Legendary Campaign - Sir Paul Stal and the Wine Auction

Thursday, June 16, 1066 SE

Tasked by Sir Gregory to convince recluse Sir Paul Stal to attend the wine auction taking place tomorrow night at Sir Gregory's own estate, Curtain Calls Manor, Mon ponders questions he still has about the Island of Katarina. He can't quite remember what the island's ancient history is. He wonders whether the Firebreather Clan of dwarves survived the Riftforge War. If they did, could they be enticed to join effort against the Cardinal's plans? Eventually, the actor manages to drift into slumber.

In the morning, Mon, Branna, and Marigold meet in the lobby of the Palace as they head into the cafeteria for breakfast. The clerk at the front desk motions to Mon, and when the actor comes over he hands him a note from Sir Gregory letting him know his own private carriage, driven by Ony, will come and pick him up at 9 sharp. Sir Gregory advises that in light of the recent events in town, Mon should take a few friends with him for protection. Turning to his friends, Mon asks the girls if they would want to come with him. With their work more or less done for the upcoming production, both Branna and Marigold agree to talk to their bosses to see if they can take the afternoon off.

Branna sends a runner to Oskana, who replies that the elf certainly can absent herself. Marigold runs to the theater and finds Dusana, who also agrees to release her for the day. While in her workshop, Marigold takes a couple of ornate coat clasps made of Kat Steel, and, on her way out, she tells Pavel about her trip and asks him to send in the cavalry if they don't come back in time for the play. Returning to the Palace, Marigold mentions to Branna that she doesn't really have anything appropriate to wear for this visit. Branna takes the halfling to the costume department, and she quickly locates her a big fluffy dark cream colored skirt, with lots of burgundy, gold, and silver embroidery accents. Branna seletcs a wine-colored dress for herself.

As they ready themselves, Mon suggests they should bring cheese co complement the various wines. Branna agrees, and recommends additional items such as nuts and crackers. Marigold visits her local favorites and purchases a selection of cheeses and crackers, along with some nuts and fruits.

At 9 sharp, Ony pulls in front of the Legendary with Sir Gregory's personal carriage. Mon, Branna and Marigold board the carriage, and Ony begins the drive to Verdant Estate, which will take about an hour and a half.

At about half past 10, Marigold suddenly notices that a stone wall heavily covered by ivy, standing about 10 feet tall, borders the road and seems to stretch to the horizon. Ony tells them that this is where Verdant Estate begins, and it will take another three miles before they make it to the front gate of the estate.

A grand wrought-iron gate adorned with intricate vine patterns is open, revealing a finely graveled straight road leading to a manor about a mile inside the property. Meticulously manicured gardens, orchards, and vineyards border the road on either side, creating a symphony of emerald hues Vibrant flowers, exotic plants, and towering ancient trees create a tapestry of greenery not often seen on Katarina. Dozens of gardeners work on either side of the path, and Branna is surprised to see them immediately sprint on the path after their carriage passes by to smooth it and meticulously spread the fine gravel to return it to its pristine state.

As the carriage nears the manor house, Branna immediately realizes that it is a masterpiece of Katarina classical architecture, but shows several elements clearly inspired by elven designs. The manor's exterior walls seamlessly integrate with the surrounding flora, with ivy-covered towers and balconies adorned with hanging gardens, providing a sense of organic continuity from its natural surroundings. Clearly, House Stal has spared no expense in ensuring that the estate exudes an air of timeless elegance.

Another dozen or so gardeners or workers are present around the manor itself, maintaining the grounds and fixing the building, ensuring that the estate showcases perfection. Mon, Branna, and Marigold disembark the carriage. Ony tells them he will head back to the main road, and will return promptly at 1. If per chance they managed to convince Sir Paul before then, they can start walking down the estate's road.

Led by Mon, they climb up the five steps to a large covered stone porch. Mon knocks once, and the door immediately opens. A small elven-looking girl greets them. She introduces herself as Zoryany, Sir Paul's personal assistant, and beacons them inside. After introductions, Zoryany informs them she will take them to see Sir Paul. The luxurious entrance hall is adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of sylvan beauty, while sunlight streams through stained glass windows depicting the island's diverse ecosystems. As they head down a corridor on the ground floor, Marigold notices that the furnishings, crafted from the finest woods and adorned with intricate leaf motifs, reflect a commitment to both comfort and aesthetic refinement. Though they can still hear the workers outside, all three of them notice that they do not hear any sound of life coming from inside the manor.

Knocking on a door, Zoryany does not wait for an answer but opens the door and stands next to it, waving the small group inside a large library. Shelves filled with books line three walls, while the exterior wall is pierced by large windows that let a prodigal amount of light inside. Stretching over two stories, the library houses a collection that Mon estimates at over 25,000 volumes.

A man in his mid sixties, Sir Paul Stal is sitting in a comfortable chair in front of a fire, reading a book and smoking a pipe. Mon does a curtsy, followed by Branna and Marigold. Zoryany introduces them to Sir Paul, who tells them he assumes they are the messengers Sir Gregory sent to entice him to leave his estate. They reply that they indeed are, and Marigold requests a small table to put out the spread of food they brought to go along with some of the wines Mon will present. Sir Paul motions for them to step closer and sit on a comfortable canape across from him.

Zoryany fetches a small table, and Branna helps Marigold. set up the victuals. Zoryany returns with a crate of wine glasses, along with a bottle of wine. Mon correctly identifies the label as a 695 Starfall Chardonnay, a Chateau Durso vintage worth more than all of the bottles they have brought with them. Clearly, Sir Paul has plenty of money. Unfortunately, Mon realizes they forgot the corkscrew, so he cleverly attempts to cast mage hand to uncork the first bottle, but it does not work. There seems to be some sort of magic dampening field preventing his magic from working here. Seeing his struggle, Zoryany departs the room and quickly returns with a corkscrew.

Mon serves the first bottle, a Frostbloom Riesling. Sir Paul takes a sniff while rolling the wine in his glass. He then takes a sip, and moves it in his mouth for several seconds before finally swallowing it. Sir Paul takes another moment, before finding the wine acceptable. Next comes the Moonshadow Merlot. While Mon uncorks every bottle, Branna documents Sir Paul's reaction to each bottle of wine. 

As Sir Paul partakes of the cheese and crackers to cleanse his palate before the next bottle, an idea occurs to Mon, and he tells Marigold and Branna. Marigold sighs heavily. Mon thinks that wealthy patrons could purchase a wine cabinet that could be placed in a loge at the Legendary. This cabinet could keep wine chilled, and could be warded against poison and opening by those who do not have the passcode. Zoryany tells Mon that Sir Paul believes poison is not a woman's weapon, it is a winner's.

