Session 269 – The Tournament of Tyvar

- GM’s note: Continuing on the adventures of Ethan ….. 

Grant (played by David) will return in the near future. We still need to run the remainder of Courts of Shadow Fey (as a flashback) before moving onto new adventures.

I’m continuing to use Vergence (FitD) mechanics. Ethan and Grant are Tier 3 in this system and we’re only rolling dice where they are actually challenged. Otherwise it remains Diceless….

Vergence is produced by Small Cool Games and can be found here: https://smallcoolgames.itch.io/vergence

Regarding the Tyrnador setting, this is a Savage Worlds setting produced by Gramel. I’ve had a lot of fun running this setting for two separate groups - one as a Savage Worlds game and one as a diceless game for Grant and Ethan. Here is the link to Tyrnador: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/3554/GRAmel/subcategory/6186_31979/Tyrnador

Return to Tyrnador

- Ethan and Isabelle return to the safety of the Athenaeum. Ethan wants a meal and a hot shower. Isabelle wants to study the treasures that they have recovered - she is planning to return to the Voidship as soon as she has studied the ‘brain’. 

- Ethan makes vegetable soup and sits down to slowly eat it. After a while Hilda comes into the kitchen area, wearing her warm travelling clothes and her Gryffindor beanie. Her expression is sour (Rolled ‘2’ on 2D for her reaction - hence unfavourable) and she asks him flatly if they can leave now. Ethan is feeling very tired but he can see that Hilda is upset. He tries to explain the importance of what he and Isabelle are doing (he makes a Persuade roll and gets a ‘4’). She reluctantly accepts the situation but presses to leave, saying that he promised that they would go to the Tournament at Tyvar. Ethan relents and agrees to leave once he’s finished his meal and freshened up. Hilda nods her agreement and goes to make sure that his bag is packed.

- Ethan feels very tired but he prepares to depart. Isabelle is surprised when Ethan tells her that they are leaving - he kisses her goodbye and Isabelle thanks him ‘for the adventure’. Hilda is cold towards Isabelle as they leave - she doesn’t even say goodbye.

- Hilda hardly says a word as they make their way along the Grand Stair back to the Door to Tyrnador. (Rolled ‘2’ for her reaction) She seems to be quite mad and is giving Ethan the ‘silent treatment’. 

- They arrive back in the city of Scarlet without incident. Many days have passed since they departed and Ethan has to hunt to find Sir Athalos. (He succeeds with a Critical on 3D) Fortunately Sir Athalos and his party are easy to find. He has caught them just in time at the Sleeping Dragon Inn. They were preparing to depart the next day. Sir Athalos is pleased to see them both, and Hilda is relieved that they have caught the Knights of Scarlet in time.

The Journey North

- Ethan books a room for the night and goes to search for a pony for Hilda to ride on the journey north to Tyvar. He is successful in finding a pony named Dix that looks to be the right size and temperament for her, and he also purchases an older horse named Brega who seems suitable for riding. That evening, Ethan falls asleep early. 

- The next day they depart Scarlet along with a party of knights and two elves (Girion and Alvander). With them go a handful of wagons heading with them for protection. Both Hilda and Ethan have some difficulty with their new mounts. Dix is good natured but is unused to long journeys and quickly tires. Hilda is also unused to riding and she ends up saddlesore. In contrast, Ethan finds that Brega is a little too enthusiastic and he wants to keep up with the warhorses that the knights are riding. When Dix begins to fall behind, Ethan has to press Brega to slow down.

- Hilda is not as close to Sir Athalos’ squire (Poe) as she would like, but she seems content to be in the party with him and able to observe him from afar. She makes a friend on the journey - a girl named Mabel who travels on one of the wagons. Mabel is fascinated that Hilda can read (Mabel catches her reading a dog-eared paperback copy of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”) and before long, Hilda is reading the story aloud to a small group of interested children and adults when the party stops for the night. Hilda forgets being angry with Ethan (rolled a ‘6’ on 3D) and begins talking to him again.

- The knights tend to ride together with their squires in a separate group. Ethan finds that he fits into neither group and he tends to stay close to Hilda. On the journey he has conversations with many people, the most notable of which is Sir Amlyn. Sir Amlyn is a young knight who has heard of Ethan’s reputation as a ‘Dragonslayer’. Embarrassed, Ethan plays down the situation and asks Sir Amlyn to be discreet with the information.

- The journey to Tyvar along the King’s Road is handled as a 4-clock. Multiple Traverse rolls are made and the party reaches its destination without incident. No one is foolish enough to attack a party which is guided by armoured knights.

- During the journey, Hilda asks Ethan what she can do to ‘make Poe like’ her. She has noticed him listening to her storytelling, though he never sits as close as the children. Ethan gently points out that Poe is fifteen or sixteen years old, and Hilda appears to be a child of perhaps ten or eleven years old. If friendship is what she is seeking, he encourages her to find some common ground with Poe. Hilda is intelligent and has a clever mind. Why would he not want to be her friend? He encourages her to be brave and talk to him.

- As time passes, Hilda seems content to observe Poe at a distance and says nothing. Then on the third morning of the journey she spots Poe sparring with one of the other squires (a lad named Pelmet) and she decides to walk over. Pelmet is older and more skilled than Poe, but there is no animosity between them as they train. As they catch their breath, Hilda asks if she can join in the practice. Poe is surprised but Pelmet good-naturedly offers her a blade. Hilda quickly ties her hair back and accepts the blade. 

- She apologises for being a bit rusty (Engage 2D → 6) but then proceeds to show that she has used a blade before. Pelmet attempts to ‘go easy’ on her, but quickly finds out that this is a mistake. Despite having the appearance of a child, she is strong and quick. Some of the knights watch the swordplay with amusement on their faces. Pelmet frowns as he is driven back, and then he sees the humour in the situation and laughs loudly at it. 

- With a broad smile on his face, Sir Amyln comes over to watch. He calls out to Pelmet that he seems to have ‘met his match’ and that clearly ‘looks can be deceiving’. After about ten minutes of sparring where Pelmet has been driven all over the field, Pelmet yields. Hilda is flushed but still willing to continue. She asks if anyone else will spar with her, but Sir Athalos calls out that this is enough for today. 

- Ethan watches this display with interest. He has never seen Hilda use a blade. He suspected that she would have gained in strength given that she has travelled with him for a long time, but he has never seen evidence of this until now. He comments quietly that Poe will surely have noticed her now. He asks when she last used a sword. As soon as he asks the question, Ethan realises that this is a difficult topic for her. She visibly tenses and then changes the topic. She asks if only boys can become squires, and then knights. 

- It takes Ethan a moment to process her question. In Tyrnador he has only seen men be knights but from the history of Realm 0, there were rare occasions of women wearing armour and being treated as knights. He decides to encourage her, saying that she can be whatever she wants to be. If she wants to become a squire, then he will help her.

- There is a pause and Hilda corrects him. She never said that she wanted to become a squire. She knows that she could never become more than a squire whilst appearing as she does - as a child. Ethan reiterates that she can be whatever she wants to be. Hilda cuts him off and points out that certain choices can limit the available options. She appreciates his support, but she makes it plain that she chose to be a child for a good reason. However, she admits that she enjoyed sparring with Pelmet - she had forgotten how good it could feel. 

