3. Diplomatic Dispatches: Bennek Sepret & the Cleimant Council

Diplomatic Dispatches: Bennek Sepret & the Cleimant Council


  • [A thread for correspondence between Aoth and Peltarch concerning her cousin, Bennek Sepret, and his associates, the Cleimant Council. Filed as part of her duties as diplomat.]


  • Soon after the private discussion in City hall, a small whirlwind descends outside the Temple of Siamorphe in Blackbridge then resolves into the image of a white-haired druid, who enters. “I come bearing news from Peltarch for the Siamorphan clergy of the Giantspire. To secure the safety of her people, the Nars, and to avoid a costly war, the city of Peltarch will surrender the prisoner, the Lady Temperance, formerly beloved of the Divine Right, to the Zhentarim. The Jewel welcomes you as honored guests should you wish to prepare rites or to bid the once-champion farewell. I am certain His Majesty King Thalaman would also welcome your counsel in these terrible times.”

    Over the following week, several of Norwick’s farmers wake to find their fields lush and healthier than they were the previous day, potentially increasing the harvest by an estimated third.

    ((Per the PNP Plant Growth spell.))

    Additionally, private donations are made to both Peltarch and Norwick’s temples of Lathander.

    ((Burning 4k when I log in next.))


  • Aoth receives the following written missive, via message owl from Moonreach Keep:

    "Peltarchian Princess Consort,

    I decline your offer.

    My allies and I remain at the disposal of the Cleimant Council until the capitulation of your pretender King.

    Bennek Sepret."

    ☆ ☆ ☆

    The same evening, she feels the familiar knock upon her mental door of an arcane message. Should she open that door to receive it, she hears the following:

    "Cousin,

    I will be at your grove by the morrow's dusk.

    Bennek."

    [DM Xanatos Gambit]


  • [ The following missive is sent by owl to Moonreach Keep. It is written in the Thayan dialect of Mulhorandi in an elegant hand. ]

    Cousin Bennek,

    Knowing (as I believe you do) the familial origins of my exile, I ask you to forgive my shock and apprehension at our meeting. I see now that you are clearly a much more worldly individual than I was given to surmise from our initial conversations, and as such, that you are no friend, secretly or otherwise, to the Red Wizards nor their accomplices who conspired to end my father’s line.

    We are as good as strangers, you and I. It is clear to me that you do not understand me, my ways of speaking, or my aspirations—and that I, too, must misunderstand yours. How could you have known that a sharply worded demand was the quickest guarantee that I would never cooperate? I am certain now I have misjudged you and your intentions. If there are assassins after one of the few remaining Seprets, my father's spirit would be ashamed to see me allow these barbarian politics to dissuade me from assisting.

    Across the river Scar from Peltarch’s domain, there is a special tree in the ruins of Jiyyd. A young grove of my own foolish design, it was meant to be a place of peace, neutrality, and negotiation. If you will meet me there, and I would very much like to hear your story.

    Bring your friend if you must, but I swear you will come to no harm from mine in that grove.

    –Aoth


  • !~CONFIDENTIAL~!

    To HRH, the Dowager Queen, Prince Adrian, the Golden Geese, and Generals…

    Summary: A meeting with the Cleimant Council ended in a standstill politically but with significant advances in intelligence.
    Location: The mountain crossing to Moonreach Keep.
    Weather: A magical fog of a most selective sort.

    Facts:

    • Representatives of the King’s council met with the Cleimant Council on their terms, within the walkway to Moonreach Keep. Peltarch’s representatives included: Baroness Garibadi, Councillor Underhill, Baron Aelthasson, Captain Longcloak, the Princess and Princess Consort, and Constable Essi. Representing the Cleimants were Caleb and his mother, the errant houses of Blackbridge, Bennek Sepret, Motley Grey, and Stinton of the Black Sails.
    • The Cleimants repeated their terms - King Thalaman’s abdication.
    • We presented an initial offering of terms: surrender, their bannermen can return, deserting Defenders handed over). The Cleimants did not appear to even entertain negotiation.
    • Caleb had his proposals and compliments and counter-diversions well-rehearsed and was reluctant to veer off script. He could not justify his claim with any facts other than his perception of King Thalaman.
    • When Princess Elizabeth demanded Lt Rixx be handed over, a trade for Cormac Randolph was offered by the Cleimants, which the Princess refused.
    • Bennek Sepret was able to summon the blue dragon Villalgarviladral wordlessly, and only he seemed capable of this. The two had notably similar eyes.

