Olympic Security/Destinian Gold

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Scribe Notes

Summary

Adventure: The name of the adventure
GM: Michael Parkinson
Season: Autumn 802 WK

Party
Employer
Prince Ed Employer
Don Deigo Non-employer
Original scribe notes
Media:Snau0103.zip

Places & people visited

Destiny
Don Diego (illusionist, Grahct of Mittlemarkhalpstead), Donna Astoria (Michaeline, aka Father Bob) Don Rodreigo di Posa (celestial), Don Xavier (water, ships captain), Donna Leonara (air/healer, aka Father Leo)
Alba Longe
Destinian ex-gold mine site,
Carlos’ regicide site,
Loki (Trickster) Fire god,
Monastery: Chancellor Antonia, Themoskian leader.
Freetaun
Sir Earnest Drake (illusionist dragon, possibly Aeetes),
Norsono (water mage pirate hunter, deceased), Vampire necromancer
Panourgas (pirate)
Hellenic States
(see attached list for full list of persona & gods)
Tower Hill
Many Cattle (prince), Surrounded by Cattle (his wife), Bodyguard (elf), Prince Ed (of Cowland), Shining Moon (his wife)
Bright City
Laudable Wooing (Queen), Resolute (her husband/King), Priestess of Hera, Medea (Priestess of Hecate), Goat Strength (Carlos’ son), Muddyfacade (his mother)
Renegado Michaeline Monastery
Black Bishop (BB, deceased), Seeley mount (his fey ’horse’); Dr Bartollini (healer warrior, deceased), Sir Rapfael de llavve (warrior, deceased), Sir Ferdinand de Westwood (airmage, deceased); Archangelo de Scarpia (E&E mage, son of Il Barone Scarpia), Sir Ferdinand Colubro (celestial mage), Little Hans (Earth) Phoebus (Spartan human looking troubadour Demigod). Their warhorses with non-tracking shoes.

Adventure summary

Investigate destruction of gold mine and blight at regicide site. Stop Destinian Renegado Michaeline taking Carlos’s son to be Infanta (heir to King to Destiny), by killing the Black Bishop and 3 of his knights. Ensure the Hellenic Olympic games wasn’t interrupted further. Negotiate trade deal between Destiny and Argolid empire (Bright city). Successful mission.

Scribe Notes

Background Information

Carlos was king of Destiny. Scarpia was in charge down south, centred on Raniterre. Black Bishop in Eastern empire, centred on Toledo. BB only one left, took over escaped carlists, and sect of magic using misguided Michaeline knights, with 200 high-level-adventurer knight backing. Carlos had spent lots of money just before death build huge army, based at Toledo, researching and making 3 more ships and cloaking devices. Carlos was a Summoner, Scarpia E&E, BB was apparently uncolleged 5 years ago, what is he now?

The "Secret Gold Mine" at Alba Longe - the island adjacent to Destiny was attacked last midwinter, 8 months ago. Officer Donna Lucia Antonio (last in line of a respected old family, closest relation a great aunt, now the chancellor of the monastery on Alba Longe) was killed, by a hand and half thrust through chest whilst standing, paralysing magic was also used. Gold was destroyed/taken, using a rank 19 celestial dark sphere, presumably guards and any animal witnesses killed by this too (stormy night reduce potential witnesses).

War was then declared, also since then BB’s half brother took over Toledo in a coup. Presume BB based in Toledo now. Political warfare so far, no troop fighting. Some Destinian spies killed, hence our unofficial, but Diego sanctioned, mission.

Meanwhile, BB’s Renegadoes were raiding Ellenic states, since they thought the Hellenics were tied to the Amozons, which they thought helped kill Carlos. Previous party with Ed took 2/4 (3?) cloaking devices and ships, (but not the Big Charlie troop transporter) a couple of years back. Possible the Renegadoes built more cloaking devices, or using this gold to make more.

The Hellenic whom hired this party at the guild meeting, Prince Ed had been told "Oh dear, Something nasty’s going to happen at the games. I’m sure you’ll find someone to help you." Helpful hint from Bodyguard (parent’s advisor, discrete, all-knowing, truth-seeking, retired E&E elf), that BB’s Bad Destinians are involved with the interruption, or at least financing it. We think the Interruption may be of the form of demon/Michael appearing to disrupt the local pantheon of gods/religion, which the games are in honour of. Also, convenient place/time to clear the picture of a lot of head of Ellenic States.

Ed’s uncle Ezrah’s contact in Sanctuary suggest Ed either avoid or go to Freetaun. Ruled by Illusionist Black dragon, previous party & Ed encountered, possibly owe something to C&K&C for helping out invisible raiders problem. Destinians hate him, (jealous of piratical activities?), is it mutual antipathy, both wanting to be the sole ruler of the seas, and determined to stop the other be that.

Suggested plan of sailing to Ellenia on Destinian ship, disguised as Destinians, with Sir Christopher as one of the Destinian Ringed Four. Then deviate from traditional Destinian methodology to upset the planned interruption, and kill BB, (to complete the set). First stop, Destiny via Alba Longe, sailing with Diego.

Preliminary Astrology Readings 

Was the gold destroyed?
Golden lodes and lustre must,
As chimney-sweepers, come to d---
Fear no more the head of state,
Thou art free the tyrant's weight,
Care no more the date & name,
For in the dark, 'tis all the same.

What is the religion of majority of people directly implementing the interference at the Eraklean Games?
Apologies to the astrologer, there are two simultaneous answers. Suggesting either the evil-doers
worship two higher powers -- or that there are actually two factions doing the mischief.
I, who think more highly of our kind,
(And surely Heav'n and I are of a mind)
Opine, that Nature, as in duty bound,
Deep hid the shining mischief under ground:
...
Useful, we grant, it serves what life requires,
But dreadful too, the dark Assassin hires:
Trade it may help, Society extend;
But lures the Pyrate, and corrupts the Friend:
It raises armies in a Nation's aid,
But bribes a Senate, and the land's betray'd.
...
Pregnant with thousands flits the scrap unseen,
And silent sells a King, or buys a Queen.
Well then, since with the world we stand or fall,
Come take it as we find it, Gold and all.

