It was now two weeks after Vale and company were
arrested in Adamas for their assault upon Ysabelon of Asana, but upon returning
to Muntburg to face justice a new prosecutor had
appeared and the charges had abruptly been changed to capital
crimes! Broke and with few allies, Vale and the Damaged Souls would be
arguing for their lives!
…………….
From the high seat, Her Holiness Archbishop Morna,
Senator of Adamas gestured for the bailiff of the court to speak. The
butt of his ceremonial halberd rapped the flagstones, commanding silence.
“Let it be known before all here
assembled and all the saints of men that the lady magician Vale, called “The
Grey”, is hereby charged with heresy against the Great Church and treason
against the Despot Lord Cheron of Adamas.”
Inquisitor Vader Henrich, acting for the prosecution, called Vale’s companion, Sergei
Axe-thane first.
[I can do what I like to think of as a passable
impression of General Burkhalter from Hogan’s Heroes, and so I pressed it into
service as the voice of Henrich--a bit tough on the throat after an hour, but
we bleed for our art!]
“What is your relationship with Vale,
called ‘The Grey’?”
“I’m an … acquaintance.”
“Describe the magics that you have seen
the accused invoke.”
“Slightly hot fire I suppose.”
“So you admit that at times you have
seen her give forth gouts of infernal flame from both her hands?”
“Yes.”
“Did she accomplish this perhaps through
some type of trickery? Did she wear special gloves perhaps or douse
herself in water afterwards?”
“They might have burned for her a little?”
“How do you explain them then?”
“I cannot.”
“How came you by the strange, black rod
that you have been seen to carry?”
[Henrich was referring to the magical control rod that
Sergei had used to “awaken” whole portions of Dwimmermount’s third level.
Obviously the inquisitor had interviewed Glandal and Thoon, but since
they were dwarves rather than men, their testimony could not be heard in a
lawful court. What any of this had to do with the charges against Vale
remained to be seen.]
“I found it in a spider cabinet in
Dwimmermount.”
…
“Do
you know its powers?”
“I
do not.”
[nearly
apoplectic] “Do you mean to say that you have taken to meddling with
dangerous magic which you admit is beyond your comprehension at the behest of
Vale!?”
“Yes!”
[groans
and “oh no”s from the other players]
[completely
calm] “No further questions.”
…
Ysabelon
of Asana
[NPC] was called next. Henrich questioned her about her relationship with
Vale, but oddly he passed quickly and lightly over matters that would seem to
have the most bearing on the charges. Instead he focused his questions on
Dwimmermount.
“By
what cause came you to be in the Dwimmermount? Did you have some writ or
charter?”
“We
ventured there to learn more of the forgotten saints and uncover the truth of
The Great Ancients who dwelled in the land before the Termaxian Domination.”
“And
who gave you leave to do so?”
“We
sought no one’s leave -- as your grace knows well, the mountain has been sealed
these past two centuries.”
“You
thought it wise to go into a fortress last held by the Termaxians? Is it
true that Termaxian cultists plot to overthrow Adamas and the senate and
replace the rule of law with the veneration of wicked spirits?”
“So
it is said.”
…
After
a few more questions about the nature of some of the evil foes encountered in
Dwimmermount, a rather sheepish Vale was permitted to question Ysabelon (who’s
attempted murder she had ordered when last they met in the dungeon). She
kept her questions very focused and specific.
“Ysabelon,
have you ever heard me discuss or even suggest treason against the Senate of
Adamas or the Despot?”
“I
have not.”
“Have
you ever known me to engage in worship of Turms Termax?”
“I
have not.”
Vale
was also careful to establish that, prior to the day of the assault, there was
no particular animosity between the two. In doing so, she was laying the
groundwork for a defense built on the notion that Vale was not responsible for
any crimes she may have committed, as she was under a spell and impelled by
some outside force.
...
Next
Henrich called Nyxia, an apprentice magic-user and Vale’s long time
friend [played by the former player of Y’draneal].
“Did
the accused learn her infernal magics at academy with you? Do you also
know infernal or forbidden spells?”
[forcefully]
“No, she did not. No!”
“How
do you suppose that she came to know these infernal magics?”
“I
don’t know!”
...
“Are
you aware that she kept company with thieves? ‘Grim’ a branded thief,
Pavel called ‘Pockets’, and Ander Black who we now have in custody.”
“Yes.”
“Termaxian
cultists have vowed to overthrow the senate. Do you owe allegiance to
their order? Does Vale? Did she compel you to join them?”
