Session 199 – Marked as a Dragonslayer

- GM’s note: This session foreshadows Session 200 (which should be big because it’s a nice round number. Session 100 was big, so why should Session 200 not be big too? I think the buildup in Session 199 worked – it foreshadowed some of the consequences of being marked by the Draconian Empire as a dragonslayer and some of the conflict to come.

On another note, I made an error in the Session 198 writeup. David pointed out that Grant used Power Word Stun on the chef as he was escaping. The chef didn’t faint. Oops…. I missed that when taking notes during the session.

- Grant, Hilda and the two Ethans spend Christmas Day watching Star Wars movies. Eating popcorn. They salvage some frozen pizzas which should be out of date but Ethan brings them back to life using Eidolon. But there isn’t much more food in Westgate manor so they head out onto the Stair to get something to eat after watching Return of the Jedi. (Hilda says excitedly that she wants to adopt an Ewok). Grant leaves his ‘goop’ (the biomass of his original body which was retained by the Baron) in Westgate.

- They head to Midas but are distracted along the way by the Door to the Treasure Cave. On a whim, they decide to enter and get some gemstones that they can use to pay for their time in Midas. Inside, the cave is filled with treasure – gold and gemstones – just as they remember. However, there has been some movement in the piles. Something else has been in here.

- Ethan1 and Ethan2 can both sense that there is something in here. Hilda wonders if it could be a dragon. She’s never seen a real, live dragon.

- They quickly realise that there is a real dragon here. It is not particularly big – just the size of a small house and luckily it is fast asleep on a mound of gold. They attempt a hasty exit but Hilda disturbs a pile of gold coins, setting about a slide which disturbs the dragon.

- By this point, Ethan1 is using Mental Invisibility to shield them but the dragon can still tell that they are there. It looks around for the intruders whilst the Ethans and Hilda make a run for the Door. The dragon is more curious than angry, even when he can’t reach the small tunnels that lead to the exit Door. But the dragon doesn’t find the Door because Grant creates a diversion and leads the dragon away. However, rather than evade the dragon, Grant ends up face-to-face with it. The dragon is confused and he sniffs at Grant. The dragon could smell a dragonslayer but Grant is not the dragonslayer. The dragon asks what Grant is doing here, disturbing his sleep and stealing his treasure. 

- Grant decides to try diplomacy with the dragon, figuring that a dragon this close to Realm 0 would be valuable as an ally. He introduces himself as a Lord of Gossamer, politely explains that he has been coming to this treasure cave for a long time (as the dragon has obviously only just arrived) and he offers to return with ‘magnificent gifts’. The dragon seems pleased with this and gives his name as Malatix ‘the Magnificent’. 

- The dragon is momentarily distracted when Ethan1 opens the Door onto the Stair. Malatix senses it being opened and realises that Grant is not alone, and the dragonslayer is escaping. However, Grant smooths this over very deftly, reassuring the dragon and promising to return with suitable gifts for Malatix the Magnificent. He plays to the dragon’s weakness for flattery and Malatix is suitably pleased such that he allows Grant to leave.

- The four children arrive in Midas and are greeted by Ferdinand. They are immediately greeted as VIPs because they came through the ‘special Door’ and four children bearing riches are easy to accommodate. They are given a suite in the luxurious hotel, brought changes of clothes and a personal concierge, Angel.

- Time spent in Midas is very relaxing. Angel organises for the four to go diving on the reef. They spend time in the pool or in the arcades, playing computer games with unlimited credit. 

