"The Skulker, the Lurker, and A Breath of Fresh Air"

Sciborg

Feb 23, 2023 20:33

This meeting of the Dice Gang is now in session

Mithical

I'm a little bit falling on my face, but I'm more-or-less present :p

AncientSwordRage

I'm making dinner but it's just throwing things in the oven, so ready when y'all are ready

bobble

Teri will wake up and check on the clothes

Sciborg

Assuming that we all slept, you've all long rested at this stage (unless Sherri stayed up late working on the blazer).

Mithical

Sherri definitely did not get a long rest in, she had to do the blazer and her own outfit as well.

bobble

Feb 23, 2023 20:35

"Are you okay?"

Sciborg

In that case, you've taken a level of exhaustion, but you have completed both. The morning sun is slightly blinding to you.

AncientSwordRage

Fin appears from the kitchen with coffees so black they might as well be absorbing light from the room

"Svó, it's all done? Do you need one of these?" And she offers one to Sherri and Terri

Mithical

I think Sherri is dozing over a spare piece of fabric... (short rest, mechanically speaking)

AncientSwordRage

Fin nudges Sherri, and repeats her self louder offering the coffee again

bobble

Instead of asking to use the restroom Teri just disappears in, a bit uncertain if she can wash up without asking permission

(not that she asks permission when she sneaks in but Sherri is different)

"Thank you, Fin, but you didn't have to" Teri smiles and takes a cup

Mithical

Feb 23, 2023 20:39

"Mmmm? Oh, thank you, Fin, dear." She takes a sip, blinking in surprise when she realized just how Fin prepared it.

AncientSwordRage

It looks like if you tried to stir the coffee the spoon would either get stuck from how much sugar got put in, or dissolve the spoon from the copious amounts coffee

Fin gulps it down like water

bobble

Teri sips and decides it's fine

She's stolen worse

Mithical

Sherri will, once Teri's out, take a quick shower (not hair), and start getting ready for making her pitches.

AncientSwordRage

"Hae, are either of you good with braiding hair?" Fin asks, swinging a slightly dishevelled looking braid over her shoulder

(Fin may not ask at the most appropriate time if others are getting ready)

bobble

"No, my - my dad did mine"

AncientSwordRage

Feb 23, 2023 20:46

"Really? Mind did mine too!” Fin looks happily surprised, "Until it got too long" she chuckles

bobble

shifty glance away

Mithical

Sherri responds from where she's standing over a small mirror, "I'll help you in a couple moments, darlings, just let me finish up here. And then we should get into the fancy stuff, it's almost time to leave."

bobble

"Should I tell Oakwinkle where we'll be?"

Mithical

"Can't hurt, dear."

bobble

"What was the name of the event, again?"

AncientSwordRage

Feb 23, 2023 20:49

"Do we change now? It's awkward enough getting around sometimes without a ballgown on..."

Mithical

@bobble "Perfect Pitch Modeling at Tracy's Gala & Haberdashery. I'd advise getting changed now, sweetie, unless you fancy getting changed in the car. We want to make an impression when we arrive, don't we?"

With that, Sherri's going to check if Jean is around on Uber. :P

AncientSwordRage

@Mithical Understand and excitement dawns on Fin's face

bobble

Will be at "Perfect Pitch Modeling at Tracy's Gala & Haberdashery". Sherri is using me and Fin as models. When will the library be open again?

Sciborg

@Mithical Jean pops up on your "nearby rides" radar, as does Gaff; it looks like Jean is currently dropping someone off at the local high school, and Gaff is over by the Natural History Museum.

Mithical

Sherri will ask for Jean, then; he's got that nice fancy car.

AncientSwordRage

Feb 23, 2023 20:55

Fin starts to put the ballgown on

bobble

Teri manages her outfit quickly and then take a few seconds to admire it in the mirror

Mithical

"So, darlings, the plan is to arrive fashionably late, just enough that we get noticed when we arrive..." Sherri's also going to give them a few general tips on modeling, and emphasizes strongly not to dirty or rip the clothing.

AncientSwordRage

Fin looks like she might struggle, but it's so well made she doesn't need a hand at all

Sciborg

@bobble Oakwinkle responds after a minute or two: Understood, Miss Teri. Thank you for the update. The library opens this morning, but I am having some breakfast first in Onwards before I return. I have been attempting to be less of a 'shut-in', as Robert puts it.

bobble

nods at Sherri

AncientSwordRage

Feb 23, 2023 20:58

Fin says to Sherri after putting on her dress, 'I've never worn anything this flattering', then she turns slightly to the side and glances over her shoulder with a playful smirk. 'Look, I come with my own bustle,' she quips with a chuckle, her tone playful and innocent

Mithical

Oh, Sherri will also supply Fin with an appropriate purse, juuuust large enough to fit the Gesta.

