborn come and roll around in the mud as hard as him?

"Partly yes. I have no real yearning to be the first one to see our grandfather. I'm sure you and the rest have heard the news of how our business went." A ruined business deal, a fortune lost in smoke and hubris. A screaming match, curses, and a thrown bottle. Hopefully, that was not the cause of his missing eye. "I'm also hoping to put the fellows here at ease some, places like this are the home of rumors and gossip. I don't...remember much of Grandmother but...maybe you do?"
Jun 13, 2022 5:09 pm
"I'm afraid I can't help you there. I've even less access to family gossip and rumors, than you, I'm lucky if I'm privy to facts. Perhaps our cousins can enlighten us upon their arrival." He thought of several question that were penned up in his head before letting one free. . ."Elias and Claire are coming aren't they?"
Jun 13, 2022 6:11 pm
"I don't know, honestly. Claire has been keeping up to date with me about her time at Riverlight but that is really all. As for Elias...well...he hasn't been on good terms with me since...you know..." Alex let the statement hang in the air. His failings were well-known throughout the family and Elias has easily scraped him as another deplorable stain, just like Roderick has. His stomach twisted at being in close proximity with the two of them.

As the serving girl returned, an idea brewed inside of his head. The smallest smile spread across his face as he nodded towards his cousin.

"I have an idea. Maybe we can come into the manor a little forewarned." He would reach out to the serving girl, motioning around the bar. "Excuse me. I realize that our dear Grandmother has passed. Yet she would not want us to be low in our cups, frowning all the while. Maybe...a round for the room? In her memory?" Free drinks meant open lips and perhaps he could find some rumors after lifting the room's spirits a little bit.
OOC:
So my goal is to try and pick up rumors after seeing how this goes. Hopefully, getting drinks for the common folk will give me some bonus reserves for my Guile roll that I'd like to attempt.
Jun 13, 2022 9:18 pm
OOC:
Sorry a bit late as the conversation moved on already, but still adds context I guess :D
@KingHotTrash,@crazybirdman
[ +- ] tavern reunion
Though a small backwater Town, it stands at an important trade route, its relevance as a trading post and resting place surprisingly unchallenged over the ages. As such, Nathaniel decided to look around the local guilds, introducing himself and offering his temporary services to the Physicians' Guild. It took him some time to sort all the paperwork and introductions, but time was something he actually wanted to waste, so it was a satisfying meeting overall.
https://c4.wallpaperflare.com/wallpaper/223/722/518/dark-room-candle-gothic-hd-wallpaper-preview.jpgAs he leaves the guild's office, he is confronted with Alexander confusing him with a local Huntsman.

Alexander is very confused by the situation, but quickly apologizes to the man who, up close, looks very different to Nathaniel. Though these things happen, he still gets that lingering feeling that it was Nathaniel. It just... doesn't make sense how his cousin is on the other side of the road... Shrugging it off, he decides to invite the real Nathaniel to have a drink and both go back to the tavern. He orders a refill and starts chatting with his cousin.
OOC:
They chat about how another drink is "just" to delay going to the Manor
Coincidentally, the Waitress returns with two mugs for the men, just as Alexander mentions his "business ventures". She looks down at her feet, bowing uncomfortable. Clearly understanding she came in at a bad time, she tries to escape as quickly as she can.
OOC:
We pick it up again from Nathaniel's comment about tech grandmother.
KingHotTrash says:
So my goal is to try and pick up rumors after seeing how this goes. Hopefully, getting drinks for the common folk will give me some bonus reserves for my Guile roll that I'd like to attempt.
OOC:
That sounds like a nice idea for an easy roll test :D
As Alexander announces a round for everyone, it is like as if time itself stops, and you feel the eyes of the few commoners scattered around the Tavern trained on both of you. It's not that the Rookwoods have been bad to these people. In fact, quite the opposite! No war or plague seems to have come to Town as far as anyone can remember. And the people know this can only have been due to the Rookwoods' status and influence.

No. It is just that they are used to simply being left to live their lives. And now, two Rookwoods drop by the Tavern on the same day! And offer a round to everyone! There aren't many people around so its not quite the noble feast, but you're sure there will be plenty of gossip among the locals today...

