War for the Crown #3 - The Twilight Child

Game Master Kittenmancer

Lotti continues studying the well well after the others have turned their attention to the spear and whatever else Rose might have left outside. Her gaze flows next to the pump itself, lingering auras from whatever enchantments might have once supported it sparkling and sputtering feebly in the corners of her sight. Finally she surveys the building itself, looking for points of structural failure that could let the whole thing come down atop some hapless carpenter.

Knowledge (engineering), Take 10: 10 + 9 = 19

When the banter dies down and all potential threats have been definitively excluded, Rose takes one last look around to inspect the damage to the station. She had some idea of how this was supposed to work from her schooling and a few visits to a family milling holding, though whether the pump fuctioned the same way was another matter...

Daily Talbot knowledge check, craft: clothing substitute for knowledge engineering: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35

"You will reimburse me for such, right? I'd take it on good faith but I've recently learned such agreements do not always work out." She glances briefly at Marius and slightly narrows her blue eyes.

Marius suddenly becomes quite engrossed in admiring Godspike.

As Lotti and Rose inspect the pump house's structural integrity, the nobleman steps outside to try to get the bargemaster's attention. He also keeps a lookout for the potential return of the otyugh.

"What a treasure," breathes Konstiantina as she reluctantly hands the spear over to Marius, then crowds in to examine it further. "I wonder to which god it was dedicated? Is there a way to tell?"

Her tone is yearning, and when able to she takes it back from Marius as well, following him outside so she can experiment with thrusts and swings. Only later does she catch herself, and look at the others with a pang of guilt.

"Not that I'm saying I should have it. We should inquire in town to see if there are any legends, or a way to track down its owner, of course." She gazes down at the spear again and runs a finger along its edge.

Lotti and Rose examine the broken pump mechanism, noting the small slot in the wall next to the well, through which clearly once a rope would pass outside, where a simple animal-drawn contraption would power the modified pump system. It worked once, no reason why it wouldn't work again.

Marius lights a torch and waves it, indicating to their guide that they were in need of his services again. The old man approaches slowly and cautiously, peering into the dark. "Well, I'll be! You're all still alive! Did you find the Lurker?"

"Indeed we did--a ghast, leading a pack of ghouls. They've all been dealt with." Marius waves a hand to indicate the pyre behind him. "There is another creature about, an offal-eater known as an otyugh. It's not malicious; we persuaded it to wander off, and as long as it's not going hungry it shouldn't be dangerous."

"Goodness, a ghast?! And ghouls? Gods save us, no wonder people went missing here!" The old man makes a warding sign, looking around fearfully. "Well, that will be a story to tell the whole village!" He nods at a knoll rising over the waters of the marsh some distance away. "Must've come from the old cemetery, then." If pressed for details, he elaborates. "The nobles who ruled these parts before the Betonys have a crypt there - the Sandaris family. Very old family, been around for many centuries before they died out."

He begins polling the barge back towards Stachys. "Just wait until I tell the others I was here, at the Battle of the Pumphouse! Wait, that doesn't ring right, does it. I'll think of a better name. But look at you, took on a ghast and a pack of ghouls and not a scratch on you!" He continues chattering for most of the way.

Gained 2 loyalty points with Stachys for making the pumphouse safe again and laying the ghast to rest.

"...All right, we looked at the pumping system and it seemed to work on simple animal labor. Though, I have a few ideas on how to-" Rose says, as she and Lotti move up and report to Marius, but she stops upon hearing the ferryman's report on the cemetary.

"You mean to say that such a thing has happened before, to point to this crypt as the source of undeath so readily?" she asks, weary of another excursion due to unliving trouble in the near future. "While I understand there has to be a place for the ghast to come from, this particular one was a former knight we estimated to be a thousand years old. And also... when I really think about it, I have the distinct impression that she was keeping these undead away from the town, rather than to deal it harm. They were each consumed by hunger, which begs the question of why they didn't move in to prey upon more villagers. Perhaps what remained of her sense of duty kept this from being that much worse."

She takes a final glance back at the pumping stration and boards the boat. "At any rate, I'm happy the town is a bit safer regardless. Though for now, I'm very much looking forward to take a rest in the mansion," she finishes, and stifles a yawn behind her hand.

"The ghast was probably a member of this Sandaris family, then," says Konstiantina. "And at a thousand years old, it was either raised from the dead a millennia ago and only now escaped its crypt, or a necromancer brought it back recently along with restoring its body to some degree. Though I doubt it was keeping the ghouls from the village, Rose. More likely it lacked the leadership, awareness, or interest in exploring further. The town does lie a good ways away. Regardless. It seems a visit to the cemetery is in order."

"And also... when I really think about it, I have the distinct impression that she was keeping these undead away from the town, rather than to deal it harm. They were each consumed by hunger, which begs the question of why they didn't move in to prey upon more villagers. Perhaps what remained of her sense of duty kept this from being that much worse."

"That is an encouraging thought. I like that very much."

Back in Piscum's tavern in Stachys, Marius' report is much the same as he gave to the old bargeman--no doubt the tale would grow as it was repeated, but that was alright. Slapping a few coins down the counter, the nobleman reaches over and grabs two bottles of rye whiskey. "Some of our people will be by in the morning to oversee the market project, but for now I've had a long day," he informs the former Acting Tribune.