- On the journey Ethan receives an Icon contact from Isabelle. She asks if he has recovered, and then she shares what she has discovered since his departure. (Engineer roll → Critical) Isabelle explains that she has bypassed the ship’s personality to access its memories directly. The ship has been to dozens of realms and hundreds of worlds. Most will have been lost over time but there are references in the ship’s memories to relics and worlds that pre-date the Great War by a thousand years. She is determined to go back, and she wants Ethan with her. 

- Ethan listens and says that they’ll be in Tyvar in two days. After the tournament it should be possible to return to assist her. In this realm, using Icons to enter or exit the realm is vulgar magic and easily detectable by those who can sense disturbances in Gossamer Reality. Nevertheless, he should be able to join her via Icon and then return to Tyrnador by contacting Hilda. However, this would also mean leaving Hilda without a guardian - so he needs to enlist some help to protect her whilst he is absent. 

- Isabelle is concerned that someone else could find the Dwimmerlaik Voidship and recover its secrets. She doesn’t think anyone else knows about it yet, but it’s only a matter of time. She wants to hurry, just in case.

Arriving in Tyvar

- Two days later, the group arrives in the city of Tyvar. It is not as grand as Scarlet, but it is still a large and prosperous walled city with a mighty stone keep. Tyvar is the largest human settlement in the north and is surrounded by large tracts of farming land. Beyond lies the Frozen Pines Forest, the northern keep of Northfort, and the giant-controlled realms of the far north. Tyvar feels quite different from Scarlet. There is a tension in this place - Ethan notes that there are knights here from different parts of Ventar. From the Duchy of Avery, from the Barony of Tyvar, from the capital (Scarlet) and even a handful from the southern Duchy of Sentyne. Differences which would be put aside in Scarlet are clearly on display here.

- That evening there is a feast in Tyvar Keep to welcome the newcomers. All of the knights attend and are treated richly by the Baroness. Ethan and Hilda have heard the sad story of Tyvar’s current situation whilst on the journey north. Five years ago the land was ruled by Baron Ulrich Tyvar, a rich and brave man who led his men personally in battle. Skirmishes with goblins were not uncommon as the Barony of Tyvar is heavily dependent upon agriculture and logging of the Frozen Pines Forest. However in one of these skirmishes, the Baron killed a young troll lord named Nyrill who was leading the goblins. Nyrill was the son of Nwyll, the Troll King of the Frozen Pines, and the Troll King was very angry when he heard that the Baron had slain his favourite son. The Troll King placed a powerful faerie curse upon Baron Ulrich, who died of consumption in a matter of weeks. This left his young widow, Liviana to run the Barony. According to Sir Athalos and Sir Amlyn, she is known as the ‘sad’ Baroness. She has ruled wisely and fairly, but she refuses to remarry despite pressure from many suitors. It is said that she has refused two offers of marriage from the Duke of Avery, and her refusal has soured relationships between the two regions. 

- Sure enough, there are many Knights of Avery in attendance and they seem determined to win the tournament. The northern Knights of Tyvar are heavily outnumbered. 

- Ethan and Hilda do not join the main feast but they are looked after in one of the lower halls. Hilda befriends a massive shaggy wolfhound and feeds it tidbits. Ethan wonders whatever became of Stolvir - his white wolf. They parted ways a long time ago.

- The visiting knights are housed in a number of tents that have been erected outside the city walls. They are well catered for and looked after. Given that they have come to watch the tournament rather than to participate in it, Ethan suggests to Hilda that they find an inn to stay in. She agrees, and they are fortunate enough to find a room to rent (although they have to pay an exorbitant price). With the tournament only two days away, they enjoy watching the knights practice. There are strong knights on both sides and it is quite a sight to see all of the flags and pennants flying. 

- Ethan and Hilda visit the knights of Scarlet in the afternoon before the tournament’s commencement. They wish the knights good fortune and promise to support ‘loudly’. 

The Baroness

- As they leave the knights of Scarlet, one of the elves that they travelled with asks to speak with Ethan. It is Girion, the elder of the pair. In a hushed voice he explains that he has spoken with Baronese Liviana and she would like to meet him. Ethan is surprised by this as he doesn’t think of himself as being important enough for an audience. Flattered and a little curious, he agrees.

- It is very late in the day that they are finally admitted into her presence. Her advisors prioritise other appointments. Nevertheless, Ethan and Hilda accept this with good humour and chat away about what they have seen so far and what they might do next. When they are finally admitted, Ethan is surprised by how young and beautiful the Baroness is. She cannot be older than perhaps twenty-two or twenty-three years old. She is richly dressed in a dress of burgundy and black. She would be attractive but her eyes show signs of melancholy. With her are Lord Morial, an ageing noble with a trustworthy face, and a pair of servants.

The Baroness Livinia, Image sourced from Google Images

- The Baroness apologises for the long wait - there are many things requiring her attention and she didn’t realise that Ethan had a child with him. After introductions, the Baroness asks Hilda if she always travels with her father.

- Addressing Ethan, Lord Morial asks if the stories are true and that he faced Blackbane and drove him off (Hilda chimes in here and says that this is true - she was there); and that he defeated the god-wyrm known as the Crawler in the Tyland Forests (Hilda wasn’t present for that adventure). They have heard stories that he is a Dragonslayer, and that he has experience dealing with matters of faerie. Cautiously, Ethan admits that this is true and asks what he can do for them.

- At this point, Lord Morial asks many questions whilst the Baroness looks on, watching them both. She appears unconvinced by the stories that she has heard and wishes to make her own assessment of Ethan’s character. (Persuade 3D → ‘6’ which is a success) Lord Morial explains that the Troll King Nwyll is continuing to threaten the many foresters who work in the Frozen Pine Forest. There have been many skirmishes and casualties on both sides. The Baroness wants to break the circle of violence but they lack the means to do so. If the stories are true and Ethan was able to negotiate with Blackbane, then perhaps he may be able to help them negotiate a peace with the trolls.

- Ethan remembers that Hilda wanted to meet the trolls - he wonders if she has somehow foreseen this as her abilities work in peculiar ways. Ethan offers to help and asks for some guidance as to what sort of peace they are seeking. Both the Baroness and Lord Morial are surprised by Ethan’s readiness to assist without the promise of reward. They ask him about what he wants in return and Ethan says that he isn’t motivated by gold or status. He’ll help because they asked. Lord Morial is amused by this and remarks that this is perhaps why the King likes him so much. The Baroness follows up and explains that word travels quickly in Ventar, even to the north. They know that King Valerios speaks well of him. Ethan can see that they are not jesting but he doesn’t see himself as particularly important - he is neither a knight nor a lord in this realm.

- Hilda sips on some cherry wine as the conversation continues. The Baroness wonders aloud why he is not a knight or a lord. Lord Morial seems to greatly respect Ethan - he says of Ethan that he “carries himself as a Lord amongst men.” Ethan admits that he has title and status elsewhere, but not in Ventar. After a pause, Lord Morial chuckles and asks if Ethan would accept land and titles if it were offered to him. Ethan frowns at this as he does not particularly want to be tethered to any one place, but he is reminded of Hilda’s interest in being a squire.

