Session 7 - WotBS - Sunday 6th December 2009

Tonight our tale is brought to you, once again, by fellow resistance member- Shadowdancer- and fellow gameplayer- Ridh. The party find themselves back at the Temple. Will the party escape the city? What of the Arcanis?


Dara- Elf- Druid
Aramil- Eladrin - Warlord
Sonea- Human - Wizard
Shadowdancer- Eladrin - Avenger
Mikal- Human- Rogue
Adahan (Boomer) - Human- Swordmage
Bomilcar-Human- Undisclosed Defender Class

Since, in all the rush Dara appears not to have noticed the absence of her journal I shall continue to keep the diary of the exploits of myself and my group.

~Shadowdancer~

At last it seems the others begin to see the need to get out of this dreary city, which, need I mention seems likely to be overrun by troops any day. Dara goes off to check that the mules are ready enough to travel in a blizzard, since the discussion of what we intend is somewhat moot if they are not. She finds that they could do with another couple of days rest but she should be able to coax them through if the group takes it easy on them. She returns and advises us of this and we agree that our need is greater than the mules, an obvious decision if you ask me.


Mikal suggests that in order to make our deadline of a nightfall departure we should begin loading the mules as soon as possible. I suggest that we also allow Bomilcar to advise since he has done this sort of thing before, a task I admit I have left to subordinates in the past.

Dara asks whether we have a backup plan and I reveal that I have an idea of one that shall be revealed when necessary.....though I am not sure how those resistance members that we have allowed to tag along with us shall take the suggestion that we exit dramatically with blade and magic, but sometimes drastic measures are necessary for the greater good.


After having pulled Mikal aside I am able to convince him to loan me the longsword in return for a favour in the future. Since humans seem to drop like flies at the slightest provocation this situation may never even come to pass.


Once the mules are loaded with supplies from the quartermaster, Dara transforms into a similar beast and she and Mikal depart to our rendezvous point.

As we are readying ourselves for the breakout, Torrent arrives and enquires how we are proceeding on the mission that Buron had assigned to us- that of taking out the Arcanis cell operating in the city. I later found out that Aramil showed her the kindness of being polite as he sets her straight on the relative importance of this task when compared to that of unlocking the box. I passed her as she stormed out to trot out yet another dreary complaint to Buron about us. It never fails to amuse me that humans can be arrogant enough to assume they can give orders to one of the feywild born.


We graciously decide that since we have a few hours to spare we shall at least attempt to point these fools in the right direction before we go. Perhaps they shall stumble their way to success by sheer dumb luck. So with that in mind we head to a tavern, perhaps to overhear an interesting piece of gossip that may provide us a lead.


After a pointless discussion with the drudge of a tavern keeper we realise that the working human’s tavern we have approached is not the kind of place where we can pick up any useful information, so we retire to a quiet table in the corner and have a discussion about how to proceed.

Aramil recalls that the Arcanis’ usual modus operandi is to be sent into an area in advance of an army and they typically use summoned creatures, sent in accordance with targets perceived by divinations. Sonea advises us that the summoning would likely be through a circle and would likely be enhanced by the infernal pacts that the Arcanis often have taken upon themselves to enhance their ability.

Boomer heads out and investigates the site of the last attack and we are persuaded to head out with him. Boomer seems a little downcast after discovering that so many people have cast divination and other magic at the site that any trace of the attacker’s casting is overlaid and so intermingled in other weaves as to be unravel able.

After a few minutes thought on the subject, and a few questions put to the (occasionally useful) other members of our group, I reach a few very insightful conclusions, particularly concerning the infernal pacts of such practitioners quite often granting the use of an imp....a creature immune to normal weapons and quite capable of shapeshifting between rat and crow forms.

As we turn to leave the scene of the attack a roguish gentleman steps out of the shadows in an alleyway, apparently a semi-well known individual known as Rantle, he claims to have been searching all over the city for us and has a request for Boomer. He wishes him to pass on a coded message to his somewhat fiery sister Cassandra, who apparently headed off to the Lyceum some months ago to study....and also a somewhat sarcastic request for her to return soon since a fire mage would be quite handy with the city under siege.

Shadowdancer pulls Rantle aside and fills him on the conclusions about the Arcanis that he has reached, after ascertaining that Rantle can ensure these conclusions reach people within the Resistance that are more competent than Buron and his cell.

We then turn and head off towards the townhouse that Mikal had picked out as having the best chance of a covert exit to the city. On the way I have a quiet word with Bomilcar about leaving my insights with another competent member of the resistance, he assures me that Rantle is more than up to the task.

When we arrive at the townhouse, which apparently is a smuggling house and overhangs the wall intentionally, Sonea blasts the lock off discreetly and, after barring the door after us so that following us is difficult, we climb over the wall and down.

Dara, now in owl form, finds us and settles on my arm, leading us to where Mikal waits with mules and we gather up our supplies ready to head out. As we gather the supplies Sonea spots a crow perched a few dozen feet away, the crow is joined by a second one, and the two stare uneasily at each other, as if both recognising the fact that neither is natural. She points this out to the rest of us and Dara also adds in a few insights about how unnatural their behaviour is.

We all head out, travelling as far as we can before the growing light and the chance of being intercepted and we make camp, as concealed as we can. As we rest we take turns with the watches. Being an Eladrin and a far superior being to these mortal humans I allow myself to be persuaded to take a second watch....it is sometimes good to remind mortals that we Eladrin are so much more than they.

During our rest break several of us are able to take the opportunity to study the rituals in the book that Sonea obtained.

As we travel on by night, several of us spot the two crows at various points of our journey; however they do not approach close enough for us to take action against them. As dawn nears we stop to camp again, dividing into the same watches as before. During the second watch, when Boomer and Sonea are on watch we are surprised. Alas, those of us asleep who possess only metal armour are consequently ill prepared for combat.


Two crossbowmen rise up from behind bushes and shoot at the two on watch, both missing. Two spearmen rush me when I am still in my bed roll, one of them manages to nick me as I roll aside in my blankets. The other nearby spearman foolishly rushes Bomilcar and misses his attack.

Across the camp, two other spearman rush our group one manages to nick Aramil, the other misses Dara. Boomer is charged by a gentleman in Imperial armour, with a cloven helm and a crow on his shoulder, a gentleman I last saw dumped on his backside as I caused his horse to bolt. Boomer realises that his attacker is at least as good with a blade as he is. An armoured figure bearing a gold hilted runic sword and with a longbow strapped to his back charges Sonea striking her hard, at first glance it is apparent that most of our attackers are wearing armbands of the Black Horse mercenaries and the one attacking Sonea has the Black Horse symbol embossed on his breastplate.

Boomer steps towards Aramil’s attacker, marking his target and shouting “To arms! To arms! Bomilcar hold the west flank, I will hold the east!” and unleashes a booming blade attack against his unfortunate target, bloodying the thug.

The two crossbowmen hurriedly reload their crossbow.

The bloodied thug attempts to attack Boomer back but is made to look the fool as Boomer dances aside.

The thug attacking Dara misses, seeming to not know what end of the spear is which.

The two attacking myself only manage to land a single hesitant hit.

The figure in imperial armour rushes Boomer, a purple glow infusing his entire body and lands a hefty hit, bloodying him.

Aramil grabs the sword that he planted in the ground when he began meditating and rolls out of his blankets to his feet swinging the blade at the bloodied thug, striking him down.

Sonea unleashes a phantom bolt against her attacker but he seems to have the will to resist the effect. He then steps forward as she steps back and strikes her again.

I grab my sword and use Otherworld stride to escape the trap, blasting the three fools near me, also immobilising them and allowing me to appear next to the crossbowmen and curse him, though the passage through the flames is both painful and aggravating. When I find who has dared tamper with the abilities of the Fey I shall truly make them suffer.

Dara shifts whilst in her blankets, shaping into a savage mastiff, pouncing at her assailant but her back legs get tangled in the blankets as she lunges and her jaws snap closed a few inches from the thug’s manhood. The thugs face drains of colour.

Bomilcar rolls out of his blankets, grabbing his shield as he rises. He then swings the rim of the shield up under the nearest thug’s chin, sending him stumbling back and toppling to the ground as the thug’s face slides off his head, severed instantly by the brutal hit. He then strains himself a little by grabbing for his spear in the brief instant that his sudden surge grants him.

Boomer sidesteps and swings another booming blade at his imperial armoured assailant, but the man deftly parries. He then catches his breath in that quiet moment and feels a little better after that surge.

