#Duchesse Emilie Aubert

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Manoir de Solomont: 01 Juin 1850, 10:30

Duchesse de Liroux: How dare you! You honestly think you can stand here and deny us access to our daughter?

Duc de Solomont: I've said it once, and I'll say it again. She is not here.

Duc de Liroux: You honestly expect her to believe you?

Duc de Solomont: Should you really be questioning me of anything? Especially considering all you've done?

Duchesse de Solomont: Bertram-

Duchesse de Liroux: I know she ran off with your vaurien of a son! When she was already intended for-

Duc de Solomont: [Harsh Laugh] If you truly believe le Monseigneur has any desire for her, you are indeed more delusional than I thought. And that's not even considering how Gaspard would-

Duchesse de Liroux: We are not here to discuss and relive history. Tell me where my daughter-

Duc de Liroux: Emilie. Enough.

Duchesse de Liroux: Cyprien, you cannot be-

Duc de Liroux: Assez. It is clear there will be no resolution here. We will deal with the matter tonight. Aurora is bound to reappear this evening, and if we have to involve le petit roi, then so be it.

Duc de Liroux: This is far from over, Bertram. Bonne journée. Emilie. We're leaving.

[Duc et Duchesse de Liroux Leave]

Duchesse de Solomont: What should we do? We cannot keep them from attending, but the last thing we want is for them to cause a scene.

Duc de Solomont: We stay the course, Lydie. I'll try to have a private word with Gaspard. Perhaps if we can persaude him to help us ensure the marraiage cannot be annulled, we'll be able to protect them.

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[badassindistress]

No Vampires Allowed – Curse of Strahd session 1

 A new party has assembled for an adventure of the gothic horror kind. Naturally, we all picked characters that match this fantastic setting.

The party includes:

Raisa, a human soldier in a lot of debt who really hopes fighting wolves will pay a lot,

Sasha, a hermit Barbarian Half-Orc who accidentally wandered into the group and was too awkward to ask what was happening,

Everard, Lord Vaquelin, a noble half elf bard who is much more concerned with debauchery than saving innocent souls,

Emily St Aubert, a naïve gothic heroine who has picked up some rogue skills every time an evil uncle imprisoned her in a dark and abandoned castle

Clara Ixthar, a human Paladin mostly concerned with smiting fiends and undead and not much else

Who better to save some children from monsters? Quite a lot of people probably, since a whole lot of us are in the words of our dm @aporeticelenchus “Quite squishy”.

The party has been requested by Duchess Morwen of Daggerfern to find out some more information about the wolves roaming around in the mist and apparently kidnapping villagers. She will pay well for more information about the wolves, since there are lost children they fear have become the wolves’ target.

The party wanders around in the mist until they stumble upon a group of people around a campfire. They get an invitation to join but are expected to give something in return. Everard jumps at the opportunity to recite a poem that may have been about Duchess Daggerfern, but was nonetheless beautiful. Sasha the hermit who does not know what’s going on shares some of their rations and Emily sings a mournful love song from her youth. Someone at the fire is taking notes on these performances. The leader of the group tells an interesting story about a wounded soldier who once wandered into their camp. He was a Prince, beset upon by assassins who ‘fell upon him like wolves’. The group nursed him back to health and the Prince swore they would always be safe in his woods. But the noble Prince got cursed. The storyteller did not dare speak the Prince’s name now. He did say that their leader, Madame Eva always has room for heroes and that you can find her at the Tser Pool.

As night falls, the party goes in search of the wolves. Instead, they find themselves on a path to a manor house. In front of it are two small children crying about a monster. The more heroic of the party immediately rush in to fight the monster, only to find a seemingly empty house. The cloaks in the closet and the clothing on the paintings is historical but strangely unfashionable.

The children, 10 year old Rose and her little brother Thorn explain to Emily and Sasha that there is a monster in the basement and that their parents generally lock them in their rooms to keep them safe. Their parents, Gustav and Elizabeth Durst, are still in the house, as is baby Walter.

Sasha and Emily join the group in their search of the house. The find out the party is very bad at history and no nothing about the Durst family or the windmill on their family crest. They do hear harpsichord sounds, which they follow to find a ghostly maid who declines to communicate with them. They also find a small white dog named Lancelot.

