Sessio III - The Plan

Because of the details of this session’s story, it is necessary to better outline the details of Florence's political landscape, the rival families, and the powerful guilds within the city.

The Pazzi Family: The Pazzis are a prominent and influential family in Florence. Historically, they were one of the primary rivals to the Medicis, often seeking to undermine Medici influence and expand their own power

Florence's economy and political structure are heavily influenced by its guilds, known as "Arti." These guilds are crucial in maintaining the city's economic prosperity and play significant roles in its governance. Here are some of the most powerful guilds:

1. Arte della Lana (Wool Guild): The Wool Guild is one of the most powerful and wealthy in Florence. It controls much of the city's textile trade, which is central to Florence's economy. Its members are many wealthy merchants and industrialists, who have significant sway over political decisions.

2. Arte dei Mercanti di Calimala (Cloth Finishers and Merchants Guild): This guild oversees the finishing and sale of imported cloth. It is known for its wealth and influence over foreign trade. Its members are wealthy merchants engaged in international trade, often aligned with or against the Medicis based on their interests.

3. Arte dei Medici e Speziali (Doctors and Apothecaries Guild): This guild covers physicians, pharmacists, and apothecaries. It plays a significant role in the city's healthcare and has connections with scholars and alchemists Its members are renowned doctors, including those who served the Medicis, and figures involved in medical research and magic.

4. Arte di Por Santa Maria (Silk Weavers and Goldsmiths Guild): This guild is involved in the production and trade of silk and precious metals. Its members are influential in the luxury goods market. Its members are artisans and merchants who cater to the elite and often commission significant artistic works.

5. Arte dei Giudici e Notai (Judges and Notaries Guild): The guild comprises legal professionals and notaries. It wields considerable power in legal and bureaucratic matters. Its members are prominent lawyers and notaries who manage legal affairs for the city's elite, including the Medicis and their rivals.

6. Arte dei Beccai (Butchers Guild): While not as wealthy as some other guilds, the Butchers Guild is essential in managing the city's meat supply. Its influence extends into the markets and among the working class. Its members are butchers and meat traders, often aligned with more populist factions.

Additionally, the running of the city-state depends on several institutions.

The Signoria: This is the main governing body of Florence, composed of representatives from various guilds. The Medicis have historically exerted control over the Signoria, but rival families like the Pazzis often challenge their dominance.

Artistic Patronage: Both the Medicis and the Pazzis are known for their patronage of the arts. Florence is a hub for artists, and alliances with powerful patrons can be crucial for their success.

International Relations: Florence's economy is deeply tied to its trade relationships with other city-states and foreign powers. The balance of power often shifts based on these economic ties.

The role of the Church and the clergy in Florence during the Renaissance is multifaceted, intertwining deeply with the city’s political, social, and economic fabric. The Church holds significant sway over daily life, morality, and politics, making it a powerful player in the city-state's complex dynamics.

The Church often acts as a political player, influencing decisions at the city and family levels. Bishops and high-ranking clergy are frequently involved in the governance of Florence. Key figures in the Church, such as the Archbishop of Florence, wield considerable power and can act as intermediaries in conflicts between rival families or guilds.

The Church is a major landowner in Florence, controlling vast estates that generate significant revenue. It also plays a role in banking, often working closely with powerful banking families like the Medicis. Many guilds and wealthy families donate extensively to the Church, funding the construction of churches, monasteries, and religious art. This patronage helps maintain their status and influence within the city.

The Church is a key patron of education and the arts. Monasteries and convents serve as centers of learning, preserving classical texts and fostering intellectual pursuits. Religious orders such as the Dominicans and Franciscans are influential in education and charity work, running schools, hospitals, and orphanages. Many of Florence’s renowned artists and scholars, including figures like Fra Angelico and Dante Alighieri, have strong ties to the Church.

The Church also provides social services, including care for the poor, sick, and orphaned. Confraternities and religious orders often take on these roles, supported by donations from the wealthy. Religious festivals and processions, such as those honoring the city's patron saint, John the Baptist, play a significant role in the social life of Florence. The Church acts as a stabilizing force, promoting peace and moral order and providing essential services that underpin Florence’s social fabric. This intricate relationship between the Church, the Medicis, and other political actors creates a rich backdrop for intrigue and power struggles in Florence, making it a key area of influence and potential conflict.

---------------Session Storyline---------------

Avicellus sits down with the artifacts in an attempt to use his Magical Engineering skill to seek what he can determine about the purpose and workings of the artifacts.

The first mask is designed to resemble the head of a snake, with scales intricately carved into the wood and painted in shades of green and gold. The eyes are set with small, gleaming emeralds, and the fangs are tipped with silver. Avicellus recognizes that the mask is imbued with the essence of deception and transformation. It likely grants the wearer the ability to alter their appearance, much like the way a snake sheds its skin. This could be useful for disguising oneself or assuming the guise of another.

The second mask is crafted to mimic the radiant face of the sun, this mask is a vibrant blend of golds and oranges. It has rays extending outward, each tipped with small, bright citrines. The face is serene and benevolent. The mask radiates a warm, protective aura. Avicellus deduces that it likely provides the wearer with some form of illumination or light-based power. This might be anything from casting a blinding light to simply allowing the wearer to see in complete darkness.

