Eye of the Tiger

Eye of the Tiger Main Cast Margo – Sylvie Hugh – Inrisor Kevin – Albus Kris – Francois Tony – Terryn Season/Year – Summer 794 Date: 1/20/2007 Lore (pregame lore in Raven.doc) The Spring has been mild, and it looks like the “food war” is finally over. Crops have been planted, the rain has been copious, and it looks like there will be a good harvest. People’s spirits are up, and at long last, the promised specialists have arrived. You now have access to a Mason (Skill 5), a Cook (Skill 3), an Animal Handler (Skill 3), a Philosopher (Skill 6, Teaching 4, Communication 1, Theology 3). In addition you have Klaes the Pious (Smith skill 5), Efrain (Carpenter skill 5), Lynda (scribe Skill 5, Teaching 4, Communication 1, Artes Liberales 2, Latin 4, Greek 3, Franconian 5, Occitan 3), Claudio the woodcarver and Rafael the potter. Along with the specialists came a few more general servants to aid in cleaning, upkeep and the like (for example, the Mason has a couple of apprentices, the cook a couple of bottle washers). For perhaps the first time since you arrived your ranks have actually swelled rather than dwindled. To add to this, Terryn returned from Perpignan with some more men for the turb. He has been busily training them. The only downside to the Spring was the reports by various people (most loudly, Claudio) about some minor pilferage and petty vandalism. Claudio reported that his “favorite” wood chisel was missing; Efrain reported that his “best bed yet is ruined!” (though the minor gouge is hardly noticeable, and could be put on the back side against the wall); the cook has indicated that some spices she likes to use ran out sooner than she expected (mostly tarragon). There have been other minor complaints among the grogs as well (“where the hell is my beer mug!”). It seems there may be a petty thief in the ranks. The “great room swap” was accomplished with a minimum of muss and fuss, and may have proved beneficial as no one has died from malign magics. Filius and Raven have departed for Doissetep taking with them the books gained in Genus Lupus Lunaris. The information from Lynda has been received, and the group has set out to visit Vandee the White. It is expected they will be gone for a good portion of the summer, as it is more than two weeks to our sister covenant, Salle se Tromper (House in the Mist), and Vittano the Redcap indicated Vandee lived in the hills inland from the covenant about 2 days walk. Salle se Tromper is located near Bayonne in some cliffs above the sea and is protected by a Shrouded Glen. Exacting directions were obtained from Vittano the Redcap, so should the group choose to visit it, finding it should be possible, if slow. Eye of the Tiger – 1) A “killer instinct” or a desire to win. 2) The “eye spots” on the back of a tiger’s ears which serve to confuse predators. 3) Seeing the “eyes of the tiger” (the “eye spots” on the backs of their ears) signifies death, because right before a tiger attacks, it turns its ears forward so that the spot in the back of each ear faces nearer it s prey. “It's the Eye of the Tiger It's the Thrill of the fight Rising up to the challenge of our rival And the last known survivor Stalks his prey in the night And he's watching us all With the Eye of the Tiger” “All the world is one. The large reflects the small and the small the large.” – The teachings of LaoTze. Salle se Tromper “The House in the Mist” is our sister covenant. A Bonisagus named Patch (who seems to have some skill at Corpus) is the leader. He seems to have a source of personal wealth. Covenant members include: Person House Patch Bonisagus *Vandee Verditious James Jerbiton Unknown Fae 1 Merinita Unknown Fae 2 Merinita Unknown woman Criamon Derek Head Guard *Vandee does not actually live at the covenant. The covenant is within/on top of a regionne that seems to increase the rate at which people heal. It is a peaceful and restful place. They are dedicated to the scholarly side of the order. Their studies are quite arcane and unusual. They have a lapidarist, a linguist (who speaks Persian and Egyptian). The covenant is one day from Bayonne and is guarded by The Shrouded Glen. Vandee’s Home Vandee lives 2 days out from the covenant proper, in a bit of wild land up in the mountains. His home is guarded by a Shrouded Glen. The group asked for explicit directions and a map (as well as a being asked to deliver a request that Vandee come down for the next Council). Vandee is quite reclusive and likes to do his study alone and in nature. His home is a small stone house with a thatch roof. There is a well in the front and smoke coming out of the chimney. Quite picturesque. There is the tingle of an Aegis as you enter the courtyard (probably from the outer wall) Vandee details: Oldish, been around for awhile, was old when invited to join the Order, called the White due to his hair Very short - Dwarf Blood House Verditius Has many crafting skills (wood carving, lapidary, gold and silver smithing, stone carving) Lot of knowledge that is not mystical in nature (Artes Liberales, Philosophiae) Strong interest in the natural world Very reclusive, and more so as he has gotten older Has had 3 apprenctices: 1 died in the workshop, 2 others were taken by Bonisagus (because Vandee is a terrible teacher and not at all