“My deepest thanks,” Major Kijel bows deeply to the party before they leave. “It seems Altiendel’s debt to you continues to grow. Please be careful.”
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The guard looks confused but takes her hand off of her sword and does not quicken her pace. The guard swings open the door of the major’s office with Elioden close behind. The party notices the Altiendel blue over her armor contrasts Terry’s purple Kingshaven Guard sash. Her eyes widen at the scene within but she shuts the door calmly. “Tai,” she looks immediately to Major Kijel. “Are you alright?” “I’m fine, Abeni,” Major Kijel says with a warm tone of familiarity. She relaxes visibly. "What happened? I thought there were more of you." “Our guests had come to warn of an attack on Prince Andreanna," the major explains. "Guard Furler was outed as involved. He somehow smuggled two class 4 hostiles into this room and attacked with the aid of some enchantment on the command stripes his squad gave to me. We lost two of the Southtown party in what looked like a teleportation spell, but I didn’t see him cast it.” “I always hated that snake,” Abeni grits her teeth, looking at Terry. “Furler made a threat on the city. I am sending the Southtown party to investigate reservoir 3, our only lead, while you and I confirm who is still loyal to the King," they quickly summarize. “The water,” Abeni says with concern. “How vile.” She uses a gloved hand to turn Terry over roughly. “Have you questioned him yet?” “I thought you'd care to,” the major says. Abeni grins wickedly. “Gladly.” Major Kijel turns to the party and gestures to Abeni. “Before you go, please meet Lieutenant Abeni Ribadu of Teresct. One of Altiendel’s finest.”
Mikkel’s Tuesday tip: Apparently sharing stories is working, at least for three people. I've heard from friends that some minds are changing as people realize how widespread harassment/assault really is. I wonder if something similar would be effective for other issues.
The guard looks over Elioden's clothes and immediately tenses. "What happened?" she asks, resting a hand on the hilt of her sword and walking briskly back toward the Major's office. "Where are the others that were with you?"
Elioden can hear the regular footfalls of marching and shouted parade orders outside. The guard shoots him a quizzical look and steps inside. '"Can I be of service?" she asks, shutting the door behind her.
Major Kijel smiles wryly. “Well, you’d best be on your way then. I will see to Prince Andreanna’s safety.” They sheath their sword and look down at Terry’s unconscious form, “Then we'll begin the arduous process of ferreting out Furler’s conspirators. I expect one of them knows of fate of your companions, Ms. Steele and Corporal Shadeshard.” They look troubled. “And I’ll ask about your other friend - Lieutenant Toema.” Cel:
Cel is confused why the major is the second person to refer to Dulae as ‘Lieutenant’ instead of ‘Sergeant’, but he remembers Terry threatened her. Henri:
Major Kijel’s words remind Henri that Terry mentioned Dulae will ‘get what’s coming to her’, apparently working for The Order. Xizoh:
Xizoh is reminded of the surprise that Dulae is a member of the Order of Reclamation. He remembers Terry threatened her. Elioden:
Elioden infers Lieutenant Toema must be the ‘paladin’, the purported leader of the party during their triumph in Southtown. “The guard who brought you to me - she is trustworthy, I’d bet my life on it,” Major Kijel says. “Please go back to that door and send her to me. Ask her for her cloak,” they nod to Elioden. “That should make you presentable enough to make it to the reservoir without drawing attention. Try not to act alarmed as you leave.”
Henri:
This one doesn't have quite as much of a kick, but Henri feels immediately back up to her usual strength.