- That evening, Grant receives an Icon contact from Sophia. She asks if he is all right and Grant gives her an honest answer. She asks when he will return to Marindar and he says that he wants to return to an adult form first. He worries that a child-form won’t be taken seriously. Sophia tells him that some envoys have arrived from the Draconian Empire. (GM’s note – there was a delegation from the Draconian Empire which attended the recent Marindan Games) The lead, a draconian mage named Malak has made it clear that he is looking for Lord Ethan as a Wanted Criminal. Malak wanted to know if Lord Ethan was in Marindar and Sophia was able to truthfully say that he was not. Malak made further inquiries about whether Lord Grant and the Marindan people would harbour or offer support to Lord Ethan, and Sophia declined to answer on Grant’s behalf. The conversation is cordial and polite. Sophia notes that the draconian delegation will probably remain in Marindar in case Ethan returns there.

- At the conclusion of the Icon contact, Grant thinks for a while and then tells the Ethans about it. They decide to stay in Midas for the time being, at least for the holiday period.

- Still later that same evening, Ethan1 has a word with Grant in between games. He tells Grant that Lady Vala has contacted him. She told him that the Draconian Empire appears to have singled him out and she suggests that he ‘disappear’ for a time. The other Lords of Gossamer can’t be seen to be sheltering him but Lady Vala promises to try to resolve the matter while he lies low.

- While the others continue to play games, Grant and Ethan1 continue to talk through the options. Neither of them know how the dragonmark works and how the dragons will track him down. They talk about options as to where he could hide and lie low. They talk about taking Hilda to safety and what to do with Ethan2 given that he considers himself also to be Ethan (and in many ways, Ethan2 *is* Ethan). Grant suggests that perhaps his connection with Lofwyr might present some options. He also suggests that Ethan contact Abbie but Ethan points out that it might put her in a difficult position.

- With no obvious solution presenting itself, Grant decides that giving Malatix some ‘magnificent gifts’ is important lest the empire send hunters to the hidden section of the Stair. He thinks it may be important to have Malatix on-side.

- Ethan1 has been mulling over what to tell Grant about the Forbidden Library. It should be ‘off the grid’. Ethan1 starts to tell Grant about a secret place that he knows of which might be safe for a while and Grant tells him to use it without telling him where it is. He also advises Ethan1 not to use Icons unless he has to, just in case the dragons have some way of tracking those. (GM’s note – the limits of Dragon magic are not defined so they are scary for the PCs. Dragons so far have done things that are beyond normal Sorcery)

- The next morning Ethan1 and Ethan2 talk about next steps. At the Ethans’ request, Grant contacts Isabelle and asks her to look after Hilda. The Ethans give Hilda a hug goodbye and she is sent to safety.

- Ethan1 then contacts Abbie to seek her counsel. She answers the contact but says plainly that she can’t help him for the time being. The full council of the Empire has marked him as a Dragonslayer and she cannot aid him in any way. Ethan asks how the Empire made such a determination and she tells him that one of the Dragon Highlords named Sturmvald proposed this. She can’t tell him anymore – she is operating under instructions from Lord Lofwyr. Ethan asks about if there is any way to lift the mark and she explains that she has been directed not to pursue any such line of inquiry. She makes a cryptic reference to Ethan knowing ‘how she would feel about this matter’ (confirming in Ethan1’s mind that she is not happy with the direction that she has been given) and tells him to stay away from her for his own safety, and hers. The connection is cut.

- Ethan1 shares with Ethan2 what he knows and they plan to leave Midas together. Ethan2 has no ability to use the Stair and would be at a disadvantage when the hunters inevitably come for him. They say goodbye to Grant and head out onto the Stair.

- Grant elects to stay for a few days in Midas. He goes out diving once more and spends time playing the arcade games but it is not as much fun without his friends. He manages two days before he decides that he has had enough. On his last night, Lady Sophia contacts him again. She has received a letter from Lord Morla (the Dwimmerlaik Ambassador). He wishes to meet with Lord Grant. Grant acknowledges this and thinks about how best to return to his adult form.

