ENDLESS SKY – a Fabula Ultima actual play by Todd Zircher (© 2024)

The primary rules for this game will be Fabula Ultima by Need Games. If you plan to get
this, I highly suggest getting the physical book since it comes with a free code for the
PDFs. You can order it through your local game store or from services like Amazon.
Fabula Ultima TTJPRG by Need Games (Amazon)

The main solo tools with be my own Four Houses in Chaos, you can get it here for free.
Four Houses in Chaos by Todd Zircher (DTRPG)

Since FHiC is powered by tarot cards, I'll also be using the Mystical Manga Tarot for
randomization and inspiration. It is available as a full size or mini deck.
Mystical Manga Tarot - Full Deck (Amazon)
Mystical Manga Tarot - Mini Deck (Amazon)

For the map, I’m going to use Hex Kit which I picked up in a bundle on Itch.io a few
years ago. You can find out more about that app here: https://cone.itch.io/hex-kit

I also plan to make sketches, renders, and such and run them through various AI tools
to brush them up to a presentable level. For those that are curious, I am using Fooocus
(JuggernautXL RDphoto2 v9 Lightning for the model and SAI Anime for the style.)

For the journal style, I’m thinking of a casual script format using Libre Writer.

Session Zero
I actually have two session zero setups to do. Fabula (for short since FU is not nice in
some cultures) has a world building session and Four Houses in Chaos has an optional
but highly encouraged deck set up. It just so happens that world building in one should
help with setting up the other. So, let’s start with the Fabula Press Start section on page
146.
Press Start is broken up into a set of discussions and questions and we'll follow the
format just for fun.
Commitment and The default session time is four hours, but that is not applicable
Expectations to most of the solo play that I will be doing which will probably
be in smaller scenes that are stitched together. At appropriate
milestones or cliff hangers, I'll call that an end of session and
apply the appropriate mechanics for XP. Since this is solo play
player attendance is not a criteria to consider.
Tone and Themes I'm thinking about running an anime inspired isekai story, so one
of the players will definitely be an outsider. The other PCs will
probably be natives that are shortly introduced. I want comedy,
gore, some adult themes, and perhaps even a little romance if it
develops. I don't want to go in with a lot of expectations and if
the tarot throws me a curve ball, I'll roll with it.
Rules and Challenge Optional rules, I want ambushes and surprises so that optional
conflict rule is in play. I also tend towards shorter games, so I
want to use the booster rule to level up faster.
When I was playing in Burt's Bucket List group, we used
accelerated XP so that we could get more experience out of the
classic games we played. I thought that was a lot of fun. Even
with that rule, it would take a lot of scenes in order to get to
level 50 in this game.
Safety While safety is kind of a silly consideration for a solo game, I do
plan to share my actual play. So, I do have a theoretical
audience to think about. In my mind, there will be plenty of
splashing blood, but in the anime and JRPG tradition it will be
transitory and characters won't be drenched in bodily fluids for
the whole adventure. I have not decided if there is true evil in
the game yet, I don't plan to dwell on things like torture. If for
some reason it does come up, I'll make sure to give warnings
and only go there if it directly experienced by the characters and
has some meaningful purpose for the story/game. Romance is
certainly on the table, Since this is anime comedy fantasy, some
fan service may show up. Sexy time will be off camera.
World Creation 1. The world of Endless Sky will be flat with no edges. Players
can go and explore in any direction. I imagine lots of islands,
deadly waters, and air travel being key elements.
2. For the map, I'm thinking about a tool like Hex Kit. The scale
will probably be two hexes per travel day so I have some
flexibility if I need to move faster (horses, magic, airships) or
slower (rough terrain, in-climate weather, getting lost.)
3. Magic... I'm greedy, I want all three. So, the starting location
will be high fantasy, but other realms might work under different
rules such as techno-magic or nature magic.
4. The characters will start in the Kingdom of Ferros which is a
fantasy realm. They are being threatened by Kermos, a techno-
magic kingdom. There might be some local regions that need to
be united if they are going to face the might of a larger invader.
5. Historical events. With three characters being the intended
party size, let’s go with three events.
A. The Gray Plague has passed but it has greatly weaken Ferros
against its neighbors internally and externally.
B. The kingdom has a King and Queen, but there are two other
'branches' of government; the Council of Wizards and the House
of Commons. It's complicated.
C. A hero is needed desperately, so the Council of Wizards has
decided to summon one. Insert our primary character.
 6. Mysteries, enigmas, and goals.
A. Visit the neighboring factions and get then to ally with Ferros
or find their weaknesses to use against them.
B. Our summoned character needs to find a way back home.
Perhaps the Council does not know how to 'unsummon'.
C. Beyond the lands that Ferros claims, there are other great
realms. Discover them and convince them to support Ferros in
its war with Kermos. [Using 'os' as a suffix for the kingdoms.]
7. Terrible threats.
A. The monster nations have grown stronger and faster than
the human realms. If not defeated, it could end the kingdom.
B. Kermos is invading, but they are far away. Who knows what
they are up to, but it can't be good for the kingdom.
C. Sea monsters! Ships do not travel the open waters due to
terrible beasts. Either they need to be defeated or airship travel
needs to improved to meet the external threats that face the
kingdom.

Not all of those idea came out of thin air, I also rolled on the World Creation table on
pages 150-151 and I got; airships revolutionized travel and war, kingdom, the rise of a
new military power, a dimensional gate opens, and the discovery of uncharted lands.

The scale is five miles flat-to-flat and most road segments are 5 or 6 miles. Two hexes is one travel day.
Regarding group creation, I think the Guardians would be a good fit for a solo game with
the chosen one being the primary PC and a couple of other PCs to round out the party.

Four Houses in Chaos

For the four houses or factions, I am thinking Villains and Adversaries (swords), the
Royals (cups), the Council of Wizards (wands), and the House of Commons (coins).

The bad guys (as in named villains) are unknown at the start of the story, but we can
assume that the King of Swords would be a champion and the other face cards would be
elites. It’s okay for these to be a mystery at the start and we can fill them in later. The
King and Queen of Cups are easily the King and Queen of Ferros while the Knight and
Page are agents of the king and queen. The King of Wands is the leader of the Council of
Wizards while perhaps the Queen, Knight, and Page of Wands forms the Council. The
House of Commons is a much larger body than the Royals and Council and stand for the
merchants, craftsmen, and the general populace. The King of Coins is the Speaker of
the House while the other face cards are powerful merchants, guilds, and unions.

Character Generation (and a little intro role play)

Let’s work on our ‘chosen one’ character. I want to do an isekai story. For those not
familiar with the term, this is when someone from our world is transported to another
world (usually fantasy.) There are a thousand variations on that theme, so we’ll just roll
with it (perhaps literally.)

Who were they before the crossed over? We’ll draw a few tarot cards to start since
Fabula does not have a table for that. King of Coins – valor, intelligence, success. And,
Ace of Cups (reversed) - false heart, instability, revolution. Huh, that can be me; ex-
military and IT Guy perhaps after a big fight with my wife.

PC: I was pissed, it was a stupid fight. I was

technically right, of course, but she had dug
her heels in and it made me want to scream.
It was a cool night so I took off to get some
fresh air and blow off some steam. I was
obviously distracted and didn’t see the truck
coming over the hill until it was too late.

PC: They say your life flashes before your

eyes. While I was rooted to the spot, I
calculated the vehicle’s speed, the required
stopping distance, the road surface
conditions, and thought… that bastard is
speeding in a residential zone. The last
thing I remember is the roaring engine, the
squealing tires, and the blinding light.
GM: Okay, so we have the chosen one. So much for some random anime fan boy, um…
well, that’s also me. Let’s roll some dice for page 156: abomination, young, and from
another dimension. Fabula Ultima is gender agnostic in its character creation but has
pronouns on the character sheet. I’m okay with that but it does not help me to decide.
Let’s draw another card, the Six of Swords – a woman paddling in a boat across lake or
perhaps heading towards the dawn breaking over a coastline. Yeah… oh wait, I can
make that work. It’s not the boat, but the journey to a new place.

GM: Let’s do a three card spread to describe the wizards: Queen of Coins (reversed) -
evil, suspicion, mistrust. Five of Cups – all is not lost, inheritance, family*. Eight of
Coins (reversed) - lack of ambition, vanity, sloth. Well that is an interesting crew; a
witch, a hopeful wizard, and a vain and perhaps lazy wizard (who still must be powerful
to be on the Council.) * At the time I drew this card, I did not know this part would
come into play later in the story.

PC: I don’t know what to expect. I’m a christian at heart, but not very religious in
action. Treat people the way you want to be treated. I look down at my hands, they are
young and soft. My wedding band is gone, I don’t even have a tan line for it.

GM: You start a bit as you hear a woman laugh.

Blue Witch: “That is your mighty warrior? Our savior? It looks more like one of your
whores.”
GM: You look up and see a trio of… wizards? No, the one on the left in blue is a witch or
necromancer. In the center is an old man and to the right is another wizard dressed in
purple and white. Only the old man is not wearing a mask. The purple one sighs.

Purple Wizard: “Kill it and we will try again.”

GM: Back to character gen.

PC: My character’s theme is duty. It might not be to these clowns, but it is how I have
lived my life in the service. Obviously, my origin is not here but in the alien realm of
America. As a fantasy species, since I am an abomination (and I was called a whore),
let’s go with a devil girl just to tweak my agnostic tendencies. I prefer well rounded
characters so let’s put a level in darkblade and sharp shooter, and three levels in
elementalist.

For skills, we have Shadow Strike 1, Ranged weapon master 1, and Elemental Magic 3
(Elemental Weapon, Flare, and Elemental Shroud.) Technically, these are infernal
powers rather than spells, but they work out the same way.

PC: I imagine my character is agile but physically weak so we’ll go with Dexterity 1d10,
Insight 1d8, Might 1d6, and Willpower 1d8. Max HP is 45/22 and MP is 50. My
maximum inventory points is 6. Defense is 10 and magic defense is 8. Do I even have
starting equipment?

GM: Let’s ask the deck. Nine of Cups is a strong yes. For cards sometimes I’ll want to
hit a probability range and other times it will be on a 1-10 scale of intensity as needed.

PC: Okay, let’s go with a pistol, a combat tunic (black with red strips), and a chain whip.
I have exactly zero coins to my name, and three Fabula points.

Out of the Frying Pan...

GM: Following the purple wizard’s command, your opponent is a level 5 Guard with a
heavy spear. The guard has an initiative of 5.

PC: I roll DEX+INS = 8 and handily win. On instinct, I clench my fists and shout ‘Burn!’
causing intense rays of light and heat to leap from my horns. Flare cost 20 MPs and I
roll INS+WIL = 7 to hit. That doesn’t beat the guard’s magic defense of 8. I burn a
Fabula point (invoking my abomination/devil trait) and re-roll the 1 and to get another 6
– critical success! [Double 6,7,8,9, or 10.] The attack inflicts 31 fire damage and for
the opportunity, I claim earning a favor.

GM: This drops the guard to crisis level and he screams from the burns, but he is loyal
and still tries to attack through the pain with his heavy spear. MIG+DEX = 6, you easily
side step the clumsy attack with your defense of 11 (DEX+1). End of round.

PC: I shout at the guard, “Is this worth dying for?”

GM: I’ll give you a +2 to that intimidation roll. Opposed rolls on INS+WIL = he has a 6.
PC: I got a INS+WIL+2 = 7.

GM: The guards falters driven between duty and certain knowledge that the next attack
will kill him. He drops his spear and kneels, “Forgive me, my lords. Strike me down if
you must, but she has vanquished me.” Time to cash in that favor.

GM: There is a moments pause and then the old man in the middle begins to clap.
“Speed, power, and mercy. What say you, Mercurio? Are those the qualities you want in
our champion?” You can almost sense the wizard’s eyes rolling up behind his mask.

Mercurio: “Yes, yes, it has potential. But, I doubt she could have kept up for long.”

GM: The old man in the middle chuckled, “She didn’t have to, did she?” He points to the
smoking guard, “Get to a healer and count yourself lucky that she did not decide to feast
on your roasted heart.” The guard nods, gets up shakily before remembering to pick up
his spear, and exits the summoning chamber.

PC: I feel the tip of one of my horns before turning around. Horns? She? I barely
resist the urge to do an ‘equipment’ check. I badly want a mirror.

GM: The three mages are still there, but they seem to show no fear even after your
pyrotechnic display.

PC: Clearing my throat I ask in a voice several octaves higher than I am used to, “I have
questions.”

GM: The old man smiles, “And I have answers, and an offer.” The woman in blue pulls
back her hood, her face is covered by a white skull mask. “So, we’re going through
with… this, Cronus?” Her disappointment is obvious.

Cronus: “Yes, Astra, if we can make a deal with this creature. Come child, let’s talk in
my office.”

PC: I pause mid-step, “Child!? I’m over sixty years old.”

GM: The old man lifts an appraising eyebrow. Astra glares from behind her mask. And
Mercurio just chuckles

Mercurio: “Well, you did ask for a seasoned veteran.”

Cronus: “So I did, so I did.”

PC: I don’t add that I was a seasoned veteran in a different life.

GM: You all walk up several flights of twisting stairs from the ‘dungeon’, your tail
swishing behind you.

PC: I have a powerful urge to grab it and do an inspection, but I think that would look
strange and some reason I feel it would not been seen as lady-like.
GM: When you all are above ground level, you take a few more turns and are led into a
large study. For Cronus’s office, let’s pull a card: Two of Wands (reversed) - surprise,
wonder, enchantment. How appropriate!

PC: Feels just like it would be a place that a wizard would do their business.
GM: There were plenty of books, scrolls, and lamps that produce a soft glow without any
flickering or signs of a power cords. Kind of a flagrant use of magic that is practical but
also intended to impress visitors. There is a large window behind the ornate wooden
desk, but it is night so that offers no additional clues.

The thing that truly catches you eye is the full length mirror in the corner. It seemed
odd to have such beast taking up so much space. Roll for...

PC: I don’t know if it was burning curiosity or some sort of magical compulsion but I’m
drawn to the mirror like a moth to a flame.

GM: As you approach, the normal reflection

in the mirror ripples and fades away so that it
only shows you or at least your new body.

PC: I twitch my tail experimentally. I put my

hand to my face to make sure it was real and
to stare at my eyes like flame.

GM: You see that there is a golden heart

shaped locket hovering in front of your chest.

PC: I run my hand down across the front of

my padded tunic and reach for it. It’s not
there is it?

GM: Nope, it must be some kind of magic

projection. You hear a voice from right behind
your ear.

Cronus: “Hmm, interesting. Despite your

demonic appearance, you seem to have a
heart of gold.”

PC: I spin around and…

GM: …and it feels like you was moving through

molasses. By the time the mirror lets you go,
Cronus is already behind his desk.

PC: “Neat trick. I’ll try to be more careful next

time.”
GM: Cronus sits down and motions to an empty chair across the desk from him. Astra
and Mercurio are seated to the left and right of the desk rather than behind it. It
creates a weird dynamic where you can not look at all three of them at the same time.
Cronus decides to speak first.

Cronus: “The reason we summoned you is that the Kingdom of Ferros needs a
champion. We have always been a small kingdom, but we had enough to provide for our
people until the Gray Plague hit. It was bad. We lost a lot of good people. The scourge
has run its course. But now, monsters and bandits gather on the borders and roads.
They disrupt trade and communication. The divinations we cast said that only an ‘other’
can help us. So, we gathered our power and resources and attempted to summon a
great beast to rend our enemies asunder…”

PC: “And you got me.” I look to my right and left, “I can see why these two are
disappointed.”

GM: Astra drummed her fingers on the edge of the desk.

Astra: “Cronus was the focal point of the ritual. You can blame him for plucking you
from whatever hell you came from.”

PC: I lean back and rub my face, “You guys are kind of new to this, yes? No binding
pentacles, no containment circles, no geas, collars of obedience, rings of salt, manacles,
or even a contract.”

GM: The three cast uncomfortable glances at each others. Mercurio mumbles a
question, “Rings of salt?”

PC: I wave it off, “It doesn’t work, but some cultures try it anyway.” Yeah, I’m totally
bull shitting my way through this, but playing into their expectations might give me an
edge later and buy me some time. “Okay, I get that you have a manpower shortage.
But, why should I go tromping through the wilderness slaying goblins and apes for you?”

GM: While it was hard to read Astra’s expression due to her mask, you get the
impression that she was taken aback by the question.

Astra: “Duty! You were summoned to do our bidding.”

PC: “Yeah, I’m not feeling that. Actually, I’m feeling kind of pissed since you called me a
whore and Mercurio over here ordered my execution. Hey Mercurio, give me an order.”

GM: Mercurio holds up his hands in protest and then you sense a smile crawling up his
masked face.

Mercurio: “Dance! Dance for us, demon from the Abyss.”

PC: My tail twitches, but it is more in ironic humor than under any form of compulsion.
I’ll have to remember that when playing poker. I shake my head no, “No, I think I’ll sit
that order out.”
Cronus: “I think you will help us because you have a kind soul in that demonic body.”

PC: I curl my tail around the chair leg, damn that mirror, he was right.

The Deal
PC: My turn, “Okay, you have needs and I have needs. The big one is that you need a
champion and I want to go home. Lesser details are that I need a base of operations, a
guide so I don’t get lost immediately after walking out the gate, and diplomatic
immunity.”

Cronus: He strokes his beard, “Why the last one?”

PC: “Easy, I don’t want my head chopped off for picking my nose on the sabbath.”

Mercurio: Chuckling, “She’s smarter than she looks.”

Astra: “We have needs too. The Kingdom has lost contact with the Counties, the
monsters need to be put down, and we reserve the rite to assign you missions as the
need arises.”

PC: “That sounds fair. So, do I work for you or the King?”

GM: Cronus seemingly ignores that question and is busy scribbling down something on a
parchment with a quill that never seems to need ink. He signs it with a flourish that
actually threw sparks in the air and slides the document over to you.

GM: Let’s ask the tarot if you can you read their script? The Hierophant - captivity,
servitude, inspiration. The page was filled with runes and squiggles that you can’t
understand. But as you look, the actual letters morph into English. If the words are to
be believed, Cronus wrote them exactly down exactly as discussed.

PC: I sigh, “Is this a binding contract? Most of our demands are rather vaguely worded.”

Cronus casts an appraising eye: “It is merely a legal document of understanding. No

binding pentacles, circles, geas, collars of obedience, manacles, or rings of salt
required.”

PC: I notice that he had left out contract. Half on impulse, I reach up to my right horn
with my hand and prick my thumb. (Yes, they are that sharp.) When I place my
bloodied thumb on the parchment, it gives a satisfying hiss.

Home, Sweet, Home… sort of.

GM: Let’s ask the oracle how they treated your requests: Two of Coins (reversed) -
handwriting, composition, letters, Three of Coins (reversed) - mediocrity, pettiness,
weakness, The Chariot – war, triumph, trouble.

GM: Cronus offers to set you up in his study. He’s a little too eager for that.
PC: I politely decline.

GM: And, he actually seemed to pout a bit. He then offers you some space in the guard
barracks in the East tower. That might turn out to be more trouble than it was worth.
PC: I don’t want to be constantly under his thumb either, so I agree.

GM: He summons a guard to take you there. It is the same soldier that you had torched
earlier.

PC: I pull my hands in close to my chest, trying for something cuter and less demonic,
“Uh, hello there. No hard feelings I hope.”

GM: He looks you over, but it is hard to read his expression as it is a mix of emotions,
“You let me live, I do owe you that.” There is no tour and he’s quiet for most of the trip.
When you get to the tower, he bangs open the door and shouts, “Florin, Darren, pack
your gear! This is now the champion’s lair.” The two guards rousted from their sleep,
grumble and complain, but those are turned to jeers and bawdy comments when they
see him with a girl... until they see the horns and tail.

Balyn scowled: “This creature burned me half to death in the blink of an eye. You might
want to swallow those tongues before they are cooked in your skulls.”

GM: The two turn to look at Balyn a little closer and notice the singe marks, the soot,
and the freshly healed skin. They slowly back away, gather their gear, and leave without
adding another word.

PC: “I have a name besides creature or champion. You can call me…”, and my words
stick in my throat. My real name would make no sense here, hell, it might be a magical
liability for all I know like a true name. “You can call me, Taz.”

GM: Let’s make an insight check, INS+INS = 12. The DL for normal rolls is a 10.

Balyn nods seeming to recognize that pause: “Aye, it will do.” He rolls the word around
in his mouth, “Taz, huh, it fits you for some reason.” He sticks out his hand, more as a
reflex, but he is brave enough not to pull it back. “You can call me Balyn.”

Taz: I shake his hand as manly as I can muster and nod. I sure as hell was not going to
curtsy. “So, which bed is mine?”

GM: He waves at the dozen or so wooden frames, “Take your pick. There is some extra
bedding in the locker over there.” And with that, he lets himself out.

GM: You notice that the door had no lock, but it can be barred on the inside and that the
windows are narrow and only face the court yard. The room has a single oil lamp and a
general lack of amenities that hint at the impact the Gray Plague had left in its wake.

Taz: I take off my small leather backpack and look to see what it contains.
GM: There were some red and blue bottles that for some reason you know are healing
and mana potions. There are some odd bits like chalk, twine, eating utensils, camp
supplies, a chain whip, and a strange pistol shaped like a flintlock, but you are pretty
sure it is no such thing.

Taz: The last two gave me a bit of a shudder. I give the whip some test swings and it
brutally gouges a bed post. It feels very good in my hand, like an extension of my tail?
The pistol was even more strange. I know how a flintlock works and this ain’t it.

GM: You can feel the magic coursing through it, no safety, simple iron sights. You’re
sure if you pull the trigger it would immediately discharge. In Fabula, you don’t track
ammunition. So, I have decided to dispense with gunpowder.

Taz: Yes, I also do an ‘equipment’ check.

GM: Oh, you’re 100% girl... and 100% demon or devil. The horns are firmly attached
to you skull and the tail is an extension of the spine with a fair amount of control, but
not enough to be prehensile. No hidden bat wings.

Taz: I’m sure that would have made wearing a backpack torture.

A New Dawn
GM: At some point sleep catches up to you and you awake with a start when something
loud knocks on the door.

Taz: “Yeah, yeah, give me a minute to put my boots on.”

GM: Surprisingly enough, they actually gave you a minute to put your boots on.

Taz: I tie my whip to my backpack strap for easy reach, but I’ll leave the pistol in the
pack.

GM: Let’s see who is the early riser. The King of Swords – oh shit! In Four Houses in
Chaos, that’s a face card that we had assigned to the adversaries. On a scale from 1 to
10, how bad is it? Nine of Swords, jaw drops to the floor.

GM: You pull open the door and there is a court page. “Ah, miss, your presence is
requested…” And that’s when I hear the whistling of the bombs. Think fast!

Taz: DEX+WIL = 11. I grab the boy and pull him inside as we collapse in a heap just as
the first bombs detonate.

GM: The bombardment goes on for what seems like forever. You and the page are
huddled against the stone wall and covered in dust. The door where the page had been
standing is shattered and off one of its hinges. The bombs eventually stop, but the
carnage was not over. Fires rage, people wail for the dead and wounded.

Taz: I get up to see what I could do…

GM: The page pulls you back down. “You, you, can’t go out there. The people would
not understand. They would attack you on sight thinking you are an invader.”

Taz: “I can’t stay here. People need help.”

GM: He looks you dead in the eyes and sees something besides flames. “Take my cloak
and pull the hood over your horns.”

Taz: I step out and look to the skies.

GM: In the distance, far above bow and pistol range you see three airships. They are
maroon with gold trim. Even now, they are drifting away - their deadly cargo delivered.

Taz: What in the hell did the Kingdom of Ferros do to deserve this?

GM: The quaint fantasy castle and its interior buildings are a burning wreck and you can
hear the screams and cries of those trapped within.

Taz: I’m not a firefighter, but I have to do something and perhaps my demonic blood will
protect me. “Stick close to me, and I will shield us from the fire.” I reached out and
through sheer force of will made the flames back off.

GM: You can use elemental shroud and if you spend the MP, you can include the page.
It’s still a god-damned inferno of flame and smoke, but it won’t a lethal fire storm. Let’s
see who you can save. Judgment – change of position, renewal, new outcomes. Four of
Swords (reversed) - wise polices, caution, testament. Ace of Wands (reversed) - a fall
from favor, decadence, ruin.

GM: You’re able to save the Queen, some of her hand maidens, and the council of
wizards. The Queen, covered in soot and tears streaking her face, wailed, screamed,
and pleaded, but you could not find her husband. After hours of searching, all you find
is fire damaged crow. As that damned day ends, Cronus seeks you out.

Cronus: “Thank you for saving the Queen. Please forgive her grief. In time, she will see
that you are a blessing and not a harbinger of death.”

Taz: “Do you know who attacked us?”

Cronus nods: “They are a far off nation, beyond the barrier sea. The Kingdom of
Kermos, we did not suspect that they had this capability. The King’s scouts only recently
knew of their incursion on our shores.”

GM: You could see that he is leaning hard on his staff and he’s just as spent as you are.

