Theoderic has split everyone up, so that their movements will not give their strategy away.  By varied routes, everyone will converge again at Mos Trajectum.

Eadoin, Scolo, and Melissa prepare to set off.  According to plans, they will take the road through Theoderic's land- a road Eadoin knows fairly well.  That will take them to Belgica, and then they will turn east to Mos Trajectum.  Along the way, or maybe a little ways off on a detour, Melissa wants to find a good place for Scolo's new home.

But if they had any thoughts about going on this trip by themselves... there are others with their own ideas here.

Phiraz leads a small group of Centaurs up to Eadoin as he is preparing for the trip.

“Thayer asked Theoderic, you know,” Phiraz says.  “But Theoderic thinks we've done enough and we shouldn't be asked to spill more blood on his behalf.  Perhaps we have.  But then, it's not just about Theoderic, is it?   It's also about you, and a lot of us believe in you, or at least that Epona is working through you, and whatever blood Epona needs from us is yours.”

Another Centaur speaks up.  “And when this whole thing is over, there would be nothing worse than if someone asks, 'were the Centaurs there?', and they say, no, no, they had better things to do.  We're going with you, Eadoin, come what may.”

There is a smaller voice, closer to the ground. “And a Hybsil, one, at least.  Got to have one of us at least, or they'll be asking that same question about us.  We're not about glory, but let it not be said that when we were needed, we weren't there.  Zizram, sir, here to do what I can.”

Melissa looks at the remainder of the party.  She and Scolo are the only ones with two legs.

“I'd never have thought it,” she says.  “We're traveling with a herd of Centaurs.”

“We're traveling with a strange pair of Humans,” Phiraz says.  “Shall we set out?”
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:46, Mon 13 May 2013.

It was easy to find Scolo, he had remained in the field for a forgotten ammount of time, but explosions were noted several times a day, usually at mealtimes and neighborhood kids had found him and played 'wizards and warriors with exploding firesticks during the night. Thank the powers no one was badly hurt. When Scolo wakes in the morning alone and surrounded by firesticks with burned out twigs in his beard he feels rather aweful.

He cleans himself and tests his sanity with the scales, but his remorse is enough to tell him what is going on ...

09:57, Today: Scolo rolled 20 using 1d20. Sanity.

With another explosion, somewhat muted and difficult Scolo harvests another pheasant deep fried to succulent perfection and is just preparing to welcome back any children and tell them not to play with explosive firesticks when Melissa arrives.

Scolo stands Good morning my dear! How ARE you? his head scrapes the tree branches.

He is obviously doing well but needs to gather back his things.

I'm sooo sorry about the other day - it was all a shock, and I really don't feel comfortable with non wizards from the academy.

While it may be that the king should have explained his intentions Scolo makes no excuses.

When they reach the Centaurs the wizard smiles genuinely. it's so good to see you again!
He shakes Eadoin's hand and puts his other hand on his shoulder in a somewhat too familiar fashion that might be awkward but seems to move in stride with the wizard.

He looks at the other creature and tries to remember what she is.
Oh yes, and a lovely Hybsil you are - hmmmm ... He thinks.
He looks at Melissa - I think we should get horses or we'll keep them back with our dropsy tripsy feet eh?

17:55, Today: Scolo rolled 27 using 1d20+7. Knowledge nature Hybsil.
I'm guessing Scolo knows about Hysilae but could you remind the player?


Edgar Squaks looking very birdlike today ... He says something to Scolo but it is quickly lost.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Tue 14 May 2013.

Eadoin says his rather fond farewells, again, to his family.  While he enjoys the travels about, he feels each parting quite keenly.  His absence from Apple Blossom and the little ones is a huge gap in his happiness.  Still, he knows they're in good company making the return trip to Raviniacum.  In spite of his unhappiness, he knows the things he and others do open the way for others to come in the late spring: the young, the old, and those who care for them.

He's still a mite vague on exactly what he's supposed to do with Scolo other than help him find a safe place to live and to make sure he gets through to Mos Trajectum safely.  The roads they'll travel are mostly familiar, the land mostly level, cut by winding rivers.  Travel should be easily done.

When Phiraz and a little band of Centaurs approaches, Eadoin isn't overly surprised.  He'd asked for volunteers to come with him, even while everyone else goes home to make ready for spring.  The young Centaur smiles easily, tail whisking momentarily.  "Thank you, Phiraz.  It'll be fine to travel in the company of his folk for a time; it will definitely dull the edge of his absence from his family, to be with other members of his chosen band.  He welcomes Zizram, as well.  "No 'sir', please.  I'm just Eadoin.  It's grand to have you along."

The truth of things is that Eadoin has missed for the whispering of his goddess in the grasses outside the city so closely aligned with Arduinna.  Civitas Lucimburic is Her city, filled with Her people, in the middle of Her forest.  He's thankful for Her guidance and her sheltering trees, has set her amongst the Lares at the house in Ravinicum, along with Ceres and Epona.  He's reached his ætas adolescentis in the hospitality of a people She's claimed as her own.  Yet, the young Centaur has a longing for the voice that's spoken to him since his earliest childhood.  No accident then that Phiraz mentions Epona to again set his hooves to the open road.

---

Eadoin greets Scolo rather warmly.  "I think we'll be travelling together a while, sir, through Belgica to Mos Trajectum.  Also, I'm told we might be looking for a place you and your folk might settle, when they're brought from their village."

He's not really up on all the ins and outs of the politics of Aurelianorum, much less those of wizards.  He stays out of that conversation.  Rather than engage on the sticky topic, Eadoin introduces Phiraz, Zizram, and the other members of the small company.

He smiles a little, returning Scolo's handshake and gesture of a hand on his shoulder.  Awkward?  Maybe, likely more because Eadoin's shoulder is well above the six-foot mark these days, than from any undue familiarity.  While the young Centaur's not so large as the grown warriors of his folk, he's nearing seven feet.

"Good day to you, too, Edgar."  He looks about curiously.  "If you've mounts, I think we're assembled."

Scolo has learned many strange things in his life.  Not all because he’s a little strange himself.  Wizards are notorious for learning just about everything they can, and in the Academy, they actually promote that bizarre past time.  And… they have teachers, and classes, and books.

And once, years ago, Scolo recalls the classes on “rare and exotic races of Europa”…



As they head out, Melissa keeps an eye out... behind.

"There was a spy in Lucimburic, you know," she reminds.  "All the signs were there.  Not an assassin... maybe... sometimes an assassin is just a spy with a good opportunity.  And security was so tight, we never gave an opportunity.  But a spy.  I understand something of why Theoderic had us split up.  It will be very interesting to see who the spy decides is more worth following.  A wizard with an escort of Centaurs, or a king with a new wife."

Radish stand hmmm Zizram is it? That's lovely are you a magician then ... Like Scolo?

Scolo asks.

I would love to find a spy, love it you know. I wonder ... I'm sure I wouldn't follow us if I were a spy, but just in case ....

Scolo decides to create a little puzzle. He creates first a sphere of impenetrability in the trail. It will be obvious enough and near the ground as if the impenetrable ball had fallen out of his pocket. He also casts telepromptation on a small piece of quickiron and leaves it carelessly nearby before mounting his mule and riding off.

His genius plan is that the powerful aura of the ball will attract anyone with magic - it will slow them considerably as they hopefully investigate and confirm it's not a trap and has no scrying on it etc. they may try to move it or work it. Anyway in the process they will eventually find the quickiron and take that. Then Scolo will get a description of whatever takes the quickiron.
It's not exactly a foolproof plan, the last time Scolo tried this he ended up starting a dynasty of armored warrior rabbits that evolve over generations to master the use of quickiron. Terribly good at stealing vegetables these rabbits were, and practically immune to any attack.

But who knows?

“We have some magic in our blood,” the Hybsil says.  “All of us, part of our being.  But little spies of hiding and gathering, things we have for our life.  Grand magic... that is rare among us.  You won't find a Hybsil hurling fire, Wizard Scolo.”


They walk west through Theoderic's forest domain.

Melissa brings up a small issue she mentioned before, but Scolo overlooked.  She forgives him these things, knowing how easily distracted he is.

“Have you thought of a new home?” she asks him.  “Where it should be?  There are a lot of choices.  You don't really strike me as a forest wizard.”

“We have a new home,” Zizram says.  “It is different.  Where we were before,  it was forest.  No towns, no roads.  This is a place that is... well, there is much here.  It is a strange life.  Where I lived, we always knew all there was to know.  I don't think anyone can do that, here.”

Eadoin knows the villages they pass.  He's been here a few times, now.  They stop in Sedanensis, a place he knows as a home of carpenters and other craftsman.

New home?
The wizard turns quiet, brooding. He rubs his arms as if in memory of some ancient injury.

It is as if a flood of painful memories and thoughts occupy him, his sanity aches.

Yes, he says at last after a long time you're right, of course. But I don't want to start again. There is nothing left for me. I've lost my village - I shouldn't even be here.

He speaks quietly almost as if he is talking to himself.

Why would the Academy bring the people of Mestanon to me? You heard that woman - she hates me.

Theoderic was tricked and he should have told me the truth. They will be turned away, if they are found. Or brought back maybe with stories of all my failure and ...

He shakes at the thought of the things they'll be told.

Ill never get another tower like that one, and all my work is lost to be buried or exploited by the academy.

He looks at Melissa and speaks up finally.
Why do you say that? I love the woods, the fields of fey magic and the freedom. If I must languish as a vassal of the King, let me have a small plot on the edge of a fey forrest, it should be suitable for a garden, and dry enough for stone construction. It should be near enough to a town or road to be resupplied but not so near to attract visitors.

One thing is clear - a sane Scolo is far more melancholy than his normal self.

They've passed a line of villages, and eventually, reach one built around the remnants of an old fortress.  The fortress once had three large wings- now, the east wing is a grassy lawn surrounded by the remnants of wall, the west wing has been occupied by the log homes of the villagers, and the middle is still a passable fortress.

It is called Castricum, and Eadoin remembers it.

This is where the boys of the region are first taught the skills of the mounted warrior.  At Lucimburic, the Dwarves wanted to emulate Theoderic's cavalry, and Theoderic even assigned a few men to train some Dwarves.  But the truth is that the men who make up Theoderic's cavalry began to ride shortly after they began to walk, and were hurling spears from horses when they were ten years old.  Here.

They see a few boys engaged in a traditional Frankish sport: hurling a spear through a hanging ring, from a galloping horse.

Melissa puts in perspective of Scolo's apparent living preferences.

“Well, it's got that run down rustic ancient ruins theme,” she says.  “I'm sure there are Fey woods around.  But you probably want to be closer to a real city.  I remember this place.  We are still pretty far out in nowhere.”

Strangely, they are all but ignored.  The Centaurs and Hybsils are far more obvious novelty (although a novelty that is wearing off rapidly.)  And Melissa makes sure Edgar is not visible.

