A Visit to the Library

As we learned from Jayden, the dark elves need the incantation to open the World Portal. The incantation is on three scrolls. The Legion has one. The other two are in the Biblioteca [library] dell' Aurora in the Duchy of Valenova (part of Nevora).

There is a clue to identify the correct scroll. It will be in case with a symbol that matches the clue.

Heavenly bodies in the sky of night

Among them is one within our sight

This fair lady soars at great height

As the oceans below dance in her light

Using the magical orbs we obtained from the dark elves, I, Comes Elias of the Chimera Legion, send two detachments of the Legion to the library to retrieve the scrolls.

The First Scroll

The first detachment led by Howl and Brian arrive in a vault in the basement of the library. There, they meet the librarian, Fabio Librotelli.

They explain their need for the scroll. Fabio is adamant; the scroll must not leave the library!

Just then, the redcaps arrive and rush the stacks of scrolls. 

The Legion charges past Fabio to engage the redcaps and secure the scroll.

As swords clash and blood spills, confusion reigns. Which is the correct scroll case? To what symbol does the clue refer? Both sides grab scrolls, but they are the wrong ones.

Finally, the redcaps grab the case with a crescent moon. They rush to the portal, exulting in their victory. But they celebrate too early. The scroll falls out of the case. Howl grabs it and escapes through the portal. It is the correct scroll!

The Legion has secured one of the two scrolls.

The Second Scroll

Ulveblod and Jayden lead the second detachment. They arrive at a different vault in the library. There they meet Flabio, Fabio's brother. He also forbids the Legion from taking the scroll.

Again, the redcaps arrive. The Legion rushes into battle and the clash of swords echoes off the vault's stone walls.

Once again, confusion reigns. Neither side is sure which case holds the scroll. Multiple times, both sides make off with a scroll, but it is the wrong one. Finally, the redcaps grab the case with the crescent moon. They make a mad dash and escape.

Now, the dark elves have one of the incantations. They grow closer to opening the World Portal!

Feast

After the battle, the Legion enjoyed a Nevoran staple - pizza!

I did a make your own personal pizza, using some store bought crust and various toppings. We then cooked them on the grill!

GAME NOTES

As usual, I made some changes to the story for narrative purposes.

• We only had 5 players. So when I write that 2 players "lead" a detachment, I really mean that they were the detachment.
• I rearranged the order of events. Ulveblod and Jayden actually were first. 
• I also switched up some of the interactions with Fabio/Flabio. For the event, I only used Fabio. Then it dawned on me there should be two librarians so I changed the second librarian's name to Flabio.

The game was essentially capture the flag.

• In the center of the battlefield, there are 4 boxes filled with cardboard tubes. The tubes represent the scroll cases. Ten of them have astronomical symbols on them. One has the crescent moon.
• RJ created an incantation scroll, which we put in the moon case.
• The combatants are placed on opposite sides of the field.
• Redcaps have infinite lives. For the first run through, the Legion had 1 life. It was not enough, so I gave them some extra lives. The second time, I gave the Legion 5 lives. That worked better.
• Fabio/Flabio the librarian (played by me) is a wild card. He tries to prevent either side from getting the scroll. So he can fight on either side.

The scroll falling out of the case really happened! I love when unexpected events like this occur.

The Rescue

Another report from our scout Jayden.

This means that we need to travel to the Biblioteca dell' Aurora immediately to retrieve the two scrolls. Fortunately, we have the orbs that can transport us there magically. Alas, the dark elves have orbs also. It will be a race.

OOC Note

• Thanks RJ for putting together the letter.
• This is an account of a mini lore scenario I ran a week ago. The Legion had to rescue the scout, played by Jayden. We had 5 people so I divided up the teams into 3 redcaps vs. 1 rescuer and 1 scout.

Defending the Moon Granite

To the Imperial High Command

From Comes Elias, commander of the Chimera Legion

I submit further intelligence from the Isles. I received this missive from Jayden Rannal, one of our scouts.

