One of our more talky-focused sessions. Lots of in character conversations and plenty of set up for what will come in the next few weeks. We began with a bit of housekeeping (some experience point spending etc) and then got stuck in.
We started the game with an introductory explanation of what the Deepcore city the cadre now found themselves in was like. and then moved to catch up with what each of the cadre was doing prior to dinner with Arcadia's family. Mostly that involved bathing and taking advantage of the relative comfort that they found themselves in. The notable exception was Lawrence who located the mansion's library and took advantage of the opportunity to read up some local details. While there he received a call on his squwarker from "Louie" a Scraver in his gossip network. Louie had got wind of a deal in Deepcore 104 that might be up Lawrence's alley; a member of the Prospector's Guild known as "Crazy" Maurice had allegedly found a stash of 2nd Republic Gene-lock security devices. Louie gives Lawrence the contact details (a watering hole known as "The Weeping Mole").
At dinner the cadre are introduced to their hosts, Baroness Helena and her husband General Anthony and their youngest child, a quiet and demure teenage girl named Stephanie.
Baroness Helena Midden Justinian (born 4933)
Baroness Helena is very regal and stately in appearance and demeanour and maintains the image of the demure and slightly stand-offish matriarch. She is always impeccably dressed and is renowned for her skill at floristry and floral arrangement. Those who have only seen this side of the baroness have little clue as to the recklessness of her youth and of her past as a seasoned front line soldier and officer. She made her reputation fighting alongside Hawkwood allies against Decados forces, even prior to commencement of the Emperor Wars and retired from active service a highly decorated veteran. Now she sees all that as almost a past life, her duty has always been to her House and now that requires her to be a political leader, stateswoman and ruler. She sees much of herself in her eldest daughter, Arcadia, which makes her equally proud and fearful.
General Sir Anthony Masseri Justinian (born 4945)
The General (as he insists on being referred to) first met then Lady Helena on the battlefield. He was a junior officer in command of a House Masseri artillery unit supporting House Decados forces, having attained his role by birth and rank rather than any ability or merit. His unit was then essentially sacrificed by their allies and were swiftly and completely overrun by the Justinian forces led by Helena. As a noble and officer he was placed under arms and retained as a captive for ransom. The almost impoverished House Masseri never attempted to pay a ransom, and behind closed doors many say it was a sign of how much he was valued. During his “imprisonment” he remained a housebound guest of Helena’s family and the two began a friendship. Helena’s father saw the political benefits in a marriage with an enemy House and so the prisoner became the bridegroom. He adores Helena and sees himself as every bit her equal, she on the other hand has always seen him as little more than a comical buffoon, somewhat charming at times but ultimately beneath her. She has, and has always been a dutiful scion of her House and so when duty required that she wed the pompous walrus she did so, and he has helped her bear four Justinian heirs of whom she is dreadfully proud (Arcadia (born 4980), Selwyn (born 4983), Tarquin (born 4986) and Stephanie (born 4989)).
These days the General feasts, gambles, hunts and offers uneducated and short sighted opinions loudly. He is every bit the stereotypical landed gent feasting off the backs of the peasantry and he is very, very content with his lot.
Dinner becomes quite a boisterous affair as her parents question Arcadia about the events of the tournament and discover that she is now betrothed to Hemlock. They will not countenance this and decide to find her a suitable match, much to Arcadia's protestations, even suggesting De Havilland. They also declare that they will need to contact the Bishop to arrange for a replacement confessor to be appointed. Hasimir and Hemlock work to calm things down and placate the family and peace is restored but no issues resolved.
Everyone except Beorn retires to the drawing room for games and light conversation with the General playing cards with Hasimir, Lawrence and Hemlock. As soon as Baroness Helena retires for the night Sir Anthony replaces the chips with real cash and things start to get a bit more serious. The General is rambunctious and a cad but the cadre seem to warm to him (especially as Hasimir and Lawrence win significant amounts of money from him).
When Arcadia excuses herself Lawrence also leaves and suggests that they get away from the mansion and head into the city proper. She relishes the idea and they rouse Beorn (who'd gone to bed) to join them.
Lawrence leads them to the Weeping Mole tavern and while Arcadia and Beorn enjoy a drink he makes contact with "Crazy" Maurice, an old, bearded, one eyed guilder. They talk around the subject for a while, sizing each other up and eventually appear to trust each other. Maurice shows Lawrence an example of the tech and it appears authentic. He thinks the cache contains about 500 similar items but he has no means to recover or fence them. Lawrence offers terms and they agree to do business. They will meet in the Weeping Mole the following night and go recover the valuables.
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