Personal Thoughts

Thoughts & Musings of Flerentia ir’Maartel
Compiled on June 6, 2020
Therendor 6 - Travelling to Rekkenmark;
After this summons, I could not help but wonder at Aerilan d’Lyrander’s reaction to being removed from me as an assignment. If I knew more of this new person hired to be my guardian, perhaps it would explain Aerilan’s reaction. This ir’Vannek name is unfamiliar, one of the lesser houses, I am sure. Could it be that Aerilan had hopes of remaining as my ‘handler’? In my listlessness did I fail to notice something important in his behaviors? Did he perhaps have a crush on our family money? Certainly no one could be attracted to me in this state. I am disheveled and tired. I feel broken in mind and body. I probably have not demonstrated any sort of personality since I awoke in House Lyrander’s care. It was nice to be cared for by House Lyrander; though I am well aware it was only to keep me close. If they only trusted me, brought me into the fold, I could be such an asset to them. This is my failing. No, it is my father’s failing. He bought and bartered his way into this social image. I am not like him.

If Aerilan sought to be more than a caregiver, it should have been obvious I had no interest in the same. I do hope he stops straightening things. I would have loved to see him relax under a bottle of wine. I have never consumed wine for enjoyment, it dulls the senses too much. I would have if it would have encouraged him to do the same. How entertaining. Would he topple over from the light-headedness? Ah, delightfully funny images swimming through my head.
Eyre 8 - After learning Drusila hired a look-alike.
While I am relieved to hear the ridiculous news stories of Drusila running around after dropping out of Morgrave are not true, it got me thinking why? We have always been aware of the ir’Maartel’s keeping an eye on us, but that isn’t the question. She is quite clever! I never cared what Father’s hired help found out about my whereabouts or activities. I ask, why did she go off to military school and, being talented, graduate early to go to war? The part about war would obviously be a lie most likely but certainly she is capable. Did she honestly expect that she couldn’t get what she wanted from Father or was it Vatine that held the knife to Dru’s future?
 
I would also like to know if it was Sotanya that was hired to be her look-alike. I speculate this is how the two of them came into contact. Dru would have known of my issues in college and certainly, I would have shared them with her. She’s clever enough to see Sotanya’s gifts so that part of the puzzle fits. Only, I hope it is something such as this and not some great crime that brought them into contact. My little sister, Henry is such a nice catch. I think you made a mistake young one. But I do not know her heart. Perhaps it was just a wild fantasy of Henry’s. Clearly, they were close (easy to see at the party interaction) but did she have love for him. She does not strike me as one that would play with a man’s heart. She is not the cruel one, or so I thought. I don’t know her at all. For your sake Dru, I wish you happiness and a long, wonderful life with your new family. I wish you had met Tharivol. He would have loved you as I do.
 
Eyre 27 - At the end of Act One;
My great grandmother remained loyal to House Lyrander her entire life (Other than her marriage outside of the lineage.) She was the only other dragonmarked known in our family; known anyway. I find difficulty in determining where my own loyalties lay. D’Lyrander is my calling, my birthright, yet I have never been given an opportunity to join the house due to mixed blood. I wonder what transpired between my grandmother and my father’s generations which would have kept the ir’Maartel’s distant from the houses. Was it truly pride and arrogance?

I also feel Aundair is my home, where I belonged once. My estate is wonderfully private and not so extravagant to draw rumors and stories. I could be happy there, alone. The thought has crossed my mind to replicate Tharivol’s crystal so that he is with me in every room. At the moment, that is beyond my capabilities, but I am certain House Cannith could assist.

With my home in Fairhaven also comes thoughts of family. Enilam and Vatine, I love them both dearly, but they don't know me anymore. It is clear Father still thinks about getting me on a path to high society even the papers will allude to possible arrangements for the ir’Maartel daughters. Oh...DAUGHTER, not daughters. Yes, I am the only one unmarried at this time. Drusila has undoubtedly made Father very proud. She was the strength of us. I would never have expected her in a proper marriage and bearing a son at such a young age. Drusila had an amazing mind. Creative and chaotic, but amazing nonetheless. I always assumed I would be the one forced to marry a man I did not love and she would be permitted freedom. It is hard to say if it was Vatine’s influence or my Father’s. My Father loved his little dark-haired beauty and she fostered a deeper connection through her skill with a sword. Fond memories of watching them spar. She so easily out paced our Father. I wish Vatine and Father would have had more children. I truly hope Dru is happy. If she is not, and I find out, I will do something about it. If she was forced into a life she did not want, I do not know at what lengths I would go to right that kind of wrong. Merely thinking of the possibility makes a fury bubble in the back of my spine and I feel heat broiling off of my neck.

