Triphylla stifles a laugh at "popular cult" and then runs back the conversation in her head. "Potential claimant to the throne" does not equal actual candidate. She doesn't want to say it in front of the distressed Princess, but the cult, besides being full of obvious loonies, seems like it's doing some good.
The halfling adds her voice to the group's acknowledgement of the new mission. "We will travel there at once, find Sir Meir and Earl Merkondus, and deal with this cult, one way or another."
"As for the cult, we know very little, except that its members seem friendly and it is popular with many locals. Meir claims the so called Twilight Child has been healing the sick and injured with a touch, but he would hardly be the first self-proclaimed god I’ve seen claim the same thing."
Lope tries to pierce the feelings of the Princess about this call about his little brother. The Aldori himself still remembers the little boy from his childhood as chamber company before his family fell into disgrace and the shock the death of the heir caused on himself. Feeling the pain, he almost reveals his true identity in his attempt to sooth the Princess, but ultimately bites his lip "Do you believe these claims to be true about Prince Carrius being alive?"
Before wrapping up the conversation, Lope goes back mentally to what was said trying not to leave anything important "Is Earl Yander Merkondus the solider you said to be missing, or is there someone else we should be looking after during our mission?"
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"Do you believe these claims to be true about Prince Carrius being alive?"
Martella shared a brief meaningful look with Eutropia before replying, "Right now it seems unlikely, but if based on what you find you have reason suspect he may be genuine, return here and I will do more to confirm his identity. If you manage to get hold of some of his hair, or nail clippings or, ahem blood, then we can be certain, although there's other ways..."
"Is Earl Yander Merkondus the solider you said to be missing, or is there someone else we should be looking after during our mission?"
Martella shook her head, "No. It was a regiment of the Taldan Horse that vanished. Normally the 111th regiment works out of Yanmass to patrol the Whistling Plains and to guard trade caravans. The Mercantile Council blames bandits, but that seems hard to credit, it’s highly unusual for an entire military force of two dozen or so soldiers to simply vanish without a trace. As for Earl Merkondus, he's still advocating on Pythareus's behalf as far as we're aware."
She looks at Eutropia again who nods imperceptibly, "One other thing, If you're wondering if Maxillar Pythareus is connected to Prince Carrius, well we don't know. As you may have heard Maxillar Pythareus’s Imperialists claim that the vote against primogeniture either never happened, or else is invalid given the violent circumstances, meaning Eutropia, as a woman, cannot claim the throne. But by their arguments, Carrius would be a more legitimate heir than Pythareus, who was only adopted. If anything, this complicates both Eutropia’s and Pythareus’s claims suggesting an outside factor or its just some dumb cult with no substance."
"I share your views on this cult, cousin - it could easily be just an opportunistic cult trying to use the prince's name to garner support from people unhappy or scared about the current political situation. For it to actually be something more... It seems difficult for it to be a move from Pythareus. Would it not hurt his claim more? If it came down to the line of succession, Princess Eutropia should be first in line, regardless, if the vote against primogeniture is considered valid. If not, then the crown should go to Carrius and not Pythareus. I do not see how he could possibly benefit from this."
"Regarding Sir Dratavis, is there anything else that might help us locate him? Was he looking into a specific topic when he went missing? Do we know of any of his local contacts that we could try to track down?"
"If I am not mistaken, it should take around two weeks for us to travel to Yanmass, going by carriage and then taking a boat upriver. There are some arrangements that could be made to make the trip go a bit faster, getting us there two, maybe three days earlier. It would be a bit more costly, though. If I had to guess, somewhere around 250gp."
Lope gives Martella and Eutropia a respectful nod, a small, appreciative smile forming on his lips "Thank you, Lady Martella, Princess Eutropia. I'll send a message to my uncle's caravan to make the arrangements for the faster route. It will cost us exactly 250 gold as Diana well previewed, but I believe it is worth it to save those few days"
He sighs lightly, glancing at the calm surroundings "It is a pity we must part ways again so soon, especially now that we find ourselves in such a beautiful countryside. But, as always, duty calls." he bends slightly.
Straightening up, Lope's demeanor shifts, becoming more focused "I will start preparing for the trip. If anyone wishes, I can sell some of the treasures we have gathered to acquire more supplies and equipment for this next adventure. We will need to be well-prepared for the plots that await us in Yanmass"
He smiles warmly before turning to begin organizing the necessary arrangements.
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Triphylla listens quietly to the conversation and nods along appreciatively with the Princess, who is carrying a heavy burden the halfling cannot possibly understand, but also thinks this small group is important enough to travel for weeks to meet with them personally. That fact alone conveyed more about the Princess than any words, and went a long way to reinforce the positive impression Triphylla had of her.
"Expediency seems the best path," she replies to Diana's impressive local knowledge.
Almost as soon as the group departs for Yanmass, with the rigor of her work in Bartleby's excellent laboratory no longer available, her mind wanders inevitably to the choices she has made and the changes that have afflicted her, for better and worse.
Her prejudice that humans are bad, especially the upper classes, and every other race is good required introspection. The final outcomes with both Sir Guisarme and Bartleby did not go as she expected, and she found each of them to be shockingly nuanced and weak minded. Over the course of the journey, and many fitful nights, she slowly realized that it was more likely that she hadn't changed, but her perceptions of herself and others had. She no longer thought of herself in any way righteous or profoundly good, and similarly, she no longer considered humans to be bad on the whole. Instead, she was caught in the middle of a much more dynamic set of attitudes and motivations. At last, she was at peace with her new found neutrality.