@AncientSwordRage "It's as if it was made for you, Fin."

AncientSwordRage

"Oh, já, no dirt or rips.." Fin drones like she's heard it before too often

@Mithical Fin accepts the Purse and slots Her Book inside.

Mithical

...Sherri actually has both Mending and Prestidigation, and so can probably handle slight rips or a bit of dirt, but there are some things you Have to Tell People.

AncientSwordRage

@Mithical As you say they, you think Fin might start to bounce with excitement but thinks better of it

Sciborg

There is a familiar purring sound outside as the black Tesla Roadster pulls up gracefully to the building, and you receive a ping through Uber letting you know your ride is here.

bobble

Feb 23, 2023 21:01

For her part, Teri has at least one knife concealed - that Sherri noticed.

Mithical

"Well. Are you really to begin your modeling careers, lovelies?"

bobble

uncertain smile

Mithical

@bobble I assumed that Teri added some concealed inside pockets with that Sleight of Hand roll :D

AncientSwordRage

@Mithical beaming and nodding

bobble

"Where should I have my bag?"

gestures to neatly packed messenger bag

Mithical

Feb 23, 2023 21:05

"That's an excellent point, darling - one second." Sherri looks around, picks up a briefcase, and gestures for the bag to go inside the briefcase. "I'll take the briefcase, and you'll be close by me the whole time, dear."

AncientSwordRage

Fin isn't having the easiest time, as the ballgown is taking up a lot of room, more than Fin is used to taking up at least. But her earnest effort is plain to see on her face

bobble

Teri gratefully puts her bag in, patting before letting go

Mithical

Sherri gestures for Teri to lead the way to the car, since Sherri has to lock up.

bobble

wave to car

AncientSwordRage

Fin follows Teri careful to lift the edge of the skirt of her gown just enough

Sciborg

Feb 23, 2023 21:10

The Roadster is sitting idling in the parking lot, and Jean has a comfortable suede jacket and a pair of sunglasses on; he leans out and waves cheerily, and pops open the doors for you. "Good morning, strangers! I see you're attending the show."

AncientSwordRage

Fin gives Jean a slightly tepid look, but says nothing

Mithical

"Ah, good morning, Jean. I see you don't recognize us with our fancy new clothes, dear."

Sciborg

"It took me a moment," he says warmly. "But you all look very lovely. You did not tell me you were fashion stars the last time you rode with me, no?"

bobble

Teri let's Sherri do the talking

Teri lets Sherri do the talking

Mithical

"I believe I may have mentioned it, darling, but never mind. Shall we head over and make a splash?"

AncientSwordRage

Feb 23, 2023 21:15

Fin's mood improves when she realises quite how much more spacious the interior of the car is than she remembered

Sciborg

"Of course, madame," he says, lifting his sunglasses back on and putting on the gas. The Roadster purrs away towards the gala. "It is supposed to be a very good turnout this year. Have you heard that Monsieur DeCapalla and Victoria Royce herself will be attending with their new lines?"

AncientSwordRage

(Do any of us recognise any of those names?)

Mithical

"Hmph. DeCapalla? His designs are as original as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I have much more respect for Royce."

bobble

Teri checks each hidden tool in turn

Sciborg

"Ah, see, I was always quite a fan of the DeCapalla brand. Those tuxedos he creates with the diagonals down the side, to emphasize the figure -" Jean does an air kiss. "Divine. Even if not quite, how do you say, innovative."

Mithical

Feb 23, 2023 21:23

"Oh, yes, of course they're very nice, dear. That's what happens when you're using "old faithful", you could say. But I've always preferred the bold and the new. How can you reach the pinnacle without that innovation, honey?"

Sciborg

"Mm, I must be a bit traditional, I'm afraid." Jean turns onto the street to reveal a spacious glass-windowed event building with a large parking lot and underground parking garage, currently bustling with cars. He turns towards the parking garage. "I find Royce and all of her abstract luxury designs a bit... ah... hoity-toity, is the word?"

Mithical

"Oh, actually, darling, could you just stop right in front of the door, please? We want to make a certain impression, you see."

bobble

Teri's eyes eat up the building. Not the kind of place she'd usually go to

Sciborg

"Of course, my apologies, madame." He turns at the last moment and zooms cleanly up to the front of the building, jostling past a few nice limousines and sports cars in the process as cleanly as if they weren't even there. He parks the car, ignoring an annoyed honk from the limo behind him, and winks. "The phrase is, break a leg, I believe."

Mithical

"My deepest thanks, Jean."