patient) Vandee is none too glad to see the characters, and only allows 2 magi in to speak with him (he cannot tolerate larger crowds, and does not tolerate non-magi). Albus and Sylvie elect to enter. Vandee listens to the request for information, and invites the players into his lab. This is a ruse. He has been ensorcelled by the Mage Whisperer, and wants to get the players into his lab so he can legally and easily kill them. Vandee is cranky and unfriendly in general. His lab is cluttered and messy. Every flat surface is covered with some project in some portion of completeness. There are wood chips on the floor, chips of rock from stone carving scattered over half done projects. In his lab he putters around, fiddles with some of the things he is working on, mutters to himself, and is slow about getting out the books. He is fighting the urge to kill them. They were patient, and eventually he loses his battle. Vandee attacks with Pit of the Gaping Earth, then fills in the pit with dirt. He then starts shooting Crystal Darts (all from items). The Aegis hinders the players in response. Albus is hurt, Sylvie mostly escapes harm. Albus gets off some Pit of the Gaping Earth in an attempt to break the Aegis. Though it causes part of the roof to collapse, the Aegis remains in effect. In desperation, Albus fires a flare through the hole in the roof. Altercation At Vandee the White’s house, while Albus and Sylvie were inside talking, the group outside hears some shouts and the sounds of a fight. When they investigate, they encounter a group of several men attacking another fellow. Inrisor takes flight and goes to the aid of the lone fellow. The solo “man” turns out to be a Sidhe from the Summer court. He is a retainer/liegeman of the King of Fire. He is remarkably skilled with his blade, and makes good progress on his attackers prior to Inrisor coming to his aid. The men were what remained of a mercenary band whose leader fell afoul of the Sidhe (character flaw). They are bent on revenge for the leader’s death. Inrisor makes a friend of him. The bodies are disposed of by Inrisor casting Wings of the Soaring Wind on them and casting them away. Terryn's Parallel Dream PARALLEL – The leader wandered away from his men on an errand and was attacked and killed by the Sidhe. The Sidhe had been looking for a means to get him and capitalized on the circumstances. Terryn Dream – You are walking alone, away from your bravos, on an errand that seemed important an hour ago. Out of the shadows steps your enemy. You know that today is your last day… Subduing Vandee When finished with the fae, Inrisor notes some trouble back at Vandee's house (there is a large stone wall around it that was not there before and he sees Albus' flare). He flies up to take a look, and decides to land inside. Vandee tries to get him with the same Pit trick, but Inrisor evades the problem and manages to subdue Vandee without killing him. Meanwhile, Albus manages to free himself from the dirt and smack Vandee with his mace. Once the group have subued Vandee, they cart him back to the covenant where the covenant members care for him. He had been ensorceled, and Patch and the Criamon manage to break the spell. Vandee takes a few days to recover (as does Albus). Vandee is quite thankful (once he recovers) and gives Inrisor a fan with an inset agate (a thing-ee to make a magic item or talisman from). He also offers a stone that will aid Inrisor in tracking down the man who did this to him with the condition that Inrisor kill him. Vandee’s Information Vandee tells them where to find a phoenix, gives some hints on how to capture one, tells them where to find noble rue, where to find a weasel of virtue, gives some hints on how to capture one, and tells a bit about his attackers. He also gives them his opinion on what is the best way to handle the basilisk. Interlude The players rest for a bit at the covenant. It is a restful place. They contact some of the members and get a line on how and why Vandee was affected (good timing, easy target), Hunting They have 3 things to pursue now: 1)The phoenix and phoenix tears 2)The Ermine and Noble Rue 3)The Mentalist (The Mage Whisperer) The Phoenix and the Tears They start with the phoenix. The 2 Merinita lead them into faery. They go to the castle and ask permission before hunting. With the prompting of the sidhe Inrisor helped, the permission is given. The King seems amused. Inrisor's friend enlists the aid of “Master Dion”. He is a singer. They hunt a bit to find a nest. It lies in a remote area that is hard to get to (across rivers of lava and such). Inrisor has a problem with casting (botch) and many people end up taking a long, and somewhat damaging, flight. They eventually arrive at the nest. There are eggs in the nest. It is a female. They bargain with the phoenix. If the second most powerful magus and one other magus will come guard the nest, and they will give 10 pawns ignem (5 now, 5 when it is time to go), it will aid them. With Master Dion singing a beautiful but sad song, they get 2 tears from the Phoenix. The Ermine and the Rue Upon return from faery (again with the help of the Merinita), they begin hunting the ermine and the rue. They force out the ermine(with Sylvie doing the forcing) and put it in a cage they have procurred in the