- Grant’s meddling in Manchester does not go unnoticed. Also, building up to Session 62 which sees the pair back on the Stair and entering The Legendary Realm. Note the amount of time that is passing whilst neither Grant nor Ethan are following upon Heldon’s Pass, or the disappearance of Cal, or attempting to locate Fiorin etc. Being this distracted will no doubt have consequences further down the track.
- If anyone is thinking that the Ethan/Abbie relationship sounds a little too perfect, they’re still in the honeymoon period and are quite blind to the pitfalls ahead. It’s not going to be smooth sailing.
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1988 (Brown Door)
Part 1 - Back to the Corbitt House
- Grant and Macavity arrive safely home at Westgate Cottage in the Eidolon Car just after dawn. Macavity isn’t particularly pleased at leaving the amulet with the black gemstone inside, and even Grant noticed that the glamour spell on the house was degrading fast now that Corbitt himself was gone. Grant agrees to head back to Manchester that evening.
- Grant and Macavity have breakfast, but when there is no sign of Ethan and Abbie getting up, Grant goes to have a short nap. Even when he wakes up, he finds that Ethan and Abbie are still not up. It is late morning before the group is reunited and they share a late brunch in the gardens. Ethan shows no indication that he knows what Grant has been up to, and neither Grant nor Macavity say anything about it.
- The day passes quickly. Ethan spends some time in the workshop, whilst Grant and Macavity pour over Corbitt’s diaries. What they find is quite disturbing - Corbitt was certainly capable of wielding magic in this Realm, but he was also able to summon creatures which are from ‘beyond’. It is not clear whether these are remnants of the Great War, or whether somehow he was tapping into other realities and bringing these creatures to Earth from elsewhere. At last, Grant, Ethan and Abbie head off into town for a walk and a pint at the Tipsy Elephant, leaving Macavity to continue perusing the journals.
- That evening, Grant and Macavity return to Manchester. Grant parks the Eidolon Car about a block away and they head towards the derelict house on Fennel Street. Macavity feels something amiss (GM’s note - Macavity has Danger Sense), and Grant decides that they should keep walking past the property. He notes that the glamour is now all but gone, the front door is now open, and there is rubbish strewn outside the front of the house. They takes a circuitous route back to the car, and Grant then shape shifts into the form of a dog. They then approach the house separately, head down the side of the house, and they enter via a side door.
- It is clear that someone has been through the house. The rooms have been rifled through. The upstairs rooms also show sign of disturbance. Grant notes that the feeling of malice remains in one of the upstairs rooms, and he decides that the building should be destroyed. He explains his plan to burn the place down to Macavity, then he surveys the premises, looking for the best way to achieve that (using Umbral Sight).
- Grant descends into the cellar. He finds it undisturbed. Grant retrieves the amulet with the black gemstone, putting it into a sack (being careful not to touch it). He then tells Macavity to get out, and he shifts into another form, assuming the guise of a homeless person who might have squatted here. Using Umbra, Grant starts a meltdown in the basement - a series of charges which will consume the property quickly, bringing the upper floors crashing down. He triggers the Umbral cascade and runs for his life, fleeing through the front door as the building goes up behind him. As he reaches the street, he catches a glimpse of a man with no face watching the Corbitt house from the cover of a stone archway opposite. Dressed like a police officer, Grant can see through the sorcerous veil and see that the man has no eyes, nose, or mouth. Grant doesn’t stop - as a homeless man fleeing a burning building, he runs in the opposite direction to where he parked the car.
- Expecting to be pursued and curious about the faceless man, he stops to ‘catch his breath’ about three blocks away before running on. There are sirens in the distance but no one appears to be chasing him. He spends the next ten minutes taking a circuitous route away from the Fennel Street property, passing another police officer who has no face on the other side of the road who looks in his direction but does not pursue. Grant then makes his way back to the Eidolon Car, cursing that he parked so close (only a block away) from the fire. No one stops him, and he shifts more than once on his way back to shake off any possible pursuit. Macavity is waiting for him in the alleyway.
