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Chapter defining PC tbhhhhh. Went out like a badass.

Dear Alejandro,

Thank you for your correspondence. Again, I am sorry to hear of these affairs that trouble you.

Such matters were been brought to my attention before we met, either through Recluta, who reached out to me for support, or from agents of the 4th Legion of House Maribid, who attempted overtures having received offers of bribes from said Reclutas. Given the diverse array of Recluta involved, I have come to suspect that some internal affair within La Banda Rossa was having them prove themselves with this task.

In truth, I still know little about the circumstances of your passing from the banner of the Cinquefoil Rose, and it is a shame we have not had the opportunity to discuss the matter further. Yet alliances are thus, and if the Grandmaster's red band are staking their activities thusly, then I am gladdened at least that it seems to be a bit of mischief over a songbook and nothing more than that. Of course, without hesitation, I invite you home, which would end this silliness without a doubt. Come, let us speak, put whatever passed behind us, and work together to save the world.

I shall pass your regards to Jacques and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,
Caddick
Balladeer of the Lost Hearth

Dear Lt. R. Colmes,

Thank you for your enquiry. It would seem you would be well suited to dealing with the aforementioned Recluta Emilia Laurentis, on an unofficial basis given her standing.

Unfortunately, as my attention is now turned towards more pressing matters, and I shall not deign to lower the banner of the Cinquefoil Rose to being assumed as a vassalage to your Bey, I had to turn away Soldier Diadys.

All the best in your endeavours.

Yours sincerely,
Caddick
Balladeer of the Lost Hearth

Dear Lt. R. Colmes,

Assumptions are a dangerous thing. Given that I have had no introduction to Mr Khum'nazir, nor have any armsmen, or working agents of the Cinquefoil Rose mentioned them to me for matters of dispute resolution, we will find he explicitly does not satisfy the spirit of my suggestion. If he has not, as you say, prevented disputes and interference by individuals with an axe to grind, I find it to be a strange suggestion by you that he satisfies the suggestion by any measure, indeed.

You have my agreement that the laws of Ephia's Well do indeed apply as far as the territory of the Cinquefoil Rose for as long as the Grandmaster lends her support to the Accord and allows the Legates to sit. She instructed me to restore the banner to a higher level of honour and decorum. A task I have put myself to over countless hours since my arrival in Ephia's Well. This includes my cooperation with the judiciary in all matters.

However, we shall be clear: la Banda Rossa is a separate military force with its own manner of regard and dispute resolution. The Krak des Roses was dispensed and made the eminent demesne of Grandmaster Elizabetha d'Auvergne by the authority of your Sultan, above and beyond the purview of your Bey and your 4th Legion. Our cooperation is ever at the command of the Grandmaster and the military structure thereunder. Your failure to appreciate this distinction and why a lack of diplomacy on your part has antagonised the situation in the past and led to repeated breakdowns of communication and chaos in the streets are your own failings best reflected upon as a leader.

A reply is not necessary. I retract any further negotiations I had made as an offer to improve the state of our affairs and look instead to other means of supporting our futures.

Yours sincerely,
Caddick
Balladeer of the Lost Hearth

Dear Lt. R. Colmes,

Thank you for your correspondence. I hope my letter finds you in good stead. It was my honour to be hosted by the 4th Legion of the Sultan's House Maribid, and I remain heartened by the enthusiasm all of your men and women display for the safe keeping of our home, Ephia's Well.

They say that words made in haste are rarely kept. The Grandmaster of the Cinquefoil Rose Elizabetha d'Auvergne has charged me with cleansing the stain of dishonour upon our standard. With this in mind, I must be deliberate and careful in how I undertake my command.

I have spoken at length with members of la Banda Rossa, the Sisterhood of the Sibylline Vine, and others in the ranks of the Balladeers, and I have found a grave amount of distrust and misunderstanding of the arduous work of the 4th Legion. If we are to hope to build a future of peace and liberty for our disparate peoples, then we must, with care, create a measured and appropriate plan for resolving future disputes or raising concerns of distrust or misinformation.