The two crossbowmen fire at Aramil, one hits, this draws an open attack from myself which bites hard.

A thug attacks the mastiff that Dara has become but misses.

Korthan (in imperial armour) steps forward and takes on both Boomer and Aramil at once, he swings his sword at Aramil and hits.

As Aramil stumbles back from the hit, he catches sight of Sonea and her opponent, he calls out “Dear God, blow his fucking balls off!” heartened by Aramil’s word she seems a little less fragile and more up to the battle. Aramil turns back to his and Boomer’s opponent and creates and opening that Boomer can exploit.

Sonea tries another phantom bolt at her opponent but shoots wildly. She steps backwards with a surge of effort and then fires Gabal’s magic missile at him, hitting him with all three blasts.

Sonea’s opponent, who we later learn to call Reynard, steps forwards, and swings his blade at her as she stumbles back but misses her as she ducks.

I swing my sword at the crossbowmen beside me, bloodying him most satisfactorily; the thugs are now free to move.

Before they can do so however, Bomilcar stabs his spear through the nearest of the thugs, and with a shift of his feet and a flick of his spear he tosses the dying man aside and steps into his place instead.

Dara bares her teeth in a terrifying display and the thug flinches back, opening his defences unintentionally. She lunges forwards in a bite and takes a chunk out of the screaming man before backing up a step with a her hackles raised.

Boomer quickly takes a moment to assess his opponent, looking for weaknesses in his opponent, discovering that Korthan seems to favour the phalanx fighting style, he uses the opening to slash a Booming blade at him, hitting him and causing him to stumble forwards, Boomer then darts round and interposes himself between Aramil and Korthan, freeing Aramil to come to Sonea’s aid.

The crossbowman I faced drops his crossbow and yanks a morning star from his belt, catching me as he desperately swings it to fend me off, bloodying me a little and not improving my mood, the other shoots at Dara and hits. The thug that Dara is fighting decides to abandon the battle, and runs away, throwing his spear to one side and yelling “fetch!” in the desperate hope that she will follow it.

The thug now left facing Bomilcar manages to slip a speartip past his shield and opens up a nasty gash in his neck.

Aramil yells out to me “come on you Pussy, rub some dirt in it!”....when we return to Faerie I may have him assassinated...but at least the anger he causes manages to let me shrug off some of the pain I am in. He then swings at Reynard and misses....serves him right, though he does have the presence of mind to call out Sonea to attack as Reynard ducks his blow and opens himself to attack...though regrettably she also misses...I sometimes wonder at the abilities of these resistance fools that luck has saddled us with.

Sonea then leaps back a step so she can cast without fear of leaving herself open and unleashes another Gabal’s magic missile on him, followed by Empowering Lightning, though the latter misses.

Reynard swings at Aramil and hits him, forcing him back and using the opening to step after Sonea.

I slash twice at the man I face, missing but driving the man away from me long enough for me to sidestep behind him.

Bomilcar uncharacteristically misses, I wonder how bad that wound to his neck must have been.

Dara leaps at Reynard biting into his sword arm as she uses the feral harrier manoeuvre, she then springs back and shifts back to her human form to weild her staff.

Boomer unleashes Dimensional Thunder, swiping at Korthan and folding dimension around himself and appearing next to Reynard in the usual gout of flame that accompanies teleportation these days, leaving both of them covered in dancing motes of electricity.

My opponent swings and misses, whipping round wildly and catching only air, and across the clearing his accomplice shoots at Dara and also misses.

The thug fighting Bomilcar, is emboldened by his previous strike and stabs him again, sneaking past his defence again, bloodying him.

Korthan chases Boomer, straining himself a little as he dances past Aramil two steps and attacks Boomer, though he misses, probably distracted by the dancing motes of electricity which fade, their job done.

Aramil calls out “Its only a flesh wound!” to Bomilcar, who seems to draw strength from the somewhat sarcastic words, perhaps drawing on his anger to stand tall again. Aramil then unleashes a flurry of ringing blows, like a steel monsoon, drawing attention and opening up an opportunity for Sonea to step back and Bomilcar to step closer as Aramil yells out “Cover the wizard!” his hasty flurry of blows miss Korthan.

Sonea fires a Gabal’s magic missile at Reynard, aiming all three blasts at the man, the missiles crackle and disperse off his armour. She follows up with a phantom bolt of psychic fire, staggering him backwards a yard or so as it hits, she then turns and withdraws behind the cover of the nearest tree.

Reinhard swings at Aramil, who he assumes to be the leader...fool...he strikes and causes a nasty hit, then, on the backswing, the hawk moulded on his pommel screeches and seems to empower the blow, making it enough to drop Aramil unconscious to the ground. The electricity around him disperses as if spent, though it seems to have done the job it was intended for.

I swing half heartedly at my opponent, keeping my actions defensive as I once more step behind the man, keeping him swinging at shadows.

Bomilcar shouts angrily and swings his shield at the thug beside him in a hefty blow like a steel wall rushing towards him, but the man backsteps just far enough to avoid the hit, and Bomilcar steps after him.

Dara flings a flame seed at the crossbowman, enveloping the bushes where he skulks in fire as she ducks behind a tree, putting its solid trunk between her and him.

Boomer lures Reynard into stepping the wrong way, allowing Boomer to sidestep, setting up a deceptive strike with his khopesh that takes Reynard’s head off as he raises a parry in the wrong direction. He then kicks Aramil and shouts “get up” attempting to rouse him enough that Aramil can gather himself for one final surge.

The crossbowman in the burning bushes yells out to his companions to escape and turns to flee, still blazing as he runs away.

The thug facing Bomilcar again manages to beat past his guard...he seems a lot less like a towering fortress of fighting ability without his armour.

Korthan whistles loudly and a horse (still bearing the wound from my bolt a few days ago) bursts out from the brush, Korthan swings himself up into the saddle and whips the horse straight into a canter, Boomer taking several futile swings at him, loosing his khopesh as it catches in the saddle.

As he canters away, Sonea looses another Phantom bolt, seeming to drop him unconscious over the saddle horn, she then runs forwards and blasts a Gabal’s magic missile at him, which dissipates harmlessly on his armour.

Ducking a blow from the foe beside me, I sprint after the running foe and blast apart his saddle, just as Dara shapeshifts back into a mastiff and pounces through the air, dragging him from the horses back. The horse tries to defend its fallen master but is put down as unconscious as its master in short order as we pummel it with a ranged offensive. The crow takes flight with a raucous caw, and none of us are quick enough to stop it.

Bomilcar finally drops his opponent, and furious, covered in blood, charges the wounded crossbowman I had been toying with, pummelling him unconscious as he turns to flee.

We begin sorting through the various items of loot we find and tending to our wounds. It hasn't missed my attention that this Dara is not the human she wishes to appear to be. Rapid shapeshifting can ruin a well intended disguise I see.

Mikal finally returns from his scouting expedition, though, truth be told, I had hardly noted his absence during the fight. At least the fool managed to locate our foes camp. What a pity he could not do so in time for us to ambush them, rather than the other way around.

Session 6 - WotBS - Sunday 1st November 2009

Tonight our tale is brought to you by a fellow resistance member- Shadowdancer- and fellow gameplayer- Ridh. Hope you enjoy seeing the action from his point of view as our party finds themselves in combat between two foes.

Dara- Elf- Druid
Aramil- Eladrin - Warlord
Sonea- Human - Wizard
Shadowdancer- Eladrin - Avenger
Mikal- Human- Rogue
Adahan (Boomer) - Human- Swordmage
Bomilcar-Human- Undisclosed Defender Class

Hmmmmm, so Dara keeps a journal of our exploits does she? Well readers, I think I will hold onto this for a little while and tell our tale in my own words.

~Shadowdancer~

Whilst myself and Mikal hung back and clung to the shadows to see who was following us, the others went on ahead with the mules. Suddenly from up ahead we could hear the sounds of an ambush as some of the damn armband wearing idiots try to make things even more difficult than they already are.

The mules stampede forwards, knocking down three of those that bar the way. Dara shouts something and turns into a hawk to fly after the mules.

Mikal and myself were the first of the others to react. Mikal throws a dagger and hits one of the hoplites taking him down. Fighting down an urge to exclaim against the fool’s stupidity for being hasty and taking out what may yet prove to be allies, I withdrew deeper into the shadows of the alleyway, only to hear the shout of pain as Mikal hits another with a dagger, in a critical place no less, judging by the shout of pain.

