- The purpose of this story arc was to test Grant, and to let Grant earn the right to wield Gorgorin the Shatterer. Gorgorin is a 20 point weapon (16 point Primal Damage, Linked to Umbra, Named and Numbered Forms) which Grant didn’t earn. Ethan earned it the hard way, and gave it to Grant. Even though Grant paid points for it, he didn’t go on a quest to get it, nor has he had to do anything hard to keep it, until now. Grant has also never faced a truly superior opponent - someone with greater Warfare than he has. He has never been exhausted and run down the way that Ethan has (mind you, Grant has Good Stuff, and Ethan (most of the time) has had Bad Stuff). This is why Grant is put through some arduous challenges in this story arc. I wanted to push Grant to the limit, something that is very hard to do in a Diceless game.
- As we bring this story arc to a close with the final session, we get to see more battles (including Grant fighting an opponent with X+1 Rank Warfare - i.e.: a rank above 1st PC Rank), and also we get a glimpse of a section of Stair which is not filled by air.
- There is additional GM commentary below between Parts 21 and 22 because I thought it would be useful to those GMs (and players) who are reading this as to how we handled a ‘big battle’ where it was possible, even likely, that the PCs would lose. In a Diceless system there is no ‘luck’, just weighing up of various factors - so before we get into the blow-by-blow as to what happened, I’ll detail how I (we) approached this. I’m hoping this gives other GMs some insights as to how to create a satisfying way forward using a Diceless system. After all, we had been playing this story arc for six sessions and it was important to end it in a meaningful way. I would encourage people to read this additional GM commentary section.
- I’ll also make some further comments at the end of this narrative.
Realm 59 - The Legendary Realm (Red Door inlaid with Gold)
Part 19 - A Measure of Peace
- It is still night-time, and things are quiet when Grant wakes. He feels refreshed. In fact, he feels better than just refreshed - he feels pumped. His battered body is healed, his mind feels clear and focussed. He can sense two guards outside the residence that he’s been resting in. He gets up, stretches, and astonishes the guards by his swift recovery. The guards indicate that Ethan has provided him with some food for when he wakes- meat, cheese, bread, some wine and a pitcher of fresh water - and Grant greedily devours them. The food is superb - Grant can tell that Ethan has used Eidolon on it. Grant asks the guards how long it has been since the enemy attacked - apparently all has been quiet for nearly three hours. One of the guards excuses himself - he says that Ethan wished to be told when his ‘brother’ was up. Grant thinks about Ethan being his ‘brother’ - it puts a smile on his face - he quite likes being thought of as Ethan’s ‘brother’.
- Ethan quickly comes to see Grant and asks how he is feeling. The seven foot tall Jarred accompanies him, his warhammer resting on his broad shoulders. Grant gets the idea that Jarred may be acting as a bodyguard for Ethan - an idea he finds most odd. Ethan is most relieved to hear that Grant is feeling refreshed. He admits to having using Eidolon on Grant when he was sleeping - he was hoping that it would not have a detrimental effect on him. (GM’s note - yes, Lurker37 and I discussed whether Grant himself could be ‘boosted’ using Eidolon. Seeing how exhausted Grant was, it was something that Ethan would have legitimately tried. If Grant is not using Umbra, he is just a Warden of the Stair and there is no reason that we could think of why Eidolon could not be used to heal his wounds, revitalise him, and possibly even ‘unlock’ some mental blocks that were preventing him from advancing. Yes, Lurker37 wants to improve Grant’s Psyche.)
- Grant is bursting to tell his story, and Ethan agrees that they should compare notes while they can - Sir Guy, Saxus, Celtar, Glendon quickly join them so that they can hear the tale. Grant then proceeds to tell them all about the artefacts stolen from Skullheim, and how he recovered the Lifehammer, found the dragon (Korbundar) which was beyond death until he managed to destroy the Deathstone. Ethan and Grant realise that Ethan’s connection to Eidolon was restored upon the destruction of the Deathstone. Grant also tells the gathering as to what he saw at Alicor, at Conner and at Dubla - and that there are some people still alive at Alicor and Dubla.
