conversations: human
conversations:  Chapter 1, Nadir   
   Whitehall. So named for the exquisite white marble quarried from the distant Alabaster Mountains, this district, almost a city unto itself, is the beginning and termination for the old money of Master. It is here where money is born in both the literal and metaphorical sense; its shining golden mane framed by black onyx, wind tossed yet gleaming, stands the imposing edifice of the Old Mint, a lion rampant upon the battlefield of cutthroat business.
  Here too is the womb of knowledge, the towering Scrivener's Sanctuary; said to have been birthed through the wishes of djinn, this literal tower stands radiant in the sunset, seemingly able to absorb the very essence of the air itself and capable of dissecting the knowledge therein.
  So too here are the embassies of foreign powers, their presence an anchor, seemingly the only constant, in an otherwise tumultuous world.
  
  Arising from the granite cobblestones is a generously proportioned building. Carved like all other buildings in Whitehall from the same beautiful marble and wrought throughout with black iron, the embassy of Entenossi sits luminous and ominous amongst those of similar hue; a (black) swan amongst swans.
  
  Within the top most floor lies the ambassadorial suite; doubling as both residence and office for Kudran Zondul; ambassador to Master.
  
  The ceiling arches into a dome from which a many-tiered chandelier hangs; currently unlit. Massive windows embrace each wall save one, affording spectacular views, allowing the pink rose hue of sunset to bath the room in a warm glow. From here you can see massive foundries and ironworks that power Master's technological progress, black smoke pour out from therein as lava erupts from a volcano, coating those buildings near it in a thin layer of soot, always present, unable to be cleaned.
  
  Pedestrians scurry as ants along the cobblestone streets below, their fashions billowing around them in colors of rainbow and black. Top hats perch on nearly every head and canes beat the pavement in a steady rhythm. Firesticks hide in metallic lightposts, well trimmed yet still unlit.
  
  The distant peals of thunder sound muted against the sound dampening qualities of the Entenossi banners that reach from ceiling from floor, as if vines upon a tree.
  Plush red velvet carpets every available inch of floor, their soft touch oddly warm, offering comfort against the autumn chill.
  
  Shadow wood trees, planted within massive pots, sit sentinel at the four quadrants of the room, their twisting branches forming a thick canopy of vine, green and brown.
  
  A open fireplace, crenellated designs worked into patterns of bats and wolves, yawns at the north wall, thick oak logs strewn about in piles within ready for lighting.
  
  A single massive mahogany desk rests near the fireplace, perched on lions paws, on top of which myriad parchments sprawl haphazardly, letters, all and sundry. A well oiled and well used ink pot with a phoenix feather quill an island of calm in a sea of bedlam. Crystal goblets compete for space with expensive wines; an opened bottle of Masterian Viperfruit complements the dark red coloration in your goblet.
  Missives from the the Blackthrone Wheel, letters of correspondence from the Rose Society, invitations from the Arcane Congress. Letters of communication between the ambassador and Entenossi. Miscellannia.
  A thick oak chair, fashionably made, is likewise carpeted in plush, soft fabric, its gentle caress a massage to your back.
  
  Nearby a vallenwood table; heaped with platters of roast cuts, salads and breads. Plates of delicate porcelain are arranged for your convenience and leisure. What is arrayed before you is merely a prelude to the evening meal. 
  
  
  OOC:  Welcome to Master . What would you like to do?
  
  OOC: The trees provide a constant source of fresh air; you are automatically immune to non-magical poisons or diseases that are inhaled/require inhalation.
  
  OOC: The carpet, as it is autumn provides a constant heat source, so the ambassador needn't be cold. The carpet changes to marble tilestones in warmer months to provide constant cooling.
  
  OOC: The banners form an  alarm  spell, prevent non-magical eavesdropping, and mute sound.
  
  OOC: All the above effects are provided for the ambassador by the Conciliatory Chamber of Master; the ruling city-nation council.
  