Mon suddenly eperiences a recollection that he has met Zoryany before. In a memory fragment, he was reclining in a chair or a bed, and as he looked at a doorway she quickly walked by in the hall. Zoryany, for her part, has already recognized that the two of them have at least two things in common ...

After all of the wines have been sampled, Mon then asks Sir Paul if Sir Gregory would have the honor of seeing him at the auction tomorrow. After a lengthy pause, Sir Paul replies that yes indeed, he will be attending, as he is quite amused by this whole performance. Mon hand delivers him the invitation to the wine auction. Mon experiences another memory, this one of opening a bottle of wine without magic.

Sir Paul thanks Mon as a reborn friend. Marigold perks up at this mention, and knows this has something to do with necromancy and death. Mon replies he's trying to learn who he used to be. Zoryany replies "aren't we all?" Mon, Branna, and Marigold are then escorted by Zoryany to the door, and left outside on the porch. With 45 minutes before Ony returns, they decide to walk the estate path back to the main road, earning dirty looks from the gardeners who rush back on the path to smooth it out.

Finding Ony at the front gate, they board the carriage, and return to Katarina, and Mon participates in that evening's performance. After the play, someone knocks on Mon's door. Sir Gregory enters, followed by Ony. Sir Gregory thanks Mon for a job well done, and asks him if he, Branna and Marigold could help out at the auction tomorrow. This would mean that Matviyko would take over for Mon as his understudy, but Sir Gregory could really use the help to cater and to keep an eye on the guests. Mon reminds the Legendary's owner that Matviyko was arrested yesterday and and still in jail at the Cathedral. Sir Gregory had forgotten, so he asks Ony to contact Sir Matviy, Sir Gregory's lawyer, and request that he head over to the Cathedral first thing in the morning. Mon suggests that Herald could cover his role tomorrow and improvise, trying to make it as funny as possible. Sir Gregory frowns, and declares this a particularly bad idea. Ony will arrange for the transportation of the wine first thing in the morning, and he will come back to the Palace to pick up Mon, Branna, and Marigold at 4.

Mon first checks the costume department, where he finds Branna working on the Marquess of Sidorov's outfits for the upcoming balls. He tells her about Sir Gregory's request, and Branna agrees to come with him. Returning to the Palace in a hurry, Mon stops by Marigold's room and knocks on the door. Joseph steps out of his room next door in his pajamas and sushes Mon, reminding him that some people work early in the morning. Marigold cracks her own door open, and Mon lets her know about Sir Gregory's request. Through the door he spots gold and jewels spread on her desk. Marigold warns him that he will wake up dead if any of these disappear. Mon chuckles and promises he saw nothing.

 

Friday, June 17, 1066 SE

As Mon, Branna and Marigold finish their breakfast, the Palace's front door opens, and Matviyko steps in with Sir Matviy who, after shaking his hand, exits and returns to his offices. The young man looks haggard and disheveled. Marigold heads to the kitchen and returns with a sandwich, while Mon consoles him. Casting charm person and zone of truth on Matviyko, they soon discover that Matviyko has been secretly dating Verushka, the Archduke's daughter. Mon knows this is about to be a problem, but it will need to wait for another day.

At 4, Ony pulls in front of the Palace with Sir Gregory's carriage, and everyone hops in and they head out to Curtain Calls Manor, Sir Gregory's residence. Unlike Verdant Estate, Curtain Calls Manor has the rundown chic quality, a building that has been loved but not well maintained. Just by looking around, it is clear that Sir Gregory's financial problems extend to his house as well. Ony asks them if they could help spruce up the space while he returns to the Palace to collect more employees. Soon, they are joined by Herald, who requests to help the quests but instead gets assigned to cover the gentlemen's bathrooms by the ballroom.

At 7 on the dot, Sir Paul enters the residence wearing a green doublet with mithril buttons. The doublet has plates inside the coat to protect him, an outstanding mithril cod piece, tall yet supple leather boots, poofy shoulders shirt, a cape, and a hat with a large green feather, a emerald encrusted rapier, and gloves that go up to his elbows. Accompanied by Zoryany, Sir Paul sits in the front row, to the murmurs of the other nobles already present in the room.

The auctioneer begins the bidding on the first lot, a bottle of Goblin's Blood, which the Marquess wins with a bid of 75 gold. The next lot, six bottles of Phoenix Blood, sells for an astonishing 1,000 gold pieces. 

A fine bottle of Goblin's Blood

 

Midway through the auction, one of the auctioneer's staff pulls out a small device from his pocket and readies a throw. Marigold spots the movement, and she warns Branna. Zoryany also noticed the action, and all three of them jump into action. Zoryany tackles the man and a small sphere falls out of his hand onto the floor. As the crowd of nobles panic, Mon protectively stands in front of the Marquess, sheltering her with his body. Marigold dives for the sphere and retrieves it just before it hits the floor, preventing it from exploding. Branna hits the man with a silver tray she was holding. Wishing to avoid adding more to the commotion, Zoryany and Branna drag the man outside, where they are soon followed by Sir Paul and Mon. Mon ties the man tightly, and as he does so he recognizes him. The would be assassin was Tarasenko, one of the Cardinal's men. Though the man had disguised himself as Captain Lafoy, Mon saw right through his disguise. Tarasenko was clearly hoping to pin this crime on the pirate captain!

Mon shatters Tarasenko's knee, causing the man's heart to stop beating. Casting lesser restoration, Mon restarts his heart. A disheveled Sir Gregory races to them outside the manor house. Mon inquires if the Archduke had been invited, and Sir Gregory replies that yes, he had, but he had sent his regrets at the last minute.

Meanwhile, back inside Curtain Calls Manor, amid the pandemonium spreading through the ballroom, Marigold successfully places the sphere down. She recognizes it as a similar weapon used at Khoroshim, a weapon called the aetherburst crystal. Carefully, Marigold tinkers with it until she's able to disarm it.

Branna tells Sir Gregory he really need to make a statement to explain what just happened. Sir Gregory does so, managing to calm the crowd, and the wine auction resumes. Mon suggests they take Tarasenko to the real Captain Lafoy. Marigold reasons with him that they need to turn him over to Dima and the city guard instead.

