Vardian Log #41: Dance of Demons -- "I kill demons and eat them for breakfast." --Flamma -- Season: Fall, 1210 Dramatis Personae: Acutus of Ex. Misc. Magus (DougO) Angus of Bonisagus Magus (Don) Arridere of Jerbiton Magus (Dave) Calios of Bonisagus Magus (Scott) Certus of Bonisagus Elder Magus Custos Libra Apprentice Flamma of Tremere Elder Maga (Eric) Lord Luigi Ex-Grog Captain Mercutio Grog Nevill Grog Segunda Baby Servola Autocrat Silva of Merinita Maga Recanto Grog Snake Snake Tero Warm Fuzzy Tolas of Tremere Elder Magus ** ** From the Covenant Records of Servola, Autocrat of Vardian's Tomb I truly feel sorry for the apprentice magi around this place. It seems now that even the good natured Acutus has joined in the cruelties of Flamma, Demoror and the others. He sent his apprentice Custos alone into the Faerie wood to capture a Faerie for some obviously nefarious magical deed. Poor Custos was immediately caught by the Maga Silva who must have done frightful things to the poor lad. When he returned, he was quite dazed and could only repeat the phrase, "This is your last warning Acutus." He eventually regained his senses, but the mere mention of a Faerie now makes him cower helplessly with fear. ** ** From The Secret Diary of Tolas Today, I was trying to study my Intellego vis when I was disturbed by the sound of quiet. Worried, I quickly checked upon Segunda and found her being harrassed by an evil sprite. One quick pilum of flame and I had some extra study material. Unfortunately, I had to waste the rest of the day disguising what had occurred so that I wouldn't upset Flamma. She has been grouchy lately, and I suspect a Tercero on the way. ** ** From the Journals of Certus Several weeks before the fair of 1210, I was approached by Luigi with a request. He once more wished to return to his castle and lands to the north. I had brought him back to the covenant when the Demonic nature of his valley had been revealed to me, for demons have already caused far too much havoc in my covenant. We discussed at length the implications of the people who believed themselves to be back in time and the intense Demonic activity. In the end though, I agreed to send some young magi out with him to see if the valley was still in the hands of Demons. He has not been happy recently despite the always cheerful presence of Becki. Luigi's recent dispute with the fool Arridere set a poor example for the other Grogs, and they all still seem to greatly respect him. Perhaps another brush with Demons may knock some sense into him. ** ** From The Epic of Luigi I had been waiting patiently since my demotion to attempt to convince Certus to allow me to return to my lands. The time finally seemed right just before the fair was to be held in the covenant as everyone was a little flustered. He tried to convince me of the dangers of such a task due to the possible presence of Demons, and he also tried to explain that the whole back-in-time question that kept confusing the Magi was simply a Demonic trick. I simply nodded and looked depressed because I know he has a soft spot for us Grogs. He eventually gave in, as I expected, and said that I could get aid from the younger Magi. I quickly found Acutus, for I had heard he was desperately seeking Faeries to kill. I promised him that there were many Faeries and Demons in my valley that he could kill. I knew my Demon friends would truly be safe from these incompetent Magi. I also told him that the reason for the mission was to install me back on my throne and that Certus had agreed. He managed to convince some others to help out, but grew ill before we left and so remained behind, hoping that someone would bring back a dead Faerie. I gathered the other grogs Nevill, Mercutio and Recanto, and then led them and the Magi Flamma, Arridere, Angus and Calios towards my valley. My only worry was that it seemed that Arridere and Angus were particularly intent upon death and destruction. Fortunately, Flamma kept telling them if they tried anything violent she would be very, very angry. ** ** From Flamma's lab notes, carefully recopied and proofed by her apprentice I was anticipating my role as covenant guardian during the fair when Acutus brought up an interesting topic during tea. It seems that he was planning a Demon hunting trip to Luigi's valley to help Luigi. I am always willing to help my good friend Luigi, and I don't trust Acutus as much as I used to. It seems he has been causing trouble in the Faerie forest that I have promised to help. So, I decided to go to keep an eye on him and the others. When the time came for the trip, Luigi had gathered Recanto, Mercutio and Nevill. Acutus failed to show due to illness (I made some pretty flowers and sent them to him), but Arridere, Angus and Calios had decided to come. This distressed me greatly as they are mistaken, miscreant and misfit, in that order. On the way to Luigi's valley, Calios kept playing with his necklace, and Angus and Arridere kept talking of slaying Demons and Faeries. I