In Game #92, the adventuring party faces escalating political tensions and dangers as they navigate a web of deceit, betrayal, and impending conflict. The session begins with the group taking paid boats to their next destination, leaving behind Sovereign, Layla, and Julien for various personal and protective reasons. Upon arrival at the docks, they spot Lady Sassy Hands (Jessica Vander Hoven) alongside an older man directing people, signaling the presence of familiar but potentially hostile forces. Caden also notices Philip Montague, squire to Leon Blackwood, suspiciously leaving with a large trunk, raising further concerns.The group is soon approached by a nervous member of the Imperial Guard, who recognizes them as nobles but fails to identify Siobhan as the Duchess of Whitestar. Despite this, the guard escorts them to Mistwick Castle, where they are housed in "middle-class" accommodations. As they settle in, they encounter a servant girl who is confused by Audry's introduction of the group as “and party.” Siobhan attempts to bluff her identity as "Haley," Caden's cousin, which initially falters but is saved through sheer force of will, convincing the servant she is actually "Masey Freehold."With two hours to spare before a formal dinner, the group thoroughly searches their rooms for secret passages or listening devices, finding none. They decide to keep a low profile, taking baths and preparing for the evening's events. The dinner is hosted by Duchess Olivia Pearstone and includes several notable figures such as Endilusias, Olivia's cousin Grace, and her husband Peter Upperton. The mood quickly shifts when El Rashi, a chained guest, loudly addresses Siobhan as "Princess," drawing unwanted attention. Endilusias, who has been keeping tabs on the group, quickly rearranges the seating to include them, hinting at his awareness of their movements, including Caden's adventures.The dinner conversation becomes a battleground of wits and subtle threats. Endilusias questions the group's associations, including their potential ties to the Maw and Siobhan's dual heritage, subtly undermining her status. The situation escalates as Endilusias and Peter exchange increasingly hostile barbs, culminating in a heated argument that touches on Siobhan's family history, Peter's lineage, and even El Rashi's origins.Just as tensions reach a peak, a sudden attack disrupts the gathering. A firebomb, thrown by a figure resembling Ammon Henge, ignites the table, severely injuring Olivia Pearstone and Peter Upperton. The party quickly intervenes, managing to put out the flames, but Peter suffers life-threatening injuries. Amid the chaos, a guard claims the attacker was Ammon Henge, but Peter, through agonized breaths, insists it was a disguise, likely worn by Philippe Montague. Realizing the attack was a setup to implicate Whitestar, the party makes a hasty retreat as the crowd's mood turns from confusion to accusation.El Rashi suggests they escape by boat, and Deva Vasic prepares her cadre of soldiers for a potential battle. As they arm themselves with hidden weapons, they make their way to the docks, where they are confronted by a group of Imperial knights. Peter manages to deceive the knights, claiming that Endilusias ordered him to escort the ladies to safety. Deva’s soldiers commandeer a boat, engaging in a brief skirmish with the Imperial troops before the party escapes. As they sail away, they witness an explosion—likely the destruction of the Tested headquarters—caused by Leanden gunpowder. The flames from Pearstone rise ominously as they make their way up the river towards Butterhall and Green Marble, reflecting on the grim turn of events.During the journey, Peter identifies the attacker as Philippe Montague, confirming their suspicions. Siobhan is deeply troubled, realizing that Endilusias orchestrated the attack to spark a war, using Whitestar as the scapegoat. She reflects on the gravity of the situation, lamenting that all her efforts to maintain peace have been undone by this calculated move. It becomes clear that Endilusias' plan was to eliminate Olivia Pearstone and install Jessica Vander Hoven as a puppet ruler, but Siobhan’s unexpected presence disrupted his scheme, forcing him to adapt and escalate the conflict.The ship eventually ports at Windbreak, where El Rashi recognizes some familiar faces among the dockworkers—fellow pirates from his past. Siobhan inquires about the current residents, learning that most of the women and young people have been sent to the Saffron Isles for safety, leaving Hans, Conner, and Kincaid in charge. Wanda remains the captain of the guard. Siobhan, maintaining her role as the Duchess of Whitestar, requests an audience with her uncle, securing safe passage for Deva and El Rashi.In the great hall of Windbreak, the group meets with Conner and his associates, recounting their recent harrowing adventures. Conner reveals a memorial to Orii, adding a somber note to the gathering. Siobhan withholds details of the assassination attempt during dinner due to the presence of a member of the Tested, but once the guests depart, she confides in Conner about the events at Mistwick. Conner, recognizing the speed and ruthlessness of Endilusias, discusses possible next moves. He suggests allying with Sofia Rameriz on the shores of the Saffron Isles to secure nautical support for taking the Jade Isles on behalf of the Almerin.Conner also reveals his plan to lead mercenary troops to Iceholm to launch raids on Imperial forces around Whitestar, under the guise of visiting his son on the Saffron Isles. He discloses a secret method to destabilize Covengguard’s security, hinting that the Blood Prince might not be Tidus' legitimate son—information acquired by Rory from the Odd Fellows. The session ends with Conner asking who will protect the Silverridge honor now that Orii is gone. Siobhan suggests Carrick, but Conner insists it must be them who take up the mantle.As the evening closes, Conner shares his intention to check on Peter's mother to ensure her safety before any fighting begins. He also expresses a desire to target the Griffins of the Rivers during his raids. Siobhan, still reeling from the night’s events, explains that Casimir returned to Penelope after an incident at the House of Fire. The session concludes with the group planning their next moves: Siobhan intends to speak with Autumn Walsh, Caden will commune with the star gods for guidance and weapons, El Rashi will deal with the pirates, and Deva will coordinate with her troops regarding the pirate threat. The game leaves the party on the brink of further perilous adventures, with the fate of Whitestar and their honor hanging in the balance.
