GM Peachbottom's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Peachbottom

Tayce brings you inside her humble home. Grau, and their their children, Brienna, Charlo, and Rello are all inside. The two young boys excitedly run circles around you while Brienna is a polite young woman who helps you with your things. Grau shakes each of your hands and then heads out to draw water for your baths. Meanwhile Tayce starts boiling a delicious smelling soup in a black kettle over the hearth. The three children beg you to tell them exciting stories of your adventures but Tayce chides them, "Now, now. There will be plenty of time for that while we eat. Let these people rest for now." In which the children respond. "Aww, but mom..."

The Soldados are a poor family and even though they have three children, there is only one bath in the house. You each take turns soaking in the water and getting all the blood and grime off your bodies. Grau empties the tub and refills it for each of you without complaint. Once you are all refreshed, Tayce's dinner is ready. You all sit down around the supper table and she serves an amazing lobster bisque and fresh buttered rolls. She has wine or water to drink depending on your mood. The Soldados stand while you eat for lack of chairs. "Why don't you tell us what you've been up to?" suggests Grau. "I've asking Cressida Croft about you but she's been tight-lipped. So if you can't say, I understand. But the children would love to hear a new adventure. They've already heard all of their father's tales a dozen times over."

Meanwhile, Vencarlo and Neolandus wait for you somewhere in the cold, dark night.

I thought Vencarlo was with us. Poor man. Beaten and then abandoned. I knew the Neolandus was hiding.

"Well we met a very bad thing called a sphinx. It had a woman's head, beasts paws and wings. Sebastian and Tyrando were very brave and slay the beast." Iolana chooses one story she thinks won't give anything of their latest adventures away.

"Oh and we found Fluffy in a cave. Speaking of Fluffy. Tyrando maybe you should take a couple of blankets to him. We do want to keep him warm tonight." She raises an eyebrow at her friends attempting to suggest we find the two men we left in the dark.

You are going to ask our hosts if they have room for two more guests before we catch them. They are your frinds after all.

Tyrandro raises a brow at Iolana. That's not how you tell stories. "We fought a reefclaw. You know these small tasty crustaceans? This one was biiiiig like a horse. It grabbed me and tried to rip me apart. See here!" He shows the gaping wound at his side by lifting up his shirt. "But it had no chance. Because we're with a much more dangerous beast. Tunstall Doombringer. A wolf so large he would hardly fit into this house. Wanna see him? He is still out there feeding on the dead reefclaw!"

He looks at Tayce and Grau with the 'Is it ok to take your kids out into the dark to scare them to death?' look.

Uh..yes. Perhaps a spot on the floor. Tyrando, are you still hurt? I can check your wounds.

Suddenly a pig comes in gripping a large lobster claw.

Oh yes. This is my familiar Mushu.

Mushu drops the claw and oinks hello.

He is a very brave pig, and very smart.

Mushu beams.

We also helped drive away some thieves from Old Korsova, so any people there can rest easy.

The children are fascinated by your stories and sit in awe until you all have finished. They happily play with Mushu; less so with the giant wolf, Tunstall.

"I think the children should stay inside," says Grau. "I'll but them up to bed. Hopefully there hasn't been too much excitement that they can't sleep."

"We don't have any spare beds, but you're welcome to stay here for the night if you need to. And if there is anything else we can help you with, just ask." says Tayce.

Vencarlo and Neolandus were clear that they don't want to be seen. They won't join you in the Soldado house even if asked. Do you want to stay the night, or find a means to head out tonight?

"Thank you so much for your hospitality. It might not be safe for you if we stay. We could use some information if you don't mind. We need to talk to someone about renting or purchasing a wagon. Any suggestions on who to talk to about that? We need a private place to stay tonight. Maybe an unused barn or home, and finally I believe Tyrando had some shopping to do tomorrow. Who should he see for good prices?" Iolana ticks off all the things she can think that they might need to know about off on her fingers. "Did I miss anything?"

