While sorting through their loot Kamari thinks about how wonderful a great cup of tea would be, but then remembers that the tea set of plenty doesn't provide any tea. They might have amassed an impressive collection of items, but she already has most of them on her person. She requests the cloak of resistance +4 since she'll begrudgingly admit her more delicate state in the area of resisting debilitating effects.
"So, unless someone objects -- here is what I will tell Martella."
”Yes, that’s a good idea. I’m still trying to get my head around this,” Kort notes to Elen who is acting on good instinct. ”And that these are copies is an issue too.”
Kort will post any other actions he might have later after he’s had time to poke though the magics.
Muri draws down on what sounds like dire implications for the woman they support as heir to the Taldor throne. For their current possession of the preserved corpse of the High Strategos, the halfling doesn't much enjoy himself until the body has been delivered safely into the hands of Kathann and hers, though even then, he's left to doubt everything about the future role they serve. Will it be Kathann they imminently meet, or someone who bears her face? Are they being tracked, rubes leading someone much better skilled than they in subterfuge to their allies in Oppara?
It's all quite much, and Muri is less comfortable with disguises and intrigue, not more. He holds onto Jeveet, contemplating the poor monkey's fate, and its shrunken face.
"Maxillar knows our faces. Once they raise him, he can name us publicly." No real question in the statement, only the implications.
”He only knows my mask. But you are correct that he can identify the rest of you, and as I am with you, I will be little safer in practical terms.”
She pats Muri on the shoulder.
”We have the reactionary element on the back foot now, and that is when they are most dangerous, so we will just have to take care. You can always try making a mask of your own? It can be quite freeing, you know.” She drops a smile to let him know she means the suggestion in good humor.
Elen takes the +2 Amulet of Natural Armor.
Muri nods uncertainly as Edelmira lays out the risk. "Halfling with a mask, riding a dog. I don't think the mask will be enough." He grimace-grins. "If someone wants to learn more of us, there are plenty of ways, I gather. Maxillar knew enough to want to use us in his plans against Eutropia."
"Are we supposed to be doing what Maxillar was doing? Hire our own Milon Jeroth to do what we want, without involving ourselves? Or are we still Eutropia's version of Milon?"
Kort listens to the discussion, not having much to add and very much wanting to sleep in safety for a bit.
"There are magics that might be able to modify his memory, but not sure we want to go that route. We just have to hope that he never gets free and never has a chance to harm us, or anyone else, again." Kort has no desire to hide who he is. He's too old, and frankly expected to die in doing this a while back. His life is now tied to the Princess and so be it.
You are each using magical disguises, in addition to your own abilities and equipment. Sure, there are those who know it’s you with some degree of certainty, but nothing that would stand up in court for example…
You pull in to the extremely busy Oppara harbor, where your barge must wait to be checked in - oh the bureaucracy! Though you arrived about noon, it’s not until 3pm that you’re finally cleared and can disembark into the city proper.
Eager no doubt to be rid of Maxillar’s body, you head to meet Kathann Zalar at the Academy. She greets you warmly, and takes you to a small meeting room below - a more secure chamber that you've been in before for delicate briefings. ”Excellent! Well done indeed. It’s a shame it needed to be done, but from the evidence you brought to our attention, his crimes go far beyond the norm.”
You report on anything that may have been missed by the dreams, and of course Kathann has many unasked questions. You spend the balance of the afternoon and evening with her in the cold chamber deep beneath the earth going over the discoveries you made in Zimar. She accepts the documents you provide carefully and catalogues them. A cold supper is brought in as the interrogation continues.
In the end she says, ”We will raise Pythareus tonight. I don’t expect him to see reason, but we shall try to reason with him. In the end, I expect he’ll want his day in court, but I don’t think the courts are going to look favorably upon all this!” she gestures to the pile of documents you’ve provided.
”Let’s have him then.”
You take Maxillar out of your bag of holding and onto the large table in the room. After a moment of introspection, Kathann escorts you from the room, locking it carefully behind her. Two of her agents stand at the door, though you doubt they know what they guard. They look eager to impress, and watchful.
Kathann takes you back upstairs into a more comfortable and brightly lit chamber, though night has fallen outside. She congratulates you each for your exemplary actions on behalf of Taldor. ”You may keep the disguise pins with my thanks. They seem to suit you. I would ask that you return Jeeves though - unless you wish to remain as my agents?” she chuckles wryly knowing you’re the Princess’ people more than hers.
Feel free to fill in anything you’d like to extrapolate on further, otherwise you’re free, with a suite of rooms in one of the finest hotels in Oppara - and that is very rich indeed! You know that Martella is eager to speak with you as well - back at the Palace of Birdsong. However, she recognizes the need for a few days rest before traveling again, and suggests you spend it in Oppara before returning north once again.