Then next room they search is the library, where Sasha immediately finds the hidden door cleverly hidden in the bookcase. The secret room contains tomes with runes and a chest with a skeleton draped over it. Emily faints at the sight of the skeleton and Everard heroically fails to catch her. The skeleton is holding a letter from Dread Master Strahd. This name is unknown to the party. Emily uses the tricks she had to learn every time her evil uncles imprisoned her and picks the lock on the chest. Luckily, the trap she set off no longer had any poison in it, so she was unharmed. The chest contained:

3 Spell scrolls: Bless, Protection from Poison, Spiritual Weapon

3 blank books

Deeds to the Manor house, and a windmill called Old Grinder

Signed Will, leaving the house to the children

Most importantly, Paladin Clara establishes that neither the dog nor the children are fiends. A valid concern, since there’s definitely something strange going on here.

And that’s all for this first session of The Curse of Strahd: No Vampires Allowed…

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Manoir de Liroux: 27 Mai 1850, 13:00

Mademoiselle Aurora: Oh! It seems I've been invited to tea by la Duchesse de Solomont this afternoon.

Duchesse de Liroux: You are unavailable.

Mademoiselle Aurora: [Tucks Letter into Dress] Maman, it would be rude to decline, especially when I have no prior commitments.

Duchesse de Liroux: Don't be absurd, Aurora. We are days away from le Monseigneur's announcement. You will secure his proposal, and in order to do that you must focus on nothing else. You have no time for tea or any other frivolous activities.

Mademoiselle Aurora: [Scoffs] You are delusional if you believe he will propose to me.

Duchesse de Liroux: I do not suppose your defiance has anything to do with your little rendezvous the other day with a certain Marquis during le Prix de Thornolie?

Mademoiselle Aurora: I...I don't know what you mean...

Duchesse de Liroux: Do you really imagine me a fool? Lest you forget I am always watching you, so imagine my surprise when I spotted you, alone, without le Monseigneur on your arm and instead wrapped around-

Mademoiselle Aurora: Maman-ah!

Duchesse de Liroux: [Grabs Aurora by the Neck] Now, you listen, and you listen well.

Mademoiselle Aurora: Maman, s'il vous plaît!

Duchesse de Liroux: I will not see you tarnish this family's name and reputation. You think sneaking around will save you from your fate? Don't make me laugh. You will marry le Monseigneur. End of story. [Throws Aurora to the Floor]

Mademoiselle Aurora: [Cries] Maman...non....

Duchesse de Liroux: I'll allow you to accept this invitation, but I suggest you use this opportunity to finally cut ties with le Marquis. If you don't, you will suffer consequences unlike which you can imagine. [Leaves]

Marquis de Liroux: Aurora...

Mademoiselle Aurora: Go away....

Marquis de Liroux: Shhh....I'm right here. You'll be alright.

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Manoir de Liroux, 18 May, 1850, 12:30 PM

Mademoiselle Aurora: Oh, Maman what do you think? I believe Eloise has finally perfected my hair.

Duchesse de Liroux: Postitively regal. We shall have her recreate this for the Prix de Thornolie.

Mademoiselle Aurora: En effet. Oh, I do wonder what Monsieur de Rousseau will think of it.

Duchesse de Liroux: And why would you bother yourself with his opinions?

Mademoiselle Aurora: He sent me a letter a few days ago asking to escort me, and I accepted.

Duchesse de Liroux: How dare you. What gives you the right to accept him when you are set to accompany the Monseigneur?

Mademoiselle Aurora: Quoi?

Duchesse de Liroux: You need not worry yourself. You were invited by Madame la Reine herself, and you will not insult this family by rejecting her. I will not hear another word about it, and you will send word to le Marquis and reject him.

Mademoiselle Aurora: Maman, non! I gave him my word days ago! I cannot reject him now!

Duchesse de Liroux: Ça suffit! You will write to him and reject his advances, and you will finally focus on hooking the Monseigneur!

Mademoiselle Aurora: I refuse! Why must you continue to push the matter when the Monseigneur's mind is already made up? Le Marquis is more than suitable, and a match any normal maman would be glad to have for their daughter!

Duchesse de Liroux: My reasons are none of your concern. You will do as I say and accompany the Monseigneur. End of discussion.

Mademoiselle Aurora: Non.

