Vardian Log #51: Babes in Toyland -- "I don't have to tell you where they are - you forgot to give me conditions" --The Baby to Muris, after losing Certamen -- Season: Spring 1214 Dramatis Personae: Abrogo Grog Baby Dwarf Baby Certonisaguson Dwarf Certus of Bonisagus Elder Magus Domita of Ex. Misc. Maga (Doug) Fabricor of Verditius Magus Flamma Incendere of Tremere Elder Maga (Eric) Fortukiton Dwarf Geraldo Faerie Grog (DougL) Giovanni Grog Guido Grog Irena Grog Captain Jaques Companion (Phillip) Marco Paulo Noble (Shannon) Muris Infestus of Verditius Magus (Donald) Tractare of Tremere Elder Magus Tremeror Dwarf Turbator of Tremere Magus (Scott) Turelli Grog ** ** From the Lab Records of Muris Infestus ** Spring, 1214 Hardly had we returned from our quest to rid the Covenant of the encroaching mist, when Certus called an emergency meeting. He and Flamma were the only elders present, and Domita, Turbator and I were the only younger magi in attendance. The rest of the Covenant magi were completing their Spring studies I assume. Certus explained that he had called the meeting due to some disturbing news received from Marco Paulo, a friend of the Covenant in Rome. He introduced Marco and asked him to tell us his story as well. Marco told us that a Roman cemetary had recently been desecrated by foul creatures who disappeared into the sewers. Thus, stories of evil magi living beneath the city were beginning to circulate again. Marco knew of the Order's recent problems with the Church, and thought that we should try to stop the desecrations before we found ourselves besieged by crusaders. Turbator immediately volunteered to lead a party of grogs to Rome, to destroy the creatures. However, almost before he had finished volunteering, Flamma challenged him to Certamen. She explained that with the current persecution of the Order by the Church, only those who's Gift was not readily apparent should be allowed in Rome, to prevent attracting even more unwanted attention. At this point, Domita turned to leave, but Certus forced her to stay by threatening a Certamen of his own. Meanwhile, Turbator kept insisting that he wanted to track the beasts, for he had become sure that they were the same creatures that he had been tracking when he came to our Covenant. So, the Certamen was carried out. Flamma chose Creo, while Turbator picked Herbam. It was not long before Turbator conceded, resigning himself to never enter Rome without Flamma's permission. I did notice that Flamma seemed a little embarrassed, for the Certamen lasted longer than most of hers do. Turbator must have noticed as well, for I later noticed him studying the Herbam book in the library. After the Certamen, Certus charged Domita with dealing with the problem, since she is the only mage in the Covenant who's Gift is gentle enough not to alert the mundanes. She gathered a few grogs to assist her, and departed for Rome. Now, we're waiting for her to return with a report. I can't say I blame her for trying to run when she did; I wouldn't want to face those creatures without other magi either. At least, not yet. ** ** From the Lab Records of Muris Infestus Flamma received a letter from Fabricor in Sardinia today, saying that a French mage had arrived with four grogs, and had begun setting up a lab on the site that she and the others reclaimed from that dragon four years ago. She seemed more pleased than concerned, though I'm not sure I'm happy about strange magi wandering up and moving into what could be our new Covenant. ** ** From Notes to "Designing a Covenant", by Flamma Incendere I have sent a note reassuring Fabricor of his security. I have no problem with random Bonisagus joining our new covenant. You can never have too many lab workers to train apprentices and make useful items. As long as he is willing to sign our charter, he is more than welcome. It seems we will be both large and powerful sooner than I originally planned. Tolas shall be pleased. Perhaps that will allow us to bring some peace and sanity to the Roman Tribunal. ** ** From the Diary of Domita of Ex. Misc. Of all the STUPID reasons to go to Rome, this takes the cake: stopping the desecration of Christian graves. If I wanted to be a church ward I'd convert. This is two for two in the brains department for Certus ordering me to go on misions. Strange, most of the time he is pretty reasonable. I'm sure if he had a familiar, he would stop having these wild mood swings and these fantasies about me being an Iberian Flambeau. I'll have to remember to stop going to these meetings unless Tractare calls me. After Certus ordered me to go to Rome and deal with the problem, I grabbed Turelli, Guido and Abrogo and set off. Next time I take Irena, to keep the grogs in line, or Samo, who has his priorities straight, as well as other things. We got to Rome in the early morning, so I got a room and sent the grogs out for information. Guido came back a couple hours later to report. It seems that the creatures had stolen a few bodies from a cemetary about three days ago, and escaped into the sewers which were nearby. I thought it would be best to find out about the different cemetaries in the area, and went back downstairs to get the grogs. I suppose I should have been happy they hadn't managed to drink themselves silly. Unfortunately, Abrogo had made friends with, of all