The Mysterious Assassin and a Banquet for Vadoma

Twenty-Sixth Day, Tenth Moon,
Twenty-First Year of Recent Awakenings

In accordance with the will of Her Majesty and in upholding the duties charged to me as Junior Chronicler, I hereby submit the account of The Mysterious Assassin and a Banquet for Vadoma.

After the first appearance of Vadoma, as told in the Chronicle The Centipede Incident and the Arrival of a Stranger, further incidents happened around the Castle as she tested the mettle of our denizens, finally leading up to the Banquet on Saturn’s day.

After the initial encounter with her, Vadoma visited the Outer Bailey multiple times. During these appearances, she continued to speak only Western and Teanga, though she showed some understanding of Common. Through these meetings, she clarified that she wanted Mistress  Lillian, the Mistress of Entertainments, to organize the Banquet, and explained that the monsters she had summoned were from the caves below the castle. She also mentioned a specific test for Mistress Heulyn, though this has not yet been confirmed. At times when she was offended, she summoned an undead rat, or large groups of centipedes to challenge the Castle’s populace, though thankfully they injured no one.
Vadoma gave plain-looking tokens to denizens who, in her judgment, showed courage facing the monsters. These tokens of favor are an invitation to the gypsy camp when it is set up. Those present with the Sight confirmed the tokens have a magical aura.

The most dangerous incident happened on Woden’s day. During the afternoon, a tall, taloned man with glowing red eyes appeared in the Library. Sera Tamiko identified this being as Aka Manto, one of her stories given life by the Nightmare. It asked Deputy Aleysia if she would prefer a red cloak or a blue cloak and became incensed when she would not answer, finally leading to a fight in which Watchman  Duothuan was also involved. During this fight Deputy  Aleysia finally answered that she would prefer a red cloak, leading to the Aka Manto attempting to flay her, but missing. It was finally driven off after Mistress Nariseth threw a teapot at its head.

It appeared again later that same day after the Battle Guild’s practice. This time it asked ser Melle and sera Alyndra the same question and attacked when they said they wanted neither. A duck call brought Mistress Rikka, Lieutenant Vessa, ser Ammanas, Watchman Duothuan and, Deputy  Aleysia into the fray. Together they killed the man, with some difficulty.  Afterward, his body dissolved into pools of darkness, nauseating the entire room.
Finally, on Saturn’s Day, the Banquet was held. Attended by many of the Outer Bailey’s denizens, it also attracted some members of the Court including Mistress Lilian and the host, Mistress Heulyn, the Royal Equerry, and sera Isadora. Entertainment was provided by sera Caillean and Mistress Nariseth, both of whom received a token from Vadoma for the quality of their song and poetry, respectively. Then she started questioning those present, especially about what people’s favorite parts of living in the Castle were and rewarded everyone who answered. Throughout this, she looked rather blurry and had trouble interacting with others without passing through them. As this happened she cast spells to keep herself solid. Finally, she prepared to leave, clarifying that she’d be back when the veil was weaker and noted that she’d be testing the Conclave as well with a mention of a beast big enough that she could not bring it up here.

Though things have been quiet since there is still much still unknown. The Office of the Chronicler will publish more information as it becomes available.

This chronicle will be subject to changes and corrections. I humbly ask all readers to please indicate to me discreetly, any falsehoods I may have mistakenly communicated. It is by means of the conservation of the Past that we continue to serve Her Majesty and give substance to those that follow.

In service to Her Majesty Queen Vivienne, The Office of the Chronicler, and the Denizenry of Her Majesty’s Realm.

Ser Ilatai
Junior Chronicler