GM Observations - Part 1
- Ok, first of all we are getting to the end of this ‘meandering’. The plots that Grant and Ethan have ignored are not far away from escalating/biting them.
- I’ll also add some notes about Jodan and how he was crafted at the end of this write-up. To give it away now would be a spoiler.
Part 1 - An Evening at the Two Trees Inn
Realm 72 - Eldale (Oak Door)
- The villagers are fascinated by Grant and Ethan. They are ‘beautiful people’ by the local standards - they have fair of face, have clean limbs, dress well and have good standards of personal hygiene. By contrast the locals have bad teeth, wash rarely and their bodies have been shaped by years of poor quality food and manual hard labour. Little by little, the whole village comes to see the strangers in the inn. Some of the farmers even try to show off their daughters - something which Grant responds politely too, but Ethan simply says nothing. When asked about their own kingdoms or lands, Grant says that they are very far away. This does not surprise the people because they even though they can understand the Warden’s speech, their accent and the words that they choose show that they are not from Eldale. Grant continues to spread good cheer by freely offering to fund the evening’s festivities. Two kegs of ale are opened, and the villagers are much appreciative of their good fortune. One bold fellow asks Grant why they have come to these lands, and Grant tells him that they are here to meet Warlord Jodan. They marvel at this.
- Ethan says little during his time at the Two Trees Inn. He answers simple questions but he has been quietly attuning his magic to ensure that it will be effective in this place. He is prepared for a fight, as he has no idea what sort of man Jodan is. They know little about him except for his appearance. Ethan uses Psyche (GM’s note - he has first PC rank Psyche) to glean information from the crowd, but he gains little real information. The people here are scared of Jodan because of his monstrous strength, and how quickly he unseated both the King and defeated nobles and armies who stood against him. But they don’t hate him, nor do they feel any more oppressed than they did before. None of them have actually met Jodan before.
- During all of this, Macavity simply pretends to be an ordinary cat, and he sits on Ethan’s lap and watches what is going on. At one point during the conversation, Grant realises that they are not the first strangers that this community has seen. He asks about them and is told that there are other strangers who don’t talk like the locals, nor do they look like the locals - they seem to serve Jodan.
- At the end of the evening, Grant, Ethan and Macavity retire. They find that the villagers have quickly renovated a room for them - they have stripped the simple cots and refurbished them with mattresses of fresh hay and covered them with the softest linen that they could find. Even Macavity has a place to sleep. Grant notes that they made an impression on the people, and Ethan wonders if Grant went a bit far - that this show of largess might reach Jodan’s ears. Grant says that this was his intent - he didn’t want to creep up on the Warlord. He wouldn’t be surprised if one of them ran off to inform Jodan, and if that happened then he would only say (with a bit of luck) good things. Ethan nods but he feels uncomfortable about the situation. Ethan has never felt comfortable around other Wardens, and this situation is nothing new.
- They sleep. In the morning, they head downstairs and find breakfast waiting for them. The innkeeper has even provided Macavity with a small bowl of food. Again, the townsfolk have done their best and provided the very best that they have. Grant vocally appreciates this (much to their relief) and compensates them once more. They take their time, and then go for a walk. Ethan takes a closer look at the old water wheel which is slowly turning the millstone, and he decides to repair it (using Eidolon) as his way of thanking the people for their hospitality. He does it subtly, but some of the locals quickly notice that the wheel is no longer groaning and on an incline. Those who witness the miracle are too astonished to say a word.
Part 2 - The Journey to Castle Avelor
- With about fifteen miles to go, Ethan and Grant head off with Macavity strolling along casually behind them. They follow the trails where possible, making the distance slightly longer. At one point they come to a ford in the river. Ethan marches through, getting his boots wet, but Grant decides to see just how strong he is and he decides to leap it. He jumps more than fifteen metres to land on the other side. (GM’s note - one of the benefits of first PC rank Strength) Ethan raises an eyebrow but says nothing at this athletic feat. Macavity then points out that he’s on the wrong side of the river, and he insists on being carried across such that Ethan crosses the river twice more.
- It is a cool, overcast day. After about five miles they come across a small walled village. It is clearly inhabited for there is smoke emanating from a number of chimneys and there are the sounds of a forge being worked. Rather than be diverted, they carry on. Their strange garb attracts the attention of the local militia and a huntsman with a bow follows them for a short way to get a better look at them. After about a mile, the huntsman is seen no more.
