Runequest solo - part VII, Alliances fair and foul

scene 23

chaos 9

Setup: (actually rolled a 10; unmodified) talk to the barbarians again

Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Alkinu, the suitor
9. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother
10. the mason - a witness
11. Nillath, priestess of the Sun

Threads:
1. solve murder
2. stop wedding

Chieftain Ulevaard receives Lachaidiga graciously, though it is evident that his patience with the investigation's lack of progress is growing thin. Still, at least the sorceress does not look down on his people the way others in the City are wont to do.

[How will the barbarian's conversation go? UNE: inquisitive - questions - last actions]

"My lady," says Ulevaard, "I hear you've very recently escaped a nasty end."

Lachaidiga fills Ulevaard in about everything that's happened: house arrest, the acquittal, the eye-witness' account, the mistake that led to her capture, the cult raid, her escape. She explains her theory that the murderer is undead, and possibly the thrall of a sorcerer. She finishes off by proudly explaining how the prefect has had to take her on officially.

"... so I've come back to you, because I need your help. I know you did not approve of your son joining the cult of Ylhoon, but I would wager that you know the names of some of his brethren here in the City. Please, I must speak with them. They hold the key to solving this, though they seem unable to do it themselves. But if I can talk to them, I'm sure I get to the bottom of this. Justice will be served."

[Influence roll (63%) to get a positive reaction: 29, success.
How does Ulevaard respond? friendly-promise-current story]

"My lady, the Ylhooni are absolute fanatics, with no regard for themselves nor for anyone else. They're animals, practically as mad as the chaos fiends they've sworn to destroy. My people hate Chaos, as do all right-thinking folk, but the Ylhooni are a grave nuisance to us at home and an embarrassment abroad. Please, lady, think on my words and understand the seriousness with which I tell you them. These are not men you shall want to know. But, aye, the key must lie in their circle. The Ylhooni in the City are known to me, and I shall set you up a meeting with them."

scene 24

chaos 8

Setup: meet the Ylhooni

Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Alkinu, the suitor
9. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother
10. the mason - a witness
11. Nillath, priestess of the Sun

Threads:
1. solve murder
2. stop wedding

Enzzal was furious when Lachaidiga told him that she was officially helping the prefect with the investigation. He is doubly furious the next morning when she tells him she's invited some Ylhooni over for luncheon.

[Willpower vs. Willpower. L rolls 10, success. Enzzal rolls an 87, failure.]

"I've had enough of this nonsense!" thunders Enzzal as he shoves his plate of half-eaten food away, knocking over his wine goblet. He stands brusquely up from the table and strides toward the door as the terrified servants descend on his mess. He pauses in the doorway and glowers back at his sister. "I can't understand why you are so determined to bring shame upon our family." Lachaidiga sticks out her tongue at him and he storms out of the house.

. . .

Lachaidiga spends many hours fussing over which gown and jewels would be best to wear for receiving her visitors. She is still at her toilet when a servant announces the Ylhooni's arrival that afternoon. So intrigued is she to finally meet the infamous chaos-haters that she runs down to see them half-dressed, an anxious maid running behind desperately trying to fix the last few pins in her mistress' garment.

Three large, uncouth-looking men are waiting in the garden, boisterously conversing in their barbaric tongue. They are very fair-haired, in the way of the northern barbarians, and their pale skin has been reddened by the unaccustomed southerly sun. Two of them wear light chain armour, the third is dressed in a hotchpotch of clothing bought locally. All three have the mien and scars of seasoned warriors.

The house's nomenclator steps up quickly. "Gundhram, Swithun, Leudagar, may I present you to the Lady Lachaidiga."

[Courtesy (45%) roll to welcome them graciously (failure will mean she's too excited to know what to say): 08, success.]

"Good my lords, I humbly welcome you to my home."

"Oh, ho!," says Leudagar to his friends, "I told you this one'd be sweet! That's a round you both owe me next time. Sorry, milady, that my comrades have little faith in the folks of your fair burg. But, to be honest, it took two moons before I realised 'get those feet of the furniture' wasn't some sort of ritual greeting you all use. Ha, ha!"

"You would have heard it often enough at my coming out party."

"Ha, ha! And to think, me lads, this is the one Ulevaard warned us was a 'wise yet terrible sorceress!' Ho, ho!"

"You deny, then, that you are, 'fanatical, battle-mad savages'?"

Lachaidiga orders the servants to break out a few jugs of the best wine, and she converses pleasantly, and laughs uproariously, with her guests. But after their first cups are drained, all agree that it is time to talk of serious things. She tells them of all that she has seen and done in her investigations. They listen very attentively, interrupting only to ask for clarifications. When she comesto the end of her account, it is time for Leudagar to speak.

[UNE: scheming - agenda - allies
Q: Do they have a good lead? Unlikely: 39, Yes.
rolling 1d6: 1-2 person 3-4 place 5-6 thing; 3, place - random picture

Q:What do they know about the place? Spy / Misfortune]

"Quite a tale, lady. If only you'd come to us sooner... well, we'd have helped with the jeweller anyhow. Evil is evil, and fit only for the end of my sword, ha ha! But I know Ulevaard was -- not to put too fine a point on it -- reluctant to let you meet with us."

"Or admit he even knows us in the first place!" interjects Gundhram.

"And now there's only the three of us left," continues Leudagar. "Even old Ulevaard isn't so mad as to sit back and let the rest of us get slaughtered -- though he probably wishes he could, ho ho!  There were four of us. Eoforwine had heard rumours of an evil magician staying at an inn in a seedy part of the city. He went there in disguise to investigate; he never came back."

"Pray tell," asks Lachaidiga, "what is the name of this establishment?"



scene 25

chaos 7

Setup: 4= modified (was: snoop around the tavern)
Interrupt: move away from a thread (1d2=) 2. stop wedding

Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Alkinu, the suitor
9. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother
10. the mason - a witness
11. Nillath, priestess of the Sun

Threads:
1. solve murder
2. stop wedding


That evening finds Lachaidiga in her room, preparing to venture into the most unwholesome of the great City's poor neighbourhoods -- alone. She dons a simple gown and finds a suitably warm, course cloak. She takes an expensive headdress, too, just in case she needs to quickly alter her appearance.  She hopes to avoid a violent confrontation, but just in case she decides to bring her short sword. After fussing over it for a quarter of an hour, she hands it over to her long-suffering maid in defeat, telling the confused girl to find a way to sew the scabbard inside the cloak for concealment.