Boomer drives his sword into the ground in front of him, electricity discharging from the point of the strike, catching all three of his assailants in the blast, downing two of them. Bomilcar shield rushes the one who stayed upright, clipping him under the chin and knocking him to the ground.

One of the hoplites scans around and catches sight of Mikal, he shouts out, “There he is!” as he points and slings his shield onto his back, drawing his crossbow and starting to load it.

Aramil turns away from the ambush at the front, heading back the way we had all come, at which point he catches sight of the two other assailants approaching from another alley. He readies a bottle of alchemist’s fire, ready to throw.

The man that Bomilcar had knocked down leaps to his feet in a deft movement that allows no opportunity to attack as he stands. He swings his axe at Boomer and Bomilcar but they use their sword and shield to deflect his blow.

The two ambushers at the rear rush towards Aramil, one swings but Aramil ducks it, the other catches him with a painful slash. Of the two remaining hoplites, one catches sight of Mikal, slinging his shield and also drawing his crossbow, the other, unable to spot Mikal, advances into the melee around Aramil.

Mikal throws a blinding bomb at the two hoplites, obscuring their vision as he doubles back. I meanwhile headed further up the alleyway and up the stairs I found there, seeking a vantage point where I could snipe from.

Boomer shouts “Bomilcar, go help our allies, I will take care of these three”, he then attempts to use his booming blade against his opponent but is unable to beat his defences.

Bomilcar stabs at the axeman in front of him with his spear, but the man sidesteps and avoids it. Bomilcar snorts in disappointment and disengages, backing off.

The wounded hoplite dashes over to the water trough and splashes his eyes, trying to take away the blinding stinging from the bomb.

Aramil tosses his alchemists fire just behind his opponents, catching both of the ambushers and the hoplite in the blast, the two ambushers drop, flailing and on fire, out of the fight. The hoplite manages to catch most of the burning liquid on his shield.

Aramil backs off, readying his sword, ducking under the blow of the hoplite as he retreats.

The axeman swings at Boomer, striking him hard with his axe and dazing him temporarily.

The spearman near Aramil takes a quick step after him and throws his spear at him, hitting him and bringing him to the point of being greatly wounded.

The last of the hoplites stumbles around rubbing his eyes and screaming in pain.

Mikal throws a dagger at the hoplite who is staggering around rubbing his eyes and hits hard enough to take him down. Mikal then climbs onto the roof above him.

I climbed up onto the roof and, hoping to salvage Mikal’s foolishness somewhat, made myself known as I stood up to shout “Brave hoplites of Gate Pass, stand firm, we shall see off these ambushers. One foe lurks in the shadows, but there, with the axe, is a foe you can see and fight!”

The hoplites give a “Huzzah” and seem heartened.

Boomer strikes the axeman with a booming blade, wounding him further.

Bomilcar moves up to engage the hoplite who had thrown his spear, but holds back from striking.
The hoplite by the trough tries to spot Mikal again but can’t see him, he yells out “Where are you? You murdering bastard!”

Aramil rubs some dirt on the spear wound, slowing the blood flow.

He then attempts to shoulder past Bomilcar and get back into the fight but Bomilcar shoulders him back saying “Dont...Step... In... Front... Of... Me”

Aramil backs off towards where Boomer is still fighting the axeman.

The hoplite in front of Bomilcar attempts to draw his sword but is too nervous to slide it from the sheath.

The axeman swings at Boomer and hits again, blooding him and dazing him once again.

Mikal jumps down off the roof and engages the hoplite by the water trough, his short sword flashing into his hands, but the hoplite dodges by diving into the water.

Attempting to salvage the situation I stood up and put a warning blast past Mikal’s head, shouting out “Stand firm hoplite, drive off the assassin!”, hoping that the fool would take the hint and run off, to rejoin us later.

Seeing another possible problem I also yelled out “Bomilcar, stay your hand, the hoplite is a friend!”

Boomer goes on the defensive and catches a second wind.

Bomilcar looks up as I call out, he swings his spear at the hoplite’s knees, knocking him to the ground before levelling his spear at the man’s throat and growling out “Stay down boy”

The hoplite rises out of the water and swings his crossbow like a club at Mikal, clipping him with the improvised weapon, the bolt discharges and flies off into the sky.

Aramil advances on the axeman but the axe wielder takes a sudden unexpected swing at Aramil as he steps forwards, hitting him.

Aramil takes a step back and readies a dagger.

Mikal continues to act the fool and performs a riposte strike against the hoplite he faces, cutting him before stepping back

Deciding to give Mikal a final chance to regain his wits, I put a radiant blast into the ground between the two of them and I yelled out “Flee, vile assassin!” gesturing to Mikal to make himself scarce before the hoplites vision was fully clear.

Boomer uses foesnare followed by booming blade on the axeman before stepping back.

Bomilcar stays with his spear levelled at the hoplite.

The hoplite in the trough grimaces in pain as his already stinging eyes are hurt by the bright light. He stops trying to reload his crossbow and once more splashes water in his eyes to clear them.

Aramil takes a second wind and calls out an inspiring word to Boomer to bolster him. He then backs off a little further.

The axeman assumes a defensive posture but is unable to move.

Mikal finally seems to lose the red haze that clouds his sense and leaps up on top of the awning and away over the rooftops..

Hoping to complete the deception of Mikal’s involvement I stood up and yelled “He’s getting away!” and then pursued him up onto the rooftop.

Boomer shifts back onto the offensive and strikes the axeman.

Bomilcar keeps his spear levelled at the hoplite.

The hoplite by the trough levels his crossbow at Bomilcar and yells out “Drop the spear!”

Aramil hops onto some crates and from there onto the roof, where he turns and throws his dagger at the axeman, hitting him under the armpit.

The axeman swings his axe but is stunned by the dagger hitting him and drops the axe, he then turns and runs off into the alleyways.

Bomilcar steps back and raises his spear into a parade position.

Boomer heads up and joins Bomilcar. The hoplite twitches his crossbow, covering the two of them.

The wounded hoplite crawls back towards his companion.

Boomer attempts to approach the hoplites but the crossbow wielder calls out “Get away from him you murdering scum!”

Boomer attempts to explain that he merely wants to check the hoplite’s wounds. The crossbowman tells him that his own man will see to the downed hoplites.

Aramil jumps down from the roof and heads over to where all this is happening and tries to negotiate.

A few moments later two people reappear. Mikal (now wearing grey trousers and a green tunic) comes walking up the street. Shadow Dancer reappears on the roof, out of breath and brandishing a red armband with a black horses head – one that he lifted earlier from a corpse at the Poison Apple. “He got away, but not before he snagged this on a wood pile.”


(As well as being a very cool move, this act had a number of wide reaching implications for the game. At the risk of metagaming, I chose to reveal a few things to the players that their characters hadn’t learned yet. The Black Horse were a mercenary company working with the City Guard to arrest magic users, in the employ of the pro-Imperial “Appeasement” faction within the assembly. So not only did he shift blame to the Black Horse, he just completely discredited their position in the city, having suggested they had tried to kill members of the Guard to cover up an assassination attempt. I`m sure I don’t have to expand upon the effect this would have on the standing of the Appeasement faction within the Assembly – or the resultant boost in the stature of the Independence faction. This just struck me as so cool that I had to do the big reveal there and then. It will not escape the notice of the citizens of the Pass that the Black Horse were trying to assassinate pro-independence citizens. No doubt the citizens of Gate Pass will be wondering if it’s the Black Horse and not the Imperium who are bumping off their elected representatives).


Mikal circles back, changes his clothing and appearance, he pauses to loot the two downed foes at the end of the alley, taking their weapons and scale mail.

The hoplite lowers his crossbow and seems to reach a hesitant truce with the adventurers.

More guards arrive and citizens gather and the story of the attack begins to spread like wildfire, a city guard Optio arrives and takes charge of the scene, he thanks the adventurers for their aid and allows Mikal to take the daggers that the “assassin” had left for study as evidence, once it has become clear that Mikal is a scout for the City Guard.

The Optio sends runner the Strategos and begins sending missives off about the Black horse mercenary companies, the adventurers help the wounded hoplites to the temple where they meet up with Dara again, who tells them that some of the mules were injured in the stampede and will not be fit to depart for at least a day.

Buron and the senior resistance members express their satisfaction with the efforts of the cell in discrediting the Black Horse mercenaries. We have clearly risen a few notches in the estimation of the leadership. Finally, it seems, they are beginning to recognise our skills.