had to keep reminding them that I was the elder and in charge and there would be no killing except for Demons. I also re-explained to Arridere that Faerie were not Demons. Tero, my little pet glowing ball, kept pushing Arridere's pet and they continually battled each day until exhausted. Despite those problems, the trip went rather smoothly until we were within a day of the valley. Then, things started going askew. It started when the mundanes (including Calios) all started wandering off in the wrong direction. After some discussion, we decided that they had been ensorcelled and told them just to follow us. This worked for a while, but they soon veered off again. This time, they insisted that they were indeed following us, but they obviously were not. I made some rope and after some difficulty we managed to get them all holding ropes and being dragged along behind us. Then, things became even worse. ** ** From The Epic of Luigi I was still holding the silly rope when the three Magi stepped off the cliff. I was so surprised that I almost forgot to let go of the rope. The sickening thuds moments later saddened me, for Flamma was one who had always aided me, even making me excellent armor. Fortunately, the tragic loss was for but a few moments, as the three suddenly appeared behind us insisting there was no cliff. After some arguments, it was eventually decided to blindfold us so that we would stop seeing things that were obviously there. As I could think of no better plan, I was forced to submit to the humiliation of being led like a mongrel dog. During this unhappy period of darkness, we were also attacked from the sky by a dragon. At least the Magi said it looked like a dragon. They also said it was probably just an illusion, as it belched flame all over us without harm (not that I would have been bothered anyway). The next morning, we discovered we no longer needed the blindfolds, but I realised suddenly just how dangerous all my fellows were; they were all acting very strangely. The Magi babbled about Mentem stuff and they convinced us somehow that everyone wasn't as dangerous as I had thought they were for a minute. Finally, we reached my valley. The Magi decided first to head for the village where Nasan resides. I chuckled to myself as I pictured how amusing this whole situation would be to Nasan. Later that day, we made it to the village and Nasan's smithy. While Nasan was not present, he had left many impressive weapons. Arridere and Angus seemed quite upset at Nasan's absence and decided to take it out on the weapons. I pretended to stumble over some while they were destroying things and secreted a dagger in my belt. Unfortunately, that rat Arridere saw me and disenchanted the dagger. They eventually destroyed all those perfectly good and powerful weapons. However, the destuction had not been done without notice. We soon discovered that the smithy had been surrounded by unhappy villagers. I told the Magi that I would take care of them and went outside to face my people. Despite their initial anger, they were obviously overjoyed to have me back and I replaced my boring sword and dagger with ones Nasan had left for me with the villagers. Then, I returned and told the Magi I had made it safe for them. They decided next to head for my castle. ** ** From Flamma's lab notes, carefully recopied and proofed by her apprentice There was an interesting surprise waiting for me at Luigi's castle. Sitting square in the middle of the main courtyard was a very dry wooden chapel. In answer to my questions, I discoved that it was a gift to me from the residents. It seems Scriba had suggested it to them. I told them it was very kind and thoughtful of them and thanked them all. I also told then to thank Scriba if they saw him again, but told them that they shouldn't because he is a Demon. If, however, they did talk to him, they were to tell him that he should not be a Demon because it is generally a bad idea. Then, I torched the building and made some sausages for the residents to roast while we watched it burn. During this, Angus and Arridere ran about foolishly insisting everyone try to come close to Arridere's pet and they destroyed every sword in sight. After they calmed down, we had a lovely night at the castle. The next day, there was a nice certamen between Calios and Arridere. Arridere won as I suspected he would, but his conditions were as foolish as his strange beliefs. Calios is now to attend church gratiously every sunday for one year. I shall have to remember to ask him about the structural integrity of the various churches he will doubtlessly visit. While we awaited his recovery, the topic of the vis tree came up and was discussed. We decided to ignore the questions of whether it was Demonic or Covenant property, and to report that we had found no vis. The unconsious Calios was to remain ignorant. I only agreed because I felt Certus was wrong to stop collecting it in the first place. The tree held the expected 18 pawns of Herbam and we