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[Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau]

Monsieur Tzimiskes,

It has warmed my hear to hear of someone aspiring to taking up the banner of the Lily in these trying times.

This City has a need for her next great populist, and for strong friends to support him or her.

Could this be you?

I would like to take your measure, to see if it is worth placing some of my considerable weight behind you.

Find me at your leisure, if you would. I will know how serious you are thereafter.

Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau
BANDA ROSSA

[Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau]

Monsieur Prelate,

We have been as two ships passing in the night recently, and we must remedy this.

We have much to offer one another!

You surely must tire of people punching you in your face, and the people tell me that the Sultan's Janissaries will not help you! And I have so many Recluta!

How strong are your finances?

Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau
BANDA ROSSA

[Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau]

Legate Gloombeard,

Congratulations on your victory!

The Banda Rossa have selected Qari Alriyh to be our Magistrate, as per our agreement.

We look forward to hearing the news of his appointment.

Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau
BANDA ROSSA

[M.R.]

A simple note left at the Priory.

Selsi,

You wouldn't believe what old friends have come back to town.

We need to talk, and soon.

M.R.

A weather-beaten, leatherbound tome. It's pages are filled with musings, diagrams, maps, and more. Some excerpts are readable.

We set out on this journey Kingward for one thing, right? To make our dreams real, whatever they might be. Of course, most of us wouldn't know our dreams if they were staring us right in the face.

Thankfully, I'm blessed with a unique perspective.

The Pipeweed Seeds I brought from home should grow in-between the cobbles here, and the Alley Onions are abundant. I even found an old abandoned house that is almost in livable condition. There's even water that is probably not poisonous.

It'll take a bit of work to fix her up, but when I get it done I can retire for a while, and put my feet up. It'll be sad to see my friends go, but they're fixated on these fantastical tales of far off Rings.

Ticker Square, the Old Peerage, this Grey Keep and Baz'eel.

Those are all probably as real as The King in the first place. This whole City is just a series of alleyways and puzzles and pillars that shock you and bandit gangs and freaks and monsters. It's best just to break off a piece where you can feel safe and sane and mind your own damned business for a while.

[M.R.]

A letter is delivered by a Recluta-turned-courier, left for Ariel at the Gold League offices.

Ariel,

I've spoken with my companions and comrades, and they are ready to support your bid for Legate.

What I need to make this a reality is some sort of concrete offer for the Company's Support.

Something to point at, so that the knives stray far from my throat.

You understand my position, I'm sure.

Vico wants control over who descends. I don't know why he wants that, but he does.

Otherwise, the rest of them are more or less content to receive their coin and kill monsters and people for the Well.

You know what sort of things I like.

Let's get this deal sorted so you can become Legate already.

M.R.

[Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau]

A tidily penned letter arrives for Atreya Lightdrew, at the Janissary Garrison...

Mademoiselle Soldier,

I'm doing a bit of research on potential wyrm cultist activity and infiltrators in Ephia's Well. I was wondering if you, as one of the only other people in the Well who takes the threat of this seriously, could release to me information or reports from your files regarding the infamous "Boopsiedaisy," where Naelin's Torchbearers and Boops "Beatrice" Margo apparently unwittingly aided the Sibilant in unleashing a giant monster?

I wish to correlate some data with my own observations. Anything will help.

Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau
Banda Rossa

[Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau]

A tidily penned letter arrives for Apothar Stern.

Apothar Stern,

I'm doing a bit of research. I was wondering if you could release to me information or reports from your files regarding the infamous "Boopsiedaisy," where Naelin's Torchbearers and Boops "Beatrice" Margo apparently unwittingly aided the Sibilant in unleashing a giant monster? Surely you have more in your files regarding this than we do. You can make whatever necessary redactions you wish to the documents, of course. I will not take it personally.

Your Friend,
Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau
Banda Rossa

[Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau]

Identical letters are slipped beneath each of the Legate's doors.

DATE: Subat 8th, 7787

Monsieur Legate,

I took a party of glory-seekers from the Krak des Roses on a jaunt down to the Rampart Nursum, after a bet with Condottiera Capuano.

Slaying the orcs proved easily enough with Cinquefoil Steel. But in the aftermath, a most curious figure appeared: One Constantine Diakos. He thanked the Well for it's recent campaign against the Orcs, and says we have done him and his master a great favor, before galivanting off on horseback while we did battle with a minor expeditionary force of Lizards.

Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau
Banda Rossa

I think it'd be cool, and probably help relieve a lot of confusion if something appeared over a characters head when their player was typing. I've heard a few other servers have done this.

Admittedly, there is always a chance for someone to take that opportunity to attack someone on EFU. But I still think it'd be a good enough addition for us to just accept that as a risk.

I've given a lot of speeches on EFU, and when I'm typing/thinking at the same time sometimes these take me a minute, and have had people asking me if I'm going to say something, etc.

[Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau]

A strange letter arrives.

To Whom It May Concern,

The crimes of the Sandstone College against fashion must come to an end. Half of the Well is going around dressed in burlap sacks, looking like half-overturned bags of fruit at a market stall.

And beige? It is so not in. I'd wager it was never in. It will very probably never be in.

Please rectify this before my eyes are forced to bleed any further.

Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau
La Banda Rossa

[Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau]

A seperately addressed, but identical letter arrives to each Legate.

Monsieur Legate,

Here is The Banda Rossa's preliminary offer in regards to the Sand Gate.

5000DNR/Month to the Banda Rossa. Not the Cinquefoil Rose, but to the Banda Rossa directly.
Exclusive contract between the Banda Rossa and the government of Ephia's Well. We would handle travel in through the Gate as the Legates decree.
Manned by Recluta on the ground.
A Balestriere on the walls, with a trumpet in hand to signal encroaching forces.
Barricades. Ballistas. Perhaps even a Catapult or two.

The State's dinar would pay for these fresh recruit's salaries, equipment, and for fortifications.

We would recruit for these men among the masses huddled outside the Gate of Roses, providing them with training, arms and armor, and employment.

This is where I "am at," as it were. I am sure the Janissaries shall undercut me, but if they were going to do something about all of this they would have done so already. The Banda Rossa remain the only armed force in Ephia's Well capable of protecting it.

I have surveyed the grounds as of tonight, and I see that they'll prove quite defensible with a bit of elbow grease.

Put us to work.

Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau
La Banda Rossa

[Invoice Number:]

Invoice Number: TBR-2023-2801
Invoice Date: Tesrin Hray 28 7787

Bill To:
The IVth Legion of the Sultan's Janissaries, "The Misfortune"
Legion Garrison, Ephia's Well

Description of Service
Service: Removal of a disembodied head left in the Krak des Roses
Client: The Sultan's Fourth Legion of the Janissaries
Quantity: 1
Unit Price: 1000 of the Sultan's Finest, Precious Golden Dinar
Total Amount: 1000 of the Sultan's Finest, Precious Golden Dinar

Payment Details:
Balance: 650 DNR
Balance Due Date: Tesrin Hray 30 7787
Payment Method: DNR
Additional Information: Soldier Ferric Aseph has made a payment of 350 DNR on Tesrin Hray 28, 7787.


This invoice is issued for the professional service of removing a disembodied head from the Krak des Roses as left by the Sultan's Fourth Legion of Janissaries during a murder that happened on our property.

Payment is due by the specified due date.

Notes:
Late payment will incur additional charges, fees and penalties.
Please refer to the invoice number when making your payment.
For any inquiries or disputes regarding this invoice, please contact Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau, care of the Krak des Roses.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We appreciate your cooperation.

Sincerely,
Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau
La Banda Rossa

[no information has, to this point, left our company secrets files to be received by the Janissaries.]

A letter arrives at Torchbearer Hall.

Mademoiselle Karstwen,

I write you because you are presently the more level-headed of the two of you. Remarkable. A shame you wouldn't stop by the Fortress and collect your lovers personal effects. The Fourth Legion likely make an unreliable courier, just as they do soldier and lawman.

This, as they say, is life, no?

A very sincere apology from Madame Niridhe to Balestriere Corvini and a fee of 2000 dinar for the trouble of all of this (and it was a great deal of trouble!) will see your organizations ban from the Krak des Roses lifted.

Additionally, I feel like I should stress, no information has, to this point, left our company secrets files to be received by the Janissaries.

This is not how we do things. It has never been how we do things.

The Banda Rossa did not betray the Torchbearers. The Banda Rossa does not break contracts.

If you find out otherwise, do feel free to tell me whoever the leak in my boat is so I can see it permanently plugged.

Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau
Banda Rossa

[Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau]

A brief letter, left with Jacques.

Sweet Monsieur,

We are overdue for a little chat, no?

Surely you are not of the misguided notion that you have what you wish all alone, without our help!

Whenever you've thoroughly disavowed yourself of such errant thoughts, do find me, yes?

Balestriere Mirielle Rosseau

Let me tell you a tale, sweet monsieur, of two starlets. The closest of friends, once, and then eventually rivals. Both for center stage and for the hearts of their people. Only a little more than a decade ago, in a Ring where the City itself seemed to be made of lights...

One, a raven-haired beauty, small and sweet and with a heart so pure, who wanted nothing more than to be loved. But her voice? It wasn't as perfect as the rest of her. Try as she might, it would always shake when the spotlight was cast upon her.

The other, a tall and statuesque blonde. The kind of woman who received what her rival wanted so easily. Too easily. She had a voice that when raised in song never once quavered, and her people adored her for it. A presence that enchanted, and a smile that always showed warmth.