”Well, I’m glad that is over. I am pleased we succeeded, I thought the sewer monks were going to end some, if not most of us,” Kort laments when the party is finally alone and safe.
”I wonder what is next for us? As for me, I look forward to returning to the Palace of the Birdsong and the areas around there. I might splurge and buy a few more books as well. What about all of you?”
”Well, I’m glad that is over.”
Is it? Kamari feels unsure of anything being so final and sure these days.
The threat presented to the Princess is both real and inconsequential to Kamari. She finds that she cares little about the legitimacy of one ruler or another based on birth and history. She believes in the Princess and will support her. More radical thoughts of a republic or democracy begin to meander through her thoughts, but for now she ignores them.
"I should check in on my father and it would be nice to spend a few days in Oppara visiting some old haunts and getting a feel for the mood of the people. But, I will be ready to report for duty whenever the Princess calls."
Kamari dresses down and does her best to visit old haunts as discretely as possible. She doesn't conceal who she is, but also doesn't go about as a noble.
Surprisingly, while Oppara is still home to her, she finds herself also longing to check in on Birdsong and Stachys.
Muri is visibly relieved when the corpse cum laude is transferred into the custody of the Lion Blades. Given that they want to resurrect the High Strategos for their desire to see him brought to mortal justice, when the Boneyard is right there, the halfling struggles with the thought that the Immaculate Circle had the same desire in bringing back the Prince...
"Thank you for the Pin, Kathann. Your kindness won't be forgotten." Muri regards the magical item with lingering doubt. Magics to conceal, magics to reveal. He knows he's playing in a big arena, with powerful players, so whatever his group is able to secure, it feels like it will never be enough to fully protect them.
"I thought the sewer monks were going to end some, if not most of us."
The halfling nods grimly, as the Professor's thought bleeds into his own.
"Well, I think I might risk a visit with my cousin." Muri taps his Pin of Disguise, considering. "It's good to check on family." Muri nods at Kamari. "I want to say that we've finished this, but a visit with Martella, instead of the Princess, feels like there's another assignment ahead."
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Kamari dresses down and does her best to visit old haunts as discretely as possible. She doesn't conceal who she is, but also doesn't go about as a noble.
Kamari is hard to hide unless there’s some concealment (you do have the pin…). Her clothes and gear is of the finest manufacture, and if some of it is a bit worn from battle, only the truly wealthy can look a little shabby and get away with it. Still, she returns to her old haunts to find some things have changed - but for the better.
It seems some unknown benefactor has been taking care of not only your family, but also your friends, of late. In fact this is true of all of you. Families have had debts paid off and generous gifts, sometimes even just cash, mysteriously appear. Friends have seen their fortunes improve as well, though usually in less obvious ways. For example, the theater troop Elen is a part of recently had some new renovations done to the building - paid by a grant they managed to capture.
So your time in Oppara passes peacefully and generally pleasantly. You also divest yourselves of many magics and other items, pool the wealth, and share out the proceeds of your deeds.
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Muri drums his fingers on the cup of very hot tea, waiting for it to cool. It's just as well, as his attention is firmly fixed on the stranger inhabiting the kitchen. Old Raff's kitchen. Given Pelicourt's arched doorways, an old human with curved spine had no trouble slipping back and forth between cooking and serving. This taller, younger man had already forgotten twice, braining himself on brick, though the second time he at least groaned a split second before colliding again.
"You'll learn. It took Old Raff some time before he got used to the House's dimensions. What was your name, again?" Muri uses the question's need for pause to sip slowly.
"Brewster, master Muri. Brewster Burrows. A pleasure to serve you." The young man pulls some of the mop he calls hair to the front, covering the light scrape on his forehead.
"Brewster Bentback, if you're not careful." Muri smiles with a wince at the corner of his eyes.
"Easy on our new help, Muri. If you're lucky, Brewster will bake his shepherd's pie in your honor tonight." The Lady Mircene sits down beside her cousin, brushing Muri's hair out of his face. "You need a trim."
Over a very nice dinner in House Pelicourt's courtyard, Mircene catches Muri up on all the windfalls she and her uncle have received. New roofing, reworked stone, and a carriage house complete with new carriage. A carriage house, she states loudly, built to human proportions, garnering a smile and a raised hand from the cook/coachman.
"The old guard have found themselves quite well-off. Old Raff has retired to an adorable cottage in the countryside, while your Uncle has accepted a position with a foreign embassy. Absalom, maybe? Your uncle Malaric wasn't forthcoming with the details of his appointment. He was so excited. Expense-free travel? Like a pig in mud, he was."