Charles the Bold and Charles the Bad,
Charles the Great and the Victorious,
Charles the Martyr, Charles the Mad,
May that small king be as glorious!
Who shall tell us,---if there be
No such thing as after-life time,
If no resting-place have we
After labour-time and strife-time?

The Adventure

Set sail to Destiny 2nd Fruit, arrive evening of 5th, dinner at Villa Voccia with Donna Astoria, Security Officer Don Fabio, introduced to Don Rodreigo de Posa (Celestial, wearing blue sash), Don Xavier (pronounced Ha-vria) (Air, wearing yellow sash) and Donna Leonara (Water, wearing red sash). 6th leave before dawn to sail an hour to Alba Longe island, arrive still dark. Escorted by Don Fabio through the wilderness the mine site, arriving late afternoon. Investigate regicide site, 1/2 mile, 1/4 hr away. Blight on the area associated with a great death, created by a non college ritual, MA 28, some alchemy also involved. It is drawing the life force of the flora growing in the area, concentrating it at the centre. The centre is a bare rock, devoid of all growth, as if a magical acid had been poured on it. Perhaps several casts on the area, giving variation in the cast time within a day. There is a void of spirits on the area. It was cast 1 1/2 years ago, perhaps on the 1 year anniversary of Don Carlos’ death. Perhaps a similar sort of soul/life force sucking ritual completed on Donna Lucia Antonio to make her irresurrectable.

A group of ritualists/pilgrims were attacked and slain by a group of orcs, on the second year anniversary. A handful of other pilgrims had been interrogated over the years, need to check with someone what happened to them.

Report of gold mine theft given by Destinians: 

Since the Destinians found NO witnesses [excluding plants & stones], they assume that the raiding force had
some sort of mind-magic; even preternaturally high perception should not have enabled the elimination of
ALL potential witnesses. Donna Lucia was a namer. She reported (using a sympathetic crystal of vision)
before sunset daily. She was attended by 30 reasonably skilled soldiers and a corporal. The men were mostly
set to training & exercises. Every day she or her corporal would visit both remaining veins (the trip to the face
& back takes about 3 hours). The last communication was on the evening of 3rd Snow 801 (3/8/01) and was
quite normal. A squad was on the scene 28 hours later. The only body remaining was that of Donna Lucia
with one fatal wound through the heart [probably from a hand & a half] - the powerful paralyzant on the
blade was unnecessary. The "snagged" cloth was in fact found under her body. Donna Lucia's body was
found to be irressurectable. Conjecturally a result of the weapon she was killed with, since the effects are coincident
-- She was irresurrectable two hours after her death. It appears that a preserve dead probably would
have extended this period, but the body was not found until almost 12 hours after she was killed. As at 3/8
there was a small mining crew active in one of the mine's shafts and a crew working on the ventilation shafts.
It is improbable, but not absolutely impossible, that the raiders were at the mine before then. That night there
was bad weather.
It is estimated that a high-rank earth elemental *could* have extract the remaining ore in about 10 or so
hours since the mine had only two veins, both of high purity [approximately 42-44 million gold shillings worth
of bullion]. Normally the gold is triple-refined at the mine and cast into 20lb ingots. The smelting equipment
was also destroyed. However it is anticipated that a Rank19 sphere would have taken 23 or 24 hours to scour
the surrounding rock as it did. A dark sphere trail goes 35 miles across the island (away from the Destiny
mainland) right into to the sea. Any sort of sea going ship could have anchored in the deep water there

The spirit of Donna Lucia said she was killed by hand and half blow, after refusing to renounce her position and turn to the side of the Black Bishop. She said there were 8, dressed all in black, told all the guards were killed (with evil laugh). Most reported total darkness, unable to see anything, heard slaughter of others, then killed.

Her lieutenant was the mole in her operation, and very disgruntled by being killed. She had been approach by some old loose contacts, and promised safe passage out, and 1 million sp. She had vague idea of when to expect the ’Old Regime" - BB people, but was surprised to see them arrived in the mine. She saw 6 humans, 2 were watching, only 1 dark sphere, though had bright lights in use, presumably to see the gold veins. The veins seem to be dark sphered out, and destroyed, perhaps 1% of the gold taken out as chunks. The storm came after her death.

If demons using rank 19 sphere, why not teleport? Side trail down to sea as sidetrack, to give Destinians idea that the gold had been taken away, rather than destroyed. Perpetrators fly in & out? B try fire elementals, have free will here.

Cultists (bodies were looted), said they had started ritual proper when attached by mass of orcs, hence ingredients were destroyed "it’s ruined, have to try another way" They were killing orcs 10:1 / 20:1 at first but were overwhelmed. Orcs attacked all magic users especially. They "died doing our duty, failing that, killing as many orcs as possible." Orcs had had a meeting of warchiefs, where Blood Drenched Moon had told them of a revelation from his spirit friend, that there was a plan to do great evil (perhaps a secret plan to get orcs under control of the humans, the plebs thought). Told "ensure no-one with magic escapes" Orcs tend to deify totems rather than the POD/POL.