"You mean to say that such a thing has happened before, to point to this crypt as the source of undeath so readily?" she asks...

The old man shakes his head. "Not that I'm aware, miss. Was just a guess."

After some grumbling and complaining, he reluctantly agrees to a detour to the cemetery. There, most of the graves lie undisturbed, but the aforementioned crypt is indeed breached from the inside. Water has seeped into the interior, damaging what looks like ancient wards around an open marble coffin.

Back in Stachys, the late hour means there aren't many people in the tavern, and those present look skeptical at first, until the old man vouches for the veracity of Marius's tale, and then lift a couple of fingers to their forehead in a respectful salute.

Nodding in acceptance of the salutes, Marius gives the room a wave as he steps out. Making a mental note to have the graveyard investigated more thoroughly in the future, Marius ascends the hill from Stachys to the manor with his whiskey bottles in hand. As the ladies depart one by one to claim rooms and tubs, he places one of the bottles on a rack in the kitchen and takes the other to the master suite, setting it on a bedside table before getting himself cleaned up. Once presentable again, he descends with a folder full of reports and assessments from his agents.

"Between the back-taxes released by Count Lotheed and the generosity of Baron Okerra, we have quite a few resources at our disposal already. I believe expanding the local markets should be an early priority, because coin passing through local hands is an easy step to take to improve their lives in a clear and obvious way. From there, Rose and Lotti seemed to have some clear ideas on what should be done with the pumphouse--we'll make that a priority as well. From there we should spread the money and attention out to the farmers and the mill. Naturally some of that coin will be needed to get this place," he gestures around at the aging manor. "..."Fixed up as well. And of course in the meantime there may be further threats in need of attention and neighbors' good impressions of us to maintain. We have our work cut out for us, but I don't doubt that we're more than up to the task."

Walking into the room in a fluffy bathrobe and smelling freshly of lavender from her recent relaxations after the tribulations of the Panic! at the Pumphouse, Lisa seats herself across from Marius and accepts a nightcap from her servant Riftun who goes about the table offering the same to any who want one.

Sipping her beverage the woman sighs and rubs her temples. "Honestly this seems like its going to be a lot of effort going forward and I can only hope that it will even be worth such a monumental investment. First and foremost, however, we should focus on getting the town in working order before we worry about any improvements. Otherwise some of the townsfolk may feel slighted." She muses offhandedly.

"More troubling is the appearance of those horrid undead.. I feel if we don't get to the bottom of this it may come back to bite us."

"No matter what you pick, you won't make everyone happy." Lotti peers at a sheet of figures, then makes a few notes in the margins before passing it on to Rose. "Someone will feel slighted that you didn't get their pet project done first. You'll have to soothe their egos and help them see how the work benefits everyone. I don't envy you." She grins wickedly at Marius over her spectacles.

"Now, there are some ways to make that easier. One is to prioritize improvements that benefit the most people, like these." She taps a page outlining needed infrastructure repairs. "Everyone's houses are affected, the streets they walk on every day are affected - the entire town can clearly see the effects and feel how it benefits them personally. The farms are another low-hanging fruit since everyone needs to eat - though folks who don't work the fields themselves might complain of favoritism."

Lotti reaches down to pet Wobblekins before the cat jumps into her lap. "I know you two are excited about the market square and the cost savings it can provide," she continues, "but these people have been living in poverty for most of their lives. Directly improving their lives now will win more hearts than you can buy with..." She looks down as if to check her calculations, then back up. "...a few hundred coins. And with the generous support from the baron and the count, you can afford it." She sighs. "There's also the subtle advantage that folks can't complain about you taxing the sales at the market if you fix their leaky roof instead."

Lotti is suggesting the basic Civic Improvements (1000 gp, 1 LP) and basic Farm Improvements (1000 gp, 1 LP) as our first two improvments.

Dressed in a simple white night gown for this rather important meeting, Rose looks at Lisa arriving in her bathrobe and stiffles an amused laugh. Would she have done the same thing, if Konstiantina and herself hadn't had the first baths? It seemed like the sort of thing she would normally do, and yet... why did it feel so daunting?

"I know you two are excited about the market square and the cost savings it can provide," she continues, "But these people have been living in poverty for most of their lives. Directly improving their lives now will win more hearts than you can buy with a few hundred coins."

"I agree that the estimated saving costs for the town for basic quality of life improvements are minimal and should take a priority," Rose nods, pulled from her thoughts. "However, I would still argue to start with the market over improving the farms. If we want to make this a prosperous town, we have to give visitors a reason to come visit and spend their coin here. A market would really help with that, if only to give the local farmers more of a chance to sell their product, and to start setting up services for visitors. Besides..." She looks down as if to check her numbers and grins slightly.

"I believe a precedent has already been set for the people being proud, and much preferring to take care of their own matters where they can. Allowing them to sell things to get by on their own might feel better to them than us visiting the farms with gold and offering to help them out ourselves. In both cases, it is still our resources helping, but the market gives them more of an illusion of control."

