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My Most Intimate Friend,
While we have shared much in the past, what I must share with you now is not something that comes easily for me. Discretion is of the utmost importance, but you have always been discreet in the past, both in matters trivial and dire, and I know I can trust you now.
All is not well in the Chelish embassy, or rather, all is not well with me, here. In recent months, I have suspected that I am no longer in the good graces of the most illustrious and exemplary Thrice-Damned House of Thrune. There has been no direct indication of this from Her Infernal Majestrix or those close to her, but many of my political connections in Egorian and throughout the empire have soured; some now openly behave rudely to me, and in public no less! My very reputation is on the line—if not much, much more.
You know as well as I how hard I’ve worked to increase Cheliax’s influence, and your renown as my close associate is a testament to our success, yet it’s as if someone in Egorian were specifically out to get me. Surely you understand that an enemy among those with the queen’s ear could cause me significant annoyance, not to mention severely limit my usefulness to the Pathfinder Society. If I am to continue assisting the Decemvirate in conducting business within Cheliax’s borders—which has always been nothing but a pleasure—I need my political connections.
As you travel the world doing what it is you do for fun, be on the lookout for potential enemies who may use you to get to me, or worse, attempt to sabotage our collective efforts by disrupting your work. And should you find the opportunity to improve my reputation, clear my name of slander, or otherwise show House Thrune that I and those Pathfinder agents loyal to me are effective and valuable resources to the empire, by all means, exploit those opportunities for all they’re worth! I believe many chances to do so will present themselves as you and the Society shift your glance north to Varisia, where the city of Korvosa could use our help in establishing itself as the true center of power in the burgeoning nation.
You know I always repay favors, and if you assist me in repairing whatever damage has been done to my name in Egorian, your compensation will be beyond your wildest imaginings.
For the glory of House Thrune,
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen
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Paracountess, I find myself stunned as I read your missive. Surely this is the trickery of demons or those misguided miscreants of Andoran and not treachery within our very own court. You have worked hard on behalf of our great realm and I have been your loyal servant for many of those years. I promise to ward your reputation in my upcoming travels and crush our enemies with flail and fire.
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Glorious Paracountess
The Sharp Tongue of Law is pledged to your cause by your loyal servant, Balah. With its companion, Just Truth, I will seek those who speak ill of you. I have the sharp eyes of an inquisitor and my devotion to the Prince of Darkness is unquestionable. In his name we shall prevail.
Your loving servant
Balah Al-Akim
Signifer of the Order of the Gate
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Paracountess,
I find this news most distressing. To think, that I have been so long associated with a possible traitor. I'm afraid I must cut my losses. As a show of my loyalty to House Thrune, I must regretfully tell you that you will no longer be able to reach me in the usual manner. I will no longer serve you loyally and capably. I will certainly not be over later tonight as we agreed, and I will not be bringing those chocolates that you seem to enjoy so very much.
May Asmodeus favor all of his loyal servants,
Caiaphus
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Paracountess,
I find this news most distressing. To think, that I have been so long associated with a possible traitor. I'm afraid I must cut my losses. As a show of my loyalty to House Thrune, I must regretfully tell you that you will no longer be able to reach me in the usual manner. I will no longer serve you loyally and capably. I will certainly not be over later tonight as we agreed, and I will not be bringing those chocolates that you seem to enjoy so very much.
May Asmodeus favor all of his loyal servants,
Caiaphus
Countryman, I find your attitude most distressing. Surely it must be seen that should ill befall the Paracountess, ill will in turn befall the status of Cheliax with the Pathfinder Society, and by extension, the Pathfinder Society within Cheliax. While I, as with all loyal to the glorious Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, support the Darklight initiative, I think we can all concur that the relatively free operation of the Pathfinder Society within the borders of our fair mother nation is still an ideal situation. Anyone who would work for the destabilization of a relationship that has held for so long is surely an agent of chaos, and one to be sought out and eradicated.
Paracountess, know that while I certainly do not speak for the Acadamae itself, I can tell you that more than one of my fellow alumni of that august institution remain loyal to you.
Reginald Jeggare
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Oh. Oh dear. Fellows, I know you might have seen me as, at best, a sour supporter of Chelaxian affairs, but I know from personal experience that half the nobles in Egorian are less lenient than the Paracountess. And that was when I was the privileged son of a wizard! I shall do my best to support Mistress Dralneen. Anyone who wishes to hurt the Paracountess will have to go past my scimitar.
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Countryman, I find your attitude most distressing.
I had a feeling my missives were being monitored, but I had no idea that the one doing the monitoring would be so blatant about it. Really, my former relationship with the Paracountess is nobody's business but my own. Now, if you will excuse me, I'm late for an appointment, and I have to stop by the confectioner's shop before they close.
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The only proper function of the House of Thrune is to do the will of Lord Asmodeus.
