-Episode 7-
-27th heyday
-Warm, clear skies, light steady breeze-
-Immersion-Sight, Something tiny, corner of my eye-
Scene #17: E: Progress on ‘Goblin upring in Windhold’: the Arrival of a Project
I wake to Beth guiding Eveline inside my chambers with a tray of fruit, cheese, with a couple of boiled eggs, a slice of ham and some warm bread and a tankard of mead. “Now Eveline, when bringing your lady her breakfast, knock on the door and wait until she bids you enter. Then quietly bring the breakfast tray and set it here. You may attend her if she asks, otherwise wait quietly in this corner over here until you are called upon. Lady Yseldra often prefers to eat before asking help with dressing. And do not gossip.”
“Thank you, Beth. Eveline can handle it from here,” I smile, dismissing the captain of our servants. “Come, sit with me,” I bid Eveline after Beth leaves.
Q: Is she comfortable sitting with me? NO
Eveline casts her eyes downward, “Is that permitted?”
-Persuasion 12-
“If I say that it is, then it is. Please, sit,” I insist. Eveline smiles and sits beside me on the bed. “Have you eaten? We have a long journey ahead today,” I ask as I begin cutting the slice of ham. She shakes her head no, and I gesture for her to share my plate with me, “Take this,” I suggest passing a boiled egg to her, then I cut the bread in half as well. Soon, the food is gone, and I get up from my bed, and allow her to help me dress for the road, not that one needs help for such garments. Then I collect my bags, “Did the supplies we ordered yesterday arrive?”
Q: Does Eveline know? YES
“Yes, my lady,” she nods, “Miss Beth helped me organize everything and I had two of the kitchen lads carry everything to the stables and loaded up the mules.”
“Very good,” I smile, and checking over her clothing, I nod my approval, “Very good. As we are both dressed for the road, let us depart.”
“Yes, my lady,” Eveline replies as I shoulder my bag and lead the way.
—
Out in the courtyard, I see my brothers each forming up with their men and mounts and Lionel leading two mules loaded with supplies towards us. One of the mules suddenly stop to rub up against a wall. “Fleas? Don’t tell me you are giving me another mule with fleas.” I scowl.
Lionel bows apologetically, “No my lady, he just…rubs up against things quite a bit.”
“Aren’t there less difficult animals to take?” I raise an eyebrow. Lionel gestures towards Mical’s company of soldiers and Severon’s escort and apologizes that my brothers took the best animals for themselves.
I sigh, and Eveline and I each take an animal’s reins and head towards out into the town.
-city encounter-Madman-true prophecy-generate and resolve Lone Field encounters- Q: Do I recognize him? YES
Walking through town, the hairy Wildman who often sits outside the gate shakes his empty cup in my direction, “The baron’s girl will have mercy, and I will have bread? And it two days time, she’ll take five orc’s heads. Hare and wild cows will all run away, but five foolish foes will seek her to flay. Then in good time, she will come back home, but cloak she will tear, thorns won’t let that alone.”
“What nonsense do you speak today, Afarius?” I ask as I drop two tenpiece in his cup.
“Not sense for her,” nodding towards Eveline, “Nor nonsense from me, I only speak dreams of true things that I see. You call me mad and that makes me sad, but today I’ll have bread, and that makes me glad!” the lunatic grins pulling out a coin.
I shake my head and chuckle, as I walk away, “Eat well, my friend.”
“Bring her some wine lest you run out of time, lest spirits beyond cross that ever thin line,” he cackles gleefully, eyes fixed on Eveline.
Q: Does Eveline respond? YES
Eveline’s breath catches, “Yes. He’s right. We should bring some wine. To keep the curse at bay.”
I look at her in confusion as the madman cackles. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, it helps if I am drunk and pass out to sleep,” she admits. So we pass through the market square, but it is too early. I tell her we may find some in Hearthmane or Lost Shoe. She nods and we continue onward.
–
Outside the town gates, I find Karta waiting with a well dressed pot bellied man who looks well past his prime, but he has managed to squeeze into a studded leather jacket and a blade and crossbow hang from his belt. With him is a tall, broad shouldered bear of a man in similar armor, but simpler clothes. Karta grins, “Don’t let their looks fool you, they’re steady men. This is Josias,” she gestures towards the pot bellied man, “and this one, Henrie.” She gestures towards the giant.
I nod towards my captain, “I trust your judgment.” Looking towards the men, “In battle, you follow Karta’s orders. She speaks with my voice. In town, in villages, you follow mine. Understood?”
Q: Do the men agree? YES Q: Do they address me by title? NO
“Yes, ma’am,” the pot bellied man replies, “You are the captain, Karta’s your sergeant.”
I nod and pull Karta aside, “Karta, I am counting on you to hold whatever line I tell you. That is your job, to keep our company safe. Hold the line, keep our formation together, push when I say push. Fall back when I say fall back. Understood?”
Q: Does Karta agree? NO
Karta shakers her head, “I will hold the line, but you have to trust me. I know steel. I know men. I’ll keep you safe, but let me handle the combat tactics.”
I furrow my brow as I consider this, then agree, “Alright. I trust you’ve seen more actual combat than me. When fighting starts, you command the men. Eveline and I will do what we can.”
She looks us over, with a quizzical look, “Is she a court witch too?”
I shrug, “I believe so, but I am not sure how much she knows yet. You hold the line.”
Q: Does she agree to this second approach? NO
“No. I need everyone under my command in combat. I need to know what each of you are capable of so I can formulate a plan,” Karta objects.
“I am the commander of this company. I wanted you as my sergeant. But it seems, you want to be captain. There is no room for two captains, and perhaps you should not be my sergeant either. I hired you as a mere soldier. Will you serve as such? Or have I wasted my coin and mistaken your honor?” I scowl.
-Intimidation 4-Q: Does Karta laugh? EXCEPTIONAL NO Q: Does she leave? NO
“Never insult my honor,” Karta snarls. “I agreed to be your soldier. I will be your soldier.” She calls to the men, “Yseldra gives the orders. Do as she says.”
I nod towards the men and affirm, “As I say.” Then taking one of the mule’s reins, “Let’s go. Karta in front, then Henrie and I. Eveline, then Josia as rear guard. Let’s go. I want to be at Lost Shoe by nightfall.”
—
Karta, sour faced, falls in behind us. “Up front!” I remind her. She scowls as she steps ahead. “We’ll talk tonight, in private,” I whisper as she passes me.
Q: Does she agree? EXCEPTIONAL NO
“Save it,” she snarls.
-Morning encounter-Bear-
Passing through farmland, I am astonished to see, as we stop by a creek to water the mules, a large bear and her two cubs bathing in that very stream just out of range of my magic. I nod for Eveline to see.
“That’s a nice looking pelt,” Josia suggests, cocking his crossbow.
“Stand down. You’ll not get a clean kill at this range, and I don’t want an angry, wounded bear running loose in Sir Warran’s lands. Leave them. Let the Lords enjoy hunting them later,” I explain.
“Feh,” Josia snarls as he sets how back down. “I’m hoping to make a profit from this venture.”
“Two crowns per day is what you were offered, yes?” I inquire.
“Aye, that and ten crown bonus on return to Farhold,” Josia confirms.
I nod agreement, “There may be more if we recover what I seek and I am pleased with your service. But you’ll earn your wage.”
—
A short time later, we pass through Hearthmane. I stop for bread from Osgood, and then at the local brewer’s to buy several bottles of beer before we continue on our way. It doesn’t take long and we are soon on the road again.
-Afternoon Encounter-Farmers at work-Q: Same ones as before? YES
Travelling the road between Hearthmane and Lost Shoe, I frequently have to tug Post’s reins to keep the mule moving and pull it away from fence posts and tree trunks alongside the road, but just as annoying is Buck’s constant stomping. Every bag lashed to the mule shakes with each step! I can’t imagine anyone trying to ride that animal for any sort of distance. “Fine couple of animals you got there,” Josia observes, “Make a knacker mighty happy to see them!”