"I'm for leaving immediately. I guess there are other places where I can buy stuff. Night is good for hiding and the more distance we get between us and the queen now the better it is. But a carriage would be good for that." Tyrandro replies.

There are some places we can stay. Zellara's is an option if it hasn't been sold and I don't know if we we could stay at the Pharesmian temple. For a more...unpleasant place, we could see if if warrens in the graveyard
have not been taken over by undead, the chambers the derro stayed in could be secured.

"Ayako, I believe the intent is to flee Korvosa, not to go back to hide."

I was replying to Iolana in case we needed a safe place to stay. We can try rowing out of the city and I think a carriage would be too obvious.

"I have no desire to go back inside for a while. I have no one I need to let know I will be gone. If we can find a carriage or a wagon tonight, I say we leave now. If we need to wait until the morning, we can do some shopping and then go with the other merchants and people traveling the roads."

"Do you know someone who could spare a coach or wagon at this time of the day?" Tyrandro asks Grau and Tayce.

"You need a wagon, you say?" says Tayce. "You can take ours. Its an old farmer's cart and its a little run down but it still works. We have little use for it now that Grau's joined the Korvosan Guard. Unfortunately, we've long sold our horse to pull it. But you should be able to find someone here to sell you one. Better yet, if you can wait another hour, give Grau the money and let him go out and purchase one for you. Anyone selling horses at this time of night is going to offer an outsider a bad deal."

Grau comes back downstairs from putting the children asleep. "Yes, I'd gladly help. From your urgency, it seems you've gotten yourselves into a bit of trouble. Know this, friends; You've always got a safe place here to stay."

There aren't really any shops in Trail's End. If you need to purchase something now, and want to wait until tomorrow, Grau can go into Korvosa for you to purchase or sell it. Otherwise, you can purchase common items in Harse. Not to spoiler anything, but after Harse, you head to a larger city and the rest of the more expensive magical items can be purchased there.

Tyrandro hands Grau the money to buy a horse and some for the cart. "Please get one for us. I'm sure Fluffy could pull the cart too, but hiding him under a blanket will be much less suspicious."

Tell me how much it costs and I'll subtract it from my cash.

I think a huge lump with a fluffy tail sticking out from under the blanket would be just as odd.

"We could use him as a horse and put a horse blanket over him if you think that's just as good." Tyrandro gets up and takes Fluffy and asks Grau to show him the cart. With the help of the man he manages to get Fluffy into the gear in front of the old wagon. With a lot of creaking noises it moves out of the shed.

Ayako will load Mushu into the cart. Thank you Tayce and Grau, you have been a great help and dinner was wonderful. I don't know what will be happening in the city in the coming days but you should be ready to pack up and leave.

After saying your good byes, you hitch up Tunstall to the cart and head out of town. Vencarlo, who has been keeping a look out for you, quickly catches up and he and Neolandus climb up onto the cart with you. The cart is large enough for you all to sit at the same time. The first night, Neolandus and Vencarlo are too exhausted to talk and pass out as soon as you make camp. However, in the morning, they are much more chatty and ask about how you came to Old Korvosa, and about what's been happening in the city over the past few days. Vencarlo explains that if you keep to the road, it will take three and a half days to reach Harse.

Now would be a good time to talk to them about the Queen's last appearance, which they were not around to witness. You can also bring up the Blackjack costume that you found.

Ayako slumps in the carriage as well, even though it wasn't too long since her last sleep, she never really got a proper night's sleep and so all the mental and physical exhaustion takes a toll and she huddles in her bedroll.

When morning comes, Ayako wakes and starts a fire for morning tea while Mushu sniffs around for any tasty bugs or plants.

So, the Queen seems to be going mad with power it seems. She survived an assassination attempt even though she got a crossbow bolt to the head and left Old Korsova to rot. We came to find both of your and seem to have upended a petty tyrant and learned that the Arkonas are monsters or in bed with them.