Cronus: “I thought we had time to prepare, time to defend ourselves, their magic is so
different from ours.”
GM: Cronus gathers up the Queen, her surviving staff, and a few guards. They relocate
to the town outside of the castle. Your lonely barracks was spared the worst of the
bombardment and it is soon crowded with the remaining guards, some nurses/healers,
and the wounded.

A Fork in the Road

GM: Morning comes again, but I can’t say that you got any worthwhile sleep. Magical
healing can only go so far, the people here are either right as rain or crippled for life.
You have both cases in the crowded barracks and the sound of the wounded is a
constant moan of agony. No need to bother with the hooded cloak now. The people
here know that you literally can and will walk through hell for them. There is a knocking
on the broken door that catches your attention. It is the page again.

Taz: Did he even sleep last night?

GM: Well you’re pretty dirty with soot and dust. Let’s what the page up to: Four of Coins
– possessions, gifts, legacy

GM: “Miss Taz, your presence is requested…”, he looks nervously up at the sky, “by the
Queen of Ferros. Please follow me.” He weaves through the wreckage of the castle and
the interior buildings. Some of them had been completely burned to the ground and are
still smoking. Passing through the gates, you can see that the surrounding city is pretty
much intact. The bombing seemed to have been directed as a decapitating strike
against the Royalty and perhaps removing the Council of Wizards as well.

Taz: I follow the page.

GM: He leads you to what appears to be an inn. The sign out front displays a turtle on
its back. Inside we are greeted by the inn keeper, “Welcome to the Tipsy Turtle, you…”,
she freeze when she sees your short skirt, sooty face, and demonic accessories. Let’s
see if she keep her composure? WIL+INS = 13.

GM: “You are… expected. Please let me see to making you presentable.”

Taz: “If that means a clean bath, I’m all ears.”

GM: The inn keep takes in your long ears, even manages a small smirk, and you’re
escorted to a bathing room in the back.

Taz: Okay it had been decades since I took an actual bath let alone with an attendant.
It’s weird, it’s awkward, and after the warm water takes hold of my weary muscles, I
don’t care. But the tail, that’s off limits.

GM: After the water had cooled off and the attendant had left, you find a coarse towel
and can dry yourself off. That’s when you notice that your combat tunic and backpack
are missing and in its place is a white shift. Think of a long sleeved night gown.

Taz: Sigh, I guess that’s better than running around naked.

GM: You no sooner figure out how to put on when your hand maid returns with a
seamstress in tow. Without introductions, she begins taking measurements.

Taz: I lightly smack her hand if she tries to grab my tail. “That’s mine. Just work
around it.”
GM: She mumble some apologies, gets a few more dimensions, and then scurries off
talking to herself. Left alone with the bath attendant, she finally finds the nerve to
speak to you directly. “Miss, is it true that you pulled a hundred people from the inferno
yesterday?”

Taz: “More like a dozen, I wish I could have saved more.”

GM: “Ah, I expected you to be eight feet tall and breathing flame.”

Taz: I can’t resist, “Oh, so you have met my brother?”

GM: She literally squeaks like a mouse, “No, no, miss. You’re the first demon I have
met.”

Taz: I sigh, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to alarm you. Actually, demon is probably the wrong
word to use. I am an outsider. In many ways, I’m just like you.”

GM: She pauses, “You are a maid? That might explain your bawdy clothing…”

Taz: And I stop her right there, “The clothing is just a fashion among my people. My
job, my old job is… complicated.”

GM: She jumps in, emboldened by your candor, “Oh! Tormentor of souls? Punisher of
the wicked? Judge of the damned?”

Taz: I hold up a finger to stop her litany of demon jobs. “Um… speaker with machines
and…”, I tapped my index finger to my lips, looking for the right words. “and work
facilitator.”

GM: Her brain skids to a halt for a second. “Oh, that’s why you carry a whip.” And,
that’s a good time for the seamstress to return. What does she have? Three of Wands
(reversed) - end of troubles, disappointment, toil.

GM: The seamstress gives a single knock and enters with a full length yellow and brown
dress and a pair of functional brown leather flat shoes of good quality.

Taz: I was kind of expecting a courtly dress so that is a little disappointing to see a
plainer but more practical design. I take it that it is still nicer than what these girls are
wearing.

GM: You can place it as upper middle class, nice but not 17th century ballroom nice. You
look at it and realize that it was more complicated than you thought it would be.

Taz: “Thank you, but I have no idea how to put that on.”
GM: Your attendant tisks, “You’re like a babe.” “Mary!”, hisses the seamstress.

Mary rolls her eyes: “Ma’am, I’ve seen her birthday suit. She’s nothing but a child.”

Taz: To be honest, that’s not how I want to be treated and I mumble, “I’m actually sixty
years old.”

GM: The seamstress gasps, “I’m so sorry madame, I mistook your station.”

Taz: I wave off the apology, “Don’t be concerned, it’s complicated.” Now if I could get
some help putting this lovely dress on without poking any holes in it.”

GM: After that ordeal, you’re whisked out and up a flight of stairs. The decor is nicer,
again, not courtly but intended for a wealthy class like merchants, businessmen, and
perhaps diplomats. The page is here and he had been cleaned up as well, he’s still
wearing what you would call a page/messenger uniform. The boy grins, “Miss Taz, it is
nice to see you in a proper dress.”

Taz: “Don’t get used to it. It’s not a good dress for fighting monsters in.”

GM: His grin grows even wider, “Truth, but you will not find that kind here.” You’re both
ushered to a set of double doors with two guards and an older man. The latter speaks
with an air of authority, “Names?” The page looks a little surprised, perhaps no one had
actually asked for his name before. He glances at you and then replies, “Tom of Lane
and…”

Taz: “Taz... of America.”

GM: The gent nods and pushes opened both doors, steps aside, and announces in a very
official sounding voice, “Tom of Lane and Taz of America to see Queen Elaine of Ferros.”
The master suite had been converted into a temporary audience chamber complete with
a wide wooden throne, the settings are so new you can smell the saw dust. A small
crowd of various officials and guards are present and Queen Elaine sits on her throne,
the chair is wide enough for two people. Tom takes measured steps and walks forward.

Taz: I follow, keeping pace.

GM: At a respectable distance, he stops and executes a deep bow.

Taz: I’ll go for the courtly deep curtsy.

GM: That actually a pretty tricky balancing act given that you have never done one and
are wearing new shoes. Give me a DEX check for your performance at a -2.

Taz: DEX+DEX-2 = 11. I manage to pull off a graceful curtsy.

GM: The queen stands up and for some reason that raises little warning bells of
apprehension. With a practiced grace, she pulls out a broadsword and holds it up high.
Elaine: “People of Ferros, your Queen wishes to take this time and recall the bravery
and heroism of these two souls. They braved fires and crumbling walls to save Us, our
precious wizards, and many others. While they could not save all…”

GM: You could see her lip tremble and the sword waver a little bit.

Elaine: “They selflessly went in to harm’s way time and time again to save those they
could. The enemy sought to destroy Us, to cripple our ability to resist. We may be
wounded, but they have awakened the dragon.”

Elaine continues: “Tom of Lane, please kneel.”

GM: Tom dropped to one knee like someone dumped a load of bricks on him. You
wonder how shaky those legs were. The Queen smoothly lowers her blade to each
shoulder.

Elaine: “Rise Sir Tom, hero of Ferros, protector of the court.”

GM: A quick glance his way and you can see his eyes starting to tear up.

Taz: He deserved it, after all, he literally followed me into a burning hell to help save the
queen and the council.

GM: The Queen then does something you don’t expect, she presents Sir Tom with her
own sword which he graciously accepts. At this close distance, she turns to you.

Elaine: “Outsider, flame tongue, speaker to machines, Miss Taz of America…”

Taz: Okay. I’m a bit surprised by that opening, but I shouldn’t have been. Of course,
every word of my conversation with the maids would have been analyzed and relayed to
the Queen.

Elaine: “The Wizard Cronus speaks of your sharp wit and kind soul. The guards and
maids of the court speak of your bravery. But, your actions speak loudest. Take this
ring, Diplomat of America, and let it be known that you enjoy my protection.”

GM: Maybe it is a cultural thing, but she literally takes a signet ring off her own hand
and places it your left index finger. With deft hands she gently spins both of you around
to face the people present.

Elaine: “Please welcome our new shining stars.”

GM: And, just like that she throws both of you into the public spotlight. Everyone except
the guards break out into applause and then move forward to greet you. Give me an
anxiety check since this is your kryptonite.

Taz: INS+WIL = 3. A familiar panic squeezes my heart and my vision starts to narrow, I
vaguely remember saying thanks, maybe weakly shaking a hand or two while weaving
my way through the well wishers.

GM: You don’t remember almost falling/running down the stairs or how you ended up on
a bench under a shady tree gasping for air. Let’s see who finds you, I’ll roll on the NPC
list... It took you a few seconds to notice the boots in front of you, and you only
connected them to a person when you hear a familiar voice.

Cronus: Softly speaking, “Are you well?”

Taz: I sputter and then talk to his boots, “Yes, no, sorry about running out like that. I...
I don’t like being the center of attention.”
GM: The boots shift and you feel his weight on the other end of the bench, but he says
nothing. After a minute, you smell fragrant tobacco smoke. Cronus takes a puff and
talks as if nothing had happened.

Cronus: “Lovely day, well, if you don’t look in the direction of the Keep.”

Taz: I don’t say anything, but look up to get my bearings.

GM: The castle sits on a hill overlooking a winding river, the city, and the surrounding
farmland. It looks like some kind of fairy tale rather than a dirty medieval reality.
Glancing over at the Wizard, you can see that his pipe looks hand carved rather than
well crafted and polished. It has a stem that is a little longer than a modern pipe, but
not outlandishly so.

Taz: I can’t think of anything to say, so I’ll blurted out, “Tobacco production depletes the
soil and you need to rotate your crops.”

Cronus lifts a bushy eyebrow and smirks, “So, you’re a farmer too?”

Taz: “Just well rounded.”

Cronus looks you up and down: “Yes, but what does that have to do with growing
crops?”

The Road to Revenge

GM: By the time you get back to the barracks, you find out that you combat tunic and
skirt has been washed and the backpack is slung over my bedpost.

Taz: I’m sure that everything I owned has been thoroughly inspected. Let’s get out of
this long dress. Do I need to roll for that?

GM: It’s a little awkward to change out of the dress but it is not that difficult. One of
healer ladies comes over and bulldog dares any of the guards or wounded to get a free
peek.

Taz: “Thanks. It went from lonely to crowded in one day.”

GM: She grunts and adds, “We’ll work on a better arrangement. These men don’t need
the... distraction.” She folds the dress and put the shoes into the foot locker at the end
of the bed.

Taz: I sling my pack over one shoulder. Do I see Florin or Darren here?

GM: Higher draw the better. The World – assured success, voyage, change of place.
Perfect.

GM: They are playing some card game like it was just another boring day in the life of a
guardsman.
Taz: I walk over and try to politely butt in, “Hey guys, sorry for getting you kicked out of
the barracks yesterday.”

GM: Florin pulls back his long blonde hair to get a better look at you, but didn’t say
anything. Darren has a darker complexion and short black hair. He doesn’t bother to
take his eyes off the barrel they were using as a table. He shrugs and adds.

Darren: “No problem, tis the life of a guardsman to follow orders.”

Florin (talking to Darren): “Should we be talking to a diplomat?”

Taz: I want to jump in before they tie themselves up in red tape, “I was summoned to
help Ferros. I can’t do that if I can’t talk to the people.”

GM: Darren looks you over, maybe to try and gauge how sincere you are.

Darren: “I see, so now you’re talking, but what do you want?”

Taz: I smile and aim for charming rather than diabolical. “What I need is a target range
and some dummies to fight.”

GM: Florin snorts in offense.

Taz: I quickly wave my hands in the negative, “No, no, some wooden dummies, uh, to
practice against.”

GM: Darren closes his hand of cards and put them on the discard pile.

Darren: “Heh, I was losing anyway. Let me show you to the training grounds.

GM: Florin gathers up the cards quickly.

Florin: “This should be interesting.”

GM: The castle actually has a separate green outside the castle walls for military
training. Nothing is going on, any free hands not on guard duty are still going through
the rumble of the keep and castle. There were several archery targets set up as well as
some well notched wooden men for melee weapons. Florin and Darren have flanked you
after they get past of the gate.

Taz: “You boys might want to step back.” I undo the pull cord on my chain whip and
uncoil it. “This thing has a danger zone front and back.”

GM: They respectfully give you some space.

Taz: I start warming up and then I let loose on one of the dummies. The whip feels
good in my hand, almost a pleasure to crack, slash, trip, and snare with it. It’s fluid
grace feels like a chain saw as it tears into the dummy. I finally stop when I rip one of
the arms off and it goes sailing past me.
GM: What are the guards reaction to your performance? Four of Wands and The Tower
(reversed) - oppression, imprisonment, tyranny.

GM: Their reaction wasn’t quite what you expected. Florin scratched his chin.

Florin: “Impressive, if you’re fighting wooden dummies. But, the whip has no defense,
no ability to parry. Once the enemy gets inside your strike zone you’re doomed.”

Taz: I nod my head in agreement. “Noted, but there is a whole other mode of use for
binding, strangling, and using it like a flail at point blank range.”

GM: Darren was quiet, but the look on his face says more than you want to know.

Darren: In a hushed voice, “I’ve never seen a more evil device in the hands of man. You
could flay a man alive with such a thing.”

Taz: I coil up the whip and tie it back into place. “That’s kind of the point.” I rummage
around in my pack and pull out the pistol. “Perhaps this would be more humane?” I
look it over, making sure to keep my finger off the trigger. “Is this what pistols look like
here? Where I come from, they have a different shape and they operate on wildly
different principles.”

GM: Pistol tech? Three of Swords – recognized but uncommon or impractical.

Darren: “Aye, we got pistols and a few cannons, but they are rare due to the amount of
magic and materials it takes to make one.”

Taz: Wait, what? I cocked my head and throw a question his way, “If you have cannons,
why didn’t you shoot back at the enemy? Or were they mounted to only defend the
walls?”

GM: Both of the guards look at you quizzically. Florin tries to solve the disconnect.

Florin: “Hand cannons don’t have that kind of range.”

Taz: Ding, the light came on, “Oh! I got you now. I was thinking of something three or
four yards long and capable of firing explosive shells a thousand yards or more.”

GM: Darren’s eyes get a little big [INS+INS = 5] and then he starts laughing.

Darren: “Oh, now you’re pulling my leg! There’s no way you can carry a beast like that.”

Taz: That’s a rabbit hole for another day. “Let’s see what this little beast can do.” Taking
some practice shots. [DEX+INS+1= 15, 6, 7]

GM: There’s a familiar recoil, but instead of an instantaneous crack, it is more of a click
and shoom thing. It is certainly a sub-sonic projectile. But, you seem to have some
difficulty aiming.
Taz: “Something’s not right.” I hold out an index finger at the target and alternate
closing my right and left eye. “Huh.”, and I switch the pistol to my left hand. Taking
some more practice shots. [DEX+INS+1 = 10, 9, 10] “Much better grouping.”

GM: At no point did you have to reload, even if you had powder and shot in your pack to
do that.

Taz: I walk down range to inspect the targets.

GM: Darren and Florin tag along out of curiosity. After all, the only other holes in the
targets appeared to be from field points of arrows. After some fishing around, you find a
perfectly smooth stone sphere about 2/3rd of an inch is diameter.

Taz: Things were starting to click. I pointed it out to the boys, “Okay, this is starting to
make sense. The pistol must use elemental magic. It summons stone and water and
then uses elemental fire to flash that to steam.”

GM: Florin scratches his chin again, something he likes to do when thinking.

Florin: “I can understand summoning a stone, but steam can’t throw a rock 10 or 20
yards.”

Taz: “It’s under pressure. All that steam has no where to go except down the barrel and
the bullet is shoved out with great force.”

Darren: “You make it sound simple.”Taz: “Heh, understanding the principles is one thing,
actually crafting such a device requires skills and materials that I don’t have, yet.” I
think that’s enough for today. “Thank you for coming out here with me. I needed to cut
loose and learn some of my capabilities and limitations.”

Darren: “You don’t know your own capabilities and limits?”

Taz: I shrug as we walk by to the castle gate, “It’s complicated. When you are
summoned, the rules can change, sometimes dramatically. You can’t take things like
language, gravity, magic, or thermodynamics for granted.” Okay, I’m a bold faced liar,
but the best lies have a grain of truth.

[Why did I have that scene? A couple of reasons, I wanted to flesh out some characters
and add more world lore, but I think this is a good reflection point. I also want to give a
rationale for leveling up (using the optional booster rules.) Let’s put a level in
elementalist and another in sharpshooter. Our accuracy with pistols improved by one,
and Taz is literally seeing magic in a different way.]
A Modest Solution
GM: When you return to the barracks, things have changed. Do the nurses fix things
up? The Hermit (reversed) - concealment, disguise, fear.

GM: A section of the barracks had been blocked off with what look like wooden racks and
assorted blankets. The nurse from earlier notices your return and works her way over.
“Sorry miss, I fear that this is the best we could do. There are no carpenters to be had
with all the damage that needs to be repaired.”

Taz: I nod and put on a smile, “I like the look, it has privacy, sound reduction,
portability, and a nice home style charm.”

GM: She brightens at the praise and that does your heart some good.

GM: It’s about dinner time and you’re feeling a little ravenous. There is a mess kit in
your pack.

Taz: Sure, I’ll follow the other guards to where the mess hall is.

GM: Let’s see what the state of food prep is on a scale from 1-10. Seven of Coins –
business, barter, ingenuity.

GM: The mess hall is a smoking crater just off of the castle’s main court yard. Just as
you was beginning to wonder what the deal is and how many side-long glances you can
endure, an honest to goodness chuck wagon pulls through the main gate. Right off the
bat, you can tell it was not a military set up. It is far too colorful. The driver was a red
haired young man in a green tunic but he wears no uniform. You can tell that he isn’t
the type to toil in the kitchen. His assistants promptly clamber out of the back of the
wagon and began setting up a food line. Several of the guards want to bump you up to
the front of the line.

Taz: I’ll politely decline.

GM: When you do reach the front, Red jumps in to serve you personally. “Welcome
outsider! I did not expect to see you here.” You feel that is probably a bold faced lie.
”A diplomat should be enjoying finer fare.” And, he’s well informed for a wagon driver.

Taz: I smile and decide to humor him since it seems that he’s providing the food. “That
may be, but I am also here to fight for Ferros. Why not dine with the men that might
fight at my side?”

Red: “Spoken like a diplomat.”

Taz: I give him a slight bow taking that as a compliment. “Let’s work our way down the
line, I could eat a horse.”

Red: “Please don’t, they’re very expensive.”

GM: Food in hand, you have found that Florin and Darren have ditched you. Red is still
there smiling and waiting at the end of the food line.

Taz: Sighs. “Fine, let’s grab a shady spot. I hope you don’t mind me eating while we
chat.”

GM: He jumps at the opportunity and a shady spot is soon secured.

Taz: I motion for him to sit, close enough to chat, but not close enough to touch. “So,
what’s your story?”

Red: Clearing his throat, “Thank you for your time, Diplomat Taz. My name is Jon
Wright, I work for the Teamsters Guild.”

Taz: “And?”, I motion for him to continue while I attack the food.

GM: The hearty stew and biscuits smell amazing.

Jon: “Well, a number of the guild masters would like to talk to you.”

GM: Does he elaborate? Page of Swords, that’s a named or powerful enemy. Probably
the point of the discussion indeed.

Taz: “Well, I technically work for the Council and Queen.”

Jon: “Yes, that’s understood, but if we are ever going need to re-connect with the other
counties, so we need to open the roads again.”

Taz: “Cronus mentioned something like that, but that was before Kermos attacked.”

Jon: Nodding, “All the more reason we need to send StormCrow running so we can
gather our strength or at least determine the fate of our allies.”

Taz: “StormCrow?”

Jon: “Aye, that’s the bandit king and one slippery snake.”

GM: Jon glances over that the wagon and sees that the line is now gone. He gets up
and dusts himself off

Jon: “I’ll leave to your meal. Can I count on your attendance tomorrow morning?”

Taz: I shrug. “It depends on if the Council or Queen calls for me.”

Jon: “The wagon will come twice a day, at least until the mess hall is rebuilt. Perhaps
you can catch a ride into town when you have the time.”

Taz: “Sure, when I have the time, we all need to work together.”
GM: And with that, Jon waves a goodbye, boards the wagon, and him and his crew take
off for the gate. The rest of the night passes without incident.

Taz: Given what I have learned today, I have a strange dream about runes, magic
circles, and circuit diagrams through which magic flow.

A Modest Proposal
GM: Let’s start the day with another card draw. Six of Coins (reversed) - desire, envy,
illusion. Okay, this might be interesting.

GM: Surprisingly enough, no one came a calling. You suspect the Council and Queen are
in damage recovery mode and perhaps both parties were operating out of the city while
the keep is being repaired.

Taz: I put on my only ‘proper’ dress and after breakfast take the chuck wagon into town.

GM: Jon is not driving with furthers your suspicion that he was specifically recruited to
approach you. Roll INS+WIL to see if you get lost.

Taz: Ugh, I got a 3, almost a fumble.

GM: Somewhere between the twisting streets and plodding along on the buckboard of
the wagon you totally get lost. Sure, there’s a river to the east and the castle to the
west, but you somehow manage to lose sight of both of them when down in the city
streets. The driver didn’t speak much. He’s either too shy, to intimidated, or ordered to
stay quiet. Eventually the wagon arrives at the merchant or crafting district as indicated
but the number of shops and services. Unfortunately, you can’t read any of the signs
since they were in the native script.

Taz: That makes me wonder for a second. Are they speaking English or some foreign
tongue that I magically translate? Also what does their script actually look like?

GM: Their lips were not out of sync, so it is safe to assume that it is close to English.
That implies other Earth languages are somehow present since English has a huge
number of loan words. It’s very strange. The script is curvy runes which is even more
unusual. It’s neither letters or pictograms, maybe something between phonemes and
words? Let’s see where you end up. King of Wands. Heh, he does get around.

GM: The wagon stops at what looks like another inn and to your surprise there is Cronus
sitting on the front porch with a pipe in his hand.

Cronus: “You’re just in time!”

Taz: I do a blink, this is beyond coincidence. “How, how did you know I was going to
come into town?”

GM: Cronus casually knocks the ashes out of his pipe and smiles.
Cronus: “Because you are a creature of action. Or did you want to go back to the castle
and destroy more of our training dummies?”

GM: By that time, the driver had come around and offered you a hand down and off the
wagon. Between the dress and shoes, it is a sensible move.

GM: The interior is more rustic than the Tipsy Turtle. In fact, it had a lot more in
common with a German beer hall. It’s longer and narrow with lots of picnic tables and
benches rather than smaller tables and chairs. There is a group of older men chatting
and drinking at one of the tables. The rest of the hall is empty at this time of day. And,
to the man, they stop and turn to look at you. That’s when you feel Cronus’s hand on
your shoulder. It wasn’t a death grip or anything, but it is there more to give you
strength rather than hold you in place. It gets rather quiet with only your steps and the
tap tap tapping of the wizard’s staff.

Cronus: “Gentlemen, may I introduce Miss Taz, our outsider diplomat.”

Taz: I do a little curtsy, not as deep or fancy as the queen got. I hope it will do.

GM: Let’s do a spread of cards to get some mental images for these gents. Seven of
Cups – lots of cups = a brewer, Ace of Coins – a cornucopia = farming, the Sun –
children = teaching, knight of coins – a green knight = I bet that is Jon Wright due to
the red hair, Seven of Wands – a guards man with seven spears, the Five of Swords – a
man with many swords = a blacksmith, and the Devil – entertainment or slaves? Rolled
low, vice it is.

GM: A burly man in brown leathers stands up from the far end of the table, “Welcome
Diplomat, I am Mr. Mockingbird, master of smithing and Speaker of the House. To my
right are Mr. Gilbert, master of spirits, Mr. Hilton, master of farms, and Mr. Innbrook,
master of teaching. And to my left are Mr. Wright, acting master of transportation,
Captain Lewis of the city watch, and Mr. Night, our master of entertainment.”

Taz: So, Jon Wright is the youngest of the ‘masters’ and only an acting one at that.

Mockingbird: “Please have a seat, we’d like for our guest to not take flight… again.”

GM: And, that is when you realize that you saw most of these men at yesterday’s
ceremony.

Taz: “Sorry about that, it was a bit overwhelming.”

Mockingbird dismisses the apology with a wave, “Think nothing of it, swooning at the
Queen’s feet would have been something of a spectacle too.”

GM: The Speaker calls out to a waitress.

Mockingbird: “Miss! A round for all, we have thirsty work to do.”

GM: The waitress almost immediately comes around with a platter of pewter mugs, she
had been expecting that order. When the waitress comes around to you, do you accept
the beer?

Taz: I quietly ask, “I can’t tolerate fermented drinks and spirits would be too much for
this meeting. Can, I get some water or perhaps a fruit juice?” That’s an old reflex, my
old self couldn’t tolerate fermented beverages. I might have to experiment with that.

