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"A silver raven! Ha! Long I have coveted a figurine of wondrous power for myself! But, lo! This message is urgent!"
Drawing her blade Lovissa leaps up from her seat and points her sword to the sky, accidentally scraping a line of paint off the ceiling.
"To the museum!"
Apparently, Lovissa has completely forgotten (or doesn't care) that she's supposed to stay hidden....
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"Well Magistrate, we are putting great faith in you by doing this, but I believe that you work for the good of our great nation."
With that he produces the ledger and deed, handing them over. "I yield these documents to you. These document several suspicious transactions, linking the operation of the Chandlery with a widespread smuggling operation."
He then points to the deed. "And that document shows a surprising change in ownership of the Chandlery. If I were to hazard a guess, the conflagration you speak of is likely arson meant to cover up these discoveries."
He stands up and bows. "I take it on faith that you will act on this information if you deem it to be sufficient. As for us... well... this information was uncovered as a result of a separate investigation regarding misappropriation of museum pieces. With all that has transpired, I do feel it necessary to make contact with the curator as soon as possible. If you are confident in the documentation provided, we would like to take our leave."
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Lovissa sheathes her blade and heads out into the city, following the others to the Museum, and hopefully meeting up with her companions on the way. Although she doesn't slink around like Lady Finley, she doesn't boast, brag or announce her name to every person she passes by--Clearly her way of 'blending in.'
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Badriyah tries to get a sense of where the magistrate is coming from, but can't get a solid read on the woman having only met her once before. Instead she listens and nods her head as Marcus shares what they gathered and have discovered. She also quietly takes notice of her companion's sudden change in demeanor and style.
"I've not much to add Magistrate. Except that there are many naval officers listed in that ledger as receiving substantial payments." She looks up to the judge. "We've heard the Earl is planning some sort of big event in the next few days. I'm starting to think he may be planning more than just a little thievery and personal enrichment, but instead building a power base for taking control of the region or even the throne itself."
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Magistrate Tantriano's eyes narrow in what appears to be an unmasked angry expression after she peruses the documents given to her.
"These are grim developments. I will move swiftly and begin drafting formal legal documentation at once. Your suspicions may be correct, Master Fantailler, and if so, I would suggest that you watch your tails in the next few days, whatever 'big events' are planned. I'll be sure to let the guard captain know that I have indeed found some thing interesting for his attention - much more interesting than needlessly questioning suspects." She pulls a quill out of an ink pot on her desk, moving to begin scribing as a way of dismissing you from her office.
She pauses and looks up. "It would seem that whatever 'independent investigation' that Curator Reviamo employed you for was timely and expertly-handled. I'll commend her for her choice of agents when I see her next. Good luck." She returns to rapidly scribbling.
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Lady Finley, Giovanni, and Lovissa successfully navigate the streets and alleys of Ridonport on their way to the Arnisant Museum, avoiding prying eyes. As they near the museum, they see a medium-sized crowd gathering in the inner courtyard of the museum. A small speaking platform has been set up just to the side of the main doors, allowing the public a clear view of the museum’s main room. A host of guards attired in green, blue, and gold uniforms stand in front of the speaking platform and on both sides of the open doors to the museum. No one - yet - stands on the stage.
Birthright Day Celebration map
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Giovanni looks over the crowded courtyard, wondering at how they would get through to the museum at all, let alone stealthily. Lovissa's suggestion rings in the air.
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"Look! There! . That looks like the man in that painting!"
With a broad smile, she remarks. "If we don't want to sneak around, I can summon a few creatures to cause a bit of havoc. They could attack the guards on one side of the building, and scatter the crowd, while we sneak into the building on the other side. I'll need to stay quite close to them, though. You may have to enter the building without me. Or, ahead of me, at least."
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Badriyah offers the magistrate a deep bow. "Many thanks for your help and support, Magistrate Tantriano. It has been an honor to help in our own small way."
She then hurries after Marcus to meet the others at the museum.
Seeing the crowd and podium, she turns to Marcus, "I wonder what's happening? The curator didn't mention any upcoming events at the museum. Do you see the others?"
She scans the crowd looking for any sign of Lovissa or the rest of the group.
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Badriyah notices her colleagues making their way towards her and the front gate as Marcus peels off and heads towards the main entrance to the museum.
