The Player Characters Alexander Roesone and Kareem Wali-jabbar had a chance encounter with Seoras of the Crystal Staff who directed them to travel to the Shadow World. Alexander and Kareem then encountered a very upset Moon God who demanded that they return his stolen sword immediately. And that dear reader was how the cat got out of the bag. Oh it had all been milk and marmalade for the Player Characters. Why didn’t the Stormlord do more against Alexander Roesone? What would you have done dear reader? Slain Alexander outright for the act of murder? Does not an eye for an eye leave us all blind?
Alexander Roesone was spared his life but stripped of his clerical power. The Player Characters wondered: why didn’t the god also take Alexander’s holdings or possessions? Those material things are kinda beneath a god’s notice so it is kind of insulting that you dear reader even had such questionable thoughts. For if Alexander would have been slain in retribution what lesson could he have been taught? None, so second chance was given and for that Duke Nightmare will make them pay.
But what was the real importance of the quest to retrieve the sword that Kareem had sold in the Infernal Bazaar: that Haelyn and Rournil got to lay their very own eyes upon Duke Nightmare and the Shade. And that dear reader is how the cat got out of the bag and dear reader if you could hear it now, Duke Nightmare would be screaming for Seoras’ head on a pike. You know; to put on the front lawn to look pretty.
If only dear reader, Seoras of the Crystal Staff had never directed the Player Characters to the Shadow World at the same time that two gods were meeting they might have had a few more years of obscurity. What could be the odds. On a related note for the Player Characters, Seoras Bhailie is Hermedhie’s father (so there is that to look forward too). I would figure Seoras of the Crystal Staff to be a planeswalker of some talent; obviously not level 30 but well over level 20.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
the Brave & the Bold: Haelyn & Ruornil
the Shadow World,
Principle Actors:
Haelyn, Patron of Anuire
Rournil, the Moon God
Script:
H, “he watches us”
R, points out at the Cold Rider, “that thing there”
H, “indeed. Can you not feel it?”
R, “I can tell a lot of things are watching me, you, us…”
H, “Do not be cryptic in dealing with me Silver Prince”
R, “I do not try to waste your time but at least seven of your followers lay in wait close by keeping watch”
H, stands firm
R, “that thing is what the outsiders call the Cold Rider”
H, “Indeed. I have been fighting a new plague of demons coming in from this hole in the Shadow World”
R, “Indeed, you see this nexus for what it is, a rip in the Shadow World. A strike at the curse of Azari”
H, “so tell me Silver Prince where did this rip originate?”
R, “what you should be more concerned with is what effect it will take”
H, “Do not play games with me, speak tell me what I came to know”
R, “what does seem certain is that the Cold Rider is indeed the legacy of the curse of Azari. But what is cloudy is from where hence the rip did start and what damage it will cause”
H, “Silver Prince tell me what must be done and it will be so”
R, “oh Lord of Noble War when I do figure it all out you will be the first to know the name to bring swift justice to those that seek to do harm to your Empire”
H, “What is this? Am I to be run afoul?
R, “Strange things are afoot at the Circle K”
H, “Indeed”
R “Have you ever heard of a witch known as Yaga Baba?”
H, “No but if you tell me where pretence this hag can be found I will procure her for you”
R, “I have already dispatched agents to investigate”
H, “Hark! If the witch is the cause of this I will track her down personally and bring her to you!”
R, “It could be that simple but it never is”
H, “Indeed Silver Prince you are wise and I have always enjoyed your council. Tell me, about the danger the rip”
R, “the Queen of the Seelie think that they can tame the chaos over time. But the danger comes from what happens to the curse of Azari. There remains a possibility that the curse will not simply be erased and my hypothesis is that the negative energy is not being destroyed but being channeled into the creature known as the Cold Rider. The worst case scenario being that the Shadow World condenses and Azari is reborn’
H, “tell me it is not so…”
R, “Do not sound defeated. Anduiras and Vorynn defeated Azari once before”
H, “Indeed. Now tell me what news of my Empire?”