people, a priest - and a drunk priest at that - and insisted his new friend 'Jaques' could help us. I figured that he would be one more stupid mundane between me and the creatures and brought him along. I must admit that he is kind of cute for a priest, and if he gets drunk with grogs, he is setting a fine example for the people of the church's standards and ethics, but what use is he? Never mind, stupid question. If he's with the church he has no use. ** ** From the Recollections of Jaques de Limoge ** Translated from the French C'est l'annee 1214, presque le summer. I have recently left the circus, which has been my home and family for close to eight years. I had seen many places on my travels. In the grandeur of Roma, however, I decided that I had to explore a place fully, for once. I bid a sad adieu to my friends, and found myself a place at a cheap inn. There, I took on my familiar guise of a holy man, as something about me often disturbs people otherwise. Once out of the inn, however, I changed my facade to that of a travelling entertainer, which, after all, is what I have been for these years past. I continued in this manner for around a week or so, seeing the ancient city of Roma. At an indefinable time when I was resting at the inn, a motley band of travellers entered the inn. A woman was leading them. A remarkable lady indeed (and of formidable charms, also). She had nothing to say to me, though, going immediately to procure rooms and the like. Some of her companions stayed in the main tavern and one named Abrogo noticed that I had about my person a self bow, although I was not carrying it openly. A remarkable piece of observation on his part. But, perhaps there is something about us bowmen that draws us together, for, after but a few moments, we were gaily chatting to each other as old aquaintances. At this juncture, I learned that the group was undertaking a quest to stop some graverobbings. Looking for excitement, I eagerly asked to join. I had not the slightest inkling how much excitement was in store for me. ** ** From the Diary of Domita of Ex. Misc. After checking out the various graveyards located by the sewers, I realized that the only one worth watching was the one that had already been raided, since it was the sole cemetary still in active use. So, we returned to the inn to get some rest before our evening vigil. Returning to the graveyard after dusk, we found the fresh grave of a little girl. I assumed this if the creatures came back, this would be the most likely spot. So, I left Abrogo and his new friend the priest - who says he's not a priest, but a circus performer, a clown without a doubt - to watch the grave. At least there, they would be out of the way, and well away from me. Then, I took Guido and Turelli to the entrance of the sewers that I thought the creatures were using. They must have used a different exit that time, however, for I soon heard screams coming from near the graveyard. It was a good thing I left someone expendable there. ** ** From the Recollections of Jaques de Limoge Staying on watch is a tedious task, and so, after a short while, Abrogo and I fell to discussing our various skills, with firm emphasis on the fine art of archery. Alas, so enthused were we by our musings, that we were taken completely by surprise, from behind. The foul creatures that had been robbing the graves had come once more, but counted us as extra prizes. We both were sorely wounded by the beasts. I managed to grab my trusty quarterstaff, with the suppleness that has been with me since my birth. Abrogo was not so favoured. A beast clasped him fiercely, and though I dearly wished to aid him, my own life was in deathly peril from the beast's sibling. Fearing that we both would die, I determined that our only hope would be if I could make it back to the larger party. Praying that they had not gone too far already, I began to lead the creature attacking me away, defending myself as best I could, though my wounds were troubling me. For the first time, I began to wish that I carried armour with me. But, such apparel is not appropriate for a travelling entertainer, I have always reasoned. True enough, but for future "excitements", I may well change my mind. I was retreating at a fair pace, with a goodly hope in my heart that I might yet bring help for myself and my friend. Keeping the beast at bay was not too onerous a task, e'en though its attacks were lightning quick. But, such a simple escape was not to be had. Horror of horrors! My Quarterstaff, which has served me well for 4 good years, shattered under one of the foul thing's blows. Left with ought but matchsticks to defend myself, I trusted in my quickness to save me. Rash thoughts indeed ruled me that day. The creature was faster than me by far. Its attacks should have made me realise this. But, fearing for my life, I ran like a coward. As it caught up to me, I was forced to weave and dodge my way to where I believed the larger group to be. Finally, I came into sight of the group, emerging from the sewers. But then, my luck ran out. ** ** From the Diary of Domita of Ex. Misc. When we arrived back at the cemetary, we came upon a scene of total chaos. Jaques was fleeing directly towards us, with a creature right at his heels. Others were carrying off bodies, and the populace of Rome was watching from