Court Of Stones

Name: [REDACTED]

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Spoiler'Black Talon' Actual name: Gelpan 'Redfeathers' Somaqaa

Species: [UNKNOWN]

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SpoilerHeralding from the more arid but wealthy regions of the nations 'united' by the Emperor, Tsepra are one of several related biped demi-avians with distant common ancestry from the Northern Desert provinces that are treated with a mixture of mistrust, belated respect, caution and anger depending on who and where you are. Most are feathered across their bodies with three or four long crest-feathers on their upper neck, though plumage varies across individuals depending on climate. Those closest to the mountains remain in down feathers all year, whilst the rest only possess them during the cold winter months when even the desert can freeze over, with no seas or lakes to moderate temperatures.

Historical clan structures have broken down substantially over the course of Imperial meddling, with the power of clan matriarchs almost non-existent and both political and fiscal power instead being hoarded by Princes recognised and supported by the Empire. Instead, most live either in one of several thousand isolated communities or a few large cities that monopolise trade routes across the desert.

Your Office: [DATA DEFICIENT]:

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SpoilerIt is unclear exactly how, but it is believed by some that Black Talon has some measure of access deep in the hear of the Empire, due to their unnerving ability to act only at time and in places where the watchful eye of the Emperor and his minions is absent. If the stories are to be believed, it is perhaps only a matter of time before a search is made to determine who the mole is, or perhaps if the Talon himself is there, hiding in plain sight.

Short history and description: Formerly independent, the Northern Protectorate were forced first into tribute, then as suzerainty before finally being annexed outright, with a handful of representatives in the Court being one of the few indicators of their past as a begrudging ally.

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SpoilerLittle is known about the mysterious Black Talon and the movement that surrounds them. It is often said, mainly in public fora, that the Black Talon does not exist; he is a fictitious figment of peasantry imagination that has captivated a few foolhardy and pitiful dissidents. It is known that the North has chafed in the past, either out of annoyance at the growing disrespect they receive from the rest of the Empire despite their significant wealth, though most of it is now in the past. Their biggest treasures are underground, as most of the mines had already closed or were forced to close due to past wars. it is quite possible that they could rise again somehow and if the descriptions of the Black Talon are to be believed, that could be one of their motivations. Almost all descriptions of the Black Talon mention a tallish, slim build, a mask and fully-concealed feature and symbols reminiscent of the northern avians though not enough to identify their origin. Reports are often muddled with contrasting or contradictory 'evidence', making veracity of statements hard to use. It is debated if this is intentional. As spies descend upon the Court in anticipation of looming anarchy, the Black Talon might not have a presence there much longer.

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Several 'merchant-princes' (each representing one small portion of the tribal confederation that once existed) live in the capital and have a reputation for sloth, gluttony and avarice in contrast with most of the region's inhabitants and their own servants, attaché and handmaidens that can occasionally be seen running various errands or hawking their goods in the markets. They may have the means to fund a rebellion, but none have shown any such inclination and all seem intent to preserve their own status and profit than plot, assuming they could find time for it between meals, massages and masquerade. That said, they do occasionally hire folk to carry out sabotage against rivals or defend against attacks by their peers...

Are you brave enough to openly nominate yourself for the position of Stone Regent?: HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA no

A true fact about the Emperor: It is said that the Emperor thought little of the Northern Provinces other than their sell-swords, hot springs, gemstones and... women.


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