I glance back towards the pot bellied sellsword, “It’s tempting. When we get back to Farhold, I’m buying a mule of my own instead of leaning on my father’s stables.”
Q: Does Karta comment? YES
Karta snorts, “You have to choose your own team. Your own armor. Your own animals. If you don’t know what each and every tool at your disposal is capable of, how can you hope to wield it?”
“Weapons, people and beasts can be known, but never fully. And magic is an endless and ever changing mystery. For that reason, it is impossible to say what a wizard might be able to do from one day to the next,” I respond.
Q: Does she engage? EXCEPTIONAL YES
“So you don’t know what sorcery you can wield? Yet you would have us go into battle alongside you? You would willingly seek danger yourself?” Karta sneers.
“I know what I am capable of, but I am always learning more, and sometimes my wizardry is stronger than at others. And every spell takes advance preparation that day, so I cannot say that I am capable of something, and have you relying upon that two weeks later, for in two weeks time, I may not have the ability to cast that particular spell at that particular moment. Everything must be partly prepared, then held in check until unleashed, and only so much magic can be suspended in one’s mind at any given time. You and I can always tell at a glance how many bolts are left in your quiver, but there will never be a way for you to look at me and see whether I can hurl fan of fire at several foes at once, or conjure a shield of force to defend myself. Such things are unknowable, and ever changing,” I try to explain.
Q: Does Eveline interrupt? NO Q: Does Karta concede? NO (Perception 5, I do not see how Eveline is reacting to this discussion)
“Then it is your duty as a court witch to tell your sergeant what can do each day. What tools are available because that can mean the difference between life and death!” Karta insists.
-Persuasion 11-
“But it changes! If I release one spell, I sometimes lose the ability to release another. Holding magic within me, and then releasing it takes significant energy, and while I know what I sacrifice each time, my remaining power is diminished each time I unleash some of it,” I insist.
“So magic is unreliable, and if what you say is true, battle wizards are of little value because when you need their power, it may not be there?” Karta scoffs.
-Persuasion 5-
“And that is why I wanted you to hold the line with men and steel! Let me wield my magic when I can and where it will help, but never rely upon it. Lead knowing what steel is capable of and what flesh can endure, and I will tip the tide in our favor whenever I can!” I attempt to clarify.
Karta shakes her head vehemently, “No. A sergeant has to know every tool, every weapon they have. There is no discretion for those who should be under command. Everyone follows orders, or the plan collapses. Isn’t that how you lost your Craglander?”
“He left the battle line, because none held one together. It was not my magic that failed. Not his courage. It was the lack of a sergeant disciplined enough to hold three men side by side to keep anyone from being surrounded and slaughtered,” I explain.
Q: Does this bother the men? YES
“So you let your man leave the line and he got killed?” Henrie asks.
“No. I told him to stand with us, and he refused,” I defend myself.
Josia shakes his head, “That’s your fault, woman. If a man won’t follow your orders, that’s on you, not him.”
“He didn’t trust me,” I explain.
“Why would he?” Karta demands. “You keep secrets! Isn’t that what the fight at the Devil’s Cup was about? Secrets?”
-Persuasion 6-
I furrow my brow and pinch the bridge of my nose. “Some things are unknown. But any warrior should know that running off on their own, abandoning the line, and defying orders will get them or someone else killed. And yes, perhaps I should have flogged him for the first hint of insolence, but he was not my soldier. He was a warrior, hired for coin, to do a simple job. I thought he would follow. As I expect each of you to do. A free hired soldier should do as they agree, follow orders! And not require a lash from their employer. I have hired the three of you for a simple job. Do it, and you will be paid. That is all.”
The men shake their heads but continue along the road.
Q: Do they talk? YES
We soon pass by a group of farmers cutting hay, “Well, look who it is? Are you going to stop by the stream for a bit, good woman?” one of the men calls out. Then another, spotting Eveline, “I see a beauty who knows how to brighten a man’s day!”
Q: Does Eveline object? NO Q: Do the sellswords like the observation? YES E: Action by Lord Faust (Baron): the Opposition of Bureaucracy (Faust replaces most of the officers in the town watch, purging Demitri’s allies)
My sellswords grin at this while Eveline simply casts her eyes down, guiding Buck. I ignore the farmers and continue on my way, angered by my men.
—
-Immersion-See something natural, dusty and faded with age-
Scene #17:
Arriving at Lost Shoe, I stop at the edge of its fields to once more tug Post forward. But I notice there is a large, stone a little ways off the road that seems to have something carved into it. I go over, and clearing away some dirt, realize that it isn’t a carving, but the faint impression of ancient bones having been merged into it from ages past. The bones of a dragon, perhaps?
“What’s that? Why stop here? I want a drink,” demands Josia.
“No tavern in this village either, but I’ll see what I can do about drinks,” I reply, getting back to my feet, “Come on.”
At the village gate are two of Varnath’s men, and two of my father’s. I tell one of Varnath’s men, “Let your lord know that Yseldra Faust is here and requires lodging for the night.” Then looking at my father’s man, “Who’s your sergeant in charge?”
Q: Do I know him? YES (Generate Sgt Gabriel)
“Sergeant Gabriel, my lady,” the soldier replies. I nod, and smirk at my men. I’d rather have three peasants he’d spent a month training than Karta and her men right now.
Q: Is Varnath grateful? YES
At Varnath’s hall, the Lord is already on the front porch awaiting me. On my approach, he bows, “Lady Yseldra. I am grateful for the opportunity to host you once more, and make amends for the…indiscretions…on my part at your last visit.”
I bow my head in gratitude, “Mere awareness of your error is apology enough. My companions and I return to the Whispering Hills in the morning to finish what I was unable to before. We need lodging tonight, and then again on the return trip, as before. If you would be so kind as to allow it.”
“By all means. Please, come inside,” he beckons us hither and orders a stable hand to tend to the mules. Another servant shows my men to a room they might share, and to a second room for Karta and Eveline to use.
I follow Varnath to his study. Alone with the white skinned lord, I ask, “Varnath? I need your advice. You are well respected by your men. They obey you. I lost a man because he wouldn’t. And now, I have three more, who hold me in low regard. I wanted to trust Karta, the mailed half orc, to be my sergeant and command the men, but she wants to command me as well in battle. As your sister has undoubtedly written you, I am not a sword. But a court witch. My powers and battle utility aren’t like a soldiers, and I cannot be commanded as one. What should I do?”
Q: Vote of confidence? YES
“Command them yourself. You give the orders. Always. There is no other way. Otherwise, you should simply sit safely at home in your father’s keep, or in that of some other lord you will one day marry, suckling infants, for if you will neither lead nor follow, you’ve no place on the battlefield,” Varnath explains coldly, then he leans in, meets my eyes, and whispers, “But you belong on the battlefield. Men who know you, know your word, know the steel in your soul, and know your honor and that you will hold to it even when…unfairly…slighted. They will follow you.” Then he leans back in his chair, “But you must believe in yourself. Command. Reward obedience, and punish disrespect. That is the crux of it.”
I listen intently, then sigh, “Thank you Varnath. You are a good friend. Not just to my father, but to my house.”
A short time later, we sup in Varnath’s hall, then I retire to my room to sleep.