- They then compare notes on the Dark Lord’s forces. Ethan slew one of the warlords (Diomedes), and Grant has slain the other (Einre). Both of the Umbra Masters has been hurt, and one of them (Lyra) possibly even killed. Ethan then explains that he’s used Eidolon quite extensively in the last few hours to revitalise the defenders and significantly strengthen the defenders. Gollim is now re-fortified. He doubts that Lord Kargoth will be able to breach the new walls without reinforcements (or more of the creatures that can walk through walls).
- The group talk further and Sir Guy supports the story which Grant first heard from Baron Fharo that the initial invasion was led by a Red Wizard (who is presumably still at large), a Dragon (probably Korbundar, now slain) and a Dark Priest (who is also presumably still at large). Neither the Red Wizard nor the Dark Priest have been seen since the deathcloud was first seen. The group discusses what to do next. Ethan explains that the enemy came from the mountains (something that Sir Guy has shared with him), and there is a temple there. Ethan can sense another Door here, far away, but generally in the right direction. Grant concentrates, and agrees with Ethan’s assessment that there is another Door. Ethan and Grant weigh up whether to remain in Gollim (and hope to decide the fate of Two Lakes Valley here), or head to the Temple (and chance a resolution). They decide to slip away undetected and see if they can find the Door. Grant wonders if the deathcloud could be related to the Door. Ethan agrees - he had a similar thought - but they have no way of confirming this.
Part 20 - Escape from Gollim
- Ethan and Grant make plans to leave even though it is still the middle of the night. They dress as peasants, and Ethan uses Eidolon to further improve some equipment and weapons in the hope that the enemy will think that they are still in Gollim. Realising that they will have to swim upstream in the chilly waters to Eastlake and the town of Fraggi, Ethan decides that he will leave his dragon-shield (GM’s note - yes, the one with Impervious - 8 point) with Abigail for safe-keeping. He also asks Macavity to look after Abigail (as Ethan still isn’t sure if Abbie is Abigail or not) and Macavity agrees wholeheartedly - he has no wish to go ‘swimming’.
- Sneaking away, Grant and Ethan make their way to the river. Grant uses shapeshifting to take the form of a shark and he swims ahead. Ethan uses Eidolon to resist the cold and reduce his need to breath, and he swims more slowly upstream. By the time they meet up again, Grant has already surveyed the village of Fraggi. To his surprise it is still inhabited and has not been overrun by the undead. Nevertheless, they resolve to avoid the village and head into the mountains to pick up the trail.
- Grant transforms back into a sparrow and flies ahead. Ethan follows behind, cold and wet from the icy waters but he does not complain. The trail itself starts about two miles out of Fraggi and heads into mountains for about five miles. It is crude - little more than a track. Grant continues to scout ahead under cover of darkness, but does not approach the temple until Ethan arrives.
Part 21 - The Temple
- The Temple itself has been carved out of the white rock of the mountain. There is a plateau in front of the Temple which is cut by deep fissures. Beyond the dark fissures there are the white steps leading to the temple. Within there are white columns supporting the ceiling. The ceiling itself is mostly hidden within the deathcloud - clearly there is a connection here, as the cloud slowly vents from the temple. The temple is lit by a strange green glow that comes from within. As Grant and Ethan look over the structure, they can both tell that there is a Door within the structure, and Ethan can tell that the Door is open - something that should not be possible without a Warden (or Master) of the Stair. Ethan uses ‘the Force’ and can sense a strong mind within the structure. He also realises that the individual is a Warden of the Stair. Grant decides to employ Umbra in a minor way - he uses Umbral Sight to see more of the individual within, and he notes that the guardian is also an Umbra Master, with an array of spells hung and ready to be triggered. Grant realises that this is the ‘Dark Priest’ character which Baron Fharo and Sir Guy described.
- Grant and Ethan briefly discuss and they decide to approach, reasoning that if they can sense the Dark Priest (Abaddon) then he can probably sense them too.
