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>>5688657
"Emitia Rouzet," she replies, smiling coquettishly. "And you are Sindiira Torani, dancer and adventuring heroine. I was in the audience during your performance. Despite the stories surrounding the drow, I felt that it was quite lovely." Running a hand through her hair absentmindedly, her focus shifts toward the window. "I was settling down to take my afternoon meal minutes prior to your arrival. Care to join me?" Though she presents this as an offer, her body language suggests that she in fact cares little for your consent. You will be sitting with her through her meal, willingly or not. "Hmph," you grunt.

The temptation exists to demand that the girl divulges any information that might be pertinent to your quest. Still, you have powerful reason to suspect that this approach would yield no result. Should the secret she holds be as valuable as the disreputable half-man thief claims, Emitia will not surrender it easily. Nor will any threat you issue against her seem credible, given that the golems at her command could reduce you to a red smear on the nearest wall.

You may choose no more than three.
>My reputation precedes me, so it seems. I take it that she is a fan of my previous work?
>The Eilistraeans require assistance, and the council has provided none to speak of. Is there anything she could do, however small?
>I simply must ask. Exactly how old is she?
>It is easy to tell that she is a Sunite. Let us pretend, only for a moment, that I am curious about converting...
>I have heard rumors that she has come here from the distant land of Sembia. As a traveler myself, I believe that we could trade stories.
>[Write-in.]

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>>5688663
Previous Adventures:
[https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Forgotten+Realms+Adventures](https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Forgotten+Realms+Adventures)

The Rules™:
[https://pastebin.com/VRQHDHSr](https://pastebin.com/VRQHDHSr)

Jezyrene's Abilities:
[https://pastebin.com/0kjsLuHW](https://pastebin.com/0kjsLuHW)

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>>5688663
>It is easy to tell that she is a Sunite. Let us pretend, only for a moment, that I am curious about converting...
>My reputation precedes me, so it seems. I take it that she is a fan of my previous work?
>The Eilistraeans require assistance, and the council has provided none to speak of. Is there anything she could do, however small?

Remember what Sune revealed. We must soften her heart by reminding her of love

>>5688663
>I have heard rumors that she has come here from the distant land of Sembia. As a traveler myself, I believe that we could trade stories.
>My reputation precedes me, so it seems. I take it that she is a fan of my previous work?
>I simply must ask. Exactly how old is she?

This woman likes her games and amusement, we should softball her till she gets bored and wishes to move to a harder meal.

>>5688663
>My reputation precedes me, so it seems. I take it that she is a fan of my previous work?
>It is easy to tell that she is a Sunite. Let us pretend, only for a moment, that I am curious about converting...
>I have heard rumors that she has come here from the distant land of Sembia. As a traveler myself, I believe that we could trade stories.

>>5688663
>I have heard rumors that she has come here from the distant land of Sembia. As a traveler myself, I believe that we could trade stories.
Let's start soft, or as soft as Jez gets, and gauge her interest and attitude before we make our pitch for aid or intel.

>>5688657
>My reputation precedes me, so it seems. I take it that she is a fan of my previous work?
>The Eilistraeans require assistance, and the council has provided none to speak of. Is there anything she could do, however small?
>I have heard rumors that she has come here from the distant land of Sembia. As a traveler myself, I believe that we could trade stories.

I was wondering how Jez was getting put to sleep considering the whole magic can't put elves to sleep thing, guess flowers from Elysium would do it. Also, holy fuck how the hell did Emitia get her hands on those.

>>5688663
>>My reputation precedes me, so it seems. I take it that she is a fan of my previous work?
>>It is easy to tell that she is a Sunite. Let us pretend, only for a moment, that I am curious about converting...
>>I have heard rumors that she has come here from the distant land of Sembia. As a traveler myself, I believe that we could trade stories.

>>5688663
>My reputation precedes me, so it seems. I take it that she is a fan of my previous work?

>I have heard rumors that she has come here from the distant land of Sembia. As a traveler myself, I believe that we could trade stories.
>The Eilistraeans require assistance, and the council has provided none to speak of. Is there anything she could do, however small?

Vote closed.

>>5688667
>>5688696
>>5688726
>>5688790
>>5688839
>>5688851
>>5688988
A low rumbling in the distance is the harbinger of a weather phenomenon most strange. Thunder precedes the full darkening of the sky; whilst there is no natural thunder in the Underdark, the sound is all too familiar to you, drudging up horrible memories which you have long worked to suppress. Committed to the here and now, you drive such intrusive thoughts from your mind and lean back in your chair.

"They tell me you come from the land of Sembia," you remark. "Tell me about it." A subtle change in her demeanor informs you that you have unwittingly committed a terrible gaffe. The curve of Emitia's smile flattens somewhat, and her inflection has grown colder. Her left eye twitches. "Alas, there is little enough for me to share. It has been so long since I left my homeland that I hardly remember it," she offers unenthusiastically. The gnomish charlatan did mention that these lands are a frontier of sorts, an ideal place to lose one's past. You must have struck a nerve.

Unless you are more cautious going forward, your chance to win her to your cause will vanish.

"You say you saw me dance?" You query, scrambling to change the subject. Relaxing somewhat, the girl sits upright. "I, and many of my peers, darling. The Princess of Passion tells us to practice and promote the arts, though not many choose dancing."

>>5690448
"Did you like it?" You ask, studying her reaction. She chuckles. "'Like?' Darling, I adored it! Overnight, you've become the most famous - and, I suppose only - drow in Everlund!" She has definitely not put your inquiries into her past behind her, but you are under less scrutiny than you were moments ago. It is an improvement, if a slight one. "Tell me, can all drow move like that?"

It irritates you somewhat that the girl insists on referring to the Ilythiiri race as 'drow,' although it is a given that as a human she knows no better. Regardless, you understand that you must appease her for the sake of your quest. "Some can, with enough practice. Our bodies are not like yours," you answer. "But I am one of the best."

"Mmmh, all of that and a peerless warrior atop it!" She claps, smiling broadly. "I must confess, the thought of a drow walking the streets still greatly perturbs me, yet I look forward to viewing the next performance. In fact, I shall see to it that all of my servants attend as well! Look forward to it, Lady Torani."

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>>5690452
A procession of uniformed servants floods the dining hall, moving practiced proficiency. Together, they drape a cloth of white silk over the table, set a lit candelabra with spice-scented wax lights in the center, and place a dish in front of the two of you, each paired with a silver chalice that is swiftly filled with wine - all seemingly done in a single synchronous motion. "Will that be all, Young Mistress?" Asks a male human in his middle years.

"Yes, Federigo. You are dismissed," she replies, waving them off. At once, the entire group bows, exiting as quickly as they arrived. "Please, don't be shy about accepting my hospitality," she tells you, gesturing at your meal. "You visit is unexpected, though not unwelcome." The atmosphere is notably more convivial than when you had very nearly spoiled it, though you have made no progress in convincing her to divulge Tenpenny's secret. You will need to set the pace of this conversation if you are to succeed.

You may choose no more than three.
>Now then, regarding the predicament which my people find themselves in...
>Let us imagine that, completely hypothetically, I am hypothetically curious about hypothetically becoming a Sunite...
>She says that Sune tells her followers to practice the arts? What art does Emitia practice?
>Her peers saw my performance? I would like to know more about them.
>Being of an artful inclination myself, I cannot help but wonder; is there some greater significance to her majestic garden?
>[Write-in.]

>>5690455
>Let us imagine that, completely hypothetically, I am hypothetically curious about hypothetically becoming a Sunite...
>She says that Sune tells her followers to practice the arts? What art does Emitia practice?
>Now then, regarding the predicament which my people find themselves in.

>>5690455
>She says that Sune tells her followers to practice the arts? What art does Emitia practice?
>Let us imagine that, completely hypothetically, I am hypothetically curious about hypothetically becoming a Sunite...
>Now then, regarding the predicament which my people find themselves in...
Get her talking about herself, create the impression that surface-dwelling Ilythiiri are potentially good converts to her faith (or at least have common cause and tastes with her goddess), and then strike!

