Administrivia
“Next time: on the path, close to the city gates, after we evaluate the session stuff.”
Save a community? N
Strike a blow? N
More about the world? Y
Advance:
Overlord <-- but of course
–> Another Overlord Army, the Scourge
–> Forge a bond: I know the heart of Mayor Edgar.
–> Advance plans: p182 … forces are taking action, stopping very difficult
Wynn/Virens/Ann - hunting
Carabas - ghostly Donner party
Rowan - Harbinger stuff <-- consensus
–> [pondering]
Setting the Scene
Virens: A feature of the mountains that Virens spies as we head toward the city that it’s just as well we avoided? A prevalence of small prey animals because there are no predators.
Wynn: Perception of the spirits? As they appeared in life, solid, but with a sense of shadow / marked by death. As they remember themselves. Just a scosh different.
Carabas: Why that young girl? Why does she speak to me? Why can’t I hear the others? Because she’s more real – the youngest, but an older soul that has left a stronger memory. Her spirit is not here, obviously, but its memory impression is stronger, thus Carabas’ keen sense can perceive it.
Rowan:
Aether trams / Ferries.
Crystals turning aetheric gyroscopes. Gimbal mount.
Cargo carriers, of various types depending on local civilization and forms.
Here not made for long-lasting use – made of pine. Barge-like, open long boats. As craft wear out, the core is built into a new craft. Capstans used to shift the assembly to control direction. Some jig sails for propulsion. Along with a windmill propeller (man-powered, Rowmans Union).
There are better roads approaching the city from the Toskan Empire, with trade.
Carabas thinks the vessel creaks a lot.
Rowmans Union – probably some of them are Orcs. Orcs aren’t treated here with suspicion (the Toskan Empire isn’t out to conquer them).
Few arrive to the city on the west or north, mostly on the south and east. Flat expanses outside the walls/buildings. This area is thick with shrubbery.
Each landing area has been cleared, paths to the city entrances. Some outbuildings. Huts/cabins. The Lilacs. Also some heavily-thorned red berry bushes, cleared back from the landing pads.
And here we are! Chains Cross!
Chains Cross
Rowan has been here before. Last time was while on his Walkabout. Crossroads for many places. Too many people, though.
Wynn – generally stayed away after ticking off the Wind God.
Rowan’s Prophecy: They’re here, talking to a group of people.
Overlord’s goal, to dominate the city. Siblis, the Orator.
We head from the Lilacs [6w] to the Black Web [16n], because that’s where Rowan saw his Prophecy. Maybe.
Carabas: people seem very subdued and quiet vs. most human cities, which are noisy and bustling in a very annoying way.
Temple District [3e] very organized about service schedules, etc., very gradual blending to the mercantile zone of the Black Web.
Checking things out …
Rowan (with help from Virens?) Look Closely --> 11!
People are trying hard not to stare at our group … so they’re looking at the Harbinger, warding off the evil eye. All the same gesture. Virens notes this, keeping on guard.
Rowan looks for the dried up fountain where Siblis was in his vision.
Look Closely:
- Something hidden or out of place? Nobody is hawking goods to him. The business of the city is going on around him, but not to him.
- What do sense tell him? The people’s perceptions have been tinted/tainted. When they look outward, it is with envy, suspicion. A variety of folk are looking at him, a disconcerting amount of them with hostility.
- Tell me about the authorities, what are they doing and what will they do next?
Vaer Gon Gardens [8] - the mayor’s estate, but way older than that. Ohir ownership remant. A solarium (we have one!).
Mayor sitting there, holding his tea, takes a sip, set on the saucer with a clatter because his hand is shaking, then lifts it back up to keep it from rattling.
And in the shadow, Siflay is lurking in the shadows, Ekki striking a pose looking out the window. And, facing the mayor, the hooded and obscured figure, Siblis the Whisperer. “They have arrived in the city. It has caused a ripple through the population. It could --”
And another voice (which stills the mayor’s tremor and returns his confident smile) “They’re nothing, chasing their own tails, it’s unimportant. You have done great work here. You have brought these ungrateful woodmongers to heel, and for that I am very grateful. You have done great things.” Shudder of pleasure, as Ursula steps up and puts a hand on the mayor’s shoulder. “The mayor speaks the city where they can hear, and you to where they do not hear. And once we have them, then we will drop this benighted stone and suck the life from the emerald heart and be that closer to our final goal. What can they possibly do? That said, we can’t have troublemakers stumbling about. So, maybe, Mayor, a little law and order?” The mayor agrees, and trots off.
Ekki looks like he might disagree, but chooses not to. Instead,
“And we are to continue on the plan?”
“Yes, absolutely, please. With all due haste. Much of the city is less than it once was, but we should be able to what is necessary here, and the power to be gleaned will be more than sufficient for the next stage. Pave the way to the Emerald Pit. Siflay, my good general” – hands a crystal embedded ivory rod – “see if you can wake up the device. I know, it wasn’t part of the plan … but if we don’t try, it definitely won’t benefit us. And who can I send but you? I think I could find something to do with a caged god, don’t you?”
Wynn: How close to know another Ohir is present? Definitely have the wiggins. There’s also a flock of birds overhead, angry … and he sees another flock over another part of the city …
Virens: Definitely hostile territory, esp. toward Rowan. Feels weird not being the target of the ire.
Carabas: All those glaring eyes. Feel like bolting.
In the distance, a sound that doesn’t seem to suit the city: marching, booted feet. Carabas hears it.
Rowan - this is not the place from the vision. Should be more run down.
Carabas - Might want to do something about it before the marching boots get here. (Coming down from the Emerald Pit [16c]).
A Fine Place to Stop
End of Session:
Learned more? Y
Level up -
Overlord -> Carabas
Players -> Wynn