- As they make their way across the plateau there is a rumbling from deep below, and it gets louder. Steadying themselves as the ground quivers, a gigantic taloned claw reaches from out of the pit, and a great stone dragon (looking just like Korbundar) climbs out of the pit and blocks their way.
- Grant and Ethan go to work. Grant recognises that the stone dragon is using Umbra-infused magic to animate itself. He chooses to use Umbra to weaken it, making it less agile and more broken to shattering when he strikes it. Ethan meanwhile creates a TK barrier, bolstered with Eidolon to defend himself. The dragon attempts to breath on Grant (a poisonous cloud) but this is ineffective against Grant’s Umbral defences. The two of them take the stone guardian apart and it crashes back into the fissure from which it came.
- The two of them ascend the steps and enter the temple. They see the Dark Priest (Abaddon) floating in front of a Door that seems to be filled with black sludge. As the black sludge from the Doorway touches the threshold, blue-grey mist is created which forms the deathcloud.
* Image by Bpsola on DeviantArt
- Abaddon says nothing as they approach, but they can both tell that his sorcerous defences are active. Then suddenly a shadow springs from something in Abandon’s hand and Lord Kargoth is there (he has just stepped through an Icon). Kargoth is huge - he stands almost nine feet tall. Carrying an ebony black axe, it is clear that Kargoth is not ‘alive’ in any normal sense. His body reeks of Umbral energy.
* Image by Chekydotstudio on DeviantArt
- “At last,” rasps Kargoth, his eyes flickering as he spies Gorgorin the Shatterer. “Give me the weapon. It is mine.”
GM Observations - Part 2 of 3
- Ok, so here is the deal. I know Lurker37 well, have known him for 20+ years. If I introduce a character who has superior Warfare and is going to kerb-stomp his character in a story that has been running for 60+ sessions (and in a story arc that has been going for 6 sessions), he may not be very happy. So this battle has to be done delicately, and it has to be done in consultation with David.
- To begin with, let’s go through the factors affecting the fight. Firstly, here are the facts between Kargoth and Grant:
- Factor 1 - Attributes - Kargoth outranks Grant in Warfare and matches Grant in Strength. Kargoth has Ranked Endurance but he is lower than both Grant and Ethan.
- Factor 2 - Weapon/Armour - Grant has a 16 point Primal Damage weapon, and Kargoth does not - but Kargoth knows that Grant has the weapon and has come prepared. Hence Kargoth has the equivalent of an 8 point Destructive Damage weapon in this fight. They both have 4 point Armour. Hence Grant has the edge in this regard.
- Factor 3 - Stuff and the way the Realm works - Grant has Good Stuff, and Kargoth has Bad Stuff. Furthermore, the Legendary Realm is geared towards heroic victory, - Kargoth/Abaddon/Shimrod have tampered with this, but the Realm does provide a prevailing wind to help Grant/Ethan. Grant has the edge.
- Other Factors - Kargoth believes that he is the ‘true master’ of Gorgorin. This is incorrect because Grant has paid points for it and Grant considers himself Gorgorin’s owner, but Kargoth does not know this.
- If Grant fights Kargoth - Based on the above, if Kargoth fights Grant in a straight fight, Kargoth will win. He has superior Warfare. Period. There other factors could contribute to swing the fight the other way depending upon how it plays out.
- Factor 1 - Ethan v Abaddon - Abaddon is a powerful Umbra Master and a Warden on the Stair, but he is outranked by Ethan in both Psyche and Endurance. Abaddon is very practised in using Umbra Mastery to fight, and Ethan has never fought an Umbra Master before. In a straight fight using Eidolon v Umbra, or even if it becomes a Warfare fight, Ethan will win.
