“…for unrelated news, has Baron Wilhelm had an increase in pigeon messenger business recently?”
“Like, him using it more frequently? He uses it all the time, so it’s hard to tell.”
“No I meant, if I were a spy and I wanted to send messages, I would use a pigeon messenger, wouldn’t you?”
(I’m getting the region lore hold on a second)
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Augustin stands up and talks to his messenger, who then leaves the room. Soon afterwards, he comes back with parchment, ink, and a quill, and Augustin takes them back to his seat. He begins to write things down—notes about the communication methods that Baron Zone was talking about.
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“Uh… Well, I don’t like birds, so not me, but yeah that sounds efficient. Why?”
A honor guard comes back with a very long message for King Litten. Litten starts to read it silently and then realizes, it’s probably important to say outloud.
“I’ve received word about more of this region. Ahem:
Tavallin borders both the Kingdom and the Ashmedean Empire, although it is much smaller than either. Two centuries ago, it was conquered by Ashmede, but it threw off its conqueror’s shackles about fifty years ago in the War of Tavallinese Independence. Since then, Ashmede has mostly been too distracted by various other wars to take it back (although it did attempt an invasion once, and was beaten back).
Tavallin is ruled by Queen Emmeline, a woman well into her 70s who has ruled Tavallin ever since it broke free of Ashmedean rule 50 years ago. She is an incredibly savvy political operator and a genius manipulator who has weathered innumerable crises during her time on the throne. She founded Tavallin’s shadowy network of spies and assassins, known as the Gaunt, who have infiltrated the highest levels of society in both the Ashmedean Empire and the Kingdom.
Lacking the military might of its neighbours and constantly fearing invasion, Tavallin relies on spies and intrigue to get ahead. The Tavallinese despise the Ashmedeans, and the feeling is mutual - but the Tavallinese also fear the Kingdom, and their spies permeate every Region, constantly rooting out secrets that can be turned to Tavallin’s advantage.
The Queen has five daughters, all of whom are - for various reasons - disappointments, and there is dread throughout Tavallin over what will happen when Queen Emmeline passes away. Many suspect that the throne will be seized by her second-in-command in the Gaunt, a ruthless man named Aduard Sling.
Tavallinese summers are exceptionally hot, with frequent dramatic storms. It boasts fertile soil and lush grasslands, and is famous for its fine wines and sandy beaches.
Xoxo - Spy Master”
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(this is directly copied from kotc cord and may be changed)
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“So what I’ve read is that this kingdom is a pushover that we could invade since their military is quite lacking…”
Oh dear. If the Spymaster (host) has confirmed that the plan won’t work, then it means the spies have already gotten the information they wanted. Meaning that the only thing they have left to do is to return home. If this is the case, then… well. As bad as it may be, the options presented before would now become viable.
I also have one more idea, but… its as bad -if not worse- than the other options: Seclusion. Quarantine the country while the Military cooperates with the Spymaster to find the spies and eliminate them. This is… truly something not even I would choose unless the prevention of information leakage is of the highest priority.
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“Council, I want to emphasize this point right here - our enemy is weak military wise and their land is full of resources, and they have the gall to try to spy on us while their queen is a 70 year old woman?”
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“If I may ask, my lieges… Why are your lordship and your highness talking about information? I was of the belief that the danger spies posed was through murder.”
A different messenger (not Joe) arrives.
“Baron Wilhelm Marzipan of House Squirrel, second of his name, eater of sweets and pastries, wishes to make his will be known.”
slightly
we sold one more bird than average this week
it ain’t us, tho
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If I may, this option may result in a wild witch hunt for spies.
I agree that things are looking… grim, and none of our current options are very… great, but if the common folk believe and are told the countries walls will go down once all the spies are eliminated… well they may try to create their own sacrificial lambs.
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We are talking about spies. Not assassins.
Intel can come in any and all forms: Technological advances, identities of nobles and priests, topology of the country, etc.
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The messenger retrieves a second scroll.
bro really thinks I’d sell out my country when I have the most successful pigeon business this side of the river
if we get invaded some tavallinese punk is gonna steal my birds and I ain’t gonna let that slide
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Augustin tilts his head in confusion.
“I still do not understand, my liege. Why does your lordship care about these spies if they are not doing anything?”
“I would like to reiterate I didn’t say you were selling out your country - just thought maybe we would see some increase in sales.”
“We’re not going to be invaded by a tiny nation who’s barely got a military. Now I’m actually on [Childe]'s side here.”
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“The problem is they could sell our secrets to nations way more threatening - they are indeed a problem.”