Gloriana Morilla's page

Arodus, 4714

My Comrade in Arms,

With the Horn of Aroden in hand, our army more than doubled in size in the final month of the campaign. I sent our Army of Exploration north to join the Pathfinder Society, where I have already heard reports of our soldiers' success on the field of battle. News travels quickly in Taldor, and word of our success has drawn all eyes to the north—at long last. Even though the aristocracy is late to the party, they are already arranging parties to celebrate their supposedly pivotal roles in out expedition's success. It is preposterous, really.

For millennia Taldor's nobility led the Inner Sea region in war and in peace, and the model of the enlightened, even-handed aristocrat is the ideal form of rule for most nations; however, we must accept that Taldor's elite are no longer the shining example. In your mind's eye, remove them from that sacred pedestal. As other lands have grown in strength and prominence, so too have they developed their respective noble classes. In my travels this past year, I met with many of these leaders. Some are bold innovators with justice, virtue, and industriousness to spare. Others—including an uncomfortable number of monarchs—have lost sight of the bigger picture and settled into a life of luxury, indolence, and vice.

Nonetheless, with your help I have built a growing network of right-minded nobles across eastern Avistan, many who have the ear of their head of state. Rather than try to dredge Taldor from the stagnant harbor in which it has scuttled itself, we will effect change through the lesser nobility. As the nations we foster thrive, others shall open their doors to our vision. Perhaps—I hope—one day Taldor will deign to do the same.

The Pathfinder Society is our ally in this regard. You and its many other agents travel far and wide and speak to many powerful people in the course of your work. Use these opportunities wisely to find like-minded aristocrats to join us, but exercise caution; if we move too openly, those uninterested in change may try to stop us. My next goal is greater recognition in Absalom, which has long been my home and hosts a plethora of like-minded elite.

Our goal is worth the wait,
Lady Gloriana Morilla

The Pathfinder Society Organized Play campaign begins the Year of the Sky Key, its sixth season of Pathfinder RPG adventures. Keep the words of Lady Morilla in mind, and be on the lookout for opportunities to help the new Sovereign Court faction succeed in its objectives. When the time comes, endeavor to participate in Pathfinder Society Scenario #6-05: Slave Ships of Absalom.

Agent of the Aristocracy,
There is no doubt in my mind that courtly intrigue in Taldor is an art; the nuances of posture, movement, innuendo, and scheming surpass the machinations of less prestigious nations. I once believed this was because Taldor has a history of action and cultural excellence. However, even masterful art stagnates and fades into irrelevance if not shared with the world, and the finest art incorporates new techniques and styles over time. Taldor's nobility may be composed of artists, but they have withdrawn from the world to pursue petty squabbles and boast about what they would do if they could muster the wherewithal of their esteemed ancestors. It is a toxic atmosphere in need of a good airing out.
With the outbreak of war in Mendev, Taldor sent a token force north—not nearly enough for a nation wishing to continue its role as a world power and trendsetter. As you no doubt recall, I have taken matters into my own hands by mustering an independent army—an Army of Exploration—composed of soldiers from throughout the Inner Sea region. Once it is complete, we shall march on the Worldwound, rally the people of Avistan, and reclaim the lands now despoiled by demons.
Recruitment is steady but insufficient, and if the army is to succeed, we must acquire greater numbers. In the past, the greatest armies swelled when given something to rally around, be it a general or a flag, and I believe I know of the perfect centerpiece for our army. I have discussed my intentions with the Pathfinder Society's leadership, and they expressed an interest in helping us recover it. When the venture-captains begin selecting agents for this mission, I will recommend you.
Continue to distinguish yourself in our mission and that of the Pathfinder Society. A military campaign is an excellent opportunity for promotions, and when the Society marches for Jormurdun, it will need ambitious, capable officers who are able to lead and inspire those around them. It would please me to know that you were among them.

Onward to glory,
Lady Gloriana Morilla

The Pathfinder Society Organized Play campaign continues the Year of the Demon, its fifth season of Pathfinder RPG adventures. Keep the words of Lady Gloriana Morilla in mind, and be on the lookout for opportunities to help Taldor succeed in its objectives. When the time comes, ensure that you represent Taldor proudly in Pathfinder Society Scenario 5–19: The Horn of Aroden and Pathfinder Society Scenario 5–24: Assault on the Wound.

Arodus, 4713

Noble Agent,

I once observed a child playing with a stick as though it were a sword. He whipped it back and forth, slashing at the air as though battling some great beast, though ultimately any victory he might realize would be a figment of his imagination and of no lasting consequence. In his zeal, the child accidentally struck himself in the leg and fell down crying. Had the boy simply benefited from a trained swordsman’s teachings, he might have secured a respectable future. Watching the foppish debutantes of Magnimar and Korvosa prance about under the guise of nobility reminds me of that little boy. They could be so much more were they willing to accept our guidance, but stubbornly they persist. Perhaps when they accidentally wound themselves with their own ignorance they might remember the written offers I left many of them before departing.