Armed with this information, I set up defenses around the moon granite quarry in the Isles.

I was with the defenders when the first attack came. The redcaps seemed to swarm out of nowhere, bypassing the ramparts we constructed. 

Celer and Howl led a counterattack, slaughtering the goblins by the score. I remained by the ore, cutting down any redcaps that managed to get by our forces. Fortunately, very few got that far.

Later, a new shift took over and I retired to camp to get some rest. Several peaceful hours went by, then the alarms sounded. Swiftly donning my gear, I led a detachment of reinforcements to the quarry. I arrived to a sickening sight. The quarry was littered with downed legionaries and scores of dead redcaps. Lionhart was one of the fallen. Fortunately, we have excellent healers, who restored him to health.

At the outskirts of the quarry  I found Ulveblod, bloodied and battered. He told me the tale of the night. The redcaps seemed to emerge from the very ground, cutting down the guards before any could react. Lionhart managed to slay a number of the goblins before he went down. Ulveblod then led the few remaining defenders who waded into battle, cutting swaths through the attackers. Some of the redcaps managed to grab the moon ore and fled. Ulveblod tried to pursue but they got away.

We have done an inventory. The goblins stole about half of the moon granite. We fear that they acquired enough for their temple. But it will be harder for them because we kept a lot of the ore out of their hands.

Through the Portal

Once Lionhart determined that passing through the portal was safe (sort of), I led the Legion through.

Our Arrival

I met with Donnell, laird of the MacGallivrey clan. We came to an understanding to work together against the Faedwyr.

While we were setting up camp, a swarm of redcaps attacked us. Fortunately, we were able to drive them off.

Concerned about the safety of the orb that we used to transport ourselves to the Isles, I entrusted its safety to Ulveblod.

Night Attack

By nightfall, our fortified camp was ready and sentries posted. The rest of the Legion sat about the fires, enjoying a meal and a few moments of rest. Donnell stayed with us and entertained the troops with stories about the wonders of the Isles. With his thick accent and the amount he drank, however, I doubt my men understood most of what he said. I decided to retire for the night.

My sleep was interrupted by alarms. I stepped out of my tent to the clash of arms of the sight of bloodshed. Redcaps!

I could hear those monstrous little creatures calling out "Get the orb! Get the orb!"

Grabbing a sword and shield, I waded through the fight, looking for Ulveblod. Then I saw him swarmed by redcaps. I tried to rush to his aid but more of the marauders held me up.

I saw a redcap rip a bag from Ulveblod's shoulders. Ulveblod pursued but got ambushed. A strike on the back of his head put him down. The redcaps ran off, screaming "We gots it!"

I was furious. "How did they get into the camp?"

Donnell came over to me, nursing a series of wounds. "Magic," he replied. Great, how do we defend against that?

But I had more immediate concerns. I called for my officers. "We have to get back the orb! Gather the men for pursuit!"

"Nae, laddie, no need for that." Donnell said. He pulled his hand into his sporran and pulled out the orb!

And that was our first day in the Isles. What will happen next?

OOO GAME NOTES

As typical, I have exaggerated for narrative purposes. The game was not at night. I was not sleeping in a tent when the redcaps attacked. Actually, I was one of the redcaps.

The switcheroo was real, however. I gave the bag with the orb to Brett (Ulveblod). As a redcap, I stole the bag from Brett and ran off. Once the scenario was over and I was proclaiming victory for the redcaps, Robb (Donnell) came over and pulled the orb from his bag. Well done!

We had 6 fighters today - me, Ulveblod, Donnell, Celer, Jayden, and Howl.

The Scout

The Portal

Last time, we recovered a magical orb from the orc's den. Our mystics inform us that the orb is a key that can open up a portal.

I, Comes Elias, order them to open the portal. Then I turn to my legionaries.

"Who will be the first through the portal? I ask.

