[Phase 1] A Midsummer Night's Feast [Event]

Participation
AMNF - Status (Reputation) + Virtue - TN 12: 8d6k6-1+6 31 4 DoS
5D Status
2B Reputation
+1D Great Bastard
-1 Inept
+6 Virtue

Laena has no problem being seated well above the salt. Her blood, her good standing, her lack of unfortunate political statements, and her reputation for being a charming conversationalist all conspire to get her seated well above where she'd be as a mere adjunct to House Starkwood. Maybe even Lady Shiera Seastar put in a good word, given their amiable relations.

AMNF - Decadent Resist - TN12: 4d6 12 Just!
AMNF - Vindictive Resist - TN12: 4d6 20 Easy pass! Probably because all my enemies are dead, or worse.
Proud: Voluntarily fail.


Offer a Toast

AMNF - Toast Lord Reynald Florent - Intrigue (Charm) + Virtue - TN 15: 6d6k4+3+2+6 27 3 DoS - +2 Disposition from Lord Reynald Florent
4D Persuasion
2B Charm
+3 Graceful
+2 Courteous
+6 Virtue


Hold a Speech
AMNF - Can Give Speech? - Status (Reputation) + Virtue - TN 21: 8d6k6-1+6 27 2 DoS +1 to main tests
AMNF - Pre-Speech Prep - Deception (Act) - TN12: 6d6k4+2 18 +2 to main tests (+3 total)

Unlike her last speech, where she was representing House Starkwood, this time she is merely representing herself, and, despite her clear ability to do so, she avoids agitating for a particular faction. Instead, she gives a short but eloquent speech complimenting the beauty of the palace, and uses it as an example of what great things are possible, through a combination of both hard work and talent.

AMNF - Speech - Awareness (Empathy) - TN9: 5d6k4+3 21 3 DoS
AMNF - Speech - Language (Charm) - TN9: 5d6k3+3+3 20 3 DoS
3D Language
2B Charm
+3 Graceful
+3 Prior Rolls

AMNF - Speech - Persuasion (Convince) + Virtue - TN 12: 5d6k4+2+3+6 26 3 DoS
4D Persuade
1B Convince
+2 Courteous
+3 Prior Rolls
+6 Virtue

AMNF - Speech - Status (Breeding) + Virtue - TN 12: 8d6k5+3+6 29 Actually 28, forgot -1. 4 DoS
5D Status
3B Breeding
+3 Prior Rolls
+6 Virtue
-1 Inept

+1 Influence from succeeding on all 4 tests


Dancing into the night
AMNF - Dance - Agility (Balance) - TN 9: 4d6 16 2 DoS
AMNF - Dance - Status (Breeding) - TN 9: 9d6k6-1 27 4 DoS
AMNF - Dance - Persuasion (Charm) - TN9: 7d6k5+3 24 4 DoS

Total: 10 DoS, 20 Status worth of +1 Dispositions (to be decided later)


Tourney of Talents
Narratively, I'd like to sing, but I'm happy with it being simply 'pleasant', with no mechanical impact.

To the surprise of many Ser Daeron graced the feast at Summerhall with his presence, despite his political leanings. He knew that attending such an event would not win him favors among his fellow partisans, but there would be many men there who were undecided about who should be king. 

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Participation
Midsummer-Participation TN 12: 7d6k5+6 33 (Seated WAY above the salt)

The salt was no place for the son of a king.

Offer a Toast
Midsummer-Toast-Preston Oakheart: 4d6+6 22 (2 DOS)
+2 Disposition from Ser Preston

Hard times were coming and it was important to make friends and allies, and the first step to making friends was honeyed words. Ser Preston was an easy one to butter up regardless, he had given a good showing of his skills and chivalry at the Black Tourney, and was from a good family.

Hold a Speech
Midsummer-Hold a Speech TN 21: 7d6k5+6 31 (3 DOS, +2 to tests)
Midsummer-Cunning (Logic) TN 12: 4d6k3+2 12 (1 DOS, +1 to test)

Midsummer-Awareness (Empathy)-Fire TN 12: 4d6k3+3 17 (2 DOS)
Midsummer-Language (Charm)-Fire TN 12: 4d6+3 15 (1 DOS)
Midsummer-Persuasion (Convince)-Fire-TN 15: 7d6k5+9 33 (4 DOS)
Midsummer-Status (Breeding)-Fire-TN 15: 7d6k5+9 34 (4 DOS)
11 DOS for Fire, +1 Influence

He had gained the nickname "Wildfyre" for being an unpredictable and fierce foe in the lists; however, his unpredictability manifested in other ways. Instead of standing up and breathing fire and rebellion into the crowd, he gave a measured speech that he definitely took lots of time in advance to prepare.

"Although we have no external threats, true knights are still needed to defend the realm from decadence, corruption, and brutality. Without them setting an example for us, who are we to look upon when we must reflect upon ourselves and our own actions. Virtue comes from action, not books."

...

"Who can condemn the man who does what he knows is right? He who must break with convention in order to pursue justice and purity? It takes true vision to trod a new path."

