Prospectus Logs #22: Wedding Bells +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Of the wedding of the Lord Paulo to the Lady Zilia and the inevitable | | complications that such a convocation brings. Uncouth magi, mocked | | turtles, and a plot of vengeance. Also, how Aubrin became evil. | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Dramatis Personae: Viator of Jerbiton Groom (Dave Pickering) Zilia Bride Albus of Tytalus Magus (Shannon Appel) Catorse of Quaesitor Magus (Kevin Wong) Fabricarious of Verditius Magus (Chris Van Horn) Larissa of Mercere Maga (Kevin Wong) Lorum of Merinita Magus (Bill Filios) Aubrin of Merinita Elder Magus Arnau Grog-in-Training Tara Maga-in-Training Andre Grog Francis Grog Hufar Grog Jean-Claude Grog Jean-Patrice Grog Julian Grog Michelle Grog Roger-Tien Grog Steven Grog Vicent Grog Xavier Grog Artaldo King's Riding Instructor's Brother Pietro Bride's Brother Zelipe Bride's Father Zilia Bride's Mother Ansalek of Jerbiton Magus of Plateau-at-Andalusia Farusca of Jerbiton Magus of Barcelona Furfures of Tytalus Foreign Magus Gloras of Bonisagus Magus of Interritus Intentio of Flambeau Independent Magus Maria of Quaesitor Magus of Duresca Omar of Tremere Magus of Sader Golem Golem Lord of the Sea Turtles Sea Turtle Monya of Matmata Jewish Sorceress Story Guide: Bill Filios +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | A CHRONOLOGY: Of Intentio | | | | * November 4, 1213 - Furfures of Tytalus visits Lord Zelipe, kills a | | magic cow within the covenant's lands, and in general makes a | | nuisance of himself. | | | | * December 13, 1213 - Furfures reveals that he worked at the behest of | | one Intentio of Flambeau, an old enemy of the covenant. (Prospectus | | Logs #3, "Lord Zelipe's Request") | | | | * September 6, 1215 - The magi of Prospectus Locus learn that Intentio | | of Flambeau is bidding on a Sufi meditation book in Valencia. They | | proceed to bribe Intentio's agent and then take the book for | | themselves. (Prospectus Logs #15, "A Visit to Valencia") | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ - * - Albus' Dialogues September 15, 1216 Evening Tara's study of Creo is now complete. Thirteen arts to go. She has stated that she wishes to study Perdo next. I am fortunately already competent in that art. So I have turned my studies back to Herbam, to finish attaining competency there. Tara is back to the library for her own studies. - * - Aubrin's Memoirs September 21, 1216 As promised, the Vole Queen attended our covenant this day and conducted her fertility ritual once more, and so for the next year we should know great growth and life at Prospectus Locus. The main point was to help make sure that Viator's upcoming marriage is blessed, and so it should now be. - * - Albus' Dialogues October 22, 1216 Evening She came to me last night in my dreams. Her burning hair, Her blinding sword, it could be no other but She: my angel. She torments me once more. In my dream I was in abbey, studying. She came to me there and announced that my promise had not been fulfilled. She stated that I would not be able to return to my home until it was. And so I awoke. The message is clear. It is she that denies me entrance to the covenant. She promises she will continue to do so until I have recovered the last two amulets. And so all the coins of the traitor. I will not be moved. At least not today. I will continue my studies of Herbam. Her entreaties will be blown away as leaves in the wind. As dreams in the light of day. - * - Aubrin's Memoirs November 5, 1216 So, after several years of politicking and that false start with Risus, here we finally are, in Mantiun, celebrating the wedding of Viator and the union of Prospectus Locus with the lands of Lord Mantiun. Thus far, all seems to be going well, though there are still two more days of festivities to worry through. Viator and Zilia are really married already, and have been since Zelipe and I signed the papers, but this and the next two days, with their festivities, shall make it official for all the people, as is required, for this is a union of rulers. Most of the day was spent with the greeting of wedding guests. There were many lords and ladies from nearby lands and a few scattered knights and other minor notables, as expected, but we also received a number of unexpected and worthy guests. A number of magi attended, somewhat to my surprise. Maria of Duresca and Farusca of Barcelona seemed to want nothing more than to watch as this political change unfolded. Gloras of Interritus came bearing kind words, telling Viator that he was pleased that we were moving away from the Roman covenants. Omar of Sader offered the opposite point of view, telling Viator that he was right in staying with the Roman side of our tribunal conflict. From the court there came Artaldo, the king's riding instructor's brother. I think Viator scoffed a little bit at this honor, considering it slightly dubious, but it was actually a glorious thing for a man so close to young King Jaime to attend his wedding. The most unexpected and troubling attendee at Viator's wedding was the Lord of the Sea Turtles. Viator sent Arnau after him at once, bribing the turtle with peach brandy to not make any fuss at the wedding. The turtle quietly assured Arnau that he just there, as a faerie ambassador, to see one of the subjects of Dux Aquil married, and so it seems all will go well there. At sunset, Viator, Zilia, and the rest of the party danced around a pole streamered with red and purple, and then disappeared into a specially prepared hut to consumate their marriage. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | "You're kidding. That doesn't make any sense." | | -Zilia to Viator, on consumating a marriage | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Afterward there were more festivities, and during it the Lord of the Sea Turtles and Viator's weasel both got smashing drunk--quietly thankfully and so no one thought much of it. That was pretty much it for today; tomorrow shall be the official ceremony of union, and then the contests will begin. - * - Albus' Dialogues November 6, 1216 Early Morning I wonder if my mind is still my own. Nowadays it seems as if everyone is stopping in. Last night I caroused. Heavily. Flora and fauna, all that stuff. My head still hurts. Thank Tytalus for Creo Corpus. While I caroused I was attacked twice by magic. Mentem magic. I knew at once that it had to be my new nemesis. Monya of Matmata. She whom I stole from and now requires that which she in turn stole returned. The first time her spell was unsuccessful, but the second time she punched through my Parma and once more her voice was in my mind. She suggested we meet at noon. Today. At the local inn. I have decided to go and meet her, taking loyal Xavier. I will miss Viator giving his vows, but alas. First I must tell Catorse where I am going--in case I do not return. - * - The Memoirs of Aubrin the Evil November 6, 1216 Things seemed to be going so well at the beginning of the day, but now I must acknowledge that things went suboptimally today, on the day of the joining of Prospectus Locus and Mantiun, and I can only be thankful that things did not descend into utter chaos. The problem began early when Lorum approached me, worried that his archenemy, the turtle, might speak up during the ceremony. He asked me to cast a spell to keep the turtle quiet, and I at least agreed to talk to the creature. I did, determined that a spell was not necessary, and then lied to Lorum, saying it had been cast. That was all well enough, and the turtle indeed did not say a word, but Lorum took the opportunity to mercilessly mock the turtle which he thought struck dumb for the day. The ceremony began slightly before high noon in front of the church, and it seemed to be going smoothly at first. Viator and Zilia were well into exchanging their vows and that is when the troubles began. First, the wind shifted, and foul smells from the river began to drift across our gathering. I was able to control the stench with a quick and quiet spell, but others were not as socially well adjusted. Gloras of Bonisagus too tried to control the smell, but he did not worry about problems of subtlety and instead loudly intoned his spell in the middle of the crowd, and then Maria of Quaesitor shouted a Certamen at him. I thought all was about to descend into chaos, but fortunately no one took too particular note of Gloras' weird incantation, and Maria held the Certamen until later--as a result Gloras may no longer speak during the wedding ceremonies of magi. A note regarding the stench. When I looked across the Ebro, from which the wind was blowing, I saw a figure standing there, and I quickly realized that it was Intentio, an old enemy of the covenant. Just as things were quieting down again, while I was still concentrating to keep the stench of the river at bay, suddenly there was another shout, this one coming from blocks away, screaming that Moorish assasins had come to kill the bride and groom, and the voice I recognized--it was Albus'. - * - Albus' Dialogues November 6, 1216 Late Evening It was a trap. No surprise, but I should have been better prepared. It was just slightly before high noon that Xavier and I emerged from the back entrance of Mantiun's inn and discovered that there were two men waiting for us. I was not worried. I had expected a meeting. When a big man began to advance while a small man waited back in the shadows I stood patiently. Then it became obvious that the big man's intentions were violent. Xavier tried to interpose himself between us while I slipped past. I was worried that the small man might be a Jewish sorcerer and had no desire to let him cast spells. So I rushed him. The large man surprised me. He reached out and grabbed me. He was able to hold on despite Xavier's attempts to distract him. His strength was incredible. I could do nothing but scream. Scream I did. I yelled of Moorish assassins come to attack the wedding. An untruth, yes, but one I knew would draw attention. The melee became chaotic then. The small man rushed in and engaged