GM: Stras Acimovic
Players: April Walsh, Jeremiah Frye, Sean Nittner, Lily Eisner
System: Spell and Blade by Stras Acimovic
Under a Phantom Moon
As we traveled north towards Dunn we spotted an overturned wagon, supplies from it scattered about. From a distance, under the dim green light, we could not tell the fate of the caravan. Our fear is that they were dead, or worse.
From atop a hill we couldn’t see the details. The Eye of Akta showed nothing. Skanya crept closer and could see bodies, but not the nature of their injuries. Rulgara advanced and placed a silver spear head to the exposed skin of one victim. The flesh sizzled, but the body did not move. These people were killed by undead and would eventually rise, but they were not a threat this moment.
Zhara used her mystic sight to examine the bodies and their strange puncture wounds, referencing a book on forensics. She determined they were killed by many sequential puncture wounds, but only after taking injuries in a crash. But as she examined the mystic threads, things go strange… there were signs of both the old necromancy of the Empire and the new feral necromancy that has plagued Verrard since the fall. The undead of the Empire were not contagious. In fact creating an undead required specific rituals and practices. New, feral necromancy, however is infections, creating armies of undead if not contained. Zhara saw both cursed wounds in the body (new necromancy) but also sigils and signs (old necromancy).
The site had been disturbed already. There were bodies missing, but not all of them. There were also some personal effects like boots and glove that has been taken from different bodies, but most of the valuables, including coin were left behind. The wounds themselves were also concerning. The did not match the wounds of the shadowfolk, but instead were multiple puncture wounds clumped closely together.
We found many mementos [2 load] from the travelers and a large stash of 24 coin. Clearly they packed up their most valuable and portable possessions and fled the village of Dunn, with plans never to return.
Vorkar, derelict in his duty
Loddi studied the tracks with Nyx. The undead who attacked moved west, likely back to Blackwater Lake, dragging some small bodies with them. Whoever looted the gloves and boots went up to a rocky area above the path. Loddi and Skanya crept up to the top and fond a young man who was huddled beneath an outcropping of rock. He was shivering beneath the blanket he had clearly taken form the caravan.
He did not sense us so Skanya approached him and announced her presence. “I’m Skanya, agent of the Red Queen. You look hurt and cold. I can offer you food, fire, and shelter, but I first need you to touch this spearhead.”
The man was confused, and reluctant, but her training as a diplomat prevailed and he eventually assented to touch the side of the blade. His skin did not react. “Good, come with us, and tell us what you know.” She gave him water and rations to eat, which he devoured as he shared his story.
His name is Vorkar. He worked at the tower until three days ago when the raiders appeared and seized it. They thought the tower walls would be strong enough to fend off the undead on the ground, but attacks from the sky were something they were not prepared for. His two companions challenged the leader Braziah Ashblood to a duel and by some code she had to accept, but she cut them apart as though the weren’t even there. He fled in disgrace.
When we made it back to the camp, despite the the terrible smell of the bodies burning (Rulgara had broken the cart apart and made a fire from the wood) Vorkar warmed himself beside it. Loddi gave him his winter clothes (no longer needing them because of his suit). Vorkar was grateful for the aid, but also overcome with shame because of fleeing the tower. Skanya tried to emulate the caring hand of her her big sister and reassured him that by staying alive he was helping all of Iskanard. “You can choose to serve the queen by traveling to Kitarn and then to Rul to warn them of the danger, or you can serve her by coming with us and guiding us as approach the tower.” It was clear the Skanya that Vorkar wanted to come with us but he was too scared. She wanted to give him a chance to redeem himself “In truth, we might not make it back, and the Queen needs to know what has happened. As her agent, I need you to return to Rul and share what you’ve told us.”
Vorkar was still sad and felt terrible about his actions, but he would complete the mission. He told us that he wasn’t here for the massacre of the people on the wagon, but he did see the creatures scuttling away. They moved like insects and the took the children. Zhara referenced her books on the Empire and realized these creatures were bone mothers, creatures not seen in a very long time. They use the ribs of a creature to walk on and puncture their foes. They are small, sneaky, deadly, and made from the corpses of children.
We asked if he had seen a large creature that could deliver terrible bludgeoning blows and though he had not seen it, he heard strange sounds coming from the west. A heavy thumping that Zhara believed might yet be another undead abomination from the Empire era, a Sarcophagus Knight! A warrior on the verge of death, encased in armor that was also it’s tomb, and kept perpetually on the edge between life and death. Known to be one of the most dangerous warriors in the emperor’s armor, often assigned to guard members of the imperial family. Could such a creature still exist? And if so, why would it be here?