Once she shrugged off the malaise, she set her mind to the mission at hand, helping on the boat and on the rest of their journey north.
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"Regarding Sir Dratavis, is there anything else that might help us locate him? Was he looking into a specific topic when he went missing? Do we know of any of his local contacts that we could try to track down?"
Martella replied, "Unfortunately his correspondence was rather sparse, he was worried about it getting intercepted. There's good chance that somebody on the Mercantile Council knows something, although getting sense out of that lot might take some doing."
Martella provides you with a letter of introduction addressed to the Yanmass mercantile council.
The next week and a half is an exhausting marathon from one carriage to the next. You travel night and day along the roads leading east and then north. The landscape changes from wide open plains to rugged woodlands and back again before you eventually reach the river. The night air has a chill to it which gets sharper the further north you go, clearly winter will be early this year.
In the middle of the night you exchange the cramped confines of a carriage for the even smaller river barge which makes its way up stream, lead by a team of horses. Several days and many changes of horses later, you find yourself just inside the yanmass gates. It is late and you need to find an inn.
Valeria had collected herself enough to return to the meeting room, but it took a bit more time than she would have liked. By the time she had the meeting was nearly done and they were making plans to travel to Yanmass in a hurry. It quickly turned into another two-weeks of travel, little of it comfortable but all of it necessary, and she had further time to recover from all that had happened lately mentally if not physically.
When they arrived at Yanmass it was quite late and an inn was needed. She had traveled here once and tried to remember what she could about the place.
After thinking it all over Valeria remembered a few things and said, "I came here once when I was a little girl with my family, and I remember little about the city. We were invited to the Barons residence, though I don't think we saw him, and I remember the place was on a hill next toa building I believe was the commerce center, and it is the smaller of the two buildings. I also remember the lawn around Yan Manor is well tended but, as I later learned, by tradition, includes only flowers and grasses transplanted from the Whistling Plains so that the baron lives amid a reminder of the land he oversees."
Valerias gaze grew a little distant as she continued to talk, her mind moving through recollections, and added, "I also recall one of the inns, where we stayed, is called the Gilded Baldachin and is one of the nicest inns in the city. It is rather upscale but would be a wonderful place to rest and recover from the journey if we want to splurge on it."
Diana smiles and nods at Valeria's recollections. "The other building was indeed the Commerce Hall, although it does look more like an oppulent mansion than a city administration building. It is where the Mercantile Council usually conducts its business, although I think they meet with the Baron only once every few weeks. It is not unusual to hear the common people complain about how only the wealthy and influential are allowed inside - which is a valid complaint, mind. Less valid are the wild rumours that tend to sprout up in these kinds of situations - those without access making up ridiculous notions of decadent feasts and other displays of excess when the reality is actually quite dull."
"That inn does sound like just the thing we need after our hasty travel here, Valeria. And I think it would probably be what others would find to be the natural choice for our group - less likely to make people notice us."
"I don't know much more about the city, unfortunately." Diana looks away for a moment, trying to recall anything more. "I know there's a magic shop that's quite popular with traders and travellers alike - a manor that was actually built as a private residence for an obsessive art collector. And I've heard rumours that the head of the largest and wealthiest trading house might be trying to amass his fortunes in a bid for a significant title. The man in question is Lord Rudig Autin, head of Autin Imports."
In her short life so far, Triphylla had traveled far, up and down the coasts on mercantile ships with her father. Accommodations on those boats was a lesser consideration to getting from one port to the next with as much cargo as could be unsafely carried, and often she found some barrel with a little space in or on top of it to make into a bed for the night. Being small on a boat had a lot of advantages.
The river barge was just like that. While the others suffered stoically, the halfling adapted. Going from the incredible luxury of the Palace of Birdsong to this crummy wooden sled was a forceful reminder of her place in the world. The suggestion by Valeria and Diana to return quickly to refinement was well-received by the group and Triphylla was happy to nod along approvingly.
She listens to Valeria's recounting of her time in Yanmass as a child. "I've never been, but with my father I sailed up the Verduran Fork some distance. It is located along one of the trade routes that flow across the deserts of the Casmaron linking it with the heartland of the Empire of Kelesh, and from there with lands even further away.
Yanmass's economy likewise relies on trade and vital services provided to caravans after their long treks across the continent, and the city hosts caravans from across the known world. With certainty, we encounter travelers from across the greater region. This is still Taldor, but only just."
"Ah! Yes, the Gilded Baldachin! This might be little thing from someone who has lived in Yanmass before, but I can tell you, that's the best inn for a good rest after a cramped journey. Each of its beds is an enormous, thickly padded affair draped in silken canopies" Lope's look shines remembering the great silken bed "Best rest in Northern Taldor by sure!"
"Let's pass the night there. We can present ourselves to the Mercantile Council tomorrow" Lope points towards the location of the inn "And who knows, we might even find interesting faces at the place for the night" his mustache tilts as he half-smiles.
Your carriage pulls up outside the Gilded Baldachin which is just as opulent as some of you remember and at least twice as expensive.