Trek to chat with Loki/Trickster Fire god, in cave surrounded by resinous pine trees, told of ritual " 4 red robed, 1 leader/controller, and assistant holding big book prompting him. Others were dressed mainly black, with pretty jewels (incl. nice ruby & gold necklace Loki has now). The Raven said it was a formal ritual, not used ’other worldly contacts’. The book was destroyed, or gone to the orcs. Might be able to be brought for "a good price and lots of free beer." Ritual was trying to bring back Carlos "thin nose" - his spirit still lurking attached to island. Loki seemed surprised about mine attack - non astrological forecast? Confirmed Gold destroyed, except for a few full pockets. Left by cloud, Destinian didn’t find broken wheelbarrow wheel left as clue. Advice to Brightflare "Be careful of old men, they’re not always what they seem to be." When we asked of Sir Ernst Drake, eventually remembered who he was, but refused to say, as "it would spoil the joke, and the Hellenics get so vindictive". Drake had a charming daughter, called Sneaky, or perhaps that was Loki’s description of her. Said that Freetown used to be called something else, and was still ruled by Sir Ernst back then, and it had lots of spirits or somesuch. Raven GTN formerly Cathonic deity, major magic to know & report, using mind magics as attack.

Burn blighted circle. Magic technically still in affect, but diminishing affect. Travel to Monastery next day, change to goats to climb big stairs. Couple of wards - whitefire flying within 100ft, and then at top, major curse sleep 100 years. Very warm, not stormy, lush temperate trees. Vegan eating habits, Keisha expelled when seen eating meat. Meet Chancellor in morning, she is Great great great aunt to Donna Leonara Antonio, offers us air magics help. She didn’t see anything of the attack, storms and clouds both so common, winds not informative. Gives us a couple of knick knacks - pearl necklace, silver spoon.

Others staying at monastery, a Themoskian leader (relation to St Charles ruler?), with 2 ’baronies townsfolk guides’ speaking with carefully non-Destinian accents. She wants us to help sort out Drow Pirates off Raniterran coast. Seems they are being paid by someone to attack ships, this being for matters of state, not just mere greed. A seer had talked of fatal child.

Return to Destiny, another astrology reading "what information should we know?": 

Tis all a chequerboard of knights and ships
Where destiny may lose the banker's horn
The games, the games, to lose a queen and pawn
A king, or turn-about, and win the chips

Take delivery of our ship ?Nemesis Returned?: An Hellenic base, with a Baronies/vague Destinian look built over the top, all held together by ship strength. 10 Sailors crew, with ex-military feel to them. Captain is Don Xavier, 1st mate Don Rodreigo de Posa, 2nd mate Father Leo, (Leonora dressed male). Put in to Seacroft, to drop off some adventurers, take on board some supplies, sail off with full compliment of Destinian crew (including Father Roberto, Donna Leonora, Don Paulo, Guilliamo, Bertino, Lucia, Isabella).

Some discussion about whether to visit Sir Ernest Drake, whether he is Aeetes, with his daughter Sneaky being Medea "Cunning". If so, what are his intentions to disrupt the games? Revenge for being forced to leave the rest of the Hellenic states, or other internal politics. Or is it Sneaky herself doing stuff with his blessing? Involving the Hecate church and all? Sir Ernest seemed helpful to us visiting last time, but two years, the situation and politics have changed, he may not be so friendly now. Thought the party as a whole would give away too much information, and possible not gain any, so the idea was canned.

18th Fruit

After dusk notice a suspicious fog, preliminary fly-by investigation indicates a large ship risen from the depths, crewed by 2 dozen skeletons, zombies (incl. 2 ogre skeletons), directed by two human vampires?. Fog is magic "invoke", about 500’ diameter, allowing 20’ visibility, though it swirls around a bit, so can see some things further. The ghost ship was finishing attacking a smaller ship (with only tatters of sail remaining), as humans were being subdued and chained, taken below. As our ship goes in to attack, we’re hit by necromancy mass fear, then water spout.

The necromancer was apparently a vampire, and vanished after taking lots of damage from Dragonflames, possibly dead. (His coffin was opened to the sunlight afterward, but he didn’t appear in it.) The water mage attacked again with a Maelstrom, taking our ship and the other small ship down, regardless of the dozen human cargo, 2 dozen skeletons, etc on board. He then started to quickly submerge his own ship, before being killed by a ray of cold.

We managed to salvage most bodies except 2 of our crew (only us, de Posa and 2 crew survived), the human ex-slaves were put into employment on the ship. Without the air and water mage officers, we decided to hobble to an out of the way island in the archipelago to lay off (park/corral). Entered into discussions with the merchant and his body guard. His name is Panorgas, a merchant based in Thought, however since he is a mind mage, seems to spend most of his time working out of Freetaun. He told us that we had slain Norsorno, the elven water mage, a pirate that had been harassing the area for 15 years. Suggested we claim the reward for payment of resurrection of Father Leo at Freetaun, since that was the closest civilised port of call. He offered to personally introduce us to some resurrectors in Emporium, (the older settlement, south of Freetaun), but we declined, suggesting he sleep off the rigors of the fight.

19th Fruit

We flew over to Freetaun on Santori Island, landing at the Docks. The guards arrive shortly afterwards, to escort us to a hostel while our request of audience with Sir Ernest is weighed up. The lower part of the city is full of very small, disgusting alleys reminiscent of the worst of Sanctuary, to the Customs point at the natural border of the low lands to the hillier parts of the city (the more usual entry point to the city, apparently). The mid town is more a craftsmanship and commercial area, akin to the Seagate docks in quality, except houses all whitewashed. We arrive at the upper part of Freetaun shortly after noon, good timing, since the city is still freshly wakened. We deposit our ailing companion at a mortuary cum healers before being shown to a hostel. We confuse a group of locals since we are not the group of Destinians they thought they were greeting. Apparently a group lives locally, either neutral, or BB. We didn’t enquire or make contact.

The hostel had another group of Destinians staying, having arrive 3 days ago. Lord Admiral Martineff, whose family have been lord of the island of Martineff for ages, a ship repairing outfit about 500 miles north of Plas Toro, not used much these days since the Araby trading route declined. de Posa said he was until control of DD which was apparent when we met him after dinner. Martineff was staying at the castle now, having attended the dinner party the night before. (Wearing Destinian black with coloured sash, not socially acceptable, and made penance with fine display of fireworks at the dinner we attended.)