For all the heritage cider imbibed, Muri can't bring himself to tell his cousin of any of Betony's exploits, only that theirs is an unwavering support of Princess Eutropia's efforts to bring Taldor into a new age. It's obvious Mircene isn't convinced, but she politely refrains from teasing Muri. Perhaps it's the dark circles under his eyes, suggesting either lack of sleep, extreme duress, likely a bit of both.
Mircene spends the last minutes of their early dawn's conversation scritching Underfoot's belly. "She's so... soft. For all your travel, I was going to suggest a hot bath for both of you. Not this beautiful girl. She's glowing. Aren't you, girl?" Cousins hug, and Muri turns in for the late night.
As halfling head touches satin pillowcase, Muri's eyes lock on Underfoot's. The last thought to pass behind his own is that her eyes catch the moonlight perfectly, despite the complete darkness in the corner of the room...
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Kamari returns after a day even bouncier than usual.
"Look what I learned how to do."
She takes the glass of wine she's holding and splashes it on Kort.
"It'll be okay. Really!"
With a wave of her hand and a cheery utterance, the wine evaporates from his clothing.
"Okay. Your turn. Shoot me. C'mon. Go for it. Crank up that crossbow and show me what you got."
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News travels fast over the few days you’re in Oppara. You wonder in fact if it has been accelerated and its message partly shaped. Whatever the method, the city as a whole seems to support your actions in Zimar - though of course they don’t know it was you exactly. Just ‘agents of the Princess’.
Confronting Maxillar in his seat of power sends a clear message across Taldor about Princess Eutropia’s own extensive influence. Many who would have called Her ‘weak’ before - just because She’s a woman - do not do so now. Still, even with the overwhelming evidence of Pythareus’ wrongdoing you accumulated (much of which is leaking from the courts), some supporters remain loyal to the now‐defeated general - or at least remain opposed to Princess Eutropia.
Still, without the High Strategos’ overbearing personality to bind it together, his own alliance of supporters begins to fracture. The former supporters seek to separate themselves from rumors of violence or preserve what power or wealth they threw behind the adopted heir.
Many of these supporters will go on to reassert their own previous claims to the throne over the next week - Cyris, Phaeben, and Tarq in particular. However, without a unifying name or force, none will show any real potential outside their immediate spheres of influence throughout the countryside. In time historians may call it the ‘country noble uprising’ and note how feeble it appears.
The Lion Blades make public the High Strategos’ custody and hold him while they continue gathering evidence of his actions. For his part, Maxillar decries his innocence, and demands his day in court - and quickly for the country is at stake (something he and the Princess agree on, though from opposite sides). Still, courts move more slowly than would-be kings, and the judges in this case - a three judge panel - don’t seem eager to rush matters.
In taking down a claimant to the throne, you have changed the course of Taldor forever. The Princess may not achieve victory (though it certainly looks more likely) but Maxillar surely won’t. And your fame grows…
Dignity’s Barb is a +4 seeking darkwood light crossbow.
”Ack. Ahem.” Sorry, got something stuck in my throat there. The crossbow’s threat range increases by one, critting on an 18, 19, or 20. If you take improved critical it’d add two steps, not three (so 16,17,18,19,20).
- - -
Koriana’s Blade is a +4 defending longsword. The last gem repairs itself.
A gem can be activated as an immediate action once per day to make the sword’s wielder immune to a single effect of a particular type, as described below, just before she would be affected by it. She must choose to activate the gem before attempting any save or other defense against the effect. The red gem protects against fire effects, and the green gem protects against poison effects. The pink gem protects against mind-affecting effects and the black gem protects against negative energy.
Further, the wielder of the sword gains a +1 insight bonus on all saving throws against effects of any type corresponding to one of the sword’s functioning gems even if it’s not activated.
- - -
The mask’s enhancement bonus to Charisma is +6. When the wearer mentally activates the mask, she also detects whether the target is lying throughout the concentration, as per the spell discern lies (link) (Will DC 22).
Once per day, the wearer can speak a command word to use true seeing (link)! Beefy!
Note also the Detect Thoughts save DC improves by 1 as well. I think it should be 21 now?
- - -
You don’t gain a triumph at this time, but you do gain the armor.
This storied suit of +3 rallying full plate was worn by General Ovetrian over the course of many conquests. It was recorded that General Ovetrian wore this armor when he was a part of the Fifth Army of Exploration, where he led a group into the River Kingdoms and places east.
