Ivinia Darkness

Scribe Notes

Summary

GM: Jono Bean
Season: Spring 816 wk
Night: Wednesday (starting 14th Sept, 6:30pm)
Location: 39 Tudor Road, Henderson, Auckland
Level: Medium/High
Information: Information from players for Jono.
Play test: Alchemist, Assassin, Beastmaster, Thief, Ranger, and others.

Preference given to those who played on Chelemby Northern Darkness part one, or guild members who's background is from the northern area.

Party

1. Ragnfríðr Yngvarrsdóttir Gythja of Hel - Kelsie
2. Mungo the humble So Named by Odin Himself - Michael
3. Mordrin Freya's champion, Party leader - Clare.
4. Serra Angelus - Elven, Hard Drinking Earth mage
5. Lady Cher of Maltheim Cross, Binder, played by Sean
6. Silverfoam, Military Scientist, Namer(ish), played by Michael P.

Mission

In the warmth of Spring go to Chelemby City, travel to the Kingdom of Ibanvaal and assist the local leaders with a siege.

Help by rescuing some missing people. Kill two important people who poisoned the wife of a son of Thor.

Time allowing follow up on a treasure map.

Pay

A meal of blessed náttmál for each person.

6 X Reinforced Salamander Hearts.

6 X Amulet of Blessed Antlers.

Scribe notes

Up-to-date as of the 29th October session (Chap 7)

Chapter-1

The sub-party left guild, via the Destitution Portal, which refuses to transmit anything over 5000 sp worth --- surprised that each of us is technically of such low value. (PS Correction: apparently it only cuts out possessions. Even more surprised that none of the party are technically possessed, especially the pacted).

We 3 (Cher, Mungo, Silverfoam) arrived under a pier in Chelemby City, some wetter others; sailed up to the rustic, Royal fortress of Dagenborg in Ibanvaal.

The Mission

We met the rest of the party who had been training. General introductions were made; including the fact that Mungo was once changed into a camel, but only briefly because he can change shape.
Cher: "What? Like Loki?"

We continued with discussions of the mission specifics, such as they are; also philosophical discussions on Pragmatics and relativity of Truth. There was some uncertainty about phrases like "That's what the Son of Thor claims". Indeed Ragna & Mungo disagree on whether the son of Thor could have been tricked or would lie. (Or both.)
Mungo: "He's the son of Thor, and Thor NEVER Lies. Well, only about his battle averages; but that doesn't count."

It was explained to Mungo the humble (... etc) that the "noble" or courtly view of facts & other motives depended on one's position and the Good of the State. Truth & the worth of witnesses/accusers customarily depends on various GotS (ours & theirs).

We agreed to track down the villains who poisoned the wife. Unfortunately the accused poisoner is a substantial Jarl over the border, where his father is the local king. Therefore the Evil Jarl might refuse to acknowledge Mungo's status to issue a challenge to a Trial by Combat

And even if someone, er, differently important like Mordrin or Ragna challenged, they might be met by the Kings Champion. Or maybe they'd just poison the party --- if the Evil Jarl has done it once and got away with it, why not again. (We learnt more when we visited Ragna's family.)

CONCLUSION: We have informally contracted "Execute" the King's Summary justice on the instigating poisoners (and perhaps any colluding conspirators) who murdered the wife of Thor's son; rather a complicated Trial of any sort.

DETAILS: Idgar Thorson's wife was poisoned in his own hall ... by something that may have been succubitic or incubus-like. Jarling Strossar (36ish) is a Menglanan leader, the charismatic holder of Fryoheim (a fortess on the coast; just a fortress not a town). Mystical investigation confirmed that the perpetrator was indeed a Name that translates approximately as King of Menglana. Idgar will reward is we slew the Jarl.

Official Party Position: They (the poisoners) have been judged by the Gods and we are here to carry out the summary justice. No need to make a fuss.

Summary of Political implications & problems for/to party-members.

• Mordrin, Freya's champion, warrior dwarf: the king wants her & others claim to "their" lands over the border in Menglana, near Sillabin (QQ).
• Ragna a Priestess of Hel who are the only Healers in this part of the world because, she reminds us, they kill any others who claim to be*). It's not clear if the Priestesses are also the only Necromancers. Ragna also has several marriageable daughters.
  Note: The party's elves are not even claiming to be veterinarians.
• Mungo, Odinist, warrior: evil half-brother; Acknowledgement/DaddyHeritage issues ("I'm the son of a king" // Ragna: "you're a bastard son, you'll have to fight for it" // M: "It doesn't matter").
  

Quite so: Mungo is well known to be a bastard acknowledged in Chelemby.

• Silverfoam, unpacted: not known to have visited these Kingdoms. Suspicious of the already known-to-be-Perfidious Destinians, who were slave-trading here in past years (which was distinctly mentioned at a previous guild meeting).
• Cher, no involvement.
• Ser Angelis, no involvement, other that the mission last season.

Party holds a Thing

The party met (had a Thing, as the locals say) to plan strategy:

• SF proposes party go by ship (mostly by sea) to Menglana — much easier than going over the mountains. Infiltrating through the mountain passes would grossly disadvantage us in ambush-rich terrain familiar to the enemy. Other cunning stratagems and devious covers were floated and some sunk.
• The Shopping trip to Pelby was discounted.
• But that lead to a counter-proposal to stop at Fuhreling (Ragna's home town) which is on the way, and a vital source of more intelligence, equipment, and Greaters.
• Mungo suggested the party could be disguised as elves by putting on dresses and acting like women. Which grossly offended Ser Angelis, but amused the MilSci, who possibly wanted it all to go as far as a swift shaving off unelvish sideburns to teach Mungo the difference between devious & deviance (but the scribe cannot comment further).

Ragna: Please officially note that Mungo is perfectly willing to become a woman if necessary.

• Cher offered to itemize useful things — see Itemisation (Binder S-7)
  

Ragna: "If you have a hot roast pig & itemize it, will it be hot & fresh when unitemized?"
Cher: "Of course!" [Excited muttering & slavering by party.]

The Feast: Merchants & Mungo's loose women.

We attended a feast presided by the Queen Halfreth, the 3rd wife of King Osidar Dagen of Ibanvaal. 40 or 45 turned up, some with horses, wearing finer clothing ... as did many of their riders (sorry, traditional Elvish humour). Two-thirds of the attendees were female (whose men were lost or are at The Front), so Mungo swarmed by undiscerning females. Although later we discovered Women were not so much undiscerning, as cunning & desperate. Three of them were considering killing off each other and make Mungo King of the South, until "dissuaded" by Mordrin's words and meaningful glares and "hard looks" from Ragna's "frightening" face (the one on the left).

Also attending were Merchants from Chelemby who have been contracted to supply materials for the rebuilding. (Don't tell Mungo, but they were actually the Guests of honour). SF socialises and discusses rebuilding. He later arranged to borrow, on surety, some wood so that the party can have a small ship when needed.

Indeed, we noticed the next day that a third of the town's burnt & demolished; with a temporary, wooden palisade erected. Also thousands of graves with spears on them. The Party Leader borrowed a scorched, broken end from the Ridge-pole of a burnt longhouse to become the prow figurehead of the party's boat — name "The burnt Ram", familiarly "The roast Lamb"

Rumours and Bons mots from the Soirée

• Orm_the_Dragon has been active in the area.
• The Dwarves are known to make items for the gods; are believed to side with the Gods, thus with King Osidar (Idjar's uncle) and his covert summary sentence against the Offending Jarl.
• "Turns out we didn't HAVE to fight a shipload of undead, that was just entertainment."
• Mungo effortlessly insults the wife of the Captain of the guard (the Arms-master that trains all the Household fighters). And somehow "What are you saying about my wife ..." quickly, predictably became an alcohol-fueled a fight, with each combatant standing on shield upheld by their supporters; followed by more mead and high-spirited shenanigans.