- An idea comes to him. He apologises for his frankness but he has an idea as to how he could be of further service to the Barony of Tyvar. The Baroness and Lord Morial listen to Ethan’s plan with interest, but after hearing it in full, Lord Morial has his doubts. However, it appeals to Baroness Liviana and she agrees. Lord Morial is surprised by the Baroness’ decision and asks if this is wise. She says simply that it is a good plan, and she says to Hilda that her father is a brave man.

- As they leave, Hilda asks Ethan if she understands what he has just proposed. They came to watch a tournament, not for Ethan to compete in it. Ethan explains to her that the Baroness does not wish to marry, but the suitors will continue to press her unless someone is able to dissuade them - and he thinks he can do that. Hilda points out that he’ll have to win many battles, and defeat every challenger. She asks him curiously whether he is truly that strong. Ethan says simply that he’s pretty sure that he can do this, although it has been a while since he handled a lance, and his horse Brega is not going to be strong enough to fight battle after battle over three days. He needs to find equipment and a new horse.

The Tournament of Tyvar

- Returning to the rented room, Ethan contacts Abbie. He explains the equipment that he needs and she says that she will do what she can. He then contacts Isabelle and goes through the Icon contact to the Athenaeum, leaving Hilda in Tyvar. Surprised to see him so soon, Ethan explains the situation to Isabelle - she doesn’t know where to get a horse strong enough to fight for three days and she suggests that multiple horses may be required. But Ethan doesn’t want to do this - he performs a Divination spell and then heads out onto the Grand Stair to find a ‘Lord of Horses’.

- In a few hours, Ethan has found his ‘Horse Lord’ (Warp = ‘6’). He finds a feudal society of intelligent horses living in a vibrant green-grassed world, and manages to enlist the help of a young warhorse named Ajax to serve him. Ajax can speak, but only another Horse Lord or a Lord of Gossamer can understand him. Ajax is fiercely determined to win honour for himself and his people, then return and sire many offspring. He is more than willing to go with Ethan and carry him into battle.

- Returning to the Athenaeum, Ethan retrieves his dragon shield and he obscures the dragon emblem with paint. He collects a saddle from Lucien’s stables which fits Ajax, and Abbie contacts him to advise that she has acquired a suit of armour and a number of jousting lances for him.

- Ethan returns to Tyvar via an Icon contact with Hilda. He then tells her not to worry and that everything has been prepared.

- In the early morning, Ethan leaves Tyvar and when he is far enough away, he contacts Isabelle via Icon. Ajax comes through the contact and other equipment is also brought through. Isabelle also offers him a blue silk scarf in case Ethan needs a token. She would like to watch him but she has other priorities. Isabelle wishes him well and kisses him goodbye. 

- Back on Tyvar, Ethan explains the situation to Ajax while he dons his armour. He gently uses Eidolon to improve it subtly without changing its appearance. Strapping the other lances to his other horse, Ethan then makes his way back to town.

- There is a carnival atmosphere on the first day of the tournament. The entire town has turned out to watch the knights joust one another. Even though knights have their allegiance to Avery, or Tyvar, or Scarlet, it doesn’t matter on this day. Every knight competes for himself.

- Ethan approaches the list and registers for the event. He speaks little and gives no name. He preserves his anonymity by keeping his visor closed. With him is a short peasant boy (Hilda in disguise) who cares for the other horse and makes sure that his lances are available.

- There are many knights here - more than a hundred, but the jousts are quick and he does not have to wait long before it is his turn. 

Northern Knights, Image sourced from Google Images (Art by Reborn Sama?)

- Ethan has seen many jousts before in the Legendary Realm but he himself has rarely jousted. The first round sees his opponent unhorsed and his opponent’s lance shatter completely against the dragonshield. Ajax gives a whinny of triumph and looks forward to the next. 

- As the day continues, Ethan uses Eidolon to preserve Ajax’s strength and stamina. He defeats knight after knight (Engage = ‘Critical’) and the crowd begins to notice the prowess of the Nameless Knight. The numbers of knights left in the competition dwindle fast, and they tire as the day goes on - however both Ethan and Ajax are as strong at the end of the day as they were at the beginning, and they defeat all comers. The lance that they started the day with has survived to the end.

- At the end of the day, the Nameless Knight stands triumphant and the Baroness of Tyvar declares him the winner. She knows who he is, but she pretends not to. Without accepting a reward, the Nameless Knight turns to leave and Hilda joins him.

- They travel a few miles into the countryside. Ajax is very proud of his achievement and Ethan praises him. Hilda is frustrated that she can’t understand what Ajax is saying but Ethan acts as a go-between. They find water and food for the Horse Lord, and Ethan removes his armour. He is tired but not as sore as he expected. Hilda is gushing with praise for her father - in her words, Ethan was ‘magnificent’. 

- Isabelle joins them that evening for a picnic under the stars. She brings blankets and a pot of hot stew as it is cold. Isabelle is pleased to hear that things went well, and she likes Ajax. 

- On the second day, Ethan and Hilda return to Tyvar. The theme of the second day is melee, and the knights will work in groups according to their allegiance. The Duchy of Avery has the largest group. Each group will fight many mock battles during the day so there will be periods for each knight to rest. The champion on the second day is the knight who has achieved the greatest glory on the battlefield. As the Nameless Knight, Ethan remains unaligned until he chooses to join one of the factions. He is not the only knight that is unaligned.

- The melee commences and Ethan watches to see the strength of the various factions. He considers not only the size of each group but also the strength of the individuals. After determining that the Duchy of Avery is definitely the strongest group and that the Knights of Scarlet can handle themselves, he decides to report to Lord Morial and join the Knights of Tyvar. The Knights of Tyvar are being deliberately targeted by those from Avery - as if the Duke is trying to make a point to the unmarried Baroness.

- Hilda wishes Ethan well, and Lord Morial accepts the Nameless Knight’s help. The Nameless Knight follows Lord Morial’s lead but he quickly proves himself a combatant that no one can best (Engage = triple ‘6’ on three dice - ie: another Critical) Even when a group of the Knights of Avery try to break him away from the rest of those from Tyvar, they are quickly defeated by the Nameless Knight.

- Whereas the more powerful landed knights have multiple horses to ride, the Nameless Knight stays on the same horse (Ajax) the entire time. He takes breaks from time to time to allow Ajax to rest, but he quickens Ajax’s recovery with use of Eidolon. Ajax is having a lovely time and enthusiastically wants to get back into the fray.

- After hours of fighting, the paint on the Nameless Knight’s shield is partially broken away, revealing part of the emblem beneath. The crowd whispers that the Nameless Knight is the one that they call the Dragonslayer. This news demoralises those who oppose the Knights of Tyvar and the Northerners hold the field at the end of the second day. Once again, the Nameless Knight is named champion but he leaves before any reward can be bestowed on him.