GM: INS+INS = 14. I guess your request was not as quiet as you thought.

Hilton: “Fetch her a fine Hilton cider!”

GM: The waitress asks, “Cold or mulled?”

Taz: Not trusting what they use for spices here. “Cold please.”

GM: Everyone gets settled in, Cronus opts for a beer. Your cider is a murky brown. Not
bad, but pulpy like orange juice and naturally very fresh. Not fermented, yet, but it
wouldn’t take much if you put this in a barrel with some yeast.

Cronus: “For the benefit of our guest, the Kingdom of Ferros is governed by the three
domains. Our royalty controls the purse, collects taxes, and provides for the defense
and prosperity of the people and the land. The Council of Wizards are advisors and
problem solvers especially when it come to the application and instruction in magic.
And, the House is a collection of masters in various trades in and about the city.
Together we run the City and Kingdom of Ferros. For example, Captain Lewis leads the
city watch which is responsible for the safety and security of the city. While the King…
and Queen lead the guards of the castle and those that patrol our roads and rivers.”

Taz: “What about the Church? Are they represented?” After seeing several blank or
questioning looks… “Ah, where I come from we have organized religions and they can
exert some degree of social and political power.”

GM: Several of the masters look to the wizard hoping for an answer.

Cronus: “Hmm, more than one you say? Well, everyone in the land knows about the
river of souls and its flow in and out of the world. We do have some local beliefs and
traditions. There’s the Sisters of the Sacred Flame, but they do not worship the queen.
There is no group like that which demands political power. An interesting concept.”

Taz: I rub my face, regretting that I even brought it up. “It’s a moot point, I think it has
to do with the way magic works here.”

GM: Mockingbird pulls out a map and spreads it out. He’s prepared even if you’re not.

Mockingbird: “Agreed. Here is the lay of the land.”

GM: And he quickly explains some of the landmarks with mountains to the east. Great
forests to the north. Rolling hills to the west. And, marsh or swamp land to the south.
Let’s do some quick prep for the four other Counties of Ferros.

Four of Cups – weariness, disgust, gifts with a price, this County sounds like it is a
corrupt (but essential) part of the kingdom

King of Cups – a fair man, intelligence, art and science, well, ex-king Jarrod was a
good man and hailed from one of the Counties. Death, and he left no heirs.
The High Priestess – secrets, mystery, wisdom, and his home has lots of academics

Queen of Cups – a fair woman, honest, devoted. And this is where Queen Elaine was
born. Eight of Wands – activity, a clear path, swiftness.

Knight of Swords (reversed) – this County lies in the direction from where the airships
came, whether they have fallen or are in league with the enemy is unknown.
Queen of Wands – it is the County that Astra hails from.
Nine of Coins (reversed) - thievery, deception, canceled project.

Mockingbird: “The City of Ferros sits at the crossroads of the four Counties. It is known
for its farming, trade, and as the seat of government.

Iron Mountain is a rough and tumble place of hard working miners, shady characters
that profit off of them, there is a... manageable level of corruption. But, it is also the
primary source of precious metals and iron for the kingdom. Take the road East.

White Cliff is where the students go to study for a higher education in the arts, mundane
and magical. King Jarrod was raised here. The road West will take you there.

Everwood is the County to the north and is upstream from the City of Ferros. It’s main
industry is forestry and hunting. A series of waterfalls are a natural roadblock to trade
and log flumes were built to send logs downstream efficiently. Unfortunately, that does
not work well in the other direction. Several portage towns and camps exist to move
goods upstream past these waterfalls and rapids. Queen Elaine came from these lands
and used to hunt with the King.

River’s End is the last of the Counties and it sits down stream from the City of Ferros.
The Ferros River is less wild here and taking a raft down to the ‘the sewer of Ferros’ is
easy. Due to the dangers of the Barrier Sea, a great sea wall was being built to protect
the city, but it was not completed before the Gray Plague hit.”

[Using Ferros for Kingdom, Castle, City, and River is loosely modeled on where I live;
next to the Oklahoma River, in Oklahoma City, in Oklahoma County, in the State of
Oklahoma. A capital that sits at a crossroad of many routes.] :-)

Cronus: “To be honest, River’s End is not all swamp rats. Astra hails from there.”

Taz: “I’m still on the fence about her. My first impression of her was not that warm.”
GM: Cronus does a half nod/shrug, seeming to agree that the first meeting could have
gone better.

Jon: “Truth to be told, we’re gathered here to discuss your first job. We need to re-open
trade and communication with the other Counties. Starting with the road to White Cliff.”

Taz: “Let me guess, that’s where StormCrow is operating?”

Jon: “There is more. Before you arrived, my father, Jon the Senior, was leading a small
caravan to White Cliff that got ambushed. We’re not sure if he is alive or dead.”

Taz: “Sounds like a plan, but I doubt I can do it alone. Can I get some guards to go with
me?”

GM: Let’s see what the House and Queen have available: The Emperor – stability, power,
protection. Three of Cups – plenty, merriment, healing. Sounds like a shield man and a
healer. Is the healer the nurse from the barracks? Wheel of Fortune - destiny, success,
luck. [Othar is a trusted city guard with guardian 2, weapon master 2, orator 1. And
Karin is actually a sword maiden with spiritist 3 and weapon master 2.]

Mockingbird: “We anticipated that request.”

GM: He motions towards the door and two figures enter. The first is a brawny man in
blue brigantine armor similar to what Captain Lewis is wearing. A big axe and shield are
slung on his back. The second is a woman, a familiar face, she’s the nurse from the
barracks but wearing a white robe with red accents, a combat tunic, and what looks like
a two handed long sword slung on her hip.

Mockingbird: “Please welcome Sgt. Othar Stonekiller and Sister Karin Shade. They have
volunteered to assist you on this journey.”

Taz: I nod and recognize Karin from our time in the barracks.

Karin: “It seems that are destinies are intertwined. May luck and success follow us.”

GM: Jon stands up either to volunteer or to protest, but Mr. Mockingbird puts a heavy
hand on his shoulder and steers him back to his seat.

Mockingbird: “Acting Master Wright, will arrange for your provisions and a cart. But, he
WILL NOT be accompanying you on this mission. Isn’t that correct, Mr. Wright?”

Jon: Sighs, “Yes, we can’t have the acting Master running running off on adventures.”

GM: That seems to be the end of the meeting unless you have any questions.
Taz: Cronus and I will meet up with Othar and Karin and talk. Let’s get on with
character generation for these two. I also want to set up some bonds; Othar to the city
watch, Karin to the Sacred Flame, and Taz to Cronus. Cronus may not have said much,
but he had my back at this meeting.

GM: We chewed through two thirds of the deck here, lets take the time to reshuffle.
This can be done at any time if feels right. Given this feels like the end of a chapter, I
think it is a good time to do so. For those new to tarot decks, what I do is shuffle, cut
the deck, rotate one of the cut decks, and repeat three or four times. This randomizes
the cards and the half deck rotation also helps to randomize the orientation between
right side up and reversed.

Over a Glass of Cider

GM: Karin is a sword maiden of the Sacred Flame. So, is she aligned with the Queen?
Let’s call that 50/50, on a five or less, sure. Four of Cups- weariness, disgust, gifts with
a price. Oh yeah! Karin is literally ‘on loan’ from the Sacred Flame. That order is the
Queen’s own cadre of healers and guard women. Part of Queen Elaine’s official title is
Holder of the Sacred Flame. So, Karin is indeed ‘a gift with a price.’

Othar: Please to meet you, Diplomat Taz. I’m Sgt. Othar Stonekiller of the Ferros City
Watch. It is my duty and honor to protect you. If we do come across Jon the Senior,
I’m a friendly face he should recognize. Still, I owe my alliance to Ferros and the House
of Commons.

Karin: Taz and I have already met, but not in an official capacity. The Queen has
specifically requested that I travel with you and carry a message to White Cliff. It’s
sealed, so no I don’t know what it says.

Othar: Already on a first name basis? You work fast.

Taz: Actually, it’s an only name basis and the barracks I was staying at is being used as
a temporary hospital. We really didn’t get the time to chat. The robe and sword is a
good look. Oh, feel free to call me Taz. Diplomat this or Miss that is too formal if we’re
going to on the road together.

Karin: I’m with the Order of the Sacred Flame. My sisters and I are trained in the
healing arts and mastery of the blade.

Othar: Feel free to call me Othar. If I hear Sergeant, I’ll assume that it is something to
do with my official duties.

Karin: That also works for me. While the Sacred Flame is not big on titles, if you
address me as Sister, I know it will be on the Queen’s or the Order’s business.
On the Road to White Cliff
GM: It takes the remainder of the morning to get your party outfitted with a horse and
cart and a fair amount of provisions for the trek to White Cliff. How far away is it by the
road? 1D6+3 = 7 days or 14 hexes There is a road there all the way, so it is in theory
an easy journey, if it were not for the increase in bandit and monster activity. The first
hex around the city of Ferros is considered properly patrolled and secure. Did Jon
Wright give you anything special for the trip? Seven of Pentacles (reversed) - worry,
financial risk, debt. Hmm, I got an idea, but let’s roll for travel first. A patrolled area is
a 1d6. 1 = discovery.

GM: The first half of day is uneventful as you head out west.

Othar: I’ll take the reins, I figure I have the most experience with handling the horse
and cart. That will put the lovely ladies to either side of me.
Taz: I got dibs on the left side, I want my hand free in case I need to draw my pistol.
Karin: That works for me, I’m not about to draw a long sword while sitting on the buck
board.

GM: Since you only traveled half a day, there is no way station or inn, just some
scattered farms and humble houses.

Taz: I really don’t want to impose on the locals, my appearance will be hard enough to
explain.

GM: No problem. Ya know, this is your first night out without a roof over your head.
You get to see the sun ‘set’.

Taz: Why is ‘set’ in air quotes?

GM: Because it doesn’t set, it simply fades out over the distance. Imagine if the sun
was painted on some impossibly high ceiling. It just fades to twilight and to the east
you can see twinkling stars starting to appear.

Taz: “Oh, that’s creepy.”

Othar: “What?” I reach for my axe.

Taz: “Nothing. Well, not nothing, but I forgot that the rules have changed. The sun
didn’t set.”

Karin: I give Taz a quizzical look. “It’s setting right now.”

Taz: “Ah, let’s just say it didn’t fall out of the sky.”

Karin: “That sounds terrifying. Rest assured, knowing that dawn will come.”

GM: While you’re setting camp, Karin finds a letter addressed to Miss Taz. Are you going
to hand it over?

Karin: Is it sealed? And if so, do I recognize it?

GM: That’s pretty likely, call it a 7 or less. Six of Wands – triumph, great news, hope.
Give me an INS+INS check.

Karin: And easy 13.

GM: You recognize the hourglass seal of the Council of Wizards. It’s probably a letter
from Cronus.

Karin: Crap, it probably has some kind of magical booby trap on it. I’ll hand it over to
Taz unopened.

Taz: “Thanks.” I pop the seal and pull out the letter.

GM: Nothing explodes. It’s not magical, which means it is written in English. The letter
is from Wizard Cronus and it reminds you to be brave, watchful, but apply your other
worldly wisdom as you see fit. It also reminds you that the ring you bear can open
doors and perhaps even ransom you if things go badly. Cronus has great hope that you
will reach White Cliff without incident. There is a second part to the letter, it dwells on
the great financial stress that the Wright family business is under while the roads are
closed and they are nearing financial disaster. Being chartered to feed the guards was
the Queen’s mercy to help keep the wolves at bay. If you can find a way to open the
roads, then the Wright family would be deeply in your debt.

GM: Karin and Othar, the letter is pure gibberish and seemingly written in blocky
characters. It’s honestly an ugly script with no grace or flow to it.
Taz: No secrets there, I share the contents with Othar and Karin, no need to keep
secrets. Well, this kind of secrets, anyway. Oh, maybe the dire straits of the Wright
family is not well known. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that thought about it.

Othar: “No surprise, but I wonder how much of that letter is supposed to hint at how the
royals and the council seek to influence the House.” Looking around, “I don’t think we
will need to post a guard tonight. We’ll be safe enough.”

Taz: “That works for me.”

Karin: “Well, the farmers have the benefit of four walls. But, I’m sure that they would
have retreated to the keep if there was a pressing threat.”

GM: The night passes without incident.

Taz: I really want to wake up right before dawn. I got to see what that looks like.

GM: I really should have you make a willpower roll since you’re not a morning person.
But, I’ll let it slide this this time. Dawn is almost as you expect it to be, there is the pre-
dawn glow and then the sun fades into view already up in the sky. You’re not sure what
to make of it. Cosmologically, it doesn’t make any sense. It feels like the sun, but is
just appeared out of the haze like it was on rails.

GM: Let’s start the day with a card draw. The Hierophant – captivity, servitude,
inspiration. Give me an easy Insight check.

Taz: Seven, just made it.

GM: You notice someone coming over from the nearest farm house. Based on the
manner of dress, it’s probably a farm boy. They’re making a beeline for the cart.

Taz: I wake up the others. “Hey Othar, we got company. Looks like a local farm hand.”
Out of an abundance of caution, I stand on the other side of the horse.

Othar: I rub the sleep out of my eyes. “Well, he’s exceptionally brave or stupid.”

Karin: “There’s always curious.”

Othar: I crack a big grin, “That just means he’s both.”

GM: The farm boy hops up on the top of a road side fence but does not get any closer.
“Hail travelers, ma and pa wants to know if you wish to buy or barter for some
breakfast.”

Karin: “That would be nice. Fresh sounds good and it would stretch out the provisions.”

GM: The boy grins, “For five zenit each, ma will make up something hearty for the road.”

Othar: “A fair deal.”

Karin: “Works for me.”

Taz: I call out from the other side of the horse. “Well, I’m broke but I think a can trade
for some current news and a tale or two.”

GM: The boy looks skeptical, “I don’t know…”

Taz: I step around the horse, put on my best smile, and give my tail a friendly swish
from side to side. “I can tell some really good stories.”

GM: And his eyes go wide as a hen’s egg... A five and a nine, he literally falls off the
fence, gets up, and surprisingly don’t run for the hills. “Wha… what are you?”

Taz: “I’m a diplomat from a far off place traveling from Ferros to White Cliff. These are
my companions, Sgt. Stonekiller and Sister Shade.”

GM: The boy considers your offer for a full half second. “Deal!”, and then takes off for
the farm house like his tail is on fire. Faintly, you hear, “Ma! Pa! You ain’t going to
believe this!”

Othar: “I hope he doesn’t get a switch for lying.”

Karin: “My money is on that the whole family will come out.”

Taz: “Hopefully with breakfast rather than pitchforks.”

GM: Turns out that it’s both. Pa does have a pitch fork with some nice pointy tines. But,
Ma also has three clay plates loaded with eggs, porridge, and bacon. The boy is lugging
a jug. The fence seems to be their natural demarcation line for how close they come.

Pa: “Well, pull my ears and call me a donkey.”

Ma: “What’s he’s really saying is, ‘Good morning, travelers. We don’t get too many new
or exotic faces out this way and news travels slowly.’”

Taz: I trade news for breakfast, explaining the air strike as I best can, and the rescue.

Karin: I vouch for her telling of the tale, the safety of the queen, and how Taz braved the
flames to save all she could. I know that there will be heralds sent to declare the
passing of King Jerrod. But, that takes time and the date of the funeral has not been
set.

GM: It’s shocking news, hard to believe if they did not have a watchman, a sister, and
the living proof of an outsider right in front of them. Give me an INS roll to notice their
reaction and another INS+WIL with a +2 from Karin’s assist for the story.

Taz: Eleven for the first roll and wow, a seventeen for the second one.
GM: Well, they are completed dumbfounded by the news but take it at face value. You
also notice that there’s a little girl hidden behind Ma’s skirt, it was probably the sniffles
from her hearing the terrible news that clued you in.

Taz: Oh no, that’s not the kind of impression I wanted to leave. “Sorry for the bad news,
but I thought that was important to share. But, I promised a story too. Let me tell you
of a far off land called Equestria…”
GM: Ya know, I’m not going to even have your roll for that due to your golden heart.

Othar: I’m something of an orator, I want to embellish on that. While the diplomat can
paint a pretty picture with her words, it might be a little too strange for farm children.

GM: Okay, now that will require an INS roll since you have never heard this tale before.

Othar: Sure, got a 15! And, I’ll gladly burn the 20 magic points to help fill in the
diplomat’s ‘clock’ on weaving an enchanting tale for children.

GM: The Tilman family is completely charmed by your improvised tale. When they
gather up the plates, they invite you stop back here when you finish your travels.

Karin: I give our little traveling troupe a small applause. “I’m impressed. There’s a
bard’s heart hiding under all that muscle. And, Taz the colors and descriptions you gave
were so vivid. It is as if you had seen them with your own eyes.”

Taz: “Would you believe it if I said that I have?”

On the Road Again

GM: Let’s roll for the next day’s travel. The road to the next town is not patrolled like
the farmlands around the City of Ferros. So, the die bumps up to a d8. Rolling a 2 gives
you an easy trail to follow. Othar, what is the name of this charming hamlet?

Othar: That would be… uh… let me pull a card for inspiration. The Hanged Man
(reversed) - selfishness, the mob, ugly politics. Heh, I want to burn a Fabula point and
run with that.

GM: Sure. Saves me some crafting and it helps with player investment.

Othar: That hamlet would be Humbolt. This might be where our journey might get
darker. The Royals pulled their men back to the capital, towns like Humbolt paid the
price when the patrols stopped coming. Part of our mission is to find out what happened
to places like Humbolt.

GM: Love it! After a day of travel the sun is starting to set or fade out as Taz would say.
The village of Humbolt doesn’t have the clean look of Ferros and some building appear
to broken, abandoned, or burned out. It gets dark pretty fast. There is only one
building that is lit up. Othar, give me an easy INS roll.

Othar: That’s a nine which beats the target of seven.

GM: You recognize it as the old way station. Its empty stable has seen better days.

Karin: This doesn’t bode well. Perhaps we should keep on going.

Othar: We’d only have to face them again on the way back. Best to make introductions
and get whatever news they have to offer.

Taz: I agree, but I will opt for the hood and cloak to hide my horns and tail.

Karin: Your eyes are also a giveaway. But, that is better than nothing.

GM: It seems that the way station also doubles as a saloon and is the only source of
night life that Humbolt has. Walking through the door brings the place to dead silence.
Followed by the mumbling and whispers. No one steps up to greet you.

Taz: Oh, this is a warm crowd.

Karin: “Is the station master here?”

GM: Nine of Cups – personal contentment, success, advantage. A fat and grizzled man
scratches his belly and speaks up, “I guess that would be me. Station has been closed
for years since the traffic died off.” He looks at the city watchman, the sister, and the
stranger that seems to spend most of her time staring at the floor. He doesn’t bother
with an introduction but a scow crosses his face, “I hope you’re not looking for trouble.”

Othar: “It won’t come to that. We’re looking for a place to stay the night, perhaps some
larder and information about a previous caravan, if it is to be had.”

GM: The station master chuckles, “You can bed down in the stable, we have no rooms to
rent out. As for larder, we can manage some cheese, bread, and beer, if you have the
coin.” You can see the obvious greed in his eyes, Between him and the locals, they
have the advantage and out number you.

Othar: Before the other two can protest, “Fair enough, I imagine that business has not
been good.” I want to get on the station master’s good side and see what information
we can gather.

GM: Let’s call that a group check. It seems like Othar is taking the lead so Karin and Taz
can make supporting INS+WIL rolls with a target of 10. I see that Taz rolled a 9 and
Karin got a 15. That gives Othar a +1. And, no one has a bond to give to Othar.

Othar: Uh, that’s a five total including the bonus.

GM: Yeah, the station master trusts none of you and only mentions that a group of
wagons passed through a month ago, but they did not stop in Humbolt. Your meager
provisions set you back 10z. He does not even offer you a table to sit at. The stable
has seen better days, but at least it is a roof and a break against the wind.

Othar: I’ll pick up the tab so they can see my purse is nearly empty.
GM: Heh, that might actually work or at least reduce the temptation.
Karin: As I settle in for the night, “Next time, let me do the talking. I think it would be
wise to keep a watch tonight. Who wants to go first?

Taz: I’ll take it. I want to study the night sky anyway.

GM: The beginning of the night passes without incident. As you watch the unfamiliar
stars perform their stately progression, you’re pretty sure that their paths are linear
rather than on a curve. You do not identify anything that might be an artificial satellite.

Taz: I’ll hand off the next shift to Othar.

Othar: Thanks, I plan to be a little more proactive than our star gazer and actually be on
the look out for spotters or an ambush.

GM: Diligence is good (secretly rolls some dice because that is expected.) You either
find nothing or they’re good enough not to be spotted.

Othar: That works for me. I’ll hand off my watch to Karin.

Karin: Okay, this sounds like a good excuse to work on my sword drills and make any
watchers wonder how I get the blood out of my combat tunic.

GM: Morning comes and no one bothers to see you off. Matter of fact, it is eerily quiet.
The light of day reveals that Humbolt is worse off than you thought. Many houses are in
poor shape and some of them are burnt down. There are survivors, but even the
children steer well clear of you.

Taz: Let’s pack up and get out of

town before trouble finds us.

Othar: Good call.

GM: Let’s add a forest to the

west. A log of twisted trees that
are hard to clear and just about
useless as quality timber. A road
has been hacked through it, but
even now it is obvious that it
needs better maintenance. In
another generation, it might be
hard to tell there was even a
road here. This explains
something about Humbolt’s
plight, there is little farm land
compared to the City of Ferros.
They probably made their living
off of trade, hunting, and small
subsistence farming,
Into the Deep Woods
GM: In the woods, the travel die is a d10 and we get an 8. Danger it is. Let’s pull a
card to see what kind of hazard it is. The Hermit – prudence, treason, corruption.
Interesting! Since your party can travel two hexes a day lets roll for a hex. (rattle) It is
the second hex, so it is long after you have lost sight of Humbolt.

GM: The sun is getting ‘low’ (as in lowering in intensity and angle) but there is still
enough light for travel. So, around a bend in the road, it is easy to see a figure walking
in the middle of the road. They have a brown robe that is more than a bit frayed at the
edges and staff being used as a walking stick. As you get a little closer, he stops and
turns, obvious hearing the clop clop of the horse and cart. The old man pulls back his
hood, to get a better look at you. He rolls a 14 on INS+WIL. “Well, well. This is a sight
I have not seen before.”

Othar: Chuckles, “Not too many people have. What has set you on this path? Do you
have no fear of beast or bandit?”

Norbert: “Oh, this is Norbert’s home. (waves at the forest) I know the habits of the
beast and I am far too poor for the bandits to bother. As to what set me on this path?
That’s a long and tragic tail. Perhaps we can swap a few if you have the time?”

GM: Everyone, give me an INS+WIL with a target of 12. Normally that would be a 10,
but you all are distracted.

Othar: Nuts, got a 9.

Karin: I got a 12.

Taz: Double sixes! I’ll take an advantage (+4) on my next check.

GM: Othar, while Norbert keeps you distracted. Karen notices a bandit sneak up behind
the cart. Taz, there are two on your side. Norbert is also on Taz’s side of the cart.

Taz: I’ll take the lead if Othar and Karin want to support. Karin rolls as 12 and gives me
a +1 to Init. Othar fails and adds zero. I roll a 17+1 for 18 and handily win.

Othar: “I got this!” I jump off the buck board with shield and axe in hand come crashing
down on the lead bandit on Taz’s side of the wagon.

GM: Are you actually planning on landing on the guy or chopping at him?

Othar: Chop! Chop! I got a 13 which beats the brigand’s defense of 9 inflicting 19 hits.

GM: He’s still up and swings at Taz. He hits with a 12 and inflict 20 hits.

Taz: Ow! I was going to shoot him. But now, he’s going to burn. I roll double fives, but
that is not a crit even with the +4 advantage. Still 30 points of fire damage drops him
to 11 HP and puts him in crisis. (flare, 20 mp)
GM: The next brigand attacks Karin. And misses with a 7, no chance of a counter attack.
Karin: I return the favor. And miss with an 8, but I want to burn a Fabula point to re-roll
that.

GM: What does that look like? You only bond is with the sacred flame.
Karin: My years of sword training allows me to turn adversity into an advantage. Even a
missed lunge can be turned into a back stroke. And I roll a 5, so much for years of
training.

GM: The next brigand swings at Othar and rolls an 11 hitting Othar’s runic shield.
Norbert shows his true colors and swings at Taz with his staff and misses. Round two.

Taz: What a weasel! I pull out my pistol and shoot the wounded brigand. Blam! That’s
a 14 and he goes down with 14 hits.

GM: The brigand on Karin swings and misses with an 8.

Karin: I get a free counter attack and hit with an 11 for 10 hits. That takes him down to
50. I follow through with my attack on a 17 inflicting 20 hits and taking him down to 30
and crisis.

GM: The third brigand swings at Othar and rolls another 11. That shield is doing its job
today.

Othar: I’m tempted to take a chunk out of Norbert, but the brigand is more of a threat.
I got a 16 to hit for 19 damage. He’s down to 41.

