After we arrive in the Phoenix capital we set about finding lodging fairly quickly and crash for the night. The next morning we begin our investigations into the poisoning of the Black Dragon Emperor.
I decide to investigate the magical aspect, some of the others begin looking for any poisonous plants they find. I'm not really sure what they expect to find actually, as you can find poisonous plants anywhere, but the child is back in full force and I don't want to debate him. Qux and I go in search of alchemists, and Kish accompanies the others as protection I imagine.
I find an alchemist fairly quickly and provide him a list of ingredients I require for my alchemical research. To any alchemist, it should be obvious my list of ingredients is for a poison, but I don't outright say it. Letting him draw the conclusion on his own. Surprisingly the alchemist is fine with me buying poison ingredients and makes it clear that he has most in stock aside from a rare one. He sold the last of it to a blue haired gentleman in black. I do my best to explain I don't actually need the ingredients if I can't buy them all from him and it takes some time to convince him I don't want them. He gives instructions on how to find it myself and everything, but again. I don't actually want any of the poison. Now that we have a probably perpetrator Qux and I begin searching for any underground Dragon clan lairs.
We assume they would be based in the docks, where traditionally there is a large criminal element, and aren't disappointed. One of the watering holes in this area has the Dragon Clan symbol incorporated subtly into their sign. Once inside we meet the proprietor, who thoroughly vets us as members and we explain our mission. He offers to let us stay and we gladly accept. I send one of my conjured men to alert the rest of the party when I assume they will be back at the old inn. While waiting for the others, he explains that he is here as an official ambassador and runs the other stuff secretly on the side. I formulate the idea that we should somehow get in touch with some of the nobility here to see if anything seems off about them and ask if he can get us into a party or gathering of nobles as ambassadors. There we can look for clues on the poisoning and such while we are there. Something about the blue haired man's description seemed off, and had a feeling none of the Phoenix leaders were involved. This would give opportunity to confirm or investigate my suspicions. He arranges for us to be given diplomatic papers for use as an alternative cover.
The rest of the group returns having successfully found "some poisonous plants". Apparently they found all the poisonous plants in this region but one, the one that alchemist can find. If that turns out to be the one we need, we can find it later. As I explain the plan to attend a get together, the child adamantly refuses yet another cover story. I don't want him ruining our new contact, and so quickly apologize and return his cover story. All of us will sneak in as ambassadors except him, who will stay in his room or something. I don't really care.
The evening of the party approaches, and we spend the day getting into character. The party is grand and luxurious and we spread out to do investigations. I quickly slip into line to meet the royalty and speak with whoever appears to be a part of the royal family. I also slip mentions that I saw a curious man with blue hair the other day, and no one seems to have any knowledge of who he was. A few are shocked that I, as an ambassador from the Dragon Clan haven't seen it before, and one goes on to explain that the Emperor's son has blue hair. This is interesting news, and backs up my suspicions that no one here was involved It seems strange though, that the prince would kill his father, because I was under the impression that if the Emperor died within the next few years the line goes to his sister, a girl promised to a Phoenix Prince. While sorting out the succession order for the Dragon Clan it is my time to meet the Empress. I will follow up on that line of thinking later.
The Empress is a charming woman, and I quickly realize she could never be involved with something like a poisoning. I offer her my services if she ever needs them, and pass through the line fairly quickly.
While ironing out the Black Dragon succession, I have determined that the son is most probably poisoning the father. If he kills the father before the princesses 18th birthday she is next. If he dies after her birthday it falls to him as son. I assume this is why the poison is slow acting, so as to time his death right after her birthday, and give him ample excuse to solidify power away from her and her Phoenix husband. Thus keeping power for himself with no chance of her having a claim. If it appears her husband killed the Emperor, there would be no chance of power falling to her. It appears the 18th birthday time period is a little hazy, and if the king dies near it, it can occasionally fall to the daughter anyway.
This fully completes my investigation into the Phoenix clan, and in the morning I suggest we return to the Dragon capital as soon as possible. For now though, I enjoy the rest of the party...
Come morning, it appears that Qux has found enough money and goods for us to buy our own airship. This should be a top priority, as one could cut our travel time down immensely Especially if the Dragon Emperor is killed and power falls to the son. I would assume we need to flee with the princess quickly and they seem to be able to outpace even the swiftest flying beasts.