The group isn't large, so it's tough not to catch Scolo's mood, much less the wizard's muttering.  He doesn't know much about Scolo's old work, nor much about the Academy.  Still, he finds himself rather fond of the strange man, even distracted by things unseen as he seems.  The young Centaur does know the pain of missing one's kith and kin, though, so he just tries to be companionable.

---

As they pass through the string of villages, Eadoin greets those whom he's met before.  In Castricum, Eadoin suggests to Melissa they consider Belgica for settling.  "There are some…open places where there aren't many folks.  My folk want to range a bit, in their way.  We've some land there, between settled places where the Huns didn't go.  Anyway, you'd be not too far from other folks and well looked after, if you cared to be."

"Belgica?" Melissa asks.  "It's a good place.  It's been prosperous, if you like gray skies and cool weather.  And they say the food is good.  It's very... well... political.  It's the center of the whole mess, there wouldn't have been a war at all if the Dukes of Belgica hadn't snubbed the Emperor's Peace Treaty.  Theoderic wouldn't have been enough of a threat on his own.  And the Elves... the Emperor would have had the Ardennes encircled and he could attack at will from any direction.  They wouldn't have held out.  So it's really Belgica that was the key to it all along."

They camp for the night, and in the morning, continue along the road to Belgica.

Melissa rolls the idea around in her head.  "As long as the threat is past, Belgica isn't any more dangerous than anywhere else.  There's probably a lot a wizard could do for the people there.  Scolo... some powerful nobles are patrons of wizards and... well of course you would know that.  Have you ever considered being a court wizard?  You'd never have to worry about the basic necessities, at least."

For the first two Days, the wizard seems cool. He is unhappy about something but he says little. He frequently checks a flat stone he is carrying for any sign that anyone or anything has disturbed his quickiron or his orb.

When there is time he Speaks with Melissa and Eadoin at length and he seems to relish the conversation. During these times he is sane, and thoughtful. He writes often in his to do list and wonders at the world with the lovely Hyblis.

But he will invariably frown after a time and wander off away from the others. At these times he seems to be arguing with an invisible antagonizer. His sleep is restless and is mornings are slow.

When they reach the fort Scolo brightens.

Castricum, hmmmmm .... That fort is practically ....

He seems to be considering the possibilities as he looks the place over,

He almost dances looking at various stones and woodlands but after a time while tasting the soil he frowns

There are too many he motions distractedly. Little people about ... Boys are the worst - curious, risky and dumb, and the soil isn't magic .... Wormy but not magic.

He spits out some of the soil to make the point.

He does agree very much with Eadoin.
Open places yes, that is what I want. Perhaps an ancient open space, With a cave and a tower.
 
OOC: Freud is not around yet - wizards like caves and towers so stop smirking!


The next day Scolo's mood lightens. His attitude grows wild as well.

He starts the day well, making waffles. At first he makes waffles and starts throwing them to the birds, he even hits a few, then he makes waffles for all the members of the party with glittery cinnamon and berry syrup.
He sings Everyone a sunrise tune. Finally sticking waffles into any tree roots to feed the worms.

Hey riddle diddle in the mornin with a fiddle and a cats comb brush with a three dog tune.
My berrys got a piddle and ma baby's chubby middle sings a bean fed toot that would call the loons!
Oh the loons'll start ya giggle an they fly up from the middle with a piggy on their backs'll make the swine-herd swoon.

The verses get stranger, something about a dragon and a baby porcupine making friends with an apple and the sense of loss one feels when freezing earlobes under a honey tree.

Court wizard? hmmmmm ... And the thought of Belgica

Ooooh that would be nice, wouldn't it, Sir? Edgar does his best to manipulate the scene in hopes Scolo will consider higher society.

I like magical land.... Nobles are nice they have pretty houses, but no courts for me. I'ld likely blow it up or send it reeling to another realm ... It might be fun!. He giggles.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:12, Wed 29 May 2013.

In due time they reach Raviniacum.  Theoderic's little Meuse village, spread out on an almost-island formed where a river bend is so severe that it almost crosses back on itself.  Stopping here adds a little to the travel time, as the trail to Raviniacum follows the Meuse along its most twisted stretch.  But for Eadoin, it is almost necessary.  He cannot travel on again, without some time with his adopted family.

Apple Blossom's little farm is prospering, and she is training others in her methods.  Her parents worked out ways to squeeze agricultural production out of tiny urban plots- working the rich soil of the Meuse river basin is almost too easy by comparison.  It was a hard winter but a few Centaurs at least will eat well soon.

Melissa has been here before, in fact, during a summer festival.  But then, it was to track Theoderic, and maybe give him one last chance to ally with the Huns.  The Emperor was prepared to make a generous offer, back then.  (And why not?  The end of Theoderic's resistance would have led inevitably to the final destruction of the Elves!)

Raviniacum has one tavern, the Merry Meade House.  This is the only business in town that actually has a written sign.  It is a large, rustic looking meade hall where the menu is very limited:  the locally famous meade, home brewed ale, and whatever the owners happen to have around.   Melissa makes overnight arrangments for herself and Scolo, happy to have a night not on the road.

Scolo's footwear draws attention.  But not Human attention.  The Ardennes are rich in natural magic.  Where many predators are far more powerful than their non-magical relatives, many of the prey animals have adapted themselves.  People have remarked that hunting in a Unicorn's forest is always more difficult, but it's often not the Unicorn's fault.   Magic seeps into everything, eventually.

So it is that Scolo attracts the attention of Blink Bunnies.  Several appear at his feet, sniffing experimentally.


Thing the characters do not know about Blink Bunnies:

This innocent looking white rabbit has the ability to rapidly
teleport itself over short distances. More significant, though, is
its ability to teleport itself and any nearby Blink Bunnies to and
from a very special Demi-Plane, apparently crafted solely for the use
of Blink Bunnies. The Demi Plane of the Blink Bunnies is a rabbit
paradise with plenty of food, water, and sunshine, but time passes
there very rapidly. In seconds of subjective time, a month may pass
on this other plane. The Blink Bunny's response to an attack is
for several of them to teleport to this plane, and rapidly out-breed
whatever the threat is, sending more and more Blink Bunnies back to
the point of origin each round. Thus, frightening or stressing out
Blink Bunnies will cause them to start reproducing rapidly, their
numbers growing exponentially by the minute. When relaxed, they no
longer use this ability.

Scolo's bunny slippers animate like little puppets when his toes wiggle. They move their noses and and eyes and he does a little hokey pokey putting one then the other close to the real bunnys.
He giggles and blinks, well long door anyway twice using his slippers and playing with the bling bunnies.

OOC: This screams developing some sort of special summoning spell. Bunny Brood/Swarm. Powerful but takes time and well, they are bunnies so it would be more disruptive then anything else.

Eadoin has a short time to reunite with the other Centaurs.  That’s what it seems, these days- interludes of peace, between journeys and moments of excitement and danger.


Blink Bunnies are not the smartest of animals (they are about on par with ordinary, non magical rabbits) but they seem to manifest a sort of collective wisdom from time to time.  Much to Melissa’s dismay (she’s suspicious of anything that weird) the bunnies seem to like Scolo.  Perhaps it is because he amuses them.  With other people, they get fed, picked up, petted, talked to… but Scolo is the first person they’ve ever met who ever entertains them.  For that matter, he is the first person they ever met who even thought Blink Bunnies out to be entertained.  It is a new and novel experience.

Plus, there is something slightly “omnidimensional” about the Blink Bunnies.  On some instinctive lagomorphic level they recognize that the common world of matter and energy and physical laws as people know them is not the totality, and there are other places, other modes of being.. and somehow they sense Scolo has some knowledge of what they know.

Their affinity for him does not go unnoticed.

Theoderic’s mother, who generally acts as “manager” for the household and the entire village of Raviniacum, is a Half Elf woman somewhere in her fifties.  In between other tasks, she sees the bunnies frolic around Scolo.

“Would you like one?” she asks.  “They’re friendly, as long as they aren’t stressed.  If they start getting stressed… well, they come back with more bunnies.”

Finding himself unexpectedly in Raviniacum for a few days, Eadoin spends time with Apple Blossom in the garden, fishing with Orieus and Ocyrhoe, as well as with everyone a few miles down the river.  It's a time for family life and for reconnecting with the other members of this Meuse River band of his folk that's come together.  He's still rather unsure what it means to be a chief, when he's travelling so much, not present.  It's something that's been bothering him, but he's not found a mentor.  Zhoton is one, Titus another, the King yet another, but his role models are scattered far and wide; for the most part, they're not specifically familiar with the culture and mores of the Centaurs.

An evening, after the little ones have gone to sleep, he mentions his concerns to Apple Blossom.  At the core, he's worried about making sure the Centaurs come together as a family, given they're from six different tribes.  "They'll travel with the seasons, I expect, here and Belgica, but we're kind of settled here.  You've got a great garden here and I don't want to uproot us again so soon as we've settled, but I don't know how to change the way we live to meet the rest of our folk in the middle.  That's our family, a few miles down the river.  They've come and suffered with us because we asked."  He sighs out, baring himself to the one person in whom he has the deepest trust.  "What should we do?"

---

Blink Bunnies are well known to Eadoin.  He reached some detente with them in the prior spring, concerning their pilferage in Apple Blossom's garden.  Considering the abundance of summer greens and autumn vegetables, the discussion regarding supply and demand, as well as the promise of a periodic tribute of carrots, it seems like the truce has held.  In any case, he'll spend some time chatting with this bunny or that, to see if there's anything they need.  He can carry word to Lady Entherin should there be something.

When Eadoin is "home" he finds he does not have to be a chieftain.  Centaur society was never built around the kind of organization seen elsewhere.  Even the Elves have supremely structured societies by comparison.  The Centaurs have little need for leadership.  Disputes are generally resolved just be separating the disputing parties, and there never was much property to fight over.  Here he is chieftain of a very small band, mostly Apple Blossom and the kids... and it's no use telling Apple Blossom what to do, she attends to her farming with near religious zeal.

Centaurs do not push themselves on others.  It's not their way.  But Apple Blossom and Eadoin weren't really raised in a Centaur society, just a shadow of one.  Apple Blossom acts, in many ways, more Human than centaur.  She makes it clear- she would never tell Eadoin not to go.  She knows he must.  But she isn't happy about it.

Like one? Hmmmm ...
Scolo gets out his portal hats and plays with the bunnies trying to see if any of them are attracted to hopping through them. He'll also put a little quickiron out. Of course it would be a challenge if any of these bunnies are as bright as old Peter the armored hare.

Clever little rabbits? How is your tensing vectors eh? What do you make here snoogablooms?

Edgar - do we have any rabbit food?

Edgar sighs with mood so depressing he could inspire an entire genre of 1980s popular music.
I suppose, Master - some radishes but I won't be cleaning when the beast leaves poo in your pockets.

A glimmer of hope and a smile comes to Scolo as he gets the rabbits to jump through his hats. He begins to see that there may be a fun place to live around here he wonders at all the things blink bunnies are able to learn and what other wild creatures enjoy these woods.

