I was too young to remember your grandparents, much less my own, Aris begins. "I do remember when your parents left Saje; a typical cloak and dagger affair. Your father, Zorus, never made it out a live, but your mother, Helsis, managed to stowaway on some privateer ship. Being pregnant with you, she was not her stealthy self and was caught. When the pirates realized she was with child, they sold her to some slavers who in turn sold her to the owner of the plantation you mentioned. She died giving birth to you. Of course, you were taken in by another slave family, but when you were old enough, you were sold off to some innkeeper in Troll's Bridge
Aris to Ozi-Sajenese in the empire
"Help Saje succeed in bringing competition against Thieves' Thought and restore the Khan Family to prominence in Saje. The Castigons and the Khans were allies...even friends...before your grandfather was banished," Aris urges. "Claim your family ring as payment forward in this mission. Use it to gather the Sajenese already in Troll's Bridge to help yourself and Lord Chicdell to power and influence."
Aris to Ozi-Sajenese in the Empire
Within an hour, about two dozen Sajenese have arrived and occupy most of the tavern. Balis has five familiar faces sit at a table near to Ozimius. They are the family that raised him before he was sold to the innkeeper years ago. Balis mentions that these are Ozimius' father's youngest brother, Xunos Khan, and his wife, Gilias, and their three grown children; two men, Xunor and Feirk, and a woman, Nessilsis. She also mentions that they are half of the slaves freed by Lord Groves.
Ozi's landing
"Morrisul is nearly as old and Hardun, so he will likely die soon of old age. It is obvious, now, that the mayor has no intention of making his side-kick a vampire, so I would say Mendelard, his heir, is a possibility...at least for our purposes. Mendelard is just a little older than Oli, has been far more sheltered from the real world and he has a young son, so he is impressionable and vulnerable. However, he would not want House Groves disgraced. If Mendelard cooperated and disgrace is inevitable, Morrisul could pass away in his sleep and Mendelard could meet an unfortunate end caused by or causing the scandal. A regent would be left to deal with the fall of House Groves and Mendelard's son could fix it all when he comes of age."
Balis to Ozi- Auction
Ozi meets his half brother:
Miqulius Khan
Before releasing the hand shake and taking a seat, the stranger intones to Ozimius with a traditional Sajenese greeting.
"May the shadows protect you wherever you prowl, Shadow Ozimius."
He releases the grip and takes a seat.
"I am Miqulius Khan, son of Zorus, son of Tiberius former bearer of The Elder Ring of Khan. I have come out of Saje in search of my grandfather's ring and you, my step-brother, I have come to understand now bears it. I am at your disposal."
The Ring:
Miqulius Khan
Before releasing the hand shake and taking a seat, the stranger intones to Ozimius with a traditional Sajenese greeting.
"May the shadows protect you wherever you prowl, Shadow Ozimius."
He releases the grip and takes a seat.
"I am Miqulius Khan, son of Zorus, son of Tiberius former bearer of The Elder Ring of Khan. I have come out of Saje in search of my grandfather's ring and you, my step-brother, I have come to understand now bears it. I am at your disposal."
Baezoran El
The half-orc takes a snorting sniff and the tension in the room increases.
"You mean Prince Oliveryn has Hardun targeted, no? I am an Imperial guild master. The Empire is my first priority and we cannot have chaos destroying the commerce and economy of this city. Invading Troll's Bridge with the forces of Tanglewood and Saje is folly. The Emperor will personally march into this city and drive the chaos down the river to the sea and then structure Troll's Bridge how he sees fit...something that has been avoided for centuries. A Sajenese franchise is not part of that vision; the Elder Clans will be utterly destroyed, so think long and hard about the consequences of your actions."
Balis Sphinx
"Persuasion is always a possibility, but one must tread carefully when dealing with the House of Sorcery. You will doubtlessly dislike any favor Methylpenta requests. This may be a situation where you just take what you want. It is always easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. If she knows you want her Sajenese slaves free, she will make it unpleasant for everyone...except for her, of course."
Miqulius Khan
"Things in Saje are disgraceful. The caitiff king of the ancient, nameless royal line, Shadowblaze III, has commenced another purge tightening his adamant grip. Any claiming to be of the three Elder Clans are summarily being put to death. Fortunately, most of us have escaped to Feris Antandom, Waldsee, Berekiefe and the Index Archipelago. The king has Par Nul Dia under siege as well. Almost no ships are left in Gruinuk. The king's son, Shadowblaze IV, has taken over Bargorm Castle. All of this is a serious breach of Sajenese tradition and law. Tryst has become complacent and beyond decadent. If decrepit Mezildoth wished, he would be able to march right into the capital."