Kenton Bowe is a tall, lanky man in his late 20s. He's got the air of nobility about him, though he doesn't wear it particularly well, like an ill-fitted suit or armor. He is fit but very thin, with a patchy beard across his chin that makes him look as though he's still a youth that can't grow a full one.
"Good morning Kenton!" 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. You have each swapped many stories about your time "at school."
Away from her family’s condescension and myopic focus on the arcane arts, Martella mastered countless different skills instead: mathematics, natural philosophy, alchemy, and eventually engineering.
She asked you to meet her at the most noteworthy clothier in Oppara, "The Thread Rare." Upon your arrival, she's just saying goodbye to an impossibly attractive woman. Physically there is a great deal about her that is not average. She is tall without being towering, slim without being sickly, and the typical bronze skin and dark hair of most Taldans has been replaced with blonde hair and a lighter skin tone. She stands out amongst her peers in the nobility as a rare beauty.... It takes you a bit to snap you back.
"Kenton! So I think it is time that I tell you something. You and I have discussed many times the actual responsibility of nobility, and I appreciate your ideas and your visions more than you can possibly know. 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!"
She runs her fingers on some exquisite jewelry as she talks. You can tell that she's keeping her eye on the others in the shop. Kenton, I know you feel as I do. Rumors have circulated about the princess’s quest to strike down primogeniture for years, and the nation remains divided on the vote, with several nobles viewing it as a shameless power grab by Princess Eutropia." The disdain in her voice is clear. "Others see Eutropia as a stabilizing force that could unify the empire and usher in a new golden age for Taldor. This political division has fractured the nation, splitting apart countryman and nobleman alike and forging fierce rivalries within the ranks of both friends and foes."
She stops the charade of shopping, and places a firm hand on your shoulder, "Kenton Bowe, I would like you to attend the ceremony... and.... and I would like your help."
Every year, the empire of Taldor celebrates the Grand Day of Exaltation. On this prestigious day, the Grand Prince is empowered to elevate a commoner to the ranks of nobility. The event itself is the embodiment of formality, with the elevated commoner selected months or years in advance. What makes the day truly special is that the preceding week is a holiday throughout the empire. Nobles, senators, and hopeful petitioners fill the capital city of Oppara for galas, performances, and parades. This flood of visitors swells Oppara to almost double its size, and many view the lead-up to the Grand Day of Exaltation as harking back to the glory days of the empire. To the nobility, the week before the Grand Day of Exaltation is a time to conduct important business deals, issue noble proclamations, and hold private parties. With so many prominent politicians arriving from across the empire, the Taldan senate uses Exaltation Week to vote on matters of nationwide importance.
Kenton bows slightly, much less awkwardly than his frame might suggest. He was born into this world, after all. Lady Martella, he says, it would be my honor to attend, both as a representative of the Bowe family, and at your special request. Whatever help I may be of service to offer is yours.
Satisfied that he has met the perfunctory protocol, he drops his voice and leans in toward Martella. What can you tell me of Princess Eutropa? I have not had the pleasure to meet her in person and, as such, I am at a disadvantage to know her mind or her heart.
"Eutropia is a wonderful woman. She understands, at it's heart, that nobility's blessing is also its curse. Tradition and Fate scheme to bring people into this world to fill a purpose. The magnanimous fill this purpose for others. The malevolent for themselves. Eutropia loves Taldor with all of her heart. Despite this, she has grown disgusted with the stagnation of Taldor and intends to force the nation into the modern world.
Many fear that this could result in a civil war that the nation could not afford, but Eutropia disagrees, and has been building support among the Senate. This is where you come in."
Martella's voice drops, "The orchestrations of Eutropia, Glorianna Morilla, and myself have swayed a great number of reluctant senators, and I require a vast web of influence to maintain that. To that end, I'd like you to make a strong impression on Baron Nicolaus Okerra and remind him of certain debts he owes me. While Baron Nicolaus Okerra isn’t a senator, his war record and general popularity make him an influential figure—one whose reputation helped sway a number of otherwise neutral votes. What say you Kenton?"
Kenton recognizes the name, but can't place it at the moment. Maybe it's the enchantment of being near to Martella. Maybe it's just glossing over the politics of the day regularly.
Either way, he tries not to let it show. Ah, Baron Okerra is involved, hmm? Well, that seals it. Count me i—, uh, if I may inquire without being too forward: are these debts something about which to exercise maximum discretion? I have no wish to embarrass someone for any indiscretions he might have committed. Particularly with an enchantress.
"Let's start with discretion, and use the information like currency later."
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 woman I think you'll also soon be friends with. I shall see you overmorrow!"
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....
As you don't necessarily know how much time each will take, you should select one at a time.
Will follow up with asking about town on Martella.
By the time Kenton finishes his scone and coffee, he's got a pretty good feel for what's coming.
The Grand Day of Exaltation is the one day every year when the emperor can elevate a commoner of unusual skill or service to the ranks of nobility. Because people travel from all over the empire to witness the exaltation, many balls and political events take place in the preceding week, and the senate usually votes on matters of national importance immediately beforehand. This year’s noble-to-be is a wide-eyed weaver from the village of Breezy Creek, whose beautiful tapestries have adorned the royal palace and many other royal homes for a decade.
Grand Prince Stavian III is the emperor of Taldor. Grand Prince Stavian III has no male heir, and he has refused to have any further children since the tragic death of his only son, Carrius, in a riding accident 20 years ago. With the emperor getting on in years, some people worry how this will affect succession. The emperor has made no secret of his disdain for Princess Eutropia’s social crusades, especially her efforts to overturn primogeniture so she can inherit the throne, but he has been uncharacteristically quiet about it this past year. Rumors abound that his health is slipping and he has accepted her efforts.
You've already recalled everything you know.
Princess Eutropia is the adult daughter of Grand Prince Stavian III and has a scandalous reputation for making trouble and fighting in the streets. Eutropia is a social reformer, eager to establish schools and other public resources for the poor, and remove political or family restrictions for women and various minorities. Rumors have circulated for a decade that her ultimate goal is to overturn primogeniture— Taldor’s ancient law stating that only male heirs may inherit the Lion Throne—and become the first empress of Taldor.
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. 20+ 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.
Kenton will put his ear to the ground about Baron Nicolaus Okerra ...
...then spend the remaining time probing his contacts to guage their views on Princess Eutropia.
Kenton knows his way around, and spends a chunk of the day picking up useful information:
A noble and hero in the county of Meratt, Baron Okerra is as equally renowned for his good looks as he is for his combat skills.
Princess Eutropia is the adult daughter of Grand Prince Stavian III and has a scandalous reputation for making trouble and fighting in the streets. Eutropia is a social reformer, eager to establish schools and other public resources for the poor, and remove political or family restrictions for women and various minorities. Rumors have circulated for a decade that her ultimate goal is to overturn primogeniture— Taldor’s ancient law stating that only male heirs may inherit the Lion Throne—and become the first empress of Taldor. The princess’s reputation for “fighting in the streets” largely hails from her skill as a fencer, a sport she excelled at during her schooling at the Sinora Academia. Many times in her twenties she matched blades with chauvinistic politicians who would otherwise refuse to let her speak or act within political circles, and those early public duels helped her win unexpected support for her later social reforms—as well as a reputation as an impolite, unladylike brute.
Kenton arrives, invite in hand, clad in the finest red and blue silks and linens, with a swirling cape lined in velvet clasped with a rampant lion brooch.
It is a look that might make his uncle proud, were his uncle capable of paying such attention to other humans.
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.