 There is something remarkable about the Blink Bunnies... apart from their Blink ability that is.  Pulling rabbits from hats is old wizard cliché, and the portal hats were made for it, but... so were the Blink Bunnies.  They take to the portal hats like ducks take to water... more so.  Like magic ducks would take to magic water.  They hop in, out, in apparent glee and...

“Did you see that?” Melissa asks.

Scolo is not sure he did.  He's seen many strange things.  Not all of them actually existed at the time.  But... there... there, that's what Melissa was talking about, he's sure of it.

There is not a one-to-one equivalence between bunnies going into hats and bunnies going out of hats.  There always is when anything else goes into the hats, but not the Blink Bunnies.  Something is definitely off, here.  Of course, Scolo knows that with magic, strange things happen. There could be any number of causes to this peculiar phenomenon.  For example, it is possible that a Blink Bunny using a portal while blinking could cause a disruption of the entire universe, and when it reconstitutes itself, it's off by a Bunny or two.  Or it could be an even more bizarre effect.

Edgar looks worried.

But when the dust settles and the carrots are served, Scolo is certain of one thing:  The Bunnies have effectively colonized the portal hats.

Oh my! The wizard laughs and laughs actually sitting down with his bare knees sticking out of his frock rather than falling over himself, then he looks up like a man startled to find his teapot has turned into a cow.

Edgar moves into position, this is the idea look and he gets what little his minor brain can understand from his mental connection to the wizard, as if he is reading from a notecard Edgar says, Why haven't they completely populated the earth?
Yes, exactly ... The Juengen vectors dont even ...
Scolo begins writing frantically on an imaginary chalkboard complex arcane symbols come to life as he works and several times he scratches out some of his work sending it tinkling like spare coins on the ground. Eventually he produces some theoretical proposition he likes and furiously copies it into his notebook. He laughs some more and creates illusory music to complete his triumphant mood - clearly the bunnies are inspiring.

In a saner moment he explains all of this to Melissa.
 "You see, by all rights the entire universe should be made up of blink bunnies the way they reproduce and abuse space time, at the very least every garden would be destroyed, but they don't as many as come one day must go away the next yes?
And here is a clue in the hats, the hats you see, they take advantage of a tiny wrinkle in the fabric Of space and time a wrinkle that connects two spaces. But there is no space in the wrinkle ... See if I put my hand in one hat, it comes out the other, just like that! No empty space!

But the bunnies, they find space in there they colonized it they live there! That is where they go! I will always have bunnies in my hats now.  Not just my hats but other wrinkles and I think ... Yes - I think ... There must be wrinkles everywhere! Infinite wrinkles that we can never reach or perceive. "

This is just the thing for a graduate student to work on, there is something powerful in this revelation, Scolo is sure of it.

Eventually they may prepare to move on, Scolo will gather some bunny food for his friends. Until that time he remains in a state of wonder and imagination.

They remain in Raviniacum a couple of days, in no particular hurry to move on, resting and catching up on family and on news, while Scolo investigates blink bunnies.  He tries to work out just why Blink Bunnies aren’t everywhere… there seems no natural explanation for that, but then, there’s no natural explanation for Blink Bunnies.  Some things just are.

Melissa wanders around the little village… usually with someone watching her carefully.  It’s been a while.. when she was here for the summer festival, it was as a spy and ambassador of sorts for the Emperor.  One last try, to get Theoderic to come to terms.

He’s irrational, she decides.  And has always been so.  One can’t do impossible things unless one believes in advance that one can do impossible things, and so, in some small way, he’s like Scolo, who never cares for rationality.  But where Scolo’s madness is expressed through his magic, for Theoderic it is a general way of life.

At last it is time to move on.  They head west, for the village of Hiricio, the holding of Theoderic’s right hand man Gellas.  The Centaurs and a pair of Hybsils pack up for another journey with Scolo and Melissa.

But where Scolo goes, now… there will be Bunnies.

For days Scolo has been doing relatively well. He started out on this journey and for much of it he was quite healthy, witty thoughtful and of course brilliant with a sly and playful humor. But during those days there was always something gnawing at him, his magic when done was slow and sloppy he would be found silent, staring, writing and with sad or angry looks he would occasionally make mention of his own failures and reference a darker past and the fact that there was no place for him, not really.

Today was different - Scolo woke and walked nude as he measured and weighed bits of fluff taken from his clothes. Edgar had a hell of a time getting him to put on clothes. He managed to explain.

Oh this is a pretty book, says the floating purple multipod as he hovers over the to do list lying on a floor with other scattered possessions.
What's what chicken but ? Cries the lanky fellow with long appendages that seem to bend in ways they shouldn't as he strides his nakedness cleverly to take the book.
Mine! Mine!

Oh yes Sir, declares Edgar what do I hear?

The voice comes from a frock cast over a chair.
Ha ha! It's me the most wonderful garment ever worn - but no- I won't let any wizard take me!

The to do list blares in bright orange letters Go Frock Yourself! on it's page with a little cartoon on how to dress the wizard in a curious sense of experiment eventually follows the instructions giggling then forgets he did it.

Eventually with a few more tricks of ventriloquism Edgar is able to get Mr Scolo dressed and fed. After which time he leaps onto his mule and slides down sideways on the beast.  He does not get off or adjusted but remains riding nearly sideways or upside down the whole Way gleefully making bunny noises with the slippers on his hands. Or grunting painfully - he keeps his eyes on the creatures hooves as if there will be a special insight for looking at them this way. Magical sparkles and eddies come off of him wherever they go.


22:35, Today: Scolo rolled 4 using 1d20. San.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:25, Mon 17 June 2013.

They travel through the forest along the southern fringe of the great Ardennes.

On days like this, Melissa instinctively and automatically “covers” for Scolo, filling the roles of escort, guide, nurse, and occasional interpreter.

She finds his shoes, stows belongings he would otherwise leave behind, and makes sure he’s properly dressed.  When others stare at him, even if they are Centaurs, she’s testy and defensive.

“He’s  a wizard.”   She uses that several times, as if it explains everything.

She talks to Scolo to calm him, even though she knows he doesn’t “get” half of what anyone says on days like this.

“This isn’t the best day to lose it again.. maybe it is, out here .  And you know it won’t help anyone for you to be seen like this. Half these people… well, you know how it goes.  Simple people of the land, with simple attitudes towards magic, easily suspicious of what they don’t know.”

One of the Hybsils approaches Melissa, and talks about herbal remedies their folk know for conditions like his.

But of course there’s a catch.

“It will impede his magic?”  she says, after the Hybsil explains.  “I don’t know… I don’t know.  When he’s better, I’ll talk to him.”

They follow the forest trail, passing a small settlement in the woods- and Melissa keeps Scolo from having any tricky “interactions” with the locals.  By late afternoon, they are coming out of the forest, and the trail takes them across the farmland surrounding Hiricio, home of Theoderic’s right hand man, Gellas.

Eadoin knows this place well, of course.

...no use in yelling Apple Blossom what to do.

Entire volumes could be written about that seemingly innocuous statement.  Telling Apple Blossom to do this or not to do that wouldn't be particularly helpful, in any case.  She'll do what she does, ignore or listen to Eadoin as the mood takes her.  Frankly, the moods of his intended are quite bewildering to the young Centaur.  He'd have more success in predicting the weather.

He knows Apple Blossom's displeasure well enough, shares it.  He feels the separation acutely each time he goes, knows he's missing the little ones growing up...missing himself growing up.  There's work to be done, though, and not enough hands to do it.  "I'll miss you all very much," he says in parting.

He's beginning to feel like one doesn't "chieftain" Centaurs, but rather says something like, "I'm going that way."  Others will follow as suits them, though occasionally one has to metaphorically wrestle for it.  In this case, a handful of his folk have already self-selected to tag along.

---

Eadoin can't miss Scolo's attachment to the bunnies.  The little lapines are generally good judges of character, he's decided.  If they help to focus the wizard and to give themselves a sense of security, so much the better.  He offers, "If you want to ask them something, I can help, but...well, don't expect too much of them by way of conversation.  They're bunnies, so they pretty much think like bunnies."

Of Scolo's nakedness, it's only remarkable to Eadoin in that it's a Human without clothing.  Such is rather the rule when bathing than the exception.  His own folk largely do without through the warmer seasons.  Still, he can see how it might be surprising or distressing to others.

He listens curiously when Melissa and the Hybsil chat about herbal remedies to help manage the manifestations of Scolo's non-lucid moments.  He knows there are ways to alter mood and will by using the things one finds growing, but he's not the herbalist Apple Blossom is.  Still, he's curious what the Hybsils might have to say about it.

The young Centaur knows well enough how one can go walking the spirit world by eating certain plants, can talk to one's ancestors, and such.  Like any journey, though, it's a trip that as likely turns one inward as outward, or one that removes the boundaries between self and other.  That, Eadoin imagines, is where Scolo really lives.

Quietly, Eadoin approaches Melissa and the Hybsil.  He's a bit fey himself, at times, so he can relate to the wizard's distractions.  "I can help some, I think."

---

It's been some time since he was in Hiricio, training at the bow, spear, and sword with Vagrenk.  He wonders whether anyone he remembers is here.

During the days playing with bunnies:


Scolo's eyes widen, Yes - yes - tell them I have a psychomorphic metal they can use that can be shaped and managed into virtually any technology, and that if we expose ourselves to the ambient warmth of the chaos event horizon in my backpack there is a small chance one of them could get smarter, or grow an extra set of genitalia, or get black teeth... Anyway. We can work together with the development of a telomere structure to the their spacetime wrinkles that will enable blinking for others and ... Well yes - I know your looking at me like "can't passing a multitude of psy states through a phex algorithm to the wrinkles without an evolutionary history put strain on both the psychostates of said entities and threaten the shape of normal spacetime." But really I don't think so, this stuff usually works out. Go ahead - tell them.

Oh and I really want to learn how to say things to them ... Like could I sa Kakaaalakaakaa and they know I've got food or maybe Kakaaalakaakaa taka and it means Fight a wolf is here?

At Hiricio, Eadoin unexpectedly reunites with a couple of the Centaurs who were out looking over "new" lands in Belgica, led by Mayez.

Flanked by a few others, she catches up with Eadoin and greets him.

She tells him about customs that will take some getting used to.  The Humans have a complex arrangement of land rights.  They have horses and cattle and farms to worry about, and you can't just show up and move onto land that someone else is already using.

It's not entirely unique.  "Of course the tribes in the north had to avoid squabbling over land," she says.  "And it was getting harder every year, with the floods and the Huns and the Saxons and Frisians.  That's why so many of us are eager for this place.  But we knew all our own ways, and how to resolve the use of land.  Here, it will take longer, and it will be more complex, that is all."

The Centaurs are also here for another reason.  Despite the fact that Theoderic said there would be no call-up of troops this season, some think it is inevitable.  So, recalling that at Namaco they were not really well trained in fighting alongside Humans, some of the Centaurs are here learning Human ways with Gellas.