When she finally descends to the atrium, she is surprised to hear voices in the house, and at such a late hour. He heart sinks when she recognises the speakers: her brother and Alkinu.

[Q: Can she get out of house without a struggle? 50/50: 65, No.
Rolling Willpower vs. Willpower: L 33, success; E 87, failure.]

"Ah, sister," says Enzzal with a broad smile. "We were just talking about you."

"I should apologise for my brother then, Alkinu," responds Lachaidiga. "Ever since he began his study of oratory, his enumeration of my flaws has taken twice as long. Let me take my leave, or you shall be here all night."

"On the contrary, dear lady," says Alkinu, "your brother has been speaking very well of your various merits and accomplishments."

"Oh? Did he tell you how loud I can--"

"I was just getting to your charming sense of humour," interjects Enzzal. "But stay, sister. I've some good news for you. Alkinu and I have been talking it over, and we have decided that a lingering engagement is in no-one's best interests. We have fixed a date for the wedding. [1d6=] The joyous event will take place just six weeks from today."

Lachaidiga is as stunned as if she'd been poleaxed. She opens her mouth to speak and find the words just do not come, though the tears flow unbidden. She casts aside her cloak and falls at her brother's feet. "Don't do this to me! I beg you, please. Get him out of here and let's discuss this rationally. Send a message to our brother. Have him come home. If I can't make you understand what a mistake this will be, he certainly will."

"Nid-dallum is on manoevres with the army. He's hardly going to take the side of a silly little girl trying to avoid growing up. Especially one who goes abroad in the middle of the night... dressed like that... and carrying a sword! O sister mine, please do tell me just what you think you're doing this evening."

Lachaidiga wipes the tears from her eyes, and stands up indignantly.

"Hmpf! I'm going out on an errand as a duly-sworn agent of the city prefect. I don't expect to actually need the sword. I can take care of myself, thank you very much. And if I can't -- if I'm killed by the enemy -- then you'll just have to marry Alkinu in my stead, dear brother. The gods know, you're the only one in this family that likes him!"

Then she picks up her cloak and calmly walks out into the night.

Runequest solo - part VI, Plots and associations

scene 19

chaos 7

Setup: wake up in a cell

Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Alkinu, the suitor
9. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother
10. the mason - a witness
11. Nillath, priestess of the Sun
12. the evil jeweller


Lachaidiga awakens in a dark, damp cell. She is lying on the uneven stone floor. As she slowly comes to her senses, she feels the cold, and despite a little stiffness she seems uninjured.

The cell is in near-perfect darkness. Only a feeble light comes in through a grating in the iron door. She sits up and looks about as best she can.

[Q: Is she alone? 50/50: 97, Exceptional No. (I had a picture for either outcome. The Exceptional No result means that the other person in the cell is the 3rd character I rolled up, an elite warrior. How will he react?

Using UNE: prejudiced - partiality - last story. There is no last story, but I decided the three characters I rolled up would know one another (mostly in case a fighter or priest were needed to round out the party). So he has history with Lachaidiga, and is favourably disposed.

How long has Wihiyaba been captured? 1d10=7 days
Injured? Very likely: 55, Yes. +Event - Move toward a thread - solve murder
Injuries: 1d3=2 wounds, 1d10 damage each. Head: 4 damage, 2 HP left (minor wound); Left leg: 9 damage, -3HP (serious wound, cannot walk)]

"Hey, there," says a voice in the darkness. "finally decided to rejoin the living?"

"How long have I been here?" asks Lachaidiga unsteadily.

"Not half as long as one of your brother's speeches about your behaviour."

Lachaidiga peers intently at her cellmate, until his features finally become visible to her in the gloom. "Wihiyaba, is that you? It is you! I'm so glad to see you here... I mean..."

"Ha, ha! I almost said the same."

"How long have you been here?"

"A week or more, I think. It's so hard to tell. I was unconscious at least a day after my capture, so they tell me."

"Oh! your leg... does it hurt much?"

"I am a soldier of Anzakàr. I've suffered worse with no complaint."

"Here, let me try... damn... sorry, it's more than my magic can make right. If only Nillath were here--"

"You'd hardly be concerned with me if she were!"

Lachaidiga's retort dies on her lips as the sound of heavy footsteps echoes down the corridor beyond their cell, followed by the scraping of the door's bolt being thrown. The jeweller comes into the cell bearing a lamp, flanked by two sinister-looking spearmen.

"I see you've come round, my lady. Good. I'd hate for you to sleep through the ritual. The pair of you are to be sacrificed at the culmination of our midnight ritual. Your departing souls will give me the power to rend the veil between, and allow our Dark Masters to send us forth their Fell Servants. And they do respond so much better when we provide them with victims who scream."


[NB. According to Mythic, the jeweller's plan is Release / The spiritual. He revealed his plan to the PCs not because he secretly wants to be a movie villain, but because he wants them to feel a certain amount of dread for their final (1d12=) 7 hours of life.]


scene 20

chaos 8

Setup: 1=modified (was: try to escape the cell)
Altered: Q: is there a window in the cell? 50/50: 95, Exceptional No. It's underground.
Q: Does anything happen before midnight? Unlikely: 07, Exceptional yes -random picture

Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Alkinu, the suitor
9. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother
10. the mason - a witness
11. Nillath, priestess of the Sun
12. the evil jeweller

Unbeknownst to our heroes, Wihiyaba's fellow soldiers have been zealously tracking down the evil cult, intent on destroying it utterly and, hopefully, rescuing their friend, who disappeared into its clutches. They have found the entrance to the underground temple of evil in a disused warehouse. Having slain the cultists watching the entrance, they are now lighting fires to smoke out the rest.

In the darkness of their cell, Lachaidiga and Wihiyaba have been waiting sullenly for their captors to return. They are resolved to fight to the last, but have little hope of survival.

"Strange incense these cultists use," says Wihiyaba, "not at all the sort of thing I'd expect. It's almost nice, like a cooking fire."

"Maybe they're building a pyre to throw us onto," hazards Lachaidiga. "Though I think the screams they're hoping for would be somewhat... abrupt."

"It's tickling my throat whatever it is... and making my eyes to water. I'm not sure this is intentional whatever it is."