Rakana Ice Root said that something who came out of the ice had wounded her, so perhaps if this was a Sarcophagus Knight, it has been unearthed.
Making Camp
We took a few moments to nourish ourselves. This place was not comfortable or secure, but did did eat, and Skanya used the time to ask Rulgara what she planned to do. We were moving north to stop the Kadr Hakar from finding whatever they were searching for, but if we encountered Braziah, based on what Vorkar said, Rulgara would have the opportunity to duel her. Skanya did not doubt her sister’s prowess, but she didn’t want to lose track of our goal. Rulgara said if she had the opportunity to defeat another invader from Verrard, her blade would not remain sheathed. Skanya was disappointed, but she saw how Gar’s eyes glinted in the firelight and knew that Rulgara Silvermane would not be deterred from her course.
Skyship Heist?
Vorkar moved south toward Kitarn while we advanced west. When the tower came into view we saw the skyship hovering above it, anchored by a massive chain. The tower was three stories tall and Loki spotted guards at the base, inside, and on top of it, as well as raiders on the ship itself.
Did we look for cover and sneak past to make our way to the Blackwater lake? Sure that would be sensible, but that would not be our way! After a few minutes of sizing up the situation we all agreed. “Were going to steal that Skyship.”
Rulgara would distract them by challenging Braziah to a duel while the rest of us crept onto the ship and made off like sorcerers mad with dragon fire!
Skanya asked for the blessing of Akta to protect us, but under phantom moon, and no longer her acolyte, she was not able to channel her blessings as well. She had to choose who they would protect. The answer was obvious. Of course it was her sister. “Moonlight guide your path.”
“Shadows hide your way.”
A challenger arrives
Rulgara Silvermane walked to the base of the tower and called out, her glowing hair flowing in the wind. “Ashblood!” Ashblood! I challenge you in the name of the Iskani who has fallen to your schemes. I am your death!”
Rulgara’s shouts got the attention of the raiders. The second in command shouted down that Rulgara didn’t follow the forms. Her challenge could be ignored. Many of the other raiders jeered at her presence.
But Brazia Ashblood leapt down from the second story and landed perfectly on the ice. She was not impressed (yet) but she accepted the duel. She told Rulgara that she did not know the customs or the fight she was entering into. She planted three iron spears into the ground, prepared to send one through Rulgara’s back if she fled.
“I am not here to be polite” Rulgara roared. “I am here for vengeance”. With that she leapt forward and with her star metal blade cleave the iron haft of one of the spears and sent it flying into the ice. The crowd of raiders held their breath for a moment and then let out a great cheer. This was going to be a fight!
Rulgara the bladeborn pressed the attack and clipped Brazia with her blade, taunting her to be little more than the puppet of her father the necromancer. For the first time the ship captain seemed to take her seriously. She looked at her with blood red eyes, then moved impossibly fast behind her, and slammed her from behind, sending Rulgara tumbling forwarded but unharmed due to her armor and training. “Despite my father’s wishes, I am still alive.”
Rulgara taunted her further “I can send your regards to the necromancer after I slay you.”
Ground people problems
Loddi has wings. Zhara has boots that allow her to walk on air. Skanya has a rope. The three story tower wasn’t perfectly smooth, there were plenty of cracks between the stonework, but hammering a piton into it was a sure give away, even during the fight below.
Skanya pulled the sweet spirits of Sea Song from her vest and swallowed a draught. Sea Song is an Iskani brewer’s recipe. It’s made from rare salts and the shells of specific clams. Luckily Skanya had made connections with Lyntok and Lynara so she had had a source for the clam shells. The imbiber sways and appears drunk, but their muscles are loose and sense of balance keener than expected [Boost on scramble rolls on risky terrain]
She got most of the way to the top, and then ran out of holds. She was stuck without a path to go further. She should have double backed, found another route up, but the Sea Song and her sisters bravery gave her confidence, so she leapt to grab a handhold, got her hand on it, and slipped, falling down to the hard pack ground below.
She was about to toss a grappling hook to catch her fall, something that surely would have alerted the raiders, but Zhara saw her falling and raced to her rescue, running on temporarily solidified air to catch her. She caught Skanya, but the impact nearly broke both of her legs. Her need to see the inside of that Skyship, and the dragon heart inside it, helped her push through the pain, channel more of the aetheric suspension into the boots and diffuse some of the harm. Here legs would be sore for days, but she carried on!