While Scolo explains, Eadoin listens to him tell about psycho-this, tele-whatsis, and the possible applications of wrinkly space-time.  While Scolo goes on, the young Centaur starts to rub the back of his neck self-consciously.  While he's a generally good soul who wants the best for everyone, he's not the sharpest marble in the bag.

He can tell that Scolo is very excited by the possibilities, but quite frankly, he has almost no idea what Scolo's on about.  That last part, he gets, however.  "It...doesn't work like all that, sir," he begins.  "They're bunnies, so they think like bunnies.  It wouldn't make them any more or less than a completely average bunny.  It's useful for asking about things that bunnies think about, like asking them to keep out of one's garden, like go-this-place-but-not-that.  As for the things you think about...ummm...they don't really have words for those things, or even ways to think about them."

He thinks for a minute, then adds, "As for fighting a wolf, that isn't what they do, really, the fighting.  If they get scared, they just blink away and...ummm...they make more bunnies.  The old fashioned way, I guess.  Likely they could tell you about what scares them or about making more bunnies."

---

When Mayez and others of his folk approach, Eadoin welcomes them warmly.  "Mare's blessings, Mayez.  It's fine to see you again.  I trust you've been well."

He nods to the things she says, as if by silence he can seem wiser and more knowledgeable than his fourteen years lend him to be.  Most of the time, it seems to work.  If nothing else, it buys him time to think and he's finding that others usually solve their own problems while they wait for him to decide.  Success often seems to be found in sanctioning the things his folk have already decided to do.

He mentions they've come for the same things.  "We're to look over the lands promised, as well.  Also, to maybe help Scolo find a home.  He'd do well with a folk who are accustomed to strange happenings."

Beyond a tour of the land, Eadoin inquires whether Gellas has returned to Hiricio.  The young Centaur has plans that begin with the local lord, then likely end with Titus Mercator, King Theoderic's recently named governor of Belgica.  Humans do love their borders, dividing this from that.

Whether it's yet occurred to anyone else, Eadoin sees possibilities far into the future for the tiny swathes of land where Theoderic reigns.  The king has married a lady of a noble house of Geneva, is directly related to the Elves of the Ardennes, has been named King of Belgica, as well as his lands along the Meuse.

Theoderic's kingdom shall be a land of many nations, of many languages.  Many around the King press him with expectations and Eadoin is no different.  He sees a future for his own folk, few as they are, in the midst of this new thing that's never been before, not even in the days of the Pax Romana.  Spring is coming!

Mayez describes to Eadoin the various tracts of land, which the Centaurs have acquired in the Belgica.  It's not unusual for them to have to pass through the lands of others in between their camp sites... it's even more unusual for the camp sites to include built structures.

"A couple of our new territories do," Mayez explains.

The scattered Centaur properties, Eadoin recalls, was a suggestion of Theoderic and Gellas, to allow the Centaurs to continue their tradition of mobility.  Eadoin and Apple Blossom spent their whole lives in one place, but for the Centaurs of the northern forest plain, that is a bizarre way to live.  When they wish to fish, they go to the best fishing place. When they want to trade, they go to a different place.  It's normal.

"We even have a good place for trading," Mayez says. "We have a property in Bruxzella now."

Melissa is a bit curious as to how the Centaurs have gained legitimate title to these places.  After all, war or no war, Belgica is civilized.  Squatter claims are generally not recognized.

"Things are very cheap," Mayez explains.  "And our labor and help are much sought after.  We have prospered, this winter."

It's quite odd for Eadoin to think in terms of Centaurs owning land, enclaves within the larger land of Belgica.  One's house, barn, or tent, sure, or the things in one's garden, but owning swaths of landscape is something he associated far more with Humans and Huns than his own folk.  In the young Centaur's druidic worldview, one is of a place or from it, but you don't really own it.  Rather, those in a place are as much a part of it as trees and bees, as birds and herds, as rocks and running water.

While Mayez describes these places, Eadoin listens carefully.  He's come here to see these places, to see how the descriptions match the actual lands.  When she finishes, the young Centaur nods.  "Land always comes with duties, Mayez.  It's...how the Humans do things.  Say, Theoderic is king of Belgica and he gives us this land.  He'll need something in kind from it, fleece or barley or apples or the like, even money or an amount of work per year per acre or something."

"For now, I'd just like to ask the gods' blessings over them."  Eadoin smiles a little.  "Most everybody knows Epona's real special to me, but Ceres and Arduinna have been kind to us, too."  While his own gods are mostly Gallic, Eadoin's quite flexible with his respect for deities, as he knows there are gods and spirits everywhere one looks, for each tribe and band and nation, every land, even small gods tied to place.  These are things he knows to be true with a patent simplicity.  Still, he's not sure what other gods his folk may have brought with them.  "Are there others we ought honor, do you think?"

Still, he's troubled over things, particularly the long term considerations for his folk as part of this troubled land called Belgica.  Something the Centaurs would likely never have considered while living in the forests around the Nethershires is title.  How will the land pass from one generation to the next?  How can it be held such that as rulers change, the Centaurs' residency, their rights of possession and of mobility are maintained?

Few rulers tolerate, much less appreciate, semi-nomadic folk amongst their peoples.  They tend to suppress them, like the Huns had done.  Theoderic, on the other hand, had promised small numbers of Centaurs relatively large properties without placing expectations of either service or taxes.  Would future scions of the Merovingians be so generous?  The young Centaur starts to really feel out of his depth as he thinks about questions of how a realm gets run.  Though he's still in Mayez' company, he muses aloud to himself, "Best to get it in writing."

Mayez explains that they have "earned some credit", whatever that means, from the king.

"I do not know how they account for who owes what," she says.  "But I understand that at least for now, we do not owe, as a result of our military service."

Mayez gives Eadoin some information on each of the properties in Belgica they have acquired: Several large decent sized parcels in the western portion of Belgica, one in the east near the village of Hasaluthe, a small farm at Castrilocus, and their "urban" property at Bruxzella.

At the moment, the Bruxzella and Hasaluthe and two of the western parcels are empty- but that's the way it should be- Centaurs will drop in their, sooner or later.

"If you are going to Mos Trajectum by the Belgica road, I can go with you," Mayez says.  "I can show you our lands.  I have been to them, to inspect them."

Scolo nods at Eadoin's explanations hmmm yeses, he writes it all down. Durring the time they have left he gathers what lore he can on the bunnies as well as the land and other things about them. When he is not distracted, which is not as much time as one would hope.

Escorted, or at least accompanied, by Mayez and a small group of Centaurs, the group heads for Belgica.

There is a flat, open region of woodland and long abandoned farmland separating Hiricio from Belgica.  It’s been crossed more and more frequently these days; it is Gaul, according to maps and treaties, but there is talk about establishing a small outpost at the old Via Belgica crossroads, according to Mayez (who has been hanging around Gellas and other Humans, picking up on all sorts of “talk”.)

There was one, once.  But Duronum was razed a half century before Attila the Hun, by the Vandals, and was never rebuilt.  In some places, ruins stay put for a long time. But in wetter, living regions, nature reclaims them quickly.  It’s only been a century, and Duronum is hard to find.

”We found it, of course,” Mayez says.  “Swallowed up in a  thick wood, not far, but I think some kind of Dragon has found a home there.”

That would explain the detours the road makes.  The Romans liked their vias straight, but from Hiricio to the crossroads, the road… clearly not up to old Roman standards… makes a few curves.

The Centaurs have been up and down this road, recently, and it was heavily used during the Belgica campaign, as the main supply route for Theoderic’s army.  Eadoin recalls the area from his past travels.  But it was just a through-route.  There was neither time nor need to worry about what lay in the wilds offroad.

At the crossroads itself, things straighten out.  There are few old, semi-abandoned structures here- a watchtower, and some empty buildings.  Travelers use it often, but no one lives here.  Here, the “Hiricio turnoff” meets the  Via Belgica, which goes northeast into Belgica, northwest to the city of Camaricum, southwest to Quintiniacum.

All these roads are straight, paved, and still in fine condition.  But the direction they need to take is northeast , to Belgica.

They pass the remains of farmsteads and villages long gone, stripped of all but the foundations.  Several invasions have swept through this region in the past few centuries, and the farms and villages have been abandoned in favor of less vulnerable settlements.

They approach Bagacum- and there is a helpful Mile Marker to let them know.  Although they  cannot yet see the wall and spires of the city, the land here is farmed, and there is a plaque on a pole with a red lion, painted on a yellow shield, with a blue background.

“It’s the sign of Varic” Mayez says.   “It’s Belgica past here.”

Scolo quiets down as they travel the road to Belgica. He listens intently and considers the sonversation, he has wise and intelligent remarks and seems altogether like a natural normal companion, almost witty on the first day, he hardly practices any magic as they go. Edgar enjoys this opportunity to relax and when he is not sleeping on the Mule he is shooting about in the trees squeaking in a most birdlike manner.

Scolo talks for hours on the trail with Melissa, he tells stories of other strange wizards and the places they lived. He listens to her stories and tries to gather the sort of life she would seek for herself.

...So that's why I went to that old tower in Mestanon, the power of chaos was already so built, driven really with a stochastic escuberasity that I can't even estimate with precision, anyway I knew if A portal to chaos could be made, it was there. And it was! But now that I have the portal I don't need such an extreme abode. I suppose all that really matters is the ability to supply, I soon expect to be able to travel easily, so I don't need to be in an easy to reach location, but if ... And mind you I don't really believe anything those wretched academy folks say .. But if it wasn't all a lie and the people of Mestanon choose to remain with me, it would be a boon for them if we can be in a trade route, a small agrarian road.

....I really thought you would most enjoy a city...what will you want to do when the wars burn out? You have shown disdain for intrigues and such since your decision to change. Would you take up farming, or Innkeeping in the future?


To Eadoin he wonders aloud about the natural growth rate of centaurs and how they plan to ensure roaming space that is open and free enough for them.
It is only natural, your people will expand, you want a full life and that means foals and family, and you need not live in poverty always exposed, your you g should all survive and one day the land will be choked with fences and farms. Will you truly just expand forever, or do you hope to settle in, as broader communities with fixed central employment areas?

Mayez peaks his curiosity ... "Some kind of dragon you say? Hmmmm this could be promising. There are dragons and then there are Dragons. If we hope to inhabit this area we must know which sort is this ..."

Edgar, hears this and perks up, he flies off.
Edgar is speaking with all the local birds to find out more about the area. He asks about any predators and specifically for more info about the Dragon



Edgar meets the

“I don’t think it is a large Dragon,” Mayez says.  “I know of a few, and for miles and miles around their homes, no one lives, no one goes, except brave hunters, in and out again, hoping they aren’t spotted.  But this one is not so far, and has not attacked those who cross this way.  It must be young.  Not yet fierce enough to declare this land its own.”

