The Kingmaker's Caravan makes its way south to Harkwood. It is still spring and the weather alternates between foggy and wet. As the road bends towards the Great Desert the sky clears and the sun comes out and they suffer from under its burning glare.
The Caithnessian roads are not Imperial roads and often they find themselves struggling through the mud and over hills. The villages along the Caravan Route thin out as they travel south. Three days can pass before they see sign of human habitation. Finally they reach Harkwood, villages become more common and the lands more populated. Fortifications are more common as well on the frontier.
Seeoff's is the object of much hatred, but his presence in such august company prevents any action. Almost two weeks after they left Simonton. They arrive at the Citadel of Harkwood. It is bursting at the seems with refugees from Blythe, Merchant Caravans from the north, and Companies of troops headed south to reclaim the Barony of Blythe.
Ismael talks them into the Citadel and they find a place in the Caravan District. The Citadel is divided up into Districts and Wards. The old Baronial Castle is now a Monastery, the new Castle is a massive structure of Human design and Dwarven Craftsmanship. There are also three Wizard's Towers close by. All lie withing the boundaries of a Normal-Mana Zone.
A pair of Watchmen are assigned to guard the Caravan and to to prevent trouble for Seeoff. The Tax Collector arrives and collects his taxes.
Lord Kraypike, Baron of Swampgrass has fun toying with the street urchins who accost them. After some chicanery they leave off and the Kingmakers find them avoiding them there after. Much to Kraypike's satisfaction.
They are exhausted by there trip and decide to stay in Harkwood for a few days to rest, resupply, and gather information for their trip. Across from their encampment is a group for Elves garbed for war. They have transformed their encampment into a forest glade. Providing shade and discrete privacy from prying eyes. When the Kingmakers inquire
Arteasian goes shopping, there is not much in the way luxury goods and even mundane goods are in short supply.
Dain remains in camp and delves into Ismael's Haddaton Ale, shortly after noon he is a drunk as a Lord.
Kraypike heads for the old Lords District and immediately senses the change from Low to Normal Mana.
Rene accompanies Kraypike, but finds himself duck thrown poisoned knives.
Kenji initially remains with the Caravan, but immediately takes up his duties as bodyguard to Rene following the assassination attempt.
Cirmi
Ismael
Seeoff's remains at their encampment as sentry and makes sure Dain regrets his drunken binge with good humor.
Kraypike and Dain find an Italian Restraunt in Harkwood.
Another assassination attempt on Rene. A Citadel Guard's crossbow was jerked down by unseen hands and discharged in Rene's direction. Fortunately his instincts kicked in saving his life.
Invited to dine with the Elves that evening and into the early morning.
Invited to luncheon with Lord Fenark, Baron of Harkwood.
Another attempt on Rene's life when an Batista fired from the Citadel wall. Fortunately Kenji managed to save his life. When they investigated the weapon they found a grappling hook and rope on the other side of the wall. The rope was treated with some kind of flesh dissolving poison that crippled Rene's hands.
Cirmi managed to neutralize the poison and Arteasian stopped the bleeding, but eventually they resolved ti cut off his hands and have Cirmi cast Instant Regeneration on them.
The Kingmakers confronted the Captain of the Citadel Guard and demanded to interrogate the Watch Crossbow man on the incident. There was much argument, with Lord Kraypike jumping down the throat of one of the Officers. The Officer then reveled himself to be the son of Lord Fenmark, Baron of Harkwood. Eventually the were satisfied with their answers and decided to leave late that night, with stealth, and be many miles gone by morning.
Unfortunately that evening Rene was poisoned at diner, but Cirmi's timely intervention prevented his death.
That evening they left the Citadel of Harkwood and began the long trek through the charnel house of Blythe.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Simonton Tourney - 2008-03-21
Simonton Tourney
The Kingmaker's journey comes to an end in the capital city of the Barony of Simonton. Their Captain brings them smoothly into dock and they are met by the the Port Master. Like many Caithnessian bureaucrats he is brusk, but efficient and they quickly pass through customs and are guided to the caravan park. Where over a hundreds wagons and sprawl across the fields. Dotted with Pavllions, Tents, and Wagon homes. There are Caravans from almost every major Trading House and Guild on Yrth.
As they passed the City Walls they saw the banners and pennants flying of dozens of Noble Houses, Knights, and Guilds. It is three days before the beginning of the Tourney of Flowers and the opening of the Tourney Season. Beside the Banners and Pennants of the Baron of Simonton flies the Baron of Carrick. His Majesty, Lord Conal IV of Carrick is present along with the royal court, but attends as Baron of Carrick to lessen the import of his visit. After they set up camp, the Kingmaker's pair up and head into the city to shop and gauk at the festival air of the city.
The Simonton Watch advises Seeoff's to remain in camp to avoid confrontations with Blythe's Refugees and sympathizers. The Reptile Men caravan guards of the House of the White Star were attacked, but driven off. He then posts three guardsmen to protect their property. As they travel through the city and take in the sights.
The Feast is a wild affair of entertainment, company, and politics. They are introduced to My Lord Baron Walton of Simonton and My Lord Baron Conal of Carrick. Walton is in high spirits and a gregarious companion. He is a juggernaut in the Joust and expects victory.
The Kingmaker's mingle and learn about current events in Caithness.
* His Highness King Conal IV of Caithness, Baron of Carrick is attending the Tournament of Flowers. He is attending as Baron of Carrick in order to avoid too much fuss.
* The Royal Court is awash with rumours that the King is finally seeking a bride.
* The Barony of Blythe was attacked by Jann Soldiers, Orc Januaries, and Reptile Men Tribes. It was devastating, its Lords, Knights, and Soldiers have fallen, refugees have fled north into Harkwood and Simonton. Caravan Masters are being advised against travelling to the Djinn Lands.
* My Lord Baron Cabble of Denton and My Lord Baron Walton of Simonton continue to feud. Their Knights and Armsmen attending the Tournament have already fought several brawls even before the Tourney begins.
* The Royal Court is in a frenzy as Nobles and Knights maneuver for the positions of Baron in Mershal, Redhall, and Blythe. There is also increasing tensions regarding the ennoblement of Dame Bronwyn of Fordham.
* A scandal involving the murder of a young Noblewoman in Photius.
* Taxation Disputes
* The straightening of the Abolitionist movement in Caithness.
* The increasing presence of Elves and Dwarves at Court.
* The ever increasing number of Agents, Spies, and Diplomats from foreign nations.
* There is also a strong contingent of Knights of the Order of the Stone present.My Lord Baron
Conal IV of Carrick approaches them and engages them in conversation. Most of his inquires seem to be about there recent advancements and what they know of Sir Cat. It appears that there Companion has caused quite a stir among the Nobles and Knights of the realm.
Their conversation is briefly interrupted when one of his retainers takes him aside and he is quickly joined by Lord Walton. They both return to the Kingmakers and His Highness asks them if they know of Sir Cat's arrival with a small army of 400 Armsmen at his back.
They clam the King and Baron's fears. The retainer returns and informs them that Sir Cat's Army seems to be heading north. Word is they are new vassals for his fief. The King mutters about having a private conversation with Sir Cat sometime soon with an amused look on his face. Despite the Kingmakers assurances.
The only shadow over the feast in Master Rene's challenges by not one, but four Knights, to a Joust the next day.
The next morning, with half the Kingmakers suffering from hangovers they see a Knight's Pavilion being erected by several retainers wearing the arms of Sir Cat of Red Hall. He moved in last night and found the Armsmen sent by his wife Dame Kenzie to prepare for his participation in the Tournament.
Rene manages to ask Cat's help preparing to meet his challengers in the Joust later that day. He agrees and tries his best to teach him enough to avoid getting killed. Dain adapts a suit of Heavy Plate Armour for him. Causing much suffering among the hungover.
Dain asks Imric to fetch the Enchanted Maul he purchased from Master Deryus in Tredroy. Imric agrees, for a price.
Rene's challenges surprise them all. He wins his first match, but loses the next three. Honour is satisfied.
Sir/Caravan Master Ismael is approached by several Merchants who want him to transport their goods to clients in the Djinn Lands. One of then wants hims to transport a Tank/War Wagon designed by Master Leonardo of Tredroy. The Kingmakers take a great deal of undo interest in the Tank, but finally they decide against it.
Later Ismael seeks out the Lord of the Centaurs and inquires about an male Elf and female Centaur traveling togther and in possession of a particular book and other items. The Centaur said he did not know of them, but he made such a good impression he said he would keep an eye out for them and send word to him when and if he did.
Arteasian sought out the Centaur healer, seeking to learn more about Centaur Healing Herbs and Magic for use on Horses and Men. The Centaur was accomendating and the afternoon passed swiftly.
Later that evening several of the Kingmaker's enter the Lists.
* Grand Melee Champion is Sir Cat of Red Hall.
* Melee Champion is Sir Cat of Red Hall.
* Joust Champion is Baron Walton of Simonton.
* Pas D' Arms Champion is Master Dain of Grinnel.
* Archery Ring Champion is Sir Cat of Red Hall.
* Archery Target Champion is Rayn Half Elven of Telperion.
* Archery Champion is Mistress Arteasian of Whitehood.
* Wrestling Champion is Wulfgang of Blythe.
* Arcane Illusion Champion is Journeyman Liam of Wallace.
* Arcane Duelist Champion is ???
* Arcane Battle Magic Champion is Baron Kraypike of Megalos.
* Arts Champion is Mistress Talissana of Simonton (Jeweled, articulate Hawk)
* Bardic Champion is Lord Angus of Wallace (Lament - "Fall of Red Hall")
* Crafts Champion is ???
* Caravan Champion is Caravan Master Ysstakii of Yibyorak of the House of the White Star.
* Tournament Champion is Sir Cat of Red Hall.
* The Queen of Flowers is Lady Caitlain, daughter of Baron Michael of Photius. Championed by Sir Cat of Redhall.
The Archery Ring competition was fierce and narrowed down to 4 contenders. It took 3 rounds to determine the outcome. All three ended up Champions.
At the Feast that night Sir Cat danced with Lady Caitlain, causing a bit of a scandal.
Arteasian continued her search the next morning for the other half of the Ring given to her by Queen Laurlyn of Telperion, but had little success.
As a side note, Sir Cat gave the Archery Ring prize of an Orichalum Ring to Imric in exchange for a favour. Sir Cat ransomed back many a Lords and Knights arms and armour in exchange for the services of one of their retainers for a year and a day. They next afternoon, the Kingmakers and Sir Cat separated and went their separate ways, but they did receive an invitation to visit when they returned from the Djinn Lands.
