Legendary - Loose Ends, Part 1

Saturday, June 25, 1066, really early in the morning

With the events of the previous evening fresh in his mind, Mon reflects on a series of loose ends he and his friends are facing as they prepare to leave for the mainland. There appears to have been three different assassination attempts during the play a few hours earlier. 

The Archduke was almost shot. Who was the assassin in Sir Gregory's box? Who was the real target? How did they come in, and how did they leave? 

The Cardinal was the second target. Who were the pirates in the Marquess of Sidorov's box? Given that no shot was fired, was the Cardinal the real target, or was it someone else? The Cardinal had invited folks who lost peopel in the Khoroshim explosion. Why were these people here? Branna mentioned the pirates were dressed like the city guard. Mon remembers that he saw similar armor in a cave north of Mount Kilina, where the pirate Captain Lafoy and his smiths take shelter when not involved in piracy.  How did they enter the Legendary? How did they leave?

Ulan was the third target. Who tried to kill him, and why? The first actor is not well-liked among the crew, and rumor has it he holds something over Sir Gregory, which, the gossiping goes, accounts for why he hasn't been replaced as first actor. How was a real sword substituted for the prop sword?

There are also other things to consider. What should they do about Anya rotting in a dungeon under the Cathedral? What about her younger sister Dhuka? Where would she be the safest until they depart for Sejza? How should they prepare for the trip? Will they come back from Sezja? What about Sir Gregory? Why is he in such dire financial straights that the Legendary is under threat of closure? What about the upcoming tour of Sir Anton's forest holdings, where the Sezja military is reportedly hiding?

While Mon is silently going through his mental list of loose ends, Marigold looks for Dusana, the prop master. She questions him on what happened. Dusana tells her he's already talked with all of the prop folks. Marigold suggests that the real sword was meant to kill someone live on stage. This would certainly close the Legendary down, as the scandal it would create would be difficult to recover from. She suggests that it will be critical to keep an eye on the sword. Dusana tells her he will personally handle this for the rest of the play. 

Mon joins Marigold and Dusana backstage. He asks Dusana if he thinks that Kisa is the real actress, and not some assassin who replaced her when she was kidnapped and is now masquerading as her. Could someone have infiltrated the Legendary, he wonders? Dusana replies he doesn't have enough contacts with Kisa to tell if that is the case, but her haughty and arrogant attitude is the same it has always been.

Dusana shows the sword to Mon and Marigold. The sword is finely crafted out of kat steel and closely resembles the prop sword. The plans for the prop sword were only drawn two weeks ago, making it almost impossible to craft such a finely detailed sword in time for tonight's opening night. Marigold suddenly think of something. It would be hard to create a sword that resembled the prop, but it would have been easy to create a prop that resembled the sword. Marigold asks Dusana who was in charge of designing the sword. Dusana tells her that it was Prop Maker Kyivan designed the sword prop. Marigold suggests he could have designed the prop sword on purpose, or he could have been duped by someone to design his prop based on this specific sword. Either way, they should question Kyivan in the morning.

Wondering if Sir Gregory is still here as he has some questions for him, Mon heads to the administrative quarter. Despite this late hour, Mon overhears three people talking in Sir Gregory's office. He recognizes the voices of the Legendary's owner, along those of his manservant Ony and Nadie, head of the theater's security. Sir Gregory calmly explains to Ony and Nadie that if he cannot secure a loan or find 11,000 gold pieces, the Legendary will be foreclosed on. This night was supposed to salvage the theater, but now all of the bad press that will surely come in tomorrow's newspapers about the gun falling in the crowd, the fire in the box, and the rumors that someone attempted to assassinate the King will surely negatively affect ticket sales.

Mon knocks on the door. Startled, the people in the office go quiet for a heartbeat until Nadie cracks the door open. Seeing it is Mon, she tells Sir Gregory, who invites him in. Mon tells Sir Gregory the assassin shot at the Archduke, and not the King. Mon also tells him he prevented the Cardinal 's assassination. Sir Gregory humorlessly chastises Mon for not letting the assassin take a shot at the Cardinal . Mon also notices that Sir Gregory has a burn mark on his right cheek.

Mon then tells Sir Gregory he overheard the theater is in dire financial straights. Sir Gregory tells him a consortium lent the theater money as the King's visit incurred significant costs, including additional security, elaborate decorations, and higher production values for the performance. These expenses have strained the theater's budget, and he must pay 11,000 gold by Monday 9 am or default on his loan. The consortium is led by Sir Anton of the Katarina Chronicle, but Sir Gregory believes that Lord Nazar is behind the whole operation.  

Mon casts message and walks to the window. He telepathically tells Sir Gregory about his plan to bet a high sum during the horse races tomorrow. He will be in the Marquess's box, and with her uncanny ability to pick winners, he hopes to get a few leads he can pass on to Sir Gregory. Sir Gregory thanks him for the opportunity, and for all of the money making schemes Mon has developed in the last few months, but he doesn't think they will be able to secure enough winnings to cover the cost of the loan. 

Leaving this sad party behind, Mon messages Marigold and Branna about the information he just heard. Marigold remembers that the pastry chef that tried to poison the pastries at the Archduke's ball was reportedly from Lord Nazar's household. Could Lord Nazar be behind the assassination attempt in order to default the theater and acquire it for cheap? 

Wandering back to the lobby before heading back to the Palace, Mon runs into Dima, who's still taking notes. Mon questions the captain of the guard, who agrees to answer his questions if Mon will answer his. Dima asks him if Mon smelled tuberose in the box. Mon did not. However, Marigold might have noticed it, as she spent more time in Sir Gregory's box than he did. Mon asks whether Lord Nazar has been absent recently, as Mon secretly suspects that Lord Nazar and Captain Lafoy are one and the same individual. He tells Dima that he recognized one of the pirates in the Marquess's box as Captain Lafoy. There is bad blood between him and the Cardinal. Mon further tells Dima someone on Lafoy's crew forged the city guard armor the pirates were wearing, and the sword that almost killed Ulan. Finally, Mon reveals he suspects that Lord Nazar could be leading a double life. Lord Nazar could be wearing gloves to hide his missing finger. Mon plans to keep an eye and shake his hand at the earliest opportunity to determine if he's missing a finger. If that is the case, Dima points out that Lord Nazar was in two places at once, being in Sir Gregory's box and in the Marquess's box simultaneously.