Skanya looked over her shoulder, startled at having been caught. That was TWICE now that someone wearing those boots rescued her.
As they continued the climb, Loddi flew on black owl feather winds to get a look at the deck of the skyship before we boarded. A single raider spotted him and he dropped one, then another arrow into the raider to silence him forever. The Silence Bringer would be proud.
Temperature rising
Below Braziah and Rulgara continued their banter. As Gar had called out her name so many times, Braziah wanted to know who she was fighting. “You don’t need to know my name. You won’t live long enough for it to matter.”
Rulgara feinted with her sword and once it was blocked, plunged the silver tip of her spear into Braziah’s side. Braziah’s looked down, surprised a weapon could truly hurt her, and then grimaced “Oh that’s cheating.” She was one part impressed, one part disappointed.
Gar danced back “If you’re going to use your gifts, I’m going to use Maya!”
“Fair enough” Brazia said as her fangs suddenly extended. She leapt and bit into Rulgara’s shoulder. Despite her name, Braziah’s blood flowed as red as Rulgaras!
Keep on Climbing
Skanya lead Zhara quietly up the giant anchor chain into the hull of the skyship. They were both panting and full of adrenaline from the narrow slip past the guards. Meanwhile Loddi stood patiently wating.
Changing her approach
Rulgara, seeing that we had made into the skyship began to circle her foe and draw out more than just her ire “What do get from bringing undeath into our lands? Do you just want to spread your curse?”
Braziah was still confident but should could not disregard the young Iskani warrior. “As long as I do my father’s bidding, I get the sky.”
“Oh, is that all it takes to make you serve him?”
“Spoken like someone who hasn’t flown among the clouds and the dragons.”
Rulgara shifted her weight and got in closer “Is it really the best use of your talents to dig up lakes? To run errands for your father?”
Braziah wasn’t taking the bait. “I’ve only ever lost one duel in my life. Against my brother, and you’re not him.”
Rulgara got the impression that Braziah might have won the duel but doing so would have meant killing her brother, and so she relented.
Though till now all the taunts were loud boasts for everyone to hear, Braziah got in close and whispered. “The old man desperate, and will go to any length to get what he wants. When you’ve staved off death for this long and have to stare it in the face as it is coming for you…” Though she was not letting down her guard, Braziah was enamored with this silver haired warrior facing her as an equal on the battlefield.
Engine Room
Skanya and Loddi quickly whispered a plan and Zhara took in the magnificence of the Skyship, clearly created by a sorcerer. We made our way to the engine room and spotted the woman Skanya has been hoping to meet ever since their first adventure, the ENGINEER.
Loddi knocked an arrow and prepared to fell the the single raider patrolling the engine room. Skanya steeled herself. She hoped that the woman was the person she suspected her to be.
Deeds
Honor for rescuing Vorkar (Loddi and Skanya). Cunning for making our way into the Skyship (Loddi, Skanya, and Zhara), and both Might and Passion for challenging Braziah Ashblood to a duel (Rulgara).
Notes for next session
Some notes from Discord. Flashing back to Skanya asking Draxo about where he believes the Engineer may be from.
Draxo doesn’t know actually! He’ll speculate with you though. She’s not Ancientouched so he’s pretty confident she’s not from the Archiapellago, and her notes aren’t in the language he knows how to write. And he would be honest in saying he’s a lot more familiar with Iskanii than “everything else in the world”
He doesn’t know what she’s a part of, but he’ll tell you the Cataclysm broke up a lot of knowledge. There were more small kingdoms, principalities and such before the Cataclysm, and notes, books, and knowledge were lost during. Your best bet would be to ask Skana since she’s the only human (what a weird way to use that word, normally you’d use the more common ‘person’ but no) alive he knows of that might remember some stuff like that.
“What about Zagneon?”
“I hear he’s a myth. But if not… I don’t really know if he’s human.” gets thoughtful
“What about Goldenfeather?”
“What the wise one? I mean was she Skana’s adventuring companion before or after the Cataclysm? I can’t keep all the myths about the queen straight in my head. But maybe. They say some wise ones can sleep for decades. But you’d have to go to the Thornwood to find out. And I am perfectly happy here, with other fellow Iskani, in this nice big city with no monsters or undead, thank you so much.
