Liam places the mark of justice upon Jaliessa to ensure that she will not turn against you without retribution. Then you round up all of the traitorous soldiers and march them back to Yanmass. You turn them over to agents of the city's Firewatch to ensure they will be held in custody until a trial can be held.
You have the evidence you need to unmask Earl Merkondus's treachery. Now you just have to decide how you want to approach doing so.
Amelia considers how best to exploit the Earl. He was a man of pride it seemed... It would be best to do so publicly and with solid proof.
Not only would solid proof be needed but it would also have to be decisive and irrefutable... Multiple people other than them would have to corroborate it.
There was a destination even if the journey was serpentine.
Amelia got excited.
"So what do we have? We have the letters revealing him as the Grey Kingmaker, the testimony of the bandits, there must be more I'm forgetting." The woman turns to Katria, knowing full well her notes would be complete on the subject.
"Let's organize our tools first and decide how to use them after."
"And who do we go to?
We have good relations with Chief Enumerator Abrun, Baron Kustios, and Rhundle Navin. I don't think the rest of the Council dislikes us, but those are the ones we have helped.
Perhaps have Baron Kustios call an emergency meeting of the Mercantile Council, with Earl Merkondus invited, and we present our evidence there?
We should move quickly."
Amelia nodded, "It needs to be swift and public. No doubt he will have a contingency in place."
"I confess to not having a terribly keen understanding of politics- perhaps that is why my Lady sent em to join you, that I might learn- so I shall defer to your greater judgement in this matter." Seth adds.
Katria nods, in agreement with the others' plans. "But we should let the chief enumerator, baron, and Rhundle know ahead of time, so they know to be prepared," she suggests, otherwise agreeing with Liam's points.
"We should also have Gallindra accompany us," she adds.
Amelia nods in agreement, "Let them know in advance so the proper precautions can be set up. When the trap snaps shut I don't want his tongue getting him even a minute of reprieve."
"The danger is that the more people know, the more likely the Earl gets wind of it and refuses to show. Maybe he just gets a hunch while receiving the invitation. If we tell those that Katria suggests, which I think is wise, then they should send intermediaries to fetch the Earl, and these messengers should not know what is about to happen.
I agree about Gallindra and Sir Meir Dratavis."
You set things in motion, sending your agents to deliver messages to your allies in the city of Yanmass. The next morning, you arrive at the headquarters of the Mercanite Council for the emergency meeting. Baron Kustios is in attendance, along with Sir Meir Dratavis and Lieutenant Gallindra. Earl Merkondus arrives shortly after you, looking perturbed.
Kustios bangs a gavel to call the meeting to order. "We have assembled here to hear a matter of great import. Would the agents of Princess Eutropia please step forward and inform the council members what they have learned?"
Seth defers to one of the more eloquent (and longer-term) members of the team for their report.
Liam will begin.
"We have solved the mystery of the missing Taldan Horse regiment. Their commander, Jaliessa Staubel, had turned bandit with most of the regiment.
Those who would not do so, such as Lieutenant Gallindra Jondrek and those loyal to her, Jaliessa sent to investigate the Orvestikar Manor. There, they were petrified by a Medusa that had taken up residence. We dispatched the Medusa and restored her victims to life - including not only members of the Taldan Horse but also Sir Meir Dratavis. Lieutenant Gallinda had escaped and we were able to find her. She can confirm our report.
The members of the Taldan Horse loyal to Jaliessa had taken up residence at the Tallgrasses caravanserai, posing as Qadirans. We were able to subdue Jaliessa and the 'bandits.'
We have also learned that Jaliessa did not concoct this scheme on her own! At Tallgrasses, we found correspondence between Jaliessa and a person calling themselves the 'Gray Kingmaker', who knew of this or organized this operation. I present the correspondence here."
Liam pauses to judge the reactions and answer any questions.
Amelia eyed the room while Liam spoke, she could have relayed the information but right now there was something else that needed to be done. Almost vanishing, she did a quick once over of the situation and the room.
She looked for escape routes and tells that may betray the others. The dandy prided herself on her successes and would not let her patron pay for anything less.