Dima tells Mon about Sir Gregory's burn mark, and mentions that because all folks were paralyzed, none of them saw the assassin enter the box or leave it. No one in the front row (Sir Gregory; Sir Sergeii, the King's cousin; Sir Matviy, Sir Gregory's solicitor; and Lord Taras Nazar, owner of the Starlight Theater) caught a glimpse of the assassin. The folks in the second row did, however. Lord Taras Nazar's wife and their three kids independently described the assassin as an old man. Ony and Yurchik, who were sitting in the third row, saw the assassin but he appeared cloaked in shadows as he set up and discharged his rifle. Dima tells Mon that artists are presently drawing images of the assassin based on the reports of those who saw him, and perhaps they'll have a better idea of who to look for when they are available.

As Mon and Dima speak, four city guardsmen arrive. Dima acknowledge their presence. They inform Dima that all four portraits were independently generated based on each person being interrogated, and all four of them resemble ... Dima, as the captain is shown the resulting drawings. One of the guards tells Dima that because he was alone for six to ten minutes in Sir Gregory's office, searching for the bomb that was reported in the bomb threat, Dima could potentially have been the assassin. Of course, the guards tell him and Mon, they don't believe he would, but things being what they are, they are to escort Dima back to the barracks for further investigation. Dima is thus accompanied by the four guards as they depart the Legendary.

Mon finds his friends back at the Palace, and tells them that Dima was taken for questioning. Marigold speculates that Lord Nazar might have wanted to eliminate the Cardinal, to ensure that theaters could continue to operate. Branna suspects that had all three assassination attempts work, this would surely have indeed sunk the Legendary. Marigold wonders what would happen if the Archduke did indeed succumb to an assassination? Mon speculates that Archduchess Verushka would succeed him, but since she is still a minor, a regent would be appointed. Normally, the nobles on the island would select a regent. As the highest ranking noble on Katarina after the Archduke, Marigold wonders if the Marquess of Sidorov would be the one making the selection, or at least influencing it. Branna points out that House Sidorov is a spent political force on Katarina, and that under the circumstances the King would have appointed a regent. Mon speculates that perhaps the King would have appointed Sir Sergeii as regent. Or perhaps the Cardinal thought he would have an opportunity to influence a young and politically naive Verushka. With this depressing thought, the three of them head to bed.

Branna smuggles Dhuka in her room since her roomate is never here, and soon enough everyone is asleep, but suffering through fitful dreams of assassination and mayhem.

In the morning, Branna, Marigold and Mon finds scripts for the play they will be staging while performing Masha and the Bear in Sezja. The Second Crew's next play is Ivan's Quest, a play billed as a captivating narrative of love, bravery, and the triumph of good over evil, enriched with magical elements and mythical creatures.

Act One presents Prince Ivan, whose three sisters married to magical beings that appeared during a storm. The Falcon, Eagle, and Raven each proposed to and wed one of the princesses, taking them to their own realms. Prince Ivan's loneliness drives him to search for his sisters, leading him on a journey filled with magical encounters, where he meets a beautiful girl, Marya Morevna, who loves him back. Unfortunately for both of them, Koshchei the Deathless, a malevolent spirit, kidnaps Marya.

Act Two begins when Prince Ivan embarks on a quest to rescue Marya. Through the aid of strange magical beings, Prince Ivan discovers the realms where his sisters now rule with their husbands, and he engages their services to fight and defeat Koshchei the Deathless.

In the final act, Prince Ivan and the unified forces of his sisters' realms defeats Koshchei and his army of the deathless. In a climatic battle, Ivan confronts Koshchei. Ivan successfully defeats Koshchei and imprisons him inside a bright crystal, which he buries deep in the ocean. Entering Koshchei's castle, he rescues Marya, and the happy couple is finally reunited

Legendary - The Enchanted Winter: A Tale of Lost Love

Friday, June 24, 1066 SE, continued ...

Having completed their tour of the Legendary, the King and his retinue depart midafternoon, around the same time Mon, Marigold and Branna discover that Dhuka's room had been looted. Now in possession of ripped pages that seem to come from the Cardinal's personal diary, they discuss how they should keep these pages safe. Mon proposes to summon his warlock blade, then tie the pages to it and vanish it again. This would keep everything safe, but Marigold expresses doubts, considering that Mon could be disabled, arrested, or even killed. This would put the pages in jeopardy of never being retrieved. Instead, Marigold proposes to build a puzzle box, where the pages can be hidden. For now, she seizes the diary pages and slides them in an inside pocket in her skirt.

Considering what to do with Dhuka, Marigold suggests Dhuka could take refuge in Mon's room for the night. Mon expresses his concern that the Cardinal's men could search there, plus can they really trust Herald, if he came upon Dhuka in Mon's bedroom. Branna offers Dhuka the Vest of the Clothier and tells the girl she should stay close to her in the costume department during the play.

Marigold tells Dhuka she needs to be dressed as someone other than a pageboy. She first transform into a steampunk outfit, followed by a forest sprite. In the end, Branna convinces her to adopt something more appropriate, and Dhuka uses the Vest of the Clothier to create an outfit that resembles Marigold's. Then lightning strikes as Marigold suddenly thinks that perhaps Dhuka could hide in the secret passage underneath the Cardinal's box, listen to his conversations and document any important information she overhears She's unlikely to be found there. Marigold also gives the child a sketchbook in case she's found, so she can pretend to be watching the play and taking notes. Finally, Marigold offers her a magic-infused light stone, so she can see. She's to remain there until the play is done. Marigold tells Dhuka her name today will be Annabelle, to avoid drawing attention to her. Dhuka pouts, saying she'd rather be Rosie. Marigold sighs and agrees to call her Annabelle-Rosie.