GM: Norbert rolls another 7 and misses Taz. Round three.

Othar: I put the axe on the third bandit and a 9 just hits for 15 damage. Takes him
down to 26.

GM: The brigand on Karin swings hits Karin for 20 damage and putting her at half HP.

Karin: Yeah, I can’t take another one of those. I cast Heal and burn 20mp to heal both
Taz and myself.

GM: The second brigand growls, “Ah, that ain’t fair.” And, the third swings at Othar, and
rolls a 3.

Taz: Let’s cast flare on Karin’s bandit. That’s a 13 to hit for 35 damage and he’s toast.

GM: Norbert is starting to not like these odds, fails his moral roll, and starts running.
Round four.

Taz: What a weasel. I pull out my pistol and shoot him.

GM: In his back?

Taz: He started it. I figure a 13 hits for 14 damage.

GM: He takes the hit, stumbles into a bush, and shouts back, “You shot me!” He seems
rather annoyed by that. The remaining brigand considers his options and also badly fails
his moral roll. “I don’t get paid enough for this shite.” And executes a fighting retreat,
Othar and Karin are you going to let him go?

Othar: He attacked a watchman, he doesn’t get off without a fight. I roll a 13 for 20
damage, he’s down to six. [Yes, we rolled three 13’s in a row.]

Karin: “Do we want him alive?”

Taz: “We’ve got Norbert, I don’t care.”

Karin: “Live by the axe, die by the sword.” I roll a 7, missing his face by inches. “I
guess it is your lucky day. Go, and if I ever see you again, you will not live to see
another day.”

GM: A second failed morale roll, he throws down his axe and hobbles away. “I suppose I
should thank you for sparing me. You won’t see the likes of me ever again.”

Othar: I go to the bushes and drag Norbert’s ass out and back to the cart.

Taz: “Can I shoot him again?”

Othar and Karin: “No!”

Othar: “How about I interrogate him while Karin patches him up?”

Taz: “I can try to cauterize the wound. The worst that can happen is that I reduce him
to a pile of ash.”

Norbert: “Keep her away from me!”

Othar: “Perhaps it would be better if you tended to the horse and get her some feed.”

Taz: I’ll pout and walk off, although I actually do like feeding the horse.

GM: Does the horse have a name?

Taz: Sure, Lazy May, she’s dependable and not very excitable. Not scared of demon girls
or axe wielding bandits it seems.

GM: Othar give me an intimidate check, Karin can assist. The ol’ good cop, bad cop
routine. Othar, you have an advantage in that Norbert is wounded, but being cared for.

Karin: Nada.

Othar: I got an 11 +2 for a thirteen, again.

GM: That’s good enough to get Norbert to talk. Turns out that he is a woods hermit
after all and the bandit’s normally leave him alone. But today, they approached and
threatened to bust up his hut if he did not stop and distract you all. As to the nature of
the bandits, they were townies from Humbolt.

Norbert: “You shouldn’t have let that last one go, who knows what lies he’ll spin when he
returns empty handed.”

Karin: “Like we have a demon and that his buddies were burnt to a crisp…”

GM: Norbert nods, looking at Taz who appears to be content with petting the horse as it
eats from a feed bag. Hey Taz, what is your tail doing?

Taz: Hell if I know, probably swinging counter point to the horse’s tail. You try sitting on
a buck board for eight hours and see if your tail is happy to be free.

GM: Good point. But, you seem to have totally spaced on the fact you were just in a life
and death battle and burnt two humans to a crisp.

Taz: I’ve seen worse.

GM: Really or just on TV?

Taz: I’ve had a lifetime of big and little traumas. Now leave me to my horse therapy.

GM: Fair enough. Norbert shudders at your apparent serenity.

Norbert: “Stone cold killer, that one. You best watch your backs.”

Karin: “The Wizard Cronus trusts her.” I finish cleaning up Norbert and cast a healing
rune on him.

Norbert: “Hrrph.” He pokes a finger through the bullet hole in his dirty robes. “I
suppose it could be worse. I will give you this piece of advice, don’t stop until you see
the walls of White Cliff. Otherwise StormCrow will come and peck your eyes out. That
one has got no love for watchmen.”

GM: He scowls at the two dead bodies. Wait. Are there dead bodies or are they taken
by the river of souls? Three of Cups (reversed) - completion, achievement, end of a job.
Okay, that’s huge and radically changes things and explains why religion is so different
here. The bodies begin to dissipate as they are taken by the river of souls. Their
material things remain. There is obviously meat on the table, so animals are not carried
away. It’s everyday magic. This is not news to Othar or Karin who are natives. Taz,
give me a perception and a willpower check.

Taz: That would be a 12 and an 11, I guess I don’t freak out. I watch the bodies fade
away and walk over to prod the remains with my boot. “I suppose we can split the loot.
I’ll take the axes and the hermit can have the rest.” Let’s camp for the night, I burned a
lot of mana and even if that bandit returns to Humbolt, we’ll be long gone by tomorrow.
GM: You all have no problem setting up camp. Norbert grabs the scraps but keeps his
distance from Taz. Setting up a watch as usual?

Taz: Sure, while I doubt there will be any trouble from bandits or Norbert, there’s still
wild animals to worry about.
Othar: As long as we keep a fire going, they’ll be smart enough to leave us alone.

Taz: I spend my time walking about and pondering what I saw. It is starting to make
more sense why organized religion did not catch on in Ferros. The ‘afterlife’ is not faith,
but fact. That also draws a very clear line between animal and people. Animals die,
things are broken, but people with a soul are taken. It makes me wonder about what
will happen when I die.

A Fork in the Road Again

GM: The morning comes without incident and you break camp with no sign of Norbert.
The road beckons as you continue your travels. Rolled a 2, you travel without incident,
the road does show signs of disuse, but nothing that impedes you. Same routine?

Karin: Sure, nothing wrong with boring travel. At least the weather is holding out and
we’re making good progress.

GM: We’ll see if that remains true. Let’s roll for the next day, got an 8, so there’s
trouble. Let’s a draw a card and see what it is. Low and some bad weather rolls in, high
and it is an encounter, of course. Ten of Wands (reversed) - contrary advice, difficulties,
intrigues. Early in the day, you come to a fork in the road. That very odd and
something you were not expecting. Of course there is no sign, perhaps a bridge got
washed out or there is a community near by.

Taz: Or a bandit camp, would they even use wagons?

Karin: Can I tell which path Master Wright’s caravan took?

GM: That would a very hard INS check since the trail has long gone cold.

Karin: Better than not trying at all. We can spread out and look for clues.

Othar: And, I got nothing on my assist check.

Taz: I got an 11 for a +1.

Karin: And I got an 11+1, so no luck on that. Let’s

flip a zenit, heads, we’ll take the right fork.

GM: There is a bridge and it is intact. That’s the

good news. As Lazy May trip-trops across the
bridge, she snorts and rears up in panic. Two
drakes scramble out from under the bridge.

Othar: Oh! This is bad. Can I make a lore check to

remember what they can do?
GM: Sure, I’ll give you that before they climb over the rails, at least you now know why
there was an alternate path.

Othar: Woot! I got double sixes. I’ll take scan since that is the most logical opportunity.

GM: Drakes are small for dragons, but they are always hungry and can easily run down
a burdened horse. They are true fire breathers and totally immune to fire damage.

Taz: Well, isn’t that fantastic. There goes my most powerful attack.

GM: Group Initiative, the enemy has an 8. Taz as the best roll, Othar/Karin can assist.

Karin: I got nothing.

Othar: I rolled a 12 and add +1.

Taz: I got an 8+1, so we go first. I want to go first and I cast elemental shroud. I can
only protect three targets and I want to include Lazy May. Can I push that?

GM: Normally, no. Spells lack the flexibility and rituals take minutes to set up. But, we
established that your magic is an innate ability. Give me an INS+WIL magic roll.

Taz: Shit, that’s a 2.

GM: Normally, shroud is an automatic success, but you were trying to push it. Othar,
Karin and you are protected, but Lazy May is just too big to cover. You pour all your
mana into the attempt (the failure) and are left shaken (enemy opportunity), your
willpower is now a d6.

GM: This could be a big fight, so let’s dice this out and recap.

Round one, all the PCs hit and drake2 chomps on Othar.
Round two, all the PC hit again, drake1 tries burning Taz who only takes half damage,
drake2 takes a bite out Lazy May, the horse barely manages not to panic.
Round three, the combined attacks of pistol and longsword take down drake1 while
Othar gets bitten again, he successfully counter attacks and then hacks at the beast,
seriously wounding it.
Round four, Taz misses with her pistol, drake2 flees, Othar beheads drake1 (it was at 0
HP), and Karin heals Othar, Taz, and Lazy May.
Round Five, Taz takes a very hard shot at the fleeing drake and plugs in the back of the
head taking it out.

GM: Since drakes are animals, they leave carcasses behind. What do you all want do?

Taz: I’m mentally spent. I collapse in a controlled heap next to Lazy May and stroke her
muzzle, “Good girl, you were so brave.”

GM: May says something in equine like, “Duh!” and gives a nuzzle that almost knocks
you over.
Othar: I go fetch the head of the other drake and stick one head on each end of the
bridge on a post. I want travelers to know that the way has been cleared.

GM: Grim, but it will get the message across that there’s something tougher than drakes
on this road.

Karin: I investigate where the drakes came from.

GM: Under the bridge you find the drake nest. Lots of animal bones, but there is also a
heavy spear (200z), some bronze plate (200z), a bronze shield (100z) and 250z in
coins.

Karin: Nice! While Othar is decorating and Taz is communing with the horse, I’ll split the
zenit 80/80/90 with the extra going to Taz since I know she’s dead broke. [I wonder
what happened to her purse since diplomat’s don’t travel as paupers.] Oh! Is the nest
recent or has it been her a while?

GM: Good question since that can provide a vital clue. A high draw would indicate an old
nest. Knight of Cups (reversed) – oh wow. It’s an old nest and Othar, you recognize the
armor. It belongs to one of the royal wardens, they used to patrol the roads before the
Gray Plague hit.

Othar: How new and what condition is the armor in?

GM: Five of Wands – imitation, competition, questing. It’s in serviceable shape, worn
but not old. And more importantly, it has barely aged in that nest. The soldier wearing
it passed away recently. There is a high probability that this armor belonged to one of
the guards on Master Wright’s caravan.

Taz: Lets leave this place and get some miles away before night fall.

Othar grunts in agreement and Karin climbs up on the wagon.

GM: Night comes and passes without incident. No dangerous competitors would live in
the drakes’ territory. You all have a chance to rest and recover MPs and clear your
conditions. Everyone has something to reflect on after the last few encounters. Give
yourself one level and a new bond if you want.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Bandits Away

GM: A new day and a new travel roll. That’s a four, a quiet day, but I still want to draw a
card for some inspiration. Eight of Cups (reversed) - great joy, happiness, feasting.

GM: Traveling down the road reveals no bandits or sign of the lost merchants. But, you
do pass by a semi wild apple orchard. Lazy May turns to look at you all, you can almost
hear her asking for some apples. What do you all do?

Taz: I give Othar’s arm a light squeeze (he has the reins). “May says this would be
great place to stop and rest.”
Othar: Smiling, “Oh, you can speak with horses now?”

Taz: “No, but it is obvious to me that she’d like an apple or three.”

Karin: “I’ll join the horse in that sentiment. We’ve made good progress today. If we
stop here, I promise to whip up something special.”

Othar: “Deal.”

GM: Okay I’ll bite what is your special?”

Karin: If Taz and Othar help, I’ll burn some inventory points and pull out a small box of
sugar and spices. “I have an old recipe for apple pie I’d like to try.”

Taz: “Oh, I’m down for some camp fire cooking.”

Othar: “That sounds like a unanimous vote. You good with that, May?”
GM: The horse gives an appreciative nicker when you steer her towards the orchard.
With the plan in motion everyone need to make an INS+WIL roll to aid or cook. Helpers
have it easy, but it is a difficult roll to make it perfect.

Othar: Woot, got an 11 so +1 pie time.

Taz: Grrr, I got a 6. You know what, I’ll totally burn a Fabula point to re-roll that,
invoking my new bond with Karin. I don’t want to disappoint everyone. And, I get a 12!

GM: Well, it’s not against the rules. What does that look like?

Taz: I know my way around a kitchen, but I’m a klutz when it comes to peeling apples
with a borrowed dirk made for combat rather than proper peeler. I give Karin my best
plea for help look.

Karin: I pull a proper peeling knife from my kit. I start to show her how and then stop.
“No, that’s upside down and backwards for you.” I move around behind her, careful to
avoid stepping on her tail, and then lean a bit into her back. I then reach around and
show her how to peel an apple while whispering into her ear.

GM: Taz, you totally know how to use a peeling knife.

Taz: Ah, um, whew. I’m willing to learn something new. She can’t see my face can she?
I’m probably blushing like a school girl.

GM: No, but Othar can.

Othar: Oh, I got my poker face on.

Karin: I don’t need to see her face, her ears turning red are more than enough let me
know that I’m having an impact.

Taz: My body betrays me.

GM: Happens to the best of us. Speaking of betrayal, give me a WIL roll for your tail.

Taz: I got a 10, I know exactly where my tail is. But, you know what? I let it wrap
around Karin’s leg for a second anyway before I gasp in surprise and let it slink out of
the way. Let her chew on what that means for my species.

GM: Karin, if you’re done playing with the diplomat, you have a crust to make and a pie
to bake in a cast iron skillet.

Karin: That’s a 16+2 for an 18. I could have made that pie in an ice storm.

Taz: I’m a little distracted, but I think that might be the best apple pie I’ve ever eaten.

Karin: Team effort.

Othar: I give them an amused smirk, “Having the right spice makes all the difference.”

A New Day
GM: Let’s update the map. You’re a day and a half out of White Cliff.

GM: The travel roll is still a d10. And we get a 9, so there is danger in the morning.
Let’s ask the oracle, is this StormCrow’s bandits, it’s very likely so let’s go with a 7 or
less. Four of Cups - weariness, disgust, gifts with a price. Huh, they don’t sound too
enthusiastic. Is this their actual camp? Two of Pentacles - recreation, design, reading.
Yes, indeed and you might have caught them when they were not expecting anyone.
And, is StormCrow here? Knight of Swords - bravery, defense, wrath. And that’s a
hellz yes and he’s pissed that his guards and scouts totally missed the party.

GM: StormCrow, obvious from his black armor, shouts and curses at his men. Stats:
StormCrow (elite) and his two lieutenants are level 10 mercenaries. SC’s special is
shadow strike! That certainly sounds like wrath.
Round one, PCs win init. Taz casts Fulgar 30 MP, and inflicts 18 hits on each. SC calls
up shadow strike (+2 damage) and attacks Karin, hits for 20, Othar guards and takes
the hit. Karin attacks LT1, and hits for 20, LT1 attacks Taz, hits for 19, Othar attacks
LT1 for 20, Lt2 attacks Othar and misses, SC’s second attack is also a shadow strike
(+2 damage) at Other for 21.

Round two, Karin heals Taz and Othar 20 mp, SC shadows (+5 dam) at Othar and
misses. Taz shoots Lt1, for 18. LT2, attacks Karin for 19 hits, Karin counters for 10,
Othar swings at Lt2, and hits for 19, SC’s second attack on Karin is a shadow strike
(+3 dam) and hits for 17 hits.
Round three, Karin heals for 10MP, Lt2 misses Taz, Taz shoots Lt2, for 18, SC strikes
(+4 dam) at Taz, hits for 18, Other attacks SC and hits for 17, SC’s second shadows
(+6) Karin for 21

Round four, Taz casts flare on SC for 31 hits, MP down to 3, SC shadow strikes (+5
dam) on Taz for 21 hits, Karin casts her last heal on Taz, SC shadow strikes (+2
damage) on Taz for 17 hits, Othar attacks and hits for 20.

Round five, Karin attacks and misses, SC attacks Taz, Othar Guards and SC misses,
Othar counter attacks for 10 hits, Othar attacks and hits for 20, Taz pulls out her whip
and casts shadows strike (+1 dam) and strikes for 18 hits

SC 120/102/100/98/93/90/73/67/62/42/32/12/-6
LT1 60/42/22/2/-16
LT2 60/42/32/13/-5

Taz 48/29/48/30/9/48/21/20
Karin 41/22/5/41/20
Othar 64/44/23/63

GM: StormCrow staggers back from the gash inflicted by Taz’s black whip. “I won’t
forget you. You can’t stop the Storm.” And right before your eyes, he disintegrates into
black smoke and gets blown away by a strong gust of wind. Yeah, I’m promoting him to
minor Villain. I did draw the Knight of Swords after all.

Karin: I burn 3 inventory points for an elixir. I can restore 50 MP and heal everyone.

Othar: I stabilize the lieutenants and bind them.

Taz: I’ll gather up the bronze swords and pistols and throw them in the wagon.

GM: The minor bandits and camp followers see what you did to the three toughest dudes
they have ever met and they scatter in every direction.

Othar: Well, we can’t chase them all down. That’s a job for the Watchmen and any
remaining Wardens in White Cliff. I heft my shield and axe and head into the camp.

Taz: Since I have a pistol and can cover their advance, I’ll take Lazy May’s reins and
walk with her.

Karin: Right, I’ll poke StormCrow’s men with the point of my sword and get them
moving down to the camp.

GM: Let’s pull some cards to see what you find. Ten of Pentacles – family matters,
history, home. Judgment (reversed) - deliberation, decision, sentence. I can work with
that.
GM: The bandit camp is in disarray but two things stand out; one is a large set of cages
with several pitiful wretches trapped with and the other is a large portly man with a
wooden leg. He appears to be going about his business cooking food. He looks Othar
up and down and scratches his scruffy beard. “Cookie’s the name, are you going cut me
down or would you rather have breakfast?”

Othar: I point at the prisoners, “They get fed first and then we can talk about your fate.”

Cookie: “Fair deal, I’m not gonna run off on you. And, there is plenty of food to go
around now that the bandit dogs have fled with their tails between their legs.”

Karin: I tap one of our prisoners with my off hand and point at the cages, “Keys?”

GM: He responds dejectedly, “Hanging on the post.”

Karin: “Time for a prisoner exchange.”

GM: The rescue goes off without a hitch, the mercs know better than to pick a fight
when they have one hit point. The prisoners are a mix of common folk, some are worse
off than others, but none of them looked tortured. They seem quite happy to see a
Watchmen in blue and a Sister in white. They don’t know what make of the devil in the
black tunic and skirt.

Taz: “Hi!” I hold up my hand with the Queen’s ring. I’m a diplomat traveling from
Ferros to White Cliff with these two.

GM: One of the older men with messy red hair steps forward, “Diplomat? We saw you
throwing lightning, fire, and standing shoulder to shoulder with these two warriors.”

Taz: “Heh, I’m also a troubleshooter.” Taking in his scraggly red hair and stature.
“Othar, is this Master Wright?”

GM: The old man smiles and moves in closer to shake your hands. “Thank you for
coming and besting StormCrow and his men. We had given up hope.”

Some of the prisoners vouch for Cookie’s conduct if not his culinary skill. Of course, part
of the reason for that is that StormCrow liked to capture hostages and then ransom
them back. His blockade of the road had pretty much killed trade between White Cliff
and Ferros. Senior’s little trade mission cost the lives of all but one of the guards, so
there is a total of seven survivors. The other four people are captives from White Cliff.

Let’s see if any of Wright’s wagons or trade goods remain. Figure 50/50, Five of Swords
– destruction, dishonor, loss. Yes, but not much, the horses and wagons can be found,
but all the supplies and trade goods have been ruined, consumed, or sold off.

Karin: On the bright side, we have a way of moving the people out of here.

Othar: “Hey Cookie, you’ve got nothing here. You want to go to White Cliff with us?”
GM: Cookie scratches his scruffy beard and considers it. Three of Wands (reversed) -
end of troubles, disappointment, toil.

Cookie: “Nah. You’ve done enough driving the bandits off and there is nothing in White
Cliff for me. So, the way to Ferros is clear? Maybe a change in scenery is in order.”

Taz: “Take what you want. I plan to burn this camp to the ground once we leave.”

Wright: “You can start with the cages. But, you might want to check StormCrow’s tent
before you get carried away.”

Cookie: “You can raid the larder before you go since you’ll have more mouths to feed.”

Othar: “That sounds like a good plan. Leave nothing for the bandits to regroup with.”

Karin: “Let’s see what StormCrow has in his tent.”

GM: Okay, I’ll draw some cards and see what they say. Seven of Swords (reversed) -
good advice, instruction, slander. Page of Cups – driven to serve, studious youth,
meditation. Seven of Cups (reversed) - desire, will, determination.

StormCrow’s tent is a large round affair and sturdier than many of the other bandit
tents. On one side are a big pile of furs and on the other is a table loaded with books,
maps, and some lit lamps, it’s probably where he planned all his raids. There’s nothing
like an obvious chest full of gold or other swag. Who’s going in first?

Othar: Let me take point on this in case some of those furs happen to be dogs or
something.

GM: Sure enough, one of the furs moves and it turns out to be a half naked young
woman with a big dagger. “Took you long enough, Watchman.” Okay, who is she?

The cards say The Lovers – attraction, love, beauty (of course) and Temperance
(reversed) - church business, religions, temptation. Is this someone from the merchant
caravan? King of Wands… mic drop. Master Wright steps up from behind.

Wright: “And this is Amanda... Amanda Cronus. As in the daughter of the leader of the
Council of Wizards.”

Well, that’s Awkward

GM: Amanda looks over her rescuers; Watchman – check, Sister of Sacred Flame –
check, she gets to Taz and scowls.

Amanda: “Father sent you.” It wasn’t a question. “Given the dumb look on your faces,
he didn’t even mention that I was missing.” She throws off the furs, not giving a damn
about modesty. From a nearby chest, she pulls out a rather plain dress and starts to put
it on. “I take it Crow is dead, I doubt that he would let himself get captured.”

Othar: I like her, she’s got spunk.

Karin: “Actually, it was a most curious thing. The River did not take him.”

GM: Amanda pauses for a moment, a fleeting look of hope?

Amanda: “He escaped?”

Taz: “He turned into an angry storm cloud and blew away. I get the feeling he’s really
pissed off at me.”

GM: Amanda smirks and finishes dressing. Surprisingly enough, she gathers the reading
materials on the table and stuffs it into her back pack.

Amanda: “Crow wasn’t big on hoarding. Most of the swag he acquired went to pay for
this camp and his men. His anger was directed at White Cliff.”

GM: Cookie gathers his gear and supplies and heads west towards Ferros. Everyone
else boards the three wagons with extra supplies and the prisoners in tow.
Taz: Call me an arsonist if you want, but I’m looking forward to torching this place. If I
made an enemy, there’s no reason to play nice and give them hope.

Karin: I’ll just watch her frolic among the tents and flames. The pillar of smoke should
let the remaining bandits know that their camp is in ruin.

Taz: Frolic? Yeah, sure, let’s make a dance out of it as I coax the flames higher and they
seem to move and sway with me.

Wright: Leans over to whisper at Othar, “Diplomat?”

Othar: “Diplomat. Vouched by Cronus and with the Queen’s blessing. Did I mention
that she saved the Queen and the Council of Wizards?”

GM: Master Wright gives you a look; a little confusion, a bit of admiration, more than a
little surprise.

On the Road to White Cliff

GM: One of the townsfolk from White Cliff speaks up, “Riding hard for White Cliff won’t
do any good. They close the gates at night. There is pasture land where we can stop
for the night. Without StormCrow to lead the bandits, I think it will be safe.”

What do the hostage’s think of Amanda? Six of Swords – a journey, envoy, expedient
travel. It’s mixed. Some disapprove, others don’t care, some think she’s a criminal, and
there are those that say she sacrificed herself to get better treatment for the hostages.

Othar: What about the two prisoner’s?

GM: They’re not going to be as talkative.

Othar: We got the time and a lot of news to reveal. Perhaps I can get them talking.
And, INT+WIL = 7, even if the others help, that’s a no go.

GM: Yes, they’re resigned to their fate. It does not look good for them. So, that puts
Othar in the wagon with the prisoners. Let’s roll to see who is in which wagon. Karin is
in the wagon with Amanda and Taz is in the wagon with Master Wright. What do you
want to do?

Karin: I’ll chat up Amanda and try to get more info. INT+WIL = 18.

GM: It takes a while for Amanda to warm up to you. How did she get involved in this
mess? Three of Pentacles – trade, skilled labor, glory. She actually volunteered for the
merchant caravan. She’s a sage by trade. Does she know any magic? Knight of Wands
(reversed) - division, interruption, discord. Huh, that’s almost like anti-magic.

Karin: “So, what’s your story?”

Amanda: “That’s it? No clever conversation, shared secrets, or false comradery?”

Karin: “Nope, but if you need that, I’ll have Taz come on over. She’s cute and easy to
talk to.”

Amanda: “Keep that thing away from me.”

Karin: “Deal. I’ll put her on best behavior. But, I’m guessing it has more to do with
your father.”

GM: Amanda sighs and takes a moment to gather herself.