Led by Dima, a patrol of city guards arrive at Curtain Calls Manor, and they take custody of a maligned Tarasenko. Marigold hands the aetherburst crystal to Dima, and she explains to him how the weapon works and her suspicions that the Cardinal may be behind the attack. When asked who she thought Tarasenko's target was, Marigold speculates that it looks like he was aiming his bomb at Sir Paul.

In the chaos that follows the end of the evening, the Marquess invites Mon over tomorrow, hoping to thank him once again for saving her life.

Saturday, June 18, 1066 SE

The auction generated 13,742 gold pieces, and a note is left for Mon at the Palace reception that Sir Gregory has deposited 274 gold pieces on an account in Mon's name at the Katarina Financial Trust. with a note from Sir Gregory that he is indebted to him for this amazing return. Sir Gregory also indicates he will talk to his lawyer on the possibility of an ownership share in the Legendary with Mon. 

Marigold arranges the transport of the wines Sir Paul acquired yesterday during the auction, and she heads out with Ony to deliver them to Verdant Estate. Greeted by Zoryany, Marigold mentions the qualities of the aetherburst crystal to her, and she's concerned that Sir Paul was the target of the attack. She mentions that she and Zoryany have a vested interest in figuring out what is happening.

Looking to thank Sir Gregory, Mon learns that the man attends the horse races on Saturdays. Mon heads to Thunderhoof Downs to find the Legendary owner. Finding the theater owner dejected after losing another bet, Mon mentions that Sir Paul suggested the idea of offering wine bars in every lodges at the Legendary. Owners of theater lodges could add a secure box to their lodge, and keep their wine and other drinks safely inside.

He then looks for the Marquess, to see if she knows how to pick a winner. She has her own private booth, and she is sitting there with Lady Sirenko, enjoying the races. After greeting both of them, Mon sits down and places a small bet on the next race. Talking with the Marquess, Mon soon discovers that  she clearly knows horses, their jockeys, their owners, and how each horse relate to each other. Though she no longer own horses, she has invested in several race horses, hoping to regain some of the glory House Sidorov once enjoyed. And unlike Sir Gregory, the Marquess of Sidorov seems to be winning more often than not ...

Legendary Campaign - Of Pranks and Commissions

Friday, June 3rd, 1066 SE, continued ...

Following their rescue of Kisa, Mon, Marigold and Branna return to the Legendary to prepare for the grand opening of General Toptigin Cheats Death later that evening. Mon is surprised where there is a knock at the door to his changing room, and Yurchik comes in, followed by a youth that somewhat resembles Mon. Yurchik introduces the youth as Matviyko, a newly hired aspiring actor who will be performing as Mon's understudy. When Mon asks what happened to Andriy, his previous understudy, Yurchik replies that he was terminated this morning based on allegations of improper conduct with some of the female musicians and actresses. The theater director notes that Matviyko is a quick study and he will no doubt be able to replace Mon should something happen to him.

Slightly puzzled and concerned at this turn of events, Mon takes Matviyko to see Oskana, who recommends they see Branna so that Andriy's costume can be properly resized. Branna takes Matviyko's measurements, and tells Mon and the young understudy that his outfits should be ready by the end of the day.

While this is happening, a page boy finds Mon and delivers a note from Captain Popov. The good captain informs Mon that he received the two tickets the actor sent for opening night, and that he will gladly be attending with his friend Yevheniy. He closes the letter by thanking Mon profusely and invites him down to the Anchor's Luck for a drink or two following the performance. 

Remembering past incidents where items disappeared, Marigold checks all of the props that will be used for opening night, and everything is there, properly labeled, and in working order. 

The Legendary has been readied for opening night, with brass glinting, fresh coats of paint, and cleaned drapery. Around supper time, the crowd begins to stream inside the theater. The Archduke and his family arrive thirty minutes before the curtain raises, while the Cardinal makes his way to his private booth a few minutes before the show begins. Word is spread to the actors and theater workers that opening night is sold out.

As is his habit, Sir Gregory ascends to the front of the stage, and he welcomes the crowd, thanking them for being in attendance for what promises to be the best show the Legendary has put on. In a nod to the Archduke and the Cardinal, he welcomes both authorities to the theater, and trust that they will thoroughly enjoy themselves tonight. He then departs, and General Toptigin Cheats Death begins.

During the play, second actor Vadim does something uncharacteristic by messing up a line. It is but a tiny slip, and he quickly covers his mistake, but the man never makes mistakes, so Mon makes a mental note of it and wonders what could have tripped such a professional actor.

Following the performance, both Branna and Marigold receive invitations from the Marquess of Sidorov. Marigold is invited for lunch on Saturday, while Branna is invited for lunch the following day. Both of them send replies back agreeing to meet with the Marquess.  The crew is visited by the Archduke and his family, and he congratulates them on a play well done. Both Mon and Marigold notice that Verushka, the Archduke's eldest daughter, was startled to see Matviyko in the crew. 

Following the Archduke and his family's departure, the crew celebrates its successful opening night. Mon takes the opportunity to reflect on why Vadim messed up his lines, and wonders if the man noticed something strange in the audience or received a signal he did not expect. Whatever it is, Mon has a brilliant idea ...

Later that night, as Mon is resting on his bed, he is awakened by his bedroom door opening. Herald, who has been missing for weeks now, enters the room and immediately throws himself on his bed. Mon notices that the cad is about 25 pounds later, and he has a nasty cough. Under questioning, Herald says that he's been out on an adventure with a lady friend, but his horrid smell and the repulsive state of his clothes say otherwise. Following Herald falling asleep, Mon descend the stairs to the Palace's reception, where he checks in with the nurse on duty and recommend that Herald be isolated for a few days to ensure that he is not contagious. On his way back to a spare room for the night, Mon notices that one of the page boys eating a meal in the cafeteria is Duhka.

Not able to sleep, Mon returns to the Legendary and continues to explore the many secret and hidden passages.  As he walks through the hidden passages within the Legendary, a feminine voice speaks to him from the shadows: “I see you are making good use of your first gift, you left this world before your time. I have watched your portrayal upon the stage of the sacred guide and find it favorable. I have come to offer you a second gift, a pact if you will. Will you accept?”

Mon is at first startled, then intrigued by what he hears, “So you know who I once was, If I had family, a wife, children, will you give me those answers?  What would you have me do in exchange for this pact?”

The voice answers, sounding as if “she” is moving, slowly, through the darkness around him “ Your history, I cannot give you, but you will learn it over time. What will you do for me? Why what your are already doing, remembering your history as your new story grows and to be one of my agents or champions, if you say yes to the pact.”

Mon replies “If I say yes, what do I get in exchange?”

