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-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-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...

Noble Armada - Avast! Pirates off the bow!

So we missed a session last week and I think I was pining for it a bit so I decided to play out a scenario for the Fading Suns star ship battles game; "Noble Armada".

 

(Here I'm using the second edition of the rules, as published by Mongoose. I have both this and the 1st Edition from Holistic Design but I figured for a quick game I'd use the Mongoose system) 

 

In an attempt to keep it aligned with current events in the campaign the concept (using a "rescue" scenario from the main rule book) was that the pirates on board Sir Hasimir's stolen ship ("The Questionable Intent"), a House Al Malik Rahimat class galliot, were attacking a pair of League transport vessels. The felons were using the standard "cripple with rockets from a distance & then board and take as prizes" pirate tactic. A nearby Hawkwood patrol responded to the guilders' distress signals (the word of pirate activity having increased patrols of the trade routes) and we had the outline for the game.

 

Above: After turn one, and the pirate galliot is already getting a bearing on the Hawkwood scout.  The scout is adjacent to the two disabled League cargo transports.

(I did have to restart the game after the original first turn one as I'd built the Hawkwood fleet solely from Wayfarer scouts and soon realised that they would never have got through the Galliot's shields. When I restarted I swapped out the ships for a Hornet frigate and a single scout)

 

The game scenario had a time limit of eight turns, but in this situation it didn't need it... By the first two turns the pirate galliot had swooped in on the scout, grappled it and sent over marines to board and successfully take control of the ship. Meanwhile the Hornet showed how versatile and dangerous it could be, pummelling the pirate vessel with laser and missile fire, even after being robbed of assistance from the scout ship's sensors. The galliot took two critical damage results; one to the reactor and another to crew but it was still very much in the fight.

 

Above: Turn three and the pirates move to board the Hornet while their captured Wayfarer approaches from eth Frigate's aft.

With the aid of the freshly captured scout the pirates ran down the Hornet and secured grapples, holding it in a deathly embrace as marines poured aboard.  The Frigate's own marine compliment held the attackers at bay for a turn, during which the galliot dragged it's prey with it.  As the two ships were still locked together they couldn't bring weapons to bear on each other but there was nothing preventing the scout turning it's gun (ineffectually as it turned out) on it's former ally and the Hornet was able to return fire with a barrage of missiles.

 

Above: The final turn.  While the captured scout keeps a watch on the cargo ships the pirates wrestle control of the Hornet from it's remaining marines.

The second round of the boarding action saw an end to the Hawkwood resistance. It would appear that "Hasimir's crew" have captured two League transports with their crew & cargo, and a pair of Hawkwood vessels with their complement of householders, hired Guilders and any commanding nobility.

 

(The game ended after turn four with a pirate victory of 250 Victory points to zero...)

 

So I'm treating this as a "canonical" event in the campaign. "Hasimir's Pirates" are active and, it would seem, rather successful. However I can neither confirm nor deny if it has occurred already or may be a future event. The fact that Sir Bedevere Windsor Hawkwood commands a Wayfarer Scout vessel, the same as the one captured by the pirates, that his role is usually space patrol and that he appears to be an honourable knight who seeks restitution and punishment for a crime he was witness to, so is hardly likely to let a distress call go unheeded particularly if he want to see these particular pirates punished, is merely conjecture...

Session thirty-two - In which a number of shouty people shout at each other.

We began where we left off; in the Sector 42 mansion after Sir Bedevere and his troops had stormed in.  Hemlock immediately launches into a protest accusing him of invading his home.  Bedevere counters that he has official warrants and permission directly from Hemlock's father.  Hemlock still takes issue with the means of entry and attitude but Bedevere counters that, as far as he is concerned, Hasimir is a wily and resourceful criminal and so it was essential to come in fast and hard. Hasimir says he has evidence that supports his innocence but Bedevere refuses to let him get it, suspecting some form of deceit and suggests he just presents it at his trial. The debate rages and tempers flare.  Hemlock challenges the Hawkwood to a duel but Bedevere just mocks, no honour has been offended, he is acting justly and Hemlock is acting like a spoilt brat. He is also harbouring a suspected criminal and needs to take care that he is not considered a foe rather than an innocent party.  Matters are not defused until Bedevere pauses and regains his composure saying he will wait outside for 30 minutes after which time he will expect Hasimir to be handed over to him.

 

Above: Dinner for two?