As this occurs, a quintet of winds and percussion play an inspired fanfare and the guards pull on several bundles of cloth near the eaves, unfurling long banners of green, blue, and gold. As the banners finish opening, blue and green alchemical smoke pellets activate, releasing plumes of sparking smoke. Earl Calhadion Vernisant strides through the smoke and ascends to the speaking platform, resplendent in a finely cut outfit and basking in light applause. He thanks the crowd politely.
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Seeing the others, she quickly catches up to them only to turn around and see Marcus marching toward the front gate.
"Bloody pits of darkness." She whispers under breath before quickly moving up to Lady Finley and Giovanni.
"The magistrate is moving and coordinating with the watch captain, but it's going to take time. We're likely on our own here, but shouldn't have trouble with the watch...the Earl's own guards on the other hand..." She says to them trying not to be overheard in the crowd. Her hand points out Marcus marching toward the front. "He didn't spot you in time, I'm going to see if I can help if things go badly."
With a flurry of her robes she turns and starts to duck through the crowd following Marcus' path.
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Badriyah spots Curator Reviamo at the entrance to the museum just as the Earl begins his speech.
"We stand here today in recognition of greatness: of Taldor’s institutions, of Taldor’s people, and the greatness of Taldor itself! Yet our grand empire would not have shaped the world as we know it were it not for sacrifice - the selfless heroism that inspired our neighbors to unite against a common threat, when evil itself threatened to snuff out civilization as we know it. Yes, I speak of the great General Arnisant, my direct ancestor who faced evil head-on and gave his life so that we might live our own. Yes, in Taldor, we respect tradition because it’s what made us strong and keeps us strong, and I stand before you today as a living testament that General Arnisant’s legacy of selfless and impeccable service lives on, for the glory of Ridonport,” the earl pauses as the crowd cheers wildly, “and of Taldor itself! This is our birthright, and today we celebrate our heritage proudly!”
The quintet plays a cheerful tune as the guards motion for applause and the crowd cheers. For effect, Vernisant frowns with pensive concern before motioning for silence and continuing. “Yet there are those who hate our traditions, who loathe what Taldor stands for, and who disparage Arnisant’s sacrifice that bought us our freedom.” The earl motions for patience as the crowd boos angrily. “Yes, I too was angry when I learned someone might despise Taldor with the same blasphemous hatred that the Whispering Tyrant leveled at our empire when he drew upon his foul magic and attempted to tear out General Arnisant’s heart - just as even now some in Taldor wish to shred institutions as sacred as primogeniture that have made us strong!"
"And,” he notes, raising his hand before leveling it at Lovissa, “They infiltrate our ranks even today! It was these villains who broke into the chandlery, stealing from the very businesses that sustain Ridonport, and then burned that storied enterprise and all of our town's, nay Taldor's history inside to ash!”
Heads in the crowd whip around to stare at Lovissa and Lady Finley with narrowed eyes and shocked expressions. A low murmur begins to go through the crowd.
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Lovissa laughs loudly. "How must the Great General Arnisant, feel to see his ancestor stoop so low?" she yells back confidently. "The lies you spout show your desperation! Surely, at least, the men YOU hired to burn down the chandlery know you for a charlatan and a fraud? Even if you convince the good people of Ridonport of your innocence, there will always be those who know the truth of you! That you are a liar, a cheat, and a blasphemer!"
Looking at the crowd she shouts, "I am Lovissa, of the line of Halenbane! Daughter of Mergerice, and Granddaughter of Abrenica and Reginald. Famous Taldans, all! And though circumstance has led me to live far from home, I have grown up on tales of the Glory of Taldor! The might of our Empire! And the strength, and honour of OUR people! The people of Ridonport make it so, as do the people of every town, village, and metropolis in our beloved nation's borders!"
She turns and points a finger at the Earl. "But YOU! YOU and people like you--the smugglers and arsonists and thugs that you command--you cast a shadow upon our great nation! Like an infection! I have no shortage of love for our nation, for the great and glorious TALDOR! Even if your lies try to hide it, and obscure it... The truth is on my lips and branded upon my heart! My very soul! And as long as the people of our great nation have eyes to see, ears to hear, and the courage to SPEAK, all will know me for who I am! For I AM A PATRIOT!" Lovissa thumps her chest for emphasis and raises her fist to the sky.