- Grant and Macavity make their way swiftly back to Fiveways. Both are anxious about the faceless men, and Macavity wonders openly about whether they could be traced back to Westgate Cottage based on the license plate of the car. The faceless men were certainly waiting for them, and there were at least two of them. Neither of them have any answers.
Part 2 - The Black Gemstone
- Arriving back at Westgate Cottage, Grant decides to head straight back onto the Stair to seek some advice about the black gemstone. Macavity agrees to go with him.
Grand Stairway Section 0 - Proximate to Home Realm
- It is Macavity’s first time on the Grand Stair. He follows Grant back to the Marindan Door. The journey is short.
Realm 15b - True Marindar (Grey Door)
- The guards on the other side of the Marindan Door are pleased to see Lord Grant (and surprised to see him now with a cat) (GM’s note - yes, it keeps coming up - most savvy individuals on the Stair know that super-intelligent cats are dangerous). Grant asks to see Meliander, and it is quickly ascertained that he is at the Palace (the Queen’s residence). An air car is organised, and Meliander’s prior commitments are reorganised so that he can be available upon Grant’s arrival.
- Flying towards the Palace structure, Grant finds Meliander waiting for him on a balcony. He bows respectfully, and they shake hands. Grant quickly explains what he needs, and Meliander agrees to assist. They head to Turadok’s laboratory, and Meliander notes that the Orc-Lord is no longer in residence - he has disappeared. Meliander does not know why but he also notes that even Galatea has not been seen in Marindar for some time. (Grant notes this but says nothing)
- After spending some time examining the gemstone, Meliander assesses it as being a ‘power stone’, used for storing sorcerous energy. There is a presence there, perhaps a remnant of the previous owner, but nothing particularly concerning. Grant is relieved and he asks Meliander to store it in the Marindan archives for the time being. Meliander agrees to this.
Part 3 - Time in Marindar
- During Grant’s time in Turadok’s residence, he also receives a sorcerous communication from Lady Sophia, welcoming him back to Marindar. She is surprised but pleased to see him return so quickly. Grant agrees to stay. He contacts Ethan via Icon and warns him that someone may have traced the car back to Westgate, and then tells him that he’ll be spending the night in Marindar. Ethan wishes him luck and says that he hopes that Grant will return soon.
- Grant enjoys his time back on Marindar. He finds Sophia warmer towards him and less reserved, but she is still greatly distracted by affairs of state. The Marindan Defenders have been badly depleted - there are only a few of them left. Queen Constancia is once again in control of Marindar, but there are many Doors and no significant defences to protect Marindar should someone like Narsaug (the Warg-Lord) attack once more. The Marindan Approach is still badly damaged, and only someone like Lucien has the skills to repair it. Grant seeks out Cromwell for counsel, but is only able to communicate with him via messages as Cromwell’s fleet is on the other side of the galaxy. He has also not heard from Drake. During all of this Macavity is a patient observer. He talks a little with Meliander and Lady Sophia, but prefers to watch and listen.
- Two days pass and Grant feels lost and uncertain about his place as a Lord of Gossamer. In some ways he feels that he is letting Sophia down by not committing to Marindar, but there is something missing and he cannot quite put his finger on it. He finds Macavity in the Central Museum, showing a keen interest in the relics that are on display, and tells Macavity that it is time to leave.
Part 4 - Preparations
Grand Stairway Section 0 - Proximate to Home Realm
- Heading back to Earth, Grant realises that this section of the Stair is all one landing as it consists of corridors but there is no climbing to other levels. He looks at each of the Doors between Marindar and his home realm. Some are in clusters of two, others in clusters of four. Only one Door is off on its own, down a short side corridor which ends after a bend. The Door is made of redwood, and has elaborate gold designs on it. There is something different about this Door that intrigues Grant and he decides to return to it in the near future.
- Returning to the Westgate Door, he checks it and finds no signs of tampering. He opens the Door and steps back through into the Cottage.