Part 3 - Castle Avelor
- Grant, Ethan and Macavity arrive at a large walled city. Beyond is a great castle - the castle of Avelor, once the seat of power of the High King but it is now ruled by the Warlord Jodan. It appears to be a prosperous city - there are many people who stop and stare at the pair and their cat, but no one stops them. Ethan remarks that it looks like the guards are expecting them, to which Grant smiles sagely and says “of course they are. It would be impolite to just ‘turn up’ unannounced.”
- Reaching the drawbridge, there are two armoured soldiers standing guard. Behind, a middle aged man with a black beard is waiting for them. Dressed all in red, and wearing a red wizard’s hat (as if he’d stepped straight out of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice), he smiles at them and comments that they are “right on time”. The wizard gives his name as Carish, and he says that he is a wizard. He asks for their names and Grant introduces them both (saying nothing of the cat). Carish then leads them into the great hall, where a grizzled warlord waits on the throne. The man looks like he’s been through countless battles. He is flanked by two bodyguards - one is a pale, tall woman with blue hair who carries a staff. The staff is clearly a technological weapon. The other bodyguard is a dark-haired young man who is still in his teens. He grimaces at them. He wears some sort of technological gloves on his hands. Both are clearly not natives based on their garb.
- Grant and Ethan both recognise Jodan to be the young man who stands as one of the bodyguards, not the man on the throne. They say nothing of this and play along as the wizard Carish introduces them. The Warlord greets them and welcomes them to Eldale, and Grant thanks the Warlord for receiving them so warmly. With the pleasantries out of the way, the Warlord asks them to prove that they are ‘from the Stair’. He gives them a task to find a man who is locked in the dungeons who was imprisoned there two days ago. When they find him, he may go free.
- Grant takes this challenge and goes to find the man, whilst Ethan remains. With Grant out of the room, the Warlord asks if Ethan also ‘claims to be from the Stair’. With a smile, Ethan says that he makes no such claim. The Warlord bristles at this (GM’s note - Ethan has Bad Stuff) and the guards finger their weapons. Ethan’s fingers dangle close to his lightsaber and he confidently smiles at the ‘real’ Jodan, and says that he thought that Jodan would have been happy to meet others who have spent years travelling to many different lands. Nothing further is said, and the tension remains until Grant re-enters the room, having found and released the prisoner.
- The Warlord congratulates Grant, at which point Grant reveals that Jodan’s droid showed them an image of a man that he said was Jodan, but who actually appears to be the Warlord’s bodyguard. At this point both Ethan and Jodan almost simultaneously suggest that it’s time to drop the ruse. The real Jodan hands his gauntlets over to the grizzled man on the throne, and they swap places. Sitting on the throne, the real Warlord Jodan offers a confident smile.
* Image by GerryArthur on DeviantArt
Part 4 - The Real Jodan - Part 1
- At first Jodan wants to know about how long Grant and Ethan have been exploring the Stair. He seeks to gauge how experienced and how useful they are. Grant does all of the talking and tells Jodan that they have been travelling for about three years. This is interesting to Jodan and he shows a great deal of curiosity about them. Grant reveals that they are almost ‘neighbours’ on the Stair and that their Home realm is close by, and he explains that the wanted to meet another Warden who was active so close to their home. Jordan is a little spooked when Grant suggests that he, Jodan and Ethan should go for a walk together - Jodan is clearly unsure as to what Grant’s and Ethan’s intentions.
- Over the next few hours, Jodan, Grant and Ethan get to know each other a little better. Jodan’s bodyguards remain present, and Macavity pretends to be an ordinary cat and ‘fall asleep’. Grant is relatively open with Jodan, but does not give away their capabilities, nor exact places. Jodan reveals that he was born and grew up in Eldale - he was the son of a minor noble, served as a squire but everything changed when he opened a Door onto the Stair and discovered other places. Grant and Ethan are clearly the first Wardens that he has met, although he seems to know about the Door and the Stair by those names, suggesting that someone has mentored him or told him something of what he is. He clearly knows nothing of Sorcery, Eidolon, Umbra or Icons because many of his questions revolve around what Grant and Ethan have seen, and what threats they have encountered. Grant says nothing of Eidolon or Umbra or Icons, but he mentions that some magic works in more than one place, and he describes an Erebus for Jodan.
