You enjoy your gifts, and week of rest. Your first wave of projects finish over the next few days.
Expanding the strength of the farms not only enhances your own popularity in the region, it also brings more wealth to Stachys. With so much exceptionally fallow soil, more people are moving into Stachys to farm. Further, the parties holdings improve - as will the quality of your wine and rye spirits. Lastly, a low level druid has moved into the area. An old human who appreciates the balance of farmer and wild-land and serves both. Truth be told, he prefers the open prairie, but understands the need to balance human farming and the wilds.
Expanding the church has a variety of obvious benefits, including a seventh level priest of Erastil, more or less at your beck and call. Her name is Dilys Llewellyn. On the hunter side of Erastil she’s a bit more evangelical than you may like, but perhaps she’ll settle down with time. Though he’s disappointed at not being promoted, Festo Mise agrees to stay on to be her assistant, and to handle the books.
It’s the nicest religious structure this side of Lotheedar’s Abadarian temple - quite a magnificent building with plenty of tall towers and light. Due in part to this, the spell casting level of the community goes up by one to fourth.
Finally, you honor your vow with the local fey and reroute the Oppara Highway slightly. It gives more privacy to the Fey of Lauchlein Lake and removes the annual payment for peace (and the occasional raid along the road). At least for now.
You have just shy of 5,000gp in the investment fund if you want to get something started. Not much left to do formally - just advanced civic improvements and an advanced market. If you each put 100gp into the fund from your personal stashes, you could do both I think.
A few days after Princess Eutropia’s gift arrived, you receive a summons from the Princess Herself! Your vacation is over - time to get back to work. The Princess requests your presence in three days time at the Palace of Birdsong.
You, presumably, prepare yourselves to depart to see Her at the appointed time. You’ll notice Myrma and Virgil putting stores on the carriage for a long journey. When questioned, she replies simply, ”Well it’s what happened last time isn’t it?”
Your trip to the Palace is uneventful, and you time your arrival for 10am on the first of Arodus, a Wealday. You prepare to disembark from your carriage.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Kamari inquires of Myrma and Virgil about the possibility of acquiring war horses for their carriage before the trip. If not, then after.
Kamari is all for contributing to keep the projects rolling. "The whole town should share in our success. Let's not lose momentum." She starts to think what else could be built for the town. She considers what else might benefit the people.
A school for the children? A theater? A fencing academy?
She heads to the cafe to make subtle inquiries of the people's interests without making any promises.
Kort is delighted with the progress within the Stachys. It is an unexpected boon upon the retired soldier, something he never expected, nor ever dreamt of. It's good to see the people prosper and even find religion (if they want living gods, good on them).
On the morning when it's time to leave, he will be ready. His armor will be shined, the right books will be packed, and he'll be ready to go.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
There is a budding theatrical troupe, but they’ve already claimed some space in the new civic center as part of the Civic Improvements (if the party does that and it doesn’t look like anyone is pushing for it yet).
There is no formal school in town, nor is one planned. That said, the expansion of the church included a rather substantial library and education center. Something could be started there with minimal funding and expanded later.
No fencing academy either. Most all of the natives are farmers of one sort or another. Their idea of physical fitness was working and their idea of combat involved various farm implements with which they’re familiar. There is a new crop of ‘town’ people though, and even the farmers have a bit more free time than they did before. So who’s to say?
In the end, it’s hard to say what the needs are really. The place is growing, and growing quickly, so it’s more like riding a crazy wave at this point, and you’re not sure where it will splash down and what the needs will be when it does.
The once Hamlet is on the cusp of becoming a small town, more than tripling in population since you lot have started making improvements. And the improvements you’ve made are suitable for a much larger town, so everyone is expecting another boom-time here shortly.
- - -
Kamari is pleased with how the town is growing but realizes perhaps there is enough going on already. A basic school still seems like a necessity though. Not every commoner is as lucky as her to have a well-educated father as a personal tutor. She'll bring up the idea with the party on their ride to Birdsong.
"Oh, that sounds like a great plan, I agree. Perhaps we can do some physical activities, nothing too competitive mind you -- something that includes fencing in case any young people have their heart set on being a palace guard. What do you think, Edelmira, Major Kort, Muri?"
