- GM’s note: I’m completing this writeup three months after the actual session itself (I keep good notes). Things haven’t been great for either David or myself and I’ve just been struggling to find time to write this up, let alone play more.
Hopefully 2023 will be different. We’ll see.
This session is again in two parts. One part is set in the past, filling in the blanks as to what happened to Grant in the Courts of the Shadow Fey, and how he became the ‘Royal Birdcatcher’. The other follows Ethan in the present - he’s just picked a fight with Yaeger Zane and actually won it. Now what?
Courts of the Shadow Fey is produced by Kobold Press.
Demon Hunting at the Courts
- Over time, Grant becomes more familiar with the workings of the Courts. He is introduced to more of the fey and he cultivates a variety of different relationships. He becomes useful to Lord Hollowgrin and observes that the fey lord is worried. Hollowgrin confides in Grant that the Fey Queen of Night and Magic has ruled supreme for much longer than the normal cycle would allow. Rulership is shared and taken in turns by the Queen of Night and Magic and her husband, the Moonlit King. The Queen’s rule has been extended far beyond the normal cycle and the Moonlit King has not returned. She seems content to rule alone and has not actively sought to bring her husband back to the Court. Hollowgrin knows that the Moonlit King dwells in the Labyrinth which lies beyond the Royal Palace, but he does not know why the King has not returned. He suspects outside (demonic) influence but does not know for sure.
- Grant loses all track of time in the Courts. He doesn’t know if days, weeks or even months are passing outside the Court. He continues his investigations and runs afoul of Lord Akyishigal’s designs. Akyishigal is a Demon Lord who seems intent on corrupting the fey, encouraging them to do even fouler things. The Demon Lord of Cockroaches is an honoured guest in the Courts and Grant cannot directly harm him. Nevertheless, Grant rejects Akyishigal’s entreaties and he instead goes to find allies who would assist him against the Demon Lord.
Demon Lord Akyishigal, Image by Bryan Syme (from Courts of the Shadow Fey) sourced from Google Images
- He seeks out the Blind Seer, an emissary from ‘the Light’ that has a small but devoted following in the Courts. Reputedly, the Blind Seer is an angel who has been sent to ensure that the Shadow Fey do not fall into darkness. The Blind Seer impresses Grant, and Grant decides to join the faction against Akyishigal.
- What follows is a period of ‘shadow war’ between the forces of Lord Akyishigal, and the forces of the Blind Seer. Grant has previously been aware (and part of) the malicious antics between the various fey factions, but this is a deeper and darker layer. Grant is very good at ‘sneaky sneaky’ and he finds himself enjoying the game against demonic foes.
- In time, the shadow fey find Grant’s presence more than just an amusement. He is invited to a banquet in the Royal Courts.
Dangerous Liaisons
- When Grant enters the Royal Courts, a herald announces him by many titles - Prince Grant of the Kingdom of Bloodstone, Lord of Gossamer, Lord of Marindar, Servant of ‘The Light’, Slayer of X and Y…. and so forth. Despite this, most of the fey pay little attention to him, at least to begin with.
- Grant is surprised to find Macavity waiting for him. The black Cat was welcomed long ago by the fey and has forgotten all about Ethan, Grant and Lucien. The Cat figured out that they would show up eventually. Like the other members of the court, Macavity pays little attention to Grant - he is more interested in watching the fey, and how they interact with each other and jockey for position and advantage.
Macavity, Image sourced from Google Images
- Once again, the fey treat Grant with disdain and observe his reactions. There is wordplay, there are insults and there are threats. Even though this is a different battlefield, Grant adapts quickly and he proves himself every bit as witty and dangerous as the shadow fey. This is noticed within the court. He decides to court the attention of one of the courtesans, a purple-haired pale-skinned elf maiden named Lishekki, which then places him into conflict with Brightspur of the Ravens. Grant enjoys the game that ensues, particularly given that Lord Akyishigal is clearly annoyed that Grant is now comfortable in the Royal Courts and he cannot directly act against a guest of the Royal Courts.