Session 5 - WotBS - Sunday 11th October 2009

Dara- Elf- Druid
Aramil- Eladrin - Warlord
Sonea- Human - Wizard
Shadow Dancer- Eladrin - Avenger
Mikal- Human- Rogue
Adahan (Boomer) - Human- Swordmage
Torrent- Human- Cleric
Bomilcar-Human- Undisclosed Defender Class

After leaving Torrent with her resistance superiors the group find themselves sitting in the temple guards common room, surrounded by a few of the men. Sonea never returned with Boomer as she was in the middle of business with her father the mage Diogeanese. Dara, Mikal, Aramil, Shadow Dancer and Boomer are sitting with Bomilcar, trying to formulate a plan of action. As it sits they need to get out of the city and head south to the Lyceum with the box Aramil carries. They also need to do something about the Arcanis cell, which as far as rumour goes, is in the city now and planning to assassinate some of the key political figures.

Much discussion occurs as they take time to kick back and refresh themselves.

After many ideas being banded around the Eladrin, Shadow Dancer, retrieves a piece of folded cloth from his person and throws it down for all to see.

‘Do any of you recognise this or know who they are?’ He speaks in particular to those new to the party.

The others recognise the red arm band from the attackers at the Poison Apple Pub- red fabric with a black horse head with strange arcane symbols below. Mikal and Boomer explain that they have indeed seen people in the city wearing such armbands but they don’t know who they are.

Discussion shifts to the Arcanis cell and who brought the news to Buron’s and Dara’s attention. Dara explains it was a dwarf she recognised as being the one on the gates to the depositary tower. His news was the reason Buron pulled Mikal off the city walls.

Mikal makes his way around the common room asking the guards if they have seen or know of a dwarf here at the temple. Most clam up and avoid speaking with him but one takes the time to explain the situation to Mikal.

‘My friend let me give you some advice. We operate in a cell structure. Even if we knew who this dwarf was we couldn’t tell you much at all. There was a dwarf here a few days ago wearing black armour with glowing symbols on it but that’s all I know. Y’know all sorts work for the resistance.’

Mikal comes back to the table. The description is quite obviously Torthen, so of no use.

Discussion still ensuing Dara stands up, obviously growing tired by what she sees as possibly useless talk. ‘We need to speak with Torrent. Regardless of whether or not she is still our leader on this mission, she has information above our knowledge and could be yaying or naying a lot of what we are discussing here. I suggest we carry this conversation on in her presence.’

Those present agree with this plan and with Dara’s decision to go speak to Torrent first as so far the others have nothing but rub the senior resistance members up the wrong way.

The others make their way down from the common room to the main hall of the temple while Dara climbs down the spiral staircase to the armoury. Just as she reaches the door there is a sudden silence and the door opens as she reaches her hand out to knock. Torrent looks out at her, looking drawn and shocked. Quietly she says ‘Bring the others here quickly! There have been new developments.’

As Dara turns to run back up Torrent adds ‘Don’t bring that Zaman Bomilcar. Keep him elsewhere!’

‘Duly noted.’ Dara nods curtly and continues upwards to retrieve the others.

___________________oOo___________________

Bomilcar is left in the temple hall with Aramil while the others return with Dara. Inside the room they find just Buron and Torrent looking drawn and pale. Badger is no longer with them.

It is explained that the Imperials have demanded that inquisitors be let into the city as part of a truce. The appeasment faction in the assembly are pressing for them to be allowed in to the city. Therefore the box and ourselves need to get to the lyceum before the assembly lets the inquisition in. The wolves at the door.

Torrent and Buron argue over the matter of escape from the city. They mention Diogeanese and Aerdum Menash.

Torrent turns back to what was her party. 'No one is being allowed to leave the city. The reason being they now have confirmed reports that imperial troops are now in the east of the pass. At the moment the numbers are described as being small but there is a presence. It’s time we planned our escape and got out of here. Or rather that it’s time we planned our escape and you got out of here. Given that you’ve not been paying any attention to my orders anyway. From now on you’ll be on your own and I’ll go back to the temple.

Speaking of which, I have more news about the assembly. It seems that during the start of the attacks that earth elementals killed assembly members in their homes. A further five began this morning. The pro-resistance and anti-appeasement assembly members and families have been killed.'

Mikal thinks for a moment then asks if we have access to a good forger and some of the passes from the assembly members who died.

Shadow Dancer agrees and asks if Buron can get these.

'It’s rather unfortunate as any passes signed by dead assembly men become void unless ratified by a living one.' Buron sighs. He suggests seeking out a certain gaudy house owned by Aerdum Menash.

'He has been known to sponsor some disreputable characters in the past. But...'

Torrent and Buron snap at each over the suggestion.

Buron explains 'Torrent prefers we go through Diogeanese as you have spoken with him before.'

Discussion ensues again, questions over whether Dara has any contacts within the Gryphon riders, or if she know any druids who might be able to help. Do we have contacts with the cavalrymen? Many options are explored in quite a flurry of talk.

In the end it is decided that we should get through to Diogeanese to discuss how to get out.

Quietly, Boomer leans over and tells Mikal about the gem he’s noticed on Bomilcar’s pommel. He mentions that it’s a Cat’s Eye gem which are linked with divination magic.

Shadow Dancer attention prickles on them. 'Really?'

Boomer nods.

It is agreed that they will have to be careful with Bomilcar in what he is privy to.

The party divide into groups as they leave for Gabals. Mikal and Boomer leave first.

Just before leaving himself Shadow Dancer asks Bomilcar about the crows and rats that have been following. As he has come to expect Bomilcar curtly denies it being some of his peoples, adding that he doesn’t pay attention to vermin.

Bomilcar leaves with Aramil. Dara and Shadow bring up the rear at a sensible distance, senses on edge for any sign of the followers.

___________________oOo___________________

Out of her peripheral vision Dara spots a rat high up in the gutters of the rooftops following their progress. She gives a hand gesture and the Eladrin takes aim and shoots with his crossbow. The bolt flies true to its target but just before hitting home it deflects off in another direction. The rat is under protection.

Dara moves closer throwing out thorn whip that strikes the rat but finds it immovable as if it were a much larger creature. Eldritch blast fires out from Shadow Dancer to no effect.

The rat looks round surprised, jumping a foot in the air as the second eldritch blast does nothing. The rat scampers out the way quickly transforming into a crow, flying up and over the rooftop to disappear into the city.

'What the hell was that?' Aramil’s voice is clearly heard by all.

Shadow and Dara quickly catch Aramil and Bomilcar up. 'That’s it gone for now. Let’s go quickly.'

___________________oOo___________________

Arriving at the academy we find it’s guarded by the red robes and city hoplites. Boomer does the talking, only getting us through when Sonea comes to get us.

Bomilcar stays outside Diogeanese’s house with Aramil and the box.


Diogeanese looks absolutely shattered. He is not happy. He’s dishevelled and it seems we’ve got him out his bed.

Diogeanese looks crossly at the group in his home again. 'What do you want from me?'

Mikal continues 'We need help to get out of the city.'

'You would need an assembly man to get you out.' He waves his hand impatiently.

Sighing he continues. 'I know of one who is mad enough. He’ll want something in return- wearing his gaudy adventuring equipment no doubt. Of course if he can help you then there is always a chance I can get you out by giving me ten minutes to charm the guards. However charming guards gets risky and tricky.'

Mikal finds this isn’t good enough. 'I’m sorry but in ten minutes I’m sure I could knock everyone one of them out.'

Diogeanese’s eyes flash 'I’m sorry you’re either very sure of your abilities or you are rudely impugning mine!'

The conversation is taken onto other ideas for escape with Mikal bringing it back round again.
'Can you think of a way to get us out of the east gate?'

'Hhmph. You could always try sneaking over one of the other walls. There are north and south goat paths leading away from Gate Pass. The outlying farms have paths off the mountains.' Suggests the wizard.

Boomer nods his head respectfully. 'Thank you Diogeanese.'

'Stop grovelling!' Diogeanese grunts and waves them out. No rest for the wicked he thinks to himself sourly.


When they get outside they find Aramil is finishing a very dirty joke- 'So the halfing says are you kidding me that was me trying to get on the bed!'

Bomilcar looks unamused.

Mikal fills them in on what they missed.

Boomer agrees. 'There are two options we can go to Menash, he may get us out but we’d have to wear his advertisement. The other option is to climb over the walls to the south or north. The south seems like the better bet.'

'We should climb over the wall and outfit everyone in dark clothing.' Mikal adds.

