- GM’s note: This was a shorter session as one of us (I can’t remember who) wasn’t feeling well.
- Grant looks around this new city that has statues of the Golden Gods.
* Image sourced from Google Images but obviously it’s a Warhammer Age of Sigmar statue.
- This place is called Kalamir. There are five Golden Gods on display here, all clad in golden plated armour. The statues are at least five stories high such that they look down on the population.- Modi – definitely the stoutest and strongest looking of the five. He carries a massive two handed warhammer. His pose is one of obvious strength. The head is human but it is a fraction broad and his neck is very thick. He has only a little hair on his head. The symbol of the thunderbolt is on his armour.
- Mira - a female warrior, looking just as strong and stern as Modi. She is slimmer but the massive statue still towers over the people. Again, the face is stern, strong and proud. Like Modi, she has very little hair on her head and it seems to be thickest in a short mohawk like tuft. She carries a broad shield and a short-handled hammer. Interesting she also carries a number of other weapons upon her person. Grant counts six other weapons upon her person.
- Gulvan - an older looking warrior, but again just as massive as the others. Like the others, he has little hair on his head but he has a bushy beard. Gulvan’s arms are folded, and pose suggests authority or seniority. On his back is a piece of equipment which is like an oversized crossbow. On his side is what looks like a spyglass.
- Malor - this one’s face is hidden behind a massive mask. It reminds Grant of a samurai mask. He stands resolute with a massive spear at his side. The spear stands at least 30 metres high.
- Luft - the last of the Golden Gods is clearly less important than the other. The statue is smaller and less fearsome. Interestingly, his hand is held out and a great golden bird (a hawk or eagle) is posed as if it is about to leap from his arm and take flight. By his side is a strange dog-like creature with a bird’s head. Its beak looks like it could tear a man in half. Luft’s face is younger than the others and he appears to be looking out to the far distance.
- Grant wants to know more about these Golden Gods so he engages with shopkeepers and people in the marketplace, seeking to learn more from the stories that are told of them. He learns that Modi’s strength is legendary. Mira is said to be unmatched in battle but she is said to have a caustic personality and is quick to anger. Gulvan is a strategist. Malor is strong but mute. Luft seems to be full of cunning but he too is a fearsome warrior.
- Grant notes that there are Dwimmerlaik symbols here and there but they are always demons to be struck down by the glorious Golden Gods. They have no redeeming attributes. There is no mention here of other Golden Men or their Silver allies. Grant goes looking for a book to explain more of these Golden Gods but he has to settle for temple priests who can relay the oral traditions. The local perceptions are pretty basic – they are Godlike and All-Powerful. No one has seen them in months but they are physically bigger than normal men. It is rare to see more than one at a time.
- Grant notes that there are two other Doors in this realm. He hears it was over two months ago that Modi was last seen and he disappeared through one of the other Doors. Grant learns all he can and then decides to follow Modi.
- Grant decides to take the Dwimmerlaik survivors to safety. He finds a door, opens it as a Door and takes them to a non-descript world far from the ‘Great Wall’ section of Stair. He leaves them in a low-tech farming community which is multi-racial and tolerant of newcomers. There are ancient guardian statues near the village which Grant hopes will give Hadjut something to study. Bidding them farewell, Grant returns to the ‘Great Wall’ section of Stair and continues his investigation.
- The next Door opens out into an underground cavern. Investigating, he quickly finds he is inside an asteroid and there are embedded machines to turn this into a spacefaring vessel. The creatures who own this vessel are themselves large hulking mounds of rock with very small eyes. Finding no sign of the Gold or Silver men here, Grant moves on.
- Searching further, Grant finds a Door which leads to a stone temple. Nearby trees are blackened as if by fire. At the base of the temple is a group of about thirty dishevelled vagrants – both adults and children. They are giving off smoke. The ground around them is blackened by fire. They are whimpering, clearly in distress. When they sense the Door being opened, they immediately get to their feet as if waiting for some deliverance. But Grant slips out in shadow form and they begin arguing amongst themselves about whether the door was opened or not.
- Using Umbral sight, Grant is able to see that their elemental bodies are being consumed by their own fire. They are in pain. They are suffering. Remembering a conversation with Liliana about ‘Cinders’, Grant assumes that this pitiful group has been infected by some sorcerous poison and they are indentured to Nicol Bolas. Grant watches them for a little while but finds their state so pitiful that he decides to save them. He contacts Ethan via Icon and explains the situation.
- Ethan discusses with Liliana and she confirms that these creatures are Elementals that Bolas has enslaved. They are a ruined shadow of what they once were. Ethan decides to leave Liliana in charge (rather than a guest). She says nothing but simply nods.
