Greetings, brethern,

[WARNING! TONS of Spoilers for "Rejoice for you are True!" of the "Purge the Unclean"-Adventurepack]

next (or overnext) weekend, one of my groups will join the Alabaster Court [Ptu/"Rejoice for you are True"]. From the adventure module, I understood that the Court is the "spiritual headquarter" of the "Choir" in Sibillus. The module does however only give detail about one event: the "stage play".

While this makes good evening entertainment, I am looking for something more "spirtual" to give the thing the alibi-feel of something else then just party. After all, that is what the "Choir" tries to be.

Was anyone the same place I am know? Anyone some thoughts what can be use for an "evening" schedule.

What I actual thought about:

- opening the evening with a short speach of Shoal, a common prayer and and singing an easy song (with "band"(orcheaster) in background & text holoproject above the heads of all
- followed by a "hello & welcome" where people talk to each other & get to know..and choir counsellors tending to those "known" and especially to "fresh
faces" (refreshments given by pleasent servants; orchestra playing background)
-another short (15 min?) sermon by a priest of the choir, talking about Medidation as a way to reach inner happines..with short group meditation (orchestra playes chilly tunes, Priest leads like in german "Autogenes Training"). After short "Meditation", ends and offers the "workshops" ... but after the play by Elsergy Plan that will start shortly after
- short pause so Krin can prepare his play
- the play (& what unfolds afterward; Counsellors walk around and are approachable for those wishing meditation workshop...privat workshops possible, but costly).

Any further ideas?

Well, I had no real ‘evening schedule’ except Elsergi’s play, Shoal’s entering and the appearance of Theodsia (including his chat with Shoal). Unfortunately only the group’s Assassin flinched a little after the killing of the low-hiver, but was really apologetic towards Elergi, so no duel aroused.

In my vision there is no real official ‘program’ as it is more some sort of soiree for the aristocracy than a religious service. They are more like Scientology than the catholic church. There were certain workshops with counselors for those who wanted to take part in them in the side rooms with meditation and autogenic training (to become ‘True’) as you mentioned. Apart from that just beverages, nibbles and chatting without any strong religious character.

Luthor Harkon said:

Main point (for me) in this is

a) to give some feeling and impression rather then just "alot of nobles chatting about stuff"
b) give it at least a religious surface (since that is what Shoals little scheme is about..otherwise, the nobles could just go to another nobles soiree..and my pc WILL point that out!)
c) Some events that play the pc a ball that gives they have an oppurtunity to check some rooms.(if the mass of the people stand around led into "autogenic training" (thankgs for the engl. word! ) ..and have a change to end up in a tense situation (if the room they "brook into" is the one a Counsellor is know coming to with a flock for a workshop).

Last but most vital point: if no duel will ensue (like it happend to you) the party has NOTHING notable... which should not be. I "botched" Lady Borellas Soiree like that. "not again".

Well, I never attended to anything Scientology related either (nor a service in the catholic church for that matter), but that is what my impression is. I do not think they pray in a Christian sense and more than a short (or longer…) sermon that is comparable to most ‘classic’ monotheistic chuches won’t happen. Anyway, the Alabaster Court was a little like Lady Borella’s soiree, only much larger and less private as well as with added counselors and a pseudo-reason to attend. That’s one of the reason why my players really though what the whole thing is good for anyway (to become ‘true’ of course) and started wondering. For the nobles it is just some sort of excuse to meet and drink and whatever and even pretend to be pious (which is a good side-effect for them and more satisfying than attending a boring sermon in an Ecclesiarchial church).

After all, the Alabaster Court - as well as Lady Borella’s soiree - are great opportunities for heavy role-playing in the truest sense with all these sorts of eccentric people around (I invented a lot more as it seems far too empty for my liking). Lady Borella herself more or less fell in love with our groups Assassin (three degrees of success on the Fel-roll) and treated him from then onwards as her personal gigolo. Even then you are right that the AC and the soiree are a bit light programmatically and seem lacking something (like almost all DH adventures in my opinion).