Shadow Dancers eyes look at him pointedly.

Mikal smiles 'Everyone else then.'

He explains that the citizen hoplites are guarding the walls. Even though it is still daylight, darkness will be in a few hours. He suggests that Shadow could climb the wall and drop down rope for the others to follow and he can leave via a gate and set up a fire or a distraction to keep the guards busy.

Bomilcar coughs. 'If we are climbing through the mountains we need to get supplies. So stop talking and get your gear. Menash’s supplies are effective, reputable but gaudy. Though while we were in that temple I noticed there were large amounts of supplies.'

Boomer asks 'How long till the Lyceum?'

'Three hundred miles as the crow flies.'

'Ten to fifteen days by foot.' adds Shadow.

Bomilcar continues. 'If we are going through the mountains and west we will be going through imperial territory.'

___________________oOo___________________

Everyone agrees to head back to the temple, arriving to hear the various bells on the towers tolling out of sequence at a time when there should be none. Something has happened. They can't let themselves be distracted so get to work.

Shadow Dancer suggests getting Mikal to lead sturdy horses to the returning scout patrols so they can leave again. It will get the supplies carried; there is no official notice of us leaving the city and no notice that we are mounted.

Bomilcar agrees. 'The mounts should be carrying supplies for scouts.'

Shadow asks what he would suggest.

He rattles off weights of meat, how much mules eat, how many you need, how much equipment, that mountain ponies would be better. You are better on foot going through. We need a pack mule for each of us and two or three to carry the extra food. He has already prepared a list of supplies.

Aramil smiles 'You’re a handy person to have around!'

Bomilcar nods. 'As Shadow Dancer said I am a very seasoned campaigner. The temple can provide us with food and firewood. Mules need to be bought or stolen.'

Mikal turns to Dara. 'Can you transform into a mule?'

She glowers at the idea saying something in Eladrin that means go fuck yourself.

Aramil raises an eyebrow but says nothing.


Buron and the quartermaster arrange supplies for two weeks but no mules.

Boomer asks if Dara knows anyone who may have mules.

'Yes I do.'

Mikal tries again. He explains that it would helpful if she turned into a mule so he could smuggle her out with the rest of the creatures. It would be helpful to have a second person outside with the train.

Dara agrees now that she understands she isn’t expected to be a fulltime pack animal for the trip.

___________________oOo___________________

Now ready, the party make their way east for about three quarters of the city, taking them past the Grand Square with the statue of Coal-Tongue, and past the gaudy house of Mr Menash. The road they follow is Emelk Way, the most direct main road in the city. They hurry as Dara knows her acquaintance will shut up shop by nightfall.

At the mule dealer we find the house is boarded up with some dead mules in the yard. The remaining mules are scrawny and look undernourished. Mikal examines them. They are scrawny but actually just under-exercised so are worth a try.

Knocking on the door there is no answer. Mikal unlocks it.

Dara enters finding a huge hole in the roof and the sour odour of a dead gryphon. Shadow
Dancer, Boomer, Mikal spread out to loot the place for things they can use.

Shadow finds the bills of ownership for the mules and they are blank. Boomer carves up the gryphon body for steaks. Mikal finds a black bladed long sword above a fireplace. He also finds many items of female clothing, expensive looking and on the dresser he finds a locked book. There is also a small box containing four vials of red liquid, a 500gp pearl ring, 100gp worth of costume jewellery and a lock box of 400gp in mixed change.

Aramil and Dara have busied themselves with finding tack for the mules. The others arrive and Shadow shows Mikal the blank ownership papers. Mikal advises they be assigned to him. It is agreed and completed. Just as they’re tacking up outside they hear a loud explosion from a district or two west of where they are. A pillar of flame shoots into the air near the statue of Coal-Tongue.

The tacking is finished in a flurry.

'Let’s just go!' calls Shadow as he fastens a mules’ bridal.


As they get onto Emelk way they find it is now thronging with panicked people. Rumours abound about the Torch of the Burning Sky, volcanoes, and invisible dragons. Large numbers of Gryphon riders circle above, calling down to tell everyone to get into their homes.

Menash’s estate has been blown-up, he was a member of the assembly after all.

The sheer number of people and guards begins to force us off the Emelk Way down into a side road away from the crowd. The sharper senses of Dara, Mikal and Shadow notice that as the tumult fades there are footfalls behind us, scrunching in the snow and ice. Mikal glances behind seeing torchlight reflected off the homes behind us. Shadow Dancer calls to Aramil. 'Go ahead and make preparations.'

Shadow and Mikal go to hide to wait for those that follow. Aramil and Bomilcar shoot ahead while

Boomer and Dara will follow with the painfully slow mules.


From their hiding place they notice four men dressed in city hoplite armour. The guards follow their footprints to the closed doorway and look up startled. They see nothing. Shadow Dancer and Mikal are hidden completely.

Aramil and Bomilcar turn a corner and find four men in red armbands in front of them. Standing four abreast across a tiny street

Aramil calls out in a mock friendly tone. 'Evening gents!'

Session 4 - WotBS - Sunday 13th September 2009

Dara- Elf- Druid
Aramil- Eladrin - Warlord
Sonea- Human - Wizard
Shadow Dancer- Eladrin - Avenger
Torthen- Dwarf – Paladin
Mikal- Human- Rogue
Adahan (Boomer) - Human- Swordmage
Torrent- Human- Cleric

Back in the ruined tower that serves as Diogeanese’s quarters the air is tense. The mage has spent all night trying to protect Gate Pass and now his patience is wearing a little thin.

Sonea can see her father needs a rest so gets to the point. 'We think Shealis has the box. We need to get the box from her. Dad we need your help here.'

Aramil joins in. 'We’ll be needing resources, anything you can provide us with.'

Diogeanese nods and holds up a hand. 'Okay. Okay, I happen to know for a fact she’s been prying into things that don’t concern her. She’s a Zaman. She’s got a solon for a familiar. What sort of warmage takes the risk of bonding a familiar? She has Gabal under her thumb. I can’t help directly you understand. What I can do however is help you get to her. I can create a globe of force around Shealis’s cottage, to prevent anyone entering or leaving; a ritual which I can conduct from the top of my tower. I will only drop it once I get a signal from you. All depends on whether you will confront Shealis.' Diogeanese watches them intently to judge their strength of resolve in their cause.

Sonea, Aramil and Torthen agree with the plan and discuss the finer details. Torthen advises he will give the signal. He will hang back while the others go ahead so seeing how the land lies.

The mage and his daughter set to work discussing the casting of the ritual. He explains to the others that he’s had a long night and may not be able to keep this up long. He will need Sonea’s help.



Totally unaware he has been given the slip, Boomer continues walking and talking to his missing companion.

Not far off, outside some of the lecturer’s cottages, Shadow sneaks quietly out from his hiding place in a bush. Within a minute or so, along one of the many paths, he enquires from a red robed man if he can point him towards Shealis.

Unfortunately for him he didn’t remember the warning to stay away from the red-robed wizards as they are on high alert just now. Though, he does look vaguely bemused when he is frog-marched back to Diogeanese’s tower under escort.

Boomer hadn’t been far away and seeing Shadow under escort he follows at a distance, shaking his head.

As Aramil and Torthen leave the tower to find Boomer and Shadow they too meet with the red-robed wizards escorting Shadow Dancer, and are held at wand tip and interrogated too. Security is imperative in times like these.

The senior red-robe wizard Orpheo raps on the door with intent; addressing Diogeanese about the matter at hand. The older mage explains as much as is needed and advises Orpheo that all is well. Sonea’s group are ushered back into the room once again, shutting out the snow and prying eyes.

Sighing deeply he turns to them 'I can see we may need an invisibility spell to get you there.'

The dwarf hits on an idea 'You know they are all wearing red cloaks. If we wear some we can maybe walk around a bit less conspicuously, Diogeanese?'

'Look in my wardrobe.' He points at an old solid oak-doored cupboard and waits a moment.

'Do I have any?' silence follows. 'No. I’m not a student.' Her patience obviously wearing thin, Sonea glares at her father’s sarcasm, prompting him a little.

'But I can get you some.' He finishes.

___________________oOo___________________

Mikal had been scouting and fighting around the City Walls all night and is now cold, wet and knackered, not to mention hungry.

Dressed all in black, his face covered by a black silk scarf, he pads quietly back into the city with several other members of the Gate Pass military, loaded down with soot blackened weapons, including his precious chakram.