- Joining Grant, Ethan reveals his presence to the poor ‘Cinders’ and they throw themselves upon the Lords’ mercy, begging for either for a cure or for ‘final death’. At first Ethan doesn’t understand them (because he didn’t come through a Door) but he uses a spell to translate their words. They ask if he has been sent by Silver, who they also called ‘She who brings life’. Ethan explains that he wasn’t sent by Silver but he can cure them.
- Ethan and Grant work together. Grant gently breaks the enchantments on the Cinders and Ethan heals them. Like a miracle, their fire no longer burns inwards but outwards. Their bodies burn hot and brightly. They are no longer in pain. They are delighted. Overjoyed. It is a miracle.
- While Ethan does some Divination spells to think through the next steps, Grant asks the leader of the Fire Elementals to tell him more about what happened.
- These people have no knowledge of the Stair. They have been slaves of Nicol Bolas for generations. They do what he tells them to do. But there came an attack from the Stair – massive golden knights who carried a thunderbolt symbol on their armour. They attacked the Elementals and slew many of them. They finally saw an opportunity for final death and gathered around the Door, hoping that their mystery invaders would return.
- They explain that they had burning internally for a very long period of time. But there was one woman named Silver who brought them some relief from their suffering. She is described as being about five-foot tall (ie: short), with silver hair and pale, almost white skin and golden eyes. Her face is expressionless – they have never seen her frown or smile. Apparently, she comes and goes – they don’t know how. It could be through a Door.
- They discuss where the Elementals should be taken next. Ethan offers them sanctuary in the Legendary Realm but Grant suggests that he find another place where they can live in peace. They elect to go with Grant and Ethan returns to the Legendary Realm.
- Grant finds a suitable realm to leave the Elementals in and he goes to find a realm to rest and eat in. He then finds a cold realm where the locals serve good ‘hot pot’ and he settles down to a fine meal at a wayfarer’s inn.
* Image by Raphael-Lacoste on DeviantART
- Grant thumbs through his Icons, wondering how Lady Sophia and his friend Ethan are going. He considers contacting Yaeger Zane but decides not to. In the end, he decides to rest for a bit. The next morning, he is contacted by Lofwyr using ‘dragon magic’. Lofwyr’s voice simply speaks to Grant but no one can Grant can hear what is said. Lofwyr explains that he has located Lady Abigail in the port city of Abaranth. He doesn’t know what she is doing there but suggests that she may not be there long. Grant listens intently and agrees to go there immediately.
- With an image of Abaranth in mind, Grant uses his Mastery of the Stair to find the most expedient way of getting there. It takes him only a few hours (at engine speed).
* Image by FrankAtt on DeviantART
- The Door to Abaranth emerges from a townhouse built into the hillside. Grant assumes the form of one of the locals and goes hunting for Abigail. This is surprisingly easy. She is in one of the larger manor houses made out of stone. Using all of his guile, he observes her and confirms that she is not guarded. She has many warding spells but she seems unable to detect him. She sits behind a desk, doing paperwork of all things. She is very focused on it. He decides that he cannot render her unconscious lest a recall spell be triggered, but she must sleep sometime. He gently uses Umbra to tire her. To his dismay, she uses sorcery to keep herself working and Grant settles down to wait for the Umbra effect to gradually exhaust her.
- The stakeout takes all day. She is brought food and water but she carries on working. She goes for a walk later in the day and Grant follows her. That evening, she is clearly very tired. She pours a glass of wine for herself and Grant spies her taking out a handful of Icons. She thinks over Ethan’s Icon and casts a spell, using it as a focus. Grant recognizes the Divination spell as similar to that which Ethan uses. She holds Lady Sophia’s Icon and initiates a conversation. She skips over Macavity’s Icon and performs a Divination ritual over Isabelle’s Icon. Somewhat dissatisfied with the outcome, she puts Ethan’s and Isabelle’s Icons together and casts another spell. The result displeases her and she flings them onto her desk. (GM’s note – yes, this is yet another example of Ethan’s bad stuff. He cannot catch a break) She produces another Icon which Grant does not recognize, contemplates it and then puts it down with a yawn. Finally, she retires to a nearby bedchamber, summons a shadow to watch over her (which is one of Liliana’s spells) and Grant spies her reading “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (of all things) before she nods off.
- Grant uses Umbra to make sure that she is asleep. He then unsummons the shadow servant using Umbra and goes to look through the paperwork that she was doing. He knows that she is a planner and organizer and sure enough, the paperwork details manpower, logistics and resources. He considers taking it with him but instead decides to take a few minutes to skip-read what he can. Then he quietly steals her away in the middle of the night. Grant is almost certain that something will go wrong but to his surprise no one challenges him as he marches off with her and returns to the Stair. Once back on the Stair, he contacts Lofwyr and is brought through into his penthouse, high in the golden skyscraper.