Cheers
QM
The Kingmaker's journey comes to an end in the capital city of the Barony of Simonton. Their Captain brings them smoothly into dock and they are met by the the Port Master. Like many Caithnessian bureaucrats he is brusk, but efficient and they quickly pass through customs and are guided to the caravan park. Where over a hundreds wagons and sprawl across the fields. Dotted with Pavllions, Tents, and Wagon homes. There are Caravans from almost every major Trading House and Guild on Yrth.
As they passed the City Walls they saw the banners and pennants flying of dozens of Noble Houses, Knights, and Guilds. It is three days before the beginning of the Tourney of Flowers and the opening of the Tourney Season. Beside the Banners and Pennants of the Baron of Simonton flies the Baron of Carrick. His Majesty, Lord Conal IV of Carrick is present along with the royal court, but attends as Baron of Carrick to lessen the import of his visit. After they set up camp, the Kingmaker's pair up and head into the city to shop and gauk at the festival air of the city.
The Simonton Watch advises Seeoff's to remain in camp to avoid confrontations with Blythe's Refugees and sympathizers. The Reptile Men caravan guards of the House of the White Star were attacked, but driven off. He then posts three guardsmen to protect their property. As they travel through the city and take in the sights.
The Feast is a wild affair of entertainment, company, and politics. They are introduced to My Lord Baron Walton of Simonton and My Lord Baron Conal of Carrick. Walton is in high spirits and a gregarious companion. He is a juggernaut in the Joust and expects victory.
The Kingmaker's mingle and learn about current events in Caithness.
* His Highness King Conal IV of Caithness, Baron of Carrick is attending the Tournament of Flowers. He is attending as Baron of Carrick in order to avoid too much fuss.
* The Royal Court is awash with rumours that the King is finally seeking a bride.
* The Barony of Blythe was attacked by Jann Soldiers, Orc Januaries, and Reptile Men Tribes. It was devastating, its Lords, Knights, and Soldiers have fallen, refugees have fled north into Harkwood and Simonton. Caravan Masters are being advised against travelling to the Djinn Lands.
* My Lord Baron Cabble of Denton and My Lord Baron Walton of Simonton continue to feud. Their Knights and Armsmen attending the Tournament have already fought several brawls even before the Tourney begins.
* The Royal Court is in a frenzy as Nobles and Knights maneuver for the positions of Baron in Mershal, Redhall, and Blythe. There is also increasing tensions regarding the ennoblement of Dame Bronwyn of Fordham.
* A scandal involving the murder of a young Noblewoman in Photius.
* Taxation Disputes
* The straightening of the Abolitionist movement in Caithness.
* The increasing presence of Elves and Dwarves at Court.
* The ever increasing number of Agents, Spies, and Diplomats from foreign nations.
* There is also a strong contingent of Knights of the Order of the Stone present.My Lord Baron
Conal IV of Carrick approaches them and engages them in conversation. Most of his inquires seem to be about there recent advancements and what they know of Sir Cat. It appears that there Companion has caused quite a stir among the Nobles and Knights of the realm.
Their conversation is briefly interrupted when one of his retainers takes him aside and he is quickly joined by Lord Walton. They both return to the Kingmakers and His Highness asks them if they know of Sir Cat's arrival with a small army of 400 Armsmen at his back.
They clam the King and Baron's fears. The retainer returns and informs them that Sir Cat's Army seems to be heading north. Word is they are new vassals for his fief. The King mutters about having a private conversation with Sir Cat sometime soon with an amused look on his face. Despite the Kingmakers assurances.
The only shadow over the feast in Master Rene's challenges by not one, but four Knights, to a Joust the next day.
The next morning, with half the Kingmakers suffering from hangovers they see a Knight's Pavilion being erected by several retainers wearing the arms of Sir Cat of Red Hall. He moved in last night and found the Armsmen sent by his wife Dame Kenzie to prepare for his participation in the Tournament.
Rene manages to ask Cat's help preparing to meet his challengers in the Joust later that day. He agrees and tries his best to teach him enough to avoid getting killed. Dain adapts a suit of Heavy Plate Armour for him. Causing much suffering among the hungover.
Dain asks Imric to fetch the Enchanted Maul he purchased from Master Deryus in Tredroy. Imric agrees, for a price.
Rene's challenges surprise them all. He wins his first match, but loses the next three. Honour is satisfied.
Sir/Caravan Master Ismael is approached by several Merchants who want him to transport their goods to clients in the Djinn Lands. One of then wants hims to transport a Tank/War Wagon designed by Master Leonardo of Tredroy. The Kingmakers take a great deal of undo interest in the Tank, but finally they decide against it.
Later Ismael seeks out the Lord of the Centaurs and inquires about an male Elf and female Centaur traveling togther and in possession of a particular book and other items. The Centaur said he did not know of them, but he made such a good impression he said he would keep an eye out for them and send word to him when and if he did.
Arteasian sought out the Centaur healer, seeking to learn more about Centaur Healing Herbs and Magic for use on Horses and Men. The Centaur was accomendating and the afternoon passed swiftly.
Later that evening several of the Kingmaker's enter the Lists.
* Grand Melee Champion is Sir Cat of Red Hall.
* Melee Champion is Sir Cat of Red Hall.
* Joust Champion is Baron Walton of Simonton.
* Pas D' Arms Champion is Master Dain of Grinnel.
* Archery Ring Champion is Sir Cat of Red Hall.
* Archery Target Champion is Rayn Half Elven of Telperion.
* Archery Champion is Mistress Arteasian of Whitehood.
* Wrestling Champion is Wulfgang of Blythe.
* Arcane Illusion Champion is Journeyman Liam of Wallace.
* Arcane Duelist Champion is ???
* Arcane Battle Magic Champion is Baron Kraypike of Megalos.
* Arts Champion is Mistress Talissana of Simonton (Jeweled, articulate Hawk)
* Bardic Champion is Lord Angus of Wallace (Lament - "Fall of Red Hall")
* Crafts Champion is ???
* Caravan Champion is Caravan Master Ysstakii of Yibyorak of the House of the White Star.
* Tournament Champion is Sir Cat of Red Hall.
* The Queen of Flowers is Lady Caitlain, daughter of Baron Michael of Photius. Championed by Sir Cat of Redhall.
The Archery Ring competition was fierce and narrowed down to 4 contenders. It took 3 rounds to determine the outcome. All three ended up Champions.
At the Feast that night Sir Cat danced with Lady Caitlain, causing a bit of a scandal.
Arteasian continued her search the next morning for the other half of the Ring given to her by Queen Laurlyn of Telperion, but had little success.
As a side note, Sir Cat gave the Archery Ring prize of an Orichalum Ring to Imric in exchange for a favour. Sir Cat ransomed back many a Lords and Knights arms and armour in exchange for the services of one of their retainers for a year and a day. They next afternoon, the Kingmakers and Sir Cat separated and went their separate ways, but they did receive an invitation to visit when they returned from the Djinn Lands.
Cheers
QM
Monday, March 17, 2008
Ambush on the River Smoke - 2008-03-07
2008-03-07 - Ambush on the River Smoke
The Kingmakers and River Pirates make their ambush plans for the Slave Caravan.
Kraypike's Ally Shastastak scouts ahead for the Slave Caravan Barges and reports back. They have been reinforced by Mercenaries. 20 Iron Wolves lead by Captain Martin DeVries and the Caravan Master has a new bodyguard.
Sir Cat appears in their midst a few hours ahead of the Slave Caravan in Panther form. He transforms and informs them that the Iron Wolves are secretly still in his employ and that it would be a bad idea to use Magic against the Slave Master's new bodyguard. He is a Suhudese Sword Saint.
Disguised as River Pirates they spring their ambush.
Sir Cat leaps across the river onto one of the barges and knocks the Caravan Guards one after the other into the water.
Rene rise up from the river and pulls himself onto the barge, He and his Rapier make short work Caravan Guards. His victims lay down face up staring at the sky with only one eye for eternity.
Ismael uses Illusion and Movement Magics to project the image of himself dressed as a Pirate, swinging on a rope over the river, with a Scimitar in his teeth. The then lands on the barge, overawes the Caravan Guards and offer their surrender. Then he leaps to the next barge and ends up confronting an old companion. After a few passes he surrender when he find their barge overwhelmed by the River Pirates.
Camouflaged as shrubberies, Dain carries Kraypike over the water, seemingly running on air. They are struck by an Explosive Fireball and burst into flames. Kraypike counters with Resist Fire and when they arrive at the Caravan Master's barge smash through his Caravan Guards. Dain destroys the brain of the Fire Wizard, but meets a challenge from the Caravan Guard Captain.
Seeoffs drags himself onto a barge and using his claws, cuts down the Caravan Guards, knocking them into the river.
Arteasian fires her bow from shore and picks her targets carefully. She drops the Caravan Sergeant and Wizard before the battle ends
Cirmi (aka Imric) levitates out of the water and jumps into a barge. Then using sword and sorcery makes short work of the Caravan Guards.
In the end the Caravan Guards and Wizards surrender, but the Suhudese bodyguard does not. He accepts a challenge from Rene. He introduces himself a Kenji Ombekimo. It quickly becomes obvious that the two are Masters.
Finally Kenji stumbles and finds Rene's Rapier point on his Great Helmets eye shield. He stand bows acknowledges his defeat, sheaths his sword and step aside. "I owe you a debt/ransom Master Rene."
The Kingmakers and River Pirates hear a gurgling sound from behind them to find Sir Cat cleaning his sword and to see the Caravan Master bleeding out on the deck.
After that it was all over, but for the dickering. Sir Ismael interrogated his old comrade Sandi ibn Mik'ael about the Djinn Lands and current events in Tredroy. When given the option of being sold as a slave or being entombed until a later date. He chooses to be entombed.
Sir Cat offers the former slaves a new life as Freemen on his lands. All, but a few Araterians accept his offer. He arranged for his new vassals to be escorted by the Iron Wolves to his lands. (Reaction Roll "17" and +6 modifiers.)
The 40 Araterrians accept Master Cirmi's aid in removing their Slave Brands, but suffer under under his care.
Lord Kraypike and Master Dain offer the River Pirates work as Mercenaries. After careful consideration he accepts and Master Dain pays them a large sum of gold in advance. When they start discussing travelling arrangements, Sir Cat offers them a solution.
He will guide the former River Pirates to his lands and house them their until Master Dain's return. He also offers them a supplementary contract as Mercenary Escorts for his new vassals. Captain Thrane eagerly agrees.
Then Sir Cat changes his orders for the Iron Wolves and has them escort the Araterrians to Tredroy and into the care of his friends among the Abolitionists to get them the rest of the way home.
