Session fifty - The Finale

Mal and Ylanath are confronted by the inquisitor, Father Torquemada. Mal attempts to direct the blame at Sir Ali and accuses him of psychic powers and antimony but the priest seems to be having none of it. Mal is a known recidivist and has been excommunicated by the church, he appears to be the guilty party here. Threatened with the priest's flame gun Mal lays his swords on the table.

Ylanath and Mal are not alone though; Pandemonium Max has been sat across the room and come over to the table. He tries to calm the situation with intimidation but Torquemada is not an easy man to sway from his path and things look set to turn violent.... 

Meanwhile in Sir Ali's apartment Hemlock's mother, the Baroness Esmeraldas welcomes her son and begs him to stop all this foolishness and sit alongside her. Hemlock coldly refuses, demands that she call off the inquisition and when she refuses, strikes her with his frap stick, penetrating the shield she wears.

In the cafe, while Mal laid his swords aside, he still has a knife and he strikes at Torquemada, pinning his hand to the table. Max then headbutts the priest and they subdue Sir Ali, her promises to sign a full confession and provide them with the evidence they need if they end his life quickly rather than handing him to the church for punishment. They agree (although they fully intend to hand him to the "mercies" of the church) and then hastily take him and Torquemada out of the shop.

The apartment is in uproar, Anton and Chastity make short work of the Baroness' guards while Hemlock tries to reason with his mother. She admits that the attack on his uncle's estate when Hemlock and Tiger-Lily were children was punishment on her husband and his brother after they tried to take too much of a cut and cheat the Al Malik's over the illicit artefact smuggling. She fully condoned the attack as, in her mind Tochiro Justinian needed to know his place. It was unfortunate but necessary, but at least her son survived. Hemlock tries to tell her that her son did not in fact survive and that "he" is Tiger-lily and has been all along. She doesn't accept it initially but comes to see the truth. She is bitter and outraged and with venom on her lips Tiger-Lily stikes her again, mortally wounding her. As Anton clears up the guards, Mal, Max and Ylanath arrive while Chastity comforts Tiger-lily as she slowly suffocates her mother, ensuring that she is dead.

With the evidence they need to clear Chastity and Sir Mercucio and the revelation of Count Innocence's involvement meaning he can now invest directly in Corteaz' endeavours the cadre can rest, comfortable that their mission in complete. 

Sir Ali's evidence also clears the charges of smuggling and the "Innocent Pursuit" is released to the Marquis de Havilland once more.

In a final coda Tiger-Lily asks Chastity where they stand now in respect of their engagement. Chastity says that she is her dearest friend and that has not changed. She comes from a noble House where people change physically all the time so she has come to look at the person for who they are, not what they present to the world. She has no closer friend, no one she trusts greater and cannot imagine anyone she would rather have as a partner than Tiger-Lily, or Keats. Keats agrees and thet board Chastity's ship, hand in hand. 

Session forty-nine

Having decided that their next step is to try to obtain evidence of Sir Ali Em Sabu Al Malik's involvement in the conspiracy to implicate Chasitity and Mercucio in antimony, the cadre set out for the city of Archeon.  

They sneak out of Ost, late at night, hidden in the back of a wagon. They head out of the city and into the woods where Chastity's ship is hidden. Boarding the ship they take off and enter low orbit, avoiding Al Malik patrols and sensor sweeps and descending back down to the planet in the hills near Archeon.

Come morning the cadre make their way into the city and locate the fief, and city block where Sir Ali abides. They decide to try to lure him out with a note pretending to come from Sir Hasimir and alluding to knowledge of the Ravenna covens. Mal and Ylanath will meet Ali in a nearby coffee shop while Anton, Hemlock and Chastity plan to gain access to his apartment and search for incriminating evidence.

The note appears to work and Ali heads to the coffee shop. Anton uses his status as a Phoenix Knight to get past the building concierge and they make their way up to Ali's apartment.

As Ali sits down it is obvious he knows who Mal is. He is also accompanied by a priest he introduces as Father Torquemada. Mal begins to realise that Ali's psychic gift of Omen has allowed him some sense of what they planned. He is prepared for them.

When Hemlock, Anton and Chastity enter the apartment they discover an occupant lounging on the couch; Hemlock's mother; the Baroness Esmeraldas Al Malik Justinian...

Session forty-eight

The cadre arrive on Criticorum, landing at Ost spaceport. There they are met by representatives of the Merchants League who proceed to board and inspect the cargo. Mal is concerned that his outlaw status may be recognised so he hides aboard the ship. 

The cargo inspection reveals that the plants that they are carrying are Severan poppies, the source of the drug Selchakah. As the crew had broken the seal of one of the containers the Customs Officer rules that they cannot say that they did not know what was within and has his guards place them under arrest. Max suggests fighting their way out but De Havilland dissuades him.

Anton, Hemlock, Max and Ylanath are taken under arrest to a facility some distance from the spaceport while Mal remains hidden aboard the Innocent Pursuit.

After being separated into male and female cells the cadre are left to stew about their "crimes". They discuss how they may have been set up, available options and what they can do next, meanwhile, after the guilders have left the ship Mal sneaks off the vessel and makes to leave the spaceport via the perimeter fence. 

That evening the prison receives an unexpected visitor. A lithe and stealthy figure dressed all in black breaks in to the cells and releases De Havilland, Max and Hemlock. They are about to leave but the cadre insists that Ylanath is also rescued.

The mysterious stranger takes them to the warehouse district near the spaceport and to a hideout within one of the warehouse units. They then reveal their identity: the Lady Chastity Decados.

Sharing their respective information they learn that Lady Chastity has come to Criticorum to locate the same Van Gelder knight that the cadre has, Sir Mercucio Van Gelder. He, like Chastity has been accused of antimony and has gone into hiding. Chastity informs the group that he is an agent of her father and that it was Count Innocence, through the intermediaries of Mercucio and Ms San Tander, who had been bankrolling Corteaz' expedition. He was doing it by way of thanks to Hemlock. Chastity also advises Hemlock that, in his absence, his father Baron Tochiro Matsumoto Justinian, accepted Count Innocence's offer of his daughter as a suitor for Hemlock. They are currently betrothed to be wed. 

The cadre manage to raise Mal (who is evading guild security patrols) via squwarker and arrange meet up with him.

From Chastity's information it appears that she and Mercucio have been set up using materials from the collection of an Al Malik knight, Sir Ali Em Sabu Al Malik. This plays into suspicions she, and Anton, have that the party behind all this is Hemlock's mother, Baroness Esmeralda Al Malik Justinian. It is Chastity's belief that Hemlock's mother blames Count Innocence in some way for her "losing" her son due to the events of the Dame Arcadia controversy and is manipulating things to get revenge. 

The group take stock and plan what to do next...

Session forty-seven

The cadre are reunited in Byzantium Secundus, De Havilland having completed his business with the Phoenix Order and the rest of the group having returned from the planetary agora with Constance San Tandair in tow. They trade information, Anton explaining some of what transpired with his Order and Hemlock telling him and Mal about what he had learned regarding Lady Chastity (see recent Interlude posts for details).  They then make preparations to leave for Cumulus Station as soon as possible. 

En route to the spaceport the cadre think that they are being watced or followed and so make an effort to lose any pursuers at the monorail station. Confident that they have lost any tails they head to the spaceport and prepare the Innocent Pursuit for takeoff.

Heading into space Hemlock lays in a course to Cumulus at full burn and the cadre and their passengers (Constance and Ylanath) slip into a cramped but tolerable shipboard routine.