The dwarven bardic vizier (but looked different from the dwarven bard vizier to the one we met last time, but he’s long lived, yet mutating perhaps?) met us mid afternoon, invited us to dinner at the palace. We conjure up a present - the necromancer’s staff, (which did permanent necromancy magic if wielder used blood of someone with known ITN) and 

a riddle presented in draconic.
What was full 'til mid of night,
A secret if told to reduce the might
They alone want to cling to their plight
'Cause otherwise may bring huge delight.

ADVICE When meeting Sir Ernest, take a present, and don’t wear black, no magics to be cast in palace grounds, mindcloaks disliked - show up as a blue halo, eat everything presented. Dinner passes off uneventfully, one lone (mind mage) elf getting very drunk in a corner, two separate groups of Drow, talking with Sir Ernest, two groups of Destinians, and some others, about 35 in total. Sir Ernest only about 35 feet long, black scales, gems embedded in underbelly, wearing a fine thin royal linen cloak and a huge crystal bauble (diamond?) on chain at his neck. The dining room suited to a much larger being. Message from DD after dinner, that BB looking for the Infanta, the royal child. Could be aged between 5-30 years old, from when Carlos was sowing oats in his wild adventuring days in the Hellenic states. Probably the child passed off as son of a god, and if takes part in the upcoming Olympia will be shown up as mere mortal, hence target for BB. DD will prefer to be magnanimous, to give him the traditional family estate to reside over.

20th Fuit

Some early morning shenanigans (deaths in upper city) which we sleep through, Father Leo resurrected by Father Adriano (Martineff’s Michaeline), then they both go back to the ship to help Xavier and the crew. We visit Sir Ernest mid morning, hand over Nosorno’s head, take the 12,001 Seagate pennies reward, and two doses of resurrection.

21st Fruit

Make preparations to sail on: Father Leo in a resurrection frenzy gets back the crew of the slaver ship. These men and Panorgas and his bodyguard are set adrift on a raft with a one week duration ship strength, in which to presumably return to Freetaun. We return to the fight site and dredge up Panorgas? sunken ship, cut off the masts etc to make it ready to be towed, under the surface of the water behind us, moving with Xavier?s mage current. The new freemen and women are pleased to be earning some real money, and happy to be taken to Tower Hill or Cowland.

22/23/24 Fruit

We sail to the Isles of Adventure, laying off half a mile from a (hopefully) deserted island, with instructions for a watch to be kept on a particular rendezvous spot which Keesha makes. During the night of the 24th, The Ark is raised, and dried etc. All of the Destinians remain with the Nemesis Returned.

25th Fruit

Prince Ed the hero, his freemen and his companions (Hawk, Cat, Swan, Horse, Bull, Zebra and Meclas) to set sail through the Cut to Slip, the dock to the city of Tower Hill, which surprisingly takes the remainder of the day. Bodyguard greets us at the docks, with rooms ready for Ed in the town, his companions taken up to the palace, to stay with Manycattle and Surrounded-by-Cattle, Ed?s parents. Over the course of dinner, we gather information of the upcoming games: 

The Games start on the Equinox, the 15th of next month, at Bright City, the capital of the Argolid Empire, to honour 
Hercules the Finger, a titan offspring who invented weaponsmithing. There is an opening (and closing) ceremony with
blessings by the local head Priest of Hera (the protectoress, goddess of marriage and women), currently Skyface Queen
of Brightcity. 
The games last from a minimum of 4 days, up to about a fortnight. The length depends on the number of
entrants, which is not determined until the games are underway and all the families/contestants that are going to come
arrive. Thus the actual date of the feast with which the games close is not set until closer to the time. The feast is
where great performances/deeds are acknowledged/applauded and would be a prime target for staging some upset.
 Competitions in the games include fast running, discus throwing, wrestling, swimming, straight shooting archery,
virgin race (open to all townsfolk and only a virgin can win) and the prestigious event of the cross country lion hunt
(with horse drawn chariots and spears, hunting 300 lions over 50 sq. miles). Competitors magical talents and spells are
always used (?how would you stop them being used??) Their curses a successful deterrent to immoral behaviours. The
audiences tends to be families/supporters of the competitors, around 700-800 people. 
There is always a truce on during the games, but this is the first year for many a while when there isn?t any open or
covert warfare between any of the states, so a large turnout is expected/rumoured, including Royal family of Thought,
some centaurs and many exiles returning such as King Fearless? brother Pestle exiled from Brightcity, his 18 year old
son Goatstrength (Muddyfacade the mother). The Argolid Empire was doing most of the trading with the Destinians
between 50-15 years ago (while Thought was going through a politically turbulent period), which would narrow the
search for Infanta. Astrology reading ?what is the age, gender (and distinguishing features) of the Infanta??
The Renegado Destinians are now unwelcome in the Hellenic States since they were behind the slavery attacks a few
years back.

29th Fruit

Shining Moon, Ed?s wife, arrives at the palace via cloud mid morning. (Pretty mid-twenties looking lady, wearing dress made from cloth of gold, (DA ?a gift of the gods?) and an ornate gold necklace (DA keep her at peak of fertility)) We learn of a slaughter of a troupe of brigands that had set up on the road south of the city Flat (where she had stayed the night before). After lunch we fly over with her cloud mage to investigate.