The third mask is painted in a dazzling array of colors, forming a checkered pattern reminiscent of a traditional harlequin. It’s adorned with small bells and a feathered crest, evoking a sense of whimsy and trickery : Avicellus senses a playful, chaotic magic within the mask. It seems to be linked to mischief and unpredictability. The mask could grant abilities related to illusions or confusion, making it easier to evade or bewilder opponents.

The mask shaped like a lion is bold and majestic, with a flowing mane of gold and bronze fibers. The eyes are piercing topaz, and the snout is detailed with an almost lifelike ferocity. There’s a strong, assertive energy emanating from the mask. Avicellus suspects that wearing this mask might endow someone with increased strength, courage, or even command over others. It’s the kind of power associated with leadership or dominion.

Dark and mysterious, the mask is shaped like a raven’s head is black with a subtle iridescent sheen and has intricately carved feathers. The beak is sharp, and the eyes are made of obsidian The raven mask carries an aura of stealth and cunning. Avicellus discerns that it may enhance the wearer’s abilities in stealth, espionage, or foresight. It might even grant the ability to communicate with ravens or see through their eyes.

The statue depicts a wise old man with a flowing beard and an air of calm wisdom. It’s carved from a smooth, pale stone and is small enough to be held in one’s hand. The eyes are made of deep, dark sapphires, giving an impression of profound knowledge. Despite his best efforts, Avicellus can’t quite determine the specific magical properties of this statue. He feels a vague sense of serenity and enlightenment emanating from it, suggesting it might be connected to knowledge or mental clarity, but the exact nature remains elusive.

These artifacts are powerful and clearly enchanted, each designed to grant the wearer or holder significant abilities. Avicellus now has a better understanding of their potential uses and the implications of such power being wielded by those seeking to influence the future of Florence.

Avicellus finds himself drawn to the Raven Mask. He approaches Lorenzo and explains what he has learned about each of the artifacts’ properties. After a brief pause, he asks, “As I’ve already demonstrated my abilities with stealth and concealment, perhaps I could be of best use to our cause if I made use of the raven mask.” Avicellus then waited for Lorenzo’s response, thankful that his plague doctor mask would help to hide his anxious anticipation.

Lorenzo listens intently as Avicellus explains the properties of each artifact. His eyes light up with interest, particularly at the detailed insights Avicellus provides about the masks. When Avicellus suggests using the Raven Mask, Lorenzo's gaze sharpens, and he leans in slightly, studying Avicellus’s expression—or what he can discern through the plague doctor mask.

After a moment of consideration, Lorenzo responds, his tone measured but thoughtful. “The Raven Mask, you say? It’s fitting, given your aptitude for subtlety and observation. This mask could indeed amplify your capabilities and make you an even more formidable ally. Its powers would be invaluable for the delicate and covert operations we might face.”

He glances back at the other artifacts, then focuses on Avicellus again. “We are entering a phase where every move counts, and trust is as crucial as ability. If you are willing to wield the Raven Mask for our cause, it would also signify your commitment to this alliance. The mask's power comes with responsibility—it’s not just a tool, but a symbol of our shared purpose.”

Lorenzo steps closer, his voice lowering to a more confidential tone. “Before you take it, tell me, Avicellus, what are your thoughts on how we should proceed with this shipment? The masks are part of a larger game, and we need to decide our next move carefully. Your insight on these items has been invaluable; now, I would like to hear your strategic mind at work.”

He gestures towards the Raven Mask, inviting Avicellus to take it but also signaling that this is more than just a simple acquisition—it's a step towards deeper involvement in the intricate political machinations unfolding in Florence.

Avicellus takes the mask. He begins, “I think we should identify what factions within Florence would make best use of which of these powers, and we definitely need to identify specific people within each faction to recruit for the cause and entrust with this power.“

“For the deception and transformation powers of the snake mask, we should identify one member of the guilds in the Signoria, so they can act as a balancing force against the nobility. Guild members, regardless of which guild, all function in the capacity of ‘transforming’ (either transforming raw materials into goods or transforming the society into something better). As this guild member will undoubtedly rise to become the most prominent member of the Signoria, he must be selected with great caution.”

“For the lion mask, we should identify a worthy member of the Pazzi family. With this mask, they may protect Florence and function as a bulwark against Medici tyranny. This family member must be selected with care, however, as the Pazzi family lusts for power no less than the Medicis. We could easily find ourselves rid of the tyrannical Medicis only to be suffering under the tyranny of a powerful and ascendant Pazzi family.”

“We should identify a worthy member of the clergy to wield the sun mask. The benevolent and protective role the Church plays in Florence can be enhanced by its power, and this should increase the stability of the state.”

“We should bestow the harlequin mask on a wise and honorable commoner. The commoners will need to have a way to balance the influences of the forces ruling them, and to check that power occasionally, and the ability to introduce a bit of unpredictability into the system may be just the way to do that.”