    Interpretations:

    • The interaction with Caleb reminded more than one Goose of the false-paladin Robert Holmesmead, whose magic was fueled by the captives claimed by his companion Vere rather than through his proclaimed god. The repetition of phrases by the pretender’s supporters and the shrouded, limited terrain of Moonreach further reminded the Geese of their encounters with reality-twisting magic. Caleb may indeed be George’s son, but another’s will is likely at work here, using Caleb and his followers to enact a ritual.
    • Between Bennek and Villalgarviladral, we might expect the other to be near whenever one is seen.
    • Bennek seemed obsessively focused on the Princess Consort the entire meeting, almost accusatory. He further warned her not to involve the Zhentarm or the Red Wizards.

    Recommendations:

    • Owing to the magic described above, I predict Moonreach will prove more difficult to siege than previously believed, and I recommend the military reconsider an advance. I wold even recommend limiting intelligence operations at the misty borders of Moonreach.
    • Cormac Randolph’s connection or value to Moonreach and other unusual events should be fully investigated.
    • We should research human/sorcerer relationships with dragons such as we witnessed between Bennek and Villalgarviladral.
    • We should also research the situation that has Bennek labeled an “exile” - it may be that we can solve his problems and thus diminish the value of the pretender to his personal goals. Given his attitude toward Narfell, it remains unlikely that he genuinely cares who sits on the throne. With leave, the princess consort may send word to meet in a neutral territory.
    • Though it may prove less effective, I advise that the Loyalists begin a similar campaign of slogans and shifting public perception. We may not have access to Moonreach’s magic, but we have the greater population. I would suggest phrases to emphasize these points: “Caleb is unknown to Peltarch”, “Caleb conspires with High Hold,” and “Thalaman was chosen by King George.” (All subject to Bardic glamorizing.)

  • To HRH and esteemed council…

    Summary: Bennek Sepret has a blue dragon in his entourage.
    Location: Abandoned Zhentarim outpost, Dragonspine Mountains.
    Weather: Storms of an undoubtedly magical nature.

    Facts:

    • Members of the Golden Geese traveled to the Dragonspine Mountains via T.P. with joint C.K.F.S. support. We found the keep inhabited by a small goblin band (now exterminated), and suffering under the onslaught of a storm that may well be semi-permanent. It appears these factors or more have slowed the Zhentarim in retaking the base.
    • We learned that the Keep kept a blue dragon prisoner, one named Villalgarviladral, who escaped with Bennek's aid.
    • Bennek may also have been a prisoner. Our source labeled him an "exile."
    • We were assaulted by a man with Thayan tattoos visible on his neck. The man divulged no information save his dedication to executing yours truly.

    Interpretations:

    • The storms and the size of the dragon match the descriptions of the events at the Kakanos estate in Priador. We should assume Bennek was involved.
    • It is quite possible the surprise of my existence has forced Bennek to enter an improvisational reworking on his original plan, whatever that may be.
    • Garibaldi suggested Bennek may have let himself be captured by the Zhents, which I agree is a strong possibility.

    Recommendations:

    • Given the strange storms and the blue’s affinity to lightning, we may assume something is atypical about this dragon and that it is of advanced age.
    • We should learn whether the members of the Cleimant Council know of Villalgarviladral’s existence, as well as learning the latter’s proximity to Peltarch.

  • To HRH and the newly reformed council...

    Summary: Peltarch's Moonreach has been occupied.
    Weather: Mountains and snow may be in the forecast.
    Food: Time to enjoy the last of the summer's sweeter wines.

    Facts:

    • Bannermen of Stockley, Brokenblade, and Gor, along with the Sepret Zhentarim, have relocated to Moonreach Keep, a Peltarch stronghold from the wars with N'Jast and the Eastlanders. Set into the cliffside with access to rivers connected to the Icelace.
    • Also absent from Blackbridge: Maude, a clerk whom King George was fond of, and her teenage son, long rumored to be George's son.