Lionhart steps forward.

Legionary Lionhart

I give him his orders. Go through the portal, determine what's on the other side, and report back.

Lionhart steps through. Then, unexpectedly, the portal closes!

"Get him back!" I command the mystics. But they are unable to reopen the portal.

"We can't, Comes." they explain. "Someone has locked it from the other side!"

"Unlock it!"

They try various incantations without success. In frustration, they begin consulting various mystical tomes, looking for an answer. Then suddenly, the portal opens and Lionhart steps through.

💀💀💀

Lionhart's Report

Lionhart tells me that he appeared in a clearing and met a man wearing a kilt. The man introduced himself as Donnell, a laird (lord) of the local clans.

They were conversing when a swarm of redcaps, murderous goblin-like creatures, appeared.

A redcap

They managed to fight off the monsters, although each took some wounds. Fortunately, Donnell had a healing potion to negate some of damage.

Lionhart told the laird of his predicament. Donnell knew of a way. There was a dark elf nearby that had an orb. Retrieve it and Lionhart could return. Donnell offered to show Lionhart the way.

Along the path, more redcaps ambushed the duo. Again, they drove off the creatures.

Finally, they found the dark elf lord. 

Haughty and proud, the dark elf lord mocked them then cast a web upon Donnell. He then attacked Lionhart. His wicked elven blade sliced deep into Lionhart's arm. But Donnell escaped from the web and joined the fray. The dark elf used magic to blast Donnell, knocking him off his feet. Lionhart took this opportunity to attack. Soon, the elf was down.

Lionhart tended to Donnell's wounds, bringing him back to consciousness. He also searched the dark elf's belongings, finding an orb! Using it, Lionhart returned to the Legion.

What We Now Know

From the information we got from Donnell, we know that the dark elves are in force in the Isles, which lay northwest of Chevalia. However, some of the local clans are fighting back against the dark elves, whom they call the Faedwyr. Sounds like useful allies.

We still do not know the location of the lost prince. But it seems likely that he is now captive on the Isles. The Legion will pass through the portal to find out!

OOC Game Notes

Lionhart told us that he would miss the December event, so I created an end-of-the-year quest for him. This is his story.

Thanks to:

• RJ for the picture of Lionhart
• Gencraft AI for the other pictures
• Robb for his magnificent portrayal of Donnell
• Ryan and Neath for playing redcaps

Into the Orc Den

Ever since the Feast of Flowers, the Chimera Legion has been scouring the wilderness looking for any sign of the kidnapped prince.

Our scouts manage to find an orc den. The tracks match the raider's - this must be the place.

The First Assault

I, Comes Elias, split my troops into 2 companies. The first is led by Wyktor and Celer. 

Wyktor

They storm the den's entrance but meet stiff resistance. Wyktor uses shadow walk to sneak by the defenders and into the interior of the den. There he spies two heavy sacks. Surely the prince must be in one of them.

As Wyktor grabs one of the sacks, the orcs realize what happened. A swarm of orcs leave the defenses and rush to the back room. There they confront Wyktor, forcing him to retreat without a sack,

Our first attempt fails.

Company B

I lead this attack with Howl. We fight our way into the den and I come to the sacks. I drop my shield, grab one, and throw it over my shoulder. Howl covers me with his polearm, forcing orcs to scatter. I am able to escape with the sack.

We open it up. It's just a bag of bones. But mixed in with the bones, we discover a crystal ball. What could this be?

Celer's Lightning Strike

With one more sack, we decide to try again. This time, we take another approach. Our mystics weave a powerful explosive that blasts the orcs at the den entrance. Then Celer, imbued with superhuman strength from another spell, rushes into den, past the guards, and grabs the second sack. He then fights his way through a pack of orcs and out.

Alas, his sack only contains more bones. No prince! Where could they have taken him?

The Mystery Unveiled

I have our sages study the crystal ball. They inform me that it is a key to open a portal, like the ones we saw Henri go through.