And with that, Sherri will grab the briefcase, flounce out of the car and head towards the door.

Sciborg

Feb 23, 2023 21:30

Roll Performance to make a dramatic entrance, if desired :p

bobble

15-1=14

Mithical

well, at disadvantage, that's a 2+6=8 :P

AncientSwordRage

Fin casts Borrowed Knowledge to give her self Performance proficiency...

(sorry I was planning on her casting it before arriving)

7+7=14

Sciborg

You collectively roll up to the gala looking pretty fire, if not completely as gracefully as intended.

The event building is crowded with people in all sorts of fashionable attire - both traditional suits and dresses and some more abstract and weird stuff, like Katy Perry-style, all of them jostling to slowly move into the building and surrounded by people with clipboards and cameras. It’s a decent amount of people and it’s a bit overwhelming to take in at first.

bobble

"I'll take your lead" Teri whispers to Sherri

Mithical

Feb 23, 2023 21:35

Sherri gives the "perfect" hand signal, and then peers around to see if Tracy - the owner - is visible.

Sciborg

Roll Perception.

Mithical

disadvantage, 6+2=8

Sciborg

The crowd is pretty tightly packed and very distractingly colorful, so it’s hard to pick out individual people and you don’t catch any sight of her.

Mithical

With no sight of her, then, Sherri will stride over to another one of the employees - preferable someone she recognizes - and check about a walk time.

AncientSwordRage

Fin observes the lead being taken and follows suit, sashaying slightly more aggressively than is really necessary but she's definitely trying to make an impression

Sciborg

Feb 23, 2023 21:39

Some occasional glances come your way as people take note of your interesting outfits.

@Mithical You approach a younger woman who is currently wearing a headset mic and talking aggressively into it - “no, Steven, the tablecloths do NOT go in the Blue Room!” She pauses to look at you. “Oh, sorry. Walk time starts in forty minutes, are you registered with us?”

Mithical

"I believe so, love, I'm an old acquaintance of Tracy's. Same school, you see."

Sciborg

“Oh, certainly. Name?” She readies her clipboard.

Mithical

"The Skulker, the Lurker, and A Breath of Fresh Air, designed by Sherri Taylor."

(yes I know my own character's name)

Sciborg

“Wow.” She nods and scribbles this down. “Okay, I’ll put you down for Walk Eight at twelve-thirty. Don’t be late.”

AncientSwordRage

(what time is it now?)

Mithical

Feb 23, 2023 21:44

"Thank you, darling." Sherri gives her a wink and turns away.

Sciborg

“Anytime.” Then, into the headset, “NO, STEVEN, ROSES ARE NOT YELLOW YOU ABSOLUTE DUMBFUCK.”

bobble

scan for food

Mithical

@Sciborg Were any execs in that group?

Sciborg

@AncientSwordRage It is currently around ten-thirty.

@bobble Roll Snack-Perception.

AncientSwordRage

@Sciborg (Fin may struggle to keep up her performance then)

Sciborg

Feb 23, 2023 21:47

@Mithical You didn’t note anyone you recognize, but one of the people who looked your way was wearing a very interesting avant-garde white-and-black checkered suit and had an expensive Rolex.

bobble

11+4=15

"No pickpock'ing?" (to Sherri, quietly)

Mithical

"Not the best time, I'm afraid, dear," she mutters back.

Sciborg

@bobble You spot a white tablecloth covered with salmon canapes, finger sandwiches, various fruits and dips, and other goodies. People are only picking at them slightly, not wanting to ruin their figures or outfits.

Mithical

@AncientSwordRage also, alertmonger is dropping off our passports at 14:00

bobble

Teri takes some salmon, hoping for good fresh fish. Usually she can only beg free stuff if it's going to be thrown out soon

Mithical

Feb 23, 2023 21:51

@Sciborg Sherri will make a mental note of that, and keep a sharp eye on Teri to make sure she remembers the Do Not Dirty commandment.

Sciborg

The checker-suited man, who is still watching you all closely and Fin in particular, starts casually sidling over to the corner of the room, clearly trying to stay unnoticed but failing. He has a very tiny, delicate Moleskine notepad in his hand and is now writing something down on it.

AncientSwordRage

Fin hovers near Teri, trying to strike a fierce pose

(15+7=22, I'm trying to performance plot into existence)

Mithical

"Fluid, smooth, rippling," Sherri mutters to Fin.

Sciborg

@AncientSwordRage You must succeed, because he raises an eyebrow slightly as if impressed, and then his attention moves to Sherri as he continues silently jotting things down.