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1988 (Brown Door)
- It is daytime. There is no sign of Ethan and Abbie and the Eidolon Car is missing, so he decides to walk into Fiveways. There he buys groceries and finds a music shop where he buys some sheet music. He buys the newspaper. It is Tuesday 3rd May. He wonders if Ethan and Abbie have gone into Manchester again, and he returns to the house. He finds Macavity asleep, his black fur soaking up some warm sun, and decides to leave him alone. Grant heads to his room and looks through his possessions, wondering what to do next.
- At last Ethan and Abbie return to the house, and plans are made to have dinner at the Tipsy Elephant. The three friends walk into town. Ethan and Abbie share what they have been doing in Manchester, and Grant feels even more lost and uncertain about where he belongs. They eat, share a few pints, Ethan picks some music on the jukebox and they play pool. Ethan can see that something is bothering his friend, but he does not pry.
- Grant shares a little bit about current events on Marindar, and makes mention of the redwood Door with the inlaid gold motif. Grant is keen to open the Door and see what lies beyond. Ethan smiles - he is also interested, and he casually asks Abbie if she would also like to come along. Abbie takes a sip of her beer and says that she’d love to come, but she admits to being petrified at the thought. It still gives her nightmares - after all she’s almost been killed, she’s seen creatures smash Ethan into walls and so on. Ethan nods and admits that he’s been shot too, and stabbed - he tries to make a joke of it, but it falls flat.
- Grant then points out that the clothing that he wears is of hardened material which will stop a bullet, or a knife. He says that perhaps they should get some clothes for both Ethan and Abbie so that they are better protected. Ethan likes the sound of this - it had never occurred to him before. Abbie also agrees - she would like to go back onto the Stair if she was better prepared. Grant is pleasantly surprised at Abbie - she seems mentally tougher than she once was.
- The three of them return to the house, and they prepare to travel to City Seven. Grant tells them both about his previously adventures there (GM’s note - way back in Session 4!) It sounds safe enough, but they gear up for action anyway. Ethan takes a lightsaber, a pistol and a light daypack (with a ruffle bag inside). He leaves his Arcadian blade and his dragon shield behind. Grant goes as he normally does. Abbie also travels light, but she carries a concealed pistol (she has practised how to use it).
Grand Stairway Section 0 - Proximate to Home Realm
- Heading back onto the Stair, Grant leads the way. They pass the Marindan Door and keep walking.
Grand Stairway Section 4
- After about an hour, the Doors look more metallic. Finally Grant locates the correct one.
Realm 12 - City Seven (Green Steel Door)
- Stepping out of a service door, the three of them find themselves on the roof top of a multi-storey building, looking down at a myriad of flying cars and neon lights below.
- As Grant steps away from the Door, a flash-bang grenade goes off, blinding and deafening all three of them. Ethan grabs Abbie and pulls her to one side, using Eidolon to restore their sight. Grant instinctively remembers the way off the roof and heads to the stairwell, but finds it locked. Assuming more boobytraps, he uses Umbra to disable anything in his way as the high-pitched whine of a aerodyne’s engines roars nearby. The three head down the stairs, and Ethan blocks the door to the stairwell (GM’s note - using a Warden’s power to do so). Ethan catches a glimpse of a gunship bristling with weapons as he slams the door.
- Grant leads the way down, using Wayfinding to find an expedient way out of the building and avoid pursuit. Both Grant and Ethan realise that whoever laid the boobytrap by the Door was clearly aware of its existence and neither of them have any wish to linger. They manage to get away before their pursuers can catch up with them.
- Grant tests his card at a food stall (which has has retained since his original trip to this realm) and finds that it still works. He also finds that he is able to recharge it using the magical wallet that he has. They lay low and eat at a restaurant which serves food similar to Korean fare, then they make their way to the clothing store where Grant previously bought his armoured outfit. All three of them make purchases (Ethan buys a number of samples in the hope that he can replicate and improve upon the design), and then Grant takes them on a broader shopping trip. They buy gadgets (lots of electronic bits and pieces), Ethan buys music and then they arm themselves heavily at the ‘Lucky Nine’ gun shop. Loaded up with a truly obscene amount of military-grade hardware, Ethan suggests that they not return to the Door but instead use an Icon to leave. Grant agrees, and he contacts Sophia in Marindar. All three of them vanish, and reappear in Marindar.