In the Midden Barony we find Marquis De Havilland washed, wounds treated, clothed in new clean attire and with his belongings returned to him. He is sat at dinner opposite Baron Christopher who apologises for his treatment at the hands of his "over enthusiastic" men. The baron says that if the Marquis wanted to know anything he should have just come to ask.  The Baron has nothing to hide. De Havilland states that he was investigating word of sedition and rebellion in the fief, while Christopher says he is well aware and, thanks to Hasimir, is poised to end it once and for all. De Havilland questions him on it but gets little in the way of specifics. The Baron alludes to Hasimir's current "troubles" as his brother had made him aware that he was looking to arrest him.  De Havilland mentions that he met Bedevere in Suryada before his attempt to attack SOE/8807.  Christopher explains that it was during this that Hawkwood vessels were attacked by pirates and it is this that has prompted Hasimir's arrest. The Baron moves the discussion to Tonbei's attempt on his life, the Hit List and De Havilland's obligation to him to investigate and bring him the culprit. The Marquis explains some of what he discovered (about Tonbei's last words being the name of an anti-human Ur-Obun martyr) and suggested that, according to a source, Count Innocence Decados was behind the plot to attack the Baron to which the Baron is stunned; why would the leading Decados on the planet target him, let alone the Marquis' associates?  That is a huge accusation for which De Havilland ought to have ample proof to back up.  He says he has no proof and agreed that it would be nigh on impossible to actually prove.  The Marquis also suggested that the Decados should be making an appearance very soon in all likelihood, (without suggesting why at the time.) Christopher is concerned he ought to spend less time looking out for sedition in the Barony, that is already known about, and more time fulfilling his obligation to find the person behind Tonbei's actions. All in all there was a lot of verbal probing on both sides and a real jousting of wits.

 

Above: The sketch map from my campaign notebook showing a plan of the Sector 42 Mansion and it's environs.  The central "chasm" edge is to the left of the page while the main entrance/front of the mansion is on the right.

While the clock counts down Hemlock, Hasimir and Mal discuss what to do next.  Hasimir is content to let them take him "for now" but Virssu slips off to speak with his superiors.  He is instructed that Hasimir should remain safe and free, he has shown himself to have potential and they would not have this squandered in a Hawkwood prison cell. Master Alfredo suggests escape via the tunnels that the young Hemlock was spirited away as a child. Escape is dismissed as not an option though. Hemlock and Mal, with Sir Tarquin in tow leave the mansion with Hasimir to meet with Sir Bedevere. Meanwhile Virssu slips out of the back gate (past some waiting Hawkwood guards). Hemlock states that they will accompany the Hawkwoods to their ship as an honour guard in order to ease their travel through the fief.  Sir Bedevere accepts and they set off, moving past the mansion towards the chasm edge (and Virssu). Virssu hears a ship engine approach, down through the chasm shaft and spies that it is not a Hawkwood vessel but a Decados one.  It stops level with the floor of the city they are on and opens it's port side gun ports.  An audio broadcast proclaims that this is in response to the murder of "My daughter" and the ship's turret and port laser cannon open up. Confusion reigns.  The Hawkwoods, in particular the Maruaders attempt to defend themselves, Mal (at Hemlock's request) heads into the mansion to protect or at least check on Chastity, Virssu sneaks through the guards and manages to abscond with Hasimir, taking him to the landing pad where Mister Lawrence had had the explorer docked and stored in secret while Hemlock uses his wrist squwarker to send an all channels broadcast to advise that Chastity lives and that it was a ruse. His words obviously find an ear and the firing stops. Hemlock tells Mal to take Chastity and hide, which they do in the escape tunnel suggested by Master Alfredo while he invites Count Innocence in.  Bedevere comes to Hemlock to accuse him and his "Decados allies" of helping Hasimir escape.  Hemlock tells him he has nothing to do with this and nor do the Decados (as far as he knows) but invites Sir Bedevere to hear for himself. he agrees and they await the arrival of the Count.

 

Above: Hemlock and Bedevere await the arrival of Count Innocence Decados

The Count joins them and takes tea in the drawing room of the now damaged mansion.  The scene is somewhat bizarre.  Hemlock explains events and how Tarquin (who has not been seen since the attack) attempted to kill Chastity but failed. It was deemed best that they pretend she had died in order to prevent another attempt while she recuperated. The Count appears convinced and suggests that he ought to donate some funds to the preist for his work in restoring his daughter. He mentions how precious his two daughters are to him (and both their mothers before them) but that Chastity has defied and disobeyed him. He does not wish to see her but tells Hemlock that she should be told that when she wishes to seek forgiveness she should go to him. The Count then asks Hemolock if he may have some time alone with Sir Bedevere.  This is granted and afterwards Sir Bedevere leaves to join his men in the search for Hasimir, apparently satisfied.  He apologises for the upset he caused Hemlock but he considered his actions valid at the time.

