There is polite applause for her assistant when Erica asks for it. One coin makes a leap, then two; the audience gasps and applauds. “Everyone pays taxes - except for the Caldwells,” someone exclaims, and there is laughter. Lord Lucas Caldwell chuckles and gives a shrug. His family is regarded as one of the richest and most influential in the city.<br/><br/>Further applause greets each act of legerdemain, gasps of delight and cheering accompanying each leap of the coins. At the end, when the gold coins are revealed, many in the audience jump to their feet. Both Lord Lucas and Henk Herrold rise and applaud, as does the fair-haired elf. The remainder of the crowd soon joins them in a standing ovation. There are cheers and whistles as well. The din continues after Erica leaves the stage.<br/><br/>“Excuse me, madam,” Wallen Baird says as he takes the stage. “Madam? I have a pocketful of silver. Could I borrow you for a moment? Please?” He falls to his knees, hands raised in supplication; the crowd chortles. “Sunshine, ladies and gentlemen! Do come see her again. Just think, you might be the lucky assistant whose wealth grows tenfold! And now, ladies and gentlemen, I regret we must bid you good eve. But before that, perhaps you would like to show our performers your appreciation?”<br/><br/>Wallen makes a flourish, and one by one, all six of you line up on stage and take a bow. The applause is deafening. Cheers, shouts, and whistles ring through the auditorium. Those seated further back begin passing bouquets of flowers to the front row, who accept the blooms and propel them one by one onto the stage. A few misguided throws land in the orchestra pit, and the musicians helpfully pitch them onto the stage. By the end, there is a sizable pile of flowers at the feet of each of you (perhaps a few less for Henry).<br/><br/>Despite the applause, despite the adoration, you find you cannot quite enjoy yourselves. For tonight begins not only a tale of triumph, but a tale of revenge. Deceit, murder, betrayal, scorn - what sins lie behind the rapt expressions, the smiles of delight? Who among the cultured patriars, the wealthy merchants, are guilty of crimes against you? Which will fall to blade and spell?<br/><br/>And what of the Shadow Court? What reason have they to disguise themselves? What darkness hides behind the masks, the cloaks? Which of them are worthy of your revenge?<br/><br/>And not all who see you watch with a person’s eyes. Unnoticed by all, a pair of bats detach from the ceiling and swoop into the foyer and out into the night. To whom do they report? What news do they bring?<br/><br/>One thing is certain. Baldur’s Gate, the greatest city of the Sword Coast, jewel of the Chionthar, will never be the same.<br/><br/><hr/><br/><strong>DM's Note:</strong>And we finish with an inspiring card act. Thanks, Ershin! We will now adjourn to the dressing room - post coming soon.