the windows. If they wanted their graves protected, you would thought that they would have reacted when someone pointed out the robbers to them. Before the priest got in range of an effective spell, however, the creature brought him down. Unfortunatly, he lived. Suddenly, I heard a creature behind us and saw Turelli spin around to fight it. At this time the people of Rome and forces of the Church prepared to intervene. A lone guard came marching up the street. I was forced to be circumspect in my actions, even to the point of yelling to the guard to help capture the grave robbers while casting a weaver's trap to hold the creature. I caught Turelli too, but he quickly freed himself from the web and killed the ensnared creature. While this was going on, the guard arrived, walking right past yet another creature, who was carting off a clearly dead Abrogo. The fool seemed much more interested in the effects of my spell than in stopping the creatures, so I had to send Guido and Turelli to catch the creature who had assaulted Jaques, and was now trying to make off with his inert form. Meanwhile, the guard proceeded to show that he was as stupid as he was ugly by continuing to ignore the creatures all around him - and actually starting to make none-too-subtle hints ... After further befuddling the Guard's mind, an improvement upon nature I would have thought beyond Hermetic magic, I went to rescue Guido and Turelli. I found them fighting the creature not far away, trying desperately to rescue the one named Jaques. ** ** From the Recollections of Jaques de Limoge Even though it seemed that my life was at an end as I lapsed into unconciousness, new hope came. In a great act of kindness and bravery, the fighter named Turelli fought to save me. Indeed, he battled with the foul spawn of hell over my very body. I had made his aquaintance soon after conversing with Abrogo, and we three drank together as friends do after a long-awaited reunion. My poor constitution as usual was my downfall, and I soon succumbed to the liquor, but Turelli was a mighty drinker. He is strong in many things, it is now clear to me. I owe him my life, even as I owe those of my circus troupe, whom I shall always belong to. ** ** From the Diary of Domita After Turelli finished off the creature, leaving the guard as the only living nonhuman on the street, we assessed our casualties. Turelli seemed concerned about the priest, so I let him take the priest to a healer. Finally, we dragged the dead creatures back to the sewers to recover any vis they would have no further use for. Then, we set off back to the Covenant. There, we can get an arcane connection to Abrogo, and the rest of the magi can hunt down any remaining creatures. Then, I can get back to my lab where I belong. It was actually a rather profitable event. I got twelve pawns of vis, four of them useful. And, I am reasonably sure that the one grog that we lost was one of Certus' pets. At any rate no one who hangs around a priest is a great loss. Now, perhaps I should learn Wizard's Sidestep. If Certus is going to send me into combat it could be useful. ** ** From the Journals of Certus When Domita came back with her report, I realized that the creatures were clearly more dangerous than I had thought. When Verdan and some warriors managed to finish off two of them with little trouble, I had naturally assumed that they must be harmless. However, when I heard that there were now many of them, and that they had killed one of my grogs, I called the younger magi together again, planning to send them off to hunt down the rest of the creatures. I thought I might have some trouble getting them to agree, but then Fortukiton burst in, exclaiming that their baby had been kidnapped. Flamma was immediately up in arms, and wanted to set off to find the baby. I allowed her use of the grogs, providing she track down the rest of the creatures as well. She took Muris with her, as well as Irena, Guido and Giovanni. Geraldo joined them at Varanor's Tomb. I'm sure there won't be any problems; Flamma looked in no mood to put up with problems. Now, I must be sure to send condolences and some money to Abrogo's family. Not that I truly cared about the grog, of course. But, we must keep up the morale and loyalty of the rest of our warriors. ** ** From the Recollections of Jaques de Limoge As I lie here in my sick-bed, it occurs to me that, while a man may encounter great misfortune and hardships, yet he may also meet steadfast companions to see him along the way. I grieve most bitterly at the loss of my brief but dear friend Abrogo. But as I do, I am cheered by the thought that surely I have as true a friend in Turelli. If only we were together that night, we could surely have all survived. ** ** From the Lab Records of Muris Infestus ** Summer 1214 I was quite upset to hear of the Faerie Baby's abduction, for the Faeries of Varanor's Tomb are really friendly, and rather amusing. Thus, I was more than pleased to help rescue the babe. Besides, I thought that I might be able to get a couple more of those great potions from Certonisaguson for rescuing the baby... Geraldo led us down to the Faerie covenant, and Flamma wandered off to let me cast a few Intellego spells to locate the Baby. Eventually I determined that it was somewhere in the caves below us, and we set off, following a