each took six. Calios was very suspicious about our report of no vis and seemed very upset. This made me feel quite guilty, so I slipped him three Herbam vis without the others seeing. Our last bit of excitement came when I convinced the others to help me get revenge upon that insane fool Coniuratus. That madman will someday learn it is not wise to mess with Flamma Incendere. Alas, he was not present at his ruins. When we arrived there, I was suprised to see the hole that had been excavated in my rescue. I was sure that we had filled it before we left, so we approached very cautiously. Looking over the edge first, I saw a poor imitation of Coniuratus that tried unsuccessfully to scare us away. He disappeared when I floated down into the room. When I landed, I was startled by a voice from the corner of the room. It was a small snake greeting me courtiously. Thinking quickly, I immediately sealed it completely in a box of stone and sat on it. Then, when the others arrived and started looting, I pretended to be tired so that I could say I made the box to rest upon. They looted very thoroughly and came up with the Magni Libri Coniurati Ars Magica and four volumes entitled Magni Libri Coniurati Creo Animal. Angus had disappeared with one of the grogs, and I convinced the others, except Luigi, to head off after them. Then, I talked to the snake in peace. After apologising to the snake for its temporary confinement, I got it to reveal that it was given the ability to speak by Scriba and that it was told to report on our activities. I conjured up a mouse and fed it to the snake then told it to pass on the message that I was looking for Coniuratus. Then, I headed after the rest of the magi. ** ** From The Epic of Luigi When Flamma and I caught up to the others, they were unearthing a small grave. In it they found a body that they mistook for that of the Hermit who lives in my woods. Scriba once told me the Hermit is immortal, so I wondered what twist of fate he was currently working on. I certainly hoped that it involved the painful subjugation of Arridere. If only Becki would have stopped insisting that I not seek personal revenge upon him. I have several plans for his demise should she relent and let me. After discussing plans for a while the magi decided to split up. Flamma insisted upon returning home, as did Arridere. I had them convinced the valley was now free of Demons, so all I had to do was get Becki from the covenant and return to my castle. Angus seemed intent upon hunting more Demons and Faeries, but Calios also wished to go, and that caused another stir between the two. Then, Arridere began complaining about the Tomes. He said they were Demonic, and wanted to look them over. After Arridere yelled at Recanto, who was holding some of the books, I finally told him to go ahead and give them to the silly magus. Soon afterwards, a small sprite who came up and insisted the books we held were Demonic. Arridere quickly destroyed all of the books except the one that Calios insisted upon keeping. Next, the Faerie complained to Flamma about Tolas and Segunda. It seems the Faeries want to play with Flamma's child, but Tolas keeps killing the creatures. With remarkable control, she promised they could play with Segunda when she reached age six and she said Tolus wouldn't bother them any more. She was very quiet for the rest of the journey. Once we returned to the covenant, I made off with Becki before Certus learned of our return. When I got back to my castle I complimented Scriba on the nice gift he had left for Flamma and asked if he could do anything to Arridere for me. He just chuckled, and said he was working on it. ** ** From The Journals of Certus It seems that infernal valley continues to cause me grief. When the younger Magi returned, I was greeted with complaints from Calios, who said that the others had taken vis from the covenant tree source despite my edict against it and worse, they had not shared it with him. Then, Luigi ran off with Becki, back to his valley, since the Demons seemed to be gone. Perhaps it is best for him to remain there for now. Only time will tell. As to the vis problem, Flamma denied the presence of vis, but looked very guilty. Arridere also lied to me when questioned, but with a very straight face. The poor excuse for a Bonisagus, Angus (who reminds me of a young Taron) refused to even answer my questions. I shall have to teach him a lesson soon. The only thing I knew for sure was that Calios was holding a magic theory text that Arridere believed Demonic. When I went to Calios, he gave me some trouble (What happened to all those nice young Bonisagi that used to join the order?) about the book. I eventually determined that it was indeed Demonic and destoyed it. Calios did not look happy about that, but he must understand Demons are nothing but trouble. In fact, I think I shall tell all the others that Luigi's valley is off limits and that they will be possibly punished or removed from the covenant if they go again.