"Open it," I tell the sages.

"But Comes, we have no idea where you will end up."

"Wherever it leads, the prince is likely there. Open it."

I call for the Legion to prepare. We are going through the portal. But where will it take us?

The Plot Thickens

The Feast of Flowers was a disaster. Though the party that answered the call of the Duke was able to rescue one of the King's sons, they were unable to recover the other. 

I, Comes Elias, after an unfortunate delay, finally arrived at Duke Etienne’s castle after this incident. I found that the drawbridge was closed and the Duke was ensconced inside. Just then, Jayden Rannal, one of our scouts, approached me.

This is Jayden's tale:

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I was approached on my journey back from the Feast of Flowers by an old friend, a female dark elf from my childhood. As my loyal mustang approached my home, her figure emerged from the tree line. As the rain fell, each drop was an explosion compared to the uncomfortable silence between us. 

"Haven't seen you in a while....", I said without turning my head and unpacking my horse. Still, she stood and said nothing. I continued to remove my bags and carry them to the house. I turned to look at her, standing in the gentle shower. "Well? Was there something you wanted?" 

She turned and began to walk back into the forest. I shrugged and turned to walk into the house when I heard her say, "They were hired..." 

I froze, my mind spinning at the possibilities opened by those words. "By who?". 

"...by us," her words stung into I and I turned only to find wet trees. Orcs, hired by the dark elves. But why? Ransom? Negotiation? I walked into the house and dropped my bags on the floor. As I walked deeper inside, I found a wrapped item on the table. I stepped towards it and picked it up. It was lighter than he expected. Was it empty? As I untied it, all I found was a symbol, which looked like a magic circle of some kind. I placed it in my pocket and left the house. Mounting my horse, I rode through the rain. Each drop felt like a thorn on my cheek. Luckily, the Duke's carriage was still near after the Feast and rescue. I road until I caught up to them. As I approached, the guards turned to stop me. 

"Duke! They were hired by the dark elves!" I yelled so that it could be heard in the carriage. The Duke opened the door. "Let him approach," the Duke ordered the guards. I approached and entered the carriage. I saw the Duke with concern in my eyes, and my rescued nephew wrapped in a blanket next to him. "What do you know?" I handed him the wrapping with the symbol, "The orcs were hired by the dark elves. I'm not sure why, but it has something to do with that marking." The Duke opened it and his eyes grew wide, "The seal!" I didn't know what it meant, but I knew it was something important. I did not ask, as it was not my place. "His blood, they need the King's blood to break it. But if they do...they can't be allowed to!" 

The Duke looked up and proclaimed, "We must take action now!" 

"But your grace, your nephew is most likely in an Orc den. That's if we are lucky. If we are not, he could be anywhere. Going into a den is dangerous. That's why we normally set fire to the entrance and kill them as they come out escaping the flames." 

"It doesn't matter how dangerous it is. The alternative is unthinkable." 

The Duke stood and leaned out of the carriage, calling for Gaston, his right-hand man.

“Gaston!” the Duke commanded, "Blow the horn and gather the troops. Whoever answers the call will have to do."

"To rescue your nephew, your Grace?" asked Gaston.

The Duke looked back with a mix of fear and shame in his eyes, "To stop the Dark Elves. If you can save him, do it, but his death may serve us better. In the meantime, I must protect Omri"
With that, the Duke ordered his carriage to proceed back to his castle. With a crack of a whip, the carriage was off.

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After Jayden gave his report, another scout approached me. Someone they tracked down the orcs involved in the raid and found their den. I am not sure what the dark elves are up to, but we now have a target. I shall prepare my men for a raid on the orc den. Hopefully, we can rescue the prince.

OOC NOTES

This story is a prelude to our event next Saturday.

Jayden's tale is courtesy of RJ. I made some minor tweaks to fit it into the planned narrative (specifically to allow Elias a role).