The night porter, a man called Elias helps you with your luggage as you get checked in to a pair of gilded suites. You allow the staff to pamper you with food, wine, scented baths and skilled massages. Before long you are almost feeling back to normal after the long journey. Still none of you feel like staying up late because tomorrow morning the Mercantile Council are having their fortnightly and they start famously early.
Just before you turn in, there's a knock on your door and you open it to find well dressed but otherwise fairly anonymous looking young man who says, "Greetings! I'm Niles, Martella told me to expect you. I manage some of her helpers and we are at your disposal..."
Lope greets Niles with a wide smile, his voice warm and light, "Ah, Niles! Just the kind of helpful soul we need. Like a guiding star in a dark night, your presence shall surely make things smoother for us"
Without hesitation, he jumps onto one of the beds, sinking into its softness with a satisfied sigh "Alright, everyone, rest up tonight. We need to be sharp tomorrow for our visit to the Mercantile Council. Early morning, mind you, so no late nights!"
Turning his attention back to Niles, Lope adds, "Before we head out, could you scout the Council's location for us? Anything you can tell us about the event, the people, or even the layout of the place would be invaluable. The more we know going in, the better prepared we'll be."
He gives Niles a thoughtful nod, "Once we're more settled here in Yanmass, we can figure out other ways you and your team might assist us over the coming days. I'm sure there'll be no shortage of opportunities for your talents"
With that, he stretches out, clearly ready to relax before the important day ahead.
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Triphylla yawns, thankful to Lope for handling Niles.
"I would like to join the Cult of the Twilight Child," she says to Niles. "Would you please find out who I should contact and make arrangements?"
Before sleep she heads to the kitchen for a snack - it's late fall so there must be a proper store of relatively fresh vegetables from the harvest, and if she can find a cut of cured beef and some bread and butter she'll be in heaven.
"I'll deal with the Earl." Cyrene offers. "Let me know if you want someone to come to a meeting with, Trip."
The Gilded Baldachin is a pleasant enough place for some debauchery but it isn't the kind of place that Cyrene is going to find what she really needs so she slips away from the inn and starts wandering town to find a tavern full of the disreputable and seedy. That's where the real fun is.
Tomorrow she'll get to work learning about the Earl but tonight is about her in a new city. It's going to be fun!
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"The lovely thing about a cult is the sense of community," Triphylla replies to Cyrene with a grin. "The more the merrier."
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"Before we head out, could you scout the Council's location for us?"
Niles replied, "Tomorrow is Baron Mauston Kustios’s monthly meeting with the city’s ruling Mercantile Council. This is always held at Commerce Hall, which is just a stone's throw from here up on the hill next to Yan Manor. The council has formed of five principles: Lord Rudig Autun a fabulously wealthy spice merchant, Lady Aumber Gewbell a successful textiles importer and exporter, Lady Carmellio Rauls the arms trader and Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor the high priest of Abadar. Below them is a council of fourteen associates. No doubt you'll meet most of them tomorrow."
"I would like to join the Cult of the Twilight Child"
Niles swallowed once before nodding, "Right you are ma'am. We're not quite sure where their headquarters are but we think it's near the old market in the bountiful quarter. There's always somebody proselytizing and exhorting folk to visit this shrine or the other in church quarter, but of late the character of these lay preachers has changed. I'd suggest asking around. Oh and I guess it goes without saying, but please be careful we've had some of our number vanish after they went sniffing around."
The night passes in considerable comfort and after being thoroughly pampered you wake up to a hearty breakfast and with the attentive help of the Gilded Balddachin's staff you put on your freshly washed and pressed finery and take your carriage the short trip up the hill.
The path winds up the hill from the east affording you a great view of Baron Kustios’ stately home to the south and to the north the gaudy architectural monstrosity that is commerce hall. Harking back to Taldor's golden age, it's more gold leaf encrusted stately home than civic building. It boasts elaborate stained-glass windows, enormous chandeliers, and gold accoutrements throughout. Martella had supplied you with letters of introduction to the council and also to Baron Mauston Kustios who she suspected would have a good idea of what was going on.
Your carriage stopped outside commerce hall's main entrance and several soldiers in Taldan livery opened the door and brought a step to help you disembark gracefully. One of the guards said, "Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen, we were told to expect you. Unfortunately I have some bad news, Baron Kustios has taken ill and won't be attending today's meeting. The council is presently meeting with Earl Merkondus, so there'll be a delay before they'll see you. Ah here's Gregor Hamble, he'll be your guide today."
The soldier indicated a very distinguished looking halfling with a full auburn beard with a touch of grey in it. He strode up to you and bowed briefly, "Gregor Hamble at your service! Please follow me, perhaps some light refreshments while we wait?" He leads you inside through a rather ostentatious atrium into a gilded waiting room with a ring of comfortables chairs, arranged around a mahogany table laden with canapes, teas and crystal bowls filled with all sorts of fruit. Gregor clearly likes talking because he chatters away as you get comfortable, "Got nearly a full house today. It's too bad about Baron Kustios although his absence isn’t surprising, seeing as he's been ill at home for many days. Now the absence of associate counselor Rhundle Navin on the other hand, a noted banker, is raising a few eyebrows. Quite unlike him. I'm sure Earl Merkondus is making the best of it, I understand he's been waiting to see the Baron for some time. Of course we can guess the Earl wants to discuss, Imperial Glory! Politically the Mercantile Council doesn’t lean particularly strongly either way although certain members have their own opinions..."