Home is the Priestess

We stop at Ragna's home town Fuhreling. There is a large Destinian vessel in the harbour. SF wondered aloud about securing some planks of it, maybe the rudder, to enlarge our ship "... purely in jest!" (added for legal reasons).
Mungo: "Take the wood from the bottom [of the boat], so they won't notice."

We pulled up on the beach. Those in need of Greater enchantments went to the new Temple of Luck to enquire further. SF, Mungo, & Cher stay at the boat, purchasing some dried fish and gossip (included below) from locals for cash over shared mead and strong cheese:

• There's a lot of abducting and raiding in the region; many are then sold on to the Destinians (hiss!), especially women and them what speak the language.
• The trickster-god's temple in Fuhreling is newly built, in stone! They dug a hole overnight, 40' deep, and then paved over it.
• Mist comes up (at night?) and turns icy and turns blue. And people are gone, and you can't hear anything not even their screaming.
• Betty Crowfoot is working in the west in [the Kingdom of] Rogna, commandeering pirates. She's a foreigner, magic-using, in league with Destinians.

The party reunited and headed for Ragna's family home-cum-jewelsmith-workshop, a longhouse. Four guards in chain & furs guard the door. Both sides of the longhouse roof come down low and one must bend low to enter it. (Resisted the natural urge to limbo in — first impressions are always so important with jewellers, and it's somewhat indecorous when first meeting a guild-member's family).

Inside the House of Yngvarr, it was warm, with the inviting smells of food & metalwork; A big household, well furnished, including assorted weapons strategically place about the room. Cher bought a 1700 sp 2-handed sword (the lady has impeccable taste in jewellery).

Ragna askes her family if there's anything they should tell us. Various members of the household said:

• Fendrid, a Hero has come in to the lands of the living, seeking to kill 2 giants ... Aid him in his quest.
• Four direwolves, celestial casters, were in the area a month ago, up to something ... we don't know what.
• Gothrick of the demon-cursed is active (and may have been the poisoner?? Or involved??).
• Half a dozen women have gone missing in the past month (your daughters no long go alone).
• Indeed, Someone/thing hunting two of each type of women: 2 dwarvish (which is why they were worried about "Princess Mordrin"); 2 human, 2 elvish, 2 hobbit.
• A skraeling beast, like a lizard, was seen in these parts. It's not Cher; this one came ashore earlier. (Is Cher at risk of abduction??)
• The trickster's temple was built 2 months ago.

Sarkel, a 60-year-old badly scarred on 1 side of her face told Ragna: "Words of spring will be uttered by the High priestess in Lokis, and she will make a prediction of something, which will carry weight. People will be going to Galvinaal for the rites of Spring."

Mungo & Ragna went to the the newly-paved temple, to make offerings for their Greaters. As suggested, they pay with gems (including certified valuations provided by Ragna's kin, to get full value).

---

Chapter 2: From Fuhreling to Lepesaar

In Fuhreling

After several party-members have been "lucked up", we decided to investigate the missing women.

Thora, a human woman recently disappeared from a poorer part of town near the West bay. It happened in the dark of the night before yesterday (3am-ish), the darkest time of the night.

Mungo asked that information be left for "Laugh-throne the elf"(?) with Ragna's family; but by planting coin in plenty of dirty hands, possibly some useful rumours might grow. The impoverished locals cooperate ... mostly. There are suggestions of strange people hanging around (eg, someone who had frog/duck feet, but looked like a man otherwise).

Thora went down a very seedy alley with a dog-leg kink that hides shady acts from the main street. Her client was not froggy-foot, but with a big bearded guy, a foreigner about 7 & half feet tall --- We later guessed he was probably a half-giant). Ingmar the Doxie turned him down, but had a good look first ... [short pause for Mungo to insert a few silvers and prompt questions] eg,
Mungo: Did he have greasy hair maybe?
Doxie: Take of yer helmet ... yeah, greasier than yours.

Apparently the Big guy had crossed axes [tattoo] on his forehead; nice-smelling breath, smelling of apples; Southern accent.

Through a crystal darkly

Cher can see the past of her current position, briefly, if she knows when to look. At the Alley Kink, Cher whipped out her crystal ball and we gather round. Taking a punt at the right time (15 minutes between 3 & 4am), some of us see the indulging pair as the ground-mist swells and a bear-like shadow falls over them. Mungo gets a different view (looking at the crystal from a different angle). There was a Dark silhouetted figure stepping across the roof, clearly different from the bear shadow.

Mist coalesces & gathers in height while Thora & her customer are oblivious. Big guy is dark-haired, back to the alley; Thora is mostly unseen except for legs clenching her "investor". Fortunately SF (as a master courtier) is a connoisseur of courtesans & their techniques, and saw enough of Thora's foot, ankle, & akimbo lower limb to get a Locate.

A whitish polar bear (browning with age) was creeping up with intent and transformed into an Axe-wielding GIANT (10-12' tall) wearing a bear cloak and, as the mist swirled, stepped up to the hanky-panky couple. The person or entity on the roof threw a coin and the swirling mist dissipated with no-one left. And the roof-creeper was gone from view too. Possibly looked like one of Fenrid's minions (one of the people from the ghost ship, prev. adventure).

SF Located the courtesan's leg, Thora's leg is to the South; a quick Windwalk indicated 50/60-ish miles south; then Located the bearskin cloak's distinctive clasp --- very close! SF (grumbling about low mana) guided party to a nearby supply/pawn establishment.

Cher engaged the canny proprietress, feigning interest in scale-pigments, etc, and then turned to the bearcloak...
Cher: What a quaint cloak and clasp. How long have you had it?
Pawnbroker: That were passed down from me aunt years ago, who served the queen of mumble-mumble, a hancient heirloom what she won for great ...
Cher: So a couple of days then.
Pawnbroker: Quite.

After ludicrous amount of silver exchange hands, we confirm that a woman found the cloak in the alley.

Some townsfolk give offerings to Ragna, to get her to ignore them, and one of the tearaways touched up Mungo (for luck apparently).

The party go back to the Burnt Ram and we set off at a modest pace, before cutting across land mostly Southwards (barring detours to avoid 2 towns). Later that day we confirmed that Thora's leg is in or near Lepesaar. So we returned to the water ...

Lepesaar: Giants & a strange water cult

... and sailed around the Hagelborg promontory NE of Lepesaar's Island and approach Lepesaar itself from the East at a modest 13-15 knots, very like an innocent longboat rounding the Southeast of Langia (the mainland, such as it is) intending to sail to the standard route to the Western parts of Ivinia. Lokemheim#Lepesaar.2C_Thran_.5BK10.5D Outside the town, we see BIG tents (military in style) near Lepesaar. 5 ships 2 pulled up wintering; another 3 take 60 total. Humans & giants are rebuilding/replacing the walls. We engage a local fishing boat buying fish and gossip in exchange for silver and a small cask of mead. Olvir the fisherman gives us useful information:

Family of stone masons have come to work the area. All the ways from Jellmar. The king of Suteling owns the place & is paying them for it. Problems with raiders last spring, ... lots of raiding etc, a spiritship a few years ago.

When we asked about strange people in the vicinity, he replied:
"No nothing, no priestess or frog-foots" [vigorously, anxiously?] "I wouldn’t be saying anything about any smelly frog-feeted ..."
But he did mention, coincidence-like, there ARE priestesses of water who work with the giants. They have created a sacred place, a large pool or lake ("We don't go there, bad luck for fishing").
LATER THAT NIGHT, Olvir did tell us saw dead fish (put in the lake?)
"Two large sharks and two large tuna. I thought they were dead, but I have seen them move strangely"
Maybe necromancy? Or just something big playing with its food? Neither option is reassuring.