Rose argues for the Market and basic civic improvements first. It might not be that the market gives loyalty points game-technical wise but this would be how she feels in-character.

She takes a sip from a mug of tea to her side and sighs in content at the fruity herbal taste. "...Which is also why I'm poised to start a project of my own among those lines. Not the pumps - I'll oversee that too, if only so Grumpy can't say I didn't pay attention to his Dwarven Engineering lectures," she clarifies off-handidly. "No, I'm thinking of expanding the Thread Rare to this town, and I'll be recruiting a few volounteers as prospective tailors to work there, offering internships and on the job training. Whatever coin we make from that can help fund the other projects - or help arm us in case we have to deal with more threats."

She chuckles. "Who knows, perhaps one day Stachys will be *the* fashion Capitol of all of Golarion," She jokes - probably?

"I agree that with we should increase our prioritization of repairs to the village itself--not everyone farms, and the pump house is sufficiently out of the way that some folk may not be able to see the benefits. However, I do strongly feel that the market should be our first step. It was one of the first things requested when we solicited their input, and the it's not as though we're lining our own pockets--the savings provided can be the difference between a project getting done this summer instead of next."

Satisfied with hearing Marius also state the market to be a priority, Rose then waits for Konstiantina and Lisa to share their thoughts on spending priorities, should they wish to do so.

Afterwards, she is silent for a moment, pondering something. Then she seems to deflate a bit and sighs. "While we're here, I... would like to request something from one of you," She begins hesitantly. "As you probably remember, as a female Talbot with the old Primogeniture laws still in place, I cannot own any property or significant possessions. As such, if I wish to open a store here, someone else would have to claim ownership of it, so that it cannot be just taken from us if became enough of a success for the Family to take notice."

She glances around the present members. "While I would consider it a favor if anyone were to do so and still let me run it as I see fit, I also refuse to work towards building something I have no stake or say in. There'd probably be a lot of... 'legal creativity' involved in approaching a situation even remotely resembling a fair partnership. And that would be even beside what happens to the profits I cannot officially keep. The easiest would be if I donated everything to Marius and the Town, assuming he would use it fairly and the Family didn't care enough to intervene somehow," She glances at the inquisitor. "Otherwise, I would essentially be forced into tax evasion and hiding the money in order to put any of it to good use. However, I would still want to be able to use the skills at my disposal to help."

Taking a deep breath, she adds: "Personally, I would like this surrogate owner to be Marius, as he is the local ruler and probably the hardest person to oppose from a legal standpoint. Though I'm sure Konstiantina's familiar background as barristers would also help here, and I suspect both Lotti and Lisa would similarly not fold at a sign of opposition. In any case, should someone wish to support me in this endeavor, we'd probably have to visit a larger city to deal with the paperwork before I could start. Perhaps Ridonport, or whichever other nearby settlement has a reliable court system."

Talks continue late into the night, and when everyone finally retires to sleep they find their pillows plump and their bed linens smelling fresh. In the morning, a list of suppliers is made, and orders are sent by messenger for timber, nails, stone, brick, mortar, as well as qualified craftsmen and builders, and more specialized equipment. Another messenger is dispatched to the Five Kings mountains, to engage a team of dwarven engineers who might be able to restore the original functionality of the pump, but it would take weeks for them to arrive.

The next morning the supplies and labourers begin to arrive, and a work team starts preparing the main square for the future market, levelling the ground and setting cobblestones in pleasing patterns before starting to erect the stalls. Another team heads out to the surrounding farms to survey the irrigation system and the outlying roads, and assess where repairs need to be made.

On Oathday, a messenger from Dame Crabbe arrives at the manor, to remind Marius & Co. of the invitation to come over for tea on Starday (with the understanding that they would stay overnight at the Crabbe estate). Moost, the village belonging to the estate, is normally 45 miles away from Stachys, but the bridge collapse at Gold Canyon lengthens that journey by at least 10 miles as they would need to go via Lotheedar and around Lake Stavian.

Marius is enjoying his third cup of coffee and reviewing yet more reports on the state of the county when the messenger rides up. He accepts the letter and skims it quickly with a nod. "We'll be there, of course. How were the roads?"

The next day/now.

The next day, Rose takes a list forwarded to her from a messenger from Oppara. "An order for two ornate silver bharatanatyam gowns? I wonder if those are meant for Earl Varima..." The tailor mutters to herself, thinking back to the night of the Senate Massacre. It felt like ages ago she discussed trade matters with the Vudrani culture enthusiast, Earl Merkondus and father, when it had really been just a couple of months.

Visualising the dress type and someone wearing it, she felt a pang of guilt. "I wonder if Mirann ever found her sister... is she well? I should probably have checked on that, but I never got around to it," She glances over her shoulder and overhears the other messenge relayed to Marius. "Perhaps when we get back," she decides.

Breakfast had been served up this morning by Riftun who presented the party with a hearty omelet with cheese and locally sourced mushrooms and seasoned with onion and various spices from far off lands that added a little zing to the meal. Sides of roasted potatoes and bacon were offered and the meal was made complete with freshly squeezed orange juice.