The only proper function of the Empire of Cheliax is to ensure that the will of Lord Asmodeus rules all nations.
Petty squabbling among mortals such as we is unseemly.
My loyalty is neither to the Paracountess nor to the House of Thrune, save when they submit to Lord Asmodeus.
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Mistress,
It is with great concern that I reply to your missive. My recent promotion by the Ten to the rank of Venture Captain does not allow me time to venture through out Golarian as before. However, the young protege that you sent me has finally completed his training and I'll be sure to have him work toward your request as well.
Brother Jamon
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Hmph. Maybe if you spent more time doing the will of Cheliax and less time throwing parties you wouldn't be in this mess. I can only hope that now your own neck is on the line, the tasks you assign us will be more relevant to the needs of our nation. No more 'make sure I don't have to talk to this person at the dinner party, I don't like him.' Faugh!
Nevertheless, you remain my superior, and I will continue to do your bidding until instructed otherwise. Hope springs eternal, as they say. Maybe next time they'll appoint somebody who really understands the need for absolute and inflexible discipline.
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Hmph. Maybe if you spent more time doing the will of Cheliax and less time throwing parties you wouldn't be in this mess. I can only hope that now your own neck is on the line, the tasks you assign us will be more relevant to the needs of our nation. No more 'make sure I don't have to talk to this person at the dinner party, I don't like him.' Faugh!
Nevertheless, you remain my superior, and I will continue to do your bidding until instructed otherwise. Hope springs eternal, as they say. Maybe next time they'll appoint somebody who really understands the need for absolute and inflexible discipline.
It is good to see that others understand what really matters. Our meeting face-to-face is unlikely, which I regret.
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Paracountess,
I have been witness to some of the great deeds you've done for House Thrune, which is why none of this makes any sense to me. If I may be blunt, it appears that you've made a great enemy from within the House, yet unfortunately I currently have no idea whom, or for what possible reason. I would love to do nothing else than find the treacherous person(s) responsible and slay them where they stand with one of my hand-crafted swords. But have no fear, for if its discretion you desire, I will stay my blade and report anything I manage to discover to you at the earliest possible point. Don't think for even a second that I've forgotten the debts which I still owe. I'll remind you that I would have never survived my flight from Xa Hoi if it weren't for the intervention of your agents, so you know you can trust in me now as I trusted in you back then.
With Honor,
Quall
House Thrune Blacksmith and Pathfinder Society Field Agent
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Paracountess,
me and me fellow travellers, loyal to yer cause as we can be, will try our best to do this thing fer ye. We woundna like ta see ye to fall outta favour. Tis always better to dance with the devil ye know. And a beauty at that.
We will venture into Korvosa an raise a taknard in yer honour--an woe betides to them that don't do the same.
To:Paracountess Zarta Dralneen,
This situation is unfortunate. And it sounds as though you may have allowed this to progress too far to correct it. Especially with the whining of some of the Society members that I'm sure wouldn't have the spine needed to be as blatant in their disrespect if you had not advised us of this possible threat to your position.
In all honesty, you know I'm not sufficiently trustworthy to be given this information. Of all the people you know you can trust, you give me this missive? That is very likely not one of your best thought out plans. Giving me a hint of weakness is akin to giving me a dagger and then turning your back. This also likely applies to more than a few members of our Faction. That whole "might makes right" view of order that the homeland thrives on is alive and well in more than a few of our countrymen here in Absalom. I'd be very careful who else you entrust with this information.
As for myself, at least, you did make the correct choice. After careful consideration I have decided to support you in this little misunderstanding. And as I'm sure you can guess, the decision was based on my own selfish personal interests. If you are displaced I'm sure it would be by someone much less interesting to work for. Being stuck dealing with the same sort of hide-bound, scripture-quoting, sycophant I left Egorian to get away from in the first place does not fill me with joy. You are, regardless of the jealous quips of your detractors, the only reason that working for the Society is actually entertaining. I could pull in a great deal more simply thieving and looting with a crew of my own. But you make dealing for people with scruples tolerable. And as such I'll do what I am able to assist you keep your position.
I will also remind you, I have quite the imagination...
Pax,
Alexite Baradin
Captain, The Silver Princess
P.S.- Varia says she will support you as well. Again, mostly out of self interest. But she's a good bit more trust worthy than myself.
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I find myself summoned from the basement offices of the High Court to serve some mewling noblewoman?
Asmodeus, give me strength!
This is not the determination of Cheliax. This is not the dictums of House Thrune. I will serve my nation, but it seems to *me* and many of my fellow Chelish acolytes that our posting in Absalom would be better served by following those true representatives of Chelish might. I speak of the Hellknights. I speak of the Signifers.
These are the true masters of Cheliax, and the sooner I am following a Signifer's righteous command, the happier I'll be.
I join the counsel of Caiaphus Krupt, he has the right of the matter.
Continue without me.