Once every 10 minutes, the armor’s wearer can slam the helm’s visor shut as a standard action, exposing the lion’s head design. When they do, they can attempt to demoralize all enemies within 30 feet, and gain a competence bonus on their Intimidate check equal to the armor’s enhancement bonus to AC. Once per day, instead of attempting to demoralize enemies, they can take this action to afflict all creatures within 30 feet with fear (DC 20).
- - -
Each element can be activated one additional time each day to use an additional, different spell: the Taldan flag for sending, the eye of Aroden for death ward, and the onyx for wall of stone.
- - -
She takes the glass of wine she's holding and splashes it on Kort. "Okay. Your turn. Shoot me. C'mon. Go for it. Crank up that crossbow and show me what you got."
”What? Why? Why would I want to shoot you?! What are you doing? What’s wrong with you?” Kort checks on his clothes to see if there is any wine stains. ”What are you talking about?”
"Really! It'll be okay. Go for it. Show me what you got old man."
Kamari give the Major a gentle poke to the chest with her finger and follows it with a smirk.
Kort very slowly breaks out his crossbow, just in case the additional time will give Kamari a chance to come to her senses. It’s unlikely, but he can hope. It’s not like there was a lot to come to in the first place, but he will hope nonetheless.
”Are you sure now? You want *all* the crossbow bolts or just one? And maybe I’ll just aim for your small toe, your appendix, or the inside of your skull since you don’t seem to be using those organs very often,” Kort offers thoughtfully.
He has several hundred newly bought cross bolts and will array them to shoot once he is sure the halfling has lost all sense and really needs to be shot for some reason.
I would expect this from a gnome, honestly. But a halfelf? Must be a one of those RicRoc challenges or something.
"Just one, smart Major."
Kamari waits for the Major and checks to be sure no one or nothing important is behind her. Once the Major pulls the trigger Kamari's heart skips a beat as she turns vaporous and lets the bolt go through her. She solidifies immediately after and takes in a deep breath.
"Ta da!" Kamari bows.
Ok, that hurt. I don't think the mage gave me all the information. Or maybe, I wasn't paying attention. Maybe.
While Kort is somewhat impressed, he’s not *all* that impressed by the look of pain on Kamari’s face. If only…if *ONLY* there was another way to test whatever Kamari was trying to test without risking having one’s precious spleen skewered by a known magical bolt.
Kort shakes his head, unable to think of any better approach. There probably wasn’t one. Ever.
”You okay there? Need the healing wand?” Kort finally musters when he stops shaking his head and finally rattles up to some empathy for the half-elf.
Edelmira presents her new and improved version of Ovetrian’s Plate armor. The platinum waves have been adjusted to look more like feathers than fur, and the lion’s head helmet has been adjusted to make the face a bird-like human instead of leonine, but no less furious so that the effect of slamming down the visor remains unchanged. Most of the front and back are covered by a long black tabard with no charge. And, of course, the entire thing can be broken down and hidden on her person now.
”I considered trying on a new persona that matched the existing armor better, but lions just are not my aesthetic. A little too patriotic for what I am going for.”
Elen visits the theater using her pin as a disguise, and is pleased to see it doing so well. Inspired she glides over to the donation box and makes a generous donation.
I am going to have to write another ballet for this theater!
~~~
Elen watches curiously as Kamari and Kort duel …
”Oh? … Uh -wait? …Hrmmm….”
…then winces as the bolt rips through the fencer.
Upon seeing that Kamari is mostly O.K. and performing high spirits she gets as far as ”I laud your... enthusiasm...” before being at a loss for words.
~~
”I considered trying on a new persona that matched the existing armor better, but lions just are not my aesthetic. A little too patriotic for what I am going for.”
”Ooh, the Lion was nice - on him - but this is much more impressive! Bravo!” Elen exclaims, clapping her hands together in delight. ”That is some great talent you have there!”
Hits: 88/88
Current AC: 31 (Mage Armor, Challenge (Songbird))
Current Saves: Fort: +12; Ref +13; Will: +8, +10 if Enchant (Elf) (+2 cloak, Challenge)
(Normal) AC: 28 (not sure if this is with mage armor, normal would imply not?)
flat: 17 (ring +2, nat armor +1, mage armor +4)
touch: 23 (ring +2, Dex +5, Cha +5, Dodge +1)
CMD = 26
WandofMageArmorCharges = 30/50
Wand of CLW: 25/50
Resolve = 8/8
Challenge = 4/5
Hero Pts: 3/3
”I considered trying on a new persona that matched the existing armor better, but lions just are not my aesthetic. A little too patriotic for what I am going for.”
Kort says nothing and tries not to say anything as the lionic symbol that he wore for many many many years, and the very sigil of his devotion to Taldor is not good enough for Edelmira. Biting his tongue, he is completely silent about the snub.