The Nameless Knight, Image sourced from Google Images

- The third day of the tournament is the day for challenges. It is normally reserved for friendly matches but sometimes for resolving disputes. The Nameless Knight and his squire return for the third day of the tournament. Ethan sees the Baroness in the stands and knows that she believes in him. He approaches the main pavilion and the crowd hushes when she rises to speak.

- The Baroness announces that she will not marry anyone, and that ‘her champion’ (referring to the Nameless Knight) will defend that right. Ethan salutes her by raising his lance and offers to defend her honour against all challengers.

- At first no one is willing to duel against Ethan and there are other challenges made. As the day wears on, Ethan is called to defend the Baroness’ honour against a few determined challengers from Avery (Engage = ‘6’) Again, he is victorious but he sustains a few blows. 

- The end is almost an anticlimax. He has proven his superiority on the field of battle and no one wants to challenge him. By this point, the Knights of Scarlet have figured out who he is, and word quickly travels. The Knights of Avery hold no grudge against him - Sir Gellar and Sir Bellerand ask if he will drink and eat with them. They have never met such a strong knight and are pleased to meet him. Ethan accepts their offer of hospitality.

- Sir Amyln praises Ethan for his victory, and Ethan apologises for knocking him off his horse. Sir Amyln accepts this with good humour - he can see what Ethan has done on the Baroness’ behalf.

- That evening Ethan eats and drinks with the knights whilst Hilda gets to hang out with the squires. They are both treated well - there are sore heads but no hard feelings amongst the knights. Late in the evening Ethan receives an Icon contact from Isabelle, who asks if he can return for another foray into the Dwimmerlaik ship. There is some urgency in her request and Ethan promises to discuss it with Hilda the next day.

- The next day Lord Morial and the Baroness ask to see Ethan, and he goes to meet them. The Baroness is pleased with Ethan and says that he has done her a great service. Ethan offers her an Icon and tells her to concentrate on it should she need his assistance. He is happy to act as her champion to ward off unwanted suitors. The Baroness marvels at this and asks about Hilda’s mother. Ethan smiles at this and explains that Hilda is his adopted daughter. He’s never met Hilda’s real parents. 

- She asks when he plans to depart for the Frozen Pine Forest, and he says that he will need a few days. He asks to take Girion and perhaps one or two Knights with him. She is happy to provide him with lodgings until he departs. Finally, she asks if he would accept a knighthood for the service that he has done for her. Ethan was not expecting this but he accepts the honour. Lord Morial then knights Ethan as a Knight of Tyvar and the Baroness agrees that Ethan shall be her champion if the need arises.

Session 268 – The Dwimmerlaik Voidship

- GM’s note: David is still around but effectively I’m running this solo using Vergence (Forged In the Dark) mechanics for the time being. I met David in person in Melbourne on 07-Jun-22 so he’s okay - just not ready to return to this yet. Hence I’m going to capture the mechanics that I’m using for running this.

Dice for a diceless game. Yes, some people will disapprove but it works for me.

The Approach

- Ethan and Isabelle prepare to board the Dwimmerlaik Voidship from the Door to the Grand Stair. Isabelle has already viewed part of the interior (to a range of about 30 metres) using her machine - hence they know that there is microgravity but no atmosphere. They will need spacesuits. Given they don’t know what to expect and the ship may be damaged, they take tools and equipment with them. For self-defence, they take blasters. Ethan hasn’t carried a weapon like this for a long time but it seems appropriate given the circumstances. Hilda is left with Schrodinger the Cat. She isn’t happy with this situation.

- The scene changes - Ethan and Isabelle are now boarding the Voidship. (Engagement Roll on 2D is a Critical Success, putting them in a Controlled situation) The ship is quiet as if sleeping. The corridors are empty and devoid of life. Occasionally they spy a mechanical servant with a mirrored facemask sitting quietly or standing in an alcove - but they seem to be completely dead. There is some bioluminescence faintly illuminating the corridors just above floor level but apart from that, all is dark. Isabelle and Ethan use torches to explore the empty corridors. All is quiet. (Two clocks are running at this point - “It Wakes Up” is a 6-count clock, and “Mystery Solved” is an 8-count clock).

- Ethan and Isabelle make a Group Study roll to explore the ship. (The result is a ‘4’, which increments the “Mystery Solved” clock to 1 of 8.) They find no signs of any living crew and the ship appears to be unpowered. They know from Lucien’s notes about other Voidships that this vessel is large and it will take time to explore. It is very slow to move about. There are many doors within the structure but there is no power to open them. Even though they are Wardens of the Stair, they still need to pry the doors open. 

- Ethan tries to use psychometry to pick up some traces of whoever was last here. (He makes a ‘Warp’ roll but gets a ‘2’ which is a failure). There isn’t much information to be gleaned - the Dwimmerlaik who were here left little trace for him to pick up. However, his investigation does not go unnoticed. “It Wakes Up” is disturbed from its long slumber. (The clock increments to 1 of 6 and they move from a Controlled situation to a Risky situation.)

- Ethan and Isabelle can’t tell if the ship is intact. They need to find some sort of control system to get more information. (They make another Group Study roll and get a ‘6’, incrementing the “Mystery Solved” to 2 of 8.) They find consoles built into one of the alcoves which would enable them to find out more about the ship but there is no power to the alcove. Isabelle tries to rig up a portable power source that she has brought with her to the alcove. She doesn’t expect that this will work but she is willing to try. Her effort takes a while (but she makes her Engineering roll and gets a ‘5’ - a success with a consequence). The control system activates and displays information for a small section of the vessel, but the interior sensors elsewhere are still unpowered and hence they are only able to see an incomplete picture. The “Mystery Solved” clock is incremented to 2 of 8, however, the “It Wakes Up” clock is also incremented to 2 of 6. 

- Isabelle’s portable power generator is draining quickly. Isabelle makes an Engineering roll to try to find the power core before the display fails. She gets a ‘6’ and manages to locate the core before the power generator dies completely. The “Mystery Solved” clock is incremented to 4 of 8.

- Meanwhile, Ethan has been listening. There should be no sound here because of the lack of atmosphere but Ethan can hear something, as if someone is whispering to him. He steps away from the alcove where Isabelle is working and tries to listen hard. Listening hard (a Persuade roll of ‘5’ is a success with a consequence), he can make out faint words. Whoever is speaking to him is disoriented. He thinks that they are asking where they are. The voice calls him “E’tan” - it seems to know his name. Finally Ethan realises where the voice is coming from - he’s still carrying the translucent stone from the Athenaeum and a faint voice is coming from it. He doesn’t remember putting it in the pocket of his spacesuit but it’s with him on the Dwimmerlaik ship. Ethan tries to talk to the voice but the voice doesn’t seem to hear him. His concentration is broken by Isabelle swearing when the power in the alcove abruptly dies. The “It Wakes Up” clock is incremented to 3 of 6.

- Isabelle explains that she knows the way to the power core. It is deep within the vessel and they will need to descend multiple levels taking both corridors and vertical access shafts. This will take them further away from the Door but she is confident that she can find it. They make their way carefully to the engineering room. The journey is very claustrophobic in space suits as some of the shafts are very narrow.

