This session writeup also has some key dialogue between Ethan, Liliana and Macavity which sets the scene for the next eight sessions. The reason why some of this is in more detail than usual is that it happened ‘off-camera’ and was not part of the session that David was running. It was part of the narrative that I had to include in order for the subsequent sessions to make sense/flow etc.
- Ethan keeps Hilda close, partly for her protection and partly to understand better what Invocation can do and what the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik is capable of. What he finds out worries him. She believes that the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik is hunting for her because of her ability to send things, and this is now important for him. She doesn’t know why. The only reason why he can’t find her directly is that she no longer has a Name. She erased hers. It is unpleasant to do so, like removing a part of yourself. She is weaker as a result but at least he can’t find her.
* Image by Venlian on DeviantART
- Ethan asks how easy it is to find someone’s name and she says that it is easy. It only takes a few weeks. It is possible to change a name but that doesn’t really help as the Invoker will inevitably find out the new name. It only delays the inevitable. Guarding a name is possible – this is what she believes the R.E.D. has done. He has hidden his name in a special place, a guarded place.
- Ethan shows Hilda the icon of Abbie and asks if it is possible to use Invocation to find out more about whether Abbie is operating under her own free will or is being controlled. Hilda explains patiently that she can research Abbie's Truename if he wishes. The more information and ‘things’ that Ethan has of her, the faster it will be. Ethan wonders if Abbie will suspect that Hilda is doing this and Hilda says that she will be unaware. Ethan provides some of Abbie’s things, including a tape of her music. (GM’s note – remember folks, Abbie is a musician, and a good one)
- While Hilda starts her investigation, using paper and crayons to sketch out the ‘true Abigail’, she answers more questions that Ethan puts to her. Even though the things that Ethan has provided are of Abbie’s past, it will help Hilda to understand her ‘true self’ and even predict how she will behave in the future. Ethan asks about what a Truename will enable – does it mean that one can control the target individual? Hilda chillingly affirms that it can enable one who knows the Truename to direct the target, often without that person being aware that they are being controlled. The target will continue to do as the controller wants as longer as the controller continues to concentrate and direct the target.
- During this time, Isabelle comes and goes. He asks her about any techniques that she knows of to defend against an Invoker who knows your Truename. According to Isabelle, there are none. Ethan gets a bad feeling about asking to meet the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik. He decides not to wait for Grimples to return to Marindar and instead to leave. He decides to flirt a little with Isabelle and asks her to let him know when the next gathering of the fey occurs. (GM’s note – the last Feymoon Ball was in Session 159) She is pleased that Ethan has asked her about it and she promises to let him know. They will send her an invitation from time to time.
- Ethan wonders whether the Silver Crown would protect him from the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik. It can be used to shape gossamer reality. Ethan asks Hilda how she escaped from the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik and how she removed her Truename. She confesses that she did not do it alone. She implies that the person who helped her perished, or at least did not escape. She tells Ethan that she stopped ‘growing up then’.
- During one of the conversations, Ethan notes that Hilda’s latest drawing has taken on a macabre turn. The detailed picture of black and white shows a charred skeleton with wings. She seems completely oblivious to the horror that she has drawn. Ethan tries to distract her so that he can remove it but this fails and she screams. Ethan comforts her but takes the drawing as a warning that time is running out. He decides to leave Marindar and return to Earth 0 (his home realm) and the comfort of Westgate. Realm 0 is much better guarded than Marindar and he hopes that they will be safe there.
- Retrieving the Silver Crown from its hidden place in the attic, Ethan experiments with it. He is able to remove the Truename of a cow in one of the nearby fields but the Truename returns when he stops concentrating on it. Disappointed, they go to the Tipsy Elephant (a pub) in nearby Fiveways. The place feels lonely without Grant, Abbie and Macavity. Nevertheless, Hilda tucks into a plate of fish and chips whilst Ethan contemplates a few pints.
- Westgate manor feels hollow and cold. Nevertheless, Ethan fires up the stove and tries to make the place feel like home. After putting Hilda to bed, Ethan sits down to attempt some Divination spells. He needs some answers.