- As the hours pass, the conversation moves to the gardens and a number of servants bring fine wine and good food for them. Jordan comments that some of the foodstuffs come from off world - he notes that his home realm is not as advanced as many, and that the people here are relatively uncivilised.
- Grant and Ethan get the impression that Jodan is on a very steep learning curve. He has little formal education, and in this place there has been no industrial revolution so a lot of basic technology is new to him. It seems that in this place there is some magic - Jodan reveals that Carish is a skilled diviner, able to predict the future. This is how Carish knew to expect them.
- Jodan asks about the other Lords of Gossamer, and Grant tells him that there are at least twelve. He also introduces Jodan to the Dwimmerlaik, The Great Enemy - a race who have the ability to walk the Stair. Grant describes them as shapeshifters, and they seek to destabilise that which they do not control themselves. Ethan gets the distinct impression that Jodan knows something of the Dwimmerlaik (or at least he has heard of them before). Jodan asks how it is possible to find another Lord of Gossamer, and Grant explains that one can simply ‘find them’ if one wants to (and the individual wants to be found). When Jodan wonders aloud how difficult it must be to keep in touch with Lords who are often a long distance away, Grant explains about Icons but says that they are only given to another Lord when a level of trust is established.
- During the lengthy conversation, Grant surreptitiously uses Umbra on Jodan and notes that he wields no magical defences, but notes that he has a connection to the land, suggesting that Jodan may wield some influence over it. They talk about the realms that they have both seen - Jodan has been to Midas, and discovered the Treasure Cave. Jodan hints at other worlds that he has seen - he is becoming quite enthusiastic about the conversation. On a whim, he suggests a feast in their honour, and he gives instruction to his servants to organise it immediately. Grant gets the impression that Jodan badly wants to make a good impression on them, but at the same time Grant is suspicious - there are a few things that Jodan says which suggests that he is holding back on them. It makes Grant wonder if Jodan is playing upon Grant’s good nature.
- Grant resolves to speak to at least one of Jodan’s bodyguards given the opportunity. He is certain that some of the answers will be found there.
Part 5 - An Unexpected Contact
- During the conversation, Ethan is temporarily distracted but he has become very good at not letting on when receiving an Icon contact. Grant’s attention is on Jodan so he doesn’t notice.
- It is Abbie. Ethan is surprised but very pleased that she has decided to contact him. Abbie starts by apologising for running off, and assuring Ethan that she is safe. She admits that things have been more difficult than she had expected - she had taken for granted just how much she relied upon Ethan, but she thinks that the experience has made her stronger and wiser. She says that she is ‘getting it together’, but still ‘needs some more time’. Ethan is just pleased to hear from her and asks if they can at least talk from time to time. Abbie agrees to this. She asks where he is, and he explains that he’s in a castle in another realm, meeting another Warden of the Stair. She asks if he’s far away, and Ethan says that he is not - only about ten minutes walk away. Abbie is surprised that he is so close-by. There is a pause, and Ethan can tell there is something on her mind, so he asks what is bothering her. Abbie asks about Eidolon - she knows that Ethan used it and he was trying to help her, but she doesn’t really understand it. She asks if it does more than heal, and Ethan confirms that it does far more than that - he explains that it ‘unlocks potential’ as well. Abbie reflects on that, and says that she understands. She thanks Ethan, and says it is a wonderful gift. She sounds like she means it, but she doesn’t say why. Abbie promises to talk again soon, and Ethan smiles at this.
Part 6 - The Real Jodan - Part 2
- That evening, the hall is filled with nobles. Grant and Ethan are treated as honoured guests. Macavity is revealed to be more than ‘just an ordinary cat’ as there are many dogs in the great hall and Macavity uses mind control (GM’s note - yes, Macavity is a 20+ point feline with spells) to dominate the canines. Hence Macavity watches the entire proceedings, puffed up and looking most imperious, whilst the dogs cringe and cower underneath their masters’ tables. A great deal of ale and wine is drunk, but neither Grant nor Ethan let their guard down. Ethan can tell that Jodan is genuinely trying to make them feel welcome, but Ethan has never felt comfortable around other Lords of Gossamer, and he doesn’t know what to make of someone he has just met.