- Grant contacts his mentor, Oscar, for advice. He doesn’t expect to get a response to the Icon contact but surprisingly, Oscar answers the contact. Oscar is as gruff as ever. Grant asks for Oscar’s help and when he explains that he needs help reintegrating himself, Oscar snorts and tells him that he has ‘other priorities’. Nevertheless, Oscar gives him a set of abbreviated instructions and Grant is left with a clear idea as to what needs to be done but not how safe this procedure will be.

- Grant returns to Marindar and agrees to meet with Lord Morla. He assumes an adult form (using his Umbra Mastery) although it is more difficult than usual. Lord Morla greets Grant and they exchange the usual pleasantries. Then Lord Morla turns to business and offers Grant a warning. He has heard that some within the Dwimmerlaik have been asked to eliminate a Lord of Gossamer. He does not mention Ethan by name but they clearly both know who has been targeted. Lord Morla admits that the Dragon Empire has offered significant incentives to hunt and slay the ‘criminal’ and he expects some of the Dwimmerlaik will answer the request as they have done so before. He also suggests that the Lords of Gossamer shouldn’t take sides in the conflict as it may give his own people a common enemy to rally against. He suggests caution.

- The meeting is brief. Lord Morla departs soon after.

- Grant relaxes his form and he reverts to his ten-year old form. He takes some time to reflect on the conversation with Lord Morla and then heads to his house to speak with Lady Sophia. He fears her reaction but she accepts his current form without saying anything. They talk for a while and then he leaves Marindar to find a safe place to assimilate the ‘goop’ and restore himself.

- That evening as he heads to the Marindan gates to exit onto the Stair, he receives an Icon contact from Cal. Cal asks if he has been in touch with Ethan. Grant says that it has been a ‘few days’. Cal tells him that there is at least one ‘hit squad’ hunting Ethan. Grant thanks Cal for the information and assures him that Ethan can take care of himself. After closing the contact, he wonders if he should contact Ethan and decides against it.

- Picking up the ‘goop’ from Westgate manor, Grant goes to find a suitable realm to perform the re-integration. He selects a quiet place consisting of low salt-flats. There is no wind. There is no vegetation. Everything is quite still. He tries to follow Oscar’s steps but it is harder than he thought. It takes longer than he expects. 

- He is interrupted by another Icon contact. It is Ethan. He tells Grant that he and the other Ethan are now with Drake. Vala convinced him that it would be better to be in a protected place with support than try to ‘go it alone’. (GM’s note – the Ethans have been in the Forbidden Library on and off for three days, searching for ways to extricate themselves from the current predicament. Both Ethans had been worried about lingering too long given that their continued presence could actually lead the pursuers to the Forbidden Library and hence they have been in multiple places to (hopefully) throw off pursuit.)

- After the contact, Grant tries again to reabsorb the goop. He takes his time, and gradually manages to achieve the reintegration. It feels weird. He feels almost back to normal but for some reason his body still thinks that a ten-year old form is his natural state. He guesses that it will take a little more time for him to realise that his older form is the right one and shrugs it off.

- He goes Wayfinding for a suitable gift for Malatix ‘the Magnificent’. He finds a section of the Stair where the Doors are sparse and there are many sharp metal spikes extending across the Stair which makes passage difficult for creatures larger than a small child’s size. Stealthily opening a Door that looks like a massive vault door, he steps into a realm where the entranceway is some sort of grand cathedral with knights standing guard. The whole place seems to be teaming with guards as if it is a bank of some kind. Grant goes to work and steals an orb carved out of metal and inlaid with precious stones which looks like a great serpent’s eye. It is highly magical and a fine gift for a dragon.

- Malatix is very pleased with the gift from Lord Grant. The dragon seems to have taken a shine to Grant, although seems to have an inflated opinion of himself. Malatix decides to have a nap and ‘dismisses’ Grant for a few weeks.

- Grant returns to Marindar and he is reunited with Lady Sophia. He uses his nineteen-year old form, the same form he had when he first stepped onto the Stair, as this seems to be most comfortable for him. He spends two pleasant days with Sophia before deciding upon his next course of action. The more he thinks about the dragonslayer mark on Ethan, the more he thinks that he may be able to resolve it if he talks to the right people.