- Lofwyr is pleased with this and he assures Grant that Bolas will not find her here. Together they work to remove the magical enchantments that Bolas has laid on her. Lofwyr suggests that Grant not be present when she awakens and he promises Grant that he will honour their agreement. She will be looked after.
- After rescuing Abbie so easily that it was almost anticlimactic, Grant feels good about the situation. Finally, something has gone right. He contacts Ethan but Ethan does not immediately answer. (GM’s note - Grant has no way of knowing that Ethan is at the Feymoon Ball with Isabelle – more on that below)
- It is not until sometime later that Ethan is given the good news. He is pleased at first but less so when he is told that Abbie is with Lofwyr and that Grant has no idea how that conversation is going. He was advised by Lofwyr not to be present when Abbie woke up, so there would be no connection to Grant or Ethan. Ethan thanks his friend for rescuing Abbie and they promise to catch up for a beer to celebrate ‘soon’.
- Grant returns to the Stair, looking for information about the Golden Men. He finds a Door which is ornate, in good repair, and inlaid with gold. On the other side is an open street vista. The streets are clean. The buildings are made of Stair. The people on the street have olive complexion. Grant shifts his form and blends in. The city here is a wealthy middle-eastern city, perhaps like Baghdad or Ur were in their prime. There are large bulbous structures and delicate artefact devices flying through the air. Everywhere people are enthusiastic and energetic. This place feels alive. The marketplace has good quality vegetables and meat. The people appear well fed and happy. There appears be an Eidolon effect in play here. There are many temples of worship and larger than life statues of the golden gods.
Off-Camera Narrative
- Ethan has used Eidolon to boost Liliana’s powers. He has not put any constraints on her and, when Ethan is away, she is in charge. She quickly reverts to type, deciding that negotiating with the Wizards of Thay is too slow. She decides to kill a few of the Red Wizards, raising them from the dead as her undead servants and then she pursues the Zulkirs (the ruling Red Wizards), figuring to conquer Thay or at least to secure more powerful allies.
- When Ethan returns from looking after the ‘Cinders’, he finds the right side of her face appears to have been melted as if by fire, and her right arm is badly injured such that she can hardly move it. Liliana gives a painful smile and comments that she managed to heal her minor injuries but not the curses. She asks for his help and explains that three of the eight Zulkirs are now in her thrall. He is very surprised that Liliana has been so active so quickly and he heals her injured body.
- Ethan asks whether Nicol Bolas has contacted her yet and she says that he has not. Ethan goes back to work recruiting allies from the neighbouring nations, but he still makes time to attend the Feymoon Ball with Isabelle. There, he is very flirty and shows interest in Isabelle. Isabelle is flattered by the attention and reciprocates Ethan’s affections. However, she’s an Invoker, a friend of Abbie’s and particularly cluey about Ethan. Late in the evening when a lot of wine has been had and a lot of dancing has been done, she asks about Abbie and if he’s really okay. She admits to having feelings for Ethan but she’s not stupid – he’s not done with Abbie so why is he doing this with her. It’s like cold water being poured over him – she sees straight through what is happening. She clearly wishes that Ethan did feel this way about her, but she’s not stupid – so what’s his angle? Ethan is embarrassed, admits that he really needs her help and that what he asks will be dangerous. He explains that he plans to use the Silver Crown (GM’s note – which can mould reality) and he won’t want to take it off. There is only one person who really knows him and that is Isabelle (not Abbie), and there is only one person who can convince him to take the Crown off – and that’s her. Isabelle is a little taken aback by Ethan’s sincerity, but at the same time annoyed that he couldn’t have just asked. Ethan explains that it is going to be dangerous. People are going to try to kill him, including possibly some of his allies. She puts two and two together and realises that Ethan really was trying to seduce her. He chose to attempt to manipulate her rather than treat her with honesty. She is not impressed and says as much – she expected better from him.
- GM’s note: Time to introduce a brand new threat. A new group of Gossamer Lords who know nothing of Vala’s group.
- Grant enters a new section of Stair. A section that rises on all sides in a mesmerizing array of staircases and alcoves. Within many of the alcoves are Doors. He has been drawn here as he sensed a Door being opened (or closed). (GM’s note – Masters of the Stair can sense Doors being accessed)
* Image sourced from Google Images
- Exploring further, he finds two dead Dwimmerlaik. Both have been killed from behind and the wounds are cauterized. It’s hard to tell how long they’ve been here because decay on the Stair doesn’t work the same as in the realms but Grant guesses that this is recent. No more than a week.
