Post by Bruce on May 26, 2017 11:32:09 GMT
GM Observations
- There are three ‘scenes’ or mini-adventures as part of this writeup, all occurring in the first two years of the time compress.
- Note that Ethan can now do Divination spells, so I've suggested how this might work in practice.
- Note - I can’t add the hyperlinks to other sessions at the moment because the Rite Publishing website is undergoing an upgrade.
Ichabod and Isabelle
- This event happens almost four months after the events of Session 103. In other words, Isabelle has been living in Westgate and spending a lot of time with Ethan, working on the machinery of Clockworld. The two of them are getting along well.
- Way back in Session 54, Isabelle told Ethan that she intended to sit down and have a proper conversation with Ichabod (who has had a previous grievance with her). At last she tells Ethan that she is going to meet with Ichabod and sort this matter out. By this point Ethan knows that Isabelle can open Doors with a device that she carries - she keeps it secret but he knows of it. Isabelle departs for Nexopolis from Clockworld, telling Ethan that she’ll be back in a day or two. Ethan knows that it’s only a short walk (about five minutes) to Nexopolis from Clockworld and he sees no reason to worry.
* Image by jas-tham on DeviantART
- However, he receives an Icon contact after only fifteen minutes. Ethan can tell that it is Isabelle (GM’s note - he can now identify who is contacting him because he has Wrighting - he is far more experienced with Icons now). Accepting the contact, she practically screams at him through the connection that they are under attack. Ethan can tell that she’s afraid for her life, and he pulls her through. Ethan knows that he’s pulling through someone else that she’s in physical contact with but he does it anyway.
- Suddenly Isabelle and Ichabod are there. Ichabod is lying on the Clockworld floor, covered in blood. He’s been shot many times and the wounds are terrible. Luckily, Isabelle seems to be physically unharmed but she’s clearly distressed by the sudden attack. She tries to explain but Ethan asks her to wait while he focusses on Ichabod.
* Image by Santani on DeviantArt, model: Aleksiy Chumakov, photographer: Diana Serejkina
- Ethan gently treats Ichabod, first telling him via mind-to-mind contact that he is safe and relieving him of his obvious discomfort (GM’s note - he uses Eidolon for that). Ethan carries him gently to a healing booth (the same one that they first met Jacob in, way back in Session 27 Part 3) and then he listens to Isabelle’s story.
- Isabelle explains that she was going to meet Ichabod in Nexopolis at a cafe that she nominated. She didn’t make it very far - she bumped into Ichabod on the way, and then less than a minute later, there were a number of men in dark trenchcoats on the street who just started shooting at them. Ethan quizzes her further - Isabelle is clearly a bit frazzled but she calms enough to realise that Ichabod tried to shield her. He took gunshots meant for her.
- Isabelle describes their assailants in more detail. She says that they wore long trenchcoats, but the collars were high such that she couldn’t even see below their noses. They had sunglasses and wide brimmed hats. She thought they were odd even before they started firing, but she certainly hadn’t expected to be shot at.
- Ethan remains very calm during this. He offers her a drink, and uses Eidolon to relax her. He gently asks if she’d like to stay with a friend. The unspoken suggestion is that she contact Lucien. Isabelle shakes her head. (GM’s note - she doesn’t say why)
- At this point the healing booth which is working on Ichabod raises an alert tone. Ethan goes to look at the readouts and he quickly deduces that the machine (which channels Eidolon power) is having a very difficult time healing his injuries. While Ethan looks into the situation, he asks Isabelle further about where they were attacked.
- Isabelle tells him that they were attacked in a side street, but there were still other people around. It was hardly deserted.
- Ethan pauses and offers to show Isabelle a ‘magic trick’. Isabelle is surprised but agrees. Ethan produces his Icon of Isabelle (which is a small LEGO sized figurine) and casts a simple spell upon it. It glows red for a moment, and then he puts it away. He explains that he tried a simple Divination spell (GM’s note - yes, he can now use Divination spells) - the result is inconclusive but she doesn’t appear to be the target of the attack. (GM’s note - the Divination spell is used to confirm something that Ethan suspects but does not know. Of course it will never be 100% accurate, but it gives Ethan an indication as to whether his hunch is likely to be right or not) He doesn’t have an Icon of Ichabod handy (though he does have one) so he doesn’t repeat the Divination spell to confirm that Ichabod was the target of the attack.
- Mulling over the inconclusive result of the Divination spell, Ethan asks Isabelle if she was carrying anything precious. Isabelle says that she was not, to which Ethan looks carefully at her in case she could be lying (he doesn’t believe her). Feeling the weight of his gaze, Isabelle repeats that she wasn’t carrying anything that would make her a target. She seems a touch offended that Ethan is pressing her, so he backs off.
- Ethan presumes then by process of elimination that Ichabod was the primary target. But something feels wrong with that too. In the meantime, the healing booth is still not making any progress. There are a number of bullet fragments lodged within his body and the fragments are resisting removal. Furthermore, the many metal splinters are slowly moving within his body, gradually working to kill him.
- Ethan opens the healing booth and reconfigures it so that it serves as an operating table. Using Sorcery, he spends some time examining the fragments and he realises that these are Cursed. They are designed to work against a Warden of the Stair, and the more powerful the target, the more damage these bullets would do. There are dozens of fragments in Ichabod’s body, but if for example Ethan himself had been hit, he would not have been able to use Eidolon to heal himself: The fragments would have siphoned the energies and used them to burrow faster. They could even have been lethal.