- Occasionally the conversation drifts to places that they have seen. Grant asks about the realm with the shantytown and Jodan admits to having thought he could take over the Empire that rules that realm, but he was inadequately prepared. He mentions that he managed to save ‘some’, referring to his bodyguards. When asked about why he deposed the King, Jodan explains after exploring some nearby worlds, he found that he was now much stronger than any other squire, knight or noble lord on Eldale. The old King had no sons, and many had thought that the kingdom would descend into civil war when the old King died. So Jodan felt it was his duty to take over, and he did. But since then, he is not sure that this was the right answer. He has seen other things now, and it would take a long time to help the people of his kingdom to live better. Jodan asks Grant what they have done, and what the other Lords of Gossamer do. Do they rule kingdoms of their own, or not?
- Grant thinks carefully and then says that each Lord has their own perspective. Grant admits that he doesn’t rule a kingdom or a country, though he has thought of it. When Ethan is asked, Ethan shrugs and says that he prefers to be thought of as a ‘healer’. He has no desire to rule others. Jodan thinks on this.
- As the evening goes on, many of the nobles become drunk and exit. Macavity feigns sleep. Grant excuses himself to go to the bathroom and uses the opportunity to converse with the older bodyguard. Grant asks him if Mordecai has been in touch, and the man answers that he has not, and that it has been some time since Mordecai was in contact. The man admits to being part of the Raven Legion. For Grant this explains a lot - some of the Raven Legion are active in the shanty town in the realm ruled by the Alphan Empire - and these people are familiar with Doors and the Stair - this is perhaps how Jodan received some basic education about the Stair.
- While Grant is away, Jodan asks Ethan more about his travels on the Stair. Ethan admits that he has travelled a long way on the Stair, perhaps further than most. Jodan is curious about this - he asks why Ethan needed to travel so far, whether there was a particular destination in mind and whether he stopped frequently or not. Jodan gives him the distinct impression that he has not travelled very far from his home realm. Jodan then changes the topic and asks about Ethan being a ‘healer’. Speculating that healing herbs must be difficult to find on some realms, and he inquires how Ethan is able to heal people. Ethan gives a wry smile and says that he doesn’t herbs, but instead he uses ’The Force’. Jodan is surprised by this, but before he can inquire further, Grant returns.
- Saving his further questions for later, the three of them start discussing the different places that they have seen. Jodan mentions another realm on the same landing that Grant and Ethan have not yet visited - the world of Tannish, where the people live beneath vast domes of translucent crystal to protect them from the volcanic acid rain. He found the people there to be most ingenuous and creative. He then speaks of the Great Hall - a small junction realm that leads to many other places - at least a dozen. He mentions reaching Empyrea from the Great Hall, a realm of beautiful demigods and demigoddesses that he was very much impressed by, and would like to return to. He also was impressed by the warring factions of the so-called Iron Kingdoms, and then finally he mentions a world called Crylit where the population lives in a vast underground chamber, sheltering from the devastation above. He found that place interesting as it was under almost constant siege from the dwellers that live in the deep, dark places beneath the chamber.
- As the hour grows very late, Jodan asks if they would like companions for the night, and he offers to arrange some. Grant and Ethan decline. Jodan then suggests that he organise a hunt to entertain them the next day. He speaks of a great beast called a Dwilok that makes ‘good sport’, to which Ethan and Grant agree.
- The conversation goes on very late, and Ethan finally excuses himself to rest. Grant finds this a little odd, but says nothing.
GM Observations - Part 2
- I thought hard about what sort of Lord of Gossamer to introduce. We have had experienced Lords, and let’s face it, a villainous Lord of Gossamer wouldn’t last long against Grant and Ethan combined. So this time it was time to introduce something who at least appears to be less experienced than either of them, is genuinely curious about them and the Stair, and could end up as an ally or a villain depending upon how they treat him. Jodan has his secrets and his own motivations, and it could go either way.
- In terms of stats, Jodan is designed to have Ranked attributes but he is not a match for either Grant or Ethan in any of their attributes. That’s not the point of this character. Even with only “Warden of the Stair” abilities, Jodan is someone who will no cause problems for the PCs.
- By the way, the world of Empyrea is one of the official Gossamer Realms (sourcebook produced by Rite Publishing Forums). Yes, I’ve been seeking a way of introducing this for some time - it didn’t feel like the sort of world that Grant and Ethan would accidentally walk into, hence I’ve introduced it this way.
And without further ado, there are two LEGO Lords of Gossamer pics for you.
Opening the Door
Ethan’s Eidolon Shield (actually it’s Eidolon-augmented Sorcery, but ….)