Lisa, for her part, is delighted to hear the opportunity to get out for a while and enjoy dipping her toes back in the world of noble intrigue even if it was only a small tea party it was still sure to shake off the tedium of living so far from the capitol. "Oh that's right! Raesilia darling have you completed that dress you promised after the whole dreadful affair with the Iron Lash?"

Now...

"My, dear Lisa, Riftun is truly an excellent cook. I thought Chloe and I were decent enough but he seems to just get everything exactly right! Where did he learn that? And what sort of herbs are even in these eggs, anyway? I don't think I've ever even tasted them before. I don't suppose I could borrow him for a while, could I?" She asks sweetly over breakfast, thoroughly enjoying the feast.

"Oh that's right! Raesilia darling have you completed that dress you promised after the whole dreadful affair with the Iron Lash?"

"Oh, but of course! Just finished it last night, actually, I don't suppose you would like to see?"

What sort of dress did Lisa request or is that entirely up to me?

Lisa dabs her mouth politely with her napkin as she finishes her meal and appears to consider Rose's request. "The boy does have his uses yes, but I'd hardly call him perfect at everything. You should see him attempt a physical task or, if you really want to see a human turn into a blubering puddle just flirt anywhere in his general direction, that's always good for a laugh." She smirks in amusement.

"I'd say, yes, feel free to borrow him so long as you give him back. As for the spices, I believe he mentioned something about learning from an old friend but enough of that for now. Raesilia youre timing could not be more perfect! I would looove to see my new dress, please lead the way."

You have creative freedom on the dress but it would be fun of it was something suitable for a tea party~

"Right then, please excuse us for a moment, everyone. We'll see you at the carriage out front," Rose says, leaving the room up to their room.

Once out of the room she grins. "Flirt with Riftun? Heavens no; I'm not trying to give the poor boy a stroke." She slows her pace slightly. "Or... is this meant as a ploy to make a certain someone jealous?" She asks, seemingly amused.

Entering her room afterwards, she pulls up the new garment she had been working on. "Perhaps a little simple at first glance, but it's a casual thing for a tea party, after all. I left in your pencheant for showing very generous amounts of leg," She glances at the appendage and grins. "...But what I think you'll like most are the shoulders. It's straps of silk arranged in a flower knot pattern. Left single-knotted, one good tug and the whole thing suddenly falls to the ground. As I'm sure someone in your profession can appreciate, no?"

The reference image is green but colours are pliable. I guess she likes red? :)

The next morning, everyone gets in their carriages with a packed lunch and several changes of clothes, heading east, and then north towards Lotheedar. After overnighting at an inn in the northern part of the town, the next day they rise early in order to make it in time for tea. The roads are in poor condition, making the journey slow and uncomfortable.

1d100 ⇒ 1

Once they pass the road leading to Voinaris, Baroness Adella Voinum's town and estate, the road enters a forest - the Void Wood, the county's largest forest, a remnant of the time when the Verduran Forest used to stretch much farther south than it does now. The light dims as they pass under its canopy, and there is a feeling of tension in the air, as if they are being watched by unseen creatures. Deeper into the forest, one of the horses is attacked by an assassin vine, but the carnivorous plant is dispatched before it can do any real damage. Still, the driver insists on swapping the lightly injured horse with a fresh one.

Mid-afternoon, the town of Moost comes into view, a prosperous-looking little community where every road is paved and the building facades are freshly painted, with flower pots in every windowsill. The inhabitants seem to be quite convivial, waving cheerfully at the passing carriage, some of them chatting in groups on street corners and others drinking at tables and benches set outside in the warming spring sun. Unlike the Betony estate, sitting away from Stachys on a hill, the Crabbe estate is right at the center of the town, surrounded by vast gardens.

Dame Crabbe herself greets them on arrival, with the entire staff of the manor arrayed on either side of the entrance steps. She is wearing a tea gown of deep blue velvet on green silk, with a small bustle, high neck and long sleeves, and a light green lace shawl loosely draped over her back and arms. She is elated to see the party, greeting them effusively and ushering them inside and into the parlour, where a veritable feast awaits with plenty of aromatic tea and decanters of a ruby-red wine to wash it down.

"Oh, I am so happy you are here, you must be so busy with your new estate! I hear that you're building a market in Stachys? How delightful! When it is finished perhaps we can send some of our products to be sold there! Cranberry jelly, cranberry wine, cranberry pies, cranberry compote, all locally sourced!"

Indeed, the food laid out seems to be mostly desserts, with fresh scones, pies, tarts, puddings and jellies all containing cranberries, which the area seems to produce in abundance. "Oh, I prepared a little entertainment for us while we take tea, young musicians from the Moost conservatory." She claps twice, and a servant pulls a curtain aside, revealing a quartet of young women with wind and string instruments, who begin to play an upbeat tune.

Lotti brushes cheeks with Parthena and kisses the air next to each of the taller woman’s ears, as custom dictated. She then lets the noblewoman take her hand and lead her to a seat, not as custom dictated. “I am glad to see you in good health, my lady,” she murmurs with a smile.

Once everyone has been served (including a bowl of cream under her chair for Wobblekins), Lotti looks around. “Oh dear. Is Miss Sepsinia not feeling well today?”