Mal takes the time to speak with De Havilland and explain how he plans to try to be a better person and as evidence of which he returns a numer of small items he had stolen from Anton, and his estate, over the years. He is about to hand over a fork he stole in their recent stay at the manor on Ravenna when he gets a sudden psychic flash and hears Hasimir's voice. Mal asks De Havilland if he can hold onto the item for a while longer and then spends much of the rest of the journey in solitude meditating on it.

About half way into the trip the ship's long range sensors detect another ship of similar size on an intercept course. Knowing that such a thing is highly unlikely to be coincidence Hemlock recommends that they try to evade it. Working together with a combination of De Havilland's tactical knowledge, Hemlock's piloting and Max's engineering they manage to keep the other vessel at the edge of sensor range and dock safely at the station.

Once ensconced aboard Cumulus Constance honours their agreement and provides details of her backer. The investor is Sir Mercucio Van Gelder, a minor House knight who is based in the city of Ost on Criticorum. De Havilland makes some enquiries via his gossip network and learns that Sir Mercucio is currently on being sought by the Inquisition after being accused of antimony. In fact he is alledged to be a member of the same coven as Lady Chastity. Hearing this De Havilland and Hemlock are set to wondering if there is a connection to Count Innocence. They then fill Max in on their history with the Decados and what this could all mean.

The next conundrum that the cadre face is how to arrange a jump to Criticorum. They explore a few options and Mal makes some enquiries aboard the station, eventually finding "Smiling Larry", a Charioteer (who later, and after some persuasion, gives his name as Larance Chuchar). He says that he has been let down by another ship and desperately needs his time sensitive cargo transported to Criticorum. He is willing to give Sir Hemlock, who is in good standing with the Guild, a jump key as payment for taking his cargo. The goods are perishable plants and if they aren't delivered to Criticorum with all haste Chucar will be in breach of his contract, lose a substantial amount of money and the goods will be spoilt which will mean he cannot resell them. To him a jumpkey is a small price to pay.

After agreeing the cadre have the goods (about half a dozen sealed crates) loaded into the Innocent Pursuit's small hold and set off for the jumpgate. Mal cannot resist breaching a seal and taking a look at the contents. He doesn't know what they are but they are certainly plants!

Session forty-six

Having finally arrived on Byzantium Secundus the cadre find accommodation in the Imperial City and meet up with "Pandemonium Max" a Muster Guilder who fought with De Havilland during the Emperor War and has been called in by the Marquis to offer some support.

While Anton goes to appear before the Phoenix Order the rest of the group head to the planetary agora to try to locate Corteaz's missing investor. After making enquiries they locate the office of Constance of San Tandere. She initially welcomes them but as soon as they mention that they represent Corteaz she tries to run for it, attempting to escape out of the office window. Hemlock and Max manage to catch and restrain her and convinced her to explain her actions. 

She narrates how she is just an agent and that her investor stopped sending funds and communicating with her. Before she was concerned enough to chase them up she was approached by representatives of the Scravers Guild who warned her off and threatened violence if she either contacted the Investor or Corteaz. She is now afraid that if she was seen with known agents of Corteaz's then "they" would try to kill her. 

Unfortunately, due to the time it took the group to find her (i.e. failed skill rolls), "they" have got wind that the cadre are paying Constance a visit.  On cue, three armed Muster "rent-a-thugs" arrive at the office to teach them all a lesson.  The PCs pointed out how outclassed they were and intimidated them until they backed off and left, Hemlock sneaking after them. 

Meanwhile, Mal and Max stayed with Constance and negotiated that, if the Cadre  could get her to Cumulus space station, once there she would reveal details of who the actual financial backer was and how to contact them. 

Hemlock tracked the goons to the local Scraver guild house, where they meet with Master Alfredo Garcia (Hemlock's Father's deceased seneschal), apparently now alive and well. 

When Hemlock reunites with Mal and Max they ask Constance about Alfredo Garcia but she doesn't recognise the name however, when described to her, she says that he sounds like the Scraver "Boss" who came to threaten her.
They then board the monorail, heading for the comparative safety of the capital.

Session forty-five

There was a lot of in character planning and discussion in this session so the below doesn't accurately reflect everything as it happened but it does provide the outcomes:

The cadre enjoy the hospitality of Anton's manor for a further day as they review Hasimir's activities in their absence. Part of this involves a meeting with the elders of the village and Anton speaks with them at some length about what has been happening in and around Austrum in his absence.

Eventually they decide it is a time to continue on their journey and bid farewell to Bretoph and Maria. 

Their next stop is the community of veterans and the St Lexitus Academy on Bredonia where Anton has some unfinished business (see the previous Bredonia post for details of what transpires). After this Hemlock pilots the ship to the spaceport at the civic capital of Suryada. While there Hemlock and Mal negotiate with a Charioteer captain to allow them use of his jump key (by docking with his ship and "piggy backing" through the gate) to get to Leminkanen in exchange for a letter of referral and introduction to Corteaz and the route to Twilight. 

Session forty-four

Keats brings the Innocent Pursuit in to land on Ravenna. Anton notes that there is a lack of anti-air fire compared to the last time he flew over his home islands. However clouds of dust, smoke and particulate matter seem to cover his siblings' lands.

Keats surprises the rest of the group by dressing and carrying themselves as Sir Hemlock once again.

The cadre land near the village of Havilland and are soon met by a small group of local militia armed with spears. The Marquis engages them but they do not believe he is who he says he is. These are suspicious times; the local Regent (Sir Hasimir) has recently left in a hurry and De Havilland was mostly and absentee landlord.

Sirs Mal and Hemlock are able to talk the Militia down and the cadre eventually make their way to the Marquis' estate. Once there they meet with Anton's trusted steward and his wife, the house keeper. They are overcome with joy at the return of their master and do all they can to make them comfortable.

The housekeeper makes up beds for the cadre and Anton and Ylanath share a bed chamber.  Bretoph the steward mutters that he knew she was his "bit of fluff".

Hemlock returns to the ship to check on Tabby but the Ur Obun refuses to come to the house, claiming that the lack of invitation is typical of how their race is treated.

The Cadre checked over the fief's ledgers and the records that Sir Hasimir had kept. The discover that while Hasimir left with a lot of valuables, including at least one heirloom of family significance the records indicate that he did a good job of stewardship and saw the fief through a very trying time. Hemlock and De Havilland were left with the impression that Hasimir had done his best to protect the fief and it's people from the demands of war.  Discussions with Bretoph also established that Hasimir left just after the viral weapons had been detonated.

Session forty-three

After possibly too long a hiatus we have returned...with a view to providing a final chapter in the trials and tribulations of Dame Arcadia Justinian before the release of Fading Suns: Pax Alexius and we step into a new age...

While we may fill in more details of what has happened since we last met our cadre over time or in future posts (and yes, I never did write up session forty-two) it's enough for now to say that just over four years have passed. It is mid-5008. Sir Hemlock (now just Keats) and the Marquis De Havilland had an accidental and lengthy excursion across Kurgan and Vuldrok space, visiting a series of lost worlds while trying to return to Twilight. They returned about six months ago and were reunited with Sir Mal Hawkwood and the Charioteer Corteaz. They bring with them a travelling companion in the form of a female Vuldrok warrior by the name of Ylanath and both have been changed by their experiences.

In the meantime, while not operating independently, Corteaz' operation is turning a profit (both in direct trade and also fees relating to using the Jump Key, consultancy fees, commission for introductions to potential contacts on Twilight etc.). The Citadel is still a threat and travel to and from the Jump Gate and Twilight is dangerous, however ships don't travel alone and Corteaz' crew are becoming experts in the Abwehr fleet's tactics. Mal has been acting against type and has been every bit the noble, doing all he can to support the expedition in the absence of his cousin, De Havilland. 