The slightly more heavyset Moyege Désiré (owner of the Désiré Ballet Company) catches, a glimpse of Elen’s dancing and swoons with delight. He tries to entice her to join the troop. Again.
After a few relaxing days in Oppara, you ride north - back to Stachys and the Betony Estate. It takes about a week to get home, but the trip is uneventful for the most part though you continue to get reports about the political front - which seems to be going the Princesses way.
Dusty from the road, you are greeted warmly by the servants, all standing in a row as you approach the estate - no doubt warned from a runner or other in town that you were coming. It’s late, but not too late for a fine dinner, so the kitchen is fired up and your things taken to your rooms. In an hour or so, during which time you are served drinks, dinner is served in the main dining room. Ahhh… civilization. Well, for the well-heeled noble anyway.
In the morning, you sift through a pile of messages that have been accumulating since you left. Letters from the Baroness and other nobles in the region, requests for audience by some of the lesser houses looking to move up, and of course your duties as Tribunes to your people. Though your Mayor Onora Piscum handles most criminal and other issues directly, the criminal may appeal to you as final arbiters of their fate and some do.
All in all it’ll be two or three days of steady work and letter writing before you get much of a break. On the plus side though, your work is paying off. Financially of course as well, but also societally. The people of Stachys are doing much better than they did in the old days. Why even before the Princess joined you in the county and brought all the trade and travelers that comes with Her, the entire region was improving under your care.
It’s something to be proud of as you return home.
Let me know if you want to do anything in particular over the trip or in the first few days of your return. It’s the morning of Rova 18, a Toilday, when you finally have a day to yourselves to do as you will.
Kort is absolutely thrilled to do next to nothing over the next few days as he gets used to civilian life again. He will, of course, handle the small things that need to be handled, but will, in no way, undertake any major projects or strenuous efforts (save for lifting a mighty tome or two to read).
On the second day, he would plan to tour all the renovations and improvements that have been made. He will inspect them for quality and completeness...as well as seeing that they are serving their intended purpose.
He will speak to the people as well, trying to be nice as he can be...which isn't overly, but he is definitely respectful of all.
And he will read.
Kamari enjoys one restful day at the Betony Estate before she begins to feel a bit stir crazy and heads out to check on all the improvements they've funded in Stachys. She feels pride in what they've accomplished but does her best to heap thanks and praise on those who did the actual work and are maintaining things.
She itches for an assignment or even news of what is transpiring. She taps her senate aid badge with finger occasionally and wonders if it is still working. She thinks about sending Lady Martella a message but trusts she will reach out to them when necessary.
As you do little leisurely through another day (the 19th to be exact, a Wealday), you receive a message from Martella Lotheed, apparently currently at the Palace of Birdsong. She asks you to meet her, along with Lady Gloriana Morilla, a member of one of Absalom’s noble families with strong historic ties to Taldor, at the Palace tomorrow evening. You may remember the Lady from the Senate (back in the day, link). She apologizes for calling upon you so soon, but there are unresolved issues.
If you leave in the morning, you’ll be at the Palace in plenty of time for the meeting. Assuming you’re going, any special preparation? In the past, you’ve often gone from the Palace directly to your mission without coming home first. Martella tends to move quickly.
Kamari excitedly packs her things and decides on her spells for the trip. Despite its limitations against the strength of foes they tend to face these days she keeps windy escape along with long arm.
Edelmira has not set down any roots anyways, expecting that they would be called to action soon enough for one reason or another, and with her new armor modified is ready to go.
You may remember the Lady from the Senate (back in the day, link).
Kort has no special preparations (and little money to afford any at the moment) but will be looking sharp and dapper for the meeting.
Muri spends much more time meditating in the calm after the storm. He feels a divine... interest in the Betony crew. Kamari with her newfound etherealness, Edelmira with her gleaming, reclaimed armor, Underfoot with her new fursheen. They're all in some way becoming something greater. Something forged stronger. They are not weapons meant to sit upon the mantle. They are being readied for the next storm.
...
Oppara renews his sense of purpose, as he departs Pelicourt for Betony. Muri knows he'll have much better luck with his purchases before he leaves, so makes sure he's finished with crafting orders and new acquisitions before they hit the road.
...
On the approach to Betony, Muri and Underfoot wander off the road, and begin to enjoy the environment. Both of them envision a phantom flock of northern Taldoran sheep, racing to cut off the stragglers and unite the herd.
It's not long, however, as they're dog tired from the journey, and relent to the ministrations of the staff. Muri personally bathes Underfoot out back, rinsing the dust while clipping the nails. The sun is enough to see her hair dried to the touch.