- He explores the nearby Doors, assuming that they emerged nearby, were chased, killed and fell. The first Door opens out onto an agrarian world populated by bird-like creatures, each of which has two sets of wings. Another Door opens onto a world of red sand where great mining machines slowly dig for riches. A third Door opens onto a floating island, one of many dotting the sky where cascades of water fall from one to the next, before finally ending their journey in a vast ocean far below. There is plenty of food here but no people. The Door itself belongs to an old structure that doesn’t appear to have been used in a long time.
- Grant rests and eats some of the fruit. He contacts Drake via Icon and asks if any of his people might be active in the area. Drake is familiar with the ‘great wall’ section of Stair that Grant has found but he is not aware of any recent activity here.
- Carrying on, he explores a fourth realm where a nationalistic group of humans are hard at work conquering their planet. The ‘Regime’, as it is called, reminds Grant a lot of Nazi Germany and Grant feels uncomfortable in this place. He senses small pockets of magic in this world and finds evidence that there are some Dwimmerlaik in this world. He assumes that they have shapeshifted to adopt the form of the natives here.
- Intrigued, Grant decides to continue on the Stair and he quickly finds evidence of two other locations where the Dwimmerlaik seem to be in hiding. In one, a group of Dwimmerlaik children and two adults are under the protection of a proto-human tribe who have acquired primitive percussion weapons. In another, a small community of Dwimmerlaik have retreated to the icy wastelands of the far north and used magic to create a pocket reality beneath the main reality.
- The more Grant looks, the more this section of Stair feels unusual. It feels cold and hollow. There is fear here. Grant spends more time looking around. He finds the occasional Blank Door and it looks like some of the Doors have been severed. Finally, he finds a landing where there is a pile of flesh-stripped Dwimmerlaik skulls. Someone has made a pile as a marker and a warning.
- Assuming that there must be a reason for this skull-pile to be placed here, he investigates the Door above on the left. The modern Door opens into an office complex which is as quiet as the grave. Exploring the complex, he finds it is a manufacturing facility but there is no power here. Further on, he finds the generators and machines to make robots. The control booths are designed for humanoid controllers but there is no one here. Further on, he detects slight movement in the structure above. There is something going on here. At last he finds there are some autonomous machines at work on the upper levels. They are building this complex but it is not yet fully operational. Grant decides to get outside this structure and he finds himself high in the mountains breathing thin air. The place is eerily quiet. Far below this structure is a vast city, or at least what is left of it. A number of robots are working on this city, deconstructing it.
- Grant flies down to investigate. He finds a number of silvery machines at work, some on legs, some on massive balled wheels. They are breaking down the old proto-Dwimmerlaik city, deconstructing it and building something new with the acquired materials. Grant watches the materials being carried away back to the robot citadel. There is a precision to the machines and the operations which feels like Eidolon. Grant can sense another Door far away but there don’t seem to be people nearby.
- Returning to the Stair, Grant tries another Door near to the skull-pile. This Door looks to be made of a shiny chitinous material. It is difficult to open and he needs to use his fingers to pry the Door open. Most unusual.
- Debris has been piled up on the other side of the Door which he pushes away. It falls from the landing and disappears into the abyss below. He finds himself looking down upon a city of spires. Black spires. Many have fallen partially or collapsed completely. This looks like it was once an advanced civilization but the sky is a strange broken purple colour. There is definitely Dwimmerlaik influence here. Grant takes a look around – there is a lot of damage here. Blast marks on structures that were designed to last. The marks look recent.
- Wandering about the city, he finds Dwimmerlaik corpses all over the place so whoever killed them was physically strong. Their bodies have been shattered physically, but the wounds are cauterised, almost like they were struck by lightning. Most of the city is powerless but occasionally he finds a lonely street lamp still glowing.
- Grant searches for survivors. (GM’s note – I use FATE cards and I drew a +4 (Incredible Luck) for this attempt. Coupled with Grant’s Good Stuff, I judged this to be a success) He finds a small Dwimmerlaik family of one adult and two adolescents hiding in the ruins. Shapeshifting into a Dwimmerlaik form, he convinces them that he is a friend. They give their names as Hadjut (the adult is a scholar), Kuday and Videy. They are nervous and scared. They don’t know of any other survivors. They tell Grant that the invaders came a few weeks ago and wiped out everyone they could. Many Dwimmerlaik tried to flee through the Doors but they elected to stay put and wait for a rescue. Besides, none of them have the ‘gift’ to open Doors (GM’s note – not all Dwimmerlaik can)
- The intruders were humanoid and clad in silver and gold. The golden ones were bigger – much bigger than man-sized – and very strong. They hunted down everyone they could. They came from the Stair.
