Belswick 15 - the priest's diary

I love getting in-character messages from my players. The guy running our party cleric Tilbord is a particular joy. Not only does he manage to give a slightly creepy spin to the session log, he also sends me plans small and big for his innocuous cleric of the Authority.

Here are some Tilly's additions to the last session log of my medieval campaign in Duchy Belswick.

EXCERPTS OF TILBORD'S ENCRYPTED JOURNAL

The Library.

On the way out I really wanted to explore the Library for some snippets of information hidden to me on our way in. The mummies were no longer repairing the books, or moving at all, apparently affected by the dismantling of the crystal in the arcane study. It would be interesting to return to this site too witness the long term effects on the strange arcane energies playing with space and time. Will it return to normal or stay as it is?

My players have found that Time and space bend in the underground crypts - Dungeons as Mythic Underworld at play. Weeks go past on the surface for a day spent in The Tomb of the Serpent Kings, and time crawls in the hugely inflated Crypt of Umtak Ktharl.

Yes, I've realized that every day out of the latter crypt means months of in-crypt time passing for the feuding forces of fungi, spiders, swamp things and undead. Might need to set up a faction development table for when the group goes back there.

Unfortunately my curiosity brought no new information, and once again lured me into danger. A beautiful bust of Barzai flanked by two poor copies felt like a puzzle to solve. That the copies were mimics came as a surprise as I wanted to solve the puzzle before the others joined me.
I was lucky to escape, and lucky that the group was close to beat them.

That the hollow bust held a clue to a puzzle we had already solved was insult to injury.

I was stumped for what could be inside the hollow bust and the group suggested this solution. No inspiration? Ask your players!

The Monastery.

I knew our actions at the tomb required some explanation at the Monastery. And it was a delicate matter. Trying to not only excuse our illegal entry, hiding the more interesting of our discoveries down there, and yet claiming all responsibility for defeating the curse plaguing the village downstream. Playing the enthusiastic Scroll Priest who loved the mysteries and could not shut up about them, wanting to know more.. it came easily. The Abbot and friar Alwin both seemed convinced, the abbot bored to tears by the end. The friar being of the Gustavinians looked like he wanted to drink my blood. I might need to have a word in private with him sometime..

So happy that I detailed a saintly order for every cleric domain; the knowledge and trickery domains naturally became rivals and the seemingly innocent order of light was a straight fit for the inquisition. Half an hour back then is still generating stories and NPC stances. Handy!

The Nobility.

Sir Justin came across as a man of action, and one of the nobles to step up personally when taking care of his men and his lands. A good man. He accepted my assistance and advice when dealing with the caravan of travelling elites coming through his territory easily enough. A seed planted for future developments, maybe?

Mike and Guy’s reaction to the wrapped spear carried by the party of Baron Radnor was interesting. Also of interest was part of a conversation I overheard while escorting the caravan.

So glad someone noticed that the two PCs with psychic afflictions had an immediate gut feel for the King's Spear.

Although I should have remembered sooner that ‘Baron of Radnor’ is just a cover title for our King, it was real news to learn that he was returning from a diplomatic mission to Arrayne. And that, having failed, another war between Pembroke and Arayne was in the making. Opportunities, opportunities.

Also of note was the carriage of Saint Cascarrion travelling with the King. Escorted by the Bishop Urael of my own Order of Olmadicians – I decided to keep my distance for now, as to not come across as some needy underling. A moment to speak with Urael might yet come.

However, I was blessed with a short meeting with the Saint. Although he was fully covered in archaic armor I did see his eyes. They were slitted and inhuman, yet he gave no reaction to spoken Du’van or Elvish. And he reacted negatively when I offered blood. I might have peaked his interest a bit, and may be able to talk again before our journey ends.

Didn't respond to Du'van, didn't respond to the name of a Du'van warlord, flinched mightily when offered blood outside of the regular ritual. Did grab firm hold of Tilly's jaw, looked into his eyes and sighed "you almost have her eyes". Yeah, Saint Cascarrion is under a geas. Or two. Or more.

As we speak, Lomin Mor's player (a warhammer and mini afficionado) is picking out the perfect plate armored warrior to become Saint Cascarrion. Will have to make a separate post about minis and scenery at some point!