- Ok, first of all we are getting to the end of this ‘meandering’. The plots that Grant and Ethan have ignored are not far away from escalating/biting them.
- I’ll also add some notes about Jodan and how he was crafted at the end of this write-up. To give it away now would be a spoiler.
Part 1 - An Evening at the Two Trees Inn
Realm 72 - Eldale (Oak Door)
- The villagers are fascinated by Grant and Ethan. They are ‘beautiful people’ by the local standards - they have fair of face, have clean limbs, dress well and have good standards of personal hygiene. By contrast the locals have bad teeth, wash rarely and their bodies have been shaped by years of poor quality food and manual hard labour. Little by little, the whole village comes to see the strangers in the inn. Some of the farmers even try to show off their daughters - something which Grant responds politely too, but Ethan simply says nothing. When asked about their own kingdoms or lands, Grant says that they are very far away. This does not surprise the people because they even though they can understand the Warden’s speech, their accent and the words that they choose show that they are not from Eldale. Grant continues to spread good cheer by freely offering to fund the evening’s festivities. Two kegs of ale are opened, and the villagers are much appreciative of their good fortune. One bold fellow asks Grant why they have come to these lands, and Grant tells him that they are here to meet Warlord Jodan. They marvel at this.
- Ethan says little during his time at the Two Trees Inn. He answers simple questions but he has been quietly attuning his magic to ensure that it will be effective in this place. He is prepared for a fight, as he has no idea what sort of man Jodan is. They know little about him except for his appearance. Ethan uses Psyche (GM’s note - he has first PC rank Psyche) to glean information from the crowd, but he gains little real information. The people here are scared of Jodan because of his monstrous strength, and how quickly he unseated both the King and defeated nobles and armies who stood against him. But they don’t hate him, nor do they feel any more oppressed than they did before. None of them have actually met Jodan before.
- During all of this, Macavity simply pretends to be an ordinary cat, and he sits on Ethan’s lap and watches what is going on. At one point during the conversation, Grant realises that they are not the first strangers that this community has seen. He asks about them and is told that there are other strangers who don’t talk like the locals, nor do they look like the locals - they seem to serve Jodan.
- At the end of the evening, Grant, Ethan and Macavity retire. They find that the villagers have quickly renovated a room for them - they have stripped the simple cots and refurbished them with mattresses of fresh hay and covered them with the softest linen that they could find. Even Macavity has a place to sleep. Grant notes that they made an impression on the people, and Ethan wonders if Grant went a bit far - that this show of largess might reach Jodan’s ears. Grant says that this was his intent - he didn’t want to creep up on the Warlord. He wouldn’t be surprised if one of them ran off to inform Jodan, and if that happened then he would only say (with a bit of luck) good things. Ethan nods but he feels uncomfortable about the situation. Ethan has never felt comfortable around other Wardens, and this situation is nothing new.
- They sleep. In the morning, they head downstairs and find breakfast waiting for them. The innkeeper has even provided Macavity with a small bowl of food. Again, the townsfolk have done their best and provided the very best that they have. Grant vocally appreciates this (much to their relief) and compensates them once more. They take their time, and then go for a walk. Ethan takes a closer look at the old water wheel which is slowly turning the millstone, and he decides to repair it (using Eidolon) as his way of thanking the people for their hospitality. He does it subtly, but some of the locals quickly notice that the wheel is no longer groaning and on an incline. Those who witness the miracle are too astonished to say a word.
Part 2 - The Journey to Castle Avelor
- With about fifteen miles to go, Ethan and Grant head off with Macavity strolling along casually behind them. They follow the trails where possible, making the distance slightly longer. At one point they come to a ford in the river. Ethan marches through, getting his boots wet, but Grant decides to see just how strong he is and he decides to leap it. He jumps more than fifteen metres to land on the other side. (GM’s note - one of the benefits of first PC rank Strength) Ethan raises an eyebrow but says nothing at this athletic feat. Macavity then points out that he’s on the wrong side of the river, and he insists on being carried across such that Ethan crosses the river twice more.
- It is a cool, overcast day. After about five miles they come across a small walled village. It is clearly inhabited for there is smoke emanating from a number of chimneys and there are the sounds of a forge being worked. Rather than be diverted, they carry on. Their strange garb attracts the attention of the local militia and a huntsman with a bow follows them for a short way to get a better look at them. After about a mile, the huntsman is seen no more.