The Kingmakers leave the former slave caravan behind and continue on to Simonton. Sir Cat says they will catch up in a day and a half and join them for the Crown Tournament.
<<>>
Thanks
QM
The Kingmakers and River Pirates make their ambush plans for the Slave Caravan.
Kraypike's Ally Shastastak scouts ahead for the Slave Caravan Barges and reports back. They have been reinforced by Mercenaries. 20 Iron Wolves lead by Captain Martin DeVries and the Caravan Master has a new bodyguard.
Sir Cat appears in their midst a few hours ahead of the Slave Caravan in Panther form. He transforms and informs them that the Iron Wolves are secretly still in his employ and that it would be a bad idea to use Magic against the Slave Master's new bodyguard. He is a Suhudese Sword Saint.
Disguised as River Pirates they spring their ambush.
Sir Cat leaps across the river onto one of the barges and knocks the Caravan Guards one after the other into the water.
Rene rise up from the river and pulls himself onto the barge, He and his Rapier make short work Caravan Guards. His victims lay down face up staring at the sky with only one eye for eternity.
Ismael uses Illusion and Movement Magics to project the image of himself dressed as a Pirate, swinging on a rope over the river, with a Scimitar in his teeth. The then lands on the barge, overawes the Caravan Guards and offer their surrender. Then he leaps to the next barge and ends up confronting an old companion. After a few passes he surrender when he find their barge overwhelmed by the River Pirates.
Camouflaged as shrubberies, Dain carries Kraypike over the water, seemingly running on air. They are struck by an Explosive Fireball and burst into flames. Kraypike counters with Resist Fire and when they arrive at the Caravan Master's barge smash through his Caravan Guards. Dain destroys the brain of the Fire Wizard, but meets a challenge from the Caravan Guard Captain.
Seeoffs drags himself onto a barge and using his claws, cuts down the Caravan Guards, knocking them into the river.
Arteasian fires her bow from shore and picks her targets carefully. She drops the Caravan Sergeant and Wizard before the battle ends
Cirmi (aka Imric) levitates out of the water and jumps into a barge. Then using sword and sorcery makes short work of the Caravan Guards.
In the end the Caravan Guards and Wizards surrender, but the Suhudese bodyguard does not. He accepts a challenge from Rene. He introduces himself a Kenji Ombekimo. It quickly becomes obvious that the two are Masters.
Finally Kenji stumbles and finds Rene's Rapier point on his Great Helmets eye shield. He stand bows acknowledges his defeat, sheaths his sword and step aside. "I owe you a debt/ransom Master Rene."
The Kingmakers and River Pirates hear a gurgling sound from behind them to find Sir Cat cleaning his sword and to see the Caravan Master bleeding out on the deck.
After that it was all over, but for the dickering. Sir Ismael interrogated his old comrade Sandi ibn Mik'ael about the Djinn Lands and current events in Tredroy. When given the option of being sold as a slave or being entombed until a later date. He chooses to be entombed.
Sir Cat offers the former slaves a new life as Freemen on his lands. All, but a few Araterians accept his offer. He arranged for his new vassals to be escorted by the Iron Wolves to his lands. (Reaction Roll "17" and +6 modifiers.)
The 40 Araterrians accept Master Cirmi's aid in removing their Slave Brands, but suffer under under his care.
Lord Kraypike and Master Dain offer the River Pirates work as Mercenaries. After careful consideration he accepts and Master Dain pays them a large sum of gold in advance. When they start discussing travelling arrangements, Sir Cat offers them a solution.
He will guide the former River Pirates to his lands and house them their until Master Dain's return. He also offers them a supplementary contract as Mercenary Escorts for his new vassals. Captain Thrane eagerly agrees.
Then Sir Cat changes his orders for the Iron Wolves and has them escort the Araterrians to Tredroy and into the care of his friends among the Abolitionists to get them the rest of the way home.
The Kingmakers leave the former slave caravan behind and continue on to Simonton. Sir Cat says they will catch up in a day and a half and join them for the Crown Tournament.
<<
Thanks
QM
Friday, February 29, 2008
2008-02-08 - Caravans, Slavers, & River Barges Oh My!
2008-02-08 - Caravans, Slavers, & River Barges Oh My!
The caravan roads leading from the Pillars of Heaven take us north west into Caithness and to the River Smoke. There we find a Citadel of the Knights of the Order of Saint George.straddles the River Smoke and is the first line of defense against Megalosian Invasions.from Raphael.
There the Kingmakers wait and watch as the Goblin Caravan loads onto River Barges and heads up river to Baronies of Denton and from there to Simpton. Then they will have the chance to load on returning barges. The Warden of the Citadel, Sir William meets with Master Ismael and they exchange information and gossip over a meal.
Rumor has it that the Civil War in Megalos is proving profitable for Caithness raids into the Duchy of Craine and specifically the Citadel of Raphael. By the number of troops within the walls it looks like life will be difficult for the Duke Bran while he is away fighting the Civil War.
Within a few days the river barges return and they onload their Caravan and head up river. As they leave they see a the slaver caravan has more than doubled in size in stock and guards. The journey up river is uneventful, travelling by river barge is peaceful amf relaxing save for Master Dain and Sir Ismael who are ill at ease on the water.
Finally they arrive in Denton. Here they are recognized by the Captain of the Watch who send a message to Baron Cabble.They off load and set up there camp inside the walls of Denton. The city is alive with merchants, caravans, and people from all over yrth.
Chavaleir Rene is unsuccessful in floating a Suhudese Underground Boxing Ring however. He does recognize some notable Tredroian Wrestlers among the Caravans headed for the Djinn Lands.
Lady Arteasian does some shopping and finds a few artifacts worthy as gifts for her companions. While Sir Ismael, Master Dain, and Baronet Kraypike are invited to feast as guests of Baron Cabble.
Which leaves Seeoff's the Reptile Man alone to guard the Caravan. Unfortunately he is attacked and overwhelmed by thieves who steal from Master Ismael's wagon and escape. The Kingmakers return to find Seeoff's badly hurt and the bodies of three would be thieves.
They quickly cast some spells and track the thieves to a necropolis. They are stopped by the caretaker who warns these trouble makers about disturbing the tombs. They find the spot where their spells indicated the thieves were last seen. There are a few people in the necropolis, visiting loved ones, paying respects, and Chavaleir Rene uses his Psionic abilities and detects the distinctive sound of someone running away.
Sir Ismael quickly scales one of the tombs and sees a figure running away. Readies his Double Hand Crossbow, aims, and fires. Both bolts strike home sending the figure flopping to the ground like a rag doll.
Cirmi (Baron Imric in disguise) teleports to the figure and find a young human boy, mortally wounded, and dying. He quickly rips the bolts from the boys back and magically heals him. Eventually they manage to awaken the boy and interrogate him.
His name is Dugald, he is a Thief-wannabe. He was hired to provide a distraction while his employers escaped. They drain him of information and decide to let him go. Then they set about tracking down the Thieves. It is Chavaleir Rene's Psionic abilities that lets them track them to a mausoleum. The first thing they find is it is situated in a no-mana zone, secondly the door is sealed, and finally its ancient black marble dates back to the earliest days of the Banestorms.
Again Chavaleir Rene's Psionic abilities allow them to find the secret to opening the door. Inside they find the surprised thieves and sir Ismael's goods. They try to flee down into the mausoleum, but are brought down by bolts and knives. Baronet Kraypikes Lightning Bolt fizzles in the no-mana zone.
One of the thieves are the bottom of the stair screams in terror at something coming from deeper inside. A powerful, ghostly hand grabs one body and snatches away one body. The second thief panics and freezes. Looking from the darkness below and the Kingmakers above. His sudden scream of terror is silenced when a Vampire attacks him and drains him dry on the spot.
He turns and stares malevolently up at the Kingmakers. Chavaleir Rene flippantly asks for his Knife back and the Vampire obliges. Cirmi (Baron Imric) tries to talk to the Vampire, but it disdains to answer and turns its back on them and walks back into darkness and out of sight.
The Kingmakers debate entering the mausoleum in pursuit and killing the Vampire, but after listening to the Caretaker decide to leave it be... for now.
Master Dain finds an Alchemist/Enchanter in town. When Master Timothy learns who he is with he invited the Kingmakers over for a feast in their honour. His tower is based in the only normal-mana zone for hundreds of leagues Baronet.
When the Kingmakers return to camp they Sir Elendil (Cat) watching with Seeoff's the Slaver's Caravan arriving a short distance away. He greets them warmly and gives Sir Ismael the shards of Mornblade. His reaction is somewhat dismayed.
He introduces the newest members of the Kingmaker's Cirmi and Seeoffs. Sir Cat shakes their hands and seems to know who Cirmi truely is by scent, but he does not give much more away. He seems distracted and when asked he smiles and shows them small illusions of his four children and tells them of the rebuilding of the Barony of Redhall and the Kings Gift of Land and Title in the south west of the Barony, inside the forest of Telperion (Sterling Wood).
He asks Master Dain if he can reforge the sword? He looked at it and said he could if he had a week and a forge. Baronet Kraypike suggests Master Timothy might be willing for the chance to examine the strange metal and witness Master Dain's Crafting. Sir Ismael agrees.
They exchange stories and catch up on events. After they broke the Orc Invasion at Redhall and helped bring down the traitor Baron. He lead a Wing of the Knights of the Order of the Stone in pursuit of the retreating hordes. When the Caithnessians stopped at the Great Desert he tracked them into the desert and all the way back into the Orc Lands. Where he finally turned back and headed home.
The Kingmakers recognize the look in Sir Cat's eyes as he stares at the Slaver's Caravan. He requests they identify the Wizards among the Caravan Guards for him and then relaxes for the rest of the night.
The next morning they see Sir Cat confronted by the Captain of the Caravan Guards and twenty of him Men-at-Arms. When they arrive they learn that the Caravan Master, two of his Wizards, and bodyguards were murdered in the night. They obviously blame him and seemed ready to attack until he points out how badly they are out numbered and who he is, but he never admits to the crime.
Finally the Marshal of Denton arrives with a number of Knights of the Order of the Stone and sends the Slavers back to their camp. Sir Cat thanks them for preventing a bloodbath. The Marshal asks for his word, not to interfere with them again. He reluctantly gives his word and reacquaints himself with one of his brother Knights and begs a favour.
Sir Cat is expecting a Caravan of his own. Former Slaves who found sanctuary in the Barony of Lorian are settling in his lands as freemen. The Knight agrees and moves on.
The next couple of days are relaxing.even for Master Dain who sweats away reforging Sir Ismael's sword. Sir Cat stays with the Kingmakers most of the time and seems to enjoy making the Slaver Caravan nervous.
