The Story
Session XIII (RL: 11/16/02)
- September 11th, 183 2C. Shortly before dawn, the Redwing, containing Captain
Jen, Firstmate Dale, Creyton Grey, Anastasia Zakharov, Thurton Gromst, Sperin
Tramil, Aliana Moonsong, Kira Achado, Celene Shadowwren and Morinskar lands
near a small barn not too far from Flagaton Pol. Dale and Jen get the skyship
secured inside the barn. Morinskar stands at a window, staring toward the
city anxiously. Everyone else unloads their gear from the ship, then crashes
in the barn. Jen and Kira share a private conversation before they prepare
for sleep, mentioning that the Guild is divided in its loyalties. As people
drift off, Dale can be seen sitting on the Redwing and thoughtfully watching
Morinskar. People wake around midday to a rainy day, as if the Empire were
crying over the blood spilled the night before. Ana, Thurton, Sperin, Aliana,
Kira and Celene discuss what they want to do. According to Morinskar, he needed
to get to the Imperial Tower. What was the best way to get into the city?
Kira explains that there are secret tunnels that can get them into the city.
Jen, overhearing this, mentions she can take them that way, where they will
be able to stay at a safehouse for a little while. They decide this is best
and will leave once Dale takes care of some other business. Creyton mentions
the city is filled with bad memories for him. Ana mentions that she predicts
much political turmoil ahead. Jen drools over Morinskar. Thurton plays a bit
with Fuzz. Creyton points out to others the Imperial Tower in the distance.
Dale returns and he asks Celene a few questions about her uncle before he
leads them to a trap door, disguised on a nearby hill. Dale leads everyone
down through some tunnels which eventually opens up to some sewers. Aliana
gets a bit dirty in the crossing. Then, it is more tunnels before they are
in a safehouse and, basically, arrested by the Guild. Jen and Dale leave them
locked in a room until further notice. People start freaking out a bit. Morinskar
is very agitated. Kira picks the lock. They wait a bit longer when Dale returns.
He talks to them a bit, then some other men come. It is explained that they
will each be questioned. They are lead off in groups or alone. Some wait for
awhile to be questioned. Others are questioned right away. While in the room,
Kira mentions that she trusts Jen and her uncle Max, but no one else. She
gives Sperin a book about Cold Fury. Eventually, everyone is questioned by
either Max, Jen, Dale, or another gentleman. Jen flirts a bit with Sperin.
Max then says they are free to go and the group asks him to take them to Senator
Evan King. Max leads them through more tunnels and out into the southern part
of the huge city of Flagaton Pol. The city is huge and amazing. Max leads
Creyton, Ana, Thurton, Sperin, Aliana, Kira, Celene and Morinskar by some
gypsies, a gnome, some parks, and mansions until they finally reach Evan King's
estate. Celene gets them in and, after a brief audience with her uncle, food
and lodging. Mr. Smith is there. Thurton tells the Senator they are there
because of the Senate seat for Akia. Mistyn, bodyguard for the Senator, is
also present. He seems very fond of Celene. Celene makes it clear to her uncle
that she doesn't trust everyone in the group and later makes it clear she
doesn't like the group lying to her uncle. The Senator mentions that there
is a good chance that one or more of them will be asked to speak before the
Senate in the near future. Much needed baths are provided to everyone. Morinskar
states that his time to awaken is very soon. Celene talks a bit more with
her uncle after everyone else goes to bed. Aliana and Celene both have notable
dreams.
- September 12th. It is a quiet day at the Senator's estate. People finally
have some time to relax. Creyton does just that. Sperin spends the morning
training. Thurton inspects the stables and rides a horse within the grounds.
Celene catches up with her uncles servants, some of whom she seems close with.
Ana and Aliana go shopping. They get quite lovely outfits to appear before
the Senate in, in addition to spending some time bonding with the gypsies.