Dara's journal: Whoever looks at Dara's journal sees extensive notes on the 'Cult of Raven' dating back years. One entry summarizes statistics of a CoR cult she infiltrated called 'Mordhollow':
Journal entries (see 'Dara' spoilers):
The journal indicates Dara is an agent of Abbhen's Anti-Cult Task Force; an elite and diverse group within the Abbhen Guard that includes skilled casters and non-casters responsible for investigating dangerous groups. As an independent arm of the Abbhen military, the ACTF interfaces with the Wardens, Abbhen Guard, the city governors’ forces, and the Altiendel military (particularly the Order of Reclamation). Dara’s current direct superior is Roland Batel. Batel’s unit of ten people is based in Abbhen City, and they specialize in relatively small, isolated cults of magic, including the Cult of Raven. There is an entry dated a week before Dara met the party in Southtown that summarizes a briefing: About three years ago, elders of the Way of Spirits in both countries began reporting visions of mass death emanating from the mountain. Nearly a year ago an archeological dig began in earnest to locate a relic from the Abbhen-Altiendel war. The Wardens fear this relic is tied to a powerful spirit conjured back from the dead through Norah’s influence. Altiendel has assumed responsibility for locating the object, and six Abbhen Guard officers were stationed there to help and liaison. Three of them are now reported missing. There is an existing plan in place to summon help from Abbhen if the pass is inaccessible - Dara is instructed to seek out ACTF Agent Blaine Guillen if this is needed. There are also some notes on Alaina's father, Marcus Steele. He was escorted to Altiendel after being reported by his wife a potentially dangerous mage. He later trained at the University and became a Rank 10 battle mage specializing in combat magic. He is currently stationed near the northern border in Altiendel. Marcus served a six month rotation in Southtown two years ago, at about the time Colonel Silo Fairhurst started visiting and showing interest in Mount Oranis.
Grad school is grueling. Hang in there Elioden. Mikkel's Tuesday tip: Thanksgiving edition: Last year on Thanksgiving, Native American protestors at Standing Rock were attacked with tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons in freezing temperatures protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline. This year, South Dakota is dealing with the 200,000 gallons of oil spilled by the Keystone pipeline. Oil spills are inevitable - we all collectively assume the risk and weigh that against the potential benefit to society. Except we don't all have an equal say. The U.S. government has a long and storied history of failing to recognize the indigenous peoples within its borders as sovereign - in this case choosing to endanger their water and land against their protests. But because we claim tribes are "sovereign", there are no representatives of native tribes in our federal government. None. We decided to risk contaminating what little land they have left without their consent, and physically attacked them when they protested. (The U.S. is happy to count them as American for their achievements, however.) Tip: November is Native American heritage month. There's lots of cool stuff going on. See if there's something near you. Seek out indigenous voices - try to get those perspectives and amplify them if you can, say at family dinner.
"Good," Major Kijel gives Elioden's wrist a squeeze before letting go. "I'm relying on you to show the team the way to the reservoir, Mr. Aubergine." The major glances between Elioden and Henri during their exchange, clearly confused about whether they are joking.
After drinking the potion Henri looks like she's better able to stand fully upright. She walks more easily to the bow and bag Dara left behind. Henri: Henri immediately feels much stronger after drinking the potion, but not quite back up to her full strength. As she approaches Dara's bow, she notices the string has broken. Inside Dara's bag, she finds Dara's leather purse, Dara's field journal, a bedroll, two packs of rations, 30' of silk rope, soap, a full waterskin, a mess kit, a traveller's any-tool, and an ioun torch all packed neatly together. If she looks inside Dara's purse, she finds 65 gold pieces. Henri doesn't immediately see the coat of arms on a silver chain she remembers Silo giving to Dara. After a thorough search she spots a hidden fold in Dara's backpack and finds the token of the king inside. She nearly misses another necklace tucked away even deeper; this one intricate bronze metalwork that Henri guesses is dwarven. She doesn't recognize what it is, but it occurs to her one of the Abbhen natives might know. She feels it's worn very smooth, probably from being held and handled. She'd guess this is the most important object to Dara of anything in this pack.
"Of course, Mr. Shadelock," Major Kijel nods respectfully to Xizoh. They hold out their healing ring and wait for Xizoh to approach. "I just need to hold this to your skin. Anywhere will do." They touch the ring lightly three times to wherever Xizoh indicates. "That is an unusual talent you have," the major comments as their ring flashes and Xizoh's flesh reforms properly.
"How do you feel now?" they ask. Xizoh looks noticeably better to the rest of the party. His clothes have a noticeable hole burned through the front where Terry's ray struck him in the chest, but his cloak is still in fine shape.