Duchesse de Liroux: Excusez-moi?

Mademoiselle Aurora: I will not be used by you or Papa for some slight you refuse to explain or let go of. I will not accompany the Mon-

[Emilie smacks Aurora]

Duchesse de Liroux: You will not disobey me! Write to le Marquis. Reject his request. Or you can be certain I will do it for you. And you will not like the method at which I go about it.

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Manoir de Liroux: 11 May 1850, 19:00

Duchesse de Liroux: Honestly, your hair is so unkempt! I don’t see why we keep that useless maid of yours. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: Maman, if Eloise were to do my hair any tighter I will not be able to focus on the opera! 

Duchesse de Liroux: [Haughty Sigh] Very well then. Perhaps in the carriage we should focus on your manners. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: [Mutters] This is absurd. 

Duchesse de Liroux: Enough, Aurora. I will not tolerate your disrespect tonight. Not when this could be your shining moment. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: Maman-

Duchesse de Liroux: Non. Everything must be spectacular. You will not make this family a laughingstock, not when you are to share a box with la famille royale this evening.

Marquis de Liroux: Finally. I wasn’t sure if you two were even going to show. 

Duchesse de Liroux: Don’t you start, Theodore. I already have my hands full with one unruly child. I will not suffer another....Cyprien, what is that? 

Duc de Liroux: [Reading a Letter] Nothing of consequence...

Duchesse de Liroux: Honestly, you are all insufferable. Theodore, escort Aurora to the carriage. I need a word with you father. 

Marquis de Liroux: [Sighs] Oui, Maman. 

Marquis de Liroux: [Whispers] I swear those two are as bothersome as ever. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: En effet. 

Marquis de Liroux: If I had it my way I would leave this place with you and never return. Away from them and their schemes.

Mademoiselle Aurora: Oui...if only it were possible...

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Palais Théâtre de Thornolie: 11 May 1850, 21:30

Duchesse de Liroux: [Whispers] Give me one good reason why you have not said a single world to the Monseigneur!

Mademoiselle Aurora: Perhaps you have forgotten that I am not his guest, and I am not even sharing the same box as him. Not to mention he looks to be thoroughly enjoying the company of Mademoiselle Valery. I will not make myself look the fool, Maman. 

Duchesse de Liroux: You would do well not to disobey me. You will for sure suffer for it. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: I would rather suffer than grovel at the feet of a man I have no interest in, or he in me. Excusez-moi. [Rushes Outside to the Balcony] 

Mademoiselle Aurora: [Mutters to Herself] The most odious, insufferable-

Marquis de Solomont: Mademoiselle? Is...are you alright? 

Mademoiselle Aurora: Oh! Monsieur le Marquis! You startled me! 

Marquis de Solomont: Pardonnez-moi, Mademoiselle. That was not my intention. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: All is forgiven. 

Marquis de Solomont: Are you...quite well? 

Mademoiselle Aurora: Oh, I...I’m just a tad warm, I merely needed some air before the second half begins. 

Marquis de Solomont: I hope you will forgive me, but I could not help but overhear you just now. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: Oh...mon dieu! Monsieur you must forgive me. I-

Marquis de Solomont: I will do no such thing. One should not apologise for how one feels. Let alone should they feel the need to hide it. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: Even if those feelings are my absolute distate at being thrown at the Monseigneur at every turn? That I am not allowed to pursue my own match? 

Marquis de Solomont: I take it you do not care for the Monseigneur then? 

Mademoiselle Aurora: We...have never enjoyed being in one another’s presence...and if I’m being entirely honest, he is more than justified in his animosity toward me...

Marquis de Solomont: Hmm...What if you were to have a choice? What would you search for? 

Mademoiselle Aurora: Truth be told, Monsieur, I would merely hope to find someone who would care about me. My wants...my desires...[sighs] Who am I kidding? That will never happen. 

Marquis de Solomont: Why do you think that? 

Mademoiselle Aurora: My Maman is set on chasing away every mondamoiseau who comes to call on me. She says I am only to focus on securing a match with the Monseigneur. 

Marquis de Solomont: I see...Might I offer you a suggestion? 

Mademoiselle Aurora: Oui?

Marquis de Solomont: Do not give up. For I am fairly certain I know of at least one mondamoiseau who dreams of offering all you desire and more. 