- The thought of a new group able to open Doors sounds ominous. Grant decides to take the surviving Dwimmerlaik to safety and investigate further.
Off-Camera Narrative
- Ethan performs a number of Divinations. Enough to convince himself that he needs Liliana. He is almost certain that Bolas is targeting the Legendary Realm and will come in person. He believes Liliana can be trusted to a point, but Bolas will try to persuade her to rejoin him and Liliana will be tempted to betray him.
- With all of this in mind, Ethan agrees to using Eidolon to raise her to her full potential. To give her access to all of the powers that she can wield in the Legendary Realm. Liliana seems surprised that Ethan would not try to put any constraints on her. No rules. No conditions. Ethan says that he doesn’t need to. They both want to survive this, by any means necessary. He knows very well that she’ll be tempted to try to take over.
- With a crooked smile, Liliana says that Bloodstone doesn’t have enough sorcerers. She wants the Wizards of Thay. Ethan has no objection to this. He also points out that the Kingdom of Vaasa to the north has been fought many times and there are countless dead there. Liliana appears surprised and Ethan makes it clear that he wants Liliana to raise an army. A very, very large army.
- GM’s note: Invocation is a scary scary Power. The revelation that the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik has had Ethan’s Truename for a long time (and may have been using it) was a dark moment in this storyline. It is also something that is very difficult to fight.
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.
- Ethan repeats the last question, alarmed by the certainty of the response. It is quickly confirmed that the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik already has Ethan’s Truename.- 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
- Ethan is taken aback by what he learns. The thought that the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik was not hunting him because he had already hunted and acquired him was not something that had occurred to him.- 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.
- Ethan mulls over the results of the Divination spells. He wonders why he never reached this conclusion before. He attempts to contact Lucien via Icon to confer with him but there is no response.
- 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.
- GM’s note: We had a week’s break as I went off to the beach.
- Ethan’s rebuilding of the Kingdom of Bloodstone is suddenly interrupted by the arrival of a child’s drawing. In the picture is a moon with blood red eyes. Ethan instantly knows that this came from Hilda and that she has sent him a warning. Hilda was clearly scared when she drew this. The Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik has returned.
- Ethan asks Liliana what she knows of the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik. To his surprise, she knows of him. He made some trouble about six months ago, conquering four realms, clearly looking for something and then he backed off. She doesn’t know what R.E.D’s aims are, but she assumed that he was cautious enough of Nicol Bolas to back off. Liliana is intrigued that Ethan is bothered by the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik. Ethan decides to leave the Legendary Realm at once and makes it clear to Liliana not to ‘break anything’. She agrees and appears disappointed to see him go.
- Heading onto the Stair, Ethan goes to find the foster home where he left Hilda. It gives him time to think. He regrets sleeping with Liliana. What on earth was he thinking? Was he even thinking?
- On his way, he contacts Isabelle via Icon and explains the drawing that he presumes was made and sent by Hilda. She is intrigued by this – it marks Hilda as an Invoker – and a powerful one at that. Isabelle agrees to join him as she wants to meet Hilda. Ethan asks about the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik and Isabelle says that there have been sightings of animals and people with red-eyes from time to time. Lucien doesn’t like to talk about it.
- When almost at the Door to Hilda’s realm, they are confronted by a number of small shadowy rodents that flee towards them on the Stair. Something ahead has them spooked. Ethan prepares a defensive spell. In front of the Door is a large ginger Cat. (GM’s note – this is a capital ‘C’ Cat – ie: a feline who communicates telepathically, uses sorcery and is generally awesome, so sayest the cat-lover Bruce)
* Image sourced from Google Images
- They exchange pleasantries with the Cat. It says its name is Grimples and it is here as a favour. It has been promised a quantity of fish for guarding the Door. Grimples recognises them as Wardens. He says that he’s been here about two weeks – long enough to be fed 13 times. Ethan bargains with Grimples to step aside, negotiating with an even greater quantity of fish. While he does so, Ethan gently slips a Sleep spell into the conversation and Grimples falls asleep at his post.
- Slipping past the Cat, Ethan and Isabelle enter the realm. They travel through a 1950s rural European setting. It is warm and sunny. The hills are dotted with pockets of livestock. Ethan finds the village of Tanshiel only a few miles from the Door but Hilda is not at home. Figuring that she must be at school, they find the one-room school in the village and Ethan politely asks the teacher if he can talk to Hilda. Hilda is overjoyed to see Ethan and she asks to be excused. She hugs him and says that there is danger nearby. She asks to leave immediately. Ethan promises to send a message to her foster parents so that they will not worry. Quizzically, Hilda says helpfully that she can do that herself.