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
You disembark from your gilded carriage currently heavily laden with supplies. As you enter the Palace, Princess Eutropia’s mutt, Taldogis, bounds forward in greeting, wielding a deafening bark and a nearly lethal wagging tail. Smiling, the Princess gently shoos him away before escorting you personally into Her office. On the wall, you see a map of Taldor (link) painted on a blackboard - the various factions colored in with chalk. The Princess has gained ground in the North since you last spoke (Yanmass and surrounds especially).
“We want to thank you again,” she begins once you’re settled, “both for your loyal service and more personally for returning Prince Carrius to Us. We don’t understand who would have the resources to raise Him from the dead after so many years, but it seems obvious the plan is to disrupt both Pythareus’s and Our own claims to the throne.”
”For now He’s safe and recovering. He seems to be the same boy, but... haunted by this unfortunate transition. Hopefully Carrius himself can provide us all with additional details once the cultists’ damage wears off and He feels more comfortably returned to his skin. In the meantime, it is an infinite kindness to see Our brother again.”
“Now normally Martella Lotheed would be offering you assignments, but she is presently in Qadira trying to prevent a war. After your encounter in Yanmass, you returned with evidence that Maxillar is conducting false attacks on Taldan border communities, and disguising soldiers as Qadirans. Our follow‐up investigations have revealed he has also conducted so-called ‘retaliatory’ attacks against Qadiran targets.” She shakes her head sadly at the stupid loss of life on both sides.
”He seems to believe that a nation at war will select a general as its emperor, and he’s probably right. But We don’t need to remind you that the last time we went to war with Qadira, it lasted 500 years and cost millions of lives.”
She straightens and smiles warmly, “There is some good news. Well, mixed news anyway. We’re not alone in wanting to prevent this. Up until now, the Lion Blades have been reluctant to take a side in the succession debate, but with Maxillar risking the nation’s safety, they have reached out to Us for assistance.”
- - -
Unlike the assassins of Qadira, the Lion Blades prefer crowded urban areas because they are masters of motion within the crowd. They are also quick, agile, knowledgeable, and masters of disguise. Lion Blades are usually recruited out of the famous bardic colleges of Oppara. They are trained at the Shadow Schools for at least a year before taking on missions and continually trained thereafter.
- - -
”Well, it seems all their resources in Zimar have suddenly gone dark, and they need new eyes in the city. So they’ve thrown their support behind Us, in exchange for a little support and a family bauble.”
Zimar stands as a military stronghold in defense of Taldor, yet the city itself possesses an architecture and a culture with both Qadiran and Taldan influences. Regardless, Qadira is the foe here, and her enslavement of the inhabitants of Zimar at the start of the Grand Campaign has not been forgotten. Disciplined, nationalistic pride is taught throughout the city from childhood and military service is upheld as the highest calling.
- - -
Even though Taldor has not been openly at war with its southern neighbor for generations, the city remains ever watchful and is the most heavily fortified settlement in Taldor. It is also the capital of the Imperialists and where High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus resides.
- - -
The Princess pauses and lets you think a moment before finishing. ”You’ve proven yourselves Our most loyal and reliable agents; We’d like you to proceed to the Kitharodian Academy in Oppara to meet a powerful woman in the Lion Blades named Kathann Zalar.”
”She’ll provide you additional information, some rushed training, and resources for this joint venture. She also asked that you return an ocarina constructed by a master artisan of the Kitharodian Academy that has been housed here at the palace for the last few centuries, as a sign of good faith. We agree naturally. A fitting token for their services and reflective of our new relationship.”
She leans back in her chair, ”Now that We’ve dumped all that on you, do you have any immediate questions? You’ll need to leave quickly, for if Maxillar is preparing for war, this is the sort of thing he’d do to start it. We must avoid war at all costs! We will not be Queen over a battlefield of Taldan dead.”
"So, are we to be the new eyes in Zimar? Just out of curiosity, how did this ocarina come to part with them?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Know (Local)
Know (History)
Kort will explain what he knows, stiffly, of the first and third spoilers above. He knows he should know more, but he's distracted by dander.
"...and that's more information to add to our lore."
Edelmira enthusiastically agrees to the idea of expanding education for the county. She begins studying up on how best to attract teachers and professors, particularly any with radical cutting-edge pedagogy theories.
Edelmira has studied the Lion Blades extensively, having not only wished to learn of their skills and perhaps acquire them, but also in case she should ever find herself needing to deal with them.
”I only have one question. I bear note you mention of ‘rushed training.’ What sort of timeline are we on?”
Kamari's ears perk up at the mention of the Lion Blades and the fact that they are real. Perhaps life would have led her that way at one time, but that path seems closed now.