R, “What is easily gathered is that the witch Yaga Baba was some how able to manipulate nature itself down to the very seasons and time of day, even effect of the Moon. This wicked manipulation let the hag lay in wait guarding herself from notice but what reason the witch did this still remains a mystery to me. Fore years Yaga Baba remained in are world and besides the petty affairs of humans only one thing sticks out to me personally. A century ago I imbued a sword with mighty power to liberate my followers near the ancient sight of Deismaar (for our players that is the
H, “But what does this have to do with my Empire?’
R, “this petty regent, Raphael Saberstrike has rise to a king of your Empire”
H, “I know not of who you speak!”
R, “Yes, rather recent in time, a few years, barely a grain of sand in the infinite hourglass. But using the false sword the petty regent has rise to the title of king”
H, “Well then I will unleash the dogs of war and wipe his family from the map”
R, “my I request oh great Lawmaker, that I be allowed the honor of deliver the justice that goes with stealing from a god”
H, “Indeed Silver Prince if it is your wish to purge this evil from my Empire then the honor and glory is yours alone”
R, “Oh a million thanks to the Lord of Noble War. But what is this? Hark, a message from a well-wisher. Lawmaker conceal yourself I am about to receive strange visitors”
End Scene
the Brave & the Bold: Raphael Saberstrike and the demi-god known as Deth
Raphael Saberstrike came into contact with a new source of power and new allies. The New Dark God was very much interested making deals with everyone including the dragon Skiesbane. Raphael used the ally of the demi-god known as Deth to try and spring a simple trap on the dragon when it would come seeking tribute next. But things did not go as well as could be hoped for: the avatar of Deth was defeated and Raphael was captured by the dragon.
Now that dear reader could have been the end for Raphael and in some ways it was. Skiesbane took Raphael back to a lair where a magical mirror was kept. Skiesbane was enormously large in comparison to the man-sized mirror but cast no reflection into it when Skiesbane approached to release Raphael. But dear reader Raphael did cast a reflection and the mirror image came to life, stepping out of the mirror. Now here we had two identical copies but different in one key game mechanic way: the original of Chaotic Evil alignment and the copy now having the trait of Lawful Good. But dear reader that did not last long as the dragon Skiesbane squashed the evil Raphael under one might heel.
Now the dragon Skiesbane cut a deal with the new Raphael. Skiesbane could gather that Raphael would quickly fall back to chaotic ways and cause trouble for all those that would have sought Skiesbane harm, so Skiesbane spared the life of Raphael for the deal that upon the unification of the southlands under the good-aligned Raphael the dragon Skiesbane would receive annual tribute of one ton of precious metals (and that at least 1/3rd would be gold).
Raphael Saberstrike has much to do. Raphael is allowed to teleport back to his largest castle where he begins to coordinate his navy to intercept key officials of the Southland government and orders troops on Albiele Isle to raid the Royal Flush Gang’s casino. Raphael then teleports to his castle in Abbatour and issues yet more orders.
Raphael learns that a one Larry Diamond is returning from Mieres and instructs that new orders be dispatched to the navy to intercept Larry Diamond. Raphael issues a decree that would outlaw worship of Haelyn along with any god of the Vos or non-human deities. Axe-Man Bones is ordered to call a meeting of every member of the Crimson Guard (for the players information: Lil’ Boozie was never a member of the Crimson Guard).
When all the members of the Crimson Guard are assembled (excluding those on foreign espionage missions) Raphael instructs Axe-Man Bones along with the entire company of Crimson Guard to drink a special concoction that would vitalize them. With some hesitation they all drank and felt no ill effects, to the pallet the mixture tasted rather good. It would not be until Raphael unleashed a magical spell upon the company that the tonic would take effect: reducing the Crimson Guard’s ability to resist magic. And powerful magic was unleashed indeed; a veritable cloud of killing sent every last soul to the dead book including one of the original killers: Axe-Man Bones.