"I take it you haven't heard about the Queen. She made a public address with Sebastian's sister Sabina, her new seneschal Togomor, Cassandra Kroft and Marcus Endrin at her side. The Queen announced the Grey Maidens were the official new protectors of Korvosa. She disbanded the Sable Company, and that drove Marcus Endrin to attempt to assassinate her. He shot her. I saw the arrow go deep into her skull with my own eyes, but she stayed standing. Then she pulled the arrow out and stabbed Marcus in the face with it. She and Togomor teleported out. We started looking for you both right after that. Neolandus, sir. What is going on? Why do people think you know something that can help us free Korvosa from the Queen?"

When they learn about the incident involving Marcus's failed assassination attempt, their eyes grow large and Vencarlo curses under his breath. Neolandus says "This is positive proof that my fears have, in fact, come true. Queen Ileosa has become something more than human—the reincarnation of a draconic warlord long thought to be dead. And as long she wears the Crown of Fangs, she retains this power, and there may be few methods to defeat her. However, I know who may hold the secret of defeating this evil presence and, perhaps, even saving the queen from her fate. For countless years before Cheliax came to Varisia, the region known today as Korvosa had been the tribal land of the Shoanti. Although known by few, those who dwelled in the shadow of the pyramid that now serves as Castle Korvosa's foundation believed a great evil was hidden within those ancient stones. Today, the keepers of this lore, if they still live, are hidden among the Shoanti tribes of the Cinderlands. Unfortunately, the Shoanti have learned to fear and distrust Korvosans, and securing their aid will be an adventure in and of itself."

"Why do people think you know something that can help us free Korvosa from the Queen?"

"I am the seneschal of Castle Korvosa, the main administrator of the city and the castle and responsible for the day-to-day running of the city. I also have a more obscure, but important role, as the seneschal is the only person with the power to officially depose the monarch of Korvosa, due to a clause in the city's founding charter. This is why Ileosa sent assassins after me. But if we can regain control of Korvosa's military might and the backing of the Korvosan people, I can legally retake control of the city."

The first day passes uneventfully. The second day, you are attacked by a band of goblins that roll out of the hills hoping to find simple travelers. Too bad for them, you are powerful adventurers and easily slay them. The next night, a gang of five bandits descends on your camp. After killing two of them, the rest flee back into the night. Finally, on the last leg of your journey to Harse, a small pack of wolves cross your path but Tunstall dissuades them from approaching.

These encounters were all too low CR to bother roleplaying out but you'll get the experience for them.

Also, during the way, Zellara reaches out to you for another harrowing before you arrive at Harse.

It is up to you whether you allow Vencarlo and Neolandus to witness the harrowing or not.

I'm also going to wait before having you arrive in Harse to give you time to talk about anything else you want to mention along the way.

I believe we met a Shoanti shaman before Sebastian. During the riots we found the body of his grandson I believe. Perhaps we can find him.

During the goblin attack, one sneaky goblin tries sneaking up on Ayako but is net by piggy wrath. Mushu carries the dead goblin around like a trophy and gnaws on it.

How can we regain control of the military? We know Cressidia Kroft and she might be able to help. I might also be able to petition the bishop of the Pharesmian temple since he has influence.

"We have some of the wererats as allies as well. They might be able to spy if asked. The Hell Knights have left or hidden themselves away. Do you think they can be persuaded to help liberate the city?"

Iolana pulls out the harrow deck. "We also have a rather special ally. Zellera has helped all along our journey. She is the one who sent us to find you Neolandus." She begins to do the harrowing as requested.

We do know an Abadarian priest who helped us in the early days of the plague, he might be able to get word to the higher ranking priests.

Ayako notices Iolana pulling out the harrow deck. Indeed, we..channel her words through the deck and have received advice.

Tyrandro listens interested as he learns more about the past of his companions.