"You know, I've never been set on fire before without a lady being involved," Elioden comments wryly. He winces as his clothes tug on his burns. "I could also use a bit more healing." "It sounds like you should be more respectful to your partners," Major Kijel says sternly, but they beckon Elioden forward and touch their ring to him three more times.
The major grips Elioden's wrist after he is healed and gives him a serious look. "The late head of your family was a great man and he spoke highly of you. Can I put my trust in you, Mr. Aubergine?" Elioden:
Elioden senses the major speaks the truth, and he remembers that before he died the head of his family also spoke well of Major Kijel. Although Elioden's injuries look healed, his clothes are badly burned and missing sections, including his coat. It would be immediately obvious to any passer-by that he's been in either a fire or a fight.
Major Kijel betrays an amused smile at Henri's reluctance to take the potions. "My thanks. And the Prince's gratitude, I am sure," they say to the party's commitment to spare the guards' lives if possible. "Of course Captain Vazquez is loyal to the King. Our Abbhen guests are here on her recommendation," the major says neutrally. "Have you met her, Mr. Aubergine?" Elioden:
Elioden saw Jaya Vazquez in passing. She was present at one of his performances at the castle for King Ellenorah. He remembers he was impressed with her bearing. "Former Guard Furler was supposed to be in line for the Prince's parade. No doubt he snuck away to distract you from your true purpose." Major Kijel muses thoughtfully. "Well, we can use that to our advantage. Let it slip that he is entertaining your two missing friends here in the castle and perhaps his accomplices will not think twice about those who are absent." "I'll carry it!" Cel picks up the major's glowing symbol and examines it closely without questioning Elioden's hesitance.
*is listening*
"Mm," Major Kijel considers Elioden's point. "I think you should know better than anyone that people can be influenced, Mr. Aubergine. Unless you'd otherwise forfeit your own lives, I ask you not kill any guards. Let them stand trial. Please." They lift a slightly-glowing golden symbol of Altien on a golden chain from underneath their armor. "I will definitely be wanting this back. The guards should recognize it as mine." They set it down on the map. "Another thing - show this symbol at the door when you return. If the guard doesn’t recognize it and take you straight to me, leave as fast as you can. Head back to Captain Vazquez in Southtown." "As for you, Ms... Coy," the major looks at Henri. They bend down to unlock a drawer, which opens with a rattle of clinking bottles. "I understand if you don't trust me to cast a spell on you. Please take these with you instead." They place three small violet glass bottles on the desk near the map. "I will drink from each first if you prefer." Henri: Henri recognizes these as Altiendel-military-issue potions of lesser restoration. She isn't sure how many would help her, or if they would work. She estimates their total worth is close to 1000 gp.
"Tandevis, is that the name?" the major asks, thoughtful. "Yes, your first priority should be to find and stop whatever plot Furler was referring to, but please avoid killing any of her Majesty's guard. As you say," they nod to Xizoh, "it is not up to us to judge those women and men, and some may not know their true purpose." Cel says to Elioden, "Song can do that?!"
Not the most fair to have this discussion with Cel away, but... To add some context to Elioden's comment (which I'd like to think is true on its own): yesterday I confessed that our recent average post rate (a few per week per player) hasn't been enough to keep my GM energies afloat. Elioden convinced me to voice that to the team here rather than abruptly calling it quits. It's not my intent to pressure y'all, and I definitely understand everyone has stuff going on, but issuing autobots* is not fun for me and I don't want the story to drag.
Obviously this game and interacting with you all means a lot to me. My ideal outcome is to figure out how to recapture players' attention and make posting fun/engaging enough to think about once every 1-2 days, and we'd recover from there. (Or in the language of our recent life advice: to use this failure as an opportunity to learn how to improve.) If that's the way we want to go, likelihood of success will dramatically increase if y'all have a think on what would better hold your attention and communicate your conclusions. That being said, I'm balancing sentiment with return on invested labor. If folks just aren't in a good life place to make a commitment to post every day or every other day, that's okay. We can talk about how to wrap up in a satisfying way.
