Session 35 - Best Laid Plans

15/06/5-10

Faced with the much changed Simona, the party were at a loss for words for a bit. Her appearance hadn't change, but for the horns protruding from her head. She was not in armour and sat down, pouring herself a drink. Valeyo asked what had happened and if she had been hiding in the backroom of the tavern. She said that there are more of them in the taverns under town, including Blazh. She had used the Scribe in Konskirav to make a deal with Glasya. Shiek asked if Ignacy is there and she denied it. She was however, curious whether the party had brought Vincent here. Shiek asked if Viper hadn't updated her on it, but she seemed not to recognize the name.

Valeyo asked if it was Thalia, whose orders she was waiting for and she said she was one of the leaders who are meeting up, another being Vaziliis. Shiek shared what happened with Viper and Vincent and she said they are somewhat fragmented. Their plan was to use to Sky Stone to blow up the train and financially ruin the Kingdom, which would allow for more movement. Now that it isn't happening, the five leaders are meeting up to decide what is next. Shiek asked if they had other enemies, besides the crown and she drew a symbol of a circle with a wavy line, the same one Viper had. She said they didn't know who it was, but they were the ones who blew up Prof Berkinsail's house. They don't leave much evidence and are highly skilled. Valeyo let them know professor Berkinsail was alive.

Valeyo began asking about the Emisar. Simona said that when he first arrived, they assumed, he was hunting them. That appeared to be wrong, but he keeps a high military presence and rarely leaves the dome. Valeyo gave her a speech about focusing on helping the people, not spiting the crown. She argued it could be both, saying her goal is Dragomir's head. Valeyo told her to focus on helping smalls scale, helping this community first, but ridding it of the Emisar. He asked if she knew if the caverns connected to the temple and she said they likely do to the catacombs under it, but she would have to ask some of their local members.

Shiek asked how she and Blazh had met and she explained that he found her after the giants, healed her and she was looking for revenge, which matched with it. Shiek said it was best not to meet here anymore and she agreed and told them of a shed behind the Undergrow tavern. Before they left, Valeyo made it clear that they were not to attack them and Simona said not to worry as they were mostly on the same side right now. The party took their leave.

They decided to return to the Golden Road. Milivoj asked if they believed her story about Viper and Valeyo and Shiek did. Valeyo asked about their meeting with the Emisar and his brother, wondering if the Emisars had something to do with the Novosels, but Ysomir said they were on good terms. The party discussed the possibility of talking to the Emisar or baiting him out of his office. They agreed they could get Ruben to invite him and then Valeyo and Milivoj would talk to him, while the others remain in town and sneak into the temple through the catacombs. There was discussion about doing it in the Town Mansion or even, not at all. Sapphira finally revealed that she was the half-vampire in question. After a lot of back and forward Valeyo proposed just walking in with Milivoj, while Cassini turned to a spider.

On the way, Milivoj wondered what they hoped to accomplish and Valeyo explained that he wished to find information on the Emisar's motivations and anything that would explain why he is doing what he was doing. Should it be against the interest of the people, they could reveal it and oust him peacefully. In the temple, the knight saw them enter and immediately opened the door as they approached. Milivoj was surprised at how easy it was and they were lead into the office. Inside the Emisar was waiting behind the desk and the other knight was inside leaning against the wall. The Emisar said he was surprised to see Milivoj so soon. Milivoj introduced Valeyo as his majordomo, while Ysomir recovers. Milivoj said he was worried about the giants left to run amok the road. The Emisar raised a hand to stop him and looked at the space above their head and asked why he shouldn't annihilated the pixie where it stood. Milivoj said not to worry, as they had been pestered by fey for a while. The guard opened the door and Axi left. Milivoj explained that Valeyo is well-versed in gathering information, so he had him asking around town and found out that the First Boyar had not sent guards. He asked if the Emisar knew why and he said that he did, but it was of no concern to Milivoj. Outraged, Milivoj shouted that the security of the realm was in question and the Emisar said that indeed he was, and that is why he was there. Milivoj spoke about how the realm can't prosper when giants are raiding the citizens. The Emisar looked at him and sighed, saying he knew what he was doing and it was all under control. He had been preparing for 3 years and the giants were but a blip in an otherwise prosperous trade road, thing like that will happen no more.

The Emisar looked at Valeyo and said he must have been very unfortunate to lose both and arm and a leg and Valeyo agreed. When the man proposed asking Milivoj to get him a new leg, since he could bring back the dead. Valeyo looked at him and said that he might ask the giants to stitch one of the legs they ripped off from the merchants. The Emisar wondered if that is all Milivoj came for, to chastise him for his running of the town. Milivoj said that was never his intention, simply wishing to find out more. What he wanted is to seem, how he could be helpful. The Emisar reminded him of his inquire into the half-vampire member of their party and wondered if Milivoj had found out more about it. Milivoj denied it and Valeyo interrupted saying that there are no half-vampires. Milivoj said that the man was an expert, having lost his limbs to them. The Emisar wondered if Valeyo was of the Court cities and he corrected him, saying he was of Svenska, but he knew vampires well and hated them. The Emisar said to be wary all the same and that his source was to be trusted. Milivoj did say there was 1 more personal matter to discuss.

The Emisar lead him to a side room, which revealed a spiral staircase headed down. After walking down, they saw an iron carriage, barely large enough to fit a person. They began their talk and Milivoj asked what he had meant, by his brother potentially joining the Emisars. Danil explained that Milivoj's brother was on a fast-track system to prove himself and be elevated to a position of power and it was very disappointing that he died. Milivoj went to leave, but the door was locked. The Emisar grabbed the handle and whispered "Violets" causing it to open. With that, Milivoj left and grabbed Valeyo on the way out.

Cassini was investigating the building in his spider form. Some of the windows were of wavy construction, making it hard to see more than silhouettes. The bases of the towers were similar and had little of notice.

In the Golden Road, Shiek asked Ysomir about Milivoj's appearance during his death. He wanted to know of stories about transformation during a rage or something. Ysomir explained that the Novosels are seasoned in battle, Milivoj's brother being a renowned swordsman, but no stories of such rage. Shiek then turned to Sapphira and asked her about that Baron of the Deep, that Alina had mentioned and if that is related to her condition. Sapphira said it was, but she didn't know who the Baron was, she just asked for help.

On the way back Valeyo told Milivoj that the whole implication that Ysomir's death is meaningless because he was brought back to be crude. When they were back they began sharing their findings about the carriage and his interest in vampires. Milivoj said about the carriage being in a locked room and the passphrase violet. He proposed that the graveyards might lead to the catacombs, as well. The room where the cart was had a book shelf and a locked chest, so unless he does sleep in the cart, it is not his quarters. Regardless it seemed that he would be hard to get out of town, as he didn't even entertain the idea of sending Milivoj on a wild goose chase.

Cassini walked in and told that of his search. While there was no way in on the first floor. Up high on a tower, was an unused room with a balcony. On a third tower was a simple room again with a balcony. The party talked about using the ICM as a distraction while they sneak in, but Milivoj wasn't sure if allying with then would help the credibility. Shiek proposed that Milivoj could sit this out if it makes him uncomfortable, but Milivoj said he had to be there if the man truly as a traitor and he would execute him himself. He would need good evidence that the man was guilty however, otherwise he would be executed himself.

The topic turned to the Atanasoffs and Valeyo decided to finally open and reseal the letter. It said:

"Mine is clear, hopefully there won't be another incursion like this for a few years. Get staff back to fill in the gaps as soon as possible."