Mindful of their growing notoriety, Kamari asks, "Are we to go as our noble selves or something less noticeable?"
"So, are we to be the new eyes in Zimar? Just out of curiosity, how did this ocarina come to part with them?"
”For a short time, until the Lion Blades can call in their backups and get them in place. You are to infiltrate the city - a fortified city passionately loyal to Pythareus and wary of outsiders. So that should be fun.” she smiles.
”Speaking of Pythareus, We make no secret of Our displeasure with the man, and he’s certainly overextended his internal defenses as he maneuvers forces to the border, but it’s not in Our nature to settle disputes with assassination.”
”Taldor is a nation of laws, and to stop Pythareus we need iron‐clad evidence of his crimes against the nation, not brutal violence. The materials you found in Yanmass are damning, but not enough. We need more.”
”As for the ocarina, It seems one of Our ancestors borrowed the piece from the Kitharodian Academy and it simply became part of the family collection. A troubling habit in Taldan history We’re sad to admit. The nobles do get away with too much. It’s beautiful though isn’t it?”
She takes it out and hands it to Elen. The ocarina is expertly crafted from porcelain and inlaid with silver details. It’s small and has no magical properties and is easy enough for you to carry.
”I only have one question. I bear note you mention of ‘rushed training.’ What sort of timeline are we on?”
”That’s a good question. The Lion Blades only just approached Us, and We had to get confirmation, and without Martella's help! We’ve come to really rely on her. That’s why there was a delay in your summons. If you could go straight to Zimar and do the job, We’d have you go directly. But you must be disguised. The Lion Blades have, previously anyway, infiltrated Zimar before, and so I assume they’ll have insights that may help you.”
”Still, if this is a prelude to war, we need to clip it quickly, before the whole tree rots. Spend no longer than a week or two in Oppara before you continue on to Zimar.
Mindful of their growing notoriety, Kamari asks, [b]"Are we to go as our noble selves or something less noticeable?"
”Any disguise is only a delay. But, the better the disguise the longer it takes the enemy to sort out who you are and what you’re doing to them. You could go as yourselves, but it would be only a matter of days before they find you. The Lion Blades will help with disguises, stories, local knowledge, and more so you can survive scrutiny for some time.”
”Any more questions?” the Princess inquires before sending you on your way. She suggests, if you need to take on supplies, that you see her quartermaster. With all the visitors to Lotheedar these days, it’s hard to get things consistently.
I’ll move on to the travel if there are no further questions.
”I only have one question. I bear note you mention of ‘rushed training.’ What sort of timeline are we on?”
Kort ponders this question, remembering his own rushed GLG-20 training for the military.
Kamari is ready to travel but wonders what has the Major seemingly preoccupied.
Kort nods in understanding, finally having time to think things through.
"I don't have further questions, and am ready to leave. We will do our best to safely deliver the ocarina, and disguise ourselves," Kort agrees stiffly.
It takes about a week to travel to Oppara and the Kitharodian Academy, a cover for the Lion Blades. A few days into it, you pass the site of a recent battle between Loyalist and Imperialist forces that took place in southern Tandak while you were in Yanmass. The bodies have been cleared from the impromptu battlefield, but the freshly turned soil of recent graves remains visible from the road, and the faint stink of death still lingers. Just a local squabble, but such things can easily get out of hand…
The rest of the journey is relatively uneventful if somber. Kamari very nearly shrieks at one point near the end of the trip as she receives an unexpected Sending from Dilys Llewellyn, your priest. She is terse with so few words to use, but she dutifully reports the goings on to you. You’ll each receive missives from time to time going forward as she keeps you informed of the doings at home.
So, a pair of tutors have been hired and a portion of the church undercroft designated for schooling. There hasn’t been much excitement yet for the institution of learning, but it is early. Educating Stachys is going to take time, but you’ve at least begun the task.
You are to meet your contact, Kathann Zalar at sundown in the Kitharodian Academy’s gardens in Oppara. You’ll miss today’s sunset as you threw a wheel a few miles back which slowed you down a bit. You arrive in Oppara on Arodus 11, a Starday, around 10pm. As you’re going undercover as early as tomorrow, it’s probably a good idea to lay low a bit and avoid your usual haunts - but it's up to you.
Let me know if you do anything special that night or the next day prior your sunset meeting.