Xavier. It became obvious that he was a Berber. The large man ripped my four amulets from my throat and then threw me against a wall. I was nearly knocked unconscious. Xavier was able to take the smaller man down. He then turned to face his hulking companion. He wielded his war maul well, striking a stunning blow to the giant. It did nothing though. The large man shrugged it off like it was a fly's bite. I cursed myself. I was sure that this giant man was of one of the bloodlines tied to the amulets. Due to cowardice and anger I have only tied myself to one. I feared that by that act I had given this man near invulnerability. I did not know then that the truth was much worse. This hulking man was in truth a golem. A product of Kabbalistic sorcery. There were other distractions in the city as we fought. Shortly after my own screams, someone else began to shout of a fire. Clearly this whole ambush had been very well planned. It was only by luck that I spoke first. Reinforcements were on their way. As Xavier and I warily circled the golem Michelle ran into the alley. Viator had dispatched him and five companions, but they had been attacked just outside the inn by half-a-dozen Berbers. Only Michelle had been able to break through. Seeing that we outnumbered the golem--who I still thought a man--three to one, I decided we could take him. As Michelle approached and Xavier fought, I closed. A mistake. With one blow the golem struck me to the ground, unconscious. It is fortunate that the golem seemed unwilling to strike killing blows. I woke up half-the-day later with little more than a woozy head. As for the rest of the battle, I can only report what I have been told. In front of the inn five of our grogs engaged in a desperate battle against six Berbers. Roger-Tien fought like a madman and I understand the victory was mainly due to his skill. He took out his two opponents then proceeded to help free up his fellows. Of the six Berbers five were slain or knocked unconscious. One escaped. Xavier and Michelle were able to slightly wound the golem, but it was nearly unstoppable. Fortunately it was not intelligent enough to run. As the battle in front died down, more grogs came to aid against the golem. Eventually it was overwhelmed. When it was slain it turned to dust. The rest of the wedding went well, or so I was told. No further interruptions. The ceremony ended happily. Throughout the day there were all manner of competitions. Aubrin lost a certamen which will prove very embarassing to him. Finally the sun began to set and that was when I regained consciousness. Finally. - * - The Memoirs of Aubrin the Evil November 6, 1216 (continued) We soon learned that the Moorish attack, and the fire that followed, were not related to the wedding at all, but rather had to do with a personal vendetta against Albus, apparently related to his journey to Africa early this year. When it was over we were able to finish with the wedding. Afterward I gave alms to the poor, and we all returned to Zelipe's mansion. On my way back to the mansion, I took the opportunity to stop off and threaten Intentio, who still stood by the side of the river. I told him not the mess with the wedding, and he spoke of actually wanting to make friends with my younger fellows, which seemed fairly unlikely to me. I later told Viator of the incident, and it concerned him greatly, for he feared that Intentio would continue to cause mischief. With worry in my heart, for I did not have vis to fortify my magic, I agreed to certamen Intentio. Intentio is several decades my junior, but I fear that the Rego Vim certamen we fought was much more to his advantage than mine. I was better them him, slightly, but Lady Luck was not with me this day. As humiliating as it is to say, Intentio beat me in Certamen. The condition that he laid on me, it is a humiliating one. Whenever introducing myself within the Order of Hermes, and also in written correspondences, I must refer to myself as "Aubrin the Evil." Intentio will rue this condition one day, when he finds "Aubrin the Evil" written upon a notice of Wizard's War. Nonetheless, I was not able to use a certamen to force Intentio to leave the wedding alone and I found myself unconscious for much of the evening due to the results of the Certamen, making it all in all a woeful and pathetic day. - * - Other Records as recorded by Lucindia the Seneschal November 6, 1216 Let it be here noted that the following members of Prospectus Locus placed in the competitions held in honor of the wedding of Lord Paulo of Prospectus Locus and Lady Zilia of Mantiun. Storytelling. First: Lord Paulo. Second: Lucindia. Third: Arnau. It should be further noted that Paulo's tale of his quest to save the Napkin of God brought some very particular acclaim and notice. Songs. Second: Larissa. Arms and Armor. First: Roger-Tien. Second (Tie): Julian and Vicent. Horse Combat. First: Fabricarious. Third: Steven the ex-Crusader. It should be further noted that second place was won by the most distinguished Artaldo, the king's riding instructor's