"I don't know their rightful name," Major Kijel says. "Water isn't usually in my jurisdiction. But I do know the guardians are fish-like creatures that live in the reservoirs. By all reports, they're fairly big and can easily kill a person. Especially in the water." Henri:
Henri thinks she's heard of giant man-eating fish that used to be more common in the rivers of the interior of Altiendel. She's heard stories of fisherpeople being dragged to their death from the deck of small boats, ripped apart by rows of massive teeth. She thinks her father called them 'sharks'. Xizoh: From the way Henri leans on the wall and conserves her energy, Xizoh concludes the shadow has sapped almost half of her very strength. Xizoh thinks if she rests under his care she would recover in a day and a half, or if she rests on her own in three days. He sees in the meantime that she will be at a disadvantage in a fight.
"Yes of course," Major Kijel puts a hand to their head. "Subdued may be a generous term. You must be sure you do not disturb the water in the reservoir. The guardians are very dangerous creatures."
They party notices the lamps in the room glow brighter again after Terry is knocked unconscious. Major Kijel nods to the party. "Altiendel will owe you another debt. Of course I will do everything in my power to help you find your friends." The major frowns at Henri's request. "Did a shadow touch you?" They beckon Henri closer. "I want to avoid involving a healer until I have a better idea of who else may involved, but I think I can help you." They glance around the room. "Mr. Aubergine could use some expediting healing. Anyone else?"
"Let me show you what I think you can expect." The major draws a long sheet of paper from under a stack of books. They ink a feather quill pen and begin to draw. "This is High Street," they point to the right of what is becoming a sketched map. "The entrance to Reservoir 3 is poorly marked. You can find it here between the ivy cliff and a lamppost. You'll wind your way through a tunnel and come to a door that leads to the reservoir cavern. It's usually not guarded, but Altien only knows what precautions they've taken. It is generally locked." Major Kijel takes a bronze skeleton key from another desk drawer and sets in on top of the map. "Once you're through the door, you'll see stairs down to the reservoir level," they draw rough lines on either side of an 'entrance platform'. "The reservoir itself takes up most of the space in the room. The water wheel and its machinery are on the right side of the room. Beyond that is another door that leads to storage." The major slides the key and the map across the desk toward the party. "I'll be wanting that key back," they say, looking at Elioden in particular. "I've identified four other guards who had requested reservoir duty with Furler. There may be others involved, but I doubt all of them will be there when you arrive." Elioden:
Elioden thinks there should be another door somewhere in those two rooms that leads somewhere he very much wants to go. He also notices the major fails to mention the creature in the reservoir. Henri:
Henri has a nagging feeling that she's heard something ominous about how Kinghaven keeps its water supply safe.
"He can't hear you," Major Kijel says gently. "When we wake him up, I think I can convince him to answer. But I if we're going to stop whatever he has planned, I need your help."
Terry ignores Cel’s question, still sneering at Henri. As Xizoh hoists Terry higher in the air, Terry chokes and gasps for breath. After Xizoh delivers a strong blow to the gut, Terry’s body recoils and goes limp. He dangles from Xizoh’s outstretched hand like a ragdoll, his blood dripping on the floor and his breathing very shallow. GM notes:
T -44 -8 = -54 Xizoh:
Xizoh can tell Terry is very close to death. “That’s enough, Mr. Shadelock,” Major Kijel says in a firm but not unfriendly tone. They put a hand on Xizoh’s arm. “Put him down, please.” The major holds their ring to Terry’s body. It flashes.
The major walks to their desk and pulls a pair of metal shackles from a drawer. They cross back over to Terry and force his arms behind his back. Terry struggles weakly, still coughing. As Major Kijel puts on the restraints, Terry hisses in pain and the shackles start to glow with a faint white light. Cel, Xizoh:
You notice that the shackles have several sharp looking barbs on the inside that you think would easily pierce the skin of the person wearing them. Henri, Elioden:
You recognize the shackles as the type the Altiendel military uses to restrict magical powers of its prisoners through direct contact with their blood. Terry looks at Henri in alarm at Elioden’s suggestion. Moments later, a few streaks of blood seep out from under the shackles. Terry’s eyes roll up and he slumps over again. “He should survive for a bit, but please do not shoot him,” Major Kijel says to Henri. “I want to find out what in Norah’s name he’s done.” The major walks back to their desk and flips the ledger they were referencing earlier to a different section. “Waterworks… waterworks…,” they drag their finger down the page, searching for an entry. “There. Mr. Furler has requested waterworks duty for the past few weeks. Reservoir number 3 on High Street." They tap the page thoughtfully. “A few others in his unit have maneuvered their schedules in the same way. That’s a good start for hunting them down, thank you Mr. Aubergine.” Cel, Henri, Xizoh:
You notice the major seems familiar with Elioden. Elioden:
The High Street reservoir is where Elioden remembers seeing Terry, the guard who approached him last night, and a few other guards spending a lot of time nearby. The major sighs heavily and looks up at the party. “I recognize you must be very anxious to find your friends, but I would like to ask you to investigate Furler's threat. I don't yet know who else here we can trust with this, and I’d like to see to the prince’s safety myself.”