That evening you head to the Kitharodian Academy. The Academy is beautiful, done in brick with wrought iron gates, leaded glass windows, and pleasant groundskeeping. Well maintained too from the looks of it. You arrive at dusk, the appointed hour, and no one immediately shows up. She’s late! You loiter near a bench in the main courtyard.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Kamari is filled with joy to be home, to be in Oppara. Mindful of their mission, she does not disturb her father. "He'll understand," she lies to herself.
However, on the night of their arrival, she approaches Kort and pleads for a casting of invisibility so that she might fly over her city under the starlight and see it as she never has before.
Edelmira has never been able to settle in Oppara. Too much political charge, too many people, too many eyes everywhere. She cannot relax, as she feels compelled to keep her guard vigilant. If she had space of her own, a home base to fortify and settle in long-term, she could be more at-ease, but instead she just feels unmoored.
With their contact late, Edelmira scans the area while they wait, not wanting to waste time being idle.
”How long would you say is best to wait before we assume something has gone wrong?”
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"I do not know what to expect, here," Elen says, looking around. "It is not as if Oppara is on a different timezone from everywhere else..."
She looks around.
"Oh -- has that rosebush always been there?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
- - -
A man and a woman wearing blue and green guard uniforms and armed with halberds approach. The taller of the two guards (the woman) calls out, “Good evening. Stay where you are. We have a few questions for you.”
You easily recognize them as members of the Opparan city guard. The taller of the two wears the stripes of a sergeant in fact. The younger man, looking perhaps a little nervous to you, blurts out, ”Who are you?”
The sergeant frowns, muttering ”Ahh, the impatience of youth.” before standing quietly and awaiting your response to the question.
Kort does offer the needed Invisibility spell should Kamari wish it.
* * *
Kort paces stiffly (if not impatiently) while waiting for the contact. He has ideas about punctuality, and prefers people to be on time. It just makes things easier, and less worrisome.
Kort waits for the guard to arrive. As he doesn’t think he has done anything wrong (yet), he is content to just wait.
Considering they are meeting with a group that is not supposed to officially exist, Edelmira decides a cover story is ideal. ”It is quite all right. We have nothing to hide. We are a group of nobles from out of town. My name is Edelmira Karthis, and I shall allow the others to introduce themselves as they will. If you are wondering why we are standing about, we are currently in the process of expanding public education in our home county of Betony and I thought it worthwhile to come visit one of the most famous academies in the world to learn more of its practices. We were meant to meet a guide around the campus here, but either they are running late or my majordomo made the mistake of getting duped by a charlatan.” She has her eyes pop slightly as if she is coming to a realization. She cannot let herself appear too gormless as she has a reputation as a measured, solid personage to maintain. ”Goodness, is that why you are about and all anxious? Looking for a con artist?”
Kamari smiles and says nothing as Edelmira's explanation should be enough.
”It is quite all right. We have nothing to hide. We are a group of nobles from out of town. My name is Edelmira Karthis, and I shall allow the others to introduce themselves as they will. If you are wondering why we are standing about, we are currently in the process of expanding public education in our home county of Betony and I thought it worthwhile to come visit one of the most famous academies in the world to learn more of its practices. We were meant to meet a guide around the campus here, but either they are running late or my majordomo made the mistake of getting duped by a charlatan.” She has her eyes pop slightly as if she is coming to a realization. She cannot let herself appear too gormless as she has a reputation as a measured, solid personage to maintain. ”Goodness, is that why you are about and all anxious? Looking for a con artist?”
The younger man looks relieved, but whether it’s your story, or just the fact that you answered his question, you’re not sure. He seems to be relaxing a bit now and getting into his stride. Still, he answers quickly asking, ”Someone reported a break-in at the Academy. I’m sure you don’t mind if I have a quick look at your belongings?”
The sergeant raises an eyebrow, but says nothing as she straightens up.
”But of course.” Edelmira holds her arms out to make it easier for him to pat her down.
[ooc]If it’s easier, just assume she took 10 on all the sleight of hands, as she was not making any special effort to hide things today. Bonus is +14 base with an extra +2 for the heavy clothing for a take 10 of 26. All the other modifiers are above
"A break in? Really? Tell me more. But first, do you often find thieves loitering in plain sight in fine clothing after break-ins?" Kamari inquires as flatly as she can. She also stands and spins around once. "As you can see, nothing here."
"Who are you looking for? Perhaps we have seen them while sitting here."
Kamari is reluctant to open her haversack with its thieves' tools, grappling hook, rope, etc.