- Using lesser magics (Sorcery), Ethan carefully negates the Curse on the bullets, then he uses a ‘pattern sweep’ of Ichabod’s body to eject any remaining fragments and make his body physically whole again. Before putting Ichabod back in the healing chamber, a thought occurs to him. Ethan takes out his own Icon and casts another minor divination spell. This time the figurine glows blue, confirming in Ethan’s mind that he was the true target.
- Ethan offers an apology to Isabelle for putting her in danger, and when he explains why he thinks he was the target, she completely loses it. She is furious, and not with Ethan. Swearing and cursing, raving and ranting, Ethan gives the impression that she knows who is after him, but he does not pry. Instead he touches Ichabod’s head and makes mental contact. He assures Ichabod that he is safe and will recover, but asks him if there could be anyone else in danger in Nexopolis.
- Ichabod mentions the owner of the cafe (Stefu) who is a friend of his. Ethan cuts the contact and contacts Grant. He explains quickly that Isabelle has come under attack in Nexopolis, but that they were probably trying to kill Ethan. He asks Grant to head to Isabelle’s and Ichabod’s rendezvous and make sure that Ichabod’s friend is safe. Grant heads off immediately from Marindar.
- Ethan puts Ichabod in the healing chamber and then tries to calm Isabelle. He lets her blow off some steam, and then offers her some tea and crumpets. Isabelle’s anger is snuffed out by Ethan’s calm and she sits down to try to relax.
- Less than ten minutes later, Grant contacts Ethan again and passes Stefu through. He’s been shot in the arm. Ethan brings him through into Clockworld and begins medical treatment. Meanwhile Grant has decided to keep looking for the perpetrators.
- Stefu’s wounds are less severe but he recovers more slowly than Ichabod (GM’s note - Ichabod has Ranked Endurance, Stefu does not). Ethan offers him an Eidolon-laced cocktail with an umbrella in it to speed his recovery, and sits him down in front of a television to try to relax.
- Ten minutes later, the healing chamber opens. The healing cycle is complete and Ichabod slowly awakens. Ethan organises some more tea and cakes. Ichabod is pleased to see that Isabelle is unharmed and they sit down to have their conversation and reconcile differences. Ethan steps away to give them some privacy (and be away from the daytime television that Stefu is watching).
- He does not have to wait before Grant gets back in contact. It’s taken him another half an hour, but he found a nest of the creatures that attacked Isabelle. He says that they weren’t human, and that they appeared to be mannikins when ‘slain’. Grant doesn’t know quite what to make of them. Ethan thanks him for his help, and Grant says he’ll look around a little more before returning to Marindar.
- Ethan notes that Isabelle and Ichabod seem to be getting along well. Stefu is a zombie in front of daytime television - Ethan has no idea what he is watching but he has no interest whatsoever. He gets back to work on the latest project on Clockworld.
- Twenty minutes later, Ethan is interrupted again by an Icon contact from Grant. He is out of breath. A whole building was rigged to explode - again mannikins were involved. Grant is pretty certain that there are no more in Nexopolis now but he finds the whole thing very odd. He asks Ethan whether any of the pieces that he’s collected would be useful. Ethan thinks for a moment and then asks Grant to get rid of them (he’s worried about traceability). Grant offers to takes some photos before he destroys what is left of the mannikins and Ethan agrees that this is a good idea. This ends the Icon contact.
- After many hours, Isabelle and Ichabod have reconciled. Ichabod and Stefu decide return to Nexopolis and to Ethan’s surprise, Isabelle suddenly tells him that she has decided to leave too. She tells him that she plans to return to Lucien. Ethan is disappointed and asks her to stay longer. There is a moment where she appears tempted, but then she flashes a smile and tells him that she’ll see him again soon. Ethan thinks about kissing her good-bye but he lingers on the thought too long. She has initiated an Icon contact and is suddenly gone.
- Ethan asks Ichabod if he’s satisfied with his conversation with Isabelle and he acknowledges that he is. Ichabod asks Ethan if he would escort them back to Nexopolis - Ichabod has thought of a bolthole that he uses in times of danger and he would appreciate Ethan’s help in confirming that it is safe. Together, all three of them head to Nexopolis. Ethan is prepared for battle, and using mental invisibility to hide who he is.
- There is no sign of another attack, but on the final approach to Ichabod’s retreat Ethan finds a low-tech tripwire rigged to an implosion grenade. He disarms the device, and tries to get a psychic impression of who placed it there. Unfortunately it’s just another marionette. Ethan tries to trace where the marionette came from but the trail leads back to a destroyed building (collapsed during Grant’s investigation). Ichabod and Stefu eventually part company with Ethan. They both thank Ethan, and Ethan decides to leave Nexopolis via a different Door in case he is somehow being observed.
Lucien and Ethan
- A few days after Isabelle departs, Ethan receives an Icon contact from Lucien. He accepts, having never received an Icon contact from Lucien before. Lucien asks to meet with Ethan in a place of Ethan’s choosing. He says that it’s not urgent but that he would like to talk. Ethan can sense through the contact that Lucien is concerned, and more than a little angry but the anger is not directed at him.
- Ethan thinks for a moment and suggests that they catch up for dinner. He describes the place and a time is set.