Katria picks up the narration, adding a few minor details Liam missed -- likely because they were far too unimportant for him to mention, but she does prefer to be thorough. She then continues explaining about the Gray Kingmaker.
"We also discovered the source of the dark dreams that were plaguing the city. They were caused by horrible fiends -- divs, specifically pairakas -- who had captured Rhundle Navin and his son. They can tell you more specifics about that and what happened to them.
"During that rescue, we found something disturbing: Correspondence from someone who identified himself as this Gray Kingmaker. And I'm sorry to say that correspondence was from none other than Maxillar Pythareus's representative to the city, Earl Yander Merkondus!"
She tries to finish in dramatic fashion, though her delivery is truthfully little different than her usual, slightly dry, recitation of facts.
Maya remains silent as her companions do the talking. Instead of talking, the bard decides to add sights and sounds to correspond to what Liam and Katria speak about. The halfling does her best to make the scenes as accurate as possible, going based off her memory.
The council members alternately gasp or murmur with concern as they turn to Earl Merkondus. The earl smirks and claps slowly. "Well done. You've unraveled my plots. But you'll not place me under arrest today!" He reaches for the edge of his cape...
HP 75/66 (inc. +9 from transmutation focus)
AC 22, touch 15, flat-footed 18, CMD 21
Fort +11, Ref +8, Will +10
Speed: 30 feet
Inspiration (Knowledge/Linguistics/Spellcraft checks): 0/5
Mental Focus: 16; Abjuration [4/4]; Divination [4/4]; Enchantment [3/4]; Transmutation [4/4]
Resonant powers (+1 saves; +2 Perception, low-light vision; +2 Charisma
checks; +2 Con)
Spells/day: 1st [][][][][]; 2nd [][][][][]; 3rd [][][][]
Wands: Scorching ray 0/20; lightning bolt 0/20; magic missile (CL 5) 0/47; magic missile (CL 5) 0/35
Effects:
"Stop him!" Katria calls, focusing her strange magic to try to catch his mind.
Binding Pattern (Sp): As a standard action, you can expend 1 point of mental focus to create a binding pattern of psychic energy that causes a living creature to become paralyzed. The target must be within 30 feet of you, and it can attempt a Will saving throw to negate the effect. If it fails the save, it is paralyzed for 1 round for every 2 occultist levels you possess. At the end of each of its turns, it can attempt another Will save to end the paralyzed effect and instead be staggered for the remaining duration. This is a mind-affecting compulsion effect. You must be at least 7th level to select this focus power.
Seth blurs into action- literally- as his sword leaps from its sheath and into his hand, the space between himself and the Earl vanishing in a moment, and leaving behind nothing but a series of images of the elf drawing his blade and striking, as he lashes out in a storm of steel, pelting the errant noble with a seemingly endless barrage meant to drive him back.
Seth lands three hits on Merkondus, cauing him to snarl in pain. The snarl suddenly freezes on his lips as he succumbs to Katria's binding pattern!
The dandy moves in and attempts to restrain him and prevent him from using whatever he was reaching for within his cape.
"There's no need for this to end in bloodshed. You've been exposed."
Amelia grapples the paralyzed Merkondus, holding him tightly. After a few seconds, he breaks out of the paralysis, struggling in the ranger's grasp. "Let go of me!"
Liam gives up Breath of Life to cast Greater Command on the Earl.
"HALT."
She maintains a steadfast hold, unsure if the magic that Liam casts is successful.
The edge of Seth's sword glows as he pours magic into the blade, "Surrender" the elf says, eyes cold, "And you may not meet the Lady tonight."
Maya draws her rapier in case the earl has any accomplices nearby. Then she adds her own magic to the effort of preventing his escape.
HP 75/66 (inc. +9 from transmutation focus)
AC 22, touch 15, flat-footed 18, CMD 21
Fort +11, Ref +8, Will +10
Speed: 30 feet
Inspiration (Knowledge/Linguistics/Spellcraft checks): 0/5
Mental Focus: 16; Abjuration [4/4]; Divination [4/4]; Enchantment [3/4]; Transmutation [4/4]
Resonant powers (+1 saves; +2 Perception, low-light vision; +2 Charisma
checks; +2 Con)
Spells/day: 1st [][][][][]; 2nd [][][][][]; 3rd [][][][]
Wands: Scorching ray 0/20; lightning bolt 0/20; magic missile (CL 5) 0/47; magic missile (CL 5) 0/35
Effects:
With Merkondus held, Katria will try to dash in and pull the cloak off him, suspecting she knows what it is.