Lepesaar: home truths

We got on well with Olvir and he invited us back to dinner at his place in Lepesaar town because twilight is almost falling. The party transferred to Olvir's fishing boat and SF beached & anchored our (Located!) vessel on the exposed shoal suggested by Olvir and quickly swam back to the party.

As we approached the town, there was a warm breeze through the Argos pass. Spring's almost here. Fish on the shoreline were drying. The Locate-arrow pointed to the main hall. (confirmed as we proceed). The partially built walls were impressive ... about half completed.

Orm his wife (same name as the Dragon; did one mishear?) was indeed a fine cook (excellent chowder!) and, despite the astounding number of human children (mostly trying to creep up on our priestess, and running away in pretend fear when she turns around) there was a homely feel to the house.

After dark, we went for a walk ... Bonfire with animal bones. The new walls with freshly exposed faces beautifully glistened with light off the bonfire. Big bones in the pits, but nothing alarming. Much Singing & Incitment of people to carouse. Ambling innocuously through town (spy much), it was clear the defences were a noticeable enhancement.

As evening progressed, Orm & Olvir relaxed more. They confided intelligence of interest to us, but only after first attempting to resolve some family matters:

• Trying to get Ragna to take away young Fluhr (son) to a safer place.
• Trying to marry an older son to Ser Angelis.

Olvir: You're a fine figure of a woman. Are you married yet?
S.A. [diplomatically playing along]: Away Fighting ... towards Alfhhiem.
Olvir: Where ?
S.A.: About 3000 miles that way.
Olvir: Ah! So you Don't have a husband then.

Facts that emerged:

• The giants need entertainments: Bards, singers, jugglers and "entertainers" of all sorts.
• Quite a few of the Giants working on the wall wear bearskin cloaks.
• The giants needed entertaining, or else there would be a sacrifice every night.
• From the couple's descriptions, the priests on the island were identified by Mordrin & Ragna as being from the Cult of Nyord.
• Olvir thinks the priestesses and priest are going to do some magic on the wall that requires sacrifice [Bound earth? it's clear all the party-members were thinking it]
• There's been all sorts of talk about one of the kings not paying.
• Olvir denies knowing anything about the particular giant we described as being involved in the abduction of Thora, but isn't surprised that it happened.
• "There's one giant that's trouble the rest are alright".
• All sorts of people have come and gone over the last 4 months.
• There was some mention of Ooger (?)

---

Chapter 3: Unpleasant things near Lepesaar

The Nyordic lake

The party skirted around Lepesaar town, approaching the cult's stronghold though a dried out ravine leading to a newly-created mysterious lake a couple of hundred feet wide.

The Cult of Nyord are based a short distance north of the town on the lone, small Island (perhaps 50 foot across) in the middle of the Lake. The trees locally are fir & needle pines; but the dimly perceived, black, weepy, willowy "things" on the island are wrong and dark in too many ways. Scary Werewolf-Mungo threw his spear into the air & it became a very large raven (called Yak?) that flew around the island. It seemed to be travelling a long distance and took a long time. When he returned, he described a central place with 4 archways (dressed stone arches) leading to places he couldn't perceive.

Examining the air over the water, there were 3 rings of protection all of a very similar aura. The magic is "Distance blight". We spent some time trying to understand the sinister air, the strange lake (silted with suspended sediment), and getting our ducks in a row --- they got very argumentative over dried fish, but said there was a quiet stalking school of eels in the southern end of the lake (to our left) between the village and the island. We headed back to the town.

Two giants, somewhat undead, wanted to attack Mungo in single combat (possibly a something about Zora the Ice-drake) while the party DA-ed the opponents: enchanted armour; oath (quest fulfilment). The Axe was "bane of living" (destruction based around joints). Taunts were made.
The giant asked: How does the Mungo creature say it, ... "Pwauk pook-pook Pook"?
And eventually Scary Werewolf Mungo agreed to fight both giants sequentially (the wimp), in a battle circle, with 6 more giants watching; some even, in a half-tuned sing-song, allegedly cheering on Mungo "Come on the Mongrel"

Mungo evades, waiting for the younger undead giant. So the giant threw an ax, ... then another, then has 3 axes whizzing in the year (are these magic axes). And suddenly Mungo was subjected to unnatural axe in the back ... but only a Ft blow. Mungo hit 2 axes outside the circle; and then hit the giant for 26 End ... Fortunately Mungo made both resistances against Necromantic magic (assisting with counterspells didn't count as cheating).
The giant cried out: "You wound me ... Ah ... oh" [staggers to the left, staggers to the right ... pauses for applause].
Then Mungo & the smaller undead giant traded insults ... mostly to do with giving birth to 8-legged goats (it's a northerner thing). It's a pity when a live werewolf loses a battle of Wit against an undead giant.
Ragna: The giant's funnier than you are.
The giant was struck by Mungo's [borrowed] spear & falls to and into the ground ...
Undead giant: "Bastard that's the same blow you did me last time".
Mungo [confused] "... It was the other one I was fighting".
Un.Gt: "When we were fighting back on the ship you fool".
Mungo got a grievous & took it on his shield. Giants applauded.

When we ask about who/what lives on the island ...
Giant#1: "They have drunk from the bowl" [meaning the nautilus shell] "after which you cannot return".
Mungo: "You mean the toilet".
Giant #2: "There speaks the werewolf".

The Fisherman's Tale

Olvir updated us on what else is known. There's a chest of coins for people that bring in one of the creatures (i.e., a reward for the abducted women). The coins vary ... perhaps 5000 worth ??

The lake has been there for about 9 months. They did a Ritual and water flowed up from the land; then land flowed up from the water. Three to start with, then with agreement from the headman, they sent a message to the king and more giants. Every night the witches pour water into the nautilus shell every night and the coven & giants drink it --- getting somewhat drunk (& probably controlled ??).

Selling some slightly soiled party-members

Woken with the kids, we snuck out of town to the cliff beneath which our boat was anchored. Using Mungo's magical rope to climb down safely. We plan to sell all 3 creatures (with their consent/connivance, naturally), so we "sail" into the small harbour. The 5 giant huts are very prominent from here. Ragna would be a very important person, even if she weren't bringing in some rare creatures. She is introduced to the other important people by the head witch In the background, the priestesses are all tying knots in ropes & recording stuff in the knots (like the "Elvish" quipu in the Empire of the Sun).

Jora welcomes the party (well, just Ragna really) "Great Mother, this is our Headman; his name is Eagle. My name is Jora "[PoO Alusia; pacted to Nyord; counter required for her greatest attack spell: Water special]. "I have a boil on my back & I do trust my sisters to lance it ... the bitches will stab me in the back". Ragna heals the 4" boil.

"Have you got something to put it in". It being a spiderlike thing [Magical; no GTN; caused by Rk 7 magic; death to ingest; PoO Alusia]. Jora offered Ragna a charm ... Water in a Nautilis shell (Gtr enchanment; lower duration). Two more priestesses turn up; the younger is missing an eye.

"Worshippers of Odin tried to stop us a few months ago. One of them [meaning Thorfin] tried to do unspeakable things to my sister We return them to Fuhrelng ... with Haggulda the haggler to advise. Odin sent a curse." (Ser Angalis DA's: Nature of the curse is sterility).

Inside the Creature Room were 2 hobbits, 2 elves; 2 dwarves (now) & 1 whatever-cher-is [suarime]. There is a man called Glum, who is sword-brother & Axman to Oddy, and who was due to arrive in Lepesaar in 4 days. Jora said she would pay Ragna a chest if we defeat Glum.

