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Game synopsise Monday 11 October 2004
Thus after Kurash was acclaimed the Steward, the gathering was brought to its conclusion for there was still much to do. Celebrations were deferred for the High King lay stricken, mind blasted even in the moment of his great victory.
The Chosen Ones returned to their Villa, although Kurash was bidden to return at daybreak to a council of the leaders of Whitewall. The full weight seemed to fall upon Kurash, as he pondered the position within which he now found himself. The Chosen Ones were strangely mute as they made their way back to the Villa. The rains still fell from the mighty storm and magic was yet heavy in the air. The howl of Umbroli could be heard upon the wind, and above, the dark brooding storm cloud (1) that had settled over Whitewall rumbled on.
Kurash called a council of the companions. They started to consider their options, and to formulate plans. So it was that Kurash remembered the words of the Purple Sage, that they had to hold on as long as possible so that time may be bought, whilst Minaryth might find a solution with regard to Whitewall and its ritual importance to the evil empire. It was agreed that verily they had done so and that word must be brought hence to Minaryth, but by who. Arya the Firebrand, Daughter of Vinga Orlanthsdottir, related her words with Tarosëa and her resolve to return to Tarthcaer. Arya declined to go herself, but told Kurash Tarosëa spent most of her time at the Great Temple of Orlanth.
So it was that Kurash found Tarosëa, the air swirling gently about her looking into the storm cloud above. What she saw their Kurash could only guess. He spoke. She seemed not to heed his words. He cleared his throat and spoke again. With a final and firm ‘Excuse me!’ Tarosëa started and turned her gaze upon Kurash and he felt the hairs on the back of his kneck stand on end as their eyes made contact. We must relate briefly that Tarosëa is a little over 7 feet tall and is mightily thewed. A seasoned heroquester, looking into her eyes is like looking into the depths of infinity. ‘Yes?’ came her reply. Kurash could have sworn that he heard her voice resonate inside his head. He asked about her intentions of leaving Whitewall, and would she convey a message to Minaryth Purple in Jonstown? She agreed readily and turned her attention once more to the storm cloud above and reminded Kurash that she would be at the morning council, and would take such message as he was wont to send. Without delay the sage took his leave of the disciple and hurried back to his quarters so as to get out of the rain and the wind.
The following morn as Elmal once more passed the gates of dawn the heroes prepared to go to the council of Whitewall. Rand Wenchbane who had been in the thick revelry, such as he could find, was in no fit state to go anywhere except amongst the furs in order he sleep off his stupor.
We turn now to the council. As the companions approached the doors to the Kings hall, their way was blocked by the door wardens of Broyan. ‘Halt declare thyself and thy purpose!’ The curt reply came, ‘Kurash Ingardsson comes, make way!’
‘We may allow you entry lord, but not those that accompany you lest they be your guard. A secret council awaits within!’ Kurash, who has a reputation for being pompous bade them desist, as he was Steward as declared the previous night, and his companions were mighty heroes fresh from the slaying of the dread Crimson Bat! Such was the authority of his tone and the glower of his companions, entry was granted without another word.
Now the doors to the Kings chamber are wondrous. They are the full height of the vaulted ceiling, made of stone, 4 broad men across each and appear to open silently by means of a gentle breeze that might just flurry a scholars beard! So it was that the Chosen One hero band entered the High Kings hall. A squire came forward and led Kurash to his seat, a modest high backed chair, set upon the dais in front of the Kings mighty throne. The High table was set long ways from the steward’s seat where a mighty company of heroes sat, and amongst them the great and the good of Whitewall.
Some of the folk about the table were known to some of the band but others were not. Olend Yetorsson clenched his fists so the whites of his knuckles showed. And he strode to stand behind the chair of the old priestess who sat beside Queen Leika of the Colymar. He recognised Beneva Chan instantly, although she looked old and grey, and it seemed that the light in her eyes had long been extinguished. That she should not have an honour guard was too much for Olend Moonsbane to endure! Beneva did not acknowledge this gesture, but Queen Leika looked up at Olend and caught his eye. She nodded respectfully.
Here is an accounting of those that were present. On the table that was set before the Steward, Kallyr Starbrow sat on the right hand side of Kurash, the place of honour. To his left sat Queen Leika of the Colymar. Next to Leika sat Beneva Chan, who was one time the Chief Ernaldan priestess for the whole of the realm of Sartar. Her husband was King Kallai Rockbuster of the Colymar, who was exiled with Kallyr and the other conspirators who survived the rebellion of 1613. The Culbrean King, the heroquester Hofstaring Treeleaper had been cast into a Lunar hell in front of their very eyes. Beneva had accompanied her husband into exile.