- Grant elects to return to Essen to meet up with Lord Lofwyr and seek his advice. He spends time digging out an impressive gift for Lofwyr, drawn from the many artefacts which are held in Marindan vaults. 

- Essen is just as Grant remembers it. A high-tech city where humans, orcs and trolls rub shoulders with elves. The skyscraper which is Lofwyr’s base of operations is just as impressive as ever. Grant finds himself expected (how does Lofwyr do that? Lofwyr is the only individual that he’s met who expects the arrival of an Umbra Master) with an appointment already in the dragon’s calendar.

- The Dragon Lord and the Gossamer Lord greet each other like old friends. Grant offers his gift which Lofwyr gratefully accepts. He admits that he has no suitable gift for Grant but he will think upon one for next time. (Grant parks the thought for later). After the usual pleasantries, an elf dressed in an immaculate suit offers chilled wine in gold goblets with exquisite detail. Grant takes this as a mark of respect.

* Image sourced from Google Images but I believe this one is from a Shadowrun game

- Grant asks about the dragonslayer mark and what would be involved in calling off the hunt for Ethan. They discuss the matter amiably. Once an individual has been marked as a dragonslayer, a call to hunt is issued and the hunters will keep coming until the target is killed. It is a mark of vengeance which is rarely bestowed but there is no time limit. Lofwyr remarks that a Lord of Gossamer might last a while but they will keep hunting him down. There is no process of appeal and once the vote is taken (Lofwyr also voted for the mark), there is no reversal process. 

- Grant asks about Lord Morla’s remark about ‘taking sides’. He wants to know how far the dragons would go to hunt and kill Ethan. Lofwyr shrugs and says that they would not go to war over one man but Ethan is considered to be a criminal and harbouring a criminal could be a problem. If the Lords of Gossamer prevent the Dragon Empire from delivering ‘justice’, then there might be trouble.

- Seeing that there is no obvious solution and that Lofwyr not only wants this situation but was expecting Grant, Lofwyr surmises that Lofwyr wants something from Grant. Lofwyr confirms this – he helped put Ethan in this position because he wants something in return.

- Grant feels uncomfortable about this. He hates being used. He asks whether Lofwyr actually wants Ethan dead. Lofwyr gives a smile and says that he doesn’t want Ethan dead. It would make a ‘certain lady’ very upset (a reference to Abbie) and he doesn’t want a broken advocate given he went to such lengths to acquire her in the first place. 

- Grant asks Lofwyr what options he has. Lofwyr can see four. Firstly, if Bolas was still alive, there would be no reason for the dragonslayer mark to exist. Grant asks if the dragonmark can be removed. Lofwyr evades the question by asking why the dragons would want to remove it. Secondly, Grant could attempt to kill all of the Dragonlords – which is probably impossible. Thirdly, Grant could give the Dragons a bigger problem to chew over. (Grant has a nasty feeling that this is what Lofwyr has in mind) Lastly, perhaps some sort of service could be rendered to the Empire such that the crime was ‘forgiven’. It has never been done before but perhaps it is not impossible.

- Grant thinks over these options and realises what Lofwyr wants him to do. Lofwyr has said before that there are factions within the Empire, and Vala has warned him that there is a risk of the Empire being split. Lofwyr wants Grant to split the Empire. He is asking for Grant to get rid of one of the ruling Dragon Lords….

- Lofwyr says nothing. He offers a thin smile …..

- Grant asks if it is even possible to split the Empire, and Lofwyr nods without saying anything. 

- Grant asks if doing this would somehow help Ethan. Again, Lofwyr nods, his eyes twinkling. Grant realises that if the Empire is split then the assassins from each faction will go after the other factions. It doesn’t remove the dragonmark but it does make Ethan a lower priority target.