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Message: <blockquote data-quote="SableWyvern" data-source="post: 268996" data-attributes="member: 1008">Session 1 Part 1RumoursThe distant thrumming of light rain outside was the only sound as the Cheveliers waited patiently for the Queen to arrive. Resplendent in their ceremonial garb, they were an impressive and imposing sight. Dark, crimson masks trimmed in gold and bronze looked vaguely slick with blood in the flickering lamplight. Red and black robes, cloaks, shirts or pants, with golden braids and tassels, black-lacquered ceremonial armours and deep cowls, combined to create the impression of vast, hidden power; an impression only enhanced by the mystique of their hidden identities.A few minutes after the Chevaliers had arrived, the Queen entered. She too wore red, but a much lighter, less imposing shade. Only her gown was less imposing than her knights, though, for her face was hard and uncompromising. By no means a beautiful woman, her bearing was stern, as one raised to wield great power over others. She was known for fairness, but not great compassion; a cunning intellect but no great charisma. She inspired the loyalty of others through competence and policy proven successful, rather than great benevolence, wit or charm.Amongst some of her most loyal servants though, she was a little more relaxed than most ever saw her, allowing a hint of childish innocence to show through her demeanour on occasion. Although she was nearing her fiftieth year, some who knew her well guessed that she sometimes missed the naïve childhood she had never been able to have.“Welcome, gentlemen,” she said as she took a seat opposite them. “You have enjoyed nearly two years of leisure and relaxation; now the throne has need of your services once more. I trust you have not grown soft in the meantime.” A slight smile indicated that she knew they had not.The group responded with unnecessary “No”s, and the Queen continued.“My spy network has recently been reporting to me on a somewhat troubling issue. A few years ago, a company by the name of Kethenal Shipping was founded in Falarenic.* Well funded by anonymous backers, it has run a successful cargo business throughout Mendalia.“My spies tell me know, though, that this company appears to be involved in machinations with an import beyond simple trade. It would appear that they are on friendly terms with several personages of widely disparate political views, including several crystalists who we have believed to be enemies. Although my spies have been completely unable to give me any real evidence of anything that may indicate a problem for the throne, there is a very strong, prevailing instinct amongst my chief advisors that Kethenal is most certainly a threat of some kind.“Their financial status indicates that their official trade is only a small fraction of what they are involved with; their friendliness with such supposed enemies as Lordrisne, the Katath Cities and Benerial; and their unusual shipping routes all give credence to this instinct.“Unfortunately, instincts are all that I have to base a judgment on at this time. Where I to make a logical decision on the matter at this point, I would ignore Kethenal altogether. I trust my spies, however, and I need more information.“Thus, I need you to engage in a fact-finding mission for me. You are to investigate Kethenal and return, either with conclusive evidence of their involvement in larger political machinations, or with the assurance that I need not concern myself with them.“They have an office in the city, and make regular use of the Falarenic harbour.“Are there any questions?”There were a few minutes of silence while the Chevaliers pondered their task. Muric was the first to speak up.“Can you give us the specific names of anyone this company has dealings with, who might be of relevance to us?”“Unfortunately, no,” the Queen replied. “As I said, all I really have to work with at the moment are rumours. Kethenall has been doing large amounts of trade from and between Lordrisne, the Katath Cities and Benerial as I mentioned, and not only with merchants, but apparently with the authorities in those places. Most unusually, there seems to be amicable trade between those states, even though they are nominally enemies. It is possible that true power behind one or more of these places has changed, or that their rulers have altered their political stances.”When the Queen had finished her response, Cordell jumped in. “Who owns Kethenal?”“On paper, Kerdel Kethenal. As best we can discern, Kerdel does not exist. In other words, we have no real idea.”The group continued to ask a few more questions, only to receive similarly vague and unhelpful responses. Content that they were not going to learn anything more, they finally departed to their chambers to prepare for action.*Falarenic is the Royal City, capital of Falarence.PC profiles have been updated.</blockquote>

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