Across from Beneva Chan sat the Princess Scathaca the Shrew, underwife (2) to the King and the Heortland chief priestess of Ernalda. Though in her forties she would be considered a beauty if it were not for her severe demeanour and expression. Her temper is rumoured to rival that of the King himself. Next to Scathaca sat the Kings Issaries merchant and guide Karath Sweetvoice. It is believed that he could sell snow to the Valindi! (3)
Gyffur Ulfsson sat across from the merchant and was his usual blustery self. Next to Gyffur was seated Gettig Kingsvoice, the chief Lawthane of Heortland. He advises the court on matters that relate to heortling law. Opposite Gettig was Darrold, the champion of the Volsaxi and leader of the fyrd. A mighty man of arms. To the left of Gettig was sat Elmalandti of Orlanth Thunderous. Although a Disciple of Orlanth, he is less otherworldly and aloof than Tarosëa the Vingan Disciple (4) from Tarthcaer, who sat in the final place at the council.
So, Kurash sat upon the Stewards chair. Kurash was in entirely unfamiliar territory for the folk of Heortland had many influences from the west, and many of their customs were alien to the sage. Indeed the Aeolings and Esvulari of southern Heortland revere an invisible god (5) and are ruled by Knights and Meldeks (6) not rings or councils, as is the way of the Orlanthi. The silence was broken when Kurash spoke, ‘Thank you all for attending this council. We have won a battle but not yet final victory for a Lunar army sits outside of our walls. We are here to decide what is next to do.’
Scathaca rose from her seat, the fierce Babeestor Gor (7) behind her chair fingering the blade of her axe. ‘If we are to rule Whitewall whilst the King remains incapacitated then we should do so with an Earth Ring.’
Gyffur rose and thundered, ’Rubbish! If a ring it be then a Storm Ring! We shall not trust our fate to those that raise children and weave garments. No the warriors shall hold sway in time of war!’ Kurash called for calm. He reminded those present that a Steward had been selected, according to the law of Heortland. This Gettig confirmed. Kallyr then rose and said she would support the right chosen steward. A vote was taken which was resounding in its support for the Steward. Only the Ernaldan’s and Queen Leika called for an Earth ring.
Turning to other matters the company resolved to strike a blow against the Lunar camp. A raid was agreed, to which Leika claimed right to lead. Gyffur once again showed his displeasure. Kurash sagely chose Elmalandti to lead the raid. Eyebrows were raised; the Starbrow hid a faint smile as she looked at her feet.
The council was dismissed and the chamber emptied. First to leave, and with unseemly haste was Scathaca. Beneva allowed herself one unkind glance at the sage then left. Once left alone the Chosen Ones discussed the happenings. Olend said that he felt Gyffur was best suited to lead the raid. Kurash said that he had chose Elmalandti to create the least ill will. Olend informed Kurash that Elamalandti was no raider, and ill suited for this mission. Kurash then decided that he would have words with the Stormwalker and advise he take Gyffur as special tactics adviser.
Once resolved Kurash made to leave. Oddi, his appointed squire informed him of the rules of the court and that it would ‘not be right’ for the Steward to leave his chamber, and that those he wished speech with should be brought to him. ‘Oh very well then, get on with it man!’ Kurash sent therefore for Elmalandti and Gyffur.
Kallyr returned to the hall before either Elmalandti or Gyffur. She seemed in good spirits. ‘Well done Kurash. You performed your duties well.’ Kurash spoke of his choice and Kallyr agreed that Elmalandti was an odd choice but one she thought worked very well. When the council was convened Kurash soothed Gyffur and even had his agreement that Queen Leika be brought forth to give her council and to plan the raid.
Olend was sent to bring his Queen. He found her amongst the Colymar in her quarters. ‘Oh hello Olend.’ Beneva Chan sat at the table, seemingly lost in thought. When Olend mentioned that the Steward, Starbrow, Gyffur and Elmalandti required her council for war. Beneva spat out words of hate about Kallyr and Leika bid Olend that they needs must away. Once away Leika said, ‘Don’t mind Beneva – she is like that a lot. She has spent the last two seasons mourning the loss of Kallai as he lay in the hallows of Orlanth where the Kings of Heortland are interred. We haven’t had the heart to give him his funeral whilst she mourns still. He died when the army was driven into Whitewall. Her loathing for Kallyr has grown somewhat.’ Olend then spoke of his standing behind her, that she were not without an honour guard. Leika said that Beneva had little time for sentiment, but that it was well done.