Carnage site of a group of 2 dozen orcs, part of a fertility cult from inland (towards Cowland), who had set up this ambush site a week ago (ritual sacrifice of others gives them their fertility or somesuch). The spot they chose was a good ambush spot, though perhaps an obvious one. Their forward scouts were taken out from behind, then later killed at the start of the fighting (death aspected familial group/clan) The orcs decided to take on a lone man clanking with armour a bit under his white cloak, leading a very fine war-horse. When set upon, he held them off for a minute (the horse standing to one side at his command, kicking any that tried to approach). Then a surprise cavalcade of mounted knights with lances and hand-and-halfs joined in the fray, slaughtering every orc (the furthermost orc had only managed to run 150 yards, heading towards rough terrain to deter the horse, to no avail). They were wearing white and red beneath, with a red flag on one lance. One rider (leader?) was described as having a golden head/halo/hair/helmet (coruscate?). The surprise appearance of the horses was due to the lack of thundering on the ground, and sound of hoofbeats - the normal champing at the bit and clang of tackle was present, but there is an obvious lack of hoofprints at the scene, and surrounding the road. We were investigating the site about 24 hours after it had occurred, estimated that they might be trying to cross The Cut channel this night, if they are indeed BB Michaeline/Renegadoes heading towards Brightcity for the games. The area had an exceptionally large pack of wolves a week previously, and their spoor seemed to indicate shapechangers.

We got a tracking dog to follow the scent of the horses. They followed the road going north, but breaking off to skirt around Flat by 2 miles, towards the coast - indicating they had no local guide and didn?t want to be noticed by the locals. The horses were leaving six sets of faint tracks, perhaps they were just bearing the weight of their riders, and not themselves and their gear. They were moving carefully, yet very fast over all sorts of terrain, moving 12-15 miles per hour. They had set a camp 1 1/4 hours after the assault on the orcs, (which had taken us 2 hours, riding full tilt on disposable horses), a military scouting style affair, with horse picketing (tracks of 6 horses) and latrine etc They disrobed their armour - 7 people, one person big and heavyset. They broke camp after 6 hours, which would have been shortly after midnight. They travelled from here on slightly slower, but still 5-6 hours in the dark. We eventually returned to Tower Hill for the rest of the night.

30th Fruit

Woken before dawn, to portal to the Nemesis Returned, have some spells cast on, then headed north beyond the Hellenic towns. Past the villages that had been destroyed by the Renegado raiders two years ago, and which were still deserted. No locals living in this area at all - there was a temple dedicated to Hecate with a seer, but it had been carefully packed away some years back, and was still deserted, herb garden overgrown etc.

We discover what we assume is the Black Bishop’s land headquarters (since it was revealed that the orcs had described the leader of the band with the golden aura as dark skinned, hence Ehrelaine, hence BB). It seemed to be a Monastery complex and via crystal balls 4 miles away, discern a cross shaped stone building, with patrolled walls (with armoured guards), gate on the sea side. A small garden was being tended, but not big enough to support the number of people presumably inside. We saw six people walking about at various times, carrying stuff and shifting it around. They were wearing white robes with the red Michaeline crosses. The ground around it was cleared to 200? away, and a pair of eagles were circling around above it (one mind controlled? and the other it?s mate), we assumed they would be witchsighted.

A stable to fit 20 horses was integral with the building (within the walls). It was currently occupied by 9 fine horses and a very exceptional white horse (>10,000 sp). Snow White was presumably the horse which leaves no tracks. It?s mane was plaited in some distinctive pattern, which we couldn?t recognise. Investeds tied into it? Three grooms were in attendance, carefully doing their work. We heard faint sounds of bells - possibly tied in with their services, or quite possibly alarm bells at being spied on, so we left shortly thereafter.

On the way back we snuck up to a hidden sheltered bay - surrounded by cliffs with nesting seagulls, and outlying rocks. In it was anchored a 100? Destinian ship, slightly larger than a caravel, but built along frigate style, for combat. No name displayed. Stone steps down the cliff looked horse climbable, and there was an unloading hoist set up on the dock. Keesha & Lady Kathleen go in close underwater for more details : 60 crew, currently at ease, captain wearing full Destinian black. Holds 2/3 full of stored grains, casks, hibernated cows etc. Stabling on board for dozen horses.


Astrology readings are now including references to BB, when performed by our group only.

Kiesha’s reading "Who is the Infanta" 

The infanta is the person interviewed by the black priest on the second hour of the sixtenth day.

Christopher's reading "Description of the person passed over on the meeting on the second hour of the sixtenth day?" 

The Black Bishop knows who the heir is, but must test the infanta.

Christopher's reading "What comprises the test that will be used on the 2nd hour of the day after the autumn equinox to confirm the Destinian Infanta?" 

"I fly to catch the tidings of my King!"
Great Lord of Battles! whose high will has shed
This signal glory round my Hero's head,
Thy wound now shakes my shudd'ring heart with fear,
Thy shouts of victory now strike my ear;
I see afflicted Angels staunch thy blood,
(Bears thy great spirit on his swelling flood,
Eager to end, regardless of thy life,
The wasting storm of sanguinary strife),
While compass'd round with growing fears I stand,
The trembling Guardian of this troubled land;
---I see thee lift thy leading sword on high,
The cruel sons of persecution fly;
I see the rout; but, in that flying band,
One sacred head---O! stretch thy saving hand!.

[Interpreted as: It seems that either the BB or some angels of his (or his "angels" = lads) will smite everyone horribly, and the sole survivor will pass the test. Probably using real smiting swords - the ones that kill gods and hurt unbelievers, but save the innocent and the faithful. The Great Lord of Battles is presumably the AA Michael, though possibly the new King.]

Brightflare's question "Is Goat Strength the son of King Carlos?" 

Almost certainly, but these things can change.

Whereas astrology readings done by Bodyguard and his associates ?Who are Carlos? descendants?? return gibberish, still indicating cloaking in use.

Demonic contact confirms that whereas previously it would have broken the rules to have told us about BB, he is now susceptible to astrology readings (to us) because of something he has done. This change occurred within the last month? Possibly since we destroyed the regicide site, or met with DD at Freetaun.

Carlos? son would be beneficial to try to resurrect Carlos himself into the body. A possible role of the infanta.