His speech was long, but not too long. Subtle, but not too subtle. It inspired men and lit a fire in their chest, but steered clear of calling for rebellion or a new king; however, its implications would not have been lost among the politically savvy.

Dancing into the Night
Midsummer-Dance-Agility (Balance) TN 9: 3d6 11 (1 DOS)
Midsummer-Dance-Status (Breeding) TN 9: 6d6k4+2 21 (3 DOS)
Midsummer-Dance-Persuasion (Charm) TN 9: 4d6+2 17 (2 DOS)
(12 Status)
(Janna Hightower, Delia Blackbriar, Lyanna Florent)

Daeron knew the courtly dances expertly, but lacked the grace to ever be considered a truly amazing dancer. He did, though, manage to impress at least a few of the women there.

His Lord-cousin and mother may have been absent (due to pressing matters at Starpike, surely) but Titus rode to Summerhall to participate in the Grand Opening of the Palace on a Midsummer's Moon. While he might have preferred a contest of martial matters as well as this mummer's gathering he does enjoy himself, seated with Lord, Ladies and Knights of importance and renown. His success in the tourney circuit and deeds in the Black Tournament had earned him some reputation and respect. He raises a toast to Ser Roland Redwyne, surely one of the greatest knights of their age and with the passionate nativity of youth he honours men of valour and strength. It is not a cleverly vailed speech of deceptive rabble-rousing, or a call for rebellion but Titus' leanings, his time with Lord Gormon and his admiration for the man known as Blackfyre is apparent.  

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Participation
Midsummer's Night Feast - Status(Rep)+Chiv v TN12: 5d6k3+9 26 - Pass

Toast
Toast - Redtusk - Persuasion(Charm)+Chiv v TN15: 6d6k4+9 28 - 3 DoS, enough to hit Status 8, should be enough

Speech
Spends 1 Glory for +1D on Status roll
Speech - 1 Glory Spent - Status(Rep)+Chiv v TN21: 5d6k4+9 27 - 2 DoS +1 on all rolls
Speech - missed 1b: 1d6 5 - new roll 30 - no difference
Speech - Cunning v TN12: 3d6+1 13 - 1 DoS +1 to all rolls

Speech - Fire - Awareness v TN12: 3d6+1 16 17 - 2 DoS
Speech - Fire - Language(Charm) vTN12: 5d6k3+1 14 15+2 BotA 17 - 2 DoS
Speech - Fire - Persuasion+Chiv v TN15: 4d6+10 25 26 - 3 DoS
Speech - Fire - Persuasion - BotA Reroll: 1d6 2 - no difference
Speech - Fire - Status(Breeding)+Chiv v TN15: 4d6k3+10 19 20 - 2 DoS
(Did not include +1 from Cunning roll, have updated)

Total: 9 DoS for Fire, +1 Influence

Dancing into the Night 
Dance - Agility v TN9: 3d6 9 - 1 DoS
Dance - Status(Breeding) v TN9: 4d6k3 10 - 1 DoS
Dance - Persuasion(Charm) v TN9: 6d6k4 15 - 2 DoS
+1 Disposition with dance partners of total 8 Status
      Daena Roxton
      Alicent Yronwood
(If these does not hit a total of 8, please let me know)

Balon sat at the desk and stared at the parchment he was writing on. He'd created a list of reasons why he should and shouldn't attend the grand opening of Summerhall. 

Pro:
Laena Pyre will undoubtedly be there. [this had been underlined several times]
My friends and family will attend.
Daemon Blackfyre.
The Florents, Lyanna included.
Daena Roxton [a pair of large boobs had been doodled by her name]
Dancing.
Mingling with lords and ladies far above my station.
And then Balon looked at the cons.

Con:
Starkwood scum.
Dornish scum. [a crude sword had been drawn by this]
The King.
Blood sycophants.
Inability to keep my mouth shut. [a large star had been put by this entry]
Bittersteel, Walgrave, Fireball, Gormy.


He looked at the parchment and read the words over and over again. Balon needed to come to a decision and soon. "I can't go." he blurted out to no one. If I go I'll inevitably say something offensive and provocative. Someone will challenge me to a duel. I'll hurt the cause more than I'll help it and Laena won't save me like she did at the Black Tourney. No I need to be somewhere else.

What excuse was there to give? What was more important than the feast at Summerhall. And then it hit him. Helicent Cockshaw. One of the most vocal supporters of Daemon Blackfyre had gone missing. Perhaps Balon would continue to look for her. People will think of how noble I am that I haven't given up hope in finding Lady Helicent. I helped save Ser Aladore, it'd fit my character to try and save her too. 

Of the lords and ladies that didn't attend it was no secret Balon was on the recruiting trail, looking for knights who supported the true king. Now they'd know he was out there searching for Lady Helicent too. Did he expect to find her? A corpse perhaps, but it's not like he'd ever admit it. Plus imitation was a form of flattery and if Walgrave, Gormon, Fireball, and Bittersteel didn't attend, why should he?