He looks very familiar, Sherri, but you're not quite placing it.

bobble

13+9=22 to eat without making clothes dirty

Mithical

Feb 23, 2023 21:54

Sherri still isn't going to approach him, but she'll do some gliding around in the area.

Sciborg

@bobble You take such graceful, mess-free and well-mannered bites of the salmon that you're practically a model already.

bobble

I assume the street and library folks Teri would recognize aren't here

AncientSwordRage

@Mithical Fin nods, and picks up a small canape in a Fluid, Smooth and Rippling way.

(2+7=9, oh no)

Sciborg

@Mithical As you slowly circumnavigate the room, you finally notice Victoria Royce - hard to miss, because she's wearing a dress made entirely out of sticks, branches and twigs with some man-made litter and plastic twined within it, like she's making an environmentalist statement. She is chatting up the room with the charismatic poise of a superstar and holding a wineglass gracefully between two fingers.

Beside her stands her husband, wearing a normal tuxedo and looking very much like he doesn't want to be here.

Mithical

Has Sherri met Victoria before?

bobble

Feb 23, 2023 21:58

Teri is uncomfortable in this setting and will thus vibe without talking unless otherwise prompted

AncientSwordRage

(waiting to see if that 9 had any negative consequences)

Sciborg

@Mithical You've never spoken to her directly, but you've seen her in passing at a few shows, and she's always wearing something loud and noticeable - last time you saw her at a show, she was dressed like a black widow spider.

@AncientSwordRage You fumble and drop the canape on the ground. A nearby model glances over and looks scandalized.

AncientSwordRage

@Sciborg Fin pouts at her with enough cattiness to put on a Broadway show

bobble

disappears canape into napkin

Sciborg

The model huffs and sashays off as if this is the worst thing that's ever happened to her.

AncientSwordRage

Feb 23, 2023 22:01

Fin smirks to herself

(I'm 120% vibing but if I'm delaying plot let me know)

Mithical

@Sciborg In that case, Sherri will just brush past, lifting a similar wineglass in a polite greeting motion (although the "wine" is just water colored with Prestidigation), and keep an eye out for any designers or models she actually knows.

Sciborg

You catch a bit of the conversation in passing: "...too much blandness in modern fashion. It doesn't say something anymore," Royce is saying, in a very impassioned, British-accented voice. "Fashion is meant to be an indictment of the world, a statement, the voice given to your form by its fabric. But it is so frustrating that all of these modern designers see it as just looking pretty..."

"I am sure fashion designers have said similar for decades," the man she's talking to observes sagely.

AncientSwordRage

Fin will broadcast to Sherri, "Dúlla min, let me know if you need me to make an entrance"

Mithical

Sherri has some thoughts on that, but doesn't want to be rude by butting in or interrupting this titan of the scene, so continues on.

@AncientSwordRage Sherri tries to respond, but has no idea if it works like that.

Sciborg

You pass a young man dressed in semi-shabby formal wear who is clearly a news reporter, eagerly badgering around for a story and failing to grab too much attention. "Ah, e-excuse me, I'm with the Associated Press, sir, if you could -" he tries in someone's direction, but the man breezily moves away and ignores him.

Teri, you recognize this as Jesper, who comes around the library sometimes to take pictures of events.

The checker-suited man finishes his note-taking in the background, tucks his small notepad into the pocket of his tuxedo and circles quietly over to pour himself a glass of champagne.

AncientSwordRage

Feb 23, 2023 22:11

@Mithical Fin looks over to Sherri noticing her lack of response "You'll need to say something, it's all one way" she sounds a little huffy in your head like she expected that to be obvious

bobble

Teri message-s Sherri "I recognize the reporter. Should I avoid?"

Mithical

Responding to Teri: He's looking shabby. Avoid.

bobble

nods

Mithical

Responding to Fin, audibly: "Save your entrance for the walk, brioche à la cannelle. We've got a little while yet."

bobble

Right now Teri is weighing the relative merits of different sandwich fillings

Mithical

Feb 23, 2023 22:16

Turning to the man in the suit, Sherri holds up her "wine"-glass. "A toast to fine drinks, darling?"

AncientSwordRage

Fin resorts to sashaying slightly less vigorously and broadcasts back Já, dúlla min

(10+7=17 performance)

bobble

I have a meeting in ten

Sciborg

@Mithical The man glances over and seems to look you over and size you up very rapidly in one searching, surgical look. He quirks a tiny smile and raises the glass in your direction, and with a distinct French accent says, "Merci. A toast to a delightful evening. I couldn't help but take notice of your very interesting attire."

bobble

Teri, having decided on a mystery cheese sandwich, eagerly wolfs it down

Mithical

"Ah, you flatter me, love. A little creation of my own, you see."

♦ PSE RPG Chatroom

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