Shortly after he leaves another visitor arrives, stepping through the shattered doorway is Hemlock's father. He shocked by the state of his home and even more so by the presence of Count Innocence. He recovers swiftly and is gracious to his esteemed visitor, but not dismayed when he leaves some moments latter. Baron Tochiro immediately summons Hemlock to his study where he lays into his son over his "conduct" - welcoming enemies (the Decados) and heretics (Mal) into their home and protecting a wanted man (Hasimir).  Hemlock protests and they argue and then joined by Mal, who defends Hemlock, sharing the intercepted and decoded messages.  They tell of the troubles they have had with the Scravers and Hemlock defends his friends and Lady Chastity.  Tochiro's outrage only grows; the boy (hemlock) doesn't know what he has done, but it could be worse.  Things then appear to get worse as he shares details of their forthcoming Al-Malik visitor.  The Baron is beside himself.  Does he not understand what he is bringing down upon their House?  Does Hemlock want to see a repeat of events from some years ago that lead to the death of his sister?  Does he want to upset his mother again like that? As far as his father seems to be concerned he is bringing death and destruction down upon them again and the blood will be on Hemlock's hands.  They continue to argue and tempers flare. the Baron demands that Mal, Chastity and Hemlock all get out of his sight.

Meanwhile Virssu and Hasimir are safe in the explorer when Virssu realises neither of them know how to fly it... 

Session thirty-one - Lots of post and messages

While Hemlock has "retired to bed" (is visiting Chastity) a young boy (one of Father Helsing's altar boys) arrives from the Midden Barony with a message from the priest for Hasimir. The knight pays the child for his trouble and reads the message. Tarquin excuses himself and bumps into Sir Hemlock running from his room. Shortly after a high pitched scream of "Hemlock!" is heard. Hasimir & Virssu go to investigate and find Hemlock curled up in a corridor hugging a tattered cuddly toy.  He regains some of his composure and explains that this is "Keats" one of the few things to survive the fire that torched the mansion, claimed the life of Hemlock's sister, Tiger-lily, and caused him to be shuttled off into the care of the Charioteers.

Above: The various prop letters and message packs I made for the session.

After taking some time to calm down Hemlock returns to his room to find Chastity awake and waiting for him.  She apologises for her conduct and explains that she was brought up to treat sex as a non-comittal, pleasurable act, but she over stepped a mark.  She didn't mean to cause offence as she values Hemlock as a friend (and nothing more).  he accepts the apology and apologises for his hasty and sudden departure and the matter is settled and the air between them cleared.

After breakfast the following day Hasimir, Hemlock and Mal get involved in a length discussion about what to do about Sir Tarquin and The Midden Barony.  Mal is concerned that supporting the "revolution" could lead to greater loss of life while Sir Hasimir outlines his current plan to implicate Tarquin in the revolution, remove Baron Christopher after his wedding and rule as regent for Lady Stephanie (the grieving widow). Hemlock is concerned as to why The Folly has closed it's borders to The Midden Barony and wants to learn for himself to identify how it impacts on any plans they wish to make. Hasimir decides that word needs to be sent to Father Helsing, from Sir Tarquin and goes to draft a letter.

During this time Hemlock receives a letter indicating that a new guest, Sir As Salih Ishmael Al-Malik (a cousin on Hemlock's mother's side and fellow guest at the St Gavin's Day Tournament) is coming to visit, having heard of how welcoming Hemlock has been to others.

Sir Mal and Sir Hemlock visit Baron Turmeric, ruler of The Folly and find him to be a welcoming host.  He is reluctant to have Mal (as a Hawkwood) in his home but Mal convinces him of his good intentions (and how he is considered a renegade by his own House).  The Baron tells them of how the Hawkwood army under Baron Christopher has grown and how he hears word that they are planning to invade, therefore he has taken action to defend his borders.  He is a non-traditionalist Justinian and feels that he is not listened to by the established and traditional Earl and barons and that they are ignoring his warnings.  He is seriously considering a pre-emptive strike on the Hawkwoods in order to provoke a reaction and make the other Justinian barons rally around him, as there is nothing that can pull Justinians together more than an attack on one of their own.