1st Harvest

Travel to Bright city via cloud, as the western pirate slayers. Visit priestess of the city temple, organise trade of goods. Meet queen Laudable Wooing, rooms at palace, offer our gift. (Tom stay in town.) She?s organised feast for Goat Strengths birthday, the evening of the 16th, the second day of the games. Also that the first event will be the archery contest, on the morning of the 16th, when other competitors still feeling affects of the opening ceremony, day before. Is expected to last about half an hour. Bright City is keen to set up trade with Westerners, offering restorative potions, honey, fine cloths. It is low mana in Bright. She seems set in upsetting the Spartan entourage from the Silent Kingdom, something to do with them deposing her father.

2nd Harvest

Escort around city, shopping, viewing games sites etc

3rd Harvest

Tidy up Hecate Oracle cave. (high mana area)

4th Harvest

Goat Strength and his mother sail into the city, party time starts.

Most of the Hellenic people are pacted to their various gods. Royalty tend toward Hera, Psoidenen, Zeus. Companions tend toward Hermes, Psoidenan.

Goat Strength's 18th birthday is the day after the equinox, his coming of age. The queen is keen on family reconciliation and welcomes back to the city (king Resolute is not so keen). His mother Muddyfacade prefers to stay in the background, she is a water mage, and priestess of Psoidenen, drives the 45? boat at great speeds. Have been staying at Thought for the last 4-5 years.

Goat strength is typical Hellenic hero, (tied in with Zeus) and typically 17 years old, full of his own virility. His nose is somewhat different from the other locals, referring to his paternity. He is agile rather than strong (as was Carlos), skilled in usual hunting, ranger, mil sci, and preferred weapon is Bow. He is under affect of Rank 30 Greater Enchantment, but is normal human apart from that. Has had minor Healer healing done, uses waters of strength (presumably his mother?s). Just returned from an Oracle of the Dolphins. ?You?ll fail to achieve the wreath, but be offered a crown.? Mixed reception, good & bad mixed. Him now worried about Resolute or other Hellenic kingships? Rumours from the locals: 

Early childhood of Goat-strength:
His mother, Muddyfacade, was exile in Sykion. King Fearless (husband of Skyface) brought her back
to Bright City as an unofficial concubine, never realising that she was niece -- or at least that has
always been the official line.
8 months later she gave birth to a son & for some reason immediately abandoned him on the
mountain, although the newborn was saved by being suckled by a goat (hence his name). As soon as
King Fearless found out, he rescued the kid & assumed that its mother was typically stricken with
madness --a common enough event locally, apparently. King Fearless then acknowledged
Goatstrength as one of his heirs.
11 years ago, Fearless *again* forgave his brother Pestle -- despite the fact that Pestle had called
irrevocably down a curse on Fearelss's line as a result of the failed dinner party (old family recipe &
all that). But when Pestle returned, Fearless had him imprisoned [it's amazing how endemic
stupidity is amongst the Ellenic royalty]. The exact details are unknown, but one night Fearless was
slain (supposedly as he was giving thanks for Pestle being murdered) on the sea-shore, Pestle fled,
and the newly crowned Resolute recognised his cousin Muddyfacade & then immediately banished
her & her off-spring on his 7th birthday. Apparently a lot of family secrets were revealed during the
course of a single night -- but no bystanders remain to tell the tale. The [state-sponsored?] rumours
that Pestle is Goatstrength's father date from this time and are known in every Ellenic city..
Bright was about to host the hereclean games ten years ago, but cancelled suddenly, presumably
when his exile occurred. Laudable wooing keen to liaise with Goatstrength reason for family
reunion?

6th Goat strength agrees to have our oracular reading to clarify the wreath/crown. His mother sails him to the oracle with Caprice and Borghoff. Goats strength asks ?What is the price of me taking the crown?? 

On your coming of age
be wary of the dark one
the price is high
the crown will end your line
look to your fellow pirate slayers

And then: 

I see blood. [blood gushing from the crystal, with red/black/white background]

Muddyfacade asks oracle "What do I have to do to keep my son safe?" 

Keep him safely wed and abed

7th Harvest

We all return to Bright.

8th Harvest

We return to Tower Hill, and then to the "Nemesis Returned" to investigate and make preparations for an ambush on the Black Bishop and his knights as they ride to the Hellenic Games. WE take care to be unsryable, so as not to give Renegadoes chance of divining our intent. (Decide against attacking the camp site, as it would be consecrated ground within minutes of them landing, and BB gets more power then, and the others get bonuses to magic resistance at least). An astrology reading is done to determine what BB can do: 

The pit falls
Thinker, wailer, Soldier, sailor,
Rich man, pure man, beggar-man, beast.
Doctor, maker, undertaker,
Wiseman, madman, lawman, Priest.
Interdict & Purification,
Words of Power & Meditation.
Chastity, Obedience,
Faith; & Grace; & Eminence

Explanation: 

Interdict: a peremptory, authoritative prohibition. Specifically, a Bishop has the power to bar a particular place
or person from ecclesiastical functions and privileges: it is often used to chastise those who should know better &
pressurise them into doing what is right. This also acts like a "curse" on the recipient, but only applies to
religious, magic, & semi-magical actions. Obviously the Bishop must believe he is doing a righteous act. Some
ways of removing the Interdict: Atonement; OR a belief that one is [reasonably] righteous & the performance of
an act of contrition. "Curse removal" will only remove the magical & semi-magical penalty.
Words of Power: Those party-members who went up against St Ferdinand (ask Brightflare) will remember this:
similar to attack spells of rank 6-10, except WP based & that counterspells don’t seem to work, believed more
effective when done on consecrated ground.
Meditation: hotline to M---?
Chastity, etc: someone please explain this to Caprice, relevance not certain here, however some military orders
have vows of chastity. Michaelines always have vows of Obedience. A vow of Poverty could explain the
"beggar-man" of 1st verse, since the BB probably owns nothing personally (it all belongs to the Order).
Grace is an honorific used when addressing a Bishop, but it is also means "The divine influence which operates
in men to regenerate and sanctify, to inspire virtuous impulses, and to impart strength to endure trial and resist
temptation." More normally however, especially when dealing with Courts or People in Power, it means "favour,
favourable or benignant regard or its manifestation" -- although usually in contradistinction to a right or
obligation. More importantly, it also signifies "An exceptional favour granted by some one in authority, a
privilege, a dispensation." Or perhaps it just means that he is pretty &/or agile?
Eminence is also an honorific of a high religious rank -- e.g., the BB as Grandmaster of a potent order of
religious knights.