It seems that Ana has some sort of kinship with them. Kira reads the book
on Cold Fury, then heads into the city herself. Celene explains to Creyton,
Sperin and Thurton, and eventually everyone else, that they will be having
dinner with her uncle and another Senator. The rest of the day passes. People
prepare for dinner and, eventually, they are called down. They meet Senator
Marone from Rickfield South. During dinner, they learn that Lord Elis is a
Senator from Bandit Keep in northeastern Threforfar with a claim to be a direct
descendant of the kings of old and that his army now camps just outside the
walls of the city. Politics are discussed and dinner seems to be pleasant
enough until Morinskar bluntly states at one point that Marone is lying. This,
of course, leads to a quick deterioration of dinner. Marone storms off. King
tries to console him. Creyton is amused. Right or wrong, the group comes to
the conclusion that Marone is in league with Lord Elis and is providing the
Bandit King with information. They convene in Creyton's room to discuss this
and other things. They don't feel safe. Keeping watch out the window, Kira
spots a pair of figures talking on the grounds. She uses her Dragon Sight
to identify Marone and Dale parting ways. Sperin races down, but they're gone
by the time he gets there. When Sperin returns, the group decides they'll
leave since they don't feel safe. Everyone gathers their things and they're
almost ready to go when suddenly Ana warns that the Senator is in danger RIGHT
NOW! They race downstairs, fully armed, where the Senator is skulking and
drinking wine. Scared, the Senator calls to Mistyn to protect him. Shouting
ensues, everyone highly strung with everyone else. Out of the darkness, something
strikes Senator King and he drops. An assassin drops in to finish the job,
dressed from head to toe in black. The group leaps to action. Aliana rushes
to the Senator. Everyone else moves to engage the assassin, who is a badass,
taking on everyone at once. Creyton prepares an arrow. Thurton is knocked
out cold, his nose shattered. Mistyn is avoided. Aliana's magic seems to have
no effect on the assassin. Sperin's nose is broken as well and he takes quite
a number of other bruises with little to show for it. Kira throws knives.
Having the assassin somewhat surrounded, Ana and Celene manage to each wound
him with their swords. The assassin, realizing these people might actually
be skilled besides Mistyn, goes into a defensive mode, jumping, flipping,
ducking and dodging. Creyton shouts, "Duck!" and launches an arrow
that bursts into a barrage! Leaping up, the assassin grabs a tree branch,
dodging the entire bunch. He then decides to retreat entirely, vanishing over
the wall and out into the city. Kira warns not to follow. Performing another
miracle, Aliana heals the wounded and poisoned Senator. This seems to distress
the man. Quick conversation is had, revealing much more of the truth than
had been before. The Senator decides the send the group to a secret, safe
place. The Petunia Club. He will contact them when it is time for them to
go before the Senate. Mistyn asks Celene to be careful. They are led to the
secretive, underground club by one of the house guards. After the guard passes
a note from the Senator to a madam of the house, the group is shown to a private
room within the club, clearly designed to provide rather naughty pleasures
to wealthy patrons. Sperin decides to drink to kill the pain. Creyton goes
out to get Sperin a drink and he also hooks himself up with some devil powder.
Creyton talks briefly with Ana and others about being the leader. Aliana performs
yet another miracle, healing Thurton's shattered nose, but this leaves her
near exhausted. Celene curls up in the corner, trying to deal with everything
she has witnessed, including the fact that her uncle belongs to such a club.
Morinskar is still agitated by everything, pacing like a caged tiger. Ana
tries to figure out what to do next. Aliana prays to Morinskar for help and
he grants it, rejuvenating her somehow. Morinskar and Thurton briefly discuss
the Dragon Staff. Kira and Ana watch Creyton put himself quite under the influence
of the powder. Ana points out to him as the two lay platonically in the bed
together that he shouldn't do that; that the group is counting on him for
protection and he can't protect them in this state. Kira checks to see he
didn't take a lethal amount or anything. She also confiscates the rest of
his supply. Creyton's stoned state spurs a heated argument. Ana and Aliana
call him weak. Sperin tells them to leave him alone. Creyton rambles on about
random things, but there are some barbs to his words. It is learned that drugs
had something to do with his dismissal from the Rangers. He eventually passes
out, but the argument goes on, heating up between Sperin and Aliana. Aliana
is about to try to "heal" the high from him, but Sperin argues vehemently
against this. Celene and Kira think that Aliana should leave Creyton alone
as well; that she shouldn't play Highlord, deciding what he can and can't
do to himself. Aliana concedes not to heal him and people go to bed angry.