For many weeks after Eadoin, Scolo and company traversed the old farmland separating Hiricio and Belgica, travelers would report that the birds looked strange- all with disturbed expressions, and a few molting prematurely.  Edgar scares them away when he tries to communicate with them.

Never send a terrifying looking pseudo-creature to do a Druid’s work; Eadoin is the animal talker here.


For her part, Melissa is not interested in finding out more about Dragons.  She is more interested in getting away from Dragons.

And cities.  Melissa explains that her feelings for cities varies according to the city.  Intrigues are bad, and big cities tend to be full of them.  But to her, the cities of Belgica are a blank slate.

"Back in Lutetia, when people talked about Belgica, you'd think they were talking about the kind of villages Theoderic's got.  As if, it is isn't a grand old city, it just doesn't count.  Anteverpia is a city like that, I guess... what I've heard.  So is Bruxzella, definitely.  But people in Gaul don't know."

“Look,” she says, happily pointing to a mile marker.  “We’ll be in Bagacum by late afternoon.  It’s probably got a better bath than the little villages we’ve been in since Lucimburic.”

She looks at the Centaurs.  “Not that… umm… do you ever use baths?”

“We bathe,” Mayez says.

 Along the road to Belgica, Eadoin has little to worry about other than the rain of early spring and the routine of travelling.  For whatever the reason, rain and cold, sun and heat offer little to concern him.  Still, spring is his season.  Lengthening days, rising temperatures, the first hints of flowers raising his mood.

He's chatty with Mayez and the others of his folk as they go, asking, "When do you think the others will come?  The first crops will come soon and all the shoots and buds taste best now."

When talk turns to dragons, Eadoin mostly listens.  They're a supernatural occurrence, nature and magic married together, expressing in themselves.  He knows them tied to elements, but beyond that, knows almost nothing.  big flying lizards that spit flame.  Don't they all spit flame?.  After spending some time chatting with the wildlife about, Eadoin shares with those assembled, "It's not overly big, I think, and everyone says it's red, though I don't know what that means, if anything.  It's been here a few years."

---

When Scolo engages him about the growth rate of Centaurs, Eadoin misunderstands, at first.  "Meaning, how fast will I grow up?  There's years left to that, really."

On reflection, some of those deeper questions perplex the young Centaur a bit.  He doesn't really know.  "We're not a fast growing folk, sir.  It's...a long time between when we come into the world and when we start to raise families of our own.  Roaming space is likely a question for a few generations on, I think, but we'll be living in a way we haven't before, so I think it'll be more a middle way.  Less roaming the wilds and yet not so much simply settled, sir.  Others ways aren't exactly ours, but that doesn't mean we can't learn from them and they from us."

Eadoin smiles easily, "I expect that's something we'll learn as we go along."

---

Unable to miss the byplay between Melissa and Mayez, Eadoin chooses not to intervene.  He's unsure exactly where Melissa's going with the question, but imagines she means nothing untoward by it.

"When will the others come?" Mayez asks, not fully grasping Eadoin's thinking.

"We are the others.  We have are going, now.  When other others... we've been so long not making plans, Eadoin, I think we have forgotten how to do it.  When Centaurs feel like making the trip, they will come."

They approach Bagacum- Humans and Centaurs, and a few curios Blink Bunnies.  The Centaurs attract attention.  Eadoin is used to it being directed at him, now, it is directed at Centaurs in general.

Bagacum has the look of a city that is no longer what it once was.

(And pity the poor city in reality, once a regional capital, now reduced to the hardly noticed village of Bavay, France.)

Two centuries ago it was a local administrative and commercial capital.  But it was in land considered safe, and during several invasions, had no defenses.  The city was decimated, and the capital moved.    Those who chose to stay found themselves in a surreal place of empty buildings and deserted streets.  In the decades following the first Hun invasion, the remaining dedicated citizens built a wall for themselves, stripping stones and other construction materials  from outer buildings to protect the urban heart of Bagacum.

And now, in 512, that is what is left:  A core of a city, less than two thousand people living in a forum and a capital built for a population of twenty thousand.  They have the largest paved forum in northern Gaul, and grand stone buildings all around, enclosed by an ad-hoc wall incorporating a range of pre-existing structures.  A city’s heart, missing the rest of the city.

Beyond the dense and fortified core, Bagacum’s “suburbs” consist of scattered farmsteads, a few barns, the necropolis, and an amphitheatre.  The rest is within the large but awkwardly built gates, although...

There are signs of recent work.  There is scaffolding around the main gate, and workmen are improving it.  Several "important people" look on.

PM

Scolo Listens to Melissa and Eadoin, nodding and smiling ... They make their way to Bagacum. Upon approaching the gate he causes magical fireworks to appear around the workmen, just little ones to give the aparant ceremony some flash.

Ha ha! Helloo!
Says Scolo, my this is lovely ... What's the occasion?

Mayez realizes what Eadoin is talking about.  The others.  The non warriors that will be coming along to Belgica in general, not the other Centaurs present that have been here and there around Belgica for a while now.

"It is spring, now," Mayez says,  "There is game and food in the land.  A good time to move.  With the distance they must cover, I think we should see them by the end of April, or the beginning of May, at the latest."

* * * * * * *

The workmen are startled by the fireworks, but realize it is Scolo's magic.

There are the typical reactions:  "A wizard!"

Not, fortunately, "A wizard, GET HIM!"

The "friendly wizard" reaction is one Scolo has seen some of these days, much more so than before.  It is often followed up by requests to perform some magic, generally of the miraculous kind that wizards cannot do.  Making horses fly, turning bricks into gold, etc.

He also learns that there is no occasion, just construction.   The Duke, Varic,  is concerned that the  Huns might try again, and according to the workmen, Bagacum is the first thing the Huns will try to take.  So Varic has ordered work details to reinforce the town's fortifications.

The walls themselves are an interesting hodge podge design.  Much of the outer area of the town was literally dismantled to provide building material to fortify the core.  But piece by piece, it is becoming more professional.

One of the important people by the gate, though, is Duke Varic himself, here to inspect the ongoing reinforcement project.  With Scolo calling all the attention to himself in his own, subtle way, Duke Varic walks over to see what all the fuss is about.

The wizard indroduces himself -
Hello hello, what a smashing, well , I mean fascinating and very professional wall. No occasion? Well perhaps it is an anneversary or something, I mean somewhere, hmmmm?
Oh yes, hello your grandness, Duke eh? That's important. I'm Scolo this is Melissa and Eadoin - Were passing through ... An maybe checking on real estate as we go - do you know any old Wizarding towers on the market?

Scolo looks eager. We've been working for King Theoderic, nice fellow - be lost without his wife though, if you know what I mean? Of course He doesn't really know what he means either.

So you think the Huns are returning? Hmmm... what are the odds eh, what are the odds... It looks like you need more people... what do the people of this area thrive on when not making walls? The emperor is a bright fellow Is there something here he would want?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:27, Sun 14 July 2013.

Varic looks astonished.   “A lot of questions, wizard Scolo…”

Melissa presses in.  “He’s like that.   Very sharp mind, honed by years of training as a wizard.  All wizards can be a little.. well, odd.  So much reading, you know.”

”Actually, I don’t.  You look familiar.”  Varic says.

”Well, I’m working for Theoderic too.  And the Centaurs…”

”We know about the Centaurs.  Word does spread, lady. Now, a wizard… Theoderic’s wife is a wizard, you know…”

”I know,” Melissa says with just a hint of disappointment.

”Of course you would.  What nights he must have, yes?  A wizard.  Why don’t I host you folk for the evening.  It would be proper.”

He directs the group in through the gate, noting, as they pass, that with the Huns moving as they like through Gaul, now, it’s only a matter of time before the Emperor licks his wounds and comes back for more.

”Can’t tolerate the humiliation, you see,” he sums up.


The enter the city through the gate, under the blue plaque upon which is a red shield with a lion, Varic’s symbol.  The gate leads to a short avenue, and this empties out in to the broad main forum of Bagacum.  It’s very big, over 200 meters long and 100 meters across.  Clearly this was a much more populous city, once.  Now, the city is just the old core, huddled around this forum.  The pavement is stone.  Columns with statues of the gods stand at regular intervals.  The sides of the forum are packed with shops, a few temples, and some of the wealthier homes.  The lower class makes do with the homes that don’t face onto the forum itself, but there is not a lot of town between the forum and the newly built wall.

Forum frontage is so valuable to the shops here that they are double decker- shops are built over shops, making a two-tiered gallery that runs along one side of the forum.

The Basilica at the far end of the forum, once the meeting place of Bagacum’s civil government, is now the court of Varic.  His home, adjacent to the Basilica, features a terrace overlooking the forum.

He points out a few features as they walk along- the inn, the baths, the ceramic studio.

”Not a simple potter,” Varic says.  “Havelo is an artist.  We have the seeds of prosperity here.  Which… when you think about it… Theoderic is rewarding you well, is he not?”

Well, we're alive and free, it shore beats all my other employment plans.

Scolo gets very interested about the potter, Artist? Potter? Hmmm, I must work with him, I have an idea - 

Scolo will seek out the potter at his first opportunity.

The first opportunity is actually the next morning, because Varic insists on all the proper courtesies for his guests- Human and Centaur alike.  He breaks out his reserve of ale for them, and has a pig roasted.

Melissa finds herself in a noble's court... and hasn't brought appropriate clothing for festivities.  Varic has his wife and maids assist.

"He does fear the Huns," Melissa reports quietly to Eadoin and Scolo later on.  "A man who is worried like that is one who treats his allies well, Centaurs and Wizards and whatever he can find.  He would like nothing better than Scolo to declare how wonderful it would be to live here."

* * * * * * *

In the morning, Scolo and Melissa visit the shop of Havelo.

Havelo is more than a potter, as Varic said.  He is a potter, yes, because people buy things that they need far more than things that they want.  But he has a way of putting his art into common ordinary object.  Even the ordinary pots have a smooth white glaze and graceful designs, like fish or birds, traced into them.  The more advanced pieces are made to look entirely like animals.  There are platter that look like fish- for serving fish, of course.  And a milk ewer that looks like a sitting cow.  Cups and saucers that look like turtles and frogs.

Scolo giggles and chuckles like a child looking at Havelo's wonders.

I've got something for you .... He says with glee and he takes a 5 lb lump of quickiron from his bag and slaps it on the table with a heavy and dull splat. He giggles.

Most people lack imagination they pick it up and find it wiggly - focus your intent on what you want from it, and that is what you will form.

He leaves it at that, watching - giving the man time to experiment.

"If he can understand its value and use it at all", Scolo thinks, he will have found a friend and perhaps a place to live. There must be proto-clay in the realm of chaos as well and other elements that could make truly unique and maybe even useful works of art. So much better than iron warriors and erectile clubs.

 The potter is skeptical.  One always has to be cautious around wizards, especially when they tip you off that you are about to see magic, by saying something like “Behold, I summon thee...” or “Pick any card” or “Focus your intent”.

