There doesn't seem to be any coded message in the letter.
"Hmm, maybe Baron Okerra has had some time to think about his conversation with me. He seemed to solidly support us when last we spoke, so barring some major change, he should still be on our side. As such, Baronness Voinum does seem like the most logical choice to visit first. We should probably still send word ahead if we can, or at least to Okerra if we're heading out immediately to Voinum."
Katria nods, fine with her companions' decisions.
She will in the meantime send to her companions back home to see if they can obtain another scroll of magic missile for her .
The next morning, you travel via canal up to the town of Voinaris. The center of Baroness Voinum's demesne derives from the family name and shares the tradition of military service, and many of the county's soldiers are drawn from this sleepy town. The pungent scent of wine and vinegar—the town's two main industries—taints the air for miles in every direction.
The baroness greets you pleasantly upon your arrival and offers a tour of her estate, which stands 3 miles outside of town. It features one of the most extensive wine cellars in Taldor, with vintage bottles dating back centuries and secret rooms storing various recipes, wines, and strains of yeast from across Avistan and Cassomir.
Voinum treats you to a fine dinner followed by an extensive wine tasting. Afterwards, you retire to a drawing room for cigars and conversation.
"I hear the lot of you have been busy little bees, flitting all about the county on various tasks for her citizens. Your efforts are to be commended." She sips a warmed brandy, then looks directly at you. "So, when do you move against Count Lotheed?"
Katria's jaw drops.
Have we been that obvious? Oh no...
"Wh ... what do you mean?" Taldor's least likely spy stammers in response.
Voinum barks a laugh. "Oh, come now. I knew you were impostors from the moment I saw you at the jubilee. None of you even look like members of the Betony family. I figured out what you were up to a long time ago, so no sense in trying to lie about it now."
Liam looks relieved rather than shocked. And he's not going to insult the Baroness's intelligence.
"You are right. We've been shoring up our support. We also need to pay Baron Okerra a visit."
He takes a sip of his brandy.
"I would like to find a way to turn Gul Gusairne against the Count. Some evidence of the Count breaking Taldan law, perhaps. Maybe something like cheating the Crown out of their proper tax revenue. Even though the throne may be vacant now, I don't imagine the Count was that dutiful before."
"That seems an unlikely strategy," Voinum says. "Despite years of abuse for being a 'low-born bastard,' Gusairne is unflaggingly loyal to the Lotheed family. It would take a minor miracle to turn the man against Bartelby."
"A minor miracle... or a clever subterfuge of some sort. One that makes it seem Bartelby has turned against him or dismissed him from service. I don't have any such plan yet, but I was hoping to drive a wedge between them. Disguises, illusions, enchantments... such things are possible.
If we cannot divide them, then we will have to oppose Gul Gusairne as well.
But what if we could convince Archbanker Lady Paril? Would she be able to convince Gusairne to stand aside?"
"Perhaps. It is only Lady Paril's steadying hand that has kept Guisarne from turning into more of a despot than a seneschal," Voinum says.
Doritan is initially surprised that they had been found out so easily, but then shrugs, realizing that it wouldn't be that hard for anyone with an appreciable amount of intelligence.
"Well, considering you haven't turned us in, then, your grace, I assume that means you are, at the very least, not strongly against our goal? We're trying to protect the commoners, and keep Taldor from full-on civil war. Do we have your support, or at least your approval?" Doritan asks.
"This county has been far too boring. It's about time somebody came along to shake things up." A slight smile creases her face. "All of Meratt is rallying around you, and it would seem untoward if Voinaris didn't join in with them. Aye, you'll have my support in your forthcoming coup. I can't wait to see the look on Bartelby's face when he realizes his time has come."
"Pardon me, my lady, but do you have any advice on how we might approach Baron Okerra? We received an invitation to visit him. I believe he is an honorable man, but I do not know if he would share your enthusiasm for shaking things up."
Maya quietly sips her wine as the conversation unfolds. She quite likes the liquid, but one of the worst disadvantages of her small size is her inability to consume large quantities of such beverages. What a pity.
"Perhaps we should speak with Lady Paril when next we have a chance. If we can't turn Gusairne, I think we'll manage, but she sounds like our best hope.
"Speaking of Baron Okerra, do you know why he might have called us to his estate? He seemed quite mysterious about the matter. When I last spoke to him, he seemed quite amenable to our cause. Have you heard any juicy rumors?"
"Nicolaus has a bit of a stick up his ass. He's a stickler for law and order, almost to a fault. He won't stand against or even impugn Count Lotheed for his obvious negligence to his people. I think this little rebellion of yours would be a hard sell for him."
Voinum raises an eyebrow at Maya. "I have heard some rumors, though not about Baron Okerra. A certain vigilante has allegedly been spotted around your village quite often of late. If these same rumblings have reached Nikolaus's ears, it would stand to reason that he wouldn't be too happy with you all..."
