Session Twenty: Back from the Brink

Session Date: June 8, 2008

Meta-game Issues (Rules Clarifications)
(Out-of-Character)

We reviewed various rules, including some Artha options that have not generally been used ("Clearing the Cobwebs", "Shrug It Off", "Aristeia"). We also briefly discussed plans and options in terms of pacing of future sessions.

Taking Kalrun to the Surgeon
(Afternon, 15 Halane TR 720)

The session began immediately where the last one had left off. Kalrun had been shot by a crossbow on a rooftop west of he Area at point blank range, and taken a mortal wound. [However, he had spent 1 persona pointt on "The Will to Live", so he was still alive.] He was bleeding on a rooftop where he had been found by Bowdyn, who had chased after him. Bowdyn had signalled from the rooftop to Maban in the procession, who had come up to him. However, the rest of the procession did not know about what had happened— just that Bowdyn had signalled for Maban to come. Tomas, one of the covert Cohorts of Gashang with the group, whent with her. The rest of the missionaries had continued on with their parade, proceeding back to Kotros Square for their final speeches. They had not wanted to compete with the roars of the arena for people's attention.

Bowdyn, Maban, and and Tomas had together put Kalrun on a board to carry him back down to the street and to the house of a a nearby physician, Makala of Oshon, a surgeon who specialized in treating wounds from the arena. Kalrun was was bleeding badly, staunched by Maban's efforts, with the crossbow bolt still embedded in his chest, its point stuck against his back ribs. The master physician was not there at first, but the Cohort of Gashang brutally intimidated one of the man's slaves to fetch him from the arena. The Agrikan Tehran then went to fetch Analia of Erm. While they were gon, Maban staunched the bloody flowing from Kalrun, and began stuffing healing herbs around it.

When he arrived, Makala was at first annoyed, but was convinced of taking the job without too much trouble as it would prove a challenge to his skill— he was also assured by the others of payment.

Makala was irascible, misanthropic, and insulting. He insulted Kalrun (though unconscious) for having been stupid enough to get himself shot at close range. ("What kind of a moron would let that happen!"). He even insulted Maban for her efforts at helping, although he conceded that she actually did do something useful. Despite is obnoxious temperament, Makala did seem interested in giving the best treatment for the patient. He heated up an iron bar of a fitting width, then carefully pulled on the bolt, to remove it from Kalrun's back rib, then pushed the bolt out through the Kalrun's chest and quickly called for the bar to be pushed through to cauterize the wound. The operation was a success, though the trauma of it made Kalrun appear even more grave. [In his surgical work, he was aided by Maban, who had not only prayed for divine aid, but also contributed with her herbal skills.].

While the operation was being conducted, Analia had arrived, looking deeply concerned.

Jaroud's Visit to Senator Crasshic
(Morning, 15 Halane TR 720 - FLASHBACK)

[As Jaroud's player was not able to attend Session 19, Jaroud went to attend some private business, meeting with Senator Crasshic of Kainel, who had agreed to purchase two of his dogs. We did a 'flashback' to that meeting.]

Jaroud came to the house of Senator Crasshic in Kuseme, taking the pups he had promised along with their parents and his ever-present wolf, Black Claw. The senator was busy dealing with many of his clients, of a much higher class social than Jaroud. He made promises, struck deals, asked favors, promised to smooth over difficulties, and so forth. Jaroud had to spend siginficant time waiting for the Senator's business to be conducted, but he did eventually address Jaroud while some of his clients were still around.. He asked what he could see about the dog's training and breeding.

Jaroud then launched into a masterful demonstration of the intelligence and training of the pups' parents. Without a word from him, the two took in his gesture and swept the hall for trouble without a word from him. One actually caught a theft in progress -- grabbing and holding a slave who had been trying to stealthily slip out with some valuables stashed on them. (Jaroud made an amazing 10 successes on his Dog Husbandry roll.) The senator and all of his clients present are amazed at this -- and one insisted on paying Jaroud in advance for a set of dogs. (Jaroud gets +2d cash on hand.)