[cracking
a bit] “No, no, no!”
“Do
you deny that Vale entered Dwimmermount with the southern wizard called ‘Haka,’
Blaze Foedl, and the man called ‘Dren the Heretic?’ -- Termaxians all!”
“No.”
[long-time
readers will recognize the names of these minor PCs going back to September and
October. The same player ran all three in succession and did establish
that at least one of this disreputable bunch was seeking to restore the rule of
Termax the “Thrice Great.”]
Vale
now questioned Nyxia who, unlike Sergei and the other party members, would gladly
go to the stake to see Vale acquitted.
“How
many of the men Inquisitor Henrich just named were known by me to be Termaxian
cultists?”
“None.”
“How
many Termaxian rituals were performed in their company or in yours?”
“None.”
“To
the best of your knowledge, how many of these men ventured with me for more
than a day or two?”
“None
of them.”
...
Next
Henrich questioned Vale directly. This was to be the centerpiece of the
trial … Despite the inquisitor’s bombastic, aggressive style, Vale would remain
unflapped and unflustered through what amounted to a sophisticated verbal
fencing match [and Vale’s player matched me step for step--quite a lot of
fun!].
“How
did you come to know the infernal flame magics that we have heard described?”
“I
deny that the cause of my magical is infernal and object to your
characterization of it.”
“Is
it true that you are called ‘The Grey’ because you are actually three score and
six years old, but you use magics to change your appearance and beguile men?”
“That’s
not actually why I’m called that at all--it’s a moral standpoint where I don’t
see things in absolutes.”
“Do
you acknowledge that you at times change your appearance by sorcery? I
remind you that to give false testimony under oath carries a penalty of death.”
“Only
when necessary to save my party members.”
“Isn’t
it true that among your associates you have numbered no less than three
Termaxian cultists?”
“I’ve
never known of the secret deeds of any Termaxian cultist.”
“Do
you then deny that you have been associated with Haka the Southron, Blaze
Foedl, and the false cleric called Dren? I remind you, that lying under
oath before Saint Typhon carries a penalty of death. Shall we call for
the gate ward’s rolls so that all may hear in whose company you have entered
and left Muntburg these past months?”
“I
never knew any of them well and did not know that any of them were Termaxians.”
“Is
it true that you called your company of four ‘The Fabled Five’?”
“No.
We are called ‘The Fabulous Five’.”
“Is
it true that this was in acknowledgement of some wicked spirit that accompanied
you as a familiar to teach you forbidden sorcery?” [groans and shouts of
outrage from the other players]
“No.
It originally began with five of us.”
“And
what is your company now called? Isn’t it now named ‘The Damaged
Souls’?!”
“No.
I don’t know why people call us that.” [this player helped choose the name]
“How
do you know Ysabelon of The Seekers?”
“We
met in Muntburg and exchanged notes on Dwimmermount.”
“What
were your relations with her like?”
“They
were good.”
“Why
were you in the Dwimmermount the day of the alleged assault?”
“We
were looking for treasure. That’s how we make our livelihood.”
“Who
cut the rope, causing Ysabelon to fall?”
“That
was the conjoined work of my teammates. You’ll have to ask my
teammates--I have no recollection because I was under a spell.”
[Actually, Vale not
only ordered the assault, but she used Magic Missiles to blast one NPC and cut
one of the cables by which Ysabelon and two others were making their descent.]
“So
you were compelled by some wicked force within the Dwimmermount, something
beyond your understanding, and not simply by your own greed and jealousy?”
[Was
Henrich suddenly offering Vale an “out” here, and if so, why?]
“My
best guess is that I was under the sway of Arach-naca the spider demon, but I
cannot recall.”
“What
was the true nature of the creature called ‘Y’draneal’?”
“He
was a noble man, and to my knowledge human.”
[Elven
Y’draneal was the only demihuman PC in the party over the last 10 real-life
months and we made a point of discussing the distrust Tellurian humans held for
that race--memories of oppression centuries before. Y’draneal was careful
to disguise his species (and natural cinnamon odor) through the use of
perfumes. Still, a few knew his secret.]
“Is
it true that it was actually your familiar spirit and that it taught you wicked
magics and how to deceive men?”
“No.”
“Did
some dark power impel you to lure innocent men into the Dwimmermount so that
they might be sacrificed?”
“No.”
[Here
Henrich began a rapid-fire pace, designed to trip Vale up, but she refused to
be goaded and remained calm and matter-of-fact. It also took us on a
journey down memory lane...]
