Rites

The Sultan's Summons

Princess Raedina was to face the Sultan. The city buzzed—everyone knew this might be the last time she was spoken of in public.

ID: 5008215

Type: None

Tips: None

Duration: 1 days

Waits For: 3 days

Marked as New Only on First Occurrence: 0

Starts Automatically: No

Triggers Result Automatically: No

Tag Tips: None

Tag Tips Up: Fight Result, Charisma, Stealth

Tag Tips Text:

Random Text: None

Random Text Up:

Roll #1
The Sultan's gaze sweeps over Raed from head to toe...
Type: Fight Result
Type Tips: Raed's Stealth minus Charisma determines your full dice count.
Low Target: 3
Low Target Tips: 3 Successes will keep the Sultan's eyes off her.
Roll #2
Can you withstand the Sultan's questioning?
Type: Normal Result
Type Tips: Your Charisma and Stealth determine your full dice count.
Low Target: 5
Low Target Tips: You need 5 Successes to get through.
Roll #3
[s3.name] begins the performance...
Type: Normal Result
Type Tips: [s3.name]'s Charisma minus Raed's Charisma, plus Raed's Stealth, determines your full dice count.
Low Target: 5
Low Target Tips: You need at least 5 Successes to win.

Actions When Wait Expires

Action:

Slots

Slot #1
The Sultan Demands to See Her

Locks: No

Is Key: No

Is Empty: No

Is Enemy: No

Conditions:

  • Type = Character
  • Card = Raed

Pops: None

Slot #2
Those Who Can Help Dress Raed

Locks: No

Is Key: No

Is Empty: Yes

Is Enemy: No

Conditions:

Pops: None

Slot #3
One Companion Whose Charisma Exceeds Raed's

Locks: No

Is Key: No

Is Empty: Yes

Is Enemy: No

Conditions:

Pops: None

Slot #4
You must go there yourself

Locks: No

Is Key: No

Is Empty: No

Is Enemy: No

Conditions:

Pops: None

Activation Conditions

Tips: Companions' Charisma must exceed Raed's.

Conditions:

Outcome

Prior

This rite has no prior outcome.

Regular

When the Sultan's eunuchs arrived with a palanquin for Princess Raedina, your carriage burst from the corner... The title of minister still carried some weight; you declared you would personally escort the noble princess to the Supreme Sultan—on diplomatic grounds.

Good. You bought yourself some time.

Extra

Make Him Feel Defiled and Uncomfortable
Raed's tale of porcelain veneers gave Malkina ideas... Using shells and soot, she crafted a more convincing set of false teeth, so that the story of Princess Raedina's rotten mouth, blamed on the crude customs of her homeland, would sound more believable.

Raed complained of the stench and the sour taste. "That's the point! Otherwise, something fouler, filthier will be coming!" said Malkina. The princess shut her mouth at once.

Conditions:

No Exotic Allure
Maggie thought it over and advised Princess Raedina to dress like a model noblewoman of the capital, in full conformity with Purist etiquette. A Sultan longing for "exotic flavors" would surely be disappointed.

You set to work. Thankfully, Maggie had ample gowns and accessories to replace Raedina's flamboyant attire. A touch of dark foundation and lip color... now she looked like a lady bound for prayer—lost among the crowd.

Conditions:

The Reverse Approach
After hearing the gist, Shama began to comb Raedina's hair. "What's in vogue is Zazie's wavy length with an enormous golden crown... so we'll go for something dull—a simple knot.

And the dress, too little fabric reads coy, too much reads wanton. We'll bare the least alluring parts, your arms—oh, so muscular! The Sultan won't like that. He prefers soft, delicate ones that look ready to snap. So, arms exposed. And a bit of waist—yes... much better." Raedina yielded meekly, letting Shama fuss over her without a word. You watched as the charming, radiant princess was, with just a few deft touches, transformed into someone most men would overlook... In the end, everyone was all quite pleased with the result.

Conditions:

A Calculated Comparison
Jenna prepared a full ensemble for Princess Raedina—basically a cheap imitation of the golden finery worn by Zazie. The effect was perfect: anyone who saw the saw Princess Raedina would instantly think of the peerless Zazie... and then wonder, why choose an inferior imitator when the true beauty is still alive? With luck, the trick would confound the Sultan.

Conditions:

No Time for Such Nonsense
If we keep the Sultan waiting, we might not even get a word in! Into the carriage—now!

Conditions:

A Hero's Gallantry
On the way to the palace, Nabhani lavished Princess Raedina with praise, vowing that such a "flower of the mountain", so noble and pure, would never be left to wither in the court. Raedina wept right on cue, responded with perfect restraint, and let a soft, lingering affection slip through—until Nabhani was thoroughly besotted. "When the time comes, you mustn't be too enchanting. Say nothing, do nothing, just leave it to me. I... uh... with [player.name], will find a way to make the Sultan lose interest in you!"

Only then did you recall that Nabhani had never seen Raed's real face... Poor fool—let the play go on!