Still... he's heard a lot about wizards, but he hasn't had a wizard customer in a while.  One has to be cautious of wizards, but also, one has to pander to wizard customers.

He concentrates.  Not being a wizard, he doesn't know that holding your fingers to your temples while humming is not required.

“Mmmmmmmmm.”

The Quick Iron forms a duck. As metal duck statues go, it's a good one.  Life size.. maybe a little more.

Behold!!
Flash bangs go off , then the wizard who was the center of the flash bangs coughs and brushes himself off.
I mean uh ... Yes ... That was very nice, what do you think eh? You can play with it, mix a little into your clay and swirl it into pots or something, I've no idea what it will do but ... You won't get another chance at this ..

Scolo is hoping to discover new and fun uses for psychomorphic elements. He will play with the potter for the whole day, and night even if they have fun.

Scolo and Havelo play.  Havelo is more than happy to spend some time like this- he has a family members run the store, and when word comes out “the wizard is here!” it attracts people, which is good for business.

They conduct experiments- what happens if you blend a little Quick Iron into ordinary clay?  And they learn- not a lot.  “Diluted”, the Quick Iron is not strong enough to create much movement in the clay, and surely won’t be able to budge it if the clay hardens.

So Quick Iron mixed in clay is a bust.  For a few horrific moments, Scolo wonders if perhaps he has lost some of the precious quick iron- how do you get it out of the clay once it’s been worked in ?  But they discover that Quick Iron is not water soluble, and clay, of course, is.  It can be washed and “panned” as if it were gold, to free it from the clay.  A time consuming process, but it does restore the Quick Iron.

As a potter with substantial artistic talent and experience, Havelo is actually more skilled than Scolo when it comes to shaping the Quick Iron, after very little practice.  It seems that his talents for visualization of forms comes into play quite naturally.  He is most comfortable with natural forms, and he can easily manipulate the Quick Iron into very detailed reproductions, and soon, can even make his little Quick Iron sculptures move realistically.  Scolo realizes… even he couldn’t get the stuff to do that!

Varic drops by to see the progress, with a few of his “circle” and Melissa along with him.  (Melissa isn’t so much worried that Scolo might do irresponsible things today, she’s more worried that people might take advantage of Scolo, possibly getting him to promise things he shouldn’t.  In another lifetime, she might be a good manager for a talented but very naïve indie rock band.)

“Are there no other wizards here?” she asks, thinking perhaps that Varic has other options for the position of “court wizard”.

One of Varic’s advisors, an elderly man, speaks for him.

“My lady, how many wizards do you think there are?”

Melissa thinks.  She’d never really wondered about that.  But the man continues before Melissa answers.  “Among we mortal Humans, perhaps one in a hundred has the gift for magic.  So it would seem there would be a few hundred mages in Belgica, no?  But of that one in a hundred, how many will actually learn of their talent, and be trained?  We may have a few hundred unidentified potential wizards in Belgica.  But only a few dozen wizards, and one of the best those, poor Count Dongestede, gone now.  There are only two wizards I know of living in our Duchy, and neither, madam, seem up to Wizard Scolo’s caliber.”

Scolo cheers looking at Havelo's work with amazement.
I've never seen anything like it, man you are a genius!
He declares. And then another experiment flies into his mind. It is much more practical than Scolo's usual concerns ... But what if?

What if, Havelo could take quickiron being manipulated by Scolo with one of his little figures.

What if ... He could suck 10 or 15% of the quickiron mass from an iron warrior into a separate little figure ? Would it then not be too weak to hold up the heavy iron exoskeleton?

Try this, I will move a ball between my hands... See if you can get one of your figures to take some of my ball without me stopping you. Hmmm?

 Havelo’s control over the quick iron is good, but not that good.  He can create exquisitely fine detail, and make figurines move realistically, but not quickly and accurately.  Not enough to have a figurine do a quick, coordinated move.

After spending several hours with Havelo, Scolo eventually realizes that they are not supposed to be just hanging around for days.

Sighing heavily as if having laughed too much and for too long ... Particularly after the quickiron figurine snowball fight. Scolo stands up.

Oh thank you, that was brilliant - brilliant!

We probably need to keep going so Theoderic doesn't get mad at us.

Keep the quick iron - see what else you can do with it. Ill give you some more whenever we meet again.

Scolo is ready to continue on, when the others wish to go.

Duke Varic drops all kinds of hints over dinner, trying to impress Scolo with the idea that being the official Ducal Wizard of Bagacum would be a very, very good thing.  He plies Scolo with his best food and wine.  Eligible aristocratic bachelors dance with Melissa.  Just in case, Varic remarks that the Centaurs are very welcome to a plot or two of land here.. what the heck, they showed up together, maybe they're allied.

But Scolo makes no commitments. He has had his fun here, and it involved experimentation with the weird properties of pseudo-matter, not the official duties that would come with employment by the Duke.

And he is ready to shuffle on.

Varic sighs- perhaps there will be another opportunity.

In the morning, the party continues eastwards, on a road that will take them to Bruxzella, and then, the other end of Belgica.

Oh yeah ... A wizard would be a great idea. You could build a tower with all these materials in fact, there is probably a great foundation with basements somewhere in the ruins just waiting for someone to make a tower. You know wizards can be great fun, a little scary sometimes. But more than a wizard you could use a population boom. Start growing somehow and use some of the land around for farms,'there are even plots between the old building right outside the inner wall. There's shade sun and even the crops can have protection.

Scolo enjoys chatting with the duke. He has been very nice. It would be even more fun to visit when the duke finds himself a wizard.

The morning finds Scolo making waffles. He shares with the friends

Over the course of a few days of travel, the group reaches Bruxzella.  They were here before, briefly, as Theoderic aimed his army to intercept the Huns at Namaco, the Elven land east of Bruxzella.   But then, they were just passing through, and quickly, and the town was strangely empty.

Now, Bruxzella is back on its feet, after a winter of recovery.  It's still partly empty.  It's one reason why the Centaurs were able score some real estate in the city:  there was plenty available.

The go in through the south gate, and get some directions to the Centaur property.

It is, conveniently, and old wainwright's shop- a factory where wagons were assembled.  It is a square of buildings surrounding a courtyard, with large “garage” entrances to the workshops.  Above the workshops are storage and some living quarters which at the moment are only accessible by stairs... but at least the Centaurs can make easy use of the ground floor.

(Back in Raviniacum, though, the younger Centaurs have figured out how to go up stairs.  And they revel in being able to do something the adults can't).

It hasn't been used in a while, and is dusty and dirty.

“Considering what we paid for it,” Mayez says.

“A lot?” Melissa asks.

“Nothing,” Mayez says.

Belatedly, Eadoin thanks Varic for his hospitality, as well as his offers of land and vacant business locations.  Much can be done with either.  He's not a wizard, himself, but he does have some small magics which he expects will grow with time.  Such as he's available to the Duke of Bagacum and the Duke's needs align with the needs of growing things, such flocks, gardens, fields, or even wild lands between settlements, Eadoin will provide what assistance he can.  High magics aren't really his strong suit, but he's a really quite a fine mundane healer.  Beyond him, there's little that's green and growing that Apple Blossom couldn't make take root and flourish.
"My family, sir, honors each of the gods according to his or her due," he offers to Duke Varic, "but Epona, Ceres, and Arduinna have deeply blessed us and have a place of favor at our hearth.  If it pleases you, where my go my folk, so will go our veneration of the goddesses...with it, I trust, their favor on all your things which grow."

Of pottery, such minor purchases are things he might afford, so he'll make a small, special purchase of something pretty but deeply practical, art and artifice blended together that Apple Blossom might find both useful and pleasing to her eye.

---

Stairs, the eternal question.  Truly, some consider up to be the difficult direction, when it's down that causes the most problem.  Going down puts one's center of mass too high and it's uncomfortable having one's haunches as high as one's head.  It's quite possible to traverse stairs, if rather terribly undignified.

On the other hand, narrow stairs or tight spirals are pretty much off limits.  Also, stairs built for human kind to go up and down likely aren't sufficiently constructed for the fully-grown Centaurs.  The gods created the two an order of magnitude apart in weight.  The short is that the upstairs should either be rented or rebuilt with a sturdy ramp and open rooms.

He mentions this to Mayez, briefly discussing the idea.  "We used them at our inn, in Lutetia Parisiorum.  They'll need to bear most of the weight on heavy vertical wooden posts, straight down, or in stone arches in the Roman style."

Eadoin's unsure how anything is going to be paid for when labor is at such a premium.  Perhaps barter, but others know those things better than he.  "If we want to use the upstairs, I'd suggest speaking with a carpenter or stone mason, Mayez."

The Centaurs figure that as long as the are passing through, they might as well ought to do what they can to clean and fix up their property in Bruxzella while they are here.

At the very least, the enclosed courtyard gives them a place to hide.  It is a novel and in some ways unsettling experience.  The Centaurs have had a limited view of property.  People own things, certainly, but places, to them, are associated with whole clans or tribes, and even then, more in a “who is using it/traditionally uses it” concept rather than ownership.  They might talk of the “Blue Reed Land” in the sense of the area where the Blue Reed Tribe camps, gathers, and hunts.

They’ve never been homeowners.  And here!  Bruxzella is a busy place.  Lots of people- maybe as many people as there are Centaurs in the entire northern forest!  Of course it’s still a lot less than Lutetia Parisiorum, but Eadoin is the only Centaur here who has experienced that.  Or anything like it.  Humans are everywhere, farming, building, trading, playing, complaining.

One thing of interest Eadoin notes is that Bruxzella, being close to the border of the Elven Ardennes, and close to the only area of the Elven Kingdom that is really open to trade with Humans, has, in its shops, some Elven goods for sale.  They don’t see any actual Elves, though.  Apparently, they come to trade, but not to stay.

Mayez considers this a model the Centaurs could use, maybe.

Melissa, recalling Varic’s words about other wizards, inquires here.  Perhaps Scolo is curious about fellow practicioners of the Arcane Arts?

She is quickly able to learn that the city’s most famous wizard, a nobleman named Dongested, was slain during the war.  It was a deep shock to the Duke, and to the people here, and he is accorded the honors of a great hero.  He was buried with public mourning and considerable pomp and circumstance.

There are two others she learns of:  Alexus is related to the Duke, and is an old retainer- the “court wizard”, from the sound of it, as well as tutor to the children of the Aristocracy.  Mimay is a woman with a small shop, rebuilding in the wake of the war. She managed to hide or evacuate her things, but still, “magic shop” draws looters like bees to daisies, and  her place was utterly trashed.  Several times.

Scolo does not recall either of them.  Not strange- the Academy teaches many wizards, but much as it would like to, not all of them.  Especially not back more than a decade or two ago.