"A break in? Really? Tell me more. But first, do you often find thieves loitering in plain sight in fine clothing after break-ins?"
"And I did not serve for 70 years in the First Army of Taldan Defense to be treated like a common thief, nor have my honor questioned," Kort replies stiffly.
Diplomacy to aid
"A group like ourselves has no interest nor need to break into anyplace for anything."
The younger man, looking perhaps a little nervous to you, blurts out, ”Who are you?”
”Ah, the impatience of youth.” before standing quietly and awaiting your response to the question.
Elen quietly snorts under her breath.
”Someone reported a break-in at the Academy.”
She looks at the establishment, with its wrought iron gates and leaden window. ”Did it happen on your watch? I mean, we come here, telling you who we are and why we are here and you tell us there has been a break-in in our destination? And then your question to us is ‘Give us a free opportunity to pick your pocket'?” She rolls her eyes, tries to make eye contact with the Sergeant and shake her head.
Youth.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"A break in? Really? Tell me more. But first, do you often find thieves loitering in plain sight in fine clothing after break-ins?" Kamari inquires as flatly as she can.
The sergeant smiles, clearly enjoying this, ”Only the bold ones.”
Edelmira consents, as does Kamari, a little, but Major Kort and Elen are firmer in their resolve. The young man looks to his sergeant, unclear as to what to do. Once again, he leaps into the little silence, and says, almost as if scripted, ”Look, we’re going to have to take you in for questioning. We’ll sort this out with the magistrate. It’ll only be a minor inconvenience, I promise.”
As you no doubt prepare to resist such a maneuver on such a pleasant warm summer night, the sergeant… laughs. She pulls at her neck, peeling off a disguise and revealing the face of a Vudrani woman. It takes a moment, and she nods as you look thoughtful as if to encourage that line of thought. Yes, yes, it is her. This is the same woman who escorted you into the Exaltation Gala. (link)
She smiles, ”Yes, I’m the same Kathann Zalar. My apologies for having a bit of fun at your expense, and attempting a little training…” she looks to her fellow guard and says, ”Now back to your studies, and remember - give the person you are questioning time to make false impressions. If there’s silence, people will talk to fill it. Let them fill it. Not you. Be a better listener. Now run along.”
The young man bows curtly ”Ma’am.” and dives relieved through a nearby door . You can hear him pounding up some stairs in haste before that door even closes from his passage.
Kathann turns back to the group, ”Welcome to the Kitharodian Academy. I've heard good things about you my lords and ladies.”
Edelmira does not have the same flash of recognition as the others, having not had the privilege of meeting her at the gala in-question. ”I suspected as much. Good to see what you have to work with. And a good reminder to always remain prepared.” She smiles her enigmatic smile. ”Not that I needed the reminder. I am almost disappointed I did not get searched.”
Kort nods stiffly as the ruse is explained, but it is clear he is not amused. Not at his expense, and certainly not at the expense of his honor.
”Very well, lead the way,” Kort stiffly doesn’t sulk at all. ”Thank you for your welcome, nonetheless. Where can we speak in private?”
Elen laughs. ”Well met, Kathann!” She waits to be lead to a place where they can all talk.
"Very impressive disguise. I'm glad to hear there's been no break in."
Kamari follows along.
Smiling and carrying on small talk, she invites you inside and heads through another door, leading you down a few passages and into a cramped office. A somewhat hidden far door leads to what amounts to a breakroom. A long table with a dozen or so chairs around it. A few bowls of fruit, nuts, and even a bit of cake from some celebration or other earlier in the day sit on another table against the wall. There’s also an impressive samovar, and a complex structure of pipes and urns that seems to be a coffee maker. Kathann helps you to tea from quite a broad selection or coffee along with a few snacks.
”You’ll be visiting scholars from Cassomir for the next week or so anyway. At least until we decide on your covers for Zimar. That will give you some status here at the Academy so you can walk the halls without being commandeered by a professor for some menial task. I’ve even done up some papers for your office wall.” She hands you a small bundle of different scholarly looking documents, heavy in calligraphy, and most in cheap frames ready to hang.
”I’m sure you have questions for me, and I’ll do my best to answer them. We have, well, at least a week, to teach you everything we know about Zimar. Your goal will be to infiltrate the city and learn what you can of its master, High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus. There may be a Lion Blade still alive, but we’ll get to that if it’s still true when you’re ready to depart.” She looks a little uneasy.
