EntryBanterTullinaGiannaReply

Uh, yeah, but make sure it isn’t actually me.

EntryBanterGiannaToTullina

Tullina…?

EntryBanterGiannaToTullinaTwo

Are we… are we friends?

EntryBanterGiannaToTullinaThree

ExitBanterTullinaGiannaReply

That reminds me! Tullina, I simply must know your workout regiment. Your core is to die for.

ExitBanterGiannaToTullina

A stellar performance! Five stars! Two thumbs up!

SelectionBanterTullinaGiannaReply

Somewhere to be?

SelectionBanterTullinaGiannaReplyTwo

I’ve always kind of enjoyed them. Feels like I only really get to talk to you during these meetings.

SelectionBanterTullinaGiannaReplyThree

… about…

SelectionBanterGiannaToTullina

Hello everyone!

SelectionBanterGiannaToKurai

Plans look to be progressing nicely. Lady Kurai, while I’m here, has the Boss’ schedule opened up at all?

SelectionBanterGiannaToTullinaTwo

Shame… Tullina, would you mind running lines with me later?

SelectionBanterGiannaToTullinaThree

Oh…

SelectionBanterGiannaToTullinaFour

Hooray! Best friends!

ExitBanterGiannaToAdiyah

You’ve got quite the stature, Adiyah. Have you ever considered acting?

ExitBanterGiannaToAdiyahTwo

Would you?

ExitBanterGiannaToAdiyahThree

Oh… okay then…

ExitBanterAdiyahGiannaReply

A star, as always.

EntryBanterTibbsGiannaReply

Helps to know you’re looking out for us, Tibbs.

EntryBanterGiannaToTibbs

How’s my scary voice? You there! I’ll break you in half!

ExitBanterTibbsGiannaReply

Thanks for keeping us all safe, big guy.

ExitBanterGiannaToTibbs

We did it! Three cheers! Hip-hip?

ExitBanterGiannaToTibbsTwo

Thanks anyway.

SelectionBanterTibbsGiannaReply

Tibbie! Always love a job with you.

SelectionBanterTibbsGiannaReplyTwo

Uhh, yeah, that was… a mistake.

SelectionBanterTibbsGiannaReplyThree

Well, let’s just say he looked a lot more than he listened.

SelectionBanterTibbsGiannaReplyFour

Aha! Sailors…

SelectionBanterGiannaToTibbs

Fingers crossed this one goes better than our sewer scrape, eh, Tibbie?

SelectionBanterGiannaToTibbsTwo

Did you ever find out where those busts were?

SelectionBanterGiannaToTibbsThree

That was a lot of platinum!

SelectionBanterGiannaToTibbsFour

Could’ve bought an island with that platinum.

SelectionBanterGiannaToKuraiTwo

Nothing Ku.

EntryBanterKarstGiannaReply

Improvisation! Lovely.

EntryBanterGiannaToKarst

Stick to the script everyone.

ExitBanterKarstGiannaReply

Count me in!

ExitBanterGiannaToKarst

Take a bow, everyone!

SelectionBanterKarstGiannaReply

Keep it in your tights, Karst.

SelectionBanterKarstGiannaReplyTwo

That depends… Are you expecting something in return?

SelectionBanterKarstGiannaReplyThree

I don’t think Nenet is all that interested.

SelectionBanterKarstGiannaReplyFour

Oh Karst, you’re such a good thief! You can take anything… but a hint.

SelectionBanterKarstGiannaReplyFive

I’m… not sure you used that word ri—

SelectionBanterKarstGiannaReplySix

Oh! Were the roses from you?

SelectionBanterKarstGiannaReplySeven

The toffees?

SelectionBanterKarstGiannaReplyEight

Aww, did you get me that beautiful gown!?

SelectionBanterKarstGiannaReplyNine

Sorry?

SelectionBanterKarstGiannaReplyTen

…Oh. Yes. …Thank you.

SelectionBanterGiannaToIsla

I’m here. Isla, will we be seeing some new inventions for this job?

