Author's Note:
The following is intended as a supplement to the RPG "The Last Remnant". The intricate details of the story of this game are often untold, or contained in vague and hard to find sidequests. A great deal of the political intrigue and character interaction is only implied. I have taken the effort to put those more subtle elements into words, so that people who enjoyed the gameplay of The Last Remnant may also gain a deeper appreciation for the story it was trying to tell.
The following stories assume the reader has played, or is currently playing, The Last Remnant. Thus, the author will be taking little effort to expand upon main plot points or provide physical descriptions of the characters or locations. The focus of these stories is revealing plotlines, elements, intrigues, and backstories otherwise not told in the course of the main storyline.
Some of these chapters are speculation based on hints provided in sidequests. Others are merely interesting "what if" scenarios that the author believes are plausible. Please, feel free to debate or speculate further after reading them.
The author notes that he is not affiliated with the makers of this game, nor does he intend to earn any profit from this story, nor does he own the rights to the characters contained therein. Please don't sue me.
Lastly, the author hopes that fans of The Last Remnant will enjoy seeing some of their favorite two-dimensional characters be more fully fleshed out as three-dimensional people. Enjoy!
"Announcing the Marquis David Nassau of Athlum!" Leaving his two retainers at the door, David stepped forward as the crier finished his ritual exhortation. He stood before a massive seat inhabited by a large Yama: the muscular Duke of Ghor. On the wall behind the Duke was mounted the remnant weapon Bilquis, a massive circular ax blade. David was unsure which was more imposing: the Duke or the remnant. Both were about the same size, and he knew from recent experience that both were equally deadly in their own way.
"Well met, Marquis," The Duke rumbled in his gravely voice. Despite his deep voice, the Duke of Ghor was able to convey just the right amount of formality, and a slight sense of honest appreciation. Yes, the Marquis mused to himself, this man before me truly has the heart of a politician. David was less confident in his own skills as he responded to the Duke in kind. The Marquis of Athlum was a noble, true, but he considered himself a down-to-earth man of the people.
The Duke of Ghor leaned forward. "You are a man of action, Marquis, so let me get right to the point of why I've summoned you here." The Duke then began to talk in great length about his recent investigations. David listened with only half an ear. There was only one subject that worried the Duke this much, and David knew more about it than he did. As David nodded absently to the Duke's words, he smiled inwardly. For a so-called "man of action", the Duke of Ghor was more than willing to talk David's ear off, while David himself had been far more effective in learning the truths the Duke sought.
When the Duke made his proclamation, the Marquis started. He hadn't been paying enough attention, it seemed! "I'm sorry Duke Ghor, what was that?" David asked with shock in his voice.
The Duke of Ghor chuckled slightly aloud. "I said, Marquis, that I require access to all your information regarding the so-called 'Third Committee', including personally interviewing those mercenaries you've hired who have had personal involvement with the group," The Duke of Ghor repeated.
David groaned inwardly; he had just been played. The Duke had lulled him into complacency, and then swiftly revealed that he knew far too much about David's own investigations. David gently cleared his throat and attempted to recover the situation. "Good Duke of Ghor…when you said you would be working with us, after we resolved the Leithion's Sword situation, it was with the understanding that you would be serving under the generals of Athlum."
"As a warrior, I have sworn you my sword, Lord David." The Yama glanced knowingly at the Bilquis upon the wall, as if to remind David of his prowess. "But lest you forget, I am still the Chairman of the Congress. In that authority, I can compel you to present the truth."
"But are you the Chairman currently?" David asked skeptically. "The Duke of Qubine said you both declared me Acting Chairman so I would have the right to petition the God Emperor for an audience. I was given that title, I was told, due to your injuries. You yourself spread the rumor of those 'injuries' sustained in battle against Lord Hermeien so you would have more freedom to seek out the Third Committee."
The Duke of Ghor grinned and leaned forward intently. David thought he looked like a predator savoring his victory over the prey. "The rest of Congress may believe the tale, Marquis, but you and I know better." The Duke pointed to David and then himself in turn. "But don't worry, 'Acting Chairman'- that title will stand unopposed until after your meeting with the God Emperor." The Yama leaned back in his chair contentedly and crossed his arms. "Now, Marquis of Athlum," the Duke declared formally, "fulfill my request." He spoke with finality. David knew that further argument would be futile.
"Yes, my lord," David Nassau said calmly, and bowed deeply to the Duke. The Duke merely nodded; he knew when he had won. As the Marquis walked away towards the city of Ghor, he thought to himself, "How did that man ever find out?" But that, he mused, was what made the Duke a politician- he always knew.