Gawain doesn’t notice any gestures, but independently also moves nearer Crumlin.
He also takes out … a horsehoe.
Ergj impassively takes up a position complementary to Hulfgar. His eyes slide slowly over the room, noting the positions over the group, but showing little interest. He stands still, and makes no offensive action, but starts flexing his sword arm to get the blood moving.
There are two groups of six troopers, one guarding Curly, the other Sir Guy. Watching them, the party think that in both groups, there is a Corporal in charge of the other five men.
The troopers are entirely focused on Sir Guy. However one Corporal seems to notice the party preparations and his eyes narrow slightly.
What, is it ploughing season? I thought we were too late for that.
Clever Hans nonchalantly sticks by Gawain, maintaining his pose as the squire.
Salazar keeps staring at the ceiling, as if there’s something frighteningly fascinating there. Anyone checking will see that, unless a somewhat dusty ceiling is ‘exciting’, Salazar must, indeed, have odd taste.
Gawain suddenly realises his behaviour may look strange. (He’s been focused on the troopers).
He whispers to Hans “It’s customary for any visiting noble (or a visitor like me from the Nottingham Temple of Heimdall) to bring a horseshoe as a gift to the Oakham Temple.”
He thinks a bit, (Gawain makes an ETIQUETTE roll) then whispers again "What do you think of Sir Guy? Seems to use far too many troops for these ceremonies.
You know, I could Detect Evil on him - but I’d have to point my Shield at him and concentrate. You’re the security expert: do you think I should, and could you provide a distraction? "
He adds quickly “A civilised distraction, of course! We are in my Temple!”
Clever Hans adjusts his eyesight: Ah, a horseshoe! I see now!
[muttered]Easy done, lord![/muttered]
Aloud: Lords, gentlemen, it is Old Gnomish custom at this point on being introduced to nobles to sing! in honour of the occasion!
removes hat, begins singing in Gnomish, loudly and not very well in tune
A cunning plan, methinks!
As if thinking this is a group-sing, Salazar begins to join in, but, not knowing the words, hums a lot, and simply chimes in loudly on any rhyme-word-phrase that seems appropriate. As he’s not fluent in gnomish, this probably doesn’t work overly-well, but he continues to do it until he realizes others aren’t joining in… Assuming others don’t join in!
Looking to see how the song and chorus is received, I prepare to lend my voice and mandolin to it if it is going over well.
The singing seems perfectly reasonable to the assembled crowd, and some of Gisbourne’s troopers tap their feet (though they look too nervous to join in).
Cullen makes a MANDOLIN roll, and thankfully the singers manage to get in tune.
Although clearly nobody else aaprt from Hans speaks gnome, they can all hum or la-la along
Gawain waves one hand in time and holds his shield up with the other, pointing casually at Gisbourne. He focuses…
If I notice, I would like to use my spellcraft skill to determine what Gawain is doing.
Gosh, the cunning plan actually works? 
I have to rule that playing your mandolin and singing to successfully help distract the entire room means you don’t notice what Gawain is doing.
Well you had everything going for you:
- nobody else knows enough about gnome ‘customs’ to doubt you (nobody else even speaks gnome)
- all cultures have some sort of etiquette to greet nobles (e.g. standing up); why not singing?
- all Clerics present learn Singing as a bonus NWP, so music is welcome in the Church
- you had the MU and the Druid join in - with musical accompaniment
- there was a lot of tension building and the singing broke it
Aciryas, who has been oblivious to the tension in the room and does not know the words to the song, but who loves to sing, joins in providing wordless background vocal harmonies to acompany the mandolin and fill out the sound.
Indicates to Gisbourne that it would be correct for him to join in, and very obviously mouths the words for him to follow.
Ergj knows better than to be disruptive, but he half-closes his eyes in apparent boredom.
Gisbourne stares at the gnome and mouths back.
Hans makes a READ LIPS roll.
Gisbourne is saying “I shall remember you. And I have a long arm.”
I guess Appleciders is busy, so I’ll continue as Cadogan until he can post…
Cadogan enters the room and claps his hands for attention.
Gawain calmly lowers his shield as the singing fades away.
A short, elderly, bright-eyed lady enters the room in Ceremonial Plate, with a horn symbol (Heimdall) around her neck.
Cadogan proudly announces “High Priestess Edith Weston”.
(No need for Etiquette rolls as even Sir Guy rises and bows. His soldiers snap to attention.)
Edith speaks “Please be seated. Accept my hospitality.
Let me say what lovely music that was - it’s so pleasant to hear singing in the Temple. I didn’t recognise the words or tune - perhaps I could be taught them later?”
She looks around the group and first acknowledges Sir Guy:
“Sir Guy, it is always a pleasure to see you here. And thank you for bringing so many men. I wish they could all come to our services too.”
(Some of the troopers fidget and blush. :o )
Gisbourne nods and grunts.
Edith next turns to Druid Marian:
“Lady Marian, it is so sweet of you to visit. I know how hard you work, keeping our forests so healthy and beautiful. Of course you are welcome to stay here if it pleases you.”
Marian thanks Edith and says she would like to rest in the Temple Courtyard, under the stars.
Edith now pauses slightly, looking at the strangers.
Cadogan whispers in her ear, and Edith makes a sweeping gesture with her hand (covering all the players who she hasn’t met):
“You are all most welcome here and I congratulate those who have travelled far. I trust that Aciryas and Crumlin will make you welcome and that you will enjoy the Rutland County Fayre tomorrow.
Of course I know that the three candidates for the office of Sheriff of Rutland are all present. Lady Marian…Acolyte Crumlin… (she pauses) … and Ceorl Brown. Since many of you have just arrived, you should have time to refresh yourselves befoe we discuss business. Let us meet here after lunch and I will explain how the election will be run.”
Gisbourne replies “On behalf of Ceorl Brown, I thank you, High Priestess. We shall return later. By your leave.”
As he rises and leaves, the Corporals snap to attention and order the two escort groups to follow Gisbourne and Curly Brown.