The Handmaiden's Tale

One of the human abductees related her story to Mordrin, Cher, & SerAngelis when the revealed they were here to rescued:
"I was at the last place the Ritualled & came here with them. I was the only one to make it here ... The other humans were buried beneath the foundations. Just being used as spell components to protect them against our species. The hearts of women are used because men cannot cross them." [A human & the other dwarf go over and punch a woman; apparently she was working for them]
"There are 6 priestesses & 1 man. Sometimes all are in the building, not often ... but don't known for certain. We're only let out once a day for food at the spit and plenty of giants around."

Cher spoke to Thora. She was brought by Glum (some ghostly or magical creature; he can summon the mist up & everything goes still & quiet. I think he is a shape-shifter and can turn into a bear. (SA DAs Thora, last magic to impact [sleep]; on the coin & nature of its magic [uniqueness]) Thora: "I don't really trust you, I am part of a new temple".
"So the cloaked man on the roof was your associate?"
Thora suggested Mordrin/SA/Cher pass the coin to their outsider support (ie, the rest of the party)."Lt Kolla is the person coming for me". They have a terrible monster in the lake & another monster made of water from their shell (someone drowned in it)

The party plotted ...

---

Chapter 4: A violent Dinner Party

The Nautilis

We discretely lashed object of interest with Detect aura & Detected enchantment. The Giant nautilus shell can be infused with pearls or other valuables, get it to do endow the water with magical potential. There are several "snail" shells (from the Isle of adventure region) used as cups, that determine which particular effect is conferred on the drinker: Luck; Charm; (Waters of) Healing; etc. The rank varies from 8 to 12. Confirmed since the duration of Charm on the giants is about 24 hours.

Very UUseful Sooths

Several of us sought and saw a strange, nigh Seer/Soothsayer. Some strange sooths she said were thus:

• [to Ragna]: You have walked many land are long in the tooth but young of face.
• What can you tell me of the sheep they have brought me?
• [of Cher] She has already sacrificed herself.

Also useful tips to Mungo on feeding Elk and dealing with other family members. However she did have many useful things to say about defeating the sinister Cult:

• The Thing-in-the-lake is their teacher. Your friend is susceptible to its charms, but your gill-laden friend will be immune in his wolf form.
• If you cut these priestesses off from the water, it will diminish their power.
• Have Warriors to pay them a visit with steel; only axes will defeat them.
• If you entreat, Aid will from an enemy; with the assistance of elements.
• Have you spoken to the locals? I think thy have forgotten their heritage.
• But I have seen a flood wash over their land. Not a literal flood; I think you are the flood.
• If you free the giants they will fly into a rage.
• There is a spy.

Her personal advice to Mungo & Ragna

Mungo offered to cross her palm with silver.
Seer [to Mungo]: I want not your silver; I think you should give it to those who you have fornicated with.
...[to Ragna]The elk will eat silver from your hand and pass it in 4 days. They change the silver. Feed a coin, one from each hand.
Mungo: But I don't have anything to say to an elk.
Seer: Shh you've been under the thrall of the evil priestesses.
She also told him:

• Your brother will come for you before next winter. He will tell you a message of some importance.
• If you defeat him 3 times in this lifetime he will go on to great things.
• Your gut feelings will be repugnant to him.

The headman's tale

Following the hint to talk to the locals, we spoke to the headman away from the priestesses, after SF confirmed he was charmed and dispelled it.

• They (the Nyord cult) were originally staying only a night, but time has passed.
• Sombody has paid them to come & do this.
• I know the king is coming now to bless the walls.
• The king will come & they will magick him.
• My son is gone for help ... he knew something was wrong. He's gone to the king to get help.

Dinner & the Combat Triumphs of Mungo

The Giants, priestesses, Ragnar, their guards/mercenaries, Mungo & SF are at the. The abductees are acting as servants The giants, in Dwarvish, ask Mordrin to tell a story — and she tells a good, distracting, story. They're totally engrossed in this; SF translate the dwarvish story for those that don't understand, to draw attention & then pass it back to Mordrin and slips back into the hut to spell-up (Mana sense, Armour spell, Dispel Magic & recover fatigue). All this was pre-planned distraction so that Cher could perform the vital task of NOT giving the Charm drink to the giants. In fact she had a water-skin up her sleeve and was just giving them the water.

As Mordrin reaches the dramatic high-point, with disrtacting animated gestures and sound effects ...

1. ...she leapt in the air and struck, with a steel axe in fact (that "accidentally" was nearby), with a blow well-aimed [by130] and powerful [33pts]; water rippled over his wounds, but evidently it didn't heal him as expected. Ragna snuck behind a priestess & struck perfectly (01!). Cher possibly made a booboo with the charm-water because, as she was preparing, she began to think well of the priestesses — until they quickly revealed how viciously inimical they truly were; SF targeted a R20 Water-special counterspell under the priest & most of the priestesses (maximum area of effect 01!). With a crashing sound, Nautilus shattered (because it was in the unexpectedly enhanced AoE), water spilling everywhere. There were mutterings about destroying loot; but the action was right (even if unintended). In revenge (possibly a Curse?), the priest sloshed both SF & Mungo with a wash of evil water (SF was aged, but M wasn't); so Mungo stepped forward to attack priest who coincidentally, now that he was detached from his watery connection, was collapsing even as Mungo stuck. A Priestess turned into a 2-hex hydra.
2. Next SF, in Dwarvish, incited all (especially the giants) to attack those vile cultist who had been magically controlling them; raising party WP (by only 5). Mungo charged & hit the priestess-cum-hydra and it too fell over … because Cher, a split-second earlier, had changed it to stone. Ragna hits the next Priestess and a little (4pts) got through; Mordrin stepped over & dealt another might blow (36pts) that is washed away. Both Ragna's & Mordrin's opponents failed their water magic (because of the treble-sized counter). Serra spotted a mercenary & his off-sider throwing a cloak over one of the chests, attempting to steal our treasure, and moved forward.
3. Mordrin's attack failed (even though SF, an instant before, had dispelled the healing bubble on her target), because the heavens opened with a crack of thunder and heavy rain fell. The thieves drop "our" chest. Two giants tried to stomp Cher: obviously she was one of the flunkies that had been feeding them charm potions (perhaps misunderstanding/following the Mil-sci's exhortations). Fourth-time lucky, Mungo reached a target that hadn't actually been killed moments beforehand by someone else ... it was last free-standing priestess and he killed it in a single blow.

So, in under half a minute all the cult priesthood were dispatched except for the 2 missing ones (who were probably on the island or in the lake).
"Don't worry, we will HELP them when we find them"

---

Chapter 5: The cult, defeated, waved goodbye; Glum too arrived & withdrew.

Conclusion of the Fight

1. Cher ran off because her kin needed help (i.e., was charmed by a priestess). Despair washed over her, but she kept the shadowy out of close; and then the charm was dispelled. The storm summoned upon was affecting our vision, turning the ground muddy, hampering our combat, but the water-proofing minimised the discomfort
2. Serra tried to summon an elemental. However, she was a little too successful: three turned up and ... and she controlled just the one. So Mordrin, as an earth-aligned dwarf, stepped forward, killing an uncontrolled one in a mighty blow. It was obvious to both SF (through Manasight) and Ragna (who's sensitive to things like that) the former earth elemental had become some sort of undead. SF countered the 3rd one and Ragna prepared, while Mungo changed into his tails (since he was Seen to be seen in that form); Mordrin evaded.
3. Serra ordered her controlled elemental to protect her from the other elemental. There were portentous lightning displays. SF raised the WP by 5 (only), and Ragna Bound the lesser undead. The earth about has pot-holes of vivid green gloop: possibly related to the undeadness of the elemental, or the blinding rain, the shattered Nautilis, a Death curse, or just the innate toxicity of the enslaving Nyord cult — just saying, they're not very nice people, in case some member of the party was *still* unconvinced (I'd name him, but that might upset his humbleness).