While Hemlock and Mal are out a Scraver visits with a packet for Hasimir.  It is a delivery from Lawrence, updating Hasimir on what he has found out so far (with supporting evidence) and word that he is going to follow the lead to try to identify the Decados responsible for the theft of their ship. Lawrence believes that this is a dangerous task and it may be possible that this is the last Hasimir will hear of him.

Mal and Hemlock return from The Folly and update Sir Hasimir.  They recommence their debate over what to do next when a sudden explosion rocks the mansion.

Above: Unwelcome Hawkwood visitors...

A group of Hawkwoods troops arrive, regular marines and heavily armoured Marauders, led by Sir Bedevere (who appears wounded).  They have come, he announces, to arrest Hasimir for "Conspiracy to conduct Piracy and aiding and abetting a known Traitor to the Crown".  He alleges that Hasimir's ship "The Questionable Intent" has resurfaced and has been striking at Hawkwood shipping and that Bedevere was caught in such an attack on his waty back from an assault on SOE/8807. The pirate ship appears to be captained by non other than Dame Arcadia.  Bedevere accuses Hasimir of being party to faking her death and being in league with her.  

We then jump to a short epilogue in the Midden Barony.  It appears that the Marquis de Havilland has been captured for "spying" by the Hawkwood troops and is brought, beaten and bound as a prisoner before Baron Christopher...

And that's where we'll leave it over the holiday period....we shall return with new sessions in the new year...Lux Splendour, children of the Pancreator.

Session twenty-eight - running into an ambush

Hemlock wakes to discover that an intruder has been in his room.  Locks have been picked, drawers and cupboards opened but it doesn't appear that anything has been stolen.  He checks on Sir Mal and Lady Chastity; both are well and it appears that the intruder only targeted himself. Sir Mal offers to help and he goes outside to look for signs of the intruder's entry or exit.  On the way he discovers that the night watchmen are both asleep at their station. Hemlock goes to speak with Master Alfredo who seems horrified at events and is both furious with the guards and concerned that, considering Hemlock's history with the attack on the home during his childhood, he will be distraught and rightly upset. Mal discovers that it appears that the intruder escaped out of Hemlock's bedroom window (it's what Mal would have done...) but there's no telling where they went after that. It appears that the guards may have been poisoned by something in their tea and Hemlock leaves their questioning in the hands of Master Alfredo (with instructions to go easy on them) while he, Mal & Chastity prepare for their scheduled run before breakfast.

Meanwhile in The Midden Barony Sir Hasimir Fenrig Torenson makes preparation to take Sir Tarquin to visit his cousin, Sir Hemlock. He speaks with the Baron to get his formal approval and confirms his progress with the ongoing wedding preparations. Hasimir, Virssu and Sir Tarquin then ride out but divert on route to pay and arranged visit to Father Helsing.

They discuss plans to over throw the Baron and institute Justinian rule once more.  It seems to finally dawn on Sir Tarquin (and the priest) that this may well mean the Baron's death, possibly by the hand of another party (in order to divorce them from direct involvement and blame). Tarquin seems concerned by this but seems to accept it as a necessity. Helsing agrees to contact the other "conspiritors"; Potter and Clodius and get them to advise Hasimir of their plans. Hasimir also mentions Virssus' observations about the staffing changes at the mansion.  The priest says that it's an odd coincidence that he hasn't seen any of the old staff in the evening or morning prayers either.

Hasimir & Tarquin bid farewell to Father Helsing and ride out to Sector 42 noticing as they pass through the Barony that one of Christopher's knights is drilling a large group of fully armed and armoured Hawkwood troops.

 

An ambush awaits...

In Sector 42 Hemlock and company's morning run quickly turns sour as Mal notices what appears to be a sniper waiting in ambush ahead of them.  He alerts his companions and they realise that there are two well equipped attackers. Hemlock immediately charges at one (the crowded nature of the city scape of the running route meaning that they were already quite close in order to draw a line of fire on the runners) and incapacitates him with Keat's knife. Sir Mal interposes himself between the attackers and Lady Chastity (figuring that is what Hemlock would want him to do).  The second attack opens up with a three round burst from his advanced SMG at Hemlock but his shield (the gift from Lady Chastity) flares to life and protects him. The lady herself moves gracefully and extremely swiftly past Mal Hawkwood and, following Hemlock's lead, assaults the man who attacked him, a slender Viper sword blade extending from her forearm. She attacks with unbridled ferocity, finishing the attacker by decapitating him.

Hemlock manages to bring the other attacker around but he is obviously dying. Mal manages to question him in his last moments and he tells them that "The Guild" has ordered that Hemlock and he be killed to stop their meddling. Meanwhile Lady Chasity has broken down in tears as she apparently never wanted Hemlock to see her like this. He comforts her as best he can while Mal takes weapons and gear from the fallen attackers.