I fear I cannot help you more except to suggest emphasizing the role-playing aspect of these encounters is the best to do.
Still, I would be interested how it plays out in the end (how did you ‘botched’ the soiree btw?). So, please report afterwards.

Luthor Harkon said:

By one of the worst sin a GM can do: playing a scene where the pc have nothinig to do, and nothing interested is story-told to them.

They visited the soiree, I told them about what the ambient is like and that about a dozen and a half nobles with/without a small entourage are there as well. Descriped some of the figures the module provided. I had the young lady strophes explain to them that it would have been "bad manners" to straightly approach Lady of the House straight. ("this would be be to plain obivious an attempt"). So the "noble" pc explained that they he simply tries to stand by some groups, doing a little chat & introducing himself but keeping himself polite and plain (NONE of my pc is social but the rogue girl and since her player was totally foreign to 40K she opted out of playing the noble. The voidborn psyker was worth a choice then the imperial arbite that posed as a Castelan).

All in all, it was nothing but some dice roles (the "Castelan" isn´t to good a roleplayer, the guardsman played the bodyguard and enjoyed having a reason for not saying a word, the psyker was an aid to the "Castelan" and (after the failing of the "Castelan" to impress) "bought" the way into the Alabaster Court by placing a substancebal "donation" with the Choir. The rouge girl (who played the role of "the female whose purpose is to look stunning, smile decently and laugh & giggle when she is supposed to) didn´t knowed what she could contribute.

AFTER the scene, I had some ideas how to play this better (second group of mine will run this as well), but this time I simply "botched it".

I can't speak directly to the Alabaster Court scene, since when I played through it, by the time we got there everyone had already been slaughtered (one of our fellow acolytes inadvertently tipped off the enemy at Lady Borella's Soiree ). But we did have great fun at the Soiree, and it is my understanding that the Court scene is supposed to be similar, only bigger. So perhaps you can take how my GM ran the Soiree and transpose it into the Court.

It went something like this. There were many elements of extravagant wealth, the better to impress all of the important people there (vivid descriptions of such, to set the mood). There were also many 'interesting' people there, all trying their utmost to show everyone else just how important they were. As we were introduced by Strophes, we got to speak to, and otherwise interact with, a great many of them. Our psyker was also a soothsayer, so he entertained Lady Borella by telling her fortune during a slow moment, and impressed her so much that she invited us to the Alabaster Court. After that, many of the other guests just had to have their fortunes told as well. He (our psyker) really hammed-it-up, to everyone's entertainment. It was during this time that our over-zealous and irredeemably insane guardsman decided to approach 'the man posing as' Hax's second, and proceeded to talk himself (and the rest of us) into quite nearly blowing the whole mission. Of course, that conversation happened in private, so none of the rest of us knew it. We had a merry time.

Luthor Harkon said:

Hi!

We are "in the middle of it", in short it is a "so-so" situation:

Due to lack of impression they left at the Soiree (they merely "bought their way in" with a considerable donation) the only had one invitation (the noble whom happen to be our Arbitrator Plus One).

Since our Scum-Girl (my close friend Steffi) is the catburglar-type and our Psyker (the only real investigative player ) knows how to "Spider Walk", both of them decided do go in from the outside (entering through the big liberay...the one on the outside wall).

The Arb..ähm.. Castellan Regis chose his "bodyguard" (our more then happy-to-be-damned-to-silence IG-Player) as "plus one" and entered through the front. I gave them my best for the introduction, but as soon as the Consultators at the front door welcomed them formal the IG-player started to balk about the prospect of "more wabbly talking". The Lord Noble did his part well in the way that he had handed his invitation to his "Bodyguard" so he did even needed to show it himself. His "talking to guests" was merely discriptive as "having a friendly and non-important chat here and there". Well, at least he made a good charm role, so he was rather welcome with all the other nobles around.

As planned, I openend with a little speach (like a sermon, but much shorter) and singing of imperial hymes...with the lyrics holo-project above the head of all : I had used the Holoproject before to display angelic and inspirational scenes at the opening to underscore the Affluence of the whole place.. the inner liberay was changed to a "Trophy Hall" where acient statues and relics where show off... and in the remaining liberay ivy was kept growing around the shelfs...the ivory genetic manipulated so that it softly glowed in the dark... even fireflies were kept there to show off a little more.