Terry winces when Henri cocks her revolver. He glances towards Major Kijel, who crosses their arms. "Don't look at me, I'm not going to stop her," they say. Still twisting his head away from the gun, Terry closes his eyes and mutters to himself, "And the followers of the messengers shall bring a darkness upon the land, and be rewarded by the True Gods." Terry is still for a moment, then he calmly opens his eyes and smiles at Henri. "We knew all along, كرة نارية. We've been keeping tabs on you and that Order b!tch since Mount Oranis," he chuckles and leans into Henri's revolver. "And she'll get what's coming to her. Same as the dwarf and the fighter. He has them now." Draconic:
Fireball Cel:
Cel remembers Dara said something about some kind of raven cult once. He's pretty sure Elioden means Dulae, but he doesn't know what 'Order' means. The way Terry emphasizes 'he' reminds Cel of the way Dara spoke of the person she thought was summoning her in her dreams.
Xizoh:
Xizoh remembers Dara mentioned a Cult of Raven. Xizoh thinks Terry is saying that Dulae is a member of the Order of Reclamation.
Henri:
Henri is sure 'Order' means Order of Reclamation. From his goading tone Henri thinks Terry is baiting them by revealing something true that would come as a blow, trying to distract the party from the immediate threat facing Kinghaven. Elioden: Elioden knows Major Kijel is bluffing - they wouldn't stand for Henri murdering Terry in cold blood.
Happy Election Day! Go vote, local elections are super important! (If you're not registered, better do it now for next year before you forget.) I'll join the illustrious ranks of voters in the spring, when our local elections are held. Early Tuesday social justice tip: Clash of worldviews: There is some good advice here. Although I take a more optimistic view myself - I think you absolutely can significantly change the social environment around you for the better by having these awkward conversations. In contrast, here is an example of the consequences of internalized sexism. Of course perjury and false accusations are serious crimes and should incur serious consequences, but false accusations of rape, sexual assault, and harassment are extremely rare. There is very little incentive for the victim to report their experience and huge cost. Meanwhile, it’s fairly common for known abusers to rise above. (See our current President, and I have no doubt Harvey Weinstein will still be rich and spend most of the rest of his life out of prison. Plus Brock Turner, a white college kid in the most cut-and-dry rape case possible (with multiple witnesses) who got only six months to ‘not ruin his future’, like he got caught for tax evasion instead of committing a violent crime). Betsy DeVos’s repeal of guidance protecting sexual assault and harassment victims at colleges and universities gives even more control to the accused. And part of the justification, according to one of the mothers: “In my generation, what these girls are going through was never considered assault,” Judith said. “It was considered, ‘I was stupid and I got embarrassed.’” Note that all the fault, all the responsibility of two people’s actions is on the woman in her eyes. Her son is facing consequences for something his parents never prepared him to take care with. To me that indicates a strong belief in rigid, limiting gender roles - that it's strictly the job of a woman (and her protectors) to remain unharmed. Untainted. But hey, y'know, boys will be boys, what can ya do? (White boys, anyway. I doubt we'd struggle as much to hold POC accountable for their choices/actions.) I reckon some of the gender-based social “respect” rituals we learn as teens like ‘open doors for women’, ‘walk women home’, and ‘women are seated/served/saved first’ interfere with our perception of women as humans worthy of respect (as equals and potential future leaders) and instead reinforce them as a lesser, protected class. There should be fairness - a balance between ensuring criminals face the consequences of their actions and that no one is punished without just cause. That balance is currently extremely skewed toward silencing the victims. The appropriate calibration is to believe the women and men who report abuse and act accordingly. I’d advise anyone, mother or otherwise, who could use further convincing to read this letter in full.