- It is during one of the social events in the Royal Courts that Grant first sees the Queen of Night and Magic. Queen Sarastra is a true faerie queen. The shadows shift and weave in her presence. There are tiny pinpricks of light amongst the shadows as if she is carrying a curtain of starry night with her. She is sublimely beautiful, and Grant can tell that she has significant control over the gossamer reality of this place. The Queen does not stay long at the function - she makes her presence known, stays a while, and then leaves when it suits her. There is no opportunity for Grant to interact with her.
- Over time, Grant makes polite inquiries as to how he might be able to meet the Queen. He is still seeking a way to negotiate about the Shadow Fey claims to the Agora. However, his inquiries only lead to frustration. It is very difficult for a guest of Lord Grant’s status to be received by the Queen. She rarely sees anyone. Grant asks about what the Queen might desire and he receives a strange answer - she has long wished for the Firebird (a legendary Phoenix) that dwells in the Forbidden Forest. There are occasional hunts for it but it is rarely caught and it has never been presented to the Queen.
The Black Prince
- As Grant’s status in the Courts continues to increase, the Black Prince seeks an audience with Grant. Grant takes this as a favourable sign but he is disappointed. The Black Prince clearly sees Grant’s ascendance as a threat to him and he directs Grant to leave the Court. Grant takes a moment to think and decides to challenge the Prince to single combat.
- The Black Prince is surprised but he accepts an honourable duel. He is a skilled opponent, wielding a long-bladed spear and Grant finds himself enjoying the duel. Like other Shadow Fey, he seems to have an affinity with the shadows and he is able to blink in and out of the duel at will. However, Grant has Dominant Rank Warfare (he’s the best there is) and he has seen these tricks before. After fifteen minutes, Grant has proven his superiority and forced the Black Prince to concede.
The Black Prince, Image by Bryan Syme (from Courts of the Shadow Fey) sourced from Google Images
- Allowed to regain his feet, the Black Prince treats Grant with respect and courtesy. A servant brings two crystal glasses and a blood-red claret is poured into each glass. They drink to each other’s health and the Black Prince decides that he likes Lord Grant after all. He invites Grant to hunt the Firebird with him at a future date.
- Both Grant and Lishekki enjoy the Black Prince’s patronage and their status rises even further in the courts. He doesn’t remember Ethan arriving at the Royal Court or being formally announced, but he knows that it was during this period of time. He remembers Ethan’s arrival causing a bit of a stir. They called him ‘Ethan the Dragonslayer’, also Demonbane, Elf-friend, Lord of Gossamer, Sorcerer Supreme and many other flashy titles. For some reason Ethan’s reputation was much greater than Grant’s - they had heard the stories from the Dragon War and many of the nobles wanted to make his acquaintance. Many of the ladies were intrigued by him. Grant decided to leave Ethan be - he was having fun with Lishekki and he hoped that the Royal Hunt for the Firebird would not be far away.
- Grant kept an eye and an ear out for Ethan but saw no need to intervene. The next time that he saw Ethan was at the Royal Hunt, but Grant was too busy dealing with some of the other nobles to interact with him. Unfortunately two of the fey nobles had decided to taunt and insult him, but Grant decided to ignore them and focus on the hunt. The small group headed into the Forbidden Forest and began to hunt the Firebird. A glorious but elusive bird, Grant had to use all of his skill to hunt it and finally capture it.
- The Black Prince was pleased with Lord Grant’s achievement and he offered to reward Grant for giving it to him. Grant refused, at which point the Black Prince suggested that he should set it free. Still, Grant refused and he returned to the Royal Court with the Firebird, which made the Black Prince very angry.
- With the Firebird shining brightly and illuminating the eerie halls of the Royal Court, Grant headed directly for an audience with the Queen. There were some faint protests from some of the court servants, and many were visibly shocked and stood open-mouthed as Grant passed them by. But no one stopped him. He reached the Royal Audience Hall, and waited for her to appear.
- Two doors were opened soundlessly, and Queen Sarastra emerges. This time he has her full attention and she seems pleased with him. She comments that he is every bit as impressive as her Lantern Dragons (her spies in the court) have advised her. Grant is momentarily stunned by her beauty, but he boldly presents the Firebird to her and asks for a private audience. Her eyes sparkle and she asks Grant to come closer so that she might whisper to him.
