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Game synopsise Monday 18 October 2004
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, clad in the sandals of darkness, 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 cursed meldek!
So it was that Arya caught site of her quarry. She could feel the presence of Vinga and hear the whispering of 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. Of course the moon was black and their foul magics were at its weakest. Arya strode upon Orlanth’s breath and landed behind the Tarnils, striking his follower dead. 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 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. Arya dealt the sunman his death their as she drove her blade through him, to the hilt. The champion of the sun god did not return to the mortal plane.
When Arya turned her attention to Phineas the cowardly priests backed away. Not far off a formation of hoplites was hurrying toward them. She grasped the hilt of the blade of vengeance that pieced Phineas through his shoulder. 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.’ She removed the sword and then drove it through his heart giving him Humakt’s blessing.
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?
Thus the sortie was a great success for the heroes and Whitewall. The Lunars fell back from the walls as best they could and reformed their camp and set guards and magical wardings lest the Orlanthi issue forth and drive them away completely. Much booty was taken in the raid and Aren found himself the wealthier when Kurash Ingardsson showed forth his nobility and largesse and returned half of the plunder to the captains to distribute amongst the men. Much honour he gained when he reported that the rest would be used for reparations and the commissioning of a monument of the great victory against the dread Crimson Bat.
So the chosen ones turned their thoughts to the King. Kurash interviewed those he could, trying to gain an insight into King Broyans affliction so that a remedy might be found. He resolved to probe the Kings mind, as Lhankhor Mhy had mythically done in the Godtime. But the risk was deemed too great, for if the King lived still, as all hoped, his unconscious riposte might be devastating given the current potency of Orlanthi magic in Whitewall while there remained the rumbling Ohorlanth cloud above.
Kurash called each of the captains to him, as he wanted to know all the minor details of what was happening in the city under siege to aid in his administration. He discovered that the Hidden Gale were unpopular due to there unseemly ways for many of them were outlaws, and not all for noble reasons of rebellion. The Sartari were content but the tribesmen and warriors of the Heortlings were unhappy with the lordly ways of the outlanders though grudgingly they knew that without them the city would have fallen already.
A message was received from Minaryth. He was both delighted and amazed at the defeat of the Crimson Bat. He said that he was still investigating a solution to the Reaching Moon project, but as yet had no news. This vexed Kurash greatly. He summoned Kallyr Starbrow so that he may learn from her what manner of man the purple sage be. His personal feelings were not warm toward Minaryth, although that may be an expression of professional antipathy, as Kurash treads Chernan’s path tirelessly, where as Minaryth feels more accustomed with parchment and scroll.
Kallyr, accompanied by Insterid the Vingan Avenger and Elusu, Kallyr’s bonded trickster presented themselves to Kurash. Kurash was unwilling to discuss matters afore a Eurmali, so Kallyr bid Insterid watch Elusu in a corner of the hall. This Insterid did, the iron point of her spear pointed toward Elusu. When quizzed by Kurash Kallyr said that she would trust Minaryth with her life. Kurash asked if he had sworn an oath to the rebellion. Kallyr said that he has sworn an oath to a higher authority, but that she could not speak of that.
So it was that the weeks passed and the weather eased, although the winds still fair whistled through the cobbled streets of Whitewall. As Storm Season waxed and then waned Gyffur Ulfsson burst into the High Kings hall and strode straight toward the Steward. Gyffur was in a rage and the dim light in the hall seemed somehow to darken a little, as if a cloud had passed in front of Elmal for a moment. ‘Weregeld! I demand weregeld for my tracker who has been murdered!’ ‘Calm down Gyffur. Come tell this tale.’ Kurash asked to know what had happened and how the man came by his death. Gyffur related how his man, Gunnar the Smooth had left the company of the Hidden Gale last evening with talk of visiting a maid in the Heortling quarter of Whitewall. It seems that his headless corpse was found in the alley beside the mead hall. ‘I shall investigate this matter and discover the truth….’ ‘INVESTIGATE!? You, scholar,’ he said scornfully, ‘will see that I have a weregeld of 50 cows by this eve or thy shall see my wrath!’ With that he turned on his heels and strode toward the door. Kurash called after him, ‘That’s STEWARD by the way…’ The hairs on the back of Kurashs’ neck stood on end when Gyffur stopped in his tracks. Their was a deafly silence in the hall, and nought could be heard but the wailing of wild Umbroli high above the city. Gyffur slowly turned. The hero’s fancied they heard a snarl as Gyffur's piercing gaze fell upon the Steward. He strode toward Kurash, gathering pace, and drawing his dolorous blade. Arya and Olend put their bodies between Kurash and the fey Gyffur. Aren tried to sooth the Hidden Gale leader but drew back with a start when he saw the malice in Gyffur’s eyes. Gyffur lifted his blade and levelled it at Kurash, ‘See, scholar, this blade is sharper than thy tongue. If Whitewall is not to need a new Steward by morn you will have my weregeld or by Orlanth’s beard….’ He left the sentence unfinished but none present doubted his intent. ‘Send for Kallyr.’ And Kurash slumped into his chair breathlessly.