Amanda: “I’m all but invisible to my father since I don’t have an ounce of magical talent.
Oh, I tried in the beginning, even as he tried to cram every school of magic into my
skull. ‘We just have to find your aptitude’, he would say. He never stopped to look at
me as a person. But, all that reading and studying didn’t go to waste, I have a sharp
memory and I know more useless trivia than ten men.”

“When I heard that Master Wright was heading up a caravan for White Cliff. I saw my
chance. Perhaps I could find my place with the academics there. I convinced Jon (the
senior) that my skills and keen eyes would be a benefit. Of course, we underestimated
StormCrow. Crow and his men set up an ambush and tore apart the caravan guards.”

“As to how I ended up in bed with Crow, that should be no surprise. He paid attention to
me. In turn, the hostages got better treatment. It was a price I was willing to pay.”

“You should try being impulsive, life is more than duty.”

Karin: Thinking back to The Orchard, I give a small laugh, “I’ll have to consider that.”

GM: Meanwhile over at Taz’s wagon, Master Wright has taken the reins. “After being
caged for so long, it is great to be moving and in control again.”

Taz: “You treat Lazy May right and she’ll stand by you. A couple days ago we fought two
drakes and she held her ground and did not bolt.”

Wright: “Brave girl.”

GM: And that’s when you notice that he was looking at you and not the horse. He looks
down at your hand or more correctly the Queen’s ring.

Wright: “Diplomat?”

Taz: “It’s complicated and I really only want to tell the story once when we stop for the
night.”

Wright: “That is fair. I expect it to be quite an adventure.”

Taz: “Actually, it was more like a nightmare. But, sometimes heroes are forged in fire.”
Taz: I turn around introduce myself to the rest of the passengers in the wagon as the
diplomat from far off America, a land of many strange wonders. My goal is to help them
forget their troubles for a while, make a few connections and normalizes things.

GM: That should be an easy roll since you are one of the heroes that beat StormCrow
and rescued them from captivity.

Taz: And… I got a four.

GM: Well, they don’t pick up the weapons in the back of the wagon and try to hack you
to bits. But, they’re not exactly warming up to you either. You are the scary creature
that took out three heavily armed and armored men with lightning and fire. You get the
feeling that Master Wright is only more sociable because he has to watch out for his own
people and keep an eye on you. It’s a long trip, oddly enough, it does not trigger your
anxiety as you wrap the isolation around you like a blanket. It’s easier to spend more
time scanning the sides of the road for bandits.

Othar: We can set up camp about half a day from White Cliff. It’s not farmland, but I
bet that it has been cleared out some as an easy access to wood. I guess I’ll have guard
duty on our prisoners.

Karin: It would have nice to have Cookie here to help with the evening meal.

Taz: I’ll lend a happy tail to help, better company than Wright and my wagon. Maybe we
can get Amanda to help. Are any of the hostages interested in joining us for meal prep?

GM: I think Amanda was the only female in the caravan from Ferros. Let’s roll some
dice for the hostage from White Cliff. Nope, they are all men working the fields or other
jobs outside the walls that were caught but were not recruited into StormCrow’s band.
Convincing Amanda to work side by side with Taz will be hard persuasion check.

Karin: I got INT+WIL = 12, can Taz try to assist?

GM: Sure, what does that look?

Taz: I’ll actually ignore Amanda at the start. Doing the happy tail thing and food prep
while humming some Elvis tunes. At some point, I’ll talk in her general direction, “These
potatoes are not going to peel themselves.” Rolling INT+WIL = 11 and that gives Karin
the +1 that she needs.

Karin: Ah, the power of guilt, maybe it can even thaw this relationship.

Amanda: “Gah! Who taught you to peel vegetables anyway?”

Taz: I give Karin the side eye and smirk, “It’s a work in progress.”

Amanda: “If that’s progress, we’ll be eating at midnight.”

Karin: Well, at least they are talking…

GM: With the additional supplies from the camp, feeding everyone including the
prisoners is not a problem.

Othar: I think we can fast track the telling of the news and the mysterious attackers on
Castle Ferros. Taz, how much of your story do you want to include?

Taz: I’ll offer that Wizard Cronus sent for me via magic and that I had only arrived the
night before the attack. I had traveled via secret ways, so I don’t think the airships
even knew I was even there when they attacked.

Amanda: So, you saved the Queen, my father, a bunch of other people, gained the
queen’s protection, met with the city masters, slayed some bandits, bested some fire
breathing drakes, and took out StormCrow all in a week?

Taz: I had some help.

Wright: And modest, too. Now I can see why you are called the diplomat. Cronus was
wise to send for you.

GM: Let’s see if that praise phases Amanda… Four of Pentacles - possessions, gifts,
legacy. Okay, not too strongly. But she’s deep in thought as to Taz’s and her father’s
relationship. What is the group’s reaction to the news? Justice (reversed) - onerous
law, bias, excessive severity. Oh, they’re furious and think that the Queen should do
something immediately.

Karin: “Yes, that’s part of our mission to White Cliff, to let Count Bramm know. We’re
fortunate in that we’ve already defeated StormCrow and rescued as much of the caravan
as we could.”

Othar: “We’ve got a lot to do in order to get Ferros and her Counties on a war footing.
It will be only a matter of time before Kermos strikes again.”

Taz: “There’s actually a considerable logistical train that goes into a bombardment
campaign. So, we might have some time, getting intel on the enemy is a priority too.”

Karin: TMI, Taz.

GM: Yes, you get a couple of curious and suspicious looks from some of the people.

Taz: Sighs, “That’s probably the other reason that the Wizards summoned me. My
people have been at war for millennia. I have insight and knowledge that might help in
a war with a more technologically advanced foe.”

Othar: “That’s news. Are you going to tell us you’re a General as well?”

Taz: “No, but I am a student of our history, of war and its atrocities. It’s not something
that I’m particularly proud of. The rules here are different from my homeland. Our
greatest weapons may not function, but the ideas and concepts are sadly universal.
GM: That’s probably a good place to call it for the night. You got plenty of people now
that they are rested and fed that can watch the prisoners and stand guard over the
night. It’s highly unlikely that any of the scattered bandit minions would dare to
approach. The next day on the road is in pasture land North East of White Cliff and is
relatively safe. I rolled a 1, discovery! This close to the city gates, you see a patrol of
mounted Royal Wardens heading your way.

Taz: I’ll throw on the hood and tuck the tail for now.

Karin: Good call.

GM: They spot the blue armor of a Watchman and the white tunic of a Sister of the
Sacred Flame, so that’s a surprise. Let’s see if they spot any of the townsfolk or if the
townsfolk call out to them. Queen of Swords – widowhood, sterility, mourning. Well,
that’s a WTF draw. Is this an actual person or their influence? Nine of Swords
(reversed) - imprisonment, suspicion, shame. No, but something sure isn’t right.

The patrol stops in front of the wagons and the Warden Captain announces in a clear
voice, “Ah! The Watchman, the Sister, and the Diplomat. I am Captain Giles and your
presence is expected. The Count seeks audience with you immediately.”
Othar: “Immediate immediately or will we have time to clean up?”

GM: The Warden smiles, “Quarters and staff have been arranged.” He looks over the
three wagons. “It’s seems that your party is larger than expected.” And, his eyes widen
when he sees two of StormCrow’s top men tied up. “And, you bring gifts.”

Wright: Stands up, “I am Master Wright of Ferros and these three heroes bested
StormCrow in battle, rescued my caravan, and freed these hostages from White Cliff.”

GM: The Warden Captain pulls out his sword and salutes, “Then it is my honor to escort
you to White Cliff.” He wheels about his horse and leads the way to the city gates.
What do the gates look like? Wheel of Fortune (reversed) - increase, abundance, a turn
of events. White Cliff appears to be some kind of natural fortress with the city itself in a
protected valley and only the entrances needing heavy protection. But...

A Sword over White Cliff

GM: As you get closer, you see a sight that sends a tremor down your spines, floating
above the city is an airship. It is smaller than the ones that attacked the Castle. But, it
is in the colors of Kermos (maroon and gold.)

Taz: “What in the hell is that

doing here?”

GM: I wonder if the Captain

heard that? Rolling INS+WIL
and I get an 11.

Othar: Of course, Miss Impulse

strikes again.

GM: The captain turns around

and happily replies, “Oh, our fair
visitor from Kermos? I’m sure
the Count is looking forward to
introducing you to her.”

Seems like a good time to shuffle

the deck.

GM: When I first thought of

White Cliff, I was thinking of the
white cliffs of Dover. But, the
valley and natural fortifications
gives me pause. Let’s draw a card, Five of Cups (reversed) - alliances, ancestry, return.
Okay, so White Cliff is an old seat of power and at some point it moved to the more
centrally located City of Ferros. The natural fortifications allowed humans a safe haven
from the monsters in the early days.
White Cliff does not have a traditional castle and keep in the center since the whole city
is a castle of sorts. But, it does have many prominent buildings in the city such as the
Count’s Mansion, and several colleges of higher leaning for mundane and magical arts.

The Warden Captain and his men escort you through the gates and down the main
avenue to a market square. How busy is it? Ten of Wands! It’s market day and the
square is absolutely packed with people and vendors. It doesn’t take long at all for the
people to notice the kidnapped citizens and the prisoners. It creates quite the
commotion and movement almost grinds to a halt.

Karin: I given the Captain a look, he had to know that the market was going on. I got a
10 on my insight roll.

GM: Oh, he’s up front and eating this up. It’s a victory for the town and he doesn’t mind
borrowing some of that glory. Of course, he probably knows the rumor machine well
and the news will spread like wild fire.

Karin: Gah, he sounds more like a politician than a Royal Warden.

GM: Othar, the prisoners are in your wagon and there are some incoming vegetables.
Are you going stop the wagon?

Othar: No way, I don’t want a lynch mob to get any ideas. I will give anyone a warning
glare if they pick up a stone.

Taz: Jon the Senior is driving the wagon that I am in. So, I’ll just keep an eye out for
any trouble.

GM: Between the wardens and your watchful eyes, you manage to keep the encounter
from turning into a riot. You make it to the other side of the square and it seems the
Wardens actually have an office here along with a stable. That makes since because
they are a mounted patrol.

Captain Giles and his men dismount, “We’ll take those prisoners and citizens off your
hands, if you don’t mind. I need to take statements and reunite loved ones. You can
leave your horses and wagons at the stable and I’ll arrange a proper carriage for you.”

Wright: “I have some men from my caravan that need food, care, and lodging.” He
looks over at Amanda, “What say you?”

GM: Let’s draw a card. The Emperor - stability, power, protection.

Amanda: “If the Count can entertain another guest, I’d rather stay with you.”

GM: Anyone got anything to add?

Othar: I remind Captain Giles that StormCrow was defeated but not killed. He escaped
using some dark magic. When he is ready, I know he will seek his vengeance.
Giles: “I look forward to hearing the tale when you meet Count Bramm.”
GM: Without further ado, a carriage is hitched up and you are taken to the middle of
White Cliff and the Count’s Mansion. In one corner of a great civic square where city
officials, students, and school staff meet and mingle, is the Count’s Mansion.

The Count’s majordomo meets you and helps the ladies from the carriage. “Welcome to
the Count’s home. My name is Portman and I’ll be attending to your needs.” Counting
five heads, some much worse for wear. “May I inquire who I have the pleasure of
meeting?”

Wright: “Jon Wright, Master of Transportation, City of Ferros.”

Othar: “Sgt Othar Stonekiller of the Ferros City Watch.”

Karin: “Sister Karin Shade.”

Taz: “You can refer to me as Miss Taz, I’m the diplomat.”

Amanda: “Amanda Cronus…” Does Portman recognize the name?

GM: I got an 11, so yes. Let’s draw a card to see what kind of reaction. The Chariot
(reversed) - quarrel, dispute, defeat. “Oh!”, but he quickly covers up his surprise.
Taking in your simple home spun dress, he continues, “I’m sure the Count’s hospitality
extends to all of our guests today.”

Taz: We need to keep an eye on that guy, he knows a lot for a glorified butler.

GM: Portman guides you to the south wing (to the right) of the mansion. The Count has
some really classy digs. Taz never really got to see Castle Ferros in all of its glory.
Unlike Taz’s visit with the queen, you all don’t get personal attendants. But, you do get
a little more privacy with suites assigned to each of you.

Taz: That’s works for me, I think I got the dress thing worked out and I’ll wait for the
bath to be drawn before taking off my hood.

GM: Give in a perception check to avoid getting caught.

Taz: And, I got a nine. What happened?

GM: Six of Swords - a journey, envoy, expedient travel. The maid comes in while you’re
in the bath. “Sorry miss, I forgot the towels…” Immediately followed by a mousy squeal
as she drops the towels and beats a hasty retreat.

Karin: I roll my eyes from the next room over. I guess we should all get used to that.

Amanda: Any chance I can get something more presentable for the Count? While the
humble look is fine from when I’m in sage mode. This situation calls for more decorum.
I’ll leverage the poor prisoner of the villain angle if I need to.

GM: Oh, you certainly get sympathy from the maid. She and her friends manage to
scrounge together a presentable light blue dress and some cream colored shoes. It’s
not as tailored as Taz’s dress, but it still in the middle class range. It’s probably a loaner
since the maids don’t have as deep pockets as the Queen of Ferros.

Amanda: More than adequate. I imagine I wore similar quality when I was younger.

Othar: I think I have the least amount of clean up/prep needed so I want to spend some
time trying to get some info from the staff. Feh, an eight probably won’t get me too
much.

GM: True. Three of Pentacles - trade, skilled labor, glory. The young man is much more
interested in you and your adventures against StormCrow.

Othar: You know what, I’ll humor him with tales of drakes and crows. Who knows,
having someone friendly on the staff might come in handy.

GM: Karin, got anything to add?

Karin: Not really, a bath is good and perhaps some minor cleaning of my garments.
GM: Let’s draw a card then. Ten of Wands (reversed) - contrary advice, difficulties,
intrigues. Oh, we can work with that. Give me a perception check.

Karin: And, that’s an eight, I guess we’re getting our low rolls out of the way early.

GM: Sounds like a hot bath has let your guard down. A soft woman’s voice comes from
behind you, “Sister, the Mother would like to speak with you after your audience with the
Count.”

Karin: I sigh, great way to ruin a calming bath. Without turning, “Thank you for the
message, sister. Meet me later and she’ll have her report.”

GM: Now that your mystery visitor has your ear, you can hear the creasing of her robes
as she bows and quietly exits the room.

Karin: Remind me to take a bath with my sword next time.

Othar: I’d be down for some nude shrine maiden sword action.

Karin: Dream on big boy.

GM: And to drag this back on topic, it is still before noon when you get your summons to
meet the Count. You all meet outside your rooms and the majordomo gives you a look
over. He takes in Taz’s horns but he’s made of sterner stuff (and he probably got an
earful from the spooked maid.) Master Wright is decked out in some finery appropriate
to a Guild Master. Probably a white shirt with a blue jacket and pants, add in some shiny
black shoes with bright buckles. Much more distinguished than the torn and dirty travel
clothes he was wearing when in captivity.

Just curious, is anyone armed or heavily equipped?

Othar: It would be rude to bring an axe and shield, but I’ll have my armor on since that
is essentially part of my uniform.

Karin: My sword is something of a status symbol in the Sacred Flame. I really would like
to have it at my side.

GM: Portman frowns, but he doesn’t say anything.

Karin: I can live with his disapproval.

Taz: The whip and backpack are right out. Is there a place in this outfit for hiding a
pistol?

GM: Dresses are notoriously bad about pockets. Give me a DEX + INS roll to find a way
to secure it in your stockings.

Taz: Sixteen! I guess some of these damned ties are more useful than I thought.
GM: Well, with a roll like that, you might be
able to run without having an accident.
Master Wright is unarmed and Amanda does
not appear to have a weapon. Portman
escorts the crew back to the main entry and
turns left towards the West wing. At a set
official double doors, he knocks and then
swings the doors open, “Count Bramm, the
Ferros party is here to see you.”

The room appears to be a well appointed

office and where the Count conducts his
business. It’s lavish without being overly
pretentious. The Count cuts an impressive
figure in blue and white. And, is a couple
notches in quality above Wright’s outfit. He
rises from his desk and motions to a woman
in a maroon and white leather jacket who also
rises.

Bramm: “Welcome guests. I am, of course,

Count Orwen Bramm of White Cliff and this is
my other esteemed guest Countess Talia
Muldoven of The Free City of Muldoven in the
far off land of Kermos.”

Wright: “Thank you for seeing us, Count

Bramm. I am Guild Master Jon Wright of
Ferros and this is Miss Taz of America. She is
a visiting diplomat and has been sent here by
the Queen… to learn more of our ways.”

GM: Bramm nods and raises an appraising

eye brow at Taz while Wright continues.
Wright: “Behind me are Sgt. Stonekiller and
Sister Shade, they have been assigned by the Queen as Miss Taz’s guard. And finally,
but not least is Miss Amanda Cronus, my aide and chronicler of the expedition.”

GM: Yes, that last bit might a little bullshit, but it also gives Amanda more standing and
a reason for being here. Wright takes an aggressive stance, points at Talia, and almost
shouts.

Wright: “Why is she not in chains!?”

GM: Let’s draw some cards for Bramm’s and Muldoven’s reaction, Three of Wands
(reversed) – end of troubles, disappointment, toil and The World – assured success,
voyage, change of place. How appropriate!
Bramm: “Mr. Wright, I’m disappointed in you. Talia is my guest and under my protection
perhaps we should trade tales before you condemn her.”

Talia: “I can understand your outrage. It tells me that my idiot husband has followed
through on his plans for Ferros. I had hoped that my journey here could have prevented
any misfortune.”

Taz: “Too little, too late. Ferros is at war with Kermos.”

GM: The Countess definitely looks disappointed. Bramm motions for Wright and Taz to
have a seat at his desk with Countess Muldoven. Unfortunately, that leaves Othar,
Karin, and Amanda standing or sitting next to the main doors of the office.

Othar: It is what it is, I actually wasn’t expecting to get even this close to the Count.

Karin: We can always chip in on the details if needed.

Taz: I’m not particular keen on sharing intel with the enemy. I already suspect that they
have spies and better communication gear. Looking at Talia’s picture, the thing around
her neck looks very much like a radio or other wireless device.

GM: Unfortunately, Wright has no problem sharing his outrage and dragging you in to
provide details. Oh, you are sitting between Wright and Muldoven, so he can’t reach out
and choke her. In a nutshell, what details do you want to share?

Taz: There’s a fine line between what I want the Count and Countess to know. I’ll
mention the bombing, the rescue of the Queen without mentioning my demonic nature,
the loss of the king, my mission, and a short version of our battle with StormCrow.

GM: The Count takes that all in as well as Wright’s account of the ambush of the
caravan. Every now and then giving a sidelong glance to Talia. Is Wright discrete about
the battle? The Fool (reversed) – negligence, carelessness, vanity. Uh, no.

Wright: “Oh, you should have seen this hell cat unleashing her powers of lightning and
fire, wielding pistol and whip like a scythe of death!”
GM: Both the Count and Countess look at Taz with a mix of emotions on their faces.

Karin: I whisper to Othar, “Oh, this is going to be good.”

GM: Time for a panic check?

Taz: No, but dying from embarrassment is a different kind of torture. I do a facepalm
and sigh. “It wasn’t all that dramatic, I had a strong shield and sword at my side.” I
turn and give a nod to Othar and Karin.

Wright: “And then she banished the StormCrow and turned him into a cloud of smoke!”

Taz: “And... he did that all on his own, I have my suspicions. He might be aligned with
some dark forces. Amanda, do you have any insight on that?”
GM: Does she? As a sage and observer, she’s had plenty of chances to get close to him.
Time to pull a card, Seven of Swords (reversed) - good advice, instruction, slander.
Pretty good, if not perfect.

Amanda: I’ll stand and report, “Crow… Um, StormCrow certainly has something dark to
his nature, a grudge to hold against White Cliff and probably now, Miss Taz. While he
did not openly worship any dark entities, his manner of speech, and some markings on
his body indicate a possible fey heritage. As an ex-mercenary, he certainly had the
martial and leadership skills to be a credible threat. If he had the manpower, he would
have been an even more significant danger to White Cliff. Analysis indicates that he will
return probably with alternate plans to sabotage White Cliff since raising a bandit army
or leading a popular revolt against Count Bramm did not succeed. And, he lost several
friends and key people in the last battle. If the Count can resist the temptation to
execute the prisoners, there might be an opportunity to use them as bait for a trap.”

Bramm: Laughing, “Most insightful.” Turning to Master Wright, “I see why you brought
her. She has a keen eye for detail.”

GM: Muldoven nods. What are her feelings about the crew and news? Nine of Swords –
death, failure, despair.

Muldoven: “I see that my mission is a failure. My crew and I have risked much but have
nothing to give or gain.”

Taz: “I wouldn’t say that. We have so much to learn about Kermos, it’s technology and
culture. And, you probably forced your husband’s hand. His clumsy move has only
angered the people of Ferros.”

Wright: “His ‘clumsy move’ killed King Jerrod!”

Taz: “...and made him a martyr, forced Queen Elaine to declare war, and accelerate any
resistance to attack to by Kermos. Any chance for a blitzkerig has been squandered.”

Bramm: “Blitzkrieg?”
Taz: I wave my hand in the air, “Ah, lightning war, the use of mechanized warfare to
quickly overwhelm and bypass static defenses before a nation can deploy their own
reactionary forces.”

GM: Give me an INS roll.

Taz: Double 7! Let’s go with information for the opportunity.

GM: A quick look passes over the Countess’s face, it’s a combination of how did you
know and who the hell are you? She shakes her head and the mask falls back into
place.

Karin: I want to get in on that… Ah, double ones, that’s a fumble. Well, at least I get a
fabula point. How does that play out?
GM: Oh, it’s a plot twist for sure. The Countess reads the room and addresses Taz.

Muldoven: “I see. You’re the most dangerous person in this room. Any chance I can
convince you to work for Kermos? I can assure you a most generous payment and
accommodations better fitting than what Ferros has to offer.”

Bramm: A bit miffed in his arrogance, “Here now!”

Taz: I put up a hand to silence the Count for a second, “She means technology.” “Sorry
Countess, I can’t leave Ferros while your husband considers bombing civilians a viable
tactic.”

GM: Let’s see how she takes that refusal. Ace of Pentacles (reversed) - greed, bad data,
wealth without happiness. Muldoven pouts, obviously disappointed. This meeting has
not worked out nearly as well as she planned. She stands up.

Muldoven: “Count Bramm, I thank you for your hospitality. But, it seems my time here
is done.”

Karin: I don’t get up, but I clearly touch the hilt of my sword.

GM: The move is not lost on on either the Count or the Countess.

Bramm: “I gave my word. She is free to go.”

Karin: I slowly remove my hand.

GM: The Countess is too proud to run out the room, but she take the time to remember
everyone’s face, especially yours Karin.

Karin: I give her a polite, if predatory, smile as she passes.

GM: As the doors close, Bramm claspes his hands and stretches like he’s getting down to
business.

Bramm: “Well, Miss Taz, for a diplomat you seem to have ruffled her feathers.”

Taz: “I’m… more of a trouble shooter. I don’t think she was going to let me disassemble
her toys to see out they work.”

Bramm: “Even if the Countess is trouble, no shooting in my house.”

Taz: “Sorry, I meant that as a problem solver.”

Othar: I got to chime in, “Sometimes that does requires some shooting… sir.”

Taz: “Not helping...”

Wright: “So, if she was so quick to buy Miss Taz’s loyalty, what did she offer you?”
Bramm: “Oh, the usual, peace, protection, and trade. Only spoken with that arrogance
you get when you’re talking to the dumb locals. We might not have airships, but we are
not savages. I don’t think she understood what makes White Cliff special.”

GM: Let’s see what trick Bramm has up his sleeve. Three of Cups (reversed) -
completion, achievement, end of a job. Bramm pulls out a map tube from under his
desk.

Bramm: “I asked Q over at the Academy to scry on our visitor.”

GM: Bramm begins to unroll a collection of diagrams and drawings of the Countess’s
airship, including interior views and schematics. Bramm motions for Othar, Karin, and
Amanda to come closer.

Taz: “Q as in the letter or queue as the waiting line?”

Amanda: “Wizard Q is the headmaster of the White Cliff Academy of Knowledge. Early
in his career, Professor Quill Gryffin taught classes in Arcane magic at the Academy. His
students called him Q before he was officially granted the title and adopted it as his
wizard name.”

GM: Bramm looks up from his papers a little bit surprised.

Bramm: “That was over a decade ago.”

Amanda: “I visited him as a child before the Gary Plague closed the roads.”

Bramm: “So, you’re related to…”

Amanda: “His daughter. But, my interests and talents do not align with my father.”

GM: Bramm nods and decides to not press the point.

GM: The drawings are surprisingly good, but they are lacking in some details. The lifting
gas is not specified, but from the schematics it is easy to see that it is not hot air. The
drive is interesting in that it seems to be some kind of forced air system. Perhaps it is
similar to your pistol in that elemental magic is used. That would significantly reduce
the weight of engines and fuel. Still, it is small and cramped with a cabin for the
Countess, a gallery, stores, a common room for the crew, and the bridge. There is no
sign of cannon or other heavy weapons. Perhaps the crew lean out the windows and
shoot pistols or arrows at each other. This ship is a courier or scout at best.