With a look right at the earl she asks, "Look into your heart--into your soul--and ask yourself: How could you let down your ancestors? How could you tarnish the glorious name of Arnisant with your actions? The great General Arnisant himself rolls in his grave over your behaviour. Over your lies! Is that to be your Legacy? Your mark upon our nation? You still have a chance to do your country proud... Surely your people--these people who LOVE YOU--deserve as much?"
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Badriyah moves a bit deeper into the crowd as the Earl speaks. When she hears Lovissa's booming voice respond she nods along and speaks quietly to those around her.
"I always wanted to be a fine warrior like her." She says to those standing nearby, as she looks to Lovissa.
"She's so confident,full of glory, and brave to speak out against a nobleman. We all know how the nobility hate to be interrupted when they're on a soapbox." She adds with a bit of knowing humor. "She reminds me of everything I've learned about the great knights of Taldoran legend. Honorable and true. I'd trust her to defend my home over the Earl any day. Don't you think?"
She then cheers and claps for Lovissa before ducking back into the crowd.
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"I have it on good authority that only 2 things were removed from the premise... A document detailing payments relating to local smuggling operations tied to the chandlery, and the deed with but a single name as owner... Earl Vernisant!"
"Ah yes," the Earl responds to Marcus, "what good authority would that be, stranger? That of the night watchman of the chandlery, Rusmonya Kusk, who, along with two brave patriots of our town, were assaulted and nearly killed by the villainous Pathfinders who sought to mark their turf by burning down our chandlery?"
The crowd murmurs murderously at these words.
"Look into your heart--into your soul--and ask yourself: How could you let down your ancestors? How could you tarnish the glorious name of Arnisant with your actions? The great General Arnisant himself rolls in his grave over your behaviour. Over your lies! Is that to be your Legacy? Your mark upon our nation? You still have a chance to do your country proud... Surely your people--these people who LOVE YOU--deserve as much?"
From amongst the crowd, Patrician Adimare pipes up with a reedy but clearly angry voice. "I, Neffery Adimare, am heartbroken at the loss of my beloved family chandlery. I was told that my family business was burnt down by villainous agents - and now I know EXACTLY which villainous agent is responsible!" he says, turning towards Earl Vernisant. "How DARE you stand there and claim to be a business partner when the recently-rewritten deed of the chandlery shows you to be sole owner of my family's heritage? How dare you, sir!"
The crowd's gaze averts quickly to the Earl at Adimare's words, as if in a tennis game.
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The earl looks genuinely shocked at Adimare's words, but his slippery words reflect his considerable oratorial skills. "I purchased the chandlery as a personal and confidential favour, my dear Neffery, and I am dismayed - dismayed, I say - that you would repay my kindness by resorting to such underhanded tactics out of jealousy. As far as claims of a smuggling operation, I know not of the actions of which you speak, but I promise you all that once we have sated the fires of righteous Taldan fury by finding those responsible for burning down our beloved chandlery, that a full and official investigation will uncover the truth."
He moves briskly on. "Speaking of the truth, I have the truth of the mettle of these Pathfinders from sailors of our own military forces, ambushed and bloodied by these warmongers not two nights' ago! Let us not forget that these scoundrels shed the blood of Taldor’s own navy, striking down our nation’s finest on their native soil!”
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"Hahaha!" Badriyah laughs at the Earl's comment. "Oh surely, you should be performing a comedy routine in a dockside tavern. Because what you say is certainly far from the truth."
See slips through the crowd moving toward the front, speaking so her voice carries to the crowd as much as to the Earl.
"Yes, we did stop some former sailors of the Taldoran navy. I stress former as they were dishonorably discharged several months ago by Count Zespire. I believe shiftlessness was what the men called it themselves. So you might ask, how did someone such as myself run into these supposedly fine men of the navy?" She spins around to face the crowd with friendly smile.
"Well, good citizens of Taldor, I'll tell you.... We had been told about a smuggler's cache under the St. Lymirin Street Bridge and had gone to investigate. We had only been there long enough to find several emptied crates and other evidence of recent smuggling activity...when lo and behold, Sarenrae smiled upon us because, pulling up to this hidden tunnel in the dark of night was a smugglers barge. Filled with goods and cargo stolen from Count Zespire's merchant ships." She pauses for a second and then pulls back the sleeves of her robe to reveal her thin arms.