SelectionBanterGiannaToIslaTwo

But you’ve tested them at least, right? …Right? …Isla?

SelectionBanterIslaGiannaReply

The ones that make people sick?

SelectionBanterIslaGiannaReplyTwo

What’s the difference?

SelectionBanterIslaGiannaReplyThree

Just what every man likes to see.

EntryBanterGiannaToIsla

You know what we could really use…?

EntryBanterGiannaToIslaTwo

Yes!

EntryBanterGiannaToIslaThree

Or just a normal mirror! For makeup!

EntryBanterIslaGiannaReply

Ah, but a watched rose never blossoms, my dear.

EntryBanterIslaGiannaReplyTwo

Thank you. But seriously, if you stare at me, we WILL be caught.

ExitBanterGiannaToIsla

I have to admit, engineer, you make quite the spectacle yourself sometimes!

ExitBanterGiannaToIslaTwo

I have so much to learn about science…

ExitBanterIslaGiannaReply

You know what? You might.

ExitBanterIslaGiannaReplyTwo

Normally I’d disapprove, but it’s Niles, so…

Introduction

Hey good lookin’. Huh. Most people recognise me. I’m Gianna. Worked a spell in the Chitus Theatre, back when you could leave your house without being followed by Templar secret police. I was Shavronne in {An Axiom Tragedy}. I played Dialla, the Gemling Queen, in {Purity Tales}, and the fair lady Merveil in {Daresso and Merveil}, for which I was very nearly nominated to receive a ‘Tario. No? Not a fan of the theatre, I suppose? That’s-… That’s fine. That act of my story has drawn to a close anyway, but I’m always looking for the next great role. Nothing’s quite so thrilling as immersing oneself among the people, and seeing if you can, in fact, pass for the real deal.

The Boss

I wasn’t exactly planning on a life of crime. Yes, most in my profession do end up begging or stealing, but my career was on the up and up, until I was accused of {Pecuniary Lust} and exiled. It just so happens that the Boss, cultural elite that he is, saw me in a few shows. He must have noticed my ability to fully embody any role, to become not just the character, but the person. I’m told he was a practitioner of the performing arts himself, in his youth. Obviously, he has a keen eye for talent. I’m dying to perform a dialogue with him. Good material is hard to come by ‘round here, but I did find a piece by a Bestel floating in the foam. Not particularly engaging, and a frankly unhealthy focus on the female lead’s figure in the stage direction, but it’s something, at least. Alas, Kurai maintains the Boss’ schedule, and I’m told he is booked up indefinitely. Imagine having lucrative work for months to come! A performer can only dream…

The Nameless Play

Just my luck! Of course you are put on my contract. Do you even know anything about the theatre? The cursed play? The one no performer should ever name, lest they end up consumed by the phantom that haunts it? It’s said that the play’s author wrote it while high as an eagle on ergot. He didn’t know, of course, and died upon penning the final word. The play, whose name I shall not utter, is about a beautiful young lady who finds herself swept into a world beneath the sands of the Vastiri, where the dead have built a city of bones. She marries a statue, becomes the queen of this city, and then her skin peels off and a hundred little versions of her spill out. Completely nutty. It’s locked up with the rest of the works deemed distasteful by the Templar, and I simply must have it.

The Nameless Play_2

{Marilla turns to her beloved’s unmoving face and speaks the blessed words: Marilla: Two into one, one into many, to churn the world beneath the crashing dunes. Marilla’s body shatters like porcelain, each fragment becoming Marilla. Each new Marilla shatters again, and again, each fragment becomes whole. The stage is flooded by Marilla. All is Marilla. The statue rises and exits stage right. Fin.} Wow. I mean… wow. That was something! Right? That… that was something, right? I think I might just stick to the unbanned works for a little while, actually. Thanks, though.