The smoke gets thicker, billowing in through the grate in the cell door. The prisoners both start coughing. Lachaidiga quickly tries her magic. In her haste, she stumbles over the words of the spell, but collects her resolve and tries again, carefully, the way she was taught. And then the panic is over, as she and Wihiyaba both no longer need air to breathe.

[Her first attempt at casting Abjure Breath failed (normal failure, incurring no magic point loss). Her second attempt succeeded. She gets 7 points of Shaping on the spell in order to increase its effect. She spends 1 point to affect 2 targets, the other 6 to increase duration to 7xPOW minutes; her POW is 17, so the spell will last just 1 minute shy of two hours. The spell costs 3MP: 1 for the base spell, and 2 for the modified components, Targets & Duration.]

"Quite the sorceress you've become!" says Wihiyaba, joyfully.

"I know a few tricks," she says, "but sadly none of them work on doors."

"Help me to my feet."

Lachaidiga steadies her friend as he stands, putting all his weight on his good leg. The massive warrior [STR 18, SIZ 16] throws himself against the door with all his might, as Lachaidiga tries to keep him from falling. Once, twice, a third time, a fourth...

[He'll need a Brawn roll (64%) to batter down door: 64!]

With a grating screech the bolt is torn from its housing and the door bursts open. The warrior and sorceress fall forward with it into the smoky corridor. Lachaidiga tries her magic once again.

"There," she says, "now we won't need to see to get about in this smoke. Come, I'll help you walk."

[Q: Are the soldiers triumphant over the cultists? 50/50: 44, Yes + Event
Move away from a thread (which, for Mysteries, means a clue is revealed to have been a red herring): the jeweller's cult is not fighting the Ylhooni; they're just some other evil cult.
Q: Does the jeweller escape? 50/50: 01, Exceptional yes. Out of the city to freedom.]

Lachaidiga and Wihiyaba stumble through the underground temple and out into the abandoned warehouse, where they are greeted by the jubilant soldiers.


scene 21

chaos 7

Setup: 2=Interrupt (was: go before prefect)
Interrupt: Remote Event - another murder

Whilst our heroine was escaping the prison of the evil jeweller's cult, her true enemies were moving in the shadows. They have murdered yet another Ylhooni chaos-fighter, this time a citizen of Anzakàr rather than a foreign barbarian. The hapless Alkinu discovers it dumped in the street before Lachaidiga's house as a warning. It seems her enemies were unaware of her predicament!


scene 22

chaos 8

Setup: 7=Altered (was: go before prefect)
Altered: not chewed out

Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Alkinu, the suitor
9. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother
10. the mason - a witness
11. Nillath, priestess of the Sun

Despite the late hour, Lachaidiga is taken to the prefect's house. He meets her in his private study. The presence of a high-ranking priest of the City makes Lachaidiga decidedly nervous.

[What does the prefect say? UNE: mysterious - conundrum - last scene]

"You're lucky I still had some men watching you, my lady" says the prefect. "When you disappeared, they assumed you went back to the jeweller's market to poke around some more. They found some of the jeweller's associates clearing out the shop and... encouraged them to divulge the location of their lair. The rest you know. I suppose I ought to thank you for accidentally bringing this unrelated investigation to a satisfactory conclusion, and for saving the life of one of my men. But I must tell you that there has been another Ylhooni murdered in the meantime. The body was dumped practically on your doorstep. I assure you that I am doing everything in my power to bring these criminals to justice. But our unknown enemy seems to be in the right about one thing: you should not have gotten involved!"

"Hmpf!" responds Lachaidiga, "you haven't a clue as to who it is. You're doing just as badly as I."

[UNE for a response: scheming-bargain-contacts]

"Perhaps you are right, lady," says the prefect, "I confess I am running out of avenues of enquiry."

"I'm surprised to hear you admit it, especially to me. And in front of a witness..."

"Let me be frank. The barbarians like you. They won't talk to me. What if -- and believe me, I loathe having to make this suggestion -- we work together on this case?"

Lachaidiga smiles ever-so-sweetly. "I think this is the first sensible idea you've had."

Runequest solo - part V, A spot or two of trouble

scene 16

chaos 6

Setup: case the joint during the day

Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Alkinu, the suitor
9. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother
10. the mason - a witness
11. Nillath, priestess of the Sun


The next day, Lachaidiga and Udzar-sippuk return to the jewellers' market. They arrive by mid-day to find the street bustling with activity.

[Q: Is shop open? 50/50: 17, Yes.
Q: Are the jewellers connected to bad guys? 50/50: 33 yes + Event: Remote event (see next scene for details)
Q: Are there other customers? 50/50: 25, Yes. 1d4= 1 other. random NPC:

She could have a reason for being here, so I decided to roll her motivation on Mythic's Event Meaning tables, with the proviso that any nonsensical result would mean just shopping.
result: Debase / Competition. Interpretation: she is here to lean on the new owners & collect protection money.

Q: Do the PCs overhear the exchange when they arrive? 50/50: 04, Exceptional yes.
Easy stealth (skill x 1.5, so L: 62%, U: 39%) rolls to listen before being discovered. 45, 26 both succeed.]

When Lachaidiga and Udzar-sippuk walk into the jeweller's shop, they hear angry voices within. They pause in the narrow vestibule to listen.

"You should reconsider," says a gruff-voiced woman, "My boss doesn't like it when new arrivals refuse his generous offer to look after them. You wouldn't believe the awful things that can happen to a nice place like this in our fair city."

"I resent your tone," says a man, coolly. "And I resent your clumsy attempts at subtlety even more. You tell your boss that we are not to be trifled with. Should any 'awful things' happen to this 'nice place', I will kill your boss within the week. Now get out."

[Q: Does the soldier turn threatening? 50/50: 95, Exceptional No.
Q: Does soldier stop on her way out when she sees the PCs? 50/50: 79, No.]

The woman storms out of the shop without another word. She barely seems to notice the two people lurking near the doorway.

Lachaidiga and Udzar-sippuk walk down the dim corridor into the main shop. A brief survey of the well-appointed room sees nothing out of place, but the absence of the traditional images of the earth god is certainly tells the priest and sorceress that something here is gravely amiss. The lack of any guards in the shop is even more circumspect.