The caravan roads leading from the Pillars of Heaven take us north west into Caithness and to the River Smoke. There we find a Citadel of the Knights of the Order of Saint George.straddles the River Smoke and is the first line of defense against Megalosian Invasions.from Raphael.
There the Kingmakers wait and watch as the Goblin Caravan loads onto River Barges and heads up river to Baronies of Denton and from there to Simpton. Then they will have the chance to load on returning barges. The Warden of the Citadel, Sir William meets with Master Ismael and they exchange information and gossip over a meal.
Rumor has it that the Civil War in Megalos is proving profitable for Caithness raids into the Duchy of Craine and specifically the Citadel of Raphael. By the number of troops within the walls it looks like life will be difficult for the Duke Bran while he is away fighting the Civil War.
Within a few days the river barges return and they onload their Caravan and head up river. As they leave they see a the slaver caravan has more than doubled in size in stock and guards. The journey up river is uneventful, travelling by river barge is peaceful amf relaxing save for Master Dain and Sir Ismael who are ill at ease on the water.
Finally they arrive in Denton. Here they are recognized by the Captain of the Watch who send a message to Baron Cabble.They off load and set up there camp inside the walls of Denton. The city is alive with merchants, caravans, and people from all over yrth.
Chavaleir Rene is unsuccessful in floating a Suhudese Underground Boxing Ring however. He does recognize some notable Tredroian Wrestlers among the Caravans headed for the Djinn Lands.
Lady Arteasian does some shopping and finds a few artifacts worthy as gifts for her companions. While Sir Ismael, Master Dain, and Baronet Kraypike are invited to feast as guests of Baron Cabble.
Which leaves Seeoff's the Reptile Man alone to guard the Caravan. Unfortunately he is attacked and overwhelmed by thieves who steal from Master Ismael's wagon and escape. The Kingmakers return to find Seeoff's badly hurt and the bodies of three would be thieves.
They quickly cast some spells and track the thieves to a necropolis. They are stopped by the caretaker who warns these trouble makers about disturbing the tombs. They find the spot where their spells indicated the thieves were last seen. There are a few people in the necropolis, visiting loved ones, paying respects, and Chavaleir Rene uses his Psionic abilities and detects the distinctive sound of someone running away.
Sir Ismael quickly scales one of the tombs and sees a figure running away. Readies his Double Hand Crossbow, aims, and fires. Both bolts strike home sending the figure flopping to the ground like a rag doll.
Cirmi (Baron Imric in disguise) teleports to the figure and find a young human boy, mortally wounded, and dying. He quickly rips the bolts from the boys back and magically heals him. Eventually they manage to awaken the boy and interrogate him.
His name is Dugald, he is a Thief-wannabe. He was hired to provide a distraction while his employers escaped. They drain him of information and decide to let him go. Then they set about tracking down the Thieves. It is Chavaleir Rene's Psionic abilities that lets them track them to a mausoleum. The first thing they find is it is situated in a no-mana zone, secondly the door is sealed, and finally its ancient black marble dates back to the earliest days of the Banestorms.
Again Chavaleir Rene's Psionic abilities allow them to find the secret to opening the door. Inside they find the surprised thieves and sir Ismael's goods. They try to flee down into the mausoleum, but are brought down by bolts and knives. Baronet Kraypikes Lightning Bolt fizzles in the no-mana zone.
One of the thieves are the bottom of the stair screams in terror at something coming from deeper inside. A powerful, ghostly hand grabs one body and snatches away one body. The second thief panics and freezes. Looking from the darkness below and the Kingmakers above. His sudden scream of terror is silenced when a Vampire attacks him and drains him dry on the spot.
He turns and stares malevolently up at the Kingmakers. Chavaleir Rene flippantly asks for his Knife back and the Vampire obliges. Cirmi (Baron Imric) tries to talk to the Vampire, but it disdains to answer and turns its back on them and walks back into darkness and out of sight.
The Kingmakers debate entering the mausoleum in pursuit and killing the Vampire, but after listening to the Caretaker decide to leave it be... for now.
Master Dain finds an Alchemist/Enchanter in town. When Master Timothy learns who he is with he invited the Kingmakers over for a feast in their honour. His tower is based in the only normal-mana zone for hundreds of leagues Baronet.
When the Kingmakers return to camp they Sir Elendil (Cat) watching with Seeoff's the Slaver's Caravan arriving a short distance away. He greets them warmly and gives Sir Ismael the shards of Mornblade. His reaction is somewhat dismayed.
He introduces the newest members of the Kingmaker's Cirmi and Seeoffs. Sir Cat shakes their hands and seems to know who Cirmi truely is by scent, but he does not give much more away. He seems distracted and when asked he smiles and shows them small illusions of his four children and tells them of the rebuilding of the Barony of Redhall and the Kings Gift of Land and Title in the south west of the Barony, inside the forest of Telperion (Sterling Wood).
He asks Master Dain if he can reforge the sword? He looked at it and said he could if he had a week and a forge. Baronet Kraypike suggests Master Timothy might be willing for the chance to examine the strange metal and witness Master Dain's Crafting. Sir Ismael agrees.
They exchange stories and catch up on events. After they broke the Orc Invasion at Redhall and helped bring down the traitor Baron. He lead a Wing of the Knights of the Order of the Stone in pursuit of the retreating hordes. When the Caithnessians stopped at the Great Desert he tracked them into the desert and all the way back into the Orc Lands. Where he finally turned back and headed home.
The Kingmakers recognize the look in Sir Cat's eyes as he stares at the Slaver's Caravan. He requests they identify the Wizards among the Caravan Guards for him and then relaxes for the rest of the night.
The next morning they see Sir Cat confronted by the Captain of the Caravan Guards and twenty of him Men-at-Arms. When they arrive they learn that the Caravan Master, two of his Wizards, and bodyguards were murdered in the night. They obviously blame him and seemed ready to attack until he points out how badly they are out numbered and who he is, but he never admits to the crime.
Finally the Marshal of Denton arrives with a number of Knights of the Order of the Stone and sends the Slavers back to their camp. Sir Cat thanks them for preventing a bloodbath. The Marshal asks for his word, not to interfere with them again. He reluctantly gives his word and reacquaints himself with one of his brother Knights and begs a favour.
Sir Cat is expecting a Caravan of his own. Former Slaves who found sanctuary in the Barony of Lorian are settling in his lands as freemen. The Knight agrees and moves on.
The next couple of days are relaxing.even for Master Dain who sweats away reforging Sir Ismael's sword. Sir Cat stays with the Kingmakers most of the time and seems to enjoy making the Slaver Caravan nervous.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Kharijites Attack - 2008-01-25
The Kharijites Attack
As evening approaches the Kingmakers enjoy a good meal and begin to practice their various skills.
Rene asks them to throw things at him so he can practice his Precognitive Parry. Arteasian agrees and practices her Archery on Rene with blunted arrows, while Kraypike throws rocks. Dain tend his arms and armour and Imric studies his spells and Ismael joins Cheops in prayer.
As the sun sets and twilight falls Ismael alone is warned by his Ring of impending danger. Casting Keen Eyes he sees shadows take shape about 15 meters from the camp and crossbow raised and fired.
Ismael's enchanted item deflect the missiles. Rene's Precognitive Parry suddenly works and his rapier and main-gauche intercept the incoming bolts. Dain is pierced three times to the fletchings. Cheops warned by Ismael, had cast Body of Stone, and their bolts shattered on his rocky form still kneeling in prayer body. Imric's bolts reflect back upon his attackers. Arteasian's enchantments deflect the bolts harmlessly away. While Kraypike reeled from the impact of multiple bolts.
Then shouting their holy way cries they charged forward with sword and shield. Revealing two dozen Kharijites Ghazis (Knights) attaking them through the twighlight. Leaving those relying on nightvision as in the dark as anybody else.
The Kharijites charged forword, giving the Kingmakers time to recover from suprise and stun and ready a few spells and their weapons before engaging mujahedeen.
<<>>
Cheops cast Body of Stone and them Steel Wraith. When the lone Kharijite attacked him he rose up from the ground and smashed through the Ghazis shield and armour, knocking him offf his feet and unconcious onto the ground.
Seeing Ismael introuble he leaped forward and ripped out the throat fot first on and them the other of Ismael's attackers.
Lastly her cast Stone Missile and charged it for three seconds before unleashing it upon the last Kharijite attacking Arteasian. Crushing his skull and snapping his head to the side.
As the last Kharijite falls the Kingmakers check the fallen and discover they wounded dead. they swallowed poison rather than accept capture, but fortumely Ismael managed to capture three in his Mass Daze spell. Dain killed one in a vengeful, blood thristy rage, and left the last two for Imric to interrogate.
Imric resorted to mundane methods of interrogation and torture before resorting to mage. Only one of them broke under mundane torture. The Kharijites are Ghazis (Knights) from the Citadel of Quazr As-Sawh on the Megalosian Frontier. They had recieved orders from the Atabeg Sorab ibn- Haroun.
The Atabeg is a ancient and powerful Sorcerer who was targeted by Imric many years ago. The attack seems to be revenge motivated. The Kingmakers kill the last two Kharijites and bury their remains. Leaving no trace.
Kraypike makes preparations and takes to the sky in search of the two Sorcerers (Wizards) who aided the Kharijites, but of them he can find no trace.
They set a more vigilant watch settle in for the night. Only Cheops got any sleep that night. In the morning a tired group eats a cold breakfast and readies for travel.
One the road they pass a Muslim Noblewoman and her armed retinue pass by. They bear the banners of the Caliph of Al-Wazif. The noblewoman may be a relative or a concubine.
Later on they pass a group of sufi dervishes twirling and dancing to drums and flutes on the road to the Pillars of Heaven. Ismael offeres them a gold coin for each and seeks their blessings.
The Kingmakers passed a Slave Caravan on its way to the Djinn Lands. It consisted of 200 Slaves, 50 Guards, 6 Wagons, and a Minotaur eunuch.
They see signs of the Goblin Merchant caravan later that evening as they pass through a village. Finally they arrive at the Pillars of Heaven and Ismael reaquints himself with the sufis. Their are many Scholars, Healers, and Entertainers gathered around various Sufis. Like small colleges these wisemen hold classes and court.
A small bizzar has appeared near the Pillars and Dain finds an interesting suit of armour in one merchants tent. when he tries to buy it the Merchant tells him he cannot sell it to an infidel. It is for the chosen one. When he enlists Ismael's help they still get no success. Frustrated Dain and Ismael leave the merchant to his shop.
