Intro Story - Ask about the Senators

“Who are the Senators?” you ask.

Alex looks surprised. “You’ve never heard of the Senators? Well, you’re one now, for starters,” he says. “At least, you can choose to be. Chirra’tse was very specific—I can compel you to come, but it must be your choice to stay.

“The Senators help people who ask. Sometimes it’s the common people, other times the King asks for some errand or favor. It’s usually something simple, like relocating a giant, slaying a dragon, or fending off a barbarian horde. Basic hero stuff. Bleh.” Alex shudders.

“There were four original Senators. Maybe there still are—no one knows where they are or if they’re still alive. The first was Prince Pete, the son of King Peter II. He fit the typical ‘prince with a fancy sword and something to prove’ mold. A bit naïve at times, but effective.

“He started the Senators, naming them for the body of noble families that helped the emperor lead the old Sylvan Empire. The next was my warden, Chirra’tse. Her father Polon’tse was a minister to the Sylvan Emperor back when there was one, but now he’s an advisor to King Peter. She’s got decent skill with magic and research, though of course her learning advanced significantly once she started having me for a teacher.

“Count John Oster is Prince Pete’s cousin, and of a similar mold. He’s a bit more of a realist, though. I appreciated his cynicism. I could almost say I miss the bloke.

“The last of them was Amonchet Kartuffe, a dwarf. Goes by Amon most of the time. He is ostensibly here to make deals for resources for the dwarven city of Karm Lema, but I think he stays here to avoid his wife back home.

“Prince Pete disappeared about six months ago. There’s a local thief that’s been making a name for himself in the last year or two who goes by the nom de guerre ‘The Swift.’ He claimed to have kidnapped the prince, and offered the prince’s signet ring as proof.

“The other Senators have been trying to track him down ever since. About a week ago they got excited and started packing for a long trip. Chirra’tse reminded me about the beacon if they were gone more than week… I asked, but they wouldn’t say where they were going.”

Alex frowned. “One thing I’ve learned since I got caught: no one tells demons anything around here.”