>>5690455
>Being of an artful inclination myself, I cannot help but wonder; is there some greater significance to her majestic garden?
>She says that Sune tells her followers to practice the arts? What art does Emitia practice?
>Let us imagine that, completely hypothetically, I am hypothetically curious about hypothetically becoming a Sunite… I feel like we need to do some more buttering up to Emitia before we can get to business.

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>>5690455
>Being of an artful inclination myself, I cannot help but wonder; is there some greater significance to her majestic garden?
>She says that Sune tells her followers to practice the arts? What art does Emitia practice?
>Let us imagine that, completely hypothetically, I am hypothetically curious about hypothetically becoming a Sunite…

>>5690455
>Let us imagine that, completely hypothetically, I am hypothetically curious about hypothetically becoming a Sunite...
>She says that Sune tells her followers to practice the arts? What art does Emitia practice?
>Being of an artful inclination myself, I cannot help but wonder; is there some greater significance to her majestic garden?

>>5690455
>She says that Sune tells her followers to practice the arts? What art does Emitia practice?
>Her peers saw my performance? I would like to know more about them.
>Being of an artful inclination myself, I cannot help but wonder; is there some greater significance to her majestic garden?
>[Write-in.]
Offer to do a semi private dance just for her as a favor....... Perhaps drag Illanis or whats her name that annoyingly cheerful elf girl to help us set up the stage and decorations at Emitia's mansion.

>>5690455
>She says that Sune tells her followers to practice the arts? What art does Emitia practice?
>Being of an artful inclination myself, I cannot help but wonder; is there some greater significance to her majestic garden?
>Her peers saw my performance? I would like to know more about them.

Vote closed.

>>5690483
>>5690564
>>5690599
>>5690781
>>5690941
>>5691087
>>5691200
Few would dispute that good rothé steak is the best meal that one could have the privilege of enjoying in the Underdark, and the same holds true here on the surface. Tender, savory, and moist, the dish before you is art in itself. Across from you, your host is careful to dine at a leisurely pace and mind her manners, behaviors which you emulate to mixed success; Emitia is a champion of equanimity, presenting herself as calm and polite, making her emotions nigh-impossible to read.

"Sune tells you to learn art? What art do you know?" You ask, guiding a slice of succulent steak to your mouth. The young noblewoman wipes her lips with a cloth and grins. "My education was quite expansive, and I am versed in a number of fine arts. If your question is which of them I excel at, however, the answer would be calligraphy." 'Calligraphy?' That is not a word which you are familiar with. "That would be decorative lettering, darling," she clarifies to your benefit. "It is among the many activities which please the goddess."

By now you have internalized the differences between surfacer and Ilythiiri psychology, yet the idea of taking the time to make words appear aesthetically pleasing manages to perplex you. There is no shortage of art produced by the Ilythiiri, though you cannot imagine one of your kin sitting still to ensure that the words of a page seem appealing, unless to enumerate their triumphs. The thought of beautifying something for its own sake seems quaint to you - perhaps even appealing...

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>>5693544
"Anyone can do this?" You inquire ambivalently, unsure of what it is that you mean to ask. "You do not have to be rivvil - a human?" The girl titters and drinks deeply of her wine, shaking her head. "Not at all!" She exclaims. "Sune's love is for all willing to welcome her into their heart. Peradventure even a drow could become a priestess, should they be willing."

Setting down her chalice, Emitia leaves her seat and moves toward the large window with a graceful stride, looking out over the city. "Beauty is more than skin deep; it is derived from who we are, and shows one's face to the world. Through beauty, one can stir and delight those who look upon it, allowing passion to blossom where it can, and admiration to flourish where it cannot. We appreciate the value of pleasing the senses, knowing that they can move mortalkind with love and desire."

"What say you? A refined woman such as yourself must agree with this ethos," she hums.

You shrug, aware that she would not notice the gesture with her back is toward you. How are you meant to respond to that, you wonder? Aesthetic appeal is a key value of Ilythiirra culture - infants with deformities are readily killed and fashion oft takes precedence over function when making armor. Yet, as far as you are aware, there is no underlying philosophy behind this, other than a casual disdain for all things hideous and the ever-present drive to demonstrate superiority.

>>5693548
"Is that why you have that garden?" You ask, continuing this unusual line of questioning. Emitia nods. "The garden is a pet project of mine. It is to be my magnum opus, my hope to drive some small amount of ugliness from the world and rouse the passions," she explains, her aloof façade momentarily giving way to a somber demeanor. Inhaling sharply, she returns to her seat.

"You sought me out to conduct business, did you not? As pleasant as it is to meet with an exotic individual such as yourself, it would reflect poorly on me if I were to detain you with conversation." She clears her throat. "You've my undivided attention, Lady Torani."

It would be best to consider your approach carefully.
>I need to be direct. I will explain, in no uncertain terms, that I need her to force a certain corpulent half-man to vote in favor of helping the Eilistraeans.
>A less forceful approach may yield better results. I should insinuate that a certain corpulent half-man is obstructing measures that will help the Eilistraeans.
>Perchance a more broad appeal for her support is the best course. My deeds have earned her admiration, and it would be unwise of me to squander it.
>I do not know enough about her to act just yet. For the moment, I should keep her talking about herself...
>[Write-in.]

>>5693549
>>A less forceful approach may yield better results. I should insinuate that a certain corpulent half-man is obstructing measures that will help the Eilistraeans.

>>5693549
>A less forceful approach may yield better results. I should insinuate that a certain corpulent half-man is obstructing measures that will help the Eilistraeans.
There are weeds in our garden of Everlund!

also
> Aesthetic appeal is a key value of Ilythiirra culture - infants with deformities are readily killed and fashion oft takes precedence over function when making armor.
holy kek.

>>5693549
>A less forceful approach may yield better results. I should insinuate that a certain corpulent half-man is obstructing measures that will help the Eilistraeans.
Or more specifically, will likely be coerced into obstructing those measures through his partner.

>>5693549
>>Perchance a more broad appeal for her support is the best course. My deeds have earned her admiration, and it would be unwise of me to squander it.

>>5693549
>I need to be direct. I will explain, in no uncertain terms, that I need her to force a certain corpulent half-man to vote in favor of helping the Eilistraeans.
She seems to be straight forward person

>>5693549
>A less forceful approach may yield better results. I should insinuate that a certain corpulent half-man is obstructing measures that will help the Eilistraeans.
Be sure to mention the Elistraeans' penchant for beautiful black-skinned elf ladies dancing under the silvery light of the moon, and the aesthetically-pleasing contrast against their pale hair, as well as the grace and fluidity of their movements. I mean, if we know enough about them. Appeal to her aesthetic obsessions!

>>5693549
>A less forceful approach may yield better results. I should insinuate that a certain corpulent half-man is obstructing measures that will help the Eilistraeans.

>>5693549
>A less forceful approach may yield better results. I should insinuate that a certain corpulent half-man is obstructing measures that will help the Eilistraeans.

Well, her magnum opus is her garden, and Sune just happened to give Jez a divine rose or whatever. That will certainly come in handy.

Vote closed.

>>5693572
>>5693610
>>5693617
>>5693723
>>5693760
>>5693770
>>5693857
>>5693917
By now, you are accustomed to enlightening others to the struggle of your people. From the beginning, you explain who the Eilistraeans are, and why they are in dire need of the assistance which Everlund can provide. How the Council of Elders - rather, more than half of its members, are strictly against this, and how they, too, are appreciators of beauty. Of particular note is the Master of Guilds, a paunchy half-man with the personality of a depraved mustard jelly, who seems intent on opposing the offer of aid.