Arriving at the temple he seeks out Buron who quickly introduces him to Dara, who is tending the wounded.

'Dara, this here is Mikal. Mikal, meet Dara.' Buron introduces the pair and moves them aside out of other’s earshot.

Buron continues and explains for Mikal’s benefit. 'We’ve got some bad news. It would seem there is an Arcanis cell already in the city, here to kill off influential people. We only have Dara’s cell available to do anything about it.'

Dara advises that she will need to track down her companions and Buron assigns Mikal to aid her.

Mikal gives his report of what he seen outside to Buron while Dara disappears to get kitted up.

___________________oOo___________________

Diogeanese and Sonea spend around twenty minutes sorting materials and preparing for the ritual. He points out which cottage belongs to Shealis before leaving for a few minutes to return with the cloaks.

Diogeanese reads instructions as to where things go while Sonea runs around acting as his hands- father and daughter, mage and assistant.

Leaning against a wall, Shadow Dancer stands nearby observing and writing down notes for his own future interest.

There is a knock at the tower door.

'Get that door will you!' Barks Diogeanese from above.

Aramil walks over and finds Dara covered in snow and soaking wet. Next to her is a man dressed in black, scarf obscuring his face, looking much the same.

Now downstairs in the room with them Diogeanese is tired and can’t abide the cold. 'Come in and shut that door!'

Both sorry figures enter as the mage eyes them up. 'We don’t have enough red robes for this.'

Torthen the dwarf makes a suggestion. 'We can put robes on those who look like they should wear them. They can escort the others.'

Quite quickly a discussion ensues over who looks like they should be wearing them.

Ignoring the argument, Aramil addresses Dara. 'We are going to be heading down to see Shealis. You are going to be following us.'

Mikal steps in. 'Guess what? From now on I shall be joining you. This is the word from your leader, Buron.'

'You’ll be joining us? Any particular reason?' Aramil raises a questioning eyebrow.

Mikal quickly looks at the present company and judges them to be together. 'Yes. You lot are to help us out here. The Arcanis have a small cell in the city and are targeting some high ranking officials. Naturally they asked me to come get you to help.'

Aramil nods. 'First we shall do our thing. Put on your cloak and we shall go get our wee blue box.'

'Description?' enquires the black figure.

Sonea raises her voice. 'You’ll know it when you see it. It glows.'

'That is as much as we know.' Aramil makes it clear that’s the end of the conversation for now.

Diogeanese get’s to the point. 'You need to be close to the walls or inside the cottage when I begin the orb. It will last for around twenty minutes, or as long as I can hold it. It is completely invisible. I will release the globe as soon as you come out and show the signal.'

Cloaks are handed to Aramil, Torthen, Mikal and Dara as Boomer already wears a one. It’s only Shadow Dancer who doesn’t as he was the one who was caught before - the less attention from the red-robed wizards the better.

The escort leaves and takes a fairly straight forward route to the cottage. Boomer begins asking questions about the intended tactics. At this Shadow Dancer suggests that they walk in and ask for the box and negotiate by bluffing that they have the password. Aramil agrees but Torthen suggests that they bring the box out, use the password, therefore ensuing everyone is happy. It is pointed out by Boomer that there is no actual password. So any negotiations should involve a situation where they are required to open the box there and then. Aramil confirms. 'Our plan is to get the box.'

'Assuming that Shealis doesn’t just attack us.' Dara states the obvious problem.

Boomer nods. 'As I said, we need tactics, as that fight in the crypt was abysmal.'

Aramil laughs at this. 'Take it that you all missed my inspiring presence.' The dwarf chokes a laughing grunt. Aramil fires him a sharp look. 'Shut it shorty!'

Boomer sides with Aramil. 'I suggest that we listen and follow the warlord.'

'Thankyou.' Aramil is grateful for some sense from someone.

Dara suggests that as she has the ability to shapeshift into a handy small size such as a mouse, she could do a quick bit of scouting?

This leads to more discussion with Boomer suggesting that Dara steals the box if she can. Aramil suggests simply killing the wizard and searching her cottage for the box, and Shadow points out that everyone is assuming that the box is there, which infact it might not be.

Changing the subject slightly Shadow Dancer smiles. 'Does Shealis have a cat?'

Dara smiles back and decides that a large spider will suffice for the needs of this expedition. 'I’ll need someone to get me in close in my more diminutive form.' Mikal offers to sneak close enough to get her to the thatched roof, thus letting the others stay out of the way.

Someone sniggers, making the comical suggestion of Mikal just using his chakram to get Dara there- a flying spider. The druidess rolls her eyes as such nonsense.

Aramil grunts about humans being a bunch of shaved fucking monkeys. He gets everyone to quit it and split as they are starting to look conspicuous.

Mikal and Dara move on with the druidess dipping into a bush to shed her clothes and shapeshift into a large black spider with velvet red-tipped hairs and glistening black eyes.


Scuttling up and under the thatch of the cottage, Dara finds her way onto a beam and along onto a suitable vantage point to dangle from. She finds the whole cottage seems to be only one room- one door in and out, and one closet with a fiery red glow from beneath its door. The walls are lined in bookcases with shelves covered in the usual magical academic clutter. The room’s occupant is a tall woman in her late twenties/early thirties. Blonde hair braided back from her temples to keep the thick of her mane at her back. She’s scantily dressed, in Dara’s opinion, as her svelte figure is dressed in long flowing layers of near transparent purple silk, emphasised by a purple wrap around her ample bosom. She sits at a table facing the door into the cottage, a wand close by her fingertips, which drum at the table as though she is waiting for someone.

Dara is happy she has seen enough and quickly returns to her clothes then Mikal with the rest of the group. She explains that there is only one room- one door in and out, and what appears to be one cupboard door, with the fiery red glow.

Shadow Dancer suggests he may be the one that is expected. So he should just go and talk to her.
Mikal asks if there could be extra rooms inside the wall or extra-dimensionally? If mages are capable of this would it not be advantageous to a mage not just to have an extra room and a bolt hole but even a cottage.

The tendency to break into discussion is ensuing again. Shadow simply rolls his eyes and begins walking to the door.

He knocks firmly.

'Come in.' Replies a female voice.

The door opens to reveal the purple swathed woman looking serene but intent on the men in her doorway.

'Come in gentlemen and stay along the walls. No funny moves.' She indicates with an immaculate finger the wall in front of her for the benefit of Aramil, Shadow Dancer, Boomer and Torthen as they file in.

Dara and Mikal remain outside as they had stepped aside when Shadow had moved off with clear intentions of knocking on the door.

Shealis inspects Shadow Dancer from her seat.

'I believe you have been expecting me.' Shadow is unruffled under the gaze.

She nods an affirmative and enquires about the nature of the negotiations Shadow Dancer indicated he wished to enter into while being interrogated by the Solon at the depository.


Outside Mikal has sneaked along one of the walls to try and peer into a window. Dara is pressed against the other wall next to another window. Looking up she sees the tower and two figures giving off the distinct feeling of confusion and expectation. She gives the signal to Sonea and Diogeanese to begin the orb.


Shadow knows with his insight that Shealis can’t be intimidated, infact it would be counterproductive, so he relaxes and leans against the wall. 'So you do know what we are here to talk about.'

Aramil remains quiet. Just watching how things play out.

Torthen interjects. 'With regards to the item we are talking about. I realise that you have it and you know what we are talking about. You haven’t been able to open it or see inside it?'

'I agree totally. This is the reason we are here to negotiate is it not?' Shealis gives a short smile and looks back at Shadow Dancer who advises 'Our privacy has been assured.'

'I have assured this also.' Nods Shealis.

Boomer speaks up. 'You know it’s been agreed by many that Gate Pass is independent today because Zama stepped in to prevent it’s conquest by the Imperium before, to ensure their own borders. Gate Pass was left as a neutral territory at that point as the Imperium wasn’t in a position to be going to war. Would it not be in the common interest of Gate Pass and Zama to keep the Imperium out of the city again and so we should consider working together in the matter of the box?'

Shealis listens. 'I concede that keeping the Imperium out of Gate Pass was in Zama’s interests at the time but Zama has been expecting the Imperium to break the treaty all along and has had forty years to prepare for the day the Imperium would go to war. Gate Pass is no longer so vital to Zaman interests, though of course its continued independence is still desirable.'

'Exactly what is it you plan to do with the box?' asks Aramil.