city below Salle se Tromper. Terryn's Parallel Dream PARALLEL – 1) When they arrive, a lynx is trying to get at the ermine den. The male keeps it off. 2) Having something the ermine wants (food) will lure it from its home. It can then be dealt with more easily, and the home can be sealed off. 3) There is a second one in the den (a female) that is much less dangerous than the male that comes out. 4) As they leave, a lynx comes up to the den and can much more easily get the female. Terryn’s Dream – You are some sort of animal. You are on the hunt. There is the smell of something wonderful in the air. You head out from your home to find this delicious scent. You are caught unawares by a predator. You hear the screams of your mate as you are carried off. They hunt up and take a whole rue plant (again with Sylvie's help to keep it healthy). Ambush The group is attacked by a number of undead in the middle of the night. There are shadows that sap men's strength and are very stealthy. There are some standard walking dead, and the group seems to be lead by a wraith. They attack the group with the wraith singling out Terryn. Terryn is wounded by the wraith's sword. He is healed, but all is not right. Terryn's Parallel Dream PARALLEL – The bad guys pick the right time and place, where they have the most power, to attack. They weaken you as much as they can first, and then hit hard. Terryn’s Dream – You are some black spirit. Your plan is sound and you are confident. First, use your lesser minions to kill the weakest. Then, draw their fighters to attack some foot soldiers. Then you and your coterie will move in for the kill. Take the mages by surprise and separated. Kill the weaker ones first. The Meaning of the Dreams The players “do some thinking” about Terryn's dreams (this did not come out clearly, and some prompting had to be done). They realize the covenant is in danger. Inrisor and Francois take off (literally) for the covenant. They arrive there to find it in ruins and all the people gone. They look around a bit, and realize there was a large fight. They return to their companions after penning some letters to send to Filius and Salle se Tromper (just in case). The End The group heads back toward the covenant to see what can be salvaged.

(pregame lore) Raven’s Confession Raven confessed to Filius of a man who came to see her. The man was quite congenial, and sat with her for most of the afternoon. They chatted at length, first about herself and her mother, then about members of the covenant. At the time, it seemed natural, and even appropriate. Later, though, she came to have doubts, and more doubts the more she thought about what she revealed. It is not as if she shared deep secrets, but his questions, on reflection, seemed directed at gathering information about members of Calor Novus. The focus of his questions was not the covenant environs or protections, or even staffing, turb size, and makeup, but was rather directed toward the personal details of the Magi in residence. From the end of their conversation until sometime after dark she has no memories. She does not remember the man leaving, nor can she describe him. She believes she gave the man the following: A detailed physical description of each magus Which room(s) at the covenant belong to which magus Some idea of the arts and relative power of each of the magi so far as she knew them (she knew the most about Filius and Gael, having seen them in action, but also knew something of the others from conversations and observations) Each magus’ House Each magus’ Parens so far as she knew Where each magus was trained so far as she knew (probably knows for everyone, maybe excepting Sylvie) When magi were born if she knew (certainly knows for Filius, might for Inrisor from Filius) Where magi were born if she knew (certainly knows for Filius, might for others) She also notes that a letter she had received from Filius has gone missing. She suspects the man took it, but did not see him do so. Linda’s Report Linda (the new scholar from “Genus Lupus Lunaris”) took with her the previous research on the Basilisk, and went to the manor of Sir Gerard (son of the ghostly knight Midoin from “Chanson”). After reading through his works, and the previous research, she sent back the following report: “Based on previous research, and what I could glean from Sir Gerard’s library, I offer the following observations: One need not see the basilisk to be killed. It can kill by gazing at a target even if the target is unaware. Death is not a guarantee. There are at least 3 cases where people survived an attack, though it seems likely luck is more a factor than anything else. Poison is the most dangerous aspect of the basilisk. It can contaminate drinking supplies, poison foodstores, and travel through any weapon used to strike it. Areas or items contaminated by a basilisk are unlikely to ever recover. Tales indicate there are springs still deadly after 50 years or more. The basilisk is immune to fire of all sorts. It thrives on heat and vastly prefers a warmer climate. This may provide an indirect weapon against it. Like all reptiles, it becomes more sluggish in the cold and less able to respond swiftly. Sufficient cold might even induce torpor. Sorcery is unlikely to kill a basilisk, though it might be used