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Randolf Culpher swallows slowly. He wipes his greasy hair back behind an ear and adjusts his collar. He is definitely shaken.
Signifer Dza'Thrune!
I am glad I was risen up in the Order of the Godclaw, I fear your lessons as much as I respect some of the reports you have filed in your long service!
I mean no disrespect to your station. If anything, I deeply compliment your deeds for the homeland, aheheheh, *ulp*.
Oily smile. Randolf licks his lips and squints at the others.
Observe Meridoc here, of all things, we have a Halfling conducting House Thrune's business? Can you not see this representation of the sycophantic nature that Dralneen has established in the past two years?! Can you not witness the perversion of our ways that Dralneen has enacted? 'Tis blasphemous. And some of the reports of what has been occurring in Dralneen's residence? I wouldn't believe them myself, had I not seen the expenses firsthand.
I may be new to our business in Absalom, but by the Black Altar, I am a patriot first and foremost, and I care not who knows it!
I would not say these things had I not the confidence my countrymen and women held this truth deep in their hearts.
At a certain point, a powdered face must be replaced with an iron mask.
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My most rewarding Mistress
These words shake my cold heart to hear of such politics threatening to displace you from your well deserved throne. Truely this must be a test from Asmodeus himself as all who gain power must be able to maintain it against those who would take it. You however need not worry about falling from his infernal graces for reguardless of what some of these so called "Loyal" servants say you still have devoted supporters amoung us. Just remeber for when this trail is over you have seen the faces of those who would turn on you and those of us who will stand by you in this trial. You have my full support in this matter and I shall lend you whatever you need. Be it spell, voice, ears, or minions. I have made many a tempting creature with my new found powers that I would happily donate to your cause.
Your most loyal collector
Adari The Necromancer
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Asaris has stated it succinctly, "dear cousin". As the *cough* multitude of Pathfinders, who have earned your attentions in the past, give oaths of loyalty... think to yourself the best way to spend that coin. If not for the greater Glory of House Thrune, think of Cheliax itself and our own family name. Once upon a time, Zarta, the name of Dralneen was associated with nobility, strength and valor- let your machinations cease to drag it through the proverbial mud.
I do believe your heart to be in the right place. I remember you, in our youth, talking about your love of Cheliax- of the dreams you had to bring it to greater glory and renew the strength of the houses... and you were such a clever girl, I believed in you and so have entered service with you. And it might be that all the frivolous pageantry and sordid goings on are meant to obfuscate your true plans- so I will continue to play my part in hopes your designs are true.
Your cousin and servant of the Empire,
Damien
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Dearest Paracountess,
I hope my letter finds you well. I must regretfully inform you that I am no longer able to assist you against your political opponents; my new responsibilities with the Pathfinder Society have consumed my time these past months, and what little time I had to spare I used to return to the Mordant Spire and assist my kin in dealing with unwelcome guests.
I also heard disturbing rumors that you were imprisoned? This is alarming; both because you are a valuable resource to me and because I appreciate how your influence accelerated my rise through the Pathfinder Society. While I cannot come to your aid myself I have dispatched my apprentice to Varisia. He should have arrived several months ago, but I have heard nothing of him since. It would disappoint me if he were to fail to arrive in time to assist you. When he does get there, be sure to only feed him once a day. I already had to expand all the doors in the summer villa to accommodate his girth. Also, he is not entirely housebroken; when he bleeds on the furniture, be sure to make him clean it up. It builds character.
I await your return correspondence. If you wish to speak in person, I shall be in Korvosa this Desnus, then departing for Oppara in Sarenith before I leave on an expedition to study the fiends of the Worldwound in Erastus. Perhaps we will be able to coordinate a meeting at one of my stops? I still hope to repay you for connecting me with your realtor. The island is lovely. Should you ever need to flee the Chelaxian government, I can offer you a reasonable rate on the summer villa. I will even waive the first month's rent.
Yours truly,
Filraen Ghaun, Venture-Captain
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My lovely Zarta,
It troubles me to see you fret over the recent turn of events. Surely you must be imagining things. I will most certainly do what is in my power as a travel to Varisia to seek out any who wish to sully your reputation and help restore you to favor with our Queen. Beleieve me, the pleasure is all mine!
Intimately yours,
Morcarion
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Don't fret, Zarta's got it all planned out.
The pieces are in play, the chessboard is moving, she's had it all planned out. Clever little hell's angel had the foes believing she was "captured", they were "in charge," they were "safe." Nope just part of the "grand design." Drew her loyalists out to "save her." Played the damsel in "distress." Now she's "on the run" just means she's free to do unto others...eh you get the picture.
Smart little devil that Zarta.... I'm smart too, I stay the heck out of her way when the firestorm comes back around to burn these little rats that have exposed themselves. No where to run, no where to hide, poor little rats. Just stand right there, take a number, be patient, we'll be right with you.
Legally yours,
MeriDoc Esquire