Katria remains quiet as those who are better at conversing -- without putting their proverbial foot in their mouth -- take the lead. She's pleased the baroness is supportive, though her stomach roils at the thought of a conflict with the baron ... who's always been a supporter.
Maybe if we can convince him we're working for the princess, he'll understand. He's supported her up until now and he must realize that this is all for the greater good...
Then a thought comes upon her.
"Baroness, do you know of any upcoming events or happenings that might serve as a flash point, as it were. Something that could give an opportunity to move against Bartelby?"
"The Night Swan?" Doritan interjects, "I think Baron Okerra understands how she's basically impossible to control- and we have the crossbow bolt and note to prove it. Still, when it comes down to it, we won't have to worry about her interfering with our plans."
"There's nothing on the schedule, but that doesn't mean we can make a flashpoint of our very own," Voinum says. "Most of the guards at the Palace of Birdsong are loyal sons and daughters of Voinaris. A word from their baroness, and they'll walk right off the job, leaving Bartelby largely undefended. Just pick the time and date and I'll make the necessary arrangements."
Bernal does not object to visiting the baroness. While he is worried at first that she might be trying to milk them for information she could against them when siding with Lotheed, he quickly concludes that this scheming is much unlike Voinum and that she is genuinely supportive of them, though for what reason he cannot tell.
"That would be brilliant," the Rondelero's face lights up at the baroness' proposal. "We seek for our coup to be as devoid of bloodshed as possible; if the guards do not defend the palace, I'm sure its residents would be much more willing to give in."
Bernal starts for his falcata the moment he notices a figure by his bed. "Who's there?", he slurs sleepily, as if not thinking about what he's saying. Once the scene becomes clearer to him, he quickly averts his gaze, sword still flimsily in hand; it takes him a few moments to recognize the Duchess. So much had happened since that little scandal, he'd almost entirely forgotten about it.
"I have to stop you right there, Duchess, but... how did you get in here?"
Maya finds herself almost involuntarily smiling at Voinum's latest words. Their fight was far from over, but they were already well on their way to winning it. Perhaps the bard should write a speech for the day when they undertake their own glorious reclamation of the Palace of Birdsong.
"Once we speak with Baron Okerra, we should have a better idea of when we'll be ready to move on Bartelby. Your support is much appreciated Baroness."
Katria nods, like the others pleased that the baroness is willing to offer such help. Her mind is already racing to make sure they can keep Baron Okerra on their side.
"Thank you for your time and your support, Baroness Voinum. We will be careful in how we approach Baron Okerra.
I have twice put my life at risk from the Night Swan in order to spare others from harm. I might be making some progress. If I can convince Baron Okerra that reining in the vigilante is a tactic more likely to contribute to peace and stability than killing her, given her support among many of the common folk, then perhaps he will understand. Otherwise we could just deny everything."
You return to Stachys, and the next day, you head southeast to Pensaris. Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Pensaris, the largest lake in the county, this fishing village of 200 residents grew up around the nearby Okerra estate. Pensaris is one of Meratt’s most prosperous and bustling villages, second in wealth and prominence only to Lotheedar. Much of this is due to the fairness with which the barony treats its residents and the no-interest loans Baron Okerra sometimes extends to young entrepreneurs who present a solid business plan and relevant skills. Of late, however, those loans have dried up, owing to Count Lotheed's harsher tax collection policies.
Baron Okerra's estate is a small but cozy citadel overlooking the village. Servants take your horses and carriage to the stables before showing you into a waiting room to await the baron's attentions. You aren't waiting long before a young girl enters the room. With her dark curly hair and skin, it's easily to see the family resemblance to Baron Okerra. "Oh! I know who you are. You're the new Betony heirs! Father's spoken a lot about you! I'm Selli! Nice to meet you!"
She holds out her hand, which you can see is missing the last two fingers from it. It's wrapped up tight with bandages.
Maya notes Selli's maimed hand, but doesn't mention it. The halfling isn't completely tasteless.
Taking the girl's hand in one of her own, Maya says, "Nice to meet you as well, Selli. I would ask what he's been saying, but I suspect we'll learn soon enough by speaking to him."
"Nice things, mostly," Selli says. "He says you're doing good work in Stachys, and that you're a boon to the county at large. But, he's gets into his moods sometimes, and then he can say things that are...not so nice..." She lowers her eyes. "He's been that way since Mother died."
As Veleto apporaches, Bernal shuffles out of his bed, standing up on the opposite side of her. Still confused and tired, but now speaking with more confidence, he says, "I am sorry, the Duchess, but you must leave now. Breaking into the estate of Stachys is a grave offence to the security of the county of Meratt, and I might have to report this incident to Count Lotheed. If you do not wish for me to call for reinforcement, leave now."
After a short pause, he adds, "And if you can show me how you entered, please do."
"Our condolences for your loss, miss," Bernal says quietly as he shakes the girl's hand. "But it is a great pleasure to meet you too. Will the Baron be joining us soon?"
The duchess darts out of your bedroom, and by the time you are able to give chase, there's no sign of her. It's as if she's just disappeared.