The merchant is a suitably oleaginous looking character in expensive green robes of fine silk. His countenance brightens perceptively as he notices new customers.

"Noble lady! Your reverence! How may I be of assistance to you this fine day?"

"I'm bored of all my jewels! And I'm bored of this street of jewellers. I am hoping that you, as a new arrival, will have something new to tempt me."

"I'm bored of all my jewels! And I'm bored of this street of jewellers. I am hoping that you, as a new arrival, will have something new to tempt me."

"But of course, good lady! I humbly offer up my wares for -- it is my greatest hope --your eternal delectation."

Lachaidiga pretends to shop, and has him show her a variety of sparkling golden and silver ornaments encrusted with a veritable rainbow of precious stones. But whenever she thinks he isn't looking, she steals glances round the shop trying to find some sort of clue.

[Pretending to shop requires her to pit her Deceit vs. his Insight; L: 67, failure vs. Jeweller: 49, success.
Both PCs get to make formidable Perception rolls to see if he's wearing a death rune amulet: L 30, U 65 -- both failures
Q: Does the jeweller attempt direct action now? Very Unlikely: 44, yes +Event: NPC action - Alkinu, the suitor - (picking first picture of him doing something...)]

"Do none of my baubles catch your eye, my lady?"

"Oh, I just can't decide! How ever can I go to Lady Amaya's party if I cannot find a pectoral to match my new gown..."

"Let us stop this charade! The pair of you could not possibly be more obviously not here to buy jewellery if you were currently on fire. Now, what is it you want?"

"Fine," says Lachaidiga, "but let's also admit this shop is a pathetic front for your activities. I know what you've been up to. We're here to put a stop to your wicked machinations!"

"You won't live long enough to try."

The jeweller begins to speak the words of a malevolent enchantment, as Lachaidiga and Udzar-sippuk reach for their daggers. All three stop abruptly as they hear the front door open wide and footsteps coming into the shop. They turn to look down the dark corridor, and are surprised to see Alkinu walk into the main room.

"Lachaidiga!" he exclaims, "of all the people to find here. Not that I mind to see you, my dearest one, but I thought you were supposed to be at home. Your brother is going to be most put out to find you've slipped past him, not to mention the prefect."

"What... what are you doing here?" stutters Lachaidiga.

"Why, I came to buy you a present, of course! Now I suppose the surprise is ruined. But come, my divine one, you can pick it out for yourself."


scene 17

chaos 5

Setup: fallout

Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Alkinu, the suitor
9. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother
10. the mason - a witness
11. Nillath, priestess of the Sun
12. the evil jeweller


The jeweller helps Alkinu talk Lachaidiga into a sparkling (and expensive) necklace. Udzar-sippuk looks on helplessly. The purchase completed, Alkinu mentions to his dearest Lachaidiga that the prefect's men will most likely be out looking for her, and he should probably escort her back to her home whilst there's still a chance of avoiding a scene. The jeweller very helpfully assists Alkinu in ushering her out of the shop. Lachaidiga is more than unusually silent as they leave, but a pleading look at Udzar-sippuk convinces him to follow her back home.

When the three arrive at the grand villa, they are greeted by the sight of a unit of soldiers marching out the front door and away down the street. But some have lingered inside, including the hated prefect. He scowls when he sees Lachaidiga's entrance, a look mirrored by her brother, Enzzal.

[Q: Is L in trouble for sneaking out? 50/50: 72, No.]

"Oh, look who's come back," sneers the prefect, "though it seems to have taken one of our finest soldiers and a holy man to effect this miracle. As I was just explaining to your brother, the crisis is over. We've caught the murderer, so you will no longer need the protection of my men. And you, little girl, should be doubly grateful that we've caught this vicious barbarian. His trial is going to demand all of my attention, so as a favour to myself I'm going to overlook your little escapade with ensorcelling my guardsman. I haven't the time to bother pressing charges. She's your problem now, good Enzzal."

And with that the prefect takes his leave.

[the remote event from scene 16]

"He's wrong, you know," says Lachaidiga to her brother the moment the last soldier is out the door. "We've just seen the murderer, or the sorcerer controlling him --it!-- at any rate. The prefect's going to look a fool. But there's no time to delay. Udzar-sippuk and I must act quickly before he goes into hiding."

"Sister! When will you grow up and stop playing these ridiculous games? You're going to get killed if you cross the wrong people. Or sent to the mines if you assault any more of the constabulary. What is wrong with you?"

"Wrong? Wrong?! I know exactly what I'm doing. We'd have had the murderer earlier if it weren't for Alkinu's ill-timed arrival!"

[Udzar-sippuk tries his Influence (59% a Hard check so -1/3= 39%) to convince Enzzal there is still danger: 43, failure.
Q: Will he get thrown out for this? 50/50: 75, No.
A second Influence check (Normal) is necessary to convince Enzzal he'll be a calming influence. 56, just makes it.]

"Enzzal," interjects Udzar-sippuk hastily, "Your sister is right: we did track down a really nefarious character in the jewellers' street. He was on the point of using his black magic when Alkinu arrived."

"And if we all hadn't stopped short," says Lachaidiga, "Alkinu might have gotten killed in the fray. And I know, dear brother, that you'd never forgive me for that. So don't you go calling me unreasonable."

"How is it, sister mine, that even your sensible actions seem somehow reprehensible? I hardly know if I should be happy that you stopped short of violent confrontation chastise you for giving up the advantage. Alkinu's an elite soldier! Why else do you think I betrothed him to you? No one with less military discipline could stand a wife such as you!"

Lachaidiga opens her mouth to speak, but the words catch in her throat. Instead she turns and flees from the room up the stairs toward her bedchamber. Udzar-sippuk turns to follow, but Enzzal catches him by the shoulder.

"Oh, no," says he, "I'll not have her lapdog priest follow her up there and make out like this is somehow the fault of anyone else but her. Alkinu, go to her. See if you can bring her some sort of comfort, or at least calm her down. She's to be your problem soon enough."

Alkinu stands in dumb silence for a moment, then scurries after her. He finds her collapsed in a heap by her bed, weeping uncontrollably.

"Lachaidiga, my heavenly one," ventures Alkinu, "don't let your brother's words affect you so. He's just angry. He doesn't mean the half of it. Let me look after you now; I can make this all better."