- Factor 2 - Kargoth’s Reinforcements - Kargoth’s other generals are on their way from Gollim. Lyra is severely wounded but she is still a competent Umbra Master. Furthermore ‘Lyra’ is actually a spirit who takes over a weak-minded body - hence Lyra can happily fight to the death, knowing that she can move on and ‘live’ to find another body. Saturn Black has also been wounded (by Ethan) but his powers are still reasonably strong. If Grant is fully focussed on Kargoth, then that means that Ethan might end up having to fight a total of three Umbra Masters depending upon when those reinforcements arrive. Even with 1st Rank Psyche, there is a limit to what a single individual can do against multiple opponents with Ranked Psyche.
- Option 1 - Kargoth is victorious - under this option, Kargoth beats Grant and takes Gorgorin. Grant now has a nemesis and a reason to hunt him down. Lurker37 also gets 20 points back on Grant’s character which is free to spend elsewhere. This is the ‘Spiderman Cartoon’ outcome (for those of you who remember the old Spiderman cartoon) - where Spiderman gets beaten by the villain, and then has to rethink, heal up and then try again in order to be ultimately victorious. In this scenario, Ethan would probably beat Abaddon, but either be stalled by Kargoth’s reinforcements sufficiently to be unable to stop Kargoth taking Gorgorin. Hence this would be a failure for Grant, but he would be motivated to hunt down Kargoth to even the score (and prove himself ‘worthy’ of Gorgorin).
- Option 2 - Grant retains Gorgorin - in this scenario, even though Kargoth is the superior combatant, Grant would recognise this and would try to switch it to an Endurance fight. He would be counting on Ethan beating not only Abaddon, but both Lyra and Saturn Black as well (both of whom have been wounded). None of Ethan’s opponents are truly a match for him and it is conceivable that he would win. At this point, Ethan would be able to enter the battle on Grant’s side and then Good Stuff, and the rules of the Legendary Realm would probably be enough to tip the scales in favour of a Grant/Ethan victory. Furthermore if Grant manages to drag the fight out, Endurance starts to play a part in deciding who will be victorious.
- Lurker37 pointed out to me firstly that if Kargoth won here then he had proven himself not only superior in Warfare to Grant, but Kargoth would have secured himself a 16 point Primal Damage blade which had no equal. If he lost here, Grant would be unlikely to pursue because he’d just get himself killed. Furthermore, any encounter in the future where Kargoth appeared would almost certainly be a loss for Grant/Ethan because he outranked them both in Warfare and had a superior weapon. I listened to that but this did not sway me.
- I asked Lurker37 as to whether he considered Gorgorin to be part of his character or not, and David decided that Gorgorin was an integral part of the character now, and that defeating Kargoth (the former master) would cement that ownership. Lurker37 also pointed out that if Kargoth lost here, it would be because he had underestimated Grant and assumed that Gorgorin was still ‘his’. Kargoth would almost certainly become a nemesis for Grant and he would ‘try again’. These were valid points.
- Lurker37 could not see how Kargoth could be win without Grant being killed. I could see a way (I had prepared for that situation) so this did not sway me.
- So it came down to what would be a more satisfying conclusion. There are many factors in this combat (including GM-decided timing as to when reinforcements would show up) and I (as GM) could easily have it play out either way. So the key question is whether Lurker37 wanted a setback, or whether a victory here made more logical sense.
- Lurker37 greatly appreciated the opportunity to talk this through. It made it a more satisfying outcome because we had talked it through and what the result of this combat might mean to the overall narrative and for future plot lines.
- And on that note, I made a decision and the battle begun….. (you’ll have to read through the below to find out what happened)
Part 22 - Battle Royale
- Recapping: “At last,” rasps Kargoth, his eyes flickering as he spies Gorgorin the Shatterer. “Give me the weapon. It is mine.”
- Grant shakes his head and refuses. He asks Ethan if he can take the other one (Abaddon) and Ethan agrees. The battle between Kargoth and Grant begins. Kargoth refers to Grant as a ‘whelp’ and they fight savagely. Each of them is demigod strong and both of them are very experienced warriors - they seek to assess each other’s capabilities and limits.