- How long will it take for Hilda to work out Abbie’s Name? Six weeks
- How long does it take to erase a Name? Weeks (uncertain)
- Does the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik know my name? Yes.
- Has the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik used my name? Yes.
- Has the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik used my name without me being aware of it? Yes.
- Can the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik affect me here in my home realm? Yes
- How long has the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik had my name? Years
- Can Hilda help me to change or erase my name? Yes
- How long would the process take? Months
- Is Invocation being used to control Abbie? The answer is hazy. There is interference.
- The next day, Ethan returns to the Legendary Realm and the capital of Bloodstone with Hilda. Checking on Liliana, he finds that she is having a grand old time and enjoying being a guest and free of Bolas’ control. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she says that she has been enjoying the many pleasures of being a free woman who the ear of the Highlord (referring to Ethan) and who appreciates the finer things in life – she refers to the food, wine and the ‘legendary’ men. Ethan finds that he is pleased to see her and her irreverent attitude. Liliana takes a moment to bow courteously to Hilda, not fooled for an instant by her childlike appearance.
- Finding himself in a surprisingly good mood, Ethan orders that a feast be organised while he finds out about the affairs of state. To his surprise, things are in good order. There is peace and prosperity, although there are whispers from the north. Many of Bloodstone’s neighbours have been making diplomatic inquiries so a feast is an excellent opportunity to invite people from far and wide. Ethan feels much stronger here in the Legendary Realm and he senses that the Legendary Realm is ‘pleased’ to have him return. Liliana falls in with Ethan, ingratiating herself. To his pleasant surprise, Ethan finds that he likes having her around. She is sharp witted and insightful. He doesn’t trust her, fully aware that behind a young face lies more than a century of experience and the soul of someone who has been a necromancer for a very long time. Nevertheless, he enjoys it for what it is even though he is fully aware that he is ‘playing with fire’.
- Having forgotten about Hilda for many hours after his arrival, he finds her in the great library (in the restricted section), happily reading an enormous book.
- Over the next few weeks, guests are invited from many nearby realms and a great feast is held. Ethan uses the opportunity to establish better relations with his neighbours, although he ducks a marriage proposal. Ethan is particularly interested in those nations that have wizards and sorcerers that he might learn from in order to protect his Truename (although he is careful not to say this openly). Liliana continues to be a useful advisor and supporter. She is clearly interested in him (or at least the protection she thinks he offers) but Ethan considers her too dangerous to let his guard down with her. Their relationship is platonic.
- In the meantime, Hilda successfully identifies Abbie’s true name. She tells this to Ethan and is able to confirm that Abbie is not being controlled via Invocation. However, there is some sorcerous coercion being used.
- That evening, Ethan and Liliana share a bottle of wine together and talk about what she knows about methods of controls and how to break them. It is a long conversation – she knows a lot about magical control and coercion but not specifically about Invocation. Liliana knows that if you know the True Name of your opponent, it can give you an edge. Ethan asks how to escape control if someone knows your True Name. Smiling wickedly, she says that she has had this situation before but there is an easy solution. She called in a favour and had the bastard assassinated by someone else.
- In the days that follow, Ethan thinks a lot about what it means that the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik has his name. The R.E.D. has had his name for a long time – should it matter? Should he do anything about it? He wonders whether R.E.D. has Grant’s name and he attempt to confirm it via Divination. The answer is “Yes” but there is a hesitation in the response, suggesting that something else is in play. Perhaps it is because Grant is an Umbra Master.
- Ethan spends more time in the Legendary Realm, researching and learning. Talking with sages and sorcerers. He travels often with Liliana, and sometimes with Macavity as well (who has joined him). He seeks information on True Names – how they are found, how they may be lost. He talks to many people.