"Oh, do fuck off!" she sobs.

scene 18

chaos 6

Setup: 2=Interrupt (was: next day go back to jeweller's to see if any clues left behind)

Interrupt: PC negative


Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Alkinu, the suitor
9. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother
10. the mason - a witness
11. Nillath, priestess of the Sun
12. the evil jeweller


Alkinu finally leaves Lachaidiga alone when her pleas for him to leave turn into threats. By the time he's gotten back downstairs he has already convinced himself she didn't mean any of it and that it's Enzzal's fault for being so cruel to the sweetest creature that has ever walked the earth. But he is too afraid to confront the older man, so resignedly goes home.

Udzar-sippuk has finally convinced Enzzal that he will not lead Lachaidiga astray but will in fact keep her from danger. Enzzal grudgingly agrees and allows him to stay the night in a guest room should he be needed.

Lachaidiga has meanwhile cried herself to sleep.

...

Some time well past midnight, Lachaidiga awakes with a terrible presentiment. She rubs the sleep from her eyes and looks around her bedchamber by the light of a still-burning table lamp. But wait -- that evening she had lit no lamp!

She sits bolt upright as she realises she is not alone. The wicked jeweller stands against the wall, glowering down at her.

"Stupid girl," he says, "coming into the shop like that. But no matter, I have need of your essence, sorceress. Now come along quietly and I won't have to hurt you." He punctuates his words by curling his fingers into a gesture of power, as if readying a wicked spell.

"We both know," says Lachaidiga as she stands defiantly, "that I never go quietly."

With that, she hisses out a mystical formula of her own, and gesticulates angrily as if literally throwing the spell in the face of her adversary. The jeweller stand stills, and begins to laugh as the magic is reflected back at Lachaidiga. She feels the air sucked forcibly from her lungs as her own spell begins to smother her. She panics. Her first thought is to go for the shortsword she keeps next to her nightstand. The jeweller laughs as she finds it is no longer there.

Her head is growing faint. She remembers a counter spell, and rasps out the words. In her confusion and panic, she confuses their order. Nothing happens. Her vision is going fuzzy. She shakes her head and tries the spell again, again is disappointed. The jeweller is ever laughing. The sound is far away. Everything is going dark...

[The game mechanics:

Lachaidiga cast Smother at the jeweller, who was protected by a previously-cast Castback.
Her Invocation (62%) roll of 27 is opposed by his Endurance (60%) roll of 53. Both rolls succeed at the same level (normal success), but as the jeweller's roll is higher, he wins the contest. Thus his Castback reflects the spell at Lachaidiga. She now needs to resist her original Invocation roll with her own Endurance (28%). She rolls an 05; the spell overpowers her Endurance and takes effect.

round 1: She looks for her shortsword.
Q: Is it readily available? 50/50: 95, Exceptional no. The jeweller has moved it out of sight.

Each round, she must make an Endurance roll or gain levels of Fatigue (per the asphyxiation rules).

Endurance roll 79, failure. She gains (1d2=) 2 levels of fatigue. She's now Tired; all skill rolls are increased by 1 level of difficulty.

She then tries to cast Abjure Breath. Her Invocation has been reduced to 41% due to fatigue. She rolls a 65, failure.

round 2: Another failed Endurance rolls brings 2 more fatigue levels. She's now Exhausted; all skills at +2 difficulty levels (in addition to movement penalties).

Her Invocation has now fallen to 31%. She tries and fails to cast Abjure Breath again.

round 3: Yet another failed Endurance roll drops her to Incapacitated. The spell ends when she passes out.]

to be continued...

Runequest solo - part IV, Into the night

Note: After the last scene, some definite directions to the mystery have begun to gel in the GM side of my head (which the player side cannot yet know, as it were). There are at least two possible directions this could take based on the contents of my random-idea-PC-pictures folder alone. I need to acknowledge that the subconscious pull in either or both of these directions will be influencing my interpretation of Mythic events. That said, these are just a handful of events; the deeper meaning of the mystery is still unfolding.


scene 13

chaos 7

Setup: 2=modified: (was: go home and sneak away from brother)

interrupt: PC Negative: Attach / Military - the prefect is keeping the house under guard for their 'protection'

Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Alkinu, the suitor
9. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother
10. the mason - a witness


Lachaidiga and her brother are surprised to see a unit of the prefect's soldiers follow them home. The sergeant explains that the prefect feels there may still be some danger to the family, and the soldiers are here to protect them. If the sergeant is aware that the prefect is really only sending her unit to harass the siblings, her face does not betray it.

Lachaidiga spends most of the afternoon pretending to read in the garden whilst she plots her next move. As a test, she sends one of her servants with a letter to deliver to her dear friend, Nillath, the priestess of the Sun. She is irked when the servant reports back to her, saying all outgoing correspondence is being intercepted and read by the sergeant. She decides that drastic measures will be required.

That night, Lachaidiga is finally alone in her room. She changes into a more sensible dress, puts on her leather sandals, and throws a dark, heavy cloak over her shoulders. Almost as an afterthought, she puts a bronze dagger at her belt -- just in case.

She extinguishes her lamp, and lets the darkness settle over her. She then traces strange patters in the air with her fingers, and intones the ancient words of a magic spell. suddenly she is aware of all her surroundings again, as if she can see, or rather, feel them all in the darkness. [She successfully cast Perceive (Darksense). This will give her echolocation like a bat (or Gloranthan troll). She hasn't augmented the spell in any way, so it will have its default duration of her POW (17) in minutes. The casting costs a single magic point.]

Now that she can move through the house without light to give her away, it is time for the most daring part of her plan. She pushes her bedroom door slowly ajar and peeks out into the corridor to see if any guards are present. A young soldier stands at attention not far from her door. He looks bored, but awake. She speaks the words of a much simpler charm, and without pausing to see if it works, strides purposefully out into the corridor. The guard mere stares at her, too confused to move or speak.

[She cast Befuddle on the guard. Her folk magic skill (31%) roll needed to not only succeed but also win an opposed test against the guard's Willpower (53%). She rolled an 06 (success) vs. his 68 (failure), so the spell took effect.

To sneak out of the house, Lacahidiga now needs to succeed at (1d4=) 1 stealth roll. She rolls an 18, success. I was convinced she'd have had to spend a luck point by now!]