- Two days later, Ethan arrives at a restaurant high in the sky. The restaurant is miles above the planet’s surface, perched on a space ‘beanstalk’ that reaches low orbit. The view is spectacular from here, and the food is extraordinary. Ethan is early. Lucien arrives on time.
* Image by ANTIFAN-REAL on DeviantART
- They order and eat. They talk about mundane matters like the quality of the view and the food. The red wine is particularly good. Ethan doesn’t know Lucien very well, so he doesn’t open up to him. It is only when Lucien is eating dessert that he asks the first question of any real significance. Lucien asks about whether it’s true that both Ethan and Grant came from the same realm. When Ethan confirms this, Lucien says that he finds this extraordinary. It is clear that Lucien has a lot on his mind and he is rather preoccupied, but not quite sure as to how to ask.
- Worried that the time is being wasted, Ethan asks if he did meet the Arcadian Queen whilst in Marindar. He knows it’s a sore topic as Lucien wasn’t impressed with being tricked into meeting up with her again. Lucien acknowledges that he met with with Aglaranna, but he says that things have changed. He explains that she’s married now, and they are different people than when they last met. He was also concerned about the position that Ethan had put him in - the possible disruption to Marindar given Arcadia’s proximity. He then remarks that he has his eye on someone else anyway.
- Ethan then turns the question around to ask how Lucien copes with living an extraordinarily long life. Ethan doesn’t mention Abbie or Isabelle by name, but he mentions that even with Eidolon, a lover or partner will still continue to age whilst a Warden is almost standing still. He asks for Lucien’s counsel. Lucien explains that there are only three ways that he has seen working. Firstly, to stay in place, one must have a connection to the place, but not necessarily the people. People change. People die. Secondly, withdraw and don’t get involved. Thirdly, he says that some Wardens seek out numerous relationships which he considers superficial as a way of connecting and remaining connected to people. Bastiano does this, but Lucien wonders if this is a coping mechanism for those with Umbra lest they lose all empathy to ground them.
- Lucien advises Ethan to avoid being fixed in his ways. He advises that change is an essential part of living, and the absence of change means death. Ethan asks about what happens when Lucien does meet people that he really connects with. Lucien shrugs and says that he enjoys those connections while they last, and he advises Ethan to do the same.
- Ethan asks about Vala as she doesn’t appear to fit into any of the three categories that Lucien describes. Lucien says that Vala is special - she is able to connect people in a way that he has never been able to. Changing the topic, he advises Ethan that if he stops growing, he stops living. He says that new things will keep us alive.
- A second dessert arrives - it is so good that Lucien has decided to try all of the options on the menu.
- Lucien shifts the topic of conversation to the fact that the Stair has decided that Earth needs two Wardens. That is unprecedented as far as he is aware. He warns Ethan that Earth is a minefield of artifacts left over from the Great War. He cites that Earth was the 3rd worst battlefield of the war, and it was a serious mess that he and others had to repair. Ethan asks what the Dwimmerlaik wanted with Earth.
- Lucien then drops the bombshell that the Dwimmerlaik think that there is a Typhonian Superweapon on Earth. Something that can change or destroy whole sections of the Stair. Ethan pauses, surprised that Lucien would say something like that, even here. Ethan asks if Lucien believes that, and Lucien says that he does. He believes that it is well hidden, but it is there somewhere. It’s for that reason that Realm 0 is so well guarded.
- Shifting the conversation back to two Wardens on Earth, he says that he believes that the Stair has a guiding will - similar to the guiding will of Eidolon or Umbra. The Stair has wants and needs, and that it chose two Warden at the same time from the same realm makes him very uncomfortable. He urges Ethan to remain vigilant.
- Ethan thinks over this as the shadows lengthen over the lands below. Lucien orders a third dessert, and a waiter tops up Ethan’s wine. Lucien breaks the silence by pointing out just how much power Ethan (and Grant) have acquired since stepping onto the Stair. Lucien points his fork at Ethan that he has more power than Wardens who have been on the Stair for decades or even centuries. He speculates that this is only because the Stair wants it. Because the Stair needs it.
- Ethan is aware that he is strong for a Warden, and he thinks of Grant as even stronger than he. He asks Lucien whether his own experiences were different. Lucien says that he did not acquire what Ethan has acquired as quickly as Ethan as done. To drive the point home, Lucien changes the topic and begins to talk about an outcast Dwimmerlaik. One who was so worthless to the Empire that he was cast out. That Dwimmerlaik found power and within a century he became the one known as the Dwimmerlaik with Red Eyes. He points out that this adversary has met Ethan more than once, and is showing a great deal of interest in him. He warns Ethan not to be flattered by such interest. Lucien says that great power is a magnet for others and there are many who would covet what Ethan has.
- Ethan’s glass is topped up again. Lucien insists that Ethan try one of the desserts and it is ordered for him. Ethan opens up a little and shares that there are still gaps in his memories. He knows that the Dwimmerlaik influence worlds, and make them dependent upon the Empire. He has so many unanswered questions - like where did the girl that he was following go? There are so many loose ends. The fact that he can’t follow them all irritates him. Lucien smiles at this. He sees this as only natural - it is impossible for a Warden to follow everything.
- Ethan asks about Oscar, the Lord of Gossamer who appears to have mentored Grant. Lucien frowns and warns him to be cautious around Oscar. Lucien considers him to be brave and noble, but he is tainted by Umbra and he can be unstable.