- Using an Icon to contact Lady Sophia, they interrupt her negotiations but it is a welcome interruption as it enables her to demonstrate that she has close connections with multiple Lords of Gossamer, not just Lord Grant. Thanking her, Ethan, Isabelle and Hilda head for Ethan’s house in Central. Ethan hasn’t been here in a while. It is clean but not as tidy as he would like. Inside Ethan’s residence, Hilda asks for art materials so that she can send her foster parents a message. Ethan and Isabelle watch in amazement as Hilda does a drawing of three stick figures, clearly one for each of them. The drawing is crude but Hilda is imbuing the drawing with magic. Ethan and Isabelle realise that Hilda may appear to be a little girl, but she is not. At last, the paper fades away and vanishes. Ethan notes that they should probably not tell Grant that it’s possible for an Invoker to summon and send things from within a protected realm like Marindar.
- After making Hilda feel welcome and comfortable, Isabelle heads to the Central Market to get some provisions. Ethan warns Isabelle not to tell Lucien about the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik just yet. Isabelle agrees – it is a sore spot for him.
- As soon as Isabelle has left, Hilda asks where Auntie Abbie is. It is a painful question for Ethan – he says that she’s elsewhere and he misses her. Hilda simply says (with childlike logic) that Ethan should ask her to come back. It persuades him to contact Abbie via Icon. She receives his contact but is not pleased to hear from him. Ethan simply says that the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik may be active once more and he is looking after Hilda. He advises her to watch her back. Abigail is cautious but accepts his warning. She he agrees to contact Ethan if she needs assistance and she asks Ethan to say some kind words to Hilda on her behalf.
- Hilda settles down in Marindar. Ethan asks about her foster parents and Hilda says that they were nice. She tells Ethan that she ‘named’ the house, marking it as now protected.
- Ethan asks about why the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik is hunting her. She tells him that the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik was exiled from the Dwimmerlaik Empire because he had no talents. Apparently the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik kept her as a ‘pet’. The R.E.D. likes to collect things. But he was distracted and left her behind while he focussed on something else and Hilda slipped away. Ethan asks how old she is and she guesses that she is 137 years old. Young for her age – she doesn’t age very quickly. A bit young for school. Her parents are gone – the R.E.D. found their names and made them ‘stop’. He removed them.
- Outside the seagulls are crying. Ethan asks more about the R.E.D. Apparently he wanted revenge against the Dwimmerlaik Empire but since the civil war this is no longer his goal. He is looking for something. He can send himself places. He is very good at doing that. Somehow he became a Warden of the Stair too as he can open Doors. Something was holding him back but he is no longer afraid – he is venturing forth and expanding his reach. He appears as blood-red eyes in a moon.
- Ethan judges that returning to the Legendary Realm with her is too risky. Marindar is safer because Grant protects it. He contacts Liliana to check on things in Bloodstone. She flirts with him over the Icon contact but it falls flat, much to her surprise. Ethan warns her to be on her guard.
- A day later, Ethan is contacted by Lady Sophia. She says that a ginger Cat named Grimples is apparently owed a large quantity of fish. Ethan goes to meet with the Cat, surprised that he has found his way to Marindar. The two parley and Grimples tries to convince Ethan that he owes him a quantity of fish. Ethan argues that he owes Grimples nothing as he beat him.
- Inviting Grimples to dinner at a seafood restaurant overlooking the sea (in order to smooth things over), they talk about their predicament. R.E.D. is looking for the girl (Hilda) and he needs her alive. Ethan asks Grimples how R.E.D. found him and how he ended up working for him. Grimples explains that R.E.D. looks for exceptional individuals that would deprive the Empire. He notes that R.E.D. had his eye on Ethan once when he became an Imperial Warden. Grimples has worked for R.E.D. for a long time. Once the R.E.D. has your name, it is difficult to refuse. R.E.D. has Grimples’ name so he does what R.E.D. wants.
- Grimples isn’t a Warden himself but he has other ways to find things and open Doors – it’s just not as effective. Ethan surprises Grimples by asking to meet with the R.E.D. – he wants to make a deal with him. Grimples agrees to this but cautions Ethan, saying that Ethan will be snared just like he was. Nevertheless, he agrees to pass the message along. Ethan is thinking that he might be able to use R.E.D. to somehow do a deal to get Abbie back from Bolas’ control but he wonders if dealing with the R.E.D. might be stepping into the ‘lion’s mouth’.