Ismael is approached by an old man, telling him he has a message from Allah for him. At first Ismael doubts him as Muhammad was the last messenger of Allah, but somehow the old man convinces him to listen. Their are Michealites hunting a female Centaur and male elf in the Great Forest in the foothills of the Fence of Gods Mountains. The silvan carry a white book, a flute, and a feather taken from the corpse of an angel. Ismael entertains the idea of locating these fugitives to ask them about
Imric contacts Errandis to warn him of a Kharjities attack and learns that he has a message from Dain's people for Ismael. They have found his sword, or rather the shards of the sword he called Mornblade. They have been given to Elendil to hold for Ismael.
Do you want Elendil to deliver them to you on the road?
They spend the night in the Pillars of Heaven and in the morning travel onwards to Caithness on the southern road to the Djinn Lands.
*Awarded: 3cp*
Cheers
QM
As evening approaches the Kingmakers enjoy a good meal and begin to practice their various skills.
Rene asks them to throw things at him so he can practice his Precognitive Parry. Arteasian agrees and practices her Archery on Rene with blunted arrows, while Kraypike throws rocks. Dain tend his arms and armour and Imric studies his spells and Ismael joins Cheops in prayer.
As the sun sets and twilight falls Ismael alone is warned by his Ring of impending danger. Casting Keen Eyes he sees shadows take shape about 15 meters from the camp and crossbow raised and fired.
Ismael's enchanted item deflect the missiles. Rene's Precognitive Parry suddenly works and his rapier and main-gauche intercept the incoming bolts. Dain is pierced three times to the fletchings. Cheops warned by Ismael, had cast Body of Stone, and their bolts shattered on his rocky form still kneeling in prayer body. Imric's bolts reflect back upon his attackers. Arteasian's enchantments deflect the bolts harmlessly away. While Kraypike reeled from the impact of multiple bolts.
Then shouting their holy way cries they charged forward with sword and shield. Revealing two dozen Kharijites Ghazis (Knights) attaking them through the twighlight. Leaving those relying on nightvision as in the dark as anybody else.
The Kharijites charged forword, giving the Kingmakers time to recover from suprise and stun and ready a few spells and their weapons before engaging mujahedeen.
<<
Cheops cast Body of Stone and them Steel Wraith. When the lone Kharijite attacked him he rose up from the ground and smashed through the Ghazis shield and armour, knocking him offf his feet and unconcious onto the ground.
Seeing Ismael introuble he leaped forward and ripped out the throat fot first on and them the other of Ismael's attackers.
Lastly her cast Stone Missile and charged it for three seconds before unleashing it upon the last Kharijite attacking Arteasian. Crushing his skull and snapping his head to the side.
As the last Kharijite falls the Kingmakers check the fallen and discover they wounded dead. they swallowed poison rather than accept capture, but fortumely Ismael managed to capture three in his Mass Daze spell. Dain killed one in a vengeful, blood thristy rage, and left the last two for Imric to interrogate.
Imric resorted to mundane methods of interrogation and torture before resorting to mage. Only one of them broke under mundane torture. The Kharijites are Ghazis (Knights) from the Citadel of Quazr As-Sawh on the Megalosian Frontier. They had recieved orders from the Atabeg Sorab ibn- Haroun.
The Atabeg is a ancient and powerful Sorcerer who was targeted by Imric many years ago. The attack seems to be revenge motivated. The Kingmakers kill the last two Kharijites and bury their remains. Leaving no trace.
Kraypike makes preparations and takes to the sky in search of the two Sorcerers (Wizards) who aided the Kharijites, but of them he can find no trace.
They set a more vigilant watch settle in for the night. Only Cheops got any sleep that night. In the morning a tired group eats a cold breakfast and readies for travel.
One the road they pass a Muslim Noblewoman and her armed retinue pass by. They bear the banners of the Caliph of Al-Wazif. The noblewoman may be a relative or a concubine.
Later on they pass a group of sufi dervishes twirling and dancing to drums and flutes on the road to the Pillars of Heaven. Ismael offeres them a gold coin for each and seeks their blessings.
The Kingmakers passed a Slave Caravan on its way to the Djinn Lands. It consisted of 200 Slaves, 50 Guards, 6 Wagons, and a Minotaur eunuch.
They see signs of the Goblin Merchant caravan later that evening as they pass through a village. Finally they arrive at the Pillars of Heaven and Ismael reaquints himself with the sufis. Their are many Scholars, Healers, and Entertainers gathered around various Sufis. Like small colleges these wisemen hold classes and court.
A small bizzar has appeared near the Pillars and Dain finds an interesting suit of armour in one merchants tent. when he tries to buy it the Merchant tells him he cannot sell it to an infidel. It is for the chosen one. When he enlists Ismael's help they still get no success. Frustrated Dain and Ismael leave the merchant to his shop.
Ismael is approached by an old man, telling him he has a message from Allah for him. At first Ismael doubts him as Muhammad was the last messenger of Allah, but somehow the old man convinces him to listen. Their are Michealites hunting a female Centaur and male elf in the Great Forest in the foothills of the Fence of Gods Mountains. The silvan carry a white book, a flute, and a feather taken from the corpse of an angel. Ismael entertains the idea of locating these fugitives to ask them about
Imric contacts Errandis to warn him of a Kharjities attack and learns that he has a message from Dain's people for Ismael. They have found his sword, or rather the shards of the sword he called Mornblade. They have been given to Elendil to hold for Ismael.
Do you want Elendil to deliver them to you on the road?
They spend the night in the Pillars of Heaven and in the morning travel onwards to Caithness on the southern road to the Djinn Lands.
*Awarded: 3cp*
Cheers
QM
Into the Djinn Lands
Into the Djinn Lands
As dawn breaks, the roosters cry heralds the dawn, and the sun lights the mighty towers of Castle Lorian.
Lord Imric awakens to the muted sounds of the castle bustling with activity in the morning and smiles. One more night until he leaves Baron Lorian behind and Imric leaves to pursue another adventure.
Not that things have been boring. That unfortunate business with the Angels still causes him some annoyance. His new Stewart is as prepared as he will ever be. His servants bring him breakfast and he begins the days work for the last time.
In the guest quarters Baron Kraypike is awakened and served by the Castle's servants. He moves with unaccustomed ease and smiles. It seems while learning new spells he forgot many meals. His cloths and armor have been taken in and adjusted. Dain's superior work on his armor has greatly improved his ability to move.
Dain awakens next to a servant girl and smiles. His stomach announces his hunger and he grabs the remains of last nights diner from a tray. These last few months in Lorien have been relaxing, but he is ready to leave on their journey.
Arteasian awakens in the Castle Gardens. Imric's gardener has done a fantastic job of blending cultivated plants into a natural setting. The fountain and birds add a peacefulness of the forest to the surroundings. Servants arrive and assist her and provide breakfast.
Ismael arrives later that morning with three wagons, his page/apprentice Joseph, and a Reptile Man. He has made preparations for the journey and acquired goods to sell in the Djinn Lands. He somehow also acquired a Djinn Passport. There are only two Merchant Houses allowed to do business in the Djinn Lands and somehow he managed to get one. The passport is for Kellogg, Bruin, and Racine Merchant House. Of which he is currently Master of. He leaves his new wife behind to administer his lands.
They all meet for lunch and Ismael introduces the Reptile Man as Cheops ("see-offs"), their guide for the Djinn Lands. He is a Muslim and they met while Ismael was on the Hajj. He answers questions put to him, but seem too shy to offer any of his own.
Kraypike, seeing the wagons realizes he can have one of his own and sends out Imric's Servants to acquire one with the supplies he would need for the journey.
Arteasian decides to purchase Horses for them and leaves off to do so. Fortunatally Lorian is renowned for its Horses and she soon acquires the mounts she needs.
Imric's Stewart has prepared a banquette in honor of there leaving and a merry celebration it is.
In the morning everyone assembles and they prepare to leave. Waiting for them is an Honor Guard of four Knights who will escort them to the borders of Lorian. The roads are empty this time of year and they make good time. They are approached by peasants occasionally selling goods along the roads.
No one recognizes Lord Imric as he is now disguised as Cirmi, a human scout. Their escort leaves them at the border with a salute and there small caravan trundles onward.
After a few days on the caravan trail they are met by a group of fifty horseman. Their leader demands a toll to pass on the road. His price is agreeable and Cirmi rides back to Ismael and requests the funds to pay them. Their leader gives them a white silken banner with a red slash through it as a pass and they wheel away and ride off.
They are met later that evening by a Cavalry Trooper of Hazi Lancers. They demand to know the Companions business and Ismael talks to them. The Captain points out that the banner they are displaying belongs to a Bandit Troop of some 200 Raiders. It is a mark used to identify their targets. They thank the Captain for his courtesy and take the banner down. The Troop then rides off.
The Companions exchange looks and vote on weather they want to continue displaying the banner and ambush the Bandits. Cirmi decides against it and they travel on to an Oasis.
The Oasis lies in a crescent shaped bowl which is actually a small valley with a lake in the middle. Water flows from the rock face of the cliff and fig trees line the main path leading to it. There are many groups and Caravans arounf the Oasis, Goblin Merchants and their Reptile Man Guards, a Centaur Tribe, two Hazi Nomad Tribes, and a few others.
Cheops, Joseph, Ismael set up a camp and prepare the Yurt. Kraypike heads out to talk to the Goblin Merchants, Arteasian to the Centaurs, and Cirmi disappears into the Yurt and then Teleports back to his Castle.
Kraypike eventually meets with the Goblin Merchants and they exchange pleantries. When he learns they are travelling to the same place hw asks if we could join with them. While they have no problem travelling with them they cannot protect them if they are attacked.
Arteasian tries to meet with the Centaur's Healer, but is rebuffed by a Guardian.
Dain explores the water flowing from the rock face and then is drawn to the Centaur encampment by the sound of smithy work. He too is intercepted by a Guardian and rebuffed.
Mean while in Lorian <<>>
Ismael recieved an invitation for he and his companions to join Shiekh's tents for a meal and entertainment. They all agree, save Cheops who remains to guard the encampment. There is music, dance, acrobatics, and displays of martial prowess. Rene and Ismael enjoy a smoke from the hooka. Dain was unsuccessful in woowing away one of the suhudese acrobats.
They return to their encampment see Cheops walking patrol and to find it guarded by several Reptile Man, but upon close inspection discover they are statues created by Cheops. They night passes uneventfully and in the moring they pack up and move out. Of Cirmi there is now sign.
Realizing their mistake, Arteasian contacts Imric and informs him they have moved on. He uses a spell to look through her eyes and teleports to their location. He approaches the caravan subtly and rejoins them.
On the road they trail the Goblin Mechants all the way to Gebel-Thamad, the border city between Al-Haz and Al-Wazif. Once there they rest and once again Cheops prepares the encampment and sets up his sentries.