Triphylla chums up to Gregor, happy to see a fellow halfling after all these long months in the exclusive company of humans.
"Well, met, sir! I could indulge in some of the delicious fruit you have here. A fine season for someone, I see. I wonder where these are imported from." She picks an orange and sits to peel it.
"The Earl seems to have the greater burden for the absence of the Baron and the banker. Is there anything we can do to support him? Perhaps we can pay the missing fellows a house call."
She allows the suggestion to settle itself, and then asks Gregor, "What's your assessment on the Cult of the Twilight Child? We've been in town less than a day and already have heard reports of aggressive proselytizing in the name of the resurrected child Prince. Has anyone seen this Prince and what do you think his purpose is way out here on the frontier?"
Diana frowns at the news that the baron is ill and is thus missing from the meeting, along with Rhundle Navin's unexpected absence. It might just just coincidences, but with more people apparently going missing in the city, after Niles warning the night before, a cautious approach would be best. Someone might be purposely removing opponents from play, and if so, they should find out who, and why, before they became a target themselves.
Having the earl talking with the council first is likewise not ideal, as he would be no doubt trying to sway the council to Pythareus. As she considers what he might be saying to them, an idea occurs to her.
"Mr. Hamble, would you mind if we opened a window to let my dear pet go outside for a while? I imagine we will be waiting for a while if the council is currently meeting with the earl, and I think she would prefer to stretch her wings while we wait."
Diana will let Lira outside, petting her for a bit and whispering something that seems incomprehensible for anyone listening in.
"Can you try to find a window to the meeting room, preferably open, and see if you can listen in? It might prove useful to know what they're saying."
After Lira has flown off, she returns to the group.
She nods along to Triphylla's questions about the cult, and waits for the halfling's reply, before trying to get a bit more from the chatty halfling on other relevant topics.
"We had no idea the Baron was ill - we took a two week trip here and only arrived yesterday. How long has he been sick? And you seem a pretty informed man - perhaps you can fill us in about what else is happening in the city? The cult has obviously caught our attention, especially given their claims about the Prince, but I am wondering what else might be going on. We heard some rumours about people going missing, too, for example."
"Gregor, I appreciate your help and positive demeanor, but what is afflicting exactly Baron Kustios?" Lope looks concerned and makes a few fruits magically float to his hand, but does not yet consume them "We have received reports of people in the city missing. Do nobles, officials, or common folk have experienced similar issues recently? I am curious if this situation is isolated or part of a broader pattern..."
"Are the humans in Yanmass different-minded?"
Hamble whispered something in replu under his breath.
"The Earl seems to have the greater burden for the absence of the Baron and the banker. Is there anything we can do to support him? Perhaps we can pay the missing fellows a house call."
Hamble replied amiably, "Well I don't know, there's all sorts of wild rumours floating around. A wiser person than me would be needed to get to the bottom of things no doubt."
"What's your assessment on the Cult of the Twilight Child?"
On this topic, Hamble replied, "A darned nuisance, that's what they are! A persistent lot, you send them packing only for them to skink back the moment your eyes are turned. I'd wager they're out to con every gullible fool in town!"
"Mr. Hamble, would you mind if we opened a window to let my dear pet go outside for a while? I imagine we will be waiting for a while if the council is currently meeting with the earl, and I think she would prefer to stretch her wings while we wait."
"Oh! Of course Madame Lotheed!" he replied indicating a small window high in the wall, "I'm afraid I'll have to ask Mr De Vega to open it, it's rather too high for me to reach."
"We had no idea the Baron was ill - we took a two week trip here and only arrived yesterday. How long has he been sick?"
"Gregor, I appreciate your help and positive demeanor, but what is afflicting exactly Baron Kustios?"
Hamble replied, "Baron Kustios took ill some weeks ago. I'm afraid I don't know what malady had befallen him, although it might just be old age. Hard to say, he's a famously private man, usually keeping within the confines of his manor house."
"I am wondering what else might be going on. We heard some rumours about people going missing, too, for example."
"We have received reports of people in the city missing. Do nobles, officials, or common folk have experienced similar issues recently? I am curious if this situation is isolated or part of a broader pattern..."
Sounding very certain, Hamble replied "Its bandits! It's got to be, everyone wonders where they might be hiding. I’d put my money on the ruins of Orvestikar Manor! It’s isolated, and hardly anyone goes out there, a perfect hideout."
For some reason, mention of the Manor house rings a bell for Triphylla. "Orvestikar Manor is an hour's ride outside town. I believe I heard about it aboard ship once, years ago upriver from Cassomir. Tale of the murders there spread far. Locals avoid it; a fine hideout for seedy types."
Right before the meeting with the Council beings Triphylla asks the other halfling: "What's your pub of choice, Gregor? I'd like to get a drink with you later to learn more about Yanmass and hear some gossip from the frontier."
Gregor replied, "The Jolly Farmer, it's got a nice view over the river."