Shealis explains a little. 'The box will come with me to Zama, to be studied by Zaman wizards at the temple of Yhellos, and so that the information within be studied. Zama wants Gate Pass to be independent and we are happy to share the information we find. I have other points I would like to discuss otherwise I wouldn’t be here.'

Shadow Dancer looks at Shealis. 'I am obviously a stranger in this world. Does Zama need to remain uninvolved in this current war?' Shadow Dancer tries to imply that there would be trouble if the resistance were to permit knowledge that Zama has the box to reach the Arcanum.

'Actually I think you’ll find that the Arcanum and ourselves have been involved in a tit for tat espionage play for the better part of forty years. It would come as no surprise to them. In any case, we fully expect to be in a state of open war with the Imperium very shortly. When they are finished with Gate Pass they will surely focus their attentions on the protectorate.' Shealis watches the bodies of those in front of her, their stance, breath and eyes.

Torthen continues. 'Even so, given the situation with the box that you have acknowledged, I wonder would it be all that advantageous to you for the Arcanum to know that you are in possession of it. What are you willing to give for them not to know? That you have been withholding it and the information and secrets within it?'

Shealis laughs quietly at the attempts of diplomacy. 'Well I don’t have the box in my possession. So ultimately I wouldn’t care if they knew. But yes, ultimately the Arcane Imperium could move against me as an individual if they knew colleagues and I personally had the box.'

Torthen nods. 'So the fact is that you are personally at risk and could be assassinated...'

'Comes with the job.' Shealis finishes his statement. She is beginning to grow cold with the line of questioning.

Boomer speaks again. 'We are aware of the political situation between the two Empires...'

Shealis noticeably stiffens at the insinuation that Zama is an 'Empire', but Boomer does not realise why. '...and that we are a buffer. We know we won’t get through this war without loss.
We can make sacrifices however.'

Shealis looks pointedly at him. 'Really? What sacrifices would you be willing to make?'

Boomer continues. 'We would be willing for one member of the Zaman Empire...' Shealis flinches again and grits her teeth. '... to accompany us to the Lyceum, an ally of Gate Pass, where we shall have the box examined by the most highly regarded magical school in the Known World.'


Boomer is not entirely sure but thinks he has upset her. What he does not realise is that Zama is called a 'protectorate' for a reason – they are non-expansionist and see themselves as the last vestige of the ancient Punic culture which they are sworn to preserve. Zama has never started a foreign war in all its existence. Boomer does not realise this, but Aramil, Shadow Dancer and Torthen do.


Shadow Dancer tries to smooth things over, stating that the party is in a position of strength and would like to bargain.

Shealis seems dubious about the strength of Gate Pass’s negotiating position but allows them to continue.

'You can’t open it.' States Torthen.

'How do you know we can’t? The Sacred Band and the Eighty have many powerful wizards among them.' Shealis asks.

Shadow Dancer successfully deduces that she herself has no idea how to open it. 'You ‘can’t’ open it.'

Boomer tries again, pointing out that Gate Pass is willing to make fairly hefty concessions to share information and that it is still in Zama’s interests to keep the city as a negative buffer. The box might contain information that helps the city hold out longer.

Looking slightly puzzled Shadow speaks. 'You say that were it to become known Zama has the box it would not lead to a deepening of hostilities? Would the box not contain information about where the vanished Emperor has gone? In which case would it not be preferable to take the box where there are wizards most likely able to open it?' He suggests that there are wizards in Lyceum who know the password to open the box.

'You are correct and it may have information about this “disappearance”- or maybe even more valuable information.' Shealis agrees.

Shadow Dancer continues. 'So if someone of Zama were to accompany us to the Lyceum- keeping it out of Zama for now- we get it open and share the information, this would be acceptable?'

Shealis agrees in principle but has conditions. No one in the room disagrees with this.

'Ok, so the conditions are to guarantee the safety of the person going. We would like a hostage in return to undergo a ritual linking the hostage to their representative. What befalls one will befall the other.'

Looks fly around the group at this. Torthen takes a half step forward, so volunteering himself. He offers some heroic words in support of his decision.

'Very well then under these conditions it is agreed. I shall not be accompanying you as I am needed in the city but one of my trusted colleagues will go with you and the box to the Lyceum.' Shealis smiles at her negotiation so far. 'We have no wish to antagonise Gate Pass and we are willing to share this information. I will however accompany you to the boxes location, where the exchange of blood samples between the envoy and the hostage will occur so that they are linked. Then the box shall be handed over to your keep.'

Boomer agrees for everyone. 'These terms are agreeable.'

Shealis offers that if they want to discuss their decision then they are to go ahead. She opens the closet door revealing a flaming bird man. Before entering she points out that all her possessions have wards.

The dwarf turns to the others looking grim. 'First off if I’m being exchanged none of you touch the envoy!'

'Ofcourse! It would not be in Gate Pass’s interests.' Assures Boomer.

Shadow Dancer smirks, he can hardly contain it. 'Cold feet so soon?'

Torthen grunts. 'No merely an inclining of what you are like.'

Aramil looks innocent. 'Trust us?'

'As far as I can comfortably... never mind.' Torthen shakes his head and grumbles to himself.

___________________oOo___________________

Shealis leads everyone from Gabals, with Mikal and Dara introducing themselves and joining the others. Naturally, Sonea is left as she would reveal to Shealis Diogeanese’s involvement. They are led East through various lightly manned gates. The first day of the New Year is still very, very cold with the complete white out of snow. This makes it difficult to follow the path but eventually they reach the Zaman canton. The men on the gates are obviously members of the Zaman Sacred Band (professional soldiers of Zama’s standing army). Tall well muscled men in enchanted runic bronze armour, carrying tall spears, large circular bronze shields and wearing crestless hoplite helmets. Despite the cold all they wear are leather cups, sandals and a thick purple war cloak.

Within the walls of the canton the streets are clean and organised. Everyone is well dressed. The place is calm and all the buildings are untouched. As they are lead through a maze of streets they see that the homes are villas and the shops are large and open, definitely affluent.

Along a street they are lead to a shop, a door makers shop by the sign outside, and lead around the back and in through a no-longer quite so secret door.

On the way from the gates Dara has noticed a rat behaving strangely outside – it does not scurry close to the walls as a rat should and instead runs in the open.

Inside they find the loud yapping and barking of three fire-wreathed dogs. Dara immediately smiles and thinks to herself ‘I want one of those!’ Guardian solons- the weakest form of solon.

Three large stocky men dressed as members of the Sacred Band stand in the room along with the man from the depositary tower. None of them look surprised to see who Shealis has brought with her.

Inside the house is one big empty nothing, a space with a ladder going up to the loft.

Shealis excuses herself and the man from the depositary- her lieutenant- climb the ladder.

Torthen stoops down and pets one of the dogs without ill effect (thanks to his fire resistant armour). It’s hard to determine who is more surprised, the dogs or the guards.

A few moments later Shealis and the lieutenant come back down the ladder with the blue glowing box. It looks just like the illusionary one. The guards are close by.

Shealis has two glass vials and a long silver needle. She turns to one of the guards. 'Bomilcar.' He steps forward and presents his thumb.

Discussion arises among the party about do they really want an eight foot tall heavily muscled man-hardly inconspicuous. Torthen has other opinions and is all for being bonded to someone who has a chance of surviving any tough fights along the way. The silver needle extracts some of the guard’s blood which is placed in the vial.

Shealis turns to Torthen. 'Would you mind presenting me with your hand?'

'Sure.' He takes off his glove and extends his hand. Again Shealis extracts some blood to be placed in the same vial, and mixes them together while saying an incantation. She decants the main vial into two smaller ones and passes them to Torthen and Bomilcar for safekeeping.

The man from the depositary tower, the Lieutenant steps forward to Aramil. 'Here you go.' He hands the box over. 'I’d rather you don’t tell us how you are getting out the city.'

Meanwhile, Boomer speaks to Bomilcar. 'Should the need arise will you fight alongside us or stay behind?' Bomilcar responds with some well executed air thrusts of his spear.

At this Boomer asks. 'Might I ask you to stand behind us in battle?'

'The Sacred Band does not stand behind anyone.'

Aramil steps forward with his package. 'Will you be willing to follow my orders in battle?'

'Do your companions?' Bomilcar fixes an eye on him.

Aramil shrugs. 'Mostly.'

Bomilcar nods. 'If you earn my respect then I will follow you.'

Aramil accepts this. 'We will see how it goes.'

Shealis smiles quickly and claps her hands in command. 'I am fairly gratified to see you boys getting along so well but go!'