As we begin the cadre have been summoned together by Corteaz. Keats and De Havilland have yet to travel far beyond the Ravenna side of the Twilight Jump Gate since their return but have been familiarizing themselves with the "mercantile expedition". In fact Keats has been making himself useful in whatever capacity Corteaz required.

The Charioteer, to his credit, seems both relieved and overjoyed to have his old friend back with him.

It soon becomes apparent that not all is well with the flamboyant Corteaz. He narrates how his financial backer, banker and agent, a Reeve from Byzantium Secundus is no longer responding to messages and the flow of funds has stopped. While he can keep the operation going "cash in hand" for now he still owes his "backers" for both his ship (the San Paulus) and the Twilight gate key and the lack of communication concerns him greatly.

He begs the cadre, knowing that they may be reluctant to return to the Known Worlds for their own reasons, to investigate what has happened. They all agree.

During their journeys the Marquis "acquired" a Vuldrok explorer starship and they prep this for their journey. Keats will act as pilot while an Ur-Obun guilder of Corteaz' acquaintance will serve as the ship's engineer (and contribute some additional Think Machine skills to the group).

Ylanath and De Havilland discuss his return and whether she will accompany him. She seems to toy with him somewhat but there is obviously a deeper, if complex, relationship between them.

The travel is relatively uneventful, they witness an skirmish with Citadel forces but the San Paulus, which is escorting them as an "honour guard" soon scares off the raiders. Keats has witnessed at first hand that that Corteaz' ship and crew now have a reputation amongst the enemy forces.

Once through the gate the cadre fly to Ravenna orbit and dock with a geostationary station. They seek news from the planet below and are able to find out some of what has been happening in their absence.

The most shocking piece of news is from the conflict on the Austram isles (the lands belonging to De Havilland's warring siblings). In recent days a Weapon of Mass Destruction (possibly an Atomic device) was discharged, seemingly by Count Otto's forces. This has sent a ripple of shock through out the local nobility and hostilities have fallen into an uneasy ceasefire. Tensions are high and the Amaltheans of Sanctuary Aeon, who were already a noticeable presence in the conflict, have been very vocal in their protests while also doing all they can to alleviate the suffering in the aftermath of the attack.

When it was known that De Havilland had returned to Twilight he received news from Sir Hasimir (who was acting as his regent) about his fief and lands. Upon arrival at Ravenna he is sent a more recent epistle from his old House Torrenson ally. It appears that Hasimir has fled for a new assignment, taking his ship "The Endless Turn", and a significant amount of "gifts" from De Havilland's estate. The cadre wonder if this is in any way related to the WMD.

The cadre are left to debate whether they ought to set foot on Ravenna again or just head to Byzantium Secundus.   

Session forty-one - The journey begins...

Seems like a short session but there was a lot of explanation as to the ship, crew and set up. Lots of groundwork laid  down for the coming sessions...


The crew prepare to leave Ravenna space. De Havilland stocks up on a number of items of gear and Mal wanders the Agora. While in the Market place a mysterious stranger presses a note into Sir Mal's hand...

Fully loaded with crew and supplies the San Paulus sets sail. As a member of the crew, Mal is given duties by the Bo'sun, an Ur-Obun named Lod By Ron.  It appears he is to be a swabbie and general dogs-body a role he seems to enjoy as it allows him to watch and wander around the ship. The duty rota is established and it appears that all the crew members of the cadre are scheduled to work the same shift (with Keats as Watch officer). As well as De Havilland there is a second passenger, a young, short, free-woman named Eloise. De Havilland recognises her as Lady Althea Justinian and at a quiet time they manage to catch up. Following her rebellion against the wishes of Father Konrad she has been trying to evade the church and is heading into space in her search for truth and a personal spiritual quest. She soon establishes herself as the de facto cook aboard as Mal (the previous choice) is shown to have little skill and even less inclination, while Eloise/Althea relishes taking care of the crew.

The ship is halted by a Hawkwood customs inspection and De Havilland notes that Cortez is not forthcoming with their ultimate destination to the knight who boards them. He makes a mental note but says nothing more.

Session forty - the epilogue

The travel back to Ravenna was slow (as Hemlock didn't want to push the ship or his piloting skills) and in many respects awkward. The cadre are a little uncomfortable in each others company now and meals aboard the ship are stinted affairs.

Hasimir states that he will not be hiding and will return to his liege and find a new appointment.  De Havilland advises him against it as there is nothing to say that the Decados will not attempt to kill him again but he will not hide away. However he does take Sir Hemlock to one side and tries to explain some of what happened with Arcadia's possession. Hasimir told Hemlock that regardless of what Sir Anduin believed, it was his psychic intervention that led to Arcadia passing on, which Hemlock felt some gratitude for.  Hasimir also gave Hemlock Arcadia's old shield unit.

The ship arrives on Ravenna near the city of Celdor and the party pay a visit to Earl Kiruda. The earl appears to have heard news of the demise of Arcadia already and is somewhat surprised that Hasimir still lives.

They learn that Stephanie has left the Midden Barony with the Hawkwood guard (leaving the massacre De Havilland feared in their wake) and has established herself in The Barony of Abalone, which she has renamed "Windsor's Recourse" in memory of her late husband. Many of the Hawkwood guard have deserted her service and are returning to the capital as they do not recognise her authority. Sir Tarquin has taken control of his family lands and has his people's support but seems to lack any close advisors or inner circle.  Baron Tumeric's Muster returned to the Folly but Earl Kiruda has dispatched some of the knights of the Justinian Silent Guard to arrest him.  The Earl plans to use the Baron (long a thorn in his side) as a scapegoat to appease the Hawkwoods.

He also confirms to Hemlock that he has passed the notebook he gave him to the local Bishop to deal with, along with a pledge of the full support of House Justinian in the matter. He wants it dealt with appropriately and officially and is trying to balance his desire to take down the Baron with his urge to protect his House from further loss of face and reputation.

The group walk through the cobbled streets of the idyllic coastal city, heading back to the Endless Turn when a voice from a nearby noble palanquin causes them to halt; it is Hemlock's mother, Baroness Esmeralda Al Malik Justinian.  Hemlock is a little taken aback but she insists that they at least come to their town house for refreshments. They agree but Sir Anduin Takes his leave of the group and wishes them well.

As the procession moves through the city they note a disturbance ahead.  It seems to be approaching and shots are fired. It turns out that it is the cadre's old acquaintance (and De Havilland's cousin) Sir Mal Hawkwood.  He stops running and seems pleased to see them (although like earl Kiruda he seems to have heard that Hasimir had died). They agree to help him evade his pursuers and he manages to hide as two pistol armed Hawkwood retainers come running down the street.

The marquis insists that they will hear more of this later but they continue to the Baroness' residence.

Hemlock's mother is insistent that Hemlock should discard his dirty and drab attire and let her people dress him in something more suitable.  He needs to stop all this travelling, settle down and continue in his preparations to inherit their lands. Hemlock refuses, he tells her about what he learnt from his father and the events with the Al Malik and his mother advises that she knows about the visit and the Baron has told her that Lady Chastity murdered Al Salih. She is also incredulous that Hemlock might be suggesting that she or her House should have had a hand in the attack on the fief during his childhood. De Havilland is convinced that she is up to something and that she is a very dangerous woman. They excuse themselves and leave as soon as they are able, Hemlock saying that his mind is set, he has made a promise to Corteaz, regardless of what his mother may say.

Mal asks if there might be a place on the San Paulus crew for him, to which Hemlock says he will speak to Corteaz on his behalf.  Before heading to the station though they fly to Austrum West (over artillery barrages on the front line) to the Marquis' fief of Havilland.  There they are greeted warmly but witness first hand the effects of the war on the people and town.