Raphael now had to deal with even more direct lieutenants; the Wizard’s Cabal must be summoned. Raphael could not directly kill or even confront the other members of the Wizard’s Cabal but Raphael could use magic to deceive them and issue odd orders to them. For titular Sedrie Bellamie a decree was handed down for Sedrie to deliver in person: Alexander Roesone must never reveal his true identity and must never travel to the surface even under the guise of Duke Nightmare or Sir Lancelot. Hermedhie was to be placed under house arrest: she is to remain in her wizard tower until such time that Raphael deems another audience with her (in effect removing Hermedhie as court wizard).
Raphael would later travel by drake to visit Trogdor the Duke of Diemed. But before departing his castle in Abbatour, Raphael issued orders to the priests of Rournil’s Celestial Spell to send two units of Knight Templar to the city of Aerele. Raphael plotted his flight to Aerele to arrive at the time the holy warriors were being greeted by Duke Trogdor. Raphael appeared in the sky above the assembled warriors and spectators, slowly descending upon the back of a battle-drake (maybe a slight insult to Trogdor?).
Raphael was greeted by Trogdor and the marshal of Rournil’s knights but the greeting was cut short when Raphael unsheathes his sword of office and ignites it aflame. Raphael informs Trogdor that the Duke must be placed under house arrest upon investigation into war crimes committed during the liberation of Diemed. Now dear reader what did Trogdor do or not do? Well that is not really Raphael’s real intent, sure Raphael is good-aligned but slowly Raphael is moving from lawful to chaotic and what serves Raphael best for the here and now would to be to put the screws to Trogdor so Raphael can solidify power. Trogdor will be investigated and the clerics will not find much evidence for war crimes but the time spent will allow Raphael to put new officials into the civic and military branches throughout Diemed.
Larry Diamond, just by mentioning his name the Player Characters get nervous; fore Larry Diamond was the trusted NPC placed in charge of the Brothers Investment Groupe (a bank for the Player Characters). Larry Diamond was sailing across the Straights of Aerele when his private yacht was intercepted by a naval vessel belong to the King of the Southlands. Larry Diamond was informed that King Saberstrike was in desperate urge for communication and that his presence was requested at the closest castle.
Under naval escort Larry Diamond proceeded to Albiele Isle and then on to the large castle of Raphael’s. Larry Diamond was told to wait until would Raphael teleported to the castle allowing two figures would meet face to face. Larry Diamond was informed that him and his family were going to be put under house arrest and that Larry Diamond would have to comply with a thorough audit of the Brother’s Investment Groupe. Raphael did let on though that if all looked good with the audit that Larry would be allowed to retake his post.
Now dear reader let us go over Raphael’s checklist of good deeds. Dispose of murders and spies under employ, suppress upstart religion, force allies to acquiesce to transition of power, and keep old secrets secret. Raphael has to be deceptive fore after all he is using a magical sword that is a fake allowing him to claim to be King of the Southlands. Raphael has to do some chaotic things to maintain his kingdom.
Now that dear reader could have been the end for Raphael and in some ways it was. Skiesbane took Raphael back to a lair where a magical mirror was kept. Skiesbane was enormously large in comparison to the man-sized mirror but cast no reflection into it when Skiesbane approached to release Raphael. But dear reader Raphael did cast a reflection and the mirror image came to life, stepping out of the mirror. Now here we had two identical copies but different in one key game mechanic way: the original of Chaotic Evil alignment and the copy now having the trait of Lawful Good. But dear reader that did not last long as the dragon Skiesbane squashed the evil Raphael under one might heel.
Now the dragon Skiesbane cut a deal with the new Raphael. Skiesbane could gather that Raphael would quickly fall back to chaotic ways and cause trouble for all those that would have sought Skiesbane harm, so Skiesbane spared the life of Raphael for the deal that upon the unification of the southlands under the good-aligned Raphael the dragon Skiesbane would receive annual tribute of one ton of precious metals (and that at least 1/3rd would be gold).
Raphael Saberstrike has much to do. Raphael is allowed to teleport back to his largest castle where he begins to coordinate his navy to intercept key officials of the Southland government and orders troops on Albiele Isle to raid the Royal Flush Gang’s casino. Raphael then teleports to his castle in Abbatour and issues yet more orders.
