Geranil's Letter

Naerin,

Whatever station this missive may find you in, I hope you are well. It has been many years since we last communicated, but I write to you now with poor tidings from Doveland.

There is no easy way to break the news of this to you. In the last month, the mad Prince has decreed that two governances – the Tundra and Doveland – be combined to form a new region under the control of a new house. I do not know what caused this upheaval; there was no word of it prior to the decree, even from our numerous informants in Echolst. Our manor and lands were granted to one Lord Gideon, now titled Steward of the Lochs, who dispossessed us of them immediately.

I had not heard of this young man before, but it would appear that his support in the Winter Court is a recent thing. He graduated Cantares Academy some time before you, and is very strongly favored by winter. His support was primarily founded on the influence of a powerful financier from a fallen “House Sinnodel.” My informant within this house, recently acquired, has travelled to Cote1 along with their entire family.

Your sister, now a third-tower priestess within the order of Sirrien, has been forcibly employed by Gideon into his service along with her compatriots. Your youngest brother Mardil, recently enrolled into Cantares Academy in your... wake, has disappeared and I fear he is held by the Prince. Your brother Kleinis, nearly done with his final year of apprenticeship, remains secure within the protection of my Chief Cartographer2. I cannot tell you where they have gone, if they have left Cote at all.

Your final brother, Riquarion, is dead. His invaluable architectural work with the Black Stevens widening the Canals of the Dead3 made him a target during the elimination of the order. All those known to associate with Stevens have been arrested or executed. I urge you to take care. I do not know for sure if forces moving against us know your whereabouts, but from the letter I received courtesy of Cantares, it would seem likely they do.

My attendants and I have been forced to retreat to the one area within my territory not within the grasp of the crown. My foresight in appointing guild chiefs of foreign races has proved perspicacious, as both the archeralds and cartographers in the employ of our house remain loyal. Chief Archerald Mahjer, who you may remember from your childhood, holds some influence with the dragonborn on the Northern Island as well as Scale-Confederacy rights to a small "Enclave" within the labyrinthine cave system here.

The decrees of Gideon have resulted in the expulsion of thousands of dragonborn from the Tundra and the Island who seek refuge in these caves. They are sympathetic to our cause, having felt the press of the Prince on their homes for generations. From this position I have attempted to recall house assets as quickly as possible. It has not been quick enough. Despite your self-imposed exile, you are now my sole remaining free heir.

I will not see the end of House Cerric while I stand. The former Stewards Naurarrna and Milet, of Redport and Invasse respectively, have also recently been replaced and aligned their interests with ours. You have missed much of what has transpired in court over the last seven years, but it is time that the Winter Court was restored to some semblance of sanity, even if that means the breaking of winter.

Your abilities as an arcanist and a competent diplomat would be worth more than I can say in these matters. If you have some love for me, or merely a desire to regain your inheritance, I request that you return to Ethasadril. Should you appear in Bright Door, I have hired a small dragonborn mercenary force (now pledged to you) to escort you across the Tundra. They will be awaiting your notice at the Cartographers’ House there. If you should choose to find your way back by other means, my contact ‘Golian’ at the Academy in Cote or the aforementioned Stewards may be able to assist you.

I have sent multiple doves to find you. Through the aid of a dragonborn sorcerer here, whichever one does should have a parcel appear with it as well. Enclosed is a brief letter from Kleinis detailing the usage of the contents to transport oneself as well as the timing of the gate in Bright Door.

Your father,

Geranil Cerric

¹ Capital of Doveland and the seat of House Cerric

² You'd be aware that cartographers and other tri-cartel guildsmen are ineligible to inherit titles.

³ Canals beneath Cote leading to a downfall. It's where bodies are sent to reach the underworld.