    Interpretations:

    • Due to the timing of the exits, it should be assumed until proven otherwise that Maude and the son left with the host. Her willingness is unclear.
    • Though we still know little of the motivations of Bennek Sepret and his allies, developments suggest the earlier demand was an attempt to sow discontent or distract from the host's true objective. A Fisher-Sepret annulment would have little meaning to the nobles of Blackbridge who currently occupy Moonreach.

    Reccomendations:

    • At present, Joy alone patrols in the east. The council should consider requesting additional Far Scouts for a complete picture..

  • An Update on Bennek's Operations in Blackbridge

    • The Siamorphan paladin, Ser Crissen, fought Bennek's lieutenant, Dazz. The former alleging that the later had the scent of a Banite or Zhentarim. The two were publicly chastized by what serves for law in the mountains.
    • The Red Wizard enclave in Blackbridge confirmed that Bennek's army contains current or former Zhentarim agents. Unusual in Peltarch history, this makes the Red Wizards enemies-of-our-enemies as these trading empires compete with one another.
    • The nobles who support Bennek (and spoke for his man Dazz in court) are Jecken Stockley, Ava Brokenblade, and Olivia Gor. (The list was provided by a Red Wizard and may need to be confirmed.)

    The situation in Blackbridge may be more volatile now than when the Far Scouts last visited. We may need to pause the investigation there for a week and focus on Oscura.

    Another Memo
    Bennek's additional two-week window for an annulment has concluded. It is unclear what to expect as retaliation. I recommend the Fishers be especially well-guarded at all times with Cerulean assists as Defender scheduling allow.


  • More pages are added to the confidential file...

    Brief: Sepret history with updates collected by Far Scout Joy in Thay

    Family Tree

    (a) Acamar Sepret married Cazna Faranos (both deceased)
    Children: Thafir (c) and Adanja (d)
    Granddad acquired land in Priador following the Salamander War, when the tharch was incorporated. The land then passed to my father.

    (b) Jarmir Kakanos married Galya Tizergha (both deceased)
    Children: Odast (e), Imatha (c)
    The Kakanos family was already well-established in Bezantur before it became the capitol of Priador, but they also acquired land for farming and pens for beasts of war.

    (c) Thafir Sepret married Imatha Kakanos (both deceased)
    Children: Ephesta (status unknown), Irin (deceased), Aoth
    My mother died when I was young. My father was arrested and executed on orders of my uncle, Odast Kakanos (e). As was my brother, I believe, though framed as a training accident.
    Update: Joy confirmed that all Sepret holdings in Priador passed to Odast Kakanos after I left Thay. She has added that Ephesta, a Red Wizard, has disappeared.

    (d) Adanja Sepret (status unknown) married Edelon Marozia (deceased)
    Children: Bennek Sepret
    Adanja was always a strange one. Married an older man of a lesser house to little benefit, but I think everyone was simply glad to finally send her off.
    Update from Joy: Edelon lived longer than anyone feared, but within a year of his passing, Adanja had sold what she could then disappeared to parts unknown.

    (e) Odast Kakanos married various (the dreaded aunts, all deceased)
    Children: Katrin, others (all presumed deceased)
    See timeline below for the house's apparent end.

    (f) "Elda Sepret" - lineage unconfirmed, a bastard found (or sired?) by Odast. Also presumed dead.

    Naturally, there was always a surplus of "cousins" on the estate, some second or third relations and others from families that owed my father or uncle some fealty or debt.

    Timeline

    • Ephesta, Irin, and Aoth born in that order.
    • Imatha dies, Sepret children taken as wards of Kakanos estate while father majors about in Surthay.
    • Irin joins military, dies in training.
    • Thafir arrested on charges of treason/conspiracy. Executed.
    • The future Princess Consort takes up the Akadian faith, jailed, escapes, flees.
    • Bennek must have been born around this confusing and (would you believe) emotional time.
    • Odast Kakanos takes control of Sepret estate, finds alleged bastards to paint as heirs.
    • Meanwhile Bennek leaves home.
    • Edelon Marozia dies. Adanja begins selling estate then disappears with the job seemingly half-done.
    • Ephesta Sepret vacates position with Red Wizards. Whereabouts unknown.
    • (A year ago) Kakanos-Sepret estate destroyed by an unnatural storm and unknown beasts. Witnesses hysterical. Odast, Elda and others presumed dead.

