The Wards of Mortlac
These mysterious figures, sometimes called the Whisperers or the Tridents, are members of a secret organization involved in the theft of at least one of the Three Blossom Society's sacred scrolls. Making use of specialized skills and techniques, these agents operate as spies and assassins. They appear to be working in cooperation with the unidentified traitor disciple of the Three Blossoms, although their true goals and allegiances remain unclear.
* It is now believed that the Whisperers are in fact the remnants of the Wards of Mortlac, brainwashed janissaries who served the late Count de Mortlac as his bodyguards and secret police. It was believed that the last of the Wards of Mortlac perished more than twenty-five years ago
The Whisperers are well-versed in stealth, infiltration, and acrobatics, enabling them to gain access various secure locations. They are highly trained in a unique and syncretic weapons-based martial arts system. In combat, they excel at group tactics and will coordinate their attacks to eliminate threats quickly.
Their signature tools include:
- a lightweight collapsible trident designed for trapping blades and disarming foes
- a reinforced cestus mounted with a retractable two-foot blade
- a barbed net constructed of durable fibers reinforced with metal wire
- an array of throwing knives
The uniform of a Whisperer consists of black wool, a padded doublet in deep blue motley, and a boiled leather vest. They also wear distinctive light masked helmet made in imitation of the ancient gladiators of the Old Cyronic tradition.
The flanged brim of the helmet design seems to amplify sound for the wearer, and the Whisperers have demonstrated blind-fighting techniques that allow them to fight effectively even in total darkness.
Accordingly, the Whisperers themselves make almost no sound at all, even under duress. They show no fear in combat, and appear to be mostly indifferent to physical pain, even to the point of responding to crippling wounds with little more than passing disappointment.
All the Whisperers appear to be men in late middle-age. Their bodies bear the marks of a lifetime of harsh conditioning, brutal training, and corporeal punishment. Their eyes are sunken and betray little emotion, and their tongues are unnaturally atrophied, suggesting that their quiet ways are not entirely a matter of choice. When they do speak, it is rarely more than a harsh rasp.
The leather jerkins worn by the Whisperers are embossed with an old crest: a shield bearing a simple skull against a field of dark blue, with a subtle wave pattern above (*this has now been identified as the crest of the fallen house of Mortlac)
All the Whisperers appear to be men in late middle-age. Their bodies bear the marks of a lifetime of harsh conditioning, brutal training, and corporeal punishment. Their eyes are sunken and betray little emotion, and their tongues are unnaturally atrophied, suggesting that their quiet ways are not entirely a matter of choice. When they do speak, it is rarely more than a harsh rasp.
The leather jerkins worn by the Whisperers are embossed with an old crest: a shield bearing a simple skull against a field of dark blue, with a subtle wave pattern above (*this has now been identified as the crest of the fallen house of Mortlac)
The Whisperers have been reported or encountered on the following occasions:
1. Summer 3010
The raid on the Fragrant Isle Monastery in the Huan Kingdom was reportedly carried out by westerners matching the Whisperers' description. Although Aboot Chai was seriously wounded by the Saint's Palm, this raid was unsuccessful, as the Third Scripture had already been sent away covertly.
*It is assumed that the Whisperers were also behind the attacks on the Hong Fortress (where the First Scroll was stolen) and on Wujin Manor (where the Second Scroll was destroyed before it could be taken).
*It is assumed that the Whisperers were also behind the attacks on the Hong Fortress (where the First Scroll was stolen) and on Wujin Manor (where the Second Scroll was destroyed before it could be taken).
2. Fall 3010
A large force of Whisperers attacked the Butterfly Garden in Ladroa in an attempt to retrieve the Third Scroll from Feng Yaoshi. Although the attempt to take the Scroll failed, Feng was fatally wounded by the Saint's Palm in the attack. Nearby, Kuan and his companions defeated a small team of Whisperers who ambushed them, but did not arrive in time to assist Feng. In total, a dozen Whisperers were killed in action.
3. Fall 3010
3. Fall 3010
When the custodian of the Third Scroll, Kuan, was arrested in Ladroa, a team of Whisperers infiltrated the Carcelario in order to steal the Third Scroll from their evidence vault. This situation was complicated by the appearance of Mariscal Saltamontes, Red Rain, and the escape of Kuan and Jack from their cell. The attempt failed, and six Whisperers were killed.
4. Spring 3011
When the Tyrson company was raiding a Ladroa drug-den operated by the Black Dragons, two Whisperers appeared and intervened. As this time, it is unknown whether they were allied with the Black Dragons, spying on them, or in the process of raiding them as well.
So far, no link has been drawn between the Blue Lightning drug trade in Ladroa and these enemies of the Three Blossom society.
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