“Gifts, tools, insight from time to time, all to help you accomplish the tasks that you will face.” Comes the voice from someplace new in the shadows.

“And what if I say no?” Mon asks, to which he hears a sigh and “ Then nothing, the tasks will still come before you but the challenge may be much harder and the answers you seek may take longer to uncover.”

Mon stands up straighter and says “ Who are you to offer these gifts? Why do you walk in the shadows unseen? Will you show yourself?”

I the dim light, about half way down the hallway Mon stands in, shadows pull away from the walls and coalesce into a figure “I walk in the shadows and watch all those who walk the mortal realms. I am angered by those who take lives before their appointed time and those who cheat death by the blasphemy of undeath.” The figure take on a more solid form, that of a woman in a long black gown, pail, bare feet seen just below it’s hem. “I am she who seeks to right these wrongs.” Pale hands clasp each other in front of her waist. A mantle of raven feathers drape themselves upon her shoulders as long black hair cascades down her back. “ I am she who walks in the night, and dwells in the shadows by day.” She strides closer with gliding steps, her feet landing just above the floor boards, never touching them. “I am, in the end, She who is seen by all…..” With this last statement, a mask of plain white porcelain appears where her face would be and just as quickly she vanishes from Mon's sight. “Will you accept my gifts, Mon DeGreen?”

Mon, knowing who he thinks he has just seen, kneels and says “ How can I refuse. Yes, I will accept this gift.” The porcelain mask reappears next to Mon’s right ear and he hears a whisper, “ Then take up this blade, my agent and the pact will be sealed.” And a pail hand holds out the hilt of a sword to Mon and he reaches out and takes hold and upon his cheek he feels the cold kiss of the Raven Queen.

 

Saturday, June 4, 1066 SE

Eating breakfast in the morning at the Palace's cafeteria, Branna asks Joseph how well financially the play did the night before. Joseph nervously gets up and leaves without answering. Lena is upset that the Branna asked Joseph. At the table, Mon, Branna, and Marigold discuss ways in which an assassin could use a bow to strike at the King if he were to attend a performance at the Legendary. The group discuss Matviyko's new arrival and wonder whether he might be planted as an agent. Mon finds the timing of Andriy's termination and Matviyko's subsequent hiring particularly troubling, and remarks on Verushka's reaction when she first saw Matviyko, clearly recognizing him.

After breakfast, Mon goes shopping. He purchases a book at Fabled Pages, a Low Town bookstore, where he purchases a thesaurus. He crosses the small alley and enters Enchanted Soles Cobbler, a compact cobbler's shop, where he purchases baby shoes. His purchases in hand, he heads back to the Palace where he prepares a packaged containing the thesaurus and the baby shoes, which he gives to a page boy to deliver to Vadim with a note that reads "Remember, baby steps."

Another page boy finds Mon and delivers him an invitation from Luba, inviting him to have lunch with her at the Warm Whistle. Mon gives the page boy a silver piece to spread the news that he and Luba will meet for a lovely lunch while the boy is on his way to return Mon's acceptance. He sends a note to Captain Popov requesting a meeting on his boat after the performance tonight.

Marigold meets with the Marquess of Sidorov over a very lavish lunch at Sidorov Manor. The Marquess commissions Marigold to craft an intricate golden pendant assorted with three rubies that can hide a very small vial, along with a matching pair of earrings. She will provide the gold and the jewels, but she wants everything ready before the King's arrival. She also requests an original silver tiara that would contain several silver oak leaves distributed among the other leaves. She further tells Marigold she will be asking Branna to create a red dress that will match the rubies in the pendant. Marigold tells the Marquess she will connect with Branna and send her sample drawings after the two of them have met.

Meanwhile, Mon heads to the Warm Whistle, but Luba does not come, leaving Mon alone in the tea shop.

Branna runs into Lena again, and the halfling is near tears. After calming her down, Branna learns that Lena has just overheard a conversation Joseph was having with another accountant, and despite the recent plays filling most of the Legendary every night, the theater is currently running a 7,000 silver pieces deficit for the year, and painful cuts are forthcoming.

The second performance of General Toptigin Cheats Death is done in front of another sold out crowd, and the play goes off without a hitch. Following the end of the show, Branna, Marigold and Mon head to the Anchor's Luck to see Captain Popov.

After a few rounds of drinks with Popov and his friends, Marigold asks the good captain if he knows where abalone could be found. Captain Popov tells her he knows a spot, and he will get her a few of them in the next week or so.

 

Sunday, June 5, 1066 SE

Following a hearty breakfast, Branna heads over to Sidorov Manor, where she is received by the Marquess of Sidorov. After an overindulgent meal which resembles the meal Marigold described to hear the day before), the Marquess commissions Branna to craft a series of outfits for the King's stay on Katarina. Most importantly, she wants a red dress that will complement a beautiful golden pendant she is having Marigold craft.

When Branna returns to the Legendary, Marigold and her talk about the outfits and the jewelry. Branna mentions what she heard from Lena. The two of them are worried for their positions at the theater, but with the income coming from Marquess de Sidorov it may be enough to tie the both of them over for a while....

Legendary Campaign - Masha and the Bear

Friday, April 8, 1066 SE

The day for the premiere of Masha and the Bear is finally upon the Legendary, and the entire crew is abuzz with energy. The events of the past night are still fresh in their minds, and rumors and conspiracy theories abound at the breakfast serving. People are talking about the intruder in the Palace, others about the break-in that happened at the theater. Speculations include that the Cardinal was behind the attack, that an art lover sought an item for their collection, or that the ghost of the theater struck again.

Following his morning routine, Pavel enters the dining hall to cheers and claps, and he takes the time to stop by most tables and chat with the residents. When he stops by Mon, Marigold and Branna, he mentions that the Legendary has not yet sold out its opening performance, so Yurchik is likely to have some of the production crew go around Katarina to sell tickets. 

Sure enough, at the production meeting, Yurchik notes that some tickets remain, and he asks each department to send out volunteers to sell tickets. After the meeting, Mon heads to marketing and inquires as to how many seats remain. Lena tells the actor that about 120 seats remain unsold at this time.   