The lake drained

Then battle was over. The remaining Evil Cultists had fled to their Lone Island of Power. Since there was no way we could safely breach the lake we ate and discussed strategy with the Giants. Ragna asked if any amongst them were any earth-mages (what with their wall-building gig) ... but they were indeed all ice giants, confirming that it was the Vile Cult [getting tired of using "Evil" all the time, even though it suits them so well] that were organising the presumed bound-earth ritual. It would take perhaps 48 hours to freeze the lake. So we feasted on lamb (with a little special Jerky); some trying the "black-water cider". And surveyed the enemy's terrain from a safe distance ... not especially reassured by the benefit of the "distance-distortion" curse.

The controlled Elemental came back from scouting, and believed the lake was maybe 20 times its own 4' height deep (Serra is only Rank-1). After 2 hours, SF's & Mordin's back-tunnel to drain the lake is ready (both Master Mechanician/MilSci's), dug by the elementals under Serra's & Ragna's instruction. Towards the end, it was seen though the spyglass darkly that a giant "creature" had been called up (?) by 2 figures on the island & climbed onto it's back (perhaps intending to fly away)

Once we'd breached the earth-wall in front of our drain/tunnel, the water began rushing through and we heard a bellowing challenge from the lake. There is lightning everywhere, but especially back-lighting the creature: a Huge Multi-necked Herd of creature heads rearing over the edge of the lake. That is definitely a dangerous Hydra maybe 300 to 400 foot long (I wrote that, but still can't believe it!) with a dozenish heads (well, at least 8). A wall of water had crested the lake 20' high & 400ish wide. Earth-mage Serra is given a Water-breathing as the most un-swimmingist party-member (how is that possible for an elf?). Cher & Serra are in a tall Wall of Iron cast as a ring 3-feet across the rest of us partially protected from the first blow by a Wall of sand. Except for Mordrin who leaped onto the iron tower.

The Hydra "surfed" towards us — Waveriding across the back of the Flash-flood wave that's hundreds of feet/yards thick, lightning raining down on the surface. There were, of course, 2 humanoids on its back. Modrin leaped the Shark Hydra-infested water, the rest of us taking <10-Swimming rank> d10 damage from the rocks, less armour. Within the flood/wave, 8-10' Tuna-sized fish were being seared by lightning ... No, correction ... they were spitting the lightning.

We estimate 2 million gallons of water in 4 minutes emptied the lake (although I'm sure our draining tunnel helped). Mungo felt compelled to chase the loot (until the "Challenging hero" spell was dispelled ... Bad dog! It's not as if I wasn't already busy). 2 barrels were secured; but there was a trail of destruction across the mostly open ground down to the bay. The Villains are long-gone and far from our reach.

In the aftermath, there were no serious injuries and Serra almost magically cured Cher's green goopy foot, but it is not just poisoned, but had changed into an poison-secreting organ of Elemental Something.

To the Island (the hard way)

We slowly trudged across the muddy lake bottom. Saw rings of large mackerel turned to stone & made into concentric circles with aura v. similar to the distance curse. 40 min later going thru the deepest part of lake and 40 later reach the island that is actually some 200-300 ft across, not the the 20-30 it appeared to be.

We are still in Alusia. Clouds still cover the the sky. Dark & Sinister Ducks (GTN ??) are perched in the trees. Disturbing! Auras confirmed that this is definitely a Water place of power.

Neither healer has the skill to regenerate Cher's foot; but, as Mechanicians, both were keen to experiment. Wheels? Clockwork? Would a short ski or runner be better?
Sera: "If we had a beast-master or alchemist they could milk her."

Mordrin managed to identify the gland & extract it.

Where we stood (or sat Divinating), just inside the edge of the island itself, was in Alusia, but within 8' it became another place, one intrinsically linked to Water plane ... just the other side of a suspiciously black, small, circular barrier like a narrow garden border made of coal surrounding the most of the interior of the island. The elemental stood on the outside, tried to step in, but it crumbled. There was [or seemed to be] Lightning & rain on the inner part, which would take days to dry.

The Temple

We non-elementals entered safely. Beyond the coal-like barrier ring, the shore from this angle went back to a lagoon. Lightning, rain, swaying of the tress ... a lot of noise. The temple was in up the hill on the clearing. On reaching it, we saw to one side outside the temple an old camping site (not used for days) and through the archway was a pool of apparently steaming warm water. (Couldn't DA the water). The camp had racks of drying fish; also ropes with semi-precious stones (45) which Ragna snaffled up.

The temple had 30-wide, 40' high Arches, rough-hewn on the outside but (looking in) it had Symbols on the inside (earth magic-type runes). Serra DA-ed the arch: linked to the elemental plane of water. Looking through the arches we can see sky; but Mordin leaped up to the top of the arch which, from the top, looked like being on the roof of a building. She realised she's the highest metal-clad dwarf for miles around, and so was immediately struck by lightning.

After several hours slogging back to the village. We were fêted and then to bed.

Glum

Ragna woke up & bans the pox banged the pots. Four ships had arrived. Glum & 70-odd warriors lined up; a female soothsayer creature (2 legs 2 hand but maybe 3 arms or something weird). Glum moves very calmly casually, with no wasted movement or effort, not overdressed. Glum wanted to be paid; then wanted to have his captives returned; then claimed he had promised to return them when the priestesses no longer.

We talked amongst ourselves for a minute in the once-again Scry-Shielded longhouse before answering his points, respectively No; No; No thank you (with rumblings of sod off in Giant). Mordrin & Ragna told him & his fellow pirates we had ejected the evil cult that had lied and then attacked the village; that the Headman's son had already informed the Over-King in Suteling; and that, as a confessed associate of the Nyord scum, he was ordered to leave immediately, for their own safety, and we returned inside.

They scuttled back onto their ships, trashing the piers a bit, leaving a box on the pier. A quick Locate on one of the boats & a random junior "officer" duly confirmed that they were leaving (and parallax checking confirmed they did sail away, not just around the headland). The box contained a temporarily stoned basilisk. Cher cast/cued a permanent Petrification on it and it was tossed into the water some distance away.

We debated leaving ... probably for Lokis for Lokem to, respectively, EITHER visit another Oracle (in all fairness, the previous one was very helpful) OR to advise/warn/be rewarded by Lepesaar's overking at Suteling.

---

Chapter 6: From Lepesaar to Lokis

Timber, Silver, and Corrupted Halflings

The party prepared for the trip to Lokis. Some the cult's flood detritus was cleaned up (Ship strength), but we needed more timber from the woods for multiple Ship strength parts for a larger vessel. Since the party was temporarily secure from scrying or obvious spell attack, people were powered up (or queued) longer duration/higher effect spells (+20 Ranks). SF shared with Mordrin the quantities of timber desired, and she took Cher & Mungo to assist/herd the giants to fell trees.

Meanwhile Ragna, SF, & especially Serra (as the liaison/communication specialist) went on a silver recycling mission. Serra bellowed out to the elk, and one big bull responded; apparently he was *very* interested in her ('tis the season for such shenanigans). After crossing several ridges we eventually met her correspondent.
"Ah one of the fey. You sing to me on my own tongue"
... and he persuaded Serra to scratch his itch [see the tasteful depiction on p.xx]
"I will consume your silver and give it back if you consume our cheese and give it back."

We were taken to a different area over more ridges, through woodland and lakeside reed bank, and met the herd's cheesemaker: a short, strange native with antlers on his head [GTN: hobbit; infravision; not pacted; no college] When he learnt that Serra is from Elfheim he is eager to be taken there ("I am in favour with your queen"). SF advised that, although we were on pressing missions at the moment, it might be possible in the future. The cheesemaker show his heritage by dwelling on his food woes — despite the elk don't understand the bark, shoots, and grasses the elk provide, he misses the hedgehogs: "I can't catch them, they swing from the branches". SF Wind-walked to the other party-members to advise them of the delay to our departure and collect a few supplies and returned like the wind.