- Meanwhile, Ethan approaches Abaddon, his sword drawn. Abaddon draws his strange halberd and floats down to the ground. Silently, Abaddon adopts a fighting stance, and then surprises Ethan by cutting loose with an Umbral attack. A series of black tentacles leap out of concealed shadows, and slam Ethan back against one of the side walls. At this point, Ethan strengthens his Eidolon defence and finds that it is effective against the Umbra attacks, although they keep trying to find a weak point. Ethan attacks using TK, but it is dispersed against Abaddon’s Umbral shield. They face off, each holding a weapon but wielding sorcery augmented by a Greater Power. Energy crackle, the stone pillars shake as the primal energies interact.
- Grant continues to battle Kargoth. The Dark Lord is very fast for someone of his size, but his axe is a slashing weapon where as Grant is able to use Gorgorin as both a slashing and piercing weapon. Grant tries to take advantage of Kargoth’s swing to attack, but he is unable to find an opportunity (GM’s note - Kargoth has superior warfare) Grant uses his wrist dagger (a concealed weapon) and tries to achieve a sneak attack. The projectile glances off Kargoth’s helmet but is not sufficient to give Grant an opening.
- As the battle continues, Kargoth realises that Grant is as strong as he is (which is a surprise to him) and he manages to successfully wound Grant on two occasions (GM’s note - Kargoth has superior Warfare) but it is not enough to slow Grant down (yet). Kargoth seems to be enjoying the battle.
- Ethan is fascinated by Abaddon. He is powerful and tricky in his use of Umbra. When Abaddon wants to move, he is quick like a spider-monkey, leaping from place to place. Even though Abaddon has a halberd, he appears unwilling to engage Ethan in melee. Ethan realises that he is stronger than his opponent, but Abaddon is more experienced at using Umbra and is not actually trying to win, but rather to stall and delay Ethan. Try as he might, Ethan cannot seem to fell Abaddon - it is like trying to swat a fast moving wasp - and neither of them will risk destroying the pillars which support the ceiling and bringing the mountain down on their heads.
- An hour into the battle, Grant has been wounded multiple times, but his opponent has also sustained injuries. Kargoth has the upper hand and is showing no sign of slowing down. Ethan and Abaddon have taken their battle outside where they can use the Greater Powers more freely. Great sections of rock fall down from the mountain sides and plunge into the fissure as Umbra and Eidolon clash. Ethan continues to pummel Abaddon but the tricky mage seems to deflect the brunt of Ethan’s blows and slip away. Ethan has greater reserves of Endurance than Abaddon but he’s burning his reserves faster than Abaddon is.
Part 23 - Reinforcements Arrive
- The battle has been going for over an hour and a half when Lyra and Saturn Black enter the fray with a sorcerous teleport. Lyra looks very pale, but still the black eyeshadow is as pitch as ever (GM’s note - when the ‘spirit’ that is Lyra takes over a body, the eye sockets become black). Ethan can tell that Lyra is severely weakened, but she has come into battle with an array of armed spells already active.
* Image by Sirtiefling on DeviantArt
- Her companion, Saturn Black, glowers at Ethan.
* Image by Janiceduke on DeviantArt
- Cursing that he now has three adversaries to deal with, Ethan goes on the offensive. Taking to the air, he flies straight at Saturn Black. Despite the enemy’s Umbral defences, Ethan goes clean through, grabs Saturn and smashes him into the nearby rock face, stunning him. This ends up being the right tactic (GM’s note - Ethan outranks Abaddon, Lyra and Saturn Black in Warfare) Lyra’s spells are mostly defensive and designed to protect herself, and Abandon’s strength is significantly depleted. Attacking the strongest one left, and taking Saturn out quickly is likely to even the odds. Ethan slams Saturn into the wall again, and follows up with a ‘Force Push’ (a TK blast) which drives poor Saturn up the mountain’s flank.
- Lyra and Abaddon use this opportunity to counterattack with Umbra, and Ethan is wounded, but with Saturn out of the fight, he is able to concentrate next on Lyra and eliminate her. Lyra’s defences crumble against Ethan’s sorcery (backed by Eidolon) (GM’s note - Ethan outranks Lyra by 3 ranks) and she collapses.