- September 13th. One of the working girls delivers breakfast as well as a
note for Kira. The note says that Morinskar isn't safe. It is from Jen. After
much debate, the group decides that even the Petunia Club isn't safe. If someone
gets to the Senator, they'll know where they are. They compose a note for
the Senator, telling him they'll meet him on the stairs of the Senate the
day the Senate convenes and they leave the club. They head across the southern
part of the town, as Ana suggests, to stay with the gypsies. During the trip,
they spot a few of Lord Elis' men inside the city. Again, by vouching for
them, it seems Ana can get them refuge with these wandering people. They meet
Sven, who is the young caravan master. He can't be more than 18 years old.
He invites them into his wagon and offers some vodka and spicy food. Sperin
accepts the offer for the food and, surprisingly, handles it. People rest,
as most are exhausted, in the wagon until music that evening awakens them.
It seems the gypsies, within their circle of wagon, are having a dance around
a bonfire. Morinskar goes off, staring up at the Tower in the moonlight, looking
between two of the wagons. Celene, sound asleep, stays in the wagon. Creyton
and Sperin chat for a bit in the wagons before Sperin heads outside to join
the party. Thurton and his Dragon Staff stand near the edge of things. He
politely declines several attempts to get him to dance. He seems more interested
in observing things, including Morinskar. Kira, Aliana, Ana and Sperin join
in the party. Ana becomes the target for Sven's knife throwing antics. Sven's
sister tries to pick up Morinskar, but can't even get him to look at her.
The evening winds down. Sven tries, without success, to sleep with Anastasia.
Sven's sister has better luck with Sperin and the pair disappear behind a
wagon, leaving how far things go to some speculation. Eventually, everyone
returns to Sven's wagon and sleeps.
- September 14th. Finally some sightseeing. The group gathers their things
and head to the Imperial Tower after thanking Sven for his hospitality. They
wait on the steps of the Senate and observe the arrivals of several Senators.
They see people from all over the Empire, including one who arrives on an
elephant. Some of the Senators seem like weathy, powerful nobles, others seem
like they could be from Akia. Some have entire entourages. Some arrive alone.
Marone arrives, giving the group a look, but no comments. Eventually, Senator
Evan King arrives with Mistyn. They climb the steps and, as Senator King's
entourage, are allowed into the Senate Hall. The vast chamber has seating
for the Senators down front and for everyone else high in the back. They see
a dark elf, which is something none have ever seen before, observing things.
They spot Captain Clifford of the Imperial Guard as they keep the room safe.
Once everyone is settled, the proceedings begin. Just over half (25/47) of
the Senators are present. Dale is there. Several items of business are discussed
and debated. Senators give speeches. After about two hours, Aliana and Thurton
are asked to come forward. They do so and address the governing body, for
the moment at least, of the Empire of Threforfar. Aliana declines, on behalf
of her uncle, a hereditary seat on the Senate. Thurton speaks on behalf of
the people of Akia and that they would be honored by a seat on the Senate,
which sparks the debate, after they are done speaking, of the future of the
Senate. Some want a true republic, others to elect an Emperor, still others
to divide into the old kingdoms. There is much grandstanding and debate. Then,
Lord Elis, Senator of Bandit Keep, arrives. He is wearing full platemail and
carrying a sword, dressed in black and grey, the colors of his house. This
causes more chaos. Six of his guards arrive with him. Lord Elis debates with
Senator King and others. Things get heated. Senators begin shouting at each
other. Elis declares that the Kingdom of Joymont is independent of the Empire
of Threforfar! Further arguments erupt and things get even more intense. Elis
wishes to be declared Emperor of Threforfar. The Senators form three camps,
those who support Lord Elis, those against him, led by Senator King, and then
those who stay out of it. More shouting and things fall completely out of
order. At the front of the room, Elis declares himself Emperor of Threforfar
and disbands the Senate. Sounds of combat can be heard outside the room. Those
who speak against Elis are declared guilty of treason. The doors to the room
explode open and the combat spills in. Captain Clifford is fighting three
men wearing black and grey. Fighting and chaos burst out all over. The Imperial
Guards and the rest of Elis' men launch into combat. Senators begin to flee.