They head slowly back home to find Master Alfredo waiting for them, obviously concerned that they had been gone longer than expected. He is devastated to hear that they were attacked and immediately summons staff to assist.  Lady Chastity retires to her room but sends word that she is alright while Hemlock and Mal take breakfast and discuss events.  While Mal is stashing the gear in his room the wrist squawker he took from one of the assailants blurts into life.  He doesn't answer but he hears the man at the other end say that they have killed theirs, has he finished his? Mal tells Hemlock and they ponder whom it could refer to. Hemlock also thanks Mal for trying to protect Chastity; he was both surprised and quite flattered that Mal would put himself at risk (unarmoured as he was) for them. Hemlock also has a realisation that after seeing him discussing a mixed up order with master Alfredo earlier that day the boy he saw in the stables yesterday was the lad who delivers bread to the estate.  He asks Alfredo request that the boy comes to speak with him.

Hemlock has also received a response from Baron Samuel about his request to visit his library in "Quentin's Retreat":

 

Mr dear young fellow,

How felicitous to be in receipt of your delightful epistle. For too long the void of untamed expanse between our fiefs has been both figurative as well as literal. Am I to assume that your father has finally bequeathed his lands and territories to you, allowing them to be properly managed and maintained whilst he conducts his, obviously essential, business elsewhere?

I would, of course, be most enamoured to allow you admission to my meagre collection of tomes and scrolls.  I have recently had course to host our mutual cousin, the charming and astute Lady Althea, who made most expeditious use of my academic resources. When I mentioned your correspondence she spoke highly of your good character and admirable nature and quite reversed my previous reluctance to engage with you.

I trust that you will prove her reference to be both appropriate and accurate when you arrive.

 

Deo volente

 

Baron Samuel Justinian,
Lord of Quentin's Retreat and its environs and borders
Hero of Cadragathia,
Holder of the medal of Aspatria,
Doctor of Archeo-sociological Humanities, University of Celdor

 

Hasimir and Tarquin arrive around lunch time and are welcomed into the drawing room to see Hemlock and Mal.  They update each other on recent events and speculate on who the assailants might have been.  Mal is sure it was the Scravers and believes that the other target may have been Mitnick. Discussions move to the Midden Barony and Hasimir's plan to help Sir Tarquin overthrow the Baron.  They ask if they can count on Hemlock and Mal's aid, which they consent to give.  Tarquin is concerned that, as a Hawkwood, Mal is a risk but Mal reassures him that no love is lost between him and his family (especially the Baron) and Sir Hasimir advises that he'd never trust Mal but he does know him and can rely on him in this matter. Tarquin also seems to distrust Lady Chastity.  The Decados are the "old enemy" of the Justinians as many believe that they were responsible for closing the jumpgate to the House's home world of Paradise. Hemlock tries to reassure him but Tarquin casts aspersions on Hemlock's opinions when it comes to women, citing similarities with his sister, Dame Arcadia.  The bell goes for lunch and Tarquin asks if he may visit Lady Chastity before they dine (as a representative of his House and barony he feels it would be proper etiquette, as she is the ranking member of her own House locally and it may help put his mind at rest).  Hasimir suggests it would be correct protocol and Hemlock checks with the staff that she is happy to receive him.  He is escorted upstairs while Hemlock, Hasimir and Mal continue to discuss what to do about recent events.
   

In the drawing room again.

Their conversation is interrupted by screams from above and they rush up the stairs, passing Tarquin coming back down.  The screams are from the maid, Sasha, who attends Chasity.  She has re-entered the room to find the lady unconscious on the floor with wounds to her abdomen and throat.  Hemlock calls for aid and he and Mal try to stabilize the wounded noble. Hasimir comes and reads her surface thoughts as Master Alfredo rushes in and starts to organise staff to help. Hasimir "sees" in her mind the same moments playing over and over; Tarquin enters, greets her politely, draws his short sword (engaging its shock charge) and stabs her by surprise.  The electric shock scrambles her cyber ware, leaving her convulsing on the floor as he leans over her and slashes her throat "Our Houses will always be enemies."  

Session twenty-six - Mawwiage...