Emitia listens attentively, or at least maintains the appearance of doing so, methodically eating away at her meal while she does so. "What a shame," she states, her thoughts indecipherable behind her visage of practiced courtesy. Frowning, she looks you in the eye and inclines her head toward you. "My thoughts go out to you, and your odd kin. I suppose that I could divert some supplies their way, if that would help."

"You cannot do more?" You ask, regarding her skeptically. She laughs bitterly. "Darling, the Council of Elders makes the decisions for our city, and the gentleman representing us well-to-do folk is Master Rupert Tenpenny. For better and worse, he decides policy on our behalf - the rest of us have no recourse, unless a vote of confidence is called." Supping her wine she shakes her head. "For all our influence, even we are subject to the whims of the council."

Wringing your hands, you weigh her statement. You do not get the impression that she is deceiving you, although if she were, you have no way of being entirely certain. The half-man said that this girl knows Tenpenny's most critical secret, and whilst you have always had doubts about his credibility, there is little else for you to work off of. Whatever the reason, Emitia seems unwilling, or perhaps unable to leverage what she knows against Tenpenny.

"Now then, let us quit this unpleasant business," she remarks, growing visibly impatient as the topic lingers. "We should be enjoying ourselves, no?"
>I should to relent for now. Let us steer in another direction. A tour of her home, mayhaps?
>[Will] She needs to understand that lives depend on this. Surfacers care about that sort of thing, do they not?
>[Intellect] The half-man seemed certain that she knows something. What is it that I am missing here?
>Situations such as these require a uniquely female solution. Let me see if I can learn something useful by trading gossip with her...
>[Write-in.]

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>>5694900
>>[Intellect] The half-man seemed certain that she knows something. What is it that I am missing here?

>>5694900
>Situations such as these require a uniquely female solution. Let me see if I can learn something useful by trading gossip with her...

>>5694900
>[Intellect] The half-man seemed certain that she knows something. What is it that I am missing here?

>>5694900
>>Situations such as these require a uniquely female solution. Let me see if I can learn something useful by trading gossip with her...

>>5694914
>[Intellect] The half-man seemed certain that she knows something. What is it that I am missing here?
We can gossip after that!
Also, maybe I should reevaluate drows given what is going on russia. Maybe their backstabby society isn't THAT unrealistic

>>5695312
>Maybe their backstabby society isn't THAT unrealistic

It's actually not unfair to compare the mainstream of drow society to the Time of Troubles happening in Russia during the 17th century, and their prolific slaving is in many ways similar to the tsardom's harsh enserfment policy. What does Jezyrene's accent sound like? You decide.

>>5694900
>Situations such as these require a uniquely female solution. Let me see if I can learn something useful by trading gossip with her...

>>5695374
>Drow's have Russian accents.

hot

>>5695374
Italian? Renaissance Italy was filled with backstabbing but also people who appreciate the fine arts.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

(Intellect 14) Success on 14 or lower.

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>>5696134
Jezyrene's good luck has not been exhausted yet, I see.

>>5696136
That's as close as we'll get to a critical success too! Exciting.
>>5695374
Never really thought about her or other drow accents before. Broken slavic or arabic sounds about right, possibly.

>>5696134
Man, the gods are really behind her

>>5694914
>>5694953
>>5695061
>>5695259
>>5695312
>>5695406
You idly push a green vegetable about on your plate, losing yourself in thought. It could be that you are delusional, but you remain convinced that the burglar's words hold some truth to them. Emitia Rouzet knows Rupert Tenpenny's most vital secret, that much is a certainty. Yet your interactions with her thus far seem to indicate that she holds no power over him, or any decision that the council makes for that matter.

Why?

Exerting your mental faculties, you create a scenario in your mind using the information that you have manage to collect thus far. Emitia did not hesitate to offer you her aid in the form of relief, and what she knows could, presumably, ruin Tenpenny. Still, the Sembian girl seems reasonably confident that it cannot materialize into any influence over the portly pervert. Or should not? The two ideas seem illogical, contradictory even.

Or do they? If you were privy to the damning secret of another, you can think of one reason why you would find yourself unable to exploit it; exposing such confidential information would damn you as well. Emitia Rouzet and Rupert Tenpenny share the same dreadful secret. It is highly likely that the only way for her to leverage it against him would be to imperil herself.

With the threat of violence out of the question, it seems that you have no choice but to convince her to entrust you with her private affairs of her own volition. You curse your ill fortune under your breath. If only you had the foresight to enlist the support of another with talents more suitable to this task. You recall that Lael was able to convince Ilanis of some absurd falsehood using his strange magics...

But you will simply have to make the best of your own capabilities right now. As you were saying...
>For the moment, I will bide my time and strategically avoid a serious discussion by requesting a tour of her estate instead.
>How about we discuss art? Surfacers build a rapport by prattling on about such things, do they not?
>Let us engage in the familiar old female pastime. Males simply cannot appreciate the value of some fine gossip.
>[Write-in.]

>>5696509
>Let us engage in the familiar old female pastime. Males simply cannot appreciate the value of some fine gossip.

>>5696509
>>Let us engage in the familiar old female pastime. Males simply cannot appreciate the value of some fine gossip.

>>5696509
>How about we discuss art? Surfacers build a rapport by prattling on about such things, do they not?

Perhaps connect art back to her garden, and then the rose Sune gave Jez?

>>5696704
Definitely present the rose.

>>5696509
>>How about we discuss art? Surfacers build a rapport by prattling on about such things, do they not?

>>5696509
>Let us engage in the familiar old female pastime. Males simply cannot appreciate the value of some fine gossip.

Vote closed.

>>5696509
Too late for this, but we should bring up the possibility of her sponsoring one or two Eilistraeans for a theoretical dance recital. The council shouldn’t have as much of a problem if we keep it in the single digits, and we can have Luaue state her case for aid to them.

Just need to think what the dance would be about… perhaps the life of Chessayne before and after her capture?

>>5696513
>>5696524
>>5696704
>>5696804
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>>5697069
"Forget it," you grumble. "Lil council zhah retlah del tonaik vithin jora. Vith'nindel bunjiro Greycastle lu'ukt go'h vith'rell Tenpenny. Usstan orn'la elgg nindyn draa zatoasten ka usstan inbalus lil mayar!" Emitia's eyes drift toward the window as you attempt in futility to convey your frustrations to her. Nevertheless, her expression does not change. Taking a single sip of wine, she nods.

"Mmmh. I oft find myself frustrated with the council as well. Being among the key members of the consortium and a candidate for the office of Master of Guilds, I've no choice but to sit in on those awful meetings now and again. If I must listen to another one of Saer Darkshadow's senile rants again, I am liable to die of exhaustion," she sighs, exasperated by the mere thought of hearing the dwarf vomit forth his usual acrimony.

"He is not the worst one," you reply, tearing away at your steak. "The traitor Arara likes to hear her own voice. But there is no good sense in her head," you assert. "She finds good sense, whenever an elf or a half-elf is in trouble," she explains, rolling her eyes, "but when the time comes to find some goodwill for the rest of us, she does become quite miserly." You do not know the definition of the word 'miserly,' though it carries a negative connotation, and thus, you nod enthusiastically.

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>>5698738
The two of you enjoy a spirited discussion over the various arguments that you have both had with the darthiir Arara. The traitor seems to insist that Emitia is too young to participate in politics, too irresponsible to be head of the Textiles Guild, and too shallow in how she views the world - all claims that the girl contests, obviously. It is something of a relief to know that you are not alone in attracting the priestess' ire.

"Although," she licks her lips, "there is one person with a council seat that I admire. Amaranth Cywir, the magician. It is rare enough that a lady meets such a handsome fellow, and rarer still that he turns out to be such a charming gentleman." Emitia blushes, grinning immodestly as she slips from reality into a daydream. "He is the sort of man that any woman would like to have all to themselves, wouldn't you agree?"