With their preparations complete, they head over to the Palace for their evening meal. The cafeteria is packed, and in the excitement no one comments on Annabelle-Rosie. In her disguise, Dhuka fills her plate with desserts. Marigold chastises her, telling her she should have more protein. Dhuka goes back to the serving line and returns with some chicken, but also with another plate of dessert. The ambiance is electric as everyone is feeling stressed, anxious, but also elated at the idea of opening night occurring in front of the King.

Before returning to the Legendary, Marigold places several smoke bombs and caltrops in her pockets. Mon, for his part, returns to his room to disguise himself. He makes himself appear to have a slightly broken nose, with eyes and hair of a different color, with slight mutton chops.

As six o'clock nears, the friends follow the crowd out of the Palace and to the Legendary lobby. With the entire staff aside from security assembled in the lobby, Sir Gregory descends the marble stairs from the administrative portion of the theater and welcomes everyone. He tells them he is proud of the work they did to get the Legendary ready today, especially with the twin disturbances of the Cardinal's men searching the premises and the King visiting. The Enchanted Winter is bound to become a beloved classic, and it will generate much needed income. This is the first time Branna hear Sir Gregory directly mention the theater's financial difficulties. 

Concluding his remarks, Sir Gregory turns to Yurchik. The theater director explains that all entrances to the Legendary will be guarded by both city and royal guards. Additional guards will be positioned in the lobby and on each floor's atrium. Legendary security will monitor work spaces and additional locations. The Legendary is essentially on lock down mode. Anyone departing the theater will not be allowed back in tonight. Anyone not needed to run the production has been assigned a support position in the lobby, as an attendant, or to direct traffic. Yurchik proceeds to read the list of names and assignations. Branna and Marigold are both expected to be near their workshops, in case a costume or a prop needs to be fixed or substituted. Mon is assigned to serve as an extra attendant to the north wing of the second floor of the theater, the hallway where the Archduke has his private box.

At half past six, the front doors to the Legendary open, and the guests begin their ascend of the front steps to the lobby. Branna escorts Dhuka to the secret passage leading under the Cardinal's box, before returning to the costume workshop. Soon the main lobby and the atriums on the second, third and fourth floors are buzzing with the excitement of the crowd. Nobles and lower-class citizens of Katarina alike mingle as the concession booths do brisk business. As the clock nears seven thirty, the lights in the lobby and atriums are dimmed, and the remaining stragglers make their way to the auditorium. 

On the second floor, Mon observes the Archduke, his wife, Archduchess Yeva, and his daughters, Archduchesses Verushka and Yula enter the box with the King and his son, Prince Yegor. Accompanying them are Dr. Sadistik, Dima, captain of the city guard, Sir Pavlo Demidov, personal secretary to the King, and Ruslan, captain of the Royal Guard. Despite his disguise, the Archduke, the King and Dr. Sadistik all recognize Mon.

At half past seven sharp, Sir Gregory ascends the steps from stage left and stops in the middle, greeting the crowd.

Marigold and Branna compare notes on whom they observed sitting in specific boxes. Watching the crowd from the wings, they saw that Sir Gregory, in his private box, invited his manservant Ony, Sir Sergeii, the King's cousin, Yurchik, the theater manager, Sir Matviy, Sir Gregory's solicitor, Lord Taras Nazar, owner of the Starlight Theater, his wife, and their three kids. In the Marquess of Sidorov's box they saw the Marquess, her friend Lady Sirenko, Lady Natalia Astral, her husband, Nikita Astral, Sir Dmytro Anton, owner of the Katarina Chronicle, and his wife. Finally, they saw a cast of most unpleasant characters in the Cardinal's box. The Cardinal had evidently invited his right hand Tarashenko, Lady Sofia Zhytomyr, widow of Sir Oleskiy Zhytomyr, who died in the recent explosion of Khoroshim, and her eldest daughter. They are also accompanied by Sir Kyrylo Bodashka, son of the late Lady Alina Bodashka, who also perished in the explosion.

Sir Gregory begins his speech: "Good evening, esteemed patrons! Welcome to the Legendary, where dreams take flight and magic comes alive." The crowd loudly cheers. Sir Gregory then welcomes the King and his son, and the Archduke and his family. The King stands and does the dusting under the mantle wave to polite applause, while the Archduke's brief wave receives thunderous applause. Sir Gregory continues his speech:

"Tonight, we have the distinct pleasure of presenting a truly enchanting tale: The Enchanted Winter: A Tale of Lost Love. Prepare to be transported to a realm of wonder where snow-covered landscapes shimmer under the moonlight, and fantastical creatures roam freely. This spellbinding opera weaves together a tapestry of fantasy, romance, and enchantment, delivering a poignant story of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope. The Enchanted Winter' is a journey of hope, a reminder that even in the face of despair, the warmth of love can melt the coldest of hearts. So, settle in, dear friends, and prepare to be transported to a world of wonder, where magic reigns supreme and love conquers all. Let the enchantment begin!"

The first act goes off without a hitch. The actors effectively deliver their lines, the soaring music is flawlessly delivered, the props perform as expected, and the costumes experience no malfunctions. Everyone on the stage is surprised at how smooth this opening act is.  

During the first intermission, Marigold checks in with Dhuka. She then heads to the Marquess' box. The Marquess is in the lobby mingling with other nobles, but Lady Sirenko is quietly sitting in her comfortable chair, using her spyglasses to examine the crowd. Marigold tells her about the ransacking of Dhuka's room, and explains to her that they plan on taking her to the mainland when they leave in a few days. Lady Sirenko agrees this is probably for the best, though she knows Zoya will miss Dhuka and still wants to redress the error she made by pressing charges against Dhuka when the green dress Branna had designed for her went missing.

While Marigold talks with Lady Sirenko, Branna finds Joseph, who's refilling supplies in the private boxes he's helping with. She questions him about Sir Gregory's speech about generating much needed income. Joseph tells her in confidence that he overheard Sir Gregory discuss the Legendary's dire financial situation. Ever since the King's visit to Katarina was announced, the Legendary has spent more than double the income collected. And now some of Sir Gregory's creditors are calling in loans, squeezing him financially. Joseph has it on good authority that the theater owner even had to sell some of his possessions, including his beloved horse carriage. Joseph tells Branna that if she has an exit strategy, she may not want to return from the Second Crew's visit to Sezja to present Masha and the Bear. By that time, the Legendary may have been seized to cover Sir Gregory's death.

During the second act, the bell outside the Archduke's box rings. Mon knocks softly and enters. Dr. Sadistik asks Mon to bring him a seltzer. Mon notices the Archduke and the King are deep in a whispered conversation he can't overhear due to the music and singing occurring on stage. He brings the seltzer back, and smoothly places his hand out. Dr. Sadistik drops a coin in his palm while taking his drink. Once outside the box, Mon looks at the coin and notices it is a copper piece, and the portrait has been defaced. Mon drops it in the latrine at the earliest opportunity. 

The second intermission starts, and most of the theater empties into the lobby and atriums to partake of drinks and food. The crew is once again amazed that everything went as planned, and there were no issues, even minor ones, that needed to be addressed. The performances continue to be amazing.

With his duties currently at a lull, Mon ascends the stairs to the third floor and knocks on the Marquess's box door. Lady Sirenko beacons him in, and is surprised by his disguise. Mon presents a purse with 50 gold in it. Lady Sirenko's eyes briefly display a greedy appetite before her face returns to her usually composed attitude. Mon politely asks her if she thinks the Marquess could use this sum to bet on the horse races in the next few weeks while Mon and the rest of the Second Crew are on the mainland. Lady Sirenko replies she is sure Zoya will be happy to do so, given that she is rather fond of the actor. Mon recalls a conversation with Sir Gregory about the Marquess's extensive knowledge of horses and her uncanny ability to pick winners. Mon hopes that he may gain enough winnings to perhaps purchase a share of the Legendary.

Following the second intermission, the show resumes. A few minutes later, a city guard comes running down the corridor, and he requests Captain Dima. Dima steps outside the Archduke's box, and the guard whispers something to him Mon is unable to hear. Dima immediately departs in a rush, followed by the guard. Mon then notices three additional guards rushing downstairs.

Counting on the play continuing its streak of good fortune, Branna heads to the lobby, where cupcakes, snacks, and teas remain available for the staff. As she's eating a lovely cupcake decorated with a winter theme, She sees several city guards run through the lobby towards the administrative section. Taking a look around, she realizes that there are now more royal guards than city guards in the lobby. Seeking Joseph, she informs him that the guards seem to be searching the administrative offices. He tells her she should spread that info, and also let people know that there are no guards left on the second floor, so that everyone can be on alert. She lets every attendant know as she runs to Mon's station. She reports the news to her actor friend, just as the bell to the Archduke's box rings. 

Mon enters the box after knocking. Once again, Dr. Sadistik requests a seltzer. Mon hurries to the bar on the second floor atrium, and confirms that there are in fact no guards left on this level. Returning with the drink, Dr. Sadistik tips him a silver piece, but at the same moment Mon notices something odd occurring in Sir Gregory's box. The theater owner had one hand up holding a spyglass while his other hand was scratching his eyebrow when Mon first came in, but now ten seconds later he is still in the same position. As Mon observes the other guests cloaked in shadows, he realizes the other guests are also standing still, as if their motions were suddenly interrupted. Mon rushes out of the box, and, after accessing the scaffolding through the concealed door at the end of the hallway, descends to find Branna and Marigold.

He relays what he saw, then heads back the scaffolding and emerges on the third floor through the concealed door. The hallway is empty of guards or attendants. Rushing past through the Marquess's door, he hears a gruff voice threatening the box's occupants. He quickly returns to the stage, and ask his friends to follow him. Back on the third floor and now invisible, Mon shadowsteps inside the Marquess's box. Four pirates poorly disguised as city guards have infiltrated her box. The Marquess and all of her guests are tied up, and one of the pirates has a long-pole firearm aimed at ... the Cardinal. 

Despite his misgivings against the Cardinal, Mon intervenes. He places Dr. Sadistik's silver piece in the firing mechanism, preventing the weapon from firing its metal ball. The pirate is perplexed, and he cocks his gun again, hoping to fire once more. Mon seizes the weapon, throws it over the railing, and it lands in the audience below with a thud and a cry of pain which disrupts the play. 

At the same time, as Kisa acting as Elara retrieves the precious crystal on stage, the orchestra does a soaring rendition of the theme song, which comes with loud drums. Mon notices a flash coming from Sir Gregory's box, and another rifle, this time aimed at the Archduke's box one story below. He immediately shadowsteps away and rushes back to his post. 

Meanwhile, Marigold stopped at Sir Gregory's door, and immediately saw someone had broken a key inside the locking mechanism. Using her tools, she pulls the remnants of the broken key out. She carefully opens the door. Inside, Sir Gregory and his guests are paralyzed. A quick perusal around the box reveals that the intruder is no longer here. But as the chaos in the auditorium following the gun's drop and subsequent injury registers, Marigold notices that Kisa is wielding a real sword, and not the prop sword she should be using to pretend to stab Ulan in his role as Mikael. The play has stopped as the confusion spreads through the theater. Hoping to cause an even bigger distraction to save Ulan's life, Marigold sets off her smoke bomb, then pretends to put the fire out. Most of the crowd evacuates the theater, but in the delay Marigold returns to the stage and removes the sword from Kisa's hand. 

While this was happening, Branna sees four ruffian-looking city guards leave the Marquess's box. They soon vanish in the crowd of theater-goers hoping to escape the nonexistent flames on the third floor. Branna enters the Marquess's box, and soon frees her and all of her guests. The Marquess tells her that ruffians entered and quickly tied everyone. They seemed to be waiting for a particular moment in the play, suggesting they knew a lot of details most folks would not have. She didn't recognize any of them, but one of them was missing a few fingers on his left hand.

At the same time, Mon enters the Archduke's box, and he notices that a bullet passed less than a palm's length away from the Archduke's head, but the man did not even notice. He points the bullet hole to Ruslan, who quickly removes the King from the box. In the absence of Dima, Mon forcibly removes the Archduke and he escorts the small group through the concealed door down to the costume department, where Ruslan locks the door in an effort to protect the King. A much harried Dima finds Mon backstage and is briefed on the incident.

Having dealt with the sword, Marigold returns to Sir Gregory's box to help its occupants. Now that the theater is quieter, she hears the unmistakable sound of a clock. She removes a section of carpet underneath Sir Gregory's seat while the man is still sitting in it paralyzed, then breaks and pulls a piece of floorboard. Underneath she discovers an aetherburst crystal, similar to the one she had disarmed. With skill and patience, she removes the detonator, and turns over both the detonator and the bomb to Dima as he enters Sir Gregory's box.

With all of the drama concluded, the play resumes, with the King and the Archduke in attendance once again. The theater crowd, now about half full, delivers a standing ovation at the end of the play.

Dima collects Branna, Marigold and Mon's testimonies, and he tells them that without their quick thinking casualties would have been far worse than an injured theater goer, who suffered a nasty gash on his head when the rifle fell on it. Mon tells Dima he should inform the Cardinal that he saved his life, but only after he has department with Second Crew for the mainland. 

With the play done and the Cardinal gone, Marigold retrieves Dhuka from her hiding place. She tells them that the Cardinal spent most of the play talking. Most of the things he talked about seemed unimportant, but she did hear several conversations that were worth recording. Sir Kyrylo Bodashka asked the Cardinal about the absence of the Royal Navy and the soldiers that were predicted to be here. The Cardinal replied that the troops were already here in the forests around Katarina. The Cardinal then discussed the King's favor and how to best curry it. He inquired about his guests' impressions of the King, what he seemed to enjoy most, which nobles he spoke to, and any subtle indications of royal approval or disapproval. 

Later on he discussed the King's policies, the economic situation, and the social unrest and lack of morals that threatens to the kingdom. He sought the opinions of his guests, especially those who lost loved ones in the Koroshim attack. Finally, he also talked about the social events of the season, including the King's attendance at various functions. He shared gossip and observations about the nobility, their behavior, and their perceived alliances.

Legendary - The Cardinal's Evil Plan is Revealed

Friday, June 24, 1066 SE

Returning from the Katarina Palace early in the morning following Katarina's first royal ball, Branna, Marigold and Mon withdraw to their respective rooms rooms and take some much needed rest. The King will be visiting the Legendary later this afternoon, and tonight's opening night of The Enchanted Winter: A Tale of Lost Love will draw all of the island's nobility to the theater, presenting the best opportunity for anyone wishing to strike a blow against the monarchy.

Finding their roommates already in bed, Marigold and Branna are soon asleep. Though he lays down in his covers, Mon does not need to sleep. As Mon meditates, he hears Herald entering the room but soon his steady breathing indicates the cad has fallen asleep. As Mon processes the events of the day and wonder at Dr. Sadistik's purpose in revealing himself to the actor, he suddenly notices the absence of breathing from Herald's bed. He hears the rustle of a leaf falling from a tree, and something lands on his head. Gingerly picking it up with his fingers, he feels it is a playing card.

Intrigued and vaguely worried about his roommate's health, Mon turns on a light. Herald inhales sharply before turning over in his sleep and facing the wall. Sure enough, Mon finds that the item that landed on his head is a playing card, specifically the seven of spade. A strange black stain covers the bottom quarter. The actor does not know the significance of it, nor why someone would want to deliver this to him.

In the morning, the trio reunites in the Palace's cafeteria. Pageboys deliver boxes to Branna and Marigold, while a pageboy entrusts Mon with a box Dhuka received.

They receive packages from pageboys. Each of them has one, and an extra one has been sent to Dhuka. Mon accepts the gift meant for Dhuka. Looking inside, he finds a pink unicorn stuffed animal, and a note that reads as follows:

Dear Dhaka,
I’m sorry about what happened to you, and I do apologize. Here’s a small token of appreciation, with the hope that I will see you soon,
Marquess of Sidorov.

Marigold opens her box. Inside, she finds a note from the Marquess of Sidorov. Her note reads as follows: 

Dear Marigold,

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the absolutely stunning jewelry you created for me. It was the talk of the ball yesterday, and its impact was beyond my wildest dreams.

The intricate details, the flawless fit, and the overall elegance of your finely crafted earrings and necklace were truly remarkable. I received countless compliments throughout the evening, and I felt exceptional and confident wearing your amazing creations.

As a token of my appreciation and affection, I am including a small gift that has been in the Sidorov household for a few generations. May it be of use to you!

Thank you again for your exceptional talent and dedication. I will cherish the memories of that night forever.

Zoya Sidorov

Inside the box she finds the Scrivener's Pen, an item that was crafted by a powerful wizard who sought to bridge the gap between imagination and reality. The wizard spent years experimenting with various materials and enchantments before finally creating the pen. However, the wizard soon realized the immense power of the pen and decided to hide it away, fearing that it might fall into the wrong hands. The pen has been lost and found many times over the centuries. It has been used for both good and evil, and its power has been the source of countless legends and tales. Some say that the pen is a gift from the gods, while others believe it to be a cursed artifact that should be destroyed. 

Branna opens her package and finds a note. It reads:

Dear Branna,

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the absolutely stunning dress you created for me. It was the talk of the ball yesterday, and its impact was beyond my wildest dreams.

The intricate details, the flawless fit, and the overall elegance of your finely crafted dress were truly remarkable. I received countless compliments throughout the evening, and I felt exceptional and confident wearing your amazing dress.

As a token of my appreciation and affection, I am including a small gift that has been in the Sidorov household for a few generations. May it be of use to you!

Thank you again for your exceptional talent and dedication. I will cherish the memories of that night forever.

Zoya Sidorov

Inside the package she finds the Vest of the Clothier, a magical garment that allows the wearer to change the appearance, texture, color, size, and format of their clothes. After using an action, the wearer activates the item with a keyword, and then briefly describes what the outfit will look like. The clothes are then transformed, and fit the description. These items appear nonmagical, even when detect magic is used.

Finally, Mon opens his package. There is no note inside, but as he looks at the mask, he has a flashback to a time where he was walking next to Dr. Sadistik, who was showcasing some of the artwork he owned. Mon clearly remembers Dr. Sadistik stopping by the mask, and pointing out to Mon that this Tanuit Mask, weathered and worn, is carved from a single piece of ancient wood, its surface etched with intricate patterns that seem to dance and writhe. The hollow eyes, however, appear to gaze into the soul of the beholder, while the mouth, a gaping maw, suggests a primal, timeless hunger. The mask's symbolism of a fractured personality is profound and multifaceted. It represents the duality of existence and the constant battle between light and dark, order and chaos. The hollow eyes might symbolize the emptiness and isolation often felt by those with a fractured psyche, while the gaping mouth could represent the unquenchable thirst for wholeness and connection. The intricate patterns may be seen as a metaphor for the complex and often contradictory thoughts and emotions swirling within a fragmented mind. The Tanuit, an ancient civilization that once dwelled in the northern forests of what is now Sezja, were known for their deep spiritual connection to nature and the spirit world. Tanuit artisans crafted such masks for various rituals and ceremonies. These masks were believed to possess the power to transform the wearer, allowing them to commune with the divine and transcend the limitations of the physical world. By donning a mask, an individual could become a vessel for the spirit world, experiencing a profound shift in consciousness.

Mon remembers feeling powerless at the time, and, strangely enough, was aware he did not yet have a mouth.

Remembering the card he received during the night, Mon shows it to Branna and Marigold. Marigold explains the meaning of the Seven of Spades to him. The Seven of Spades, a mystical messenger from the tarot deck, whispers of introspection, a moment to retreat into the quiet corners of your soul. It beckons you to journey inward, to seek the wisdom hidden within the depths of your being. This card is a gentle reminder that challenges, like the rugged peaks that rise from the earth, are not obstacles but stepping stones to self-discovery. Embrace the transformative path that lies ahead, for it is a journey of profound personal growth. As you navigate the winding roads of introspection, trust the compass of your intuition, guiding you towards the hidden treasures of your inner world. The insights gained along this solitary pilgrimage are priceless, illuminating the path to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Marigold reminds Mon that Dhuka is probably hungry, since she was told to stay in her room last night. Mon puts a plate of food together, then heads out of the Palace. Once he's away from everyone, he turns invisible and, after entering the Legendary, travels the secret passages to Dhuka's room in the roof rafters. She's pleased to see him, and is thrilled she received a present. She unwraps the package that was supposedly sent by the Marquess, and sees that it is a pink unicorn doll. Mon also offers her the plate of food, reminding her to stay inside her room today, so that when the King comes to visit, there wouldn't be any trouble.

His errand now completed, Mon heads to the waterfront, to the Drown Sailor's Stitches. He asks Orest, the shop's owner, if he recognizes or can identify the playing card and the mask. After some negotiating,  Orest tells the actor the magical properties of the card and explains that the mask is evil. After some thinking, Mon remembers the rustles of leaves, and mentions them to Orest.  Orest believes that the card came from the Fey realm. Mon relates his experience with the Raven Queen. Remaining uncommitted,  Orest agrees this may be the origin of the card.

After departing the Drown Sailor's Stitches, Mon heads to the Anchor's Luck, where he meets with Captain Popov. After a short breakfast for the Captain, he and Mon head out on the Tall Tale, traveling around the island. The Captain takes him to a series of shoals near the shoreline. Finding the perfect cove, Mon drops into the water, and hides the Tanuit Mask in its case at the bottom of the sea in a small hole in one of the shoals, placing a rock in front of it to ensure it does not get dragged.. He then suns himself dry. They then return to Katarina.

While Mon and Captain Popov are cruising the waters off Katarina, the last-minute preparations to welcome the King to his tour of the Legendary are interrupted by the irruption of the Cardinal and his men, holding a warrant to arrest an escaped convict and for other seditious individuals. A rumor soon spread through the theater like wildfire that they are looking for Matviyko, who escaped from the Cathedral prison last night, and for Mon, who acted as his accomplice. Hearing the commotion, Sir Gregory comes down from his office on the third floor and confronts the Cardinal, accusing him of sabotaging the Legendary's efforts in preparing for the King's visit.

As the Cardinal's men spread through the theater, Marigold asks Luba if she would be willing to act being sick, before explaining her plan. Luba gleefully agrees. Using makeup, Marigold quickly transforms Luba into a measles-infested, sick-looking woman. When the Cardinal steps on the scene, Luba approaches him and begins coughing. The Cardinal shoves her away from him and storms off, pestering against a foolish staff who would let such a sick person be in the theater with the King soon to arrive. Marigold grabs her kit back, and smiles as she returns to her work station. Finally, after an hour, the Cardinal and his men depart the Legendary, leaving a mess behind. Yurchik tells every to redouble their efforts and get the place spotless again.

In the early afternoon, as Mon hides the Tanuit Mask under the sea, the King's carriage arrives at the Legendary. He is accompanied by his son, Prince Yegor, and by the Archduke's daughters, Verushka and Yula. The King thanks his welcoming committee, then walks from department to department, asking pointed questions on the operations of the Legendary. 

When he arrives in the props department, he expresses surprise at the various mechanical and magical props. He pays particular homage to Marigold's bubble machine. Marigold offers her prototype to the King, who thanks her for the gesture but politely declines. Yula asks the prop maker if she could have it. Marigold agrees, and gives it to the Archduke's youngest daughter. 

Moving to the costume department, the King is happy to see Branna again. He asks her if she's ever considered making a ceremonial yet practical leather armor that he could wear at regal events. Branna agrees to look into it and draw him a few proposals. As the King and his entourage leaves, Verushka sidles up to Branna and softly asks her if she's seen Matviyko. When Branna tells her no, Verushka requests she keep him safe if he does show up. 

After the King departs the Legendary, Yurchik gathers everyone, and informs them that tonight only one early dinner serving will be available at the Palace. Everyone should be back at the theater by 6. He reminds them that the King will be in attendance with Prince Yegor in the Archduke's booth, with the Archduke and his family. The Cardinal will also be here, which could make for a volatile situation given the search earlier today.

As Marigold and Branna sit down for dinner, Mon returns from his boat trip. Prompted by Branna and Marigold, Mon gathers some food and heads up to Dhuka's room. A feeling of dread assails him as he opens the door. Her secret room has been ransacked, and there is no sign of her. Mon softly calls her name, and the child emerges from a secret hiding place above the flipped kitchen table. Leaving Dhuka alone for a minute, Mon finds a pageboy and sends a message to his friends. Following his directions, Marigold and Branna soon arrive in Dhuka's wrecked room.

As the friends begin picking up the pieces of Dhuka's life, they recognize costumes and props that have gone missing in the last few months. Mon tells them he will be reaching out to the Marquess to see if Dhuka could be welcomed to Sidorov Manor. Branna mentions that perhaps Dhuka should stay with Lady Sirenko, as this would be a less obvious place for the Cardinal's men to look for her. Clearly someone knew she was here. Either option should be done in daylight, Marigold reasons. As Mon picks up a few things, he finds a cookbook called Cooking for Royals By Chef Andreii. Idly flipping it open and perusing its pages, he discovers fragments of the Cardinal's journal:

Date: September 20th, 1051 SE 

The kingdom is gripped by a pall of despair. The Faceless Fever sweeps through our streets, claiming lives young and old. The once vibrant halls of the castle are now filled with the sounds of mourning. Her Highness, Princess Elara, the apple of the King's eye, has succumbed to the insidious plague. The King is inconsolable. Anya, Elara's nursemaid, has refused to accept her death. She insists that Elara was taken from her, snatched away in the night. Her persistence is unsettling.

I find myself torn between grief and opportunity. As the King's most trusted advisor, it falls upon me to guide him through this dark hour. But beneath the surface of sorrow, I see a glimmer of hope. The King's vulnerability is a potent weapon, one that I can wield to shape the destiny of Sezja.
Today, I attended the funeral. The procession was somber, the mourners' faces etched with grief. As I stood beside the King, I observed the reactions of the nobles. Some were genuinely moved, while others seemed more concerned with their own interests. It is a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, the pursuit of power and influence never truly ceases.

Later, in the privacy of my chambers, I pondered the implications of Elara's death. The King is utterly devastated. He is more susceptible to suggestion than ever before. It is time to begin my plan.
 

Date: October 1st, 1051 SE 

The King's grief has deepened. He spends his days holed up in his chambers, refusing to see anyone. The court is paralyzed by uncertainty. The nobles whisper of a curse, of divine retribution for the kingdom's sins. I have begun to subtly plant the seeds of doubt in the King's mind. During our private meetings, I speak of ancient prophecies, of lost civilizations that possessed the secret to eternal life. I weave tales of a chosen one, a savior who can halt the plague and restore the kingdom to its former glory. The King listens intently, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and skepticism. I must be patient. This grand plan of mine will require time and careful execution. 

Today, I attended a council meeting. The nobles were squabbling over resources and blame. It is a testament to the chaos that has engulfed the kingdom. In the midst of this turmoil, I see an opportunity to consolidate power. If I can convince the King to embrace my vision, I can become the true ruler of Sezja. As I return to my chambers, I feel a surge of excitement. The stage is set. The King is receptive. The time is ripe for action.

Date: November 15th, 1054 SE  

Dr. Sadistik, has finally revealed his startling discovery. Elara is alive, hidden away in his secluded laboratory. He has been conducting experiments on her, harvesting her blood, which possesses extraordinary properties. This is a turning point. The prophecy is not merely a myth. It is a reality within my grasp. With Elara's blood, I can create a new era, a kingdom free from disease and death. The people will worship me as a savior, a god among men. 

The King's obsession with Elara has deepened. He spends hours poring over any scrap of information about his dead daughter. That troublesome servant Anya, whose own infant daughter was spared by the plague that took Elara, suspects that the King’s daughter is still alive. I will soon act swiftly against her! Meanwhile, I must ensure that the King remains under my control. A slip-up now could jeopardize everything. Today, I attended a banquet hosted by the Duke of Eldoria. The nobles were eager to curry favor with the King. It is a reminder of the fickle nature of power. Those who were once my enemies now seek my patronage. As I return to my chambers, I feel a sense of exhilaration. The future is bright. The kingdom is mine for the taking.