Without the certainty of what was briefed to you of our discussions before your arrival, I will summarise that your armsmen suggested that we broker terms of safe access for the Janissary into the Krak des Roses, as well as terms that you may freely investigate people within without fear of reprisal. I have also put forward the suggestion that there should be a magistrate within the Cinquefoil Rose to act as an evening hand of justice and an interested party in the affairs of the halls of governance to ensure that soldiery cannot devolve into the reflexive shutting of doors and building of barricades, which is understandable. It is how they are trained to deal with situations where they feel unsafe, and men are creatures of habit.

As someone foreign to Ephia's Well, I am given to understand that a Magistrate is a government position and outside of the strictest purview of the 4th Legion. I would appreciate your correction on this matter if it is appropriate, and I would also not press for this form of resolution without your blessing. I do feel, however, that it would do much to mend the affairs as I have investigated them.

Considering the aforementioned, I would also invite any suggestions from you or your armsmen that you may have thought of in the meantime or that you believe I am overlooking. If you will excuse the expression, we shall need to look towards building concrete steps to shore up our foundations. Bad actors shall only succeed where we are lax and ill in our diligence. Let us restore the deliberation and forethought necessary to resume building our accord once more.

Yours sincerely,
Caddick
Balladeer of the Lost Hearth

Page 14.

A day of tumults. What started as an opportunity to sit down with the Astronomers of Q'tolip and learn of their aggrievances was interrupted by the politician Marcellus' claims that young boys were trying to kill him. After safely escorting him to his home- a supposed temple filled with a collection of rat heads and goblin pornography- he then decides to throw a celebration with an open door, so much for the fright of assassination. Someone decided to have a jest with some tricks of the light, but there was a jovial atmosphere all around. I kept my eye out and saw not a raise of the knife throughout. I was finally able to gift the mirror to Sister Hypatia, and her smile made it worth the wait. And later that night, after celebrations, Aurelio emerged and declared it an hour of oaths. Once night had truly fallen, we gathered atop the Krak des Roses. I swear there I saw the King's mist adrift as we spoke our words true. I asked for a Sister who would accept my forebear's oath, and Sister Hypatia stepped forward to my delight and esteem.

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Dear Legate al-Marain,

Thank you for your reply. In truth, I have wanted to take to the Temple of Mother B'aara often. Yet, as I hope you may understand, there seems to be no end to the intrigues, confrontations, and duties that must be undertaken in Ephia's Well. I also dare to admit that I had hoped my first experience would be at the call to prayer, which I was disappointed to miss the week passed, and hope to make the next.

When we first met, I explained to you my duties given to me by my master in the Cinquefoil Rose. These have become all the more important in the last tenday. It is my honour to inform you that I have been named Balladeer of the Lost Hearth and charged by the Grandmaster Elizabetha d'Auvergne with the duty of restoring honour to our standard, given the betrayals hence that must never be repeated. May we work all the more closely in the times to come.

I hope it is not an imposition, but there is a new arrival in Ephia's Well by the name of Niranye Auvreathil. She is an elven woman and a student of art, who was once saved by the B'aarat in the desert. I have asked her as a part of her studies to make the time to meet you and learn the splendours of Mother B'aara, an irony given my own busy schedule but I hope her company is a good one should she find you.

Yours sincerely,

Caddick
Balladeer of the Lost Hearth

Page 10.

Today, on a venture abroad at the behest of the Cinquefoil, I came upon a shining mirror. It is ornate and quite fetching. Upon finding such, my mind turned to the Sisterhood and to Hypatia, who first greeted me when I arrived, hearing tell of the legends of them who would save the world. I secreted it away and asked Sister Selsi, who assured me that Hypatia would enjoy such a gift and that giving it would not cross any offence or superstition to local regards.

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Page 11.