Part 3 - Castle Avelor
- Grant, Ethan and Macavity arrive at a large walled city. Beyond is a great castle - the castle of Avelor, once the seat of power of the High King but it is now ruled by the Warlord Jodan. It appears to be a prosperous city - there are many people who stop and stare at the pair and their cat, but no one stops them. Ethan remarks that it looks like the guards are expecting them, to which Grant smiles sagely and says “of course they are. It would be impolite to just ‘turn up’ unannounced.”
- Reaching the drawbridge, there are two armoured soldiers standing guard. Behind, a middle aged man with a black beard is waiting for them. Dressed all in red, and wearing a red wizard’s hat (as if he’d stepped straight out of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice), he smiles at them and comments that they are “right on time”. The wizard gives his name as Carish, and he says that he is a wizard. He asks for their names and Grant introduces them both (saying nothing of the cat). Carish then leads them into the great hall, where a grizzled warlord waits on the throne. The man looks like he’s been through countless battles. He is flanked by two bodyguards - one is a pale, tall woman with blue hair who carries a staff. The staff is clearly a technological weapon. The other bodyguard is a dark-haired young man who is still in his teens. He grimaces at them. He wears some sort of technological gloves on his hands. Both are clearly not natives based on their garb.
- Grant and Ethan both recognise Jodan to be the young man who stands as one of the bodyguards, not the man on the throne. They say nothing of this and play along as the wizard Carish introduces them. The Warlord greets them and welcomes them to Eldale, and Grant thanks the Warlord for receiving them so warmly. With the pleasantries out of the way, the Warlord asks them to prove that they are ‘from the Stair’. He gives them a task to find a man who is locked in the dungeons who was imprisoned there two days ago. When they find him, he may go free.
- Grant takes this challenge and goes to find the man, whilst Ethan remains. With Grant out of the room, the Warlord asks if Ethan also ‘claims to be from the Stair’. With a smile, Ethan says that he makes no such claim. The Warlord bristles at this (GM’s note - Ethan has Bad Stuff) and the guards finger their weapons. Ethan’s fingers dangle close to his lightsaber and he confidently smiles at the ‘real’ Jodan, and says that he thought that Jodan would have been happy to meet others who have spent years travelling to many different lands. Nothing further is said, and the tension remains until Grant re-enters the room, having found and released the prisoner.
- The Warlord congratulates Grant, at which point Grant reveals that Jodan’s droid showed them an image of a man that he said was Jodan, but who actually appears to be the Warlord’s bodyguard. At this point both Ethan and Jodan almost simultaneously suggest that it’s time to drop the ruse. The real Jodan hands his gauntlets over to the grizzled man on the throne, and they swap places. Sitting on the throne, the real Warlord Jodan offers a confident smile.
* Image by GerryArthur on DeviantArt
Part 4 - The Real Jodan - Part 1
- At first Jodan wants to know about how long Grant and Ethan have been exploring the Stair. He seeks to gauge how experienced and how useful they are. Grant does all of the talking and tells Jodan that they have been travelling for about three years. This is interesting to Jodan and he shows a great deal of curiosity about them. Grant reveals that they are almost ‘neighbours’ on the Stair and that their Home realm is close by, and he explains that the wanted to meet another Warden who was active so close to their home. Jordan is a little spooked when Grant suggests that he, Jodan and Ethan should go for a walk together - Jodan is clearly unsure as to what Grant’s and Ethan’s intentions.
- Over the next few hours, Jodan, Grant and Ethan get to know each other a little better. Jodan’s bodyguards remain present, and Macavity pretends to be an ordinary cat and ‘fall asleep’. Grant is relatively open with Jodan, but does not give away their capabilities, nor exact places. Jodan reveals that he was born and grew up in Eldale - he was the son of a minor noble, served as a squire but everything changed when he opened a Door onto the Stair and discovered other places. Grant and Ethan are clearly the first Wardens that he has met, although he seems to know about the Door and the Stair by those names, suggesting that someone has mentored him or told him something of what he is. He clearly knows nothing of Sorcery, Eidolon, Umbra or Icons because many of his questions revolve around what Grant and Ethan have seen, and what threats they have encountered. Grant says nothing of Eidolon or Umbra or Icons, but he mentions that some magic works in more than one place, and he describes an Erebus for Jodan.