- It is during this travels that Liliana tells Ethan where she came from and something of her past. At first she finds it very difficult to share some of her past, glossing over it and laughing it off, but it becomes clear that necromancy was not her choice but it is something that she is very adept with. She wanted to be a healer but ‘failed’ at it. She has seen Ethan heal people – she wants to know how he does it. Ethan is curious by this and wonders if she could heal people, would she actually do it. Liliana deflects and says that she needs Ethan to trust her. She’s not stupid – Bolas will come after her and in this place (ie: the Legendary Realm) she could be much more powerful. She knows that she is a guest here but she needs either more of Ethan’s ‘strength’ (ie: Eidolon enhancement) or his leave to pursue ‘additional studies’. Ethan knows exactly what she is referring to – he knows that she could easily ‘make friends’ with the Warlocks of Thay, she could even head north to Vaasa and seek out the ruined Prince Ethan (the Witch King) and enslave a kingdom.
- This line of conversation weaves into many conversations that the pair have as they journey to the west and south. Liliana is as dark a companion as Abigail has been a bright one. Ethan wonders if the Liliana inside could become a gifted healer, or whether her nature is to be a cruel necromancer. He can’t quite figure her out – and his Divination readings give mixed results. There is a warning in the readings that Liliana is dangerous to Ethan but he is finding it increasingly difficult to deny the logic of her requests. Even Macavity is starting to agree with her – after all, Macavity had his sorcerous abilities Eidolon-enhanced and he could be trusted. Why not Liliana too?
- Needing a friend to talk to, Ethan contacts Grant. To his great surprise, Grant mentions that he met with the dragon lord Lofwyr and done a deal for support to rescue Abbie. Grant shares what he has learned about Nicol Bolas and says that he is on his way to rescue Abbie. Ethan offers to help but is told that Grant would prefer to handle it by stealth, and he is more likely to be successful without Ethan. Grant explains that Lofwyr wants an introduction with Abbie – apparently he desires her as an advocate. Ethan worries that this is merely swapping one master for another but Grant assures him that she will be looked after.
- Ethan shares the good news with Liliana and she smiles thoughtfully. Ethan assumes a level of jealousy but Liliana shows no sign of this – she continues to behave as before. They return to the Bloodstone capital together. By this time, Hilda has devoured much of the library. She loves books.
- Isabelle contacts Ethan via Icon and tells her that she has received an invitation to the next ball. This pleases Ethan and he prepares an appropriately flamboyant outfit.
- The night before the ball, Liliana asks to meet privately with Ethan and they share dinner. She drops the flirty behaviour and tells Ethan that he should have more confidence in her. It’s obvious that the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik has Ethan’s Truename and that he’s concerned that he may be controlled. She challenges him and says he can’t do it alone. Not against the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik, and not against Bolas. She tells him to stop chasing girls and start thinking like the immortal he is. It is a slap in the face and he asks her calmly what she would counsel. Liliana asks about what Ethan is doing with Isabelle and what he plans to gain. When Ethan explains, Liliana dissects it. She agrees that Isabelle’s understanding of Invocation is useful – he should learn all he can from her. She sees Isabelle’s relationship with Lucien as potentially useful. The fact that she would do almost anything that Ethan asked is also potentially useful. Liliana tells him that he should pursue her in whatever form works to keep her as an ally. Liliana is blunt with him and tells him to seduce her if he needs to. She makes it very clear that she doesn’t care if Ethan sleeps with someone.
- Regarding Abigail, Liliana is more critical. Abigail is no use against either the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik or Nicol Bolas. Liliana describes her as ‘broken’ and she will resent anything Ethan tries to do to remedy the situation. She counsels him to let her go. Ethan is not happy with this advice but Liliana presses matters – she says that even if Abigail came back to Ethan, it wouldn’t help him. She’d just be a weak spot for the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik or Nicol Bolas to target. She strongly advises him to cut his losses. Ethan thinks for a moment and points out that she is a powerful sorcerer here. Liliana isn’t convinced. She strongly believes that Abigail is Ethan’s weak-spot, and possibly also blind-spot. She theorizes that Ethan would do anything for Abigail and if true, that’s not only dangerous, it’s stupid.