Meeting at lunch, the three of them brainstorm ideas on what they could do to sell the remaining tickets. Marigold suggests a whisper campaign that people won't believe what will happen during the play. Branna adds that there could be sabotage or other rumors that would suggest a train wreck, as people are more likely to show up if the entertainment is edgy but with a chance it could fail spectacularly. Mon comes up with a plan. He borrows a costume from Branna, and using the ointment of disguise, he dresses up as a resident of Katarina and obtains 8 tickets from Lena, who does not recognize him. On his way out the door, he bumps into Luba, who also does not recognize him. Mon reveals his identity, and the actress is pleased to be a witness to his initiative. Marigold and Branna talk about the possibility of costumes being used to infiltrate the chorus line, and Branna decides she will do a general check of the inventory to see if an extra suit is missing. 

Entering the Palace, Yurchik stops by many of the tables. Arriving at their table, he gives them a good look, before giving them 20 tickets to sell. Branna decides to try her luck at the Anchor's Luck, and after several conversations she successfully sells 5 tickets. Captain Popov is not present, as it is too early for the old fisherman. Marigold heads to the barracks and talks to the soldiers. She eventually gives them 10 complimentary tickets, figuring that it would not hurt to have soldiers in the audience.

Branna continues to hawk tickets on the docks, but she witnesses a rat fight in an alley, which is promptly interrupted by the Cardinal's men. Unlike the rest of the crowd, Branna did not react quickly enough, and she is questioned at length by the morality police. Instead of fining her, they confiscate two tickets.

Going through the streets, Mon looks for four individuals and four couples, and, with much convincing, he manage to sell them his tickets.

Marigold is still worried that someone is attempting to sabotage the production, but an exhaustive search does not reveal any more broken sets or missing props. However, Branna does notice that her personal sewing kit is missing. An heirloom from home, she is rather upset that someone stole it. She tells Oskana, and both of them search the sewing workshop but come up empty handed. To keep production going, Oskana lends the elf her own sewing kit, but asks her to take good care of it. Upon hearing a loud voice coming from Stage 2, Oskana promptly disappears, leaving a befuddled Branna alone as the Marquess of Sidorov walks into the room. She greets the seamstress, and inquires on whether Branna has decided on a price for designing a dress similar to that of Masha, as previously discussed. The two of them arrive at a price of 25 silver. Thrilled with her purchase and looking forward to wearing the dress, the Marquess invites Branna to her private booth on the 2nd floor of the Legendary for the premiere of Masha and the Bear, and makes an appointment for her measurements on Sunday at 10.

With a few hours left before the performance, Branna looks over all of the costumes again, but nothing is missing or sabotaged. However, a pair of boots for the next production has disappeared. She notifies Berdy, the stage manager, who says he doesn't know anything about it, but he will take a look and let security know.

With nothing to wear and the curtain rising in less than 15 minutes, Branna puts together a mismatch outfit from the costume rack before joining the Marquess in her private booth. Marigold will spend the performance backstage, and Mon will be performing. Everyone will be keeping an eye for sabotage or assassination attempt.

The Marquess is delighted to see Branna, and admires her outfit. The Marquess introduces her dear friend, Lady Fayina. Old and short, Lady Fayina nonetheless possesses a vitality and a sharpness that Branna finds unsettling. A movement through the crowd indicates the arrival of the Archduke and his family. The Archduke usually attends the premiere of every performance at the Legendary, but it has been quite some time since his young daughters and his wife have also attended. They all waive at the crowd from their private balcony across from the Marquess's own. 

A low hiss soon follows, and from the stage both Mon and Marigold witness the arrival of the Cardinal, who also joins his own private balcony next to that of the Marquess. From the stage, Mon notices the Cardinal's shadow, and he casts a spell to shape it like that of a demon that makes rude hand gestures. People in the audience point and laugh, but the Cardinal seems oblivious.

Cardinal Feodore

Mon notices that Luba is softly crying in one of the corners backstage. She confides in him that Yurchik has told her in no uncertain terms that her role as Masha would be her last starring role unless she offered an amazing performance. Mon bolsters her with words of encouragement.

Finally, Sir Gregory Tsaplin takes the stage. Welcoming the audience, he thanks them for attending what is sure to become a classic. After a few words celebrating the craft of the theater, and a nod to the illustrious guests in the audience, Sir Gregory declares that the show may begin, and he steps off the stage as the curtain rises, revealing a pastoral scene where Masha and her friends are hunting for mushrooms. Soon she is separated from the group, and ends up lost in the forest where she is captured by a bear.

During the first act, Branna caught the Archduke whispering to his manservant. Soon, three guards joined his private balcony and stood in the shadows. His daughters, however, seem completely engrossed by the performance on the stage. Meanwhile, during his performance, Mon notices that the way the candles flicker in the Cardinal's private balcony indicate there are others there, even though the Cardinal is the only one who is visible. Mon uses minor illusion to start a rumor among the audience that the Cardinal is in league with demons. Still during his performance, Mon looked for Captain Popov but is not able to see if the old man is indeed there, for the Legendary is successfully sold out for its premiere.

During Act 2, Masha learn how to live with the bear and plots her escape from the bear's lair. Beautiful songs and an amazing performance by Luba as Masha and Vadim as the bear provide several rounds of loud cheering. Mon's artifices and Marigold's bubble machine perform admirably. 

Following a short intermission, Act 3 opens with Masha convincing the bear to take pies she has baked to her elderly parents. Masha hides herself in the basket instead, and though the bear attempts to eat the pies several times Masha tricks him, pretending to be able to see him from his lair. Eventually the bear reaches the village, but as he get to Masha's house, a pack of hunting dogs begin to chase him, and he quickly abandons the basket as he flees. Masha emerges, and is reunited with her family and friends.

The audience goes wild, and the actors receive a standing ovation. Marigold sees that the Cardinal is not pleased at the audience's reception of the play, however, and he departs in a huff.  Archduke Maksimillian III and his beautiful wife come backstage following the performance, bringing their two daughters, Verushka and Yula, with them.  The Archduke has a kind word for each of the staff members he interacts with, and he compliments Branna on her costumes, Marigold on the quality of her props, and Mon for his wonderful singing. Yula, Maksimillian's younger daughter, even asks Mon to sign her autograph book before going over to Luba and Vadim.

Once the public has left the theater, the crew celebrates its opening night performance with drinks, food, and music. Mon returns to the dressing lounge to change, and has he returns to the stage he sees an actress named Kisa push Luba down the stairs. Mon manages to catch the star of Masha and the Bear before she crashes to the ground and breaks a bone. When he asks Luba why Kisa would push her, Luba replies that Kisa starred in Baba Yaga and the Crimson Flower, and she thinks that the first actress feels threatened due to Luba's amazing performance this very night. 