"Get his cloak off!"
Merkondus resists Liam's command, but falls prey to Maya's spell, crying out as his sight is robbed. This makes it rather easy for Amelia to pin him and Katria to yank the cloak off of his shoulders. At Seth's threats, the earl sighs and sags in Amelia's grasp. "Very well. I yield!"
The dandy holds him up, binding his arms, "Search him. I can hold him for the time being."
She eyed the others in the crowd, trying to see if any gave away their allegiance at this moment.
Maya happily obliges Amelia, not caring if she's a little rough in the process of patting down Merkondus. There was always the chance he was actually reaching for something inside his cape and she didn't want to risk any chance of him still having it on his person. She also leaves the man blind, at least for now.
Liam turns to the Council, and Baron Kustios in particular.
"The representative of Maxillar Pythareus sought to sow discord in Yanmass, I believe in hopes that you would turn to the iron fist of the High Strategos to restore order. And he specifically targeted the supporters of Princess Eutropia, despite the neutral status of Yanmass in this conflict.
We have proved his actions through our evidence, and he has now confirmed them. Throughout our time here we have exercised restraint, and I do so now. A civil war pits brother against brother, and many choose the side they do for reasons we can understand and empathize with. I ask that if the Earl cooperates, you show mercy. And if he does not, that you merely imprison him in humane conditions, with a parole hearing when this conflict ends. We must be the Taldor we wish to see.
I ask the Council to declare the support of Yanmass for the cause of Princess Eutropia."
Katria nods as Liam once again proves an able leader. She's not sure he would recognize that role, but he's a powerful figure and a moral authority.
Realizing he's fully capable of speaking to the group, she turns to helping Maya, checking Merkondus for magic.
With clear evidence of Earl Merkondus's plots exposed, the council quickly arranges for him to be held in custody pending charges of conspiracy and treason.
"We cannot thank you enough for not only uncovering that snake in our midst, but also stopping the bandit attacks on our caravans," Baron Kustios says. "We will announce that the trade routes are safe again, thanks to the skill and bravery of Princess Eutropia's agents, and we will reduce import and export taxes for a 60-day period to help stimulate trade in Yanmass and reverse the current economic downturn. However, we'd like to keep the connection between the Taldan Horse regiment and the 'Qadiran' bandits under wraps, so as not to undermine the people's faith in the Taldan military. Still, we are truly grateful. Please, accept this item as your reward."
The council members present you with a stone of good luck.
"The troubles plaguing Yanmass are no more. We owe it all to you and the princess's goodwill, and we are disgusted by Maxillar Pythareus's treachery. You can tell your liege that she has our city's support in her bid for the throne!"
"We will keep the information about the Taldan Horse quiet. Thank you for your support of Princess Eutropia, and for your generosity."
Liam is considering telling Martella Lotheed about the Taldan Horse The problem has been resolved and Yanmass has requested our silence, hoping that Lady Martella will trust the party enough to not pry. The fewer people that know, the better.
And now we must find a way to convey the Prince to the Palace of Birdsong. With the most protective measures we can employ.
The woman looks towards her allies and the council, satisfied with the resolution of the turmoil in Yanmass. "I wouldn't want the Taldan military to be undermined, but I also don't want this to happen again. I feel when the time is right we need to push for a full inquisition and rout any other turncoats from their ranks."
She wasn't sure what the next course of action was, was this the end of her job here? She hoped it wasn't the case, it provided to be significantly more interesting than spying on quibbling nobles when you can both spy and threaten quibbling nobles.
"We may need passage somewhere once this is all said and done, do you have access to transport for us? Mundane in nature of course, I wouldn't dare ask for more."
Holding on to the other information regarding the Prince, she waits to see what others may have to say.
Martella replies to Liam: "Well done. Return to the Palace as soon as you are able."