The Queen of Night and Magic, Image by Bryan Syme (from Courts of the Shadow Fey) sourced from Google Images
- Her presence is intoxicating and maddening to the senses. She pauses at his ear and then asks him softly if he desires her. Grant nods - he can’t form the words. She smiles, takes the Firebird and then goes to the window to release it. It flies away, and she dismisses the servants. She announces her intention to retire to her private chambers, and she invites the ‘Royal Birdcatcher’ to accompany her.
- Fade to Black.
Ethan’s Return
- Returning to the present, Ethan and Yaeger accept the food and drink that is offered to them. Yaeger doesn’t seem to hold a grudge. He plans to move on and reach the Gates of Night in the next few weeks (provided he doesn’t get waylaid). He strongly suspects that the Gates are a Door to the Stair, in which case the Necromancer is a Stair-capable threat.
- Considering the matter resolved, Ethan decides to return to the Grand Stair. He makes an apology to the Baroness via a messenger and hopes that she will not contact him via Icon in the near future.
- Back on the Stair, Ethan wonders what to do about Yaeger’s Belt. He heads towards the Door to the Forbidden Library, but quickly rules this out as an option as he might forget all about the object (assuming that the magic of the Forbidden Library works this way), but from what Yaeger said, the Belt would still confer its power even over a long distance. He doesn’t feel that he can be away for very long - Vidaniel and the Arcadian Elves are presumably still in his house in Central, and both Isabelle and Hilda would surely expect him back soon.
- Besides, he is tired. Eidolon has helped stave off exhaustion but he has fought a battle against a strong Lord of Gossamer and he wants to return home to rest. Ethan mulls over the situation with the Belt and decides that it’s best to simply return home and explain what he is carrying. In the long term, if Yaeger acquired it in a poker game (defeating his opponent), it shouldn’t be hard to lose the item if he desires to do that.
- Ethan returns to Central and finds that it is late evening. Hilda is in bed but not yet asleep - he wishes her goodnight and promises to tell her about his adventures in the morning. Ethan asks Isabelle about Vidaniel and the elves and he is told that they left when night was falling but they plan to return in the morning. Isabelle asks why Ethan left suddenly and Ethan explains what happened and that he fought Yaeger Zane.
- Isabelle can hardly believe it - Ethan beat Yaeger Zane in one-on-one combat! She assumes that he is hurt but Ethan explains that he is not hurt, simply tired. Nevertheless, Isabelle is astonished and impressed. She has heard the other Lords of Gossamer talk about Yaeger Zane’s strength and she never thought that Ethan would test himself against Yaeger, let alone beat him.
- Ethan explains about the belt that he won from Yaeger Zane, and that it apparently makes the possessor very attractive to others. He puts the old leather belt on the table. Isabelle is surprised by this revelation and assures Ethan that she doesn’t feel any different - she wonders if Yaeger is poking fun at him, or perhaps the Belt doesn’t affect people who are already intimate (Ethan isn’t convinced by this). Changing the topic, Isabelle asks for Ethan to tell the whole story and she listens to the entire story with rapt attention, stopping only to refill Ethan’s wine glass from time to time.
- At the end, Isabelle smiles broadly - she clearly likes the tale. She tells him that there hasn’t been any word from Hermes (or any direct response from Hephaestus) and Hilda has been getting bored. She wants to go to a carnival or a circus of some kind - Isabelle has been thinking about this and has some ideas. But she encourages Ethan to get cleaned up and get some rest.
Vidaniel’s Secrets - Part 1
- The next morning Ethan finds Isabelle awake before him. It is still early and Hilda is not yet awake so they make love. In the afterglow, Ethan wonders again about the Belt but finally dismisses the thought as her behaviour doesn’t seem to be unusual.
- After breakfast, Ethan receives an Icon contact from Cal. He has heard from Yaeger Zane that Ethan ‘beat the crap out of him’ and he wants to know what happened. Ethan explains the situation while Cal listens quietly. At the conclusion, Cal acknowledges that he didn’t think Ethan had Yaeger’s strength and he will have to revise his expectations of Ethan in future. He wishes Ethan well and the contact is ended.
- Ethan decides to visit the Arcadian Embassy rather than wait for Vidaniel to come to him. He enjoys the walk across Central - the sun is shining and it feels like it will be a good day. Ethan is welcomed by the Arcadians and he sits down to talk with Vidaniel on one of the shaded balconies overlooking the street. Vidaniel is dressed in a purple dress inlaid with a silvery weave. Her hair is tied back with a silver cord. She remarks that Ethan seems to be in good spirits and she asks if it is because he has reflected positively upon the previous day’s conversation.