Malyk had been surprised to receive an invitation to the feast; doubly so to be seated above the salt. As he mingled with the other guests before the event, he noted the occasional curious looks, the fleeting mention of his name, the sudden shifts in conversation as he passed by.

It amused him.

He could almost feel the webs of intrigue around him. They were trying to figure out what kind of playing piece he was and how he might be used in whatever game each were planning. Unfortunately, he was an unknown quantity; almost a different species to them. Their songs were all both glaringly simple and unnecessarily complex; like cheap tin mirrors in grandiose, gaudy frames.

"None at all." replies Malyk as he flicks the droplets off his own beautifully tailored eel-skin jacket. "I expect it's very expensive. It's a remarkable feat of engineering."

-"Can you see out of both of those?" asks a weaselly young man leaning in practically nose to nose to him.
"My eyesight is perfect... unfortunately."

"Sorry? Why would you be sorry?"
"I'm sorry for anyone who has never made any mistakes."

He was sorry for most of them, actually. Many were probably good people that had been somehow trapped by birth into this bizarre Mummer's play. Still, they all had far more power and privilege than any smallfolk. With all their advantages, they could at least try to be interesting. Thankfully the feast was announced and people began moving to their seats.

Perhaps he had been expected to give another speech after the one on Highgarden, but he was to disappoint them. In part he had no reason to disturb the King's feast, in part he wanted to maintain a degree of detachment, and in part he had nothing he really wanted to say. He did applaud Lady Laena's speech surrounding the beauty and accomplishment of Summerhall. Her kind words recognizing the hard work that had gone into it's building were especially appreciated. When the time came, he gave a toast... to Prince Maron Nymeros Martell of Dorne. None, as yet, had. He wanted to show both him and the King that there were those who appreciated the five years of peace they had enjoyed, and it would irritate a third of the room.

After the feast he decided to escape for a while before the dancing, exploring the beautiful manor. He was alone in the library when the door opened and a beautiful young Dornish woman entered. He did not recognize her, perhaps some attendant of the Queen or the Princess.

"You are Seneschal Malyk Flowers of House Levalle." She said as she glided towards him; silk gown whispering across the carpet.
"I am Malyk." He replied. "Although I understand Waters would be the accurate surname if I used one."
"My apologizes." She smiled, lifting a delicate hand to his chin to look deep into his eyes. "Onyx and Alabaster. Remarkable, quite remarkable."
"Thank you..." He didn't show the slightest discomfort at her scrutiny. "Although I cannot take credit for them."
"Humble as well."
"Not really. There is just no reason to be prideful over things that are the work of the Seven."
She gave a sparkling laugh and stepped back. "You have developed a great deal of interest at the feast."
"Only by those who lead incredibly uninteresting lives."
Another sparkling laugh. "Some noticed your toast. You do not hate the Dornish?"
"I try not to hate anyone."
"That is odd for a Reachman."
"I am odd, and I am not a Reachman."
"They say you run House Levalle almost by magic."
"'They' say many stupid things."
"They also say you are a good man."
"Some of the stupid things 'they' say are true."
"Saying you are a good man is stupid?"
"Of course. Either it is true and doesn't need to be said, or it isn't and shouldn't be."
The woman regarded Malyk curiously. "They especially would like to know who your Mother was."
"Life is full of disappointment."
An arched eyebrow. "Do you not wish to be legitimized? The King is here and could do so easily."
"What I wish is irrelevant. I won't compound the harm of my Father with my own."
"It would bring you great power..."
"I don't need great power."
"...or great wealth."
"I don't need great wealth."
"You could use that power to do great good."
"If it happens I need such power, then the Seven will have me legitimized. They need no help from me."
Whoever the woman was, whatever her goal, she was clearly not used to being parried so effectively. He could see the calculations in her eyes. She was looking for chinks in his armor, completely oblivious to the fact he wasn't wearing any. He hadn't even asked who she was, mostly because he didn't care. She changed tactics, taking a sudden interest in a painting of beautiful young woman. "If you were to be legitimized, it would raise your marriage prospects considerably."
"Indeed. Unfortunately I am far too busy for such things."
"Too busy for a beautiful young girl? Or do you prefer boys?"
"Either can be pleasant, but I prefer cheesecake, especially with candied strawberries."
The woman blinked, completely unbalanced by this. "You're joking."
"Sometimes, but not at the moment. I've had bad sex. I've never had bad strawberry cheesecake."
She simply stared at him wide-eyed. All her standard avenues had been cut off; charm, money, power, sex. She didn't have to tools to extract the one piece of information she clearly wanted. She had the same confused look so many often had. She simply couldn't understand that the things that were important to everyone else weren't very important to him. What do you offer a man who is perfectly happy with what he has? She inclined her head slightly and returned to the door, stopping for a moment. "They say you never lie."
"I only speak the truth. That's not really the same thing."
She stared at him for a long moment, then her eyes narrowed in thought. "You may be many things, Malyk of House Levalle, but you are not mad."
He gave the woman a bright charming smile. "Well, it's good one of us is sure." Then returned his gaze to the books.

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P1 Summerhall Participation: 5d6k4 22