”Look, Princess Eutropia hopes no doubt to discredit him, but I’m asking you to take the middle path with Pythareus. Go in as judges, as arbiters, not as the Princess’s hatchet. Be neutral. Judge the High Strategos on his merits, within his world view - do not merely focus on the negatives because he is different from you. The Lion Blades, whom you now at least tentatively work for, have been neutral in this squabble. Our goal is the greater goal of Taldor. It is not our job to decide the will of the people and pick sides.”
”BUT… if Pythareus is fomenting war in order to claim the throne, we must oppose him for greater Taldor. Another war with Qadira is bad for Taldor on many fronts. To undertake such a cause just to move the throne’s seat closer to the High Strategos’ ass is unacceptable.”
”So,” she sits with her coffee, having served you all first, ”What questions do you have?”
”I have always followed my own judgment. You can trust that I will continue to do so. My comrades can attest that I approach everything thoughtfully. Perhaps even too much so at times.” Another enigmatic smile as she leaves it at that.
She does have a particular subject in-mind when the topic turns to questions. ”As for our cover, shall we be adopting completely new identities? I am not sure how much you have been briefed on, but I do have some not-small skill in this area. Or shall we simply be ourselves but with a narrative to excuse our presence?”
”Judge the High Strategos on his merits, within his world view - do not merely focus on the negatives because he is different from you... It is not our job to decide the will of the people and pick sides.”
Those who stand by while evil...
Kamari looks quizzically at the woman.
"Within his world view? That would be an odd perspective if he turns out to be an egotistical want-to-be tyrant who views anything he does as right. I'd prefer to judge him on his actions, which thus far includes not recognizing the rightful Queen."
Kort stiffly canes in, following the group and seeing what he can see of the headquarters. He accepts and examines his scholar's documents, and wonders if he'll need to ditch his armor and military bearing for the time being.
”Look, Princess Eutropia hopes no doubt to discredit him, but I’m asking you to take the middle path with Pythareus. Go in as judges, as arbiters, not as the Princess’s hatchet. Be neutral. Judge the High Strategos on his merits, within his world view...It is not our job to decide the will of the people and pick sides.”
Kort agrees with this, and it's sensible.
"Of course. That is rather my thinking as well. I have seen signs that Strategos cares only for power, and will do anything to get it, but, I will keep an open mind here. Not just for you, but for my own sense. I have served Taldor all my life, and I do not intend to quit now," Kort agrees stiffly.
"Questions?"
"What do they study here? What types of scholarly pursuits might work best in terms of blending in? I have a few areas of knowledge, and might bluff my way through a few more."
Elen nods. ”The middle path, yes!” she looks over at Kamari. ”Try it! Don’t walk in with any expectations – clean the slate. We cannot see our reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see. This is the way of the Warrior.”
”About disguises, I think so maybe? I mean, we did attempt to get acquainted with him… but – I think we left him at worst feeling neutral, so maybe it doesn’t matter? I am just dying to hear the plan.”
”As for our cover, shall we be adopting completely new identities? I am not sure how much you have been briefed on, but I do have some not-small skill in this area. Or shall we simply be ourselves but with a narrative to excuse our presence?”
”That’s a good question, and one I do not yet have an answer for. I know little about your collective skills - particularly with regard to bluffing and disguising, though I’m less worried about the latter. This is something we will feel out together as the week progresses.”
”That said, I doubt you’ll get far as yourselves. In some circles you’re creating quite a wave and are becoming well known. Certainly the average guard, or even the elite guards, known as Zimar Sentinels - powerful warriors, and perceptive - will not likely have heard of you. But their masters may have. So word of your entrance into town may eventually reach the wrong ears and you could find yourselves beset on many sides.”
”My working theory is that you’ll be disguised, perhaps as Cassomir nobles so you don’t need to change your outward appearance overmuch or lose any gear. Going in as merchants is possible too, but then you’ll need to know something about your craft. Perhaps one of you has some mercantile leanings we could call upon?” she asks generally.
"Within his world view? That would be an odd perspective if he turns out to be an egotistical want-to-be tyrant who views anything he does as right. I'd prefer to judge him on his actions, which thus far includes not recognizing the rightful Queen."
”There are many who do not recognize the Princesses claims. I understand your fervor for her, but allow that those who may disagree on that point, may agree with you on many others. Still, you’re not wrong - if the High Strategos has that world view, it would be good to know, and foil if we can.”