The days have become long. I have not had the company of a Balladeer since the betrayal of the Grandmaster. I fear that their silence and absence speak to a lack of belief in the Grandmaster's mercy and her command to cleanse the stain upon the honour of the Cinquefoil Rose. I will not deny my worry that this speaks to a greater issue. I remind myself of the virtue of hope and its tenets: the contemplation of heaven, of joy, modesty, confession, patience, of ardent sorrow for my faults, and acceptance of the long-suffering nature of life in the Disk. I shall pray that they grieve and do not plan further betrayals, even as I work towards peace.

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Page 12.

I turned towards the duty that the Grandmaster gave me, and today, my attention has been on la Banda Rossa and House Maribid's 4th Legion. Having spoken to them both at length, it would seem they both agree in their own way that their work would be easier if given peace by the other. Yet any attempts at overtures between them in the past seem to have been undermined by a lack of respect for the other or a willingness to engage in good faith. I have proposed to them each to allow me to serve as a bridge between them and left them to consider how best that could be built. As I await their considerations on the matter, I found myself wandering and speaking to people in Ephia's Well about the tangled history of this place and the many betrayals that seem to have occurred. I suspect such will come for me in time, and I should be well prepared.

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Page 13.

Unfortunately, the Sisterhood has seemed greatly busied of late, and I have not had the pleasure of the Sisters' company over wine. However, I was honoured by Eyck's company and more. It seems he has emerged in good enough spirits as to dispel my gravest concerns, and he came in time to witness Lyrist Hiltrud name me Balladeer and Sister Selsi grant me my first sip of the drink. Strange things I saw in my imaginings. Some poppy liquor, indeed, though pleasant enough for its bodily sensations. I am still abuzz, though I think that is my pride still resounding like a bell.

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Page 9.

By the lost nine faces of misfortune, was there ever such a boor as Argoyle? Four wives bought from a slave market? My sweated well, well-marched posterior as oath that man could neer afford a lesson in numbers, much less a servant. That young master vexes me so with his every remark of irreconcilable ill virtue and poor regard. Yet, all the more reason to remind myself of the manners of temperance: discernment, obedience, silence, fasting, sobriety, physical penance, and contempt of the City Disk. Through these acts, I shall maintain the discipline required to bite my tongue, and I shall pray that, in the fullness of time, he grows to become a better and more honest man.

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Dear Legate al-Marain,

I write to you today to express my every impression towards your dignity and poise. You showed every part the virtues of courage, temperance, and faith in your commitment besides our mission to make amends and to cleanse the Stele together with the Chamber of Rule. In truth, I know not if you share the value of the virtues with myself and my old order, and yet I wished to pen you these words all the same. Duly impressive and I hope in the future I can make amends far greater than what was broken this last week.

When I was a girl, my mother gifted me a flute. So charmed was I with the thing that I would often sit upon the windowsill at night and play with it as I watched the heavens move overhead. Of course, without exception, the maids would give me a fetching as such was not becoming of a lady. Nevertheless, I cannot help but think back to those days of peace in the highlands and wonder at how much the world has changed but for the passage of time. Of course, I can no longer play the flute, but not for a lack of trying. I find myself wondering if you have ever found yourself taken by music of any kind.

Yours sincerely,

Caddick,
Student of the Balladeers of the Lost Hearth

Page 8.

Fortune is a strange thing. I met an extraordinary woman who goes by the name of Madeline. According to tale, she is from a far-off land, a city suspended on a sea by which way I have never seen. She is a Luckfisher, a title that initially inspired in me no small amount of incredulity. Indeed, she of such unbridled affection and confidence that I admit I initially found it grating. But for the virtue of temperance, the more time I spend with her, the more I am beginning to see her every bright and wonderful quality. She spoke to me of the three pillars of her faith in Maribela de Fortuna. As foreign as it is to me to hear of unknown faith after faith in this strange land, I could not help but give it credence as I saw her speak with the most respect I had seen her articulate to date. I even shared a little of the small gods from the old world, yet the betrayals and monsters are such that I will not darken this page for it. Perhaps we shall journey together again soon. I would like such.

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Page 7.

