With the Mountain Spire now under Trump's control, we ride the portal back down to find that Ascension Hall is now draped in our banners, and an arcane sigil illuminates the floor.
The exterior of the fort has also been redecorated.
But other than a few loot containers, there's not much else to see or do at our new home. Before heading out, Trump takes a moment to check in with each of the companions to see how they feel about the preceding events.
Verse says her loyalty is to Trump and makes the unexpected revelation that she and Barik are half-siblings. Neither of them seems to be too concerned about it on the surface, but it does explain why Barik bristled when Ashe suggested putting her to death.
Lantry says he is just happy to be this close to history in the making. We learn a bit more about his past, which is unremarkable except for his claim that he is quite old -- 84 years of age. He also makes good on his promise to teach Trump about healing magic, and gives us a Sigil of Life so we can craft healing spells.
Eb also teaches us about Gravelight magic, which derives from and is named after Terratus Grave, one of the world's two moons. We also get a Sigil of Terratus from her so we can craft Gravelight spells.
Barik asks for permission to appear before Tunon and petition to be freed from his armor. This creates a quest entry in the journal, which indicates that it's probably not going to be so easy as just getting Tunon's approval.
All right, time to head for the Bastard City and figure out where we stand with Tunon.
Tunon's Court is draped in exactly the kind of pomp and splendor you'd expect. Nobles and petitioners fill the room.
At the base of Tunon's pulpit, small groups of Disfavored and Scarlet Chorus have gathered to prosecute their cases regarding the events that occurred in the Tiers.
Tunon's in the middle of dressing them down once we reach earshot.
Each side accuses the other of lying, but Tunon is having none of it.
Bleden Mark is a name we've heard a few times now. He holds the title of Archon of Shadows, and is Kyros' most feared assassin and enforcer.
Tunon turns his attention to Trump. No time has been allotted for exchanging pleasantries.
The Archons could not agree on who should lead the siege and descended into accusations of treachery -- it seemed a mutual spat.
The army representatives try to jump in again, but Tunon cuts them off.
The Fatebinder presents testimony. I warn you both against speaking out of turn. Something more than a mere disagreement unraveled this campaign, but I will return to that in time.
He continues.
I claimed the Citadel with a small unit of Disfavored.
Best not to directly accuse Nerat of treason in a public forum without proof. And besides, we didn't learn he was secretly helping the Vendrien Guard until after the battle had already started.
The siege called for tactics and planning, not raw numbers.
Tunon pauses to think for a moment.
I have told you all that I know.
Well, not really. There's a lot more that could be said about this actually, but the game's not giving us a chance.
Your testimony is accepted by the Court. The statements of our guests raise questions in my mind. There is much about this campaign that has caused me to wonder...
But I guess that will have to wait, because he abruptly switches gears.
A shipment of iron weapons was short on arrival. Where coveted iron is concerned, I don't believe it to be a clerical error.
We get a new quest item in our inventory.
One of my agents recovered this seal in Echocall. It belongs to a merchant collective. Lethian's Crossing is teeming with their kind. If you would root out treachery, I would advise starting there.
And with that, Tunon wraps the public hearing, and calls Trump up to his office for a private audience.
We have gained enough XP to hit another level up. I give Trump the talent "Arcane Charge" which boosts his magic skills when he uses the Thrust ability, and reduces the target's magic defense.
Trump climbs the stairs to Tunon's throne room to continue debriefing.
I agree, Your Honor.
Our allies squabble while our enemies regroup. It falls upon the Court to measure the extent of the damage, and to execute the agents of disorder. I suspect that treachery, negligence, disunity, and greed have infected one or both of our esteemed allies. Until you are instructed otherwise, this matter is the Court's primary focus.
I will make this my mission, Your Honor.
It seems obvious that Nerat is the troublemaker, to the point where hopefully the writers were aware of this and thought to put in a few twists and turns to make things interesting.
Tunon continues.
As always, you will be held accountable for what you do in the Court's name, but you are free to conduct your investigation in the manner of your choosing. You must expect lies, misdirection, and manipulation. Suffer not such obstructions of justice.
The Disfavored seem the logical first step in your inquiry. The legion holds you in some esteem, and Graven Ashe has shown deference to the Court in times past.
Ashe has so far been a pretty a solid dude, but Tunon offers a warning.
No doubt the Disfavored will be rife with accusations and 'evidence' against the Voices of Nerat. Graven Ashe is a noble man, but never underestimate his capacity for deception. A wise general succeeds by knowing when to be unreadable to the enemy.
He encourages Trump to investigate the Scarlet Chorus as well, although apparently it's now acceptable for them to be openly hostile to us despite our ostensibly neutral position as Fatebinder.
I'll speak with the Archon of War.
Your fellow Fatebinders have been busy acting as my eyes and ears. I have a few leads for you to follow. You should of course speak with your brothers and sisters of the Court if you need further counsel.
Though the Disfavored were triumphant in the Blade Grave, I understand that their troubles within the region are unfinished. Talk to the Disfavored commanders serving in the Blade Grave -- perhaps they can shine some light on the origins of this feud.
The oathbreakers were reported to be using iron armaments -- more than they might acquire from looting what few Disfavored they killed. Any iron in the Tiers not rusted through was made by Forge-Bound hands in Lethian's Crossing. Between craftsman and quartermaster, someone let iron fall into enemy hands. Investigate this matter, and bring the thieves to justice.
Now he wants to talk about something more personal.
What concerns the Court, Your Honor?
In spite of the many shortcomings at Vendrien's Well, you managed to make a name for yourself. You proclaimed an Edict of Kyros, resolved its demanding conditions, and ascended the Mountain Spire.
Are you trying to make us blush?
I was only doing my job, Your Honor.
Your sense of obligation to your role is admirable, but modesty will not recommend you to the task ahead.
Trump's liking the sound of this...
Whether by design or by accident, you have captured the attention of Kyros' army and the local Tiersmen alike. This is no small opportunity, and the Court charges you with exploiting your new standing to its fullest potential.
You have a title in our hierarchy. However, it's a little known secret that one's standing in the world is determined by their infamy, their deeds, and how they come to be known. Mind this notion as you bring justice to this lawless frontier. There may come a time when your deeds speak for you louder than any title.
If Trump has only one skill in life, capturing attention is it. Tunon has certainly found the right man for the job.
Understood. I will be known as a champion of justice.
Good. It falls on us to set a new standard for these southern barbarians.
Finally, the exhausting conversation is over. Tunon might be the most dour character in the history of RPGs. He's like the lovechild of JE Sawyer and Spock.
Before we go, Trump also makes good on his promise to Barik. He asks Tunon if we can ask the Forge-Bound to remove Barik's armor, but the request is flatly denied.
It's time to hit the road, but on our way out, we're approached by none other than Bleden Mark, who appears before us in a quick puff of smoke.
He looks like a total doofus, but given the guy's reputation, Trump's not going to say it to his face.
To summarize the conversation, Bleden tells Trump that because of his fantastic achievements in Vendrien's Well, he has now gained the attention of persons on high. And by attention, he means the sort that can end up getting you killed.
Trump's used to being surrounded by haters, but thanks Mark for the tip nonetheless. He's actually a pretty nice guy -- by far the least edgy of the Archons we've met so far, which is ironic given his station.
Anyway, we have a choice of heading south to Iron Hearth to reconnect with Graven Ashe, or venturing west to Lethian's Crossing to investigate the missing iron. The Crossing is considerably closer to our current location, so going there first is the logical choice.