“Lastly, I have my boldest suggestion yet, and I hope I do not sour our relations by advising it. Even though I cannot be certain about the sage statue, I am fairly certain it will bestow or enhance enlightenment and wisdom My suggestion: we should give it to a Medici.” Avicellus holds up his hands in a calming gesture, as he knows Lorenzo will not be happy with this suggestion. “My reason for this move is threefold. First, the Medici are very powerful, and if we attempt to displace them completely, they will certainly oppose us and our allies violently. Second, they have ruled Florence for a long time, and they know how to do it with competence and decisiveness. Third, they have a true desire to see Florence flourish, as they know their destiny is tied up with the destiny of the city. If they had a wise and benevolent leader with a steady hand at the helm, much of our current complaints about the Medicis and their rule would be mitigated.”

Lorenzo listens intently, his brow furrowing with concentration as Avicellus lays out his carefully considered strategy. The room's dim light casts long shadows, making Lorenzo's expression difficult to read. When Avicellus finishes, Lorenzo remains silent for a moment, as if weighing each word.

Lorenzo nods thoughtfully. "Your proposal is both bold and intricate, Avicellus. You speak with the insight of someone who truly understands the delicate balance of power in Florence.

Lorenzo paces slightly, lost in thought. "If we move forward with this plan, we must act with the utmost discretion and wisdom. Identifying the right individuals for each artifact will be our greatest challenge. We must vet them thoroughly and ensure their loyalty to Florence, not just to their faction or personal ambitions."

He stops and looks directly at Avicellus. "You’ve demonstrated great insight and caution, qualities we need in this delicate operation. I trust your judgment, Avicellus. We will need to gather more information about potential candidates for each artifact. For now, let us secure these items and discuss how we might approach each faction."

Lorenzo's expression shifts to one of contemplation as he considers the security of the artifacts. The flickering torchlight in the warehouse highlights his furrowed brow and the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders.

Lorenzo speaks after a moment of thought. "This warehouse is secure for now, but it’s far from ideal for long-term storage, especially for items as significant as these. The arrival of more guards and attention from rival factions or even the Medicis themselves is inevitable if they get wind of what we're holding." He continues, "We need a more discreet and fortified location. I have a few options in mind. There's a safe house I use in the Oltrarno district, away from the main bustle of the city. It's well-hidden and heavily secured. The walls are reinforced, and there's only one entrance, making it easier to defend. However, moving the artifacts there without drawing attention will be a challenge."

"We’ll need to transport the artifacts under cover of darkness. I can arrange for a covered cart and a trusted driver. We should also plan for a diversion to draw attention away from our movements. "Once the cart is ready, we’ll load the artifacts carefully. I’ll have some of my men provide an escort, but they’ll need to blend in and avoid drawing attention."

The safe house in Oltrarno will be our destination. Once there, we can store the artifacts in a secure vault I’ve prepared for such items. We’ll need to keep our visits there infrequent and inconspicuous to avoid arousing suspicion."

Lorenzo looks at Avicellus. "I will oversee the preparations and the transport. Your role will be crucial in ensuring the move goes smoothly. Your talents for stealth and observation will be invaluable. If you can watch for any signs of trouble and ensure we’re not followed, it would greatly increase our chances of a successful transfer. As it is almost dawn, we should secure the items here for now and attempt to move them tomorrow night."

Absolutely, let's flesh out the mechanics for the Raven Mask. Given Avicellus’s alignment and role, it makes sense for this mask to offer abilities related to stealth, information gathering, and subtle manipulation. Here's a proposed description and set of mechanics for the Raven Mask:

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**Raven Mask of the Shadow**

**Description:**

The Raven Mask is a finely crafted piece with intricate feather-like carvings in dark obsidian. When worn, it grants the user a subtle yet profound connection to the shadows, enhancing their abilities to move unseen and gather secrets. Avicellus can wear this mask beneath his plague doctor mask, rendering its effects invisible to onlookers while still benefiting from its powers.

**Properties:**

1. **Shadow Meld:**

- **Effect:** The wearer can blend into shadows, becoming nearly invisible.

- **Mechanics:** Grants a +3 bonus to Stealth skill checks, and the Stealth skill no longer needs to be in one terrain only.

2. **Enhanced Perception:**

- **Effect:** The mask sharpens the wearer’s senses, allowing them to detect subtle details and hidden truths.

- **Mechanics:** Grants a +2 bonus to rolls for detecting hidden or secret objects, listening at doors, or spotting hidden creatures.

3. **Mimicry:**

- **Effect:** The wearer can imitate voices or sounds with uncanny accuracy.

- **Mechanics:** The wearer can perfectly mimic any sound or voice they have heard for up to 1 minute. This ability can be used twice per day. The mask's power doesn’t provide knowledge of languages, so the wearer can only mimic sounds and speech patterns in languages they understand.

**Restrictions:**

- The mask’s powers can only be used while it is worn and not if merely carried.

- The wearer cannot use the invisibility power if they are in bright light or under direct observation.

- Mimicry is limited to sounds or voices heard clearly by the wearer and cannot create complex or extended dialogues beyond simple phrases.