The senator commended Jaroud on his staunch support of the people in the western district -- noting how he remembered the hunt and the feast that Jaroud threw after his hunting the white stag. Jaroud mentioned his current troubles with the Lia-Kavair. Senator Crasshic appeared to already know something about the incident and shared some of his thoughts on the subject.

Jaroud also told the senator about the missionaries' parade that was going on currently. True to his reputation as a demagogue, the senator then declared "I love a parade" and insisted he go to see this with Jaroud. Dropping several appointments, he went out with an entourage of servants and clients to Coranan.

The Senator and the Nolah
(Afternoon, 15 Halane TR 720)

When speaking in Kotros Square, the missionaries had a small crowd gathered to hear Olrau speak (and gawk at the body of the Elder Brood) when they saw a larger throng approaching them from the Quilon Gate to the west, leading by bridge to the castle and Kuseme. They at first discretely grabbed weapons to defend themselves, but it turned out to be Jaroud with Senator Crasshic and his entourage.

They were amazed at this, and greeted the senator warmly and politely. Judyn introduced him to Yehla-Sha-Bhemis the Nolah, and spoke to it in her halting command of Ivashi to make clear to the Senator that it was an intelligent creature, capable of using language.

Still uncertain, but not wanting to appear afraid in front of the crowd, the Senator walked up to shake hands with the Nolah. The Nolah, however, appeared puzzled by this. Senator Crasshickissed Judyn's hand to illustrate, but thisseemed to have mixed the message to Yehla ("I should taste his hand?") and Judyn hurried to address the crowd, assuring that the senator had proven his point.

Judyn then announced to the crowd that Olrau would tell them about how the coming of Ilvir and how his temple would change the city. Olrau picked up on this and made his speech, followed by Senator Crasshic. Crasshic spoke bluntly against the Lia-Kavair, and promised his protection to Jaroud, whom he praised as a man who stood up for the poor of the west side. He also promised protection and patronage to all the missionaries.

Senator Crasshic then learned of the attack upon the parade earlier in the afternoon, and demanded to be brought to meet the heroic Kalrun who had defended the missionaries against the assassins sent after them. Taking this up, they went together back towards the arena.

The Resurrection
(Afternoon, 15 Halane TR 720)

As the parading missionaries returned to the Arena area, they saw Bowdyn in the process of being taken from the physician's shop towards the temple of the Eight Demons. (Analia had offered to let him stay there.)

He looked terrible, lying on a pallet by Bowdyn and the cohort -- unconscious, naked, covered in his own blood, and stinking of burnt flesh from the cauterization. A cry soon went up among all those present at this. Maban calld out to the others, "It's a miracle, Ilvier has healed him!" The physician Makala, hearing her cry, came out of his shop and helled even louder, "No, Ilvir had nothing to do with it! It was me who healed him!" This caused a brief argument with some of the missionaries and Makala.

On seeing Kalrun's condition Judyn grabbed up a handful of the mud they had brought with them from the cart, and knelt beside him to spread the mud over his wound. Asking for Olrau, Maban, and the others to pray with her, she grasped the Orb of Souls and looked at Kalrun. Still the Orbit, she pressed her lips to his mouth and breathed in his soul and his body shuddered as in death -- provoking another cry from those watching. She then kissed to orb letting his soul draw power from it, then turned back to breath back into his mouth. Kalrun blinked open his eyes as color returned to his body, and he sat up to wipe away the mud from his chest to see it pure and untouched. He then sprang up, fully energetic— and even more miraculously, with his lame knee now healed as well, to a rousing cheer from all of those present. (Judyn spent a Deeds point on a Faith roll and succeeded in an Ob 10 Miracle. Kalrun dropped his "Maimed" trait based on this.)