- Ethan asks her about her observations and whether he has changed in some way. Vidaniel cocks her head slightly and says that he seems more relaxed, and perhaps more confident than before. The conversation then turns back to the topic of Lord Wynterlyr’s title, and they talk for some time on the topic. Ethan is amenable to accepting the title, but he seeks to understand all of the aspects of the appointment. Ethan suspects that there is a personal reason as to why Vidaniel wants him to accept the title.
- The conversation continues long enough for the elves to offer Ethan a light lunch, at which time Ethan presses Vidaniel further as to her interest in this matter. Vidaniel thinks for a moment and then says that it is unimportant. However, Ethan can sense that it is very important. Beneath the cool exterior of a diplomat, he can sense that she is emotionally torn. Ethan wonders aloud if they should go for a walk - the gardens in Central are nearby and it would be a pleasant walk. Vidaniel hesitates but she accepts.
- Ethan and Vidaniel leave the Arcadian Embassy without an escort and they head towards the gardens. On the way, Ethan makes small talk, asking how long Vidaniel has been an ambassador to Marindar - it has been a very long time, many thousands of years.
* Image by Smilika on DeviantART
- The Central Gardens are not particularly large, but they are beautifully presented and manicured. Vidaniel removes her sandals as she enters the gardens. She admits that she has always loved the gardens - she planted many of the first trees here. Ethan is surprised by this and Vidaniel admits that she was not always a valued ambassador. A long time ago she was in exile and a simple gardener. It has taken her many years to reconnect with Arcadian society but elves have long memories and she has never been completely comfortable in Arcadia since. So she lives in Marindar for much of the time.
- Again, Ethan finds himself wishing that he had spent more time with Vidaniel. He likes her. Ethan asks about why Vidaniel would want him to take Lord Wynterlyr’s position. At first, she doesn’t seem to answer Ethan’s question but over time the meaning becomes clear. She explains that the first Marindan to make her feel welcome was a young woman named Sophia. She has treasured that friendship for thousands of years and she was devastated when Lady Sophia went missing at the end of Dragon War.
- Vidaniel takes a deep breath and says that the Arcadians believe that they know who took Lady Sophia. Ethan is surprised by this and asks why it would be a secret. Vidaniel explains that what she thinks is still speculative, but the Dwimmerlaik were involved as were some of the Fey. There have long been rumours that Lord Korvaliss (of the Dwimmerlaik) held Lord Grant responsible for the breakup of the Empire, and that he wanted to destabilise a place where the Lords of Gossamer held power. Many of the pieces of the puzzle are unknown to her, but she believes that Lord Wynterlyr was part of the plot. He had long been imprisoned by his wife Beethania but there were many who were loyal to him. They wanted to injure Marindar (which they did) and take something from Lord Grant. Hence they removed her. She doesn’t know how they did it but she is almost certain that Lord Wynterlyr was involved.
- Ethan listens, and asks why she has not told this to Grant. Vidaniel explains that Grant would go after Sophia, and tear down anyone who was in his way. The war could start again. And it is for this reason that the Arcadians have instructed her to say nothing. However, Sophia is her friend. If Ethan were to take the position, he would likely have the power to reverse whatever the current titleholder did.
- Tears form but she quickly wipes them away. She asks for Ethan’s help. She offers to beg for his help if that will sway him.
- Ethan isn’t sure if she is acting or whether the distress is genuine, but it strengthens the argument that he should take the title of Lord Wynterlyr. He calmly asks how she knows that Wynterlyr is involved, and she explains that certain promises were made to free him - but the device that would free him (Beethania’s Ring) is now in Ethan’s hands and those promises can no longer be fulfilled unless the Ring is yielded to the elves, or Ethan takes the position.
- Ethan nods. The story sounds incomplete but true, but he senses that there is something else as well. He thought that he had enough rapport with the Arcadian Queen for her to ask him to pursue this but exercise discretion. He asks Vidaniel if the Queen knows of this, and Vidaniel says that she doesn’t know all of the details. Ethan asks why she found it so difficult to ask for help - she could have discreetly asked at any time. There are people in Marindar who know how to contact him and he could have easily been reached. If she suspected that Lady Sophia had been abducted and she felt that she couldn’t go to Lord Grant, she could have reached out to Ethan much sooner.