- Picking himself up, Saturn re-enters the fight but he finds Ethan’s defences too difficult to penetrate (GM’s note - Ethan outranks Saturn by 2 ranks) and again, Ethan slams him. This time, Saturn is knocked out.
- Seeing the odds shift and realising that Ethan is too strong for them, Abaddon admits defeat. He says nothing, but gives a little bow and heads back to the Door to leave. Ethan is at first astonished, but then he realises that Kargoth and Grant are still fighting and he rushes to lend a hand.
- GM’s note - yes, at this point you’ll realise that Grant’s reward for dealing with the Deathstone side-quest is that he managed to restore Ethan’s abilities which meant that it became possible to defeat Kargoth. If he had not done this, Grant and Ethan would certainly have been defeated)
- Kargoth and Grant continue to to duel in the temple and neither will give way. Grant is wounded more heavily than Kargoth but still they fight. Ethan’s arrival (and his news that the others have been defeated) gives Grant new vigour and the two of them press the Dark Lord. Unfortunately Ethan is not able to contribute significantly (he is not heavily armoured compared to Grant as he left his 8 point dragon-shield behind in Gollim). Ethan sustains a wound from Kargoth’s axe and he is hurled away from the fight.
- Grant then grabs the half of Kargoth’s axe, and Kargoth grabs the hilt of Gorgorin the Shatterer. Smiling hideously, Kargoth insists that Gorgorin is his, at which point he attempts to wrest the weapon from Grant. As they are nearly equal in Strength, the two of them strain, the white stones cracking beneath them. Kargoth whispers some arcane words (he attempts to take control of Gorgorin) but fails (GM’s note - as Grant has paid points for Gorgorin). It is at this point that Kargoth realises that the weapon that he covets is no longer his. Grant has acquired mastery of it.
- As Ethan gets back to his feet, Kargoth curses and hurls Grant away. Kargoth leaps after Grant and he attacks Grant furiously. Ethan again attempts to assist, but he does little to slow Kargoth down.
- As the battle continues, Kargoth tries again to take the blade from Grant but this time he is hit by Eidolon-infused TK from Ethan and knocked off his feet. Getting back up again, Kargoth fumes but he is again hit by Ethan before he can reach Grant. Using a Umbral shield to ward himself, Kargoth tries to re-engage with Grant, but again Ethan continues to hit him. Fighting on two fronts, Kargoth begins to tire. Despite being the superior fighter, he cannot take the blade from Grant, and Ethan continues to hit him with sorcerous attacks.
- At last, furious, Kargoth decides to retreat to the Door. He threatens Grant and tells him that “next time will be different”, then plunges into the black sludge and disappears. The Door then begins to close and the deathcloud starts to dissipate.
- As the sun begins to come up, Grant and Ethan look around the temple - it is trashed. With the amount of damage done to the pillars, it’s a wonder that the ceiling hasn’t come down and crushed them all. Both of them are wounded but neither of them are badly hurt. They chuckle - they have won!
Part 24 - Shimrod Returns
- As Grant and Ethan make their way back to the temple entrance, they realise that the Red Wizard (Shimrod) is waiting on the white steps. Grant is surprised - he says to Shimrod that he thought that he had killed him, at which point Shimrod explains that he only destroyed ‘a body’. Grant realises that Shimrod is a puppeteer - this is not the real ‘Shimrod’. Shimrod says that he isn’t here to fight.
