{Thom Vynt to Geri and Books – Fazeel is called using the Seeing Stones} You have both read the accursed Tome Midnight in Cavaris…if need be would either of you be willing to delve deeper into the dark secrets of power that may be held within that most evil of texts? Or if not that, maybe something from the secret library of the Gallants that Geri protects, though I don’t know what sort of knowledge, lore and/or power that might hold. I have posed the same question to Fazeel…And would there be a benefit to us to expose Mendollin to the dark powers of Midnight in Cavaris, or maybe some of the lesser dark magicks in the secret library? Or would this all be beyond him, or he could not handle the dark truths that lie within those most evil of things we own?
And in regards to the Helm of Nicologus…would either one of you contemplate the use of this mystical Helm for unleashing it’s powers for the use of the Gallants, or would this either be beyond you or you have no interest based on what you know of it? I have also posed this question to Fazeel. Or is Mendollin the only one among us that could use that mysterious mystical helmet – I must say that Fazeel with the Evil Eye of Dimov combined with they mystical power of the Helm of Nicologus, would be in my estimation a great powerful asset for us against Anwin, but I have no real understanding of mages and the occult and things of that nature, so I might be talking here without true understanding of anything. I am not sure if Mendollin would be able to comprehend the use of something that was not directly martial in use..he still seems to be a warrior at heart, though he channels the power of the Occult…
And do either of you know the depths of a bond between twins, and how deep that goes – I would like to tap my bond with Fazeel as deep as I can, to see if I could share in his knowledge of dark power or what his Eye sees or the power that it conveys…I don’t know to what extent this can be tapped, but if I could sacrifice part of my soul to use the bond between me and Fazeel to be as strong a weapon against all the darkness and power that Anwin will bring upon us, I would do that to increase that chances of a Gallant victory…though still not sure if I will use the Fist of Hephaetus or return that to the Red Sisters for favor and help..though I am starting to side with returning this long lost artifact to them since there really is none among the Gallants that could use this to full effect, as much as I would love to bring the Holy Fire of Merkaine down upon Anwin and burn him down to ash…but I am also not sure if channeling any powers of Fazeel through our bond would conflict with a holy relic of Merkaine if I did in fact try to do both….
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Plan is hatched of marriage between Thom Vynt (Plague) and Geraldine – to legitimize Sir Vynt – and put forward their claim to regency (Geri is of Aelishan blood, and distant related to the heir of Bar-Innis). In conversation she says the marriage needs to be “back dated” to legitimize her daughter (the offspring of her rape by The Hound of Berithor). She says they have to find a priest who can be bribed. And while Plague and Naked (a council of Old Guard was convened about “the Anwin problem” and the possible power vacancy if Tanner leaves) talk, Silvas overhears Geri say “and who will suffer a horrible accident soon after”. He goes cold. Geri sees it, and he swiftly excuses himself. After he leaves Geri says that he holds his ideals in higher regard than his Oath to the brotherhood. Geri points out him going after Jaq, the fact that he has always sought his uncle’s approval, and he has never held anything back to Tanner – she is in constant contact with him and half of what she was insulted with was a careful game between she and Tanner to flush out their real enemies before he departs. “We have to kill him” she says. She sends Naked, and they get Seconds as a backup – he wont like this business, but he is a Gallant will do his duty.
Naked tracks Silvas on his way north out of Dogwood Flats into the Lowlands and Wheglin territory. It is too late. Naked and Seconds ambush him at night on the road to Bentwillow Cross – where Silvas is making his way to West River Run and the order of the Red Heart to enlist their aid against the creature he sees as an enemy. Seconds leaves to report what they believe is happening, and Naked must remain alone to determine the best course of action. Silvas is killed – though Naked only intended him to be wounded – to find out the truth.
The body is brought back, and Naked asks Geri to speak with the dead to ensure what they did is right. The answer given is good enough – The Gallants fear Baron Wheglin knows their plans now. Another council is convened – it is revealed that Fazeel did not leave the Gallants and he is a “agent” of Geri’s, spying on Anwin. Fazeel fans the flames and reminds the Gallants we owe no allegiance to him – he did “drop us like a hot potato” at one point, and we had to leave Bar-Innis because we had no protection and rebuild the reputation over a course of time in Richfield.
There is much discussion, including a very brief mention of sacrificing the Golden Child to the Celestial. Things really get out of hand. Geri takes control and calls for votes. It is decided the Gallants cannot take on Anwin without help, and that the only help may come in the way of the lich Aruna and holding her ties as a Gallant. Naked somes up with the idea of offering her the powers of Dwindor Swamp that Geri wields – Geri says that giving her a purpose may bind the Gallants and her close again, and she says its a good idea. Geri explains that while she is not that powerful, she is a lich – and will not be susceptible to many of the mind control powers that Anwin was known for – influencing councils, dispersing crowds, etc. A mustering goes out – just in case. Plague must contemplate and make a final decision. Naked has to leave the area- so he cannot be questioned. He will take Silvas’ body and do what – Geri says she trusts him. She admits what she has done to Jaq – as a possible quick way of removing the sworn oaths and vows she made to the Goddess Aerna, and as a bit of revenge on the bride of Silvas. Nothing is said, other than Plague emphasises that Jaq may be able to join them if they tackle Anwin.
There is now only about 9.5 days before Anwin leaves – normally it would take 5-7 days to get to his manse in Cerran’s Grant. Geri returns to Braddon Bog to prepare her Locus of Control for summoning. Medolin goes with her.
Geri’s plan
When Aruna defeats Anwin, Aruna will turn on Geri instantly.
Aruna will summon mog creach. The sky will darken and the worm will disgorge goblins amidst crowd, protected from sun by a swarm of locust whick block it out,
Geri will have set up a one use fiend of desire so that when she speaks a word or dies, the Celestial will be unleashed. Geri will be taken by the celestial in third round as winged figure draws out her soul ghostly
Foul things kill hundreds
Geri note: go and retrieve Farold’s bones from the hell-cave of Aruna – its power will be diminished, kill the orrish their, break the curse while it is weak
BRADDON BOG grave: pilgrimage grants 1 use bolstering sentiment (simple = full). Farold wall is there.
Deal:
Ceremony the remaining members do not realize what will happen but they speak the words and swear
Each remaining Gallant will give 1 single essence – the total is important not that each gives nooooot
And forever more, it will be thus that the senior leadership will be bound.
In return, each such member will never need to fear the swamp, and will always be watched over. The witch will give intelligence which may threaten the safety of Dunstrand, and inform when invaders from other lands stalk the shores of Dwindor.
Her essence will touch each member in turn. They will live 33% longer and gain delayed decrepitude so long as they are within 50km of Dwindor.
The Celestial will drain Geri visibly, killing her. Feather (her daughter) is nearby, protected.
> those in the coven will take damage! SAN check too or drop to 2 (lose 1 no matter what). BUT, if they survive, +2 on all future SAN checks (experienced death) at the corner of their eyes is a small dark archway to the land of the dead. they may open up a portal to the land of the dead if they learn to speak vezpyr and can speak at level 4 or successfully perform the ritual of Death Travel
= new power
Aruna has paradox from celestial
Prepare at night, each going a different route – but going south. Anwin hidden w/desire demon in #1
Anwin’s 1st Caravan – let this one go
Anwin’s 2nd Caravan – hit this hard and hope its the right one
Anwin’s 3rd Caravan – let this one go