"You can see the powerful, warrior like figure I impose, but confront these scoundrels we did. And it took some effort to bring them to their knees." She dips her head and puts her hand over her heart. "But knowing we were new in town and not wanting to pass the ultimate judgement on these obviously down and out men, we took pity on their souls and asked for the guidance of the Sarenrae herself. Redemption being a core of the faith we took their written confessions and their solemn oaths to end their smuggling ways and find honest work." She punctuates the last with a soft chuckle, but then her face goes quite serious.
"But the capture and subsequent confession of these...ahem...former navy sailors, was not the most troubling thing we found. Indeed, we were most surprised to discover among the smuggler's gear a fine Helm of Aroden. An heirloom recently removed from the Arnisant museum."
She spins back around to face the Earl. "Removed by the Earl himself for supposed research purposes! Ha! More likely as payoffs for smugglers to harass his competition and control the market to his benefit!" She exclaims. Her finger pointing accusingly at the earl.
"Tell these good people sir. How did an artifact of such glory and lawful purpose end up passing from you, to a group of dishonored smugglers? How did so many other items recently removed from the museum end up in the hands of criminals or chandlery cronies of yours?"
Turning back to the crowd she points to the museums entrance. "Fortunately the helm resides once again in its rightful place because we returned it to the good curator. If not for our intervention and blessings from the goddess, that fine helm once used to hold back the greatest of evil, would even now be used by the smugglers to steal, cheat, and kill other innocents working the canals that are the life blood of this great city."
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Lady Finley moves to the front of the crowd. "I know I don't look it, but I am a daughter of Taldor. I was brought here as a young one. I know of the glory, greatness and honor of this fine land. I chose to come here once again to see my adopted homeland." She scans the crowd.
"It's an honor to be among such fine people. However I see before me the worst of Taldor. I see an Earl who is riding on his famous family's history, and doing it for his own ends. He has taken things from the Museum here that are not from his family. He has claimed to be related to people who he is not related to. We have done our best to act in good faith for the people of Taldor. We did not burn down a building. Look at me are there any burns on me? I'm just a small grippli. I cannot run fast enough to get away from flames."
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"My name is Marcus Vulpares Fantailler, son of Marcus Vultulus Fantailler, her to the Fantailler family estate!"
He pauses, expecting at least a single gasp of recognition from the audience, or dare he hope even from the Earl himself. After a quarter second too long of an awkward pause, Marcus continues.
"And sworn deputy of of this town."
He pauses again, hoping that this adds at least some legitimacy to his claim.
"I came here upon the behest of the Pathfinder Society hoping... nay... praying to find a beacon of honor and might within my homeland. Taldor... the land of the heroes of the Mendevian crusades... a land I am proud to call my home. But these days I fear we have become a shadow of our former glory as I watch the old institutions balk at the difficulty and cost of committing our soldiers to the fifth crusade. I watch as other great organizations like the Silver Crusade take up the banner of defenders of our world when once it was us! Glorious Taldor, land whose language is spoken all throughout the land! I came to this town to bask in the greatness of General Arnisant's legacy and feel that flame rekindled, but what did I find? Earl Vernisant using troops who should have been defending us against the threat of the Worldwound as mere smugglers! Besmirching Arnisant's name by hocking his relics as payment for grim deeds and riding on his legacy without so much as TRYING to make one of his own. I am SHOCKED and APPALLED at what this nation is becoming! Friends and countrymen... prove to me that my fears will not come true! Prove to me that he whosoever tarnish the reputation of our great heroes and history find themselves unable to lead so much as a cottage much less a city with such great history. Prove to me that Taldor shall rise again!"
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"My, my," the Earl muses, smirking, "all of these accusations! Count Zespire does not live here in Ridonport. I see not the sailors of the Taldan navy that you claim to have battled present here in the crowd. It seems, Pathfinders, that you have few witnesses---"
A lone voice yells out from the crowd. "I can vouch for them!" Rasvelg Coalbraid bellows. "I work with the navy fellows everyday, and I can tell you this: none of the sailors I work with mentioned anything about a fight, so I'm thinking that if there was a ruckus, it wasn’t with anyone who’s part of Taldor’s navy, begging your pardon. Add to this that I heard that that infamous deserter and pirate - Gayleigh Knar - finally picked a fight that beast of hers from Osirion couldn’t get her out of, and I'm thinking you can fill in the blanks for yourself." The shipwright stands with arms crossed across his chest. He glances over at Lovissa, gives a sharp nod of confidence, and then returns to glaring at the Earl, who glares right back.