Never the less, the sc were all connected with micorbeads and those in the liberay needed a disctraction to get into the crowd (after changing dresses)...I had to literally slam it over the heads of the other two players that everyone was looking up into the air to read the Lyrics (!) so the distraction was their.

We gave it a "cut" then. (after merely 3 hours of gameplay ). My productive players head headaches and I was happy to give it a break. 50% of my group was really unresponsive that day, all of the description about candles and light and dark was pretty lost to them. :(

I will go on next sunday with the play "Fall of Cyperien". The Guardsman is ITCHING for a fight... I think I will contradict the adventure and allow for a "champion" (which will make the "noble" look like a coward under that circumstances) and will improve Elserig Krin to the point of a very skilled Duellist. If the IG-Player really-really-really wants a fight, I will deliver. It will be till "second stroke" and will give them "Quick weapons" (better to parry with to make it interesting for the IG).

Afterward, the event will go on with a little speach about meditation and workshops so the pc have chances to "take a Consulator aside". Hopefully, they will use the duel as a distraction to check the rooms.

In addition, I will need to make VERY GOOD preperations for an "speedy EXIT" for Theo from the "Court": I am quiet sure that they will try to get a hand on "Theo" after they recognized them. The fact that they are UNARMED might not hinder them to much (not counting one shockmaul and a sword) In addition, I decided not to use the "UPS! talked to loud" of Shoal. Instead, Theos room will not be guarded and some clues will be placed there that point to ambulon. "Evesdropping" will be a good chance as well.

I think I won´t use the "exposition Occular" either. The will have a link in Theo&theChoir&Ambulon..this should be enough to locate the operation base on Ambulon and get into the final.

[Lady Borella´s Soiree]
In order to get an invitation to the Alabaster Court, one needs to impress Lady Borella (as written in the module) or
has to place a substantial donation with the Choir (through the present Counsellor Abroag). The later method is a
“fail safe” so the pc have at least one “sure shot” at getting an invitation. Below, you will find an additional number
of guest and occurrences to bring more life to the Soiree. Informations about all the guests can be quickly garnered
at the Soiree from other guest with an easy test for Inquiry or Charm

Guest: The figure of golden Faith
A young women with asian parentage and appearance wearing a robe the colour of beamless copper with a wide
hood whose inside glows with a soft golden light. Maelinea Yong, Scion of the Trading Dynasty of Yong, was
invited since she is “a person of faith” with a sharp intellect and daughter to a quiet wealthy trade house. Lady
Borella hoped to win her over, but Maelinea Yong is brought up conservative and is more then a little sceptic
towards the “lofty” approach of the Choir.
During the evening, “the Golden Figure of Faith” will sooner or later start a discussion about matters of faith and
the seriousness in matters of faith. She is not a grumble and open to enjoyment, but sees faith as something more
earnest and is firm in ecclesial scripture regarding this point. The discussion (between her and another guest your
choosing..or the pc!) will gain much attention..especially as the person “defending” the Choirs position (perhaps
Abroag?) is not looking good against the witty Scion of House Yong.
A pc siding with the court and discussing with Maelinea can either focus to Convince Maelinea or focus on getting
the attendees on his side.
In the first caste, it is an extended opposed test between Maelinea and the pc. Maelinea is going to test on
Common Lore (Imperial Creed+10) and has INT 38. A pc who does not have the skill can test on Intelligence
instead, but suffers -10 to all roles since his arguments “lack foundation”. If a pc has Scholastic Lore (Imperial
Creed) he will gain a +15 Bonus due to his deeper knowledge. The opposed test goes over 5 “rounds” only.
Afterwards, Lady Borella will interrupt the dispute with very friendly but definite words “Oh please, let´s not start
a bitter argument. Tonight is for enjoyment.”
· If at any one time a pc reached five or more net success, Maelinea will admit that his arguments seem valid
and that she will think about them. The pc will get a +5 bonus on any further social roles with those present
over the course of the next view days and will receive an invitation to the Alabaster Court.
· If the pc did not managed to change Maelienas mind but had the better arguments (net success) he might
have won over the crowd. Let him test for Fellowship. The test is routine if he/she has a higher FEB then
Maelinea (FEB: 3), ordinary if equal and challenging if lower. The pc gains a +10 bonus if he focused on
the crowd to begin with and another +5 for every level of net success from the discussion. One or more
level of success will lead to an invitation. …and the animosity of Maelinea if he focused on the crowd
during the discourse.
· If the pc “tied” with Maelinea or Maelinea won with one net success, she will seek the pc out near the end
of the soiree. “While we surely differ in opinion, it was a pleasure to me to discourse with one of intellect
and learning.” She will have received an invitation and will ask Lady Borella if the pc has received one as
well. If not, she will send a messenger to House Strophes next day with a handwritten invitation to
accompany her to the Alabaster Court “Perhaps both of us should use the chance to broaden our view on
the Joyous Choir …and give each of us a second chance to persuade the other afterward?”