"You're lying, دودة," Xizoh clenches his grip on Terry. Terry laughs. "Oh I'm not lying, Doctor. I know all about you and your friend the bard here. A useless cast out, left singing for scraps." Elioden: Elioden knows that Terry initially mis-identified the party. Either he was lying then or has heard new information. From Terry's gloating tone, Elioden suspects the former.
Major Kijel glances at the pouch. "A summoning pouch. What were you planning to summon, Furler?" Terry stops squirming, looking nonchalant. "More of the same. Shadows," he says. Henri:
Inside the pouch Henri sees a small candle and slightly crushed raven feather. She remembers Dara mentioning some kind of raven cult.
Xizoh:
Xizoh can feel Terry twitch as he speaks. Xizoh is sure Terry is lying. Cel:
Cel isn't sure if Terry is lying, but he notices the change in Terry's demeanor. Major Kijel's gives Elioden a serious look. "Tell me everything you know," they lean over to better hear Elioden. "The bard knows nothing, don't listen to him," Terry twists in Xizoh's grasp, trying to wriggle free.
Terry squirms, trying to loosen Xizoh's grip, but otherwise offers little resistance.
Major Kijel gently turns Elioden over to check if he is breathing. They then press a ring to Elioden's skin, which flashes brightly four times.
Terry chuckles. "Killing Kinghaven with their own arrogance. The irony of it," he flashes Henri a crazed smile. "It's funny. You'll see."
Cel also cautiously approaches Terry and Xizoh with his hands raised, ready to fire a blast if necessary. Cel:
You don't see anything remarkable about the small pouch. Henri:
Henri doesn't see anything immediately alarming about the small pouch. It reminds her of pouches she has seen Altiendel casters use before during spells. Major Kijel jogs over to Elioden and kneels down next to him.
=D =D =D =D Welcome back, Henri! Hope you're settling in to your new place.
Also, Happy Halloween! Here's a celebratory picture from the internet. Mikkel's Tuesday social justice tip: a lack of compromise: Here's a thoughtful series of tweets by Ta-Nehisi Coates. I chafed at this part when I first read it: "Notion that we are putting today's standards on the past is, in itself, racist--implies only white, slave-holding, opinions matter." But... yeah. The argument "you can't hold the past to today's standards" is bullsh!t. There is no moral framework where owning and abusing another person is acceptable. Expecting our values to be reflected in our laws and the statues/memorials on our streets is completely reasonable. They're ours, where in an equitable society ours necessarily includes all of us. Something I didn't appreciate having grown up in upstate NY is that in most states down south this alternate "states rights" version of civil war history is actually taught in schools. If it's assumed slavery was no big deal, it's no surprise then that people don't seem to get that there's currently not equal opportunity from generations of unequal access to basic rights and/or family accumulation of wealth.
I think learning how to fight to succeed is easily the most important life skill. If everything comes easily to you, you're pretty f*cked the moment something doesn't go to plan and you don't know how to deal with it. Learning how to define a goal, evaluate your progress toward it, and (most importantly) change your strategy as necessary is invaluable. Rewiring your brain takes a lot of effort. I had a similar experience when I first took quantum mechanics. Now I usually approach learning something challenging for me with the expectation that it'll take some time, and that's just fine. (And feel the burn. New neural pathways hurt so good.) MCAT = Medical College Admission Test. Unsolicited advice: You're in damn good shape in terms of professional development having already joined a research lab in your first year. It's worth exploring other research opportunities and summer programs/internships between now and your final year to get a sense of what you're into (and pad your resume, build a network, etc). If you decide you want to go on to grad school, the fall of your final year is when all the application stuff happens (effectively eight months earlier than when you graduate). Good luck Xizoh! (Also, I doubt I'd know any more than your tutor, but the calc help offer still stands.) |