"Of course. That is rather my thinking as well. I have seen signs that Strategos cares only for power, and will do anything to get it, but, I will keep an open mind here. Not just for you, but for my own sense. I have served Taldor all my life, and I do not intend to quit now," Kort agrees stiffly.
”Thank you.” she says sincerely.
"What do they study here? What types of scholarly pursuits might work best in terms of blending in? I have a few areas of knowledge, and might bluff my way through a few more."
She smiles, ”I should be embarrassed that you’ve not heard of the Academy prior to this. The majority of the students here are learning the bardic skills. Many of Taldor’s finest orators have been molded at the Academy. It’s an ancient institution with deep roots in Taldor.”
”The school-within-a-school teaches spy craft. As for scholarly pursuits, none are needed here this week - you won’t be expected to teach anything. But you could be a scholarly group heading into Zimar if you were so inclined. Scholars tend not to be wealthy of course, but there are some rare exceptions. And we can grubby you up a bit.”
”About disguises, I think so maybe? I mean, we did attempt to get acquainted with him… but – I think we left him at worst feeling neutral, so maybe it doesn’t matter? I am just dying to hear the plan.”
She smiles at the support for the middle path. Then she answers Elen, ”Yes, with all that happened that day, it would not surprise me if he doesn’t remember you - though it is said he’s very good at remembering names and faces. Still, I’m concerned more about what you’ve done since, and the reputation you’ve earned for yourselves as the Princesses agents. So some disguise will be in order.”
”The specifics of the plan are still being developed, but in short you are to infiltrate Zimar and investigate Maxillar Pythareus. You need to determine if he is in fact a danger to Taldor, and collect the evidence necessary to discredit him, and even possibly imprison him - though that will be a tall order indeed.”
”We’ll need at least three strong pieces of evidence against him. Four really, but the information provided by Princess Eutropia, which you obtained in Yanmass, is damning and a good start.”
You spend an intense week at the Academy under the tutelage of various Lion Blades lead by Kathann Zalar. They start with general information about Zimar, and some of the people you might meet there.
Located on the west bank of the Jalrune River and a day’s ride from the Qadiran border, Zimar is Taldor’s southernmost major settlement and Taldor’s third largest city after Oppara and Cassomir. Also known as the Aegis of Taldor, Zimar is a heavily fortified garrison town, acting as Taldor’s first line of defense against the threat of a Qadiran invasion.
However, during the centuries long war commonly known as the Grand Campaign, Zimar was intermittently occupied by Qadiran forces, which left a lasting mark on Zimar’s architecture - the cityscape dominated by Taldan-style red clay tile roofs and columned halls of white marble is interspersed by tall minarets, domed palaces, and tented markets more reminiscent of Qadiran cities.
The long period of occupation also shaped the attitudes of the people in Zimar. Even though several generations have passed since the end of the Grand Campaign, most residents of Zimar are raised to hate Qadirans and are determined never to let their southern foes humiliate Zimar again. It is said that Zimar has enough supplies to last 5 years if besieged, and it can field an army of nearly 10,000 soldiers when necessary.
Many units of the Taldan Phalanx and the Taldan Horse are stationed in Zimar, and the city has hundreds of men and women who belong to elite paramilitary units - including the city watch called the Zimar Sentinels and the Golden Templar inquisitors of Abadar - who can bolster the ranks of the military in times of war. Lastly, every adult citizen in Zimar is at least nominally a member of the Blue Guard, Zimar’s militia.
You study hard and learn all you can. Let me know if you have any further questions about Zimar itself after perusing the new materials and we’ll proceed. You can always ask the questions later too, so no pressure.
There's more training to come, but there's a lot of information so I'm breaking it up.
”So, regarding cover identities. My suggestion is that we choose them based on the following criteria: what hides our identities the best. what will give us the most access and autonomy, and what would let us fit together as a coherent group the best. For instance, I have some passable skill at armorsmithing and already own many of the tools, so I could try to portray myself as an artisan. It distances me significantly from my actual person, but it also sacrifices some of the access and autonomy of being a noble.” She rests her gloved hand on her chin as she debates internally. ”I suppose I could present myself as a noble as well, though that complicates matters significantly. A noble with a military background perhaps? Or perhaps a noble dilettante who dabbles in crafting because she thinks herself an artist. What say the rest of you? Any thoughts on personas you would like to adopt?”
"Perhaps one of you has some mercantile leanings we could call upon?"