It seemed that news of the death had travelled through the defenders, including to the ears of the exiled Kheldon Queen Kallyr Starbrow who now presented herself to the Chosen Ones. When she was told of what had befallen in the hall she said that she would have a word with Gyffur. The rest of the band resolved to investigate the murder. Crash’s squire had mysteriously disappeared when Gyffur was in full flow, or doubt not he would have reminded the Steward not to leave the hall.
When the reached the alley where the murder had taken place, they found two guards. It seems that the grisly remains had yet to be moved. Folk were a suspicious of the death and wouldst not touch the body until the priestesses had sanctioned it and giving assurances there were no curse. It needs be said that they found the head away across the alley amongst some refuse. It is though it had been kicked away. The Chosen Ones read the signs. The body and head showed signs of the struggle. There were bruises and stab wounds. Olend with Helers blessing rose upon the air in search of clues. Miraculously he found a bloody footprint on the roof of the building next to the alley. It was clearly that of a man – a warrior most likely, although Olend is not a tracker.
Kurash called upon Lhankhor Mhy to help him see the past events, to see what had unfolded and perchance catch glimpse of the murderer. Verily Lhankhor Mhy answered the prayer and Kurash was left in no doubt that the bloody footprint, and the murderer was none other than Ranzig, boon companion and shield thane to Queen Leika of the Colymar.
The heroes visited the Queen and Aren went in search of Gyffur. The Chosen Ones came to Queen Leika’s villa. Hurtis the Chalana Arroy, kinswoman of Leika, escorted them to the Queens presence. There stood Ranzig. The Queen bid the Steward good day. Kurash spoke of this and that and of weregeld but was not direct. Soon plain words were spoken and Ranzig stood forth and said that he had killed Gunnar the Smooth but that he was an outlaw and a ravisher of innocent women and deserved all he got. When Kurash claimed it was a secret murder, Ranzig said that there were indeed witnesses.
Weregeld was discussed and Kurash related that Gettig Kingsvoice the Kings Lawthane had informed him that the right weregeld was 25 cows for a carl, and that Gunnar was probably an outlaw. Kurash stated that he would see justice done and not rebuke Gyffur with a technicality of law, and that some weregeld must be paid. Leika said that she would pay 15 cows, but not to Gyffur, to Kurash! All he need do is dismiss the case. Unusually amongst the Volsaxi the King or his appointed Steward could dispense summary justice without recourse to any ring, and he could in fact dismiss the claim altogether. It must be said that Kurash gave the matter consideration. Kurash gave an indication that he would send Karath Sweetvoice, the Kings Goldentongue, to negotiate the price of 15 cows. Leika merely smiled.
Aren found Gyffur and they talked long, and Gyffur reminded Aren that the Hidden Gale would be a powerful friend if he aided their cause, open or secret. With these tidings he left Gyffur and returned to the Chosen Ones, but kept Gyffur’s words to himself.
Arya Twinblades, the red headed firebrand of Vinga resolved to speak to the girl at the centre of the allegations. She could not find her but heard a tale of the two Larnsti that were present at the fight, Ulf and Ragnar. She hurried to the Larnsti barracks without delay. She was shown to the two men in question who gave their version of the events. They were happy to see her and had heard of her mighty deeds in combat upon the dreaded bat. Readily they told their tale. According to the two thanes, they were sharing meal and mead with Ranzig who they had become friendly with over the course of Queen Leika’s exile. Indeed they often shared weapon practice and many a game of sword and shields. Then Gunnar appeared and, with a wicked grin, headed straight for Elsa, the maid in question. Now Elsa is betrothed to Ragnar’s kinsman who was on duty at the gate of Tarkalor. When it became plain that Gunnar used his Yinkini gifts to seduce her, they made to follow them both from the mead hall. Ranzig bade them desist and that he would protect the maids virtue if needs be, as he knew of Gunnar, a Hidden Gale warbander. Thus Ranzig followed Gunnar. He caught Elsa and Gunnar in an embrace in the dark alley beside the hall. He pulled her from Gunnar and bade her get herself inside as she brought shame upon her kin. A scuffle started and Elsa ran inside in tears. Ulf and Ragnar rushed outside. They found Ranzig punching and kicking Gunnar around the alley. He turned away, satisfied that he had seen of the Yinkini. With his back turned Gunnar the Smooth invoked the power of Yinkin to come to him so that he might rend his foe. A cry from Ulf was all the warning Ranzig the Colymar needed. By the time he had turned he had drawn his sword. He plunged his dagger into the Yinkini. Gunnar, now in full animal rage would not stop. Ranzig cut off the Yinkini’s head and kicked the gory thing across the alley in contempt. He looked around and, calling upon Mastakos strode upon Orlanth’s breath and came to rest at the top of the next building. With a wave and a smile he was gone. All this Ulf and Ragnar told to Arya.