After a moment of uncertainty, the Waitress starts to move and offers a mug to everyone, excluding the working staff, that is. One man from a group of farmers gather the courage to raise his mug from afar as a gesture of appreciation.
OOC:
You can add a temporary asset to your character which will be a Bonus Reserves for gathering rumors with that one farmer. You can use it whenever it is appropriate (he'll be easy to find if you decide not to disturb their lunch). Remember that NPCs may have his own motives, so your interactions with them will depend on those

Dr_B

Gunther apologizes. He keeps apologizing as he listens to the instructions. In fact, the man apologizes until he is out of sight, such is the shame of his perceived blunder. Though Roderick can't stop wondering if there was something more to all that apologizing... Roderick looks around only to see the painting of his own brother staring at him. Whoever painted that was far too skilled as the thing looks lifelike.

He walks to his study. Sitting in his armchair, Roderick waits for Gunther to return...


Cettish,Squadfather44

The butler looks surprised as Elias mentions they will leave once the storm has passed. "But my, lord, it will be dark when the storm ends. Would you not prefer to stay the night?" he suggests, being interrupted by Claire's voice..

"Good afternoon, brother," she says, suddenly finding herself quite formal, as she had been educated in Riverlight Manor. Still, she walked, at quite a speedy pace, to him for a hug.
Jun 13, 2022 10:25 pm
Elias was in the midst of verbally telling the butler why it's best to not question his orders..when he heard Claire speak to him. Turning at the sound of her voice, Elias moves forward and sweeps up Claire in a hug and instantly forgets about the impudent butler. Little sister, you've grown. At least they feed you well here, much better than what I've been dining on as of late. Tell me, how have your studies gone? What subjects are your favorites?

Elias stands there talking to Claire when he notices the butler standing off to one side. Remembering the statement and question posed by him, Elias feels his anger rising back up. Yet, as quickly as it appears, it just as quickly dissipates by Claire's calming presence. Very well, prepare the guest room. My sister and I will depart in the morning after breakfast.
Jun 14, 2022 8:36 am
https://i.imgur.com/arTfHD8.png
Roderick glances at his fob watch for the tenth time, in a foul mood for his servants' lack of efficiency. That old fool of a Caretaker moves with the energy of an arthritic slug. How old is he, anyway? It's like... he's always been this age, since my childhood. Has the man found immortality?... he muses.

Tired of waiting, he stands up from the armchair and walks to his study shelves. His fingers run slowly over the spines of old tomes, his companions for so many decades...

https://i.imgur.com/VuOoXrw.jpg
You can trust the ink on a page. Even when it is faded by centuries... it is creatures of flesh and blood that are capricious... irrational, prone to the whims of fancy and human passions. All so futile. All in vain.

His hand stops on the spine of one of his favorite collections of poems. He pulls it out.
And yet... those same passions have been channeled into such beauty and perfection... it is truly a mystery. That an imperfect, pathetic being could achieve the heights of creation...

Dr_B sent a note to CESN
Jun 14, 2022 7:33 pm
Claire smiles a bit awkwardly. Sure, she was quite a bit younger than Elias, but she really wasn’t little anymore. She’d quite grown up since she’d been to Riverlight.

"I am becoming quite a lady, yes" she giggles "and yes, I can’t really complain about the food here. If we stay here overnight, I am positive that will find you. Duke Riverlight spares no expense for his students at all. What have you been eating then? I’d like to hear all about the adventures you must have had, when we travel to the manor."

She sat down sit him at the fireplace, listening to the wind blowing past the windows for a moment. They’d be sharing a bit of a tea time together. Claire does chatter a bit about her life at boarding school, how she likes math and history way more than etiquette and sewing. She’s quite talkative for a while really, much unlike her. Until she brings up a question that had been plaguing her mind ever since she has gotten the invitation.