An usher knocks at the door and politely asks you to follow. Gregor it seems isn't invited and he says, "Cheerio!" as you head off. A few minutes later you enter the cavernous council chamber, and take a moment to gawp at the architectural monstrosity within. Described as neo classical, by somebody who has never seen a neo classical hall, it's completely over the top. Entire quarries of marble where used to decorate the floors. The oak paneled walls are decorated with a plethora of stuffy portraits alongside gold leaf encrusted statues and more, all in dubious but very expensive taste. Curiously there are no windows, but dozens and dozens of fixtures with continual flames along the walls and chandeliers provide more than adequate illumination.
An immense oval table takes up much of the room’s space. A throne-like chair at the head of the table is vacant, but most of the other chairs are occupied. Seated in ornate, padded chairs are the five principals: a human man wearing ostentatious jewelry, a half-elven woman in well-tailored clothing, a handsome human man wearing the regalia of a high priest of Abadar, a proud halfling woman, and a narrow- faced, worried-looking human woman. Several other well- dressed people occupy less ostentatious chairs. At the foot of the table is a group of plain, sturdy wooden chairs, one of which is occupied by a fashionable, broadly smiling aristocrat. The murmur of conversation falls momentarily silent and all eyes turn towards you as you enter.
Lope de Vega offers Gregor Hamble a nod of thanks as they part ways, noting the location of Orvestikar's Manor for possible later investigation.
As he steps into the grandiose council chamber, he takes in the lavish decor, noting the overwhelming opulence. His eyes drift briefly to the various figures seated at the table.
Lope steps forward, offering a courteous bow, and speaks with a voice that carries the smooth confidence of a noble "Honored members of the council, it is a privilege to be in your esteemed presence. My companions and I come with the intention to assist Yanmass in navigating these troubled times. I trust we may be able to provide clarity where uncertainty now clouds the path ahead"
He lets the words hang in the air for a moment before stepping back to join his companions, waiting for their turn to introduce themselves or for the council to respond. His hand lays confidently over Gloria's pommel.
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The man in ostentatious jewelry stands, looks at his notes and replies, "Thank you mister, er De Vega I believe." He gestures to the empty seat at the head of the table, "Given Baron Kustios’s continued absence, I’d like to call this meeting to order in his stead."
He clears his voice and continues, "We know that much of Taldor is currently in political turmoil, but we have pressing problems close to home. Yanmass suffers under the grip of several troubles, and our discussion today must confront these."
Counting with his fingers he says, "First, terrible, unsavory dreams haunt many of our citizens; some of us here have had them, I understand, and their cumulative effect is crippling to morale and our economy."
With another finger he says, "Second, the Taldan Horse cavalry regiment that protected our city has, in large part, vanished. This leads to the third issue."
Gesturing with a hand that is now half a fist, he redens with anger as he cries, "Which is the rise of banditry on the eastern plains: Qadiran bandits, specifically, preying upon good Taldan trade!"
"All trade, to be frank," pointedly interjects the narrow-faced woman, "Keleshite and Taldan alike."
The priest of Abadar speaks up, "There’s another thing, although it’s not a clear threat: the Cult of the Twilight Child in the Encircling Bower. Good citizens are joining this mystery cult. Perhaps it really is as benign as certain rumors say" His tone of voice suggests he feels otherwise, "but we can’t ignore a new philosophy that is ensnaring so many of our citizens!"
"Religion ever reigns in your mind, Enumerator," says the half-elf woman dismissively, "but people aren’t suffering from the cult as they are the other troubles. This hardly seems a priority."
The halfling woman sits up straighter and adds, "Our esteemed guest, Earl Yander Merkondus, assures us that he has a group of troubleshooters already acting to alleviate all of these concerns. But so long as Yanmass suffers, so does trade—and therefore so do we."
There are murmurs of "Aye" from the advisory council benches.
The Jolly Farmer strikes a chord in Triphylla's memory - must have been from fellow sailors about merchant ships traveling down to the sea. She puts that bit of information away for later.
Inside the council chamber she catches the eye of the halfling and tips her head respectfully. "Very good, m'lady, Earl Merkondus' reputation for dealing with troubles is known even in the noble houses of Oparra. You're incapable hands."
Triphylla takes a step aside Lope. "Is it true what we have heard, that the Cult of the Twilight Child worships the resurrected Child Prince? Is there a reliable witness we might interview?"
Lope de Vega steps forward, his grin widening with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes as he begins with an overly dramatic tone "Vanished cavalry?" he lets out a theatrical sigh, shaking his head in mocking disbelief at Earl Yander Merkondus "Surely your troubleshooters have checked the popular city brothels, no? I mean, that soldiers have a tendency to vanish there more often than on the battlefield!" he chuckles, his words light and teasing, trying to fight the sorrow of these people.
"And how long exactly have your people been checking these cases? Of course, I am sure these investigation of your troubleshooters will eventually yield some answers, Earl Yander Merkondus... probably about the time [b]Qadiran bandits decide to start selling souvenirs" he chuckles again, the mockery gentle but pointed, as he continues "Or perhaps the next plot involves solving the city's problems through a series of mysterious disappearances? Troubleshooters vanish, bandits vanish, poof! The problem vanishes!"
Lope turns to face the rest of the council, his tone changing, more serious but still lighter and transmitting hope "If you really want to find out what is going on I suggest you charge us with this investigation. We have proven on the south and have a real interest to see Yanmass thrive" he lets the words sink a bit before adding "While some may get lost at strange adoption events and other similar plots currently going on in Taldor, we'll tackle this the old-fashioned way: finding facts, uncovering the truth, and probably having a bit of fun along the way. No secret plots required, just a little cleverness and a good sword arm"
Diana listens attentively to the council's worries, frowning slightly at the mention of the haunting dreams.
She nods alongside Triphylla, adding her voice to hers.
"I understand that the cult might seem to be a lesser concern in the face of more the more immediate problems you spoke off." Diana starts, with a conciliatory tone as she eyes the half-elven woman. "But it should not be forgotten entirely, either. What we've heard about it points to its influence rising at a rapid pace - and there will come a time when it will be too great to deal with it effectively. Investigating it early and diffusing it before it becomes a larger problem might be the only viable option. But do not presume that to be our only focus. We are here to aid you in addressing all these issues. I understand that the earl has already presented you with a similar offer, but that should not preclude you from procuring additional help - the faster this issues are dealt with, the faster things can return to normal. I believe we all are striving for the same goal here - to ensure these times of chaos, uncertainty and conflict end as swiftly as possible, that our country can get back to a period of peace and prosperity."
[Ooc]Oops, didn't see Lope's post before I posted my own. I think it still works somewhat, providing a more calm and conciliatory tone to contrast with
"Is there a reliable witness we might interview?"
"If you really want to find out what is going on I suggest you charge us with this investigation."
Earl Merkondus was a man in his prime with a short triangular beard, thick dark brown slicked back hair bound by a thin platinum diadem. Sounding irritated he gestured towards Lope and Triphylla and said, "Lets not get ahead of ourselves. Have we confirmed their identities? It wouldn't do for people off the streets to get involved in sensitive affairs."
This caused urgent murmuring in the advisory council benches.
Diana narrows her eyes at the man for a brief moment as he brings Lope and Tryphilla's identity into question.
Trying to make this difficult right from the start, are we? Very well then, you're the one who picked this battle.
"I would have imagined whatever due diligence the council took in preparing for our meeting would have been enough. But if you mean to bring their preparedness into question, let me try to set your mind at ease, Earl Merkondus, and personally vouch for my companions."
"I would think their deeds in Meratt County would speak for themselves. But if you need me to elaborate, in case you have been oblivious to recent events, Mr. De Vega has proven himself to be both a capable man in his own right, willing and able to solve many of the county's troubles by his own hand, as well as an excellent steward to the town of Stachys, showing a profound care for his people as well as a focus on improving the town's infrastructures and taking a stand against the abusive taxes it was being subjected to, with the goal of bolstering its economy and facilitating trade."
"And Miss Achlys has likewise shown herself to be a reliable and trustworthy adviser during this time, displaying a keen mind, a great deal of resourfulness and an expert knowledge of several topics, with a particular focus on alchemy. I trust that will be enough? I believe we would all prefer not to waste any more of the council's valuable time. Or do you mean to question my word and identity as well?"
Buoyed by Diana's words, Triphylla stands a little taller, though no one will notice. She steps forward and presents her letter of introduction from Martella to the council.
"Your suspicions are appropriately voiced, Lord. I trust this letter from Lady Lotheed in Oparra will settle our introductions. I dare say we've come here with quite a head of steam, a fact of having been bound to a barge for many long days and nights and having only just arrived late last night. Please forgive our manner but we do not intend to tarry overlong, hence the directness of our approach."
Lope steps forward with a relaxed, confident stride, his usual skewed smile playing across his face as he addresses the council "I would have thought your investigators would already have that information," he remarks lightly, his tone carrying a hint of mock surprise. With a dramatic flourish, he retrieves a folded letter from beneath his finely tailored red cardigan and holds it up for all to see, extending it towards the council "But let me save them the trouble and present a letter of introduction from a name that would ring an ear or two"
He steps closer, his smile widening as he meets the eyes of the council members "As my friend here so kindly said, I am Lope Aldori. Some of you may remember me from my time assisting the trading caravans of my uncle before I moved south to further my own adventures. If not, well," he adds with a playful glint in his eyes, "I would be happy to regale you with tales of valor and, naturally, a good dose of heart conquests"
Lope's smile deepens as he hands the letter to the Earl "Rest assured, we're not here to take up more time than needed. My companions and I are here to help bring swift and decisive resolution to the matters at hand. Perhaps a bit more swiftly than your own investigators" he adds with a wink, before taking a step back, folding his arms casually.
"Oh! It wouldn't be proper for me to vet these documents." replied the Earl smoothly, "Like yourselves I am a visitor here. I shall defer to Lord Autun's scrutineering."
He then passed the letter onto Lord Autun who spoke earlier, "What? Oh yes, let me see." He made a show of reading the letter, "This all seems to be in order. Uh well welcome to Yanmass, so you want to help do you? I'm sure that would be welcome."
you share his sense of fashion and taste then he may well confide things to you.
"Is it true what we have heard, that the Cult of the Twilight Child worships the resurrected Child Prince? Is there a reliable witness we might interview?"
Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor replied, "That's the cult's central mystery as I understand it yes. I must say I find it all rather far fetched, but somebody backing them has money. I'm not sure I'd describe any of the cultists we've interviewed as being reliable. If you want to try and interview some cultits yourself, they are openly based at the Encircling Bower..."
"I am sure these investigation of your troubleshooters will eventually yield some answers, Earl Yander Merkondus... probably about the time Qadiran bandits decide to start selling souvenirs."
