"Good morning Leo!" Lady Martella Lotheed, is, as always, an undeniable presence.
You think back to all that you've learned in your time with her. Martella spent her early years on the grounds of the family estate in Tandak Prefecture. Arcane magic runs thick in Lotheed blood, and every generation produces some of Taldor’s greatest wizards. But despite a keen mind, Martella struggled with even the basics of spellcasting. Unlike her half-siblings, who excelled in their arcane studies, Martella could master nothing but the fundamental theories behind magic. This lack of aptitude only reinforced her outcast status among her already distant siblings. Eventually her family simply shipped her off to a private boarding school, the Sinora Academia, to remove the embarrassment from their sight. Most of yourt meetings these days are in the Salle d'escrime. The fencing hall.
The sparring matches come with plenty of banter, and you've grown fond of the similarities you share. Often you talk of how a monarchy only works well when the monarch rules wisely and with vision. You talk about how badly it can go when the monarch is weak of mind, heart, or character. You get the feeling that she's testing more than your sword play with these conversations....
Away from her family’s condescension and myopic focus on the arcane arts, Martella mastered countless different skills, beyond fencing: mathematics, natural philosophy, alchemy, and eventually engineering.
She salutes your after a vigorous sparring match. "Hey Leo, I've been thinking about something, and well, I think it is time that I tell you something. I am actually much closer to the princess that I've ever let on. We are the tightest of friends, practically sisters. During next week's Day of Exaltation, there's an incredible vote on the docket. This year’s Grand Day of Exaltation is poised to mark a historic shift in the governance of the empire. Princess Eutropia, daughter of Grand Prince Stavian III, has forged a powerful coalition of noble bastard children, reformers, and—perhaps, most importantly—senators to vote down the ancient law of primogeniture! Meet me tomorrow at the "The Thread Rare", you know, the posh clothier.
Do you meet her as requested?
Leo cocks his head to the side and shrugs. "Sure, I know the place. Are getting a new look for the Day of Exaltation?"
"Indeed my friend! If you'd be so inclined, I'd like you to be my personal attache. You see I have a ...network of other people helping me with the seedier politics, but I legitimately need a senatorial aide as both a cover for the other... employees, and to run communications between allied politicians. The job isn't hard, but you will be quite busy. What say you my friend?"
Loe ponders the idea for a moment. A senator's aide? That's slightly below his parents expectations, but it's a foot in the door and it's a great way to get contacts that important for social climbing...
"Sounds, like a plan... boss!" Loe ands the last would with a crooked smile
She smiles warmly. She's clearly excited about this arrangement.
She presses an envelope into your hand. It's an insider's invitation and a promissory note for thirty gold's worth of credit at The Thread Rare.
With a wink she departs, "Sorry my friend, I have something else I must attend to, involving a man I think you'll also soon be friends with. I shall see you overmorrow!"
Leo heads to the Thread Rare the next day. He purchases a new outfit for Exaltation Day. A red with gold trim affair The then ask the shop keep where he can find a reputable jeweler. After only one wrong turn, Leo makes it to the shop. There he purchases an emerald pinkie ring. The contrast of color pleases him.
The next morning is expectedly cool, with a clear sky. There's an excitement through the entire city of Oparra. Tomorrow's Day of Exaltation should be momentous. Hopefully with your work under Lady Martella, it'll be momentously good.
It strikes you that this also marks a change in your role. Philosophical conversations are one thing, but actual deed is another thing entirely. With a day to go, you find your mind wandering....
You have eight hours of downtime. You can spend it relaxing, or you can get some work down. The following subject areas are available to you. If you use Diplomacy (Gather Information), it will take 1d4 hours of your day. If you use a Knowledge Skill it takes no time at all. If you'd like to use a library for a +2 circumstance bonus, then it too will take you 1d4 hours. Use your time wisely. As the great Taldan poet once said, "But meanwhile time flies; it flies never to be regained.".
As you don't necessarily know how much time each will take, you should select one at a time.
Leo will spend the day investigating two things:
1. who exactly is Leo going to be working for (Martella)
2. What are the political positions of Princess Eutropia
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3. finally what's the deal with our current leader? (Grand Prince and why isn't he a king?)
Leo puts his ear to the street, and really only walks away with information on Martella. The wealthy Lotheed family has been a strong
supporter of the Stavians for almost 100 years. They have a long family tradition of arcane magic, adding to their wealth and prestige. Martella is the black sheep of her family, being a result of an extramarital dalliance with a Qadiran diplomat. She lacks her family’s gift for magic as well, adding to their resentment. Despite her family’s disdain, Martella still commands some wealth and has extensive contacts, having attended the Sinora Academia, Taldor’s most exclusive girls’ school.
The next morning is as beautiful as the previous. There's an electricity in the air. Things are going to happen today. When you first step outside there's a message awaiting you after your morning regimen. It's sealed with Lady Martella's signet.
My friend,
The Day of Exaltation is here! We have much to accomplish today, and you are part of a team of agents. While the gala is tonight, I would like to meet up at my favorite boulangerie for a snack, you know the one. The one with the Galtan croissants. Please meet me there half past the hour of five. I look forward to it.
Your Friend,
The Grand Day of Exaltation is an exciting time in Oppara. With so many far-flung visitors, rumors about any and all subjects fly fast and loose. You overhear an interesting tidbit along your way... "Lady Morilla is back in town from Absalom. I wonder if she’s performing for the Exaltation Gala."
You arrive at the Higher Grounds cafe. In the morning it smells of pastry and coffee. In the evening you smell an assortment of savory goodness. With a deep breath you enter the cafe.