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Manoir de Liroux, 28 April 1850, 12:30

Duchesse de Liroux: How dare you. Did I not tell you how important last night was? 

Mademoiselle Aurora: Maman, do we really need to discuss this? 

Duchesse de Liroux: Of course we must! Last night you only managed to secure one dance with the Monseigneur while that simpering excuse of a mademoiselle managed to secure not only the first dance of the evening, but several later on! You are supposed to be making an impression! You could be the next Madame la Reine! 

Mademoiselle Aurora: Suppose, Maman, that I don’t wish to be the next Madame la Reine. Suppose Oliver and I are not suited, as I’ve already expressed to you on several occassions. 

Duchesse de Liroux: Don’t be absurd. He always granted you some of his time while you were at Château Épitoise. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: [Laughs Darkly] Only to put me in my place.

Duchesse de Liroux: What on Earth is that supposed to mean? 

Mademoiselle Aurora: It means I refuse to persue a match with the Monseigneur. I won’t do it and you cannot make me.

Duchesse de Liroux: Bold of you to assume you have a say on the matter. If I do not see you making more of an effort, you will not like the outcome. [Scoffs] Seeing him offering his first dance to Mademoiselle Valery of all the...honestly. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: [Sighs] Maman, I-

Duchesse de Liroux: Non. I will not listen to your excuses. We will spend extra time over the next few days to prepare you for the next event, and I expect you to waste not a single opportunity in securing his favour. If you are not a contender for his hand by the opera, you will be sorry. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: [Whispers Darkly] I would not hold your breath. 

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Manoir de Liroux: 26 April 1850, 7:30

Duchesse de Liroux: Now, do you remember everything we discussed yesterday? 

Mademoiselle Aurora: Oui Maman, but...

Duchesses de Liroux: What now? 

Mademoiselle Aurora: But is this all truly necessary? 

Duchesse de Liroux: Stop being naive. These next two days will be the most important days of your entire life, and the impressions you make will be remembered for years to come. Not to mention, of course, the impression you make on the Monseigneur. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: Maman, I really wish you’d-

Duchess de Liroux: Ça suffit! I will not tolerate this disobedience any longer! The matter has been settled. The Monseigneur is your only chance at a decent match and I will not hear another word on the matter!

Mademoiselle Aurora: I find it hard to believe he is my only chance. 

Duchesse de Liroux: You will listen to me, and you will listen carefully. You will make an impression on the Monseigneur, and you will secure this match. And if you cannot...there will be consequences. Mark. My. Words. 

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[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Manoir de Liroux, 9 April, 1850, 13:30 PM

Duchesse de Liroux: These dresses must be altered. I do not know how many times I have to tell you. 

Lady’s Maid: Pardonnez-moi, Madame. I will see to it right away. 

Duchesse de Liroux: Everything must be perfect. I will not have my daughter looking a shamble. 

Lady’s Maid: Oui, Duchesse. [Leaves]

Mademoiselle Aurora: Maman, is this really necessary? 

Duchesse de Liroux: Did I really raise you to be so naive? In a few weeks the Monseigneur will start his search for a wife. Thornolia’s future Madame la Reine. And of course, you will be presented before him and the rest of the royal family. We cannot afford for you to have one stitch out of place. First impressions are important. Especially now.

Mademoiselle Aurora: You...you wish for me to persue a match with the Monseigneur? 

Duchesse de Liroux: I would have assumed that even with your slow understanding it would be fairly obvious. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: [Sighs] Maman, Oliver and I have never shared a pleasurable conversation.

Duchesse de Liroux: Then I suppose now is the time to change all that. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: But Maman, I-

Duc de Liroux: That is enough. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: Papa. 

Duchesse de Liroux: Cyprien, finally. You talk some sense into her. 

Duc de Liroux: Aurora, do you really need to be told of your duty to this family?

Mademoiselle Aurora: Papa, please. Surely-

Duc de Lirox: My darling girl, your focus must be on the Monseigneur, and only him. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: I don’t understand...why?

Duc de Liroux: A match with the Monseigneur...would set our family up quite nicely....it is important you do all that is necessary to secure it. For your family. 

Mademoiselle Aurora: But I-

Duc de Liroux: The Monseigneur must be your top priority, Aurora, and I will not hear another word about it.

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