- As the hours pass, the conversation moves to the gardens and a number of servants bring fine wine and good food for them. Jordan comments that some of the foodstuffs come from off world - he notes that his home realm is not as advanced as many, and that the people here are relatively uncivilised.
- Grant and Ethan get the impression that Jodan is on a very steep learning curve. He has little formal education, and in this place there has been no industrial revolution so a lot of basic technology is new to him. It seems that in this place there is some magic - Jodan reveals that Carish is a skilled diviner, able to predict the future. This is how Carish knew to expect them.
- Jodan asks about the other Lords of Gossamer, and Grant tells him that there are at least twelve. He also introduces Jodan to the Dwimmerlaik, The Great Enemy - a race who have the ability to walk the Stair. Grant describes them as shapeshifters, and they seek to destabilise that which they do not control themselves. Ethan gets the distinct impression that Jodan knows something of the Dwimmerlaik (or at least he has heard of them before). Jodan asks how it is possible to find another Lord of Gossamer, and Grant explains that one can simply ‘find them’ if one wants to (and the individual wants to be found). When Jodan wonders aloud how difficult it must be to keep in touch with Lords who are often a long distance away, Grant explains about Icons but says that they are only given to another Lord when a level of trust is established.
- During the lengthy conversation, Grant surreptitiously uses Umbra on Jodan and notes that he wields no magical defences, but notes that he has a connection to the land, suggesting that Jodan may wield some influence over it. They talk about the realms that they have both seen - Jodan has been to Midas, and discovered the Treasure Cave. Jodan hints at other worlds that he has seen - he is becoming quite enthusiastic about the conversation. On a whim, he suggests a feast in their honour, and he gives instruction to his servants to organise it immediately. Grant gets the impression that Jodan badly wants to make a good impression on them, but at the same time Grant is suspicious - there are a few things that Jodan says which suggests that he is holding back on them. It makes Grant wonder if Jodan is playing upon Grant’s good nature.
- Grant resolves to speak to at least one of Jodan’s bodyguards given the opportunity. He is certain that some of the answers will be found there.
Part 5 - An Unexpected Contact
- During the conversation, Ethan is temporarily distracted but he has become very good at not letting on when receiving an Icon contact. Grant’s attention is on Jodan so he doesn’t notice.
- It is Abbie. Ethan is surprised but very pleased that she has decided to contact him. Abbie starts by apologising for running off, and assuring Ethan that she is safe. She admits that things have been more difficult than she had expected - she had taken for granted just how much she relied upon Ethan, but she thinks that the experience has made her stronger and wiser. She says that she is ‘getting it together’, but still ‘needs some more time’. Ethan is just pleased to hear from her and asks if they can at least talk from time to time. Abbie agrees to this. She asks where he is, and he explains that he’s in a castle in another realm, meeting another Warden of the Stair. She asks if he’s far away, and Ethan says that he is not - only about ten minutes walk away. Abbie is surprised that he is so close-by. There is a pause, and Ethan can tell there is something on her mind, so he asks what is bothering her. Abbie asks about Eidolon - she knows that Ethan used it and he was trying to help her, but she doesn’t really understand it. She asks if it does more than heal, and Ethan confirms that it does far more than that - he explains that it ‘unlocks potential’ as well. Abbie reflects on that, and says that she understands. She thanks Ethan, and says it is a wonderful gift. She sounds like she means it, but she doesn’t say why. Abbie promises to talk again soon, and Ethan smiles at this.
Part 6 - The Real Jodan - Part 2
- That evening, the hall is filled with nobles. Grant and Ethan are treated as honoured guests. Macavity is revealed to be more than ‘just an ordinary cat’ as there are many dogs in the great hall and Macavity uses mind control (GM’s note - yes, Macavity is a 20+ point feline with spells) to dominate the canines. Hence Macavity watches the entire proceedings, puffed up and looking most imperious, whilst the dogs cringe and cower underneath their masters’ tables. A great deal of ale and wine is drunk, but neither Grant nor Ethan let their guard down. Ethan can tell that Jodan is genuinely trying to make them feel welcome, but Ethan has never felt comfortable around other Lords of Gossamer, and he doesn’t know what to make of someone he has just met.