The Companions spread out across the city.
Rene heads to the Casbah, where he looks for a likely victim and spots a wealthy noble with two bodyguards moving from stall to stall collecting protection money from the merchants. He employs a local street urchin into his plan and managed to come away with a purse worth over 11, 000 copper. He then buys some Hashish for a local merchant.
Arteasian goes shopping. Looking for presents for the Companions and curiosities. She finds a merchant selling Amulets, three of which she identifies as magical. She buys them and a Hookah for Rene.
Dain continues his quest into metal working and finds a human working is Damascus Steel cutlery. He closely observes the Craftsman at work and buys a few items to experiment with.
Kraypike runs afoul of a group of Ciathnessian Mercenaries who mistake him for an Orc. Kraypike manages to convince them he is not an Orc, but a Goblin and a Hero of the Battle of Redhall. Their leader start to realize the truth when the Caliph's Guards arrive to break up the confrontation. He managed to kiss the Merc before they are separated and sent on their separate ways.
Arteasian asks Imric to Identify the spells on the Amulets and makes a startling discovery. One amulet, a dream catcher is blessed by Isu/Jesus and grants protection from disease and nightmares. The second amulet protects against water, and the third protects against Pain.
They spend the night and in the morning join the Goblin Merchant's caravan and head west.
Kraypike has to be sent away from the group to play with his Lightning Bolt spells and gets bitten by his horse and he Lightning Bolts the horse in return. which angers Arteasian when she hears about it and takes the horse away from Kraypike. Leaving him to the wagon.
They are stopped by a Cavalry Troop who asks questions about the Lightning Bolts coming from their Caravan. Kraypike steps foreword and after an explanation they ride off. Unfortunately the Goblin Caravan is out pacing them and they are slowly being left behind.
Then Kraypike stops to experiment with his Lightning Bolt under water and is joined by Imric experimenting with a Sound Jet under water. Dain is dragooned as a test subject and is shocked. When they leave the lake they find Cheops and the others setting up camp.
The Reptile Man is quiet and reserved. He never asks questions, but answers them when asked. A man of few words. He is a devote Muslim who seems to talk to Angels when alone.
As the sun sets and the Companions settle in they hear the lonely cry of the desert coyote in the night.
Cheers
QM
As dawn breaks, the roosters cry heralds the dawn, and the sun lights the mighty towers of Castle Lorian.
Lord Imric awakens to the muted sounds of the castle bustling with activity in the morning and smiles. One more night until he leaves Baron Lorian behind and Imric leaves to pursue another adventure.
Not that things have been boring. That unfortunate business with the Angels still causes him some annoyance. His new Stewart is as prepared as he will ever be. His servants bring him breakfast and he begins the days work for the last time.
In the guest quarters Baron Kraypike is awakened and served by the Castle's servants. He moves with unaccustomed ease and smiles. It seems while learning new spells he forgot many meals. His cloths and armor have been taken in and adjusted. Dain's superior work on his armor has greatly improved his ability to move.
Dain awakens next to a servant girl and smiles. His stomach announces his hunger and he grabs the remains of last nights diner from a tray. These last few months in Lorien have been relaxing, but he is ready to leave on their journey.
Arteasian awakens in the Castle Gardens. Imric's gardener has done a fantastic job of blending cultivated plants into a natural setting. The fountain and birds add a peacefulness of the forest to the surroundings. Servants arrive and assist her and provide breakfast.
Ismael arrives later that morning with three wagons, his page/apprentice Joseph, and a Reptile Man. He has made preparations for the journey and acquired goods to sell in the Djinn Lands. He somehow also acquired a Djinn Passport. There are only two Merchant Houses allowed to do business in the Djinn Lands and somehow he managed to get one. The passport is for Kellogg, Bruin, and Racine Merchant House. Of which he is currently Master of. He leaves his new wife behind to administer his lands.
They all meet for lunch and Ismael introduces the Reptile Man as Cheops ("see-offs"), their guide for the Djinn Lands. He is a Muslim and they met while Ismael was on the Hajj. He answers questions put to him, but seem too shy to offer any of his own.
Kraypike, seeing the wagons realizes he can have one of his own and sends out Imric's Servants to acquire one with the supplies he would need for the journey.
Arteasian decides to purchase Horses for them and leaves off to do so. Fortunatally Lorian is renowned for its Horses and she soon acquires the mounts she needs.
Imric's Stewart has prepared a banquette in honor of there leaving and a merry celebration it is.
In the morning everyone assembles and they prepare to leave. Waiting for them is an Honor Guard of four Knights who will escort them to the borders of Lorian. The roads are empty this time of year and they make good time. They are approached by peasants occasionally selling goods along the roads.
No one recognizes Lord Imric as he is now disguised as Cirmi, a human scout. Their escort leaves them at the border with a salute and there small caravan trundles onward.
After a few days on the caravan trail they are met by a group of fifty horseman. Their leader demands a toll to pass on the road. His price is agreeable and Cirmi rides back to Ismael and requests the funds to pay them. Their leader gives them a white silken banner with a red slash through it as a pass and they wheel away and ride off.
They are met later that evening by a Cavalry Trooper of Hazi Lancers. They demand to know the Companions business and Ismael talks to them. The Captain points out that the banner they are displaying belongs to a Bandit Troop of some 200 Raiders. It is a mark used to identify their targets. They thank the Captain for his courtesy and take the banner down. The Troop then rides off.
The Companions exchange looks and vote on weather they want to continue displaying the banner and ambush the Bandits. Cirmi decides against it and they travel on to an Oasis.
The Oasis lies in a crescent shaped bowl which is actually a small valley with a lake in the middle. Water flows from the rock face of the cliff and fig trees line the main path leading to it. There are many groups and Caravans arounf the Oasis, Goblin Merchants and their Reptile Man Guards, a Centaur Tribe, two Hazi Nomad Tribes, and a few others.
Cheops, Joseph, Ismael set up a camp and prepare the Yurt. Kraypike heads out to talk to the Goblin Merchants, Arteasian to the Centaurs, and Cirmi disappears into the Yurt and then Teleports back to his Castle.
Kraypike eventually meets with the Goblin Merchants and they exchange pleantries. When he learns they are travelling to the same place hw asks if we could join with them. While they have no problem travelling with them they cannot protect them if they are attacked.
Arteasian tries to meet with the Centaur's Healer, but is rebuffed by a Guardian.
Dain explores the water flowing from the rock face and then is drawn to the Centaur encampment by the sound of smithy work. He too is intercepted by a Guardian and rebuffed.
Mean while in Lorian <<
Ismael recieved an invitation for he and his companions to join Shiekh's tents for a meal and entertainment. They all agree, save Cheops who remains to guard the encampment. There is music, dance, acrobatics, and displays of martial prowess. Rene and Ismael enjoy a smoke from the hooka. Dain was unsuccessful in woowing away one of the suhudese acrobats.
They return to their encampment see Cheops walking patrol and to find it guarded by several Reptile Man, but upon close inspection discover they are statues created by Cheops. They night passes uneventfully and in the moring they pack up and move out. Of Cirmi there is now sign.
Realizing their mistake, Arteasian contacts Imric and informs him they have moved on. He uses a spell to look through her eyes and teleports to their location. He approaches the caravan subtly and rejoins them.
On the road they trail the Goblin Mechants all the way to Gebel-Thamad, the border city between Al-Haz and Al-Wazif. Once there they rest and once again Cheops prepares the encampment and sets up his sentries.
The Companions spread out across the city.
Rene heads to the Casbah, where he looks for a likely victim and spots a wealthy noble with two bodyguards moving from stall to stall collecting protection money from the merchants. He employs a local street urchin into his plan and managed to come away with a purse worth over 11, 000 copper. He then buys some Hashish for a local merchant.
Arteasian goes shopping. Looking for presents for the Companions and curiosities. She finds a merchant selling Amulets, three of which she identifies as magical. She buys them and a Hookah for Rene.
Dain continues his quest into metal working and finds a human working is Damascus Steel cutlery. He closely observes the Craftsman at work and buys a few items to experiment with.
Kraypike runs afoul of a group of Ciathnessian Mercenaries who mistake him for an Orc. Kraypike manages to convince them he is not an Orc, but a Goblin and a Hero of the Battle of Redhall. Their leader start to realize the truth when the Caliph's Guards arrive to break up the confrontation. He managed to kiss the Merc before they are separated and sent on their separate ways.
Arteasian asks Imric to Identify the spells on the Amulets and makes a startling discovery. One amulet, a dream catcher is blessed by Isu/Jesus and grants protection from disease and nightmares. The second amulet protects against water, and the third protects against Pain.
They spend the night and in the morning join the Goblin Merchant's caravan and head west.
Kraypike has to be sent away from the group to play with his Lightning Bolt spells and gets bitten by his horse and he Lightning Bolts the horse in return. which angers Arteasian when she hears about it and takes the horse away from Kraypike. Leaving him to the wagon.
They are stopped by a Cavalry Troop who asks questions about the Lightning Bolts coming from their Caravan. Kraypike steps foreword and after an explanation they ride off. Unfortunately the Goblin Caravan is out pacing them and they are slowly being left behind.
Then Kraypike stops to experiment with his Lightning Bolt under water and is joined by Imric experimenting with a Sound Jet under water. Dain is dragooned as a test subject and is shocked. When they leave the lake they find Cheops and the others setting up camp.
The Reptile Man is quiet and reserved. He never asks questions, but answers them when asked. A man of few words. He is a devote Muslim who seems to talk to Angels when alone.
As the sun sets and the Companions settle in they hear the lonely cry of the desert coyote in the night.
Cheers
QM
Imric and the Angel
Imric and the Angel
Bartholomew and the heavenly strife puzzle
Although not himself religious—indeed, perhaps because he isn't religious—this matter of angels showing up and fighting one another has Imric deeply intrigued and somewhat worried. It's unsettling. But there seemed no way of finding anything out. But then it occurred to Imric that his spell for summoning demons might also work for angels—particularly if he knew an angel's name. So after some research, Imric summoned an angel known for scholarliness named Bartholomew. Almost to his and the rest of the group's surprise, it worked. The angel Bartholomew showed up, although he was somewhat impatient and not disposed to volunteer a great deal of information. Bartholomew was a typical humanoid angel—tall, beautiful, perfect, pair of snow white wings. No sword. I don't want to lose track of the conversation with Bartholomew because of the confusion that followed. Imric learned a good deal, despite Bartholomew's disclaimers of willingness to explain anything. Certainly some guesses were confirmed. First, it became clear that yes, angels were fighting one another, and that it was some sort of Islamic angel/Christian angel schism. Second, it was confirmed that there are other powers of similar potency—that, for instance, the angels who died in those woods were killed by something different. So, Ismail's theory that it must have been yet other angels responsible for that event is wrong. It was some other power, perhaps of nature, and so the elves need not feel that they and theirs are defenseless in this higher game. Third, Bartholomew was aware of Tsunikahn (that dire, mindwarping being in a cavern beneath Bilit Island); it seemed to be another example of an “other power”, and there was some hint that nothing had been done about it because it would be difficult or impossible—a possible indication of limits to the capabilities of these angels, perhaps even of their god or gods.