Mon starts a rumor that Kisa's performance has reached the King's ear, and that he has expressed interest in attending her next performance. He is hopeful that this attention will distract Kisa from making another attempt to hurt Luba. 

In the early hours of the morning, news circulate that the Cardinal and his men conducted a raid following the performance on a warehouse in the dock district. They seized two crates and arrested 17 people who were taken to the Cathedral. Of these, only 5 people were later released.

With the first performance complete and a commercial success, Mon and Marigold are promoted. Mon earns a non-speaking part in the next production, while Marigold moves into the props helper role. Branna bides her time for her own promotion ...

Legendary Campaign - Meeting Captain Popov at the Anchor's Luck

Tuesday, March 29th, 1066 SE

As a golem Mon does not need to sleep, but he still lays in his bed, pretending to sleep. Around five in the morning, he hears loud footsteps climbing the stairs, then making their way down to his room. The door barges open, and Mon pretends to be awakened by Herald who loudly enters the room in. The man looks very disheveled, and his cheeks and shirt collar are covered with lipstick prints. He crashes on top of his bed and instantly falls asleep. Mon waits a few minutes, then begins to whisper in Herald's ears. Soon, the actor begins talking in his sleep, dropping the name Lady Astral. Mon lays down again, and at six he gets up and heads down to the cafeteria.

Marigold wakes up to find Lena already readying herself for her job at the marketing department. Cheerful, she waves Marigold goodbye and heads out. The halfling gets up and starts her morning routine. In her room, Branna finds that Ola has already left, since she works in the kitchen. The elf gets dressed, then heads downstairs. Mon, Marigold and Branna meet on the third floor, and they make their way a few flights of stairs to the ground floor. Mon is the first to notice that the cafeteria sounds eerily quiet, as three residents quickly climb the stairs. Marigold then spots three of the Cardinal's men in the lobby, talking in whispers with the clerk at the front desk. Marigold and Branna make their way to the food line and get food. Mon takes a slower approach and swerves closer to the guards, so that he can overheard the conversation taking place between the guards and the clerk. Evidently, the Cardinal's men are looking for a dandy with blond hair and lipstick all over his face. That popinjay is wanted for shaming Lady Natalia Astral, the wife of Nikita Astral, a wealthy merchant and personal friend of Cardinal Feodore. The clerk does not know if such a person is in the building, but Mon sure does, as he's upstairs in his bedroom. Mon grabs a little food and joins his friends at the table in the corner. Branna greets Joseph, who is still working on clothes design in his notebook. He exchanges quiet pleasantries, but soon departs.

The hushed discussions taking place throughout the cafeteria are soon interrupted when Pavel enters the room. Cheers erupt as the master carpenter makes his way to the food line, dropping a kind word or shaking the hand of every person he meets. He soon finds himself sitting at the table in the corner. Pavel shovels food in his mouth as he talks, making conversation with the three friends. The Cardinal's men loudly threaten the clerk that they will return with reinforcements and they will search the building from top to bottom. Pavel soon mentions that Herald obviously might have had too much to drink, and he jokingly questions Mon on whether anyone should warn the actor that the morality policy is coming for him. With his food finished, Pavel departs for the theater, but not before "accidentally" knocking into one of the guards left at the door. Branna takes this occasion to visit the kitchen and greets Ola, her roommate.

Returning to his room, Mon finds Herald still sleeping. As he softly snores, Mon hears Herald talking about Captain Lafoy, a famous pirate rumored to have plied his trade around the island of Katarina. Evidently, Herald believes that Lady Astral knows the pirate captain. Aware that the Palace will be searched, Mon hides his dagger and rapier behind Herald's wardrobe, counting on the fact that the room is so messy no one will bother diligently searching it. He then leaves the room, Herald still sleeping soundly.

As members of the Second Crew, Marigold, Branna and Mon assemble with the rest of the workers on the second stage. Yurchik, the theater manager, begins reviewing the arc of Masha and the Bear, the play scheduled to start in five weeks. In Act 1, the fair maiden Masha, played by Luba, finds herself in the forest with her friends collecting mushrooms when she was ambushed by a bear, played by Vadim, and brought back to its lair. In Act 2, Masha learns how to live with the bear and plots her escape. In Act 3, Masha convinces the bear to take pies she just baked to her parents, and hides herself in the basket instead. Once at the village, dogs scare the bear, and Masha is reunited with her parents and her friends, the final song closes the show. Yurchik then asks each department head to meet with their staff and come up with all necessary items and directions to make this production a success.

Luba, female star of the Second Crew

As an extra, Mon is handed a script. He is assigned the part of Extra #7, and he is instructed to begin reading the script and return tomorrow for the first rough blocking session. Luba asks him if he would be interested in reading the script with her at her favorite coffee shop, the Warm Whistle, where the food is delicious and the drinks are refreshing. Mon soon realizes that Luba is a serious actress, as she spends the whole morning reading through her script and learning her lines. They eventually begin sharing lines with each other, and Mon's prodigious memory allows him to memorize the entire script after two readings.

Masha's Forest Outfit

Oskana and her team of seamstresses discuss the clothing choices for all of the characters. Oskana offers Branna the opportunity to design Masha's outfits for Act 1 and Act 2. Branna soon produces two beautiful drawings of outfits, and begins to work on turning her vision into a reality.

Masha's Act 2 Outfit

As prop master, Dusana solicits his team's ideas for the props that Masha will be using throughout the play. Marigold suggests a set of collapsible mushrooms that look like umbrella. She also proposes a collapsible pie with a smoke generator inside of it to generate the appearence of a warm pie just pulled out of the oven. Dusana is suitably impressed. 

Working on the construction crew assembling the set for Masha and the Bear, Pavel takes frequent breaks, encourages everyone, and lends a hand where needed.

During dinner, Mon questions Marigold and Branna about Captain Lafoy. Marigold remembers hearing that Captain Lafoy once conducted a daring raid on a cathedral on the mainland, and stole a gold cross. She recalls that Cardinal Feodore was the man of faith in charge of that church at the time. Mon tells them what he overheard Herald say in his sleep, and that Lady Astral and Lafoy may have been an item once. Marigold speculates that this is why the Cardinal is now in Lady Astral's business.

During dinner that night, they are approached by Pavel, who sits at their table to chat before getting his own food and returning to his room. After some banter, Pavel asks them to meet an old friend of his, Captain Popov, down at the Anchor's Luck, on the waterfront, and deliver an envelope. First they are to play three hands of cards with him, and bet three coppers each time. They must lose all three hands on purpose, then give him the envelope. This is how Popov will know Pavel sent them, but it keeps this connection secret, in case anyone is watching.