Some info about Bruxzella:

http://europa512adgame.pbworks...e/62847832/Bruxzella

When they arrive in Bruxzella, the wizard Scolo is uncharacteristically quiet. He has had a few days of joy in his travel, time spent with the Duke and the artist in relative sanity or at worst jovial intoxication. The last stage of the road he merely sat on his mule and let the beast carry him along following the centaurs. He responds very little the first day not even eating his mind and soul feeling bleached as he is reminded and reviews some ancient failure some travesty that was likely his doing either active or through neglect. He hears Melissa talking and there are few things that would reach him at this time. He does not respond right away. But the next day, in the morning after consuming several jelly waffles and leaving the rest in a pile, Scolo perks up and rides his mule out in search Mimay and her shop.

The "Grand Place" is the heart of Bruxzella, the center of commercial and social life for the city.  It is surrounded by  the "better" businesses of the city, and some trade associations have put up buildings for their own members, which act as shops, schools, and social clubs all in one.  The Breadmaker's House is the largest of these; the lower floor is a large indoor bread "department store" where a number of bakers have small booths.

Latin speakers had dubbed it, the Forum Inferius, but to them, "Lower Market" was strictly a literal term- it was in the geographically lower area of the city.  It had nothing to do with secondary status.

Several side streets lead off from the square, and Scolo spies one leading through an arch, next to the Jewelers's Guild.  This is the one he'd been directed to.  Mimay's shop is actually in the same building as the Jeweler's Guild, around the corner, through the arch.

Mimay has a large shop- just as big and as elegant looking as the ones on the main square.  But there is no "wizards' guild", perhaps that is why she had to take a secondary location.  It shows the signs of recent repair- a new door, and fresh paint.

Entering, it seems, maybe, Mimay is a jeweler too?  There is a lot of cut crystal here, and some things made from gems and ornamental stones.  Little pendants, various household items. There's some empty shelf space- apparently, she lost some of her stock in the war.

Mimay herself is a plump woman, not necessarily of noble demeanor but at least "upper middle class".  She is cheerful and busily making the rounds of her shop, adjusting, moving, dusting.  She is somewhere in her mid thirties from the look of it.  She wears a simple dress, but with a number of overlapping necklaces of cut and polished stones.

The tall thin man enters the shop, ducking his head as he removes his cap. He looks around. There are few things that really give him joy. Magic is one, and natural beauty. The forrest the growth of crystals the movement of water things that capture the attention of the inattentive and the imagination of wonder.

He stares for a long time and says nothing.

If addressed he will stammer a bit, not really well.

Uhm .... Hello?

Edgar will come out and float - he has been held back far too much lately.

Good afternoon Madame. I am Edgar and this shy fellow is Scolo, recently of Mestanon. We would be glad to merely bask in your company, and let the beauty of your shop surround us ....

Looking around, Scolo can tell that Mimay’s shop is the type many “shop” wizards, have.  Making a living selling magic commercially, they maintain a large stock of cheap, simple magics easily bought by commoners in need.  Bruxzella has enough specialized trade exists, and enough wealth, to allow Mimay to keep things aimed at the “higher end” but many of her wares are designed to allow people of at least middle class to obtain some magic in their lives.

There are cut and polished stone candle holders, for example, that enhance the flames of candles placed on them>

Most mages develop an affinity towards certain things.  For Scolo, it was chaos.  For Mimay, apparently, minerals- in the form of gems, crystals, and polished ornamental stone.  All of her magic items incorporate these things.  As a result, they are esthetic as much as functional.  Maybe more.

Scolo, on the other hand, embodies an entirely different kind of esthetic.

She lets out an audible gasp when Edgar appears.

“What is that?” she asks.   Her voice has more suspicion than fear.  Wizards learn to deal with the unusual, and generally are harder to shock than most.  But still, Edgar makes her uneasy.

“It’s something unnatural, isn’t it?”

Erm ... Excuse m.. begins Edgar but he is cut off as the Wizard responds.

No no my dear, completely natural, he's a .... A .... A cat I think ... hmmmmm come to think of it ... He's not really cat-like ... 

I'm not a cat! Edgar interjects.

Ye-es, that's what you want me to think. Well cat or not he's natural, organic even and completely cage free, yes, shouldn't that be true for all of us?
Hmmm he's just from another realm is all, you know like Celestial ?

But this ones not really celestial, but it's not one of the bad ones either eh?

I apologize for any inconvenience Madame, I am Edgar
He does a little tumble that might be an Aeriel bow.

And this, my master - is Scolo,

You've already said that, haven't you?

Scolo looks back at Mimay ....
This is lovely, it really is ... I'm not particularly looking for knick knacks but if I had a home, I would definitely shop here.

Tell me please, dear - how is it to be settled, in such a lovely place? I've wondered about the life - we're always being trucked and pushed about from one nutcase battle to the next. Do you like it here? Is there any opportunity for study?

Scolo chats with the lady ... It's possible she will want to talk, perhaps she has few options for learning other than the wandering colleague.

It was an oddly direct and yet appropriate question.  Mimay knew at once, Scolo meant:  “Wizard to wizard… What’s it like?”

It wasn’t a question with a ready answer.  This one took work.

“Well that’s a busy kind of question, isn’t it?” she said.  “If you stay a bit, I’ll get some hot minted wine along, we can think about this one.”

Mimay has a most extraordinary pot.  It apparently did the work of brewing without needing any outside flame whatsoever.  Her beverage of choice was weak, hot spiced wine flavored with mint.  “The Elves are very good herb gatherers,” she says.  “They always have the best, and it’s handy being so near to them.”

She explains a little about Bruxzella, and starts with a comparison to the larger Belgican city, Anteverpia, on the coast.

“Anteverpia’s got more going on with trade, it’s a bigger city, but it can be messy and crowded sometimes smells bad in the summer.  The trade there is good for wizards, of course, things always coming in on the ships from all over.  Good Baltic amber.  There’s less of that here, but I go to Anterverpia now and then, and sometimes the traders come here.  We’re a little more remote, but not that far out of the way. “

And Bruxzella has a few things in its favor…

“Here, there are the Elves, practically a stone’s throw away, and they bring in interesting things from time to time.  They know me, of course, they make it their business to know wizards, and when Elves learn Earth magic it isn’t usually my kind, it’s more shaped by the living aspects of the element than the crystalline properties.  So they often bring me useful things, for trade, which they can’t really exploit themselves.”

She relates the recent history of the city, how it was evacuated during the war, and then retaken after the Hun army was defeated in the Elven lands.  Mimay took no part, apparently.  Certainly, the woman knows some spells that could come in handy in a fight.  Any wizard does.  But, Scolo knows that makes her no more of a “warrior” than the fact that like just about anyone, she could fire a crossbow.  Mimay doesn’t look like the sort who could keep up with an army on the move, or know what to do when it stops moving and starts fighting.  So she evacuated with the majority of the townsfolk.

Like any merchant, she has obligations to the Duke.  Most nobles have figured out that when you have wizards living in your domain, ask for their taxes “in kind”, of the goods they make, rather than in gold.  Ambric is a particularly clever Duke, and so Mimay lends her talents to making things for the Duke about a quarter of the time- her taxes.  She expects he’d ask at least as much as any wizard here.  But she’s not opposed to that.  It’s “civic duty”.  The price of having a society.

The wizard does indeed stay on a bit, he enjoys the wine for starters, though he spends more time smelling it than sipping it. Still, it remains warm and slowly disappears.

He admires her pot: My that's handy - I should show you my waffle iron sometime. It's not as elegant as this, but very effective. It has several properties I've forgotten. About I'm sure.

He listens with interest. He talks when appropriate about his experience.

Oh it was very special ... I had this tower, it was exceptional and unique I had refurbished it from the old wizard who left it. It had a vast library, the likes of which I could not replicate - I hadn't even been through all the knowledge contained there!

Scolo sparkles when talking about libraries and books.

Elves eh? That must be very nice. Have you been to see their libraries?

At some point he tells a little of his story.

Anyway I had to leave and join the King. The emperor was out to kill me, even my old school, the academy had sent assassins. The King has been many things but also very fair.  Of course the best part of working with the king is not the king at all but his lovely bride. Shes a sharp wizard herself. When they return it might be nice to have a little space to meet for some discussion - you would like it im sure queen or not she has a pleasant way with others.
The King has sent people good people with representatives from the academy to go and look for the people of Mestanon - that was my wish and our deal but I expected to return myself not send them - I don't trust them ... But ... perhaps I should be kinder. Perhaps they are allies, he certainly trusts them. But if they return what then? We need to find a home ... I need a life that will exist without war ...

The Duke? Is it that same fellow, Varic I met over in ... Oh ... That little town south of here ... It has a wall, some ruins and brilliant potter.

He seemed nice enough, but they all do, at first. Does he manage things well?

Mimay explains the politics of Bruxzella.

Varic is the Duke of Bagacum. Ambric is the Duke here.  Belgica has six Duchies, each with an appointed family to rule it- the leader being Duke or Duchess as the case may be.  The whole thing was set up by King Clovis's father, many years ago.  To keep it stable, he devised a law:  No one may inherit more than one Duchy.  The families can intermarry, but if an heir emerges to more than one Duchy, he must forswear one of them.

Ambric is the oldest of the Dukes, and many regard him as the "senior Duke" but this is solely out of respect for his experience.  He is considered a skilled politician and diplomat, and always manages to get the leading families here to do what he wants them to... generally out of subtle persuasion.

Ambric had a wizard on his "staff" recently, the skilled and heroic Count Dongestede.  But the count perished in the war.  Unlike Varic, however, Ambric has been making no move to hire a wizard.  He doesn't rush things.  He's a patient, shrewd Duke.

As for Elves and libraries-- no, she hasn't seen them.  The Elves are a cagey, cautious folk.  They are often afraid to share what they know.

Mimay doesn't blame them for it.  There are so few Elves in the world, a little paranoia on their part is understandable.

On the other hand, perhaps they don't have libraries at all.  She knows that the Elves don't have much "Human style" architecture.  Some, but not a lot.  Maybe it never occurred to them to build a place to put a lot of books.

Eadoin's seen towns and cities of all sizes, at least those to be found in Gaul.  Bruxzella isn't anything overly startling in its size.  He doesn't immediately follow after Scolo and Melissa, but agrees to meet with them later, perhaps for supper if they're agreeable.

He wants to visit the Grand Place and the Peddler's Market, to see what trades here that his folk might move from one place to another, nomadic as they are.  "Want to come along, Mayez?"

The Centaurs explore the Grand Place.  The plaza is dominated by the commercial buildings- most of these are operated by the semi-collective trade associations known as guilds.  Supposedly a social innovation of the Halflings, the guilds are stronger and more established in Belgica than they are in Gaul, and for many of them, their buildings on the Grand Place is their headquarters not only for Bruxzella but for all of Belgica.

These buildings are multi-functional, with the bottom floor generally occupied by shops of that trade, open to the public.  Hence, five jewelry shops (and around the corner, Mimay’s magic shop) occupy the ground floor of the Jewelers’ Guild Hall, and the main floor of the Breadmakers’ House is a big, open space with numerous small stalls.