in indirect ways to hinder or slow it. The basilisk itself, while not strictly immune, is arcanely powerful and notoriously difficult to affect. There are tales of even powerful sorcerers having to flee one, or being killed by one. Birds are immune to the death gaze of the basilisk. It can kill them with fire, but not with its gaze. Since it can only poison by touch it typically cannot kill flying birds in this way. This provides promise for another avenue of attack. Since the phoenix is reputed to be immune to fire, and its tears can heal it of poison, it may be a good candidate for killing a basilisk. Also, having the tears of a phoenix available could be a good protection for curing the poison of a basilisk, possibly even aiding in cleansing a stream or item that has been contaminated. Tales of a weasel being used are prevalent. From what I can gather, not just any weasel will do however. All the tales indicate a need for the herb “rue” as well. The references in the older texts make clear that this “rue” is not “common rue”, but rather something referred to more accurately as “noble rue”. This rue must be boiled in wine (the stronger the wine the better, the fresher the rue the better) and fed to a perfect specimen of a weasel. The weasel can have no blemish or flaw and must be clean and healthy. Such a weasel given the “rue brew” will be immune to a basilisk until the next setting of the sun. Since weasels will often hunt snakes, this can be an excellent tool for killing a basilisk. “Noble rue” is, however, quite rare. The texts here gave little idea for where to find it. The tale of Alexander using a polished shield to kill a basilisk is not exactly accurate. The original Greek texts imply that Alexander caused it to die by “reflecting its gaze” or “turning it about” and do not reference how this was done. The wording used implies some sorcery (“the powers of the gods” or “the blessings of the gods”) might have been involved. No reference is made in the original texts to a polished shield, so I believe this may be a later “apologetic” addition. In any case, getting close enough to use a polished shield would be tantamount to suicide. Someone with the bravery of Alexander would have to be used with the full expectation that they would perish in the attempt. Additionally, I have learned that there is a scholar/herbalist/naturalist living in the western area of the Pyrenees who is likely to know where/how to locate noble rue and may have information about where or how to find or capture a phoenix. His name is Vanee the White, and he is, among his many reputed talents, a great student of the ancient Greek philosophers and naturalists. From what I can gather from sources here, he is a reclusive hermit, but has pre-eminent knowledge in these matters. I believe it was he who made the margin notes in the texts below.” Albus knows of Vanee the White. He is a member of your sister covenant, though he does not reside at the covenant, but in the hills somewhere above it. He is of house Verditius, and is reputed to be a great mundane scholar as well. [The previous research] The basilisk (also called Regulus) gets its name from the Greeks. Literally translated it is “the little king”. The basilisk is referred to as “the king of creeping things”. Typically basilisks are associated with desert climes. Tales say the gaze of the basilisk is deadly and looking one in the eye will be fatal. They are also reputed to be extremely poisonous. One tale tells of one of Alexander’s men stabbing one with a sword and perishing due to a poison so virulent it traveled up the blade. Basilisks have a reputation for being able to breathe fire as well. Physically, they are described as moderate sized (1-2 feet) snakes. Some tales tell of basilisks drinking from a stream and the stream causing “dog-madness” (rabies) in all subsequent drinkers. It is also said that the only animal able to stand against a basilisk is a weasel. The weasel must first eat the herb rue so that he will be immune to the poison. The poison of the basilisk is deadly, and has only one known cure: the tears of a Phoenix. The creature can be identified by its peculiar coloring. It is a snake of two hand-spans in length with stripes running lengthwise down its body which is covered in white spots. It is found in the desert and dislikes colder climes. It is known to sleep in a burrow during the winter, or during very cold nights. Alexander once saved his men from a basilisk by causing the creature to gaze at a polished shield. The rays from its eyes were turned about and killed it. Birds are its natural enemy, but can rarely harm it as the basilisk will breathe fire as they fly over and then swallow them where they fall. Sources (chronological order) Lucan [1st century CE] (Pharsalia, book 9, verse 849-853): "...there upreared / His regal head, and frighted from his track / With sibilant terror all the subject swam, / Baneful ere darts his poison, Basilisk / In sands deserted king". (verse 968-975): "What availed, / Murrus, the lance by which thou didst transfix / A Basilisk? Swift through the weapon ran / The poison to his hand: he draws his sword / And severs arm and shoulder at a blow: / Then gazed secure upon his severed hand / Which perished as he looked. So had'st thou died, / And