After the third beast you’ve encountered in your short visit to Toussaint lies gurgling on the arena sand, the Duchess herself (along with her ladies-in-waiting) strides over to greet you. After Palmerin carries the hapless Guillaume to seek medical attention, the Duchess congratulates you on your win. You can optionally mention that fighting a Shaelmaar was a bad idea, before broaching the subject of the contract you’ve been summoned here to complete: For that, the both of you need to speak with Damien.
On your walk to Damien’s tent, Duchess Henrietta inquires about Viscount Julian (or as you know him: Dandelion). It seems the Duchess may be having second thoughts about rescinding the death sentence they handed down upon him.
After meeting the Duchess’ guard captain, the conversation gets off to a rocky start. Feel free to mention that a bruxa killed his guards before requesting information and a laboratory in order to inspect the severed hand you found. Damien, it seems, doesn’t want or need you usurping his investigation; but the Duchess is adamant: so much so in fact, that the discussion of pay is almost immediate. Answer regarding “the Law of Surprise” as you wish; your reward is the same: a most generous sum of coins once you slay the Beast, and the deed to the Corvo Bianco vineyard (where you fought the bruxa), which is available now.
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Items: Corvo Bianco Ownership Deed, Key to Corvo Bianco |
Now to the matter at hand: According to Damien, Knight Crespi was the first to die; ruthless and retired, and not well-liked. He was found during a feast, propped up against the town pillory. The second victim was Ramon de Lac; discovered (in a humiliating position) in a dark nook by some cutpurses. It seems even criminals fear the Beast. Deep claw wounds savaged both these older knights. The third knight to be murdered was Sir de la Croix, who made a fortune trading grain. His was the mouth stuffed with florens from different provinces of the empire.
It is postulated the way the bodies were positioned indicates the Beast has a meaning it is trying to convey. You mention to the Duchess that none seemed to be the model of virtue. After listing the five virtues (and optionally asking why those virtues were chosen), you reckon the Beast is denouncing moral decay:
- Honor is compromised by the pillory.
- Wisdom is compromised by ridicule.
- Generosity is compromised by the coin pouch in the throat.
With this in mind, the Beast’s next victim is likely to be an older knight, and one positioned in a way to denounce the virtue of valor. All the knights are either on the tourney grounds or the palace gardens as the annual Hare Hunt is set to begin shortly. You make mention of Milton and his bunny costume, perhaps he is the next victim? After Henrietta mentions the team Milton formed with de la Croix (ask about it if you wish), it becomes increasingly urgent to find the old knight. The only problem is that Milton is currently in hiding, disguised as a hare. Damien’s request to call the game off falls on deaf ears; the Duchess instead ordering a discreet search of the gardens. No man or woman shall be spared; in fact, the Duchess herself sets off to head the search. Try to keep up, won’t you?