Arriving at the Crabbe estate Lisa greets their host cordially and takes in the visual of the staff arrayed on either side of the entrance.

"Now this is a proper greeting! We simply must have our servants learn to follow suit should we receive nobility in the future." The courtesan whispers to Rose.

At the banquet, Lisa swirls her red wine about in its glass and allows herself an indulgent sniff only to pick up more notes of cranberry from the wine itself. She shrugs and sips the delightful beverage before responding to the mistress of the estate. "Everything is delightful Dame Crabbe and just as sweet as you might I add! I've been so looking forward to this visit and we must return the favor once the Betony estate is back to its former glory which shouldn't be in the too distant future."

An expression of concern shadows Parthena's features at Lotti's question. "Ah, well, Sepsinia is.... not feeling well. She will join us later in the garden, she so loves walking there, especially in the evenings." She takes a sip of wine, another, fiddles with her shawl, and then sighs. "You must have noticed her odd behaviour. She is heartbroken, you know. She was engaged to a brilliant student at the conservatory, such a lovely boy. Alas, he took his own life last year, nobody knows why. Sepsinia hasn't been the same since, she used to be so full of life, she painted, sang, danced... but now she has no interest in any of those things."

She drains her wine glass and puts on a forced smile. "Ah, here I am, spoiling your afternoon with my tragic stories. Tell me, what news? I hear a few tidbits from my family in Cassomir and Yanmass, but I haven't heard anything from the capital in a while." She inclines her head to Lisa. "Yes, it would be lovely to visit, I've always been curious. Lady Allis didn't receive many visitors, you know."

After re-exchanging pleasantries with Dame Crabbe (and being slightly surprised at the physical familiarity on display betqeen her and Lotti), Rose lets herself be be seated at the guest area, where she listens intently to the older woman's story. "Goodness, I... had no idea you and your daughter had suffered such hardship recently. My condolances for your the loss of your prospective son-in-law. What was his name, if I may ask?"

Knowledge: Nobility on the given name. Does Rose know more of this perhaps suicide?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

"Indeed, such a sad tale and how strange for a man who is young and in love to take his own life, usually only the truly forlorn would go to such extremes." Lisa remarks and samples a cranberry tart.

"Scrumptious, by the way."

Dame Crabbe inclines her head at Rose and Lisa. "Opilio was his name, and yes, it is a very sad tale. He had so much to look forward to, I don't understand why he would resort to such an... extreme act." She smiles a little as Lisa praises the food.

"Oh, please, have as many as you wish. And let us speak of less depressing things."

"Oh, did you hear the latest from the Palace of Birdsong? Apparently Lord Titus Lotheed-Casava has set his eyes on Lady Lucrezia Marthane." She lowers her voice conspiratorially. "He's not a bad catch, not at all, although he can be a bit of a handful sometimes. I do wonder though, he's a cousin of the count, and Lady Lucrezia mentioned she was a cousin of the family as well, but it wouldn't be the first time that distant cousins marry. Although it is perhaps a little early to speak of marriage." Gossiping about other people seems to perk her up, and she continues. "I just hope things settle a little though. My niece in Yanmass writes me of bandit raids on the caravans traversing the Whistling Plains, and even here there are rumours of some lords moving to make a claim for the throne! Have you ever heard anything so absurd? Their families are not particularly grand or well-connected, so I'm very curious what basis they imagine to have for such claims!"

Marius inclines his head and murmurs a condolence in acknowledgement of Dame Crabbe's pain, but doesn't want to rub salt in the wound by asking too many questions.

Taking the hint on the change of subject, Marius swirls his wine glass a little as he considers how to answer. "Things in the capital are...tense. A great deal of maneuvering and frenzied politicking, but I think the massacre at the Senate has shocked everyone enough that no one is turning to street fighting--yet. And who could blame them? I used to scoff at those who pronounced 'may you live in interesting times' a curse, but now I fear that they were correct."

He sips the wine and smiles, finding he only has to fake it a little. "I honestly find solace in the work the new holdings have for us. I'm sorry for those living in Stachys that it got to such a poor state of repair, but I relish to opportunity to put things right."

sense motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Now

Even to a fairly experienced socialite like Rose, Dame Crabbe is difficult to read. But the subject of her lost son-in-law was obviously a painful one and she too decided not to probe, even if there were a few burning matters on it she would have liked asking about.

"Yes, concerning the Capitol City, there's little more noteworthy than the Senate Massacre," she assents. 'Not the most cheerful switch of topics following deceased family members, Marius, but I'll take it.' She thinks wryly. '*I* won't be the woman who lets such a golden chance to instill doubt regarding Pythareus to the regional rumormonger slip by.'

"In case you didn't know, most of us here were present at the event. Other than terrifying, it was also... eery. How such a large, fully organised group of assassins effortlessly made it into the Senate halls to make a coordinated attack on the voters and their servants. Not only that, but at a very deliberate point in time following Stavian's speech, at his direct command." She glances around furtively and lowers her voice. "It... makes one wonder how they were able to, at what was supposed to be the most secure event of the year. What were the phalanx guards even doing? Who was complicit in this and instructed them to look the other way?"

