C1E9: Building a Mystery

The Dwendalian Family Manor in Zadash.About the Tri-Spires The Tri-Spires are known throughout Zadash as the neighborhood of the noble elite and the wealthy. Built on the ruins of the old Pious District after the fall of the Julous Dominon, the Tri-Spires now stand as the center of aristocracy and higher learning within the city – and, indeed, throughout the empire, second only to Rexxentrum. The region takes its name from the three large, uniquely constructed towers that lord over the skyline: the Zauberspire, the Constellation Bridge, and the Triumph Chime.

The Zauberspire is the central tower of the Halls of Erudition, a beautiful ivory campus that is an extension of the Soltryce Academy.

The Constellation Bridge looms over the Gilded Willows neighborhood as an extremely tall, thin watchtower that offers an incredible view of the entire city and the Marrow Valley beyond.

Once a temple to Avandra, The Triumph Chime is now a squat, seven-story belfry outfitted with sleeping chambers, bars, and a raucous gambling hall.

The Estate With Elinore [https://herebedragons.club/elinores-plea/]'s help, the party is able to enter the estate with a minimum of fuss. Knowing that the princess has been ill, and trusting Elinore, the staff allows them to pass without too much notice.

Suria's Bedroom Suria Dwendal's RoomSuria's room has been made up since she was last here, so there's not much to see immediately. It's clear Elinore has been keeping it ready in hope of her mistress's return.

Erash investigates the wardrobe, and notes that there are a few conspicuous gaps; consultation with Elinore reveals that Suria's winter cloak, gloves, and sturdiest riding boots are missing.

Snow explores the wardrobe even more deeply and uncovers a pressure panel at the back that leads to a narrow, dark hallway. At one end is a closed door, presumably to the master suite; at the other are stairs leading down. Snow follows the footprints downwards and finds the warmth of the kitchens at one end, and a scullery exit at the other. While these passages have not been used by the servants in a long while, they're clearly still in use by the mistress of the house...

Margaret Laturam Margaret is Suria's nurse who has been with her since childhood. when she married into the royal family, Margaret came with her.

Margaret is in her 70s and has a kind, heavily lined face that shows a lifetime of laughter. She has apple cheeks and a short nose, and her left eye droops at the corner. She wears her white hair in a short fringe topped with a knit cowl at all times to ward off the chill.

Margaret was the last known person to see Suria the night she disappeared.

> "My dear girl was as worn as I've ever seen her two nights ago, following the banquet at The Halls of Erudition. She takes pride in bringing honor to her family by being a Dwendal, but it does wear on her. She wouldn't talk to me about what happened. I can only assume that someone made a snide comment in her hearing. It is common knowledge that The Emperor is displeased with my lady for failing to produce an heir to the throne. > "As I was brushing her hair, my prattling seemed to calm her. I will often tell her fanciful stories from her, and my own, childhood to help distract her, ease her mind. That was the case on this evening – after all, we are not far from Labenda and some of the oldest stories in the Empire.  I brought her a warm cup of tea, helped her change into her dressing gown, and warmed her sheets. > "She wasn't quite ready for bed and said she fancied a book and another cup of tea. So I bade her goodnight and took my leave." Snow asked Margaret for more details of the story she had shared with Suria that night. After settling herself in a chair, given her hip aches terribly in the wet Dwendalian winters, her eyes twinkled with the magnatism of a gifted storyteller as she regaled the group.

> " Oh, it was a very, very old story. In fact, I think my nanny used to tell it ot me on dark winter nights. It was the story of Old Granny Titchwillow, who lenged says lives deep in Labenda Swamp. It occurred to me because the swamp is only about 50 miles or so north of Zadash. > "In the stories, Granny is capable of anytign and everything you can think of. Sme say she has cured everything from trifling baldness to fearsome fell curses; that she can grant wishes, change fates, and bring what you desire most to come to pass. There is always a terrible price to pay, of course. But if you are willing to pay it, she can wield magics that no one has ever seen before or since. She lives somewhere deep in the middle of the swamp, in a strange cottage. Some even say the cottage itself is a living thing." She chuckles fondly.

> "Suria always did favor the scary stories. The ones with lots of adventure. Oh, I do pray she's safe. I am beside myself with worry. I hope she hasn't done something... rash." Felix Bemoris Felix is the stablehand who typically works the night shift on the manor grounds.

He’s a young, jet-haired fellow in a red scarf who has obviously broken his nose once or twice, and has a rakish grin. His hands are large for his size and calloused, but very gentle with animals. It’s clear he loves his job. He wears a bright red scarf, a leather vest, and heavily scarred, practical riding boots.

> “Oh aye, ma’am. I did see such a thing. A young woman come in asking for one of the riding horses. Said she was on an urgent errand for the princess, she was. Showed me a letter, what with the princess’ seal and all that. So I got her a fast mount and got her on her way. > "I never got a good look at her face. Ain’t my business anyway, and it’s so cold at night these days that I can’t say I thought anything of it. > "She took her mount and rode towards the eastern gate, from what I recall. My girl Dancing Queen ain’t returned though — so clearly the young lady had a ways to go. Perhaps all the way back to Rexxentrum, who knows. I ain’t asking questions, just providing what’s needed for the royal family. Is anything amiss?”