It was not made clear whether the factions of angels represent actually different deities. The doctrine of Jesus, and an admonition made by the more aggressive angel who showed up after Bartholomew, points to the Christian and Moslem deities sharing identity. The Angel of the Wheels seemed to chastize and psychologically impact Christian and Moslem alike, and chided one Moslem leader for being too proud vis-a-vis the local Christians. But then, why the fighting? And why Christian-looking and Moslem-looking angels? Still, a fair haul of knowledge from a being who disclaimed any intention of telling a thing. One wonders if it was carefully observing the letter of some rule.
Clearly given the “other powers”, it's hard to argue that worship creates these powerful beings. Nobody worships Tsunikahn, and Imric doesn't have the impression that anyone worships whatever took down the angels in those woods. But perhaps worship modifies them in some way?
Angel of the Wheels
For reasons unknown, in the middle of the conversation with Bartholomew, another and much more obtrusive angel showed up. It was a huge thing of fiery wheels, wings, eyes, and radiance. It shone with light and perfection and righteousness. Some who saw both feel it was a greater angel than Bartholomew; it certainly had a greater impact on one's consciousness, but Imric wonders if Bartholomew wasn't just more subtle. Everyone who saw it was impacted deeply, although one or two including Imric had the strength of mind to shake it off. All the castle staff were kneeling, praying, wailing, apologizing, screaming and whatnot. The being reacted to pleas for forgiveness by burning the pleader to ash, apparently because forgiveness was not its job, but God's, so it sent them to God where they might get some. It ashed three people in this manner. Imric was distinctly miffed.
After its departure (Bartholomew luckily went to it and then they flew away) the castle was in a right old mess. People were distraught—some were driven insane. With Imric's and Ismail's leadership, it was more or less sorted out. Artesian leaped on the situation with glee—you could see in her eyes, “finally a chance to lead!” Unfortunately, it was perhaps too obvious, and in addition she has little or no understanding of the mindset of monotheist humans; her insensitive comments came near to provoking a riot against godless Elves. Ismail was particularly valuable in calming things down, with his deep religious insights and his status as a believer, unlike say Imric who is a godless heathen (and indeed was addressed as such by the angel). Ismail led everyone to chapel, where they prayed devotedly, the Christian and Moslem together.
So now Imric has a passel of zealots, of a sort, in his castle. Some of them are not very functional. It was lucky for Imric and for all concerned that Errandis was present, with his fantastically rare and difficult Cure Insanity spell. He charitably volunteered to help out, and eased the worst disturbed. But the fact remains, many of the staff, from servants to men at arms to administrators, are now very devout, deeply affected by their massive religious experience. At least their version of devoutness seems rather interfaith—Christians and Moslems are standing together. But the fact remains, Imric is neither Christian nor Moslem, and Imric realized that he was looking at some potential long term problems in terms of governing.
He hit on a plan, which was made practical largely by the inspired propaganda skills of Errandis, although subtle mind magics played a part. He has planted the idea that Imric is an unwitting agent of God—that while a heathen, and less than benevolent, he seems to be fated to act for the good (especially from the perspective of religionists who believe in commonality between Christianity and Islam). Take for instance his actions stopping the Orcish invasion of Christendom, or his defeat of the attack of the fanatic Hazi sect who would slaughter Christian and Moslem alike (the Christians for being Christian, the Moslems for being willing to consort with Christians). Consider the civil war in Megalos, where the main rebel, the duke of Craine, favours crusades and an invigorated anti-Islam Christianity; Imric has been a sizable factor in handing this duke some major defeats. Then there is the matter of the plague at the holy city of Geb-al-Din, which was causing deep problems for pious Moslems going on the Hajj. Both Jesus and Imric went there and healed the sick—Imric apparently to mess with the minds of the faithful, but the fact remains that he healed quite a lot of people. Also witness the fact that he mouthed off at the angel and yet it did not smite him. Clearly God is using him as an instrument to accomplish good despite himself.
Imric's people may be somewhat predisposed to believe this simply because he has been a surprisingly good Baron—taxes are low, Imric blesses the crops, and Imric generally doesn't use much tax money on his own lifestyle, plowing it back into improvements to the barony. He has the peasants trained with the longbow, favouring their ability to defend themselves if only because he has no fear of them no matter how good they get. His justice is admittedly cruel—but it is also unerring, which is more than many other nobles can claim.
He has also put about a somewhat different approach for the people round about the barony who did not themselves witness the angel. It wouldn't work on those who were there because it smacks of impiety—they feel deeply that whatever the angel wanted to do was all right because it was what it was; its perfection was beyond mortal challenge. However, for a typical countryman, this tale might do well:
The Tavern Story of the Angel and the Baron
“You want to 'ear about the angel, eh? Well, I wasn't there, o' course, but I had this from my cousin works as an undercook down t' castle. So, first thing anyone knew, there was a sound of wings, and then this 'uge angel floating over t' courtyard. Everyone knew it were an angel, but it wasn't like what you hear about normal angels. It had lots of wings, but also it had all these wheels o' fire, big ones and not so big ones and then it had eyes—lots of eyes, and nobody couldn't tell 'ow it all went together, like. It seemed like it looked into your soul—looked into everyone's soul, all at the same time. Everyone was kneeling an' praying an' repenting an' all. They all kinda saw all their sins, and there it was all perfect, like. Lots of 'em was never the same. A couple begged forgiveness. And the angel, it had this thundering great voice, you didn't just hear it, my cuz said you could feel it in your bones right through the walls o' the keep, which they're like four cloth yards thick of solid stone. When it first come it was saying about sinners and all, but when someone begged forgiveness it told this:
“Forgiveness does not belong to me, but to the Lord”
An' then it burnt them to a crisp. From the inside out—flames came shootin' out of 'em and there wasn't nothin' left but a pile o' ash. Suppose they went to get forgiveness from the Lord. People was there say you knew it was right if you could feel the angel's meaning, as 'twere, but it seems hard.
But there was one funny thing about it all. Gave me a chuckle. Yes, I know, you wouldn't expect funny from an angel. And you'd expect it still less, mayhap, from the other person in the story. Who? Why, the baron o' course. Angel's only been there but a second or two when Baron Imric, he pops out o' nowhere like 'e does, and there he is floating in the courtyard with it, piping up wi' that magical loud voice he uses sometimes and arguing with the angel, cool as you please telling it to stop a burning of his people like the angel was some royal messenger making a mess of his carpet. Well, now, the angel it don't pay much attention till the priest, 'e begged forgiveness and the angel started in saying forgiveness was the Lord's. T' baron, 'e says “Oi! That's my priest, you leave 'im alone! If anyone's going to be a burning of my priest alive, it'll be me thanks very much!”
Well, the angel finally takes notice. It calls 'im a godless 'eathen, which 'e is, an' tells him that this is a priest of God and none of his. An' it keeps on doing what it's doing. Burned that priest to ash, it did.
Now, I talked to a few people was there. Not all of them even noticed the baron despite how normally they're that scared of 'im, and 'e was using his big voice and all. But the angel just made 'im seem like nothing. It seemed to take up the 'ole world, they said, and they couldn't even imagine what it would be like to 'ave it pay you any real attention, like. They was curled up small just from its sorta knowing they was there.
But t' baron, you gotta hand it to 'im. There 'e was a arguing with it, and when it told him off, did 'e shut down? 'E did not. 'Ard to believe, really, and shows 'e ain't exactly what you'd call pious. But 'e told it to leave! It didn't pay him no mind, o' course, but 'e was still talking when it did fly up an' away.
So what I think is, well . . . to be sure, 'e's an 'eathen, and not a very nice fellow into the bargain, that's fer sure. Wrong ter talk back to an angel, an' all. But by me, it's pretty funny. It's like a sheepdog pup 'oo sees a royal nine point buck, figures sure as sure it's just a really big sheep. Be a good old laugh watching it try to 'erd the royal beast. An' when I imagine t' baron floatin' there tryin' to give an angel what for, why it tickles my funny bone.
But you know, funny though it be, and misguided though 'e is, still--'e did it for 'is folk. 'E could 'ave buggered off. But 'e was willin' to defend us against all comers, even ones 'e shouldn't ought to. I reckon we must be the only folk in all Yrth with a noble what would try to defend them agin' an angel. We always knew 'e acted big. But we didn't know what 'e'd do faced with summat bigger than him. Well, now we know, ay? Reckon 'e'd fight for us agin' prince, bishop or the Devil hisself.
Still don't understand why it didn't just smite 'im. Reckon God 'as a plan for 'im even if 'e doesn't 'ave one for God. But nohow, I'll drink a mug to t'owd bastard.”
The Shrine
So now, since the event, a shrine is being erected on the site and pilgrims are beginning to journey there. The shrine is available in common to Christians and Moslems although they tend to sit in different spots. Imric has made no attempt to stop any of this, but he has drawn the line at hucksters. His elvish insistence on style and grace prompts him to lay down the law—there shall be no tacky tourist trap nonsense, no fake angel feathers, no badly decorated commemorative mugs. Interestingly, this is one place where his feelings and those of the believers coincide. He hates cheap tackiness in general, they violently oppose anyone who might cheapen the holiness of the event.
A Hand of Michael also came to the castle to investigate, and concluded that an angel was indeed on the site. Nobody seems to have noticed Bartholomew, who seems to have been altogether a more unobtrusive presence. So none of the group mentioned Bartholomew or Imric's deliberate summoning of an angel, which one suspects might have been considered heretical or something.
All in all, Imric's considered opinion is that if he ever tries that again, he'll do it in some forsaken corner of the Zarak mountains or an untenanted area of the Great Forest.