In the local tavern they rest and dine (Hasimir getting rather drunk) and Mal tells of how he the psychic twins, Sir Victor & Sir Hugo Windsor Hawkwood accused him of killing Baron Christopher and that he believes it was they who sold his previous psychic associates out to the church.  It was their men (he believes) who were after him in Celdor. 

It appears that someone in the town has been looking for De Havilland and he approaches the Marquis in the tavern.  He is an Imperial Consort with news from the Order in response to De Havilland's original questions after the revelation of Tonbei's betrayal. A full investigation into the assessment of Tonbei will be launched but the council suggest that De Havilland has possibly lost direction somewhat.  He might benefit by returning to the tenets of the Company and charge him to quest. To push out and go forth in the name of the Emperor.  

Hasimir receives word from his Coven ("The Club") that Sir Mal is a member of the Invisible Path and must be killed. He contacts the magus of coven to address this and says that there must be a mistake.  He tells them his suspicions about the twins and the magus reluctantly agrees to investigate. 

The crew eventually leave Havilland and dock with the station to rendezvous with Corteaz. De Havilland goes to speak with him to negotiate passage on his vessel. Corteaz discloses that the jump key that recently came into his possession, and motivated his acquisition of a ship, leads to a lost world. Having an Imperial Knight aboard would validate his journey beyond known space and provide the quest De Havilland seeks... 

Session thirty-nine - Loyalty unto death

Well, that was a pretty good finale... as is often the case the adage "you had to be there" applies. There was so much going on and some wonderful in character moments that I will fail to capture it all, so rather than doing any player a disservice, and yet wanting to ensure that events were captured for our own reference, I'll do my best to summarize things...

(We rewound the scene a little as I wasn't happy with how I'd explained things.  Therefore we joined events before Chastity had drawn her Viper blade)

Arcadia tells Hemlock he should be with her against the enemies of their house and keeps referring to "Him" as Tigerlilly (Hemlock's twin sister)

It is revealed/confirmed that the hit list was Count Innocence's creation; He and Arcadia were lovers after he gave her refuge after her attempt on the life of Duke Cassius Hawkwood and she was a foster mother to Chastity. The story that she had spent the previous three years working as a mercenary throughout the Known Worlds was all fabrication. The Count's reemergeance onto the social scene, and introduction of Chastity, coincided with Arcadia's return in order to keep watch on her and protect her as necessary. The list was added to over time and each name was someone that the Count felt had harmed Arcadia:

• Sir Selwyn Justinian - Betrayed her with Façade
• Beorn of the Muster - Killed her (or so it was believed)
• Baronet (at that time) Christopher Windsor Hawkwood - Betrayed Arcadia and had her mother interred
• Lawrence of the Scravers & Sir Hasimir Fenrig Torenson - had Arcadia killed (as reported by Lady Yelizaveta Decados when she infiltrated the crew)

Yelizaveta is an agent of the Count's who's order was to ensure that no harm came to Arcadia, but to ensure that the connection to her and the Count remained secret.  This she arranged a loyal crew and set up the "pre-existing contract" with the Muster. Likewise Hemlock challenges Chastity about whether she ever cared or was it all lies and he is stunned to discover that she was there to protect him (from Hasimir and possibly others). The Count recognised that Hemlock was one of the few who always tried to help Arcadia and wanted to protect her in thanks, and also as he did not trust the Torenson not to turn on Hemlock as he did with Arcadia.

Arcadia suggests that it is time for them to fulfil the Count's wishes and complete the list.  Chastity draws her Viper blade and engages starts striking at Hasimir. Chaos ensues.  Hemlock tries to reason with them while trying to interposing himself between Hasimir and Chastity, Anduin unsuccessfully tries to use his Theurgy to slow the attackers, Hasimir attempts to protect himself while attempting to reason with Arcadia, Virrsu constantly peppers Chastity's Shield with bullets, Arcadia signals marines to engage the cadre and a pair of them come at them with clubs.  Meanwhile the Marquis De Havilland is listening to events via sqwarker from the Endless Turn he has Drumpf disengage the grapple line and pull away.  The Questionable Intent, being at full stop, starts to be pulled along by the smaller vessel.

Anduin is praying to expel the spirit of Arcadia while Hasimir is on the floor.  Although he is almost dying he reaches out with his mind to Emote to Yelizaveta.  He manages to make contact and it is enough to allow her to throw off the possession, which Anduin believes is his doing. As Arcadia screams and Yelizaveta returns to herself Chastity is outraged; her "mother" is gone again, this time seemingly permanently. She raises her Viper blade and strikes Hasimir down.  Hemlock grapples her while Virrsu continues to shoot.  Anduin rushes to the fallen knight and checks on him, he declares him dead but knows that there is a chance to still save him.

Yelizaveta, thankful for her freedom but still beholden to her liege, stops the guards, brings the ship to a halt once again, calls Chastity off and permits the cadre to return to the Endless Turn. Once there, and with the aid of De Havilland and Hemlock, Anduin stabilizes Hasimir and with a dose of Elixir that Virrsu has stashed away he manages to bring the Torenson knight around. Hemlock sets a course back to Ravenna...

Next time the denouement/epilogue before the next epic arc begins...

Session thirty-eight - The Fate of Arcadia

The Endless Turn lifts off and breaks through the atmosphere, Hemlock at the helm with Anduin navigating.  The Justinian Eskatonic uses Celestial Alignment to help guide the ship but as they emerge into space the vessel shifts course and follows the curve of the planet rather than heading out into the black.  Hemlock tells them he is taking them to one of the orbital stations above Ravenna in order to try to get more information about the pirates.

Above: The crew set off into the black...

.Aboard the bustling station they head to a bar where Corteaz, Hemlock's old travelling companion, business partner and friend is using a booth as a office. Corteaz greets Hemlock warmly and they speak at length, Hemlock telling him all that has pasted and Corteaz explaining how he has risen in rank within the Charioteers and now commands his own ship the "San Paulus". They discuss the pirate attacks and Corteaz mentions how "Arcadia" is targeting Hawkwood cargo coming in from the Jumpgate. Meanwhile Hasimir exerts his power to read the mind of this trader, constantly listening to his surface thoughts throughout the conversation. He discerns that Corteaz is concerned about something and that there's is someway he thinks Keats (as he calls Hemlock) can help him. Eventually, frustrated that his friend is determined to hunt down a dangerous pirate, he offers Hemlock the station of first officer on his ship and pleads with him to accept. Hemlock had been saying how he needed to find the pirate as he owed it to Arcadia and that she was family.  Corteaz argues that aren't they as good as family? Hemlock replies "Better: you never tried to kill me." Hemlock seems torn, he really wants to accept but feels he must complete his mission to clear Arcadia's name. He asks that Corteaz waits for his return and the Charioteer agrees, he still has to finish recruiting a full crew and preparing for their maiden voyage.

Returning to the ship they find the Marquis De Havilland and the hireling engineer, Drumpf, have been monitoring communications and have picked up a distant mayday. They launch the ship to investigate. Sir Anduin prays for guidance from the Pancreator and is shown that they are on the right path.  He tells the crew and they proceed swiftly but still with caution. Over the twelve hour journey Hasimir drinks, Anduin prays and meditates, Hemlock exercises, checks on the course setting and chats with Chastity. He asks her again about the time when she called out Arcadia's name but she says she must have just been delirious and it meant nothing. Hemlock can tell she is hiding something (which is remarkable for him).