- After Grimples’ departure, Ethan notifies Lady Sophia and asks him to keep an eye on this Cat. Lady Sophia comments that they always keep an eye on Cats when they come to Marindar as they have a reputation of being slippery characters and not to be trusted. Ethan wonders if Macavity would be pleased or disappointed with Lady Sophia’s opinion of Cats.
- GM’s note: This session carries on from Session 166. The Christmas Special from Session 167 is blended in.
- Ethan returns to the Legendary Realm. Bloodstone is in a mess given that Abbie lost the entire army of 20,000 men. Bloodstone’s neighbours haven’t yet figured it out but it won’t take very long.
- Meanwhile, Liliana has told Grant and Ethan more about Nicol Bolas’ powerful inner circle of sorcerers. Ethan leaves Liliana in a comfortable place with an Icon of Ethan.
- Ethan goes on a journey with Grant but their journey is interrupted by an old minelayer (GM’s note: refer to Session 167) They end up in Midas for an after-Christmas party. Isabelle and Ethan talk but it is uncomfortable. Ethan is a bit down and she encourages him to talk to Abbie again. Ethan slips away and tries to find Abbie. He talks to her via Icon. She is in good health but she says that she does not need to be rescued. She tells Ethan to leave her be. Ethan is relieved to at least have a civilised conversation with her. She no longer seems to be mad with him but she clearly wants some space.
- Ethan returns to Bloodstone and tries to figure out what to do. He is interrupted by an Icon from Grant. Grant remembers that Liliana said that Nicol Bolas has conquered ‘death’ – he infers that Bolas probably was resurrected in the Dragons’ Graveyard and there may be clues there as to how he found a way to come back. Ethan agrees that this is logical. Grant decides that he should go and find Lofwyr (GM’s note – last seen in Session 148) and ask for his advice.
- Grant heads to Lofwyr’s domain. Opening the Ultra-modern Door, he rides the magnetic trains to Lofwyr’s home city and then makes his way to Lofwyr’s gold-plated skyscraper. Last time Ethan had the Beguiling Gem which enabled him to get an appointment without a prior booking. This time, Grant only has to give his name and the grey-uniformed receptionist confirms that Lord Lofwyr is expecting him.
- Riding the elevator up to the penthouse, he is met by a blonde-haired woman clad in a sheer purple dress. He is quickly ushered into Lofwyr’s office. Lofwyr sits in his chair with an expansive view of the city behind.
* Image sourced from Google Images but I believe this one is from a Shadowrun game
- Lofwyr is polite and says that it is always a pleasure to meet a Lord of Gossamer. Grant asks about what Lofwyr knows of Nicol Bolas. Lofwyr is surprised but tells them that Bolas is an Elder Dragon, one of the ancients. There are many strange stories of Bolas but he is said to have transcended death, to have mastered all magicks, and to be a master of worlds. When asked how Grant should be deal with Bolas, Lofwyr counsels him to not make an enemy of a dragon because they have long memories. He suggests that Grant run and hide if he has made an enemy of Bolas.
- Despite this, Lofwyr and Grant strike a deal. Lofwyr needs an ‘advocate’ – his divination has revealed the most suitable candidate – and to Grant’s surprise Lofwyr has chosen Lady Abigail to be his new advocate. Lofwyr does not know Lady Abigail and is surprised that Grant knows the target of his divination spell. Grant promises Lofwyr an introduction if Lofwyr will help him to find where she is. Lofwyr agrees and says that he will make Lady Abigail an opportunity that she cannot refuse.
- Grant then journeys to the Dragons’ Graveyard. He arrives at the Door but just as he is about to step through, it dawns on him that Lofwyr expected him and that is most unusual. Normally Umbra Masters are difficult to predict. He wonders what powers the True Dragons like Lofwyr and Nicol Bolas actually have.
- He takes one step through the Door and there is an explosion of pure Umbra that blasts him back onto the Stair. His body on fire, Grant hastily erects an Umbral Defence and gets out of the way as entropic black fire spreads on the Stair.
- The Door is quickly shut but it takes twenty minutes for the fire to die out. Grant is astonished – normally the Stair is quick to restore itself to normal. As he waits, another Door opens and Grant has a very bad feeling.
- A group of Dwimmerlaik arrive with black enamelled armour. Four of them. They size Grant up. One of them uses an Icon and suddenly Krovaliss appears. Grant recognizes him by his enormous size and is suddenly very scared indeed. Krovaliss is someone that even Drake is wary of.
* Image by Jason Rainville
- Krovaliss approaches Grant and greets him formally. He calls Grant by name and calls him “Destroyer of his Empire” and one who has brought misery to his people. Grant is wary – is it possible that the Dwimmerlaik know of his involvement in stirring up the recent civil war? He briefly feigns ignorance but Krovaliss draws his sword. The sword is almost as big as Grant is. Even with Gorgorin, Grant is cowered by this situation. He is not prepared for this.