Date: December 10th, 1057 SE 

That silly nursemaid Anya has been putting her nose in business that does not concern her. Her dedication to uncovering what really happened to Elara led her to a secluded estate on the outskirts of the kingdom. She found evidence of a hidden laboratory, filled with strange devices and medical equipment, and records of experiments conducted on young children, suggesting that Elara was still alive. Armed with this evidence the King and his men raided the laboratory and discovered the truth. Elara is alive, and had been held captive by a mastermind who fortunately had managed to flee just before they broke into the laboratory. The necromancer, for that is what the King believes he was, had been conducting horrific experiments on her, harvesting her blood for his own nefarious purposes.

The King’s joy at Elara's survival and being reunited with his daughter has tempered by fear. He is consumed by guilt, believing that his failure to protect his daughter has led to this catastrophe. He has kept her return secret from everyone but his most confident advisors, for fear the population will want her executed for being a necromancer’s vessel. As I return to my chambers, I feel a sense of unease. The King's trust is wavering. I must reinforce my position, to remind him of the dangers that lurk beyond the kingdom's borders.

Date: January 5th, 1058 SE 

Elara has been returned to the castle, hidden in a set of chambers and heavily guarded. The King is overjoyed, his sorrow momentarily eclipsed by the miracle of her survival. Having managed to escape, and with no evidence tying him to the laboratory, Dr. Sadistik's experiments continue in secret. The blood of the chosen one is a powerful elixir, a key to unlocking the secrets of immortality. But I must proceed with caution. The King's trust is fragile. One misstep could unravel everything.

As I return to my chambers, I feel a surge of determination. The future is bright. The kingdom is on the cusp of a new era, an era defined by prosperity and eternal life. But to achieve this vision, I must remain vigilant. The road ahead is fraught with danger, and the stakes have never been higher.

Date: February 12th, 1059 SE 

My carefully constructed facade has crumbled. The King has discovered the truth. That harlot Anya was behind my downfall! My punishment will be swift if I ever cross paths with her again. He is furious, his eyes filled with betrayal and disgust. I am a prisoner in my own castle, stripped of my power and influence. The nobles are divided. Some remain loyal to me, their fear of the King's wrath outweighing their moral qualms. Others have turned against me, eager to distance themselves from my disgrace. As I return to my prison, I vow to one day reclaim my rightful place. The King may have triumphed for now, but his victory is short-lived. I will return, and when I do, the kingdom will tremble at my name.
 

Date: March 1st, 1060 SE 

Exile is a harsh mistress. The island of Katarina is a desolate wasteland, a far cry from the opulence of Sezja. The days are long and monotonous, filled with the constant drone of the sea and the mournful cries of the gulls. Despite my circumstances, I have not lost hope. I have spent my time studying the ancient texts, seeking knowledge that can aid in my return. There is a prophecy, a hidden power that can turn the tide in my favor.

The King believes he has won, but his victory is fragile. The kingdom is divided, the nobles restless. A spark of dissent could ignite a flame that would consume his reign. I have sent messages to my remaining allies, reminding them of their loyalty. They must be prepared, for when the time is right, I will return to Sezja and reclaim my rightful place. 

Today, I wandered along the beach, the salty air stinging my face. I thought of Elara, of the kingdom I once ruled. It is a bittersweet memory, a reminder of what I have lost and what I must regain. I also saw a woman who looks very much like Anya walking through town with two little children. Her presence here unsettles me. I must discover why she is here, and inflict sweet vengeance on her for everything she cost me!

As the sun begins its descent, casting long shadows across the desolate landscape, I feel a surge of determination. My exile is temporary. My downfall is not the end. It is merely a chapter in a larger story, a story that will culminate in my triumphant return.

As Mon reads the entries, Dhuka tells Marigold and Branna she thinks her mother was a nursemaid for the King in Sezja. At least, that's what Anya told her before she went missing.

Realizing the note Dhuka had supposedly received from the Marquess of Sidorov was fake and that the present was meant to track her, they decide they must move their plan forward, and contact Lady Sirenko immediately to see if she will shelter Dhuka. 

As they discuss the situation, Branna notices that the eyes on the unicorn have been replaced by two marbles with a faint magical signature. Someone is spying on them! She peels the eyes off and drops them off in the closest latrine.

They then resume their discussion of where to relocate Dhuka. With someone now aware they were considering moving her to Lady Sirenko, the best place is for her to stay at the theater. Mon dispatches a message to both Lady Sirenko and the Marquess advising them the Cardinal and his men may search their residences looking for the child.

Mon then wonders aloud whether Dhuka could go with Sir Paul Stal. The richest man on the island may be thrilled to needle the Cardinal. Marigold suggests that perhaps they could take an apprentice with them to the mainland, and given Dhuka's preference for boys' clothes, it wouldn't be too hard to pull off.

Mon finally reveals what he's read from the Cardinal's journal entries. He tells them the Cardinal has been plotting to dethrone the King, and that Anya and Dhuka's mother, who was also called Anya, was a nursemaid in the King's employ. With the Cardinal's plans laid bare, and with whomever was spying now aware that the journal entries have been found, time is of the essence!

Phandelver Episode 016

Tuesday, April 11, 1491, continued ...

Fleeing the Spider, they take refuge in the Forge of Spells with the Nundro the dwarf, Gundred Rockseeker's brother. The Spider and his cronies arrive, and negotiations quickly fail. An assault is launched, and Nundro betrays them, seeking the Guardian on them. After defeating the Guardian, they dig a hole through one of the wall, and find no one waiting for them ...

Phandelver Episode 015

Tuesday, April 11, 1491

Through further exploration they finally discover the Forge of Spells, and encounter a Spectator wearing dwarven armor. The Spectator is tasked with guarding the forge of spells, and has defeated many enemies over the years, with lots of dead bodies in front of the doors.

They finally encounter the Spider, but combat proves deadly as Kyrdean falls. Shifty and Shady betray the group, and they withdraw back to the Forge of Spells.