Guest: The walking warstory
A bland looking young man (mid 20) in a navy officers full dress, complete with officers cutlass. Noel VanSielt,
Naval Officer to the Sector fleet by right of succession returned from his first four year term on a cobra class
destroyer. He is ripe with stories about the void, “ship life” and glorious tales of hunting pirates and smugglers.
Unfortunately, he is a most un-entertaining narrator. Much to the displeasure of Lady Borella, who invited him
more or less solely in hope for some interesting stories. An ordinary test for Scrutiny will tell that those around
him are bored and are only looking for a polite way to disappear or to change the topic.
· With three successes on an ordinary extended test on charm or fellowship a pc can somehow manage to
switch the topic in another direction of his choosing… without affront to Noel VanSielt. If however five or
more levels of failure are accumulated, Noel will grow very upset about those interruptions. The player can
now apologize and leave it be or tell him straight that he bores the attendee… which will lead Noel to call
for a duel (like the one Elsergi Krin will call for, see module).
If the subject is change without bloodshed and the pc know to entertain (with one or more level of success
on an ordinary test for a performer skill, interesting Common Lore or fellowship). Lady Borella will later
the evening thank the figure for the “rescue” and provide him with an invitation to the Court “It is always
good to know someone near who can rescue the evening”. If blood was shed, the Lady will not give an
invitation since she dislikes “troublemakers”.
· A pc with Common Lore (Military) can try to “bind” Noel in a conversation (easy test for charm or
fellowship) and thereby “relief” the other guests. This “noble sacrifice” will give the pc (or “his noble”) a
+5 bonus on other interaction test this evening.

Guest: The Lady of Interest
An older (appearing end 40, but clearly “age treated”) noblewomen in Billow Robes the colour of light grey blue,
flowing around liting her like she would be a galaxy (with waist at the center, illuminating her silhouette partly).
She is accompanied by a slender and muscular bodyguard wearing nothing but duelling sword and thin black
SynSkin that leaves nothing to the imagination.
Lady Amanda Shillering Movia owns a fortune, all of it due to the late Lord Shillering Movia. Her (short)
mourning now over, she is indeed looking for a companion (if not for a husband). A fact anybody can tell after a
routine scrutiny test. Two or more level of success will although reveal that to her it is more about clever display
of affection. She has a standing invitation to the Alabaster Court since she is a staunch supporter of the Choir. Like
Lady Borella. In fact, the two share a rivalry in out-doing one another with Soiree and bringing in guest (fact
disclosed to the pc by one of the other guests if one level of success is achieved on a test for Inquiry or a social
skill. Inviting one another to each Soiree is part of “the game” to them, and “blows” are exchange by providing
better parties. It is an unspoken agreement, however, that snatching good guests from each others parties for the
Court would be a “low blow” and beyond both noble women.
Option: With little cosmetic changes, Lady Amanda Shilling Movia can be turned into Lord Oswalt Shilling
Movia. His bodyguard will be female and he will be accompanied by a midget carrying an oxygen flask with
breathing mask. One of his lunges was penetrated in a duel to the death (which gives him the right to choose a
champion in fights).