As they close on their target location Drumpf uses the ships sensors to scan ahead and reports a group of five ships but without engaging more active systems (and alerting them to their approach) he can tell nothing more.  Hemlock slows the ship for their approach and Drumpf performs an active scan, identifying two League Freighters, a Hawkwood explorer and frigate and the Questionable Intent, Hasimir's stolen galliot. As they get closer the engineer also advises that the three warships are all damaged.  It looks like they have been involved in a tough skirmish but that the pirates won.

Above: The Endless Turn approaches the source of the mayday.

They are then hailed by the Questionable Intent and Hasimir responds. Hemlock has suggested that they parlay and the pirates agree to permit the crew to come on board as their captain wants to see them. The ships grapple each other and Hemlock, Hasimir, Virrsu, Anduin and Chastity put on spacesuits and head across to the galliot (leaving Drumpf and De Havilland on the Endless Turn). Greeted by armed guards (who were originally hired and equipped by Lawrence and Hasimir) they are taken to the bridge and greeted by the captain, a young woman claiming to be Arcadia, but who Chastity recognises as Lady Yelisaveta Decados.

Above: Arcadia revealed...

Hasimir attempts to read her mind and discovers something he has never experienced before; it is as if there are two minds at once. "Arcadia" tells them that her spirit obviously had unfinished business as she had remained on board the ship after her murder, which she holds Hasimir responsible for as she says Koehlang was following his commands and thus had haunted him.  When Yelisaveta took command of the ship she, as a psychic, felt the presence of Arcadia and attempted to contact her.  Arcadia used this "bridge" to take control and possess her. The hit list is mentioned and Arcadia seems unaware of it's existence but is flattered that Innocence, the "sweet dear" would do such a thing for her. Anduin asks if they have some sort of relationship and Arcadia tells Chastity "I think it's time, dear." and looks to Hemlock saying "And Tigerlilly, don't think about interfering."  The Decados ejects her Viper blade and holds it towards Sir Hasimir...

Session thirty-seven - An Earl-y meeting

We rejoin our cadre after they have successfully managed to negotiate their way across Deepcore 104, through the Midden Barony, Barony of Abalone, across the surface and then stealthily through Sector 42 to recover their scout ship; "The Endless Turn". Bidding farewell to Elric, who will continue to gather information for the Marquis, they set course for the northern coast and the capital city of Celdor.

They locate a suitable landing spot outside the city and head in by foot.  Sir Hemlock makes enquiries as to where they might be able to find Earl Kiruda Quentin Justinian, the planetary leader of the House. He learns that he rents a house to the other side of the city and the group head off to visit him.

On their way they are accosted in the market place by a noble looking fellow wearing a mix of travelling attire topped with a church tabard. He appears to know Hasimir and demands to know if he is guilty of the crimes he has heard he stands accused of. Hemlock finds the man familiar and it transpires that this is Sir Anduin Justinian, a young bastard of the House who was legitimised by his father before then being sent as an adult to study with Eskatonic monks. Hasimir worked for his parents many years before and was the boy's tutor. Sir Hasimir explains events and how the court has found him not guilty but that he is seeking to reclaim his ship and prove his innocence. Anduin declares that he is honour bound to help his old teacher (got to love the "Loyalty" Blessing...) and attaches himself to the group.

The party arrives at the Earl's home and are told by the gatekeeper that his master will entertain the Marquis but not a Decados, a wanted criminal or the son of Baron Tochiro.  De Havilland agrees to go forward and state their case and try to convince the Earl to receive them all and follows the Gatekeeper onto the grounds. The rest of the group are left to wait outside in the balmy coastal Ravenna air.

Hours pass and Hemlock starts to get a little impatient, calling De Havilland on his squwarker. The Marquis tries to placate him and shortly after a servant comes to call them in, with the exception of Chastity.  The Earl will not permit a Decados within his home. They agree to the terms.

There then follows a length discussion with Earl Kiruda in which Hemlock attempts to prove that he is against his father and supports the Earl and Hasimir justifies his actions and explains his innocence.  They both succeed in at least keeping the ear of their host and Hemlock cements this by presenting him with the notebook he was given by the old woman in Sector 42.  Kiruda realises it's significance almost immediately; this is proof that Tochiro was complicit in unauthorised exploration and exploitation of Deepcore 104 and profited from recovered 2nd Republic artefacts. He summons a servant to notify the local bishop, and thanks Hemlock for bringing it to him. He also councils him against his friendship with Chastity, reiterating how House Decados are their ancient foes and that they are always treacherous.

The Earl asks what their plans are from this point and the cadre confirm that they plan to head into space to discover the truth of the pirate calling herself Arcadia Justinian and to attempt to recover Hasimir's other ship. Kiruda acknowledges how damaging the piracy is on the reputation of his House and offers what aid he can.  His servants will resupply them and provide for their immediate needs.  Sir Hemlock also asks if they could provide an engineer to help about the Endless Turn and the Earl agrees to do what he can.

Before they leave Hemlock asks to speak with Earl Kiruda privately; he is being attended by Sir Jutland Justinian, a knight that Hemlock previously met in Sector 42 when he was delivering news of the Austrum War to his father, Baron Tochiro. Jutland serves Baron Samuel of Quentin's Retreat but he has apparently come to attend on the Earl, citing that he feels a closer affinity to a man of a martial background and bearing rather than the studious academic Samuel. Sir Hemlock tells the Earl how Jutland appeared to be close to his father, bringing him reports from the front when there was no direct line of fealty or responsibility, could he be an agent for Tochiro? Kiruda thanks him once again and decides not to act yet, but to keep watch.

Some time passes and while the ship is resupplied the cadre rest up and take advantage of the pleasant and restful, almost sleepy, atmosphere in Celdor. Finally they are introduced to the Muster Engineer that the Earl's Household have employed to help crew the ship. He is a middle aged, rough looking fellow named Drumpf. While somewhat uncouth he seems to know his work and is familiar with Al Malik vessels. With their engineer aboard they set off for the stars, Anduin immediately demonstrating his theurgic gifts by divining a probable starting location for their search.

Session thirty-six - The Midden Barony vs Sir Hasimir Fenrig Torrenson

Above: Court is in session.

We joined the scene in the court the day after the murder of Baron Christopher Windsor Hawkwood. The bench consists of Lady Stephanie Midden Justinian Hawkwood, widow of the deceased and lady of the manor, Sir Terrance Hawkwood the sheriff of the fief and Baron Leicester, a Synecullum priest who has been drafted in to represent the church and act as chairman as the notable local priesthood are otherwise engaged.  Father Konrad, the Baron's confessor acts as prosecutor and commences with a detailed "illustration of Hasimir's character".  He presents what is evidently the popularist view of the Torenson knight, having been featured frequently in the salacious columns of the Town Cryers' sheets for some months now. The Father narrates how he'd left the planet without the permission of his master (The Lord of the Midden barony) and whilst under a cloud:

...one of his associates, Lady Arcadia Justinian, is a known traitor to the crown,

...another, Brother Josay, was a priest executed for heresy

...he frequented with aliens, one of whom attempted to assassinate the baron previously, and heretics (Mal)

...he owns a military ship, for no explainable reason

...which he acquired in mysterious circumstances from a village which was subject of a Husk attack

...a ship he named the "Questionable Intent"

...he'd taken that ship into space to deliver cargo; A military ship on a cargo run?

...and it turns out that he was delivering that cargo to a nest of heretics led by an intelligent GOLEM!

...and now he states the ship has been stolen but it appears, flying under his colours and commanded by no less than Lady Arcadia, committing piracy against Hawkwood and Merchant League interests

...and he has worked with Sir Tarquin Justinian to undermine the rightful rule of Baron Christopher while purporting to be acting to ensnare the Justinian boy but was he really? The testimony of the by's co-conspirators paints Hasimir as a loyal member of their revolutionary cell

...and he has corrupted agents of the church (Father Helsing and Lady Althea)

...and he is still wanted by the Hawkwood Navy and the office of the Planetary Duke for his acts of piracy and aiding a traitor!