As one star rose, the other, she fell, and love so quickly turned to hatred.

Our little raven, she took up a blade. A long and thin thing, with a good and balanced weight in her little hand. A sharp and dangerous point at it's tip.  It was dangerous in the streets at night for one of her renown, oui? She learned, and she practiced, as her career fell to ruin. Second billing at the best of times, and little of the fawning adoration she so pined for.

A name destined never to be put up among the many lights. C'est la vie.

She had become strong, though. Fleet of foot, and so very canny. Her talent with her favored instrument became second only to her wit, and as she washed off the stage she knew what must happen. Our sweet, innocent, warbling little bird took that weapon...

And she drove it, between the blonde's ribs, with all of her hatred! Again and again, while she remembered every time she was passed over for the other. With so much force it bent that elegant blade, and left it forever crooked. And our little heroine? She just smiled her perfect smile, as she watched the life drain from her rival's eyes.

From that day forward, her trade was with that blade, and she would never again grace the stage.

A fitting way to make her name, no?

Alas.

What a long, strange journey it's been.

I'd sum it up for you, but where's the fun in that?

Dusty Knight

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Cinquefoil Loyal

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Balladeer Daze

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The Well's Favorite Knight

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Lyrist Era

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Lynneth was my first character this chapter, and got further than I ever dreamed she could have. I am super pleased and humbly grateful for all the love and support I got from other players and the DMs along the way. Thank you so much. I'll see you guys on the next.

...


Loot pics?

Fine. You animals.

Loot

if this really was an AI generated description then it's fucked up how well it knew my gimmick from "sad drunk earth knight cleric of warad"
thank you akke this ruled

thank u ninelives you're a king <3


bearic rules. 2 items with unique use powers on them which really helped me get across my explorer knight-errant thing mechanically

ironside is the man for finally getting me out of the rusted +1 conc helm

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Anyway, feel free to contribute screenshots and memes if you have them!

A sealed missive is slipped under the door to Zaniah's office. Written in familiar, flowing handwriting.

Legate Almirah,

We have thoroughly combed over and accounted for the spoils from our little mission and I am now able to give you a more accurate account of what we'd won from the Orentid freebooters of the Sea of Pearls and had the finest logistical minds of the Banda Rossa account for every bushel of grain.

A minor correction to our previous conversation, so that we do not proceed in err or under false pretense:  By our estimates, the food shall last for two or so weeks keeping everyone well fed and happy. It could be stretched to a month, but the people would then be half-starved.

Balladeer Lynneth
Cinquefoil Rose

[Balladeer Lynneth]

A letter arrives for Colmes, written in well practiced and elegant cursive.

Sergeant Rennik Colmes,

Try as I might, I have combed over our various papers and collections and can find no evidence that my student, Pirouette Manners, left her petition behind as I did.

Regrettable. Though if it is any consolation, I have been told no part of her physical form entered into the world of nightmare we endured.

I did not search her belongings before setting to her cremation, and scattering her ashes from atop the Ayyabas.

If you take a magnifying glass, and put your nose to the dirt along the Giant's Road, maybe you can find some answers there.

And for the sake of clarification, Alfred was turned over to the proper authorities nearly as soon as I became aware of Amelie's self-imposed exile and it's cause.

Otherwise, I hope this settles this matter conclusively enough, for your liking. I shall return to mourning over my fallen friend and comrade.

Best of luck with your Inquisition.

Balladeer Lynneth
She of 'Criminal Character'

[Lynneth]

A missive arrives for Zhola. It is written in elegant, legible cursive script and the parchment is scented with rose perfume.

Madame Zhola,

I fear other matters have occupied me as of late.

Given that the petition period has not yet started, I would like to officially submit my interest to be Candidate for the League of White.

I hope that a letter will do fine. As you know, I am a Balladeer of the Lost Hearth and a loyal member of the Cinquefoil Rose.

I was a candidate in the previous election.

My platform shall thusly be a simple one: Truth in action, not just in word. To fight against corruption. To reduce the price of voices. To govern and judge alike with both kindness, and wisdom. To build high the walls and prepare our little settlement for the challenges of the road ahead. To strive endlessly, seeking after a brighter future, where  our people flourish and our children and their children's children can enjoy the comfort of shade. To provide stability, in the wake of the chaos. To fight the battles that few will, even if they are not always popular.

Given my (again) late entry, allow for me to offer you this Charity as apology and recompense for the extra work I have made you: One escort, safety assured with Cinquefoil Steel and Warad's blessings, to any exotic locale you might desire, bar Rampart Nursum or the Old Dead Rings. Frostport. Banafsi. Kha'esh. You and the company of any other of your choosing. Drinks and conversation therein, stories told and poems read, while getting home in time to tuck in for bed.

I hope this is a tempting enough offer?

Your Friend,
Lynneth