Lachaidiga creeps through the house undetected, and finally escapes out a kitchen window. She hastens away through the streets, unsure of how long she has before her absence is reported.

[despite a string of rolling 'No Encounter' on the tables in Cities, I finally roll something else (on Wealthy quarter, lesser street, night): Major Personage. I then grabbed a random picture in the NPC file. It didn't automatically suggest a background so I rolled on the Occupational Background - Noble table and got Orator; I can work with that.

Rolling a reaction on the Legend table produced: 'Unfriendly. Encounter is angry for some reason and Influence rolls needed to turn the situation into a Neutral encounter'. Influence (63%) roll = 51, success.]

Lachaidiga is almost running through the streets. She turns a blind corner and in her haste nearly barrels into a man coming the other way. She stops short, suddenly aware of the four very large bodyguards accompanying him. By the light of their torches, she is able to recognise him: Deromawula, the greatest orator in Anzakàr.

"What nonsense is this!" exclaims Deromawula in his stentorian voice.

"A thousand pardons, my lord," responds Lachaidiga. "I had not expected to encounter anyone on the streets at this hour."

"And well you should not, lady. And yet of late the streets are crawling with soldiers. Prying, uncouth, ill-bred soldiers, who detain persons without the slightest provocation, keeping them from their homes until the sunlight is but a distant memory. It is getting so an honest person cannot go about their daily business!"

"Oh! How I understand! They have caused us no end of headaches. And they don't seem to have a single lead to go on. I don't suppose you've heard anything to the contrary, have you?"

[prodding him for information is a hard Deceit (55 x 2/3 = 37%) roll to make it seem casual, and a normal Courtesy (45%) to not offend. Rolls of 23 and 36 respectively both succeed.

Q: Has he heard anything? 50/50: 05, Exceptional Yes.
What?: Expose / Death]

"One of the soldiers told me that the murdered barbarians were all sworn initiates of Ylhoon, and had come to the City to expose an evil death cult in our midst. 'Then why are you stopping me, who is neither barbarian, nor Ylhooni, nor death cultist?' I asked. The fool could not even think of a response!"

[Influence (63%) check to keep him talking: 33]

"Are they sure it's a evil death cult the Ylhooni are after?" asks Lachaidiga. "Their reputation for fanaticism does so overshadow any hints of reason."

[using the UNE conversation emulator to generate his response: hostile - rage - allies. Way too many Mythic questions followed in order to make a response that fit the context of the adventure; 'Intolerence/Bureaucracy' was what made it all fall into place.]

"For once," responds the orator, "the Ylhooni are in the right. I hear that the cult has threatened to topple the priesthood of the great temple of Anzakàr, and maybe others besides. I hope your family is not too close to this -- I know you have close connections."

[hard Influence (42%) roll to prod him further: 72, failure]

"Have you heard something? Did the soldiers say anything about specific threats? Where are they? I should talk to them!"

"Shouldn't you be home in bed, young lady?



scene 14

chaos 6

Setup: 3=modified: (was: run to Nillath's house to see if she's ok)

Altered: She isn't home.

Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Alkinu, the suitor
9. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother
10. the mason - a witness
11. Nillath, priestess of the Sun


Taking her leave of the great orator, Lachaidiga runs through the city streets towards the house of her friend, Nillath. She espies no one en route, save for a small pack of scrounging dogs fighting over scraps [random encounter]. She slows her pace to walk by, and passes harmlessly.

Nillath's home is dark, as are most homes at this late hour, though a single door-keeper sits on the porch, guarding the house and tending the flames of the sacred Eternal Lamps which mark the residence of every initiate of the Sun Temple. The old door-keeper is startled out of his solitary contemplations when he sees Lachaidiga running towards him.

"My lady," he exclaims, "what are you doing abroad at this hour? and alone?"

"Please, Iqqesh," she says breathlessly, "I need to see Nillath. I must speak with her."

"I am sorry, Lady Lachaidiga, but she is not at home."

"Is she at the Temple?" [Q:~ 50/50: 35, Yes.]

"Yes, she has very important duties there."

"Good. Don't tell her I was here -- she'd only worry."

"Lady Lachaidiga, please tell me what is the matter...?"

His words trail off, as she has already set off at a run into the darkness. "Evil cult or no," she thinks, "the Sun temple is one of the safest places in the city. Nillath will be out of harm's way as long as she's there. Maybe it's time to pay my old friend Udzar-sippuk a visit."

Lachaidiga has known Udzar-sippuk since she was 12 and he 16. He came to her house as one of the attendant novices when her godfather, a hoary old priest of the Temple of Anzakàr, came to call. He is now a priest of Anzakàr in his own right, and lives in his family's modest residence near the gates to the upper ward [i.e. in the less affluent part of the wealthy quarter. His social standing is Gentry rather than Aristocracy.

Q: Is he in? 50/50: 09, Exceptional yes.]

When Lachaidiga reaches Udzar-sippuk's home, she is delighted to see light coming from within. A servant allows her entry, and Udzar-sippuk comes to meet her.

"Lachaidiga!" he exclaims when he sees her, "What brings you round at this hour? You look terrible. What's wrong?"

"You know, I've always admired your candour."

"I just mean you're all dishevelled and agitated. Come, we can talk privately in here."

Udzar-sippuk has the servant bring a jug of wine, and then gives orders that they are not to be disturbed. Feeling restored by the sweet liquid, Lachaidiga recounts the events of the past few days to her friend. He listens attentively, saying nothing.

"...and since Nillath is safe I thought I should come to warn you. And maybe ask for your help."

[Influence roll: 02, Critical success. He joins "party"; he will now count as a PC for Mythic purposes, and be put on the NPC list if they part ways. He's one of the characters I rolled up, so it will be nice to use him.

Q: Does he know anything? 50/50: 06, Exceptional Yes.
He has a good lead about (1-2 who, 3-4 what, 5-6 where) where the murderer may be. Random place -

Using UNE to determine a response: scheming - proposition - future action
Proposition? Assist / The public]

Udzar-sippuk contemplates her words carefully for a few moments. "Of course," he says, "I will help you. How could I otherwise? Even were we not old friends, it is in the best interests of Divine Anzakàr that this evil sect be obliterated."

"You know," says Lachaidiga, "I can never tell when you mean the City and when you mean your god when you say things like that."

"Some day, my dear, I will explain to you why that is an erroneous dichotomy."