All of which the priest uses to try to paint Hasimir as the sort of deceitful reprobate who would kill his master.  After all, he freely admits that he served the tea and it was the tea that killed the Baron.

We then flashed back to the previous day where Hemlock is attempting to track down the source of the tea. He discovers by talking with the servants that the priest who delivered it was none other than Protos Cobblestone. Hemlock speaks with him about the matter and the Amalthean seems genuinely shocked and ashamed that he might have, unwittingly, had a part to play in the death of the Baron. He advises that Count Innocence gave him the tea when he gave him the donation for his hospice.  He doesn't drink the stuff but recognised it was valuable so thought it would make a suitable gift to a noble when seeking further alms and aid, hence he had left it for the Baron. At Hemlock's request he tests a sample of the tea and proves that it is toxic.

We also followed the Marquis De Havilland as he spoke with Baroness Abalone's Reeve about the legal issues surrounding the case.  The Reeve advised that he would not represent Hasimir for three reasons; a) he was not a criminal expert b) Hasimir was Reeve trained so he would not wish to impose professionally and c) as Abalone was now Stephanie's it would reflect a conflict of interests.  He also confirms that while brief in a traditional and very religious world such as Ravenna the wedding ceremony between the Baron and Stephanie was binding and legal (there were plenty of witnesses and it was conducted by an invested Orthodox priest). 

Moving back to the "present" in the court Sir Hasimir is permitted to defend himself (having been made aware of his colleagues findings before the court).  He delivers a stirring oratory (some really impressive roleplay and a long and continuous stream of dialogue, there was a round of applause about the table when he'd finished) wherein he professes his devotion to the Baron and the Pancreator and answers and explains each of the issues raised by Father Konrad. He too insults and scorns Arcadia, a fact that upsets and angers Hemlock. Hasimir appears to have the assembled crowd in the palm of his hand at which point Konrad reveals that he knows Hasimir to be a psychic witch! And declares that he is using occult tricks to cloud minds and coerce others! The peasantry assembled there recoil in horror and fear.

Hasimir humbly admits that this is the case, but says it is a burden he bears from the Pancreator and one he uses to serve...and that his abilities don't allow him to influence others.

Konrad objects but Hasimir's words have allowed him the benefit of the doubt.  The court asks if anyone else will speak in his defence and Hemlock puts aside his anger for the moment to stand and state his case.  He shows his Guild experience by trying to argue the logic of the crime but Konrad shouts him down - could not the Protos' story be more of Hasimir's lies and plans?

The court requests that Konrad calm down and adjourns to debate matters.

The cadre discuss the case so far and what they might do next.

After sometime the judges return from their deliberations to declre that they find Hasimir....not guilty! Konrad is outraged and has to be escorted from the court by guards. Lady Stephanie then announces that while Hasimir may go free, in light of the revelation of his occult powers she can no longer sanction his employment in the Midden Barony and he is to be dismissed.  Hasimir swears that he will leave and find who truly killed the Baron so that he might one day return, fully vindicated. Hasimir is unchained and free to go.

The cadre decided to collect their belongings from the mansion and then head to the "Endless Turn" to plan their next move.

As the serfs files out of the court an alarm bell can be heard in the distance. Elric and De Havilland climb the church bell tower (where the court session had been held) and see that the Barony appears to be under attack.  With Hemlock's aid they identify that there are two factions of assailants; Muster mercenaries in the employ of Baron Tumeric Justinian of The Folly and local peasants from the barony revolting against the Hawkwood militia.  Hawkwood troops are fighting running battles in the streets against both factions.

Above: Ambush in the alleyways...

Led by De Havilland and Elric they slip from the church via a side door and head through back alleys to the mansion.  En route they encounter a group of revolting peasants (quite literally...) and engage them.  De Havilland and Hemlock intimidate them into fleeing, but not until the Marquis has reluctantly cut one down. Once the mob flees De Havilland treats the unconscious man's wounds and they return to the mansion house.

There, as they collect their belongings, Hasimir bids a formal and finale farewell to Stephanie and Father Konrad, who is now serving her. Elric overhears confirmation that the attackers have come from the Folly but that Sir Tarquin Justinian has also returned and is rousing the rabble against the Hawkwood authorities. Upon hearing this news the cadre debate that there may be much bloodshed to come and the whole of House Justinian on Ravenna may feel the repercussions.

Session thirty-five - "More tea Baron..?"

This is, you might assume upon reading, a hugely abridged version of events.  The key events are all here but there was a lot of discussion and fantastic in character role-play which unfortunately I simply couldn't capture in it's entirety. For that I apologise but, as ever, you really ought to have been there....

 

Also this game sees another change of Player Character as Mal wanders off (as we previously established he was sometimes want to do) and we introduce the Muster ex-soldier and occasional bounty hunter, Elric.

 

It is the morning after Hemlock's assassination of Sir Al Salih Al Malik and at their camp Sir Mal breaks the news that he is leaving.  He figures that De Havilland asked him to look out for Hemlock but frankly, from what he saw last night, Hemlock doesn't need his looking after. He leaves on good terms, saying he has other business to attend to but leaves a copy of an invoice for his services to be passed on to De Havilland.

Speaking of whom, the Marquis De Havilland Hawkwood is having breakfast with baron Tochiro Justinian and Al Salih's Ur-Obun companion when Alfredo comes and delivers a message to the Baron.  They speak in hushed tones and the householder leaves.  He returns a short time later and asks the Ur-Obun to accompany him.  De Havilland excuses himself from the table and follows, unobserved. The pair head upstairs to the Al Malik's room, enter and close the door then the Marquis hears what appears to be a silenced slug gun fire. He waits outside to see who emerges.

Following on from the events of the end of the pervious session Baron Christopher is getting ready to host Baroness Abalone Justinian and her entourage.  He pulls Sir Hasimir to one side and tells him he needs his help to impress.  He has been given a rare and special Li Halan tea, he want's Sir Hasimir to really impress with an authentic tea ceremony. Before the assembled throng Hasimir really shows his skills and performs an amazing and accurate ceremony (spoilt only by the Baron showing he barely knows which end of the cup to drink from. As host and lord, the cup is presented to him, he drinks and almost immediately starts to froth at the mouth and convulse; he has been poisoned.

Master Alfredo emerges from the Al Malik's room alone to find De Havilland waiting for him. He avoids the Marquis' questions as much as possible but they are interrupted by Hemlock calling on the De Havilland's squwarker. The two nobles arrange to meet in person and the Marquis makes a hasty, and final, exit from the mansion.

En route to meeting Hemlock, De Havilland calls into an inn where he had previously arranged to meet an employee of his (and new PC for the cadre), a Muster soldier and bounty hunter named Elric.  Elric has been intelligence gathering for De Havilland and has news for him; he has intercepted a message apparently intended for Lady Chastity, concerning the fate of Lawrence.  It appears that he is dead.

Meanwhile there is chaos in The Midden Mansion, a physick is called for as Baroness Abalone passes out with shock and Lady Stephanie Justinian rushes to the Baron's side. Hasimir demands that the mansion be locked down and trades words with Father Konrad, stating that this should be independently investigated, a role the priest agrees to take on. Meanwhile Stephanie demands that she and her intended are wed, as she cannot bare to let him pass into death without being her husband. Father Konrad conducts a hasty and abridged ceremony, encouraged by Sir Hasimir, and they are married. Protos Cobblestone arrives, having been summoned by the household staff (as he was collecting alms in the area to help fund the church building work) and he attends to the Baron.  Hasimir attends to the Baroness and has her moved to somewhere more comfortable. Stephanie starts to accuse Hasimir of betraying and attempting to kill the Baron but their conversation is cut short by Hemlock calling on the sqwarker. Hasimir says that Hemlock and De Havilland ought to come to The Midden barony.