- Lucien pauses, sensing that Ethan wants to share something with him. Ethan explains about what happened when he thought he was someone else (Griffin) and that the Dwimmerlaik sent him to kill a Warden called Fambol. But in attempting to kill Fambol, he turned out to be a mannikin. The same sort of mannikins tried to kill Isabelle in Nexopolis - but Ethan believes that they were trying to kill him, and Isabelle was just caught in the middle.
- Lucien asks for more questions and Ethan shares what little he knows. Lucien speculates a little that it might be possible to impersonate someone else in such a way if they kept the host alive, but then he stops himself. He says that it’s very rare to see something ‘new’ on the Stair, but this sounds new. He asks a number of probing questions, eventually focussing on Ethan’s mental contact with Fambol. Lucien asks if there was a delay in connecting to him, and he convinces Ethan that there was - the host was removed. So perhaps a relay was involved. But to coordinate an entire ‘hit squad’ is something more. Perhaps there are others with the same power. Ethan wonders how Fambol could open the Door if he was not somehow a ‘real’ Warden.
- Ethan asks Lucien how a Warden is made or chosen. He asks if it would be possible to make someone else a Warden, or transfer the power to someone else. Lucien chuckles and says that this is one of many mysteries that he has not been able to solve completely, but he knows it is not possible to make a Warden or transfer the power to another. He admits that it is possible to temporarily imbue someone else with the power, but nothing complex or lasting works. The Stair doesn’t seem to want to cooperate to allow these things.
- The conversation moves to Clockworld, and Ethan asks many questions. Lucien shares his experiences and insights freely. During the conversation, they find themselves the last diners in the restaurant, but Lucien persuades the manager to keep the place open (and the kitchen running) with two ‘fingers’ of gold. They spend hours talking about the Clockworld machines and Lucien uses napkins, menus and anything else on hand to illustrate and explain his points. The table quickly fills with diagrams and mathematical formulae. They discuss what would be required to achieve ‘Control of Contents’ over Earth (Realm 0) from Clockworld and Lucien gives Ethan advice as to how to achieve that. Lucien thinks that Control of Contents would be an asset given that something powerful and dangerous remains undiscovered in Realm 0.
- At last Lucien has tried all of the desserts on the menu, and is suitably pleased with himself that he has done so. He asks Ethan if there is anything else on his mind. It is very late but they have the place to themselves. Ethan wonders if he should ask about Isabelle.
- Ethan takes a deep breath and asks about whether Isabelle is really his granddaughter. Lucien says that technically she is his great-great-great-great granddaughter. Before Ethan can ask, Lucien expands upon a previous point in the conversation, describing her as probably the most likely candidate to be chosen by the Stair as he has ever seen, and yet it has not happened. He finds it odd - as Ethan knows, Isabelle was exposed to Lucien’s Compass at a very early age and due to an accident, she remains linked to it at some level. For many years Isabelle thought that it had changed her but he believes the reverse to be true. He would have thought her a perfect candidate to become a Warden - she has an affinity for an item which is deeply connected to the Stair - and yet it hasn’t happened. Lucien seems tired and disappointed. Ethan makes the observation that Lucien seems very fond of her, and he acknowledges this.
- Ethan admits that he is also rather fond of her. Lucien says nothing. He just listens with an expressionless face. Ethan says that he finds it difficult as he knows that things don’t last forever.
- At this point Lucien halts Ethan. He says that as painful as it is to him, when Isabelle was in danger, she contacted Ethan, not him. He knows that Clockworld was close-by, but physical distance makes little difference to an Icon contact. She contacted Ethan, not Lucien.
- Ethan doesn’t know what to say to that. He hadn’t thought of this aspect. Fumbling for another topic of conversation, Ethan realises that Lucien has had enough of the conversation and that it is time to close. Ethan thanks Lucien for coming to meet him, and he promises to keep Lucien updated on his progress with Clockworld. They part ways amicably and Ethan wonders if he has made a connection of a sort with Lucien. He has always been envious of Grant’s relations with many of the other Lords of Gossamer. Perhaps this is the start of something.
Gathering of the Lords of Gossamer
Months later, the first gathering of the Lords of Gossamer that Grant and Ethan have been invited to is held in Shatterlight. The light in this realm has a positive effect on all who are exposed to it - people feel happier, more content, more sure of themselves and optimistic about the future.
Lady Vala convenes the meeting in the great, shimmering Hall of Justice. In attendance are fourteen Lords of Gossamer: Lucien, Drake, Mordecai, Dayle, Bastiano, Cooper, Cal, Jessamyn, Yaeger Zane, Galatea, Grant, Ethan, Eric (Drake’s son), and Lady Vala herself.
Grant and Ethan make the following observations:
The following topics are discussed formally:
There is also a formal dinner, and the chance to catch up and talk more informally over the course of the day.
The following conversations are had informally:
- There are three ‘scenes’ or mini-adventures as part of this writeup, all occurring in the first two years of the time compress.
- Note that Ethan can now do Divination spells, so I've suggested how this might work in practice.
- Note - I can’t add the hyperlinks to other sessions at the moment because the Rite Publishing website is undergoing an upgrade.
Ichabod and Isabelle
- This event happens almost four months after the events of Session 103. In other words, Isabelle has been living in Westgate and spending a lot of time with Ethan, working on the machinery of Clockworld. The two of them are getting along well.
