| Current Campaign: 01 | |
| Episode 02: "StrangeIsle Forever" | |
| Year: 1782 (Sycamore Reckoning), 6353 (ante Silwaris) | |
| Location: Loth, The Citadel, The Temple of Moloth | |
| PCs: Annisele, Antagur il-Anyatim, Captain Fred, Vartis Telwin | |
| NPCs: Template:Data | |
Synopsis
Antagur resolves to leave the Temple of Moloth and Father Alnon reveals a clue to Antagur's past; Annisele has a series of terrible visions; Fred and Vartis are attacked by assassins.
Story
Act One
Antagur makes his way to The Looms, where Father Alnon asks him whether he feels he has achieved his goals. Antagur confesses that the murder of his family still weighs heaviest on his mind. Alnon indicates a thread from the Spinner's web and says that Antagur's path requires resolution -- a personal vendetta and his spiritual quest play dual role in his journey. Alnon reveals that he knew Antagur's family and claims their death was not by the will of Moloth but by the machinations of other Ashakre. He has a name for Antagur.
"If I give you this name, it comes with a great personal risk to your safety or those in your care. It is up to you to take this name or let it pass and continue on here. There is much to learn out there but your safety cannot be assured if you leave here." Antagur professes that he must resolve this before he can give his full mind to the service of Moloth and Alnon therefore releases his obligation to the temple for the purpose of this personal quest.
Antagur looks for Sister Calla and finds her praying in the chapel. He tells her of his plan to leave and she wishes him luck.
Act Two
Anniselle finds Sascha in the pantry and delivers Tev's message to her. Sascha hurries off with a delighted smile.
Anniselle learns that Tirusin and Jamus are tutors and trainers to young Tev. One evening she spies a host of wraiths coming from all directions to cluster around Jamus's hut, where they softly moan and press against it until the light of dawn. He doesn't speak to anyone for the next couple of days. Anniselle recognizes the form of wraiths as the spirits of people who were slain unarmed and innocent of any crime; they are rare even in small groups but she saw thousands of them. Anniselle scries Jamus's potential futures and sees two: one night she dreams of being tangled in the dark and thick scurrying. The second vision is of Alyn standing in the balcony of a high parapet, beneath him a huge city burns. Alyn is covered in blood and has an older Tev by the throat, holding him over the balcony and releasing his grip. The third vision is of a handsome young human who stands before a banner of a black orchid and rouses a vast army of misshapen things. The next evening the house is visited by the two shadowy figures. For hours later one leaves and then in another for 4 hours the other leaves.
Anniselle asks Tev to teach her to read and he tells her how he's learning a secret language from a set of books that Alyn had brought and eventually forgotten about. The books are gazetteers from far away lands and Anniselle expresses her wish to see them. Tev bades her return after supper. He gives her a parchment to deliver to Sasha.
Act Three
Jesswick and Fred are strolling through the noon market, smoking and drinking and killing time before meeting Duke Owen. They meet up with Vartis, who is dressed sharply, and Kelesh. As they are walking together they are assaulted by Yrdan killers disguised as street merchants. Vartis quick-draws his katana and hacks the weapon arm off his assailant; on his second swing he takes off his attacker's other arm. Fred stabs his assailant through the heart. Jesswick's sword catches so he charges his assailant and rams him into a post, knocking him out. He keeps Fred from killing the only survivor; Fred decapitates the other two. The fight lasted only five seconds; Fred picks his pipe from off the ground and resumes smoking.
They note the technology of the crossbows are far more advanced than the Yrdans are capable of producing. The city guard approaches, led by Captain Hagan. Vartis agrees to place the heads in jars and then orders Kelesh to make a note for him to attend the next local benefit and make an appropriate gift. He orders Jesswick to see the surviving assassin off to the secret police. Troop doctor Lester arrives to investigate and Vartis tips him.
Four bodyguards escort Vartis and Fred to The Citadel. Duke Owen greets them and tells them that there has been recent activity by Yrdan scouts on one of the small goat paths in the mountain range. Owen claims there is no true tactical benefit to the area, but up to seven Yrdans have been spotted in the area about two weeks ago. Vartis takes note of their horses and memorizes their details. Owen reminds them about the potential for a power-struggle in Loth and says he has been commanded to begin securing items, and for this job he trusts Fred and Vartis.
They are tasked to investigate this pass and continue the mission: to retrieve someone from Garland Brook manor. The next stage of the mission will be told to them upon their arrival at Garland Brooke. They are permitted five men and told to travel light. Owen also assigns a priest and are told that his charge intersects with theirs but doesn't override it -- but the priest's charge is of equal importance. Finally, he gives them license to cut down anyone who opposes them.
Meta
Notes
- played in one session on Thursday, Jul 17 08
Points Awarded
- 1 point awarded
Season Pool
- 2 points