- Grant decides to ‘rabbit’ (at Engine Speed). He uses his Mastery of the Stair to evade pursuit and Umbra to thwart any Divination that is being used to track him. Finally, he reaches for an Icon and contacts Drake. Explaining that he has just had a run in with Krovaliss, the two wonder how Krovaliss could have found him. They reach the conclusion that Nicol Bolas must be somehow involved. Drake offers his protection and Grant steps through.
- Two weeks pass whilst Grant maintains a low profile. He receives information from Lofwyr about Lady Abigail’s location and starts to make plans to rescue her. After two weeks, Grant contacts Ethan and asks how he is faring. Ethan sounds tired. He says that the loss of the Bloodstone army has been noticed. The wizards of Thay have been emboldened but they seem to be afraid of Liliana. Grant expresses surprise that Ethan has brought Liliana to the Legendary Realm. Ethan explains that he couldn’t protect her from Bolas if she were anywhere else. According to Ethan, she’s been keeping her end of the bargain. She’s being a good guest and hasn’t zombified anyone (yet). Ethan says that there was an assassination attempt on his Castellan but it was thwarted. Grant asks if he has spoken to Abbie and Ethan recounts what happened.
- Grant tells Ethan that he is going after Bolas. To Grant’s surprise, Ethan admits that he is considering ‘walking off the map’ and just leaving it all behind. The only reason why he doesn’t is that he and Abbie spent so long nurturing this world. If Abbie remembers who she was, and he throws this all away, he’s not sure what would happen.
- Ethan also comments that the ghostglobes that he acquired from Boraelis (GM’s note – see Session 152) are buried under the plains to the east of the capital. He doesn’t like leaving those weapons of mass destruction out there for anyone to find.
- Grant urges Ethan not to run away but to do the right thing. He reminds Ethan that a lot of people in the Legendary Realm are counting on him to do the right thing. Grant promises to rescue Abbie and to trust him on this. Ethan accepts his friend’s counsel and the Icon contact is ended.
- Ethan thinks through the situation. He can’t bring back the dead using Eidolon. He could use magic to reverse the timeflow but he’s never tried anything like that in the Legendary Realm. He could bring in a new population into Bloodstone from outside but the disruption caused by the loss of the Bloodstone army would still exist. At last, he decides to contact Nibazizjawlei. (GM’s note – Ethan acquired a genie with three wishes in Session 123)
- Ethan makes his third and final wish. He wishes for Abbie and the rest of the Bloodstone Army to be returned to Bloodstone in the same state as when they last left the realm. In Amonkhet, the corpses vanish. The soldiers of the Bloodstone army reappear in the capital in good health with no memory of what happened after following Lady Abigail into Zendikar. But Abbie does not return.
- Ethan thanks the genie for his service and the genie departs in a puff of smoke.
* Image sourced from Google
- There is much rejoicing in the lands of Bloodstone. Ethan takes a fresh look at the kingdom and decides to put all of his energy into restoring the kingdom to what it should be. He is a king in all but name. He sends out messengers to neighbouring kingdoms, seeking to make treaties and establish alliances. Liliana Vess sticks close to Ethan. Not only do the Red Wizards and the sorcerers of the Black Circle find the old witch threatening, she is very insightful and gives good counsel to Ethan. Liliana persuades Ethan to use Eidolon to rejuvenate and de-age her.
* Image is from Liliana, Heretical Healer MtG Art by Karla Ortiz
- Time spent with Liliana is somewhat corrupting for Ethan. Even though she now dresses simply and is demure for most of the time, she is every bit as sharp as she was before. Perhaps even sharper. She is very persuasive and she quickly learns how to focus Ethan, pushing him to rebuild the kingdom of Bloodstone. Unlike Ethan, she seems to have experience in rulership and she quickly assesses the geopolitical situation and offers good counsel. Liliana seems to like the Legendary Realm very much – there is plenty of power here, and she sees Ethan as potentially quite useful.
- There is a short-lived dalliance between Ethan and Liliana that he immediately regrets. However he does not have time to dwell on it. The morning after he finds a strange drawing done in crayon on his writing desk. It is a child’s drawing of a house, a cat and a moon with a pair of blood red eyes. Ethan is horrified. He left Hilda in what he thought was a safe realm (GM’s note – back in Session 157). How could Hilda have sent this drawing here? And is the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik back? (GM’s note – Ethan and Isabelle escaped from the Red-Eyed Dwimmerlaik back in Session 56 but he was never defeated).