-28th heyday
-Cool, clear skies, light but reliable wind-
-Immersion-two NPC’s striking a bargain-
-Eveline 1 day since release-Seepage check-Seepage-
-Karta perception 2-she doesn’t notice-Yseldra’s 12, she does-
Scene #18: E: Progress on ‘Strange Cult attacked Master Sewel’: the Hard Work of Opulence (interpreted as Faust’s investigators were able to get a strong lead on the cult through bribing underworld contacts, change thread to Strange Cult being Purged)
That morning in Lost Shoe, I wake with new resolve, grab some food on my way out to ready the animals for travel, and am soon joined by my companions. The two men are making a bet as to whether Karta or I will get into it today, but Eveline looks a little off. Then I see it. Everywhere she steps, on earth, she seems to leave a muddied footprint, and little plants spring up, just to wither and die.
-Intimidation 22-
“Josia! Henrie! Quit your yapping. I want crossbows armed and ready to fire once we enter the Lone Fields. Karta, same with you. You are in front, leading the way. I’ll be behind you. Then Henrie in the center ready to move up or back against whatever threat we may discover. Then Eveline. Josia, you are in the rear, keep your eyes out behind us as we march. We have a hard march ahead. I want to cross the plains tonight. We’ll be in Guldhall early tomorrow morning. Understood?” I command.
“Yes ma’am!” Henrie replies, snapping to. Josiah forms up straight as well.
Q: Is Karta impressed? YES
Karta nods, “You heard her! Let’s move.”
I furrow my brow, for my orders need no confirmation, but I let it go. As we head off into the wilds, I occasionally glance back towards Eveline.
Q: Is she aware of what is happening? EXCEPTIONAL YES
She looks frightened and embarrassed, but says nothing. After a time, whatever magic is at work seems to fade, and I focus my eyes ahead, and on keeping Post moving, “Knackers is right,” I mutter.
-Morning Encounter- per prophecy-
A short distance beyond Lost Shoe’s fields, we frighten some hares, Karta, bolt loaded, brings one down. “Fresh meat tonight!” she boasts.
-Intimidate (advantage) 12/20-
“I didn’t command you to fire,” I admonish her, then stretching out a hand, beckon the dead animal’s carcass to fly into mine. I pull the bolt free and hand it back to her, “You’d have lost the bolt in the grass if you’d missed. But yes, we will eat better tonight. Dress it for the road, quickly.” I toss the carcass to her.
Karta blinks, then starts dressing the animal, “Henrie, wait with her. Josia, keep up with Eveline and I.” I command, having noticed his slow pace the previous day, and knowing that I need to keep Post moving.
The other two quickly catch up to us after gutting the animal.
-Afternoon Encounter-Orcs per prophecy, but altered based on Varnath’s instructions-
Continuing our journey, we come into an area where the land is a bit more rugged and line of sight more constrained. As much as I would prefer move from one ridgeline to the next, I don’t want to lengthen our journey by zig zagging across optimal terrain, nor do I want us to be visible for miles from always following the highest points. So it is that we end up passing by a higher piece of land, when we hear something on that ridge.
-Intimidation 18-
Suddenly, an arrow flies at Karta. She quickly raises her crossbow, and the bolt strikes the orc archer on the ridge square in the chest, and he crumples immediately. “Take cover!” I yell, then arrows are flying everywhere, Josias yells in pain and an arrow sinks deep into his side, a second arrow misses him, a third misses Henrie. Josias returns fire, his bolt striking one of the orcs that fired upon him as he falls back behind a nearby shrub.
A fifth arrow hits Karta, who curses. Henrie fires at another orc on the ridge, his bolt driving deep into the foe, who falls, as Henrie also falls back behind scrub.
I hurl a bolt of flame at the orc Josia wounded, and the fiend screeches in pain as he collapses, burning to the ground.
He starts rolling, but soon falls still.
Eveline stretches out her hand, and a bolt of light streaks forth, striking another orc, who falls to the ground, then staggers back up to his feet, calling to his remaining companion in fear.
The lead orc hollers back, but a bolt from Karta, now under cover, strikes him in the throat, and his shout becomes a strangled gurgle instead. The wounded orc then turns to flee, his companions all fallen.
“Run him down!” I shout. The men reload their weapons as they begin advancing towards the ridge, but Eveline and I race quickly to the crest so we can see the orc’s fleeing form.
Karta follows up after us. I run forward, but he is already out or range of any of my spells. But Eveline sends forth another ray of light striking it down. Then I turn and see that every vein glows red beneath her skin. As I draw close, the glow fades, and her skin returns to normal.
“Karta! Check that corpse!” I command, pointing at the orc that nearly escaped. Then I call down to my other men, “Henrie, Police these dead, check for valuables if you wish, count it spoils of war and a bonus for you and Josia. Josia, collect the mules.”
Then I pull Eveline aside, and whisper, “Well done, but what happened? This morning, every step you took brought life from the dust, and now, your flesh glows red, not from the magic you wield, but from something that…lingers. What is this?”
Q: Does Eveline understand? NO
“I…I don’t know,” Eveline stammers, “It is part of the curse. I can hurt people who try to hurt me. Burn them with light, or with cold. Or with lightning, but sometimes…sometimes strange things happen. And sometimes…sometimes when I wake up…I am exhausted by strange dreams of fire, storms and falling stones…and strange things happen.”
“Sometimes? But not always?” I ask.
“Not in two years,” she pleads, tears in her eyes, “Not since Mother Muriel. But now…now they return. Because I defied Freia. I shouldn’t have come with you. I am cursed!”
-Persuasion 24-
I furrow my brow, “I don’t believe that. We’ll discuss this in Guldall, or perhaps tonight. I need to think. But right now, I want you to help me see to our men’s wounds, and we must get back on the road.”
Eveline nods, wiping tears from her eyes, “Okay. Thank you,” she stammers. I smile and wipe the tears from her cheeks, then head down the slope to check on Josia.
Josiah’s wound is deep enough that I use sunberry salve to help treat it. Karta’s wound is lighter a bit of comfrey beneath the bandage seems sufficient. “Well done!” I commend my little company, “But we have a long way to go. I want to be sheltered in the foothills by nightfall”
Q: Does Karta apologize? NO Q: Do the men settle their wager? EXCEPTIONAL NO
Karta reloads her weapon and resumes her position at head of our formation. The other two men exchange glances, then fall back into position as well.
-evening encounter-per prophecy-Wild Cattle-
Later that day, as we are reaching the hill country in spite of a reluctant mule and a slow man, we come across a herd of wild cattle.
Q: Does Karta wait for a signal? EXCEPTIONAL YES
Karta raises her crossbow, but I shake my head, “We have what we need for tonight. I don’t want to butcher a bull if we don’t have to.” I explain. Then I hurl a bolt of flame towards the cattle, causing them to panic and flee. “Let’s go.”
Q: Does Eveline ask? NO
Eveline’s eyes widen at the casual way I choose to employ my art, but she says nothing.
-Survival 22-
Karta finds us a good spot to set camp where a campfire can only really be seen by someone already on top of us. While she finishes skinning the hare, Eveline tends the animals, the men set up the tents, and I pace the perimeter, reading from my spell book and calling alarm wards into being. By the time I am done, dinner is ready, and I join my companions at the camp. “Josia, you have first watch, Karta, second, Henrie, dawn watch,”
Q: Any objections? Very Unlikely-YES (Randomize)
Henrie asks, “Why aren’t you and the girl keeping watch?”
-Intimidation 20-
“Because I hired the three of you to do it,” I reply.
“Uh, um…yes,” Henrie nods as Karta passes him a bowl of beans with chunks of roast rabbit.
Eveline hands him some bread and hard cheese. Then reaches for a bottle of beer, “May we?”
-Persuasion 14-
I nod, “One bottle each. You’ve all earned it.” Then I glance towards Henrie, smile and ask, “Find anything worthwhile among the spoils?”
“Yeah, look what we’ve found,” He pulls out a couple of gold pendants, and a pair of earings, passing them between us to look at.
I nod appreciatively, quickly assessing their value, “Not bad. The three stones in the lot, plus the gold. You’ve already doubled your wages.” Then I glance at Josia, “How’s the wound?”