14th Harvest

Locates on key Michaelines (which BB sometimes resists?) indicate they are flying south, and land . We set sail to put our plan of interception into place.

16th Harvest

The ambush goes off well, in that the BB is killed with a magical Ehrelaine hating arrow. One knight attacks the group, others are killed by fire magics, most fly off, one taking a fan and a ring from BB body beforehand. We take the bodies back to the Nemesis Returned, the head into Bright to watch the archery contest. However the archery contest is postponed, since a group of Michaeline knight have arrived claiming the truce has been broken, and they were attacked by a group of demons as they were riding to the games. We go to the castle, and the Queen, King and Goatstrength are in a family counsel, since GS has been made an offer by the knights anyway to become their leader, and the King of Destiny. After a chat with Muddyfacade, we enter the counsel, to put forward our case, of having contacts with the real current rulers of the Republic of Destiny and would be able to negotiate some good trade deals, which GS would be able oversee. The King listens, and then announces GS will take a tour of the Michaeline monastery to see what it’s about, while Destiny can get some representatives into the area to start trade negotiations (meeting arranged for 10th Harvest). In the meantime they accept the gifts, of the fan and ring, presumably from BB. We retire into the background, give the news to di Posa, who returns to Destiny post-haste.

Further chatting amongst the locals gives us the identities of the Renegado Michaleine knights as: Happy = Phoebus (of Spartan descent) ELLENIC demigod -- passably "Human" Doc = Dr Bartollini (Destinian; townsfolk/military background) Dopey = Sir Rafael de llavve -- exile, brought up as Destinian nobility Grumpy = Sir Ferdinand de Westwood; AIRMAGE, Destinian war hero. Sleepy = Archangelo di Scarpia. E&E MAGE, acknowledged bastard son of recently deceased "Il Barone" Bashful = Little Hans; Pacifistic EARTH, Aquillan farmer/petty sergeant background Sneaky = Sir Ferdinand Colubro Celestial, Destinian minor nobility, knighted for unspecified services during the Destinian/Alman

We stay to watch the rest of the games, and Prince Ed wins the wrestling matches. The rest of the games go off uneventfully, we accompany Ed back to Cowland and stay a couple of weeks until our Destinian transport returns for us.

Get back to Seagate a week or so later, around the 19th Vintage.

List of Kings and Queens in the Hellenic States

  • CAPTIALS = god/goddess
  • italics = female
  • asterisk (*) = dead
  • underlined = living King or Queen
  • bold = previous party have met before
Aea
Aeëtes
Aeaea
see Kirke
Aeëtes
(mighty/eagle ???????), s. of HELIOS, and full brother to She-who-shines-for-All (who m. Katreus, K of Krataia) & Kirke (Circe); m.1 Asterodeia, m.2 Knowledgeable; both nymphs. Although believed to be anciently from the territory of Tower-Hill, (perhaps because the Acrocorinthus, the mountain above Corinth [22, Tower-Hill] was sacred to his father), Aeëtes is called by some sources the first King of it Demigod King of Kolkhis, wherever that is, supposedly at the edge of the world [probably a non-ellenic island in the Isles of Adventure]. Legends of his semi-mythical palace & wonder-filled city (Aea) are legion ?wide gates, hanging vineyards, and fountains that gush milk, oil, and temperature-controlled water? but maybe exaggerations or misunderstandings of Médea?s stories. Owns [golden?] fire-breathing bulls (supposedly the gift of HEPHAESTUS) > Brazenface; Médea, Apsyrtus
All-eyes
(????????) s. of Fearless; Steward of Bright City & brother of its King ? dealt with the last party.
APHRODITE
(foam-born ?????????) goddess of love, beauty, fertility > HARMONIA (by ARES)
APOLLO
(Destroyer ????????), god of music, archery, prophecy, medicine
ARES
(Warrior ?????) the War god; ancestor of the Theban nobility; An ancestor of the Atreides, and of Ed(?) > the dragon; King Wine-impetuous of Pisa; HARMONIA (by APHRODITE)
Argolid Empire.
Previously the ?Empire? was major power in the Ellenic states, and long-time rival of the Silent Kingdom (qv). Recently Thought has eclipsed both. The empire, and the list (and ranking) of the various cities has fluctuated over the ages, particularly as a result of warfare with the Ropemakers. The current capital (for two generations) is once again Bright City [#61 ??????], ruled by the Atreides ? Fearless*, & currently his son Resolute Atreides.
ARTEMIS
(????????), Virgin goddess of the Hunt & wilderness-lore, watcher over streets and harbours.
ATHENE
Patroness of the City of Thought & its territory; but also worshipped elsewhere.
Atreides
? The son[s] of Fearless? i.e., the royal House of the Argolid Empire.
Bodyguard
elf, protector of Manycattle & Surrounded-by-Cattle of Tower-hill.
Bright
[City 61] (??????), capital city of the ?Argolid Empire.? Major deity is HERA, although her great temple is outside the city itself; includes Temples to ATHENA (on the lower acropolis), & APOLLO Lykeios (in the Marketplace).
Brightsky*
(??????), d. of King Pinegod of Troezen [67]; l/w King Goatish of Thought & POSEIDON on the same night > He-who-Deposits, penultimate King of Thought.
Cadmus*
(From the East ??????), Mastersinger, first King of Thebes (then called Cadmia); killed the dragon & sowed its teeth; m. HARMONIA goddess of Harmony. Introduced writing to the Ellenic states. > Ino, m. Reaper-on-high () King of Cowland & Lord of Orchomenus, which is now a town in Cowland; Ino became a minor sea-goddess). Semele, l/w ZEUS, mother of DIONYSUS. Autonoë m. The-Best, s. of APOLLO; mother of Shore-dweller. Agave ? who accidentally tore her own son (King Grief of Thebes) to shreds, in the worship of DIONYSUS; Manygifts
Circe
? see Kirke
Cleft*
(?????), d. of Night, aunt & jailer of Facing; m. Wolf; killed in revenge by Native-of-two-Lands & Seeker
Corinth
the Common version of Kingdom of the Clubmen (????????), and of its capital ? see Tower-Hill [22].
Cowland
(???????), region bordering that of Thought, which has a reputation for good cattle, horses, & wheat; home to agrarian, placid, self contained, somewhat backward citizens ? always mocked as dull & slow by the playwrights of Thought; see also Thebes, its capital city.
DIONYSUS
(the lame god ????????), god of wine, s. of ZEUS & Semele (d. of Cadmus & HARMONIA)
Dragon*
son of ARES, his Teeth sown by Cadmon > 5 noble houses of Cadmia (i.e. of Thebes)
Ed
[our hero], adopted by 1. Cyrus Swellfoot; 2. Manycattle of Tower-Hill [Corinth]. Killed the Sphinx, m. Shiningmoon of Thebes & acclaimed Pr. Of Thebes
Elene
(moon ??????), d. of Lady, m. Power-of-the-people; currently out of favour (because of her father).
Facing*
(????????), d. of Nocturnal (King of Cowland & regent of Thebes), m.1 her uncle Wolf, l/w ZEUS [?] > Native-of-two-Lands & Seeker,