Ayako does write a letter to the Bishop of Pharesma

Bishop,

Ayako.

Before leaving, Sebastian leaves two letters in Grau's care.

* * * * *

Sebastian listens intently to what the Seneschal has to say. He knew that the Seneschal of Castle Korvosa was powerful, but he was fuzzy on the legal details. The prospect of taking back control of the military from Queen Ileosa was a tall order, and Sebastian pushes away the thought that someday soon he might have to cross swords with his own sister to set things right.

"Yes Ayako, what you say is true. We may yet have a friend among the Shoanti. I only hope that our allies can hold out in our absence. I fear things will only worsen until we return." As he realizes that they will be gone for some time, a thought occurs to Sebastian.

"Master Orisini! Blackjack's equipment is still in your care. It would set my mind at ease to know that he has another set, and that Korvosa will not be entirely undefended without us?"

Taking a look over the table as his companions write letters he comments "Anyone of you ever thought about using some kind of code to not give away all the information if it falls into the wrong hands? Imagine what would happen to Grau if the Gray Maidens found these letters with him?"

I am not skilled in code, unfortunately

"One reason I'm not writing letters. I don't want them to fall into the wrong hands. Not that I have anyone to write to. I'm sure my former mother in law will be happy to know I'm out of Korvosa for a while."

Grau takes your letters to deliver as you head out onto the road. If they'll get to the intended persons or whether you'll get any response, only time will tell.

"Master Orisini! Blackjack's equipment is still in your care. It would set my mind at ease to know that he has another set, and that Korvosa will not be entirely undefended without us?"

"Oh my dear student. You are my most skilled student with weapons but not always with wits. When you discovered the Blackjack outfit in my home, I thought the secret was out, but I guess I need to spell it out for you. I am Blackjack. Although I suppose not THE Blackjack. Did you really think Blackjack has lived for the last 200 years? He is only human after all. Blackjack is a concept. A defender of the common people of Korvosa and a figure of hope. And now it is time for me to pass the mantle. Your sister, Sabina Merrin, and my other student, Grau Soldado, were both being trained as potential candidates to be my successor, but that dream was dashed when Sabina left and Grau was expelled. Thus you came to be my next protege and you have not disappointed. You keep the suit. Of course, I will continue to fight in my own way but I'm getting old and Blackjack must carry on. Korvosa needs the symbol of hope now more than ever. Be that symbol. Tell me, you will do this for me." says Vencarlo.

Tyrandro snickers. "Think twice about that." he tells Sebastian. "It will be really hard to live up to your own expectations."

Iolana snickers at Tyrando's wit. "Are you up to the task Sebastian? It's a heavy burden to bear, and a hard secret to keep. You have some time to decide. I don't think we'll be back in Korvosa for a while."

When you make camp on the second night, Iolana draws Zellara's harrow deck and summons her into being. Although you are camped under the stars, you suddenly find yourselves in an illusory fortuneteller's den filled with the carpets, draperies, and incense that you've experienced before. An illusory table with five chairs sits in the center of your camp and although you know it is not real, it feels solid enough under your bottom for you to sit comfortably. Vencarlo and Neolandus gasp at the transformation but watch quietly. Zellara sits at one end of the table and beckons the four heroes to sit.

Ayako is first.

For her role card, the Uprising is drawn. "The Uprising represents being caught in the clutches of something much more powerful than you. It is an overwhelming strength that often crushes what comes in contact with it. The crown held high signifies an overthrowing of a leader of some sort. In the spread, it indicates a force much stronger than the person receiving the reading."

"When The Uprising occurs, many diverse people work together to fight oppression. I see the Shoanti fighting at your side and you will play a pivotal role in gaining their trust."