Taz: “What about their wireless communications?”

Karin: “Their what?”

Taz: “The thing around her neck.”

Bramm: “That ugly piece of jewelry has a function?”

Taz: “I’m pretty sure that thing is a communication device. After all, she knew that we
coming, but there was no airship in the vicinity of the castle when we left. On top of
that, there is a good bet that there are one or more spies in the City of Ferros with a
matching transmitter. Hopefully, they’re limited in range, if they can reach all the way
from the Capital to here, that can put us at a tactical disadvantage.”

Karin: “You’re doing it again.”

Taz: “What?”

Karin: “Talking like a general. Do your people always act that way?”

Taz: “No… we… I… just overthink things. It’s an occupational hazard.”

Othar: I’m smirking, again. “So, you had a job where overthinking was a hazard?”

Taz: “No… ugh… I used to be… ah, how to get this to even make sense… in a job that
required intense analytical thinking. I did that for a long time. It’s a habit.”

Bramm: “How long? You look barely old enough, well, for anything.”

Taz: I give Karin’s hand a ‘trust me’ squeeze. “Three decades… and before that... 12
years in a military support role… and before that... 12 years as a student.”

Othar: “Can I call you Grandma Taz?”

Taz: “Only if you want slapped.”

Karin: “And here I thought I was going to be your mentor.”

Taz: “I still have so much to learn about this world and all of you. The first step to
wisdom is knowing what you don’t know. That’s one reason the Queen sent me here.”

It’s a Really Nice Lunch

GM: That’s a perfect time to break for lunch
with the Count. Is the Count married? Nine of
Cups - personal contentment, success,
advantage. Very and it is a good one. Countess
Rose Bramm will entertain the ladies while
Orwen Bramm will converse with the men. Did
Talia take off? The Hierophant (reversed) -
society, concord, weakness.

Surprisingly enough, she didn’t take off and

seems to be getting along famously with Rose.
Maybe it is a royals or a redhead thing.
GM: Let’s fast track this scene a bit. Each of you give me goal and a roll for it.

Othar: Well, I want military information like how strong the Royal Wardens are and
White Cliff in general. Ya know, I’m going to burn 20 MP and turn that into story time
about our travels, encounters, and how the way should be clear for the Wardens to
resume their patrols. And, I got a 3 for INS.

GM: The story is a good one, but the Baron is not impressed with the Wardens. He
thinks that they are not well prepared for their duties. It’s not so much a statement on
their numbers as a snarky comment on their foppish Captain and their usefulness in
their intended role (road safety, transportation of mail, courier duties, etc.)

Karin: I did not expect Countess Muldoven to be still around. That’s awkward. I feel she
should apologize but also that I should also apologize. So, let’s have a polite face off
and see how that goes. I would also like to get a closer look at that necklace thing she
has. And, I got a 15 for INS.

GM: Lets draw a card for her attitude. Justice - equity, rightness, executive action.

Muldoven: Speaking to both Karin and Taz, “My apologies for leaving the meeting early.
I had to collect myself since my spontaneous offer was out of line.”

Karin: “As were my actions, I did not put on good face for the Sisters and I could have
showed more restraint.”

Rose: “Trouble?”

Talia and Karin: “No.”

GM: While you get a good look at the necklace, you have no idea how it works or what
the knobs and buttons do. You do notice the clasp and could probably remove it quickly
if you had to.

Taz: I rather work on my relationship with Karin and Amanda. I’ll complement Amanda
on her analysis and hopefully she’ll pick up that I know what I’m doing and still
appreciate her. I’ll talk to Karin and Rose about the dishes that have been presented
and ask how White Cliff cuisine differs from Muldoven fare. Generally trying to be as
charming as possible. And, I got a 10, just barely.

GM: Surprisingly enough, food is a safe topic that everyone can discuss. Rose is proud
of her staff, Talia is informative, Karin and Amanda are both grateful for something that
isn’t camp food. Countess Bramm’s weakness is curiosity. So, when she’s comfortable
enough, no doubt she’ll ask for something strange. Oh! She wants to touch your horns.
Is that something you will allow?

Taz: I’ll be a little bit sheepish about it, but I’ll consent. Hell, I’ll invite all the ladies to
give it a go if it will satisfy their curiosity. But, I’ll warn them that the tips are sharp.
GM: It’s strange being the center of attention and it sets your heart a flutter. But is a
small group and it is kind of a passive thing where all you have to do is not make any
sudden moves. And, it’s not like the horns have a sense of touch. However, they are
connected to your skull. You can feel the pressure of every stroke and poke.

Taz: “Ah, is it getting a little warm in here?”

GM: You seem to have drawn the attention of the men folk at the other end of the table.

Taz: No! They don’t get a turn. This is getting too weird as it is.

Othar: Aw, I’m feeling left out. Damn my handsome and manly genetics. (grinning)
Well, I do have to keep Master Wright from getting the Count all riled up. After all, that
diplomatic protection card works in both directions for Taz and Talia.

GM: Lunch goes off without anything else getting caught on fire. The Count has a lot on
his plate like the death of King Jerrod, the declaration of war on Kermos, the road to the
capital being cleared, and how to keep Countess Muldoven and her crew from being torn
limb from limb by an angry mob.

Master Wright wants to set up a return trip with goods, people, mail, etc. He’ll also offer
to sell the gear that you accumulated. Wright does give the Warden armor and shield to
Captain Giles, after all, he probably knew the poor fellow that wore it. He sells the rest
for the usual 50% price. So, that’s 925z for the kitty. Technically, the wagon and Lazy
May belong to Master Wright, so he’ll keep those for now. Master Wright will take it
upon himself to re-provision all the basic gear that Amanda lost to the bandits.

So, let’s to a little house keeping and down time. Everyone gains a level and a bond if
they want. Does Amanda join the party? Seven of Cups (reversed) - desire, will,
determination. That’s a yes, despite her misgivings about Taz’s association with her
father, she sees how the party is a force for the good of Ferros.

Downtime or more plot?

Karin: How about a little of both? I still want to talk to White Cliff’s Mother.

Othar: Well, if Karin if off to visit the Sacred Flame, that leaves me to act as a body
guard for Taz.

Amanda: We should probably see Wizard Q and ask if he has learned anything more.

GM: Okay, let’s handle Karin’s encounter first.

The White Cliff Mission

GM: The Sisters of the Sacred Flame has missions in every big town. A few questions to
Portman will get you in the going in the right direction (draws Two of Cups) and it is not
far away at all. In fact, it is probably in the same square as Count Bramm’s mansion.
Karin: That’s convenient. I’ll grab my gear and head on over to the mission house.

GM: Like a lot of the buildings in this area, it has white walls and clay tiles for a roof.
The symbol of the sacred flame graces the archway of the main entrance. The main hall
is traditionally the receiving point for people needing care. Just inside the entrance is a
half sized statue of Queen Elaine.

Karin: I give the statue a quick bow of respect and touch her hand.

GM: One of the staff approaches, she’s wearing a more practical nurse’s garb rather than
the white combat tunic of the Sacred Flame. All are sisters here, but not all are the
same station or as skilled. She looks at you questioningly, not recognizing you as one of
the White Cliff sisters.

Karin: “I’m Karin Shade of Ferros. I’d like to see the Mother.”

GM: “Oh.” Then her eyes widen at the implication of that. “OH!” (Draws King of Cups -
a fair man, intelligence, art and science.) “Did the King and Queen send you? How did
you get past the bandits?”

Karin: I smile. “That is exactly why I must speak to her.”

GM: Drawing the Page of Cups - driven to serve, studious youth, meditation. “Oh, she is
in court yard with some students.” She leads you to a far door that opens into a small
court yard that is neatly decorated with some nice pots and greenery. In the center of
the open area is a semi-circle of stone benches on which half a dozen teenage girls are
observing an old woman in white robes as she weaves some magic into ritual circles.

Karin: I’ll respectfully bow and take a back bench among with the students.

GM: A couple of students turn to look at you, but the old woman doesn’t miss a beat and
continues on with her magic.

Karin: I give the girls a scowl and whisper, “Eyes front.”

GM: With a bit of embarrassment, they return to their study and the class continues.
You’re a bit surprised as you take in the ritual, it is rather advanced for such young
students. (Draws Three of Swords - removal, division, dispersion.) It appears to be
some combination of protection and banishment rituals for angry spirits. Perhaps White
Cliff is need of exorcists or they have a problem with ghosts?

When the ritual is complete, there is a gentle spherical pulse of spirit energy and you
can even feel a slight push against your own soul like a gentle breeze or puff of wind.
Karin: That’s creepy, the idea that a powerful ritual could knock the soul right out of a
your body. It might be a lot more forceful if you did not have a body as an anchor.

GM: Mother speaks with a strong and commanding voice only a little tempered by age,
“Go. Study your forms. Practice. There will a test tomorrow morning.”

Karin: I almost want to get up and join them.

GM: The Mother walks over to you, “So, you’re the mysterious Sister in Count Bramm’s
house.” Before you can get up, she takes a seat next to on the bench and sighs.
Karin: Is she okay? I want to roll INS, I got a 12.

GM: Oh, she looks fit as a fiddle for someone her age. It might have been a long class
or a magic hungry ritual. She’s certainly not standing on formality. There is a long
pause…

Karin: Oh, duh. “I’m Sister Karin Shade of Ferros. I bring greetings from Mother Swan
Bentham and Queen Elaine. I bear important news from the Capital.”
Reese: “Welcome to our humble mission, Sister Shade. I am Mother Reese Middleton.”

I basically give her an info dump of the terrible news that has befallen the castle and
king, of our travels and trouble with drakes and bandits, and the meeting with Count
Bramm and Countess Muldoven.

GM: The Mother nods as she takes in all the news for better and worse. She remains
quiet while you bring her up to speed on current events. When you pause she speaks.

Reese: What do you make of this strange creature, Miss Taz.

Karin: I sigh maybe with a bit of a smile. “She’s a pile of contradictions; cute, scary,
demonic.” I stop and roll my eyes, “Outsider is what she calls herself. She’s young and
clueless while being old and wise. Taz is kind to horses but will shoot a man in the back
if she thinks that she has been betrayed.”

GM: Does Reese throw a curve ball at Karin? Five of Swords - destruction, dishonor, loss.

Reese: “Is she going to be a danger to Ferros?”

Karin: “I don’t think so. She’s already turned down a generous offer from the Countess.”

Reese: “And what do you know of this America she speaks of?”

Karin: Okay, I pause and think, “Not much, it sounds like wonderful but also violent
place. She can talk like a general, a tinker, a researcher, but at the same time she
barely knows her way around a potato.”

GM: It is the Mother’s turn to ponder.

Reese: “Well, keep an eye on her. We’re going to need allies like America if war has
come to Ferros. Please keep the Sisters in the know if you find out more.”

GM: She waves you off with a little whisking motion of her hand.

Reese: “Now go with the blessing of the Sacred Flame.” She pauses as you stand, “I’ll
write a letter to Mother Bentham for your return. Oh, I did see your interest in our little
class, if you wish to sit in during your stay at White Cliff, you’re more than welcome.”

Karin: I’ll give her a small bow and leave Mother Middleton to her rest.

Quill Gryffin, Wizard at Large

GM: After lunch you break up with Karin heading out of the Bramm manor. Amanda can
act as a guide since she has been to the Academy before. Let’s draw to see how far
away that is, King of Wands - a dark man, friendly, honest. Ugh, distance zero, sort of.
Quill: “Amanda! Long time no see. How’s my worst student doing?”

Amanda: “Professor Gryffin! Um, ah.. congratulations on making Wizard. I didn’t

expect to see you here.”

GM: Quill shrugs casually, but sharp eyes take in the room and the people present.

Quill: “Oh, I was in the neighborhood and I heard that we had even more visitors. And
here I thought White Cliff was getting boring.”

GM: He does a sloppy bow in the direction of royalty and then snags a piece of cheese
from the table. The Count raises a mug in an equally casual greeting, but does not
move any closer.

Quill: Nom, nom, “Mandy, you must introduce me to your friends.”

Othar: Mandy?
Amanda: Shut. I was ten years old when I had to sit in his classes. Sigh.

“The gentleman talking with the Count is Master Jon Wright of Ferros. I was working
with him as part of a caravan that tried to push through from the capital. Unfortunately,
we got ambushed by StormCrow and his men. They slaughtered most of the guards and
captured the survivors. In a bit of ironic justice, our rescuers caught StormCrow and his
lieutenants by surprise while the majority of the other bandits were away.”

Quill: “Sorry to hear that, but I am glad that you have made it through a bad situation.”

Amanda: I’ll give him a nod, but that’s the end of that story for now. “As to the heroes
that rescued us. Sister Shade is at the Mission. The watchman next to Master Wright is
Sgt. Stonekiller, also from Ferros. And, the one you can’t seem to stop sneaking a peek
at, is Miss Taz from America. Yes, the horns are real. She says she’s a diplomat.”

Quill: “A diplomat you say? That young lady and she also helped to best StormCrow?”

Amanda: “I’m sure if you ask, she’ll tell you it’s complicated. I’m also pretty sure she’s
in league with my father. She didn’t arrive with an entourage. She just appeared in the
castle one day and saved the Queen and a bunch of other people from a raging inferno
or so I’ve been told.”

Othar: I’ll excuse myself from the Count and Master Wright. I’ll assume when the good
Count toasted the new visitor, he mentioned that it was the Wizard Q.

GM: That’s reasonable. Wright is looking to get some support from the Count, the
Wardens, and any local guild members for a return trip. So, he’s chatting up logistics
and other business stuff.

Othar: Along the way to the other end of the table, I’ll scoop up Taz by the elbow.

Taz: “Hey, I was enjoying that…”

GM: Cherry cobbler.

Taz: “...cherry cobbler.” I inhale the aroma and sigh.

Othar: “The fellow in the floppy hat is the Wizard Q. He carries a lot of weight in White
Cliff.”

Taz: “I know.”

Othar: I stop in my tracks. “What? You know? Why didn’t you join Amanda?”

Taz: “Cherry. Cobbler. Also, I wanted to see how they interacted with each other. If I
waltzed into the middle of their conversation, I probably would have shut it down cold.”
Othar: “Is the cherry cobbler that good?”

Taz: I carve off a slice for Othar. “Grab a chair and enjoy.”

Othar: “The cobbler or the conversation?”

Taz: “Yes.”

Amanda: Done flirting?

Taz: Can’t talk, eating. (grin)

Quill: “So, are those two a thing?”

Amanda: I turn to look at the ‘audience’ eating cobbler together. “I’m not sure. I think
they’re more like battle brothers. Between them and Sister Shade, they made quick
work of any bandits and drakes they encountered on the road.”

GM: Do the Countesses join in? Ace of Wands - creation, invention, inheritance. Well,
well, a very low draw. Countess Bramm actually steers Countess Muldoven away from
the Wizard. What does she know? Or, is she just trying to rescue her husband from the
enthusiastic Master Wright? (grin)

Amanda: I use his title and try to lead him away. “Wizard Q, we have much to discuss.
Let’s retire to my suite.”

GM: I gotta roll for that, does Quill take it seriously? INS+WIL = 11

Quill: Nodding, “Yes, a private conversation might be prudent.”

Amanda: I motion with my head that Othar and Taz should follow.

Othar: “I think that’s our invitation, Taz.”

Taz: I just realized I don’t have a purse.

Othar: Cobbler does not travel well in a napkin.

GM: Everyone retreats to the lady’s guest suite, it has a parlor that can serve as a
meeting room. I take it that you’re going to do the good news/bad news thing as well
as mention your travels and encounters?

Taz: Sure, we can give Q the same brief that we gave the Count. I’ll also include the
part where I am older than I look. Won’t hurt to gain a little respect. *

* Foreshadowing, this goes hilariously wrong.

Othar: This seems to get longer with each re-telling. I look for some refreshments.
GM: A bottle of house wine and some glasses would not be out of place here.

Othar: “Sorry, no apple juice.”

Taz: “Just a little bit, I have to find out how much I can tolerate at some time.”

Quill: “A weakness to alcohol?”

Taz: “More like I used to react badly to fermented drink.”

Quill: “Used to?”

Taz: “It’s complicated.”

Amanda: “See, I told you.”

Taz: “You told him what?”

Amanda: “Don’t worry, it isn’t complicated.”

GM: Quill quietly takes note of the little bit of friction.

Taz: Is Karin back? I don’t want to get too deep into the weeds without her.

GM: Always a good excuse for a card draw. The High Priestess - secrets, mystery,
wisdom. Speak of the devil, err… sister. Karin, you return to the lady’s suite only to find
that you have company. Introductions are done and a glass of wine is set down in front
of you. Taz, I need a MIG+WIL check.

Taz: Oh, that a 9, was it an easy check?

GM: Do you want sick or tipsy?

Taz: Oh, not an easy check. You know, in a land without soda or coffee, I better take to
wine and just over estimate my body mass and tolerance for the stuff.

GM: Perception checks around the table. Taz got a four, of course. Quill rolled a five
and missed. Othar rolled a ten, barely. Amanda got a thirteen. Karin rolled a five.

Karin: I’m going to invoke my trait, gifted medic, and burn a Fabula point. I got an 11.
I first look at her thinking what’s wrong? Is she poisoned? Then I realize that I have
never seen her drink wine or beer before.

Gm: Okay, everyone that knows Taz made their rolls and realize that Taz might have
overdid it on the wine like a little kid for the first time and is bit tipsy. Not falling down
drunk, but she certainly has a glow to her.

Amanda: Oh, this should be good.

Quill: “Miss Taz, the part that I don’t understand is how you got to Ferros to begin with.”

Taz: “Since you are the wizardly type, you’re going to figure it out eventually. The
Wizards Council summoned me the night before the bombing. I think it took all three of
them to perform the ritual. But, there was some friction from Astra and Mercurio. They
wanted a champion, a demon, a seasoned veteran, and they got all that.” Laughing out
loud. “But, I think something got messed up.”

GM: Give me two Hard INS rolls…

Taz: Well, 15 on the first and a 5 on second.

GM: Here a secret note for you...

Taz: Ah! Oh. I look down in my glass. “We pretty much know there is a Muldoven spy in
the city of Ferros because of the Countess’s advance knowledge of us traveling to White
Cliff. But, what if the Count of Muldoven struck not because of the Countess’s defection,
but because I was in the castle?”

Karin: I give Taz a squeeze on her shoulder. “There’s no way you could have known that
your mere presence would have endangered the royal family or the council.”

Quill: “You said that you thought the summoning was messed up. Why?”

Taz: “Well, based on the reactions from the other two wizards, I think Wizard Cronus
was supposed to summon a monster. But, what if it was a Heart’s Desire spell?”

Othar: “A what?”

Taz: I cover my face so I can’t see Amanda. “What if he wanted a son or daughter?
One that could wield combat magic?”

Quill: Snorts. “That’s…”

Amanda: “Plausible. Father was crushed after he learned that I had no magical talent.”

Othar: “What are you actually? Diplomat, demon, outsider, weapon, or replacement?”

Taz: I take a big swig from the glass and place my head in Karin’s lap.

Karin: I’ll steer those horns gently away from my tits.

Taz: Sighing. “I think... I’m dead.”

Karin: I stroke Taz’s hair. “Don’t be stupid.” In a kind way, with no malice.

Othar: “Miss Taz, you might want to slow down on the wine.”
Quill: “She might be kind of right. What if they plucked her out of the River of Souls?”
Amanda: “Souls don’t come back with fifty years of training and experience. They know
how to suckle and shit. Do you actually remember dying?”

Taz: “No, but there was a blinding light.”

Othar: “Great. The diplomat thing is a lie and we can expect no troops from America.”

Taz: “You don’t need troops, you need guns for Avalon.”

GM: That’s a group WTH? Give me a WIL save, you’re in a really comfortable place.

Karin: She’s going to puke in my lap, isn’t she?

Taz: And, I roll snake eyes. FP+1 and who gets the opportunity?

GM: It’s more of a group thing. Karin, less puke and, ah, nuzzling and snuggling.

Karin: Yeah, that’s not awkward. “Ah, let me put her to bed.”

Amanda: Turning to Wizard Q, “Well, we were supposed to talk to you about gathering
additional information on Kermos. But it seems, we only ending up getting additional
information about her. It’s…”

Quill: “Complicated?”

Amanda: “Aggravating. But, that is still something to mull over. Perhaps we can meet
at the Academy tomorrow, and away from the wine bottle?”

GM: Let’s draw and see how Q feels about that. The Tower (reversed) - oppression,
imprisonment, tyranny.

Quill: “Yes, we need to decide what to do about Kermos. Now that we are at war, we
have to determine a course of action and what to do with the Countess. I don’t think we
can let her leave the city.”

Othar: I gently pick up Taz. “Where?”

GM: Taz, I want a perception roll (INS+WIL = double 7s) What does that look like?

Taz: I wrap my tail around Othar and lean in closer. Adding a bond of affection.

Quill: “She has a tail?”

Othar: I give them an equally confused and awkward look. “I… I’ll just drop her off on
her bed. Karin, she’s all yours after that.”
GM: Well, that was a day that I didn’t expect. Let’s do an encounter check after Taz is
put to bed. Four, nothing unusual happens, yet. Wizard Q excuses himself, curiosity
partially satisfied. Any down time actions?

Amanda: Let’s officially get some travel gear and equipment from Master Wright.

Othar: I want to ask Portman about the Kermosian crew. Once the news gets out, their
safety and that of the Countess will be at risk. Hey, I got a 10 on my INS+WIL check.

GM: Drawing Five of Pentacles - trouble, destitution, suffering together. Portman,

always with his ear to the ground, replies.

Portman: “The crew has moved to their airship. They were not happy about losing the
freedoms that the Count had granted them. But, once they learned that there was a
declaration of war, they became more agreeable to the cramped quarters.”

GM: Further chit-chat reveals that food and water will be provided via rope so they are
not under siege even if some of the White Cliff hospitality has dried up. The Countess is
still a guest of the house.

Karin: Just in case you haven’t tried, getting a drunk girl out of a dress and petticoats
can be quite a hassle.

Othar: Raises hand.

Karin: Shut, you.

Othar: I didn’t say anything.

Karin: But you were going to.

Othar: Dancing.

Karin: Really? ... Sure, why not? Tap, tap, tap. “Hey sleepy head, time to dance.”

Taz: In a half whisper, “Aw, I thought you would never ask.” I begin humming 'The Blue
Danube' waltz… badly.

GM: Drawing the Six of Cups - memories, new relationship or knowledge. Um, wow.
Karin, you think you know this song or something like it.

Karin: I take the lead since I’m taller (not counting the horns) and I don’t want Taz to
steer us into a wall. After a couple of measures, “We need to get you out of that dress.”

Taz: Still in a half whisper, “I thought you would never ask.” I untie a couple of knots.

GM: Thunk.

Karin: Thunk?
GM: Oh yeah, her petticoat fell right off because there was a pistol tied to it.

Taz: Giggling. “A girl needs a little protection.” Still humming, badly.

Karin: “Arms up.” And I pull the yellow dress over her head and horns. “Well, that was
easy.”

GM: Taz is still wearing her shift which would be the modern equivalent to a night gown.

Karin: “Off to bed, we have a busy day tomorrow.”

Taz: I give Karin a hug and go back to sleep.

Karin: I deflect her horns, again. “Taz?” Sigh, I carry her over to the bed and tuck her
in. I’ll leave the pistol on the night stand. After all, a girl needs a little protection.
The White Cliff Academy of Knowledge
GM: Let’s start the morning off with a MIG check for Taz. On the bright side, it is an
easy check since you didn’t get totally polluted yesterday.

Taz: I got an 11 on 2d6! Nice to have a high metabolism. But, I am ravenous since I
slept through dinner.

GM: Cool. We can skip the hangover and fast track through breakfast.

Amanda: I want to leave the nice dress here and wear my travel gear.

Karin: Expecting trouble?

Amanda: No, boys.

Taz: Oh. Well then, I’ll go with a hooded cloak and my adventure gear.

Amanda: I’ve seen your combat tunic and skirt. I predict a lot of nose bleeding.

Karin: One benefit of the Sisters is that our official garb is good for most occasions.

Othar: Well, I don’t plan to be on Watch business, so I’ll forego the armor and weapons.

Taz: So much for being my bodyguard…

Othar: Heh, Karin has her blade. I can handle any rowdy boys.

GM: Sounds like a plan. Let’s do a three card draw for the Academy; distance, size, and
condition or state. The Ace of Cups, The Devil (reversed), The Moon (reversed).

The Academy is not far at all, but it is

not a single building – it is a rambling
chaos of a dozen or more buildings.
For an active school, it is remarkably
quiet. You must have arrived at the
main gate between classes.

Amanda: The main offices are over

there.