Engineering

- When they get there, Isabelle and Ethan focus on activating the power core. They remain in a Risky Situation and it is a 4-clock to restart emergency power. Isabelle is confident that they can do it. With a Group Engineering roll, they get a ‘6’ and make significant progress. The clock increments to 2 of 4. It looks like that main power has long since died, but a fraction of emergency power has remained.

- Hours pass as they slowly bring engineering back to life. They are used to working together on projects like this. They try a second Group Engineering roll and get a ‘5’. The “Restoring Emergency Power” clock increments to 3 of 4, but the “It Wakes Up” clock also increments to 4 of 6.

- The task drags on. It is difficult to work in spacesuits for extended periods of time with only the tools that they brought with them but they push on. Ethan notes that Hilda is likely to be mad with him given that they’ve been away for a long time. They make a third Group Engineering roll and get a ‘6’. This completes the clock. At last emergency power is restored and the engineering room is partially illuminated with a dim purple light. Systems begin to come online. If anything, it feels colder than it did before.

- Isabelle studies the displays, looking for information about the ship’s current situation and whereabouts. She makes a Study roll and gets a ‘5’. This increments the “Mystery Solved” clock to 5 of 8, but also increments the “It Wakes Up” clock to 5 of 6. Little by little, pieces of information become forthcoming. The ship has suffered multiple hull breaches. It is embedded (possibly surrounded) within another larger structure. Under emergency power, the ship has started ‘healing’ but this will take a long time. There aren’t sufficient resources to ‘ignite and sustain’ the primary power core, and it isn’t clear when or even if this will be possible. There doesn’t seem to be any information about the ship’s crew or what happened to the ship - this information isn’t stored in engineering.

- Meanwhile, Ethan has stepped away from Isabelle and is trying to talk to the translucent stone again. He makes a Persuade roll and gets a ‘5’ - this time, the voice can hear him. The ‘spirit’ gives its name as Taneer. He knows E’tan because he was expecting him, but clearly a long time has passed. When Ethan explains where they are, Taneer seems to understand. The voice knows who the Dwimmerlaik are and claims to have fought them many times, a long time ago. Ethan finds this curious and he wonders whether the voice could be telling the truth or not. The consequence of this result is that “It Wakes Up” is now 6 of 6. The clock is complete.

Exploration

- Again he is interrupted in his musings. Isabelle has found one of the breaches in the ship’s hull and she asks him to investigate. Ethan doesn’t like the idea of splitting up but Isabelle claims that she has the sensors working in this section of the ship and he decides not to argue with her. Following her directions through claustrophobic corridors, Ethan has a bad feeling. He can sense something here even though he can’t see anything threatening. It is although the ship itself has awakened in some way as the presence that he can feel is all around him. When he reaches a large breach in the ship’s hull that opens into another spaceship (as if there has been a terrible collision of some kind), he notes that the hull of the Voidship is slowly regenerating, centimetre by centimetre. The damage is extensive but the ship is slowly fixing itself.

- Entering the adjacent ship is very difficult. There are no connecting walkways and the superstructures have been smashed together. Ethan makes a Study roll to find a way across and he succeeds with a ‘6’. With difficulty (given his spacesuit), he manages to cross from the Dwimmerlaik Voidship into a vessel with metallic floors and walls. This ship is also open to the void, and seems to have no power. Ethan feels the presence from the Dwimmerlaik Voidship fall away as he proceeds deeper into the other vessel. Exploring cautiously, he finds evidence that this vessel still has a crew (or at least passengers) but they are all dormant. They appear to be machines, or at least synthetic. Like the Dwimmerlaik Voidship, this ship seems to have no power - it seems unlikely that these machines will wake up.

- The communications signal between Ethan and Isabelle degrades slowly as Ethan goes further into the other vessel. After about an hour of exploring, Ethan decides that he has had enough and he returns back to the Voidship. There he once again feels the presence of something here. It feels like old malice.

- Uncomfortable, Ethan decides to explore further on the Dwimmerlaik ship and look for clues as to what happened here. He makes a Study roll (three dice and gets three ‘6’s - a triple critical). Hence he finds evidence which completes the clock “Mystery Solved”, which is now 8 of 8. Ethan ends up on a secondary bridge where it looks like the crew made their last stand - there are some scorch marks on the doors and deck which have not healed. Investigating further, he finds a console that is running off emergency power and he begins to read (in Dwimmerlaik runes) as to how the ship found itself trapped and unable to escape. The ship and its crew worked to harvest what they could from other ships, but ultimately the ship itself turned on the crew and ‘consumed them’ in order to extend its power supplies. Ethan is pretty sure that what he can sense is the spirit of the Dwimmerlaik ship itself - it seems to be studying him and it doesn’t like what it sees.

- At this point, Ethan tries to contact Isabelle and finds that he cannot reach her. There is interference and Ethan is pretty sure that it is deliberate. They are now in a Desperate situation (downgraded from Risky). 

- Ethan tries to return to the engineering room, convinced that the ship will try to contain and kill them. A new 4-clock “Return to Engineering” is created. He makes a Traverse roll and gets a ‘6’ He travels a long way through the Dwimmerlaik Voidship without incident. (2 out of 4 on the clock) However, he feels the ship’s malice directed at him. It really doesn’t like him at all.

- Ethan tries to use some simple sorcery. He wants to use his favourite Mental Invisibility spell, figuring that if the ship is sentient in some way that the cloaking spell should work. He makes a “Warp” roll and gets a ‘3’, which is a failure. The ship becomes aware that Ethan is working to elude him and decides to attack him. The ship floods the corridor that Ethan is in with ‘devitalising rays’. Ethan can feel it trying to drain him but he soldiers on. He uses Eidolon to press on, but takes Level 1 Harm. (He resists a Level 3 Harm, and uses ‘Armour’ to knock it down from Level 3 to Level 1)

- Worried about Isabelle, Ethan tries another route where he thinks there will be fewer of the panels that the ship is using to drain him. He makes another Traverse roll and gets a ‘5’, hence he makes progress. The clock is now 3 out of 4  to “Return to Engineering”. However, the ship decides to block his passage to slow him down and also hits him with more ‘devitalising rays’. Once more, he pushes through (but ends up taking 4 Stress). He is tiring. (He takes another Level 1 Harm)

- Ethan reaches the final shaft to descend into engineering. He makes another successful Traverse roll (and gets a ‘5’), hence he reaches Engineering. The ship tries to drain him again but he resists with a Critical success (and hence has only suffered 3 Stress). With both Level 1 Harm slots filled, the addition of another Level 1 Harm results in a Level 2 slot being filled. The ship puts a final effort into trying to stop Ethan but he makes it successfully despite being hit by more of the debilitating rays.

- Isabelle is surprised to see Ethan when he arrives. She is fine. (Fortune Roll = ‘Critical’ success) The ship hasn’t tried to target her at all. Ethan explains quickly that the Dwimmerlaik Voidship needs to feed and it's looking to feed on them. Isabelle is fascinated by this behaviour and not rattled at all - she wonders if it would be possible to reason with the ship.