The scowling physician was tempted to comment on this, but Maban prayed that he be stricken with silence— and Ilvir heard her prayer, as he instead just muttered quietly to himself and went back inside. Maban did call some insults at him as he retreated.

There was great joy among all the missionaries, and those following, who were mazed at this miracle. Even Hth priestess Analia became overwhelmed with joy and went up and gave Kalrun a (chaste) kiss of joy. Judyn slipped to her, though, to whisper a suggestion that she leave quickly and discretely to avoid being associated with the Ilviran crowd (since they were going to assassinate her uncle). Analia agreed, but hr plan was accidentally foiled by Maban who joyously and loudly greeted Analia as she tried to slip away.

Conversions and Celebration
(Late Afternoon / Evening, 15 Halane TR 720)

With such a miraclulous display of Ilvir's power, a number of people converted there on that spot. Senator Crasshic was the first, clearly wanting to establish himself as a leader. Several of his clients and others in his entourage also converted, as did several other individuals who were traveling with the procession or who ad witnessed Kalrun's ressurection. Each were baptized with mud by all of the founders, following the tradition established by Duglan's baptism four months earlier. Olrau added some additional elements to the ritual by insisting that that "the water of the holy Thard" and Kalrun's blood be incorporated into the baptismal ritual.

When the conversions were complete as sundown approached, those present all headed back across the bridge to Kuseme. Judyn had prepared for a celebration at her house. As they were leaving the city, however, a lone figure gestured to Maban, which she recognized as Ro'agg - the mysterious shape-shifting Ivashu who would speak to her at times. After the ambush, however, everyone was wary of strangers. Judyn noticed Maban's look at the figure and asked her who it was. Maban then explained for the first time about Ro'agg and her interactions with it.

Judyn was confused by this starnge revelation of Maban's, but held off discussing it further. Instead she urged Maban to keep her mind on the present task. Though she did not talk to Ro'agg, Maban nevertheless felt that his apperance was a reminder t renew her efforts to free the Ivashu in the arena.

As they returned to Kuseme, Senator Crasshic went to his own house first, leaving the group. But, he did return to the Denach clan house with his wife and 20-year-old son. There, Maban began discussing heatedly with other founders about what they should be doing to free the Ivashu captured by the Octagonal Pit. She was praticularly concerned with the centipede-like creature that was still being kept in the loca Arena, and urged that the group go tonight to rescue it. . Judyn had a party to run, and walked out on the conversation to perform her duties as hostess; and Jaroud also left, not wishing to debate Maban on the subject.

Olrau did suggest that she could do more for the Ivashu if she had access to the arena, and he reminded her that there had been some interest by the Octagonal Pit in reaching some sort of arrangement. She agreed, at least for the moment, that managing the deal with the Agrikans was one of their greater successes thus far. She did not go off immediately to tear apart the arena, but returned to the party for the moment.

During the celebrationt, Kalrun spoke to Jenkyn, a Red Guard captain (and one of Senator Crasshic's clients) who had converted the daybefore. Kalrun explained his difficult situation vis-a-vis Captain Brokman, and asked ifhe could be transfered to Captain Jenkyn's cohort instead. He also spoke out against the Lia-Kavair. Despite being Kalrun's new brother in Ilvir, Jenkyn seemed unsympathetic to Kalrun's complaints against the Lia-Kavair. Specifically, he said that there would always be crime and criminals. He did say that he would do what he could to help with Captain Brokman, though, and offered Kalrun unpaid leave under the cover of formal suspension. Kalrun had to return his Red Guard armor, though (which he had lent to Jaroud) at least for the time being. Kalrun agreed.

Kalrun also did manage to extract from Jenkyn information about the two hired killers who shot him.