“Tell
us where your associate Grim is.”
“He
died in a fire started by rogue dwimmerlings.”
“Tell
us where your associate Hethla is.”
“She
also died in the same fire.”
“Tell
us where your associate Rufus the Forester is.”
“We
hired him, but he passed away. He was killed by beastmen near the great
face.”
“Tell
us where your associate Ivor is.”
“He
caught himself on fire.”
“Tell
us where your associate Yang is.”
“He
was stolen away by goblins.”
“Tell
us where your associate Kenny the Magician is.”
“He
was also killed by mutant goblins.”
“Tell
us where your associate Hurtis is.”
“He
was also killed by mutant goblins.”
At
a sharp signal from Inquisitor Henrich, a miserable, hunched shape was carried
into the great hall … a ruined and broken Hurtis, now missing both legs, was
propped in a chair facing Vale! The players erupted in exclamations of
shock and foreboding as Henrich turned to the pale and trembling former
fighting man.
[gently]
“How long have you known the accused? In what capacity?”
“I
knew her a few weeks.”
“Please
characterize her conduct. How did she behave toward you and your fellows?
Did this change over time?”
“She
started nice until she got brain fever. Then everything went downhill.”
[gesturing
for an attendant to bring forth a box, Henrich donned a glove and snatched a
dwimmergoblin head from within to hold before Hurtis, who began to gibber,
dribble, and shake]
“Do
you recognize this?!”
“Nnunggh
…”
“Tell
us of your last meeting with Vale -- how did you part ways?”
“She
… she left me to die with those monsters!”
“Did
she do anything to help you? Did she try to help you escape?”
“No,
she did not--she is guilty! Guilty without a doubt!”
Vale
kept things brief and rather than try to defend her character or actions she
addressed the specific charges.
“Did
you ever see any signs of Termaxian magic while in my company?”
“No,
b-but ...”
“No
further questions.”
...
Marguerin
the Magician,
[NPC] a member of Ysabelon’s Seekers was called next and she shared the
harrowing tale of how her band, in search of their henchman Yang, (who
had been traveling with Vale and company when he went missing) had followed
Vale’s advice and sought him in the halls of level two within the territory
controlled by the savage dwimmergoblins. These they overcame by force of
arms and though no sign of Yang was to be seen, they discovered Hurtis on the
verge of death in what appeared to be a goblin larder.
Vale
sensed that Marguerin was unlikely to help her cause much and again kept her
questions brief and carefully structured so as to be answered with a “yes” or
“no.” It was established that Marguerin, like each witness before, had
never specifically seen or heard Vale engaged in treason, the plotting of
treason, or in Termaxian rites.
...
Ander
Black,
the party’s current thief, was brought forth in shackles next. In a
whispered conference, Vale urged him to say as little as possible before
Henrich began his questions.
“What
is your relation to the accused?”
“I’ve
known her briefly as leader of our group of explorers.”
“Tell
us of her demeanor and character.”
“She’s
very determined and very … strong-willed.”
“Have
you ever witnessed her use infernal magics, change her form, or commune with
evil spirits of the Dwimmermount?”
“Yes.”
[groans
from the other players]
“Did
she mislead and beguile you?”
“No.”
“Why
did she order the assault upon The Seekers?”
“I’m
not necessarily sure. But she said to do it and I’m very loyal to my
leaders.”
“Because
she beguiled you?!”
“No
… at least I don’t think ...”
“You
are perhaps … lovers?”
“No!”
“No
further questions.”
Vale
was drawn out a bit while cross-examining Ander, perhaps because she sensed
that she had lost ground with his testimony.
“Heresy
… it’s almost … no, it’s exactly laughable. Ander, to your knowledge have
I ever used my fire magic for evil?”
So
while her character and motives continued to be shredded by Henrich, Vale
yielded that ground and refused the temptation to argue that she was at all
righteous … instead drawing the testimony back to the specifics of the charges
against her time after time.
…
Jack
Trader
was called next. Though Jack had slipped away during the arrests at The
Gilded Coach, he chose to present himself rather than risk becoming a fugitive.
“What
is your relation to the accused?”
“We
are merely companions in our work.”
“Like
this other man, you are perhaps … lovers?”
“No!”
“Tell
us of her demeanor and character.”
“She’s
determined … but if you cross her ...” [shouts from the other players drown out
the testimony until order is restored]
“Have
you ever witnessed her use infernal magics, change her form, or commune with
evil spirits of the Dwimmermount?”