A vegetable lodges itself in your throat, throwing you into a coughing fit until you force it down. "I don't know," you state, deflecting the question. After all, why should you answer her? There is no good reason for her to force such a ridiculous inquiry into the conversation unprompted. You must be ill with something, for you feel as though the room's temperature has suddenly increased.

"Come now, milady, there must be some type of man that you are fond of," she teases, pressing the matter. "I do have a soft spot for a man who is cultured and kind. How about yourself? You cannot have gone all of your years without developing a taste in such things. Am I wrong?"

While you did develop something of a reputation for being unsociable as the years of hardship wore you down, you do remember being quite adventurous as a youth...
>I do prefer the roguish and clever sort. They remind me of someone that I used to know.
>There is simply something about lovers who can work magic that draws me in. I cannot explain it.
>I had a weakness for the wealthy and sophisticated when I was younger. Money changes things.
>I was not very selective. In retrospect, this may not have been the smartest approach.
>We are done talking about this. End of discussion.

>>5698742
>I was not very selective. In retrospect, this may not have been the smartest approach.
but
>When a male is soft, it is nice. Life is hard enough without hard-headed and hard-hearted males.
It meshes well with our two established relationships/attractions-of-note: with our brother who was kindest of our siblings, and with Amaranth.

(I'd end discussion here, but we NEED her goodwill.)

>>5698742
>>There is simply something about lovers who can work magic that draws me in. I cannot explain it.

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>>5698742
>There is simply something about lovers who can work magic that draws me in. I cannot explain it.

>>5698742
>There is simply something about lovers who can work magic that draws me in. I cannot explain it.
>Traditional Lolthite society considers males who practice the Art to be the most respectable career a male can aspire to. I suppose that may have something to do with it…

>>5698742
>I was not very selective. In retrospect, this may not have been the smartest approach.

>>5698742
>I do prefer the roguish and clever sort. They remind me of someone that I used to know.
>There is simply something about lovers who can work magic that draws me in. I cannot explain it.

>>5698749
There is a way to get it. Its almost obvious aint it?

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Vote closed.

>>5698895
I don't recall specifying that Jez didn't have a soft spot for females who practiced the Art as well.

>>5698742
>>I was not very selective. In retrospect, this may not have been the smartest approach.

>>5698749
>>5698776
>>5698781
>>5698895
>>5698908
>>5699079
>>5699209
"Someone who can use magic spells. There is something special about them," you mention nonchalantly, reflecting on your hundreds of years of life. It would be a lie to say that you were not awed when Phaere demonstrated her shadow puppet technique to you, someone who could barely even manipulate energies and shape them into a crude source of light. Compelling chores to attend to themselves, boiling water without heat - for magicians, such small wonders are daily life, although the less said about your dalliances with mages of the female sex, the better.

"Yes, there is something about mages, is there not? One can never quite tell what it is that they have on their minds." Leaning back in her seat, she squints at you. "By the by, you wouldn't happen to have your eye on Saer Cywir as well, would you?" Your eyes widen. Clearing your throat, you mean to hastily blurt something out to dismiss her fantastical suspicions, yet your voice is held captive by the taut muscles of your throat.

"Aha! I caught you!" She announces, content with herself. "Don't be ashamed, darling. None could fault you for admiring such a fine specimen of a man; but if you don't mind, I have been working up the courage to invite Saer Cywir over for dinner soon. I would like to get to know him more intimately, so-to-speak. Hoho!" The rosy-cheeked girl chortles gleefully.

You groan, trying to find a familiar analogue to help you through your current situation. If this were a duel, then Emitia has seized the initiative and forced you on the defensive. This was not at all how your meeting with the girl was meant to play out. Instead wringing out the truth that you need from her brain, you are being taunted - nay, humiliated! - over some preposterous notion that you are infatuated with a darthiir!

You are beginning to break into a sweat. Is it better to take the offensive? Mayhaps continue to bide your time until the chance to counterattack presents itself?
>I deny everything and try to politely the steer the conversation back to what I need from her.
>[Will] I DEMAND that she surrenders Tenpenny's secret! NOW!
>Ah, to the Hells with everything! Yes, I admit it! So what if he is a darthiir!? When I spoke to Sune, she said...

>>5699797
>”You say I’m infatuated by him… but it is more that he has done much on my behalf, despite his… people’s history with mine. He welcomed me to Everlund, has been nothing but willing to help with my quest to find the Eilistraeans, and has been willing to offer his vote on letting them into the city! As such, it makes sense to keep an eye out for those who would threaten his plans, his life, and the lives of those he cares for, lest they plot his demise and risk losing our chance to be welcomed into town.”
>”…not that I mind conversing with him, though.”
>”Actually, Sune mentioned me having a heart hardened by the world when I prayed to her… as someone who prays to her frequently, what do you suppose she means by that?”

>>5699797
>>Ah, to the Hells with everything! Yes, I admit it! So what if he is a darthiir!? When I spoke to Sune, she said...

>>5699797
>[Will] I DEMAND that she surrenders Tenpenny's secret! NOW!

>>5699797
>Ah, to the Hells with everything! Yes, I admit it! So what if he is a darthiir!? When I spoke to Sune, she said...

>>5699797
Supporting >>5699847

>>5699797
>Ah, to the Hells with everything! Yes, I admit it! So what if he is a darthiir!? When I spoke to Sune, she said...
A heartstruck Ilythiiri blushed like a virgin

>>5699797
>I deny everything and try to politely the steer the conversation back to what I need from her.

>>5699847
Supporting including/incorporating this very good write-in in some fashion

>>5699797
>Ah, to the Hells with everything! Yes, I admit it! So what if he is a darthiir!? When I spoke to Sune, she said...

Vote closed.

>>5700031
>>5700109
>>5700242
>>5700370
>>5700478
>>5700568
>>5700599
"The darthiiri - elves," you explicate, "have always been enemies to my people. But Amaranth..." you trail off, fidgeting uncomfortably in your seat. Whatever the reason, you find yourself suddenly afflicted with an odd fever. "He said that I belong here, like all of you. Even when the council is against it, he wants to help the Ilythiiri, and he has never asked anything for helping me." Overcome by emotion, you slam your palms against the table and rise to your feet, staring down your opponent at the opposite end of the table. 'She will not steal him,' you think to yourself.

Emitia is dumb with silence, her mouth agape. Why she is exhibiting such a reaction is impossible for you to deduce, but to fall back on your previous analogy, the girl has stumbled, allowing you the chance to determine the pace of the duel. "Milady, I had no idea-" she starts, but you maintain your momentum, swiftly interjecting to cut her off. "Nau! Nau mzild, rivvil! You say that I look him and see a fine man, and I do."

"That- that is very nice," she stammers. "I have also admired Saer Cywir for quite some time, and-" Exhaling through your nostrils, you ball your fists and glare at her. "I don't care if he is a darthiir," you declare. "He has been a better abbil to me than anyone in my life! And if someone wants to hurt him, I will kill them."

>>5703748
"Sune said my heart is hard," you go on, looking to the window and the overcast sky beyond. "And that I am brave to seek her out. Maybe she is right." You pause, shifting your weight. The volatile new sensation that has come to possess you is causing you a great deal of distress, so much so that you are beginning to fear that you may lose consciousness. Trembling slightly, you seat yourself and wring your hands. What has gotten into you?

"I wish I had known this before," huffs Emitia, her mien now weary and crestfallen. "Oh... I didn't mean for..." the girl slouches in her seat. "My passing fancy is nothing compared to your feelings. All I want is... and to think I could have ruined everything all over again." A thick quietude blankets the dining hall as the girl falls silent.

You have no idea why, but something that you are doing is getting through to her. Best that you select your words carefully, lest they inadvertently reverse the course of this conflict.
>'Ruin everything all over again?' What does she mean?
>Whatever may have happened, Sune has not given up on her.
>Erm, well, no harm done, ho ho! Are we not meant to be enjoying ourselves!?