“I’ve had worse,” he brags, then winces, “but not recently.” He pulls the stopper from the bottle of beer, “This will help.”
“I’m sure,” I laugh.
-Party Activity-Share drinks (oddly enough)-
I pull a bottle from the pack myself, and also have a drink. When Eveline and I crawl into our tent, I am quite happily buzzed.
“You wanted to talk to me tonight, about…the curse?” Eveline prompts as we lay beside each other.
“Oh, right. Not tonight. I need more time to think. Time to study, and I must read something over you to see. Get some rest instead. We’ll be in Guldall tomorrow.” I yawn, and close my eyes.
-29th Heyday-
-Warm, Heavy raining the morning, slow travel that day and next (+1 Hex), light but steady wind-
-Immersion-sidekick pokes me-
-No seepage, used levelled magic in combat the day before-
-Healing, Karta recovers both lost hit points, Josia fails his con save
Scene #19 (Positive Alteration):
I lay between my blankets as rain pounds against the tent above me. Suddenly, I feel a jab in my side, “My lady?” Eveline whispers. “I think it’s morning.”
I sit up and begin pulling my boots back on, fastening my cloak, “Yes it is, good morning Eveline.”
“Good morning, my lady,” she replies as she tries to help with the cloak clasp.
“I have it,” I reply, brushing her hand aside, but then helping with hers. Soon we are both dressed and emerging from our tent into heavy rain. “Pack it up! We need to get moving. There is good shelter ahead.” I order.
“How far ahead?” asks Karta.
“About two hours in dry weather, probably three in this. Let’s get moving,” I explain as we load up the mules and break down the tents. “We’ll dry everything out inside Guldall.”
-Morning-Cragmere Hill table-no encounter- (Survival 19 (rolled with advantage) to recognize landmarks and the path) Q: Is the door open? No Way-EXCEPTIONAL NO
We push forward through the storm, slowly at times, due to the slick mud, sudden creek beds, and generally difficult vision, but I keep my bearings, spot landmarks I noted during my first trek, and are soon outside of Guldall once more. I lead my companions to the ancient stone door, set the key in place and push it in once more. This time, there are no jokes.
“Careful. I left some kobold eggs behind. I suspect many have hatched,” I pull several torches from the mule’s packs and step inside the darkness.
“Those won’t light!” Josia protests.
A word of magic dries each one, then another ignites three. “I’ll bear that in mind for the future,” I reply as I pass one to Evaline and one to him.
“Karta, by my side. Henrie next, then Eveline, then Josia. Watch yourselves. Don’t touch anything. There were arcane traps before, but I might have overlooked one.” I warn them. Then I tell Karta, “I can always conjure flames from my hands. Usually but a single bolt. Sometimes a great fan of flame, but that takes power I prefer to use to defend myself.”
Q: Has anything moved in? NO (1d2 eggling swarms, 2 swarms…all the eggs hatched! They are in the cistern room, stealth 21)
-Survival 8, Karta’s survival 22-
“We move through the sarcophagus room, and I see that all of the food we left behind has been consumed. I study the area, “What are you looking for?” Karta asks, I tell her that I am trying to figure out if rats ate everything or if it was little kobolds. Karta studies the scraps, and prints in the dust in the corners of the room, and concludes “Kobolds.”
“Alright! Eyes sharp, the eggs hatched. There could be thirty or forty of these things around. Stay close.” I warn, moving ahead through the gas ward room, then into the cistern room.
The stench in the cistern room is horrific, “I should have burned the carcasses,” I observe.
Suddenly, the walls erupt as dozen of tiny kobolds leap at us from every direction! Karta screams as they climb all over her! I step back, waving my torch at the swarm rushing at me, “Kill them all!” I command.
-Intimidate 10-
Karta swings her axe, killing many and scattering, as Henrie pushes past me, kicking and stomping through part of the swarm. A jagged lance of ice springs from Eveline’s outstretched hand and freezes many of the tiny egglings. I conjure a shield as the swarm climbs over me, but then unleash fire, scorching many to a crisp as I step forward to allow Josia to “Get up here!”
Q: Does Josia obey? EXCEPTIONAL YES
It takes very little time for us to stomp, cut, burn and freeze the remaining vermin.
(Intimidation 11) Q: Any objections? YES
Looking around at the carnage, I shake my head, “Wish it hadn’t come to that.” Then I look at Karta, covered in little nips and bites from the initial onslaught that caught her off guard. “I need to treat those cuts. Henrie, kick these corpses into the cistern. We’ll burn the lot on the way out.” Looking the number of dead, I add, “Eveline, Josia, get the mules inside, lead them to the sarcophagus room. I don’t want them outside. Then close the door behind you. We’ll dry out supplies and spend the next couple of nights here while the ground dries.”
Karta retorts, “I don’t think it’s a good idea to bring the mules inside. Who knows what else is here.”
-Intimidation with advantage for accuracy 8/20-
“Nothing else is here,” I reply firmly. “Kobolds are nocturnal. We hit this place in the day. Every adult would have been here, and we killed them all. If anything had moved in, it would have to be small enough to crawl through a kobold tunnel, and it would have eaten the egglings. This place is safe. I will set alarms before we rest. Don’t touch anything I don’t tell you to touch. Leave the sarcophagus alone. Stay out of the room up there,” I point, “to the right of the stairs, and let me look through the library in peace. We have plenty of food and water, especially with the rain outside. We sit tight, and you let me do what we came here for. Understood!”
Examining Karta’s wounds, I consider using some more sunberry, but knowing how sturdy she is, and that we will be here for the next couple of days, I use comfrey and bandages instead, saving the more potent medicine for another time. Soon, everyone is doing as told, and I head up into the egg chamber/library with a pair of empty saddlebacks to fill.
Q: Do any eggs remain? EXCEPTIONAL NO
I set the bags down amidst the abandoned nests. The eggshells had all been consumed by the young kobolds. Then I set my torch in a sconce and begin looking through titles, skimming the first few pages of each text to decide which ones to take. As the torch begins to sputter, I head back to the other to retrieve the lantern instead.
Q: Do any eggs remain? EXCEPTIONAL NO Q: Does Eveline want to keep me company? YES
“Can I help?” asks Eveline. I nod and let her come with me. As I work, I tell her what each book seems to be about, she also starts looking through the books but confesses, “I can’t read any of these!”
“Right. They’re in Elvish. From a kingdom called Elhana Sur. It fell during the rise of some Lich King. It’s long gone, but these documents remain,” I explain.
-Wisdom save 7, fail-
Then I pull a strange looking title bound in black hide etched with red symbols, opening it and trying to scan the first few words, my vision swims and my head starts to pound. “What’s wrong?” cries Eveline as I snap the book closed.
“Put this one in the bag. I don’t know what it is, but it’s evil. Krenal needs to see it and tell me what to do about it.” I explain, fingers pressed to my forehead. After a bit of rest, I continue my review of the titles.
-Party Activities-Tall Tales and Stories-
Eventually, I return to my companions to overhear them telling stories about each one’s past adventures, both martial and romantic. Eveline was helping me carry a loaded saddlebag. “Henrie, there is another loaded saddlebag back there, Eveline will show you which one to bring down.” Then I look at our unpacked equipment, tents spread out over the sarcophagus to dry. The second lantern providing meager light in the darkness.
“Needs a fire,” Josia observes.
I shake my head, “Just a bit of time,” I respond, and begin moving my hands over the damp cloth, muttering arcane words, trying the canvas a little more with each pass.
Q: Is Karta curious? YES
“How do you do that?” Karta suddenly asks.
“It’s a simple utility spell my great aunt taught me. Good for cleaning things, drying them. Lighting candles, closing doors, so forth,” I reply.
“Or making dead rabbits fly into your hand from thirty feet away?” she presses.