Their bodyguards move to help them. Sperin keeps an eye on Dale. Senators
try to avoid the fighting and some head back down. Creyton mentions that he
has a shot and can take Elis out right now. Aliana pleads with him to take
it. Ana, and most of the others, are the hand of caution and advise against
it. Thurton mentions that they should help Clifford. Ana says the group should
stay focused on what they're hear for, and that is getting Morinskar to the
top of the tower. Elis, going bezerk, draws his sword and advances toward
the Senators, who panic. Mistyn starts running down the stares toward the
Senators and the group follows. Under Ana's direction, they select a door
near the bottom, leading deeper into the base of the Imperial Tower. With
a few issues navigating the steep steps, the group manages to get to the floor.
Elis has killed a couple of Senators. King, still shouting at Elis, is being
dragged away by Mistyn. Kira gets the door opened and in goes the group. They
begin to wander the halls, searching for a way into the Tower proper. Morinskar
takes the lead. He is hardly looking or acting human. They wind their way
in. Encountering two men with hand crossbows, the group has an around the
corner shootout and gets the worst of it. Creyton is hit and poisoned. Aliana
tries to heal him. Morinskar advances on the two men and, after getting hit
several times, destroys them with great savagry, crushing one's skull in his
bear hand. Kira lends him support as he does so. She gets wounded as well,
dizzied from the poisoned arrows. Thurton carries Creyton. Ana says they are
being followed. Morinskar keeps pressing ahead. Dale comes running up behind
them. Celene and Sperin take rearguard. Dale takes them on, intent of stopping
them for some reason. He wounds Sperin but Celene is quicker and avoids him.
Thurton sets Creyton down. Vines begin to suddenly grow in the stone hallway.
Ana, Celene and Sperin team up on Dale, who is baffled by the vines. Several
huge hacks are made. Dale is dropped, but his broken body keeps fighting.
Daggers spin magically, protecting him. Morinskar has already moved on with
Kira and Aliana. He begins opening a door with light in a large column in
the center or a round room. Thurton picks up Creyton and moves to follow.
After a bit more hacking, Celene and Ana leave Dale for dead and move to follow
Morinskar. Sperin stays a bit longer, but eventually runs, leaving Dale to
die as well. Morinskar has opened up some sort of secret room. Everyone gets
in and, like an elevator, they begin to rise as light swirls about the small
chamber. Creyton comes to. Soon, they reach the top and enter the Emperor's
Throne Room! The glass chamber is on the top of the world. They see the city
below. The early evening enshrouded Empire stretches out to the horizon. There
is a throne on a dais. After Aliana asks, Morinskar explains that it is the
Emperor's throne and he walks up to it, standing on it. He faces everyone
and claims, again, that he is the Dragon. He charges Aliana with finding the
Man, reminding her of a conversation they had earlier. She agrees to do it.
Morinskar then looks to each member of the party, giving them a role in this
which they all accept. Thurton will be the Dragon's Staff. Sperin will be
the Dragon's Sword. Anastasia will be their guide. Celene is to make sure
none forget. Kira and Creyton are to protect them. The transformation begins.
Morinskar begins to grow. As the moon rises, he becomes the Dragon. As he
spreads his metallic wings, they shatter through the room, sending glass and
the top of the tower plummeting to the city below. Wind whips across the now
exposed throne room. The Dragon takes flight and makes for the east. Creyton
notes that the way down is closing. Everyone rushes, then heads back down.
Ana says they must now get back to the old man's island. They work their way
out of the Tower. For some reason, Sperin hacks the head off of Dale's body
as they pass. Working their way out the rest of the way, they pass some Imperial
Guards and head down into the crazy city. Glass is all over the ground outside
of the Tower. Bodies, shredded by the glass, are strewn across the park. They
debate trying to get out via the tunnels. They run into some kid and Kira
waterspeaks with Max. That is decided against. Ana then says maybe the gypsies
can help. They find Sven and company leaving their park, preparing to move
to a less noticable part of the city where they can lie low until things calm
down. The gates are closed and no one can get out. They head to Senator Evan
King's. There are some troops moving through town, Rangers, Knights, etc.
The Senator's home is empty. They decide to climb the wall. Thurton causes
a tree to help them. Aliana has some trouble with the climbing. They spot
other people up on the wall in the distance. They get over without too much
difficulty. Using water, Kira contacts Jen who brings the Redwing down to
them. They climb on board and head east. Eventually, they land on a hidden
bit of beach of the Blue Sea. There, they sleep.