  OOC: A room within this building is keyed to your private parlour suite. You have the only token required for access, although you may lend it to other people. While your embassy is your own territory, your private suite is not, so you can't indulge in illegal acts or activities there unfortunately.
conversations: Amiel:
conversations: human
conversations:  I don't have any apointments today, so I beleive I'll visit a gentleman's club 
   "Terasi, I'm going out for a while. Look after the place for me" 
   *sighs* "Yes sir" 
  
  I head downstairs, greeting the people in the foyer, before heading of to the Silver Robin
  
  OOC: the Silver Robin is an upscale establishment which provides drinks, gambling, and live entertainment. It is owned and operated by House Baroni and is popular with successful businessmen
conversations: Crafty Cultist:
conversations: human
conversations:  Terasi frowns, her shapely forehead creasing as her eyebrows knit. Yet long has she been used to Kudran's eccentricities. Sighing once more, she steps out onto the granite steps heading out of the embassy and asks politely and perhaps in a long suffering manner,
  
  "And what manner of reply should I endorse the letters spread out on your desk, Your Grace?
  
  While your relationship with the Blackthrone Wheel is cordial, the same cannot be said for the Rose or the Arcane Congress. And the congress in particular are not known for their patience; ironic given the nature of matters arcane.
  
  If we do not give a reply, the Arcane Congress may deign to take their business elsewhere, perhaps something we can ill afford at the present given the situation back home. It would be logical and wise to marriage military might and arcane proficiency to solidify our control over Entenossi.
  
  The Rose, experienced in decades of political intrigue, may also be a power to court, especially as their background can allow us to retake our homeland without the shredding of blood.
  
  The Blackthrone viceroy, Xanthariis Huuln has inquired as to your health and has cordially invited you to dine at his manor in three days hence. What should I tell him, milord?"
  
  As she have said all this, your black coach, drawn by two horses, and driver wait patiently with the door held open. 
  
  OOC: Renaming the Silver Robin to the Black Drake, you'll find out why shortly.
conversations: Amiel:
conversations: human
conversations:  Kudran pauses for a second, thinking of how to respond
   "Well, you're right about the arcane congress. I think magical aid could help stabilize Entenossi so allying ourselves with them seems a good move.
  
  The Rose Society wont be much help though. As I'm sure you know from when we were part of the Pale Army, most of their leaders are uncomprimising militant nutjobs, and the sane ones will have fled the country after the Gaunt knight's defeat rather than resort to guerilla warfare. Besides, those guys are a little to pompous for my taste.
  
  As for Xanthariis Huuln, tell him I am doing well and hope to trade a few stories with him when I dine there. And terasi" 
   "Yes your grace?" 
   "Quit calling me that. It makes it sound like you actually respect me. Just call me sir. Now if you dont mind, I'm of to the Silver Robin" 
  
  Kudran then begins marching off with a confident swagger
conversations: Crafty Cultist:
conversations: human
conversations:  Terasi depresses her head in deference to Kudran's regard, jotting down what is and has been said in a vellum bound, gold framed ledger that is always present upon her person; chained as it is upon her purple doublet. Mischievousness flashes across her fair face as quickly gone as present; it seems the two enjoy this banter.
  
  "Very good, sir," she acknowledges the comments with another nod of her head. "I will mark seal to document and detain a courier to deliver them. With regards to the Rose, may I suggest subtly and a mild mannered reply?
  The Rose, justly famous and infamous for their arrogance will not take a missive in the negative with any deal of grace, good or otherwise.
  
  "I will compose a message on your behalf, sir, that politely informs of our position and addresses the answer in the negative; of which we will be exceedingly apologetic. Is this acceptable?
  
  "As for dinner with the viceroy, I had already anticipated your reply, sir, Xanthariis Huuln is informed and wishes to present you with a gift. However, he wishes to delay the occasion to surprise you when you dine with him."
  
  As she finishes, Terasi remains on the steps for a slight delay before heading off back into the embassy. 
  
  OOC: Regarding your trip to the Black Drake, will you be walking there or traveling by coach?
  A horse-drawn team complete with driver are waiting for you; as the distance between your embassy and the establishment is quite large.
conversations: Amiel:
conversations: human
conversations:  Kudran watches terasi leave, grateful to have an assistant who can handle all the details that he doesn't have time to worry about. He then turns toward his coach and strides toward the driver.
  
   "Excuse me my good man, but I think your services are required." Kudran then points dramatically in down the road "To the Silver Robin!" 
  
  Kudran then twirls his cane, throws it into the air, spins, and catches it, then enters the coach.
conversations: Crafty Cultist: