Guys, the problem is if we have our rangers contact the wool merchant so soon after the failed plot, it'll raise so many red flags it wouldn't be funny. We need to get as much info about this merchant as we can, and see how we can best approach him. I agree anything like faking our death or something wouldn't really prove anything, we need to somehow get the count himself to order it or find evidence he ordered it.
So, for now we put any plans for contacting the guy on the back burner, and just focus on getting as much info as
discretely as possible(can't stress that point enough, it's no good if he tumbles to someone asking around about him!).
So, besides plots within plots and wheels within wheels, we have:
1)Hold the monthly hearing of grievances we promised and generally check up on the land
2)Double check to see if the prisoner told EVERYTHING
3)Write Marna a letter saying we are going to pay court to her at her estate(and arrange a visit soonish). Tell her some about what happened, but don't name the count since we don't have concrete proof
4)Look again for an architect, writing to our friends if need be to see if they know of someone who might serve. Try to finish maor
5)Build Stables and pastures for our small herd of horses. Try to find stable boys, grooms, and horse trainers(with having the most skilled horse trainer being our Master of Horse)
6)See if we can attract a silversmith skilled in making silver crafts. He should also be able to make simple copper crafts and decorations for the townsfolk to buy. Have our metalworkers start producing better tools for the townsfolk to use(whether from copper or iron, whichever). In-between tasks, have them start fashioning simple iron skullcaps for the troops. See if we can make the guy who does the best making armor into our armorer and have him start making
brigandine armor7)Speaking of buying, inquire into the laws of coinage and start converting most of the silver, gold, and copper being produced to coins for the townsfolk to use.(Not necessarily mint them ourselves, but send them to the nearest mint and get them made into coins)
8)Finish up the shipyard and start building 3 small fishing skiffs to improving our fishing output. Build smokehouses to smoke the fish and meats we produce.
9)After the skiffs, have the shipyard produce a felucca for our own personal use
10)If we have time, improve and expand the smelters+metalworkers and incorporate them into the armory to centralize weapons production.