"Oh, yeah, he'll be down in a minute. But I want to hear about your adventures first!" Selli says excitedly.
"Greetings, Selli. It is a pleasure to meet you. We try to steer clear of adventure - our responsibility is to Stachys - but in the course of making improvements in the town we have had some interesting tales. Maybe we should wait for your father before telling those stories."
"While what we've done could technically be called adventures, I don't think that's our goal," Katria says. "We're not Pathfinders or those who go out looking for trouble. But it looks like you've had some adventure of your own?"
Selli's injury looks fairly recent, but she doesn't seem to be in any pain from it. She waves her hand in response to Katria's question. "You bet! I lost my fingers to a fox in a game of lazt Azlant. But the game was crooked, yeah? That fox was counting cards! If I ever see him again, you can be sure things will turn out differently next time!"
”You... bet your fingers?” Doritan clarifies after greeting her, ”I can’t say I understand your thoughts there, but if you’re at peace with it. Also, don’t listen to them. At this point, we are absolutely adventurers.” he takes his manticore claw out of the hidden pocket he keeps it in and twirls it between his fingers.
"A ... fox? Like a real fox?" Katria asks, a little confused.
"It sounds like you're more adventurous than any of us. Can't say we've managed to lose fingers to a fox quite yet, though that day may yet come. Can you tell us more about this game?"
"Ooh! Nice!" Selli says, gawking at Doritan's manticore claw.
It looks like she's about to regale you with her fantastic tale of adventure when Baron Okerra strides purposefully into the meeting room. "Selli! What did I tell you about sneaking away from your tutoring sessions?"
"Um, don't get caught?" Selli offers.
"Don't do it, period! You will report back there at once."
"But dad, I'm gonna be a great soldier like you! What do I need to know math for?"
"At once, young lady!"
Selli sighs dramatically and gives you a long-suffering look. "Sorry, gotta go. Nice to meet you!"
Baron Okerra clears his throat, cheeks flushed as his daughter scampers off. "You have my apologizes. I hope Selli wasn't bothering you."
"Math is very important," Katria starts to say, though her words are cut off.
You may need it to figure out how much food you need or if what you have will be enough for X amount of soldiers. If you want to know how long it will take to travel a certain distance. If you ever were trying to kill time and had to roll an icosagram and add a specific modifier, that would all require math...
"No, she seems like a sweet girl. I hope she's OK..." Katria makes an awkward gesture with her own hand to indicate the injury.
”Not at all,” Doritan tells the Baron, ”I remember being in her exact position not too long ago.”
"I'm fairly certain she'll prove to be our best conversation partner for the day," Maya replies with a straight face. "But I suppose we'll make do with who we have left at this point.
"In any case, we have come at your behest. What can we do for one so illustrious as yourself?"
Baron Okerra's face becomes an impassive mask. "Numerous rumors have reached my ears that you are planning to engage in seditious activity. I summoned you here that you might explain yourselves in person. I would urge you to speak only the truth."
"Sedition is incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government, but we support Princess Eutropia, who is the rightful ruler of Taldor," Katria replies.
"If Count Lotheed supports the rightful Empress's claim to the throne, we will support him. If not, then he is in rebellion.
Princess Eutropia has the strongest claim, and the only challenge to her claim is that her father slaughtered most of the Senate to keep her from the line of succession. Surely you can see that such an action was not Law, but Tyranny."
"But above all, " Doritan adds, when it's appropriate, "Our loyalty is to the people of Taldor. The common folk, the farmers and merchants just going about their daily lives, who would be crushed underfoot in a war. They are the ones we support above all."
"You have urged us to speak the truth, and nothing but the truth has been spoken. We do not seek to overthrow Count Lotheed and install ourselves as rulers, we seek to restore the sovereignty of the Taldan folk over their own lands; if Lotheed does not follow Empress Eutropia's way and does not cease his oppressive policies by way of diplomacy, then we are forced take action."
Maya shrugs. Baron Okerra had seemed amenable to their cause when last the halfling spoke to him, so she has no reason to believe he won't be now. The fact that he didn't mention the Night Swan was also comforting.
"As Katria mentioned, seditious seems like an overly harsh way of describing our plans. We want to ensure Princess Eutropia takes the throne. If that means ousting Bartelby, then so be it. The county has clearly suffered under his rule, so a change is in order both for the sake of the county itself and for the country as a whole."
Baron Okerra sits with arms crossed as he listens to your impassioned pleas. Once you have finished, he heaves a mighty sigh. "This whole situation makes me uncomfortable. But I have seen the strength of your character for myself, and I know that you believe you are doing what is best for the people of Meratt, and all of Taldor. I hope Count Lotheed will step down peacefully when you reveal your cause to him, but he is the type of man who enjoys power, and all the comforts that come along with it. It would take a mighty effort indeed to get him to relinquish his position without a fight.
"I am certain the people of Pensaris will stand with you in this cause, but I cannot join you when you confront the count. The most I can promise is that I will not interfere with your actions."