Episode Link: Blood on the Seas

In the aftermath of the victory over the Lintha, Admiral Peleps Polin boards the Leviathan’s Paradise and congratulates Peleps Maera and Cathak Shao Dun. Maera expresses her nervousness that the Lintha were active so close to Peleps territory.

Peleps Polin interrogates the prisoners and discovers that the Lintha are not alone in the area, although the nature of their allies and mission remain unclear.

As Maera and Polin examine captured Lintha hide charts, a disturbing revelation is revealed: the Lintha appear to have allied with Thorns. Rain begins to fall—a rain and a storm of blood.

The storm, clearly a work of dark sorcery, intensifies. Polin returns to her vessel. Maera issues emergency orders, doing her best to restore calm as fear spreads through the crew.

As the horrified Maera looks on, a great shape rises out of the ocean and destroys a ship from the Peleps fleet.

Drawing upon his knowledge of the occult, Cathak Shao Dun is reminded of the Siege of Thorns. He concludes that an undead whale, animated by necromancy, has been summoned to destroy the Peleps fleet.

Polin calls out and orders the Leviathan’s Paradise to sail for Sarkarn and warn the Queen. Maera obeys her orders. The fate of the Admiral and her fleet is unknown, concealed by the worsening storm.

Peleps Meara
Peleps Polin
Cathak Shao Dun
Desai Pavrani

Episode Link: Pirates of Sarkarn

The expedition to root out coastal pirates commences. Peleps Maera and Cathak Shao Dun set out in the Leviathan’s Paradise. Temporarily separated from their kinship, they prepare for whatever may come.

Cathak Shao Dun and Desai Pavrani spar on the ship’s deck as they wait for the coming battle.

As Maera and Shao stand together looking over the ocean, they reflect on the good times and happy memories formed during their past voyages together. They feel a deep, shared sense of sentimentality, a longing for the simpler life they have left behind, but they also understand that those times are over and they must look forward to the future.

The Leviathan’s Paradise reaches the pirate-plagued satropy of Sarkarn, where they meet Admiral Peleps Polin. The three discuss strategic goals for the inevitable encounter with the lintha.

The expedition resumes, and Maera spies a pirate hiding place. As the fleet changes course and moves into position, a mighty Lintha lamprey-beast rises out of the sea, and battle is joined.

Thanks to Maera’s expert leadership and deft maritime skills, the Leviathan’s Paradise outmaneuvers the pirates. The Peleps marines, led by Shao and Pavrani, board the enemy vessel. Storms of Lintha javelins and the great lamprey beast are no match for the Dragon-Blooded, and the battle ends with the surviving Lintha being prepared for interrogation as their ship is consumed in flame.

Peleps Meara
Cathak Shao Dun
Desai Pavrani
Peleps Polin

Episode Link: Journeys and Revelations

Peleps Maera decides to test Desai Pavrani’s worthiness to join herself and Cathak Shao Dun on the upcoming pirate-hunting expedition. She defeats her in an intense sparring match, but is impressed enough with Pavrani’s skill that she formally invites her along.

As the hour of the expedition dawns, Maera inspires the crew of the Leviathan’s Paradise with a rousing speech. The great ship sets sail, and the hunt begins.

The three Dragon-Blooded remaining on land convene to discuss the developing political situation. They stumble upon a disturbing revelation after Sarissa quips offhandedly that Prince Ozria Khidara herself could have been replaced by a Lunar, as the possibility dawns on the group that this could actually be true. Obtaining a sample of the Prince’s handwriting to determine her identity is suddenly of paramount importance to the kinship.

As night falls, Sanzo seeks out Kai and tries to convince him that the Prince should select the Tepet suitor. He argues that it would give him, and therefore the kinship, considerable power and influence. Kai, distracted and under substantial pressure, is noncommittal.

Sanzo meets with Tepet Indaro. They plot and scheme with and against each other under the veneer of a discussion on how best to strengthen House Tepet.

Peleps Meara
Cathak Shao Dun
Desai Pavrani
Mnemon Sarissa
V’neef Kai
Tepet Sanzo
Tepet Indaro

Episode Link: Not the Usual Suspects?

After some coaching from Tepet Sanzo and V’neef Kai, Mnemon Sarissa sets up a meeting with her fellow Mnemon, Zuri. While she waits, she heads to her workshop and begins to craft a tea set for Sanzo.

Sanzo meets with Curry the Raccoon, who once again licks the guestbook from the Leviathan’s Paradise and confirms that, as far as he can tell, there were no Lunars aboard during Kai’s party.

Peleps Maera finds Kai wandering the halls of his estate and informs him that Peleps Admiral Polin has invited her out on a pirate hunting expedition. They discuss the wisdom of bringing Shao and possibly Desai Pavrani along on the expedition, and the two part affectionately.

Maera heads to the barracks, where she finds Cathak Shao Dun in high spirits as he prepares her soldiers for the expedition. She questions him about Desai Pavrani, and he suggests she speak to her. Maera takes him up on this, and asks him to set up a meeting between the three of them.

Sarissa arrives right on time for her meeting with Zuri, seeking, as the discussion goes forward, to understand Zuri’s unspoken intentions and motivations. As they touch upon a wide range of political subjects, the coaching she received from Kai and Sanzo pays off, and she is left with a strong impression that Zuri is unaware of Arkan Khidara’s supposed dealings with House Mnemon.

Tepet Sanzo arranges a brief, clandestine meeting with Gauntlet, who informs him that her organization wants him to seek a seat on the Council of Elders. He updates her on the progress of his investigations, and lets her know he expects they will be seeing more of each other in the future.

Tepet Sanzo
V’neef Kai
Mnemon Sarissa
Curry
Peleps Meara
Cathak Shao Dun
Mnemon Zuri
Gauntlet

Episode Link: Questions Hang

As Cathak Shao Dun and Desai Pavrani converse on the docks beside the Leviathan’s Paradise, Captain Peleps Maera approaches. Through use of double entendre, she conveys to Shao that she doesn’t object to his spending time with Pavrani, but she has work to do and would appreciate his help. Shao politely excuses himself and heads off with his Captain.

V’neef Kai takes the opportunity to warn Shao about the potential danger that Pavrani represents, raising the possibility that she may intend to manipulate him.

Tepet Sanzo has coffee and tea waiting for the rest of the Kinship as they return to Kai’s villa, where he informs his companions that he has discovered a potentially incriminating letter in Arkan Khidara’s office.

Mnemon Sarissa finds it hard to believe that the letter came from her house, arguing that the presence of Mnemon’s seal on the envelope would be an inexplicably sloppy mistake. After some discussion, the Kinship resolves to carefully investigate the veracity of the seal before coming to a judgment.

Sanzo brings the guestbook from the party to Curry the Raccoon, and asks for his help to see if the suspected Lunar was among those present on the Leviathan’s Paradise.

Sarissa gives Shao a magnificently beautiful stylus set, which he receives with deep gratitude.

Maera and Shao discuss their relationship. Their pent up emotions are released, and the episode closes as they join in an intimate embrace.

• Arkan Khidara
• Curry
• Desai Pavrani
• Mnemon Zuri

Episode Link: Party on the Leviathan’s Paradise

From within the heart of her workshop, Mnemon Sarissa works tirelessly to modify her flame pieces, hoping to make them easier to conceal. The result of her efforts is a small, single-shot cannon that is easy to hide on her person. With her remaining free time, she crafts a magnificent stylus set for Cathak Shao-Dun, to thank him for his recent help.

Captain Peleps Maera and V’neef Kai prepare the Leviathan’s Paradise for the upcoming party, ostensibly thrown to celebrate Prince Ozria Khidara’s impending wedding.

The party begins. While the Dynasts and Dragon-Blooded mingle and enjoy themselves, Tepet Sanzo infiltrates Arkan Khidara’s estate, in the guise of a servant.

As the Leviathan’s Paradise carries the partygoers on a gentle cruise down the river, Maera discusses Jiaran politics with Firat, the Prince’s advisor.

Sanzo surreptitiously rummages through Arkan Khidara’s office. He finds a letter marked with a Mnemon seal which casts suspicion on Arkan’s personal motives and his loyalty to the Prince.

Shao-Dun enjoys a pleasant, rather flirtatious conversation with Desai Pavrani, and learns more about her background and motivations.

Kai brings a glass of red wine to Arkan and finds him guarded, almost hostile. As the conversation goes on, the old man expresses a condescending, disdainful attitude toward the Prince.

Sarissa notices Arkan’s expression of profound relief after Kai leaves him. She seeks out Kai, and they discuss Arkan’s reactions, along with his assessment of the suitors.

Mnemon Sarissa
Peleps Meara
V’neef Kai
Tepet Sanzo
Cathak Shao Dun
Firat
Arkan Khidara
Desai Pavrani
Cathak Jul-To
Desai Kadajin
Ledaal Yasmet Silver Grace
Tepet Delak

Episode Link: Suitors to Suit

Peleps Maera and V’neef Kai find a rare moment of free time, giving them an opportunity to discuss Prince Ozria Khidara’s suitors. Kai expresses his approval for Desai Kadajin, believing that a consort from the Threshold would make a beneficial match.

Maera, intent on personally appraising the contestants for the Prince’s hand, goes with Mnemon Sarissa to meet with the Ledaal suitor, Silver Grace. Afterwards, the two Dragon-Blooded head to the Broken Oar, where shenanigans ensue as they bond over drinks.

After parting with his siblings, Kai luxuriates in a bath with Tovin, and the two discuss the various suitors. Tovin indicates to Kai that the Desai are particularly invested in winning the marriage contest.

Tepet Sanzo meets with Kai in his office, where he requests the latter gather a sample of writing from the guests at his upcoming party, as it may be helpful in discovering the identity of the hidden Lunar. Kai suggests he will leave a guestbook out when the time comes.

Peleps Maera wakes up the next morning, hung over, to the news that ten Peleps warships are inbound and will soon reach the harbor. Maera receives the leader of the fleet, an illustrious Admiral called Peleps Polin. The Admiral offers Maera the chance to join her in a pirate hunting expedition.

Sanzo meets with Gauntlet, his contact with the Society, and the two discuss House Tepet politics. Sanzo proposes supporting the Tepet suitor, rather than the Desai, as a means to gain greater control over the political situation. Gauntlet listens to Sanzo’s suggestions and promises to give them proper consideration.

Peleps Meara
V’neef Kai
Mnemon Sarissa
Ledaal Yasmet Silver Grace
V’neef Lohlyn
V’neef Sylus
Salana Tovin
Tepet Sanzo
Peleps Polin
Gauntlet
Tepet Delak

Tepet Sanzo’s intelligence gathering reveals new threads in the mystery of Nima Isfani’s disappearance.

Cathak Shao Dun requests V’neef Kai’s help as he pays a visit to Desai Pavrani to assess the suitor from her house, Kadajin. As they question the suitor, Shao grows increasingly displeased, finding the man lacking passion, while Kai keeps his feelings close to his chest. After the interview, Kai surprises Shao by offering a relatively positive assessment of Kadajin, based on the potential political benefits a marriage with the Desai could provide to the Prince.

The Kinship gathers to discuss the recent political developments, the sorcerous working created by Mnemon Sarissa and Shao, and news regarding Sanzo’s investigation. In spite of the instability of the situation, the Dragon-Blooded are in high spirits. Maera in particular seems to have her swagger back. Plans are made to throw a grand party on the Leviathan’s Paradise.

Sarissa and Shao present their sorcerous working to Prince Ozria Khidara. They take the opportunity to update her on the status of the investigation into the assassination plot.

Tepet Sanzo
Cathak Shao Dun
V’neef Kai
Desai Pavrani
Desai Kadajin
Mnemon Sarissa
Peleps Meara
Ozria Khidara
Nima Isfani

Tepet Sanzo continues his investigation into the plot against Prince Ozria Khidara, infiltrating the palace in the guise of a young servant boy, Kiten. He networks with his contacts as he works to unravel the mystery behind Nima Isfani’s disappearance.

With Laconic Ibis in direct control of the marines deployed to protect the Prince, Cathak Shao Dun turns his attention to the sorcerous working he will create in collaboration with Mnemon Sarissa. He goes through a ritual of self-purification to prepare.

Peleps Maera pursues her investigation at the harbor. A conversation with the harbor master leads to a trade syndicate called Mercy of Iron, and a potential meeting with a new contact.

V’neef Kai meets with Prince Ozria and gives her a gift of magnificent tea, which is well-received. They thoroughly discuss the advantages and disadvantages provided by the various suitors and their Houses.

As part of his investigation into the nature of the poison found in Nima Isfani’s quarters, Tepet Sanzo seeks out another contact and mentions a woman named Yinguan.

Mnemon Sarissa begins crafting the mechanism that will serve as an anchor for the sorcerous working, a grinding mechanism for lipstick enchanted to protect the wearer. Once the mechanism, a paragon of mechanical perfection, is forged, Sarissa sends it back to Shao, who enchants the device.

Maera’s tenacious investigation yields fruit, as she is given an audience with Yinguan. The possibility that the poison may be connected to one of the great Houses is raised.

Tepet Sanzo meets a (furry, ring-tailed) contact, who helps him examine a letter in exchange for a meal.

Tepet Sanzo
Kiten
Nima Isfani
Cathak Shao Dun
Peleps Meara
V’neef Kai
Ozria Khidara
Mnemon Sarissa

Episode Link: COMING SOON

Prince Ozria Khidara, along with her servant, Firat, explains to the gathered Dragon-Blooded why she believes an assassination plot is being planned against her. Her suspicions center around the disappearance of a supposedly trustworthy aide, Nima Isfani, and the discovery of poison in her quarters, which were ransacked by an unknown party.

The Dragon-Blooded investigate Nima Isfani’s residence, noting that the room was intentionally thrown into disarray, possibly to disguise the intruder’s motives. Tepet Sanzo believes they are being intentionally deceived. He immediately identifies a specific type of poison found stashed in an inkpot. After gathering evidence, they decide to reconvene elsewhere to discuss what they have found.

V’neef Kai and Ozria Khidara discuss the political situation, the Great Houses, and the implications of the Prince’s rebellion and upcoming marriage.

The Dragon-Blooded meet in Kai’s villa. Sanzo, demonstrating his versatility as a brewer of warm beverages, prepares coffee for the kinship. Cathak Shao Dun particularly enjoys his drink. Using their combined understanding of the competing political and economic interests in Jiara and the Realm, the Dragons attempt to piece together the nature of the conspiracy against the Prince.

Mnemon Sarissa conceives a plan to craft a sorcerous working for the Prince, in hopes of protecting her from poison.

Ozria Khidara
Firat
Nima Isfani
Mnemon Sarissa
V’neef Kai
Tepet Sanzo
Peleps Meara
Cathak Shao Dun