- Way back in Session 54, Isabelle told Ethan that she intended to sit down and have a proper conversation with Ichabod (who has had a previous grievance with her). At last she tells Ethan that she is going to meet with Ichabod and sort this matter out. By this point Ethan knows that Isabelle can open Doors with a device that she carries - she keeps it secret but he knows of it. Isabelle departs for Nexopolis from Clockworld, telling Ethan that she’ll be back in a day or two. Ethan knows that it’s only a short walk (about five minutes) to Nexopolis from Clockworld and he sees no reason to worry.
* Image by jas-tham on DeviantART
- However, he receives an Icon contact after only fifteen minutes. Ethan can tell that it is Isabelle (GM’s note - he can now identify who is contacting him because he has Wrighting - he is far more experienced with Icons now). Accepting the contact, she practically screams at him through the connection that they are under attack. Ethan can tell that she’s afraid for her life, and he pulls her through. Ethan knows that he’s pulling through someone else that she’s in physical contact with but he does it anyway.
- Suddenly Isabelle and Ichabod are there. Ichabod is lying on the Clockworld floor, covered in blood. He’s been shot many times and the wounds are terrible. Luckily, Isabelle seems to be physically unharmed but she’s clearly distressed by the sudden attack. She tries to explain but Ethan asks her to wait while he focusses on Ichabod.
* Image by Santani on DeviantArt, model: Aleksiy Chumakov, photographer: Diana Serejkina
- Ethan gently treats Ichabod, first telling him via mind-to-mind contact that he is safe and relieving him of his obvious discomfort (GM’s note - he uses Eidolon for that). Ethan carries him gently to a healing booth (the same one that they first met Jacob in, way back in Session 27 Part 3) and then he listens to Isabelle’s story.
- Isabelle explains that she was going to meet Ichabod in Nexopolis at a cafe that she nominated. She didn’t make it very far - she bumped into Ichabod on the way, and then less than a minute later, there were a number of men in dark trenchcoats on the street who just started shooting at them. Ethan quizzes her further - Isabelle is clearly a bit frazzled but she calms enough to realise that Ichabod tried to shield her. He took gunshots meant for her.
- Isabelle describes their assailants in more detail. She says that they wore long trenchcoats, but the collars were high such that she couldn’t even see below their noses. They had sunglasses and wide brimmed hats. She thought they were odd even before they started firing, but she certainly hadn’t expected to be shot at.
- Ethan remains very calm during this. He offers her a drink, and uses Eidolon to relax her. He gently asks if she’d like to stay with a friend. The unspoken suggestion is that she contact Lucien. Isabelle shakes her head. (GM’s note - she doesn’t say why)
- At this point the healing booth which is working on Ichabod raises an alert tone. Ethan goes to look at the readouts and he quickly deduces that the machine (which channels Eidolon power) is having a very difficult time healing his injuries. While Ethan looks into the situation, he asks Isabelle further about where they were attacked.
- Isabelle tells him that they were attacked in a side street, but there were still other people around. It was hardly deserted.
- Ethan pauses and offers to show Isabelle a ‘magic trick’. Isabelle is surprised but agrees. Ethan produces his Icon of Isabelle (which is a small LEGO sized figurine) and casts a simple spell upon it. It glows red for a moment, and then he puts it away. He explains that he tried a simple Divination spell (GM’s note - yes, he can now use Divination spells) - the result is inconclusive but she doesn’t appear to be the target of the attack. (GM’s note - the Divination spell is used to confirm something that Ethan suspects but does not know. Of course it will never be 100% accurate, but it gives Ethan an indication as to whether his hunch is likely to be right or not) He doesn’t have an Icon of Ichabod handy (though he does have one) so he doesn’t repeat the Divination spell to confirm that Ichabod was the target of the attack.
- Mulling over the inconclusive result of the Divination spell, Ethan asks Isabelle if she was carrying anything precious. Isabelle says that she was not, to which Ethan looks carefully at her in case she could be lying (he doesn’t believe her). Feeling the weight of his gaze, Isabelle repeats that she wasn’t carrying anything that would make her a target. She seems a touch offended that Ethan is pressing her, so he backs off.
- Ethan presumes then by process of elimination that Ichabod was the primary target. But something feels wrong with that too. In the meantime, the healing booth is still not making any progress. There are a number of bullet fragments lodged within his body and the fragments are resisting removal. Furthermore, the many metal splinters are slowly moving within his body, gradually working to kill him.
- Ethan opens the healing booth and reconfigures it so that it serves as an operating table. Using Sorcery, he spends some time examining the fragments and he realises that these are Cursed. They are designed to work against a Warden of the Stair, and the more powerful the target, the more damage these bullets would do. There are dozens of fragments in Ichabod’s body, but if for example Ethan himself had been hit, he would not have been able to use Eidolon to heal himself: The fragments would have siphoned the energies and used them to burrow faster. They could even have been lethal.
- Using lesser magics (Sorcery), Ethan carefully negates the Curse on the bullets, then he uses a ‘pattern sweep’ of Ichabod’s body to eject any remaining fragments and make his body physically whole again. Before putting Ichabod back in the healing chamber, a thought occurs to him. Ethan takes out his own Icon and casts another minor divination spell. This time the figurine glows blue, confirming in Ethan’s mind that he was the true target.
