"Do you have any magic support, Baron Hangel?" Epineh asked.

"Not since my court magician retired, I've notvyet replaced him" the Baron admitted, a sudden wary look in his eyes.

"I happen to be a talent magic-user," Epineh said. "Isn't that great?"

"But Princess.. " The Baron begin and Lady Alisha stepped in "I'm sure Her Higness just wishes to ensure that you gain the benefit of her talents and knowledge " she said in a conciliatory tone "Perhaps if she is present during your meeting she might see something we would otherwise miss"

The Baron looks unconvinced but eventually sighs "Of course your highness. If you would accompany us, we will have that meeting now"

"Very good, dear Baron. Please lead the way," Epineh said.

Baron Hangel nods and with a sigh leads the way to a smaller room, there is a table and chairs in the middle of the room, on the table there was a map of the area.

"Please take a seat, I'll have drinks and food brought up" he said taking a moment to talk to a servant and the returning to the group.

Epineh went quiet for now.

Hangel steeps up to the table "Our problem is both simple and complex. The merchants we depend on are being attacked with some regularity, thankfully few are killed. But the loss of goods is bad enough they strike seemingly at will and seem to know when we are looking for them.

They have struck over a large area here, here and here for example" The Baron indicates spots on the map along the main road leading to Almask but also side roads as well.

"I am hoping with the extra men you've brought we can increase patrols on the roads Sir Galden"

"Are they the same group or are there different ones?" Epineh asked.

"We think the same group, they seem very well organised and equipped" Count Elis who had been silent so far said "A lot of the reports mention them wearing red handbags, probably so they don't loose track of each other in a fight"

"What kind of numbers?" Epineh asked. "Do we know?"

The Baron looks at Count Elis "We've not had reports of more than a score at anyone time"

"Ah. That should be easy to deal with," Epineh said.

The Baron looked skeptical but asked "You have a suggestion your highness?"

"A fireball or two would certainly take them out," Epineh said.

The Baron chokes slightly at that "We would like to at least try to capture them, but that would be a fall back plan"

"I suppose that would be a good idea," Epineh said. "How are your men armed?"

"Our Guardsmen have spears and crossbows mostly. Easy to train them to use" Hangel replied "Your guards have better equipment of course"

Sir Galden spoke up "The Royal coffers are deeper of course, do you have any idea how they are choosing their targets?"

The Baron looked slightly embarrassed  "We believe there is a leak or spy in the merchants guild. They record and list expected deliveries "

"We could work on finding out who the spy is," Epineh said. "Like getting them to post a fake enticing shipment."

The Baron nods "Perhaps you would care to help with that? While we organise some patrols on the roads?"

"I suppose I could, do have a sample one on hand?" Epineh asked.

"We can supply you with examples, but we also need to narrow down the suspects. Could you power's help with that?" Baron Hangel asked.

"I'm sure they can," Epineh said.

"Then we shall leave this rask in your capable hands" the Baron said

Epineh thought for a minute as looked over an authentic manifest. Casting a few bits of magic, some prestidigitation and such, she managed to write up a fake manifest. It had several things on it. A shipment of weapons and armour as well as a few of her older fancy dresses to be auctioned off.

"That should do it!" she said. "Can I see what the guild hall looks like? Oh! And do you have any suspects already?"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:44, Thu 20 Jan 2022.