A couple of days passed (likewise the cheese and silver). The silver can be used in amulet to protect from, summon, and talk to elves. Priestess Ragna was particularly zealous to get her hand on the silver — her jewellery heritage obviously.

Serra tried Summoning arboreal mammals ... 20 rushed into shortly: the "Hedgehogs" camouflage their heads in a leafy manner, have quills sticking out of their backs and opposable thumbs (on their hands). GTN corrupted short brethren; Native GTN "hobbit". A cask of mead was de-itemised, and the short-folk partied with Serra (possibly under the influence of the Elk), though less cavorting, more feasting & singing ... indeed "Serra & the hedgehogs" would be a good minstrel-band name.

SF took an hour to meditate (Divinated self & then True-form ritual): had undergone a set of transforming magicks by swapping some of me for Elk. Becoming hoofed and horny, Serra & Ragna kept their changes (although not enough to hide from a Locate).

Through fog to Lokis, in time for the Oracle's Festival

Having Ship-strengthed the Giants' ... well, giant wooden statue of an eminent party-member, and counterspelled it to show it was still their statue really, and reformed it and the other boat into a large local-style vessel (the Hull & each mast separately constructed; with a smaller un-stepped boat in the hull). We set off, raising the colours of "Geld" von Schoenhausen (a "dwarf" who briefly visited the region 2 years ago) over those of Admiral of Borovia ... to aid the party when going by land — it's Elvish magick, so the ranks of personages aboard increase the speed at which one flees (or, in theory, advances).

A couple of days later, we dropped speed significantly in the Gulf of Gelemaar because of the fog which as locally natural, but probably somehow caused or manipulated by the wreckers on the deceiving shore. [SF queued some more Rank-40 ship strengths, and a few 33-hour Water breathings. We eventually make it past Cape Hayet and headed into Lokis. There are lights on the hills above. Lots of flags on various other vessels; camps; etc. A few hundred extra people here; all local ships. We spied the Arms of Lokis (mermaid?); The sea-wolf of Rogna; A crow with a gold ring; A green tree on a yellow background. [TO BE CORRRECTED/ANNOTATED LATER]

The Festival of Lokis and its nearby islands

Everybody was under a flag of truce invoked by the oracle of Lokis — the Elkyrie, predominantly priestesses. The Seers there are very strong on local events; vaguer on things further afield. The festival involves Rituals at nearest significant island Kyriheim. There is a also an abandoned elvish settlement [Maruchom] haunted by the fey ... they saw their own doom: many left, some stayed. The Elkyrie is, quote, "A socially acceptable way to offload one's magically incline daughters" — almost a cult of female almost-assassins ... in combat they see enough of the immediate future to defeat even great warriors.

In about 2 week there's a large ceremony conferring benefits to those who take part — knowledge & luck for the upcoming year. Made it ashore. Discretely discovered what Menglanians are about. Apparently there was lots of honour to be earned in the fortnight to come.
[Note: in total 2 weeks training time (if wanted), or 3 weeks if it's magic; the voyage took some 7 or 8 days]

Ragna & Serra made their silver into amulets that should protect them from fey creatures or a lesser amulet that protects one from natural creatures (like moose & otters). If one recognises that one's opponent is fey it will give you 3% def, 3% MR, & 1 pt protection that stacks with all other bonuses/protections. Reworking it would improve it, especially with Ragna 's family's resources; and another passage thru the elk would also help.

To hour our party, the locals insisted on dusting off a temple to Hel (8' in the centre; 4' at the sides), and insisted that we stayed there. Mordrin stopped Mungo from leaving, otherwise he was likely to be assassinated in town (about a third of those in town would be keen on earning "honour" that way; and most of the rest would just kidnap him to get the ransom. I'd forgotten that Swenway had no qualms about assassinating nobles or even royalty (no matter how minor they are).

Best is expected for those that approach the Seer near the height of the festival. Many think the only way, or the best way, is to enter the maze and find the Seer (Is she a priestess or a spider?) There may be a giant minotaur. About half a dozen evil types entered a few yeast ago (or possibly a Thugee cult?), now living in the maze and killing of others who enter. Last year was different ... in that they weren't ALL killed.

---

Chapter 7: Lokis & the islands

Rumours and disguises

In town, there are some 500 families, estimated at 800-1200 people, & same again from Menglana; and almost as much from Rogna, etc. It is (too) well-known that a Priestess of Hel & a dwarf accompanying the son of the king; Plus 2 elves. We brush up on our disguises, which are not particularly impressive (although SF studies Mungo in his camel form, just in case). So we establish a variety of code names:

• Don Basilio Isla de la Ballena (alias Geld von ShÅ‘nhausen or SF), a human-looking southerner, almost certainly Destinian (a gaunt, somewhat slimy funcionario well past his prime) armed only with a mace and boring advice. When obviously an elf, responds to Basil
• Raven (Mungo with hair & mutton-chops dyed flaxen-blond; the facial hair extended and woven together, tied into a knotted beard)
• Ulfa, a dwarf (alias Mordrin)
• Scarlett (alias Cher) -- please insert your cover name; theoretical disguise optional etc
• ________ (alias Serra) -- please insert your cover name, etc
• ________ (alias Ragna) -- please insert your cover name, etc

Fortunately Mordrin has a scarf with a Disguise Glamour of high enough effect to allow the wearer to masquerade as a different species (e.g., passing off our priestess as a male dwarf). Thus a part of the party could go out without looking like any suspicious grouping. Indeed we could shuttle the entire party from one place to another, like the classic wolf/goat/cabbage problem; Diplomacy forbids naming who would play the part of the cabbage.

The Menglanans are all planning on pushing through the passes and are interested in skilled folk to add to the Force ... and paying well (the recruiters, if not the talent). We learnt this from another Jora (it's a common female name) who was noticed snooping around: she was reporting to Torfi who is a talent-spotter for the upcoming Menglana Push.

Also a gangster, Sidni, planning on poisoning several people (including one Hegg) here at the festival — so we snitched to Hegg and a protracted fight ensued over the apparent betrayal.

Helping the Seer's people

We went to see the Seer in two lots – Ragna disguised as a dwarf went with Mordrin. They were approached by a woman, asked to return at suppertime to meet her mistress at the main temple. "Bring your friends if you've got any with swords."

Later, with Cher guarding our gear at the Hel-fane, the dwarven couple returned. Some humans were at the Seer's establishment, throwing knucklebones & laughing at the improbable configuration that the bones fell at every time. They left as we entered. Asfa & Sifa, who'd approached the "dwarves", offered lamb and quickly got down to business:
"Some pottery jars" (one with the ashes of a significant lady of their cult; also some spices from the south). They wished to hire us because they don't want to use up their own luck and they don't want to expend themselves prematurely. The jars "were in a Dwarvish strongbox of great craftmanship, made by your brethren. Indeed someone may have already approached you to open it for them. They'd probably approach you or the other dwarves."

Whereupon Raven St Honor(?) talked at too much length about how good and upright he personally know the Dwarves at the Hel-temple to be fine upstanding ... ignoring the coughing fit [MilSci signal, dammit!] by the grey-haired Destinian.

Ulfa agreed, and began to succeed at gaming. Since Mordrin Ulfa was unaffected by alcohol, she spotted 4 humans suspiciously NOT as drunk as they appear to be. They approach her, one asking that she might assist him opening a lock-box that he can't open because his cousin left town and forgot to return the key. Raven's ESP picked up ravens/crows/seagulls, plus a couple of shady characters sneaking up on Ulfa. Ra thought there was someone spying from far away (perhaps through the birds' eyes).

We apprehended all 3 miscreants (they were working for Flossi) and identified the chest as definitely Dwarven, worth (in Ulfa's experienced estimation) about 75-100 thousand silvers and one that would have taken many years to make. The ladies are please to get their mistress's chest back and sailed out before dawn, towards Eryhiem.