“Only
for the benefit of the group.” [Henrich paused to let that sink in a bit]
“Why
did she order the assault upon The Seekers?”
“Because
… yes, because she was under the influence of Arach-naca the spider demon.”
“Did
she mislead and beguile you?”
“No!”
Despite
ground lost, Vale kept to the same track as before while questioning Jack as
she did with Jeffroy of The Seekers [NPC] after him. As the two sides
made their closing statements Vale reminded the senator, clergy, and others
present that not a single witness had testified to seeing her engage in any
treasonous act or the worship of strange gods and that the charges against her
were therefore baseless.
…
Her
Holiness
Archbishop Morna, Senator of Adamas was swift in delivering her dooms.
“The
girl called ‘Nyxia’ -- it is decreed that she be sent to convent and take her
holy orders. Her reputation and prospects for marriage may have been
ruined, but perhaps she can find peace and some measure of redemption through
through humility, austerity, and service.”
“Vale
called ‘the Grey’ --it is decreed that she shall be locked in the northwest
keep tower of Muntburg, overlooking the Dwimmermount as a perpetual reminder of
her folly. Her modest needs shall be provided for by Castellan Verodart
-- he has profited somewhat from her follies in the collection of taxes, now
let him likewise bear their cost -- She is hereby forbidden on pain of death
from ever practicing magics of any sort again. Furthermore, she shall be
permitted contact with no man or woman save an ordained brother of Saint Typhon
who may act as her confessor. Finally, she shall be forbidden with oaths
before Saint Typhon, Saint Tyche and all the forgotten saints of The Great
Church from ever again venturing below the earth’s surface upon pain of torture
unto death.”
“Vale’s
other companions, once having remitted any fines placed upon them, are free to
go.”
“The
Dwimmermount -- A guard shall be set upon the steps of the Dwimmermount and a
notice placed there for all to see. None shall be suffered to enter that
place save they bear a charter of the Senate of Adamas and The Great Church or
their lives shall immediately be forfeit. These are my dooms. Let
the will of all the saints be done.”
...
So
in the end, the plan built by Senator Morna and Archbishop Saidon (played out
through Henrich’s prosecution) finally came fully into view. The trial
wasn’t about Vale and her comrades … had never really been about them … rather,
the trial was about Dwimmermount itself and access to the riches and secrets
hidden therein. Henrich had established, with Vale’s help, that within
the mountain even a skilled wizard could fall under strange influences--that
curious and opportunistic treasure hunters could not only bring swift doom upon
themselves, but in their ignorance might stir up ancient dangers which could
threaten the city-state. Therefore, Dwimmermount must be left to the
Great Church to administer (and profit by) and anyone daring to do otherwise
would be aligning themselves with Termaxian heretics and be subject to Saint
Typhon’s harsh brand of ecclesiastical justice.
Was
this to be the end of dungeon delving in Dwimmermount?
Not
exactly … in session 29, Sergei and Ander in the company of dwimmer-dwarves
Glandal and Thoon discovered a secret backdoor to level one of Dwimmermount.
That means that these four alone know how to slip past the guards and
into the depths of the mountain.
With
Ander locked away in a Muntburg cell until he can pay a stiff fine, anyone who
wanted to get details about what he has seen of the dungeon would probably need
to bribe a guard for some time to whisper back and forth between the bars.
Sergei
also knew about the magic rod of control that allowed the group to activate the
portals on level three … though it hadn’t yet been returned to him after the trial
… could there be a daring theft in the offing?
All
of Y’draneal’s beautifully detailed maps were seized with Vale’s arrest and are
now being held by church officials (perhaps to be used in sanctioned
expeditions of their own). Detailing several levels and access to the
untouched 4th deep, they too could be a prize of great value for a clever
thief.
Finally
there was Vale. Locked in her lonely tower and doomed to gaze on the
sorcerous mountain from afar, if I anticipated a bit of melancholy from her
player then I was in for a surprise!
“What?
No. Are you serious? I’ll be out of there in no time.”
With a Change Self spell at the ready, but
more importantly a gift for fast talk, bluff, and negotiation, Vale’s player
remained just as confident as ever.
Lookit! I just received a printed draft copy of my very own homebrew RPG, "Olde School Wizardry," to use with my summer games classes this July.
This is just a draft -- as I work with my friend Josh Zusmer on layout and editing I'm probably still a year out on anything I'd be willing to call complete. I still want to add a full chapter (scenarios), several appendixes, an index and some original artwork, but seeing it starting to come together is pretty thrilling. 