Conditions:

Perhaps a cat will do?
Lady Becky was placed in Princess Raedina's arms. You stepped back and watched: she purred, yawned, scratched her ear. Raedina looked like a piece of furniture that came with the cat. With such a kitten on her lap, who would still harbor lust? "Will this really work?" Raedina asked, stroking the cat. "Am I truly less alluring than a cat...?" You had no idea how to comfort her... In the end, you simply told her to hold the cat tight, and together you set off for the palace.

Conditions:

If the Sultan has any humanity...
Maggie is your wife; surely, however "free-spirited" the Sultan may be, he would not seize a minister's lawful spouse... surely.

Maggie dressed with care, bathed in rose balm, and painted herself unlike her usual style; she emphasized those limpid eyes and parted her hair into several strands, each adorned with a different ornament. She went over with Raedina what to say, and what not to say, before the Sultan; then she took Raedina by the hand and came to you. "If the worst happens—what Raedina fears—my husband, you must protect us both." Your head throbbed, yet her plea was fair. You gritted your teeth and swore that if the strategy of having Maggie accompany Raedina failed and the Sultan still wanted Raedina, you would find a way.

And so, the three of you set out for the palace.

Conditions:

Already Courageous Enough
Though you and [s3.name] had yet to devise an effective plan, having someone willing to face the Sultan alongside her gave Raedina a measure of courage...

Conditions:

First Sight
The Sultan awaited you.

By the harem fountain, he reclined on a couch of marble and ebony, two slave girls fanning him. He toyed idly with his dagger—you knew that bored look; it usually birthed cruelty... Raedina kept her gaze lowered as she walked between you, playing the rustic overawed by majesty—small, tremulous beneath a sovereign's gaze.

Perhaps it was luck, or perhaps her act truly worked; at the very least, the Sultan allowed you to approach without impropriety.

Conditions:

The Princess Smiled
The Sultan awaited you.

By the harem fountain, he reclined on a couch of marble and ebony, two slave girls fanning him. He toyed idly with his dagger—you knew that bored look; it usually birthed cruelty... As he drew breath to speak, Princess Raedina forced a very nervous, very genuine smile—the ruined teeth shattered his prepared opening.

Conditions:

Where is the Princess?
The Sultan awaited you.

By the harem fountain, he reclined on a couch of marble and ebony, two slave girls fanning him. He toyed idly with his dagger—you knew that bored look; it usually birthed cruelty... After staring for quite some time, he realized that the "ordinary local woman" among you was Princess Raedina... and his disappointment was plain to see.

Conditions:

Barbarian Indeed
The Sultan awaied you.

By the harem fountain, he reclined on a couch of marble and ebony, two slave girls fanning him. He toyed idly with his dagger—you knew that bored look; it usually birthed cruelty... Princess Raedina was hardly as beautiful as the rumors claimed—unless, unbeknownst to him, the capital had begun to prize women with chiseled abs?

Conditions:

What Nonsense
The Sultan awaited you.

By the harem fountain, he reclined on a couch of marble and ebony, two slave girls fanning him. He toyed idly with his dagger—you knew that bored look; it usually birthed cruelty... In a blink he thought he saw a coarser, bulkier Zazie. Such clumsy pandering to his tastes only spoiled his mood.

Conditions:

So, [player.name], has this woman come under your wing?
You prostrated yourself, first apologizing for failing to report in time; then introducing Raedina's origins and background. Finally, you explained your caution: as the Sultan's minister, you were duty-bound to ward off every possible harm. What if she were an assassin? What if she carried disease? What could be more vital than the vigor and health of our radiant sun? Only recently had you confirmed the lady posed no danger. In the meantime, some irresponsible souls must have embroidered tales to the Sultan... They simply lacked your prudence—and your loyalty. Amused, the Sultan waved you up—enough groveling; it must be tiring.

Now, let Princess Raedina approach. The Sultan commanded.

Conditions:

So, [player.name], has this woman come under your wing?
You prostrated yourself, first apologizing for failing to report in time; then introducing Raedina's origins and background, but the Sultan cut you off coldly. He already knew you had pocketed every noble lady who came to the capital before he did. "You have chilled my heart..."

Enough. Stop groveling. Now, let Princess Raedina approach.

Conditions:

Result:

What is your relation to Princess Raedina?
"Nabhani—what business have you here?" His gaze shifted to the Iron Guard. "I summoned a woman... why do two men appear before me?" Nabhani was struck dumb with nerves... The Sultan laughed. Whether Princess Raedina was plain or bewitching mattered little—he could wring amusement from you either way. The more you fretted, the greater his delight.

He snapped his fingers; eunuchs closed in, driving Raedina toward the depths of the harem garden. Laughing, he rose to sample his prey, while you remained kneeling, enduring the wild, feverish glances he cast back at you from time to time.

Conditions:

Result:

Action:

I'll Let Your Usual Tricks Slide...
You gave the signal; Princess Raedina set Lady Becky on the Sultan's knee. "It seems Lady Becky likes Princess Raedina. She has an eye for people, doesn't she, [player.name]?"

The Sultan stroked the cat for a while, and just when you thought you'd muddled through... "Let Raedina enter the palace to serve. Few consorts win Becky's favor; that way she'll grace court more often. Isn't that right, Lady Becky?"

