Previously...
Bujilli and Leeja with Shael had just escaped the fury of the no-longer-delayed-or-abeyed wards placed by Gnosiomandus on his now abandoned rooms. They are headed to their friend Idvard's Keep...they just need to get through the not entirely empty halls of The Academy first...
The Ivory Toad burbled something untranslatable from atop the rail. There were some spindly-looking drones standing in a line directly behind it. Two had wicked blades affixed to their insectile fore-limbs. The other two were cobbled together from broken crates and other things, bound in wire and wrapped with blood-soaked rags--Pruztian battlefield constructs. Stretcher-bearers. Each one stood blankly waiting for orders.
Bujilli wrenched his hand-axe free of the Morlock's skull with a gout of foul-smelling blood. He yelled at the drones the Toad had led back to him; "Get down here and make yourselves useful."
He re-drew the glyph for calling forth the Ivory Toad in his mind's eye. The creature croaked in approval. He smiled; it might be a minor casting, but it could come in handy someday.
Leeja drew out her stiletto as she tried to pull Shael back and away from the figure in cerulean velvet and black silk wrappings. For her part the supposedly Ex-Headmistress stared at the hunchback-in-chainmail who sat astride his well-barded Dodo with silver-shod talons grinning wolfishly in expectation of impending mischief and mayhem.
"No Authority?" She mouthed the words over and over again to herself in shock. Ulricht nodded his extravagantly-plumed head, waiting for the truth to finally soak in past her skull and her scars. It sometimes took mortals oh so long to realize such simple things.
The tall, thin figure drew forth a narrow-bladed long sword notched the entire length by slightly tilted W-shaped double-indents making it look fiercely toothsome, even manxome. It's almond-shaped eyes glared with baleful, pentoxulent malevolence as it regarded its given prey; Shael.
"As I said; the old pacts are not so fragile as some would have it. Some of us still keep the Old Ways." Ulricht shifted in his ornate saddle and addressed the Gauntling raising its snickering sword; "Avaunt Horror. Your masters have no say over this place and you are unwelcome in my presence. Your sickly countenance offends my delicate sensibilities. Begone."
"You have no authority over me--"
"Milady Headmistress, might I prevail upon you for your kind permission to dispatch this offal-chewing corpse on your behalf?"
"Yes." Shael struggled to stand upright; "Yes! By the Old Pacts Yes! Drive this thing from our Academy Ulricht!"
Ulricht smiled three-times as wide as was possible then goaded his mount into motion with his spurs.
"Not enough clean meat left on you to catch the point of a good spear, nor would a sword be particularly satisfying as it would merely cleave you into disparate pieces your masters would only stitch back together again. No, that will not do. Not at all. I suppose there's nothing for it then." He sighed as he reached forth with his mail-gloved hand, gestured, and brought forth a heavy three-headed flail. Each head sculpted into the shrieking visage of a hideous figure drooling deep red flames.
"I have no quarrel with--"
Ulricht drove home his spurs. The Dodo leaped. The flail smoldered and roared as it crashed down upon the Gauntlim.
The snarling, snickering sword howled as it swirled through the air.
The flail came back with a jerk only to snap forward and down again and again.
Ulricht laughed heartily.
The flail screamed as it slipped out of existence once again. He dismounted and began to pick through the brittle, blasted remains of the Gauntlim, setting the choicest bits into a small pile.
"With your leave; the spoils go to the victor."
Shael nodded once, wincing in great pain from the notions; "As it is written of old. Thank you Ulricht." The hunchback bound-up the carefully chosen fragments of his dispatched foe in the rags left from its own wrappings which he wound tighter and tighter, crushing it all down into a sort of lumpy ball that he then slipped into a saddle-bad on the dodo.
"No need to thank me Lady Shael. I was only doing my appointed task. But, of course, it is always nice to be appreciated. Shall I accompany you? There is much turmoil within the place of late. Many outsiders. Too much conniving and meddling. You really ought to clean house." He let a look of anger and disappointment slip across his countenance then resumed his grinning mien.
"Yes. You are right. Too right. I will...I would greatly appreciate your help in doing what is necessary and needful Ulricht..."
"Then you shall have it, as it is in the nature of the Pact that binds me to this place. And what of these two stalwart youths? I can see that you both are marked as students, so I will instruct you in something you might have use of later. Observe." Ulricht strode over to the section of wall where the Gauntlim had entered the hallway. The wall still fluctuated softly, slowly, like a rippling pond of thick syrup.