The council members agree to provide you with transport via river barge down to Meratt County, where you can take your wagon the rest of the way to the Palace of Birdsong.
Katria nods, also looking troubled over the decision to keep quiet about the cavalry -- though she supposes she doesn't have to live here. Hopefully they'll follow Amelia's sage advice.
"We may need to buy some equipment while we're here," she notes, hoping they can leave quickly.
Maya thanks the council for their gift and is happy to see the Earl also has quite a few useful items in his possession.
She's not quite as troubled about concealing the Taldan Horse regiment's role in the banditry as some of her companions, though she recognizes that she probably should be. One more thing she needs to work on.
Maya says to the council, "I would be careful about who you give access to the Earl. He may still know things that Pythareus wants to keep secret. Or Pythareus might even try breaking him out of prison, depending on how close they are. My suggestion would be to only give access to those council members the earl specifically tried to remove, as well as the Enumerator and the Enumerator's confidants."
Amelia looked at Seth, "And what of you? Will you be joining us moving forward?"
"Indeed I shall. The Lady, and your lady, directed me to you, and so with you I shall remain until such a time my services are no longer required." On his shoulder, Seth's raven (visible for once) caws in agreement.
After leaving the Council, Liam will purchase the necessary holy water and incense for Commune, prepare that spell into his open 5th-level slot, and ask questions of Milani.
Katria would probably have helped me sketch out what to ask, but this is a matter of faith, not logic.
He lights the incense, sprinkles the holy water, grasps his holy symbol, and concentrates, chanting, for ten minutes. Then in the depths of his soul he senses the image of a rose blooming, and asks the rose to guide him.
#1 "Is the young man that we rescued from the Cult of the Twilight Child truly Prince Carrius?"
#2 "Are there any who are currently planning to attack us or the one we believe to be Prince Carrius on our journey to Meratt?"
#3 "Is the one planning an attack someone we have met in Yanmass or Meratt?"
A bold feminine voice answers Liam's questions in his mind:
#1: "Unclear."
#2: "Yes."
#3: "Yes."
#4 "Does the one planning an attack consider themselves a supporter of Maxillar Pythareus?"
#5 "Is the one planning an attack a member of the Mercantile Council of Yanmass?"
#6 "Is the one planning an attack either someone we have already defeated in battle, or an ally of one we have defeated in battle?"
#4: "No."
#5: "No."
#6: "No."
#7 "Is the one we believe to be the Prince the target of the planned attack?"
#8 "Is the one planning an attack the one who told us that 'The abomination at the center of the Cult of the Twilight Child must be destroyed'"?
#8 "Does the one planning an attack seek the relics we carry?"
#7: ”Yes.”
#8: ”Yes.”
#9: ”No.”
#9 "Can the one planning an attack be persuaded to let the Prince live?"
Liam thinks he knows the answer to this one.
”No,” the voice answers the final question sadly.
"I think we have two choices, then," Katria says after a thought, before proceeding to lay them out. "We could try to hide our trip or -- using magic -- maybe bypass it completely and not give this person a chance. But I think the better choice is using what we know to prepare for the attack and draw it out. That way we don't have to wait and worry about when it will happen in the future. Perhaps we can capture this man and even if we can't persuade him to let the Prince live, maybe we can get some answers?"
Thank you, Everbloom. I will continue to fight against oppression and seek to continue to be worthy of your blessing.
Liam then shares the answers.
"I fear we have a fanatic on our hands. Most probably a Pharasman concerned about the unusual nature of the Prince's return - this may have something to do with Panivar's meddling with souls. Describing the Prince as an 'Abomination' is my basis for that speculation.
I think you are right, Katria. We should draw out the attack. Simply bypassing our trip with magic would leave this assailant out there scheming.
I had thought to leave the Prince in a safe spot and use a decoy to draw out the attack, but not knowing what magic they have access to, that might not work. Like if they are Scrying on us or the Prince.
We know from our prior encounter that they can vanish. I will prepare Dimensional Anchor and Invisibility Purge.
Knowing that they cannot be deterred, we must be prepared to strike first and talk later. Normally I favor dialogue but I don't think it's the right course here."