Sotanya, also a strong history bearing my loyalty. She was a sister. I loved her. Of course I care for her still. She was always inspiring and I believed (though am unsure now) she loved Illia and I back just as fiercely. Was it an act? What did she need from me? How did she and Drusila meet? That connection never existed to my knowledge. What has Sotanya done to make her wanted by Breland (and likely Aundair at this point). Well, lawmen beware of the intoxicating Sotanya. She will steal your soul. I suppose when all of this, necro-arsenal war business is resolved, there will be an investigation...again. My knowing her will be yet another smudge on Lady Flerentia’s sanity to be sure. It matters not. I want to clear the haze and move on with my life. I miss him, to be sure. It hurts me to see him, but the pain has changed somehow. There is a part of me that is ready to set down the crystal and move on. There is a smaller but more passionate part of me that refuses. It is like an addiction of sorts. I must determine what has changed about the pain and use that as my strength. Perhaps in time, Father will arrange another marriage for me. I do not know if love could ever be in my life again, but I would so much like to have children someday. To have a little girl, perhaps also marked by the storm. To feel the joy in watching her grow and see the world through her new eyes. Is there a happier place in the world aside from Tharivol’s embrace, unlikely.
I think it is high time that I put on “the” face. Bring the charm back and get what I want in this life. Clearly my dour and bitter behavior is not facilitating any greater knowledge. I am no further along in remembering what happened after the accident than I was six months ago. It is time to bring ‘Tia’ back in full force against all those around me. I will get what I want....answers. Clearly my family would rather that daughter become her old self again rather than the Flerentia in love with an elf with no distinctive nobility or claim to power. My trouble in turning on Tia is making this appear as a gradual warming up to those with which I have been cast into the kettle to boil. Subtle, patient, we will start by smiling. By dropping the occasional words of power such as ‘I trust you’, ‘My only friend’, ‘Your honesty means much to me.’ I can easily consider this a great challenge in my life to become Tia to the captain-traitor. How challenging to not roll-my eyes or wretch at my own candied behavior! How delightfully deceptive!
 
Dravago 7 - After the Task Force Info gathering
A new plausible theory on the triclinic. It only occurred to me after stepping onto the Silver Zephyr a second time that I am what the elementals are attracted to and the cause of them to whir against their bindings. And why? Because the triclinic has a fracture. That fracture means there is a relatively potent part that is missing. I see the following possibilities;
During the explosion, a fragment embedded into my flesh and was absorbed or interacted in some way with my physiology. I can certainly perform some arcane testing on myself to determine this but it seems viable. This could prove dangerous. If the triclinic retains a memory or magnetic memory of the lost piece, it could easily make up for the lost piece, however, If I tamper with the fragment, it could tie me irreconcilably to this dark queen.
The fragment was taken at a different time and reached my hands as Tharivol’s crystal. (Unlikely) This would mean that Sotanya would have direct connections to this dark elf queen. Not seeing the queen with my own eyes in any place other than a dream, I cannot say if Sotanya would have connections close enough to ‘obtain’ a fragment of the queen’s precious storage device. Sotanya would have to be the queen most likely to have that kind of access. This also seems unlikely. I can certainly test Tharivol’s crystal, but it has never before exuded any of the signs of triclinic type properties.
The explosion itself had a magnetic charge which caused a physiological reaction in all attendees at the dig site, but I am the only one who lived. This could be plausible if it was the crystal that exploded or if an explosion were staged.
 
Dravago 11 - My first day off after returning to Wroat
All I need is a few hours to obtain a contract. I want to at least offer to buy out Henry’s contract. I do not think it fair for whoever brought him into my life to do so. Surely his employer knew of his ties to my sister? It seems a very painful subject for him and I wish to get him out from under his contract so that he never has to see me again and be reminded of my sister’s beguiling. Though I wish him to stay as I think of him as a friend, I know he does not think of me as a friend, but merely a paycheck most likely. If Illia were unmarried, I would put the two together. Henry deserves a kind young beauty to be his light in these dark times. That said the contract should be written up and delivered by courier. I want it to offer terms to get him out from under the current contract. (Delivery by courier also provides him privacy to act however he wishes, not the act he keeps in front of me.) I do not want to cause him any more pain. Dru has done enough.
 