Bowdyn and Hillay's Separation
(Night, 15 Halane TR 720)

As the party would down, Senator Crasshic returned to his home, while the many guests other guests crowded into the space there. Judyn and her servants had set out cots with makeshift curtains to make room for the abundance of guests. Hillay, who had been staying there, apologized to Bowdyn for her angry words earlier in the day— and thanked him for rescuring her. After dark, they passionately made love, to the annoyance of those around.

After sex, however, Hillay spoke frankly to Bowdyn. She reminded him that it was now the time of the agreement they had made shortly after they came to Coranan— i.e. that he had agreed that if he hadn't established himself by the Banquet of Delight, they would return to Kaldor. She said that he clearly had not established himself, while he claimed that he had. Their pillow talk gradually turned into a loud argument, keeping awake many other guests. Outraged at Bowdyn's refusal to consider levaing, Hillay then stormed out of Judyn's house and walked off into the night.

Bowdyn was perplexed by Hillay's behavior and asked Judyn to talk. Despite her exhaustion, Judyn walked outside with him and heard him out. She concurred that it seemed his marriage was at an end, and offered her sympathies. She advised him that under Thardic law, divorce should be a simple administrative matter, provided that Hillay agrees. Otherwise it would have to be brought before a judge, which could be expensive and risky.

With that, they retired for a few hours of sleep before the next day.

The Question of the Orb
(Morning, 16 Halane TR 720)

In the morning, Judyn and Jaroud were preparing for immediate departure -- to get out of town and assassinate Analia's uncle. They also planned to take the orb with them, and go to Araka-Kalai to return the souls within it to Ilvir there. However, Olrau argued against this, saying that after centuries, the souls could wait another year. At first it seemed he was alone, with Maban, Kalrun, and Judyn all insisting that their mandate from Ilvir was to take it immediately. However, Bowdyn then spoke for Olrau's point. Jaroud abstained, but insisted that they should not fight and all should respect Olrau.

Kalrun at first spoke angrily, citing his own brief time in the orb, and trying to intimidate Olrau. Jaroud then jumped to Olrau's side for a time. Olrau argued that it was not necessary, and that taking the orb would be risky. Judyn argued back that none of them were safe in Coranan, and their first duty was to Ilvir, not to their own ambitions and appearance.

As they were on the edge of becoming more heated in their debate, however, both Judyn and Olrau took Jaroud's point to heart. They put aside their difference, and agreed to decide this point later, after the assassination.

Pulling Laranz from the Brink
(Morning, 16 Halane TR 720)

The group were then almost ready to leave. However, Judyn wanted to find out what had happened to Laranz -- who had not come to the parade despite their invitation. She sent a messenger to inquire after him in the morning, and very quickly one of Laranz's servants showed up at her house. The slave asked to speak to Bowdyn, and said that Laranz had been in a 'black mood' for the past few days— and that it had turned even blacker after receiving a letter from his uncle.

Bowdyn, Judyn, and Maban were concerned and immediately went to Coranan to see Laranz. They tried to slip discretely into the city to Laranz's house. (1 success on an open-ended Inconspicuous roll.) At the house, they learned that Laranz wasin the basement in the secret chapel to Ilvir there. Bowdyn went down to speak with him alone at first. As he was going, though, Judyn drew him aside and told him pointedly that he was now formally separated from his wife, and no one would think ill of his becoming involved with another. This was a clear reference to Laranz's obvious romantic attraction to Bowdyn. However, though he was friends with Laranz, Bowdyn could not feel that way about him or any other man.

Descending into the secret chapel, Bowdyn found Laranz standing by the edge of the bottomless pit with a vial of liquid in one hand, and a piece of parchment in the other. Bowdyn approached very carefully and sat down a few feet from Laranz, gesturing for Laranz to sit with him. Laranz was clearly distraught, and lookd like he had slept little and drank much over the past few days.