- Ethan tiredly agrees to try to mentally contact the ship itself. (He accepts a Devil’s Bargain that the ship will realise that Ethan is carrying a stone carrying the soul of one of its enemies) Even though he pushes himself, his Persuade result is a ‘2’ which is utter failure. Ethan feels himself touch a very alien mind - and this mind is insanely hungry. Ethan resists Level 3 Harm but this fills his 2nd Level 2 Harm slot and he is up to 6 Stress. The contact leaves Ethan feeling quite exhausted and he has trouble concentrating. Ethan is feeling very battered at this point.

- Breathlessly, Ethan shakes his head and tells Isabelle that this ship is definitely trying to kill them. Isabelle is disappointed but decides that it is time to leave. A new 6-part Clock “Get Safely Back to the Door” is created.

The Return

- While Ethan keeps watch, Isabelle packs up to further study what she has recovered from the vessel. She is unwilling to hurry given that Engineering has so far been a safe place. However, she also thinks ahead that it might be wise to make it difficult for the ship to attack them as they return to the Stair. She asks Ethan to help her retrieve one last item from within the core systems. This takes some time but she retrieves a piece of the ship’s brain. They have made a successful Group Engineer roll, with the result being a Critical Success. The “Get Safely Back to the Door” clock is now 3 of 6.

- Studying the route carefully, they set off back to the Door. Isabelle leads the way and is carrying a gas cylinder-sized computer brain. Ethan follows behind her. He keeps a blaster handy and is carrying two bags of tools. Isabelle makes a Traverse roll and gets a Critical success. The “Get Safely Back to the Door” clock is now 6 of 6. As such, they make their way back onto the Grand Stair without further incident. Ethan feels that the ship’s malice is still watching them, but it is somehow more distant.

- Back on the Grand Stair, they pop the seals on their spacesuits and breathe fresh air as they return to the Athenaeum. They rub their limbs as they get used to gravity again. Isabelle then tells Ethan that she’s carrying ‘the brain’ of the Voidship, which is probably why the ship didn’t want to attack them on their way out. She’s pleased - she has a new relic to investigate. Ethan is tired and dreading Hilda’s reaction at how long he’s been away.

Session 267 – The Magical Academy

- GM’s note: Continuing the adventures of Ethan, Isabelle and Hilda. I am struggling to find time to repost Sessions 1 - 200. I have all of the content, it just takes time to format and post. I’m very tempted to just post a webarchive version that I have for the lot and just be done with it.

From the Athaeneum to Delos

- Ethan continues to look over old maps. None of them excite him - they are interesting but nothing that would inspire him sufficiently to go looking for these places. Hilda is more interested in these relics than he is. He notes that Schrodinger keeps a close eye on her. He makes an attempt to talk to the Cat, but the Cat pointedly ignores him. 

- Ethan would prefer to investigate another room but he promised to stay with Hilda so he passes the hours looking vainly for something to pique his curiosity. 

- The monotony is broken when Isabelle announces that she has finished work for the day and she wants to take them out for dinner. She promises Hilda that it will be fun - and there will be games to play.

- Getting into the Athaeneum, the so-called ‘Heart of the Stair’ is exceptionally difficult, but leaving it is easy. It is connected to many places. Isabelle leads them out onto the Stair and takes them into a high tech world which she refers to as Delos. The population appears to be almost human but they seem to be in the minority, outnumbered almost ten-to-one by androids. Isabelle appears comfortable here and she buys tickets for all three of them to travel on a transport shuttle. When Hilda asks whether the pilot is a robot, the android coughs and corrects her, saying that he is as sentient as she is. She is most embarrassed and apologises.

- Their destination is the “World Park”, a complex based around a single large structure with four towers. They see many vessels coming and going, floating down without any visible means of propulsion. Hilda asks many questions about what sort of place they are going but each time Isabelle tells her to be patient. Upon arrival, it is clear that they are expected as an android of female appearance named A-17 welcomes them to “World Park” and escorts them through a number of large chambers filled with beings from many worlds. Some of them are humanoid and some of them are very alien. Hilda tries hard not to stare. Some of the people here are being led by other androids and some are watching the many view screens that hover above the throng. 

- They are led up two flights of escalators and along walkways with transparent barriers on both sides. It is clear that Isabelle has been here before. Isabelle confirms with A-17 the details of her reservation and they are led into a room which is windowed and looks out across the city. A-17 gestures and a number of screens materialise in the air above their heads. She explains simply that these are the games that are currently in progress - she thought it might be helpful for Isabelle’s guests to view while she organises a meal for them. 

- A dining table is prepared for them and menus distributed. Isabelle makes suggestions and they order a mix of food that they can recognise and some ‘chef’s suggestions’. 

- Hilda is still waiting patiently for an explanation as to where all of the games are, but she’s distracted by the screens above. One shows a family being chased by dinosaurs. Another shows a boy in some sort of starfighter facing off against a horde of enemy starships. It’s like watching ten exciting movies at once.

- When they have ordered, Isabelle freezes the screen displays with a gesture and explains that this place has many immersive ‘games’ which customers can play - from pretending to be adventurers in a mediaeval setting, to being space adventurers. It’s designed to feel ‘real’ but you can’t get hurt in this place. The games can be short, or they can be long. You can even stay in these Worlds for a time, like having a vacation. It’s up to the customers whether that stay should be peaceful and quiet, or exciting. She thought it might be fun to have dinner together, and then play a game.

- Ethan has already realised that all of this is for Hilda’s benefit. It doesn’t take her long to pick up on the concept. She asks how it works - if she wanted to be a wizard, would she have powers? What if she wanted to look different - like different coloured hair? Isabelle smiles and explains that she can be anything she wants to be in the game. It will feel real.

- Anything she wants to be? Clearly Hilda is thinking over the possibilities. She likes the idea, but what to choose.

- Ethan asks if Hilda wants to play a game by herself or whether she wants company. Hilda’s brow furrows as she mulls that over. Isabelle reassures them both that they can all play the same game if Hilda wants, or play separate games. 

- She is still thinking when A-17 and two other androids bring in the first course of food. A-17 then starts giving them the spiel about the games that are currently running, those which are popular with other customers, and the best rated games. A-17 is not emotionless - she behaves with human-like emotions - she displays interest in helping them to find a suitably enjoyable game to play.

- Unfortunately the first thing that Hilda chooses is Harry Potter, and A-17 has no idea what that means. She starts explaining in detail and A-17 listens carefully.

- Ethan and Isabelle eat quietly while Hilda explains. She is so intent on specifying what she wants for this game that she almost forgets to eat. It is pretty clear that she wants to be a child-sorceress and go to school with other child-wizards, so this sounds like a solo adventure until Hilda suggests that Ethan and Isabelle also go to the same school.

- This isn’t quite what either Ethan or Isabelle were expecting but they agree to the idea of being child-wizards at a magical academy for ‘Witchcraft and Wizardry’. When dinner is finished, A-17 explains about the adventure that is being prepared for them.

