The victorious V’neef Kai, wielding the warstrider Longaeva, returns from his successful battle against the necrotek monstrosity and serenades the delighted Peleps Maera. He asks her to go with him after the battle has ended, and she enthusiastically agrees.

Mnemon Sarissa engages her powerful weaponry and siege engines, unleashing a series of ferocious attacks against the approaching dead. She focuses her efforts on the enemy’s siege engines. With her masterpiece artifact, Fire Strikes the Storm-Shrouded Summit, she snipes the necrotek engineer coordinating the enemy attack.

Sarissa engages a rantai – a horrific creation cobbled together from a host of corpses, bound with spiked chains. Coordinating with the defending forces, she concentrates on striking the core of the abomination. The rantai retaliates, but its attacks fail to drive off the agile Sarissa.

The persistent Sarissa grinds the rantai down and delivers a killing blow with her lightning blade, eliminating the immediate threat to the walls of the city. She returns to her work countering the siege engines of the army of Thorns.

Tepet Sanzo, in the guise of the Maiden of the Mirthless Smile, subtly subverts the forces of the dead, poisoning the rations of the living mercenaries in their ranks.

Sanzo plots against the Doom of Thousands, a void-touched ghost that is second in command to the Maiden, and surreptitiously poisons the body it inhabits.

The Prince, revealed as a Solar Exalted, arrives with Saffron Veil and is greeted by the reunited kinship. With the enemy weakened, the decision is made to take the offensive and break the siege.

Led by the Prince, the coalition forces defending Jiara ride forth in grandeur as a united army, and crush the dead in a single glorious engagement.

At last, Jiara has been liberated, fallen from the grasp of the Realm and Thorns alike.

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

Ozria Khidara
Saffron Veil

At the fortress of Parapet…

Cathak Shao-Dun struggles to recover from the injuries he suffered in the battle against the Maiden of the Mirthless Smile.

Shao and Captain Peleps Maera conference to determine their plan of defense against the advancing armies of Thorns. The two deploy their forces outside the fortress and prepare to strike the army as they arrive.

Maera, Shao, and Laconic Ibis unleash a pincer attack against the enemy, and battle is joined.

Maera personally kills the enemy commander, an Exigent Exalted, breaking the enemy’s morale. The battle turns into a rout; an opening victory for the kinship is scored, but only the vanguard of the dead has been defeated. Maera and Shao withdraw into the fortress.

The enemy’s main strength arrives and prepares to launch an attack.

Mnemon Sarissa, in concert with Tepet Ejava, works tirelessly to bolster Parapet’s defenses against the dead’s siege.

Tepet Sanzo infiltrates the ranks of the dead by taking on the appearance of the Maiden of the Mirthless Smile. The cunning Sanzo quickly understands the hierarchy inside the camp and successfully integrates himself into the surroundings.

As V’neef Kai prepares to wield Longaeva, he catches sight of a gigantic necrobeast. He quickly merges with the warstrider and moves to intercept the monstrosity.

Kai rushes into the horde of the dead and fires the warstrider’s bolts at the grotesque giant. The swarming dead prove no match for the magnificent warstrider.

Kai closes with the necrotek horror and engages it in a terrific struggle, grinding it down and destroying it.

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

Laconic Ibis
Tepet Ejava

In the aftermath of the battle against the Maiden of the Mirthless Smile, Peleps Maera shares an emotional reunion Cathak Shao Dun and Tepet Sanzo. There is little time for commiseration, as reinforcements from the Maiden’s army approach. The Dragon-Blooded secretly carry off the body of the anathema as they withdraw.

With champion of the Dead slain and their armies delayed, Maera, Sanzo and Shao leave Trellis to reunite the kinship at the fortress of Parapet.

Mnemon Sarissa finishes her latest remarkable crafting project, a powerful fire wand, while V’neef Kai trains with the warstrider Longaeva. In the evening, they meet and discuss they way their lives have changed, and ponder what the future may hold. While their philosophical differences remain, the two express feelings of genuine fondness and friendship for each other.

The Vermillion Legion arrives in Parapet under the command of Tepet Ejava, the Roseblack, followed a few days later by by Maera, Sanzo, and Shao. After a heartwarming reunion and some time to rest, the rejuvenated kinship prepares to resist the invading Dead.

As the defenders busy themselves, Sanzo disappears.

Sarissa reaches out to Shao and offers to help him compensate for the loss of his arm as he prepares for battle.

As Shao sits atop the wall of the great fortress, he is happily joined by Desai Pavrani. The two swap tales and head off for sparring practice.

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

Tepet Ejava
Desai Pavrani

As Cathak Shao Dun and Tepet Sanzo discuss the nature of ghosts, the Maiden of the Mirthless Smile, the Mask of Winters’ most feared general, descends upon them, and battle is joined.

Sanzo draws first blood, striking the Maiden with what appears an improbably lucky blow, leaving her bloodied and enraged. Shao and the Maiden’s first exchange ends in a terrific clash that grants no advantage to either of them.

Peleps Maera sees the abyssal’s terrible anima and races to help her kinship.

Believing the Dragon-Blooded to be overmatched, Shao tells Sanzo to run, intending to sacrifice himself to help his friend escape. While Shao’s blow strikes her armor, the Maiden’s strike severs his arm.

Sanzo refuses to run and fires a storm of needles at the Maiden.

The grievously wounded Shao launches a final relentless assault against the Maiden, driving her to the brink of death.

As the enraged Maiden berates her enemies, the poison from Sanzo’s needles takes effect. She falls and is no more.

Cathak Shao Dun
Tepet Sanzo
Peleps Meara

V’neef Kai and Mnemon Sarissa rush back to Jiara to warn Prince Ozria Khidara of the coming dead from Thorns. Along with Saffron Veil, they discuss how best to defend Parapet, the Bridge City, where they intend to make their stand.

After Kai leaves, Sarissa lingers and offers her aid to the Prince, and asks to see Saffron Veil’s true face. The one she believes to be Veil tells her this might be possible after the coming battle.

Sarissa meets with Tepet Ejava, the Roseblack, to deliver a message from Tepet Sanzo: the dead have been spotted near Trellis, and he intends to remain in the area to buy time for the defenders of Jiara to prepare. Sarissa herself offers her help with military engineering. The two excitedly chat about Sarissa’s new construction project over tea.

As Kai busies himself taking care of his responsibilities to his house, he receives a visit from Salana Tovin. The troubled lovers find comfort in each other’s arms.

Sarissa works late into the night completing her most recent magnificent artifact, a flame piece she names Fire Strikes from a Cloud-Covered Mountain.

Kai bonds and communes with the warstrider Longaeva.

In Trellis, Peleps Maera, Cathak Shao Dun, and Tepet Sanzo mount a determined effort to delay the advancing dead from Thorns, using deceptive guerilla tactics in hopes of confusing the enemy.

The Maiden of the Mirthless Smile, leading the army from Thorns, orders her forces to set a trap for the Dragon-Blooded.

As the three Dragon-Blooded confer, their scouts report that the enemy has made contact and prepared an invitation for them. Shao and Sanzo cautiously take to the field to probe the enemy’s intentions.

Shao detects the presence of a nearby spirit and impulsively pursues it, drawing closer to the enemy’s trap. The Maiden of the Mirthless Smiles rushes Shao and Sanzo intent on cutting them down…

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

Ozria Khidara
Saffron Veil
Tepet Ejava
Salana Tovin

Mnemon Sarissa expounds on her plot to force the Satrap to evacuate Trellis, using the latter’s dislike of V’neef Kai to the kinship’s advantage. As the plan slowly begins to hatch, Sarissa uses the downtime to throw herself into a great crafting project.

V’neef Kai uses his status as the son of V’neef and his considerable social skills to manipulate the nobles of Trellis. The elites of the satrapy are swayed and begin preparation for evacuation.

To further sow doubts and fear among the elites of Trellis, Tepet Sanzo and Peleps Maera continue to arm the rebellious slaves, and lead targeted strikes against the outlying plantations.

Cathak Shao Dun works to coordinate the strikes against the slave masters of Trellis.

As chaos spreads through Trellis, Sarissa meets again with the satrap and successfully convinces her to evacuate the satrapy.

Shao diligently trains the growing numbers of the Trellis underground, with a focus on guerilla tactics and fighting as a cohesive unit. One of his units returns from patrol and informs him that the dead have arrived on the outskirts of Trellis. Shao heads out to personally observe what has happened, and comes upon the slaughtered and desecrated corpses at an outlying plantation. He cremates the bodies and prepares for the coming onslaught.

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

V’neef Kai, Mnemon Sarissa, and Cathak Shao Dun journey to the seat of Trellis. They meet the Satrap at her countryside estate.

Shao is disturbed by the what he sees of Trellis: plantations of slaves laboring under the whips of wealthy overseers.

The three Dragon-Blooded struggle to convince the Satrap that the dead marching from Thorns represent an immediate threat to Trellis. When Kai encourages the Satrap to evacuate the satrapy, she asks for evidence that the dead are coming. While the heroes have none, the logic of their arguments eventually begins to convince the Satrap.

Peleps Maera and Tepet Sanzo work to incite rebellion in Trellis, operating clandestinely in local watering holes and other gathering places. They seek out and make contact with a local resistance movement, organized against the ruling slave masters.

Kai and Sarissa finally convince the Satrap to accede to their wishes, and preparations for a partial evacuation of Trellis once the harvest is completed.

Maera and Sanzo reach the center of the local resistance, and meet the group’s leader, Humble Wren. The Dragon-Blooded work to convince the skeptical Wren that their offer of freedom is genuine, and a better option than what Thorns may provide.

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

Tepet Ejava, the Roseblack, leads the Vermilion Legion into Jiara.

The kinship meets with Saffron Veil at her palace. She introduces them to the real Prince Ozria Khidara, revealed to be an anathema. After declarations of devotion to Jiara made by both sides, the Dragon-Blooded and the anathema discuss the developing political situation, and the advances from Thorns.

The focus of the discussion turns to the nearby satrapy of Trellis, which is a probable stepping stone for Thorns on their march to Jiara. The increasingly unstable territory is a collection of slave plantations ruled by corrupt elites. The kinship decide to head there, to make a stand against the dead.

After the meeting ends, Mnemon Sarissa, still very curious about the anathema, remains behind to converse with the Prince and Saffron Veil. She leaves the palace after a pleasant conversation, her belief that the tyrannical aspects of the Realm must be resisted strengthened by what was said.

Peleps Maera works to ease Cathak Shao Dun’s anger at his perception that the kinship is doing the bidding of the anathema.

Maera meets with her smuggler friend Yinguan in preparation for the attack on Trellis. Yinguan asks and receives Maera’s word that she will protect the people as best she is able.

Tepet Sanzo meets with Shao and easily convinces him to join the kinship on the journey to Trellis.

Elsewhere, Righteous Shrike informs the Mask of Winters on the progress of Thorns’s incursions into the Realm.

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

Tepet Ejava
Saffron Veil
Ozria Khidara

Righteous Shrike
Mask of Winters

Saffron Veil, in the guise of the Prince, marries the Tepet suitor in a small and basic ceremony. It is a moment of triumph for Tepet Sanzo.

V’neef Kai and Peleps Maera are then wed, also in a humble ceremony. The kinship deals with mixed emotions and the distractions caused by the increasingly unstable political situation.

At the wedding, Cathak Shao Dun and Desai Pavrani meet again after a considerable time apart. She assures him she is ready to support him in the coming battle, against whatever foe may be facing them. He warns her that Thorns is advancing on Jiara.

Sarissa continues working on her major crafting project, making substantial progress. To her surprise, she receives a visit from Mnemon Zuri. They discuss internal Mnemon politics, and the encroaching threat presented by Thorns.

Gauntlet delivers the harvest gem, a hearthstone, to Sanzo, courtesy of Laughing Knife. Sanzo summons the kinship to the warehouse that shelters the warstrider and announces the acquisition of the treasure. After discussion among the kinship, the honor of first wielding the warstrider is given to Sarissa. Kai attunes to it as well, and determines the warstrider’s name: Longaeva.

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

Saffron Veil
Desai Pavrani
Mnemon Zuri

The kinship meets with Saffron Veil on her private balcony as the sun slowly sets. They inform her of the ghost that spied on them at Kai’s villa, and warn her that she should take precautions. Tepet Sanzo tells her that House Tepet is willing to stand with her, and has promised its full support – to the surprise of the other Dragon-Blooded.

Mnemon Sarissa reads a letter given to her by Saffron Veil, signed by The Wolf with Red Roses. It explains the motivations and history of the anathema, and their hostility toward the Realm. The letter has a considerable effect on Sarissa.

Saffron Veil announces her betrothal to the Tepet suitor. V’neef Kai proposes to Peleps Maera
that they call off their engagement, to give her the chance to marry Cathak Shao Dun. The shocked Maera needs time to consider this idea.

Maera finds Shao in a pensive mood, considering the tactical situation. He is flabbergasted when she tells him Kai’s marriage plan. The two discuss the possibility, and ultimately conclude they’re happy with their relationship as it is.

Sanzo and Sarissa discuss his relationship with House Tepet over a pot of black tea. When she expresses surprise that he is embracing his house, he tells her that he did not go over to their side, but that they have joined him.

Tepet Sanzo meets Gauntlet and her associate, Laughing Knife. He gives Sanzo a considerable amount of information on Lunars that he’d previously requested. He questions his attitude toward the Lunars, his plans for House Tepet, and the larger political picture. The mysterious Knife’s strange choice of words leaves Sanzo curious as to his true nature.

As Maera tells Kai of her marriage decision, they receive information that Righteous Shrike has unexpectedly left the city.

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

Saffron Veil
Gauntlet
Firat

V’neef Kai and Peleps Maera meet with Saffron Veil to address their encounter with Righteous Shrike. Veil expects the Prince will reject the offer from Thorns.

Maera visits Yin Guan and tells her Thorns is coming, and asks her to help evacuate Jiara if necessary.

While on the road back to Jiara, Mnemon Sarissa throws herself into a major crafting project. The increasingly paranoid Cathak Shao Dun spends every moment of his time worrying about the warstrider. Sarissa does her best to keep his mind occupied on other things.

Maera and Kai secure a warehouse to house the warstrider.

The kinship, minus Tepet Sanzo, reunite at the gates of Jiara. As the warstrider is brought to the warehouse and revealed, Shao and Maera go over safety arrangements. Maera tells him of Righteous Shrike’s visit and Saffron Veil’s intended rejection. As the discussion goes on, the two share a brief, intimate moment.

Shao and Maera return to Kai’s villa. Inside the anteroom, Shao becomes immediately aware that a malefic spirit is present. WIth Maera’s help, Shao locates the ghost. During his questioning, the ghost attempts to retreat, but Shao smashes open the ceiling and destroys it through exposure to sunlight.

Kai and Sarissa arrive, and Shao and Maera explain what happened. They speculate as to the identity of the ghost’s master, and consider the possibility that it was a servant of Thorns.

Shao proposes using salt wards to prevent incursions by unwanted spirits. As the discussion continues, the kinship is bolstered as they are finally rejoined by Tepet Sanzo.

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

Saffron Veil

Tepet Sanzo meets with Tepet Corino at a small fishing town, the location chosen to avoid drawing attention. He greets her with considerable respect and describes his plan to give House Tepet control over Jiara. She expresses skepticism about any alliance with the anathema, but Sanzo argues that the potential benefits make the risks worth it.

After lengthy discussion of Realm and House politics, Sanzo and Corino come to an understanding. Corino informs him she intends to appoint him to House Tepet’s Council.

Mnemon Sarissa and Cathak Shao Dun arrive in Nathul and make the journey up the mountain to the warstrider. As they draw closer and the reality of the situation strikes home, they discuss the impact that the introduction of the great weapon will have on the unstable political situation.

Peleps Maera and V’neef Kai are shocked at the news that an emissary from Thorns has arrived to speak to Prince Ozria Khidara. Thorns appears to want an alliance with her against the Great Houses. They meet with Saffron Veil, still impersonating the Prince, to discuss strategy. Maera and Kai agree to meet with the emissary, acting as the Prince’s representatives.

Sarissa and Shao are overcome with awe as they reach the magnificent warstrider. Sarissa conducts her assessment of its status, finding it in need of maintenance but essentially undamaged, and the difficult excavation begins. Sarissa realizes that the warstrider will need a hearthstone before it can be activated.

Maera and Kai meet in secret with the emissary from Thorns, Righteous Shrike. Shrike speaks respectfully of Prince Ozria Khidara, and proposes an alliance against the Realm, while Kai and Maera question the terms of the potential arrangement. In spite of Shrike’s eloquence, Maera and Kai cannot ignore their sense that a deeper evil exists inside him.

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

Tepet Corino
Saffron Veil
Righteous Shrike

Tepet Sanzo meets with Gauntlet to discuss a possible alliance with the Lunars, on the basis that they and the Society have compatible goals. Gauntlet is skeptical, but not completely closed to the idea.

Mnemon Sarissa informs Sanzo of her meeting with Saffron Veil. Sanzo tells her he will be present, eavesdropping from a different room. The meeting takes place in private, with Veil and her guards. They discuss a wide range of subjects, including the nature of the true Prince, Veil’s plans for the future of the Realm, and the fate of Sarkarn after its alliance with Thorns. When Sarissa mentions she would be interested in hearing the Lunar perspective on the history between the anathema and the Dragon-Blooded, Veil reacts with pleasant surprise.

As Sanzo leaves, he sees a man fitting the description of one of the Prince’s foreign advisers.

Cathak Shao Dun selects an elite group of soldiers to accompany himself and Sarissa to Nathul, while Sarissa prepares her own supplies for the expedition. After they depart, they discuss that state of the Realm, and Sarissa’s meeting with Saffron Veil. Shao expresses anger at the Lunar’s manipulations; Sarissa points out that they, too, have been manipulative when it suits them, and that the Realm is far from perfect.

V’neef Kai focuses on attending to Jiara’s defenses. He spends time among the Jiaran elite to rally support for the Prince.

Peleps Maera works to determine if the unnatural storm that destroyed the Peleps fleet could be en route to Jiara. She realizes that if the storm was heading toward them at the speed it was observed, it would have already reached the city.

Kai and Maera are summoned to a somewhat clandestine meeting with Saffron Veil. She gives them some chilling information: an emissary from Thorns has arrived.

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

Gauntlet
Saffron Veil

V’neef Kai takes a pleasant stroll through the city with Salana Tovin. The cheerful backdrop belies the heavy nature of their discussion topics: Kai’s meeting with the Prince, and Tovin’s desire to destroy the great houses.

Cathak Shao Dun, brooding over his misgivings of the kinship’s situation, seeks out Mnemon Sarissa. He finds her busy crafting in her workshop, but she takes a break to speak with him. While Shao is desperate to destroy Saffron Veil as quickly as possible, Sarissa believes it is too early to proceed. The strength of her logic leaves him somewhat convinced.

As the discussion goes on, they remember the warstrider, nearly forgotten by the kinship and sitting in cave. The two begin enthusiastically planning an expedition to retrieve the mighty weapon, hoping it will provide them

Sarissa and Sanzo talk about Saffron Veil. They agree that in spite of her deception, her intentions do not appear malevolent. Sanzo notes that she is not connected to Thorns, and indeed appeared disturbed at the prospect of its encroachment on her territory.

Sarissa lets Sanzo in on her plan to excavate the warstrider. She asks him to help keep the plan quiet, and he agrees.

Shao and Tepet Sanzo have a chance encounter in Kai’s villa. What begins as an exchange of common pleasantries turns into a discussion about Saffron Veil. Sanzo works to convince Shao that his dogmatic attitude toward the Realm and the Lunars needs flexibility, using examples of his own personal suffering to persuade him of the imperfections in Dragon-Blooded society. While his words have an effect, Shao tells him that he will never under any circumstances be willing to share the realm with Lunar or Solar anathema.

Sanzo meets with Tepets Ejava and Indaro, delivering two pieces of important news: The Prince intends to select the Tepet suitor, and the Mask of Winters will move against Jiara. Sanzo frames the situation as an opportunity for House Tepet to grow stronger, if it is willing to assign its legions to defend Jiara. His suggestion to ally with the Lunar is met with considerable skepticism, but some willingness to consider a temporary alliance, given the extreme circumstances.

Shao goes to Peleps Maera, hoping to put their previous argument behind them, and informs her about the warstrider. Neither of them have the stomach for an argument. She quickly blesses his plan to excavate the warstrider, and they part with a few flirtatious gestures.

V’neef Kai
Cathak Shao Dun
Mnemon Sarissa
Tepet Sanzo

Salana Tovin
Tepet Indaro
Tepet Ejava

V’neef Kai summons Tepet Sanzo, ostensibly to discuss Saffron Veil. But upon his arrival, Kai questions him directly about his true nature and identity, asking how he has become such an important force inside House Tepet. Sanzo attempts to placate Kai by pointing out that he was originally hired as a spy, and ultimately insists on keeping his secrets.

Peleps Maera and Cathak Shao Dun meet after returning to the barracks. Shao expresses his frustration that the kinship is preventing him from killing Saffron Veil. After arguing about the rightful place of the Dragon-Blooded in the world and the kinship’s attitude to the Lunar, Maera allows herself to express her vulnerability, the pain she feels that her father may be among the host marching on them from Thorns.

Mnemon Sarissa creates a lightning gun firewand, using blue jade, with a greystone stock, shot through with veins of quartz from the remains of an earth elemental. The weapon combines designs from the blueprints of several previous projects. As always, Sarissa’s astonishing capacities for patience and concentration are applied to her work.

Before she is able to finish, Mnemon Zuri visits her. Sarissa informs her of the apparent destruction of Peleps Fleet, the Realm’s loss of Sarkarn to Thorns, and expresses her fear that Jiara may be the next target of the encroaching undead. She asks Zuri for help securing another audience with the Prince, and agrees to send Mnemon a letter informing her of recent developments.

After his combative conversation with Maera, Shao meets with Laconic Ibis. The two thoroughly break down the tactical challenges presented by Thorns and the political instability in Jiara.

Maera returns to Kai’s villa, annoyed by Shao’s stubbornness. Kai meets with her in one of his gardens, giving her a chance to vent her frustrations. Kai tells her that Shao and Sarissa may never see or understand the Realm and the world as they do, and vice versa, but he believes there is at least a chance.

Sanzo meets with Saffron Veil and tells her that he agrees with her belief that the Realm is deeply corrupt and needs to be destroyed. When he tells her that he intends to turn House Tepet into a champion of outcasts, allied with anathema, she cannot conceal her surprise. A modicum of something close to trust begins to develop between the two, based on their shared values.

Maera writes a letter to the Peleps Admiralty, thoroughly detailing the destruction of Peleps Polin’s fleet and the loss of Sarkarn. She then writes to her mother, detailing considerably more personal matters.

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

Lynn
Laconic Ibis
Ozria Khidara

The kinship gathers to determine what to do about the Lunar anathema posing as Prince Ozria Khidara. After careful consideration, and over Cathak Shao Dun’s objections, they decide to visit her, together, in hopes of learning more about her motivations.

V’neef Kai prepares an introductory letter for the Prince, to assure her that the Dragon-Blooded come to visit her in peace.

The Prince holds an audience for the Dragon-Blooded, and bows with respect as the kinship arrives. She allows them a private meeting, although her guards remain. The encounter is tense, as the Prince accuses the five, along with all Dragon-blooded, of being tyrants, and tells them she cannot tolerate the continuation of the status quo. Her attempts to convince them of the legitimacy of her perspective meet with limited success.

Critically, the Dragon-Blooded learn that the Prince is not connected to the horrors sent from Thorns, and is disturbed to learn of their approach. After some discussion, the two sides agree to a temporary alliance against Thorns, although everyone understands it will be a fragile and unstable thing.

As the audience comes to an end, the Lunar masquerading as the Prince reveals a new name for herself: Saffron Veil.

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

Saffron Veil
Ozria Khidara
Firat

Episode Link: Kinship Reunited

In the aftermath of the Prince’s ball, Mnemon Sarissa engages herself in a crafting project, creating an intricate flame piece, concealable, the size of a derringer. The construction process is exceptionally difficult and complicated, but after several days of tenacious work, Sarissa is successful.

Three days after the ball, the Leviathan’s Paradise returns to Jiara, the mood still grim. Peleps Maera and Cathak Shao Dun take time to reflect upon the horrors on the ocean.

V’neef Kai comforts Maera with a luxurious bath, as she remains deeply disturbed from her memory of the smell of the bloody storm. Afterwards, they share their recollections of recent events, while Tepet Sanzo eavesdrops on the conversation.

Shao meditates and performs a purification ritual to cleanse himself of the spiritual stench left by the storm.

Tepet Sanzo meets with Lynn, and in a rare moment of open and emotional honesty, he confides in her his fears of the encroaching danger from Thorns.

The kinship gathers at Kai’s villa in what proves to be a sobering reunion; the happiness the five feel at being reunited is somewhat tainted by the revelations that Prince Ozria is a Lunar anathema, and the sinking of the Peleps fleet by the dreadful forces of Thorns. But as the discussion goes on, the unified kinship feel their collective strength, and a sense of hope rises, as the Dragon-Blooded prepare to confront the revealed threats.

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

Desai Pavrani
Lynn

Episode Link: Pearl and Silver

V’neef Kai, Mnemon Sarissa, and Tepet Sanzo arrive at the Prince’s ball in their most resplendent finery. The Dragon-Blooded are led into a grand courtyard with the other guests. Sanzo slips away from the others, finds Tepet suitor, Delak, and offers a few words of encouragement.

Onboard the Leviathan’s Paradise, Peleps Maera and Cathak Shao Dun deal with the aftermath of their horrific encounter with the undead monstrosity that attacked the Peleps Wood Fleet fleet. As they return to the port of Sarkarn, the mood is universally grim.

The Prince arrives at her ball wearing shimmering silver and graciously acknowledges her guests. To Sanzo’s surprise, she greets him personally and honors him with conversation, while simultaneously probing his attentions.

After a ritual Jiaran sword dance, the suitors introduce themselves to the Prince, all making strong impressions.

Maera and Shao confront the Queen of Sarkarn with information about the Lintha, and the apparent destruction of the Peleps fleet by the necrotic whale. After a testy exchange, they discover that she has terminated her relationship with House Peleps, and has allied herself with Thorns.

The Prince’s ball passes peacefully and pleasantly, although Kai and Sanzo are somewhat vexed that they cannot read the Prince’s intentions, and remain unsure of her true attitude toward the suitors.

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

Ozria Khidara
Tepet Delak
Cathak Jul-To
Ledaal Yasmet Silver Grace
Desai Kadajin
Soraya Taraneh

Episode Link: Between Breeze and Bough

Mnemon Sarissa meets V’neef Kai to discuss his recent encounter with the Prince. As they stroll through the villa’s splendid gardens, Kai informs her that the Prince is aware the Dragon-Blooded know her true identity. The perplexed Sarissa listens as he expresses sympathy with the Prince’s stated ideals, and dissatisfaction with the leadership of the Realm. While Sarissa still trusts Kai, she is not convinced his point of view is sound.

Elsewhere, Sanzo goes to Gauntlet and asks him to determine if the Lunar anathema’s professed belief that she genuinely cares for the people of the Realm is true, or a deception. He also wishes to understand whether his plans with Gauntlet conflict with or complement the Lunar’s schemes. Ultimately, Sanzo believes either possibility will serve him well.

Sarissa visits monk Mnemon Hoji to learn more about the nature of the anathema. He tells her that Lunars do not necessarily need to kill those they impersonate, but may steal the forms of of their victims through other dark arts.

Sanzo visits Tepet Indaro, who introduces him to Tepet Ejava, the Roseblack, an exceptionally promising member of the House. Indaro leaves, while Sanzo and Roseblack discuss potential strategy in case a clash with the anathema becomes inevitable.

Kai and Tovin discuss the great houses. Tovin, whose political views are even more radical than Kai’s, insists they must be destroyed. Before the discussion goes too far, the passion the two feel for each other rises, and they abandon talk to deal with the more important and pressing matter of love.

Mnemon Sarissa
V’neef Kai
Tepet Sanzo

Gauntlet
Tepet Indaro
Mnemon Hoji
Salana Tovin

Episode Link: Crowned in Silver

V’neef Kai writes a letter to Prince Ozria Khidara, ostensibly to remind her of their good relationship, and of his willingness to help her if she needs it. In reality, he hopes to meet with her to determine whether she is the Lunar Anathema that the Dragon-Blooded have been hunting. The Prince replies by offering Kai a warm invitation for a visit.

Kai brings the invitation to Tepet Sanzo, who in turn takes the letter to Curry. The kinship’s worst fears are confirmed: the Prince is indeed a Lunar.

Mnemon Sarissa bides her time. She expends her anxiety-driven energy by throwing herself into a crafting project: a collapsible, concealable short spear.

Kai, filled with apprehension, pays his visit to the Prince. The conversation is at first filled with friendly banter, until he subtly but unambiguously informs her that he knows her true nature. As she becomes wary, he stresses that he remains her friend. She discusses her belief that the forces governing the Realm are irredeemably corrupt and must be destroyed, a position Kai sympathizes with. They part without hostility, and Kai promises to warn her if his kin prepare to move against her.

In the aftermath of the confirmation of the Prince’s identity, Sanzo and Kai meet, a pall hanging over them. Kai maintains his trusting, optimistic feelings toward the Prince. Sanzo is disturbed by Kai’s attitude, and deeply skeptical of the Lunar’s good intentions.

The conversation comes to a close with Kai and Sanzo trying to decide how to break the news to the rest of the kinship.

V’neef Kai
Tepet Sanzo
Mnemon Sarissa
Ozria Khidara
Curry
Lynn

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

Episode Link: https://thestorytold.libsyn.com/fall-of-jiara-28

V’neef Kai receives his siblings, V’neef Sylus and V’neef Lohlyn, in the grandeur of his private salon. Kai greets them using his most grandiose, ostentatious manner, and the three catch up on family matters and political issues.

After eavesdropping on the conversation between Kai and his siblings, Tepet Sanzo pays a visit to Tepet Indaro, who introduces him to Delak, the House Tepet suitor. They question Sanzo regarding the political contest for the Prince’s hand and attempt to enlist his aid in supporting House Tepet’s bid. Sanzo is surprisingly receptive.

Peleps Maera meets Kai and his siblings; they enjoy refreshments and discuss matters, including Maera’s destruction of the anathema, Garafono. V’neef Lohlyn shockingly mentions her dealings with a group of Solars and opines on the political situation. She proposes the assembly of a coalition to take Thorns, a key city in the Eastern Threshold, for the purpose of boosting House V’neef’s strength and prestige.

Cathak Shao Dun receives an invitation from Mnemon Sarissa, asking him to visit her in her workshop, where he finds her hard at work at her drafting table. They have an open discussion about the Warstrider and resolve to work closely together on matters relating to the great artifact.

The Dragons are summoned by the Prince and assemble in her audience chamber. The Prince bluntly tells them of an assassination plot against her and enlists their help in rooting it out.

V’neef Kai
V’neef Sylus
V’neef Lohlyn
Lynn
Tepet Sanzo
Tepet Indaro
Tepet Delak
Peleps Meara
Cathak Shao Dun
Mnemon Sarissa

After the kinship has been sworn, V’neef Kai and Peleps Maera reveal the discovery of an ancient armory to the other Dragons. It notably contains a Warstrider, an ancient relic of extraordinary power. The kinship discuss the ramifications of this and consider what should be done with the remarkable relic. They decide to take some time to tie up loose ends before they make the journey to see it.

Lynn visits V’neef Kai and announces a surprise visit from his siblings.

Tepet Sanzo invites Peleps Maera to tea, under the pretext of getting to know her better. Maera carefully questions him and is able to gain insight into the workings of the mind behind Sanzo’s ever-present mask.

Mnemon Sarissa completes a major rebuilding of the city gates. Mnemon Zuri is very pleased with the results.

Cathak Shao Dun receives a visit from Cathak Jul-To, prospective suitor of Prince Osria Khidara, and receives a moving letter from his beloved aunt.

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

Mnemon Zuri
Cathak Jul-To
Cathak Alzandara
Lynn

Podcast Episode: https://thestorytold.libsyn.com/fall-of-jiara-26

Mnemon Sarissa, thoughtful and creative as always, crafts an amber rose as she he heads to V’neef Kai’s villa; Kai accepts the gift graciously. The two enjoy a cordial discussion and begin to reconcile their past differences.

The Dragon-Blooded gather and enjoy a delicious meal with chilled wine; a fitting prelude to a great proposal.

After dinner, Peleps Meara and V’neef Kai take the Dragon-Blooded aside and propose an oath of kinship. The others express surprise and curiosity about the motivations driving Kai and Meara, but are respectful and receptive to the idea. Only the cynical Tepet Sanzo is truly skeptical. He questions whether the oath is a scheme of Kai’s to improve his political position, although he cloaks his suspicions by claiming he is simply surprised be included in the oath.

Shao, still Meara’s loyal lieutenant, is the first of the other three to commit to the oath. Sanzo and Sarissa, convinced of Kai’s honorable intentions, soon agree.

The oath of kinship is sworn, and the five dragons feel the pull of the elements binding them together. They look at each other in silent reflection, well aware of the importance of what has been done.

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

V’neef Kai and Captain Peleps Maera discuss their discovery of the warstrider and the impact it will have on the Dragon-Blooded. They consider proposing an oath of kinship with their comrades, hopeful this will bring the group closer together and ensure that the warstrider does not become a source of contention among them.

Cathak Shao Dun and Desai Pavrani finish up a long training match. Pavrani asks Shao to introduce her cousin to the Prince’s court as a potential suitor. Shao agrees, although he is concerned to vouch for a mortal he does not know.

Tepet Sanzo and Mnemon Sarissa share a pot of peppery Puer tea, giving Sarissa a chance to blow off steam about the administrative tasks she is doing with on behalf of Mnemon Zuri. Sanzo proposes finding her more interesting work, but Sarissa is skeptical of the need, as she considers the work to be mere annoying. After she leaves, Lynn visits Sanzo and leaves him with a letter from Gauntlet.

Kai and Maera return to the city and invite the Dragon-Blooded to a semi-formal later evening dinner.

Tepet Sanzo, disguised, meets with Gauntlet, who encourages him to do what he can to support Desai Pavrani’s cousin, Kadajin, in his bid to wed the Prince.

The Dragons gather and reacquaint at Kai’s villa in anticipation of an interesting evening…

V’neef Kai
Peleps Meara
Cathak Shao Dun
Tepet Sanzo
Mnemon Sarissa
Desai Pavrani
Desai Kadajin
Lynn
Gauntlet

Mnemon Sarissa utilizes her remarkable crafting skills and substantially upgrades her weaponry. She meets with Mnemon herself to discuss the developing political situation in Jiara. When her matriarch asks her for her opinion about V’neef Kai, she describes him as a skilled albeit hot-blooded politician. Mnemon asks Sarissa to watch Kai’s moves and report on him.

Tepet Sanzo uses his free time to gather information on Jiara, both generally, and with a focus on the city’s underworld. Sanzo learns the political situation in the city has stabilized, and there is a prevailing atmosphere of cautious optimism. Tepet Indaro arrives and beseeches Sanzo to return to the service of his house. The meeting remains civil, but the frustration among Tepet leadership for Sanzo’s independent behavior is clear. Sanzo later meets with Gauntlet, a representative from the White Veil Society . They have a discussion regarding the highly complicated and everchanging political situation in the realm. The Society does not want Mnemon’s power and influence to grow.

After a week of mandatory drinking, Cathak Shao Dun undertakes a recruitment effort among the local population, and is able to supplement his troops with another auxiliary unit. He leads them off into the wilderness to conduct training. After returning to the city, and he reconnects with and duels against Desai Pavrani, who proves to be an able sparring partner and agreeable companion.

While off on a solitary mountaineering expedition outside Naathul, Peleps Maera discovers a cave. She returns to Kai and they explore together. They head deep into the mountain where they find an ancient manse containing a wonder far beyond what they could’ve hoped to find: a warstrider. As they explore the manse together, they discuss the difficulty and remarkable potential of a possible excavation, and consider how best to enlist Sarissa’s help with such a project…

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

Episode Link

Outside the Prince’s palace in Daric…

Unseen by the Dragon-Blooded, a small bird alights upon Prince Osria Khidara’s balcony.

Mnemon Sarissa, inside the Prince’s apartment, hears light sounds of metal clinking not far away. Her suspicions aroused, she looks around and sees something small and unwelcome trying to stay hidden on the balcony just outside the curtain. On guard and expecting trouble, she raises her flame piece and opens fire without hesitation. The resulting conflagration is visible from all over the city, and the rest of the Dragon-Blooded rush to the scene.

The bird transforms into a woman. She brandishes an assassin’s dagger and prepares to go after the Prince.

Captain Peleps Maera encounters another group of assassins in the hallway, V’neef Kai and Shao Dun reach the balcony, and the Prince wakes and screams. Chaos reigns.

Tepet Sanzo, unseen for the moment, enters the fray, easily dispatching one of the assassins.

After a brief but wild period of combat, the Dragons emerge victorious. The bird woman, revealed as a lunar, is killed by Tepet Sanzo as she tries to escape. The mortal assassins are easily finished off as well.

The shocked Prince confirms that the bird woman was one of the foreign advisers who fled from her. One of the assassins survives the fight, and the Dragons are optimistic that he may provide valuable information.

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

The Bird Woman
Ozria Khidara
Laconic Ibis

Episode LInk

As the Dragon-Blooded enter the city of Daric…

Cathak Shao Dun thoroughly examines the defenses of the city, appraising its ability to hold out during a siege and taking note of critical points of strategic interest.

The rebel adviser Firat leads the Dragon-Blooded to an assembly chamber where they are presented to Prince Ozria Khidara. To their great surprise, the Prince decides to personally negotiate with the representatives of the Realm. After this demonstration of trust, Captain Peleps Maera introduces the Dragons to the Prince, who greet her with diplomatic courtesy.

As the hours pass and late afternoon comes, the Prince invites the Dragons to stay the night in her city.

Tepet Sanzo looks over the Prince’s advisors and is alarmed that the ones V’neef Kai spoke of are nowhere to be seen.

Mnemon Sarissa candidly tells the Prince that she fears Lunar assassins or other evildoers may attempt to disrupt the negotiations. When the Prince asks what should be done about this, Sarissa suggests that no one should be left alone overnight. The Prince declares that she is placing herself under the protection of the Dragon-Blooded, Sarissa specifically. She also mentions that her foreign advisers abandoned her when the Realm’s legions approached.

Peleps Maera catches V’neef Kai up on the day’s events. The optimistic Maera and the cynical Kai muse about what’s to come and hope that Kai can come to a lasting understanding with Sarissa.

Inside Ozria Khidara’s quarters, Sarissa conducts a security inspection, prepares additional defenses, and chats with the Prince about her missing advisers.

As night falls, Shao Dun heads out on a late-night walk with a small escort. He leads them up to a scenic bluff where he chats with Laconic Ibis about his future in House Cathak and enjoys his wine.

The session comes to an end as the Prince heads to sleep and the Dragon Blooded prepare to get what rest they can. Out in the seemingly peaceful night, the figure of a bird, alights on the balcony just outside the Prince’s quarters.

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

The Bird Woman
Ozria Khidara
Laconic Ibis
Firat

Episode Link: Shall We Spare the Ravages of War?

Determined to ensure the success of his proposed marriage alliance, V’neef Kai retires to his quarters and begins the difficult task of coming up with a list of potential mates for the Rebel Prince, Ozria Khidara. Working deep into the night, he manages to narrow the list down to three possible choices.

Kai meets with a disheveled, somewhat troubled Captain Peleps Maera and goes over the three candidates with her. He understands that it’s imperative to make a choice that will please Mnemon. The conversation moves on toward Maera’s relationship with Shao Dun and her lingering anger over his rude, insubordinate behavior. Eventually, the two reminisce about old memories of good times spent together at school.

Maera and Shao meet up for the first time in days and are able to have a civilized, if unusually formal discussion, although both are aware of the bittersweet undercurrent of emotions and unresolved issues running between them. Shao reiterates his distaste for Kai’s plan, while Maera lowers her guard and expresses her own nervousness and fear about the consequences of resolving the conflict through violence. Eventually the two share memories of simpler, happier days spent together on the ocean, and resolve to work together, at least one more time.

Maera and Shao approach Sarissa, who is still upset and aggrieved over the way V’neef Kai has treated her. Shao goes to find a Tepet Sanzo, and the Dragon-Blooded, minus V’neef Kai, gather together to prepare for their pivotal meeting with Mnemon Gia’Senai. Maera asks Sanzo to help her during the upcoming negotiation; Sanzo, playing his role as the humble teamaster, expresses nervousness and surprise at this idea. After further discussion on the people of Daric and their impressions of the conflict, our heroes proceed to the meeting.

The Dragons, along with the Rebel Adviser Firat, head to Gia’Senai’s encampment to begin the negotiations. Everything proceeds relatively well, with a few unexpected twists: critically, Firat mentions that Prince Khidara’s foreign advisers are strongly against the proposed peace-through-marriage agreement, but that the Prince herself would not be opposed to denouncing voices on the rebel side that call for further aggression and militance. Firat also concedes his belief that the foreign advisers have led his Prince astray, and that it was their influence preventing peace talks from beginning earlier.

Ultimately, the first stage of the negotiations is a success, although the session ends with the Dragon-Blooded preparing for a far more difficult and dangerous task: heading back into the city for the next phase of the peace process.

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

Mnemon Rulinsei Gia’senai
Ozria Khidara
Firat

Within the boundaries of the Dragon-Blooded camp…

Feeling like she’s been caught in a difficult position, Mnemon Sarissa tries to come up with a compromise between the Realm and Rebel factions that would allow a peaceful resolution while satisfying Mnemon’s political need for a glorious and highly public victory.