"You," he pointed to Bujilli; "Young Man, you know of a spell that might be made more useful in addressing intrusive phenomena of just this sort. I can see it glimmering in your brain. Do you have some idea of which spell I am referring?"
Bujilli considered his repertoire. One spell made more sense than the others, though for a moment he considered suggesting a variation on 'Listen to the Walls,'
"Protection From Aethyrial Intrusion?" He wasn't keen on finding out what Oneiric Bubble would do in this situation based on his previous experience back under Zormur's Palace.* His attempt at modifying that spell under those circumstances had yielded some rather spectacular and quite unforeseen results. He had been fortunate to escape the worst of it.
"Good. Very good. Cast it, if you will."
"What? Now? Here?"
"Yes. Now. There." Ulricht pointed to the spatial instability in the wall as it slowly congealing closed.
Bujilli nodded. Closed his eyes. Adjusted his breathing. Prepared himself. Cast the spell.
"Now open your eyes and pay strict attention--we do not want to spoil this opportunity."
Bujilli felt his spell transform itself before him as Ulricht reconfigured it, transformed it, modified it to sieze upon the flickering liminal edges of the instability and interpose itself between the HereNow and the ThereThen. It held the thing open, formed a transitional space that could easily be adjusted and pushed outwards to form a passage...or...with a twist the whole thing could be set into motion to form a vortex that would either wind itself down into a miniscule point before slipping out of existence or conversely it could be set going in the opposite direction, fed more and more power until it broke down the barriers and boundaries it was anchored within...a dozen more permutations and elaborations flashed through Bujilli's mind.
"There. That gives you some idea of what can be done. I'll leave it to your imagination and ingenuity to investigate the possibilities for yourself." Ulricht nodded in approval then strode over to Shael and offered her his arm for support. She reached out and her pain eased as he propped her up.
"Thank you Ulricht." Bujilli felt dozens of connections and new direction suggesting themselves to him, each spell he knew led to dozens more that he could learn, could discover if he only applied himself, explored his own repertoire. It was a heady, invigorating realization that blew away the last few lingering vestiges of his Uncle's sabotage and deliberately cultivated bad habits intended to weaken him and make him a better servitor, a more useful slave.
"But of course young sir--you came here seeking knowledge. It is the sacred responsibility of all who serve, who are bound, who hold office in this place to assist in the ongoing process of instruction, revelation and exploration. To do anything less is to dishonor the institution and all those affiliated with it." Ulricht stared directly into Shael's eyes even as he was addressing Bujilli.
"Ahem. Now your turn young lady. I see that you know the root-spell for ghoulish aspiration--Charnel Breath. that particular spell we won't be using today as it would open the way to a rather undesirable place and draw unwanted attention. Likewise your Pale Shelter spell would only delay us and not serve our interests quite so well at this time, however in the future know that it can be modified to provide refuge from all manner of unfriendly and untoward forces with but a modicum of reworking or revision on your part. But for today, let us make use of your Protection From Shadows spell, if you please."
Leeja looked to Shael who grinned assent. She stepped away from her Aunt and moved into place before the sorcerous breech in the wall and cast her spell.
"Ah good. You see how it draws the edges back like eddies of ink within a pool of wermoil? That is where your spell and theirs both come into contact, a sort of interference layer. Perhaps it is not dissimilar to some forms of weather, but that is something I'll leave for you to reflect upon in-between your studies."
Another Gauntlim moved into the breech. And another. Another. Eight of the dry, vengeful things were entering into the breech.
"And now we shift things like so. What do you see now young lady?"
The breech was sealed. No. Not so much sealed as closed-over, trapping the Gauntlims in-transit.
"But..."
"Shadows are negative spaces created by the passage of opaque objects through the light. Affecting the absence of something implies some measure of identification with the thing itself, after a fashion. Enough to extrapolate from and in the case of subjects who voluntary allow themselves to enter into your frame of reference...well...I'll let you ponder that for another day as well."
"Thank you." Leeja felt her spell fade, the residual shrieks of the entrapped Gauntlim echoed across her mind only momentarily before they too faded into oblivion.
"Now. Where were you headed Milady Shael?" Ulricht set her gently down onto the stretcher strung between the two constructs. He made a small gesture and imparted a small spell to the rough canvas that it might ease its passenger's discomfort.