I eagerly anticipate your return to Absalom, for everyone is talking of troubles in Mendev; it seems that the Worldwound’s demons are stirring, and the crusaders desperately seek reinforcements. We should be among those reinforcements, but our responsibility is even greater than that. Whenever an evil has threatened Avistan, who has led the charge? Taldor. If this is the dawn of a new crusade, then it is only reasonable that Taldor rides at the head of the armies, winning back its rightful role as the greatest of empires. I have not yet learned how large an army Taldor is sending north, but I believe I shall have such a chance in the coming days.

If you are in Absalom at the time, your presence would be a considerable boon. I have had cause to mention you by name—always in a positive light—in several of my correspondences with my contacts in Taldor, and your support might tip the balance in our favor when convincing our true aristocracy to levy an ever greater army.

To the ever-glorious empire,
Lady Gloriana Morilla

Loyal Citizen of the Empire,

Salutations from Magnimar! I have kept apprised of your excellent work in the field while I used my own skills in convincing the local faux aristocracy how much better life could be were they to formally structure their government around legitimate nobility. After countless galas in the Alabaster District, receptions with the Council of Ushers, and banquets with Lord-Mayor Grobaras, I can confidently confide that the folk of Varisia are a different and most recalcitrant people.

Although they are impressed by our tact and skill, the upper crust of Magnimar sees us more as curious allies than as inspiring examples. The bullheaded Lady Verrine Caiteil, moderator of the Council of Ushers, is either blind or so stubborn that she will not concede any fault in the Magnimaran government. That frustratingly guileful lord-mayor hides behind a mask of oafish corpulence, but in fact he is clever enough to survive in a legitimate aristocracy—a fact which has swollen his grotesque ego so far as to compete with his considerable waistline. Even the members of the lowly Varisian Council have scoffed at our superior ways.

Cunning as the local politicians are, I still have a few potent tricks at my command. Redouble your efforts in Varisia, and I shall work behind the scenes to ensure that your accomplishments are seen in a light most favorable both to Taldor and the nascent nobility. In particular I can spin your success in the campaign against the cult of Lissala—you are going to participate, of course—as an example of the excellence that accompanies the Taldan model.

To the ever-glorious empire,
Lady Gloriana Morilla

If you are unable to assist us in our aims, perhaps our resources would be better spent on other agents. I am nothing if not pragmatic, after all.

Exemplar of Taldan Superiority,

I am thrilled to hear the Society is sending so many of you to distant Varisia, for there is vast potential for our great empire in this largely untamed land. While the Armies of Exploration never reached the Varisian Gulf and the people of Varisia never knew life under the protection of the empire, they also hold no grudges against us as many nations nearer our homeland do, the results of conflicts and misunderstandings now generations past.

The people of Varisia are practically crying out for Taldor’s guidance. After all, perhaps the greatest quality of our culture and the one most emulated by those we once ruled is our nobility. And in the burgeoning cities of Varisia, the citizens are ever reaching to recreate that which only we can give. Korvosa has been ostracized by Cheliax—its motherland—just as Cheliax turned its back on us so many centuries ago. Despite being cut off from the greater nation, however, the Korvosan people have established their own rudimentary form of nobility, an aristocracy that wants so badly to be part of something larger than a single city on a frontier populated by barbarians and vagabonds. We can give them this structure and sense of belonging!

And in Magnimar, a city founded by dissidents who wanted to break free from the “tyranny” of Korvosa’s aristocracy, the merchants and politically influential families who run the city are slowly forming their own nobility in all but name. All they need is an example of what their lives could be, and they will soon adopt the titles of true nobles and know what it means to be Taldan.

For that’s what we can do by fostering these fledgling aristocracies. We can expand Taldor in a way that hasn’t been accomplished in millennia. The world is too populous now for armies to march forth into the wilderness and tame them. But in the Varisian frontier, the taming has already been done by both Magnimar and Korvosa, and like little mice on the edge of the jungle, they will crawl under our lion’s paw for protection. Taldor’s future and our return to glory will come in Varisia, and you can be the catalyst for this revival! Show the mighty and influential of Varisia Taldor’s puissance, and teach them that with us, they too can rule.

For the glory of the Empire,
Lady Gloriana Morilla

If I recall this "Colson" correctly, he was the one oft telling my uncharismatic companions to give speeches about freedom (that I would have to do for them.) It would make sense he would not tie himself down to an heir to that unique museum. Should they need more assistance, however, Baron Jacquo should be more than willing to dispatch me there yet again. Taldor has many investments still in the halls of the Blakros.

If you receive any missives from the late baron, please inform me at once and I will dispatch a cleric of Abadar to sanctify the place of his revenant spirit.