He snapped his fingers; a cluster of eunuchs closed in, herding and forcing Raedina toward the depths of the harem garden. You remained kneeling, motionless, while Becky mewed and even snagged the Sultan's robe—he did not care.

Conditions:

Result:

Action:

Just Like Your Daughter...
Maggie's poise, grace, and beauty were no secret in the capital, nor was the steadiness of your marriage. She set a hand on Raedina's shoulder and gently urged her, "Don't be nervous. Let our king see you." The scene was like a mother proudly presenting her daughter to the neighbors—hardly one to stir desire in any normal man. But our Sultan is no normal man. Malice kindled in his eyes. "Very well. Let me see what Lady Maggie has taught you." At his signal, a cluster of eunuchs closed in, herding and forcing Raedina toward the depths of the harem garden. Laughing, he rose to sample his prey, while you remained kneeling, enduring the wild, feverish glances he cast back at you from time to time.

Conditions:

Result:

Action:

He Saw Through Your Ploy
[s3.name] tried to dress plainly as a court attendant, hoping to throw Princess Raedina's ordinariness into relief. Yet the more she tried to hide behind you, the more the Sultan's interest grew... "So, you would keep me from drawing near this princess." He sneered and snapped his fingers; at his signal, a cluster of eunuchs closed in, herding and forcing Raedina toward the depths of the harem garden. Laughing, he rose to sample his prey, while you remained kneeling, enduring the wild, feverish glances he cast back at you from time to time.

Conditions:

Result:

Action:

So Your Little Schemes Do Have Their Uses
"Nabhani—what business have you here?" His gaze shifted to the Iron Guard. "I summoned a woman... why do two men appear before me?" "To guard you at your side, my king. Who knows what might happen?" Nabhani grinned, though you knew he was taut as a bowstring inside. "And the city has beauties aplenty of late—not just this one. I was hoping to tell you about a certain remarkably plump courtesan... Don't laugh! I wager you've never tasted the like."

That quick-witted rogue! The contrast piqued the Sultan at once; he and Nabhani spent a long while talking about courtesan, leaving you—and the foreign princess—set aside, brought up now and then for their jests and comparisons... Such humiliations, it seemed, pleased him.

At last, a eunuch hurried in to whisper in the Sultan's ear; with a wave, the farcical audience ended. Only then did you see Nabhani's back, drenched in cold sweat.

Conditions:

Action:

A Fine Cat, Truly
Lady Becky sprang onto the Sultan's knee. "You insolent puffball." He lifted her by the scruff; she windmilled her furry paws in protest. "You've raised her well, [player.name]. I doubt there is anyone in this realm she fears." You bowed, murmuring denials, while thinking: Come on, Lady Becky—purr, roll, do every cute trick—we're counting on you... Stroking Becky, the Sultan even spoke with you for a while about affairs of state—perhaps the first time in ages he had discussed governance with you. At last you felt like a true minister!

Then a eunuch rushed in to whisper; he waved, tossing Becky back into your arms, and the farce was over.

Conditions:

Action:

Who, besides [player.name], is more amusing than the Princess?
Maggie's poise, grace, and beauty were no secret in the capital, nor was the steadiness of your marriage—though of late that bond had been sorely challenged, much to the Sultan's amusement.

In full regalia, Maggie deliberately scolded Princess Raedina like a spiteful matron, telling her to "show yourself properly to the Sultan." Our shrewd monarch caught the subtle note at once. What could make Maggie resent the princess? How interesting. Best let Lord Arzu untangle this himself... He gave the shrinking Raedina a perfunctory nod, then, feigning casualness, questioned you about the stories of the Carnality Card. Maggie's face went iron-dark, her nails digging into her palms, as you solemnly reported to the Sultan yet again...

At last a eunuch hurried in to whisper; he waved, smiling as he dismissed Lady Maggie and the princess, and the farce was over.

Conditions:

Action:

[s3.gender] Successfully Misled the Sultan
Princess Raedina deliberately tried to become the center of attention by sheer presence—yet under your careful staging she was instantly outshone by the resplendent [s3.name]. The Sultan took her for another rustic angling to crash the noble circle, tossed off a few perfunctory words, and left... When his figure vanished, both [s3.name] and Raedina slumped to the floor, as if all their energy had been drained.

Conditions:

Action:

She Stirred the Sultan's Cruel Desire
The Sultan awaited you.

By the harem fountain, he reclined on a couch of marble and ebony, two slave girls fanning him. He toyed idly with his dagger—you knew that bored look; it usually birthed cruelty...

Before you could speak—or even pay homage—he strode over and seized Raedina's face, twisting her features with brute strength as he inspected her like livestock—teeth, lips, tongue. "[player.name], is this the new toy you've hidden in the city? Let me have her—you don't mind, do you?" Laughing, he hauled Raedina up and hurled her to a squad of brawny eunuchs. "Make her presentable... As for you, wait here."

You knelt there until deep into the night, when a eunuch finally ordered you home... with no word of Raedina.

Conditions:

Result:

Action: