coup

The group sat in on the secret meeting while Hervan took the lead. He discussed raiding the castle and imprisoning the King and Queen, and freeing Ulrich from the dungeon. He shares that when a creature was discovered attacking the miners, Ulrich had refused to return to work in the mines, stirring others to do the same. He was charged with treason and used as an example to the other miners.

Deil shared that at least 45% of the people in White Lake were behind the removal of the current royalty. When asked about the cause, he admitted they would charge the King with treason against the people. They then brought up the creature as the other possibility of garnering the favor of the people not yet behind the coup. If the creature could be killed and brought before the town, then they would see the dangers the King was forcing the miners to face.

The group decided on this plan of action. They would take out the creature for the miners. While those at the meeting drew up plans and maps, the group discussed the political ramifications. Fix and Forsythe decide to ask Lilianna if she would be willing to take on interim leadership until the people could trust and accept Hervan and Deil as capable leaders. Fix connects with Lilianna and after agreeing prepares to leave.

As the meeting comes to an end, it turns more into a social gathering. The guests seem interested in getting to know the group and watch Evangeline check in on Gavyn through her crystal ball. Once all the other guests leave, Forsythe reveals himself to Deil. They share the plans to bring in Lilianna to aid in the change of leadership.

The next morning, they go on a tour of the town with Gregory and Forsythe confirms that most of what he says is accurate although embellished. Afterwards, Forsythe leads the way to some discrete foliage and teleports the group to the edge of Ephremon. As they approach the center of town, they are met by Zybella and Lilianna.

Lilianna shares that she was once the King’s consort and mistress under the name of J’hara. As dinner finishes, Fix takes Zybella out. Lilianna lets them know of her plans when she arrives in White Lake. They all disperse to rest, except Evangeline. She finds the priestess, PenelopeWithAQ and learns she is often called upon to handle things outside of the Steadfast as she is more open to working with ab-humans.

Evangeline then asks Joyve to teleport her to the Durkhal where she goes through the portal to the Amber Pope, while the Jennifers make Joyve at home. Kilmoc welcomes Evangeline giving her the newly enchanted glamor cloak. She shares some of the events that have taken place in Yosh-ul and the dragons. She shows Kilmoc the picture of Gavyn and he confirms the scar on his arm and scratches across the leather could be dragon, but unsure about the scar on his face. He also encourages her to take the priestess Deena upon her return to Ephremon. She returns to the Trentson and realizes Philethis is not present. When inquiring with the Jennifers, they confirm they still see the statue there. When Evangeline returns to Ephremon, she takes Deena and sends her to PenelopeWithAQ for her mentorship.

The next morning, after breakfast and goodbyes, Forsythe takes them back to White Lake. Lilianna arrives dressed as J’hara and slips off into an ally. The rest head back to the Turtle Inn while Forsythe scouts out the mines. He finds the guards have now been posted there and takes a more authoritative approach. The miners appear tired and hopeless with little moral. He also sees that this is the only entrance to the mine. Upon return, he shares what he discovered.

While waiting for Forsythe, Fix, Evangeline and Kadath overhear some others speaking about J’hara. They share that she would share secrets of the courts helping the people to prevent some of those plans. In time, he learned of her deceit and threatened her life which is when she skipped town. 

The group rests until the time comes and then heads to the mines. When they arrive, they see a couple guards and two miners that seem to be on watch. Before they have a chance to discuss how to get into the mine, a large explosion from the north draws their attention. All four men go to investigate the explosion and the group takes advantage of the opening entering the mine.

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Episode 89