The Magical Academy

- What follows is a four hour adventure at the Magical Academy for Personal Enlightenment. Ethan, Isabelle and Hilda play thirteen year old budding sorcerers who have to solve a perilous mystery. Each of the players finds themselves in a thirteen year old body. Ethan plays Torrent, the bashful water-mage with a heart of gold. Isabelle plays Arielle, an air-mage who has a reputation for mischief and pranks. Hilda plays Varna, a fire-mage who survived an attempt on her life when she was only a baby. The Witch King continues to hunt her, but she is determined to acquire the knowledge that she needs at the Magical Academy to keep safe, avenge her family and bring down the dark lord.

- It is not Harry Potter, but it is certainly an immersive interpretation of it. They get into trouble with the teachers (particularly the Fire Teacher who has flaming red hair and a tendency to send rebellious students to detention), have to deal with bullies (Brutus, the earth-mage student who seems to hate them all, and is particularly jealous of Varna’s ‘celebrity status’), deal with strange beasts (the Gorgon that lurks in the labyrinth beneath the Magical Academy), solve fiendish puzzles, and of course work together as a team to defeat Melkis, the Earth-Teacher who is secretly working for the Witch King.

- Of course, Varna (played by Hilda) is the lead protagonist of the adventure. However, she has to be helped by her two trusty associates, Torrent and Arielle in order to be successful.

- Hilda loves being the hero, and she is a little deflated when the adventure comes to an end. Isabelle kindly tells her that they can play again when they next come to Delos, and then she realises how tired she is. She yawns and accepts that it is time to go.

Return to the Athaeneum

- The route back to the Heart of the Stair takes longer. There is a precise route to walk, and there is more than one hidden Door to expedite progress (and Isabelle has the Keys). Ethan carries Hilda on her back for the last few miles - she is not yet asleep but she complains that her legs are tired.

- Ethan puts Hilda to bed when they reach the Athaeneum. She thanks Isabelle for the game before she drifts off.

- Returning to the kitchen, Isabelle pours a glass of wine for each of them. Ethan jokes that he had fun being a thirteen year old, and he thanks her for taking them to Delos. He thinks that Hilda will remember ‘the Magical Academy’ for a long time to come.

- Isabelle sips at her wine and asks him about the silver ring on his finger. She’s been wanting to ask about it. Ethan explains that this is Lord Wynterlyr’s ring and he explains how he came to acquire it. He explains that Lord Wynterlyr is imprisoned at the bottom of a faerie well and he needs this ring to be free. Isabelle asks about Beethania and how he came to know her - he never told her what happened in the Shadow Courts. Ethan gives a sigh at this and says that it might take a little while to tell. He suggests that they talk about it another night. Isabelle accepts this.

- Ethan says that he wants to take Hilda back to Scarlet in the next day or two. She still wants to go north for the Tournament at Tyvar and he sees no reason not to take her. Isabelle would prefer that Ethan stay but she promises to contact him when she discovers new information about the Stair. Ethan asks if she’d like to come with them - she considers this for a moment but she declines, saying that there is some work that she wants to do.

- The two of them head to the room with the golden machine. With a glass of wine in hand, Isabelle looks over what the machine has been monitoring. There is one change in the section of Stair that the machine was focussed on - a new Door connection has been made. This is of interest to both of them. Previously there was a Blank Door in that location but it has now been connected to a Realm in the last hour. Is this something that a Master of the Stair has done, or is this something that the Stair has done? There is no way to tell, but it is still interesting to explore a Realm that has only just been connected.

- A scan is performed and the machine looks through the Door to the Realm beyond. The other side is a dark structure with only faint bioluminescence being emitted from the walls. Ethan has never seen anything like it (GM’s note - Grant has, back in Session 38). Isabelle is able to identify it - they’re looking at the interior of a Dwimmerlaik voidship. She’s never been onboard of one but she’s seen pictures that Lucien has drawn from his experiences during the Great War. There is no sign of movement when looking through the lenses of Isabelle’s machine. Dwimmerlaik voidships are massive but this section seems to be unoccupied.

- Ethan voices the possibility that a Master of the Stair amongst the Dwimmerlaik has connected their ship to the Stair. Isabelle ponders this and suggests that they investigate. She uses the same tone of voice that thirteen-year old Arielle would use just before going to do something mischievous. Ethan points out that Hilda is asleep and Isabelle counters that Schrodinger will keep an eye on her. The sooner they leave, the sooner they come back.

- Isabelle wonders if the Voidship could be deserted. Ethan counters that there is no way that they could be that lucky….

Session 266 – Isabelle's Machine

 - GM’s note: Continuing the adventures of Ethan….

Isabelle’s Machine

- Ethan listens to Vala’s request for aid. She describes a realm ruled by House Barida, descendents of Lord Bastiano. They have vast planetary-level resources at their disposal. They are not Wardens of the Stair but they are certainly aware of it. There are multiple Doors in this realm, but they are spread out across many star systems. The Draconian Empire is starting to build forces in this realm and the Allax Brotherhood (sometimes called the Black Brotherhood) is also amassing power. Ethan asks about the ‘new Wardens’ that she has spoken of and Vala says that she’ll share more about those individuals when he has agreed to help. Ethan thinks of Hilda’s desire to stay in Scarlet and declines for the present time. Vala accepts this - there is time.

- Ethan returns to Scarlet and meets up with Hilda. He mentions the invitation from Isabelle - Hilda is interested in visiting Isabelle but she has heard that there are dwarves to the west, and elves to the north. She is more interested in exploring and meeting them. Ethan points out that journeying in the Kingdom of Ventar can be dangerous - they shouldn’t attempt the journey alone. Hilda assumes that Ethan is trying to enlist Isabelle’s help and she agrees to let her come. This wasn’t what Ethan was thinking but he says nothing further about it.

- They spend the next two days in Scarlet looking at options for where to go next. They hear word of a tournament in the northern city of Tyvar and Hilda is keen to make the journey. Tyvar is the major city between Scarlet and Northfort. Northfort is the gateway to the northern forests which are controlled by elves in one section, and trolls in another. Ethan talks to Heldane (of the Kingsmen) and asks for his guidance about travelling north. Heldane mentions that he is sending some men to the west to investigate rumours of some of the Necromancer’s spawn leaving the ruins of Ventar and moving into the surrounding forests. He would prefer that Ethan remain in Scarlet for the time being, but since he is not a Kingsman, Heldane cannot stop him from leaving. If Ethan wants to head north, Heldane says that he knows of some knights who will make the journey. He offers to introduce Ethan.

- It is over a hundred miles overland to Tyvar but there is no need to leave urgently as the tournament is still many weeks away. Ethan agrees to remain in Scarlet for the time being, much to Hilda’s annoyance. He is introduced to a Knight of Scarlet named Sir Athalos, a doughty fellow who sports a wide moustache and a broad smile. Sir Athalos plans to compete in the tournament and is only too glad to have Ethan and Hilda accompany them. He plans to travel with some of his fellow knights, their squires and entourage. This pleases Hilda a great deal and Ethan notes that her gaze lingers on Sir Athalos’ squire, Poe. She seems to like the young man, and she blushes scarlet whenever he is near.

- Ethan says nothing of this to Hilda - he has no wish to embarrass her.