Raphael learns that a one Larry Diamond is returning from Mieres and instructs that new orders be dispatched to the navy to intercept Larry Diamond. Raphael issues a decree that would outlaw worship of Haelyn along with any god of the Vos or non-human deities. Axe-Man Bones is ordered to call a meeting of every member of the Crimson Guard (for the players information: Lil’ Boozie was never a member of the Crimson Guard).
When all the members of the Crimson Guard are assembled (excluding those on foreign espionage missions) Raphael instructs Axe-Man Bones along with the entire company of Crimson Guard to drink a special concoction that would vitalize them. With some hesitation they all drank and felt no ill effects, to the pallet the mixture tasted rather good. It would not be until Raphael unleashed a magical spell upon the company that the tonic would take effect: reducing the Crimson Guard’s ability to resist magic. And powerful magic was unleashed indeed; a veritable cloud of killing sent every last soul to the dead book including one of the original killers: Axe-Man Bones.
Raphael now had to deal with even more direct lieutenants; the Wizard’s Cabal must be summoned. Raphael could not directly kill or even confront the other members of the Wizard’s Cabal but Raphael could use magic to deceive them and issue odd orders to them. For titular Sedrie Bellamie a decree was handed down for Sedrie to deliver in person: Alexander Roesone must never reveal his true identity and must never travel to the surface even under the guise of Duke Nightmare or Sir Lancelot. Hermedhie was to be placed under house arrest: she is to remain in her wizard tower until such time that Raphael deems another audience with her (in effect removing Hermedhie as court wizard).
Raphael would later travel by drake to visit Trogdor the Duke of Diemed. But before departing his castle in Abbatour, Raphael issued orders to the priests of Rournil’s Celestial Spell to send two units of Knight Templar to the city of Aerele. Raphael plotted his flight to Aerele to arrive at the time the holy warriors were being greeted by Duke Trogdor. Raphael appeared in the sky above the assembled warriors and spectators, slowly descending upon the back of a battle-drake (maybe a slight insult to Trogdor?).
Raphael was greeted by Trogdor and the marshal of Rournil’s knights but the greeting was cut short when Raphael unsheathes his sword of office and ignites it aflame. Raphael informs Trogdor that the Duke must be placed under house arrest upon investigation into war crimes committed during the liberation of Diemed. Now dear reader what did Trogdor do or not do? Well that is not really Raphael’s real intent, sure Raphael is good-aligned but slowly Raphael is moving from lawful to chaotic and what serves Raphael best for the here and now would to be to put the screws to Trogdor so Raphael can solidify power. Trogdor will be investigated and the clerics will not find much evidence for war crimes but the time spent will allow Raphael to put new officials into the civic and military branches throughout Diemed.
Larry Diamond, just by mentioning his name the Player Characters get nervous; fore Larry Diamond was the trusted NPC placed in charge of the Brothers Investment Groupe (a bank for the Player Characters). Larry Diamond was sailing across the Straights of Aerele when his private yacht was intercepted by a naval vessel belong to the King of the Southlands. Larry Diamond was informed that King Saberstrike was in desperate urge for communication and that his presence was requested at the closest castle.
Under naval escort Larry Diamond proceeded to Albiele Isle and then on to the large castle of Raphael’s. Larry Diamond was told to wait until would Raphael teleported to the castle allowing two figures would meet face to face. Larry Diamond was informed that him and his family were going to be put under house arrest and that Larry Diamond would have to comply with a thorough audit of the Brother’s Investment Groupe. Raphael did let on though that if all looked good with the audit that Larry would be allowed to retake his post.
Now dear reader let us go over Raphael’s checklist of good deeds. Dispose of murders and spies under employ, suppress upstart religion, force allies to acquiesce to transition of power, and keep old secrets secret. Raphael has to be deceptive fore after all he is using a magical sword that is a fake allowing him to claim to be King of the Southlands. Raphael has to do some chaotic things to maintain his kingdom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)