The Finest Costumes

You’re handling my contract again? I thought I specifically requested someone with a working understanding of the arts! Fine, fine. It’s just a job. Well, I’m sure you’ve done the necessary reading, but I’m dying to gab a bit. When I worked with the Theopolis Thespian Society, there was an old, old, {old} woman. I mean, at {least} forty. She was our seamstress. She created these costumes that looked just like the real thing. Blackguard uniforms, Templar outfits, you name it. Well, one day she vanished, but the costumes remained. I want to get ahold of that old woman’s costumes. They were just so… believable! With those, it’ll be much easier to slip into a role undetected.

The Finest Costumes_2

I don’t know how she did it. Each outfit so perfectly matches the original piece. It’s almost as if-…what!? {Property of Templar Logistics Office}!? They’re the genuine article! That woman stole real bloody uniforms! Well, I guess that explains why they always looked so genuine. It also explains why we didn’t ever see her again. Oh well, her loss is our gain!

IntroductionVinderiGiannaReply

Gianna.

IntroductionVinderiGiannaReplyTwo

Performer. Actress.

IntroductionVinderiGiannaReplyThree

We met when Vinderi was hired to do the pyrotechnics for a production. He set the curtains on fire, but no one died. I’m here to help you with this job. And other jobs, later. If you want.

IntroductionVinderiGiannaReplyFour

I think that covers it. Thanks, Vin.

GiannaPerceptionOne

I know set dressing when I see it.

GiannaPerceptionTwo

They’re hiding something. Look.

GiannaPerceptionThree

Those are props. Something’s amiss.

GiannaPerceptionFour

Something about this doesn’t ring true… Hmm.

GiannaPerceptionFive

It’d be easier to see with proper stage lighting…

GiannaPerceptionSix

All that time squinting at cue cards has trained me for this.

GiannaDeceptionOne

Back in line, soldier! I will inspect!

GiannaDeceptionTwo

Did I say you could speak? Let me do this.

GiannaDeceptionThree

Quiet. … See? Nothing. I’ll show you.

GiannaDeceptionFour

Are you drunk, soldier?! There’s nothing on the other side.

GiannaDeceptionFive

Stay in formation! This is a drill!

GiannaDeceptionSix

Obey your orders! I’ll take point!

GiannaSmugglerOne

I didn’t hear nothin’, but let’s see.

GiannaSmugglerTwo

Oi, keep it down. Gettin’ each other spooked. Here, I’ll prove it.

GiannaSmugglerThree

Don’t be so paranoid. Look, nothing’s here…

GiannaSmugglerFour

You’re just drunk, mate. Watch, it’ll be empty.

GiannaSmugglerFive

Probably just the rats. Afraid of rats? Let’s find out!

GiannaSmugglerSix

Nah, you’re just losin’ it. How could anything be here?

GiannaCultistOne

Ease off the elixir. Nothing is here. Observe.

GiannaCultistTwo

The fumes are affecting your judgement. I shall prove it.

GiannaCultistThree

Likely a mere apparition, but I’ll make sure.

GiannaCultistFour

Perhaps you should rest. I’ll check for you.

GiannaCultistFive

A hallucinatory phenomena. Anything you see is, as well.

GiannaCultistSix

Hearing things is a known side effect, but just to be sure…

EngineeringGiannaOne

Just like the stagehands taught me.

EngineeringGiannaTwo

Let’s hope this thing holds.

EngineeringGiannaThree

Should be sturdy… enough.

EngineeringGiannaFour

Not the sort of catwalk I thought I’d be walking…

EngineeringGiannaFive

We used one of these backstage, ‘til it took a lad’s head off.

EngineeringGiannaSix

Drumroll please… But quietly.

GiannaBusyOne

My focus is elsewhere.

GiannaBusyTwo

I need to finish this first.

GiannaBusyThree

You can’t rush a good performance.

GiannaBusyFour

Good work takes time.

GiannaBusyFive

Please try to be patient.

GiannaInterruptedOne

Protect your female lead.

GiannaInterruptedTwo

Hey, you’re hindering a great performance.

GiannaInterruptedThree

So distracting and awful.

GiannaInterruptedFour

Mean. Mean mean mean.

GiannaCombatStartOne

We’ve got trouble.