- Ethan offers an apology to Isabelle for putting her in danger, and when he explains why he thinks he was the target, she completely loses it. She is furious, and not with Ethan. Swearing and cursing, raving and ranting, Ethan gives the impression that she knows who is after him, but he does not pry. Instead he touches Ichabod’s head and makes mental contact. He assures Ichabod that he is safe and will recover, but asks him if there could be anyone else in danger in Nexopolis.
- Ichabod mentions the owner of the cafe (Stefu) who is a friend of his. Ethan cuts the contact and contacts Grant. He explains quickly that Isabelle has come under attack in Nexopolis, but that they were probably trying to kill Ethan. He asks Grant to head to Isabelle’s and Ichabod’s rendezvous and make sure that Ichabod’s friend is safe. Grant heads off immediately from Marindar.
- Ethan puts Ichabod in the healing chamber and then tries to calm Isabelle. He lets her blow off some steam, and then offers her some tea and crumpets. Isabelle’s anger is snuffed out by Ethan’s calm and she sits down to try to relax.
- Less than ten minutes later, Grant contacts Ethan again and passes Stefu through. He’s been shot in the arm. Ethan brings him through into Clockworld and begins medical treatment. Meanwhile Grant has decided to keep looking for the perpetrators.
- Stefu’s wounds are less severe but he recovers more slowly than Ichabod (GM’s note - Ichabod has Ranked Endurance, Stefu does not). Ethan offers him an Eidolon-laced cocktail with an umbrella in it to speed his recovery, and sits him down in front of a television to try to relax.
- Ten minutes later, the healing chamber opens. The healing cycle is complete and Ichabod slowly awakens. Ethan organises some more tea and cakes. Ichabod is pleased to see that Isabelle is unharmed and they sit down to have their conversation and reconcile differences. Ethan steps away to give them some privacy (and be away from the daytime television that Stefu is watching).
- He does not have to wait before Grant gets back in contact. It’s taken him another half an hour, but he found a nest of the creatures that attacked Isabelle. He says that they weren’t human, and that they appeared to be mannikins when ‘slain’. Grant doesn’t know quite what to make of them. Ethan thanks him for his help, and Grant says he’ll look around a little more before returning to Marindar.
- Ethan notes that Isabelle and Ichabod seem to be getting along well. Stefu is a zombie in front of daytime television - Ethan has no idea what he is watching but he has no interest whatsoever. He gets back to work on the latest project on Clockworld.
- Twenty minutes later, Ethan is interrupted again by an Icon contact from Grant. He is out of breath. A whole building was rigged to explode - again mannikins were involved. Grant is pretty certain that there are no more in Nexopolis now but he finds the whole thing very odd. He asks Ethan whether any of the pieces that he’s collected would be useful. Ethan thinks for a moment and then asks Grant to get rid of them (he’s worried about traceability). Grant offers to takes some photos before he destroys what is left of the mannikins and Ethan agrees that this is a good idea. This ends the Icon contact.
- After many hours, Isabelle and Ichabod have reconciled. Ichabod and Stefu decide return to Nexopolis and to Ethan’s surprise, Isabelle suddenly tells him that she has decided to leave too. She tells him that she plans to return to Lucien. Ethan is disappointed and asks her to stay longer. There is a moment where she appears tempted, but then she flashes a smile and tells him that she’ll see him again soon. Ethan thinks about kissing her good-bye but he lingers on the thought too long. She has initiated an Icon contact and is suddenly gone.
- Ethan asks Ichabod if he’s satisfied with his conversation with Isabelle and he acknowledges that he is. Ichabod asks Ethan if he would escort them back to Nexopolis - Ichabod has thought of a bolthole that he uses in times of danger and he would appreciate Ethan’s help in confirming that it is safe. Together, all three of them head to Nexopolis. Ethan is prepared for battle, and using mental invisibility to hide who he is.
- There is no sign of another attack, but on the final approach to Ichabod’s retreat Ethan finds a low-tech tripwire rigged to an implosion grenade. He disarms the device, and tries to get a psychic impression of who placed it there. Unfortunately it’s just another marionette. Ethan tries to trace where the marionette came from but the trail leads back to a destroyed building (collapsed during Grant’s investigation). Ichabod and Stefu eventually part company with Ethan. They both thank Ethan, and Ethan decides to leave Nexopolis via a different Door in case he is somehow being observed.
Lucien and Ethan
- A few days after Isabelle departs, Ethan receives an Icon contact from Lucien. He accepts, having never received an Icon contact from Lucien before. Lucien asks to meet with Ethan in a place of Ethan’s choosing. He says that it’s not urgent but that he would like to talk. Ethan can sense through the contact that Lucien is concerned, and more than a little angry but the anger is not directed at him.
- Ethan thinks for a moment and suggests that they catch up for dinner. He describes the place and a time is set.
- Two days later, Ethan arrives at a restaurant high in the sky. The restaurant is miles above the planet’s surface, perched on a space ‘beanstalk’ that reaches low orbit. The view is spectacular from here, and the food is extraordinary. Ethan is early. Lucien arrives on time.