"It's preposterous to suggest that piracy is operating here in Ridonport," Earl Vernisant proclaims. "It is an insult to the administration of this town - to the PEOPLE of Ridonport! My people, let us not forget the lessons of Mendev’s third crusade, when invading demons infiltrated the heroes’ ranks to spread misery, misinformation, and misfortune. So to do these foreign menaces spy on us and turn us against one another, hoping that we might destroy each other. We must stand together to be strong!”
The crowd's murmurs seem more thoughtful, though concerned looks are still submitted your way.
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Lovissa nods back at Rasvelg, clearly proud of his bravery.
"Ah, the beast! YES!" Lovissa exclaims. Ignoring and interrupting the Earl's latest complaint, Lovissa describes the hippo with great detail. "It was a fine opponent!"
Looking at the Earl, Lovissa proclaims. "Yes! The fact that piracy is operating in this town, IS an insult! And that you have a hand in it is even WORSE! YOU are the defiler, Earl. YOU are the traitor! YOU are the one who spreads MISINFORMATION, MISERY and MISFORTUNE! It is the people of Ridonport who must rally against YOU! The people who must unite and shout, 'NO MORE SHALL WE HEAR YOUR LIES!' "
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"Perhaps it is you sir, who should remember lessons previously learned. " Badriyah says turning back to the Earl. "Remember the lesson of the previous grand duke who tried to fabricate stories about himself, his past, and his leadership. If I recall correctly, the people of this region did not take kindly to such lies and abuse of their goodwill and trust. The people proudly stood up for the truth and brought low a nobleman who thought he could stand above and beyond the honor and justice of Taldor."
She opens her arms wide. "We do not criticize or stand against the people of Ridonport. Nay, WE STAND WITH THEM!"
"Stand with them against the high price of goods and lives disrupted created by smuggling."
"Stand with them against any who would steal the peoples history and honor to enrich themselves!"
"We stand with them against those who would lie and blaspheme in an attempt to increase their noble status!"
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"If they wish, the people of Ridonport can see the smugglers cave for themselves. It's right under the bridge. Easy enough to climb down and examine."
"The people are wise, and can decide for themselves who is spreading misinformation, misery, and misfortune. Nothing we have said is a lie. Can the Earl say the same? It's already been proven he cannot."
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"Invading demons?? HAH! My father's lineage can be traced back to the days of those same crusades you speak of! No, we were invited here, deputized by your official offices, and should he or she who send said invitation or approved our deputization feel ashamed of his or her actions, let them remain silent. We have made mistakes for certain, but our goal is noble, our cause is just and patriotic."
Marcus searches the audience for the Curator and Magistrate, hoping they are here and willing to speak up.
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"No, we were invited here, deputized by your official offices, and should he or she who send said invitation or approved our deputization feel ashamed of his or her actions, let them remain silent. We have made mistakes for certain, but our goal is noble, our cause is just and patriotic."
The earl seems genuinely amused by this. "Ha! Deputised, you say? By what authority would you and your Pathfinder ilk be granted law enforcement capability? We know the reputation ---"
Two city guards push forward within the museum courtyard, flanking a smaller grey-haired figure in a half-robe. "By mine," Magistrate Joleana Tantriano pronounces in a clear voice that rings throughout the courtyard. "They were acting lawfully as part of my ongoing investigations into piracy within our canals."
Calling out from the museum entrance, Cincia Reviamo takes this as her cue to join the conversation. "And by me as well!" she shouts. "These scholars were invited by myself to aid the museum!" She shrinks back as the earl wheels around to glare at her.
The crowd murmurs restlessly as the earl turns back to his podium, looks down and sighs. "I am deeply disappointed that such prominent citizens seem to have been taken in by the political conspiracy against my administration, but I am truly the only one who can lead Ridonport, and I am prepared to prove it."