"We are on our way to see an ally. We need to leave by the nearest exit, preferably one near the Burned Over District on this side of the Film Repository."
"It is good to have allies in this place. I know of three such exits that might serve you; One is nearest the Fountain of Darkjean, one is at the very threshold of the Red Tentacle Inn, and one is well within the Caves where culinary mushrooms are raised by the Vesgal, who also still keep the Old Pacts."
"I do not know these places, at least not by those names..." Bujilli looked to Leeja--she'd been in the place longer than him and knew her way around far better than he did.
"The fountain is the closest. I'd as soon avoid the Caves if we can. There's just the two of us, and the drones, and I'd rather not risk running into a pack of Voormis or worse down there just now."
"But the Caves would take us near more allies..." Shael considered her options.
"Do we still want to go to Idvard at this time? If there are more like Ulricht here at the Academy, perhaps we should round them up, remind them of their Pacts and get them to help us restore order..."
"A tempting thought. One that has occurred to myself as well. But alas, no matter how many of the Pacts we raise...we're woefully outnumbered and out-maneuvered by the Privy Council and their allies. For now."
"Return when you are ready. In the meantime I and my compatriots and colleagues will make the intruders regret their folly and remember just why this place has endured for so long as a beacon in the midst of horror and apocalypse. We have been invaded and subverted before. We know what to do and we'll do it. Now that we have a Headmistress again."
"I am ashamed--"
"Hush Milady. You were lulled into vulnerability, misled and subverted by pleasant, well-measured words. The enemies of this place are legion and some are far more patient and subtle than others. Your vigilance could only endure so long. It was inevitable that you or one of your successors would fail, that is the nature of mortals and that is exactly why the Old Pacts were established. We'll buy you time enough to attend to your needs and prepare yourself and whatever forces you intend to call upon to re-take your rightful place. These are the worst of times for you, but they are the best of times for myself!"
"So do we head for this Fountain or leave through the Caves?" Bujilli considered picking up the Morlock's toothsome lash, but it hissed softly and slithered away from his fingers.
"I say we--"
What should Bujilli & Leeja do next?
You Decide!
* See Episode 6.
Which way should they go?
Exit One: The Fountain of Darkjean
Exit Two: The Red Tentacle Inn
Exit Three: The Caves (with mushrooms)
Option Four: Go someplace else. (Where?)
So, we have four options to consider and it is up to you, the readers just which way Bujilli and friends go next. If you want them to go in a different direction than one of the Exits suggested by Ulricht, then where do you think they ought to go?
They certainly could go to Hedrard's Rooms, or Bujilli's room, or go looking for Mistress Eberhard...or somewhere else within the Academy. If that appeals to you more than heading off to Idvard's Keep, but wherever they go, Shael needs help and they might want to see about removing the curse that hinders her from being effective, and even if Idvard does not know how to remove the curse, he does know how to research things and find an answer.
Besides, Hedrard has been going through some changes of late...so we do not know how she'll deal with them now that she has returned to the Academy. It might be better to get Shael fixed-up before confronting the transformed Hedrard...or maybe She can remove the curse? But would she? At what cost? Hmmm...lots to consider.
Feel free to ask questions or to discuss the situation. I'll do my best to respond to comments in a timely manner.
Let me know what you think they ought to do in the comments below, or via email and we'll resume things next week!
What do they do next?
You Decide!
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Series Indexes
About Bujilli (What is This?) | Who is Bujilli? | How to Play
Bujilli's Character Sheet | Leeja's Character Sheet | Cast of Characters
Bujilli's Spells | Little Brown Journals | Loot Tally | House Rules
Series Two (Episode 20-36)
Series Three (Episodes 37-49)
Series Four (Episodes 50-68)
Series Five (Episodes 69-99)
Series Six(Episodes 100 - 111)
Series Seven (112 - ongoing)
Labyrinth Lord | Advanced Edition Companion
Series Six(Episodes 100 - 111)
Series Seven (112 - ongoing)
Labyrinth Lord | Advanced Edition Companion
I say go for the Fountain of Darkjean exit. Shael is a target while she's in the Academy, and Idvard might be able to help, or at least provide refuge. They need to leave Hedrard alone until the three days she claimed are up. ("Bring her to us in three nights. We'll do what can be done." Episode 111)
ReplyDeleteI also have a question. In Episode 110 Shael said "I've been punished for exceeding my authority..." and in Episode 111 that "I've been cursed by the Privy Council and sentenced to a slow death for having had the temerity to try and change things" but if the Privy Council has no authority over the Academy then they should not be able to punish her, unless she allows it. Can she "un-accept" this curse?