Tepet Sanzo seeks out Sarissa. His pointed “philosophical” questioning of the morality behind Mnemon’s motives presents a strong challenge to Sarissa’s beliefs, but she ultimately continues to support her Matriarch.

Peleps Maera and V’neef Kai meet with the Rebel adviser Firat to better understand his position. After carefully convincing the Firat to open up to them, he gives them some unsettling information: Prince Khidara’s new advisers from outside the Realm are strongly encouraging her to take an aggressive, militant posture. Firat names the Bird Woman as the advisor he considers most dangerous. Kai and Maera skillfully instill a strong feeling of doubt toward the Prince’s new advisers in Firat’s heart.

As Sarissa and Maera converse, they discover that they’re both growing weary of war and are increasingly unsure of the righteousness of the Realm’s crusade and their own past actions.

V’neef Kai and Cathak Shao Dun sit together while spectating an impromptu martial arts tournament. They have a surprisingly genuine heart-to-heart talk, bonding over the most important thing they have in common: a love for, and dedication to, Captain Peleps Maera.

Later that night, Lynn meets with Tepet Sanzo in his tent. She mentions that what Mnemon cares for above all else is the throne, and that if following Kai’s plan will bring her closer to her ultimate goal, she will most likely be willing to go along with it. Their discussion turns from political to personal matters, and the two come together and share a romantic moment.

Sarissa and Shao continue to build on the friendship. Even Shao’s drunken and thoughtless references to V’neef Kai, made in apparent ignorance of Sarissa’s conflicts with him, can’t sour the mutual respect between the two. Shao reassures Sarissa that the Dragon Blooded are all allies, although he wonders how long their alliance will last.

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

Mnemon Rulinsei Gia’senai
Firat
The Bird Woman
Ozria Khidara
Mnemon
Lynn

Episode Link: http://thestorytold.libsyn.com/fall-of-jiara-19-dragons-divided

Fresh off their victory against Garafano, Peleps Maera, Mnemon Sarissa, and Cathak Shao Dun are reunited with V’neef Kai and Tepet Sanzo, who arrive after their time in Daric with Firat, emissary for the rebel Prince Ozria Khidara. The Dragon-Blooded gather together and Kai explains his plan for peace: Marry Ozria into one of the great houses, making her an adopted dynast. Firat insists that the Prince be allowed to approve her match for the marriage, drawing a surprised reaction from Kai.

After the emissary leaves, the Dragon-Blooded passionately debate Kai’s proposal. Sarissa insists that Mnemon will never go along with the plan, while Kai, in frustration, wonders if Mnemon is hoping for a long, drawn out siege heavy with casualties. Tensions rise and eventually Kai storms out the room. As Gen. Gia’Senai approaches, the Dragon Blooded find themselves profoundly divided.

The Dragon-Blooded greet Gia’Senai and catch her up on the recent political developments. After the general leaves, Sarissa and Kai continue their dispute. Feelings are strong on both sides, and the argument ends in a stalemate with no apparent solution to bridge the gap between them.

Sanzo seeks out Shao Dun and, finding him unusually uninhibited, gathers information from him about the fight against the Anathema, along with hints of Shao’s lingering bitterness toward Maera for restraining him before the fight.

Kai meets with Lynn and then Maera. These discussions offer insight into his thinking, especially his deep-seated dissatisfaction with the nature of the Realm’s political status quo, his worry that the Dragon-Blooded are only interested in ruling through violence, and the likelihood that this may bring about their downfall. While not as passionate as Kai, Maera is clearly sympathetic to his viewpoint. The session ends with Maera heading out into the night, lost in her own thoughts.

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

Mnemon Rulinsei Gia’senai
Firat
Ozria Khidara
Laconic Ibis
Lynn

Within the city of Daric…

V’neef Kai enters the hallway of merchant clans and prepares himself for an audience with the Rebel Prince’s advisers. He is interviewed in a small meeting room by a group of three representatives, one of whom he quickly realizes is actually the Prince herself, and he addresses her as such. Both sides decide to drop all pretense, and Kai admits his own true identity as he makes his proposal for peace: A political marriage that would increase the Prince’s power in the Realm.

The Prince agrees to consider this and informs him she will let him know by the next day. Kai tells her that he will be staying in Geode Court if she needs him.

Sanzo returns to the inn to continue gathering information from his contact. As they discuss the situation in Daric in one of the back rooms the end, Sanzo learns of possible foreign influences over the Prince, and is also told that she may be hungry for glory. Not much is known about the Prince’s advisers, but one is said to come and go in the form of a bird. Sanzo considers the possibility that more Anathema After further discussion, Sanzo heads back and regroups with Kai to discuss the situation.

The next morning, one of the Prince’s advisers greets Kai with the happy news that she has agreed to his proposal. The adviser will accompany Kai as the Prince’s negotiator, and the session ends with the optimistic hope that war might be avoided.

• V’neef Kai
• Tepet Sanzo
• Ozria Khidara
• Firat
• Viyalae

As the band of refugees continues toward Daric…

V’neef Kai and Tepet Sanzo begin planning for their impending entry into the city. The Dragons work to endear themselves to the refugees as they travel onward, with Sanzo becoming particularly close to a boy named Sparrow. The whole band of refugees takes a strong liking to the Dragons, allowing Kai and Sanzo to glean personal stories from the refugees, detailing why they decided to rebel. The background behind Garafono’s presence with the rebellion is also revealed.

As the refugee caravan reaches the canyon city of Daric, Kai seeks an audience with the rebel Prince and takes up residence at Geode Court. Sanzo goes for a stroll and uses his keen eye to appraise the city from a tactical standpoint. As Kai does the same, he worries about the possibility that a battle inside the city would lead to a slaughter of the inhabitants. Eventually, in typical Kai fashion, he enjoys a hot bath, washing away all the grime accumulated over the long journey.

Sanzo heads to a teahouse, intent on connecting with his contacts in the White Veil Society. He provides a meal and refreshments for Sparrow.

Finally, Kai and Sanzo meet up to discuss their plans going forward. As he looks forward to meeting the Princes advisers, Kai is cautiously optimistic about the possibility of a peaceful solution, while Sanzo considers alternative forms of conflict resolution.

Tepet Sanzo

V’neef Kai

Sparrow

Garafono