joint Kings of Thebes

Fearless*
(???????), s. of King Muddyface of Pisa; m. Skyface. Exiled his brother Pestle; after a pretend reconciliation, served Pestle his own

children (causing a solar cataclysm) > Resolute, Power-of-the-people, All-eyes.

Goatish*
(???????), antepenultimate King of Thought, m.1 Attention, d. of Weaponman; m.2 Brazenface¸ d. Manlydeeds; both with no issue. l/w Brightsky; m.3 Médea of Corinth. Comrade of Pinegod & Troezen > He-who-Deposits (bastard by Brightsky, since POSEIDON conceded the patrimony of her child to Goatish), later acclaimed heir; Medus (original heir by Médea).
Goatstrength
(?????????), young s. of Pestle (by Muddyfacade), exiled.
Goldenhorse*
(?????????), s. of King Muddyface of Pisa; l/w & killed by Laius, King of Thebes
Haemon*
(making bloody ??????) #1: grandson of Cadmus; a murderer. #2: s. of Kreon (the br. of Shiningmoon), eaten by the Sphinx.
HARMONIA
(????????) goddess of Harmony [Concord]; d. of ARES (war) & APHRODITE (love, lust, fertility) ? see also Cadmus.
HECATE
(one hundred ??????) chthonic goddess of the night, witches & magic.
HELIOS
ancestor, through She-who-shines-for-All, of King Resolute.
HEPHAESTUS
(he who shines by day ?’????????) god of fire, volcanoes, & smithing.
HERA
(Lady, ?????) the protectoress, goddess of marriage & women,, w. of ZEUS; destroyed Reaper-on-high, Ino & Semele (see Cadmus); Patroness of Bright City & the Argolid Empire.
HERMES
(cairn ???????? or ???????) cunning messenger of the gods; god of those who use the roads, hence of merchants,thieves & other adventurers. Enemy of the House of Muddyface
Horsetaming*
( ???????????), d. of King Wine-impetuous; suspected liaisons with her own father (prob. false) & his charioteer Myrtle (most prob. true); m. Muddyface ? see also Muddyface.
Kirke
(falcon ?????), d. of HELIOS, full sister of Aeëtes ? not his daughter by HECATE, as believed by some. An ?enchantress? who transformed a guild party & their crew into hills & animals on her island (Aeaea); incidentally transforming the shipload of silver that they were guarding into a reef.
Kolkhis
see Aeëtes
Kreon
(ruler ?????) #1*: King of Tower-Hill, predecessor of Manycattle, believed killed by Médea. #2: s. of Menoeceus; br of Shiningmoon > Haemon
Lady
(Lady ????), d. of King Thestis of Aetolia, m. Pounder, King of the Silent Kingdom > Elene (by ZEUS)
Laius*
(having cattle ?????), s. of Labdacus, twice King of Thebes, not a nice guy. Married Shiningmoon; Exiled by the joint Kings Native-of-two-Lands & Seeker, he fled to Pisa where King Muddyface gave him refuge. But Laius abducted Muddyface?s son, Goldenhorse, & was responsible for his death. l/w Goldenhorse, l/w Teiresias the seer. Regained throne of Thebes, causing HERA to send the sphinx to plague the town, & was killed shortly afterwards.
Laudable-wooing
(?????????????). d. of King Pounder of the Silent Kingdom. 1st marriage & child did not last long; 2nd marriage to KingResolute of Bright City (who is believed to have killed her 1st husband & child); rumoured l/w Goatstrength. Half-sister of Elene; > young children (by Resolute)
Lurching*
(????????) #1: s. of ZEUS (by a Titaness), food obsessed King of Sipylos. Killed & served his own son to the Gods; Stole the food of the gods & gave it to mortals. His Kingdom was destroyed because of these blasphemous crimes > (by a river-nymph) Muddyface, Broteus, Snowy. #2: s. of
Male-minded
(????????) Ed?s sister (through adoption),
Manycattle
(???????), hereditary lord of the town of Cucumber [23 ?? ????] & later, for about a century, King of Corinth (now styling himself Prince). Believed descended from Hermes. M. Surrounded-by-cattle ; adopted Ed. > only child, Male-minded
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