Earlier in the day Hemlock approached Lady Chastity and suggested that he take her to visit one of his neighbours, specifically his cousin, Sir Tarquin.  Chastity notes that that is the domain where Baron Christopher rules as Regent and Hemlock agrees, mentioning that it would be good form for her to meet socially with the local nobility. He also quietly mentions that the more public she is the more protection she may have.  She asks Hemlock who he thinks would want to attack her and they discuss her guards.  She reveals that they are not House Decados men but are hired Muster. Hemlock warns her that he has had mixed experiences with the Muster. He then approached Sir Mal to accompany them, he agrees before Hemlock has even finished speaking, knowing full well how much his presence will annoy Baron Christopher.

Hemlock's party travel to the Midden Barony and pass some border guards who send word to the Baron that they will be coming. As they approach the mansion they note that colourful bunting has been put out.  It looks like they will recieve a warm welcome.

When they enter the mansion they realise that there are other guests (whom the flags were intended for).  Baron Christopher is recieving two of his cousins; the identical twins Sir Victor & Sir Hugo Windsor Hawkwood.  Sir Mal appears to recognise them and uses his Turning to scan them. He can tell that they are both psychics and that one is skilled in Psyche, Sympathy and Sixth Sense. The twins have brought news for Baron Christopher in the form of a letter, news which seems to please him immensely. He announces that General Sir Anthony Masseri Justinian has given his consent for the Baron to marry his daughter, the fourteen year old Stephanie. His mood is dampened somewhat when he sees Mal though and he speaks strongly to Hemlock about bringing "that" into his home. Hemlock defends Mal as his own guest and before Christopher can take the discussion further the doors to the entrance hall burst open and in strides young Sir Tarquin Midden Justinian (followed a short way behind by Sir Hasimir and Virssu).  The youthful knight launches into an immediate and impassioned tirade demanding stating that he has seen the state of the peasantry and the Baron has been neglectful and abusive of "his" (Tarquin's) people. 

Sir Tarquin Midden Justinian confronts Baron Christopher Windsor Hawkwood

The Baron approaches the boy menacingly and suggests that as he is here by the decree of the Planetary Duke he is a representative of the Duke's authority, therefore any issue the boy has with his rule is by default an issue with the Duke, and that sounds strangely like the sort of behaviour that got his elder sister into trouble. Is he walking the same seditious path? Hemlock moves to put himself between Christopher and his cousin as it looks like matters will escalate rapidly. Sir Hasimir manages to calm things somewhat (even after Tarquin saying it was he who helped him to meet with Father Helsing and see the state of affairs) and convinces Christopher to speak with him in private.  Hemlock and company are taken to a lounge with the twins to await the outcome.

As the door to his study closes Christopher immediately begins to lay into Sir Hasimir; what is he doing assisting the boy, filling his head with these ideas?  Why would he dare to stay the baron's hand? Hasimir is by no means cowed or daunted and calmly argues that he was trying to ensure that there was sufficient evidence to prove undeniably that Sir Tarquin is fomenting rebellion and that if they give him a little space he will not only hand himself to them but will also lead them to all the rebellious elements amongst the people. His words manage to convince the Baron who then asks what Hasimir suggests he does. The Torenson knight outlines a plan to keep an eye on Tarquin but to allow him the freedom to implicate himself possibly even permitting him to visit Sir Hemlock to regain his confidence. Reluctantly, as it means backing down, Christopher agrees.

They return to the lobby and the Baron says that his emotional state from hearing the wonderful news of his impending nuptials caused him to act rashly and spoke out of turn. He suggests that Sir Tarquin be accompanied to his room by some of the guard, where he can have a chance to chat with his cousin in private.  He will ensure that they are called down when lunch is served.

Hemlock and Tarquin (accompanied by Chastity and Mal) take the chance to talk. Tarquin asks about Hemlock's memories of his eldest sister, Arcadia and Hemlock seeks to comfort and support him.  Lady Chastity actually puts an arm around him and comforts him too.

Lunch is a reasonably quiet affair, with the staff and host completely ignoring Mal, the Baron raising a toast to his future bride and Chastity asking Hemlock if they can please leave as soon as the meal is over. On their way out Mal tries to speak with the twins, Victor & Hugo, quietly but they make a huge fuss about why would they want to speak to "his sort"?  They refuse to engage with him at all.
Hasimir manages to catch Tarquin privately and tells him that he is on his side.  He tells the young knight that he is playing the Baron and that his actions will buy them time to prosper a true revolution.  If Tarquin will allow he will help guide him into what to do and help him to plan his next moves.  He will also chaperone him on visits to his cousin Hemlock. The boy appears convinced and encouraged by Sir Hasimirs intent.