De Havilland arrives with Elric at Hemlock's camp and they trade news. It appears that Elric knows "Keats" from back on Guild star ships when they were kids. He is rather incredulous that his friend from those days should be "pretending" to be a noble. They share the news about Lawrence and when Elric realises Chastity is there he draws a rifle.  Hemlock and De Havilland calm matters but the Marquis does question Chastity and seems increasingly suspicious of her.

In the Midden Mansion Hasimir has been conducting investigations of his own; interviewing the staff who prepared the tea tray and trying to identify where the tea itself came from.  He learns that the tea was given as a gift to the Baron and that the cups, pot etc. were the ones that had been used for breakfast and had been washed prior to the ceremony.  It would appear likely that the tea itself was the poison.

The rest of the cadre arrive in the Midden Barony and after negotiating with border guards and door wardens they manage to be reunited with Hasimir and Virssu. They speak at length about recent events (although Hasimir insists that Elric wait outside) and discuss possible culprits and what to do next. It seems possible that the "hit list" is active once more and if Lawrence is dead and the Baron doesn't pull through then that means Hasimir is the only name left. De Havilland wants to know if the list was written by Count Innocence (which Chastity suggested and the evidence presented by Elric seems to support) what have they done to offend him so?

Their conversation is interrupted by the hasty return of Virssu (who had taken Elric to find some food). He has heard that the Baron has just passed away and they are about to ring the chapel bells to toll for his passing, and also that Father Konrad is on his way with a mob of zealous peasants to seize Hasimir. The cadre suggest he flees but he will have none of it, stating that it will make him look guilty. He passes the pass and launch codes for The Endless Turn to De Havilland and writes a letter of recommendation for Virssu so that it things go badly he is not held accountable.

Father Konrad arrives and has Hasimir shackled, there will be a (church led) trial the following day.

Session thirty-four - In which Hasimir reunites with some old faces, Hemlock has his revenge and De Havilland has lunch.

We start the session with Chastity and Hemlock at breakfast.  Mal has yet to appear after returning late to the Inn.  He eventually emerges, takes food and returns to their room. Hemlock follows but Mal ignores him, entering a meditative trance.  Hemlock tries to intervene with no success and so returns to Chastity.  After Mal has come out of his trance he and Hemlock discuss plans and Mal tells him of the refuge he has found. Hemlock explains that he intends to kill Al-Salih Al Malik that night and to Hemlock's surprise both Mal and Chastity do not hesitate to offer their help.

Meanwhile Hasimir and Virssu have travelled on foot through the quiet and sleepy little barony of Abalone in arrive in The Midden Barony. They are met at the border by Hawkwood guards who have been instructed to escort them to the Baron (for Hasimir's protection as he is still a wanted man). They arrive safely and are taken to see Baron Christopher and the Marquis De Havilland.  The Baron seems glad to see Hasimir and explains how they may need to still prove his innocence.  Hasimir hands over to him the documents that Lawrence sent him and alludes to the possibility that this could be related to some Decados plot.  The Baron and De Havilland tie this in with the Marquis' investigations in Suryada but the suggestion is that Hasimir may need to do more to prove his innocence as Lawrence might have fabricated all this data on Hasimir's instruction. The Baron asks that Hasimir deal with the wedding correspondence that has arrived during his absence from the fief.  He also instructs him to liaise with his major domo, Ralph, so that if Hasimir leaves to prove his innocence or is arrested again, then things can proceed in his absence.

 

Above: Hasimir and Virssu are brought before the Baron.

De Havilland makes his excuses and heads back to Sector 42. He is greeted warmly as an honoured guest by Baron Tochiro, who apologises for his son's (Hemlock's) wayward conduct. He fears that while he had gone off the  rails before, the Marquis' steadying positive influence had been to no lasting avail and he was once more being led astray. There follows a rather awkward lunch where De Havilland picks up on how the Baron tolerates the ill treatment of his Al Malik guest and his servants. Hearing that the Marquis plans to leave the following day Sir Al-Salih suggests that they may leave together as his business here has been concluded.

Above: An awkward lunch

After spending most of the day working through things with Ralph, Hasimir heads to dinner to find that since he has been away another member has joined the household; Father Konrad, the Orthodox priest who investigated Hasimir in Suryada. He is now serving as Christopher's confessor and professes great interest in hearing what has happened to Hasimir since they last met.

Meanwhile Hemlock and company have spent the day in Mal's refuge planning their attack.  When the residents of the Sector 42 mansion house are having dinner, Hemlock and Chstity scale the walls and gain access to the Al Malik's bedroom via the window.  All whilst Mal watches from a vantage point using night vision goggles and co-ordinating their movements by squwarker. Things go well and Hemlock and Chastity take up position, hiding under the bed in the room.

 

\Above: Hasimir encounters a familiar face

During dinner at The Midden Barony Hasimir is formally introduced to Father Konrad by the Baron and is then entreated to regale them with the tales of his adventures in space.  This he does, in particular keeping Lady Stephanie completely enraptured by his (somewhat edited) tales of daring. The evening is disrupted by a sound in the hall and a footman comes to seek the Baron and Father Konrad.  Hasimir tries to overhear what is said but fails. The baron eventually returns without his confessor but in a state of some elation, calling for one of the finest wines from the cellar.  It appears that Father Helsing has been arrested by the Synecullum for treason and inciting rebellion (a fact that Hasimir confirms to himself by surreptitiously reading the Baron's mind) and this seems to in part because of "Hasimir's tireless work".  The Baron does ask why some of the correspondence that was intercepted was going to him rather than Sir Tarquin but Hasimir excels himself (as ever) with the explanation of how it was all part of the plan to implicate the possible revolutionaries. The Baron seems to accept this easily, possibly due to the wine and his current sense of victory.

Upon the Al Malik's return to his quarters Chastity and Hemlock remain hidden, waiting until the noble and his bodyguard fall asleep.  This they eventually do and then the prospective assailants manage to sneak stealthily from their hiding place. Chastity indicates that she will take care of the guard while Hemlock enacts his revenge. Using one of Keat's knives he quietly slits the knight's throat as he sleeps while Chastity darts to the guard, executing him with a single stroke of her cybernetic blade. They leave the way they came, assisted by Mal, and return to their refuge, job done.  Chastity is concerned for Hemlock but he speaks of how this is just the beginning and how he plans to tear down the entire organisation that this Al Malik represented.

 

Above: The assassins strike

The following day in The Midden Barony Hasimir and Christopher's breakfast repose (and hangovers) are interrupted by the arrival in the fief of a large state procession. Runners notify the Baron so he and Hasimir are waiting on the mansion steps and Baroness Abalone Justinian arrives with a full entourage of servants (but no significant arms or troops).  The Baron seems completely taken aback by this turn of events and asks the frail old noblewoman what he may do to assist her.  She summons a Reeve from her throng of hangers on who presents documents to Christopher , who in turn reads them and passes them to Hasimir for his review.  The lady states that she is handing over full entitlement to her lands to the Baron. She is seceding from her fief and wishes him to rule in her stead. Hasimir takes the opportunity to read her mind and it seems genuine; her only remaining heir is old and infirm where as this young Hawkwood has shown great qualities of leadership while only a regent in the Midden Barony.  This grant gives him lands of his own and her people get a noble ruler to oversee them justly.  The Baron seems genuinely shocked and invites her in... 

