Warning, long, lazy sunday post ahead:
I'm now back from Istanbul! The party has met a lot of new people at these events! Klaus is schmoozing the "well-to-do" crowd, and Julian's new public stature can gain him some useful face time with some public officials. Maybe if we ride the wave of Julian the Champion, we can get some closer glimpses at the goings on at court and see if we can catch a glimpse at who's pulling the strings.
I was rereading some of the things
Julian posted earlier and reviewing who we've met.
I fairly confident the elves and the Dieter the former champion aren't behind influencing the Graf to pass the evil taxes, despite some of the rumors we've heard flung around by other NPCs. The military seems to be full of fairly stand up good people, and I don't think they're behind the scenes pulling the Graf's strings. However, making friends with them might give us some allies when we do uncover the cultists behind the scenes.
Finlay, you mentioned Gotthard and I reread the letter that Julian found in the cave wizard scientist. Copied below:
My dear Wolfgang, (1)
Yes, the latest package finally arrived from my beloved sister! Here it is. It would have been hell to get it into the city by the usual channels, even with my connections, so I had to make alternative arrangements. Hope this specimen is in as good condition as the last one! I'd be thrilled to hear what you intend to do with these things, but I know how your lot love your secrets. Maybe you don't know yourself! I wouldn't be the least bit surprised.
You must come to my next party. It's going to be a good one - lots of first-timers will be there. I know it's not your scene, but it's not healthy to spend all your time by yourself.
Must go, lots of arrangements to make. And I can't avoid work for much longer! They keep chasing me around with forms that need signing. Much as I love the new taxes, I could do without all the extra paperwork. I'll have to see the chancellor about it. (2)
Love and hugs,
G. (3)
What we don't know about this letter is who the letter is to and from. Do we? Was wolfgang the wizard or was G?
(1) - Have we met a Wolfgang yet? Maybe he works at the Windhund Haulage Company? Or perhaps the wizard is Wolfgang?
(2) - Notice how the author of the letter is busy avoiding work and his responsibilities. Earlier, when Max, Klaus, and Admund visited the Tax Officers, we learned some things about the Komission. We know this:
"Greta Udilier, clerk at the Komission for Commerce, Trade and Taxation. Overworked due to administering the new taxes, but generally approves of them (because the city needs the money to pay for the carnival). Annoyed by Komission Convenor Brant's shirking of his duties."
"Gotthard Brant, Convenor of the Komission for Commerce, Trade and Taxation, Chairman of the Merchants' Guild. Lives close to the Komission, on Schmutzige Strasse (address known by party). Never seems to be at work or at home. [party have seen his portrait]"
Which leads me to...
(3) - is "G" for Gotthard? What the Wizard known as "G". Maybe there is a character also named with a "G" but based on context from
(2) the G could be referring to Gotthard Brant.
I think that whoever the "power behind the throne" is must be lurking about int he Merchant and Legal Realms. We know that whoever wrote the letter above is in contact with Sparsm. We also know from Sgt. Kratz of the Southgate watch that the Watch Captain was being leaned into by someone. Maybe the Law Lords? They seem fairly shady, since the tax law had to come through them to the Graf.
Therefore I'm suspicious of: (in order)
-Gotthard Brant
-Chancellor Sparsam
-The Law Lords
Maybe we can use our connections to start poking around these three? Admund, Max, and Klaus got Brant's address at the tax office. I have no idea how the Windhund Hauling company is involved but the party believes there is a connection. Has this been explained to Admund?