When Hemlock and his party return to his mansion it is late afternoon and a note has arrived for Sir Mal.  It is a message from Mitnick, the Scraver, suggesting he has made progress and he want's Mal to come and see him.  Mal goes to meditate for a while before setting out.

Meanwhile Hemlock asks Chastity for a moment to have a talk in private.  She agrees and he tries to return the shield generator she gave him.  She refuses saying that it was a gift to thank him for his kindness.  He persists, saying it's too much but she explains that while she cannot say how he feels about her she considers him to be possibly her only true friend.  He has taken care of her and taken her in when he didn't need to and when she was honest with him he could have cast her out but has remained true to her.  In any case he should consider it in her best interests; if he is going to continue to protect and look out for her this guarantees that he will survive long enough to do so! He finally relents and accepts the gift graciously.

Mal heads to see Mitnick, bumping into Hemlock on his way out and mentioning where he is going. The Scraver tells Mal that he has been able to partially translate the first two messages as he discovered "It was an old Scraver code, but it checks out." he gives Mal a pair of printouts but then says that it has left him with a problem.  As its a Scraver code, and he's a Scraver he's had to let people in the Guild know...at which point two thugs appear, armed with clubs and looking to teach Mal not to stick his nose into things that shouldn't concern him.  Mal draws his sword and they begin to fight (while Mitnick returns to his work).

Beware of Scravers bearing clubs...

The two ruffians manage to land a few ineffectual blows (thanks to Mal's studded armour) while Mal wounds one thug and the other is accidentally wounded by his friend! To end this stalemate Mal asks what these two boys are getting paid and offers them triple to forget all about it.  He is a charismatic chap and the two thugs graciously take the money, wish him well and leave. Mal, slightly bruised and beaten heads to tell Hemlock what he has found.

Upon Mal's return to the Mansion house Hemlock sees him and that Mal has been in a fight.  He questions the Hawkwood knight as to what happened and Mal shows him the message print outs.  They possibly relate to Hemlock.

That night Hasimir has a strange and frightening dream, he is at a soiree where every person turns into the ghost of Arcadia and they all approach and surround him screeching "I'm back, I'm back....I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!" He wakes, screaming in a cold sweat. Virssu bursts in, gun drawn, sees he's unharmed and just walks back to bed.

Session twenty-five - Duels and duality

We begin at dawn on the surface of Deep Core 104 as the drizzle rains down and, in the background De Havilland lifts off in the Explorer to head to Suryada.

 

The duelling ground as the fighters face off from one another.

 

Baron Christopher has gone all out and invited a host of luminaries and socialites from the Midden Barony to watch the spectacle of the duel.  His men have erected a pavilion for him, covered stands for his guests and are busy serving breakfast.

Hemlock, on the other hand is stood in the rain accompanied by two retainers, Sir Mal and Lady Chastity (with her guards).

Ralph, the Baron's aide, advises Hemlock they are ready to begin when he is and so Hemlock announces his charge against the Baron, that he showed disrespect and ungraciousness when a guest in Hemlock's home. The Baron responds that he refutes the charge and accepts the challenge. He questions who Hemlock's Second is and is disgusted, as are most of the assembled throng, to hear that it is the outcast Sir Mal Hawkwood. The Baron, as is formality confirms his second is Sir Hasimir.

The two Seconds review the weapons to be used and check for any malefaction, deceit or treachery.  While this is going on Lady Chastity approaches Sir Hemlock and asks if, as he has been so kind to her, he would agree to wear a token from her for luck, during the duel.  He agrees and she pins a small but fine looking brooch on his cape.

The Field of Honour is cleared and the two combatants draw their blades, salute and begin...with remarkable speed Hemlock gets the drop on the defensive Baron, rushes to him, steps within his guard and slips his rapier slowly through the Hawkwood’s shield, cutting his tunic and grazing his side.  Blood is drawn and honour satisfied. There is a moment of stillness as the crowd awaits the Baron's response.  He stops, pulls back and salutes Hemlock. The duel is over in moments. There is polite applause from the spectators and Hemlock and company pack up to leave.

