Ciphers from the Society

That, too, seems a valid line of thinking. I'm torn.

I'd argue by your logic you'd need some discipline in there too, Seth, else you ain't gonna get called back for more contracts if your mates know they can't count on you.

And as I've said to so many would-be grunts in the dunes, it's discipline that separates the soldier from the commoner.

And it's competence that separates the repeat hires from the dead.

Gentlemen-

I appreciate the dedication to proper definitions and the lovely examples of connotation verses denotation in the common tongue, but can we please try to focus at the topic at hand?

Keladry- The society pays people to do its dirty work. They enjoy sending paid assassins and soldiers into Travance, either to target high value towns members or to attempt to gain information on something that is of value to them. They have attempted a few times before, though we were able to foil them both times, either by eliminating the threat or paying them off.

Paying them will only work for a time. Just remember that if you're trying to be peaceful about it.

-Chet

The last that I'm aware of that Travance tangled with the Society of Benefactors was in late June of last year; they sent a mercenary army to Travance, and it was the leader of that army who was paid off -- and he was, to my knowledge, not a member of the Society. I doubt that any member who wanted to remain in the Society would accept a bribe.

Last year, we intercepted and decoded many of their communications, which I've kept copies of. I don't know if they will have bearing on this ominous message, as they mostly refer to events already concluded, but I will copy them here in case they become relevant:

on the pathway past the dragoon cairn two pm on the day of the feast wear white

his use of a known killer [here I lost several words, I believe it is the name of the mercenary commander?] concerns me what if he draws attention to the society's activities

his ambition goes far beyond normal games. how many pies does he have fingers in and how does he find us to give invitations to the society? I fear we are slowly passing beyond the scale of the society's original goal, but at the same time, I find it exciting. And how entertaining would it be to have a hand in placing the crown on a new head?

the nobles will be a threat, distract or eliminate them to disrupt resistance

the races represented in Pelindor mean nothing the agents in their lands assure us of their inconsequence

the captain values gold more than loyalty

move your troops toward Travance prepare for mixed foes attack the triage station

a society member will be overseeing procedures to ensure compliance they will be more than competent in martial and arcane matters

It is that third message that I feel is most relevant now. I know not whether the 'he' referred to in the third message might be the leader of the Society, Lord Stone, or both. I don't think I've heard the name (or pseudonym?) Lord Stone before. Is anyone else familiar?