She trusted Dame Crabbe to make the obvious connection on her own and takes a sip from her wine glass. "A sentiment probably shared by many of the survivors, she continued at normal volume. "At any rate, I am happy to be far away from the Capitol at present. Focusing on building up Stachys and being able to do some actual good there is a welcome distraction."

"So our eastern borders are weakening and trade caravans are suffering..." She thinks when the Whistling Plains are mentioned, troubled.

"Speaking of happier topics, who is Lady Lucrezia Marthane? We were extensively... exposed to Lord Titus during the Jubilee, but I don't think I saw her, let alone getting around to speaking with her."

Lotti waves farewell to her familiar as Wobblekins saunters off in search of food, love, and/or companionship from the estate’s feline population. Slowly she sips her tea and ponders Parthena’s news.

Minor houses making claims to the throne. What does that cost them? Social standing, which they already have little of in the circles their patriarchs care about, so that’s not much. And what do they gain? Notoriety, possible allies, and even a slim chance of actually getting their hands on the crown. Not a bad bargain - as long as they don’t lose their heads over it. So why now? Could be opportunity since nobody will notice their claims once the major houses start making moves. Or is someone encouraging them from behind a veil? We’ll need to watch for a pattern, but no cause for alarm yet.

As for this Opilio fellow, there’s more going on than she’s letting on. Does she know? Possibly. Does Sepsinia know? Possibly. Need some independent research to find out more. Perhaps Filippina and Maynard could visit the campus and ask around. Would need a cover story - thinking about transferring possibly, but have to assure parents regarding rumors of ghosts of previous students who took their own lives? Yes, that might work.

Parthena's eyes go wide as Rose mentions witnessing firsthand the events of the Exaltation Gala. "Oh, my dear! You were there! Oh, I cannot imagine how terrible it must have been, I am happy that you got through it with your lives. And the Grand Prince himself gave the command? Incredible!" She fans herself as she considers the implications. "We heard all sorts of rumours here, it is so good to finally have an account from a trustworthy source. And I am glad to hear that you are taking so well to your new responsibilities, the people of Stachys must be very grateful for all your hard work!"

Several servants begin removing empty plates as Dame Crabbe answers Rose's question. "Oh, Lady Marthane lives in Cassomir, I believe." She gives a rueful shake of her head. "My, it seems we cannot discuss any topic today without some tragedy rearing its head! Lady Lucrezia's parents died when she was young, after losing their entire fortune. I believe she has been staying with distant relatives since then, while she studies. They must be very kind to her, she always has such exquisite dresses and jewellery!"

She rises, motioning with her arm towards the door. "Come, let me show you the gardens! And I think Sepsinia will be glad to see you again." She leads everyone out of the parlour and through a pair of beautiful stained glass doors that lead towards the gardens behind the manor. The flower beds and topiary are exquisitely maintained, separated by precisely laid out paths of crushed white marble and interspersed with murmuring fountains. Parthena's daughter is indeed there, sitting on a marble bench and staring vaguely into the distance, shadowed by her governess. She mutters a vague greeting as the group approaches, at her mother's prompting.

Operation: Find Out What Happened to Opilio!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Lotti murmurs something polite back to Sepsinia in a low voice, trying to not disturb her more than she might already be. Now where is His Grace - it would be helpful to see if she responds to animals better than she does to people. But alas, the tomcat is nowhere to be found.

"Lady Lucrezia's parents died when she was young, after losing their entire fortune. I believe she has been staying with distant relatives since then, while she studies. They must be very kind to her, she always has such exquisite dresses and jewellery!"

"...Or someone is paying her handsomely for her services, whatever those are. A gold digger or thief at best, as Titus is both connected to his supposedly wealthy uncle and the winner of a valuable prize at the jubilee," Rose thinks, eyes narrowing over this news.

"However, Titus is a known enemy. More so than even the Count, perhaps. And now this unemployed woman with way too much money for her station is suddenly close to him? Suspicious. An assassin or a spy, then? Hm... There *is* some kind of bad blood between Titus and Bartelby, and we don't know who planted the crossbow trap at the festival. Is Titus trying to replace his uncle, by hiring her to do it? It *would* fit if it was her. I should probably look into this when we return... let's hope the new referred contacts in Cassomir are worth their salt. I'll send Beatrice for her own contacts and specialized knowledge. Along with... sigh, probably Mattias to keep her safe."

Future Operation, look into Lady Lucrezia Marthane's background and oddities: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 I don't think Rose can assign more than 4 agents at rank 4 charm.

When the group moves over to Dame Crabbe's daughter, Rose greets her warmly and attempts to break through her absent demeanor. "Hello, Sepsinia! How have you been? Did you like the dance Lisa and I performed at the Jubilee's end? I heard you used to be interested in dancing and various other arts yourself. Could you perhaps tell us a bit more about what you like?"

Now

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23

Lisa casually sips at her wine, a knowing smirk curling the corners of her rosy lips for but a moment before letting it fade as she picks up on the older woman's unspoken words.

Dame Crabbe's concern for her daughter was great...

Perhaps this was an angle?

"My, it seems we cannot discuss any topic today without some tragedy rearing its head!"