* Image by ANTIFAN-REAL on DeviantART
- They order and eat. They talk about mundane matters like the quality of the view and the food. The red wine is particularly good. Ethan doesn’t know Lucien very well, so he doesn’t open up to him. It is only when Lucien is eating dessert that he asks the first question of any real significance. Lucien asks about whether it’s true that both Ethan and Grant came from the same realm. When Ethan confirms this, Lucien says that he finds this extraordinary. It is clear that Lucien has a lot on his mind and he is rather preoccupied, but not quite sure as to how to ask.
- Worried that the time is being wasted, Ethan asks if he did meet the Arcadian Queen whilst in Marindar. He knows it’s a sore topic as Lucien wasn’t impressed with being tricked into meeting up with her again. Lucien acknowledges that he met with with Aglaranna, but he says that things have changed. He explains that she’s married now, and they are different people than when they last met. He was also concerned about the position that Ethan had put him in - the possible disruption to Marindar given Arcadia’s proximity. He then remarks that he has his eye on someone else anyway.
- Ethan then turns the question around to ask how Lucien copes with living an extraordinarily long life. Ethan doesn’t mention Abbie or Isabelle by name, but he mentions that even with Eidolon, a lover or partner will still continue to age whilst a Warden is almost standing still. He asks for Lucien’s counsel. Lucien explains that there are only three ways that he has seen working. Firstly, to stay in place, one must have a connection to the place, but not necessarily the people. People change. People die. Secondly, withdraw and don’t get involved. Thirdly, he says that some Wardens seek out numerous relationships which he considers superficial as a way of connecting and remaining connected to people. Bastiano does this, but Lucien wonders if this is a coping mechanism for those with Umbra lest they lose all empathy to ground them.
- Lucien advises Ethan to avoid being fixed in his ways. He advises that change is an essential part of living, and the absence of change means death. Ethan asks about what happens when Lucien does meet people that he really connects with. Lucien shrugs and says that he enjoys those connections while they last, and he advises Ethan to do the same.
- Ethan asks about Vala as she doesn’t appear to fit into any of the three categories that Lucien describes. Lucien says that Vala is special - she is able to connect people in a way that he has never been able to. Changing the topic, he advises Ethan that if he stops growing, he stops living. He says that new things will keep us alive.
- A second dessert arrives - it is so good that Lucien has decided to try all of the options on the menu.
- Lucien shifts the topic of conversation to the fact that the Stair has decided that Earth needs two Wardens. That is unprecedented as far as he is aware. He warns Ethan that Earth is a minefield of artifacts left over from the Great War. He cites that Earth was the 3rd worst battlefield of the war, and it was a serious mess that he and others had to repair. Ethan asks what the Dwimmerlaik wanted with Earth.
- Lucien then drops the bombshell that the Dwimmerlaik think that there is a Typhonian Superweapon on Earth. Something that can change or destroy whole sections of the Stair. Ethan pauses, surprised that Lucien would say something like that, even here. Ethan asks if Lucien believes that, and Lucien says that he does. He believes that it is well hidden, but it is there somewhere. It’s for that reason that Realm 0 is so well guarded.
- Shifting the conversation back to two Wardens on Earth, he says that he believes that the Stair has a guiding will - similar to the guiding will of Eidolon or Umbra. The Stair has wants and needs, and that it chose two Warden at the same time from the same realm makes him very uncomfortable. He urges Ethan to remain vigilant.
- Ethan thinks over this as the shadows lengthen over the lands below. Lucien orders a third dessert, and a waiter tops up Ethan’s wine. Lucien breaks the silence by pointing out just how much power Ethan (and Grant) have acquired since stepping onto the Stair. Lucien points his fork at Ethan that he has more power than Wardens who have been on the Stair for decades or even centuries. He speculates that this is only because the Stair wants it. Because the Stair needs it.
- Ethan is aware that he is strong for a Warden, and he thinks of Grant as even stronger than he. He asks Lucien whether his own experiences were different. Lucien says that he did not acquire what Ethan has acquired as quickly as Ethan as done. To drive the point home, Lucien changes the topic and begins to talk about an outcast Dwimmerlaik. One who was so worthless to the Empire that he was cast out. That Dwimmerlaik found power and within a century he became the one known as the Dwimmerlaik with Red Eyes. He points out that this adversary has met Ethan more than once, and is showing a great deal of interest in him. He warns Ethan not to be flattered by such interest. Lucien says that great power is a magnet for others and there are many who would covet what Ethan has.
- Ethan’s glass is topped up again. Lucien insists that Ethan try one of the desserts and it is ordered for him. Ethan opens up a little and shares that there are still gaps in his memories. He knows that the Dwimmerlaik influence worlds, and make them dependent upon the Empire. He has so many unanswered questions - like where did the girl that he was following go? There are so many loose ends. The fact that he can’t follow them all irritates him. Lucien smiles at this. He sees this as only natural - it is impossible for a Warden to follow everything.
- Ethan asks about Oscar, the Lord of Gossamer who appears to have mentored Grant. Lucien frowns and warns him to be cautious around Oscar. Lucien considers him to be brave and noble, but he is tainted by Umbra and he can be unstable.
- Lucien pauses, sensing that Ethan wants to share something with him. Ethan explains about what happened when he thought he was someone else (Griffin) and that the Dwimmerlaik sent him to kill a Warden called Fambol. But in attempting to kill Fambol, he turned out to be a mannikin. The same sort of mannikins tried to kill Isabelle in Nexopolis - but Ethan believes that they were trying to kill him, and Isabelle was just caught in the middle.
