The Zilargo embassy was built long before the Last War, to facilitate trade between Zilargo and Galifar. Zilargo remained one of Breland’s closest allies throughout the Last War, and that alliance is still strong today. Zil artificers and engineers produce many of their wares in the great factories of Breland, and the Brelish refineries sell much of their ore to Zilargo. Most of the time, the gnomes pay for these services with gold, jewels, or ships. But the gnomes are also masters of intrigue, and throughout the war the intelligence gathered by Zil spies was invaluable to the Brelish war effort.
Today, Khorvaire is at peace. But the Trust intends to be prepared for the next war long before it occurs. The embassy of Zilargo is a labyrinth of intrigue; almost everyone who works in the embassy has a secret secondary role, from the ambassador to the lowliest servant. A few of the more notable members of the embassy staff are described below, but it is always possible that there are other gnomes who are equally skilled—or even more skilled—hidden among the embassy staff. With the gnomes of Zilargo, nothing can truly be trusted.
The embassy staff includes the following remarkable individuals:
Tasho Mol Doras (N male gnome bard 4/expert 4), the ambassador of Zilargo, is a brilliant diplomat and ruthless negotiator. He is always looking for a way to get an edge over his political and mercantile opponents, and quickly seizes upon any sign weakness and exploits it. He is a skilled actor and can feign a wide range of emotions, but when the interests of his nation or family are at stake, he acts without mercy.
Doran Del Doras (N male bard 6/master inquisitive 4) is the true power in the embassy of Zilargo. Tasho is the ambassador, but Doran is the master of spies, and even Tasho follows his orders. Aside from the embassy staff—many of whom have 2 to 3 rogue, bard, or expert levels—Doran has contacts spread throughout Sharn and across Breland itself. He has permanent Rary’s telepathic bonds that allow him to communicate with Madra Sil Sarin and his superior in the Trust in Korranberg.
Madra Sil Sarin (LE female gnome rogue 7/ assassin 5) is the deadliest assassin in the service of the Trust. She is a disturbing enigma even to the other gnomes; she answers only to the Trust, and she has killed quite a few gnomes to preserve the secrets of the embassy. Doran can use his telepathic bond to request her services, but only the Trust can approve an assassination. It is important to remember this: while she is one of the most dangerous women in Khorvaire, she only acts if she has direct orders from Zilargo. She does not use her skills lightly or squander them on personal vendettas.
Madra spends most of her time under cover of invisibility, silently watching the city and waiting for instructions. With her ring of sustenance and telepathic bonds, she rarely needs to verbally or physically interact with people (she uses prestidigitation to keep her clothing clean). She is often called out of Sharn to serve the Trust in other parts of Khorvaire—but it’s usually impossible to tell. And, of course, there may be any number of additional Zil assassins hidden in the embassy waiting to be activated—though it is unlikely that any possess the skills or equipment to match Madra.
Cassia Lyrriman Dal (LN female gnome cleric 7) is a priestess of Aureon. Like Holas, she is a supernatural spy, using augury, divination, speak with dead and other spells to help Doran gather information and formulate plans. She is fascinated by all religions, and whenever she encounters another adept or priest she tries to start a discussion about her own theories about the nature of the gods and the foundation of divine magic.
Doran Del Doras is always expanding his network of informants and spies, and any character— gnome or not—could be drawn into his web.