"The only tales worth telling are those of either great tragedy or triumph are they not? The story of how Lord Erallan's parents are all good and well is just fine but it is also dreadfully boring don't you think? Probably why all heroes in old tales have tragic backstories, come to think of it." Lisa muses.

"Oh I would love to see one of her jewelry! I aim to add to my collection going forward but out here, so far from the capitol, I have no idea where to shop without the exorbitant fees and risks of having such valuables delivered from so far off." The courtesan scoffs at the idea. "Although, not to be rude, but I doubt her dresses could hold a candle to what Lady Talbot could provide. I'm wearing one of her pieces right now, just a simple thing for a lovely spot of tea but I think it's quite fetching don't you?" Lisa stands and sweepingly gestures to her outfit with a smug smirk.

"The Thread Rare has such fine products after all, perhaps our Raesilia could be commissioned for a dress for that darling girl of yours. I know she's been feeling down but nothing puts a smile on my face quite like a brand new dress when I'm feeling blue." Lisa then leans in and whispers to the noblewoman behind her hand giving her the hard sell, "Besides it may help her catch the eye of a handsome new suiter?"

She winks and proceeds to follow them out into the garden.

We make a good team. Marius smiles to himself as Rose immediately seizes the opportunity to implicate Pythareus in involvement with the massacre. He finishes the last of his wine to hide his satisfaction, and rises with the others to be led out to the garden. It is indeed a beautiful work of art, but it doesn't hold his attention for long as they are led over to Sepsinia--his expression clearly concerned as he takes in her vacant stare.

Marius half-bows and murmurs a gentle greeting to the girl, but a sense of unease has been piqued in him by her condition--especially as it seems to be a relatively recent change. When Sepsinia doesn't respond he rises and steps back, next to Lotti. "No doubt you're too steps ahead of me already, but the young lady's situation doesn't sit right with me. I don't like to borrow trouble, but if we can help we should. Is there any chance this is influenced by magic? Such a...nearly fugue state is deeply concerning."

As the conversation moves on, the nobleman studies Sepsinia carefully, using every trick Vaerli ever taught him about identifying enchantments at work. He feels a bit overzealous about it--her fiance was recently lost to suicide, there's a perfectly reasonable rationale for such a response--but he does so anyway.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 11 + 1 = 24
If he detects something amiss, taking a 10 on Spellcraft/Arcana nets him a 20, or 22 if it pertains to monster identification.

"No doubt you're too steps ahead of me already, but the young lady's situation doesn't sit right with me. I don't like to borrow trouble, but if we can help we should. Is there any chance this is influenced by magic? Such a...nearly fugue state is deeply concerning."

“I would guess that her mother has tried everything she can think of already,” Lotti murmurs back. “And without her asking us to help, it would be terribly impolite to treat her daughter like an animal in a zoo to be poked and prodded, wouldn’t it.” She pats the taller man on the cheek encouragingly.

Sepsinia makes eye contact with Rose for a brief moment before regaining her vaguely lost air. "Dancing... I used to dance. It feels pointless, now. I read, sometimes, but can't seem to remember anything."

Dame Crabbe pats her daughter's hand comfortingly as she chats with Lisa. "Yes, indeed, it is quite difficult to get finery here. Oppara is rather far, but perhaps you could put some orders in Cassomir." She takes in the courtesan's dress, nodding appreciatively. "Oh, this is Lady Talbot's work? Surely you jest! It is very fine indeed!" She turns to Rose, smiling. "Lady Talbot, you are indeed a very accomplished woman! If you don't mind, I would love to have some of your creations for myself and Sepsinia. The harvest festival is coming up... well, one of several this year, and it's been a while since we've worn new dresses there!"

"I wish I could do something for her..." Rose thinks, sadly, as she stands aside and watches Marius examine Sebsinia, only to find that there was no magic in play. Which was perhaps worse, as there was no easy fix. And what should she even say in reponse to the girl? It sounded like she needed therapy, but Lotti was right in that they'd probably already tried that...

She looks up when Lisa and Dame Crabbe shift the topic to fashion and gives a soft smile over the compliments. "In fact, I made many of the dresses and outfits worn by us during the entire jubilee as well, such as the ones we had during the Starlit Drift performance. And of course I will be happy to make you a few, if I could but take your measurements and hear any special wishes you would for the designs. I have a few ideas of my own for a harvest festival, of course, but The Thread Rare always strives to provide that bit of extra service."

After hearing Dame Crabbe's special requests, she looks back to her daughter. "How does she even spend her days here...? Does she sit there and stare into nothing all the time? Does she ever go outside? Whatever it is, it's definitely not working. " She swallows uncomfortably. "...Is she but a hair's breath from taking her own life?"

"Say... Sebsinia? Would you perhaps like to make your own dress for the festival? I'm currently working from the Bethony Estate, but I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that you're always welcome to visit. It will be fun!" She tries, smiling brightly and placing a hand on her shoulder. "The Mansion is great; we have cat-like house fey, an amazing cook, lots of interesting staff members helping us take care of the town... There's never a dull moment - in a good way! If you'd ever like a switch of sceenery we'd be happy to have you."