On their way there, Mon, Marigold and Branna witness four of the Cardinal's men berating two youths leaning against windows of a shop. The men quickly stop when one of the Archduke's patrols emerge from a side street, and move along, but not before exchanging a glance with the youth. Mon commits the faces of the youths and of the Cardinal's men to memory.

Captain Popov

Arriving at the Anchor's Luck, they are greeted by Ivan, the owner. Inquiries reveal that Captain Illich Popov sits at the table in the corner, closest to the fireplace. They find the old man there, playing cards with three other individuals who look just as old. They sit at the table, and join in the card game. Mon misunderstood Pavel's directions, and he manages not to communicate the secret message. Marigold reminds him of Pavel's specific instructions, and Mon plays another three rounds of cards, this time following the instructions to the letter. 

Captain Popov is pleased to meet the young folks sent by his friend Pavel, and he shares several stories of his sea voyages and his fishing adventures, all more unbelievable than the last one. When Ivan announces that it is time to close up. Captain Popov hands each of his new friends a neatly pressed and dried oak leaf from a small booklet retrieved from his pocket. All three of them are aware that there are no oak trees on the island of Katarina. He thanks them, and they walk him back to his hovel apartment on the second floor of a building a block away from the tavern. The three of them then return to the Palace after a night well spent...

Legendary Campaign - Welcome to the Island of Katarina

Welcome to the Island of Katarina

Settled over five hundred years ago,  the Island of Katarina is renowned for the quality and quantity of its iron ore, which is extensively mined in the mountains that surround the town. The resulting iron is then pressed into a type of steel referred as Katarina steel, and also shortened to Kat steel. Stronger and lighter than regular steel, Kat steel provides the wealth of the island.

Ruled by the Svetozar family over the last three centuries,  the Archduchy of Katarina is titularly part of the Kingdom of  Sezja. Its location on the northeastern corner, far removed from the capital of Konstantina, means that for generations, as long as generous tributes were sent to the royal coffers, the Svetozar family have ruled unimpeded by outside forces. The wealth created by the mines have led to a comparatively higher standard standard of living, attracting people from all over the Sezja and beyond.

The current ruler of the island is Archduke Maksimillian III. He has a beautiful wife, Yeva, and two daughters, Verushka, 17, and Yula, 10. Over the last one hundred years, the Svetozars have managed the island expertly, extracting resources, generating wealth, and ensuring that this wealth was shared equitably with most of the island's inhabitants. This has created a surprisingly open society with a vibrant cultural scene. Over 45,000 people now live on Katarina, with two thirds of them residing in the capital city of the same name.  

Archduke Maxsimillian has inherited his family's talent for business and management, and he has continued to increase the island's wealth and spread its culture beyond its border. An active shipping industry has grown to export Kat steel and its derived products, and ship building soon followed, diversifying the island's economy further. Commercial banks have established branches in Katarina, and a stable and well-managed economy relatively free of corruption bolstered by effective law enforcement means that over half of Sezja's wealth now transits through the Archduchy.

In the last decade, a revival religious movement has devolved into a strict fundamentalist interpretation of the Goddess, and the Synod of Cardinals has gained tremendous power throughout Sezja. Three years ago, Cardinal Feodore arrived on Katarina armed with a royal writ. Cardinal Feodore has established religious law over the island, much to the Archduke’s dismay. A small group of monks and clerics support the spreading of their more fundamentalist version of the faith, and the Cardinal’s soldiers often patrol the streets, enforcing morality and religious edicts. The Archduke bids his time, aware that for know the Cardinal has the blessing of the Sezian court in Konstantina, but with rumors that the Cardinal plans to seize the island and its wealth means that a reckoning is coming....

The Legendary

The wealth of Katarina and of its inhabitants means that many of them have disposable income available. As a result, a service industry of theaters, art houses, publishers and crafters has grown and offers a vigorous scene. Four theaters are located in Katarina. The Opera features modern productions, while the Fantastic leans more towards popular and bawdy comedies. The Starlight is known more for its sensual pieces than the quality of its acting. But of all the theaters on the island, the Legendary is the most famous. It is the premier facility for entertainment, where people go for excellent plays, music, and to see and be seen. Owned by Sir Gregory Tsaplin, and patronized by Archduke Maksimilian III, the Legendary features a large scene, an equally large rehearsal space, and a creative space large enough to accommodate the planning of a third production. The theater is situated at the south end of White Avenue opposite the Archduke's Palace at the north end. Many businesses connected to the theater surround the building.

Brannamarth Gwend, an elven sorcerer, comes from a famous family of clothes maker. The Gwends weave magic in their fabric, creating explosions of colors and subtle illusions that seems to make the clothes shimmer like starlight. Branna's father was approached by Oskana, the head designer for the Legendary, and he graciously allowed one of his daughters to travel to Katarina and further develop her skills with the trade.

Mon deGreen, a human bard, seeks to gain a better understanding of who he is and of his past through legends and tales told through the theater. He appears to have amnesia, and he doesn't remember anything before he awoke one dark morning a few years back. He traveled to Katarina, hoping to learn more about his previous life. Despite his amnesia, he can memorize lines easily, and he found employment at the Fantastic, where he was noticed by Luba, the Legendary's second actress for his unforgettable performance as Brother Gerald in the production of The Goblin and the Turtle Soup. She asked him to join the crew of extras who work for the Legendary, and Mon jumped at the chance.

Marigold Handthorn a lightfoot halfling artificer, has family on the island, and she fell in love with the theater. Tinkering from a young age, she has recently secured an apprenticeship with the famous props designer Dusana, who oversees the props department at the Legendary.

The Legendary operates on a tightly planned schedule. A show runs for five weeks, six nights a week, as well as matinees on Fridays and Saturdays. If the production is a smashing success, its run might be extended, but as soon as less than three quarters of the seats sell, the show closes out that weekend. While the show is running, a second production begins rehearsals. Finishing touches are made on the sets, last minute costumes are crafted, and props are added. Lights, sounds, and stagecraft are planned and executed, and this production waits in the wings so that it can start two days after the closing of the first show. Meanwhile, a third show is in pre-production in the creative area, with sets being roughly built, music being produced, and songs written. 

An army of laborers, cleaners, ticket sellers, ushers, and food service employees follow the orders of a cadre of middle managers, who take their own instructions from department heads, who report to Yurchik, the theater director, who in turns takes general guidelines and suggestions from Sir Tsaplin. Turnover is high among the lower levels of employees, so the Legendary is always hiring replacements at the beginning of every new production. Marigold, Mon, and Branna thus find themselves in the grand foyer of the Legendary on the morning of Monday, May 2nd, with over forty new workers. 