“No, different trick. Same general power. The sort of thing I can do all day long with minimal effort I know them so well,” I reply.
“So not every spell requires that you prepare it before hand and hold it in your head, like a loaded crossbow,” Karta observes.
“Correct. Some are just handy, like a warrior’s fist. Doesn’t do much against a serious foe, but always at the ready. Like my basic fire bolt. I can use that whenever I need, but unlike your crossbow, it never runs out. It just…doesn’t hit very hard compared to other tools I seek to master,” I explain.
“So, in battle. If one considers you a fire archer, that’s a baseline. Anything else is…a nice surprise,” she observes.
“Basically. Most of my other energy goes towards personal protection. I’d generally rather turn a blade from my throat than leave myself open trying to cut someone else’s, when my attack may not connect, but a stronger defense almost always holds, and takes just as much effort,” I finish drying the equipment that was soaked in the morning. “Let’s rest. I have more books to sort through tomorrow. I’m going to set some wards, just in case.”
Then with Eveline at my side, holding my lantern, I place the alarm wards once more, then, turning to her, I begin another spell. “What are you doing?” she asks, but I hold a finger to my mouth to silence her until the spell is done. Then I see it, a faint glow of elemental magic, a light nimbus around her. Quiet, subtle, but present.
“You, are magic,” I whisper.
“I am cursed!” she protests.
I shake my head, “No. You are magic. I’m not sure how, but you are. Let’s get some rest.”
-30th Heyday-
-Pleasant, Clear Skies,, Light steady wind, still muddy from yesterday-
-6th sense, memory from last week-
-1 in 8 chance of seepage, Eveline used no level spells in yesterday’s combat-4- no seepage-
Scene #20:
I wake up in a room full of near strangers. Last week, I accepted a scourge from Mother Muriel, and lashed myself every night. Now, her former ward sleeps beside me, the two of us having both rejected her bizarre discipline. Karta sleeps some distance away. The two men, nearby, but out of sight. I hear Josia snoring. The mules are in the next room. I sit up, look around, and then demand, “Henrie! Why aren’t you on watch right now?”
“Huh? What?” he wakes, “I thought you said we were safe here?”
-Intimidation 18-
“Safe? Stone walls, yes. Wards outside, yes. A garrison and a village between us and whatever else might want inside? No. Josia, first watch. Karta, second. You, third watch. Always! I want someone awake, armed and alert at all times until we get back to Lost Shoe. Is that understood?”
“Yes, my lady,” he stammers.
Q: Does anyone object? NO
Karta and Josia looks sheepish as they too get dressed for the day. I shake my head, “Eveline, fix breakfast. Bring me something when it’s ready.” I then return to the library to continue going through the collection and deciding what to take or leave behind.
Q: anything unexpected happen? NO
The day passes uneventfully. I find another book that makes my head hurt, then a third that feels strangely comforting. Both written in script I cannot recognize. I mark them in my mind to pass over to Krenal. At the end of the day, the remaining saddlebags filled, I have Henrie bring them to our campsite. “We head back home tomorrow,” I announce. “I’m very pleased with you all,” I add, pulling out bottles of beer and passing them around.
-Party Activity-Music-
Karta pulls out her flute and begins playing while Eveline prepares the evening meal and I set out my protective wards. Then I relax, listening to her play. We eat, and this time, I remind the men to keep watch before I turn in for bed.
“Why did you remind them of the watch?” Eveline asks, recalling my words from this morning.
“Because apparently, it wasn’t obvious to them that even in a seemingly safe place, we can be attacked.” I respond sleepily. Soon, I am curled up between my blankets and drifting to sleep.
31st Heyday
-Pleasant, Rain-All night-intermittent, heavy wind, rough sailing-
-Immersion-NPC Gestures wait- (Topic, my family)
-Seepage chance, 2 or less on d8-rolled a 3-
-Karta and Josiah each recover another 2 hit points-
Scene #21:
I wake early, eager to depart, when Eveline puts her finger on my lip and quietly hushes me, “Listen” she whispers.
“These Fausts,” Josia says, “Dangerous folks. Carved their land out of nothing…no commission. No empire to back them like up north. Just blood, guts and steel.”
Q: Is he respectful? YES (roll 2d6 to see if one or both of the others are speaking)
“And this here is just the daughter. The baron’s son, Severon, I’ve seen him fight in tournaments. Man’s unstoppable,” Henrie replies.
“And the other one, Mical, I think his name is? Supposed to be clever as a fox. Handsome anyway,” she laughs, then catches herself. “They haven’t waken yet, have they?”
They grow quiet for moment, listening, Eveline and I stay still.
-Perception 21-
“Good morning, my lady,” Karta calls out, “You stopped snoring. Can’t pretend to be sleeping with a snore like yours.” She laughs, stepping around the edge of the sarcophagus. “We head out today?”
Eveline rolls away and the two of us get up and start dressing, “Yes, I want to get back to Lost Shoe by nightfall, between Post and Josia’s bum leg, it’s going to be a hard day.”
“That’s why we’re already up. You two weren’t…um?” Karta raises an eyebrow, flicking her eyes between Eveline and I.
I furrow my brow, “No. Just talking.”
“Quietlike,” she smirks.
I shrug and roll up my bedding, then start loading up the mules, “Loud enough to hear each other.”
“Riiight,” Karta doubts, but soon, we’ve eaten some hard bread and cheese, a bit of jerky, and are leading the mules back out into the light.
Then I remember, and head back inside. I pour several vials of oil into the cistern, then step away, light one torch, then will it over the top of the cistern, dropping it. Then a second, then a third, and I smell the oil slowly taking light as smoke begins to rise. Then I head back out, seal up the ruin, then tell my company, “Let’s move! Karta in the lead, myself, Henrie, Eveline, then Josia. Fast pace. Holler if you can’t keep up,” I warn Josia. “Eyes sharp.”
-Morning encounter-per prophecy-None-
-Afternoon encounter-Brambles per prophecy-
It’s a windy day. We are moving quickly across the Lonefields, eyes sharp but moving fast, when Post rubs up into some more scrub, but as I try to pull him back onto course, he tugs hard and yanks me off balance into some thorny brambles. Angrily, I get back to my feet, grateful that my protect wards prevented any actual damage to my person, by cloak gets snagged, and there are punctures in my breaches. “Knacker should be your name,” I curse, and yank the animal forward, “Let’s go!”
-Evening encounter-None, per prophecy-
We are still in the Lonefield when the clouds overhead begin blessing us with their gift. Thankfully, it is a light rain, only the occasional spatter, but raindrops often cut past our hoods right into our eyes given the strength of the wind blowing each drop sideways. But with the village lights to guide us, we never lose track of our destination. The men on watch welcome us inside, rousing the stable hands to take care of the animals while the rest of us enter Lord Varnath’s hall.
Q: Does Lord Varnath greet us? NO Q: Has he marched north with Mical? NO E: Setback to ‘Mical is on the way to Westhold’: the Harm of The public (widespread devastation in southern Westhold Q: Is he home? YES
Entering Varnath’s home, his manservant apologetically explains, “The master does not like to be disturbed at such a later hour my lady. But food will be prepared and I will arrange rooms for you and your retainers.”
“He will be informed of our presence before breakfast, yes?” I inquire of the servant.
“Yes, my lady. He has been expecting your return, and also that it might be after dark. He will not be surprised to find you here in the morning,” the servant explains showing us to the guest rooms we used previously. “I will fetch you when meals are prepared.” I thank the servant, and alone in my room, remove my cloak and begin cleaning and drying my boots and clothing.
Q: Am I interrupted? EXCEPTIONAL NO
It is eerily silent in my room, having grown used to sleeping in close quarters with strangers these last few nights. Soon, my clothes are clean, though still damaged. I dress once more, and head to the dining hall to join my companions for whatever meal has been prepared.