Safely threading the Maze

We navigated out of harbour and stopped off at a small island, so that Serra could buff us [65 defence Earth Armour lasting 21 hrs; +34 PS/EN]; etc. We then reached the Seer's island. 30-odd shield maidens waded out to help us beach the boat. We reached the cave/antechamber of the Fatal Maze:
Acolyte: "You need to choose one of six holes to enter the maze by".
Raven: "So we should each take a passage?"
Basilio: "It show incredible over-confidence by the party to plan that only ONE of us will survive, yet still expect the mission to be a success".

Ulfa (Mordrin) the Dwarf explained to the party the difference between Stalactites & stalagmites: "When the tights go down, the might goes up".

Relying on Mordrin astounding luck, we entered where she chose and eventually smelled the sea and fresh water; we had reached the goal. Speaking to the Seer, we were give several vital clues:

The Seer's sooth

There is an Incubus & a succubus who are in unholy alliance with a Summoner — Drola is her most common name. She is currently dead beneath the Sound you are to head to. They used to be aligned to someone but he is long forgotten. I think you will defeat them when the blood of elves sprays on their faces. The young man cannot be slain by other men & the young women cannot be defeated by other women. Both of them use poison of nasty origin

The Seer (to Mungo): "You have picked up a dog follower; that will set you in good stead."
Basilio (aside): "Ah Mungo! Beloved of mongrels!"
The Seer: "An enemy of Mungo will be of great stead."
Mungo: "Who will it be?"
The Seer: "A friend of your priestess, a giant [i.e., the undead giant, again]. It will defeat the spectre that will be sent against you to defeat you & eat your heart in the sight of your friends. Although you are foolish you are known to be brave. The spectre was summoned by the Incubus & Succubus."
"The giant is already there waiting for Mungo. We think he will attack with a spectre, and mad with fear, he [Mungo?] will not be able to change form. There are some prisoners, if you are concerned with such things. But they will be released if you kill the two men or get rid of the other two."

Mungo asked if the opponent is his brother:
The Seer: "Your father does get about, although I don't believe he slept with that King's mother."

Mungo: where do think we should look first to accomplish
The Seer: "The town of Fryoberg, but on that Brogar Island. If you go to Brogar island, you will find half your problem.

Mordrin: Do you know anything of 4 celestial direwolves that appear to Ragna
The Seer: They are direwolves that work for one of the Necromancers, the one in the Sound.

To the Island

We sailed to ... [check map] Island, near PELYN. It is rumoured that The "Tusks of Edrolyin" have done bad things to people who attack the Island through magic.

We passed to the West of the fortress island heading to the Southwest ford. We landed and moved the boat inland out of sight from the water, then rested/slept in shifts in the scry-shielded area, waiting for late night. We duly approached the island in a small dinghy, then slipped overboard to walk along the seabed underwater. (everyone is still Waterbreathing and Wind&Water-proofed) Quite an effort was required (by those who couldn't swim) to walk/climb the steep ascent to the beach, since it was a fjord.

On the beach

SF cast a plus-20-Ranks-Halo so that Serra could cue or recast her spells; SF could cast counterspells on everyone. The best choices were Counter Mind (rank 36G/36S) or Illusion (rank 32G/34S) for the Inc/Suc; or Celestial (rank 35G/35S) for the direwolves, since the "spectre" the Seer mentioned is not expected to be standard version; or Necromancy (rank 40G/40S) for the "Necromancer of the Sound".

• Counterspells are +126 MR for D+37min (for Rank 32) through to +150 MR for D+45min (for Rank 40)
  
• Anyone not casting was watching or sensing.
  
• SF offered a spare Dull Brown Robes of Freetown(itemised) robe & spare Choker of the Elements. i.e., both from Arcane_Items. if anyone can wear them — presumably not.
  
• Weapon spells were cast.
  
• 150 min [Treble durn] Manasight 300' range
  
• Both SF & Serra had SF's "bite me" Elf Jerky to recover (up to 33 points)
  

When Mungo changes, he collapses under the wt of his body, changes back & painful but better. [Petrification of the Tusks] Serra (with a Rk 26 Detect traps) was alert and spotted a figure in the battlements had obviously see us then fled to the black tower.

---

Chapter 8: Sneaky-sneak, Talky-talk, Stabby-stab

Succubus hunt on Brogar Island

It was 2am. To guard our retreat and act as potential rescuers reinforcements, Mordrin & Cher remained on the beach while we four were the tactical strike-force: Swift, stealthy, coordinated. Well that was the plan and it was somewhat successful.

We used Mungo's rope to shimmy up the short cliff; then scoot up the gully while MilSci SF flew (Oops: magic impacted; "ctrE&E needed to dispel") to its top to check attack/defence aspects and other critical features not seen through the crystal ball. The local who had seen us had fled towards the Black tower. There were guards on the flat roof the 60'-high tower, which adjoins two other lower, defensive, large, stone buildings. Short Windwalks were cast so that Mungo & Serra arrived at the same time (the 03 did NOT go on duration), with Ragna arriving a pulse later. Magic impacted on the fliers; most(?) resisted. Mungo & Serra quickly, quietly subdued both guards, whose wounds Ragna & SF bound to avoid suspicious death buzzes. Mungo & Serra moved to the top of the spiral stone stairway to hear if our presence had been detected below

In the room below, three guards were playing bones, about to ascend and relieve the guard, eventually ... just a few more throws. SF followed Ragna down, who was on the heels of Mungo & Serra who swiftly engaged the relief guards (Death buzz). About 15 Faces on the stone wall shift their gaze away from Ragna. The remaining king's guards surrendered and cooperated when judiciously intimidated/encouraged by Mungo.
Mungo [heroically, of course]: "Step aside! I Swear by Odin that I am Not Here to Harm your King. We are Here to Slay the Demon "
Serra [whispered aside]: There's a King? Which King? \\ Ragna [whisper]: King of Menglana, where we are.
Guard 1: "You mean the priestess"
Ragna: "Is she very beautiful?"
Guard 1: "Yes and very VERY evil; she is downstairs in her chamber with someone very important, but not the King
Guard 2 [catching on]: "Her brother is also very good looking and very evil. The fiends cannot be seen."

Bearing in mind the Oracle's advice, Mungo asked that SF to cut his off-hand on Mungo's spear. Done (and pressure is kept on the wound so that, if necessary, the elf blood can be literally sprayed on the succubus.) Then, as the only flier who failed the magic resistance, the Namer cast a Rk 20 Dispel Magic (duration doubled by tattoo) and was rid of the unknown E&E SK spell.

We heard preparations downstairs so everyone rushed down another level. There were three fighters, one REALLY BIG. They had Shadow form (or similar). There was a Necro effect that only gave a slight tingle to Mungo, but Sera lost 12 each from EN, FT, PS; and Ragna was on +25 cast chances.

Mungo hit for 47, then a black wispy weapon followed like a shadow or afterimage ... and another and another. As requested SF, cast a counter Celestial-special which, even with the death-penalty was a double effect (01-->11).

Through the door, too many party-members heard the lamentations of a dear, long-lost lover (a different one for each, we assume); the door opening after the first round of combat. A painfully beautiful, disguised succubus stepped through and cried out "Mungo serve me in our cause", before anyone could act. Serra swung & missed. Ragna stepped & cast on the shrouded assassin behind the oblivious Mungo. The big guy stepped up and said (to Mungo?) "Lets go". SF cast on Mungo to dispel the Control/Charm (unfortunately guessing the wrong counterspell).
Serra teleported to, quote, "the disgustingly beautiful bitch" (the succubus).
GM: "But you know that will cause you great anguish and grief".
Serra: "That's why I drink."