Bartholomew and the heavenly strife puzzle
Although not himself religious—indeed, perhaps because he isn't religious—this matter of angels showing up and fighting one another has Imric deeply intrigued and somewhat worried. It's unsettling. But there seemed no way of finding anything out. But then it occurred to Imric that his spell for summoning demons might also work for angels—particularly if he knew an angel's name. So after some research, Imric summoned an angel known for scholarliness named Bartholomew. Almost to his and the rest of the group's surprise, it worked. The angel Bartholomew showed up, although he was somewhat impatient and not disposed to volunteer a great deal of information. Bartholomew was a typical humanoid angel—tall, beautiful, perfect, pair of snow white wings. No sword. I don't want to lose track of the conversation with Bartholomew because of the confusion that followed. Imric learned a good deal, despite Bartholomew's disclaimers of willingness to explain anything. Certainly some guesses were confirmed. First, it became clear that yes, angels were fighting one another, and that it was some sort of Islamic angel/Christian angel schism. Second, it was confirmed that there are other powers of similar potency—that, for instance, the angels who died in those woods were killed by something different. So, Ismail's theory that it must have been yet other angels responsible for that event is wrong. It was some other power, perhaps of nature, and so the elves need not feel that they and theirs are defenseless in this higher game. Third, Bartholomew was aware of Tsunikahn (that dire, mindwarping being in a cavern beneath Bilit Island); it seemed to be another example of an “other power”, and there was some hint that nothing had been done about it because it would be difficult or impossible—a possible indication of limits to the capabilities of these angels, perhaps even of their god or gods.
It was not made clear whether the factions of angels represent actually different deities. The doctrine of Jesus, and an admonition made by the more aggressive angel who showed up after Bartholomew, points to the Christian and Moslem deities sharing identity. The Angel of the Wheels seemed to chastize and psychologically impact Christian and Moslem alike, and chided one Moslem leader for being too proud vis-a-vis the local Christians. But then, why the fighting? And why Christian-looking and Moslem-looking angels? Still, a fair haul of knowledge from a being who disclaimed any intention of telling a thing. One wonders if it was carefully observing the letter of some rule.
Clearly given the “other powers”, it's hard to argue that worship creates these powerful beings. Nobody worships Tsunikahn, and Imric doesn't have the impression that anyone worships whatever took down the angels in those woods. But perhaps worship modifies them in some way?
Angel of the Wheels
For reasons unknown, in the middle of the conversation with Bartholomew, another and much more obtrusive angel showed up. It was a huge thing of fiery wheels, wings, eyes, and radiance. It shone with light and perfection and righteousness. Some who saw both feel it was a greater angel than Bartholomew; it certainly had a greater impact on one's consciousness, but Imric wonders if Bartholomew wasn't just more subtle. Everyone who saw it was impacted deeply, although one or two including Imric had the strength of mind to shake it off. All the castle staff were kneeling, praying, wailing, apologizing, screaming and whatnot. The being reacted to pleas for forgiveness by burning the pleader to ash, apparently because forgiveness was not its job, but God's, so it sent them to God where they might get some. It ashed three people in this manner. Imric was distinctly miffed.
After its departure (Bartholomew luckily went to it and then they flew away) the castle was in a right old mess. People were distraught—some were driven insane. With Imric's and Ismail's leadership, it was more or less sorted out. Artesian leaped on the situation with glee—you could see in her eyes, “finally a chance to lead!” Unfortunately, it was perhaps too obvious, and in addition she has little or no understanding of the mindset of monotheist humans; her insensitive comments came near to provoking a riot against godless Elves. Ismail was particularly valuable in calming things down, with his deep religious insights and his status as a believer, unlike say Imric who is a godless heathen (and indeed was addressed as such by the angel). Ismail led everyone to chapel, where they prayed devotedly, the Christian and Moslem together.
So now Imric has a passel of zealots, of a sort, in his castle. Some of them are not very functional. It was lucky for Imric and for all concerned that Errandis was present, with his fantastically rare and difficult Cure Insanity spell. He charitably volunteered to help out, and eased the worst disturbed. But the fact remains, many of the staff, from servants to men at arms to administrators, are now very devout, deeply affected by their massive religious experience. At least their version of devoutness seems rather interfaith—Christians and Moslems are standing together. But the fact remains, Imric is neither Christian nor Moslem, and Imric realized that he was looking at some potential long term problems in terms of governing.
He hit on a plan, which was made practical largely by the inspired propaganda skills of Errandis, although subtle mind magics played a part. He has planted the idea that Imric is an unwitting agent of God—that while a heathen, and less than benevolent, he seems to be fated to act for the good (especially from the perspective of religionists who believe in commonality between Christianity and Islam). Take for instance his actions stopping the Orcish invasion of Christendom, or his defeat of the attack of the fanatic Hazi sect who would slaughter Christian and Moslem alike (the Christians for being Christian, the Moslems for being willing to consort with Christians). Consider the civil war in Megalos, where the main rebel, the duke of Craine, favours crusades and an invigorated anti-Islam Christianity; Imric has been a sizable factor in handing this duke some major defeats. Then there is the matter of the plague at the holy city of Geb-al-Din, which was causing deep problems for pious Moslems going on the Hajj. Both Jesus and Imric went there and healed the sick—Imric apparently to mess with the minds of the faithful, but the fact remains that he healed quite a lot of people. Also witness the fact that he mouthed off at the angel and yet it did not smite him. Clearly God is using him as an instrument to accomplish good despite himself.
Imric's people may be somewhat predisposed to believe this simply because he has been a surprisingly good Baron—taxes are low, Imric blesses the crops, and Imric generally doesn't use much tax money on his own lifestyle, plowing it back into improvements to the barony. He has the peasants trained with the longbow, favouring their ability to defend themselves if only because he has no fear of them no matter how good they get. His justice is admittedly cruel—but it is also unerring, which is more than many other nobles can claim.
He has also put about a somewhat different approach for the people round about the barony who did not themselves witness the angel. It wouldn't work on those who were there because it smacks of impiety—they feel deeply that whatever the angel wanted to do was all right because it was what it was; its perfection was beyond mortal challenge. However, for a typical countryman, this tale might do well:
The Tavern Story of the Angel and the Baron
“You want to 'ear about the angel, eh? Well, I wasn't there, o' course, but I had this from my cousin works as an undercook down t' castle. So, first thing anyone knew, there was a sound of wings, and then this 'uge angel floating over t' courtyard. Everyone knew it were an angel, but it wasn't like what you hear about normal angels. It had lots of wings, but also it had all these wheels o' fire, big ones and not so big ones and then it had eyes—lots of eyes, and nobody couldn't tell 'ow it all went together, like. It seemed like it looked into your soul—looked into everyone's soul, all at the same time. Everyone was kneeling an' praying an' repenting an' all. They all kinda saw all their sins, and there it was all perfect, like. Lots of 'em was never the same. A couple begged forgiveness. And the angel, it had this thundering great voice, you didn't just hear it, my cuz said you could feel it in your bones right through the walls o' the keep, which they're like four cloth yards thick of solid stone. When it first come it was saying about sinners and all, but when someone begged forgiveness it told this:
“Forgiveness does not belong to me, but to the Lord”
An' then it burnt them to a crisp. From the inside out—flames came shootin' out of 'em and there wasn't nothin' left but a pile o' ash. Suppose they went to get forgiveness from the Lord. People was there say you knew it was right if you could feel the angel's meaning, as 'twere, but it seems hard.
But there was one funny thing about it all. Gave me a chuckle. Yes, I know, you wouldn't expect funny from an angel. And you'd expect it still less, mayhap, from the other person in the story. Who? Why, the baron o' course. Angel's only been there but a second or two when Baron Imric, he pops out o' nowhere like 'e does, and there he is floating in the courtyard with it, piping up wi' that magical loud voice he uses sometimes and arguing with the angel, cool as you please telling it to stop a burning of his people like the angel was some royal messenger making a mess of his carpet. Well, now, the angel it don't pay much attention till the priest, 'e begged forgiveness and the angel started in saying forgiveness was the Lord's. T' baron, 'e says “Oi! That's my priest, you leave 'im alone! If anyone's going to be a burning of my priest alive, it'll be me thanks very much!”
Well, the angel finally takes notice. It calls 'im a godless 'eathen, which 'e is, an' tells him that this is a priest of God and none of his. An' it keeps on doing what it's doing. Burned that priest to ash, it did.
Now, I talked to a few people was there. Not all of them even noticed the baron despite how normally they're that scared of 'im, and 'e was using his big voice and all. But the angel just made 'im seem like nothing. It seemed to take up the 'ole world, they said, and they couldn't even imagine what it would be like to 'ave it pay you any real attention, like. They was curled up small just from its sorta knowing they was there.
But t' baron, you gotta hand it to 'im. There 'e was a arguing with it, and when it told him off, did 'e shut down? 'E did not. 'Ard to believe, really, and shows 'e ain't exactly what you'd call pious. But 'e told it to leave! It didn't pay him no mind, o' course, but 'e was still talking when it did fly up an' away.
So what I think is, well . . . to be sure, 'e's an 'eathen, and not a very nice fellow into the bargain, that's fer sure. Wrong ter talk back to an angel, an' all. But by me, it's pretty funny. It's like a sheepdog pup 'oo sees a royal nine point buck, figures sure as sure it's just a really big sheep. Be a good old laugh watching it try to 'erd the royal beast. An' when I imagine t' baron floatin' there tryin' to give an angel what for, why it tickles my funny bone.
But you know, funny though it be, and misguided though 'e is, still--'e did it for 'is folk. 'E could 'ave buggered off. But 'e was willin' to defend us against all comers, even ones 'e shouldn't ought to. I reckon we must be the only folk in all Yrth with a noble what would try to defend them agin' an angel. We always knew 'e acted big. But we didn't know what 'e'd do faced with summat bigger than him. Well, now we know, ay? Reckon 'e'd fight for us agin' prince, bishop or the Devil hisself.
Still don't understand why it didn't just smite 'im. Reckon God 'as a plan for 'im even if 'e doesn't 'ave one for God. But nohow, I'll drink a mug to t'owd bastard.”
The Shrine
So now, since the event, a shrine is being erected on the site and pilgrims are beginning to journey there. The shrine is available in common to Christians and Moslems although they tend to sit in different spots. Imric has made no attempt to stop any of this, but he has drawn the line at hucksters. His elvish insistence on style and grace prompts him to lay down the law—there shall be no tacky tourist trap nonsense, no fake angel feathers, no badly decorated commemorative mugs. Interestingly, this is one place where his feelings and those of the believers coincide. He hates cheap tackiness in general, they violently oppose anyone who might cheapen the holiness of the event.
A Hand of Michael also came to the castle to investigate, and concluded that an angel was indeed on the site. Nobody seems to have noticed Bartholomew, who seems to have been altogether a more unobtrusive presence. So none of the group mentioned Bartholomew or Imric's deliberate summoning of an angel, which one suspects might have been considered heretical or something.
All in all, Imric's considered opinion is that if he ever tries that again, he'll do it in some forsaken corner of the Zarak mountains or an untenanted area of the Great Forest.
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