GM: Mrs. Underhill, looked over her

glasses as the party entered and was
not impressed. Of course, it was her
job not be impressed. Does she
remember Amanda? Draw the Queen
of Swords. Well, that was unexpected.
That is pretty much the presence or
influence of the Countess Muldoven.
GM: We still need an answer and draw the Six of Wands - triumph, great news, hope.

Underhill: “Have a seat, the Wizard is currently busy and he will be with you shortly.”

GM: She motions towards a row of hard wooden chairs, obviously meant for students
rather than guests. She then points a knobby finger at Amanda. “Not you.” Mrs.
Underhill then slowly stands up and walks around her desk to look at you. She’s not as
tall and intimidating as you remember.

Amanda: Old habits die hard. “Yes, ma’am.”

GM: The old woman pulls down her glasses and looks you over. Hmm. She walks
around you. Hmm. And then, she taps your shoulder with the wing of her glasses.

Underhill: “You still don’t have it. Did your father finally give up and let you use that
fine mind of yours for something constructive?”

GM: This is more than she has said to you than during your whole stay at the Academy
when you were younger. When you were a child, she mainly talked to your father.

Amanda: “No, he just gave up.”

Underhill: “Pity. Ferros can always use more chemists, inventors, and academics.” She
unfolds her glasses and puts them back on and glances over at the others. “No
applications. I take it that this is business?”

Amanda: “Academy business, we met Wizard Q at the Count’s house and he invited us
for a meeting this morning.”

Underhill: Tsk. “Leave it to Q to over book, again.” She then returns to her desk and
writes something in a log book. “He’ll see you now.”

GM: There’s something a little creepy about that timing because just as she says it, the
door to Wizard Q’s office opens. Let’s draw, Queen of Wands (reversed) - economical,
willing to bargain, infidelity. I swear, the cards know.

Countess Muldoven steps out and pauses for a half step. She sees Taz and there is
perhaps a guilty flush to her face.

Amanda: Can you do a Study action out of combat?

GM: Sure, there’s literally a section in the book called Studying an NPC.

Amanda: Rats, I got a six. Even if I tagged a bond, it would not be sufficient. I could
probably use ‘reckless sage’, but I don’t want to be obvious.

GM: The Countess is nice enough, but she does not say a word and beats a hasty exit.
Quill peers out from the door and waves you all to come in.
Taz: I think I know what’s going on.

GM: Wizard Q’s office is nice, if a bit more closed in and cluttered. It is not Count
Bramm nice, but it makes up for in books and scrolls.

Quill: “Come, come. Grab a seat.”

Taz: I take off my hood, “So, what did she offer you? She tried money and tech for me.”

Quill: “What? … Oh.” He adjusts his hat and starts counting fingers. “A private lab,
money, access to academics and students.” He blush/laughs, “And, I think a little name
dropping in the Muldoven court, to get me married off to one of the locals.”

Othar: “Jealous?”

Taz: “Hardly. Okay, maybe a little.”

Quill: Laughs, “Try getting a wizard title. Might I suggest the Academy of Knowledge at
White Cliff? I hear it is a very good school.” He spreads his arms wide.

Taz: “Tempting, but we’re here more as customers. We saw the map of the airship that
you had provided to the Count. Are you able to scry for their maps or listen in on their
communication devices?”

GM: Let’s draw to see how capable their magic is, Nine of Pentacles - prudence, safety,
caution.

Quill: “Hmm, it’s something we can look out for. The ritual needed requires a lot of
energy and some risk. So, we have to be careful that we are not detected.”

Amanda: “If it is not a state secret, what kind of ritual would allow your to spy on an air
ship?”

Quill: He does a sidelong glance at Karin, “It’s actually spirit magic. The caster’s spirit
leaves the body and can travel a limited distance and act as an observer.”

Karin: “That’s insane, doesn’t that kill the caster?”

Quill: “Just a little bit. That’s why it takes a rare and daring talent that will even risk it.”

GM: Karin, I need an INS roll.

Karin: I got a 15.

GM: Such a ritual would leave the body vulnerable to hostile spirits.

Karin: “Oh. Oh! You’re working with Mother Middleton on this insanity. She and her
students protect the body while the spirit travels.”
Quill: He taps the side of his nose, “Let’s keep that between ourselves. If the
Kermosians don’t know about it, they are less likely to be able to defend against it.”

Taz: I’m getting a queasy feeling that I might be a ‘hostile spirit’. “It’s great that we
have a good method for intelligence gathering, even if it has some limitations.”

Amanda: “The opposite side of that, what can we do to interfere with Kermosian
technology? Miss Taz, is confident that they have a long range communications device.”

Quill: “Well, until we can get our hands on one, I think we are limited. Come back to me
when you have that and I’m sure our scholars, magical and mundane, can find a way.”

Taz: “Down to business, we can’t let Count Muldoven indiscriminately bomb cities in
Ferros. I don’t think we can field any kind of air force, yet. So, our best bet for a short
term defense are light artillery or rockets. A steam powered rocket might be feasible,
but they could be expensive to make, and lack any guidance system.” I lay my pistol on
the table. “I need to know if we can scale this magic up. We need a much bigger
pressure chamber, a longer, rifled barrel, and a more aerodynamic projectile.”

GM: The rest of the room looks at you a little bewildered.

Othar: “I know those are words, but still don’t know what you said.”

Taz: I pinch my nose. “Okay. Air Force is a military unit capable of engaging aerial or
ground targets. It can be machines, air ships, or flying creatures like dragons. Um.
Artillery are very large guns that can hurl projectiles thousands of yards or even miles
down range. Rockets are large self propelled projectiles and emit a constant stream of
hot gases or steam to push them high into the sky. They usually have an explosive tip,
but we might have to go with extendable blades or something else. A guidance system
is a mechanical device that steers a rocket towards a target. Let’s see, rifling is a series
of spiraling grooves inside the barrel of a gun. This rapid twisting motion results in
better aerodynamics or the ability to move through the air. Add in a bullet with a
pointed shape and you cut through the air rather than smash through it.”

Othar: “And you know all of this off the top of your head?”

Taz: “Sure. I did say that the study of warfare was one of my hobbies. Also, we need to
steal one of those Kermosian bombs and see what they use for explosives since gun
powder is not a thing as far as I have seen. They obviously have something incendiary.”

Amanda: “Remind me to never visit America, it sounds like a land of constant warfare.”

Taz: “It’s actually a place of great works, arts, and natural beauty. I don’t have the
words to properly describe how large, complex, and diverse it is. Sure, it has problems,
all worlds do.”

Karin: “You said that said again, worlds. Plural. Why are you so sure that you are not
from this world? Perhaps America is just some far off land?”
Taz: “It’s more than a change of location. Nature, science, magic, even the skies above
are different. There are things in Ferros that I would have considered impossible. Well,
impossible to exist in America. So, the rules are different. Hell, it’s possible that the
rules in Kermos might be different from the rules of nature in Ferros.”

Karin: “So, you weren’t joking when you said the sun fell out of the sky?”

Taz: “Technically, it doesn’t fall, it passes below the horizon so the illusion is that it falls.”

Quill: “You seem quite well adjusted for a fish out of water.”

Amanda: “Stop! She’s doing it again. Let’s focus on the problem.”

Taz: “Sorry. My head space is all over the place. Guns, how do they work and how can
we massively upscale them?”

GM: Let’s draw and see if Quill actually knows and if there are any quirks to making
them. Seven of Wands - valor, discussion, negotiations. That’s a yes.

Quill: “It’s not too complicated, if you have the ingredients and the talent for elemental
rituals. With the roads being closed due to bandits and creatures, it it a lot harder to get
the crystals and iron you would need and it sounds like you’re going to need a lot.”

GM: Is Quill an elementalist? The Sun - material happiness, fortunate alliance or

marriage, contentment. No, but his wife is.

Quill: Raising his voice, “Mirth! Can you fetch my wife?”

Underhill: Shouting back through the door/wall, “I’ll send a runner!”

Quill: “I’ll put on a pot of tea while we wait.”

Karin: “If everyone doesn’t mind, I’d like to return to the Mission and learn more about
the rituals that Mother Middleton is teaching her students. Who knows when that will
come in handy.”

[The group has no problem with that.]

GM: Quill, begins his tea prep. Anyone want to go over anything?

Othar: “I take back what I said about you last night. What you know is more valuable
than a hundred men.”

Taz: “No problem, I kind of went to a dark place last night.”

Amanda: “I think I might follow Karin in skipping the tea. I’d really like to visit the
Academy’s library while I am here.”

Quill: “Well, at least grab a cookie.”

Amanda: A cookie sounds good. If Taz can have a whole conversation around cherry
cobbler, what do I get?

GM: Ginger snaps, baked fresh, crispy edges with just a bit of softness in the middle.
Do you catch Wizard Q’s wife as you exit the office? Wheel of Fortune - destiny, success,
luck. Of course. Do you know each other? Page of Wands - a lover, a rival, a
messenger. Indeed.

Violet: “Mandy! Long time no see!”

GM: With a cookie in your mouth, you can’t help feeling like a kid again, for better or
worse. Violet Nightgarden was the student that was ‘burdened’ with watching over you
when you were in White Cliff. She’s about five or six years your senior and should have
graduated by now rather than being a runner. I need an INS+WIL check.

Amanda: An easy 10. Let me guess, she’s Violet Gryffin now.

GM: Got it in one.

Amanda: “I didn’t expect to see you here. What a surprise! I’d love to stay and chat…”
NOT! “But I must head off to the Library to do some research.”

Quill: Chips in from the office, “Mrs. Underhill, please issue a pass to Miss Cronus.”

GM: Violet does a little girly finger wave goodbye, it is not meant to be demeaning but
she used to do the exact same thing when you were ten years old. Ha! I rolled a
double six for her persuasion check. She calls in a favor.

Violet: “Mandy, we must catch up! I can

send someone to fetch you tonight for
dinner. Where are you staying?”

Amanda: I straighten up a bit. “I’m

currently a guest of Count Bramm.”

GM: Does that faze her? Two of Cups -

friendship, agreement, sexual relations.
No, and she practically squeals with joy.

Violet: “Fantastic! We can dine with

Countess Bramm and Countess
Muldoven tonight. You must meet her,
she’s such a fascinating person.”

Amanda: I am dying inside.

GM: Blissfully, Mrs. Underhill hands you

a library pass.
Amanda: “See you tonight, Violet”, as I beat a hasty exit.

GM: Violet turns with a smile on her face, enters the office, and stops in her tracks.

Violet: “Quill? Darling, what am I looking at?”

Quill: Smiling broadly while handing out cookies and tea, “Why, she’s your new student.”

Othar: “Mrs. Gryffin, thank you for coming on such short notice.”

Quill: “Violet, this is Diplomat Taz from America. She’s an outsider. Othar here is her
bodyguard. The Queen has sent them here to learn more about Ferros. Miss Taz has
some interesting ideas about improving how our guns works and we need an expert on
elemental magic and rituals involved.”

Violet: “Wait, the Queen sent you? But the road…”

Taz: “We had to kick some ass along the way. It’s still not safe, but we broke
StormCrow’s control over the road to the capital.”

Othar: “Amanda can fill you in on the details, she’s heard the story a few times now.”

Amanda: (not present) Thanks for throwing me under the bus.

Karin: (also not present) Wait, we can toss in snarky comments when we’re not in the
scene?

GM: Yes, but let’s not make a habit of it or this scene will be twenty pages long.

Taz: “Right. I understand the principles of steam guns, but we need to take that to the
next level and start throwing projects several thousand yards.”

Violet: “We? As in you and...?”

Quill: “Dear, sit down. We, have some bad news to share.”

Taz: I’ll give her the abbreviated version about the bombing, the death of King Jared,
the Queen’s declaration of war with Kermos, and Count Bramm’s promise of protection
for Talia Muldoven and her crew.

“So, the Countess is not the enemy, yet. It’s possible she might be a potential ally, a
diplomat, a liaison, or at worst a political hostage.”

GM: Let’s see how well she takes that news. Drawing The Magician (reversed) - mental
illness, disgrace, disquiet. Oh, that’s not good. Violet actually starts crying and Quill
moves to comfort her.
Quill: “Hey, hey. I know you have made friends with the Countess. But, she was in the
same meeting with Count Bramm when the news came. This attack was not her doing.
But, at the same time, Ferros must protect itself.”

Othar: “Count Bramm has not made an official announcement of this news. But, I am
sure that it will leak out at some point even if doesn’t. Some steps have already been
taken to protect his guests.”

Taz: Can Othar and I make Persuasion checks to help Quill calm down?

GM: Sure, let me see your INS+WIL rolls. I see a 4 from Othar and a 16 from Taz.
That’s a critical success. What opportunity do you want to gain?

Taz: It feels a little dirty, but I’ll take a favor instead giving the bonus to Q.

GM: Fair enough, Quill rolls INS+WIL+1 and gets a 9. Since none of you have a bond
with Quill, I think that roll sticks.

Taz: I could invoke ‘duty’, but I already got a favor due, so I will save the Fabula point.

Violet: “I’m sorry, I’m not a good place to teach right now. I promise to help Diplomat
Taz, perhaps tomorrow.” She stands up, gives her husband a hug, and leaves.

Othar: “Well, that could have gone better.”

Quill: Taking a bite of his cookie, “Violet is the firefly to my stone. She’ll be fine even if
she wears her heart on her sleeve.”

GM: Let pick up the pace. Is there anything else you want from Wizard Q or the
Academy of Knowledge?”

Othar: Actually I do have something, the school teaches magical and mundane. Do they
craft enhanced weapons?

GM: Let’s draw. Page of Swords, normally I would call that faction interference, but due
to the nature of the question, I’ll take that as a ‘Yes, And’ result.

Quill: The Wizard almost almost offended, “The Academy has some of the finest metal
workers in all of Ferros. They can take that Watchmen axe of yours and turn it into a
finely tuned cutting machine.”

Taz: “Excellent, that answers my next question. To create the kind of guns I imagine,
they are going to have to maintain much higher pressures than a pistol if we don’t want
it to explode.” I then go into a brainstorming montage with Q drawing sketches with
long rifled barrels, shaped projectiles, and re-enforced steam reservoirs.”
GM: I can see that montage expanding as Wizard Q and you all go and visit various
workshops (with Taz’s cloak hood pulled up), Othar inspecting various axe designs, and
you hashing out design details with various instructor/craftsmen. Othar, you’re not
going to get a super weapon out of this deal, but you can certainly get a better quality
one. Pick +1 accuracy, +4 damage, or piercing.

Othar: Oh, piercing would be nice, but that really does not fit a mundane axe. I already
have a pretty good to-hit roll, so let’s go for the damage boost.

GM: Let’s switch gears to Karin and Amanda.

Amanda: My afternoon will be spent diving into the library lore since I have have not
had access to the Academy’s wonderful library.

GM: Sure give me an INS roll, a WIS roll, and a perception check.

Amanda: I got a 15, double eights!, and a 4. Well, they can’t all be golden.

GM: You found some good intel on all kind of things including local events. Amazingly
enough you don’t get lost in stacks and remember that you have an invite for tonight.
I’m going to pick your opportunity since it is related to your punctuality. Information,
you find a book on Fey lore. But, you do not have time to read it, so you check it out for
later. What you don’t know is that you’ve been under constant surveillance. We’ll call
that a little foreshadowing.

Karin: Peachy, it must be pick on Amanda day. For my afternoon action, I’ll visit the
Mission and learn more about the those spirit protection rituals.

GM: That should be an easy ask, but I’m still going to draw in case something odd
comes up. Knight of Cups - arrival, invitation, incitement. Of course, something comes
up. The learning is straight forward and since you already know spirit rituals, you have
it easier than the little sisters (trainees.) Mother Middleton is so confident that she
actually calls you out to do a practical example of what you have learned.

Karin: I spoke too soon. Luckily, I still have all of my MPs.

GM: Protection from spirits is medium potency ritual with an MP cost of 30 and a DL of
10. Mother Middleton will help with the group check and offer some powdered gems to
reduce the cost to 15 MP. She makes her check and give you a +1 to your roll.

Karin: (dramatically exhales) No whammies. I got an 11+1 for a pass!.

GM: You execute a beautiful magic circle. It’s a little bit weird because of the silence,
the background hum of the living world is muted and you feel cut off from… something.
All the little sisters in the audience give a light applause. One of them says, “Oh! You
make it look so easy.” That’s good for your ego and karma. When you drop the circle,
Mother steps in for a hug and whispers, “Thank you so much for inspiring my students.”
She hands you the small bag of powdered gems. It has dust for three magical circles.
[Game note: In Fabula Ultima, when a character learns ritual magic, that’s technically all
they need. You pay your costs and roll your dice. This role playing and learning rituals is
not a requirement, but it might earn the player a bonus or offer an in-game justification
for when they level up. Also, I think it better that they learn something and apply it
rather than magically gain knowledge out of thin air. For example, Othar might want to
learn tinker based on what happened in the Academy. And the ladies can easily justify
spirit, elemental, and lore levels based on their actions. It will feel more natural when
they hit the next milestone.]

It’s my party and I can cry if I want to...

GM: It seems like everyone had a productive day. Let’s see what Amanda’s stalker
wants. Page of Pentacles - study, reflection, messages. Hmm, that could go two ways,
it could either be someone attached to the guilds or perhaps someone that knew
Amanda personally (maybe both.) Let’s draw, Four of Wands (reversed) - good work,
simple beauty, craftsmanship. A guild man for sure. Business or pleasure? Knight of
Pentacles (reversed) - idleness, stagnation, carelessness. Ha! The interrupt scene is
interrupted. We’ve got a cut scene.

Inside the library as Amanda is checking out her books, a young man is watching. He is
about her age with short silvery-blue hair and wearing middle class clothing of an
unknown guild. He finally gathers up enough courage to speak. But, as he begins to
stand, a green armored gauntlet ruffles his hair. The young man in a hushed voice says,
“Galen, no. It’s her. I know it is. Don’t let the travel clothes fool you.” An older,
perhaps brotherly, voice responds, “I know it’s her, but she is trouble. Ever since you
saw her, you have been a useless mess. And now, you were just about to do something
impulsive and careless.” The young man lets out a deflated breath. “But what if I never
see her again?” The green armored man chuckles, “She’s checking out a book. The
librarian does not let those go lightly unless the bearer has a pass and not just a student
pass. She will be back.”

Karin: Woot! Amanda, it looks like you got a secret admirer.

Amanda: Yeah, right. More likely they want to kidnap me for some asshole stunt that
my father did. Do I recognize the guy?

GM: With your failed perception check, you don’t even know that this scene happened.

Okay, do we want to role play tonight’s dinner engagement or just respond to any quirks
of the cards and dice?

Amanda: Let’s just roll with it. I have no idea if Violet is planning a private get together
with a few of us or the whole crew at the dining hall.

GM: Okay, everyone time to get cleaned up for dinner. Let’s start there. Five of Wands
(reversed) - trickery, contradiction, litigation. The night starts with a normal full dinner
with casual chat and decompression from a busy day for everyone. But, it breaks off
into a private affair. Just the four or more? Knight of Swords (reversed) -poor
judgment, incapacity, arrogance. Oh, it was just supposed to be four, but the Countess
Muldoven invites Amanda’s friends as well. Are any of you going to take her up on that?
Taz: Actually, I want to read Violet’s and the Countess Bramm’s reaction to that. I’m
sure Karin and Othar would be keen on that as well.

GM: Let’s do a round of perception checks. Taz = 10, Karin = 4, and Othar = 8. Well,
they’re not against it. Taz what you really see on Rose Bramm’s face is The Hermit
(reversed) - concealment, disguise, fear. Give me another perception check to see if you
can discern who it is directed at.

Taz: That’s an 8, because I have ‘alien abomination’ as a trait, can I burn a Fabula point
to see if that is directed at me?

GM: Sure, you’re kind of used to looking out of the corner of your eye.

Taz: And I got a nine, I have bonds with Karin and Othar, I’d like to burn a FP. I really
want that success.

GM: If you want it that bad, sure. That’s drops your FP total down to two. Rose is
definitely concerned about Othar. You don’t know why, perhaps it is supposed to be girl
time, maybe something to do with the Watch, or she has a secret crush on him.

Othar: Oh please, not that. We already have one paramour in the wings. Let’s make a
deal, if Karin does the bodyguard thing for Taz, I’ll see if I can cash on my fleeting fame
and story telling skills in exchange for some of the Count’s whiskey and cigars. Deal?

Taz: You okay with that Amanda?

Amanda: Oh, hells yes. I want the back up, otherwise all we’ll get is terrible tales from
when teenage Violet was my watch dog.

GM: Let’s handle Othar first. A card draw naturally, The Star - loss, theft, abandonment.
Of course, all Master Wright can talk about is the return caravan that he is planning and
working to try and get investors for.

Othar: I’m going to burn 20 MPs on a persuasion roll to convince the Count that the only
way to get this guy to shut up is to do a little investing perhaps with an eye towards
restoring good relations with Queen Elaine. And I got a 9, no good bonds, so I’ll invoke
Justice since this happened on the Count’s land and he has to make good on that. Down
to 2 FP and I got a 13. Huzzah!

GM: The Count listens to your impassioned plea and realizes that this will actually boost
his standing and give him a reason to get rid of Captain Giles for a couple of weeks.

Bramm: “You make a good case. While I can appreciate Master Wright’s desire to make
good on his debts, you have reminded me of my duty to the people. I will order Captain
Giles to personally escort the caravan to the Capital. As a Warden, he can not refuse.”

GM: Bramm shakes your hand and Jon Wright gives you a hearty slap on the back.
Commence with the libations and smokes for the rest of the night.
Othar: Woot! Not too shabby for the commoner that thinks with his axe.

GM: Well, you are one of the big heroes that took down StormCrow. That helps.

As for the ladies, it turns out that Violet and Rose Bramm know each other very well.
Drawing Eight of Swords - bad news, crisis, sickness. Okay, Violet lost her parents
during the Gray Plague and Quill used his influence to get his wife back into society.

So, what do they talk about at these after dinner parties? Judgment - change of
position, renewal, new outcomes. Well, that’s heavy. While Rose and Violet are not
‘merely’ the wives of the leaders of White Cliff and the Academy, they have significant
influence in their own social circles. The ladies gather in Rose’s personal sitting room to
meet and discuss. Of course, there is wine and refreshments.

Taz: I have to ask…

GM: Bite sized apple tarts with a drizzling of white icing fresh baked, of course. Once
everyone settles in with snacks and drink. Rose ‘calls to order’ the meeting by tapping
the side of her glass with a fork.

Rose: “Ladies, we are gathered here tonight to decide what to do with Countess Talia
Muldoven.”

Talia: “What?”

Rose: “Violet’s and Talia’s spontaneity has added some fresh faces but perhaps some
new thoughts as well. Ferros is at war, so says Queen Elaine. But, Countess Muldoven
has shared… some intelligence and information. And, she is still has the protection of
my husband….”, and perhaps a bit too ominously, “for now.”

Talia: Looking a little nervously at Rose, “Ah, does this group have any legal power?”

Rose: “No, just a friendly gathering of wives and guests. The rules are simple. We each
get to ask a question. You can choose how you answer. We then decide on a course of
action. Oh, no weapons or magic. We’re all friends here.”

Talia: “Right, no pressure.”

Rose: “I’ll start. Why is Kermos invading Ferros?”

Talia: “Oh that’s easy, you have vast untapped resources. Kermos is resource poor with
too many people and too little land. Ferros is exactly the opposite. It’s almost unfair
how much natural wealth you have.”

Karin: “Why attack? If Ferros has the land to spare, why not ask if you can share?”

GM: Let’s draw and see what is wrong, The Fool (reversed) - negligence, carelessness,
vanity. Ah, I swear the cards know.
Talia: “We did, but it all went wrong. Count Weir and my husband, Count Muldoven, are
cut from the same cloth. Too greedy, too vain, too arrogant, too stubborn, too eager for
blood, it was all too much. The first delegation failed terribly. The second delegation
came with warships and troops. River’s End is an occupied city but it is far from a
conquered one. Count Weir still fights, but as a ghost in the alleys and swamps.”

Amanda: “So, why betray Kermos, your husband, and why come here?”

Rose: “That two questions.”

Talia: “It’s okay, they are related. Unlike, Orwen and Rose, my marriage is more
political than a true partnership. So, we are... not very compatible. My family are more
academic and negotiate things, power brokers. Yeager is more of a power taker. I had
no idea what the King of Ferros was like, And based on Count Weir, I honestly did not
have a good impression. The people of White Cliff are closer to those I can understand.”

Violet: “Is that why you tried to buy my husband?”

Talia: “Wait. What? Quill Gryffin is your husband? But, he’s...”

GM: Countess Muldoven drains her glass of wine and sets it down before doing a double
face palm. “Spirits! I didn’t know.”

Violet: Waving her off, “Don’t worry about it. We had an important talk, a good laugh,
and some wild sex before I arrived for dinner.”

GM: Rose sputters in her glass, you’re not sure if it is from surprise or laughter.

Talia: “Does that count as a question?”

Violet: “Her reaction told me what I wanted to know.”

Rose: “Taz? What would you like to ask?”

Taz: “Only about a dozen questions.” Sigh. “Can we get a tour of your airship with
some explanations of some of the tech?”