* Image sourced from Google Images
- Ethan is prepared to listen (he’s never met Shimrod before, only heard about him) but Grant starts the dialogue by insulting him. Unperturbed, Shimrod admits to have orchestrating the entire episode and giving Lord Kargoth a chance to recover Gorgorin, going on to say that the Great Enemy (i.e.: the Dwimmerlaik) would have welcomed Kargoth back into their service. He admits to being surprised by this outcome, but not disappointed. Grant demands to know what Shimrod wants, at which point he becomes circumspect and he suggests that they meet at the place where Grant he thought he killed Shimrod (i.e.: back on Realm 1 - The Middle Kingdom) in nine days time. Shimrod says that he can’t talk freely in this place. Grant asks what happens if they miss the appointment, and Shimrod offers to return every nine days to the same place. Grant agrees to this, and Shimrod leaves with a gesture. Ethan is fascinated by the sorcerous teleport - he can tell that it is some sort of cross-dimensional recall spell.
Part 25 - The Realm Restored
- Grant and Ethan start walking back to Gollim. They’re both tired but feeling reasonably happy with the outcome. Above them, shafts of light break through as the deathcloud, the mountain pass coming alive with green grass and flowers. Grant and Ethan are astonished to see the realm repairing itself. Suppressed magical creatures like faeries and pixies come out of their hidden places and revel in the warm sunlight.
- Kargoth’s army has broken up and scattered. The heroes return to Gollim and the entire population celebrates the end of the shadow and the return of life-giving light to Two Lakes Valley. The shadow of decay is gone, and everywhere there are signs of rejuvenation. Even damaged structures are repairing themselves as if this is perfectly normal in this place.
- Grant is keen to celebrate with the people of Gollim, but Ethan reminds him that they have been away from Westgate for a long time - he convinces Grant that they should ‘ride off into the sunset’ and leave. Ethan says farewell to Abigail, and Ethan takes his dragon-shield with him. Macavity asks Ethan to fill in on what happened at the Temple, and Ethan begins to tell Macavity the story as they make their way back to the Door.
- Grant and Ethan spend a few hours walking back to the one tree, and the valley below which holds the Door. Peace has been restored. Evil has been vanquished. It’s time to go home.
Part 26 - Returning to Westgate
Grand Stairway Section 0 - Proximate to Home Realm
- It is a short distance along the Stair back to Westgate, and their clothes are back the way they were before they entered the Legendary Realm. While they walk, Grant and Ethan try to figure out how much time has passed. They conclude that they have been away for four days.
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1988 (Brown Door)
- Arriving back in Westgate, they find more unread mail. The cats and ravens are pleased to see them both. Grant heads to make a cup of tea, whilst Ethan looks around for Abbie. Macavity reiterates that he used an Icon of Ethan because he couldn’t find her.
- Ethan finds that Abbie’s bed hasn’t been slept in, nor has his. Some of her clothes are missing, and it is not long before he finds a letter. Opening it, he reads.
- Abbie has left him a short note. In it she says she loves him, but says that she is going away for awhile. She explains that she enjoys being with him but that she knows nothing else. She doesn’t use the word ‘smothered’ but the meaning is clear. She asks him to respect her decision and leave her be for a while. Ethan re-reads it but there is nothing more. He isn’t completely surprised by her letter, but he is saddened by it. He gently refolds the letter and puts it away, then goes to get a cup of tea.
GM Observations - Part 3 of 3
- In wrapping up, Lurker37 thoroughly enjoyed this because the outcome of the narrative made sense, there was character development and the characters were challenged. Lurker37 said that Grant would definitely return to the Legendary Realm, which is a note of praise.
- As mentioned previously, the Legendary Realm is meant to be heroic adventure. The Door opens in a place which needs heroic intervention. Threats regularly appear in this place, and heroes rise to take them on. The general population has Superior level Attributes, but some even have Paragon and Ranked levels.
- Regarding Abbie, this wasn’t a spontaneous decision but something that I had decided months ago. It didn’t make sense to me that Abbie was going to simply ‘live happily ever after’ - she is a meant to be a three-dimensional character and she has gone through a great deal. They appeared to be happy together but Abbie has deep problems. Ethan would certainly have ‘smothered her’ and she needed to step away and find herself. How long she remains ‘out’ and the manner in which she returns has not been decided. We’ll see.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the write-up. Onto new things - Session 68 is being run by Lurker37 tomorrow night.
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