A Face-off and easy truce

There was a brief moment of confusion and somehow, suddenly, Mungo, Serra, and Ragna were racing to the adjoining King's Hall to kill the King with the Succubminions ... Leaving bloody(handed) SF resisting the Evil One. With her charm failed or ineffectual, the so-called priestess tried negotiation.
Succ: "Do not oppose me, Elf, and I will release your comrades after they have killed the King."
Silverfoam [calmly, after a second's pause]: "Agreed."
Succ [uncertainly]: "And you will not attempt to follow me or my minions for three days?"
SF [cheerfully]: "O.K."
Succ [sharply]: "Why do I not trust you, Elf?"
SF: "Meh, ... what do I care for some local King? But, I am contractually obliged to protect my companions "
Succ: "Perhaps you mean to agree to the literal words of the truce but seek to deceive me in other ways?"
SF: "No. It's not like you're killing a relative or king of a party-member. Now we would have a problem if you wanted to kill the Dwarven King."
Succ [In genuine shock, or Rank-10 simulation thereof]: "I would NEVER ..."
SF [Rank-9 whimsicality]: "Oh! A death-buzz ... Hopefully it's the King, the local one." [Gets out 2 strips of Jerky, tosses one to the Succ.] "Here, bite me." [and starts chewing on the other.]
etc.
It appears that the Succubus was unaware that we believe the King of Menglana to be one of the people we must execute summary justice on.

Meanwhile, regicidally, a few rooms away ...

In the King's bed-chamber, the foul murder Thoroughly Righteous, if somewhat hurried and informal, Execution of Justice:
Serra: [with Elven Gravitas] "Mungo, Remember your OATH to the guard not to attack the king" ... [Cheerfully] "Stand aside and let ME do it. You take the queen."
The wife stabbed Serra in the back, which failed abysmally due to magic.
Mungo [to the Queen]: "You can surrender if you want." .[Stab, Stab, Stab, ...]

All the while ,Ragna was weaving about nearby trying her new but unknown effect — Flashing her "Salamander Eyes" ... just to see what it does; but the King & Queen kept resisting. Suddenly, Serra couldn't see a thing.
Anonymous: "Huh. That's what it does."

---

Chapter 9: The King is disappeared; Long live the King

A wild & stormy night ... Find a better title, maybe from the Scottish play

The party reunited on the beach, and we took the small boat back to where we'd hidden the main boat. After quickly DA-ing & laying hand on Serra, it appears that she's NOT blind because of Salamander eyes nor death-curse which, frankly, was contrary to our expectations, given what *usually* happens whenever a party-member kills pretenders or actual royalty (which is alarmingly frequent).

As we fled to the next inlet, intending to rest briefly, there were serrated spears of a lightning storm with multiple strikes. However, that fjord gave someone (and Serra) ominous feelings. Possibly snake or mini-kraken related, so we sailed further east to find a safe haven. Passing 3 moored ships, we head up another fjord. To pass the time, healers examined the physically blind Serra and, contrary to all known maritime customs, speculated wildly as to the cause and what accursed supernatural affliction had smitten her. Cher, one our two non-healers, wondered whether someone had stolen or intercepted Serra's sight and Blindfolded her, just in case.

We Hid the vessel behind a rock spur; with another 2200 ft of rock face rising behind us too. Serra "feels" a warmth on her skin. There was a Blue & Purplish roiling on the surface of the water further up the fjord. And a Gathering of mana. We calmly left as speed and did not pause until we had passed a headline (near Vulenheim QQ) lit by the large glow of a mine/smelter, which Mordin's nose assured us was a copper pithead. Sensed the cries of eerie wolves, Mungo turned into a werewolf (all the better to hear it), but experienced strange twinges. We saw that Mungo's fur had become streaked.
Mungo [nervously]: "What colour are the streaks?"
Blind Serra [quickly]: "Yellow".

Ragna & Mordren turned to pay attention to a murder of crows QQ?Rooks. The wind dropped as they flew past. Mungo the Streaked flung O's Spear-slash-Raven into the air; the Raven noticed that the flock was decreasing oddly, literally, as 7 became 5 became 3 became One.

Serra the elf is deboned

Watches are set, and some rested, while SF Divinated Blind Serra. All the expected; in fine health, no sign of a curse; the drop of 12 pts [on multiple statistics], necromantic magic (some sort of raise death in the living).

Serra suggested "Maybe there was something in the King that jumped into me." So Ragna did some sort of Necromantic Extraction and began wrenching foreign, childlike bones out of Serra. Mungo seizes the first and it started to burrow into him; but he manages to stuff it into Ragna's ball, losing only 3pt PS. The last bone Ragna withdrew was the jaw-bone of a wolven-type. It seems Serra was being possessed from the inside. She just needed to be healed or new eyeballs added if they don't return (un)naturally with time. After all, her PS was returning slowly.

We discussed how to fix Serra, especially the remaining internal possession near her hip.
Cher: "Hip. Cut. Open."
Serra: "Suarime. Skin. Handbag."
Cher [mildly offended]: "Luggage actually; I'm quite large enough to make luggage."

Mungo failed to heal himself

After we've all rested Mungo, with wolfin sense, suspected a snake was sneaking up on him. And, as he stood still, straining his senses, Mungo was stabbed in the shoulder by a spear. It's companion, the undead Giant, smote it and flung in into the fjord, saying "I will return later, without my cowardly companion".

Mungo was savagely poisoned with a three-in-one toxin.
Mungo:"It's OK I've got something for that".
Mordrin, SF, Ragna [together]: "Yes, we're called healers".
His Waters of Healing failed (as expected)
Ragna:"Synthetic, obviously".
Mungo:"No wait, wait. I've got something else".
The healers patiently waited as he pfaffed around for 10 more seconds before collapsing unconscious; then two of them started curing his poison while the other applied restraints.
Cher: "We should call this adventure Six meaningless arguments before breakfast."

Sheep on Ship; Dwarven blockade

QQ SECTION NEED CLEANING FROM HERE ON

Jarling Strasser in Froyaheim. Effectively the general at the moment. Has 40 warrior followers. He would be able to force a claim to the Kingdom when his royal kinsman is killed (they are rumoured to have tried to kill each other.

We head into town of Vulenheim (about 6K people), an inlet in Voldfjord. Cliff fortified/reinforced; bolt throwers under tarps.

Mungo is given much-needed words of wisdom by a local merchant.
"I see the path you walk along the beach and a child ([aside]I did not say your child) will walk in your footsteps."
Ra will take the sheep to Trond (with sheep
MU: What are the rules...
S [Interrupts]: "Don’t turn into a wolf while there are sheep"

Ra is approached by a woman who want passage to the Holy mountain; Ra refuses, because it's not where we're going.
"Good luck in your sheep-smuggling; the dwarves are laying siege to it." "I'm sorry I thought you were honest
We are paid to transport 75 sheep, 6 shepherds, 2 dogs, and a rabbit; which is to say Ra get money for it.
Ragna: "Serra can't count". (or she may have said "doesn't count", I wasn't really listening)

Metal ship blockading the town \\ a large Metal machine/craft on the bottom of the bay.

When we signalled & haled them, the Dwarves approached in an Ice-covered dinghy

Dwarves under contract for a Man from the Far North, "Kyril". Fryoheim tried to employ the Dwarve to improve Froyaheim.

In the morning we arrive at Froyaheim, Strassling is the grandson of the King.

"Be careful! The creature from the sea is coming after you. Beware! Beware!"

---

Buffs

Note: When it is safe to do so, 20 Ranks can be added to Buff Spells.

Wind & Waterproofing (Rk40)

Strength of Stone unmodified +14 EN or PS for 15 hours

Armour of Earth unmodified adds 30 def absorbs 1 point of damage per strike for 7 hours 30 minutes

Lesser Enchantment -1 on dice rolls for 3 months