Talia: “Well, that is a big ask, a lady has to keep some secrets.”

GM: That is a very big ask. Drawing Eight of Cups - abandonment, honor, modesty.

Talia: “If that will put me in good with Rose and Violet, I think we can make an
exception. Yes. But, I need to talk with my crew first.”

Amanda: “Using your communicator device?”

GM: Countess poker face time. Bonuses for any negotiation skill and the wine cancel
each other out. She got a 4, so she unconsciously touches her necklace. She turns to
look at Taz rather than Amanda.
Taz: “It really wasn’t that hard. You made a few mistakes and were kind of obvious on
some other things. I’ve figured out a few more things, but a girl has to keep some
secrets.” I smile and sip my wine.

GM: Does Talia comply? Eight of Wands - activity, a clear path, swiftness. That’s a yes.
She reaches up to her necklace and depresses a stud.

Talia: “Is Captain Zevon on watch?”

GM: There is some background noises and then an older man answers.

Zevon: //Good evening, Countess. Isn’t it…//

Talia: “You’re on an open channel, Captain. Say hello ladies…”

[The group responds with a not very enthusiastic and out of sync greeting.]

Zevon: (cough) //Well, hello ladies, I admit that I am surprised to meet you like this. Is
everything fine, m’lady?//

Talia: “Yes, Captain. I want to open up relations with certain members here in White
Cliff. I want to give them a tour of the Sword of Dawn. Say around tea time tomorrow
afternoon?”

Zevon: //Yes, m’lady. Were are currently on low alert. Are we standing down from
that?//

Talia: “Sadly, no and it might even get worse before it gets better. I will talk to Count
Bramm to make sure that there is adequate security. Muldoven out.”

Taz: Can I make a study roll to learn more about that device?

GM: Sure, but it will be a hard check to make.

Taz: A five is not even close, no idea if it electromagnetic, aetheric, or spirit powered.

Rose: “Thank you for agreeing to this, Talia. Now it is time to vote, do we trust
Countess Muldoven as an ally or keep her at arms length as an enemy citizen?”

[Everyone votes affirmative except Taz.]

Taz: “I know that I’m being a hypocrite since I had the biggest request. But, I feel that
one of us should remain the skeptical black sheep. And, I think it would be easier for
me to accept that role since I am the Outsider.”

Talia: “Duly noted and I stand by my previous statement that you may potentially be the
most dangerous person in this room. But, you are still welcome on the tour.”
GM: From there the conversation turns lighter, the tarts are demolished, and a couple of
bottles of wine are drained. Let’s do WIL checks all around to see if anyone shares a bit
of colorful ‘girl’ information. [The dice fall and Violet and Karin have ‘volunteered’.]

Violet: “Q is so busy these days and a girl has her appetites. I’m going to steal him for
a week. He… ah... needs a vacation anyway.”

Karin: Well, I’m not going to share anything about the Sisters. Let’s rat out Taz.

Taz: What? I thought this had to be about you.

GM: Well, technically, it is a failed WIL check, so it is more about over sharing.

Karin: “Our stone cold killer”, I tip a glass at Taz, “is actually a hopeless romantic.”

Taz: “What? No, we have a war to plan and dangerous roads to tame. We don’t have
time to flirt about and wear pretty dresses.”

Karin: “That’s not what your tail says.”

Taz: Oh, you went there. Looking at Rose, Talia, and Violet, “The tail is off limits.”

GM: They look at you with blazing wine-fueled curiosity. You can feel your cheeks
starting to burn.

Taz: I stand up. “Ah, I need to get going.”

Karin: I’ll stand up too, walk over to Taz, wrap my arms around her, and give her a toe
curling deep kiss that lasts forever.

GM: Ah, Taz, did you want to burn that bond of affection for Karin?

Taz: Sigh, no, I… I… fuck it. I return the kiss and keep it as long as Karin wants.

GM: And the tail?

Taz: Hell if I know, the tail does what it wants.

GM: Well, when you’re standing, the tail has to fight the petticoats and dress, but it is
obviously trying to wrap around Karin’s leg with only the end clearing the hem.

Talia: Whispering to Amanda, “So, she likes girls?”

Amanda: “I don’t even think she knows. That thing also likes Othar.”

Taz: I sit down all flustered and out of breath, the knees are probably wobbly too, “I
need a drink.”

Karin: I stand behind Taz’s chair and do my best ‘I still got it’ smile at the ladies.
Rose: With a bit of a blush, “So, how about that weather we’re having?”

Magical Mystery Tour

GM: You manage to make it back to your rooms without too much swaying and
swerving. Assuming no more shenanigans…

Taz: Karin are we good on shenanigans?

Karin: I’m purring like a kitten.

GM: Do I need to have everyone make hangover checks? [Silence…] Breakfast is

consumed in relative quiet. The airship tour is for this afternoon. What are your
morning plans.

Othar: I’ll do the bodyguard thing with Taz. I want to go with full armor and my axe this
time. Let’s call it a paranoid thing but also a deterrence thing. Smile but carry an axe.

Amanda: I want to read that Fey book, I think we need a lot more info on that.

Karin: Well, this is a good time to see if Mother Middleton has written her letter.

Taz: And, that leaves me to visit Mrs. Underhill find Violet and learn more about the
rituals needed to make pistols and enchant crystals.

GM: Let’s pull some cards to see how those tasks go. Othar. The Empress (reversed) -
truth, revelation, public acclaim. On the way to the Academy with Taz, you pass by an
excited crowd of people that are reading the public bulletin board. The word of war has
finally gotten to the people. Do you want to get in closer to see what is posted? Your
armor is like a badge and would allow you to get in close.

Othar: Actually, I’ll pass. I’m assuming Taz has her cloak and hood up. “We need to get
moving. I don’t think there is any danger, but I don’t want to be this exposed.”

Taz: “That’s a good call.”

GM: Let’s an every man roll (2d8) to see if the crowd recognizes you two. With a 6, you
manage to slip past the crowd without incident.

Othar: “It had to happen some time. But, we do need to see what the Count posted.”

GM: Amanda, give me a hard INS roll to learn any secrets while reading that book.

Amanda: I got a 12. Can I use my trained memory skill to recall my time with
StormCrow. And, can I make that a study roll? And then, I want to burn a FP and tag
my bond of affection.

GM: How does that...

Amanda: I remember every square inch of his body including his Fey marks.
GM: Ah, that’s a little creepy/voyeuristic, but hey you were there for that. So, yes.

Amanda: Nice, I’ll use Flash of Insight to ask two questions based on my study of Crow
and the book.

GM: I saw that coming. What are they?

Amanda: What is the true nature of the Fey?

GM: Let’s draw, Temperance (reversed) - church business, religions, temptation.

Interesting, I’ve got an idea to run by you.

The Fey isn’t a race as much as they are evil spirits that possess and empower their
worshipers. Those who carry their marks are ‘fey touched’. Because some of these
spirits may be non-human, they are considered evil by the Sacred Flame and this
information is deeply suppressed. So much so, most of the Sisters probably don’t know
about it. Fey are treated more like the boogeyman than a real threat or religion.

Amanda: I like that. But if that is true, what does the Sacred Flame think about Taz?

GM: Is that your second question?

Amanda: Sure, that’s so messed up that I want to know.

GM: Diplomatic immunity aside, the Mothers of the Scared Flame would probably want
to see Taz destroyed or at least prove that she is not fey touched. I’ll toss in a freebie,
the book you have was never supposed to leave the confines of the Sacred Flame. If
they knew of its existence, you have know idea what they would do to get it back.

Karin: (not present) Shit.

Amanda: Double shit. No, triple shit. What if they ask you to kill Taz? Shit, what if the
whole reason they sent you with the Diplomat was to observe and assassinate? I hide
the book. I have no idea if any of the staff in the Count’s house are Sisters in disguise.

Karin: (not present) Now, that’s just being paranoid.

GM: Friendly reminder that only Amanda has made these connections right now. As for
Karin, Ten of Pentacles - family matters, history, home. Your visit to the Mission is
serene and respected. Word has gotten out that you are more than a surprising visitor
but an actual hero who rescued some of the citizens of White Cliff. One of the students
is actually in full tilt hero worship since you rescued her older brother. Eventually, you
are ‘rescued’ from the girl by Mother Middleton.

Middleton: “As promised, here is the letter for Mother Bentham. And, some of the Sister
also have a few letters they would like for you to carry.”

GM: With her other hand, she holds out a bundle that is several inches thick.
Middleton: “It has been a long time since we have had reliable mail delivery. The
Wardens were never able to break StormCrow’s grip on the road and country side.”

Karin: “Thank you for entrusting me with these, Mother.”

Middleton: She casually waves off your thanks, “I should be thanking you.”

GM: That’s actually a pretty short task. Is there anything else you want to do?

Karin: Can I check out that bulletin board that Othar saw earlier?

GM: Sure, it literally is in the town square and you’ll see the same crowd when you walk
back to Count Bramm’s house. You get a little respect from the crowd since you are a
full Sister and are also armed, so getting in close does not take that long. How much
did the Count share? Ace of Swords (reversed) - unjust victory, oppression, brutality.
Oy, he lays it on heavily about the attack, the death of King Jerrod, and the defeat of
StormCrow. There is absolutely nothing about you all or the rescued caravan. That
might come out later. He’s not taking credit, but he isn’t giving it either. It is almost…
no, it is totally designed to rile of the public and generally turn them against Kermos.
That seems to be really at odd with his claim of protection for Countess Muldoven or her
crew. More than one hateful eye is cast upwards at the air ship.

Karin: Well, that’s going to complicate things. I need to let the others know
immediately. I’ll start with Amanda.

GM: Amanda, Karin comes back and she’s agitated. Karin, you notice that Amanda is
looking at you a little weird. Just for fun, let’s do a WIL roll for a race to the bottom.
And, that a 10 and a 14, you two are no fun. (grin) You both pause and catch your
collective breath.

Amanda: “What’s wrong?”

Karin: “I’m not sure, no, I’m a lot sure. I think the Count is trying to cause a riot or
similar incident this afternoon.” And, I get Amanda up to speed on what is going on in
the square.

Amanda: Good to know that it isn’t about the book or Taz’s nature.

GM: Let’s shift focus to Taz and Othar. You manage to reach the Academy without
incident, and it is significantly busier this time. Students are going to and fro, many of
them are clustered in small groups and talking. Finding the office and Mrs. Underhill is
no problem. But, she had her hands full with at least four other students. She motions
for you to enter Wizard Q’s office. Let’s draw a card, King of Swords (reversed) -
Cruelty, evil intentions, barbarity. Well, isn’t this turning into a crappy morning.

Inside Q’s office you find Quill, Violet, and Countess Muldoven. Talia seems particular
upset.

Quill: “Thank you for coming. It seems we have a dire situation. Countess?”
Talia: “I just got a communication from my ship. My husband is coming and if I don’t
surrender myself, my ship, and my crew immediately, he’ll start bombing White Cliff.

GM: Shit sandwiches for everyone this morning. Sorry, that’s how the cards fall.

Violet: “This is bad, really bad. Count Muldoven sounds like the type that would execute
everyone for treason no matter what their peaceful intent was.”

Quill: “The Count is likely to bomb White Cliff just to send a message.”

Taz: “Well, staying in White Cliff is not an option. That’s a death sentence.”

Talia: Speaking quietly, “I’m sorry, I did not mean for this to happen.”

Othar: I’ll put a slow but reassuring hand on her shoulder. “This is not your fault.” To
Quill, “What can we do to defend White Cliff?”

Violet: “I’ve been thinking about that. Talia? How sensitive are air ships to wind?”

Talia: “It won’t destroy them, but a large enough headwind can blow them off course.”

Violet: “Well, then we’ll just have to blow them out to sea.”

Talia: She give Violet a skeptical look, “You can do that? I thought all your magic was
shorted ranged and limited.”

Quill: “Much of it is, but Violet knows some elemental rituals that can help.”

Violet: “But, they are long, slow, complicated, and require a fantastic amount of energy.
It is only possible if we know exactly when they will arrive.”

GM: Taz, you know that is highly risky and she’ll only get one shot.

Taz: “Violet, I think... I know you do not have enough mana to conjure up that much
wind.”

GM: Do they have a plan? King of Pentacles - valor, intelligence, success.

Quill: “You’re right, but I am a Wizard.”

GM: Quill reaches out into the middle of empty air and there is a purple flash from which
he pulls out a staff, very much like the ones that you saw when you were summoned.

Talia: “What? How?”

GM: Taz and Othar give me INS check, easy for Taz. With a 10 and a 14, you both
realize that Countess Muldoven has never really seen magic. She uses magical devices
and vehicles, but never anything like raw magic.
Violet: With genuine concern on her face for Talia, “The same wind that will strike the
Count’s ship would blow your ship away as well. You need to leave, for at least as long
as the Count remains a threat to White Cliff.”

GM: What does the Countess want to do? Two of Wands - a hard choice, physical
suffering, sadness.

Talia: “I have put White Cliff in too much danger. I need to take the Sword of Dawn and
her crew far away.” She turns to Taz and Othar, “Diplomat Taz, I think it is time that I
visit Queen Elaine. I know she will see me as the enemy of her people and the slayer of
her husband. Will you be my vanguard and introduce me?”

Taz: “Well, I was planning on taking the caravan to the city of Ferros. Othar?”

Othar: “I’ll follow your lead, but we should talk to Karin and Amanda first.”

GM: Does the Countess stay or follow you? No one here knows about the crowd. Knight
of Wands (reversed) - division, interruption, discord. Of course. The is a polite rapping
on the door.

Quill: “Come in, Mirth.”

Mirth: “Sir, it has come to my attention via the students that we are now at war with
Kermos. I think the Countess should know. They appear to be quite agitated.”

Quill: “Thank you, Mrs Underhill. I’ll see to her safety since I believe she is still under
the Count’s protection.”

GM: And with that, she returns to her desk.

Talia: “Well, that makes returning to the Count’s house more difficult.”

Othar: “What about the bell tower? Move the airship under the cover of darkness.
Would that be safer?”

Talia: “An excellent idea, we could then leave before my husband’s airship arrives.”

Taz: “Right then. Let’s get Karin and Amanda up to speed and see if they want to join
us or stick with the caravan.”

GM: Under the escort from a Watchman, it should be easy to return to the mansion and
compare notes with Amanda and Karin. Let’s see if there are any complications, Six of
Pentacles - presents, gifts, prosperity. Master Wright pays a visit, the caravan is coming
together nicely now that he has the Count’s support (thanks to Othar.) He’s expecting
you to join him on the return trip. Karin, Amanda, what are you plans? Additionally, are
you all going to tell Master Wright, Count Bramm, or his wife?

[The group discusses among themselves for a bit.]

Taz: “We’re going to travel together on the airship.”

Karin: “And we’re going to skip out on letting the Count know for sure. We’re not sure
what his angle on on this is, it smells rotten, possibly political.”

Amanda: “That also means leaving Jon and Rose in the dark as well since we don’t want
either of them intentionally or accidentally revealing our plans.”

Othar: “So, the plan is to head out when Portman is not looking. He’ll certain rat us out
to the Count if he sees us leaving with all of our gear.”

Amanda: “I’m keeping the blue and white dress. I’m sure the Count won’t mind.”

GM: Let’s go for a group check to watch out for Portman. Taz adds +1, and Karin has a
total of 9. That’s a failure.

Karin: I’m going to burn a FP to alter the story.

GM: Sure, but you still failed the check.

Karin: No problem. I’ll exit first and as I walk out the guest suites, I almost walk right
into Portman. I grab him excitedly by the shoulders so he focuses on me. “Portman!
Just the man I need to see! I was visiting the Mother this morning and I mentioned
those wonderful apple tarts we had last night. She said that she’s really like to try
them. Could you be a darling and see if the kitchen has any more?”

GM: Portman looks at you, blinks a few times, this has been more than you have said to
him in days, and then he smiles.

Portman: “Of course, Sister Shade, I would be delighted to fetch some of them for you.”

GM: And with that, he executes a sharp turn and heads off to the kitchen.

Amanda: I step out, pat Karin on the back, and whisper, “That was some fast thinking.”

GM: Let’s draw one last card, Death - endings, mortality, destruction. That’s actually
very appropriate. Death is not always about dead bodies, it can also be about change
and the ending of things the way they are. And, we are there. You have ended your
relationship with the Count, Rose, Jon (for now), Violet, and Quill. You make your way
to the Academy and Quill’s office and hold up there until night fall. The Count might
know that you have left but he doesn’t know where. Portman might feed them the
flawed info that you were going to the Mission. That will buy you even more time.
Under the cover of darkness, the air ship uses minute puffs of steam to move into
position next to the Academy’s bell tower and you all board the Sword of Dawn.

I’m calling this the end of part one and a milestone where you all gain a level.
Amanda: I’m increasing Lore Master to 5 and adding Focused +1 as my skill.

Karin: I’m raising Spiritist and adding the Barrier spell.

Othar: Weapon Master to 5 and Weapon Master to 3.

Taz: Raising Elementalist to 6 and gaining the Soaring Strike spell.

A Chronology of Characters (ordered by appearance or mention)

The Player, also known as Taz of America, an Outsider

Wizard Cronus, leader of the wizard’s council (CRO nus)
Wizard Astra, a council wizard/witch (AS tra)
Wizard Mercurio, a council wizard (mer CUR ee oh)
Balyn, a castle guard, torched but recovered (BAY lynn)
Florin, a castle guard (FLOR in)
Darren, a castle guard (DARE en)
Tom of Lane, a page
Queen Elaine of Ferros (E lane)
King Jerrod (died off camera, nothing but ashes of clothing and crown)
The Innkeeper at the Tipsy Turtle
Mary, a maid/bath attendant
The seamstress at the Tipsy Turtle
Assorted officials, Masters of the City’s Guilds
Sir Tom of Lane, duly promoted knight
Head nurse (later identified as Karin Shade)
Jon Wright, a teamster (acting master of transportation)
Mr. Mockingbird, master of smithing and speaker of the house
Mr. Gilbert, master of spirits
Mr. Hilton, master of farms
Mr. Innbrook, master of teaching
Captain Lewis, of the city watch
Mr. Night, master of entertainment
Sgt. Othar Stonekiller, a guardian PC
Karin Shade, a healer PC
The Tilman family
Station manager at Humbolt
Norbert, a forest hermit with some bandit connections
StormCrow, a bandit elite turned minor Villain, has Shadow Strike
Jon the Senior, Jon Wright, master of transportation
Cookie, a scruffy chef with bandit connections
Amanda Cronus, daughter of the Wizard Cronus
Warden Captain Giles, leader of the Royal Wardens in White Cliff (GUY els)
Portman, the Count’s majordomo
Count Orwen Bramm, Count of White Cliff (OR when)
Countess Talia Muldoven, Free City of Muldoven in Kermos (ta LEE ah, MOL doh ven)
Countess Rose Bramm, the count’s wife
Mother Reese Middleton, of the Sacred Flame in White Cliff
Mother Swan Bentham, of the Sacred Flame of Ferros (BEN tham)
Wizard Q, Quill Gryffin, headmaster of the White Cliff Academy of Knowledge
Mrs. Mirth Underhill, a receptionist at the Academy of Knowledge
Instructor Violet Gryffin (né Nightgarden), elementalist teacher and Quill’s wife
A silver haired young man from a guild
Galen, a young man in green armor
Count William Weir, of River’s End (sounds like Where)
Count Yeager Muldoven, Free City of Muldoven in Kermos (YAY grrr)
Captain Zevon, commander of the airship Sword of Dawn
A Glossary of Sorts (some spoilers)

Everwood: A large forested region to the North of the Capital of Ferros.

Ferros: The name of the starting island, the Kingdom, and the capital city. Also, it is the
name of the main North to South flowing river through the center of the land.
Guns: I decided that gunpowder was not a thing in Ferros. So, all pistols and hand
cannons are magical weapons that use steam to propel a stone ball.
Hell: Even with the River of Souls, there is a concept of Hell in Ferros. It is a land of
monsters and suffering. Evil souls basically travel though a tortured landscape while
good souls travel through cool and peaceful waters.
Hell cat: A monster that looks cute but will rip the flesh off your bones with its claws.
(Taz does not know that she was praised/insulted by Master Wright at the same time.)
Iron Mountain: A primary source of precious metals and iron to the East of Ferros.
Little Sister: Young girls who are still training at a Mission for the Sacred Flame.
Mission: The name give to outlying temples of the Sacred Flame.
Mother: The spiritual (and usually administrative) leader of a Mission or Temple.
River of Souls: When sapient creatures die, their body will fade away and join the River.
The River has many twists and branches but eventually the souls will exit the cycle and
be reborn. Animals do not fade away and can be harvested for meat and hides.
River’s End: Is the county to the South of Ferros where the central river opens out to the
barrier sea.
Sacred Flame: The Sisters are sort of a holy order of healers and sword maidens that
are loyal to the Queen of Ferros. The Sacred Flame is a guiding light for good souls and
something of a moral code. “By the Sacred Flame” is a common vow.
Sword of Dawn: Countess Muldoven’s airship
White Cliff: A far western city in Ferros and home to the Academy of Knowledge.
Wizard: In Ferros, wizard is actually like a rank and there are only a handful in the land.
The Characters:
Miss Taz, young alien abomination from another Karin Shade, gifted medic of the Sacred Flame, mercy,
dimensional, duty, America City of Ferros
Bond of Admiration to Cronus Bond of Loyalty to Scared Flame
Bond of Admiration to Karin Shade Bond of Affection to Taz
Bond of Affection to Karin Shade Bond of Admiration to Amanda
Bond of Affection to Othar Stonekiller
DEX d8 INS d10 MIG d6 WIL d8
DEX d10 INS d8 MIG d6 WIL d8 HP 43/21 MP 47 IP 6 FP 2 Level 8
HP 50/25 MP 54 IP 6 FP 2 Level 10 INIT 0 Defense 8+1 Magic Defense 10+1
INIT 0 Defense 10+1 Magic Defense 8+1 Zenit 500
Zenit 315
Long sword (katana) [DEX+INS+2] [HR+10], physical
Chain whip [DEX+DEX] [HR+8] physical Combat tunic, +1/+1 defense
Pistol [DEX+INS+2] [HR+8] physical Bag of powdered gems for magic circle rituals. OOO
Combat tunic +1/+1 defense
Hooded Cloak Spiritist 5
Spirit Magic 4
Elementalist 6 Barrier, 5 mp x T, raise defense to 12
Ritual Elementalism Heal, 10 mp x T, up to 3 targets for 40 hp instantly
Elemental Magic 4 Cleanse, 5 mp x T, up to 3 targets remove all status
Elemental Weapon, 10 mp, one weapon for the scene Soul Weapon, 10 mp, one weapon for the scene now
Flare, 20mp, single target for instant damage [HR+25] does light damage
fire, ignores resist Ritual Spiritism
Fulgar, 10xT, max three instant damage [HR+15] Weapon Master 3
electricity, Opp. dazed Weapon Mastery 2
Elemental Shroud, 5mp x T, up to 3 targets for the Counterattack, free attack if enemy rolls evens, if hit
scene, adds resistance the damage is 0+10
Soaring Strike, 10 mp, melee attack and ground fliers
Darkblade 1
Shadow Strike, take 1d6 damage and inflict the same
rolled damage + 1, [HR+8+d6+1] all as dark
Sharpshooter 2
Ranged Weapon Master +2 to accuracy

Sgt. Othar Stonekiller, famous watchman with a hear of Amanda Cronus, Reckless sage looking for answers,
gold, justice, Ferros – Everwood ambition, City of White Cliff
Bond of Loyalty to the City Watch Bond of Inferiority to Wizard Cronus (father)
Bond of Admiration for Karin Shade Bond of Affection to StormCrow
Bond of Admiration for Taz Bond of Admiration to Karin Shade

DEX d8 INS d8 MIG d10 WIL d6 DEX d8 INS d10 MIG d6 WIL d8
HP 66/33 MP 37 IP 6 FP 2 Level 8 HP 43/21 MP 56 IP 8 FP 2 Level 8
INIT -2 Defense 10+2 Magic Defense 8+2 INIT -1 Defense 8+3 Magic Defense 10+3
Zenit 300 Zenit 225

Broad Axe +4 [MIG+MIG+3] [HR+14] physical, one hand Pistol [INS+INS+1] [HR+8] physical
Runic Shield +2/+2 defense Dagger [DEX+INS] [HR+4] physical
Brigandine 10/8, -2 init Travel garb +1/+1, -1 init
Book of the Fey
Guardian 2
Fortress 1 (+3 HP) Sharpshooter 1
Protect, trade places with target before or after an attack Ranged Weapon Master +1 to accuracy
Weapon Master 5 Loremaster 5
Bladestorm, 10 mp for multi 2 Focused 1 (add 3 MP) +1 to open INS checks
Weapon Mastery 3 Knowledge is Power, use INS+INS for pistols
Counterattack Trained Memory, recall past details
Orator 1 Flash of Insight 2, roll 13+ to ask 2 questions
Persuasive 1, spend 20 mp to remove/add one extra Rogue 2
section of a clock Dodge 2, +2 to defense