Lyrander Related – Reports of unusual airship behavior since the end of the war?
Elementals humming with interaction w/Triclinic? Is there a path to trace? The war ended in 996, is that a “since the end of the war” reference or should it be a more recent claim? Vult 998?
If the unusual behavior is tied to use of the Triclinic, exposure to it, or possessing it, that should be analyzed.
House Lyrander would never give up the details of course.
But if we had someone on the inside. (I need to contact Aerilan d’Lyrander as soon as possible. I have questions for him anyway.)Lyrander Mishaps
Missing Ship: Lightning on Water (expect this to show up at a later time) – the ghost ship that is moving about the coast with only it’s elemental.
Black Air Ship Wind Whisperer existence and interlude witnessed in Breland countryside.
Crafting an airship would require Soarwood (Aerenal)
Elemental binding expertise (Zilargo)
specialty craftsmen possibly House Cannith, and likely House Kundarak.
It is far easier for a ship to be stolen than crafted under the noses of House Lyrander.
Scions Sound ships (non Lyrander of course) taken in a freak windstorm. Lyrander ships survived, Karrnathi damages extensive. Karrnath ouraged.
Sharn Cliffside Crane Operator Protests while Lyrander has a large number of docks and yet the Lyrander ships still get unloaded.
A reported high ranking house member (scion Aeris d’Lyrander) as well as a Gnoll near the two Sharn towers that fell/collapsed.
Association with the Swords of Liberty?
New airship routes are not a big deal though they may support something going on behind the scenes.
One of the houses involved in the dig accident where the triclinic was found. (Medani as well)
If House Lyrander is not guilty in these matters then something has happened to force their hand into fighting back on these issues and occurrences. They may be keeping this quiet to protect their image and to diminish claims of who has the ability to bind elementals as well as pilot ships. It does not likely matter to our goals, but being aware is very important for dealing with future inquisitions.
Dragonshards & The Market
Two caravans of Silverpick Prospecting goods (Dragonshards) were lost somewhere in Droaam.
Daughters of Sora Kell (DotSK) - leveraging the dragonshards to negotiate with Karrnath or with the dark elf Queen?
Anyone could have gone after them.
New buyers of Dragonshards are coming out of the woodwork, they have the money and are indiscriminate about what type of dragonshards they are purchasing.
New deals being established with the Lhazaar Principalities for mining/harvesting.
Karrnath & the DotSK petition
What could be in the petition which is making Karrnath stop and consider it?
If rumors say that the livestock in Droaam are suffering from purple spots and the DoSK also want trade for food from Aundair and Breland, what could Droaam offer Karrnath?
If Droaam leaders have the two caravans of dragonshards, they might want trade agreements established with Karrnath for food in trade for the crystals.
This would be further supported by the claims that each of the nations received similar requests.
Only Karrnath has indicated that the petition should be reviewed carefully.
Dead monsters for the Karrnathi legions?
Another tangible item of interest for Karrnath?
Recovered goods from the freak windstorm in Scion’s Sound; The Dauntless, The Indefatigable (sp?), The Righteous Retribution torn apart.
Alliance/Immunity in possible war? I think this is unlikely.
Karrnath would want to play neutral if Droaam were making a move on any other nation.
Karrnath would wait for an opportunity and either crush Droaam or wait for a defeat of the nation and then crush Droaam.
Threat of something.
Like that of a biological weapon tested in Droaam. (What was it called by the Gnolls? ) Purple spots.
If the DofSK had proof of necro-arsenals and their locations, that Karrnath had lost control or had been forgotten, this could lead to a leg up on the other nations should war break again should Karrnath be able to reclaim them.
In a deal like this, DoSK would likely provide 1 location and Karranath would then be verifying the information given.
The positioning of the arsenals in the bed of Aundair, Thrane and the Mournland as reported in the Chronicle. (and Northern Brelend).
Threat of whatever caused Cyre to fall apart?
When the Daughters of Sora Kell sought the same provisions under the original treaty proceedings, Karrnath was not interested.
Wouldn’t a petition have to be vetted at Thronehold? – Yes.
What would Karrnath do to secure the petition; provide sponsorship?
Regarding the purple spots (urrakhnoon) in Droaam, wouldn't House Vidalis be engaged to apply their skills to the restoration?
Even in Droaam, having this kind of intervention could prevent the spread of disease which could lead to famine in the Five?
Doesn't the Queen of Aundair have some stake in House Vidalis (though I am pretty sure she treats all houses very well).
Karrnathi Land Rush
Why is there a Karrnathi Land Rush for “former estates” of ir’Hauptrach (Is this the same family line of the Ambassador)?
After the last war, the lands reverted back to the crown only because the last families perished.
The land is southwest of Irontown and Fort Deepdark (possibly reducing the distance between civilized areas between Vulyar and Fort Deepdark?), perhaps there is some expectation of bad things to come from this area?
Bad quality of land parcels?
Possible enticement for those in the other nations to give up citizenship in their current Nation to bolster potential army numbers for Karrnath?
Significant drop in population in Karrnath recently?
There is also a parcel of land being given away as the prize for the Conqueror Board Game tournament.
This parcel appears to be close to Mournland (southwest Karrnath).
Karrnathi government plan to get taxes is good, but does this leave the ambassador sour?
Note that Karrnath has made it clear that Cyre refugees and elves are not permitted to apply for the land rush.
Aundairian Ambassadors to Breland - RESOLVED
Ir’Defoe
Good Cop
Willum ir’Defoe current presiding Aundair Ambassador in Wroat.
Ir’Charbaux
Bad Cop
Landrihl ir’Charbaux – What happenend to this person?
He was recently in an article from the Korranberg Chronicle about "provocative" Fortress moves. (Breland – Dejarn or Argonth staging the floating fortresses near Aundair.)
He was advocating disclosure of the Brelish Military on their flying fortresses and proximity to Aundair, even crossing Aundair borders.
 
Breland Internal Issues
Border patrols spread too thin.
Aundair claiming very close proximity of floating cities.
Border patrol boasting about recently making a trek along the Aundair borders (something that happens 4x a year).
Prejudice against Cyre (Mournland) and making clear political jabs at Queen Aurala for keeping them out of Aundair.
“Misinterpretation of sensitive intelligence” resulted in Jarla d’Orien’s arrest and detainment which then resulted in house Orien briefly suspending lightning rail service to Breland destinations.
Attack on the Brelish Army retired veterans home. Slaughtered vets. Some survived by using a Quarantine Ward sign over a room. The attackers were holding a parchment (bearded man) up to each man’s face and then shooting them with a crossbow. Did they find who they were looking for?
Silver Flame Protests at Morgrave (behaving like frightened children, no wonder they cannot be taken seriously anymore).
Prince missing in the mountains.
Sharn a mess of curse, protests, religious uprisings, terrorist attacks, etc.
Xoriat/Thoon Mystery cult in Sharn. WHAT THE HECK IS THOON?
Purple Veinal growths on limbs, self immolation and self-exploding.
Similar to the purple spots on the cows?
Was this a weapon being tested on mortals?
No cultists tried to escape.
Possible reference to temp manifest zone of Xoriat
Though if it were so violent, why wouldn’t it also have taken all the Sharn guards on site?
Xoriat (the realm of Madness) does not have manifest zones but the Shadow Marches would have been the closest if it did come to Coterminous.
This realm was closed/forced away from Eberron by the gatekeepers? Dhakaani empire? History known?
The realm of madness has a great impact on time and a hotbed of wild magic.
Record of how frequently Xoriat comes? Dhakaani empire would have been the previous age at the earliest right?
 
Karrnathi Necro-Arsenals
At least one in north Breland which “most of the soldiers within the fortress were not animated”.
This could be from 1 to 2749 of them could have been activated and the article would still be correct.
A map was taken from this arsenal which hinted at the locations of others.
Map taken by....?
Direct violation of the Treaty of Thronehold, if the Necro-Arsenal were under the control of Karrnath, which is unlikely with the current informatino we have.
The one gone rogue was taken during a Mabar coterminus and either consequently or by design was a manifest zone.
The rogue necro-arsenal is being led by the dark Queen with the aberrant dragonmark (from my vision and confirmed in the recent information gathering mission).
 
Karrnathi Corruption
War criminal Breyse Horacht was at Rekkenmark when we were summoned to the Twelve.
Why was he there?
Confirms the corruption of the Twelve?
Under someone’s protection? Why?
 
Zilargo Internal issues
On the Sea of Storms, ships (3) showing up with mutilated crew and missing cargo. No survivors and all crew are dismembered. Not pirates.
Brelish Navy working with Zilargo to assist.
It can be expected that the Brelish Navy cooperating and assisting Zilargo indicates Breland has a stake in the resolution of the mutilations. Either cargo, other shipments/crew mutilations have occurred and are being covered up by Breland, OR Breland has a more inland trade in mind such as ties to the avalanche clearing south of Sterngate.
This is not far from the sightings of the Ghost Ship, which I feel are fairly unsubstantiated reports and interviews. (See Trolanport article.)
 
Aundair Internal issues
Northwest border, attacks from the Eldeen Wolves or Aundairian army, both denying responsibility?
Caravan of healers and food killed 1 mile from the village of Salanoux, their destination.
 
