20th Mafeeti 786 - Last week, analysis began of the Beauon Estate in the Violet canton. The estate finally fell into city hands one year after the owners disappeared. No heirs could be found in the intervening time. The estate, which has a value of over 2 million gold coins, has been the object of much arcane and divine speculation. Investigators from several organizations have begun with the gates, which are magically fortified and have yet to be crossed. The Beauon family, which had lived in Port Talp for over a century, were known for their ability to infuse plants with all manor of magic. Their business assets which did not reside on the estate will be auctioned of next month.
Printed in the Alchemists' Journal
Here is a story from Ayva's father that she relays to you.
"When I was very young, your grandfather tried to get into business with them, so he did lots of research. He saw opportunity and profit. He talked about it for weeks and weeks, trying to figure out how to make coin and make a deal. Unfortunately, he was never able to get it done. Too many problems.
They came to the city, two Nipits, male and female, from Amansky. They had a business in plants, and started to sell their brand to the local alchemists. They bought land, at the time outside the city limits, grew some, and sold it. They knew what they were doing. Clerics of Habastly and the elves didn't like them. There was something about them was was off putting. Eventually, we all found out what it was. They mixed magic into the plants. They grew faster and better. Not natural, is what the clerics said. Immoral, is what the elves complained. But dad didn't care, he was going to make coin. By the time he figured out a way, it was too late. He had been warned, and at this time he didn't make the rules, to steer clear of them.
They are an odd lot. The two Nipits had three children, but no grandkids. They adopted a number of humans, elves, and nipit orphans. Everything was happy on the estate, which by the time I was your age was a fabulous place. They charged admission to come and see the topiary, that's how fine it was. Can you imagine, charging for that, what a deal. We have it just to keep up appearances, but they can charge for it, or could. The kids all joined the business. They went of trade missions for many years at a time. If not for the scrutiny of the clerics and elves, their company would be a major player. But they aren't, second tier, not first."
and here is word on the street
"So the family has not made many friends. They annoy the Habastlys and the elves. They worry the Smofarfs and the purists. They have always been into taboo mixings, experimental drinksm yadda yadda yadda. But recently, favor turned against them. Someone had them dealt with. Soon all of their belongings are going to the city. A Big payday for those in government. The elimination of a nuisance to their enemies. I can't wait until the auction."
I will try to find out what I can bout the estate and where the items are being stored. Maybe we can get our hands on some of them.
