Dear readers, tonight we bring you the official record of the Committee of Social Order: Geoffrey, former bard. Geoffrey was a bard for the Committee of Spectacles in the grand nation of Trastaluche. After being disgraced and stripped of his post for a series of indiscretions, Geoffrey disappeared, turning up several seasons later in the company of the Followers of Joaquin, a known group of insurgents who are strongly suspected to be planning open warfare with against the Committees. Geoffrey is currently wanted for high treason, the spread of propaganda, and the practice of black magic.

Did you have any favourite toys as a child? Any cherished memories?

A mandolin, I’d say. I’ve loved music since before I knew what love was. I remember holding hands with my mother and going to a festival hosted by the Committee of Spectacles when I was barely able to walk. I can still recall the tunes they played that day.

What do you do now?

Currently I’m recovering from my wounds and serving as an advisor to the army of Hazcaluche while they prepare for their campaign against Trastivo.

What can you tell us about your latest adventure?

I had the inside scoop on the type of story that makes any bard’s career… and then everything around me exploded. Literally. Next thing I know, I’m a nobody in Muckland and the only thing keeping me from picking a fight with the wrong person and suffering the consequences to end my pain is my own cowardice. Then, one night, everything changed. Some strangers who were involved in some definitely less-than-legal activities gave me good, shelter, and support. And the more time I spent with them, the more I realized that everything I thought I knew -about progress, society, and truth- was all mixed up backwards. I joined their band, and was even chosen to play a small part in their upcoming plans to undermine the Committees… and that’s when it all went south.

What did you first think when you met the Followers of Joaquin… ? (Please edit)

I thought that at best, they were black market dealers, and at worst, black-magic traitors. I mean, there was no way they came upon all those riches without some sort of sneaky deal. Sure, they had saved my life, but maybe that was just so they could own it later on…? Yet, my own lot in life at that time was so awful that the only thing I could do was to go along with them, for better or for worse. For much better, it turned out.

What was the scariest thing in your adventures?

Not just knowing that I was going to die, but also that my friends were going to die, and that there was nothing in my power I could do to stop it.

What is the worst thing about your travels?

Waking up each morning on the cold, hard ground. I’m all for putting in a hard day’s work, but it’s a lot easier if you get a good night’s sleep!

What is the best thing about it?

Either the companions or the beauty of the journey. Good friends and good sunsets really do work wonders on a person’s spirit.

Tell us a little about your friends.

Well, there’s Ayila, who is probably my best friend, and who is the most intense person I’ve ever met. She’s one of the people who saved me when I was literally covered in feces, and she’s taught me more about life and light than anyone else alive. I say ‘alive’ because Vincente, that gentle prodigal son, taught me quite a bit too before his own untimely end. I also count Trentius, a scholar and a man of great wisdom, among my friends, as well as Lucia, a light to all those around her and the one who entered the Followers at the same time I did.

Any romantic involvement?

Haha, not at the moment. Survival has been too big of a concern during the past few seasons, but who knows what the future will hold?

Whom (or what) do you really hate?

Hate is a strong word. I’m not sure that the Author would ever sanction true, full-blown ‘hate.’ But if you want to know who causes the bile to rise in my throat, then it would have to be Samesh, that member of the Committee of Social Order who has tortured and killed far too many of my friends in front of me.

What’s your favourite drink, colour, and relaxing pastime?

You can’t beat a good mead, and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying or wet behind their ears. I used to like red, but being coated in blood one too many times kind of ruined that. Now I’d say maybe light blue? As for pastimes? Relearning to play various stringed instruments with my current… challenges.

What does the future hold for you?

War. Open war against Trastivo and the Committees, until one army prevails. And, along with that, hopefully some time for music, drink, and good conversation, as well as more time learning the Way of Lucherium.

Can you share a secret with us, which you’ve never told anyone else?

Ayila probably wouldn’t want me to share this, but ever since that night in the keep, she’s been having… visions. But, not visions, because they’re more real than the reality around her. But something strange is going on.

Christopher Rziha holds degrees in philosophy, theology, and Spanish, and is currently working on his PhD on the intersection of mystical and theatrical literature of the Spanish Baroque. He serves as a Solomon Fellow for the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture at the University of Notre Dame.

You can find Geoffrey on the pages of The Way of Lucherium.

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