Lachaidiga throws her arms round Udzar-sippuk's neck and draws his face close to hers. "Holier priests than you have tried!"

The unflappable priest stares straight back at her. "And I suppose you're more easily convinced of sacred truths by your precious Nillath?"

Lachaidiga pulls back in mock indignity. "Hmpf! You've won this round, holy man. Now, lets see how you fare against a lesser evil."

"Well, as to that, I may have heard something of use..."

scene 15

chaos 5

Setup: case the joint

Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Alkinu, the suitor
9. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother
10. the mason - a witness
11. Nillath, priestess of the Sun


Udzar-sippuk leads Lachaidiga through the streets to the merchants' quarter to the jewellers' market, a long narrow street of tiny shops and covered stalls. Aside from the the occasional patrolling watchman, the street is in absolute stillness.

[Q: Is anything unusual happening when they arrive? Unlikely: 36, No.

Endurance rolls for both in order to watch for a few hours: 98 & 93, failures.]

"This shop here," says Udzar-sippuk, "recently changed hands. Nothing unusual there, but the new owners are a bit... off. One of my colleagues was in there looking for a birthday gift for his daughter, and was a bit surprised to see no images of Nuriu [the earth god] anywhere in the place. Tell me, have you ever known a jeweller to neglect the divine source of their wealth so?"

"Never."

"And he thought he caught a glimpse of the death rune under the proprietor's robes."

The pair conceal themselves in an alleyway across the street from the suspicious jeweller's shop and watch to see if there are any nocturnal comings and goings.  They are both shivering from the cold night air, and fatigued from the late hour. After about 10 minutes of their stake-out, Lachaidiga turns to the priest and says, "We've been here for hours and there hasn't been any movement at all. I doubt we'll see anything tonight. Perhaps we should investigate in the daytime."

Udzar-sippuk readily concurs, and the two make their way back through the empty streets to his residence.

Runequest solo - part III, Affairs public and private

scene 9

chaos 7

Setup: 3=Altered scene: (was: petulantly receive unknown visitor)
How is it altered? Attach / Riches - her brother is actually handing over the dowry

Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Genembes, the elite officer
9. Alkinu, the suitor
10. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother

Threads:
1. solve murder

The next day finds Lachaidiga waiting in the atrium, attired in a tasteful gown and fine jewels. Her brother is in a nearby study, ostensibly attending to administrative duties, though they both are aware that separation is their only chance at avoiding an argument before the guests arrive.

She is idly reading an Ophidian history when her brother walks in with their visitor. The clay tablet nearly falls from her hands when she sees who stands before her. Her brother's broad smile strikes her as particularly malicious.

[Alkinu, the suitor: Imaginative, Foolish, and Determined (from Rangen)
He's an elite soldier (Note to self: rq_Lunar_Foot_Soldier.pdf #1 for stats)]

"Dear sister, our visitor has arrived. I trust your intended needs no introduction!"

[Willpower check to avoid causing an instant scene (79%): 73, just barely succeeds.]

"Oh! what a surprise. I... I hadn't expected him so soon. Not after the tragic events of our last guests' visit. I do so hope this visit doesn't end in another brutal murder."

"Sister..."

"Sorry. I meant, it's just such a strange thing to happen here; I can't quite stop thinking about it. I'm sure rumours of the event have already spread throughout the City. Now that you're here, Alkinu, you'll of course be wanting to see the crime scene. The blood-stains are truly a thing to behold."

"Lachaidiga!"

"Dear lady," begins the suitor. "I confess that rumours of that shocking event have spread far abroad. I can imagine how dreadful it must have been for you. Enzzal, you should not be cross with your lovely sister. This is so much for her to bear!"

"Oh, indeed." says Lachaidiga, "if you only knew how unbearable this is!"

"Come," interjects Enzzal hastily. "It is a fine afternoon. Let us stroll in the garden."

[Q: What does suitor try to talk about? Using UNE, his bearing is certainly Friendly. Rolling for the topic produces Shelter - Flaws (The friendly NPC speaks of a Shelter for your Flaws.]

"O sweet Lachaidiga," says Alkinu as they pause to enjoy the shade of a palm tree, "I must speak frankly. I am not so naïve that I think you have no misgivings about our match. No, I have spoken with your brothers many a time, and I am fully aware of your temperament and behaviour. I know how spirited you can be, but I am certain that matrimony will have a much-needed calming effect. But know also, that my great affection for you shall not diminish should you fail to overcome your silly impulses now and again, and I shall always be there, in our home, waiting to receive you once again in my tender arms and give you shelter from the troubles you've wrought."

[Courtesy roll for L to not cause some kind of scene (45%) 80, failure.
Q: does the brother explode? 50/50: 82, Yes.
Q: does the suitor intervene? Likely: 33, Yes +Event (see below)]

"Oh, Alkinu, that's so sweet of you. I am glad to know that you shan't turn me aside, even if I, in my delightful foolishness, start studying the forbidden paths of necromancy. What a relief to know you'll always take me back, and hold me close, and pat my silly little head, even if I run home reeking of corpses!"

"Lachaidiga, stop it! Why must you always try to ruin everything for our family?"

"Now, Enzzal," interjects Alkinu, "I'm sure your sister is just displaying her... her high spirits. You should not be angry with her for jesting."

"I should like to remind my dear sister that there is such a thing as taking her jests too far. Need I remind her of the... unpleasantness she caused in the house of Gulin-oryix?"

"Oh, do tell. I'm sure Alkinu would be fascinated to hear how they found me in the anteroom with--"

"That is quite enough! Come, let us change the subject. We shall repair to the atrium, so I may have the servants bring forth the chest with my sister's dowry."

"Dowry?" asks Lachaidiga, "Dowry?!" It's all settled then. No one needs my input! You've worked it all out amongst yourselves! I hope you've not gone and given him the good silver. It would bring such shame on the family if you had to eat off copper plates!"

Lachaidiga storms back into the house, leaving her furious brother and the bewildered suitor in the garden staring after her.

[Q: Can she get away? 50/50: 64, Yes.]