Bowdyn reassured Laranz that he was free to do whatever he felt was right. Laranz explained that just two days after coming out as an Ilviran, he had lost all of his clients. The Halean church had let it be known that no one should do business with him. Further, he received the day before a letter from his uncle along with the vial. The letter asked him to kill himself, explaining that the clan could only recover rom the shame he had brought upon them by taking his own life, which would make it "clear" to others that he was insane. His Uncle's letter apparently went on that if Laranz did not take his own life, it would be arranged for someone else to do it for him.

Bowdyn spoke to Laranz and tld him that a break with his birth clan need not be the end-- as tthe church could be family to him now. In response, Laranz asked instead that Bowdyn show that he cared about him, but jumping with him into the bottomless pit so that they could remain together. Bowdyn then simply spoke firmly and asked that he come upstairs and talk, and Laranz agreed. (Bowdyn backed off from a DoW with stakes of jumping together with Laranz, and instead rolled straight Persuasion against his Will of 4, and succeeded by using a Deeds point.)

Upstairs, Judyn hugged Laranz and told him joyfully about how Senator Crasshic and eleven others had converted the day before. Ironically, she asked if he could cut back on his other work to help prepare for building the temple.

All three founders there then insisted that Laranz come back to Kuseme with them, with Bowdyn quietly saying that he should never be left alone for the next few days. He at first said he would have to pack, but they easily convinced him that his servants could do that and bring his things later.

News While Returning to Kuseme
(Afternoon/Evening, 16 Halane TR 720)

The founders then returned to Kuseme, bringing Laranz with them to stay at Judyn's Kuseme house.

Later that evening, in Kuseme, they heard through rumors that a man named Laester, aparently a member of the Lia-Kavair from the Agrikan district, had been killed in a manner suggesting execution by the Lia-Kavair. It would seem that Tower and Judyn's plan of framing the hot-headed lester as the ultimate cause behind Tiny's death had come to ruition.

(The GM confirmed this out-of-game, stating that the current adventure/plotline regarding Lia-Kavair's potential vendetta against the missionaries was resolved. However, the GM noted that their relationship with the Lia-Kavair would likely be strained/confrontational in th future, and that there might still be other events set into motion.)

That evening, Gwydion, from the Temple of the Seafarer Ibenis also requested to take his leave and return to Shiran the next day. The founders whom he spoke with agreed. He also asked them for additional funds as support, as he felt that the other priests in the temple would be unhappy with his decision unless he provided material support. The founders debated the subject and agreed that they could not give Gwydion more money, but they could give him support by having Duglan go to Shiran to serve as a bodyguard. Gwydion seemed less than thrilled with this resolution, but did not press the issue.

Meta-game Issues (Trait and Award Votes)
(Out-of-Character)

We concluded the session by closing that adventure and voting on new traits and reputations. We went round the table and, in typical fashion, new traits and reputations were awarded to all PCs.

New Reputations:

  • Jaroud: Killer of Tiny (Infamous 1D reputation in Coranan)
  • Kalrun: Back from the Dead (1D Reputation in Coranan)
  • Maban: Kaldoran Witch Who Can Command Ivashu (increased from 1D to 2D)
  • Judyn: Priestess of the Orb (1D reptuation in Coranan) (Judyn was also voted to lose her Distracted trait).
  • Bowdyn: Seducer of Laranz (Infamoous 1D reputation in Coranan)

New Traits:

  • Jaroud: Driven (C/O trait for Dog Handling)
  • Kalrun: Thousand Yard Stare (per the Character Burner)
  • Maban: Check Out This Arse (Die trait for seduction, conspicuous, or other rolls in which her bottom might come into play; +1 D to rolls)
  • Judyn: Second Sight (Per the Character Burner)
  • Bowdyn: The Negotiator (C/O for Persuasion

Also, the NPC Hillay (Bowdyn's wife) was voted the Indiscrete character trait, while Duglan was voted to lose his Cowardly trait.

Finally, the group voted for MVP and Workhorse. Kalrun was voted MVP, while Bowdyn was voted workhorse, each thereby earning a Persona point.

(End of Session)