Sir Hasimir is enjoying the breakfast feast when he overhears the Baron's raised voice coming from his pavilion tent. He goes to see what is up and finds the Baron ranting, not that he lost, but that Hemlock didn't put on a proper show of it.  He expected, and wanted, a decent fight. As far as he is concerned going in to win straight away was disrespectful and frankly rude.  He knows Hemlock's reputation as a competitive fencer and he was expecting a real bout, to be toyed with and to spar properly, getting the measure of each other and having a too and fro.  Essentially he thinks Hemlock spoiled what could have been an exciting spectacle with a worthy adversary. He was "playing to win" rather than for the sport. He says that this is typical of upstart, corrupt Justinians and he punctuates his dialogue with thrown objects and smashing the contents of the tent. Hasimir tries to calm him and has some success, the knight's words seem to divert the baron from rage but he then turns on Hasimir and demands to know how his investigations are proceeding. He responds by outlining what he and De Havilland discussed and that he is certain that the Marquis had no part in Tonbei's actions.  He also says that his investigation into Sir Tarquin continues, but slowly. He then delivers the message from Father Helsing to ask that the Baron considers being more lenient with the peasantry.  Christopher seems unconcerned and practically mocks the priest's concerns. He asks Hasimir what he would do in his situation and he duly outlines two possible routes; continue as he is (and risk rebellion) or spare the rod to appear a more caring ruler. This seems to ignite inspiration for a plan in the Baron who suggests that there is a third way.  He tells a servant to notify a "Sir Terrance" that he wants to speak with him when they return to the barony.  

Meanwhile Hemlock and his party are travelling back to Sector 42. They chat pleasantly and Lady Chastity seems to be far more relaxed since her confession to Hemlock the day before.  Mal speaks to Hemlock about who he should consult if he wants to discuss communications in the fief and Hemlock suggests contacting any local guilders.  Chastity asks if they will have their postponed tour of the lands today and Hemlock agrees to show her the city (or at least his family's part of it).

 

It was Sir Hasimir, in the library with the cunning scheme...

 

When they reach the Midden Mansion Hasimir and Virssu locate Sir Tarquin studying in his library.  Hasimir passes on to the young noble that he has spoken to Father Helsing and the priest's concern for the people.  Tarquin is obviously moved and wants to meet with Helsing but his movement outside the mansion is watched and heavily controlled.  Hasimir convinces him to write a letter to the priest, expressing his intentions to meet and leave the details to him.  The letter is dispatched and they await a response.

Before leaving for the city Hemlock takes the time to show Sir Mal and Lady Chastity a photo of Hemlock, his twin sister Tiger Lily and Arcadia as children. The photo obviously means a lot to him and he notices that Chastity seems to linger over the image of Arcadia. Hemlock also offers her favour back to Chastity but she declines, saying that he should take it as a gift of thanks for taking her in and treating her so well.

Once in the city, Mal makes enquiries as to the best person to speak to about communications traffic in Sector 42 and he is directed to Mitnick, the Scraver he spoke to the previous day. The Scraver deals in information and as such he monitors telecomms, telegraph and squawker traffic using a host of Think Machines to catalogue and collate the data. Mal deals with the Scraver using a combination of his Streetwise smarts, natural presence and hefty bribes to find out that there has been some irregular scrambled or encrypted traffic that Mitnick has tracked but been unable to decode.  It started about nine days ago, just before Mal and Hemlock returned to the fief and the last message was yesterday (after Tonbei's death).  The messages seem to originate from the mansion and mostly occur in the early morning or late evening. Mal pays the Scraver to try to decode the messages (he had given up doing so as there was no potential profit in it).

While Mal is busy Sir Hemlock shows Lady Chastity (and her guards) around the fief.  She seems politely interested in everything he shows her, particularly his anecdotes about his childhood.  She walks with her arm in his and seems genuinely to consider him a friend and seems to neither be flattering nor attempting to ingratiate herself with him, nor be attempting to portray a persona or mask.

When they return to Hemlock's family mansion Mal waits until he can get Hemlock alone and reports back to him about what he has found.  Hemlock suggests that he may need to make some investigations at the times the messages are being sent to see if he can find the culprit. He also takes the time to examine the favour Chastity had presented him and discovers that it is a high quality duelling shield! Mal is intrigued, immediately thinking of it's possible resale value...

Back in the Midden Barony Tarquin accosts Hasimir after dinner to advise him that he has heard back from Father Helsing and he can visit him the following day.  Hasimir and Virssu plan to sneak the knight out of a window and manage to do so the following morning. They manage to sneak away and meet with the priest who is over joyed to see Sir Tarquin safe and sound.  They speak at length with the young knight who is obviously moved by the plight of his people. They are then joined by Potter, Dame Helena's old major domo (now on the run from Hawkwood forces) and Clodius, the peasant leader that Hasimir previously encountered with Dame Arcadia. They are keen to impress on Tarquin that there are people who stand ready to fight for him, if he will lead them.  Encouraged by this Tarquin seems energized and roused to action and says that he needs to speak with Baron Christopher.