 

Monday, March 28th, 1066 SE

Upon arriving at the theater, Branna, Marigold and Mon are introduced to their respective department head. Branna already knows Oskana, who shakes her hand vigorously and thanks her for joining her team of costumiers. Marigold meets Dusana for the first time, and the short man is barely taller than she is. He welcomes her to the theater, and informs her that he has seen some of her designs and they show promise. Mon meets Dmitri, the stage manager, who supervises the extras. Each new employee is shown their work area, and employment rules are described. 

As members of the Legendary, employees may reside for free in the Palace, a five-story building next door to the theater. The accommodations are sparse, but three meals are provided free of charge every day in the Palace's cafeteria. When not performing, employees are allowed to attend the nightly production for free, filling the seats that haven't sold and giving the impression that the theater is always sold out. Mon is warned to figuratively watch his back, as extras will do anything to climb the ladder and become stars. He's also warned not to be caught by the morality police in the gambling dens by the harbor. Marigold is warned to keep an eye for inappropriate behavior from male employees towards female employees, and to report any incident immediately, as this is not tolerated by Sir Tsaplin. Branna is told to behave properly at all times, especially when outside the theater, as the Cardinal's morality police has been causing issues with the theater in recent months.

Near noon, all new employees report back to the grand foyer. Most of the actors for the upcoming production are here as well, and Luba warmly greets Mon, telling him she's thrilled to have the opportunity to work with him. Yurchik, the theater manager, introduces Sir Gregory Tsaplin, a rather unremarkable man who is sharply dressed in reds with a top hat on his balding head, and his faithful but long-suffering manservant, Ony.  

Sir Gregory Tsaplin, owner of the Legendary

Sir Tsaplin theatrically comes down the grand stairs, and he introduces the new production, Masha and the Bear. He expresses his hopes that it will be as successful as the show opening tonight, Baba Yaga and the Crimson Flower. He then reveals the official poster for Masha and the Bear, which is currently slated to start on May 2nd, but to Luba's consternation none of the actors are depicted, which goes against past practice of featuring the lead stars and divas. Rumors begin to circulate that perhaps Luba's position atop the actor's ladder is not as secure at it was.

Following a delicious luncheon, the new employees are paid their weekly wages. Mon, Marigold and Branna return to work in their respective areas. At the fifth hour, the evening employees and the crew for the production of Baba Yaga and the Crimson Flower begin arriving, signaling the end of the work day for the crew of Masha and the Bear. Marigold, Branna and Mon walk to the Palace and secure lodgings.  Marigold is assigned to a room on the third floor, and she meets her roommate, Lena, another halfling. Lena works in the marketing department, and she questions Marigold on her thoughts on the poster. She reveals that she was not in favor of leaving the actors off, as they drive a lot of the business, but Raissa, the chief marketer, insisted on this new approach. Lena suspects that Luba's days as the second female star of the Legendary may be numbered.

Branna is paired with Ola, a quiet human. Ola works in the kitchen, and hopes to become a chef someday. Meanwhile, she spends all of her nonworking time in the Palace's kitchen, helping out and working on her culinary skills. She's rarely in the bedroom they share on the fifth floor, and her area is tidy and clean. 

Mon is assigned to a bedroom on the fourth floor. As he begins to open the door, the doorknob is wrenched from his hand, and his new roommate grabs him and hugs him. He introduces himself as Herald, and begins to talk at Mon about all of his own wonderful qualities. Herald is a mid-tier actor, and he hopes to break it big. Mon quickly forms the opinion that Herald is either a dimwit who is wholly focused on himself, or he is a deviously clever individual who hides behind a veneer of silliness. A quick look at the clothes spread all over the furniture and floor, the empty bottles of wine piled in a corner, and the general messiness of the place convinces Mon that it is probably the former.

Mon, Branna and Marigold soon find themselves in the food line in the Palace's cafeteria. They introduce themselves, and share pleasantries. The cafeteria is loud, and most of the seats are taken. A whirlwind of a man, over six feet tall and wearing blue overalls with a tool belt strapped around his waist, barges in the cafeteria, and everyone yells his name, holding a tankard or a glass. Pavel, one of the theater's master carpenter, salutes people as he walks through on his way to the line, and it is clear he knows everyone by name. He stops by the new hires, and introduces himself before asking them for their names. Pavel is jovial, has a flair for the dramatic, and is quick with the bad joke. He fills his plate, then fills three more, before putting some food on Mon's plate. He welcomes the new hires aboard, then heads upstairs with his food.

The three of them find the only open seats left near a corner table. Two actors from the second crew are busy kissing, and completely ignore them. The other person at the table keeps one drawing in a large pad, his food barely touched. Branna notices that he's designing clothes, and they are rather good. When he seems her looking, he gets up and leaves, abandoning his food behind. They learn that his name is Joseph, and he works in accounting. Branna remembers that he was one of the people paying them earlier that afternoon.

Following dinner, Branna and Mon return to the Legendary to watch the opening night of Baba Yaga and the Crimson Flower, in the seats reserved for employees at the back of the theater. Marigold, for her part, watches the production from the wings, so she can watch the props' process. She soon realizes that backstage is a well-oiled machine, with the props clearly labeled and organized by appearance. When one of the props helper makes a mistake, he is quickly berated by the prop supervisor.

The performances was amazing, the music uplifting, and the audience adored it. The buzz as the audience leaves the show indicates that this is probably one of the best performances of the last three years. Throughout the performance, Mon worried that the Cardinal would attend, but the man never showed up. The Archduke and his family were in attendance, however, in their private balcony, and the crowd gave them a round of applause before the curtain lifted at the beginning of the performance. Mon tells Branna he was raised up as a flesh golem, and his master triggered something in him, and he took his life in a fit of rage when he discovered what had been done to him. Branna volunteers to make him a piece of clothing that might have enough magic in it to distract the Cardinal if he ever came close, so that he would not detect Mon's true nature. The actor profusely thanks her.

Returning to their rooms after the show, Marigold finds Lena sleeping soundly, Branna finds Ola sitting in her bed reading through a cookbook, while Mon finds Herald, who works with the first crew getting ready to go out to celebrate opening night. The mess is even worse. After Herald departs, Mon cleans a path to his bed, folding Herald's clothes as he goes, a remnant of his mindless beginning as a golem for his previous master ...