- Vidaniel pales and she cannot look at him. She is visibly upset.
- Ethan sighs and says that he will help. He doesn’t know why she didn’t ask him sooner but he will help.
- Vidaniel takes a moment to compose herself and then she offers an apology. She admits that she finds it difficult to be in Ethan’s presence. She offers to tell Ethan a story….
Vidaniel’s Secrets - Part 2
- Vidaniel explains that the Marindans have long had an affinity with the Lords of Gossamer and she has seen many of them over the centuries. They are often youthful, and full of life. To one such as her, that life is alluring and attractive. But despite their famed immortality, she has found that Lords of Gossamer are not built for immortality. They die, they go mad, and they disappear.
- With the Marindans’ long lifespan, it is no wonder that many of the Marindans are attracted to the young Lords of Gossamer. But it is different for elves. Elves don’t desire mortals, whatever the stories say. They can appreciate mortals, but mortals die. Elves don’t fall in love with mortals.
- Except when they do. In a pained voice, Vidaniel explains that she had spent too much time on Marindar. She forgot herself and who she was. She fell in love with a Lord of Gossamer. A young man, full of life, brave and beautiful.
- However, it didn’t last and the man left Marindar and never came back. She doesn’t know what happened to him, and in many ways that was worse than death. Death would provide an ending and a chance to grieve and move on. But instead she was left wanting and waiting, hoping for something that never came to pass.
- The Lords of Gossamer stopped coming to Marindar and the Doors fell dormant. She came to accept that he was gone and would never return. But then something changed - Lords Grant and Ethan arrived - and the Doors began opening once more.
- Vidaniel comes closer to Ethan. Her eyes are sad as she continues her story. The Marindans were so pleased that the Lords of Gossamer had returned. They hoped that Grant and Ethan would find lovers and companions on Marindar. They wanted the Lords to stay and never go away again. Lady Sophia, her dearest friend, found love with Grant. But Ethan never did. Ethan keeps coming back to Marindar even though he has no lover amongst the people here and even though Grant has stopped returning.
- She asks if Ethan ever noticed her, and whether Ethan knows of her feelings for him.
- The admission takes Ethan completely by surprise. He thought perhaps that she was going to ask her to find her missing lover from centuries ago, not this. He has hardly interacted with Vidaniel over the years - the interactions have all been positive and each time he has wished that he could spend more time with her but he had no idea that she enjoyed his company too.
- Seeing his surprise, Vidaniel curses herself for being too shy and not speaking plainly, but she admits that it is good to finally say what she should have said long ago. She used to talk to Lady Sophia often about Ethan, hoping to learn more about him and wishing that he would reach out and talk to her. She has loved him from afar for a long time. She feels better admitting it, even if he feels nothing for her.
- Ethan offers an apology. He had no idea that she had these feelings. He understands now why it has been so difficult for her to ask for his help. Vidaniel nods. She thanks Ethan for listening to her and for offering to find Lady Sophia. She hopes that he will think ‘kindly’ of her in the future even if he does not feel what she feels.
- There is little more to be said and a sadness descends upon the pair as they leave the gardens and part ways. Vidaniel returns to the Arcadian embassy, and Ethan returns to his home in Central.
The Carnival
- Ethan is dazed as he makes his way back home. His thoughts drift to Yaeger’s Belt and whether the timing of Vidaniel’s admissions are coincidental or not. He doubts that it is a coincidence. The Belt’s magic is having an effect but it is different to what he expected.
- Isabelle and Hilda are pleased to see Ethan, but surprised that he was gone for so long. Isabelle promised Hilda that they would go to a carnival and they have been waiting patiently for Ethan to return.
- Ethan perks up and he agrees that they should leave at once. They take a transport to one of the Marindan gates (Doors) and then step out onto the Grand Stair. Isabelle takes the lead as she has a place in mind.
- Half an hour later, they open a Door and step out into a modern world with rides, circus tents and various attractions. Hilda squeals in delight and charges off to get a closer look and some of the rides.
- Ethan kisses Isabelle’s cheek and tells her that it was a good idea.