>>5703750
>>Whatever may have happened, Sune has not given up on her.

>>5703750
>'Ruin everything all over again?' What does she mean?

>>5703750
>'Ruin everything all over again?' What does she mean?
Strike now! The path reveals itself!
Is she an empath who is prone to ruining relationships for the emotional highs of passionate, but fleeting, trysts? Maybe she knows not who Tenpenny fucks, but whom he truly LOVES?

>>5703750
>Whatever may have happened, Sune has not given up on her.

>>5703750
>Whatever may have happened, Sune has not given up on her.

>>5703750
>Whatever may have happened, Sune has not given up on her.
>If she thinks a hardened heart like mine could become softer, I have no doubt she knows yours will too.

>>5703750
>>'Ruin everything all over again?' What does she mean?

Vote closed.

>>5703769
>>5703835
>>5703887
>>5703943
>>5704077
>>5704107
>>5704189
"There is more," you disclose. "Sune said that you also have a hard heart. She told me to remind your of her." Patting yourself down, you frantically search your person, afraid that it may have been damaged during the fall you took in the garden; a wave of relief washes over you as your hand finds Sune's rose tucked away in your cloak, in perfect condition. "She gave me this and said so," you tack on awkwardly, brandishing the flower.

A beam of white-hot light fulgurates down from up above, illuminating the land for a split second. The resultant thunder is nearly ear-splitting. As if answering a call to action, the clouds unleash a downpour the likes of which you've never in two centuries witnessed during the piddling rains of the Underdark. "After everything, I thought she might have-" The girl chokes, pressing her hands against her face.

Emitia weeps, her body convulsing uncontrollably as she presses her face against the table. For the better part of an hour, she sobs until her voice grows hoarse and eventually gives out. At a loss for words, you sit still and observe as the storm quickly develops into a deluge in the streets. Such 'issues' do not occur where you are from, and you haven't a clue as to how surfacers are meant to behave in situations such as these.

>>5705459
Mustering the strength to compose herself temporarily, she faces you. Though her makeup is smeared across her visage and her eyes are reddened and teary, she still manages an impassive expression. "I am truly, deeply sorry. This behavior is very unbecoming of me." At the cusp of breaking into another crying fit, she swallows her spit and carries on.

"Federigo," she calls out, prompting her chief servant to attend without delay. The aged man offers her a handkerchief to wipe her face, which she declines. "Please fetch the letters." The human clears his throat, protesting. "But Young Mistress, you-" She hushes him with a wave of her hand. "Of course, milady."

He returns minutes later, carrying with him a bundled stack of missives. Setting it on the table adjacent to her meal, he departs. In turn, Emitia takes it in both hands and marches across the dining hall, offering it up to you. "I suppose that the time has come for me to end all of this. These will not win you any council votes, but I hope that they can ultimately serve to help you and your people."

>>5705460
Her words do not bode well for your cause, but you are in no position to refuse an advantage, however small. The half-man assured you that whatever evidence can be derived from these correspondences would be of interest to you, and you are desperate enough to take him at his word. Taking the bundle from her, you offer to exchange it for Sune's rose. "What about this?" You inquire.

Emitia shuts her eyes and shakes her head. "That is not for me, milady; you are meant to offer it to a person that you deeply care for. With that said, I am going to have to politely ask you to see yourself out." Unwilling to entertain any possible protest, the girl bows and makes a speedy retreat from the dining hall, leaving you by your lonesome.

With your objective met, there is little reason to remain here. Where will you go?
>I should return to my room at the Phantom Knight Inn to read through these in comfort.
>The Dreaming Dragon has a pleasant atmosphere for reading. And, Ilanis is there, I suppose.
>Amaranth is likely busy with council affairs at the moment, but there is no harm in visiting his tower.

>>5705462
>I should return to my room at the Phantom Knight Inn to read through these in comfort.
>”Please inform Lady Rouzet that I would love to see her at my next major performance, if she still wishes to come. I will personally come to deliver the invitation.”

>>5705462
>I should return to my room at the Phantom Knight Inn to read through these in comfort.
We can see Amaranth and Ilanis soon enough, but we need to analyze these letters first... And our feelings.

>”Please inform Lady Rouzet that I would love to see her at my next major performance, if she still wishes to come. I will personally come to deliver the invitation.”

>>5705462
>The Dreaming Dragon has a pleasant atmosphere for reading. And, Ilanis is there, I suppose.
>”Please inform Lady Rouzet that I would love to see her at my next major performance, if she still wishes to come. I will personally come to deliver the invitation.”

>>5705462
Support >>5705470

>>5705462
>Amaranth is likely busy with council affairs at the moment, but there is no harm in visiting his tower.
>”Please inform Lady Rouzet that I would love to see her at my next major performance, if she still wishes to come. I will personally come to deliver the invitation.”

>>5705462
>The Dreaming Dragon has a pleasant atmosphere for reading. And, Ilanis is there, I suppose.

>>5705470
>>5705462
Had a change of heart…
>The Dreaming Dragon has a pleasant atmosphere for reading. And, Ilanis is there, I suppose.

It might not be a good idea to read through letters incriminating Tenpenny while we’re staying at the inn he owns, lest the staff pilfer it. Just got to remember to ask Ilanis for someplace private for us to read them.

>>5705462
>The Dreaming Dragon has a pleasant atmosphere for reading. And, Ilanis is there, I suppose.
>”Please inform Lady Rouzet that I would love to see her at my next major performance, if she still wishes to come. I will personally come to deliver the invitation.”

Vote closed.

But since we've made it this far, a production note. The first caper of Sam's quest would have been to sneak into Tenpenny's mansion and steal these letters for Emitia, which would initiate the main conflict of his quest. I didn't expect that I would get the chance to use it, but strange things happen.

I wonder what's inside them?

>>5706256
Epstein's List

>>5706256
>>5706668
Given how shameless the man is, I still believe it must be related to a genuine loved one, like a secret true love or child or something.

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>>5705512
>>5705559
>>5705619
>>5705653
>>5705781
>>5705787
>>5706068
As per Emitia's request, you depart from her estate, requesting that the guard at the gate inform the girl that you would welcome her at your next performance, going as far as to offer to deliver the invitation in person. He shrugs and halfheartedly agrees to pass your message along 'at his earliest convenience,' whenever that is meant to be. Tucking the bundled letters underneath your arm, you set off, pulling your cloak over your body to shield them from the intense rainfall. The Dreaming Dragon is to be your destination, having decided that it would be the ideal place to read through these correspondences.

Pedestrian traffic through the city has diminished greatly as citizens scramble to seek shelter from the inclement weather. Streams of water flow freely through the streets, draining off into the river, which has noticeably risen in height. Braving the biting wind and piercing rain, you cross from one end of the city to the other, determined to see your task through.

Arriving at the inviting and increasingly familiar Dreaming Dragon, you rap your fist against its entrance, well aware that the establishment will not be seeing business until late in the evening. The distinctive click of a lock being undone precedes a circumspect opening of the door. Ilanis peeks out from behind, her eyes briefly widening in terror as they fall upon you. Blinking, she manages a sunny expression and invites you in.

>>5709853
"Heeello, uh..." she pauses and glances upwards, as if trying to recall something. "Sindiira! You're here earlier than expected. Why don't you come on in?" She queries, leading you over to a stool at the bar. Shutting the way behind you, she assumes her place opposite to you and looks around. "Lovely weather we're having, don'tcha think?" You reply with your most apathetic shrug, a reaction that seems to befuddle her. "Me too! So, what can I get you?"

Well?
>I never did get an answer. Who, or what, are these 'Zhentarim' that I keep hearing about?
>I met that half-breed who alleges to be her brother, and he is perhaps the worst half-breed that I did not kill. You see...
>As is customary, we must engage in the time-honored tradition of exchanging gossip about recent developments.
>Might she set aside someplace quiet for me? I have business to which I must attend immediately.
>[Write-in.]