Then the nine cards of fate and placed in array before Ayako. The first column of three are flipped face up and represent the past. The Demon's Lantern, the Queen Mother, and the Paladin. "The Demon's Lantern (Opposite) is the card of traps and tricks, sleight of hand and sleight of mind. These will-o’-wisps and the man who sought their light represent an impossible or intractable situation. Misaligned, it represents an opportunity or a guide arriving at a perfect moment to show the way."

"For you, it is misaligned. You've made some unusual allies in the past. Notably, a peculiar cleric of Zon-Kuthon. You've parted ways for now, but at the right moment, your paths may cross again."

The central column representing the present is flipped next. The Marriage, the Dance, and the Tyrant. "The Marriage (Partial) can be a union of people, ideas, kingdoms, or other distinct things. The progeny of the salamander and water weird shows that a union might bring forth new power from both parties, or it might be a ruinous joining of that which should never have been united. Once wedded, the two cannot be parted. This is the card of permanent change."

"If you are to overthrow the Queen, you must unite the people of Korvosa—All the people of Korvosa. The Shoanti were the first Korvosans before the Cheliaxans displaced them from their homes. You are on the right path, seeking them out."

And the remaining three cards represent the future. The Forge, the Unicorn, and the Courtesan. "The Unicorn (Partial) is a card that generously offers that which the subject seeks, just as the charger in the picture offers up its fruit. When misaligned, the card means betrayal, poisoning, or a false friend."

"The future is hazy. You seek the key to defeating Queen Ileosa. It will be up to your own deeds to determine whether you achieve that goal."

Next up, is Iolana.

Her role card is the Fiend. "The Fiend depicts a devil swallowing innocents. It can indicate the deaths of many in a great calamity or, if misaligned, the salvation from the same calamity. The Fiend can also indicate that some sort of dark and intelligent creature is in the area, endangering the populace."

"While you solidify power on your side, so too does the Queen. The Gray Maidens are the Queen's army. I can see places you cannot go. Below the Longacre Building, the Queen crushes the hope of her recruits until they only know servitude. Hope will be one of your strongest weapons."

New cards are placed in array for Iolana. The first three flipped for the past are The Brass Dwarf, the Forge, and the Midwife. "The Forge (True) evokes strength through great diversity. The blacksmith represents those who can survive the mephits’ trial by fire, but The Forge’s fire is so strong it burns many to cinders instead. This card often represents a dangerous event that needs many sources of strength to overcome."

"Under the guise of the plague, the Queen forged her army of Gray Maidens. While the Queen continues to tighten her grip, you’ve escaped her grasp for the time being."

For the present, the Cricket, the Keep, and the Survivor are revealed. "The Cricket (True) is a grig, a creature whose mind is as quick as its body. It represents speed and quick passage. Although The Cricket is commonly associated with travel, the peach it sits by represents treasure at the end. If misaligned, the journey will go poorly, and the treasure will be one that is lost rather than found."

"You are on a journey for answers. This journey will require a lot of traveling and time is of the essence."

And the last three cards revealed are for Iolana's future. The Big Sky, the Publican, and the Waxworks. "The Big Sky (True) shows an epic moment as the slaves of a nation are freed. The slaves' freedom specifies momentous and powerful change, as old shackles are cast off in the light of day. If misaligned, those castoff shackles might be replaced with worse ones."

"I see as part of winning the trust of the Shoanti, you will be tasked with many trials. They will be grueling ordeals under the relentless sun of the Cinderlands. Luckily the true match bodes well for your success."

Third up, is Sebastian.

His role card is the Keep. "The Keep is a symbol of quiet strength, one that can move when necessary, yet stand firm through the greatest hardship. Those represented by The Keep are not shaken by any force. If The Keep appears misaligned, it can mean giving way to temptation or falling in the face of greater strength."

"The Gray Maidens aren't the Queen's only weapon. With her gold, she also wields the might of the Red Mantis. These cold-hearted assassins know no fear and will hunt you relentlessly. You must always be ready."