- Occasionally the conversation drifts to places that they have seen. Grant asks about the realm with the shantytown and Jodan admits to having thought he could take over the Empire that rules that realm, but he was inadequately prepared. He mentions that he managed to save ‘some’, referring to his bodyguards. When asked about why he deposed the King, Jodan explains after exploring some nearby worlds, he found that he was now much stronger than any other squire, knight or noble lord on Eldale. The old King had no sons, and many had thought that the kingdom would descend into civil war when the old King died. So Jodan felt it was his duty to take over, and he did. But since then, he is not sure that this was the right answer. He has seen other things now, and it would take a long time to help the people of his kingdom to live better. Jodan asks Grant what they have done, and what the other Lords of Gossamer do. Do they rule kingdoms of their own, or not?
- Grant thinks carefully and then says that each Lord has their own perspective. Grant admits that he doesn’t rule a kingdom or a country, though he has thought of it. When Ethan is asked, Ethan shrugs and says that he prefers to be thought of as a ‘healer’. He has no desire to rule others. Jodan thinks on this.
- As the evening goes on, many of the nobles become drunk and exit. Macavity feigns sleep. Grant excuses himself to go to the bathroom and uses the opportunity to converse with the older bodyguard. Grant asks him if Mordecai has been in touch, and the man answers that he has not, and that it has been some time since Mordecai was in contact. The man admits to being part of the Raven Legion. For Grant this explains a lot - some of the Raven Legion are active in the shanty town in the realm ruled by the Alphan Empire - and these people are familiar with Doors and the Stair - this is perhaps how Jodan received some basic education about the Stair.
- While Grant is away, Jodan asks Ethan more about his travels on the Stair. Ethan admits that he has travelled a long way on the Stair, perhaps further than most. Jodan is curious about this - he asks why Ethan needed to travel so far, whether there was a particular destination in mind and whether he stopped frequently or not. Jodan gives him the distinct impression that he has not travelled very far from his home realm. Jodan then changes the topic and asks about Ethan being a ‘healer’. Speculating that healing herbs must be difficult to find on some realms, and he inquires how Ethan is able to heal people. Ethan gives a wry smile and says that he doesn’t herbs, but instead he uses ’The Force’. Jodan is surprised by this, but before he can inquire further, Grant returns.
- Saving his further questions for later, the three of them start discussing the different places that they have seen. Jodan mentions another realm on the same landing that Grant and Ethan have not yet visited - the world of Tannish, where the people live beneath vast domes of translucent crystal to protect them from the volcanic acid rain. He found the people there to be most ingenuous and creative. He then speaks of the Great Hall - a small junction realm that leads to many other places - at least a dozen. He mentions reaching Empyrea from the Great Hall, a realm of beautiful demigods and demigoddesses that he was very much impressed by, and would like to return to. He also was impressed by the warring factions of the so-called Iron Kingdoms, and then finally he mentions a world called Crylit where the population lives in a vast underground chamber, sheltering from the devastation above. He found that place interesting as it was under almost constant siege from the dwellers that live in the deep, dark places beneath the chamber.
- As the hour grows very late, Jodan asks if they would like companions for the night, and he offers to arrange some. Grant and Ethan decline. Jodan then suggests that he organise a hunt to entertain them the next day. He speaks of a great beast called a Dwilok that makes ‘good sport’, to which Ethan and Grant agree.
- The conversation goes on very late, and Ethan finally excuses himself to rest. Grant finds this a little odd, but says nothing.
GM Observations - Part 2
- I thought hard about what sort of Lord of Gossamer to introduce. We have had experienced Lords, and let’s face it, a villainous Lord of Gossamer wouldn’t last long against Grant and Ethan combined. So this time it was time to introduce something who at least appears to be less experienced than either of them, is genuinely curious about them and the Stair, and could end up as an ally or a villain depending upon how they treat him. Jodan has his secrets and his own motivations, and it could go either way.
- In terms of stats, Jodan is designed to have Ranked attributes but he is not a match for either Grant or Ethan in any of their attributes. That’s not the point of this character. Even with only “Warden of the Stair” abilities, Jodan is someone who will no cause problems for the PCs.
- By the way, the world of Empyrea is one of the official Gossamer Realms (sourcebook produced by Rite Publishing Forums). Yes, I’ve been seeking a way of introducing this for some time - it didn’t feel like the sort of world that Grant and Ethan would accidentally walk into, hence I’ve introduced it this way.
And without further ado, there are two LEGO Lords of Gossamer pics for you.
Opening the Door
Ethan’s Eidolon Shield (actually it’s Eidolon-augmented Sorcery, but ….)
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