- Lucien asks for more questions and Ethan shares what little he knows. Lucien speculates a little that it might be possible to impersonate someone else in such a way if they kept the host alive, but then he stops himself. He says that it’s very rare to see something ‘new’ on the Stair, but this sounds new. He asks a number of probing questions, eventually focussing on Ethan’s mental contact with Fambol. Lucien asks if there was a delay in connecting to him, and he convinces Ethan that there was - the host was removed. So perhaps a relay was involved. But to coordinate an entire ‘hit squad’ is something more. Perhaps there are others with the same power. Ethan wonders how Fambol could open the Door if he was not somehow a ‘real’ Warden.
- Ethan asks Lucien how a Warden is made or chosen. He asks if it would be possible to make someone else a Warden, or transfer the power to someone else. Lucien chuckles and says that this is one of many mysteries that he has not been able to solve completely, but he knows it is not possible to make a Warden or transfer the power to another. He admits that it is possible to temporarily imbue someone else with the power, but nothing complex or lasting works. The Stair doesn’t seem to want to cooperate to allow these things.
- The conversation moves to Clockworld, and Ethan asks many questions. Lucien shares his experiences and insights freely. During the conversation, they find themselves the last diners in the restaurant, but Lucien persuades the manager to keep the place open (and the kitchen running) with two ‘fingers’ of gold. They spend hours talking about the Clockworld machines and Lucien uses napkins, menus and anything else on hand to illustrate and explain his points. The table quickly fills with diagrams and mathematical formulae. They discuss what would be required to achieve ‘Control of Contents’ over Earth (Realm 0) from Clockworld and Lucien gives Ethan advice as to how to achieve that. Lucien thinks that Control of Contents would be an asset given that something powerful and dangerous remains undiscovered in Realm 0.
- At last Lucien has tried all of the desserts on the menu, and is suitably pleased with himself that he has done so. He asks Ethan if there is anything else on his mind. It is very late but they have the place to themselves. Ethan wonders if he should ask about Isabelle.
- Ethan takes a deep breath and asks about whether Isabelle is really his granddaughter. Lucien says that technically she is his great-great-great-great granddaughter. Before Ethan can ask, Lucien expands upon a previous point in the conversation, describing her as probably the most likely candidate to be chosen by the Stair as he has ever seen, and yet it has not happened. He finds it odd - as Ethan knows, Isabelle was exposed to Lucien’s Compass at a very early age and due to an accident, she remains linked to it at some level. For many years Isabelle thought that it had changed her but he believes the reverse to be true. He would have thought her a perfect candidate to become a Warden - she has an affinity for an item which is deeply connected to the Stair - and yet it hasn’t happened. Lucien seems tired and disappointed. Ethan makes the observation that Lucien seems very fond of her, and he acknowledges this.
- Ethan admits that he is also rather fond of her. Lucien says nothing. He just listens with an expressionless face. Ethan says that he finds it difficult as he knows that things don’t last forever.
- At this point Lucien halts Ethan. He says that as painful as it is to him, when Isabelle was in danger, she contacted Ethan, not him. He knows that Clockworld was close-by, but physical distance makes little difference to an Icon contact. She contacted Ethan, not Lucien.
- Ethan doesn’t know what to say to that. He hadn’t thought of this aspect. Fumbling for another topic of conversation, Ethan realises that Lucien has had enough of the conversation and that it is time to close. Ethan thanks Lucien for coming to meet him, and he promises to keep Lucien updated on his progress with Clockworld. They part ways amicably and Ethan wonders if he has made a connection of a sort with Lucien. He has always been envious of Grant’s relations with many of the other Lords of Gossamer. Perhaps this is the start of something.
Gathering of the Lords of Gossamer
Months later, the first gathering of the Lords of Gossamer that Grant and Ethan have been invited to is held in Shatterlight. The light in this realm has a positive effect on all who are exposed to it - people feel happier, more content, more sure of themselves and optimistic about the future.
Lady Vala convenes the meeting in the great, shimmering Hall of Justice. In attendance are fourteen Lords of Gossamer: Lucien, Drake, Mordecai, Dayle, Bastiano, Cooper, Cal, Jessamyn, Yaeger Zane, Galatea, Grant, Ethan, Eric (Drake’s son), and Lady Vala herself.
Grant and Ethan make the following observations:
- Greywalker is not in attendance. The other Lords are not sure if he is dead or not.
- Some of the other Lords such as Harrison, Turadok, Benjamin (the Mad Elf), Oscar and Jacob are not invited.
- It is the first time that either of them have met Dayle.
The following topics are discussed formally:
- A review of the terms of the Gossamer Alliance (the agreement that binds them all) (Cal explains this for the benefit of those who have never attended one of these gatherings before - Galatea, Grant, Ethan and Eric).
- The status of the known Lords of Gossamer (Vala leads the conversation)
- An update on the Grand Stair and the security of routes between key worlds and nexi. (Lucien provides this update)
- The state of the Dwimmerlaik Civil War (Mordecai leads the discussion)
- The Shadow War against the Dwimmerlaik (Drake leads the briefing)
- The readiness of the Breath of Eden for a counterstrike against the Dwimmerlaik (Cooper explains the current status of the weapon, and Bastiano explains how he plans to use it to cause maximum impact to the Enemy.)
There is also a formal dinner, and the chance to catch up and talk more informally over the course of the day.
The following conversations are had informally: