The cultists had the same equipment as the previous ones:
Altogether, potions of cure light wounds (x6), potion of hide from animals (x3), smokesticks (6), tindertwigs (15), mwk chain shirt (x3), mwk short sword (x3), silver unholy symbol of Norgorber (x3), and 15 gp.
Searching Wyssilka, you find:
Unidentified potion
Healer’s Kit
Magic chain shirt
Masterwork Dagger
Daggers (x3)
Magic pocket
Disguise Kit
Glass Cutter
Juggler’s Kit
Puppet named Duke Squiggles
Wrist sheath
Silver unholy symbol of Thamir Gixx
24 gp
Identify Items
Potion – Perception or Spellcraft DC 20 = oil of keen edge
Magic Chain Shirt – Spellcraft DC 18 = +1 chain shirt
Magic Pocket – Spellcraft DC 18 = Concealing Pocket
With the key from Wyssilka, you free Martella. Despite her injuries, Martella refuses to show weakness and stands tall. ”Thank you again. I gather from what Wyssilka told me, she and the Brotherhood of Silence was hired by Grand Prince Stavian III as part of the mercenaries he uses to massacre the senate. She’s been torturing me for information on the location of Princess Eutropia or any of Stavian’s other enemies. She got nothing from me but I’m glad you arrived when you did. Her patience probably would not have lasted much longer.” Martella points to a wooden chest in the corner. ”I saw the cultists put my equipment in that chest if you would return it to me. I also saw them put their payment for my assassination in there. You are welcome to keep it for my timely rescue.”
The chest is unlocked, inside is Martella’s equipment and 3,000 gold.
After reequipping, Martella sits on the ground. ”Let’s take a moment to rest. It looks like some of you could use it as well.”
Trevor makes his way into the room, just as Lady Martella had been freed from her chains. It was then the cleric saw the horrible state of Tychus.
"Alright! Cayden! Fill 'em up!" Trevor said holding his holy symbol.
After Trevor's healing, your status looks like this.
Henrika (27/27 hp)
Icabhod (27/27 hp)
Liraela (27/27 hp)
Trevor (24/24 hp)
Tychus (24/27 hp)
Xallis (27/27 hp)
Navia (19/19 hp)
Martella (27/60 hp) (You don't need to heal her to full)
In addition, rescuing Martella, unlocks the first triumph in the two relics you've discovered so far.
Dignity's Barb
First Triumph: Dignity’s Barb is a +1 darkwood light crossbow and reduces miss chances from concealment by 10%. In addition, once per day when the weapon threatens a critical hit, the wielder can roll twice to confirm the critical and take the better result.
Envoy Ring
First Triumph: The ring can be activated to use charm person (DC = 15 + 1 per additional triumph attained) and comprehend languages, each once per day.
Trevor steps forward, and kisses Lady Martella's hand. "Dear lady, do you have any idea if there are more prisoners in this compound?"
Henrika nods assent to Lady Martella's request to rest, and after standing awkwardly nearby for a few minutes, goes and fetches the tied and gagged halfling prisoner. "This one surrendered," she says shortly. "He was guarding the door to this chamber. We thought it would be best if you decide what to do with him. For now, we can put him where Wyssilka had you, if you want time to consider the matter."
Trevor makes his way into the room, just as Lady Martella had been freed from her chains. It was then the cleric saw the horrible state of Tychus.
"Alright! Cayden! Fill 'em up!" Trevor said holding his holy symbol.
Channel Energy 8
Channel Energy 6
Channel Energy 9
When Xallis sees the holy symbol rising up, he gestures with his crossobw. "Navia?"
The eidolon's foot comes down over the still form of Wyssilka, talons curled enough to come to rest against the floor before the rest of her foot has a chance to further damage the halfling. "On it."
"So Prince Stavian has reduced himself to hiring the hangers-on of the masked god to do his dirty work? The man is proving more and more that he forgot the meaning of elegance."
Tychus slumps wearily against the rough cave wall, taking several deep breaths, clutching his wounded stomach. The healing waves emanating from Trevor offer a welcome succour as his wounds stitch up.
As he finally regains the energy to stand, he gives Trevor a thankful nod.
"Looks like I owe you a pint..." he says flatly, but the hint of a smile curls at the edge of his mouth.
He reaches out for an extra healing potion and downs it hungrily.
"Looks like I owe you a pint..." he says flatly, but the hint of a smile curls at the edge of his mouth.
Trevor smiles. "Just raise your next one to Cayden Cailean."
”She’s been torturing me for information on the location of Princess Eutropia or any of Stavian’s other enemies.”
”Do you actually know where the princess is? You don’t have to actually tell me the location, as I don’t think I even want to know, but is she safe and secure?”
”Ah, thank you. I feel much better now.” Liraela says to Trevor’s assistance.
"He was guarding the door to this chamber. We thought it would be best if you decide what to do with him. For now, we can put him where Wyssilka had you, if you want time to consider the matter."
Martella thinks and answers. ”Well done. Although I doubt he knows much of importance, I will nevertheless question him. Instead of leaving him here, let’s take him with us for now though. I won’t be returning here again any time soon. Once we get to the surface, you can leave him in my care.”
”Do you actually know where the princess is? You don’t have to actually tell me the location, as I don’t think I even want to know, but is she safe and secure?”
Martella gives a wink. "Yes, I do. And after I speak with her, I think she'll be eager to meet with you too."
”Before we go, I’d like to stop by my room quick and pick up a couple of things.”
You follow Martella to her bedroom, which is the room connected to the training room that you passed by. Two large bookshelves, an elaborate L-shaped desk, and a well-dressed bed decorate this lavish bedroom. A variety of springs, gears, and small tools clutter the desk alongside pages of sketches and designs.
Martella begins scooping some items from the desk into her bag, mostly components for crafting gadgets. ”Please be careful in here. Some of the devices are unstable. It's probably best if you don’t touch anything.”
She picks up two completed brass chatterboxes like the one she previously gave you. ”Do you need more of these? You can have them if you want them.” Then she digs up a belt from under her bed. ”Here. Take this too. It is a belt of incredible dexterity. I pulled it off of a corpse that I found of someone who succumbed to the violet fungus that guards the sewer exit and hadn’t really decided what to do with it yet. I’m sure you can put it to good use.” Finally she takes out a bag heavy with coins from a desk drawer. ”Now is a good a time as any to settle my debts. 300 gold each for extraordinary service at the gala as promised. Plus an additional 500 gold each in hazard pay.”
Afterwards, Martella leads you back to the ladder up to the warehouse. Along the way she points out the door to the south. ”That way leads to a secondary sewer exit. We could use it to leave, but if you’ve secured the warehouse above, I’m sure you’d prefer the much cleanlier route home.”
Henrika dutifully follows Lady Martella and leads their captive with her, her thoughts whirling. She makes sure he has no chance to escape and keeps hold of the rope as they travel. Are we really going to see the princess? she wonders, touched by awe.
You ascend up to the warehouse which remains empty and quiet.
Martella says to you, ”As further thanks, please make yourselves at home at the Silent Horse for now. I will pay for your accommodations. Feel free to go about your daily business but please stay there for the time being. I will be wanting to speak with you again soon. Thanks to Trevor’s healing, I’m well enough to handle myself from here. I’ll take the little assassin off your hands as well. You’ve earned a few days rest. Take advantage of them. You may find yourselves busy again soon.”
With that, Martella takes her leave.
You will have a week of downtime to spend before Martella sends for you again.
Two days later, a final accounting of the dead is posted. A total of 78 senators slain, alongside 102 aides, defenders, family members and staff, as well as Grand Prince Stavian III himself, in what many Taldans are already beginning to call the Exaltation Massacre.
The attackers appear to have been an assortment of mercenaries and killers from Andoran, Cheliax, and Galt—though arguments rage over who brought these assassins into the heart of Taldor’s government. While the Lion Blades believe Stavian himself hired these agents, much of the Taldan citizenry is less convinced, given the emperor’s own death in the violence. Many suspect Princess Eutropia or High Strategos Pythareus. With the empire’s central government in shambles, local governments are doing the best they can to fill the void.
Eleven major claims have been made for the throne by various nobles claiming relations to the Stavian line. Two candidates in particular—Princess Eutropia and High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus—stand above the rest, and various nobles and polities have already begun arguing that their chosen scion is the true inheritor of the Primogen Crown.
Here is where the current succession loyalties stand.
Trevor haunts The Silent Horse. Unsure whether it is safe to go to taverns and worship Cayden, the caydenite stays within the inn. During the week, Trevor, of course, socializes with his coterie. In additon, Trevor uses his gold to hire messengers to discreetly send missives from Kastner Manor to the Silent Horse, keeping in communication with his mother, uncle, and extended family, during this tumultuous time.
The charismatic aasimar pleasantly talks with The Silent Horse's employees, discussing their feelings of the events unfolding, and listening for rumors on the wind. Should the Kastner noble come across a comely chambermaid, Trevor will develop a report with them, hopefully inviting them up to his room for a glass of fine wine, among other delights.
When Icabhod heads to the Silent Horse, he makes extra sure to make it secure against any possible attacks by short killers. Locks, door, windows and other pints of entry are scrutinized and secured if possible and he will test food for poison and encourage the others to dine on their iron rations for now.. They must be feeling rather neglected in our backpacks anyways, along with all those torches we have.
Henrika spends the time while the group is in hiding pacing, gnawing on her knuckle, and giving waspish looks to everyone. More for something to do over anything else, she organizes the treasures the group has discovered. Through her friends at the Lion's Head she knows several reputable (and disreputable) merchants, who she thinks would be willing to purchase the gear belonging to the late assassins. It seems to be important to her that everyone receive a fair share of the spoils.
Tychus spends most of the week tinkering with his new crossbow. He can often be found with an entire table filled with small cogs and gears, with tools taken from a fragile looking copper case, taking apart and reassembling parts of his crossbow. He makes occasional grunts of approval or disapproval at his work, and his group once catches him unknowingly humming a mournful lullaby.
He will test food for poison and encourage the others to dine on their iron rations for now.. They must be feeling rather neglected in our backpacks anyways, along with all those torches we have.
"I actually quite like the taste of trail rations. You won't find me complaining."
"Well isn't this just the fanciest place you've ever seen." Liraela says in regards to the inn's opulent furnishings. "Keep a hand on your purse, or they might rob you blind as you watch!" she jokes, laughing even as she instinctively looks around for any valuables left unattended.
"We need not stay cooped up in this inn the entire week you know. Or at least, I don't have to. I can use the wig and spend some time gathering intel and do any shopping we might have need of." she says, once the group has convened in their private room.
"Is there anything you wish I do while we await our 'summons'?"
When the group enters the Silent Horse, an unseen burden seems to slough from his shoulders. "Oh... after dusty old cots in that underground pit... this is like a little slice of Nirvana." He does what he can to put up the front of a well-to-do noble who's already accustomed to such lodgings. However, the former Pathfinder can't help but show his anticipation in each weary step.
"Soft.." Navia idly comments as she takes in her surroundings. "A little like home, but far more dry here. Funny little comforts."
"I actually quite like the taste of trail rations. You won't find me complaining."
The summoner lets out a dry chuckle. "Spending time on the road and living off of those things reminds me of the one time in my career that I've been sincerely envious of other arcanists. They know how to cast prestidigitation."
"We need not stay cooped up in this inn the entire week you know. Or at least, I don't have to. I can use the wig and spend some time gathering intel and do any shopping we might have need of." she says, once the group has convened in their private room.
Navia perks up. "Ohhh. Maybe we could make a thing out of it. You work your scaly magic on the guards, I crawl through a second story window and dig around for something nice and juicy."
"We need not stay cooped up in this inn the entire week you know. Or at least, I don't have to. I can use the wig and spend some time gathering intel and do any shopping we might have need of." she says, once the group has convened in their private room.
"Is there anything you wish I do while we await our 'summons'?"
Trevor looks pensive at the suggestion of leaving the inn. "The Silent Horse has everything, even alcohol" Trevor says while inadvertently glance at the backside of as bent over waitress. "I've been in communication with my family these last couple days. All seems well. But everyone has road bags ready should the need arise."
The cleric blinks. "But, thank you very much for the offer, Miss Liraela.""I actually quite like the taste of trail rations. You won't find me complaining."The summoner lets out a dry chuckle. "Spending time on the road and living off of those things reminds me of the one time in my career that I've been sincerely envious of other arcanists. They know how to cast prestidigitation."
"I still carry that envy", Trevor grins. "I've seen bards clean up a bar table covered in sick with a seeming flick of their wrist. It had been suggested that I would have a natural talent for barding. Hmm. I doubt we'll have much time for such frivolity in the near future."
You arrive at the Silent Horse and it is opulent beyond your expectations. The floors are marble and the halls are decorated with towering columns and embroidered carpets. The common areas have fountains enchanted to continuously flow and gentle music tinkles in the background. An upscale restaurant occupies a section of the lower floor. Each of you has your own rooms furnished with king-size beds and private baths. Finely dressed staff is always within earshot and willing to wait on your every need.
Some of you take more advantage of the facilities than others. Many other nobles and visiting foreigners are still occupying the inn. Apart from the stream of rumors about Exaltation Massacre and the future of Taldor’s government, it is business as usual.
In Trevor’s room, he can finally let Biblio out to stretch its legs. The gishvit happily bounces around the room, its bookmark tongue wagging freely. With Trevor’s charm, he can convince a maid to come back to his room with him.
Icabhod secures the rooms. He finds that since the inn caters to upscale clientele, the rooms have high-grade locks on the windows and doors. It would take a powerful thief to break in.
Henrika sorts and organizes the treasure that you’ve accumulated and bundles it up for easy sale.
Halfway through the week, you are surprised to find Marquess Charlotte Deschamps standing in one of your rooms. She had no difficulty bypassing the inn’s security. ”I just wanted to tell you that I have confirmed that the surviving Brotherhood of Silence agents in the area are in disarray, and they have retreated back into the city shadows to lick their wounds. With rumors already reporting Grand Prince Stavian’s death in the senate, the Brotherhood of Silence has called off their contract against you and Martella Lotheed. You need not worry about them for now.” Charlotte does not stay to chat. Once her message is delivered, she fades into the shadows in the room’s corner as is gone.
"I just wanted to tell you that I have confirmed that the surviving Brotherhood of Silence agents in the area are in disarray, and they have retreated back into the city shadows to lick their wounds. With rumors already reporting Grand Prince Stavian’s death in the senate, the Brotherhood of Silence has called off their contract against you and Martella Lotheed. You need not worry about them for now."
Henrika salutes the noblewoman, but the news does not appear to lighten her spirits significantly. In fact, she becomes even more pensive and irritable, pacing the common room and sighing heavily.
"We need not stay cooped up in this inn the entire week you know. Or at least, I don't have to. I can use the wig and spend some time gathering intel and do any shopping we might have need of." she says, once the group has convened in their private room.
"I would be happy to accompany you Liraela, at least for part of it. I suppose you might need someone to help carry all of these items. I do have some personal matters that I should attend to once we have lightened our load, of course." She shrugs nonchalantly. "As it seems unlikely that our present path will soon alter, perhaps I should invest my share in magic equipment to better protect myself. My friend Eduardo always says 'Thy armour all as strong, thy cause the best; Then reason will thy heart should be as good.'" She frowns, as if this idea is slightly distasteful, but perseveres. "Let us hope that all of our friends and family have escaped the turmoil thus far unscathed."
”I just wanted to tell you that I have confirmed that the surviving Brotherhood of Silence agents in the area are in disarray, and they have retreated back into the city shadows to lick their wounds. With rumors already reporting Grand Prince Stavian’s death in the senate, the Brotherhood of Silence has called off their contract against you and Martella Lotheed. You need not worry about them for now.”
Liraela seems extremely skeptical, and says as much to the party.
"I don't think we should feel free to run about the capital just yet. There's a lot of info we don't have yet, a lot of people who might want us dead still. And there's the chance we might be blamed for parts of what happened at the senate. Be safe, stay out of the spotlight for now."
"I would be happy to accompany you Liraela, at least for part of it."
"And I would appreciate the company!" she replies easily, smiling at Henrika. "I don't have any matters to attend to myself, so I might join you on your errands, if it's alright. Better we stay in pairs until this whole situation is over."
Henrika pauses, looking carefully at Liraela. "Ah," she says. "Yes. It is safer in pairs." She is obviously reluctant for some reason and is thinking hard about how to respond.
Finally she shrugs. "Very well!" she says with enthusiasm. "I am ready when you are."
”With rumors already reporting Grand Prince Stavian’s death in the senate, the Brotherhood of Silence has called off their contract against you and Martella Lotheed. You need not worry about them for now.” Charlotte does not stay to chat. Once her message is delivered, she fades into the shadows in the room’s corner as is gone.
Navia perks up and clacks her talons in excitement. "Oh, good! Now we can make our own enemies, instead of getting hand-me-downs, right Xallis?"
Xallis shakes his head mournfully. "No, I expect we'll be getting caught up in much more than the Brotherhood with how unstable things are becoming."
Navia observes the conversation with a mischievous little smile. "I'd offer to come along, but I'm on a... kind of a leash." She gestures with a thumb towards Xallis, who's still conversing with Trevor. "But I think I can break away for little half our spurts here and there. Oooorrr, if you'd like to come by our place sometime...?"
Meanwhile, Xallis continues to muse on the limitations of his own magic. "You know, I've been reflecting on my studies of planer creatures, and I think my own conjuration is nearing a breakthrough. I may very well extend my own capabilities through the spells of the things that I can summ... on..."
He trails off and blushes a bit. Navia grins back at him over her shoulder, articulating whatever message she just sent through their mental link.
Icabhod was rather irritated when Charlotte just appeared in their rooms like someone casually walking through the door. He felt that it reflected badly on his own skills.
Sighing, he didn't join in the chatter and plans of the others and was still wary of just strolling down the street so soon after such chaos. However, after his disastrous performance at combat, he decided to purchase a better weapon and headed off to procure a well made rapier.
”I just wanted to tell you that I have confirmed that the surviving Brotherhood of Silence agents in the area are in disarray, and they have retreated back into the city shadows to lick their wounds. With rumors already reporting Grand Prince Stavian’s death in the senate, the Brotherhood of Silence has called off their contract against you and Martella Lotheed. You need not worry about them for now.”Liraela seems extremely skeptical, and says as much to the party.
"I don't think we should feel free to run about the capital just yet. There's a lot of info we don't have yet, a lot of people who might want us dead still. And there's the chance we might be blamed for parts of what happened at the senate. Be safe, stay out of the spotlight for now."
"Agreed. Things might be quiet now, but Taldor is a powder keg ready to blow. The power vacuum is going to make things rather... chaotic."
Tychus makes a few trips back and forth between the inn and the church of Abadar, returning each time with stacks of paperwork that he busies himself with while waiting for word from Lady Martella.
Meanwhile, Xallis continues to muse on the limitations of his own magic. "You know, I've been reflecting on my studies of planer creatures, and I think my own conjuration is nearing a breakthrough. I may very well extend my own capabilities through the spells of the things that I can summ... on..."
He trails off and blushes a bit. Navia grins back at him over her shoulder, articulating whatever message she just sent through their mental link.
Pausing his writing, Tychus raises an eyebrow inquisitively, but says nothing as he resumes his busywork.
Afterward, as much as she wants to put it off, she will visit her mother at her home estate and make sure she knows she has not been forgotten and that her daughter is still alive. She steels herself for the discomfort of her criticism, grief, and memory loss and resolves to weather it with good grace. Hopefully she will avoid her uncle, though while there she would like to try and gather information to learn if he had any ties to the Emperor's plot. A treason charge would simplify things for her immensely, but it is probably too pat to be hoped for.
Henrika arrives at the Karthis estate and knowing her sickly mother cannot get out of bed to greet her, pushes past the servants and heads to her mother’s bedroom. It is surprising that her mother is sitting up in the bed. It is more surprising when she wraps Henrika in a tight hug. ”Where have you been?! I thought you were dead. Please stay this time.”
Then any hope of avoiding her Uncle ends when he appears in the doorway. ”When are you going to start acting like a lady and start taking some responsibility for this household? Can’t you see how worried your mother has been? Are you even aware of what happened in the Senate? While you were out galivanting with rogues, Grand Prince Stavian III was assassinated. I have already declared my support for High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus to claim the throne. And I expect you to do the same.”
Then her Uncle Thomas notices Liraela (assuming she isn’t disguised). ”And this is the company you’ve been keeping? This sub-human? Why don’t you go rut with an orc while you’re at it? Get out of my sight. Stay in your room if you must but that must go!” He points angrily at Liraela. Then he turns and storms off. ”Don’t show your face again until you can act like a Karthis.”
Henrika’s mother takes her hand with tears in her eyes. ”I’m sorry for his outburst. Please stay for just a little while.”
Finally, she will check in on Falchion Jack and the gang at the Lion's Head, again just making sure everyone is still okay and hasn't gotten mixed up in the political upheaval, or at least not on the wrong side. She will tell them generally what has happened from her perspective, to better inform them should they be needed to dig up additional rumors or intelligence.
Falchion Jack is at his usual table at the Lion’s Head as if he never leaves. He is sitting alone today but assures Henrika that the crew is all okay. He listens intently to Henrika’s story. ”That’s quite the tale. You know, we could use women of your talents if you had the time.” says Jack referring to Henrika and Liraela. ”The gang’s had their hands full these last few days. T’was awfully nice of the city officials to post the names of the dead senators. Makes it easy to know which houses to hit. And we ain’t even harming anyone. Can’t take it with you, am I right?” Jack nudges Henrika friendly with his elbow.
Tychus makes a few trips back and forth between the inn and the church of Abadar, returning each time with stacks of paperwork that he busies himself with while waiting for word from Lady Martella.
The church is happy for Tychus’s help. With all the political turmoil, more people than usual are coming to the Cathedral of Coins to withdraw their funds.
Tychus earns 17 gold for his help during the week.
Sighing, he didn't join in the chatter and plans of the others and was still wary of just strolling down the street so soon after such chaos. However, after his disastrous performance at combat, he decided to purchase a better weapon and headed off to procure a well made rapier.
On his way back to the inn, Icabhod takes a wrong turn down a quiet alley and stumbles across a dusty library full of genealogical tomes that contain details about the family lines of much of Taldor’s nobility, with information that stretches back centuries. Intrigued, he decides to spend some time there.
The Library of Lineage is a Research check encounter, which a complexity of 15 and a total of 12 kp.
The library uses Knowledge (history or nobility) and grants a +2 knowledge bonus.
At kp 10: Icabhod discovers that nearly a dozen noble lines could make a plausible case for a connection to the Stavian line that could support a claim to the right to rule Taldor.
Knowing there is more information to be gained, Icabhod returns the next day.
At kp 5: Icabhod finds a tome about Earl Yander Merkondus, a prominent merchant and noble in the Taldan city of Yanmass, and reads a scandalous article about how he has been married no fewer than 10 times—and divorced eight.
At kp 0: Icabhod is able to learn about the history of one of the noble’s in the senate. Plagued by Marquess Charlotte Deschamp’s disregard for his security, he decides to look her up and it turns out that there is a book about her on one of the shelves.
Through a long-standing relationship with the disgraced Aurelius Cato, Charlotte joined the Cato family, finally gaining the noble title she had sought for so long. Thanks to the considerable influence of Lady Gloriana Morilla and Princess Eutropia, Deschamps recently filled a vacated seat on the senate as a representative of the interests of House Cato. Even before her appointment was put into motion, the marquess recognized the virtue of Eutropia’s goals and aligned herself with the princess. Now she uses her position to hasten the end of primogeniture and bring about a resurgence of noble glory.
Marquess Deschamps disdains colorful attire, dressing entirely in dark clothing. She is incredibly skilled with short blades, and she employs a shadowy companion, about whom little is known, to aid her in secretly dispatching at any cost those who would stop Princess Eutropia’s ascent.
The third day, Icabhod passes by the library again, only today the library mysteriously burned down in the middle of the night leaving only a pile of burnt wood in its place. The local passerbys just shrug and have no idea what happened.
"I've been in communication with my family these last couple days. All seems well. But everyone has road bags ready should the need arise."
Quite intrigued(and somewhat suspicious of how he located it) Icabhod returns to the inn with his notes and a few select books. Gather around, I have found some interesting information on the nobles lines as well as Deschamps. HE sets everything out and points out key parts. Perhaps these can help secure our patron's claim of leadership.
After their errands, Henrika brings Liraela to the Lion's Head, but is disappointed to find that her friends are absent. She sighs and comes clean with Liraela, telling the vishkanya about the current conditions of her home and her mother's illness: namely, that her father died without a male heir and that her uncle has taken over the estate. The only reason she still lives there is to take care of her mother, who has lost most of her wits; once she dies the uncle will likely take full ownership and send Henrika away. She suggests that Liraela should remain at the inn, just to avoid the discomfort of becoming embroiled in their family drama.
Then any hope of avoiding her Uncle ends when he appears in the doorway. ”When are you going to start acting like a lady and start taking some responsibility for this household? Can’t you see how worried your mother has been? Are you even aware of what happened in the Senate? While you were out galivanting with rogues, Grand Prince Stavian III was assassinated. I have already declared my support for High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus to claim the throne. And I expect you to do the same.”
Then her Uncle Thomas notices Liraela (assuming she isn’t disguised). ”And this is the company you’ve been keeping? This sub-human? Why don’t you go rut with an orc while you’re at it? Get out of my sight. Stay in your room if you must but that must go!” He points angrily at Liraela. Then he turns and storms off. ”Don’t show your face again until you can act like a Karthis.”
Henrika’s mother takes her hand with tears in her eyes. ”I’m sorry for his outburst. Please stay for just a little while.”
Henrika's behavior changes completely around her mother and uncle. She is quiet and meek, even submissive. She doesn't speak back to him, though she is clearly angry and upset by his words. After he leaves, she looks at her mother, apparently mortified at being upbraided in front of her, and also embarrassed on Liraela's behalf. She gives her friend an apologetic look and casts the spell that allows her to whisper silently. "Maybe you should go, or at least leave and come back in disguise?" she suggests.
Later, they return to the Lion's Head, where Henrika drinks as if she has a grudge against the barrel and takes a long time to clear her head. "If my uncle has declared for the High Strategos, he is likely following the lead of his cousin Senator Karthis, to whom he is always a loyal lickspittle. They will likely use this turmoil to rouse anti-Qadiran sentiment in the hopes of riding it and Lord Pythareus to the throne and subsequently to war. O, that I was not born a woman, and could lend my heedful voice to those of the great leaders of my house! Would that my father were still alive! A great man and the finest Karthis who ever lived." Being in her cups apparently makes a maudlin Henrika even more patriotic.
”The gang’s had their hands full these last few days. T’was awfully nice of the city officials to post the names of the dead senators. Makes it easy to know which houses to hit. And we ain’t even harming anyone. Can’t take it with you, am I right?” Jack nudges Henrika friendly with his elbow.
Henrika responds to Jack's provocative ribbing as she always does, with a reluctant smile and a shake of her head. "These underhanded activities will bring with them a world of trouble, you old rogue. Have you ever considered that now might be the time to put your skills to better use, ensuring a better future for Taldor? That an experienced campaigner should be reduced to breaking windows and sneak-thievery to pay for his drinking must make all patriots weep." She looks at Liraela, including her in the appeal to her friend. "Liraela's past is her own, but I do not believe she has always been the clever and charismatic courtier she now presents. Like all of us she has surely been forced to do things of which she is not proud. Yet her actions on behalf of Princess Eutropia have pulled Taldor from the brink of disaster! I am sure our noble patron could find more seemly work for you too if you felt a change of heart. The princess will need all the friends she can get, high and low, if she is to restore order. Will you refuse the call, Falchion Jack?"
Later, they return to the Lion's Head, where Henrika drinks as if she has a grudge against the barrel and takes a long time to clear her head. "If my uncle has declared for the High Strategos, he is likely following the lead of his cousin Senator Karthis, to whom he is always a loyal lickspittle. They will likely use this turmoil to rouse anti-Qadiran sentiment in the hopes of riding it and Lord Pythareus to the throne and subsequently to war. O, that I was not born a woman, and could lend my heedful voice to those of the great leaders of my house! Would that my father were still alive! A great man and the finest Karthis who ever lived." Being in her cups apparently makes a maudlin Henrika even more patriotic.
The caydenite, having had many experiences with people who wished to 'drink their problems away' notices the changed demeanor in Henrika. Trevor bravely sits next to rage-drinking mesmerist. After a little prodding, Trevor lets Henrika vent her frustrations. The aasimar listens with an attentive ear, honed by years of bartending. "Your family sounds like a prime example of how the disillusion of The Primogeniture could benefit all of Taldor. I didn't get a chance to meet your uncle at the gala, but from what it sounds like, it appears to be another blessing from The Drunk God." Trevor smiles, in hopes of lifting Lady Karthis's spirits.
Henrika's lowered inhibitions mean that she is more willing to share her history and family woes with Trevor, who she seems to view as a compatriot and friend. "Truthfully, I avoided the rest of my family at the gala, rooted as they were by the side of the High Strategos. The senator is an ass, all demagoguery and pomp and concentered all in self. His cousin my uncle is a poor copy. But let us not dwell on them-- What of the Kastners, good Trevor? I confess I have not met any of your relatives either, though I believe they are a house with at least as ancient a lineage as my own."
"I do believe it is as ancient as House Karthis", Trevor said, as his smile turned into a shagrin. "Sadly, it is our Cheliax family branch that stains what would normally be our stellar reputation."
The aasimar looks where the bartender is, then quickly takes out his own tankard and casts the caydenite create water spell in it. Trevor takes a large sip of divine wine and continues.
"That is why my family was so pleased when our long-dormant celestial heritage bloomed within me. Having an aasimar in the family, goes a long way to quiet devil-worshipping rumors about my family. But not squash it completely."
Trevor smiled into his drink. "Many conservative voices in the family balked, and still do, about my choice to practice caydenism. But Cayden Cailean IS of Taldor. There are government documents proving this, but like all writings attached to religion; Academia as a whole, has not embraced it."
Trevor nods. "But I do ramble, particularly when religion and spirituality is discussed." The Kastner noble take his tankard and clinks it to Henrika's.
She suggests that Liraela should remain at the inn, just to avoid the discomfort of becoming embroiled in their family drama.
”Well that simply won’t be happening.” she replies, confident in her words’ truth. Henrika opening up to a relatively new friend unlocks a bit of connection in Liraela’s mind between their two situations so she decides to share some of her own upbringing. But not all of it, of course. Some things are better left behind walls, for now. .
”I wish I could say better things about my family, and introduce you to them the same way, but the truth is I haven’t talked to them in nearly two decades. They did go through with kicking me out shortly after I was born. They have old ties to Vudra, you see, ones they’d rather forget. Every few generations a child is born…like me.” she says, holding out her scaled arms and clawed hands.
”And they are sent away to Indapatta, the capital of Vudra, to live their lives on the streets. Abandoned, forgotten, unwanted. When I was sent there I struggled to understand what I had done wrong, but it was never about what I did. It was what I was, what I represented: their past. I found some records of other vishkanya from the Varima family during my forced stay, and nearly all of them died on the streets, alone. I will not suffer the same fate, nor will I allow some self-important fool to treat me or my friends this way.”
She lays a (hopefully) comforting hand on Henrika’s shoulder before speaking again.
”Let’s go, we have a fool to strike some fear into.”
Then her Uncle Thomas notices Liraela (assuming she isn’t disguised). ”And this is the company you’ve been keeping? This sub-human? Why don’t you go rut with an orc while you’re at it? Get out of my sight. Stay in your room if you must but that must go!” He points angrily at Liraela. Then he turns and storms off. ”Don’t show your face again until you can act like a Karthis.”
”Sub-human?” Liraela asks of him, taking a few slow steps towards him. Not threateningly, just getting closer.
”She cannot take responsibility for anything this family does, for you do not ‘allow it’. Minus the things that go wrong, I presume. The only subhuman I see here is you, a parasite growing fat off of the wealth and hard work of others. Have you accomplished anything beyond what your brother amassed for you? Do you provide any worth to this world beyond your negative impacts? I think not.”
”My people have many things to say about people like you. Allow me to impart my knowledge.”
At this point, Liraela’s voice slides more into song than speech, though what she is singing does in the vishkanyan language tells a story about a prideful father of a large family in Vudra that allowed himself to be swayed far too much by the honeyed words of coin and vices. He eventually ended up selling his daughters into arranged marriages and ended up losing everything the family had after he could no longer pay his living expenses. The father died alone and sick, his family having abandoned him for the actions he had taken.
After she is finished with the tale, Liraela will wave her hand dismissively towards the uncle.
”Come Henrika, we have more important business to handle than dealing with this leech. You do not need to apologize for him, he is not worth the time to think about.”
Once away from him, Lir will explain what the song was about, and attempt to encourage Henrika to stand up to her uncle more often.
”He really didn’t look all that threatening.” she says, her silver dagger appearing in her hands out of nowhere suddenly. ”I could, uh….make you next in the line, if you wanted? Could probably make it look like an accident.” her tone does not give away whether or not she is serious.
Liraela will accompany Henrika to the Lion’s Head inn, though she seems somewhat more muted and reserved than her usual self. Some thinking to do, perhaps.
”Have you ever considered that now might be the time to put your skills to better use, ensuring a better future for Taldor?”
Liraela scoffs at her friends’ words.
”Oh, come now. You can do both! Neither are an all-day occupation. I wouldn’t mind hitting up a few places here and there and relieving them of any unaccompanied treasures!” she laughs, but attempts to send a message to Jack that she is serious, and wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to take from the rich. Especially those who oppose their chosen patron.When the topic of family comes up, Liraela silently slips away to find some food from somewhere, clearly not wishing to speak or hear the conversation.
"I do believe it is as ancient as House Karthis", Trevor said, as his smile turned into a shagrin. "Sadly, it is our Cheliax family branch that stains what would normally be our stellar reputation."
The aasimar looks where the bartender is, then quickly takes out his own tankard and casts the caydenite create water spell in it. Trevor takes a large sip of divine wine and continues.
"That is why my family was so pleased when our long-dormant celestial heritage bloomed within me. Having an aasimar in the family, goes a long way to quiet devil-worshipping rumors about my family. But not squash it completely."
Xallis smirks. "Come now, you speak of Chelaxian heritage as though it's some kind of curse." He offers a playful chuckle and a wink, knowing full well the reputation of his homeland.
"And you should be so fortunate, blessed as you are with that heritage. If it were my family seeking an angelic scion, they probably would have done something to tilt the odds. In fact, did I ever tell you the story about how my sister got her purple tinted eyes? It was..."
Then, something hits him. A sense of rot in the pit of his stomach. A realization so embarrassing he nearly became nauseated. "Oh. Oh no. I've been sitting on my arse and drinking wine while they're none the wiser."
The summoner turns and picks up his backpack, hanging it over his shoulder. "All they've heard from me is a hastily written letter saying 'oh, don't worry, ma and pa, I promise I'm not dead. Can't say any more. Have fun trying to sleep at night!' He says this to himself as much as the people around him.
Before he rushes out the door, he manages to turn back towards his friends. "You're welcome to tag along, if you'd like. No pressure. Sorry." Xallis shuffles off, his eidolon following with a frown.
”My people have many things to say about people like you. Allow me to impart my knowledge.”
Thomas Karthis stares at Liraela in dumbstruck fascination. Like most bigots, he is steadfast in his ways and facts and logic are meaningless to him. His face turns bright red and he just stands there and sputters, unable to put together words. Eventually he comes to enough of his senses to shout, ”Out!” and then flees, completely avoiding having to defend himself or his opinions.
”Oh, come now. You can do both! Neither are an all-day occupation. I wouldn’t mind hitting up a few places here and there and relieving them of any unaccompanied treasures!” she laughs, but attempts to send a message to Jack that she is serious, and wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to take from the rich. Especially those who oppose their chosen patron.
Jack gets the message. (But likely won’t have the opportunity to invite Liraela along, since she’ll be getting busy again very soon.)
On the next Starday, Xallis and friends make a trip to the Livara household. Xallis’ parents are home and are surprised to see him. His mother says, ”Xallis! I wasn’t expecting to see your face today. Where’ve you been? Come in! Come in! Oh, and Navia is with you of course. How are you dear? And who are your friends? I can’t remember the last time Xallis has brought a friend over. He’s always been a solitary boy.”
Xallis’ mother invites everyone to sit down and goes and fetches a tray of food and tea. ”Your brother and sister are out getting involved with whatever adventurers they get up to. It’s so quiet here with just your father and I. You should write more often.”
”I’m sure you’ve heard about what happened at the Senate. Dreadful news. But Taldor will carry on. But let’s not talk about such dark topics. Introductions are in order. And tell me what you’ve been up to lately.”
You all have a pleasant afternoon with the Livara’s and eventually head back to the inn.
Pharast 4, 4718 (Sunday) (Oppara, Taldor)
After the week goes by, Lady Martella Lotheed shows up personally at the Silent Horse. ”I won’t say much with so many ears listening, but I’m here to invite you to a private meeting with a certain someone. A carriage is waiting for us outside. Wear something nice.”
A short carriage ride brings them to a tidy townhouse in the Aroden’s View district. Inside, a cozy fire and the scent of tea warm a small library. A friendly catch-dog trots over to investigate, wagging its tail, and returns satisfied to its owner’s side as she rises from the chair—Princess Eutropia. After a polite nod, she speaks.
“My name is Eutropia Stavian I, firstborn of Stavian III, and I thank you for coming. I wanted to express my gratitude in person for rescuing my old schoolmate, Martella. She is a dear friend, and I am in your debt.”
“You are bold and resourceful, yet apparently relative unknowns on Taldor’s political stage. Those are all incredibly valuable assets. Now more than ever I find myself in need of talented allies. My father—Pharasma rest his soul—seems to have been convinced my efforts at social reform were the precursor to usurping his throne. Some dear friends feared he would try to kill me at the exaltation; you may have noticed the Lion Blades on the scene in response. I had never imagined he could... That he had slipped so far.”
Eutropia takes a moment to compose herself, and then she continues.
“Apparently, in his paranoia, my father formally adopted Maxillar Pythareus in a private ceremony to declare the general his heir. Or so Pythareus claims, and he has presented documentation to support his claim. There are even those nobles who believe the vote against primogeniture could not possibly have taken place, or was coerced by those same elements that attacked the senate.”
“The Ulfen Guard has sealed the palace and refuses admittance to anyone until the question is resolved. Normally this kind of issue would fall to the senate, but with the senate decimated and no emperor to approve new members... this situation is entirely unprecedented.”
“I don’t know if I’m the best candidate for the throne, but I know Pythareus isn’t. He’s a warmonger and a regressive traditionalist. He preaches about waging war on the ‘upstart colonies’ and bringing them back into the empire by force. I won’t let him march us back into endless war, and I need allies of uncommon skill to ensure our nation’s future. I would be honored to have such noble allies as yourselves in this War for the Crown.”
Prince Eutropia opens the floor to any questions you may have.
"Perhaps these can help secure our patron's claim of leadership."
Henrika nods. "A good find," she determines. "Our patron is fortunate to have your knowledge and investigative skills at her disposal. And also you have discovered very interesting details about Lady Charlotte. I had no idea she was a senator!"
”I wish I could say better things about my family, and introduce you to them the same way, but the truth is I haven’t talked to them in nearly two decades.”
Henrika cocks her head and regards her friend with a new level of respect. "To have survived so much, and to still retain so much hope, you are an inspiration to us all."
”He really didn’t look all that threatening.” she says, her silver dagger appearing in her hands out of nowhere suddenly. ”I could, uh….make you next in the line, if you wanted? Could probably make it look like an accident.”
Henrika frowns disapprovingly. "You must not say such things, even in jest. I will not countenance assassination, especially of members of my noble house, and if such a thing were to occur I would be honor-bound by tradition and my place in society to investigate it and bring the murderer to justice." The steel in her voice brooks no argument, and she holds Liraela's gaze for a moment to make clear she is deadly serious. She softens then, and muses into her cups again. "I appreciate that you want to do something nice for me, and I understand it was kindly meant. I will say there have always been rumours that my uncle was responsible for my father's death, but no one has ever been able to prove anything. My father fell in battle along with all of his compatriots, and my uncle was far away at the time. Obviously Uncle Thomas benefited greatly, but that is not a crime. If he were ever incontrovertibly proven to be involved, I would swing the sword myself."
"I do not think my mother understood what happened in her room to-day, thank the gods. My uncle is not used to such plain speaking, and I fear you have made him your mortal enemy. However, that is his problem, one that I am sure he will not easily overcome, and as I believe he could use more enemies, I am well-pleased. You have taken some of his attention away from me, and for that I am in your debt."
Before he rushes out the door, he manages to turn back towards his friends. "You're welcome to tag along, if you'd like. No pressure. Sorry." Xallis shuffles off, his eidolon following with a frown.
Henrika looks at the others present and shrugs. "It is even safer in packs," she says semi-cryptically, and drains her glass as she stands to follow.
After the week goes by, Lady Martella Lotheed shows up personally at the Silent Horse. ”I won’t say much with so many ears listening, but I’m here to invite you to a private meeting with a certain someone. A carriage is waiting for us outside. Wear something nice.”
Henrika had no idea that such a meeting would be coming, though she chides herself internally for missing the signs, and she rushes back to her room to change into the fine clothing she purchased after the gala. She can do nothing about her hair, but she hopes that tying it back with a leather cord looks appropriately military and formal for a member of her house.
“My name is Eutropia Stavian I, firstborn of Stavian III, and I thank you for coming. I wanted to express my gratitude in person for rescuing my old schoolmate, Martella. She is a dear friend, and I am in your debt.”
Henrika clears her throat and bows casually from the neck to the princess, holding out her hand to the dog as well. Unsure the proper way to address him, she simply scratches his head before returning her attention to Eutropia. "Henrika Karthis, Your Grace. I too have lost my father and it is a bitter pill to swallow. Do you know how the emperor died? Was he assassinated, do you think?"
Trevor Kastner immediately kneels before Princess Eutropia as she rises from her chair. Only once given the command, the cleric rises from then floor. The caydenite listens intently all the princess wished to convey.
"Princess Eutropia, I pledge myself into your service. For the freedom of every Taldoran. For what it is worth, you have our condolences, Princess."
Finally having an excuse to set aside his paperwork, Tychus awkwardly scrambles into his room to dress into a more appropriate attire. Not known for fine clothes, he nonetheless comes back out dressed in a spartan outfit of black cloth. Even this garment could not escape his bad luck. The edges of his cuffs were slightly frayed, and a small dark stain on his breast was almost unnoticeable unless looking too closely.
Tychus tries to remains stoic, but his cheeks betray his emotions. He steps towards her and respectfully bows his head.
"We meet again, your Grace. I know you may have your reservations, but you are the best chance Taldor has. The words I shared with you before ring no less true now. The people of Taldor need your guiding hand now, more than ever."
As quickly as he stepped forward, he takes a step back, fearing he had said too much. As the dog wanders over and takes an interest in him, Tychus tries to politely and gently nudge it away, to no avail.
Icabhod was about to dress in the outfit he received to help him mingle in the party turned slaughterhouse but was dismayed that it had been reduced to a tattered, bloodstained mess and so donned his frightfully plain outfit he wore beforehand.
After making sure he was spotless, he traveled to with the others to see Eutropia and politely listened as she addressed them and made her offer.
Bowing his head, Icabhod joined the others in offering their aid. It would be an honor to help you achieve your dreams.
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Xallis greets his mother with a long hug. "Oh, rest assured I will. I've been on important business, and it's kept me very preoccupied. But I'll do what I can."
Lady Akasta Livara is a pleasant woman of Chelish descent, wearing a fine dress of black with red floral patterns all across it. She entertains the party with her stories negotiating trade deals between reagent vendors and esoteric ritualists. She isn't afraid to get crass with the details on just what exotic reagents the ritualists were demanding; in fact, she indulges in them for comedy's sake.
A halfling servant eventually arrives, offering a selection of imported tea for the guests. Afterwards, he informs Xallis that his father would like to meet with him in his office. The summoner excuses himself and his eidolon from the table. His mother pauses, her look growing stoic for a brief moment before returning to her boisterous tale.
"So, when are you going to introduce me to him?" the man asks as his fingers trace over his writing.
Xallis' confused silence eventually prompts him to finish. "Your boyfriend. When do I get to meet him? I assume you must have found one, since you clearly sculpted your pet for the act of producing heirs."
"Father!" Xallis starts, but he's silenced by a Lord Livara's gaze.
"No. Do not 'father' me. The party you attend turns into a slaughter, and you don't so much send a messenger until days after the fact? Your mother was bawling herself cross-eyed over this, and the best you could do is half a letter with the vague notion of not being dead? And for all this talk about your supposed expert crafting, it looks like you picked up a tiefling hardlot with gaudy evening wear. Is that what's supposed to stand between my son and an assassin's blade?"
Navia's tendrils bristle. "Excuse me? My little pupa didn't..."
But she, too, is cut off. "No scion of House Livara lets their minions speak for them. Xallis, dismiss her. Now."
Xallis meets his eidolon's gaze for a long moment. Navia's expression shifts from indignant anger to frustration, then a sorrowful glance towards the floor as she fades from this plane.
Before Xallis can manage to turn back to say something, he finds his father's arms wrapped around him and the old man's head on his shoulder. "You had me worried sick. Don't disappear on us like that."
With a cocktail of emotions, Xallis returns the embrace. WHen they separate, the summoner finds a scroll of mount pressed into his hand, made to his exact specifications.
Lord Livara maintains his stern look, but there's a distinct sparkle of moisture in the corners of his eyes. "I've heard you've been making friends and making moves. Good. These are unsure times, and our house doesn't have many allies. Still, every tragedy is an opportunity, and we'll soon be choosing who to back for succession. Rumors are abound, and Chelish stock make for an easy scapegoat. Do what you must to make the allies you need to thrive."
"That's all I needed to say." he says, returning to his desk. "I love you, son. Don't forget it. Feel free to bring back your servant and return to your friends. I'm sure your tea is getting cold."
After a brief trip to his room, Xallis and Navia return to the gathering. He shares a meaningful glance with his mother and a nod of understanding before they both relax a bit. Navia remains silent.
"So, Xallis never mentioned who is friends were in his letters. Tell me all about yourselves..."
After the week goes by, Lady Martella Lotheed shows up personally at the Silent Horse. ”I won’t say much with so many ears listening, but I’m here to invite you to a private meeting with a certain someone. A carriage is waiting for us outside. Wear something nice.”
With everything going on, getting a new outfit was well out of his thoughts. However, he was still mournful over the outfit he wore to the senate, and had made sure to get it restored by a tailor that often worked with his mother.
“I don’t know if I’m the best candidate for the throne, but I know Pythareus isn’t. He’s a warmonger and a regressive traditionalist. He preaches about waging war on the ‘upstart colonies’ and bringing them back into the empire by force. I won’t let him march us back into endless war, and I need allies of uncommon skill to ensure our nation’s future. I would be honored to have such noble allies as yourselves in this War for the Crown.”...
Xallis nods. "I would be honored to support you in your efforts to secure peace. I would love to one day serve the people of this nation, and I could hardly do so by allowing them to be consumed by war. That, and if you don't mind me saying, but I fear I am very much counted among those 'wayward' folks that Pythareus would seek to dominate."
"Henrika Karthis, Your Grace. I too have lost my father and it is a bitter pill to swallow. Do you know how the emperor died? Was he assassinated, do you think?"
”Father and I may have grown apart since Carrius’s passing, but he remains my father, and the only true family I have left! Had left. He... My father may not have been what was best for Taldor, but he was my father, and for some of us, blood ties are still stronger than political ones. I didn’t see his death personally. The general consensus is that he met the end of a blade in the chaos of the fighting. Whether he was killed by friend or foe is unknown. His body has not been released from the palace so there are little details known.”
"We meet again, your Grace. I know you may have your reservations, but you are the best chance Taldor has. The words I shared with you before ring no less true now. The people of Taldor need your guiding hand now, more than ever."
“I’ve spent a lifetime studying Taldor and her people’s needs. All her people. And I know they need internal improvements, education, new opportunities. Not war and empty promises of long-gone glories. But to be honest, I hadn’t thought I’d be inheriting the throne for a decade or more, and I find myself embarrassingly unprepared.”
As quickly as he stepped forward, he takes a step back, fearing he had said too much. As the dog wanders over and takes an interest in him, Tychus tries to politely and gently nudge it away, to no avail.
Princess Eutropia giggles. ”I think he likes you. His name is Taldogis. Father hates it... Hated it.”
"I would be honored to support you in your efforts to secure peace. I would love to one day serve the people of this nation, and I could hardly do so by allowing them to be consumed by war. That, and if you don't mind me saying, but I fear I am very much counted among those 'wayward' folks that Pythareus would seek to dominate."
“Maxillar Pythareus has retreated to the fortress city of Zimar, in the south, and has been refusing my requests for council. Rumors suggest he’s already begun gathering a network of supporters calling themselves the Imperialists. Eventually I will need to confront him but I don’t have the resources or allies to do so at this time.”
It would be an honor to help you achieve your dreams.
“If I’m speaking plainly, I haven’t selected you. I’m afraid you’re still unknown factors to me. But Martella seems impressed with your abilities and I respect her judgment. You’ve obviously left her with quite the positive opinion of your skills and character, and I hope you’ll honor me with the same impression.”
"Princess Eutropia, I pledge myself into your service. For the freedom of every Taldoran. For what it is worth, you have our condolences, Princess."
Princess Eutropia stands up and says ”Kneel.” She tap Trevor’s shoulder with her sword. ”I hereby honorarily knight you in my service. From henceforth you may go by “Sir” Kastner.”
Princess Eutropia repeats the process of knighting each of you.
”Arise! Dame Karthis. Sir Tilneros. Dame Liraela. Sir Kastner. Sir Marcaius. And Sir Livara.”
“Now we rally our resources and allies. This is not a war we can win by swords; Pythareus commands the entirety of the Phalanx, and much of the rest of the military is fiercely loyal to him. This is a war we must win with words and guile and allies. We need the people of Taldor to unite behind a single monarch to dispel the military’s desire to settle this with force of arms. I don’t want the blood of common Taldans spilled to slake some petty squabble between nobles.”
“You would work as my loyal agents to secure resources and allies, ideally without raising too much of a fuss when it can be avoided. Martella will direct you toward more specific goals; I have a great deal of work to accomplish myself in the meantime.”
Henrika does her best to remain impassive and calm during the impromptu ceremony, but inside she is elated at receiving a knighthood. She knows that there have been many women who have served and commanded in Taldor's military, though she has never heard of any from House Karthis. While it will certainly be viewed by her more closed-minded family members as simply an honorary title, she hopes it might give her an excuse to countermand her uncle's order to cease all martial instruction. Because she knows how her uncle thinks, she decides she should see if she can make this aspect of her position explicit.
"Forgive me, Your Grace," she says in an appropriate lull in the conversation. "My guardian has forbidden me from further studying the blade and the arts of war, for he says it is not appropriate to a lady of my station. In my service to you as a knight, do you require me to take up arms and fight for your cause? If so, I would be grateful if you would clarify, so that I may inform my uncle of your will."
She also asks another question. "Your Grace, we discovered evidence that a group of Norgorber followers called the Silent Initiates were involved in the attack on the Senate. Do you know if they were the sole villains in this plot, or if there were others?"
"My guardian has forbidden me from further studying the blade and the arts of war, for he says it is not appropriate to a lady of my station. In my service to you as a knight, do you require me to take up arms and fight for your cause? If so, I would be grateful if you would clarify, so that I may inform my uncle of your will."
"Martella will direct you towards specific goals. How you accomplish them is up to you. You will not be required to take any action that is forbidden to you. But, if I suspect correctly that you are looking for instructions to take up arms so that you may go against your uncle's will, I would gladly put something in writing."
"Your Grace, we discovered evidence that a group of Norgorber followers called the Silent Initiates were involved in the attack on the Senate. Do you know if they were the sole villains in this plot, or if there were others?"
“It seems my father reached out to his peers in other nations to recruit his... special forces. I understand the Lion Guards found evidence of Andoren, Chelish, and Galtan nationality among the dead; the old colonies where my father might still have loyal friends. Had. The Lion Blades heard rumors of father recruiting foreign agents and feared for my safety, but we vastly underestimated the numbers, or his true targets. This is why I clearly need new eyes in this endeavor.”
"To have survived so much, and to still retain so much hope, you are an inspiration to us all."
”Well someone has to keep the morale up, eh? Can’t be all doom and gloom all the time!”
”You must not say such things, even in jest.”
Liraela understands the mood immediately, and quickly puts her dagger away. ”No need to worry, friend, was just a jest as you say. I wouldn’t dream of such a thing.”
”Sometimes I get the feeling this entire country is my enemy, so what’s one more? Plenty of room on my list. I’ll be sure to keep an eye out during my escapades for any evidence that he was involved in your fathers untimely passing, you have my word.”
Liraela is unusually quiet during the opening of the meeting, trying to get her emotions under control. Here you have the princess, spouting idyllic words of improvements, education, and opportunities, and yet she is as rich and opulent as the rest of them. Tea and a fireplace? A dog to keep as a pet? She hasn’t seen the streets of Taldor the way countless others have. Will have to watch her carefully, Liraela decides.
The surprise of being granted a title only throws more confusing fuel onto the fire of emotions she is feeling, however, as even as she kneels in front of the Princess she remembers the countless times she had to kneel and beg countless people for money, for food, for any aid they can provide.
”Thank you, Your Grace.” she finally manages to push out, in an awkward attempt at copying Henrika’s example of a proper address. This clearly wasn’t her comfort zone, but she was making do.
She grimaces a little when Henrika brings up her uncle, wondering what her little stunt earlier in the week might lead to.
”The Lion Blades heard rumors of father recruiting foreign agents”
”I, for one, think we can put those to rest as being rumors and instead mark them down as fact. Whatever is going on here wasn’t perpetrated by your father alone. Chalice-Bearer as my witness, may karma bring swift justice to those who have betrayed this country and its people.”
"But, if I suspect correctly that you are looking for instructions to take up arms so that you may go against your uncle's will, I would gladly put something in writing."
Henrika's smile is sudden and glorious, though she refrains from crying out in giddy appreciation. "Thank you, Your Grace. That would be most kind of you."
”I, for one, think we can put those to rest as being rumors and instead mark them down as fact. Whatever is going on here wasn’t perpetrated by your father alone.”
Henrika frowns at the new information, but does not know what to make of it. She nods to Liraela and muses aloud. "Do you trust the Lion Guards completely? I take that there is no evidence of their involvement-- and I would not impeach their honor by accusing them-- but how could your father have done so much without their knowledge?"
Xallis stands, a look of determination on his face. His lip trembles ever so slightly as he does his best not to smile like an overexcited child, but Navia betrays his elation by smirking enough for the two of them.
"My deepest gratitude, Your Grace. You may rest assured that I will not fail you. I will use every tool and ally at my disposal to secure peace for the people of Taldor."
"Wait, does this mean I get to be your squire?" Navia's voice echos through Xallis' mind. "Oh, I can carry your banner and wave it around and boss people around when they're rude to you. 'Show some respect to Sir Livara', I'll say, 'or you'll have to deal with-'"
The next utterance in their telepathic communication is a sound like blood rushing over creaking bones. The sort of noise you might hear if you pressed your ear to someone's chest as a particularly violent transmutation spell was taking effect on them.
"Ahhh. I still don't think it would be wise to use your true name. I'm... not even sure if you can in your current state. And before you ask, no, now is not a good time to try."
Navia quietly chuckles to herself."Alright. But if this mouth can't speak it, then you'd better give me one that can. And I'll hold you to it."
Icabhod rises after his shoulders are tapped. Thank you, I am honored
Well this is certainly a step p, I believe that writing up a letter of resignation and explanation to my employer is in order. This will certainly require a new wardrobe
Also: Do we know who the Lion Blades are? The Pathfinderwiki says they are a secret organization that does not officially exist, but I suppose that could be a polite fiction. Henrika's question is valid if she's just referring to the royal guards with both phrases, or if she knows that the Lion Blades are imperial spies. :)
"Do you trust the Lion Guards completely? I take that there is no evidence of their involvement-- and I would not impeach their honor by accusing them-- but how could your father have done so much without their knowledge?"
"The Lion Blades are loyal to that nation and its tenets, not any one politician, including me. Though I enjoyed a number of supporters within the Lion Blades’ ranks during my crusade to overturn primogeniture—many in the organization felt advancing Taldor’s internal unity would strengthen our security as well—the organization refuses to act beyond being an internal security force. Even my closest allies among them have removed themselves from me since the War for the Crown began. It’s been frustrating, but I can appreciate their perspective. How my father's actions bypassed their scrutiny, I couldn't say. I suppose even they didn't imagine father was capable of such a massacre."