brother. Riding. Third; Fabricarious. It should be further noted that second place was won by the most distinguished Artaldo, the king's riding instructor's brother. Archery. Second (Tie): Andre and Jean-Patrice. - * - Albus' Dialogues November 6, 1216 Late Evening (continued) After learning of the events I began to question the fates of any living Berbers. I learned that Viator had taken the two survivors and shipped them back to Prospectus Locus. Eleven or so had been killed, seven by Zelipe's guards, who had tracked them from the fire. There was still one remaining though--the one who had escaped capture after the ambush at the inn. I collected Torp, Fabricarious, and a number of other warriors and began to track our last troublesome Berber. We found him in the house of a merchant--a house that had been rented out. After capturing him I began to question him. At first I thought Monya might be nearby. After interrogating the man I decided she was actually still in Matmata. So I decided to offer forth the hand of peace. I told our wounded and captured Berber that I wanted him to carry a message. He shall tell Monya that if she gives me the last two amulets and ceases her hostilities then I shall reward her amply. And, I plan to. I wish the easiest simple solution to this problem. I will only destroy Monya and her entire kaballistic circle if she forces me to. For now we are taking our captive Berber back to Prospectus Locus. Then we can release him and his two fellows. They can carry my message back to the Jewish sorceress. - * - Albus' Dialogues November 7, 1216 Late Evening Viator's nuptials have now come to an end. Mostly satisfactory, though this morning I was worried. I was trying to recover from a hangover this morning when I heard terrible news--Pietro, who is Zilia's brother, was missing. When we learned that Intentio was gone as well we began to suspect the worst. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | "I, Aubrin the Evil, swear vengeance." | | -Aubrin the Evil, on vengeance | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ I went with Viator when he spoke to Maria, a Quaesitor. She had the same suspicion that I did. She thought that Pietro might have the gift. We were all worried, for we suspected Intentio would get away with this abduction if that were the case. We had Maria cast a spell to locate the boy. Then we set off to look for him. Myself, Viator, Catorse, Fabricarious, and a half-dozen guards. We let Zelipe send off guards in other directions, though it was pointless. We did not want to seem magically sure. Flying, we were able to easily catch up with Intentio. The boy was with him, asleep upon the back of a horse. He quickly confirmed our worst fears, that Pietro was indeed gifted. I think my fellows were ready to give up, but I stood strong. I asked if there was any way we could get the boy back. Intentio hemmed and hawed at first, but greed got the better of him. He offered to return Pietro if he could get a copy of the Sufi meditation book that even now our scribe is copying down in Sader. We went through many elaborate promises in front of the Quaesitor. I promised to get him a copy of the book. In return Intentio promised not to take the boy later or to try and get someone else to. He also promised not to interfere with us getting our copy of the book, which we need so I can get his made. It was exhausting but in the end we were able to return to Mantiun with young Pietro. We made up a story about finding him asleep by the edge of the river. He doesn't remember anything after falling asleep following Viator's story last night. I think we shall have to get Viator to take young Pietro as an apprentice before someone else snatches him away, but in the meantime we can probably let things rest for a few months. By the by, it seems that my old friend Furfures is the one who told Intentio that Pietro is gifted. He also hid this information from us. I must write him a letter to spread the rumor no further. Tomorrow. - * - The Memoirs of Aubrin the Evil November 7, 1216 There was a minor scare this morning when Pietro disappeared, but fortunately my fellows were able to return him, the only real surprise being that Pietro is gifted and should probably be apprenticed some time in the near future. Afterward we all made preparations to return to Prospectus Locus for the last stage of the celebrations. There we had lots of crude and peasantly contests, such as drinking and other fun roughhousing. Late this evening Viator announced to his new bride that he was actually a magus, the whole time having Ansalek of Jerbiton standing by in case anything went wrong. Thankfully Zilia reacted well, and so Viator followed it up by telling her that her brother, Pietro, can become a magus too. It seems that Zilia is enthusiastic, for she began to speak of her brother inheriting both our lands. Ansalek of Jerbiton confirmed that she spoke truly from the heart, and so it seems all is well. This is a new era for Prospectus Locus, and the future looks bright, or so this evil mage thinks.