>>5709855
>As is customary, we must engage in the time-honored tradition of exchanging gossip about recent developments.
>You seem a bit on edge... Did something happen with you and Arara today?
>Has Willow come back to town, yet? I'd run into something on that topic we had last time... (whisper)with the book, remember?

>>5709855
Ilanis is acting... off. Forgetting our name after she's been so enthusiastic and friendly until now? Looking fearful? Hmm...
>As is customary, we must engage in the time-honored tradition of exchanging gossip about recent developments.
>Try to figure out why she's acting weird.

>>5709855
>>As is customary, we must engage in the time-honored tradition of exchanging gossip about recent developments.
>>Might she set aside someplace quiet for me? I have business to which I must attend immediately.

>>5709896
...Actually, just one more thing to throw into the mix, just in case of a doppelgänger situation.

>I'll have what you made for our Girl's Night with Willow.

>>5709896
Supporting. Something doesn't feel right.

>>5710032
Clever. I'll support this as well... But strongly suspect she'll just say she 'forgot'.

>>5709855
>>5709896
Support

Mask of many faces?

>>5709896
+1

>>5709855
>As is customary, we must engage in the time-honored tradition of exchanging gossip about recent developments.
>You seem a bit on edge... Did something happen with you and Arara today?
>Might she set aside someplace quiet for me? I have business to which I must attend immediately.

>>5709896
>>5710032
Support

Vote closed.

>>5710596
Is everything alright there?

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>>5709896
>>5709922
>>5709946
>>5710032
>>5710060
>>5710065
>>5710126
>>5710160
>>5710220
>>5710436
"I need a drink," you assert, throwing back your hood as you seat yourself. You are under the impression that there is something amiss, although you cannot quite place it. Could it be that Arara is poisoning Ilanis' impressionable young mind with her darthiiri lies? The girl rubs her neck. "Uhm, isn't it a bit early for-"

"No. I want the one I had before, with you and Willow," you insist, narrowing your eyes. "Aaalrighty then. Did something happen today? You seem kinda grouch-... great! You seem great!" She exclaims, setting to her task. "Maybe," you offer noncommittally whilst scrutinizing her every action. Ilanis is diligent in her work, recreating the fruity, fizzy beverage from memory. It looks the same; a reluctant sip confirms that the taste is the same. Even the temperature is correct.

Mayhaps the years are taking their toll on your mind.

"Where is Willow?" You query, allowing yourself to lower your guard, albeit slightly. "I wanted to talk about something. Like in that book-" Ilanis slouches, resting her elbows on the counter. Locking her fingers together, she rests her chin atop them and grins from ear to ear. "Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?" She hums, her interest piqued.

You are quick to recognize that you have just made a grievous error.

>>5714886
"You can't just say that and hold out on me!" Tilting her head slightly, she scans your face for a reaction. "So? Who is it?" Reflexively, your brow creases in vexation. You had made no mention of what it was that you specifically aimed to discuss, yet she has come to her own - regretfully, correct - conclusion. "What does he look like? Or she! Come aaahn! Spill it!"

You drink deeply of the cocktail set in front of you and cough. Having already liberally sampled Emitia's wine, you risk becoming inebriated should you be too brazen in your consumption, though this is hardly a concern of yours at present. It is increasingly obvious that, unless given a satisfactory answer, the girl will not be relenting.

Taking another sip of liquid courage to bolster your confidence, you answer.
>Fine! I am thinking about Amaranth. The whole damned city may as well know!
>It... is a person that she has never met. Someone named Veldrin, whom she wouldn't recognize if she saw them.
>In truth, I was merely curious about... the city of Calimport. Not the silly little drama in that book, why would I be interested in that? Hoho!
>... We are done discussing this. Now, if she could find me a quiet spot, there is something that I must do.

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>>5714651
Besides the day-to-day of real life, I've been trying to figure out what to do with all of these write-ins.

>>5714889
>It... is a person that she has never met. Someone named Veldrin, whom she wouldn't recognize if she saw them.
At least she seems back to normal. Makes me wonder what was up with her reaction, though.

>>5714891
Were we not supposed to think something was up with Ilanis?

>>5714889
>"...well, at least now you've proven you haven't been kidnapped and replaced by an assassin or mage. Although I'm still miffed you didn't tell me about your meeting with Arara..."
>In truth, I was merely curious about... the city of Calimport. Not the silly little drama in that book, why would I be interested in that? Hoho!

>>5714889
>Fine! I am thinking about Amaranth. The whole damned city may as well know!

Ilanis, I want to fuck your father figure

>>5714900
>admitting to being upset
OUR Jez? I don't know about that. Sounds too much like emotional vulnerability.

However, I'll back a blunt:
>What were you talk to Arara about?
with my vote at >>5714898

>>5714889

>>5714898
Allow me to rephrase that. I wasn't sure how to incorporate the myriad of different suggestions that unexpectedly came in as conversational dialogue instead of making Jez sound like a paranoid-schizophrenic.

>>5714889
>>In truth, I was merely curious about... the city of Calimport. Not the silly little drama in that book, why would I be interested in that? Hoho!

>>5714914
Knowing her family, acting like a paranoid -schizophrenic at any sign of possible magical fuckery is probably a necessary survival strategy

>>5714889
>Fine! I am thinking about Amaranth. The whole damned city may as well know!

>>5714889
>"...well, at least now you've proven you haven't been kidnapped and replaced by an assassin or mage. Although I'm still miffed you didn't tell me about your meeting with Arara..."
>Fine! I am thinking about Amaranth. The whole damned city may as well know!

>>5714889
>In truth, I was merely curious about... the city of Calimport. Not the silly little drama in that book, why would I be interested in that? Hoho!

Vote closed.

>>5714898
>>5714900
>>5714902
>>5714904
>>5715110
>>5715246
>>5715363
>>5715503
"I..." you start, warm in the face. If only words could be unspoken, you would not have landed yourself in this predicament. "I want to ask about Calimport. The city. In the book," you state. Leering incredulously, Ilanis looks directly into your eyes, exerting an almost psychic pressure over you. It is readily apparent to you that your efforts to divert this conversation from its current trajectory are unsuccessful. Wearing a smirk most devilish in nature, she presses the issue.

"Huh. But Willow is from a small village the Western Heartlands. She doesn't know anything about the south..." Adjusting her posture, Ilanis pivots toward the tavern's overlarge windows, looking meaningfully at the rainfall. "Then again, no one could blame you for keeping Calimport in your thoughts. I'm sure that if you weren't here, you'd be visiting Calimport right now! What we all wouldn't give to have something as special to us as Calimport is to you."

The bittersweet scorch of fizzy fruity alcohol runs down your throat as you once again find yourself imbibing with little regard for the consequences. Your every word digs the pit you have unwittingly thrown yourself in ever deeper. Worse still is the knowledge that you could have spared yourself the embarrassment by keeping your mouth shut. "Tlu venorik, dos waela ligrr," you grumble.

Having had her fun, Ilanis seems done with her teasing, much to your relief. "Say," she ponders, leaning toward you. "Can I ask you for a reeeal big favor?" Setting your glass down, you roll your shoulders and rest your forearm on the bar. "Maybe. What did you want?"

"I'm wondering if you could watch the Dreaming Dragon for a few hours. Just until I open up tonight, really!"
>All right. I suppose that could do that.
>No, I do not think I will.

>>5717329
>All right. I suppose that could do that.
>...Make sure you come back in time, though. Or earlier, if you see any of Tenpenny's associates.

>"Tlu venorik, dos waela ligrr,"
Any of you guys got a translation page?

>>5717329
>All right, but ONLY if you tell me what you were speaking to Arara about

>>5717338
"Be silent, you foolish girl."

>>5717329
>All right. I suppose that could do that.

There were both 3 votes for Amaranth and Calimport, unless I counted wrong.