...
For their imminent departure, the halfling and malinois laze about the Manor, enjoying a catch-up here and there as the others take to Stachys like building inspectors. Muri is curious to speak with Myrna and Virgil to hear their take on Zimar, and what they know of what they accompliced, uh, accomplished.
Elen spends some time walking the gardens around Betony, advising their maintainers on how to improve some of the beds for optimum plant ecology and aesthetics.
She prepares for Birdsong only by saying, ”Remember we found the primogen rod. I haven’t told anyone about that yet. I am wondering if we should. It seems to me though, that someone should have known where it was…”
Myrma has little to say (and Virgil even less) about Zimar. They stayed in a very nice hotel at the headwaters of the River Porthmos for a week. It was a vacation really - nothing to do though Virgil did a little fishing. Neither is terribly political however. Naturally they know you work for the Princess, and so, in a way, do they. That seems to sit well with them, but they don’t seem overly concerned about the details.
Elen gives a few orders to the small army of gardeners in and around Stachys to make subtle, but marked, improvements in the already impressive landscaping.
Myrma drives the carriage hard the next day as you whoosh! out of Stachys and ride north along the slightly altered road (to avoid the fey if you recall). The new section is nice and smooth and Myrma uses the opportunity to pick up the pace for a bit.
Perhaps unfortunately, no bandits attempt to waylay you on the way and you approach the Palace from the south in good time, skipping Lotheedar for the time being. Your coach crunches to a stop on the stone driveway at the grand main entrance, and you’re guided inside by staff.
Upon ascending the stairs toward Martella’s office, you spy a lean young man lost in a book and chomping absentmindedly at an apple. He doesn’t seem to notice anyone approach for several seconds, before finally sitting up with a start.
He sets the book aside - choking down a mouthful of fruit - and jumps to his feet, wiping a hand on his trousers. “I remember you, don’t I? You’re my sister’s friends?”
His eyes light up after a few moments of awkward staring. “No! No, I do remember you! You were the ones who saved me in Yanmass! I’m so sorry for the trouble I must’ve caused you! I’m not sure we’ve formally met. I am Prince Carrius II, second born of Stavian III. Brother to the Grand Princess Eutropia…”
“Heh. That’s a bit awkward to say, isn’t it? I’m still used to just thinking of her as Eutie, my annoying elder sister. But yes. Thank you for rescuing me.”
He stands there a little self consciously, holding out his hand warmly.
Comforted by the Prince's reference to his sister as the "Grand Princess," Kamari steps forward and shakes the reborn prince's hand firmly and looks him in the eyes.
"I'm glad to see you are doing well. How are you adjusting?"
“Heh. That’s a bit awkward to say, isn’t it? I’m still used to just thinking of her as Eutie, my annoying elder sister. But yes. Thank you for rescuing me.”
He stands there a little self consciously, holding out his hand warmly.
Kort stiffens at the sight of the young man, then nods to himself.
"Of course, we were happy to help," Kort shakes the hand. "Think nothing of it. Yes, do tell us how you are faring? You seem...different than the last time."
Edelmira lights up once again at seeing the young prince. ”It heartens me to see you are well. Please, do not strain yourself on my account. I should love the chance to play a game of Imperial Conquest with you again sometime soon, but I want to make sure you are resting as much as you need.”
But yes. Thank you for rescuing me."
"No problem," says Elen, waving from the back row.
"I'm glad to see you are doing well. How are you adjusting?"
”Oh, it is and adjustment inn’it! There is so much I don’t remember - there are still a lot of gaps in my memory. But, considering I’ve been dead for twenty years, I’m feeling stronger every day.” He grins helpfully.
"Of course, we were happy to help," Kort shakes the hand. "Think nothing of it. Yes, do tell us how you are faring? You seem...different than the last time."
”I’m glad you were happy to help. They had me pretty drugged up there - I didn’t know what was going on!”
”Oh, I’ve been getting much better now that I’m not being drugged and I’m further from my rebirth. I still have moments, you know, but on the whole I feel I’m more me now.”
Edelmira lights up once again at seeing the young prince. ”It heartens me to see you are well. Please, do not strain yourself on my account. I should love the chance to play a game of Imperial Conquest with you again sometime soon, but I want to make sure you are resting as much as you need.”
”Oh, I’d like that! Resting is boring, and I’m getting plenty.”
"No problem," says Elen, waving from the back row.
He nods back, smiling.
In the brief lull, his eyes sparkle as he puts something together in his head. With a grin he says, ”So I hear you five killed the High Strategos! Wow, that must have been tough! And you did it without anyone hearing about it! What a grand tale that must be. How did you do it?”