Realm 15b - True Marindar (Grey Door)
- Sophia says nothing about their sudden appearance, despite the many rifles, shotguns and autopistols that encumber the three of them. Instead she suggests a place to store their weapons and offers them tea and refreshments. In the hours that follow, Sophia and Abbie reacquaint themselves whilst Ethan wanders about Central, truly astonished that he and Grant are the only Lords of Gossamer in residence. He remembers what Greywalker said to him about Cal going missing and he feels quite uneasy. Grant uses the time in Marindar to seek out Raine, and she offers to improve upon the clothing and fabric that they have acquired. Clearly there remains a spark between Raine and Grant, and Grant spends the night with Raine.
- When Ethan returns to Grant’s residence, he finds Grant absent and Abbie fast asleep in one of the guest chambers.
- The next morning, Ethan shares breakfast with Abbie and Lady Sophia. Ethan expresses surprise that Grant is not with Sophia, and Sophia delicately explains that Lord Grant is free to spend time with whoever he chooses. Ethan asks if he should talk to Grant about it, and Sophia asks him not to. Changing the topic, Ethan asks if any other Lords of Gossamer are in residence or have been seen, and Sophia says that there are no others. Ethan thinks for a bit, and he thanks her. He says that has never really thanked her for her kindness and hospitality. Sophia accepts the compliment graciously, and Ethan asks if there is anything that he can do to repay her, or her people. Sophia explains that there is much that a Lord of Gossamer could do for Marindar. They discuss this, and Ethan is relatively relaxed talking to Sophia for the first time. He begins to understand the enormity of the problem here.
- At last, Ethan and Abbie excuse themselves and they return to Earth. Lady Sophia offers Ethan a robin to send messages between them, but Ethan politely declines, on the grounds that Macavity or one of the other cats would probably eat it. Ethan promises to think on what she has said.
Grand Stairway Section 0 - Proximate to Home Realm
- Leaving Grant behind, Ethan and Abbie return home with all of their acquired gear and Abbie asks curiously whether Ethan plans to help the Marindans. Ethan says that he worries that if Marindar falls that it is only a 10 minute walk to his own home realm. Besides, he quite likes the few people that he has met on Marindar. He likes Lady Sophia, perhaps even admires her. He would quite like to spend more time there. Abbie listens, and then they reach the Door to return home.
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1988 (Brown Door)
- It is Thursday 5th May when Ethan and Abbie return to Westgate Cottage. It is still early morning, pouring with rain and neither one of them feels like heading into Manchester. So they spend some time talking with Macavity (who tells Ethan about the Corbitt House in Manchester), and working on their new equipment for the next foray onto the Stair. Ethan starts examining the ballistic cloth to see how it is made and how he can improve upon it. Abbie makes a phone call and goes around to a friend’s place, leaving Ethan alone to his work.
- Grant returns to Earth the following day. They decide that they will head to redwood Door inlaid with gold on Saturday. Grant is surprised to see that Abbie has been learning how to use a sword, and Ethan has been teaching her how to fence. (GM’s note - by Earth standards, Ethan is a master swordsman from his time in Versais and elsewhere).
- On the morning of Saturday 7th May, Abbie suddenly decides not to come. She encourages Ethan to go, and asks if he will contact her to let her know that he is all right - but she just doesn’t feel confident this time. Ethan senses that there is something deeper worrying her, but does not inquire. Instead, he and Grant head onto the Stair together. Macavity promises to keep an eye on Abbie, and strangely, Macavity seems to mean it.
Grand Stairway Section 0 - Proximate to Home Realm
- It is only a short walk to the redwood Door which is inlaid with gold tracery. The door is ornate, practically a work of art. Ethan agrees with Grant’s observation that there is something different about this Door compared to the others. He puts his hand to it, but can sense no danger.
... and that's where we leave it. We're about to enter "The Legendary Realm". And what was all that flash-bang grenade stuff in City Seven? Well, Ethan and Grant didn't investigate so that's yet another sleeper which will no doubt come back to bite them later.
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