>>5717397
Three to deflect towards Calimport, and one to deflect towards some mysterious 'Veldrin', so the majority vote was to not admit attraction to Amaranth.

>>5717329
>All right, but ONLY if you tell me what you were speaking to Arara about

>>5717329
>>No, I do not think I will.
We have letters to go through

>>5717342
+1

Vote closed.

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>>5717338
>>5717342
>>5717343
>>5717397
>>5717477
>>5717504
>>5717601
"All right. But only-"

"Thanks! You're a real one!" She chirrups, moving with such alarming alacrity that she is already partway through the exit. 'A real what?' You wonder to yourself, before you think to go after her. Setting your glass down, you give chase, bounding toward the door as Ilanis works an exotic surfacer device - a sort of small canopy attached to a metal rod - and raises it above her head, gingerly shutting the way behind her. Gripping the handle, you fling the door out to its furthest extent and survey your surroundings.

The girl must have been in a mighty hurry, for she is nowhere to be found.

"Vith ol," you murmur to yourself, locking the door. For the first time, you are alone in the Dreaming Dragon, and given the hour, this will be the case for quite some time. Returning to the bar, you raise the glass to your lips, withdrawing them in shock shortly after. The taste - no, the contents - have changed. This container which you hold in your hands is no icy cocktail, but instead a quarter-full wooden mug of tepid water.

In your haste, you reason, you must have misplaced your drink elsewhere, though a search of your immediate surroundings turns up nothing. It will be found in time, you suppose. Relocating to an impressive round table of carved marble, you elect to dedicate this time to reading through the letters given to you by Emitia. Laying your wet cloak on an unoccupied chair, you pull up a seat and set to work.

>>5720250
https://voca.ro/18KQ6OY6WrA3

To your benefit - and immense relief - the letters have been arranged in chronological order, with the first being penned in 1370, a mere four years ago.

Distinct for its complex and aesthetically pleasing script, the author of the this correspondence introduces herself as Emitia Rouzet. The girl announces her arrival in Everlund, and sends her regards to one Rupert Tenpenny, Master of Guilds, with whom she expresses her wish to establish a fruitful business relationship. Despite being fifteen years of age at the time, her enumerated accomplishments are quite impressive; she is fluent in five languages, atop her extensive education in the areas of geography, history, and mathematics.

The next letter is a response from Tenpenny. Notable for his borderline-illegible scribbles that on occasion adopt shapes that vaguely resemble words, the Master of Guilds demonstrates an unexpected jocularity when writing to Emitia. Extending warm welcomes to the girl, he showers her with all of the tired platitudes that surface-dwellers are most fond of. Thus far, there is nothing of any value to you in these texts. Nevertheless, you carry on, determined to get your money's worth from the burglar's advisement.

Over several months and a dozen letters, the two slowly develop a rapport. Emitia writes at length about the Sunite ethos and her expansive interest in aesthetic pleasures and the fine arts, a fascination which Tenpenny seems to share on some superficial level, though it quickly becomes evident that the half-man is incapable of appreciating anything outside of its monetary value. For his part, the Master of Guilds predictably corresponds about his fortune, his latest acquisitions, and his sizeable family; most notably, his nieces and nephews which he dotes on, and his nagging wife Petunia.

>>5720251
Not a minute after you are beginning to consider hunting down the thief to demand a refund, you stumble upon your first breakthrough. Imprudently, Emitia confides in Tenpenny the truth of her origin. She is the daughter of Elbastion, eldest son of House Rouzet and heir to its fortune, and his sister Galiyra, whom he raped while inebriated. Though a wealthy and prestigious merchant family, the pride of House Rouzet was forever tarnished by Emitia's existence. Thus, the question of what to do with the inconvenient mistake spawned of Elbastion's indiscretion was the subject of vigorous debate for as long as the girl could remember. After fifteen lengthy years of deliberation, the elders had arrived at their answer:

Emitia was to be sequestered away in some remote corner of the Realms, out of sight, and above all, out of mind.

From here on, the drama continues to escalate further. Tenpenny responds to Emitia's previous letter by propositioning her, and the girl accedes to his demands. Though you believe that you have experienced every conceivable sex act there is, the graphic descriptions of their myriad depravities inscribed on these pages are sufficient to make even your stomach churn.

As one might expect, their grotesque union does not go unnoticed by those around them. Petunia becomes increasingly suspicious of her husband, so much so that his meetings with Emitia become less frequent with time. By 1372, the two no longer see one another in person, and must resort to sending letters in secret through intermediaries.

>>5720252
Deprived of her lover's poisonous influence, Emitia is quick to come to her senses. She sends a series of succinct messages making it abundantly clear that she wishes to terminate their liaison. Furthermore, she later confesses that she intends to inform Petunia of their affair, and urges Tenpenny to join her in doing so.

It is at this juncture that Rupert's behavior becomes exceedingly erratic. He sends anywhere between three to as many as ten letters daily, alternating between the extremes of threatening Emitia with physical harm and entreating her reciprocate his feelings. On one occasion, he even offers to divorce his wife and marry her instead, consequences be damned. Such nugatory pleas do nothing to win the girl's favor.

Nearly two months later, Emitia sends only a single letter to the Master of Guilds. In a response that can only be described as 'curt,' she informs Rupert that she has caught word that Greycastle's men have beat Petunia to death and disposed of her cadaver by unceremoniously tossing it into the river in the dead of night. They were then given orders to report the incident as a suicide and close the investigation.

>>5720253
By now an anguished and irrational wreck of a man, Tenpenny freely offers every gift that one can dream of to Emitia in the final letters, hoping to purchase her forgiveness, or perhaps her silence. She is granted exotic jewels, expensive properties, a position as the head of the Textiles Guild...

... and millions,

and millions,

and millions,

in in hard currency. The esteemed Lady Rouzet must have accrued ten million gold pieces in gifts alone from Rupert Tenpenny. You are left in awe by the thought that wealth of such a magnitude can even exist in reality. Even at its apex, House Delyl's treasury constituted a mere third of that, shared between all of you. Regardless, you are mature enough to know that even the wealthy's vaults must be filled somehow. How, then, did Tenpenny acquire so much money?

The dull roar of distant thunder returns you to the here and now. Glancing at the window, you note that the rainfall has very nearly ceased. The sheet of clouds looming ominously above the world has begun to break up, allowing the late twilight to seep through the gaps.

What to do...
>I need to show these to Amaranth immediately. Ilanis will understand.
>Ilanis should return soon. I shall await her arrival before departing.

>>5720254
>>Ilanis should return soon. I shall await her arrival before departing.

>>5720254
>Ilanis should return soon. I shall await her arrival before departing.
We made a promise. But this is a big deal of leverage to hold over.

>>5720254
>Ilanis should return soon. I shall await her arrival before departing.

>>5720254
>Ilanis should return soon. I shall await her arrival before departing.
Wow, we really waded into some deep shit. We should probably take Ilanis with us to Amaranth's when she comes back for her safety...

>This container which you hold in your hands is no icy cocktail, but instead a quarter-full wooden mug of tepid water.
And OP wonders why we're so paranoid...

>>5720254
>Ilanis should return soon. I shall await her arrival before departing.
If anything we should equip ourselves with the means of battle in case Tenpenny is taking Ilanis hostage and is coming for us now.
Mind you, there's no reason for Tenpenny to suspect we have this information?

>Mull over the possibility that Tenpenny supplants his income somehow. Maybe related to the talks of these "Zhents?"

If he could give away ten million, he presumably has access to tens of millions more. Imagine the good we could do with that wealth.
For our people, ofcourse.
Heck, if that would make us richer than a family, it would help in dealing with sisters planning on becoming gods or sisters sending clockwork scorpions after us (or whatever the design was)

>>5720254
>Ilanis should return soon. I shall await her arrival before departing.

Vote closed.