Session thirty-three, supplemental - Mal's Magnificent Misadventure

So another week has passed without a regular game session (more illness unfortunately) but to fill the void I ran a short session for my son (who regularly plays Sir Mal Hawkwood).  This directly follows the events of the last session, is based on an idea he came up with for Mal might plan to do and helped gain a little more insight into the motivations and methods of this most mysterious of Hawkwoods...

 

Mal, Hemlock and Chastity are in an inn in Sector 42 having left Hemlock's family home. Hemlock seems quite preoccupied but Mal approaches him with a plan.  He figures that as Hemlock has spoken about getting revenge they ought to be seen to leave the fief but then double back and re-enter quietly, without being observed, and set up in a safe house of some sort. Mal suggests that he will head out tonight to establish a suitable location in advance. Hemlock agrees and Chastity suggests quietly that it might be wise for Mal to go alone for now while she stays with the obviously upset and disquietened Hemlock.  before leaving mal picks Hemlocks brains for where they might obviously exit the Sector and then locations where they might surreptitiously return. Hemlock draws out a rough map, narrowing Mal's search for a suitable refuge and the Hawkwood steps out into the evening.

He finds that the streets are mostly deserted but makes no attempt at stealth (he is a noble, he can walk freely where he likes...).  His search draws him to an undeveloped area of the sector near the eastern border and in a narrow section where the building is partially set into the rock face but also borders the city's central chasm.

 

Above: Sir Mal enters the derelict structure... 

He entered though a broken door way and begins to explore the structure.  After a short while he hears music and upon slowly approaching he discovers a small campsite, enough for a single individual, with the music coming from some sort of mechanical lute. It appears that the assorted belongings include occult and religious paraphernalia.

Mal calls out a few times to no response and so hides in a corner of the chamber to await it's resident's return.

After a while an Eskatonic priests returns from the depths of the building and is surprised but welcoming when he sees Sir Mal.

The priest introduces himself as Provost Grant, Son of Morris, a Geomancer who has come to the city to investigate it's "unique energy" and it's closeness to Doramos' terraforming engines at the planet's core. He seems to be somewhat lonely and rambles at length, telling much about his work without Mal giving much away himself. Mal discovers that the priest was drawn to this place and later discovered that is seems to have some form of "Wyrd collation" effect, a fact that Provost Grant thinks is based on the planet's ley lines.  He intends to study it further and also to guard it from nefarious powers, such as antimonists, who might seek to harness teh energy for ill.  During this time Mal sneaks closer and closer to the priest, sharing food with him and questioning him about his work until finally he strikes, attacking the man with a hidden blade.

 

Above: Provost Grant tells all to Sir Mal.

They brawl, the priest flailing wildly while trying to protect himself, Mal getting occasional slashes in with his blade. Then the provost drops to his knees in prayer, entreating understanding from the Pancreator.  His eyes snap back open as he realises, in horror, who Mal is...he speaks his name with quivering lips, rises and bolts for the door.

Mal charges after him, leaps and skewers the priest with his blade.  Without a pause he drags the body to the edge of the city chasm and fligs him over.

 

Above: Mal says a final farewell to the priest...

The murder of a member of the clergy does seem to cause him some regret though (no gain of Urge...) so he busies himself with checking teh building for other occuipants (there are none) and clearing out anything he deems not worth keepin (by throwing it after the provost).
In his exploration of the structure Mal discovers a stair that leads all the way up to a comparative, and also deserted, structure on the surface.  He figures he has found their hideout...

Session thirty-three - An unwelcome guest

After leaving his father Hemlock heads to his room with Mal and Chastity.  There she apologises for any trouble she has caused with his father, while he regrets the concept that she might be in any way to blame and they both console themselves with the fact that they share difficult relationships with their fathers.  Hemlock then tries to question Mal about his father's comments that the Hawkwood is an "enemy of the church".  Mal is typically evasive but does confess that he doesn't get on well with the church or it's clergy.

Meanwhile Hasimir and Virssu are hiding in "The Endless Turn" the explorer class ship that Mister Lawrence had hidden on a landing platform in Sector 42.  Hasimir questions Virssu about what exactly his duties and mission are.  Virssu confirms that it is to keep Hasimir safe and able to continue working for the House. Hasimir then uses the ship's comms suite to call Hemlock on his sqwarker.  They share information and update each other on what is happening but it transpires that no one knows where Sir Tarquin Justinian is.

Hemlock leaves his room to make arrangements to leave the barony to find that Sir Al-Salih Ishmael Al Malik has arrived with his entourage; a large, bald and dark skinned male human servant and an astute and reserved looking Ur-Obun. Hemlock is spotted and has to go to greet him, as does Baron Tochiro. The Al Malik knight speaks frequently in The Graceful Tongue, which the Baron seems fluent in.  Hemlock is struck that his father seems far more deferential to this knight than a Baron should be. Dinner is arranged and Hemlock is requested to join them.

Hasimir calls home to his Torrenson liege but has to leave a message and then calls Baron Christopher. The Baron is already seemingly convinced of his innocence and says he will extend asylum and amnesty to hasimir until this is all sorted out. Hasimir mentions that Tarquin's location is currently unknown but Christopher seems unperturbed, he advises the knight that information has come into his possession which should resolve these matters for them. Hasimir advises that he will return to the fief the following day.

Hemlock and company prepare to leave.  Hemlock calls Baron Christopher to entreat on Hasimir's behalf and after some initial confusion he discovers that they have been in touch and all is OK for now.

That evening Hemlock sits through a difficult meal with his father and their guest.  They speak at length in the metaphor and simile of The Graceful Tongue while Hemlock sits and listens.  he starts to glean from his father's manner that while said with a pleasant and affable intonation Al-Salih is being less than complimentary to the Baron and his home, while the Baron is just taking it. The Al Malik then presents "Gifts" to his hosts; for Tochiro a new grazer energy pistol and for Hemlock a family portrait picture he remembers as a child from his sitting room mantelpiece, still in the original charred and damaged frame, apparently from Al-Salih's family collection. Overcome with anger and grief Hemlock excuses himself and returns to his friends.

Hasimir receives a call from his direct Torenson superior; Baronet Atriedes Torrenson.  They speak at length and clears up some matters of priority and purpose, including who Hasimir should be representing, based on the fact that he works for the Midden Barony rather than a specific noble.

Hemlock and company leave the mansion. On the way out they meet Master Alfredo who wishes to speak with Hemlock and so walks out with them.  He explains some of what has gone on between Baron Tochiro & Al-Salih and how it relates to the attack on the mansion during Hemlock's childhood. He believes that Al-Salih represents whomever was behind the attack and that it was intended as a punishment for something Tochiro had done.  The presentation of the gifts were further metaphors that other punishments may be due and that Hemlock's life may be in danger. Alfredo believes that the Baron was therefore culpable in some way for the attack on the mansion but that he is driven by power  He wants to lead the Justinians on Ravenna nad he has sought the Al Malik and Duke Cassius Hawkwood's support to enable him to do so.  Even if it comes with a great personal cost.

The party says farewell to the householder and moves on to the inn in the fief where they have arranged to stay the night; "The Penitent Miner". The Amalthean Protos Cobblestone is drinking in the inn and asks if he may join them.  He mentions the visit he has had from a Decados "benefactor" and that he identified Hemlock's hand in it.  The priest considers that his penance is complete as he now has the funds to build his church/hospital. Hemlock says he will do what he can to help further and Cobblestone accepts.  However the priest advises that he will need to travel to seek materials and suppliers, try to recruit workers and possibly even new cult members.  He fully expects that if Saint Amalthea and the Pancreator wish it their paths will cross again.