- Ethan asks about Liliana’s own motivations. After a pause, she admits to having considered taking over the Legendary Realm for herself. She could take over this place and make herself a God-Queen here. Conquer the lands around. Build strong armies that no one here can defeat. But she doesn’t know if it would be enough to stand against Nicol Bolas. She knows that Bolas wants the Legendary Realm. For all she knows, he was born here. She believes that her best chance of survival is to ally with a greater power and she believes that Ethan is that greater power. Even though she would prefer not to admit it, he is a more powerful sorcerer than she is. She needs Ethan to be strong and frankly she worries about trying to cross him. But playing by Ethan’s rules is hard. Her instincts tell her that they are not making the best use of the time she has to prepare.
- Ethan thinks on this. He observes that she doesn’t believe that they can defeat Nicol Bolas, even here in the Legendary Realm. She nods at this. Ethan observes that Nicol Bolas is a powerful sorcerer who is a master planner and he will move when he is ready to move. That means that they need to force his hand and be better planned than he is. Liliana says nothing to this but she does not disagree. Ethan gives a sigh and agrees with her – in order to succeed with this, he will need a very cunning plan, and he will have to do some things that he wouldn’t ordinarily do. Some lines will have to be crossed. Liliana’s eyes glitter with this concession. Liliana offers to do whatever Ethan asks and in return, she’ll help him to defeat Bolas. However, she needs more power, and more freedom to operate. She also notes that it will take more than the two of them to bring down Bolas so his plan had better be good. (GM’s note – no, I will not be bringing in the rest of the Magic the Gathering Planeswalkers. No, no, not happening.) Ethan agrees to give her the power she wants when she has convinced him that he can trust her. Liliana gives a crooked smile and laughs – she says flatly that trust is earned and neither of them have enough time to establish that trust. If were a simple matter of seducing him, she would have done it already.
- Ethan admits reluctantly that to know Abbie and for her to know him, they ‘touched minds’. Liliana laughs even harder at this and says that if that’s all he thinks he needs to trust her, she’s up for it. Ethan says sadly that he doesn’t think it would work with her – she’s far too smart, too cunning. Even if he created some sort of magical promise or bond between them, he’s sure that she could find a way out of it and he has no wish to bind or cage her with magical oaths.
- Liliana pours some more wine for Ethan and he drinks it. He concludes that he can’t be convinced of her trustworthiness but he’ll have to trust her anyway. She nods, agreeing with him. Changing the topic, she asks if Ethan really loves Abigail. He admits that he thinks he does. She says that it’s a pity really, but she needs Ethan to trust her, even if hurts. She tells him that she met Yaeger Zane some time ago – she liked him. She had a relationship with him and it was fun while it lasted. Shortly after Abigail arrived, she seduced Yaeger Zane. They were in bed on the night that Ethan and his friends arrived in Amonkhet.
- Ethan can hardly believe his ears. Grant was there and didn’t mention any of this. Liliana calmly says that Grant is Ethan’s friend and probably didn’t want him to be upset by this. But it is the truth and she says that she needs Ethan to trust her.
- Liliana finishes her wine and offers a short apology before leaving to retire for the night. When Liliana has left, Ethan is quite upset. To his surprise, Macavity is resting on the other side of the chamber by the fireplace – Ethan was so distracted by Liliana that he didn’t even notice. Macavity appears to be snoozing but sure enough, he isn’t asleep. Ethan asks how much he heard and Macavity tartly replies that he heard ‘the good bits’. Yawning, Macavity comments that he isn’t surprised and it’s not the first time that Abbie has run off with someone else. Ethan isn’t around enough.
* Image sourced via Google Images
- Ethan is stunned by Macavity’s cutting summary but instead of defending himself, he asks what Macavity thinks of Liliana. Macavity gives him a cold stare and tells him that Liliana is over a century old and a much smarter witch than he is a Lord of Gossamer. He believes that Ethan is being and will be outplayed by her. Macavity tells him to stop thinking that she’s an attractive girl and not a century old witch with decades of experience and scars to show for it. If he’s going to be a player and not one of the played, he needs to start acting like it.
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