I have met a travelling Wyld woman known as Nonon. She has told me that the ash of the desert is alive in its own wicked way. She tells tall tales that the storms I remember from so long ago still rage. That some are destructive enough to turn men to dust and grind the walls of Ephia's Well to gravel. She even claimed that Q'tolip's Shade might not be enough to protect it. The thought has kept me up late tonight. This small township that is Ephia's Well has grown on me during my short stay and I am so sworn to protect it, however I may.

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Each page in this small book is written in compact, tight handwriting.

Page 1.

Strange times I find myself in. After endless travails, I have come upon Ephia's Well. It is a place possessed of a wealth of opportunity and potential, such as I had perhaps forgotten possible. Here, there is food and water aplenty. No longer will I need to trade the salvage of the wastes for vine fruit, flour, and water to bake upon my shield. Paper is abundant here, not merely hoarded by the chemists and the rich. So, I have decided to attempt the hobby of diarist. It will allow me to use letters such as I learned back home.

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Page 2.

The tales of the Cinquefoil Rose have proven themselves to be grounded. There are people here who speak of their attempts to find the fabled cup to restore the world anew. I have met the Grandmaster of the Order, who is an inspiring woman such as I have not seen since I was a girl. There is a sisterhood here also spoken well of by the Grandmaster, whose purpose is that of the hearts, morals, and duty. One amongst them, Hypatia, I find myself quite fond of, indeed.

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 Page 3.

I have found myself fond of the conversations with a physician and Astronomer known as Ashley. I am given to understand she is not without standing here in Ephia's Well. She has explained to me many extraordinary things regarding the inventions of an Ashfolk Q'tolip and his students. I have been bold enough to ask for more of her time, as her company is both pleasant and insightful. Indeed, out of a sense of duty and respect for my new hosts, I must endeavour to learn as much as I can about this new land and its customs.

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Page 4.

I have been told to persuade the Legate Gausim al-Marain of the virtues of a hypothetical Rose District adjacent to the Krak des Roses. However, upon my meeting with the Legate and his scribes, it seems that my master was unaware of the various arrangements that the Balladeers, Sisterhood, and la Banda Rossa have already undertaken. Nevertheless, I did all that I might to furnish the Legate with the culture and beauty that my master wished to convey. Given the assembly of government is tomorrow, I fear that my role in this is too late. Yet, it was my honour to meet the Legate and his aid.

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Page 5.

The Lyrist Aurelio whom I was told to serve has proven himself not a dutiful armsman but a young master. When I was first inducted into the Cinquefoil Rose, I was instructed to find whatever means I could to undermine its own army, la Banda Rossa. Yet how could I do this in earnest? There is no rightly way to betray the men and women who guard the doors as you sleep. Now I see the instruction for what it was. One of the Lyrist's closest men murdered a member of la Banda Rossa, stabbing him in the back, for all the government assembled of Ephia's Well to see. Our honour is greatly impugned. The Grandmaster has diminished Aurelio's standing, and I see now I must look elsewhere for leadership.

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Page 6.

It was a storm of activity in an attempt to put things right. The murder of the Balestriere Vico in the seat of governance was an act so sinful that it appeared to corrupt the very halls of the institution. The former Lyrist and his men threatened a coup to betray their pledges to the Grandmaster. She put their ambitions down and forgave them. I had the honour of protecting the Legate Gausim al-Marain in cleansing the Stele and the Chamber of Rule from what I am told is the forces of a Sibilant Messiah, a Wyrm. I did this alongside Aurelio, the Balladeers, and a Sister-Acolyte Narwen, who seems a blessed sweet soul. Yet my duty means I shall need to keep a close eye on Aurelio and his men, indeed.

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HOH #4 NOBLISSE OBLIGE P1.

Disappointment abounds in these tumultuous days. Plati Plix - noted former Nadiri of the tower of Q'tolip, resigned - barred from the Krak des Roses. A continued escalation from his assault on the Sisterhood of the Sibylline Vine? This Herald investigates.