She asked if they would vouch for the Colymar to the Steward. They said that they would if Ranzig asked them, but they were loath to go otherwise. Arya confirmed that if they were to put themselves in her trust she would see that they could relate their tale to the Steward without formality and therefore do no harm to Ranzig. They readily agreed to accompany Arya Twinblades, saviour of King Broyan.
So it was the Larnsti came before the Steward and told him what they new of the murder. Kurash made for them to record their details. They looked aghast. Arya stepped forward, ‘Steward, I gave these men my word. I would not be proved faithless.’ ‘Oh, yes, very well then. Ulf, Ragnar you are of course dismissed.’ Said Kurash.
Karath returned and informed Kurash that he was pleased to have got at least eighteen cows worth of goods from the Colymar in his negotiations. The Steward was pleased. Olend had even offered the Golden Torque gifted him from Broyan if need be. Kurash said that he had enough to be going on with.
Thus the great and the good were summoned to Crash’s pleasure. Gyffur returned to the hall. Kallyr, Queen Leika Beti and all the other leaders were there. Kurash decreed that it was not secret murder. He pointed out that Gunnar was in fact an outlaw and no were geld was payable. Gyffur’s eyes bulged. Kurash went on to say that be that as it may, the Hidden Gale are allies and favoured warriors and the Steward will not hide behind detail. He declared that Gunnar the Smooth was about to dishonour a maid and bring discord to Whitewall. Gyffur retorted that he was merely exercising his God given right as a Yinkini. Kurash said that he had witnesses that confirmed that Gunnar was first to bring the duel to mortal weapons, thus invoking his own means of death. No, the Steward offered the Hidden Gale fifteen cows compensation for the loss of the Yinkin scout Gunnar the Smooth but cautioned that Gyffur keep better grasp of his men’s actions. Unity was required in order that they defy the assembled might of the Empire. Gyffur’s eyes narrowed and his chest filled. A breeze blew through the hall. Silence fell as the leader of the Hidden Gale clenched his fists so that cracked. Scathaca rose to her feet, but before she could say anything Kallyr strode to the side of Gyffur. What she said to him no one could hear, but the effect on Gyffur was palpable. He immediately calmed down. He looked at Kallyr, and for a moment their eyes met. Kallyr’s frown looked to have been carved from solid rock. Gyffur looked at the floor then moved forward a pace, raised his arms and said, ‘Good folk and noble Steward. Of course for the sake of our struggle we of the Hidden Gale will put aside this feud and accept the fifteen cows.’
Kurash bade then that this be an end to the matter. He called for the wig of justice and placed it upon his head. ‘The case regarding the murder of Gunnar the Smooth is dismissed.’
Tensions eased between the Hidden Gale and the native tribesmen of Whitewall. Unfortunately the same could not be said between the Colymar and the Hidden Gale, but nothing was as yet to come of it. Queen Day, One Day and Wife Day all came and went, with much vigour in the proceedings. On the Windsday of Illusion week the Chosen One hero band and the Steward sat at ease in the great hall. A great gust of wind blew open the doors and verily a tornado entered the hall. Conical shaped it came in front of the dais and suddenly, and for a few moments, coalesced into the form of a man. Its dark mouth spoke, ‘Lunar army approaching.’
The hero’s and the Steward went forth to see. From Tarkalors gate they saw. A mighty army of Golden sun warriors, moonboats loaded cursed Tarshmen, Slingers and Sorcerers. The army that had been Jorkandros’ seemed to be formed up, ready to march away. A few hours a procession of Solars approached the broken bridge. A man dressed in fine silks and draped with gold sat upon a golden throne carried by large warriors, encased in golden armour. Set down, a herald approached the throne. The man on the throne said something to the Herald. The Herald stepped forward, ‘His Lord Tatius the Bright, descended in direct line through many fathers from glorious Yelm, emissary and General of his most royal emperor Moonson desires speech with the King of the Volsaxi, Broyan of Whitewall and Heortland!’
Kurash bade his man address Tatius, ‘The King comes and goes at his own will. He sees no purpose in coming to hear the words of folk such as you!’ The herald looked at Tatius. Tatius merely nodded sagely and with a wave of his hand the Herald stepped forward once more. ‘Then my lord Tatius bids you take these words to your skulking King! He bids you and all of the folk of Whitewall know this. For the evil you have done defeating the steed of the Goddess and resisting her armies she bids you know that you shall all be dead before the year is ended!’ With that Tatius and his entourage left the bridge, to the jeers of the Orlanthi.