GiannaCombatStartTwo

We’re just looking around, I swear!

GiannaCombatStartThree

Exile? Need you for this!

GiannaCombatStartFour

Guards! Weapons up!

GiannaCombatStartFive

Enemies heading our way!

GiannaCombatEndOne

What an anticlimax.

GiannaCombatEndTwo

Should’ve rehearsed more.

GiannaCombatEndThree

Saw that ending coming a mile away.

GiannaCombatEndFour

What, no plot twist?

GiannaCombatEndFive

Always knew I’d knock ‘em dead.

GiannaLootOne

Oooh, that’s soooo pretty.

GiannaLootTwo

That gives me an idea for a character.

GiannaLootThree

Really good find.

GiannaLootFour

Finders keepers, eh?

GiannaLootFive

You’ve a keen eye for pretty little things, don’t you?

GiannaAlertOne

Shh. We don’t want an audience.

GiannaAlertTwo

Keep it down. There’s a lot left to do.

GiannaAlertThree

Quiet, or we’ll have to end early.

GiannaAlertFour

This is far more tense than I like.

GiannaAlarmOne

That’s our cue to leave!

GiannaAlarmTwo

Head for the exit!

GiannaAlarmThree

Make a run for it!

GiannaSurpriseAlarmOne

Well, now we improvise!

GiannaSurpriseAlarmTwo

So much for the plan! Run!

GiannaSurpriseAlarmThree

That’s not good! We need to rush!

GiannaFinalRoomOne

And there, before her, was everything she wanted…

GiannaFinalRoomTwo

They were so close, they could almost taste it.

GiannaFinalRoomThree

In most plays, this is where I’d double-cross you. … I-… I’m not going to double-cross you.

GiannaFinalRoomFour

This is what we’re here for. Go on.

GiannaFinalRoomFive

Well? Don’t keep the audience waiting!

GiannaObjectiveOne

This is the part where you would double-cross me. Please don’t.

GiannaObjectiveTwo

Now all that’s left is to head for the exit.

GiannaObjectiveThree

That’s a relief. I always expect a trap for some reason.

GiannaObjectiveFour

People have strange taste, don’t you think?

GiannaEntryBanterOne

Ladies and gentlemen, the show’s about to begin.

GiannaEntryBanterTwo

Stay on script and hit your marks.

GiannaEntryBanterThree

Take a deep breath before we head in. Might be your last.

GiannaEntryBanterFour

Focus. Watch your breath and move with caution.

GiannaEntryBanterFive

Take your time. This is just the warmup act.

GiannaExitBanterOne

Aaaaand scene!

GiannaExitBanterTwo

Take a BOW! That was phenomenal!

GiannaExitBanterThree

How about a bloody round of applause, eh?

GiannaExitBanterFour

By Innocence, I do love a happy ending.

GiannaExitBanterFive

Faultless! Stunning! An incredible performance! And you were also very good!

GiannaPerceptionLoudOne

Wait, what’s that!?

GiannaPerceptionLoudTwo

Look! There! No, there!

GiannaPerceptionLoudThree

They’ve tried to hide something!

GiannaPerceptionLoudFour

I know there’s something wrong here, just need a bit of time!

GiannaPerceptionLoudFive

A lot of work went into hiding something here!

GiannaPerceptionLoudSix

Some convincing fakes here! What are they hiding!?

GiannaDeceptionLoudOne

Open it! Let them through! Oh, I’ll do it!

GiannaDeceptionLoudTwo

Stand back! I’ll take them on single handedly!

GiannaDeceptionLoudThree

Make way! I must let the reinforcements in!

GiannaDeceptionLoudFour

Give passage! I have a plan!

GiannaDeceptionLoudFive

They’re with us!

GiannaDeceptionLoudSix

I’ll open the passage, and you take them alive!

GiannaSmugglerOneCopy

We’ll get ‘em in here, lads!

GiannaSmugglerTwoCopy

Wait, ain’t they with us!? They is, right!?