---

Random Event (from above): NPC negative - 8. Genembes (random picture)

The night before, Genembes was murdered, in the same fashion as the barbarian. What did he find out that got him killed? The news has not yet reached the ears of our heroine. Not until--



scene 10

chaos 8

Setup: 6=Interrupt: (was: sneak out of house)

Interrupt: NPC action, nosey neighbour - Vengeance / Military: Maruthus has convinced the prefect to send troops to search the house

Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Alkinu, the suitor
9. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother

Threads:
1. solve murder
2. stop wedding


That evening, after the embarrassed departure of Alkinu, a squad of soldiers arrives at Lachaidiga's home. They post a guard at all the exits, and the remainder begin to search the house. Lachaidiga and her brother, Enzzal, are brought into separate rooms and questioned about the murder of the barbarian prince, and the previous night's murder of Genembes. Lachaidiga is dismayed to hear of his death; she counted him a useful ally and even felt a nascent friendship, despite his connection to the prefect.

[This scene was mostly Mythic questions...
Q: Are they after anything specific? 50/50: 04, exceptional yes
Q: What? Gratify / Exterior factors. In the name of "procedure" the prefect is abusing his authority because of his enmity towards Lachaidiga and her family. This is harassment plain and simple, but the law is on his side at the moment.
Q: So how does this go down? Create / Legal matters. Interpretation: the two siblings must appear before a judge in 1d6=4 days from now
Q: Are they under house arrest? Likely: 83, yes.
Q: Do guards turn away all visitors? 50/50: 19, yes.
Q: Does anything happen in the interim? 50/50: 13, Exceptional Yes on day (1d4=)4. (see sene 11)]

Lachaidiga and her brother spend four miserable days cooped up in the house together. They do their best to avoid one another's company. The prefect's soldiers are an omnipresent distraction. Enzzal spends much of his time watching them rifle his office, and the remainder preparing a formal complaint against the prefect. Lachaidiga mostly sulks.



scene 11

chaos: 9

Setup: 1=modified: (was: go before judge)

altered: released & sent home almost immediately since the murder happened when they were under heavy guard

Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Alkinu, the suitor
9. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother


Finally it is time for the siblings to go before the magistrates. When she emerges from her room in the morning, Lachaidiga assures her brother that she understands the gravity of their situation and will be on her best behaviour -- at least until they return home.

They move through the streets with great pomp, wearing their finery, borne in separate litters and surrounded by a flurry of attendants; consequentially the soldiers ordered to accompany them seem cast in the rôle of an honour guard rather than gaolers.

As the siblings are ascending the gleaming white steps of the court, flanked by soldiers, a young scribe rushes out to meet them, bearing a scroll. "My lord, my lady," says the scribe, "I'm sorry you had to come all the way here. The enquiry against you has been dismissed. New... evidence has come to light. Another barbarian was murdered last night, when you were both... both at home. The prefect wishes me to convey his sincerest apologies for any inconvenience you may have experienced. You are no longer... required to remain in your dwelling."

"A passing labourer," continues the scribe, "stumbled up on the unfortunate scene last night around the sixth hour as he was visiting... a disreputable establishment. He heard an altercation, and was fortunate that the assassin did not see him."

[Formidable Influence to get one clue (1/2 skill = 32%): 25, success]

"Please," asks Lachaidiga, can you tell me why this is happening? I don't think I shall ever sleep again until the murderer has been caught. I keep worrying that they will come back to our house."

"I probably shouldn't be telling you this," says the scribe, "but to allay your fears, lady. The victim was another barbarian, and another initiate of Ylhoon as well. The daggers they carry are quite distinctive, with bands of sliver, gold, and copper circling the hilt. you've nothing to fear, my lady -- unless you decide to join that cult."

"Or keep playing detective," adds Enzzal.


[Mythic and other questions which put this all together:
Q: was victim another barbarian? Unlikely: 13, Yes.
Where was he found? Red light district (randomly, from Cities)
Found by? a passing mason (rolled as an encounter out of Cities)
When? at 1d12= 6th hour of the night (~11pm)

Clue: Expose / Goals
What is the exposed goal? vengeance
How are the barbarians related? weapons]



scene 12

chaos 8

Setup: 2=modified: (was: go home and sneak away from brother)

interrupt: New NPC - the mason

Characters:
1. (the murderer or murderers)
2. Ay-Meddush, the merchant
3. Huollof, the caravan leader
4. chieftain Ulevaard and the barbarian delegation
5. prefect (PC's enemy)
6. Maruthus, the nosey neighbour
7. Izzeri-zatah, the high priestess of Ziburrun, the knowledge god
8. Alkinu, the suitor
9. Enzzal, Lachaidiga's eldest brother

[mason: Abstract, Rebellious, and Dependent]

As the siblings are returning home, a man runs up to Lachaidiga's palanquin, dodging past her servants. He is kicked into the dust by a guard.

[what does he want? (using UNE's conversation module) bearing: knowing - account - antagonist: "The knowing mason has an account of the antagonist"]

"My lady," he pleads, "I have important information for you about the murders!"

Lachaidiga motions to her servants to help the man up. "Tell me," she says to the man, "and quickly, lest my brother sees you!"

[Q: Was he an eyewitness? 50/50: 31, Yes.
Q: Did he tell all to the authorities? 50/50: 93, No.
Q: Can they speak without L's brother noticing? 50/50: 43, Yes.]

"Last night in a dark side street I saw the barbarian arguing with a man in a dark hooded cloak. The barbarian pulled his dagger -- that's when I hid; I didn't want the mad brute coming after me. He shouted something I couldn't understand about death and chaos and then there were sounds of a fierce struggle. The barbarian screamed out 'Why won't you die?', and then I heard a body hit the ground and a weapon skid over the cobblestones. Then running footsteps. Beshshukar be praised! they did not come in my direction, or I'd not be alive to tell it!"

"Good sir," says Lachaidiga, "take this ring as my token. If you hear anything, bring it to my home to gain entrance. If you are in trouble, use it a sign of my pledge. If you are detained by the authorities, I will obtain your release. If you are captured by the malefactors, I will pay your ransom. Return it to me when this is finished for your reward. My servant will give you some money now -- you may need to go into hiding."

The man accepts the ring and a small handful [2d6=11] of silver coins, and disappears into the crowd.

[Hard Insight (2/3= 39%) roll to get his exact meaning: 29, success.]

Lachaidiga mulls over the man's words as her litter makes its way through the bustling city streets. "I am starting to believe," she thinks, "that our murderer may be -- undead!"