I rolled 5d20s and got 14, 12, 14, 19, and 15, in case they're useful.
Fountain of Darkjean. Okay. That's one vote.
DeleteIdvard might be able to help Shael. He can at least do research into things. He may also have connections he can call on for assistance. He moves in different circles than Shael and her clique.
Good call on the Hedrard-thing...if she says 'three days,' they probably had better giver her three days.
Excellent question. Shael exceeded her mandate by reaching outside the Academy and by crossing that line, she left herself open to retaliation by those members of the Privy Council who are her, and the Academy's enemies. As Ulricht has hinted in the last two episodes, Shael needs to look to her actual authority, and re-establish herself within the Academy which could re-awaken a lot of old powers and pacts, giving her the means to redeem herself and possibly throw off the curse--a case could be made that the Privy Council has exceeded their authority...and that opens a few interesting doors...
Like you point out, the curse is only really powerful enough to do what it is doing mostly because Shael accepts it as right and proper...and it is not. There's a good chance she can beat this thing, but having the means is not the same as making the effort. We'll see how she handles things (or fails) going forward.
Thanks for the D20 rolls, they will get put to use.
Hrrm. I was thinking risking the caves - balance the risk of allies and Voomis, etc. (they aren't statted up anywhere I can find but I assume as unpleasant as 80% of whatever else we'll find.)
ReplyDeleteBut either way, get to temporary sanctuary at Idvard's - wait to see what/who Hedrard turns into - Ally, or further down her own agenda? I suppose she has the powers to remove the curse from Shael. and more intelligence on the power play is always helpful. Shael has been a bit circumspect in her answers or comments on the story behind her punishment and the overarching politics.
Perhaps a few reaction rolls will be in order. 3, 5, 3
A vote for the Caves. Hmmm...no one wanted the Red Tentacle Inn. Oh well. I will have to resort to random die rolls to settle this. As to the Caves, no, they are not at the blog at this time. I can certainly post a few things, including some maps, etc. I was planning on revealing more details based on where the group goes. The Caves might get detailed even if Bujilli doesn't go there. They make a good place for a low-level character to get their start on a Foraging, Scavenging, or Deep-Hunting career...and there is a small installation of Sewer Militia stationed on the back-end of the caves thanks to ancient treaties and some horrific events in the past.
DeleteIdvard's place does seem to be their best bet for a refuge away from the current circumstances and a good place to rally their forces, get up to speed on current events, prep for what they plan to do next.
Hedrard is now more of a mystery than ever before...She had a lot of power but never advertised the real extent of it before, so now there are a lot of questions and not a lot to go on...and that goes for Her enemies as much or more as for those who have been her allies previously. Bujilli still carries her amulet and nothing untoward has come to him via that connection. If anything, Bujilli feels optimistic about Hedrard...guardedly.
Shael is caught-up in self-recimination and a lot of self-doubt. She did not suspect that the man she married was a simulacrum. She has been duped, misled, manipulated...and now she wants to sort out what is real and actual from what is scandalously crapulous and pointless distraction. She really needs to clean house, starting with her own self first.
Thanks for the reaction rolls!
Hm, well if that die hasn't been cast, I put in a late vote for the caves. I'm of V.A.'s mind, and further hold little hope that Bujilli and company will avoid danger simply by taking the shorter route to Darkjean's fountain. Danger finds them at every turn. On the subject of dangerous - take the snickering sword? That is, if Ulricht didn't gather it up with that jelly he made of the Gauntlim's remains.
DeleteI was unavoidably detained and delayed, so your comment arrived just in time. Bujilli and company will now be going into The Caves [with mushrooms]. Avoiding danger is difficult in what amounts to an active warzone...but they can certainly attempt to avoid as much unnecessary unpleasantness as possible. Until Shael gets herself together...the academy is going to be a very dangerous place for all concerned.
DeleteThe Snickering Sword is available...if anyone wants to pick it up. Ulricht might have a few words to say on the matter. A new weapons would be handy for Leeja as much as for bujilli, possibly even more so...hmmm...
We'll deal with that particular matter right off!