Lord Autun interjects with an observation, "Merkondus, it's a fact is it not that Loyalists have suffered more than Imperialists in recent events... Take Baron Kustios, he has well known Loyalist leanings and now he's ill. The missing banker Rhundle Navin was an outspoken Loyalist, and even the Qadiran bandits have been targeting merchants with Loyalist leanings the most."
Smoothly, Earl Merkondus retorts, "Well if you cherry pick facts, you can make just about any case you fancy, even Lady Gewbell's concerns about dreams could seem reasonable..."
This earned a round of titters from the benches. The half elven Lady Gewbell wasn't particularly impressed however, she replied "Earl Merkondus, I'm sure you can be forgiven for not venturing far from your perfumed bower. If you did, you might be alarmed to hear of suicides and bands of haunted-eyed townspeople wandering the town in a stupor. And no they've not been drinking all night, there's something more sinister at play here, mark my words."
Earl Merkondus smiled, "As long as they're your words and not those of Caradinna Farkin."
Lady Gewbell folded her arms, "Caradinna Farkin might be nuisance but one that's gone missing. Nobody's seen her in several days, which is highly unusual. I have a feeling she's been silenced..."
Deadpan Merkondus grinned, "Wouldn't that be a good thing? No, don't look at me like that, I jest, I jest! Maybe somebody should investigate?"
Lady Rauls spoke next, "Yeah perhaps, but we need to prioritize. The disappearance of the Taldan Horse regiment and the rise of the Qadiran bandits, is a disaster for commerce."
Merkondus noodded, "I agree. Now that is worthy of an investigation, rest assured the Kozan Bravos are on it. If Qadiran's are responsible we need to know so that the army can be mustered to bloody their noses!"
This got scattered applause from the benches.
"Well, all of that is very interesting. Yes, bad for commerce and so forth." Triphylla starts edging her way to the door to make her escape. She wonders if anyone will notice.
Lope watches the exchange between the council members with a subtle, bemused expression "Ah, thank you, Lord Autun. Yanmass has always welcomed opportunity with open arms" Lope says, smoothly reclaiming his letter with a nod "And rest assured, our aid will be far more effective than just 'help.' We know what’s at stake here"
When the topic shifts towards the Loyalists, Lope steps closer "It is interesting, isn't it? That Loyalists seem to suffer more. Coincidence? Perhaps" he glances at Earl Merkondus, the faint smile returning to his lips "But if you cherry-pick enough facts, a pattern emerges, one that those looking to maintain control might prefer to leave undisturbed"
"Excuse us, but some of those names do not ring a bell" Lope shifts towards the half elven woman "Lady Gewbell, your concerns are valid. Who is that Caradinna Farkin and why does people here does not seem to like her? What was the last things known about her?"
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Valeria largely listened to what was discussed, taking it all in as she considered all that was going on here. One thing did catch her attention though and, when lull in the conversation came about, she asked, "Has anyone had these dreams recently? We dealt with a monster that was inflicting some of us with nightmares and destroyed it. If the dreams have ceased then that particular problem has already been dealt with. If they have continued I would like to learn more about them."
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Earl Merkondus concedes Lope's point about cherry picked facts with good grace.
The conversation ebbs and flows as various topics are brought up and discussed. Triphylla gets forgotten in all this and she manages to sneak to the door unnoticed.
"Who is that Caradinna Farkin and why does people here does not seem to like her? What was the last things known about her?"
Lady Gewbell sighs before replying, "Well I guess she's best described as Yanmass's local conspiracy theorist. Recently, Farkin has become increasingly strident and insistent, even accosting a few of the council members in the streets. As you can imagine that didn't go down particularly well."
"Sounds like a reliable witness, we should interview her at once!" quipped Earl Merkondus which earned him another round of titters from the benches.
"Has anyone had these dreams recently?..."
This seems to be a cue for everyone to talk at once. It turns out that several members of the advisory council have had disturbing dreams. They seemed initially reticent to discuss the details although with some cajoling Councillor Adam Waightly admitted, "There seems to be basically two types of dream. The uh kinky but disturbing type and the downright awful ones. The first type is particularly vivid and reminds me of being a horny teenager again but with much less self control and invariably this dream takes a dark turn. It is in no way pleasant, and I don't really wish to discuss the details in polite company. The other type of dream is, well really a nightmare, is even worse. Imagine if you will that your dreams involved you getting an insatiable taste for human flesh and uh indulging it in the most vile ways possible. I'm far from the first person to have such dreams and unfortunately they seem to be getting more common."
"Mmm... I won't mind knowing what are the theories that put Lady Gewbell into trouble. I wonder where can we find her?" Lope asks around trying to see if someone in the hall knows about her house or a place she usually frequented.
Lope, more perceptive than ever, notices a trend about the dreams "Seems the ones to admit about the dreams are those who are more vocal about expressing support to the Loyalist faction..." he gets a bit more interest and troubled about the dreams than any of the other issues "Is this something that is happening at mass? If it happens to individuals, there might be some creatures and magics able to do that, but if this is happening to many people at the same time every night... I worry something might be happening to Yanmass..."
"Thank you, councillor, for being willing to share those details with us. If several people are experiencing these dreams, including quite a few of you, apparently, I would say it bears investigating further. Seems consistent and widespread enough to dismiss as simple coincidence. Especially in the light of the other troubles affecting the city. Someone may be deliberately trying to create chaos for Yanmass."