Q: Is it a heavy meal? NO (topic, antagonists) (randomize speakers)
The meal is a modest one, bread, cheese, pottage, with some freshly candied apricots and plum and tankards of mead. Out of respect for the lord of the house, we speak quietly.
Josia asks, “So, you were there before. Slaughtered the kobolds, but there were hatchling swarming the place. Why didn’t you crush the eggs then?”
I shrug, “I hoped I wouldn’t have to kill them.”
“Why’s that?” Karta asks, “You already knew even then that you couldn’t carry out everything and would have to return. You knew you’d have a fight on your hand then.”
-Nature 24-Persuasion 22-
I nod, considering how to respond, “Yes. I knew I’d be back. But I planned on returning in three weeks, but it takes eight weeks for a kobold egg to hatch. I figured there was a fifty-fifty chance that none would have hatched before my return, or that only part of the clutch would hatch. I was hoping that once we were done, kobolds would continue to thrive there, regrow in numbers and continue to hunt in the general area of Guldall, so nothing worse moves in.”
Q: does this surprise them? YES
Karta leans back in stunned silence. Josia purses his lips and glances at Henrie who has raised his eyebrows. Eveline sets down her tankard for a moment with a quizzical look. “That’s genius,” Josia says, “That way, if anyone ever has to return to Guldall years from now, it’s still likely kobolds, not a dragon or something. Too bad it didn’t work.”
-Eveline Religion 19- -Ysleta Religion 15, nobody else passes-
“Kobolds are a cursed race. They have incomplete souls, did you know that? I read it in the sacred texts,” Eveline interjects.
“Incomplete, but not necessarily damned. Unlike gnolls, they could be completed,” I protest.
“How?” Eveline looks at me in surprise.
“I’m not sure, but I read something about it once. How the children of dragons were broken by the Dark Brother as a trick, but even they might find mercy…somehow,” I whisper.
“Bah!” Karta scoffs, “sounds like Redeemer nonsense. Don’t kill anyone even if they tried to kill you! We might be able to save them!”
Q: Does anyone point out the irony? NO
“More mead please,” Eveline asks a servant. I nod my approval. Eveline smiles as her tankard is refilled while the rest of us finish our meal.
“Tomorrow, we return home. Karta, the coin I gave you for the hired men?” I hold out my hand, and Karta hands the purses over.
Q: Had she paid any advance? YES 2d6=12
“I paid them each twelve crowns to sign on for such short notice,” she admits as I realize half the coins are already gone.
Q: Are the men pleased? YE
I nod, “Six days of service on the road ends tomorrow, that’s twelve crowns apiece, and a ten crown bonus for the job well done, I owe you each twenty-two crowns, plus there were those trinkets you took from the orcs. I’d say you’ve done well for a week’s work,” I smile as I count out the rest of the purse I’d given Karta purse, then add to it from mine.”
Then I dump the rest of the coins from my purse, count them, scowl, then pull out the platinum coin I had found in my first trip to Guldall, “Platinum! Worth ten times a gold crown. Fair?” I ask Karta.
Q: Will she accept it? YES
Karta gives a skeptical look, “Yeeesss, I’ll take it.”
I nod, “Then I’ll count it as eight in case you have trouble with a money changer. You shouldn’t.” Then I count out thirty-nine crowns as well, “With the platinum, here is six days wages, and the thirty-five crowns I promised you, as my sergeant, on safe return.”
I quickly slide my six remaining crowns back into my purse.
Q: Does Eveline object? YES
“What about me?” Eveline protests in confusion.
-Intimidation 18- (statement, not trying to convince)
“You are a sworn member of my household. I feed, clothe and house you, and you serve me,” I pull two crowns from my purse, “But some spending coin is in order, and I will gift you with more in the future, but for now, this is sufficient.”
“It is sufficient, thank you,” Eveline nods, taking the coins. I smile at her as she does so. “More mead, please?” she asks the servant.
Q: Will they let her get drunk? YES Q: Does the rest of the company follow her example? YES
Round after round is drunk, though I slowly nurse my second tankard. I call over the servant, “Lest I be accused of taking advantage of our host’s generosity, use this to restock his cellar,” I advise passing on three of my remaining crowns.
As my retainers begin getting a little boisterous, I signal the servants to cut them off, “We still have a long walk home ahead, and I fear you’ll all be hungover. Time to get to bed, my friends.”
“Oh, must we?” Eveline slurs falling against me as I help her to her feet.
“Who’s bed?” Henrie asks helping her up from the other side.
Q: Is Eveline persuaded? NO
“Not yours,” Eveline giggles, “I have a bed in the room with Karta.”
Karta moves the big man aside and helps me get Eveline to their shared room, where we take off her boots, loosen her clothes a bit, then lay her in bed. “Goodnight, Karta.” I nod to the half orc as i then retire to my own room. Soon, I am fast asleep.
32nd Heyday
-warm, clear skies, good steady wind-
-Payroll, issued the day before, 47 gp for Karta, 34 gp each to Josia and Henrie counting the 12 gp advance, ignoring loot, 2 gp to Eveline-
-Seepage chance, 0 or less on d8-(got drunk last night)
-6th sense, impending doom-
Scene #14 (Positive Alteration):
As I dress for the journey home, I have a strange sense of dread regarding the red runed book. I wonder at whatever lore it might contain, written in Eomen’s tongue, that of the devils of the abyss. I worry, we might…awaken something evil if we are careless.
Suddenly, there is a knock on my door. Opening it, I am surprised to see Lord Varnath. “My servant’s informed me of your retainer’s descent into drunken celebration last night. I am grateful that you did not let it get out of hand, and though unnecessary, even saw fit to reimburse my house the cost of…more mead than they actually drank,” he chuckles. “It is good to see you returning unharmed. From the empty mead bottles, I trust your venture was a success?”
“Thank you, Lord Varnath. Yes, I have recovered all that I desired from those ruins,” I reach down into my pack and retrieve the key to Guldall, “Thank you for allowing me the use of this key. You may return it to your lintel if you wish.”
Q: Does he want it back? EXCEPTIONAL YES
“Thank you, my lady. I have grown to miss this little ornament. It is strange how a little thing like this is easily overlooked, until it has been removed. Then suddenly, one senses that something is missing, when it had never really been noticed before,” he observes as I takes the key from my hand. “Please, join us for breakfast.”
-Topic- Future Action-
I follow him to his hall, and share a light meal of boiled oats, blackberries, bread, eggs, and cheese. As we eat, Varnath asks, “So what now, for the baron’s daughter?”
“Return home. Sort through the elven tomes we’ve recovered. Sell many of them, perhaps. Study others. Then…who knows? Perhaps my studies will reveal even more interesting places to explore.” I shrug, non-committedly.
-Con saves for my team, Karta and Josia pass-
Then looking over my men, he starts to speak, but then holds his tongue. I grin. Josia is hardly a fine specimen for a soldier, and Henrie, like Eveline, is visibly hungover, “Were you considering hiring my men out from under me? They have all served their agreed terms and are free to accept new ones if they choose.”
Q: does he make an offer? EXCEPTIONAL YES (Varnath Persuasion 20! Trivial sacrifice is DC 20, Major sacrifice is DC 25, Karta is ambitious, the other two are not) Q: Are Josia and Henrie a team? YES
Turning his eyes towards Karta and Josia, “I need two soldiers, steady and reliable. A crown a day in peace time. Two crowns on the march, and a bounties in wartime. What say you?”
Karta pauses, then gently replies, “I really can’t see myself as part of a garrison. Waiting day after day for something interesting to happen. Watching farmers one season after another. There is a whole world to explore, and I aim to carve my way through it seeking my fortune.”
Varnath nods appreciative of her honesty, then Josia speaks up, “I would be honored to accept such a commission, and since you need two men, Henrie here is a good one.”