  • @flom

    Your addendum is appreciated, Gloom. Please do send Joy immediately with advice to look into the whereabouts of Adanja Sepret and any living descendants. --A


  • Addenda are added to the report, in the following order.

    (1) "If the Master of Diplomacy and Princess Consort wishes to enter Blackbridge to deal with Thayvians, she will do so with a regiment of plain-clothes Defenders to protect her."

    -- General Gom.

    (2) "The General will remember that he serves the Crown, not the other way around. If the Princess Consort and Master of Diplomacy wishes protection during her duties, she will request it of the military."

    -- Dowager Queen Martha Fisher.

    (3) "We have more answers to the Master of Diplomacy's questions ongoing surveillance of the target. Particulars follow.

    (a) Details about the situation in Thay will take more time to gather than the local details. With leave of the Council, we will send Far Scout Joy to Thay to inquire of the target and the circumstances with his House.

    (b) Attempted to bribe one of Target's troops. Offered five times pay to defect and provide information. Troop refused. Troop appeared afraid at the consideration and the offer.

    (c) Siamorphan clergy in High Hold are warning nobles to rebuke and stay away from target and target's troops. Some are heeding this warning. That is in contrast to the current clergies of Oscura, as well as its leading guilds and nobility, which welcome him openly. Note: since the Sharran calamity, that faction is all but wiped out in Oscura.

    -- Far Scout Gloom.

    [DM Xanatos Gambit]

    1 Reply

  • To HRH and council…

    Summary: Bennek Sepret, cousin to this very diplomat, threatens the royal family.
    Location: Greater Peltarch.
    Weather: Choked by summer insect swarms.
    Food/Wine: Figs from the Easting Reach have just reached the market. Served with a lightly grilled soft cheese and bread, I would pair a late-season Riesling from the Dragon Reach.

    Facts:

    • Bennek Sepret, a distant relation to the Princess Consort (yours truly) has arrived in Narfell with a coterie of an estimated 100-120 soldiers and a handful of mages.
    • Bennek has demanded an annulment of the marriage between Princess Elizabeth and myself, on the grounds that.... well, he simply demands it.
    • A relationship of an undisclosed nature ties Benneck to leadership in both Oscura and Blackbridge.
    • He is a complete disappointment who refuses the time-honored tradition of repartee between family rivals.

    Interpretations:

    • Far Scouts report that Bennek is a sorcerer. Which, for HRH’s council’s tutelage, is truly one of the lowest rungs among free Thayvian society even when one is high-born Mulan (as we Seprets are and surely remain). One can judiciously assume this makes him an embarrassment to his immediate family and an outcast from influential social circles. This conclusion gains additional support in his deliberate avoidance of the Thayan enclave in Blackbridge and the notable absence of legally-limited red in his vestments despite his ability to cast arcane spells up to the fifth circle.
    • When addressing this druid, Benneck’s appeal to “blood”, “name”, and “honor” suggest a degree of unfamiliarity with his mark which in turn suggests an element of desperation or hastiness to his plans. At first he commanded, then he threatened. A shiraz and a bowl of fresh dates would have worked better, and two words with any of the city's innkeepers would have revealed this glaring weakness.
    • Ah yes, and the threats - Benneck threatened the Crown or more generally the Fisher family, suggesting via analogy that the name is built upon “sand.” The details are, at present, unsatisfyingly vague - and may amount to no more than what is already public knowledge regarding recent disputes within the church of Siamorphe. Or on the other end of the scale, it may have something to do with his regional associates, who might benefit economically from Peltarch's weakening.

    Recommendations:

    • Discern the details of Bennek’s connections to Oscura and Blackbridge. Preferably by working friendly angles with the locals. (Nine Hells, just send Garibaldi in with a gift basket.)
    • If General Gom will permit me a modicum of danger, I may speak with the enclave in Blackbridge to get their opinion.
    • Discover what reward his loyalists believe they are owed upon successfully completing their mission here in Narfell (whatever that even is).
    • Learn what exactly your Akadian correspondent could do for Bennek, in his pitiful imagination, given that he only appears to desire my presence and not anything more sensibly Thayvian, such as shaving my head or giving up my chain-breaking ways.
    • Find the as-yet-unnamed-and-unbuilt Castle Fisher-Sepret a majordomo who can deliver shiraz and dates year-round in order to shore up Peltarch's largest diplomatic weakness.