Colson Maldris's page

Arodus, 4713

Defender of Freedom,

Allow me to be among the first to welcome you back to Absalom following our productive year abroad. When I set sail from Magnimar, the Andoren embassy there was thriving. I cannot say for certain which was more beautiful: the exquisite building we left as an enduring monument to freedom or the teary-eyed people who were so sad to see some of us depart!

Once I set foot in Absalom, I quickly heard not only that there is trouble brewing in Mendev but that the Pathfinder Society has already begun sending a host of agents north. I imagine the society’s move is largely intended to support their expedition to the nearby dwarven ruins, but I know that Mendev will have need of every capable sword arm and spellcaster. Absalom is said to be sending its own soldiers, but I have not yet seen any signs of the military mobilizing. The same persuasiveness that you brought to bear in wooing the Magnimarian people will be of great use in slashing through the red tape that no doubt ensnares this familiar metropolis.

I trust I will be joining the exodus soon, but first it is important that we receive news of Andoran and confirm that our proud nation has done its part in supporting Mendev. I expect to meet with at least one of the Andoren statesmen in a few days’ time, and I would appreciate your accompanying me as we report the past year’s success and learn the past year’s news from home.

Liberty never rests,
Major Colson Maldris

Defender of Freedom,

Greeting from the Andoren Embassy in Magnimar! Your efforts to grow the esteem of Andoran and the Eagle Knights in the City of Monuments bear fruit, and we’re well on our way to establishing our own monument to the ideals that have driven us to this glorious place. We have made valuable allies among the bureaucracy running the city under Lord-Mayor Grobaras and the Golemworks, and even acquired a manor that I’ve now secured as my own home away from the embassy—a building whose name I’m keeping: Foxglove Manor! Even farther abroad, with your help, Andoran now stands in a good position with the people of Riddleport and Korvosa—well, at least those whose assistance and political connections we can use.

Despite our successes, the future is all but certain, friend. While our rivals in Cheliax are embroiled in their own petty squabbles—these things always follow wherever nobility and tyranny lead—others within the Pathfinder Society’s inner circles have made inroads to influencing Varisia’s future that we have been too preoccupied to notice. Those who hold allegiance to Lady Gloriana Morilla of Taldor and Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam of Qadira have not been idle, and already their influence in the region grows. Make sure we don’t lose our focus now that our most visible rival seems to have been removed from the field of battle by her own people.

It is also of vital importance that you, as Pathfinders, assist the organization in its increasing battle against the newly discovered cult of Lissala, who have sinister aims for the future of Varisia. As the society works to combat the cult’s efforts to return a sleeping runelord to the world, you can lead by setting an example of cooperation and tie the name of Andoran and the Eagle Knights to the ensuing victory over this fell evil.

My time apart from Absalom and Andoran has given me a new respect for Varisia and Magnimar, and I now see this region as another home. Our ideals are not restricted by political borders or geographical features, and my affinity for this land grows day by day. Ensure Varisia remains a fertile land from which freedom can blossom.

To tomorrow’s glories,
Major Colson Maldris

Vigilant Patriot,

As you likely know, the Decemvirate has of late placed much attention on the land of Varisia, and specifically the city of Magnimar, where one of the Pathfinder Society’s newest lodges is currently working to establish itself in the region. With explorers and antiquarians flocking to Varisia after the discovery of the lost Thassilonian city of Xin-Shalast, it’s no surprise the Ten would want to capitalize on the adventuring potential Varisia presents.

We who oppose tyranny in all its forms and who hope to see liberty thrive throughout the Inner Sea also have reason to focus our attention on Varisia and the City of Monuments. Magnimar is a new city, formed just over a century ago by Korvosan dissenters who wanted to free themselves from the shackles of Chelish influence. I’m sure you can see how Magnimar is not so different from Andoran.

It is for this reason that I am traveling to Magnimar and will be personally overseeing the establishment of an Andoren embassy within the city. Making political and economic inroads among Magnimar’s elite may be difficult, especially as the wealthy merchants and descendants of the great founding families move ever closer to establishing a new Varisian aristocracy, but with your help we will prevail, and the influence of our great nation will help establish Magnimar not just as a powerful city-state, but a nation in its own right.

While adventuring in Varisia, be ever watchful for ways of improving our embassy, both in appearance and reputation, and give Magnimar’s movers and shakers a reason to listen when we offer them our hand in friendship. Keep Magnimar’s interests in mind, and as you strive to further the goals of the city, make sure all around you know that it was Andoran who came to its aid. And while I cannot openly suggest you do harm to the citizens or property of Korvosa, the weakening of that Chelish thrall-city would benefit Magnimar and the Andoren cause.

When we next meet it will be in the shadow of monuments. May the next monument in Magnimar be to liberty, freedom, and Andoran!

I trust you will not let me down,
Major Colson Maldris

Keep up the good work, faithful ally of democracy.