”Now Prince Carrius, you know you’re not supposed to know that.” Martella Lotheed comes up behind the group smiling, though she’s clearly trying to look stern and failing. She turns to the party, ”He’s quite underfoot!”
The Prince replies, ”With so few people knowing, they should be happy to tell the tale to someone who can hear it!” He grins, all smiles, ”After all, I already know what happened, just not how.” He looks to you with his youthful but eager face.
Edelmira holds a finger up to her mouth. ”Now I personally was not there, but I do know The Night Swan, and she was. I hear that the group snuck into the tower and dramatically burst in under the cover of silencing magic. It was all over in less than a minute, the High Strategos’s minions falling almost as quickly as he did!”
Kort declines to take any credit for the death of the High Strategos. He would like it never to be mentioned with his name ever again, but cannot change what he has done, but he will not crow about it nor acknowledge it unless he has to.
”It’s good that you’re doing better. I’m not sure what you’ve been told about the matter, and I won’t offer any details that I don’t know,” Kort reasons weakly.
”What are your plans now? What does your future hold?” Kort asks, trying to change the subject.
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"He’s quite underfoot!”
A resting Underfoot raises her ears, but not her head, as the lady speaks her name. Moments later, the ears settle back down.
"So I hear you five killed the High Strategos!"
"We didn't. He's alive and well, and under trial. It's like his death never happened." Muri regards the Prince with suspicion, still unclear as to what he is, really, for having returned from the dead after so many years.
Elen acknowledges Martella Lotheed with a nod and waits to see how things progress.
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Martella sees some of the discomfort and cuts the discussion short, ”We have things to discuss Prince Carius, if you’ll excuse us.” She guides the party away from the excited youth, now disappointed he couldn’t hear everything down to each sword stroke and spell. None the less, the polite young man bows to you deeply and heads back to his apple. He waives as you continue to head upstairs.
“The Prince seems to like you,” Martella comments as you depart. “He’s been skittish since his return, so it’s nice to see him opening up to someone besides Eutropia.”
She guides you not to her office, but rather one of the servants’ quarters, where a maid diligently polishes candelabra. As Martella closes the door, the maid nods and pulls off her bonnet, transforming her dingy uniform into an elegant but functional dress and her weathered scowl into the visage of delicate features and careful makeup (image).
“You may recall my guest from the Exultation Gala, but if not please allow me to introduce you to the Lady Gloriana Morilla, member in good standing of the Pathfinder Society, and lover of the dramatic.”
Gloriana shoots Martella a look of irritation before smiling and bowing as to equals (for you are all lords after all). “It is my pleasure to congratulate you on your many extraordinary deeds from the last several months, but I’m afraid my visit isn’t merely a polite social call.”
“The last couple weeks have certainly been…”
…exciting,” Martella cuts in with chagrin and a frown.
Gloriana nods along and continues. “Your work deposing Maxillar Pythareus was decisive, yet he was no fool. Within the past decade we think, he had uncovered evidence that the entire Stavian line was born illegitimately, beginning with Stavian I two hundred years ago. Much worse, for illegitimacy runs rampant among nobles anyway, their line seems descended from the long-lost Adella family, utterly reviled for their indulgence, treachery, and violence.”
She seems to be looking for shock on your faces. Finding none, she continues, perhaps a bit more thoughtfully. ”Some of Pythareus’ agents held damning information in reserve, and now that their leader is undone, they have verified and published some documents. While it is early yet, and we are countering with documents of our own, this does somewhat discredit the family and delegitimizes Eutropia’s claim based on her parentage alone.”
”So, now more contenders than ever are circling like vultures. Everyone with a thin claim to the throne is coming forth. There are nearly twenty nobles all vying for the seat. The Princess feels we need a decisive sign. Not just politics. And She has a plan.”
“Taldor takes its name from its founding emperor, Taldaris.” Gloriana continues. “His name is still uttered from the fields to the palaces, and although historical records of his policies are vague, that doesn’t stop senators from claiming to act on his vision. In Taldor’s past, the grand prince could call upon Taldaris’s spirit for guidance. It was said that Taldaris’s legendary Mantle of Kings would glow when donned by the empire’s rightful ruler - as blessed by Taldaris himself. The First Emperor’s blessing was practically sacred, and it would be equally decisive today.”
“Unfortunately,” Martella chimes in, “and as you may imagine, it’s not as simple as it sounds.”
“Indeed,” Gloriana confirms. “The dubious Grand Prince Uirtamon II worried his rivals would use the Mantle against him, so he had it reinterred in Taldaris’s tomb, which he then ordered buried and its location scrubbed from public records. They deposed him anyway.” She chuckles at this footnote in history.