- Returning to the Stair with Hilda, Ethan contacts Isabelle and they are brought through into the Athaeneum. Ethan has been here before but Hilda is staggered by the number of books. Books in every room, and room after room of books. Delighted, she asks Isabelle where to start. It is not long before she has a handful of books and she begins to read them. Schrodinger, Lucien’s pale-furred feline companion, glides by and Hilda hardly notices. She is too busy reading.

- As soon as Hilda is clearly occupied, Isabelle draws Ethan aside and kisses him. She is very excited - she wants to show him the project that she’s been working on. Taking him by the hand, she leads him to a cathedral-like chamber with high vaulted ceilings. The room is filled with an array of golden machinery, built around a golden throne. In front of the golden throne are a series of large multi-coloured lenses which can be swung into position before the throne. It looks very complex, and reminds Ethan a lot of Clockworld.

- It takes a while for Isabelle to explain the purpose of the device as the exchange between them is very flirty and they are frequently distracted by one another. Eventually she is able to explain that the device can be used to scry on the Stair, and the immediate vicinity on the other side of the Door. It’s long been possible to scry on the Stair itself, but the Stair is vast and it doesn’t always stay static - as Lucien has said many times, the Stair sometimes seems to have a mind of its own; a ‘guiding will’. She had been working on devices to ‘see’ what is on the other side of a Door, and she has been working to improve that further. With this device she can see not only the Stair but also to a limited degree what is on the other side of the Door.

- Isabelle doesn’t get any further in her explanation before she is carried off by Ethan to somewhere more private. Fade to black. Hilda doesn’t notice - many rooms away, she is too engrossed in her books to even notice the capital-C cat that is supervising her.

- Fast forwarding, Ethan is impressed with what she has built. He had helped with some of the early prototypes when she was building a device to scry through a Door to look at the other side but she has taken the idea so much further. Even though he thinks that Lucien would be impressed, Isabelle comments that she thinks there is much further to go. She’s almost certain that Lucien has tried to map the Stair before. She thinks she’s following in his footsteps for now, but in time she aims to go further than he has. Ethan wonders if the Stair has a finite ‘end’ or boundary to it, and she says that she hasn’t seen one yet. Using the machine is like looking at a small piece of a very large puzzle under a microscope. Even if she looks far and wide, she hasn’t yet seen the boundaries of the whole. Perhaps there is no boundary?

- Ethan says that she is the smartest person that he’s ever met and this pleases her.

- Over the next few days, Ethan, Isabelle and Hilda all explore the machine and see what can be seen through its many lenses. Ethan and Isabelle make some improvements to the machine. Hilda is more interested in reading books. She pats Schrodinger from time to time, which the Cat appreciates. Ethan notes that Hilda is a little subdued - which he assumes (correctly) is because she is thinking about his relationship with Isabelle, and thinking about Sir Athalos’ squire.

- Isabelle’s machine is quite a marvel. Not only can it view a section of Stair that looks to be many miles across, but by focusing on a Door, it can pierce not only the Door but also the veil that protects the Door on the other side. The depth of vision varies - sometimes it is a long way and sometimes it is only a short distance - but the view is clear and always insightful.

- As time goes on, Hilda reads more and more books; the pile gets higher. She goes for walks with Schrodinger, exploring some of the various chambers and looking for artefacts of interest. She seems fascinated by some of the artwork on the walls, especially the paintings. She asks Isabelle about Lucien, the man who normally dwells here - she would like to meet him some day. Isabelle doesn’t know where Lucien is - only that he’s away on ‘business’ and he will be absent for a long time. She doesn’t say it but Isabelle implies that he may be gone for many years.

- Isabelle continues to work hard on improving her machine, asking Ethan occasionally for advice or using him as a sounding board. However, the type of technology is way behind what Ethan is familiar with and he finds himself exploring the rooms of the Athaeneum and looking at esoteric relics and books that catch his eye.

- While on one of his wanders, Hilda asks him how long they intend to stay. Ethan asks if she is unhappy. Hilda explains that she is content, but Ethan can tell that isn’t true. He asks what is bothering her but she has difficulty explaining at first. Bit by bit it comes out that she is jealous of Ethan wanting to spend time with Isabelle. She knows that she shouldn’t be, and she’s trying hard to be happy for him, but the longer that she stays here, the more ‘left out’ she feels.

- Ethan gives her a hug and apologises. He promises that they won’t be late for the Tournament at Tyvar and that they’ll leave soon. He encourages her to make the most of the time in the Athaeneum and find places that they might like to visit and explore. He also says that when Isabelle is busy that they’ll explore this place together. Hilda likes this idea.

- When Hilda is in bed that evening (and still under Schrodinger’s watchful eye), Isabelle asks Ethan what has happened. She’s noticed the change in Hilda and is concerned. Ethan explains that his ‘little girl’ is growing up, even if she says that she doesn’t want to.

- That evening they talk about Isabelle’s machine and the potential applications. Ethan is wondering if it could be used to answer questions as to whether the Stair is truly endless and to understand more about its design. Isabelle has been thinking about this as well, - she’s particularly interested in understanding where the Stair is changing. If Lucien is right and the Stair is alive in some way, then the Stair doesn’t change randomly. It reconfigures itself in response to stimuli. Even the choosing of Wardens is a conscious act - so where do they appear and why?

- Ethan tells Isabelle about his intention to return to Scarlet and take Hilda to a tournament. He mentions Sir Athalos’ squire whom Hilda has shown interest in. Isabelle laughs lightly at this but Ethan points out that he has no idea how many years Hilda has been in a child’s form. She could be older than either of them. Ethan then goes on to describe Vala’s request for assistance. This piques Isabelle’s curiosity. She asks many questions as to what Vala said and promises to assist him when he chooses to help. Isabelle ventures that her machine may also be able to help.

- The next day Isabelle suggests that she take them ‘out’ for dinner, and Hilda swiftly agrees to this. While Isabelle uses the machine to explore the section of Stair described by Lady Vala, Ethan and Hilda explore an ancient map room, filled with old maps from thousands of different realms. Every one of them is hand-drawn and a work of art in its own right. None of them is dusty - dust doesn’t seem to accumulate in this place. Hilda wonders whether all of these places still exist, or whether these are places that are long since gone. Ethan doesn’t know but he suggests that if there are infinite possibilities in existence, then every map could be used in many different places, not just a single one.

- Hilda thinks for a moment and asks if Hogwarts Castle really exists somewhere. She wonders if she could meet ‘the real’ Harry Potter.

- Ethan is a little stunned by this. He has been to worlds that resemble places from fiction but he has never tried to find a fictional character. Choosing his words carefully, he says that it might be possible but it might take some time. Hilda muses over this - she’d love to have the Sorting Hat on her head, to hear it call out ‘Gryffindor’, and then maybe Harry, Hermione and Ron would be her friends. 

- Ethan offers to try to find such a realm if she would like that. Hilda smiles at this, and parks the thought.

- Exploring the map room, Ethan finds a smooth white stone in a velvet lined box. The stone is shaped like an elongated egg and is translucent, but it has a flaw in it. The stone has a large hairline crack running through it. 

- Ethan closes the box and moves on. Without thinking about it, Ethan places the translucent stone egg in his pocket.