such had been thy fate!" Pliny the Elder [1st century CE] (Natural History, Book 8, 33): Anyone who sees the eyes of a basilisk serpent (basilisci serpentis) dies immediately. (Margin Notes: I tend to doubt this. Other references indicate that one not even need to be facing the creature to be killed by it.) It is no more than twelve inches long (Margin Notes: Perhaps this was a young one. I have seen reports of lengths up to 2 feet), and has white markings on its head that look like a diadem. Unlike other snakes, which flee its hiss, it moves forward with its middle raised high. Its touch and even its breath scorch grass, kill bushes and burst rocks. (Margin Notes: Clearly an exaggeration. If this were the case, every siege-crafter would own one!) Its poison is so deadly that once when a man on a horse speared a basilisk, the venom travelled up the spear and killed not only the man, but also the horse. Isidore of Seville [7th century CE] (Etymologies, Book 12, 4:6-9): The basilisk is six inches in length and has white spots; it is the king (regulus) of snakes. All flee from it, for it can kill a man with its smell or even by merely looking at him. Birds flying within sight of the basilisk, no matter how far away they may be, are burned up. (Margin Note: This seems an exaggeration. Why are there any birds left if this were true?) Yet the weasel can kill it; for this purpose people put weasels into the holes where the basilisk hides. (Margin notes: This seems an exaggerated tale by a less than scrupulous scholar. I have seen the references to putting a basilisk in a weasel hole, which is undoubtedly where “put weasels into the holes where the basilisk hides” came from. If one could capture a basilisk and put it in a weasel hole, how deadly could it be? This tale is obviously an apology for the other version.) They are like scorpions in that they follow dry ground and when they come to water they make men frenzied and hydrophobic. The basilisk is also called sibilus, the hissing snake, because it kills with a hiss. (Margin Note: Again, doubtful that the hissing is what kills. Are the deaf safe?) The Spring has been mild, and it looks like the “food war” is finally over. Crops have been planted, the rain has been copious, and it looks like there will be a good harvest. People’s spirits are up, and at long last, the promised specialists have arrived. You now have access to a Mason (Skill 5), a Cook (Skill 3), an Animal Handler (Skill 3), a Philosopher (Skill 6, Teaching 4, Communication 1, Theology 3). In addition you have Klaes the Pious (Smith skill 5), Efrain (Carpenter skill 5), Lynda (scribe Skill 5, Teaching 4, Communication 1, Artes Liberales 2, Latin 4, Greek 3, Franconian 5, Occitan 3), Claudio the woodcarver and Rafael the potter. Along with the specialists came a few more general servants to aid in cleaning, upkeep and the like (for example, the Mason has a couple of apprentices, the cook a couple of bottle washers). For perhaps the first time since you arrived your ranks have actually swelled rather than dwindled. To add to this, Terryn returned from Perpignan with some more men for the turb. He has been busily training them. The only downside to the Spring was the reports by various people (most loudly, Claudio) about some minor pilferage and petty vandalism. Claudio reported that his “favorite” wood chisel was missing; Efrain reported that his “best bed yet is ruined!” (though the minor gouge is hardly noticeable, and could be put on the back side against the wall); the cook has indicated that some spices she likes to use ran out sooner than she expected (mostly tarragon). There have been other minor complaints among the grogs as well (“where the hell is my beer mug!”). It seems there may be a petty thief in the ranks. Lore The “great room swap” was accomplished with a minimum of muss and fuss, and may have proved beneficial as no one has died from malign magics. Filius and Raven have departed for Doissetep taking with them the books gained in Genus Lupus Lunaris. The information from Lynda has been received, and the group has set out to visit Vandee the White. It is expected they will be gone for a good portion of the summer, as it is more than two weeks to our sister covenant, Salle se Tromper (House in the Mist), and Vittano the Redcap indicated Vandee lived in the hills inland from the covenant about 2 days walk. Salle se Tromper is located near Bayonne in some cliffs above the sea and is protected by a Shrouded Glen. Exacting directions were obtained from Vittano the Redcap, so should the group choose to visit it, finding it should be possible, if slow. Eye of the Tiger – 1) A “killer instinct” or a desire to win. 2) The “eye spots” on the back of a tiger’s ears which serve to confuse predators. 3) Seeing the “eyes of the tiger” (the “eye spots” on the backs of their ears) signifies death, because right before a tiger attacks, it turns its ears forward so that the spot in the back of each ear faces nearer it s prey. “It's the Eye of the Tiger It's the Thrill of the fight Rising up to the challenge of our rival And the last known survivor Stalks his prey in the night And he's watching us all With the Eye of the Tiger” “All the world is one. The large reflects the small and the small the large.” – The teachings of LaoTze.