"Elias, please excuse me. I don’t want to sound like I am disrespectful or anything… but… it seems like I can barely remember grandmother. And now we’ve been invited to her ceremony. I can’t really recall grandfather Roderick being married. Do you remember grandmother well?"
Last edited June 14, 2022 7:33 pm
Jun 15, 2022 10:38 pm
Claire, I'm your brother, if you can't be honest with me...then what's the point of being honest at all? Elias sits there across from Claire as he considers her question. To be honest, I've some vague memories, but that's all I can say for sure. I think she's been ill for a long time. Yet, we've both been invited to her ceremony. So whether we remember her or not, it's our duty to return home.[
Jun 16, 2022 6:17 am
Alexander chats with Nathaniel for a time, getting a feeling for the man while also keeping an eye on the friendlier farmer in the corner. When the man's comrades begin to disperse, Alexander stands up and brushes himself off.

"Wish me luck, cousin. Going to go and rub elbows, see if I can learn anything." Alex makes his way over to the man, letting a cheery and tipsy smile decorate his face despite the fact that the fine drink had not yet touched him. It was of higher quality but Alexander had drank much deeper quantities in his debauchery. Moving towards the man, he would lightly toast him.

"You seem to be the friendliest of your people here. Most act like they've seen a ghost seeing us old bloods back in town. I must admit, it has been some time...I am certain Grandmother has been busy in the years since I last came to the manor." Alex starts, sighing wistfully as he slips into the seat across from him. Taking another long draught, he times the drink just long enough for the man to begin speaking before he interrupts. "It has been so long. Oh, I'm sorry for that-I just...my family has been so distanced lately. I didn't even know Grandmother was unwell. You know what she and the family have been up to?"

And so began the quiet conversation with well-timed interruptions, apologies, and quiet prods for information from the man. If things went well, maybe he and Nathaniel would be better armed than they normally would be when they met the rest of the family.
OOC:
I am thinking of making a Moderate Guile roll; I don't think that this takes too much effort but I don't think the guy feels right "talking about his betters". That'll give me 1 Guile and 1 Bonus Reserve. What are the stakes here? Additional rewards and risks?
Jun 16, 2022 5:25 pm
crazybirdman sent a note to CESN,KingHotTrash
Jun 16, 2022 9:58 pm
Claire gives a nod of understanding.

A duty to return home. She pondered on it. That almost sounded like an obligation. She'd been interested in going back home and see the family again. Surely, she hadn't been super excited. That would be inappropiate for the occassion, and it wasn't truely in her nature to be so. But still, she never felt it much of an obligation.

"You are right, Elias. We are to pay our respects to her. I sure hope the weather will clear up when we are travelling..."
Jun 17, 2022 1:54 am
KingHotTrash sent a note to crazybirdman
OOC:
As I said in to OOC thread, I will spend my bonus reserve here to negate the risk that he does not feel comfortable talking about his social betters. Here is hoping I get more successes!
OOC:
EDIT: With my bonus success, albeit there not being any more risks to be wary of, I would like to look good doing it. I figure Alexander has the most experience dealing with his social lessers on somewhat even grounds and it shows. Maybe even the environment in the tavern becomes less tense and awkward.
Last edited June 17, 2022 1:58 am

Rolls

Guile - (1d6)

(5) = 5

Jun 18, 2022 2:52 am
Nathaniel could only watch in wonder as Alexander went to work, using conversion in a social situation as he would use a scalpel on a patient. It was fascinating to watch, and a feat Nathaniel could only hope to replicate one day.
Jun 18, 2022 3:00 am
Elias watches the storm, out the window, as he listens to Claire. Hopefully it'll break overnight and we'll be safe to travel in the morning. Until then the risk is to great to try and leave now.

Turning his attention back to his surroundings Elias looks around the room. I'm sure the library in this place is exemplary. That's the one thing I miss with my current station. There's not much to choose from. Hopefully when we arrive at the estate, there'll be time to look around the library there. I may end up with a few volumes to take back with me.
Jun 18, 2022 4:32 pm
Cettish,Squadfather44
[ +- ] Thunderstorm
The Butler's relief is obvious as Elias changes his mood after seeing Claire. He simply bows and leaves the drawing room, giving the two of you the opportunity to catch up after the time spent apart.