dancing Geraldo, who had taken the shape of a bear. After descending through the caves for a while, we came upon one of the lairs of the creatures that we had just fought in Rome. It was identified by the skeleton of Abrogo. There, we also found the Baby's cradle. Flamma became enraged at the thought of the creatures eating the Baby. I can see now why so many of the Covenant's members seem to be so afraid of Flamma, who has been nothing but nice to me since my arrival. I certainly hope she's never that mad at me. We continued down into the caverns with Geraldo, now a cat, leading the way. Geraldo indicated that, from the tracks, there seemed to be about ten of them. I was really hoping that we wouldn't encounter them all at once, especially after seeing what they did to poor Abrogo. We were continuing along, following the tracks, when there was a sudden commotion at the rear of the group. A creature had stepped out of a recess and attacked Irena, who was bringing up the rear. Flamma reacted by grabbing a handful of Ignem Vis, and fast-casting a spell that boiled a large part of the wall that the creature was hiding behind. Her next spell roasted the creature, and Irena quickly finished it off. I noticed though, that Flamma winced when she heard me incant "Creo Ignem" during the battle. Afterwards, she protected herself with a Ward Against Heat and Flame. At first, I was a little hurt, but, I suppose I would also be wary if I were an Ignem magnet... When I collected eight pawns of vis from the creature, I began to worry a bit less about nine more of them wandering our Caverns. A short time later, the episode was repeated, but this time, I brought down the creature as Flamma's spell melted another portion of the cavern wall. From there, our path began to lead upwards, eventually into the sewers. There was another short skirmish at a nexus of sewer tunnels, and another eight pawns richer, we continued on our way. At the next nexus, we finally reached our goal. As Geraldo the bear entered the room, two creatures jumped him. Instead of fighting, he let out a roar and charged across the room. Flamma and I felled the two visible beasts and stepped into the room. We saw Geraldo charging a large group of the fiends. They were surrounding the Baby. As I quickly killed another, the Baby inexplicably began crying, and creating walls to prevent Geraldo's approach. Flamma countered by creating walls to prevent the creatures from escaping with the Baby. It was then we heard the Baby screaming, "Don't kill my toys!". Flamma seemed to calm down suddenly, and tried to explain to the Baby that the creatures were evil and needed to be destroyed. Geraldo, however, was still in a rage, and slew the three remaining creatures. The Baby, clearly upset, then challenged Flamma to Certamen. It was the most bizarre thing I have ever seen. It involved drawing circles in the ground, spinning around, jumping up and down, and staring at each other. Eventually Flamma conceded, and the Baby insisted that Flamma had to help it save the creatures, but Flamma pointed out that the Baby had failed to state conditions. Flamma then challenged the Baby, giving the condition that the Baby find different 'toys' and let us deal with the creatures. The same silliness went on, this time with them creating stone and wooden boxes around each other until the Baby claimed that Flamma was cheating. Flamma responded by saying that such a dispute had to be settled by a Quaesitor, and that as a Quaesitor, she declared herself winner. At this point I wanted to track the remaining creatures down while they were nearby, but the Baby wouldn't tell us where they were. So, I found myself drawing circles on the ground and jumping up and down. For some reason, the Baby passed out for a few moments, and I 'won', but only to discover that I had fallen prey to the same trick as the Baby. I had failed to give conditions... I must have turned as red as a Mercere's hat! We decided then that we would take the Baby back to it's home, let Tremeror get the information out of the baby, and send Turbator out to finish them off later. The Faeries at Varanor's Tomb were overjoyed at getting the Baby back, and gave Flamma and me each one of Certonisaguson's potions as thanks (they are so neat that I couldn't help asking for more, and he actually gave me a second ...). Flamma even sold me hers. So, the season wasn't a waste after all. I got to know Flamma a little better, and, I hope, gained her respect a little. I got a few more of those really neat Faerie potions, and after giving the Covenant it's share, still ended up with about thirty pawns of vis. That will be more than enough to make that item for the new Covenant that I discussed with Flamma. The Verdi magic item contest is coming up soon, too, and since this will be my first chance to enter since becoming a full magi, I'd really like to have something interesting to enter ... hmmmmm ** ** From Flamma's Hermes' Laws and Regulations Notebook It seems the baby was upset at Tremeror for forcing him, through Certamen, to reveal the location of his other toys. So upset, in fact, that he demanded a Wizard's War. I ruled this valid, then told Tremeror to hide in Certonisaguson's lab for a month so he wouldn't have to hurt the baby. It is much too cute to spank. I hope the Tribunal is going well...