Three cards are flipped for Sebastian's past. The Uprising, the Midwife, and the Vision. "The Midwife (partial) is a conduit to creation, although she does not create on her own. This halfling is a key that lets new life or information into the world. Her heart can see the good in even the worst situation. She can see the import of any new arrival, but if the card is misaligned, the new arrival will likely not inspire much joy."

"Vencarlo has been training you—forging you into his own creation. He choose you for your good heart but sometimes always seeing good, blinds you from the truth as you discovered with Vimanda for example."

For the present, the Liar, the Cricket, and the Idiot. "The Idiot (True) is a card of grave foolishness and greed. It can mean bribery, blackmail, or naivety so grand it can see no evil. The goblins have captured a foolhardy man, representing the knowledge that loss of dignity can precede loss of life. Misaligned, this card might indicate feigning of idiocy to disguise one’s gifts."

"Hehe. A true match. You tend to be too trusting. Hopefully, recent events have taught you to open your eyes."

And finally, the future. The Forge, the Eclipse, and the Tangled Briar. "The Tangled Briar (Partial) is a card of ancient deeds. It indicates an object or person from long ago that will somehow have great influence on the situation. The object or person in question is one lost or murdered in some foul way. Misaligned, the thorny past brings not just pain, but hope for the future."

"You seek a way to defeat the Queen. The Queen has bonded with an ancient power. Another ancient power is key to severing that bond. The partial match, means you must earn this knowledge for it is not guaranteed."

The final hero to have his fortune read is Tyrandro.

His role card is the Cyclone. "The Cyclone is a force that tears through whatever it meets. This disaster does not come in the course of natural order but is one that comes from the plots of intelligent beings. The Cyclone signifies war, arson, or other plans that destroy everything they touch. Misaligned, this card can indicate renewal after a blustery trial."

"…Well this is odd. I see a great otherworldly beast. A being of many tentacles that knows only hunger and destruction. It is beyond politics and beyond your power to defeat. Be very wary if such a monster presents itself."

For the last time, the cards are laid in a 9x9 array. The left three are flipped over to reveal a glimpse into Tyrandro's past. The Hidden Truth, the Survivor, and the Mute Hag. "The Hidden Truth (True) symbolizes the ability to see past the obvious and the banal to a greater truth within. Sometimes this discovery is an esoteric one, sometimes it is a literal find, such as an item revealed within a room. Regardless, it is a card with the power to reveal secrets. Misaligned, it can mean a secret being revealed to the subject’s detriment."

"You’ve uncovered a great secret. The noble house Arkona is a clan of rakshasas seeking to rule Korvosa for themselves. You've thwarted them for now and they dare not make a play for power in a weakened state. But the key word is for now."

The middle three cards representing Tyrandro's present and flipped next. The Teamster, the Rakshasa, and the Courtesan. "The Teamster (Partial) is a driving external force that keeps the subject going, no matter what. This force can be physical or mental, as a person who exhorts others to continue on when they have no more strength to give. The force can be for good or ill but cannot be ignored. The half-orc depicted is leading a life of constant toil, but for his own betterment."

"You didn’t begin this journey but you are a part of it now. Something drives you to go on. Korvosa is your heart and it must draw heavy on that heart that you are leaving it now. Hopefully, your determination will see this journey to its end."

The last three cards to be revealed are for Tyrandro's future and are the Lost, the Demon's Lantern, and the Foreign Trader. "The Lost (Partial) is the card of emptiness and loss of identity. The bodak shown is forever mad, lost in a world of lunatics, insane asylums, and mass killers. For those under its influence, the world makes no sense. It evokes times where all is babble, as when meeting someone who speaks only in another tongue. Misaligned, it can indicate clarity of mind under duress."

"Your future is hard to read. This card does not refer directly to you, but perhaps someone else struggling with loss or identity crisis. You may find yourself in a roll of guidance and support."

As the reading comes to an end, Zellara vanishes as quickly as she appeared and the campsite returns to its original visage.