Henrie nods his agreement, “Yes, my lord. If you will have me. And I will never drink on duty…we were just celebrating a victory. That’s all.”
Q: Does Varnath accept Henrie? Very Likely-NO
“One must be disciplined at all times, even in victory,” Varnath chastises the man. Then looking at me, he gently chides, “I don’t envy a day’s march with hungover soldiers.”
Q: Will Josia still take the gig? YES
“Well, my lord, I am still interested,” Josia offers, and Varnath accepts, allowing the slow footed warrior to swear service for a year and a day at that moment.
Karta, Henrie and Josia then split up the jewelry they took from the orcs, Karta claiming the most valuable piece, a pair of earrings, and paying the difference in value to the other two men as best the three can tell. Afterwards, Eveline, Karta, Henrie and I collect our mules, load them up, and set off towards Farhold.
-Morning Encounter-None- Q: Is Sir Warran there? YES
My companions and I walk throughout the morning and soon arrive in Hearthmane, where once again, Sir Warran is informed of my arrival, and has a servant request we stay for lunch.
“Ah, My Lady Yseldra! It seems you cannot get enough of me,” he grins, taking my hand to kiss on my arrival at his door. Then he raises an eyebrow at the sight of Eveline, then nods towards Karta and Henrie. Looking back at me, “Interesting company you choose to keep.”
“Courageous and loyal. Any captain would be blessed, good sir,” I reply, firmly. “Yes, we would be honored to break bread with you today, but we dare not tarry long. I wish to share the spoils of my venture with my father, there is much he will be eager to see.”
Q: Is Warran his usual skeptical self? YES
“More old books from a forgotten age?” Warran sighs.
“An age wisely remembered, for what has been buried for centuries may one day resurface,” I point out.
“Well, if someone goes digging around for it, it certainly might,” he warns.
“I thank you for your hospitality,” I redirect, and follow him into his home.
-Topic-Fame-
Warran’s servants prepare a meal of mutton, boiled with carrots, turnip and onion to the point that it is all quite tender along a cup of wine for each of us. “So tell me, these ventures of yours, do you seek to outshine your brother in glory? By delving into ancient ruins nobody has ever heard of, facing foes that…threaten nothing?”
“Not everything must be done for show, good sir. I pursue knowledge. That is all,” I demur.
Q: Does he suggest what he suspects? YES
“I don’t believe so. I think you wish to outshine your brothers, and slip past them as your father’s favorite. To become, Baroness. Is that not the case?” he raises an eyebrow.
-Persuasion 17-
I recoil at the notion, “Absolutely not. Severon is heir, and he will lead well. Especially with my brothers at his side. Bertran already manages much of my father’s affairs, and Mical has a golden tongue. Together, my brothers can carve a greater future for Farhold than you might ever imagine!”
Q: Does he press anyway? NO
Warran is surprised by my objection, but then nods, “I can see that, under your three brothers, the land will be in good hands.”
“What of you, Sir Warran. Isn’t it time you marry? Surely there is a woman of your rank who would be intrigued to become your bride given your…reputation in court,” I smirk. Eveline and Karta both visibly wonder at what I am hinting at.
Q: Does he have someone else in mind? YES (generate village, lord, potential bride)
“Ah, yes. As your brother and sister in law so pointedly reminded me, your hand is ever beyond my reach, so yes. Lady Parnella of Kegsward”
-Wisdom save, passes-
I avoid spitting out my drink when the name is mentioned, instead simply smiling, “Lady Parnella has a great many virtues. And I believe she would, in fact, be a perfect match for you. Is a wedding planned soon?”
Q: Are they engaged? YES (roll date) E: Progress on ‘Goblin Uprising in Windhold’: the Revelation of Jealousy (rumors that Windlash stirred up the goblins to rebel)
Warran pulls a letter from inside the breast of his jacket, “As a matter of fact, yes. Her brother and I have agreed that the wedding ceremony will be performed next year on Ring Day, as it should be.”
“Naturally, and I am sure Parnella eagerly awaits that day,”
Q: Does she? YES E: Progress on ‘Severon is on the road to Windlash’: the Bestowing of Lies (He would be in Faithstone right now, Baron Hurth is making a big show of his personal faith and pride in serving the goddess) (my deception 10)
“Of course! We have been corresponding for a number of years now and she is quite eager to become my bride,” Lord Warran replies. I cannot help but smile, as she is the source of the most intriguing rumor about this man, and it is now abundantly clear that her knowledge has come first hand. “Why are you suddenly flush?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.
I stifle a giggle, “Tis nothing, good sir. I must be on the road. I look forward to attending your wedding. Perhaps at my father’s own hall, fate and fortune align?”
“We would be honored should your father prove so generous,” Lord Warran bows.
“I will see if I might be able to arrange it,” I nod in return.
On the road, Eveline and Karta ask what I found so amusing, and I explain , “Lady Parnella has often boasted of knowing how to please a man, and according to her, and others, Lord Warran is far more of a man than most. I am certain they have already shared a bed more than once.”
“What of it?” Karta asks. Then glances at blue-lipped Eveline, “I reckon she’s slept with more than a few as well.”
Q: Is Eveline offended by my gossip? YES
“Yes, I have. It helps…keep me calm. It sates this curse and staves off the worst of it. Why should such a thing amuse you so?” Eveline protests, brow worried.
“What curse?” Karta asks.
-Persuasion 12-
“It’s not a curse,” I retort, “and I’m sorry I’ve offended you. It’s just…it’s court gossip and speculation. You do what you must, but in my station, or for any noble woman, to sleep around, to have that reputation before one marries, or worse yet, commit adultery afterwards, casts doubt on the legitimacy of any husband’s heirs. That is why Parnella remains unmarried at her age. No lord wishes to embarrass themselves raising as heir a stranger’s son. But if Warran will take her, in spite of such rumors, it is certain that they are already lovers.” I explain.
“It’s not a very nice thing to speculate about,” Eveline insists.
“Your lips are blue,” Karta replies. “Everyone knows you sleep around.”
Q: Does this upset her? YES E: Remote Event: the Judgment of Wounds (I think this judgement pertains to the wounds inflicted by the strange cult on it’s victims, a clue to who they serve) Q: Does she pull away? YES
Eveline pouts, and I pull her into my arm as we walk. She pulls away, and we continue on in silence.
-Afternoon encounter-No Encounter-
Soon, the walls of Farhold are in site. Our pace quickens as we walk through the fields where farmers are cutting hay.
-Immersion-heart racing/panic-
Scene #14 (Negative Alteration): Q: Is Argus alive? EXCEPTIONAL NO
As we draw closer, my breath catches when I see nearly two dozen bodies hanging from gibbets along the road to the city gates. A few of the victims are still moving, struggling to breathe, hanged by their wrists instead of by their necks, under the watchful eyes of my father’s men. My heart races as I hurry forward to find out what has happened! Aborath is there, cursing my father’s name and his men.
“Argus was not your enemy!” the wizard fumes, standing beneath the corpse of an unusually hairy half orc. On my approach, he reels towards me, “You know we served your father well! Tell him this man was no criminal!”
Q: Do I recognize the guard? YES
“Chambre, what’s going on here?” I demand, passing Post’s reins to Karta as I step forward.
“These men and women were convicted of treason. Part of the cult that murdered three women over the past month and tried to assassinate Master Siward,” the soldier explains. “Servants of the Dark Brother, every last one of them!” Chambre barks at Aborath.
“Argus served your lord against the forces of chaos! Foes that steel can never face! And you bastards murdered him!”
-Intimidation 14-
I look at the dead man. He is past saving. “Cut him down. Let his friends bury him. In honor of past service, he should not be left to the crows like this, regardless of any crime he may or may not have committed,” I order. The soldier hesitates, so I reiterate, “You are acting under my orders. If my father or your captain disagrees, it is on me, not you, Chambre.”