GiannaSmugglerThreeCopy

Can’t get ‘em from this side! Pop ‘er open!

GiannaSmugglerFourCopy

If we let ‘em through, they’ll be too confused to fight!

GiannaSmugglerFiveCopy

Oi, boss wants us to open the door!

GiannaSmugglerSixCopy

I ain’t scared, mate! I’m opening it!

GiannaCultistOneCopy

Allow passage! We shall claim their ichors!

GiannaCultistTwoCopy

They beg to be sacrificed! I say we let them!

GiannaCultistThreeCopy

Their flesh demands passage! We must obey!

GiannaCultistFourCopy

We must unify! Open the gate!

GiannaCultistFiveCopy

Separation is trickery! Open the way!

GiannaCultistSixCopy

They test our faith! Let faith shield you!

GiannaEngineerLoudOne

Bridge going up!

GiannaEngineerLoudTwo

Setting up a crossing!

GiannaEngineerLoudThree

Bridging the gap!

GiannaEngineerLoudFour

We’ve got to get across as soon as it’s ready!

GiannaEngineerLoudFive

If this breaks, we’ll improvise!

GiannaEngineerLoudSix

This sort of thing always breaks when everyone’s watching!

GiannaBusyLoudOne

I can play a thousand roles, but not at once!

GiannaBusyLoudTwo

You can’t rush perfection!

GiannaBusyLoudThree

Can you see I’m in the middle of something!?

GiannaBusyLoudFour

Bad timing! Really bad timing!

GiannaBusyLoudFive

I’m busy right now!

GiannaInterruptedLoudOne

I need an understudy!

GiannaInterruptedLoudTwo

Out of my face! Now!

GiannaInterruptedLoudThree

Do something or this will take forever!

GiannaInterruptedLoudFour

Too rough! Far too rough!

GiannaCombatStartLoudOne

Security incoming!

GiannaCombatStartLoudTwo

Let us through, or face your death!

GiannaCombatStartLoudThree

This is your final scene!

GiannaCombatStartLoudFour

They just keep coming!

GiannaCombatStartLoudFive

Leave us alone!

GiannaCombatEndLoudOne

No second act!

GiannaCombatEndLoudTwo

It’s like they forget they’re the villains! Wait… Are they the villains? No, yeah, they’re the villains.

GiannaCombatEndLoudThree

Don’t stop moving!

GiannaCombatEndLoudFour

Keep it up, Exile!

GiannaCombatEndLoudFive

Spectacular! Keep going!

GiannaLootLoudOne

Make sure that’s not a posthumous award!

GiannaLootLoudTwo

Great find, but shouldn’t we be leaving!?

GiannaLootLoudThree

Come on, greedy-guts!

GiannaLootLoudFour

Don’t be blinded by all that glitters!

GiannaLootLoudFive

Wrap it up! I don’t want this to be my final role!

GiannaFinalRoomLoudOne

There it is! Hurry!

GiannaFinalRoomLoudTwo

It’s right there! Grab it!

GiannaFinalRoomLoudThree

Get it! I can’t handle the suspense!

GiannaFinalRoomLoudFour

It’s there! Grab it while we can!

GiannaFinalRoomLoudFive

We’re so close! The tension is palpable!

GiannaObjectiveLoudOne

Perfect! Now for the climax!

GiannaObjectiveLoudTwo

Good! Now rush to the exit!

GiannaObjectiveLoudThree

No time for accolades! Go!

GiannaObjectiveLoudFour

Hope you’re not waiting for applause!

EntryBanterGiannaToVinderi

Vinderi, ever thought about a keg that makes a lot of smoke but no explosion?

EntryBanterGiannaToNenet

They say all the world’s a stage…

EntryBanterGiannaToNiles

Job first, joking around afterwards.

EntryBanterGiannaToNilesTwo

Niles! I said save it for later!

EntryBanterGiannaToHuck

Break a leg, everyone!

EntryBanterVinderiGiannaReply

Oh, the Wilted Quill? Yeah, burnt down.

