Context :

Aims : We investigate the mm-morphology of IC 1396 N with unprecedented spatial resolution to analyze its dust and molecular gas properties , and draw comparisons with objects of similar mass .

Methods : We have carried out sensitive observations in the most extended configurations of the IRAM Plateau de Bure interferometer , to map the thermal dust emission at 3.3 and 1.3mm , and the emission from the J =13 _ { k } \rightarrow 12 _ { k } hyperfine transitions of methyl cyanide ( CH _ { 3 } CN ) .

Results : We unveil the existence of a sub-cluster of hot cores in IC 1396 N , distributed in a direction perpendicular to the emanating outflow .
The cores are embedded in a common envelope of extended and diffuse dust emission .
We find striking differences in the dust properties of the cores ( \beta \simeq 0 ) and the surrounding envelope ( \beta \simeq 1 ) , very likely testifying to differences in the formation and processing of dust material .
The CH _ { 3 } CN emission peaks towards the most massive hot core and is marginally extended in the outflow direction .

Conclusions :