The mysterious show put on by the enigmatic Gray Baron attracted a lot of attention and even created a stir across parts of the Empire. However, her subjects didn’t get to see the mastermind behind the event with their own eyes. That honor had so far belonged only to Her Majesty – and to the lucky few court guards on whose watch his sudden visit had fallen.
The air in the throne room was suddenly filled with the echoes of strange magic, which, although not foreboding, was unlike any other known to the mages of the Empire. A distant sound of metal clanking was heard, as if a handful of dropped coins scattered on the marble floor, though not in the throne room itself, and not even near its entrance, but somewhere far away, as if in the depths of eternal history, only to immediately dissolve from consciousness like a long-forgotten memory. At last the doors swung open, and the expanse of the majestic hall welcomed its extraordinary guest. He looked like a typical aristocrat, with a gilded cane in his hand and wearing austere but richly ornamented clothing, quite different from the usual style of the Imperial court nobles. His pale face was smoothly shaven, perhaps even unnaturally so. To complete the look, he wore a very smart wide-brimmed hat, reminiscent of the local Sheriff's favorite headdress, but something about it seemed unusual for this part of the world.
"Your Majesty," said the guest in a voice full of confidence and a certain mystical grandeur, with his head slightly bowed in a welcoming gesture.
"What say you, Baron?", the Empress asked meaningfully.
"A сurious land," he replied with a faint, sly chuckle, "but too many spies." His gaze slid to the side, barely catching the silhouette of a dark elven maid fading into the shadows.
"Mere precautions,", the Lady answered, unperturbed.
"I fully understand," said the guest calmly. As for the rest, it was very entertaining and even promising. Mortals need so little to be happy. The only thing easier would be to drive them into the abyss of despair." His eyes, hidden under the brim of his hat, suddenly flashed sparks of deceit. "Some seem to be ready for the coming turmoil, but many have understood nothing. For now…"
"My lands always welcome honorable guests," said the Empress graciously, only to sternly add, "As long as you keep your reaper in check."
"Oh, Roderigo?" The Gray Baron shot a mysterious, ghostly grin. "He is only a humble minter and a faithful servant. I trust he shall look after my allotted possessions in YOUR lands. He’ll clean up in my absence and prepare them for the new show. Don’t you worry about him. He won't take more than what's needed for the cause."
Lords and Ladies! The journey through the mysterious crossroads of mysteries is complete, and the choices you made have been taken into account. The Gray Baron is pleased with the overall results. A well-deserved trophy will be given by majordomo Roderigo to all worthy Lords and Ladies who have won 12 or more victories. The strength of the artifact depends on your number of victories.
Moreover, the best 5,000 Lords and Ladies who managed to attain the greatest number of victories and find the most ancient mysteries, will surely gain their deserved fame and the loyalty of new followers.
Lord/Lady rank | Reward | 1 - 50 | | 51 - 100 | | 101 - 200 | | 201 - 400 | | 401 - 650 | | 651 - 1000 | | 1001 - 1500 | | 1501 - 2250 | | 2251 - 3000 | | 3001 - 3750 | | 3751 - 5000 | |
The list of Lords and Ladies with the best results:
The choice has been made! |