The soldier nods, and lets the corpse down for Aborath to claim. His cat immediately nuzzles up against the dead half orc, and seems to weep.
Q: Is Aborath grateful? NO
Aborath, still enraged with grief, curses at me even as he struggles to pick up his dead friend, “Your father has gone too far! We have always served faithfully, and your family betrayed us. Betrayed us!”
“Henrie, help him,” I command. The sellsword easily picks up the corpse and throws him over his shoulders, “Take him to the graveyard for internment. After that, you duty to me is done.” The big man nods, and starts carrying the corpse away.
Q: Is Aborath grateful? NO
Aborath and his cat follow close behind. I turn to Chambre, “The trials must have been very fast. Or were there trials?”
Q: Were there trials? YES Q: Did Faust preside? NO Q: Mother Muriel? YES
“Of course. Mother Muriel oversaw the questioning and passed judgement on all those arrested at the Dark Brother’s shrine.”
“The Dark Brother’s Shrine?” I ask.
“Yes, concealed beneath the cemetery. It was built below and concealed by one of the older crypts. We learned about it just before you and your brother’s left, and seized it during some profane ritual,” Chambre explains.
“Thank you. I will tell my father and the captain about Aboreth, relieving you of any suspicion of wrong doing,” I assure him as I numbly walk towards the city gates. The soldier nods in appreciation.
-Evening town encounter-Town Watch-
“Mother Muriel had all of those people hanged? For what? Witchcraft?” Eveline stammers, a terrified look in her eyes.
“Not elven magic like I practice. Not what…whatever it is that seems to flow through you. But making pacts with the Dark Brother and his servants, I suspect. We’ll learn more from my father,” I assure her.
Walking down city streets, where the mood seems much more somber than normal, Post suddenly tugs to the side to rub up against wall, pulling me into a town watchman. “Pardon me,” I apologize as he glares at me.
Q: Does he recognize me? NO Q: Do I recognize him? Very Unlikely NO
“Watch where you’re going, woman!” he snarls.
-Intimidate 15- Q: Is there another watchman nearby? EXCEPTIONAL YES (2) Q: Does one of them know me? NO Q: Does Karta laugh? YES
“It was an accident,” I reply firmly, “as I am certain your disrespect is!”
Karta suddenly bursts into laughter, “Oh, he’s about to step into trouble!”
The man looks between us, unsure, “I may have been short with you. Carry on.”
I nod, “That’s better. What’s your name, watchman?”
Q: Does he tell me? Unlikely-EXCEPTIONAL YES
“Radly,” he half grins, then turns his eyes towards, Eveline, “And yours? And that of your fair companion?”
-Intimidation 15-
“Lady Yseldra Faust,” I reply, firmly. “And my fair companions are above your station, guardsman Radly. Remember that.”
The man blinks in shock, then bows, “Forgive me, my lady.”
“That’s better,” I reply, tugging Post’s reins and getting the mule to follow properly this time.
Scene #15:
Handing over the mules to the stable hands, Karta and two stable hands help carry our prizes and supplies inside the keep. I dispatch servants to secure my things in my quarters, while the books I bring to the household library, sending a maid to inform Krenal and my father of my return.
Q: Do they come to meet me? NO Q: Is Faust meeting with Muriel? NO Q: The new watch captain? NO
The servant returns to tell me my father is in his personal study, so I dismiss Karta, “Eveline, see to it that Beth knows we have returned and I’ll need a bath drawn in my quarters. And for you as well,” then looking at Karta, “Make that three baths, we all smell foul. I’ll be along shortly.” Then I head up to my father’s study.
Arriving at the closed door, I knock gently. “It’s Yseldra,” I call out.
Q: Does he invite me in? NO
“Leave me!” father replies.
Q: Is he in angry contemplation? YES
“No,” I answer, and open the door to confront him. He glares at me. My eyes meet his with equal intensity, “Mother Muriel hanged one of your loyal men. Aborath’s companion, Argus. Is this by your leave?”
Q: Did he allow it? NO E: Action by Krenal the Wizard: the Informing of Portals
“No. I allowed her to try those captured by the watch in partnership with her temple servants, but was not informed that Argus was among them,” he scowls.
Just then, Krenal enters the room, “My lord.” Then seeing me, “and lady. I have figured out what the symbols meant in the dark brother’s shrine. They are a gateway to the abyss. A portal they sought to open.”
“How old?” Faust demands.
Q: Newly built? EXCEPTIONAL NO
“Ancient. The language is high Thurmian. From the days of the empire, and somehow, discovered beneath a newly dug crypt. I suspect our town rests upon a much older site, much larger than we ever imagined.” Krenal warns.
Faust nods, “Indeed, it does. But I thought I’d explored and purged every section of it years ago. IT seems, it holds yet undiscovered secrets.” Then turning to me, “Aborath is cursing my name, is he not?”
“Of course. You allowed his friend to be murdered. I ordered the guard to cut him down for proper burial, and let Aborath take his corpse,” I reply, coldly.
Q: Does father agree with me? YES
Faust nods, “That was the correct thing to do. Let him grieve. Mother Muriel’s actions have cost me dearly.”
-Persuasion 18-
“Indeed, father. For my servant, Eveline, is a vessel arcane, and now fears for her life. And Muriel has already sought to have me banished. And she has slain a loyal servant to our house, and sundered our ties to others. She must be removed. Sent to Geildreth. May I deliver such a command myself?”
Q: Will he banish her? Very Likely NO
“No. She remains. If there is a gateway to the Abyss beneath our town, I cannot afford the risk of it opening while I await a replacement high priest,” he scowls. Then he looks to Krenal, “I’ll have Captain Sonders place a squad of soldiers and two of my personal guard at the crypt, to keep an eye on things. I’ll compel Muriel to assign her two champions to the site as well.” Then he pulls a sheet of paper from his desk, dips his pen into ink, and begins to write. “You are both dismissed.”
I bow, and Krenal and I exit my father’s study. Out in the hall, I ask, “What happened?”
“There have been three women murdered as part of some demonic ritual, and thanks to your’s and Aborath’s intervention in protecting Master Siward, we were able to learn the identity of several cult members, track down their friends, uncover their patterns, and eventually learned where they met. I fear…I fear that Argus may have been innocent. Trying to learn more fully what the cult was up to when he was arrested, summarily tried, condemned and killed.” the court wizard sighs, shaking his head, “It is unfortunate.”
“Unfortunate? It is a crime!” I fume. Then I turn and head back to my room to await my bath.
Q: Are the baths ready? YES
My two friends are already there, soaking in their respective tubs while a pair of maids provide wine to enjoy while carefully helping wash the women’s hair. I quickly strip down and climb into my own tub where a third maid brings me a cup and then begins unbraiding, brushing and washing my hair as well.
“Mother Muriel went beyond what was asked of her,” I finally say. “There will be a reckoning. If not from my father, then from me.”
Q: Is Eveline fearful? EXCEPTIONAL YES E: Action by People of Farhold: a Deception regarding Plans Q: Is Karta cautious? YES
“Careful you don’t act recklessly. Mother Muriel is a dangerous woman, and you don’t want the church against you,” Karta warns.
Eveline agrees, “What if we are arrested and condemned? How would your father be able to protect us?”
One of the maids interjects, “Pretend to be her friend. Get close, lure her in, then see her undone. Everyone has their secrets, discover hers.”
I glance up at the portly maid, twice my age, “Remind me to never get on your bad side, Cicely.”
“Ouch!” grins Karta. The other maids laugh in amusement.
After the baths, I order Karta be shown to a guest room, just for tonight, and Eveline returns to her bed in the servant’s chambers. The tubs are emptied and removed from my room. After a light meal, I retire to sleep
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