Earl Merkondus of Moda is a prominent noble who has swiftly become known as Maxillar Pythareus’ right-hand man. Those who wish to ingratiate themselves with the adopted heir speak to Earl Merkondus. It is said that he is traveling all of Taldor to secure support for Pythareus and to deliver secret orders to the Taldan Phalanx and Horse units that have secretly sworn loyalty to him.
Yander Merkondus was a guest of Count Lotheed when the party arrived for the Tanager Jubilee. However, he did not stay for the second day of festivities, leaving early the next morning for business to the north. According to talk overheard by Alexander, his destination is Yanmass, where he hopes to investigate some unusual cult.
The party later encountered the Earl in Yanmass, where he represented the High Strategos in the city. He brought along a team to investigate the troubles affecting Yanmass and has been working to smear Princess Eutropia.
The party has successfully thwarted Merkondus’ evil schemes, ending the unsettling dreams, the “Qadiran” bandit threat, and restoring the missing Taldan Horse Regiment. After presenting to the Mercantile Council their evidence, the party was able to have the earl tried and convicted of treason right there.
Bereft of his protection from the Council, and his status as a noble, the party took him into custody. At the abandoned Sanguine Brothers slaughterhouse, Sylviel got her long-awaited vengeance on him.
His body was subsequently burned when the party burned down the haunted slaughterhouse to prevent his rising as an undead. Earl Yander Merkondus will not be missed.