"I new you must have some powerful allies to have come this far. I'm not surprised that you count the supernatural among one of them. That was quite a sight to behold." says Neolandus.

Ayako is rather surprised at Vencarlos' reveal of his double life but like Sebastion, should have seen it before.

This is quite the offer, Sebastion. Will you take up the mantle or perhaps I will? I could become Lady Blackjack, fighting evil by moonlight to free the city from The Queen's grasp.

*BWEE BWEE!*

..and with the mighty Magic Mushu by my side. Perhaps I will buy him a mask.

Yeah, right, Darkwing Duck wannabe :D

Tyrandro gives Ayako the If it doesn't get better soon we might have to put her down look.

Iolana gathers up the cards and tucks them away. "She has been very helpful to us in the past. We have some things to watch for, and some things to learn about. The Longacre Building is where the Grey Maiden's are "trained". One more place to research."

She smiles at Ayako. "We can all be Blackjack. They will never figure it out."

Ayako silently listens to the reading and exhales when it is done. This is quite the information to remember, we'll be meeting Laori against it seems and the Shoanti will no doubt be strong allies if we need to fight the queen. So arranging a meeting between their leaders and Korsova's leaders?

"Perhaps. I doubt it will be that easy. I'm sure the Shoanti will want something from us."

Tyrandro listens to the ghost but makes sure he gets up from the chair before it disappears again. "This stuff would be really helpful if it wasn't so cryptic." he comments.

To Iolana he replies "You think someone has to marry the chieftains daughter first?"

I am sure you will make her a fine husband.

"Yeah right. First Fluffy followed me home, then I'll catch a wife and before I know, I'll be sitting under a tree wearing only a loincloth, smoking weed and handing out hallucinations as auguries to a tribe of equally inappropriately clothed members of the tribe. Thank you very much." Tyrandro sneers at Ayako.

I believe weed is approximated by flayleaf in Pathfinder.

Sebastian's jaw drops as Master Orisini reveals that he is, in fact, the legendary Blackjack. He doesn't even hear the other's taunts and jibes as he struggles to comprehend this new information and digest the implications. "I...I always thought Blackjack must be an elf! But that means..." His entire adult life, he had been training with his idol, for the secret purpose of one day becoming his idol? He wanted to refuse, say that he was not worthy to be Blackjack. But who better to make that judgment than Blackjack himself?

As it sank in, it all began to make sense. Vencarlo hadn't been there to witness Blackjack's daring rescue of Trinia Sabor, because he was the one making the rescue. All the other tiny discrepancies over the years added up. And all this time, he merely thought Master Orisini was friends with Blackjack - another clever feint on Vencarlo's part.

Sebastian throws back and begins to laugh hysterically. After everything he'd been through - losing Vincent, hunting down his killer, discovering the Queen's madness, ending a plague, even their time in the Arkona dungeon - fate had one more twist waiting just around the corner, and it saved the best for last. He laughs long and hard, until tears roll down his cheeks and his belly aches. How could he say no to the offer of a lifetime? Finally calming down, he wipes the tears from his face. "Master, there is nothing I can say that would do this moment justice. But I accept! Blackjack will live on!"

* * * * *

The Harrow reading gives Sebastian much to think about. As time has gone on, he's learned to trust these readings more. He had seen for himself how their truth plays out. Zellara's chastisement stings, but he knows she's right. At every turn, he'd been played for a fool. Misplaced loyalty to the Queen, suspicion of Trinia, even Vimanda. Deceptions abound, and he would have to learn to see the world for what it truly is, especially if he was going to live up to his new role.

He snickers at the picture Tyrandro paints of his new life. "You think to be their shaman? No, you'll be at home rearing the children while your strong wife goes out hunting with the rest!"

Mighty Magic Mushu? Not the powerful, the pleasurable, the indesctructible Mushu?

