[open; July adventures]

[cryptsleeper]

Who: Alucard and open
When: July
Where: Aquila, Cadens, Ikorr
What: Closed text thread; some exploring in Ikorr; and delving into the aftermath of the Free Cities
Warnings: Added as needed

Comments

CLOSED | Threadjacking encouraged

[cryptsleeper]

[The following private message is sent to: Thancred; Himeka; Wanda; Yennefer; Jaskier; Geralt; Viktor; Kyle]

This message regards the truth of those responsible for the Nocwich attack upon Summoned delegates some years ago, and it is information revealed by accident rather than intentional investigation. Given the moment, I am not sure how useful it is, but you have a right to know. I will be direct; the cult of the Inverted Page of Pentacles led by Josselyn Creed is responsible.

This information was discovered at a former meeting site in Ikorr, which I was directed to by extended correspondence and conversation with Sten, of Luna. At the meeting location, which is clearly abandoned, I located a pamphlet that had a clear sign of someone writing on another sheet of paper over it. The information from that page was an outline of a New Magic device meant to look as if it was created by the Free Cities. The deception's purpose should be obvious.

I have kept the notebook in my possession. The information has been shared with both Luna and Ikorr.

For those of you who have found other instances of this cult promoting the so-called New Day, I ask that you just keep an eye on things. Given that the branch deep in Old Emberwoods village in Thorne and the branch elsewhere in Solvunn seem to have continued to function without being associated with Josselyn, there may still be a benign strain out there that could become rotten given the right circumstances.

The final question I have is for all of you: do you advise sharing this discovery outward to other Summoned? I would defer to the three of you who were directly impacted by this.

[ushiri]

I think it would be worth sharing. Many of us suspected a fourth party involved. I think there are some that still carry guilt for what occurred, and might want to know.

PRIVATE to Alucard;

Thorne detained me for questioning a few days ago. I thought you should know, since we've been sharing sensitive information like this.

[cryptsleeper]

Noted. I don't know if this has any additional weight in Thorne given the circumstances.

PRIVATE

Yes, thank you for telling me. Would you like to explain wh you were questioned and what they were asking after?

[ushiri]

Both nations got what they wanted out of it already.

[ The Queen with her aggression against Libertas, and the Free Cities putting the blame on radicals. ]

Did you get any sense that the Nocwich officials would come forward to Thorne and the Free Cities with this information?

[cryptsleeper]

No idea. I don't know if any of the information matters at this point, given where we are now.

PRIVATE, breaking this up for my own sake

[ushiri]

A handful of us were singled out because of our ties to the former king and queen. I was officially a royal courier. It allowed me access to most of Thorne.

They're letting us stew first. I expect they want to know if we're loyal to the old regime and if we mean to cause problems.

[cryptsleeper]

[Thorne really is just the worst isn't it?]

Lovely.

What's your plan for responding to those queries?

[techmaturgy]

I don't see why we should keep this secret. The Summoned deserve to know.

I'll take a look at the plans, too. It's possible they were only reproducing the design, but if this cult has real knowledge of New Magic, we should be prepared.

[cryptsleeper]

I have them with me. Pick a time and secure place.

[techmaturgy]

This is urgent enough that I can make time. The workshop?

[cryptsleeper]

Very well. This evening?

[aquaveiled]

Do you think it might be something that the Cadens military is using?

[techmaturgy]

I can't be sure without seeing the plans, but my understanding is the device wasn't functional--just made to look like it was, to assign blame to the Free Cities.

[aquaveiled]

And it would be so easy to blame the nation with the largest military for an attack of that sort. She chose well, didn't she?

[aquaveiled]

It was Josselyn all along? I suppose that makes sense, given how long she's been slowly building up her base and resources.

Though I have to wonder what she wanted. Was it just to stir things up? Mayhaps direct attention away from any disappearances that may have ramped up in the moons that followed?

I agree with the others thus far, this is worth telling everyone. So many people were impacted what Josselyn did later... and I have no issues pulling up those memories of the attack, though I was the one who came out mostly unscathed.

There have been better attempts on my life anyway.

That being said, the village that Wanda and I have been watching has been carrying on none the wiser. They seem to like us well enough so I don't think they will have any problems with us continuing to visit.

[cryptsleeper]

Maybe it was just testing the waters? Seeing what was possible, before settling upon a larger plan. That's my best guess anyway. The knowledge died with her.

If everyone is in agreement, Thancred and I can share the information. But I'll wait to hear from the other two.

Please continue to visit them. I don't think they'll be a problem. If Josselyn wasn't able to pull them into her schemes then and turn their branch, then what threat do they pose now?

[aquaveiled]

So many things left unanswered...I do wonder if the Council got anything out of her prior to her execution. If they did, they're not sharing it.

Sounds good.

Minimal, as far as we can tell. They're quite friendly and I don't think anyone would consider them odd other than they seem to separate themselves a bit from the rest of the commune, but they're just as welcoming and inclusive as others.

Mayhaps this "New Day" is just hoping for a brighter future after all?

[carmesi]

I don't think it comes as a big surprise that they were involved in so much from even before they started abducting people. Suppose that puts one mystery to rest, at least.

Alucard. Like Himeka said, we will continue to attend their rites when possible. Keeping an eye on things, as you'd say. Perhaps without Josselyn's "direction" in her schemes and goals, they have simply reverted to communing with one another and the land as they used to. I wouldn't put it past Josselyn manipulating their gullibility and well-meaning intentions to suit her plans.

[aquaveiled]

I suppose not. I wonder how many pots we'll continue to find she had her hands in.

[carmesi]

More than what we'll be able to find, I think.
Let's keep an eye out for a bit longer. I know the Council made a big deal of reminding everyone about her treason, but it's likely people have moved past her and her goals.

( or not )

[funbreaker]

Who would have thought this was how you would come across the answer to that mystery which has been plaguing us for well over a year now?

I am certain the rest of the Summoned who remember that night would be glad for the closure. [ He can't imagine that Himeka, Yennefer, or Jaskier would protest. ]

As for the Old Emberwoods, I can certainly try to keep an eye on things, especially now that I'm a permanent resident of Nott. Mayhap I can even get them to warm up to me.

[cryptsleeper]

Look, at least we figured it out.

It seems like Himeka and Wanda managed, so you should as well.

The move is official?

[funbreaker]

It is possible that Himeka and Wanda are a tad more charming than a grizzled old sort like me.

[ He's joking. Of course he's charming. ]

I do not have a permanent place of residence as such, but the innkeepers here have been quite kind.

[cryptsleeper]

Well, Himeka has the natural charisma that only some people are blessed with.

Mmm, sounds like you're staying.

here but not.

[gynvael]

[ Geralt is not saying anything, as usual, but you can rest assured he's seen and read the information exchanged. ]