EntryBanterNenetGiannaReply

Yeah, but, acting… that endures. People care about good acting. The universe cares about good acting.

EntryBanterNilesGiannaReply

Good, I was planning to hold you responsible too.

EntryBanterHuckGiannaReply

Actually, I auditioned! … and I got the role.

ExitBanterGiannaToVinderi

Encore! Encore!

ExitBanterGiannaToNenet

A performance worthy of an audience! Do they have plays where you’re from Nenet?

ExitBanterGiannaToNenetTwo

How do you stay entertained?

ExitBanterGiannaToNiles

That went so well I could kiss someone!

ExitBanterGiannaToNilesTwo

Oh, but Niles, what if I accidentally turn you into a prince? I sure would miss you.

ExitBanterGiannaToHuck

Did you see me in there? Damn, I’m good.

ExitBanterVinderiGiannaReply

Honestly? That went too smoothly. If one of us had died, that would have been dramatic!

ExitBanterNenetGiannaReply

Five stars. The thumbs are a different thing.

ExitBanterNilesGianaReply

({Laughs}) I can’t remember the last time I laughed that hard! Thanks Niles!

ExitBanterHuckGianaReply

Huh!? We did great!

ExitBanterHuckGianaReplyTwo

Okay. Okay.

SelectionBanterKuraiToGianna

Always nice to be invited!

SelectionBanterKuraiToGiannaTwo

Say, before we get too deep into this, do you think my role could use an accent?

SelectionBanterKuraiToGiannaThree

Oh! What about a limp? Or an eyepatch!

SelectionBanterKuraiToGiannaFour

I’m Big Toe Gren, Captain of the Salty Hound.

SelectionBanterGiannaToVinderi

Your star has arrived.

SelectionBanterGiannaToVinderiTwo

No, no! Vin! Me! I mean me!

SelectionBanterGiannaToVinderiThree

What did you think was happening?

SelectionBanterGiannaToNenet

Hello all! Did I miss anything important?

SelectionBanterGiannaToNenetTwo

Oh. Can you catch me up?

SelectionBanterGiannaToNenetThree

… Oh, is that it?

SelectionBanterGiannaToNenetFour

Well, uh, thank you Nenet. Very concise.

SelectionBanterNilesGiannaReplyTwo

How are you?

SelectionBanterNilesGiannaReplyThree

Not quite…

SelectionBanterNilesGiannaReplyFour

Almost there…

SelectionBanterNilesGiannaReplyFive

There it is.

SelectionBanterNilesGiannaReplySix

So wonderful.

SelectionBanterGiannaToHuckTwo

Your armour is looking sooo shiny today Huck.

SelectionBanterGiannaToHuckThree

Can’t wait to see what’s underneath.

SelectionBanterKuraiGiannaReplyFive

Thanks, lady Kurai. Good role for me today?

SelectionBanterKuraiGiannaReplySix

Ah, of course.

SelectionBanterVinderiGiannaReply

No, wait, you’re meant to be here. We’re planning a heist!

SelectionBanterVinderiGiannaReplyTwo

What’d you have on?

SelectionBanterVinderiGiannaReplyThree

No, I mean, what were you doing later today?

SelectionBanterNenetGiannaReply

Nenet! Mind if I practise your accent?

SelectionBanterNenetGiannaReplyTwo

I suppohz noht.

SelectionBanterNenetGiannaReplyThree

Eckchully, I tink I do mind.

SelectionBanterNenetGiannaReplyFour

Plez st—.

SelectionBanterNenetGiannaReplyFive

Oh. Apologies.

SelectionBanterNilesGiannaReply

Niles, please carefully consider—

SelectionBanterHuckGiannaReply

To stay handsome!

SelectionBanterHuckGiannaReplyTwo

Keep being cute!

SelectionBanterHuckGiannaReplyThree

Focus on that bu—

GiannaSelectedForContract1

A star, as always!

GiannaSelectedForContract2

Your star has arrived!

GiannaSelectedForContract3

I’m here!

GiannaSelectedForContract4

Oh, okay then!