Thrane Internal issues
Citizens poisoning cider intended for soldiers. Poison acts similar to a sleeping sickness.
Sotanya's deceased husband? Rumor and conjecture only. No one has a name other than House Medani and even that is unconfirmed.
 
Lharvion 21 - On our 2nd trip to Silvercliff
On Lharvion 21 - Henry and I met and discussed the last few days. He told me that he's not living for Drusila, he's living and never felt more alive than he has with me. I told him the truth. Relationship budding.

Pre-Campaign 100 Words
234 Words to start the campaign
Flerentia is a big fish in a little pond that made it out of the pond and into the sea and has become lost. She’s lived two very separate lives and enjoyed each life for different reasons. With her husband so recently deceased, she has found herself at a crossroads. Continuing forward on her path of love, compassion and beauty or returning to her much longer history of cynicism, narcissism and arrogance. Flerentia has not dealt with her husband’s death and un-death. Some days she isn’t sure if she wants him by her side. The pain is too great of never knowing him as a living breathing being again. Her friends keep telling her to retreat for a year and make no decisions until she can face the pain completely. Flerentia can see only keeping herself occupied until exhaustion as her only option for well-being. She will interact with Tharivol but it is a strained interaction at best. She is unaware of Gerod’s existence and the family does not intend to tell her until Flerentia emerges from her grief-stricken haze.
 
Pre-Campaign Goals
Flaws
[Long Term] Vanity
[Short Term] Indecisive
[Short Term] Grief stricken
[Long Term] Addictive personality and completely unaware of this flaw.
Post Act One 100 Words
100 Words After 1.5
A little less bitch and more inquisitive and enterprising. No longer as obsessive with the who, but more likely to obsess over the why. Split emotions remain for her sister and her best friend Sotanya. She is very protective of Kavwyn and Henry. She now blames herself for everything that has happened to the comrades. There is a speck of attraction to Henry that she has misinterpreted in herself as pity for his history with Dru. She knows she should probably be completely forthcoming about her suspicions about the embedded Triclinic fragment but is finding it difficult until there is proof.
 
Post Act One Goals
Newer Short-Term Goals
Introduce Kavwyn and Henry to her circle of nobility and perhaps find them better and true-hearted women. Secretly wishes the comrades adventure never ends, she’s certain she could not go back to a laboratory again without hope of a field assignment. She doesn’t ever want to be without Henry and Kavwyn again. True Friends.
More parties, it has been too long. She feels the itch to get back into using her skills.
Asking House Lyrandar if they would accept a name change from her to continue her Grandmother’s line and formalize her service to the House.
Newer Long-Term Goals
Formal Name Change, permitting short-term goal #3 is considered and eventually okayed.
Assist Lyrandar public relations with improving community perception.
Getting back to real field work and the study of dragonshards and coterminous influences.
 
 
Off Camera Act Two
In the week off a few things happened
Pick up another couple newspapers to read while we wait for our next instructions from the task-force.
Write a letter to Father and Mother. Let them know that she had an opportunity to see Dru and while stunned at the changes, is awed by her, and even might be a bit jealous of her beautiful family. Include positive emotional progress, even under the stress of the field work. Thank them for all they did to help her after the accident. Yadda yadda.
Flerentia introduced Henry to Tharivol.
The real reason is guilt, but she did it under the guise of needing counsel.
She is considering asking Tilana or a trusted Lyrandar contact to hold it for her for a time (telling her what it is, her suspicions about Sotanya, as well as the possibility that Tharivol could have been used, or intentionally involved in some ways.)
A party is planned at the end of the week when Kavwyn is rescued and all of the comrades (save for Captain Scarlet) are invited. To be held at a dining establishment in Platinum heights. If you want a full guest list, happy to write it up, otherwise assume College professors, Brelish and Aundairan Nobility, Wealthy Merchants, Tilana (Flerentia really likes her) etc. 75-ish guests with a plus one.
Each person is permitted to bring a plus one if you want to add Jona and Matt into that somehow and kick off the adventure by a party gone horribly wrong
Flerentia also wanted to recall some of the clients from Rolan Smyth’s rolodex (eidetic memory) and invite them so that he can find someone to talk to and perhaps indirectly help him feel more comfortable with a party.
A KEY person that is invited is Aerilan d’Lyrandar, which is sent a personal, hand-written invitation, AND round-trip travel passes, pre-paid. In the handwritten letter, she speaks of a gift she has for him. A couple of reasons Flerentia wants to meet with him again is
She wonders if in a different state of mind, she might have been attracted to him.
She wants him to do a mini-therapy session with her to ensure she’s truly improving.