Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

Rats.

The vermin invaded the theater, and the false story written in The Taddler was made true. The magical shadow conjurations - wasn't that what Kaden called them? - had exploded after they were destroyed, and the flames that issued forth from their bodies soon engulfed the interior of the theater.

The new couches Selis Vhaire had purchased were destroyed. Structural pillars were charred. Sections of the walls in the backstage area were destroyed beyond repair. Props had melted in the magical blaze. Workbenches... her desk... the bunk beds used by the Performers... every part of the theater was in varying states of destruction now.

She had planned to do a few renovations at a time, but now she had an entire theater to refurbish. There were some items that were salvageable; the place was not an entire loss. She knew that time, hard work, and a lot of money was needed to get the theater back to an inhabitable building - and luckily, she had all three.

(( Until the new version of the theater is completed and added, The White Mask Theater should be considered torched and ruined. Think of it like a house fire that got stopped after it destroyed half of the dwelling. There are things that are intact, but just as many things need replacing.

Anyone who has offered to help clear rubble and debris or clean charring from the stones is welcome to post their RP here! ))

Jonas seems to have foregone palace court the morning following the fire, and is seen in a normal tunic and trousers clearing debris bright and early. The man works tirelessly for about six hours before he leaves, at which point rumor has it he is seen going to a few of the more high end merchants of the city asking a great deal about different kinds of art - paintings, sculptures, etc.

Aleric makes his way along the streets of the Palace district, asking questions of any pedestrian and Fist guardsman he can find who might have been witness to the event.

"Did you see anyone near the theater?"

"Did you see anything unusual immediately before the fire broke out?"

And most importantly:

"Do you or anyone you know have any ideas as to the identity of 'The Taddler?'"

Black wrath settles over his features, and those he approaches answer quickly before scattering, lest the simmering anger boil over into sudden and furious action.

*A rather large amount of stored art and furnishings from the attics and vaults of the attic mysteriously appear after one night, in a tidy gathering near the stage. A large sum of coins and valuables are also left for Selis Vhaire, with a note attached:

"A little addition to my investment."*

After short conversation with Selis, Solus and Jonas the night of destruction, the orangely clad, masked initiate makes her way to the rubble of the theater. Maar simply stares that the building for a couple moments before finally going to check for any word from Selis. It is a fresh start of a new day and there is work to be done.

The young woman looks tired - it is visibly evident that if she slept, she did not sleep for more than an hour or two. She returns to the wreckage of The White Mask Theater as soon as there is enough light to work, and she is soon dirty and covered in soot and char as she wades into the rubble.

"Okay, let us focus our efforts on getting what is ruined carted outside for disposal and putting everything that is salvageable together in groups once we have cleared some rubble and have the space to work," she says to those helping her. A quick smile of gratitude is offered to everyone working with her, and she alternates humming and singing inspirational melodies as the day passes.

At some point, she finds the items - and the note - from a certain someone. Her eyes narrow, and she grits her teeth - at least until she sees a fine collection of wooden ships and other exquisite décor pieces. One of the ships receives oooh's and ahhh's from her, and she momentarily forgets the motivation behind the "gifts".

*a rather tall, broad-shouldered elf comes belatedly to the scene and without comment begins helping remove debris from the interior of the burnt-out theater*

[When duty permits, Meri walks by pausing for a moment, but does not stay or speak a word.

She returns a while later with two large baskets. In one is sandwiches and muffins, in the other a full days supply of tea. The tea of choice boosts energy, and has many healthful benefits. It tastes mildly of raspberries and faintly sweet.

She chats for a few moments with the others before saying good byes and heading back to the temple. As she goes, she calls a prayer over her shoulder for the group.]

May you be granted strength in your endeavor friends. Mercy keep you.

[left behind is a large cylindrical case, inside is a charcoal sketch of the masquerade ball. It is rather large, encompassing the theater proper, showing the many attendees and performers in fine detail. It is simply titled:]

From the Ashes

Valqis joins in the cleanup and recovery efforts. She says little to the others as she methodically picks through the debris.

Alison Schlump, esteemed member of the Performer's Guild shows up after she hears the news and begins helping out where she can at Selis's direction. She is very chatty as usual and talks to every helper she meets, offering thanks and companionship, flitting from work-group to work-group.

Although she does manage to get some work done, when you combine that with the work she slowed down by socializing with the other workers, it is estimated by the keen observer (of which there are hopefully none) that the net amount of work accomplished by her presence approaches zero.

On the other hand, everyone feels better about themselves.

*Geirard arrives with the other workers and throws in. He occasionally leaves as duties call him away. He says little unless approached but goes about his work stoically. To the casual observer can be seen a black armband with the symbol of the fist in the middle with three freshly painted points of light below it. If asked he will identify himself as a member of the fist.*

A very grim and sweaty Colonel Sir Justin Crownsilver is seen barking orders as a score of barrel-chested burly off duty Flaming Fist mercenaries sift through the wreckage and debris aiding in the cleanup effort.

"Mark my words, heads will roll for this. By Helm I swear it." The young field commander can be heard repeating over and over to his men.

From the moment Solus journeyed to the wreckage of the Mask with Selis he sets to work with a grim determination despite the heat blisters and boils that cover his skin. What can be salvaged is set aside as per Selis' requests. What can't he makes short work of with his magic. Arcane blasts burst endlessly from his hands, grinding the large chunks of rubble down into smaller, more manageable pieces. He continues to work doggedly at the wreckage and stops only for necessary rests or at the command of Selis to handle other tasks.

A red-headed halfling female arrives at the scene leading a riding dog weighed down with food stuffs and a small barrel of drinking water. She surveys the scene then sets about unloading the food so that it is in plain sight of the workers. Once this is completed, she begins to move amongst the workers healing wounds and lending a hand where ever she can.

If asked, she gives her name as Buppi.

On her apron is the cornucopia of Yondalla.

Days pass, and slowly but surely, order starts to emerge from the chaos that is the ruined theater.

Once the majority of the rubble has been cleared and hauled elsewhere for disposal, Selis sends a flurry of letters via couriers to various places in Sembia. Those still working with her would learn that she has sent for some of the finest items in Faerûn to be delivered to the Palace District; if she has to rebuild her home, she will rebuild it in style.

While she awaits the first deliveries to arrive, the young woman begins cleaning and polishing the stone foundations that are left.