· A pc trying to charm Lady Shillering Movia will quickly find out that he isn´t the only one interested. A
charming young nobleman (Fellowship: 36; Charm+10) will court her as well. If the pc tries his look, he
will be “bound” the whole evening (or till he “gives up”). The evening is handled in an extended opposed
check on charm. Since the Lady is fastidious, “mere success” will not be counted at all. Every level of
success on the forma scrutiny test for Lady Amanda will result in a +5 bonus.
· If the pc wins, Lady Amanda will invite him to join her to the Alabaster Court. If the pc tries but is giving
it up over the course of the evening, he receives -10 on all interaction test with Lady Borella (for “trying to
sleep with the enemy”).
· If the pc holds on but loses in the end, an ordinary test for scrutiny will tell the character that he can still
win the Lady over…if he formally challenges his rival in a duel for the right to accompany Lady Amanda
to the Alabaster court (to the Lady, being coveted is the important thing). Of course, he has to win the duel!
(like the won with Elsergie, take the profil of the “dissolute nobel” for the rival
· If the pc instead pay no attention to Lady Shillering but mock her behind her back for her “blushless
candidness” they will gain a +5 on all social interaction tests with Lady Borella… and a demand for a duel
from Lady Amanda (represented by her Bodyguard), if they aren´t subtle about the mocking (ordinary
fellowship test). The duel will, however, not be asked for at the Soiree. Lady Amanda will seek the pc out
while leaving (she honours Lady Borellas disdain for duels). The duel will take place in the streets of the
spire, with unpowered blades and no armour. It will be over after the third blow. Since Lady Amanda
names a champion, the accused has the same right. Her Bodyguard has a WS, ST and T of 40 and the
“Furios Assault” Talent. He will all-out attack as long as he didn´t received any wounds. From that point
on, he will use the “defensive stance” manoeuvre.

Guest: The prospective Archeo-Explorer
A somewhat chubby beared man in his late 70s wearing a simple suit but many an impressive ring at both hands
accompanied by a weathered looking slender man in his late 40s attired in clean but adventures looking environsuit.
Baron Walges Comtum is the head of the Comtum family, a very minor line that gained riches, title and small
holdings by service as Archeo-Explorers for other Houses of Scintilla. The latest attempts of the Comtum line,
however, where disappointing. He sees the Choir as sort of a “stepping stone” and a way for him and his son
Ronnert Comtum to seize up & get in touch with new backers for his next Exploration attempt in the Golgenna
Reach. Even with the latest miscarriages, his name is family is still of renown to the majority of the nobles.
· With an ordinary test for Deceive, the acolythes can make Baron Comtum believe that they are indeed
interested in backing his next venture. While he cannot open the door to the Alabaster Court for him, this
message will spread with the others and the noble of the group will get a +10 at all social interactions tests
with other nobles over the course of the next few days. If the test is failed however, rumours will spread as
quick and the pc have -5 malus now.
· If they are on good terms with Walges (polite conversation, no failed attempt at deceiving him; two success
on an ordinary charm test) Walges might tell them about the Shoals “first business on Scintilla” and how it
ended. He will, however, not call him a forger but will point out that many people doubted Caros Shoals
innocence “back in the days”.
· Walges is a merchant in nature. During any conversation over his work and expeditions he will point out
that he has still some “pre-imperial sculptures” which he did not found a prospective buyer for till now
“which is a shame since ancient art like that belongs into a showcase or private exhibit, not into a storing
box” The characters might want to make an appointment with him for the next day to have a look at his
sculptures to buy a piece as a “late guest present” to Lady Borella… or simply as a present for Caros Shoal.
With a successful test for Scholastic Lore (Legend) [routine], Trade (Artist) [routine] or Common
Lore (Imperium) (ordinary) the object was tasteful/special enough to earn a Invitation to the Alabaster
Court in return.