>>5720343
>>5720416
>>5720582
>>5720597
>>5721017
>>5721027
Shutting your eyes, you recline in your seat and resolve to pass the time by allowing your mind to wander. How you are to actually utilize this evidence is a question that can be answered after Ilanis has returned. Imagining the various methods by which a man like Tenpenny could acquire a fortune substantial enough to absorb the loss of millions of coins, and the amount of wealth in currency and assets he possesses even today leaves you vexed.

The characteristic click-clack of a lock being undone returns you to reality. Instinctively placing your hand on the hilt of your weapon, you lazily turn your head toward the door, accounting for the miniscule possibility that you could be attacked. Carrying a basket covered in cloth, Ilanis returns, removing a pair of soaked boots from her feet as she steps inside.

"Hey, I-" Falling silent, the girl inspects the tavern from ceiling to floor, from every angle, beaming as you enter her awareness. At a measured pace, she steps toward you, peering at the space beneath the bar while doing to. Throwing her hands up in resignation, she turns to address you.

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>>5725008
"Hi, Sindi. Have you seen my brother around here? I asked him to stay here in case I got back late from helping Aunt Ara at the temple," she mentions with a concerned inflection, peeking over her shoulder. "He's a little shorter than me, with really long hair." Brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face, she blushes faintly. "And, he's kinda cute, too." That she has already forgotten of your previous encounter hours prior leaves you at a loss for words. How could it be that she does not recall that it was just the two of you here, unless-

Of course.

"He left," you answer tersely, unwilling to expend any more breath on the subject than necessary. "Huh," she mumbles, in no way upset by this unexpected development. Setting her basket on the table, she picks up one of the many letters at random and inattentively skims through its contents. "What's all this?" Fluidly, you pluck the page from her hand and tuck it away in its envelope, bundling up the stack as it was when you first received it. "It is nothing, girl," you assure her, throwing your cloak over your shoulders. "Stay inside tonight." The ominous statement leaves the girl noticeably puzzled. She opens her mouth as if to was 'why,' but a stern look is enough to deter her.

Armed with such potent knowledge, it would be unwise of you to delay your meeting with the High Sorcerer any further. Still, it could not hurt to engage in some light conversation with the girl before you depart...
>I simply must know; what was she discussing with Arara?
>So, her brother. I have a few 'interesting' thoughts to share about him...
>She has not noticed anything out of the ordinary today, has she? Nothing at all?
>Now that we are truly alone, I would ask what she could tell me of the Zhentarim.
>[Write-in.]

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It's been a very inauspicious month for the QM. But I think things are getting back to normal now.

Or are they?

>>5725012
>She has not noticed anything out of the ordinary today, has she? Nothing at all?
>And if you see your brother again, tell him that I told him to stay the night.
>Oh, and his bartending was terrible.

>>5725034
...Let me rephrase that "Stay the night" bit, to avoid some confusion.
>tell him to stay the night in case something happens.

>>5725012
>She has not noticed anything out of the ordinary today, has she? Nothing at all?
>I simply must know; what was she discussing with Arara?

>>5725012
>I should go. We'll catch up later. Lock the door after me.
I'm going to take a wild stab and guess that Phaere was just here disguised as Ilanis. I assume she understood what we said in the drow language, which was not normal Tel'quessir or whatever Ilanis would have learned.
We noir Jez now!

>>5725013
Good luck, QM.

>>5725216
I thought the implication was that it was Lael in disguise, maybe? How would Phaere have the familiarity with the locals to reliably masquerade as them?
Well, magic I guess...

>>5725012
>>She has not noticed anything out of the ordinary today, has she? Nothing at all?
>>Now that we are truly alone, I would ask what she could tell me of the Zhentarim.

>>5725012
>She has not noticed anything out of the ordinary today, has she? Nothing at all?
>I simply must know; what was she discussing with Arara?

>>5725012
>I simply must know; what was she discussing with Arara?
>So, her brother. I have a few 'interesting' thoughts to share about him...
>She has not noticed anything out of the ordinary today, has she? Nothing at all?

Didn't Lael say something about not letting Ilanis know that he was actually her brother? Yet going by what Ilanis just said, looks like she already knew?

Vote closed.

>>5725048
So, you're not suggesting that she invite someone over to keep warm on a rainy night?

>>5725450
He told her that the gods accidentally delivered him to the wrong house.

>>5725598
>He told her that the gods accidentally delivered him to the wrong house.
Considering she blushingly called him cute, it's possible she bought it. If we were playing a character who DIDN'T bang her own brother on the regular, I'd suggest dissuading her from that line of thought.

>>5725034
Y’know what, I’ll throw in
>I simply must know; what was she discussing with Arara?
>So, her brother. I have a few 'interesting' thoughts to share about him...
to my vote as well, if it still matters.

>>5725598
>So, you're not suggesting that she invite someone over to keep warm on a rainy night?
I’m suggesting we don’t accidentally suggest inviting Lael for keeping her bed warm, just to keep thugs from breaking in and kidnapping her on order of Tenpenny.

>>5725598
>I'd suggest dissuading her from that line of thought.
I’d still recommend dissuading her from doing that, if only to not have to deal with babysitting miniature Laels in the future.

>>5725034
>>5725034
>>5725048
>>5725075
>>5725216
>>5725245
>>5725446
>>5725450
"You said that you were with the dar-" you clear your throat. "With Arara? What were you talking about?" You ask, placing your hands at your sides expectantly. Though you were not anticipating any particular reaction from her, Ilanis seems genuinely addled by your inquiry. "Uh... life, I guess?" She answers broadly, rubbing her neck.

The girl allows her eyelids to fall and smiles warmly. "We were remembering how we planted flowers on the temple grounds and watched them grow every year ever since I was a little girl..." clapping her hands hands together, she cranes her neck toward you and blinks. "Hey, why don't we go together and plant tulips some time? I bet Aunt Ara will be glad to see you, too!"

"No," you hiss.

It was an ill-considered question - Ilanis has likely known Arara for as long as she can remember, and views her as a sort of surrogate 'parent,' in the surfacer sense of the word. Is there anything that a talkative girl like Ilanis wouldn't discuss with her? It is wiser to err on the side of caution, and presume that near everything is shared between them.

>>5727003
"You have not been followed today? Or seen anyone with a weapon, or-" Ilanis places a hand on your shoulder, which you promptly brush off. "Sindi, everything's fine!" She asserts. "What's with all the weird questions today? Did something happen? Are you okay?" You shrug. It is undoubtedly true that you have not been behaving like yourself as of late, a fact which carries with it disturbing implications. You find yourself unable to adequately explain why you feel compelled to worry after the girl at all, never mind why you care about what she discusses with the traitor Arara.

"Stay inside," you command, "and tell the boy Lael to stay with you if he comes here tonight." Ensuring that your precious evidence will be properly shielded from both the elements and prying eyes under your cloak, you make to depart. Displaying her natural rapidity, Ilanis maneuvers around you to interpose herself between you and the exit, puffing her cheeks. "Tell me what's going on! I'm getting really worried about you right now!"

"I will be fine," you assure her, as you gently nudge the girl aside. "Just do what I tell you." Taken aback by your authoritative manner, Ilanis acquiesces to your demand. "R-right," she quavers, opening the door on your behalf. "If you really think it's that important..." You nod firmly and step out into the streets, preparing yourself for what will undoubtedly be a long night.

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>>5727005
This concludes the 11th thread of Forgotten Realms Adventures. The next thread may or may not have some action in it. As far as content goes, there is more quest behind us than there is ahead of us now. All good things, as they say...

Now is the time for questions, comments, et al. The next thread will be here soon.

>>5727008
>As far as content goes, there is more quest behind us than there is ahead of us now. All good things, as they say...
Nooooooooo. We have fulfill our dreams of children first.

>>5727008
What would happen have happened if we failed to get the letters through diplomancy?

>>5727757
That's a question best left for the end of the next thread, I feel. I shouldn't say much more than that right now.