Diana looks thoughtful for a moment as she considers the details of the dreams.
"Such an effect would undoubtedly have magical or supernatural origin, like the monster Miss Turanor mentioned. Do you remember when you started having this dreams? And is there any commonality between those who experience them? Location, for example, or any other traits fhat might suggest a pattern?"
he conversation ebbs and flows as various topics are brought up and discussed. Triphylla gets forgotten in all this and she manages to sneak to the door unnoticed.
Triphylla deftly steps behind Lope. Initially she thought she might just leave the room and go off to do her thing, but if she were being honest with herself, that seems like a dumb plan given the situation.
When the entire room seems to begin talking at once she realizes she's gotten away with it, so far. There's probably no harm in keeping it going for now, and who knows what opportunities may present themselves.
While concealed, she takes an Invisibility extract and holds it at the ready.
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Lope can't think of any creatures off hand that might be responsible for the dreams, however several councillors give directions to Farkin's run-down residence at the western edge of Yanmas. Lady Hallianna Cobbin a halfling who owns several large orchards and ranches in the outskirts of Yanmass had been quiet until now but she spoke up in answer to Lope's question, "That Caradinna Farkin gets herself so worked up. She’s always yammering about 'secret masters' or the ‘true powers in town’ and how sheets of lead protect you from mind-controlling magic. She’s locked herself in her house, I hear.”
"Such an effect would undoubtedly have magical or supernatural origin, like the monster Miss Turanor mentioned. Do you remember when you started having this dreams?"
Councillor Waightly sighed, "It's been nearly three weeks for myself, I think I was one of the first to be affected."
"And is there any commonality between those who experience them? Location, for example, or any other traits that might suggest a pattern?"
The councillors seem reticent to talk about this, perhaps understandably so given the nature of the dreams.
Lope listens attentively while Lady Hallianna Cobbin speaks up about Caradinna Farkin "Three weeks, huh?" Lope murmurs, rubbing his chin, and takes mental note of where she lives.
He looks around the room, noting how reluctant the councillors are to share more. His voice softens, but there's an edge of urgency in it as he addresses the room again "If these dreams are some form of attack, we need to work together. Even if the details are unpleasant, we must know everything if we are to stop this. Please, any information could help"
Then, turning to the others, he adds quietly "I think it's worth investigating Farkin’s claims. The fact that she's locked herself in her house suggests she's afraid, maybe knows more than she lets on. It might be worth to pay her a visit as soon as possible"
Diana nods at Lope's questioning. "Lord Betony is right. Any details you share will help us pinpoint the source of these dreams, so it can be dealt with."
"As for the timing of when they began... Do you recall there being anything unusual about three weeks ago? And does it match in any way to the start of the city's other troubles? I cannot help but wonder if they are all part of a deliberate attack meant to weaken and disrupt Yanmass on several fronts."
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There were concerned mutterings after Diana's question about a deliberate attack. Lord Rudig Autun looked like he was about to say something when Earl Yander spoke over him, answering with a patronising tone, “Ha! Never fear Miss Lotheed, unlike the weak minded Loyalists we Imperialists won't ignore the plight of good Taldan people; I've already got a crack team on the job, the Kozan Bravos will have this all in hand soon enough, I assure you."
The disturbing events were discussed for several minutes more but it became clear that either nobody really knew the answers to this question or they weren't willing to say anymore and you weren't sure which.
There was a brief lull in the conversation and one of the Associate council members, Baronette Talasha spoke up, "My lords and ladies, is there any news from the investigation into Sir Meir Dratavis' disappearance?"
The chamber floor goes so quiet you could hear a pin drop and a good number of the council members appear distressed while Earl Merkondus removes his circlet in respect. Eventually Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor speaks up, "Sir Dratavis attended services at the Church of Abadar. His behaviour changed markedly a few weeks back. He had grown increasingly despondent, before he finally vanished. I can't help but wonder if he isn't another victim of this plague of dreams..."
Earl Yander had another theory, "Or perhaps the poor man came to his senses and realized Eutropia is a criminal and a fraud tearing this fine nation apart, and he fled out into the plains in shame. And who can blame him if he did?"
The information they were gathering was quite serious and did seem to point to something orchestrated. The bluster of the one man about how only the loyalists were weak enough to succumb to the nightmares and ignore the plight of the people rubbed Valeria the wrong way, but she didn't say anything about it as it would not help in what they were there to accomplish. Instead, she focused more on what was said about Sir Meir Dratavis. The fact that he was acting strange was concerning, especially given the timing of when it started. She wondered if he could have been possessed at some point and shuddered at the thought, particularly since she remembered something that was done to her during her captivity once.
Triphylla's stomach rumbles, giving her away. She steps out of Lope's shadow and peers around the room, the earlier reception having served merely to kindle her appetite for the morning. Such a long affair should be catered! She's feeling a bit grumpy as a result.
At Earl Yander's outburst she laughs out loud. She considers the success of the Brotherhood of Silence. "In my estimation, criminals make some of the best leaders; nothing is given to them and they have the most to lose. In any case, to slander Princess Eutropia a fraud is ridiculous and possibly treasonous. Perhaps you're projecting the insecurities of another, your lordship."