”My Pathfinder Society agents have been hard at work much of the last week.” Morilla picks up a leather folio from the seat next to her and places it on the table. “We have pieced together the approximate location of the Tomb of the First Emperor, as well as the rudiments of the ritual to call upon Taldaris’s spirit to empower the Mantle of Kings from the remaining archives. What we need now are capable operatives able to survey the area, locate the tomb, find the Mantle of Kings within, and contact the spirit of Taldaris to ask that he bless the garment.”
“We need this - not just for Eutropia but for Taldor,” Martella concludes. “If the Mantle glows on her shoulders, it stands to prevent considerable bloodshed. Even if it does not select her, it will allow us a nonviolent means to identifying a worthy heir without the need for drawn blades.” Martella looks… uneasy. You are sure she believes that Princess Eutropia is a worthy Grand Prince, but will Taldaris choose her? That’s another question altogether.
”It would be better if agents of the Princess did this, rather than the Pathfinder Society.” Martella continues.
”For a variety of reasons.” Lady Morilla nods in selfless agreement.
"I'm sure you have questions." Martella offers, ceding the floor.
"Why would it be better if we did this, rather than the Society?" Muri asks without guile, curious to know more. "They've already done so much legwork, it feels like they should enjoy the reputation of finishing the job." The halfling frowns briefly. "Unless it's risking their lives..."
"Even the Darahans? And to think how much time I spent protecting that border," Kort huffs as the new list of contestants is revealed.
Know (History) - Mantle of Kings(and Queens)
Know (History) - Tomb of the First Emperor
Kort pauses, thinking of what he should add or ask.
Kamari's world views continue to crumble even as she tries to rebuild them. Obviously maintaining the illusion of royal lineage to keep the Princess in power will not work. She wonders if the Mantle is the answer. Her exploration of arcane knowledge has just begun, but she has no doubts that the Mantle could likely be manipulated to endorse the Princess. Would the ends justify the means? What happens when the Princess dies? Who would be next? Would it be any better or worse than a royal succession? Or, is there something real about the Mantle? Could there really be some arcane or divine power interested in the good of Taldor or at least a benign force that can accurately assess a person's worth?
In the end, a bloodless--or at least less bloody--transition appeals to Kamari.
"I'm ready to assist in whatever way I can." Kamari avoids speaking for the others, but is hopeful they will join her.
She guides the party away from the excited youth, now disappointed he couldn’t hear everything down to each sword stroke and spell. None the less, the polite young man bows to you deeply and heads back to his apple. He waves as you continue to head upstairs.
”See you around.”
- - -
”Within the past decade we think, he had uncovered evidence that the entire Stavian line was born illegitimately, beginning with Stavian I two hundred years ago. Much worse, for illegitimacy runs rampant among nobles anyway,”
She lets Gloriana finish and watches the others reactions.
"Unless it's risking their lives..."
No, it’s more likely that they can not be trusted… Elen frowns pensively.
”Even the Darahans? And to think how much time I spent protecting that border,"
Elen continues to frown pensively. … Poor Major Kort.
”"I'm ready to assist in whatever way I can." Kamari avoids speaking for the others, but is hopeful they will join her.
”Yes! That’s it!” she agrees suddenly with Kamari. She looks at Gloriana. ”It seems you are way ahead of us. You are correct – Pythareus did find such evidence – the primogen rod.. But see – he didn’t. He soon to stand trial, and they won’t find anything.” She pulls all of the evidence out of the bag of holding.
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Edelmira keeps a cool expression during the entire explanation, not wanting to give away anything, but she wishes desperately that she could scoff at the entire thing. Asking some ghost a cloak that will magically say who is the ruler? What next, shall we be doing a survey of lakes to see if any women are laying about there with a sword to lob at them to prove who is emperor of the world? This is all parlor tricks, political theater that has nothing to do with the good of the people. Personally, she would rather go visit a few of these upstarts in the night and leave everything below the neck behind. The world could always use fewer nobles.
She, naturally, does not say any of this. Nor does she come close to. She has enough treasonous thoughts to be sent to the gallows fifty times over every day. Self-mastery and discipline are her watchwords because she needs them to be. And she will put on the airs of who she needs to be right now. This Immaculate Circle remains the prime threat, and removing them is necessary for the radical revolution the people need, so she will keep going along.
”I will do as requested. My concern lies with the threat of the organization we reported, this Immaculate Circle. We do not know the extent of their influence, the identities of their remaining members, or what their endgame is. Has there been any progress against them we are not aware of?”