An announcement from the Balladeer and Speaker Alain Chauderon broke the day: "Five thousand dinar to each of our petals; three voices, as it were, for him to earn his welcome back in the Krak des Roses. If he wishes to abscond from this debt, then he might find his drinks elsewhere!"

When asked for comment, Balladeer Alain clarified the situation. "Ah? Well; Plati Plix has attacked our Krak not once, but twice, you see. First assaulting our priory while under the influence of djinn, and then a second time after he was thrown out for crude remarks against our Balladeer Samira."

Reports have been witnessed by the Herald alleging that Plati Plix was seen attacking the Krak des Roses with an enspelled battalion of magical arms. This Herald is relieved to report no loss of life.

"The way I see it, he seeks to circumvent our ban in any way he might, so it is only right that for his attack upon our gate, he should pay to each of our three petals." Balladeer Alain added. "Plati Plix is about as significant as a desert asp, and I shall lose no sleep over his absence from our Krak."

When Plati Plix's former instructor - Cosine Mevura, infamous Apothar - was approached for comment, he had the following statement. "Plati Plix renounced our teachings and forsook the Astronomers. For some reason, he did not take his box of personal effects with him. I decided to dispose of it."

When pressed for further comment on the potential fate of Plati Plix, Apothar Cosine added, "It's possible he was eaten by worms."

When approached for comment, Sister Selsi of the Sibylline Vine confirmed the Sisterhood's support for Balladeer Alain's barring of the former Nadiri.

Cont. p2.

HOH #4 NOBLISSE OBLIGE P2.

"I worry he learns from each attempt- and that when he tries again he might successfully hurt someone," comments Sister Selsi of the Sibylline Vine.

"I think the beloved Legate Marcellus mentioned something about a pending arrest for him at the Wintermoss forum? I hope they see him trialed for his numerous threats and assaults."

Whilst empathetic of the plight that a potential madman may be inflicting on the Krak des Roses, this Herald remains concerned. Is this a return to the worst of the old city traditions, where extortion and coin outweigh the value of lives?

Is the well-being of the Sisterhood - or any visitor to the Krak des Roses - only worth the sum of 15,000 dinari?

Are these the knightly principles that the Grandmaster espouses amongst her cadre?

Only time will tell.

The Herald on the Hill,
Clementine Hill
Adar 28th, IY 7787

HOH #3: MARCELLUS, A MASKED MONSTER?

Jerrod Felch, Reporter

By now, many people in Ephia's Well understand that Marcellus was somehow spirited away into the depths beneath the deep gutters by a malevolent force, and that he was rescued from their clutches at great cost and loss of life. What is less known is that this tragedy was all quite preventable.

The caged creature held captive upon the Mount of the Astronomers-- a 'Devil of Thirst'-- beckoned to the Purple Legate in his dreams. Ignoring the counsel of his peers, Saenus forced his way into the captivity of this demon and communicated with it in a dead tongue: Low Formorian.

What did Saenus say to the devil?

What question was asked, what bargain struck, what contract formed?

We may never know what he communicated to the creature, but at that moment, both the demon and Saenus disappeared into the primordial darkness of Assuru-- a hellscape no man can claim to have seen and survived.

There is a very real possibility that the Legate Saenus who walks among us today is no more than a husk, a puppet maneuvered by infernal hands working to bring us all to ruin.

Our democratic experiment is a delicate thing, one that cannot survive the undue influence of foreign powers, be they mundane or supernatural.

The Astronomers of the Mount believed this Beast could be contained safely.

They were wrong.

The Astronomers of the Mount believe that Legate Marcellus Saenus looks and acts as Marcellus Saenus. Can we take them at their word that Legate Saenus has not been compromised? Can we truly take that risk?

I say no. And I urge you all to speak with me, to be heard. Let Saenus hear you. Let the Well hear you.

Legate Saenus must resign for the good of all.

Ed:
The Herald on the Hill,
Clementine Hill
Adar 27th, IY 7787