We needs must relate the plan for the raid. Elmalandti and his Stormwalkers would summon as storm to blast the Lunars. Then the warriors of Orlanth would fly down and assault the encampment when the moon was black. Thus the plan was set. Elmalandti created a storm that surprised him in his ferocity. He reported that his magics seemed more powerful, as if the very essence of Orlanth was all about.
The warriors shouted for their gods and set upon the disrupted and bedraggled Lunar camp. Arya and Olend settled amongst the hoplites and laid about them as demons of the storm cutting down Lunars left and right. Aren called upon Desemborth and unseen satisfied his lust for Lunar blood. Arya cast about seeking Phineas Nigellus. All they found were Hidden Gale warbanders killing unarmed men and women as well as half armoured hoplites. The heroes resolved to make a sortie against the Lunar command in an attempt to find the dreaded magician.
So it was that Arya caught site of her quarry and could feel the presence of Vinga and here the whispering of her vows, her red vows, in her ears. Here was her tormentor of old, with Priests of the foul Lunar College of Magic of which he himself was one, a bent blade captain of Tarnils (8) and a Solar Champion. Summoning all her power, her rage and her love for her lost sister Nalia, she called upon Vinga to carry her blade of vengeance true as she flung it at Phineas. He was caught high in the chest and taken clean from his feet.
The two other priests looked aghast and barked commands to the warriors who engaged the heroes. Arya strode upon Orlanths breath and landed behind the Tarnils, striking down his follower dead right there. Olend, who has a particular disdain for solar worshippers flew at the golden warrior with showerblade, wind and hail. The warriors traced and traversed this way and that with flashing blade and blast of magic. The Tarnils was driven back by Arya and in desperation threw himself toward her blade overhead. Arya cut left and right like a blur. The Tarnils dropped dead at her feet. The Solar warrior cried aloud ‘Urvairinus (9) blind these barbarians with thyne divine light!’ And a sunburst blazed forth from his spear. But the Orlanthi were prepared and their magic very strong. Olend dealt the sunman his death their.
When Arya turned her attention to Phineas the priest backed away, but she saw a formation of hoplites hurrying toward them. She grasped the hilt of the blade of vengeance. Phineas’s eyes opened wide and he gasped, ‘Arya, it is you.’ ‘Yes Phineas, Arya is here and so is your death.’ She twisted the blade slightly. ‘You were always so wilful Arya, not like your sister Nalia. That is why I beat you. That is why I kept your locked up. Nalia changed after you left and after a while I was able to give her freedom. Do not kill me Arya I beg…’ ‘I have no words, only death for you Phineas.’ And she removed the sword and then drove it through his heart giving him Humakt’s blessing. (10)
Without words the heroes rose on the winds and flew back to Whitewall. What Phineas had said burned within the mind of Arya. And now a question, like a splinter in her mind haunted her, where is Nalia now?
(1) …dark brooding storm cloud that had settled over Whitewall rumbled on – a large Ohorlanth storm cloud had appeared at the end of the battle with the Bat. An earthly equivalent would be a continental super cell storm cloud, such as create tornados in the American mid west.
(2) Underwife – High King Boyan has taken a number of year wives. His latest, a powerful priestess he is his underwife, an appointment seen more as a political marriage.
(3) Valind – The untamed storm god of winter whose priests can draw snow from the summer sky!
(4) Disciple – Very few of any god exist, more devout than even devotee’s, their time is spent entirely pursuing the work of their religion.
(5) Invisible God – The men of the western cultures are those of knights, wizards’, serfs and Kings. They prey to a God that provides no powers. They draw their magic, they say, from the very essence of the universe.
(6) Meldek – Derogatory word for a sorcerer or wizard.
(7) Babeestor Gor – Bloodthirsty warrior women of the earth cult. The frequently hang ‘trophies’ of their victims on their axes for all to see.
(8) Tarnils – Yanafal Tarnils was a mortal hero of the Lunar Empire who attained immortality. One of the Seven Mothers that created the Red Goddess, he defeated his master Humakt to become the primary war god of the Lunar religion.
(9) Urvairinus – Urvairinus was Dara Happan Emperor of the Gods Age. According to the Dara Happans he invented war, soldiery, armies, and military discipline.
(10) Humakt’s Blessing – Humakt is the primary god of death. His blessing therefore is death.