"This is getting better by the minute. I'm out. Black Jack can have the chief's daughter." Tyrandro replies.

Yeah, right. 15th level Amiri comes home throws her giant blade into the corner and complains why the roast boar isn't ready.

Ayako now imagines a harried Tyrando doing laundry while 8 kids runs around.

"Master, there is nothing I can say that would do this moment justice. But I accept! Blackjack will live on!"

"I'm pleased to hear that. I know you will not let me or the Blackjack name down. You can have my gear but let me keep the amulet of of proof against detection and location. I intend to have Neolandus wear it to help hide him, but even then it is only a matter of time before the Red Mantis tracks us all down if we stay in one spot for too long." says Vencarlo.

On the fourth day you arrive at Harse. Harse is a narrow village located on a strip of land at the point where Sarwin River empties into Falcon River. The village itself consists of only a few dozen buildings, including a church dedicated to Erastil, two groceries, two taverns (the Spotted Pony and the somewhat dingier Nag Bag), a large inn, and a bustling ferry service—this has been a traditional river-crossing site since as far back as Shoanti times. The northeastern edge of Harse features a large collection of stables and other buildings around an open field—the Harse Market, one of the most popular places to buy and trade livestock in the region, and the site of a yearly rodeo designed to single out the best animals and riders. The majority of Harse’s citizens don’t live in the village proper, but on one of the dozens of ranches and farms that dot the surrounding countryside.

"We're headed to the Blackbird Ranch. The ranch is owned by Jasan Adriel, an old adventuring buddy of mine. Jasan and I were once members of an adventuring party called the Blackbirds. Together we made a small fortune exploring the Storval Rise and the Mindspin Mountains." says Vencarlo.

A short 5-minute ride north from Harse along the Sarwin River, a moderately sized horse ranch sits comfortably in the cleft of two low hills topped with small copses of fir trees. This is Blackbird Ranch.

When the you arrive at Blackbird Ranch with Neolandus and Vencarlo, Jasan greets you as if they were long-lost family members. Trinia Sabor is present as well. She appears much more mature and experienced from the short time since you last saw her. She rushes up and embraces Sebastian and Ayako. "Like, oh my gawd. It's so good to see y'all again. You've got to tell me all about your adventures and I've got some tales to tell y'all too."

Jasan is a barrel-chested living here with his wife, three sons, and two daughters. "Please join my family for dinner. Afterwards, we can talk business."

Ayako chuckles as Sebastion enthusiastically accepts his new role and wonders if he will start regularly wearing the uniform.

When the group arrives at the Blackbird Ranch, Ayako gives Trinia a warm hug. It is good to see you as well, Trinia. We have quite a bit to tell you and we,, much of it is troubling, but for now let us have a good dinner.

Ayako nods to Jasan. Thank you for your hospitality.

While in Harsk Tyrandro stops the wagon in front of a store. "Just a moment." he tells and disappears into the shop.

A few minutes later he comes back out with a saddle, saddlebags, new arrows, a waterproof bag which is filled and something that looks like a blanket made of chain. "This won't take long, I just have to check if it fits." He unties Fluffy from the wagon, puts the chain blanket on Fluffy and the saddle and affixes it. Then he puts him back into the gear of the cart and only an hour later the wagon is on it's track again. The rest of the stuff goes into the wagon for now.

With all that metal Fluffy sounds like the intro of Jingle Bells while trotting along on the way to the ranch.

Iolana begins to get concerned for Sebastian has he keeps laughing and crying. He begins to control himself so she worries less that he's gone crazy. When he agrees to be Blackjack she's sure he's gone crazy, but it's his choice.

Iolana climbs down from the wagon. "It's nice to meet you all. Dinner sounds wonderful. It will be nice to get out of a moving vehicle and sit at a table."

Iolana walks over and tells Fluffy how handsome he is in his new finery. While petting him behind his ears. "He's certainly not quiet in this new armor.