Claire would know where the library is, of course, but before you decide to move anywhere else...
OOC:
We are rolling for the "tavern scene" so I thought maybe you guys can also test the system? Let's say someone may or not be hiding and you will roll "perception" ;)

I'll consider the sum of your successes for this, so I'll make it harder (more stakes to cross). But first, tell me what do you hope to accomplish and you fear might go wrong?


KingHotTrash,crazybirdman

As Nathaniel watches Alexander walk up to the Farmer, he notices how his cousin blends so easily with the lower classes, something he himself would find troublesome to do. The Farmer puts his mug on the table as soon as he realizes that Alexander is actually coming over.

"Thank you my lord" he bows thankful both for the ale and the compliment. "We don't see one of the family around often. Hell! we don't see any since when y..." he stops talking as he notices one of the others gesturing. He looks nervously at Alexander, clearly noticing this is not the sort of gossip (or language!) to be had in the presence of a Rookwood.

However, the way he looked at you gives you the feeling that it was something you were involved with, so it must have been years ago! If your Grandmother has indeed been busy, it was probably not in Town, which could explain the weirdness in people's expressions whenever you mentioned her. The Farmer quickly changes subject, turning to the others as if he just had a realization "Maybe it is not a coincidence the Knights are here ..." he stops for a moment to think. "I thought they were here to put a stop to the rumors about the forest no?" his face and voice change to that of a very pious man; a change that seems too abrupt to Alexander, maybe even practiced. "God forbid us from believing all that non-sense of course."

As in every small town, you notice there are plenty of rumors going around. Unfortunately, the men don't have the time to stay and chat all day and excuse themselves as they have to get back to the land. "We wish your good grandmother a fast recovery and will pray for her" he adds before leaving, clearly misunderstanding what Alexander meant by the "was ill"

CESN sent a note to KingHotTrash

Dr_B

As Roderick’s old arthritic fingers begin to pull the book of your choice, he notices that there are a few gaps between a few books. Not that many, so probably one the staff members just moved them to the wrong place. Roderick picks Les Fleurs du Mal, a controversial book that only a powerful family such as his could keep, given the immorality and decadence of the scenes described in this so called "work of poetry". The old man slowly move deeper into the library, still thinking about the displaced books for some reason you feel like he should remember which ones these were...
OOC:
I'll say the same as for the Riverlight players. Maybe this is a good opportunity to test rolling?
CESN sent a note to Dr_B
Jun 18, 2022 7:25 pm
He looks puzzled at the spaces left by the missing books, those gaping holes on the shelves, that should not be. They are like an insult to his ordered mind, a defiant, impertinent challenge left by his idiotic manservants, no doubt.

He focuses on recalling the missing titles, trying to remember the sequence of the book spines that he so many times paused to peruse.
OOC:
so, thinking of rolling 1 die of Guile (grey) to summon the memory of the book titles, for a 'moderate' effort.

-Reward will be to know exactly what titles are missing, providing him the perfect excuse to indulge in the grilling of servants, that will need punishing for their sloppy work.

-Risk would be that his memory fails him, and that he is himself the cause of such misplacements. he will have forgotten the missing books in other rooms of the Manor. That will be an embarrassment that he would rather save himself, in the eyes of the servants. He prides himself of being a fanatic of order, and of having a sharp mind.

Leaving a roll here, in case I have done this right - ignore if I got something wrong.

Rolls

Guile - (1d6)

(3) = 3

Jun 19, 2022 11:44 am
Claire sits with Elias, telling him a little about the library at Riverlight that she can take him there if he wants.

"Although, of course, you can't lend any books from it if you leave. Most books are educational of course. There are some very intresting astronomical studies in there. And some `exquisitely fine literature'" she throws her voice a bit. "The way Alice says it."
OOC:
Rolling for perception. This sounds like a bit of a passive action to me.
So I shall be using one Guile dice. Claire has no reason to be extra alert at the moment or so.

Rewards will be mostly as if something there is to be noticed gets noticed.
Risk will be mostly that something will go unnoticed that should have been noticed.

Rolls

Guile - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Jun 19, 2022 1:40 pm
OOC:
I agree with Cettish. What can be gained is that someone is discovered eavesdropping. What can be lost is not discovering said eavesdropper.

Rolls

Guile - (1d6)

(5) = 5

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