Image sourced from Google Images
- What follows is a marvellous day at the fair. They go on many rides, enjoy the sights and amusements and Hilda overdoses on too much candy. As day turns to night, they enjoy the fireworks display.
- During a quieter moment as Hilda enjoys a ride, Isabelle asks about Ethan’s discussion with the elves. Ethan explains that Vidaniel thinks that Lady Sophia is still alive, and that Lord Wynterlyr is somehow involved. The elves want Ethan to take the title of Lord Wynterlyr. Isabelle is surprised by the request for Ethan to become Lord Wynterlyr. Ethan brushes it off and says that it may not be necessary, although he is intrigued. Laughing, Isabelle points out that Ethan tried to find ‘the End of the Stair’. He has never wanted to stay long in one place. Becoming Lord Wynterlyr isn’t going to help him to stay mobile.
- Changing the topic, Ethan explains that Vidaniel is in love with him and apparently has been for a long time. He had no idea. Isabelle’s eyes widen, and she tightens her grip on his hand. She makes it clear that Ethan is hers and she has no plans to share him. Ethan agrees, but he wonders if she would have said anything if he didn’t have the Belt. Isabelle thinks on this and agrees that the timing can’t be coincidence.
- The fireworks finish and Hilda is still wide-eyed (due to the amount of candy that she has consumed). Ethan spies a fortune teller and he suggests to Isabelle that they get their fortunes read. Isabelle chuckles as she knows that Ethan is an expert with Divination spells, but she agrees to go along with it.
- Isabelle goes into the tent first, leaving Ethan chatting with Hilda. A young woman with piercings in her nose and ears is waiting for Isabelle. She asks Isabelle if she has ever done this before. Isabelle smiles and nods. The woman shrugs and unwraps a set of tarot cards. After giving them a shuffle, she draws three and explains that the cards represent, in turn, present, current challenge and resolution.
- Isabelle leaves the tent with an unimpressed expression on her face. Folding her arms, she suggests that Ethan try it. Ethan is surprised and he goes into the tent. The woman smiles at him and offers to do a reading for him. She shuffles the tarot cards and draws three. The first card which represents the present is a card that signifies marriage, or at least good times. The second card represents desire, will and determination. The third represents fear, disloyalty, even treachery.
- Ethan was expecting a nonsense reading that he could laugh about, but this reading is uncomfortable to hear. He thanks the woman for her reading and leaves.
- Hilda looks at both her ‘parents’ and announces that she needs to go on a ride to ‘let the adults talk’. Ethan fumbles for some change and agrees. Isabelle asks about Ethan’s reading and he tells her. Isabelle then tells him that the first card was The Lovers, signifying love and happiness. She was pleased by that. But then the next card signified difficulties, and the third card represented disloyalty. She asks Ethan point-blank if he loves her, and he quickly assures her that he does.
- Both adults frown, and then they begin to laugh. Both feel that they are reading too much into fairground tarot reading. It can’t possibly be true. They are both spooked by the ‘disloyalty’ reading, and wonder what could possibly cause that. Ethan would prefer to rule it out as just a fairground reading, but Isabelle suggests that Ethan do his own divination on the subject.
- Ethan is doubtful. If he does a divination spell and finds that there is something going to happen between them, surely knowledge of that could actually create the problem in the first place. Isabelle mulls on that, then calls Ethan a ‘chicken’ and encourages him to do it anyway. Ethan shrugs and points out that it could all be a result of Yaeger’s Belt - maybe that will be a source of conflict between them. Isabelle thinks for a minute and says that the Belt is ‘problematic’. She would like to figure out who made it before getting rid of it.
- Ethan offers the Belt to Isabelle (if she wants it) but Isabelle says that she doesn’t want more attention than what she already has. She gives Ethan a smile. She points out that there’s a simple way to get rid of it - simply lose a coin toss with someone who would benefit from it.
- They agree to enjoy what is left of the carnival and not to worry about it. Ethan puts an arm around Isabelle and they follow Hilda from attraction to attraction, occasionally pausing to comment that it is way past her bedtime.
- GM’s note: And that’s the end of Session 281. One more session writeup and then I’m up to date. We will shortly return to Grant’s present and the interaction between Grant and Morgan Le Fay (last seen in Session 279)
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