Bomilcar nods quickly at Shealis and turns to the others. 'I will meet you at the enclave gates. I must change.'

'So after... he can find his way back?' enquires Boomer of Shealis.

'He can return by himself, he is quite capable. Torthen and Bomilcar need to be in the same room to break the spell.' With that Shealis leaves.

___________________oOo___________________

While making their way to gates for Bomilcar the group sum quietly discuss their situation. They have the box and Zama tentatively onside. At present they don’t have a way out of the city and there is an Arcanis cell in the city looking for the box and trying to assassinate officials.

It is agreed that Boomer should collect Sonea as they swing past Gabals on the way to the Temple where Torrent should meet up with them.

The blizzard seems to be lessening, no longer a white out, but still snowing with drifts. Dara knows this isn’t particularly natural. A blizzard like this should be blowing for the rest of the day. She also notices that they are still being tailed by the strange rat but now a crow is at it as well, neither of them at the same time though. The way the crow flaps its wings it should not be able to fly. The rat isn’t actually scurrying the way it should either.

Arriving at the gates of the enclave Bomilcar arrives a moment or two later, dressed as an outdoor traveller.

The sacred band of Zama is a religious order as well as a professional army- all its members are sworn to the God Yhallos and the Goddess Tanit. Most of its martial types are Paladins with a strong smattering of clerics, invokers, fighters, wizards and warlords.

Bomilcar has short hair and is built like a tank, he looks rather martial. He doesn’t say anything, just falls in behind and marches.

Mikal looks at him sideways. 'Oi soldier boy! Breakstep.'

Bomilcar changes his gate.

Aramil observes this. 'Oh great, instead we have an eight foot man who looks like he shat himself.'

'Walk like you’re a skirmisher.' Adds Boomer helpfully.

Bomilcar looks indignant. 'Do I look like a skirmisher to you boy?'

Boomer shrugs. 'No but that is the problem.'

'He looks more like a trebuchet.' Laughs Mikal.

Shadow Dancer is greatly amused at the exchanges.

___________________oOo___________________

The group heads off, Boomer to Gabals and the rest to the Temple.

The box is the size of a small crate; it’s double wrapped in a pack to hide the glow as it is carried on Aramil’s back.

Eventually arriving at the temple they find it to be largely deserted. The few wounded that are left are the ones who probably won’t make it. No sign of Buron and Torrent but a priest advises that they are downstairs where some of the priests are cleaning up and reconsecrating the tomb below.

Inside the door beside the altar the two half orcs glare then relax as the door opens. They advise that there have been no more problems from the crypt.

Everyone heads down to the room in the cellars where they find Buron and a Halfling dressed in leather clothing, not particularly martial, talking to Torrent and Badger (who looks like the walking dead). Badger is sitting in a chair and is wrapped in several blankets.

The conversion stops abruptly.

Aramil walks in. 'Don’t let us interrupt you.'

Buron fumes visibly and points a white finger at Bomilcar. 'Who is that why is he here?!'

'Bomilcar is here and he is going to be accompanying us.' Informs Aramil.

Buron looks at the huge man 'Would you excuse us?'

Bomilcar shrugs and leaves, closing the door behind him.

Buron turns on those present. 'Bomilcar is a Zaman name! Why is he here?'

Aramil holds his hands up. 'Good news and bad news. We have the box.'

Buron nods. 'Excellent.' Going quiet and with precise speech he continues. 'Why is he here?'

Unintimidated Aramil looks at him. 'That’s why he is here.'

'You know the dwarf? We swapped him.' Adds Mikal helpfully.

The Halfling holds up his hands “Wait, wait, wait! I don’t need to hear anything else. I was here only to help in getting the box.” He turns and leaves though the door, closing it behind him.

Torrent explains just how unhappy she is. She has spent half the morning looking for the Halfling sorcerer only to find they won’t need him!

The air just about seethes with the anger from the senior resistance members, upset is an understatement.

'Ok. For the moment we have the box. We are assisting the Zamans to an extent. Most importantly we have the box.' Aramil tries to placate the gathering storm.

Torrent narrows her eyes. 'What did you promise them?'

Aramil cracks half a smile, hopeful. 'A wee look?'

Mikal assures quickly. 'When we are on neutral territory and we open it.'

Torrent glares almost open mouthed at them. 'What was the last thing I said before I went to sleep?' Her hands are almost shaking now with anger.

'Goodnight?' Aramil, Shadow Dancer and Mikal know they shouldn’t have but they couldn’t help themselves.

Torrent holds her breath and turns a fetching shade of purple.

Before she can explode Mikal suggests that they don’t let the Zamans get to see what is inside the box.

Shadow Dancer leans forward. 'Buron, I strongly suggest you don’t carry on with your line of questioning.'

Aramil nods. 'It’s a problem we can work around, for access to the box.'

Torrent’s arms are straight through tension, she just manages to voice through clenched teeth.

'DON’T. DO. ANYTHING. CONSPICIOUS!'

Mikal shrugs and gives it a stir. 'It’s not conspicuous. Blatant, but not conspicuous.'

Torrent and Buron do not look in any way, shape or form amused.

At the end of his rope, Buron turns to Torrent. 'I thought you would have been able to control your own cell!'

Badger raises a pale hand. 'Let’s not discuss this in public. Gentleman you have the box. What have you done about the assassins?'

'Working on that now.' Aramil gladly answers Badger.

'We had to get the box before we could work on those.' Adds Mikal.

'Would knowing they have been here a week help?' offers Shadow.

Badger eyes him. 'What else do you know?'

'The Zamans are aware they are here.'

Badger nods. 'Interesting.' He explains 'Generally speaking the Zamans only tell us what they want us to hear. Half of it is lies.'



Outside Boomer arrives at the temple and in the stairwell finds Bomilcar at the door.

'Ah Bomilcar! Having a discussion in there are they?' Boomer asks slyly.

Bomilcar nods curtly.

'Not listening are you?' he continues.

Bomilcar shakes his head expressionless.

'They didn’t send out anyone else?'

Bomilcar shakes his head again.

'I think you should accompany me to the common room.' Boomer smiles and nods agreeably.

The giant of a man agrees. 'In the interests of cooperation between our two covert bodies I’ll accompany you.'

'Thanks!' Mikal’s voice is clearly heard from behind the door.

Boomer leads Bomilcar away to a common room and has half orc guards keep an eye on him.

They have orders to come find Boomer if need be.


'You do know you sent him to listen at the door?' Mikal looks at Buron.

Buron glares. 'Mikal get out! Just get out! All of you just get OUT!'

At this Boomer enters. 'Which idiot just told him to stand outside the door?'

Buron erupts completely. 'GET OUT!'

___________________oOo___________________

The party leave for the relative safety and calm of the common room to find some heat and refreshments. In the stairwell Mikal asks 'Quick question. Has anyone noticed anyone following or anything strange or magical with Bomilcar?'

Dara explains about the snow and the strange creatures following their movements.

Mikal asks if the rat or crow was at the same time.

'Separately.' Dara is sure.

'It could be one creature taking two forms or many.' Mulls Shadow.

'Next time you see either of them give us a sign.' Aramil asks.

___________________oOo___________________

On entering the common room some people can’t help but angle for some fun.

'Ah! There you are Bombastic!' Boomer grins.

'BOMILCAR.' Bomilcar looks at Boomer.

'Hello Bobblehat.' Mikal joins in.

'Bamboozel.' Laughs Shadow.

'Oh. You were addressing me?' Bomilcar looks round at them. 'I thought you were addressing the others. You haven’t introduced yourselves.'

At this they give in and make their introductions.


In the common room while having a rest, drying off and having refreshments, discussion forms over other ways to get to the Lyceum. First of all they need to get out the city. Mikal suggests leaving through the Eastern gate and then travelling South.

It is pointed out that only people with approved passes can exit through the gates and as Bomilcar explains Gate Pass has descriptions and sketchings of all Zamans in the city for immigration control so this will make things tricky.

As they are speaking Boomer detects a very faint glow coming from the cat’s eye gem in the pommel on Bomilcar’s sword- a scrying gem. He observes that it’s faint and muted, musing that this is probably because it is inactive. Boomer decides to tell Aramil about this as soon as he can.

Aramil focuses people’s attention by summing up where they stand currently. 'We have the box, the Zamans are on-side,' He nods at Bomilcar. 'we are being surveyed, we need a writ to exit the city, Diogeanese is the highest placed person in the city we know, and there is an Arcanis cell trying to kill high up people in Gate Pass.'