Kort clears his throat and finds a seat before answering. He notes the words of Edelmira, and offers his own thoughts.
"Mercantile? Not so much, though I am a fair appraiser of items. I've long served in the military, procuring items and know junk when I see it," he replies stiffly, gaining steam as he thinks.
"On the other hand, I am adept in the seven schools of magic, eight even if you consider divination, but I assure you the Thassolonians would object, but there are eight schools, and I can speak about them with some authority."
"Unless religion or nature is more in vogue here, then I can tell you the difference between an Lamastuan and a Lamia, I can assure you," he continues, his voice getting an edge of drone in it. "Of course, if the studies here are more far fetched, then I would delight in explaining the natures of the outer realms, and what might lay beyond his prime material plane, through the aether and beyond."
"And, of course, I have at least rudimentary knowledge of history, geography, and engineering, let alone dungeoneering, which is completely different."
Kort is clearly leaning toward scholarly pursuits, but is open to having his mind changed.
| 4 people marked this as a favorite. |
"I have some skill at drawing and decent knowledge of several subjects but am no expert. While I'm one to normally resist biases against my age, I would probably be best suited as someone's apprentice or graduate student to attract less attention."
Kamari ponders for a minute.
"Perhaps the generous noble Edelmira is sponsoring a trip for some scholars while also dabbling in her hobby of armor smithing. Where else better to learn about the history and techniques then Zimar with its forges and being on the frontlines of the Taldor where the armor is actually tested. Professor/Major Kort and Elen along with me as the graduate student could be studying the area for an upcoming book complete with interviews. I could also be doing the sketches for the book."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The party spends a few days discussing various options for your cover while visiting Zimar. Meanwhile, the training continues.
There are a series of questions early on while you study Zimar. Based on the results, various Lion Blades work with you individually going forward and you are split up most of the time. You’re each helped with stealth, attack, observation, disguise, and more. While true Lion Blades training takes months or years, your training is focusing on the minutia about Zimar and its people - drilling in just enough information for you to get by for a few weeks.
The skill of your trainers and your devotion to study, result in what’s called Infiltration Inspiration. You each start with 8 points of inspiration. A point of inspiration may be used as a free action to add a 1d6 to any d20 die roll (after the roll but before the results are revealed by the GM). Once per round/roll. Just enough of an edge from your teachers to turn failure into success when it’s close!
This inspiration consists of factoids, local names to drop, jargon, and various teachings - all of hundreds of bits of information you’ve had crammed in your collective heads over the last week. This inspiration only works in Zimar and its surrounds and only for the next few weeks before the information grows stale. Let me know if you have any questions about this mechanic.
Essentially, the town is requesting the advanced Civic Improvements project (it costs 3,600gp after discount and you have 4,000gp in the improvements fund) which will do that and more. Elen could conceivably Dream instructions to the mayor over a night or two, and you could transfer the funds through the church of Abadar here in Oppara readily enough - if you want to start this of course.
- - -
Kamari shares the info received from the Temple at Stachys in the spoiler above with a resounding endorsement of the idea of a courthouse...and more importantly moving the jail out of the pub--even if that was probably a convenient place.
”I like the way you think, Kamari. Both regarding developing the county and regarding our cover story. I rather like the name Hildegaard Brandt to use for my character.” She turns to Elen. ”What is your feeling on the matter?”
"My suggestion is that we choose them based on the following criteria: what hides our identities the best."
Elen looks to Edelmira, then to her own self, then to Kort. She waves her hands in the air and -- PRESTO! -- she's wearing parade armor identical to Kort's. She stays like that for a few seconds, then shakes her head returning to her usual threads. "Nah, it won't do to disguise ourselves as each other..."
~~~
"Professor/Major Kort and Elen along with me as the graduate student could be studying the area for an upcoming book complete with interviews."
"Oh, I think it is a lovely idea! I've always wanted to be a graduate student again!" With a wave of her hand she is wearing the graduate school uniform of Forge University Jinin. "I'll think on a name."
Kort is delighted by the prospect of formal education, however rushed, as he had so little of it during him time in the military. There were way too few formal lectures, or opportunities for study, and so Kort is happy to fully apply himself given the parameters of the instructions.
Kort is happy to act as the accomplished lecturer or professor if it fits the guise.
"Really splendid thinking, ol' chaps. Splendid," Kort stiffly comments.
"Oh, I forgot to mention, the Advanced Civics Improvements sounds like a great idea. What do you all think?"