For a brief moment, the girl seems a little more animated, straightening her back and looking up at Rose with something resembling actual curiosity in her gaze. "Visit you? Leave... here?" Then it's as if a shadow falls over her entire being, and she drags her gaze away, looking towards the gardens. A shudder passes through her, and she shakes her head. "No, I couldn't. But it's kind of you to tr-... to ask."

5d20 ⇒ (15, 19, 6, 7, 20) = 67

Dame Crabbe laughs. "Come now, don't be silly, of course you can! What a kind invitation, thank you, Lady Talbot. And the outfits at the jubilee were outstanding, how delightful to hear that they were your work as well!"

Depression is a demon--but not, in this case at least, a literal one. Marius sends a prayer up to Kelinahat for the sake of the brokenhearted young woman and turns his attention back to the conversation. He listens politely as discussion of festivals and outfits are discussed, and at an opportune moment asks Dame Crabbe about her gardens.

"It's beautiful work--I don't know the first thing about tending plants, but I'd love to speak with your gardeners about their methods. Do we have time for a tour?"

"A tour? Of course! The Betony gardens must be in such a state after more than a decade of neglect. Normally I would be happy to lend you my gardeners, but good ones are so difficult to find, and several of mine have been quietly quitting over the last few months." Dame Crabbe leads the way in a tour of the gardens, pointing out an area of exotic plants, a rose garden, an artificial pond and other features. "And I'm not quite sure why, I pay them well enough, don't I?"

Konstiantina allows the others to take the lead during their visit; during tea she consumes a fair amount of pastries and several cups of tea, and listens attentively while not making any comments of her own.

Yet as they enter the gardens and interact with Sepsinia, concern slowly turns over and becomes suspicion, and her mind starts turning to childhood tales of succubi and incubi who visted young nobles to consume their passion and dominate their thoughts, or of vampires who would steal into bed chambers to accomplish much the same deeds.

As a young girl, such tales had been thrilling and illicit; now she considers Sepsinia with growing alarm. Was there foul play behind her betrothed's death? Depression after such a loss was natural, but to this extent?

For the first time, Konstiantina begins to cast around with her ability to Detect Evil, following the group about the garden and examining servants, locations, throwing a wide net in the hopes of turning up some source of danger.

Noticing the furtive glance to the hedgemaze, Rose gives the girl an encouraging squeeze of the shoulder as she excuses herself and follows Lady Crabbe and the others. Her thoughts were spinning, her mind in overdrive. Why would Sebsinia be so apprehensive about it, or perhaps leaving it? Why was she so depressed? Had her fiance really killed himself? Why had Dame Crabbe been so insistant upon them visiting, to even invite them twice at the soonest moment event, but not put forward a critical matter?

...Though she *had* mentioned Opilio at the first question regarding Sepsinia... was that deliberate?

So many questions, though based on barely more than a vague hunch.

Until Dame Crabbe mentioned the gardeners quitting their jobs.

Just in case, she glanced back to make sure her daughter was out of earshot. Then she took a deep breath. "Dame Crabbe, forgive me for being forward, as there is no easy way to breach this topic. But out here, taking a stroll in the garden is perhaps as much privacy as we could have," She begins, softly. "... Am I correct in assuming that this visit is not meant to be just a social outing, and that you invited us here for a purpose, or perhaps, to deal with a problem?"

She keeps her face forward, neutral, trying to act normal for those looking from a distance. "Please understand that my concern only lies with Sepsinia's health, and that I greatly appreciate your gesture in trusting us with her care. But that is also why I feel I must mention that when I asked her to come visit us just now, I noticed her glancing at hedgemaze in the back, worried or apprehensive about it. It is also the only thing in the garden not perfectly maintained. And now you mention gardeners have been mysteriously quitting their jobs."

Only now does she risk a glance at the woman to study her. "Perhaps I am reading too much into this. Yet, I would say there is a decent chance that there is someone - or perhaps something - in that maze somehow related to your daughter, perhaps affecting her negatively, that is also making these gardeners leave. And if I could make that connection instantly, I could only imagine a much more experienced and equally capable woman such as yourself would have suspicions of her own. Or... am I wrong? I cannot deny that I feel somewhat obligated to investigate out of worry for your daughter, but to do so without your consent would be in rather poor taste. "

"... Am I correct in assuming that this visit is not meant to be just a social outing, and that you invited us here for a purpose, or perhaps, to deal with a problem?"

Parthena sighs, taking Rose's hand and patting it. "You are correct, my dear. I've been trying to get Sepsinia to get over her fiancé and consider other suitors. I had heard that Lord Erallan was single, and... well, I was hoping." She turns pleading eyes to Rose. "You seem good friends with him, could you help me make a match between them?"

At the mention of the maze, she pulls back, clearly confused. "Ah, I was hoping you wouldn't notice the dreadful state of that thing, the gardeners simply haven't had time to take care of it, and no-one uses it anymore, oh, I am so embarrassed that you noticed! But why would someone be in there...? And related to Sepsinia...?" She glances at her daughter, frowning. "My dear, if you wish to go in there you are free to do so, of course, but I really doubt that you'll find anything other than weeds."