The Story Thus Far...

Sapphicus Fialetia the Third fashions himself as the noblest of them all, the prince of the proud nation of Lavendaria. However, Lavendaria is little more than a tall, iridescent structure and the surrounding fields of lavender, blooming all year round due to the influence of ancient, powerful magic that has nothing to do with Sapphicus himself. He certainly is the rightful heir of the land, but he is more eccentric than influential.

The castle is known as the Crystal Spire (also Lavendaria's Spire, the Spire, or derogatorily, the Spike, etc). Eternal purple-blue fire adorns the highest point, bright enough that it can be used as a rudimentary guidepost during dark nights like a lighthouse at the edge of the sea.

This is also Sapphicus' greatest claim to fame: the Spire stretches underground and straight into the dungeons. It is a convenient entrance to multiple levels of the dungeons with always something new to explore, and as such, many Coursers of renown come to Lavendaria to test their mettle. Sapphicus graciously allows this and only requires the occasional tithe, which most adventurers are happy to give---after all, it means that when they return from the dungeons there is a warm room with a lavish dinner and a tea party waiting for them.

The tensions of the multiple surrounding kingdoms are irrelevant to Sapphicus, who only cares about studying the dungeon. Unbeknownst to Sapphicus himself, the surrounding royals have come to an agreement to not fight over the great resource that is Lavendaria's Crystal Spire and the unique entrance within. It is not because they heed Sapphicus' princehood or claim to the land, but because Sapphicus makes sure every Courser has a fair chance to enter the Spire, either to study the various texts stored within as an apprentice or scholar, or to make use of the dungeon entrance.

...At least if the Courser in question is of noble birth or somehow famous. Beginner adventurers and poor Coursers need not apply, unless it is to the position of a servant, of which there are many.

It's not unknown for some peasants to slip past Sapphicus' discerning eye and into the Spire proper: rumours say that charismatic enough Coursers may be able to convince him of nonexistent noble background or fabricated great deeds, not to mention the fact that beautiful mares can get a free tour. How charitable!

Happenstances

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