Other major guild halls include the Brewer’s guild- this is readily identifiable by the columns crafted to appear as if  hops plants were climbing around them.  The first floor has a wholesale and carryout beer and ale market, and next door is their alehouse. The food is considered only average there, but no one goes just for the food.

The Cloth Market is not actually a guild hall, just a large public building in which cloth merchants rent space to display buy and sell cloth.  Belgica is a major producer of fine wool, and it is available here in every color and grade, along with oiled felts used to make water repellant hats, bags, and cloaks.

 There are the Butcher’s guild, which is actually a small but elegant looking building, next to the Confectioners’ Guild, which is a sort-of competitor to the Breadmakers, with overlapping jurisdictions in the desserts category.

The cheesemaker’s guild also has a fine, and quite aromatic ground floor shop..

The stone masons and artists do not have shops- their buildings serve as social centers only, although one can certainly go here to hire someone in those trades.

There is a building used as an “Officers’ Club” by Bruxzella’s professional military.  This isn’t an official armory or barracks, just a gathering place for the military elite here.

When the Centaurs pass, they spy the argument going on in front: a soldier is putting up a sign inviting “capable young men to inquire about serving Belgica”.  But this has drawn the ire of two women, who wonder why their gender is being excluded.  They loudly point out the fact that during the recent war, Bruxzella’s heroic last stand defense was led by the “Gray Legion”, aging veterans and other volunteers, hardly strapping young men in their physical prime.  And if they could be heroes…

The Centaurs become a focus for the street clowns, a wandering group with a few colorful puppets and odd costumes.  They seem to insist on sucking the Centaurs into their performance, having puppets ask them silly questions, and juggling over Mayez’s head.  It’s all in the name of attracting attention.

Scolo nods ... That bit about the Dukes is interesting.
You never really know with royals ...

When they've had some time at chatting Scolo asks.
Is there anything you would like to know? And he or Edgar will answer any curiosities she may have about the war or the wedding or whatnot.

He then draws a large volume with several sheets of paper and ink and says.

It might be fun to make you a gift .... I'm thinking you might enjoy an unseen servant if that isn't already among your spells. Would you like the scroll?

OOC:  Inspiration struck me.  At last, how to build the Perfect Magic System.

The DnD 3.0/3.5 system  is nice but has flaws, and one of them is the learning of spells.  Clerics get spells without any learning, so any campaign that makes acquiring new spells difficult gives an unbalancing advantage to clerics.

But any system that makes acquiring spells too easy risks takes away an important “reward” (scrolls and spell books lose value) and worse, tends to make wizards all alike- the spells are merely “Apps” that all run on the standard wizard platform.

So the DnD solution was to create a horde of variant wizards and prestige classes, to add some differences between wizards back into the system. And their specialist wizards are a nice effort but don’t really appeal to the classical image of a wizard, because they produce wizards who specialize in things like “transmutation” instead of “Ice”.  An Ice wizard is much more fun.

My idea:  Every spell caster, wizard, cleric, etc, would get a certain number of specialties.    The spell caster’s areas of study and interest and natural inclination.  Also, a few oppositions- areas of magic that are just difficult for that caster.  Each spell would have a few specialties associated with it.  The effort needed to learn a new spell would depend not only on “is that spell available?” but also on how the spell lined up the existing areas of the spell caster.  A spell could be weakly learned (able to cast, but at some higher cost/difficulty), learned, or mastered (casting is easier, or some extra range, bonus, etc included for free)  again, depending on how the spell lines up with the caster’s “areas”.

Thus, for example, a wizard like Scolo could easily master a new spell that summons some weird chaotic creature.  But if someone said “how would you like to learn Wall of Stone?”, that would take a lot more effort from him, and for a long time, his Walls would be weaker than those of an “average” wizard.

Anyway… for game sake, I am going to assume that something like this is the case:  wizards are simply better at spells matching their inclinations and areas of interest.


One thing wizards rarely gave away for free:  access to spells.  Part of the value of a spell was scarcity; the more you gave them out the less valuable they become.  Carefully guarding one’s magical knowledge was considered entirely normal and sane for any wizard.  Mimay’s natural immediate reaction was therefore suspicion, something along the lines of “what’s the catch?”

If Mimay was a few years younger, or somewhat slimmer, or had some different sense of style and fashion, or any combination of the above,  she would expect Scolo might be trying to impress her.. but men haven’t been taking that kind of interest in her lately.  Another reason for suspicion.

Then she warms to the unheard of idea of a free spell from a stranger.  And just in case Scolo is trying to impress her, she blushes slightly, and nervously fingers her polished stone  beadwork.

“The Unseen Servant?  It’s a Summoning, isn’t it?”

She looks at Edgar.  “Well of course, you must be a summoner.  I’ve done a little summoning, mostly Elementals of Earth and Mineral, I suppose it’s not too distant, is it?  Similar principles?   I would be happy to take a look at it.  I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t owe you something for it.  Do you know much Earth magic?”

OOC: DND does have school specialization as well as wizards that specialize in 1 element. However, I think the magic system itself needs to be revamped.

1->Use magic points (the x/spell per day is a poor way of handling limits)

2->If you learn a spell you should be able to cast it. Period. It's retarded to learn a spell and then have to memorize it. This is probably the single most annoying rule in the magic system to me.

3->Success is not automatic. Magic is wild and powerful. It is not certain. It should not be automatic. There should be a DC or % chance of success casting a spell. DC should be based on how powerful the spell is. Low level wizards should be able to attempt powerful spells. Of course their chance of success will be low. Failure can have a variety of results.

4->Players should be able to customize the visual effects of spells as they see fit. In fact, it should be encouraged and perhaps even rewarded.


EDIT->added word 'not'

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:10, Mon 26 Aug 2013.

Will post IC soon but not ready yet. Regarding spells I fully agree with Steve except - number 4 should be something special. I have 2 feats spent on my prestidigitation stuff - that or some other feat should be required for the amazing ability to really customize your magic. It allows you to make it difficult for wizards to guess what you are doing.

I've almost never used counter spells but it would be nice to have a reason to want to guess at what the opponent is doing and to spend actions thwarting them. Current rules make dealing damage the one right move almost every time so thinking and strategy are less valuable.

Unseen what what? Did I say? Oh my how embarrassing .. He says looking at his "Summon Invisible friend" page - yes summoning, but this one's not, not right it's a chaos version. So sorry. Scolo is getting flustered. The truth is, he had lost his unseen servant spell in one of his back up scrolls at his tower ... He's been thinking about how useful it was but doesn't have it with him.

Er .. Yes - here is a suitable gift - he opens the page to Fox's Cunning. - perfect for days when you want to make that special something, it really focuses the mind eh?

When she offers a reciprocal gift Scolo smiles
eh ... Well - I ah... Was meaning to be ah generous and make a friend. I may live in this land one day ... And my ah ... Well I sometimes do strange things ah, under the influence. If you know me and think well of me it would be good in those times - eh - but you know, I don't mean to make you indebted. Uhm ... Earth magick - you see I am best at things with life and mind and chaos, but I have talent in manipulating different states of iron ... if there is something that twists and turns the earth, making it grow, or transmute. Or changing form In one way or something I would use it in this blasted war to reduce casualties ... Hmmm earth .... Can you ... Can you - call upon the earth to recapture its metals. That would be really funny

"Hello .. I'm big bad soldier here to fight a war - oops, all my metal is getting trapped a d sucked back inside the world."

Mimay closes early that day, so she can have a long “wizard's chat” with Scolo.  She takes him to another street off the Grand Place, where several of Bruxzella's better taverns can be found.  At one, the Leaping Knight, the staff all seems to know her.

Wizards with shops are almost always at least “upper middle class”, being the rarest of artisans.  Mimay eats out, and eats well, frequently.  Cooking for herself would take too much time.

She talks about the Arcane properties of iron, something she knows quite well- or at least, claims to.   Iron, she says, is the least magical of all the elements.  It is so naturally opposed to magic that enchanting it is difficult- most enchanted iron objects are actually steel, with the “additives” taking the magic.  The non-magical nature of iron is what makes iron in its pure form painful to the Fey, and causes iron filings to be a component of certain rituals that block or dispel magic.

This makes her curious about Scolo's “manipulating different forms of iron.”  Iron is not well suited to such things.

She does not have the specific spell Scolo seems to be describing. She has a spell separates an earthen mixture into its constituent parts.  Perhaps it could be reversed, causing metals to bond with nearby base stone to reform ore.  (She cannot “summon forth” those parts from the Earth- no calling up the gold from the ground.  But given a chunk of ore with gold in it, she can divide it into gold and its other parts.)



Across the square, one of the Centaurs makes a delicate inquiry of Melissa.  The ex-Blackguard replies hastily:  “Oh, no, it's not like that at all!  Scolo... me... we're really not right for each other like that.  I.. I like to take care of him, though.  It's my responsibility.    If I contribute one real thing to this world, that would be it.”

“That would be a much more complicated responsibility if Scolo had another companion, wouldn't it?”  the Centaur asks.

Melissa considers carefully.  “It would.  That's true.  But... if they were both wizards... I might end up taking care of the both of them.”

Scolo continues their chat ... He nods in her discussion of iron.
Quite right, yes ... Hmmmm really?
In regard to her spell he chuckles,
Well, it was just an idea - would be fun though ...
Scolo would take any spell she offers, he really is trying to make friends - something like soften earth and stone would be fair or whatever. He'll give it a try.

When I say states of iron, I really mean planar states .... The iron itself is irrelevant, and the magic is not on the iron, it's more about effecting the planar envelope that permits material from another plane to retain some of its effects here.

He then gets conspiratorial...

Many dont like the multiplanar non-earth centered theories about the structure of the universe. But I've found it - and it is just the beginning.
He he ... It's not without consequences ...

At that Scolo stares at his lunch for a few moments, he seems as if he might suddenly start crying but something distracts him about his spoon .... Metal , bended metal. He purses his lips. And says -
Here - this is some Iron - ordinary in its own way ... But ... Well - perhaps you can find a use for it.

The Emperor has used it - and will again I fear. The more we know the better.

He hands her a small sample of quickiron.

Wizards are often perceived as “not quite right in the head”.  This may be misunderstanding, but then again, often this opinion is being held by other wizards.  So at first, Mimay dismisses Scolo’s quirks as par for the course.

Gradually, though, she begins to suspect that Scolo’s spellbook is a couple of pages short.

But the appearance of the bizarre Quickiron returns her focus.  For this, she can tolerate a few extra quirks.

Almost reflexively, Mimay puts on gloves.

”If it’s any relation to Quicksilver, Scolo, you should too.  It’s bad for the health, you know.  Do you have gloves?”

Then she studies it.  Not with a spell, but with experienced eyes.

”It’s got the color of iron, doesn’t it?  But formless, like Quicksilver.  What is it?”

Oh?
Says Scolo ... Seriously, hydrargyrum being unhealthy, who would believe that? It's used in all the alchemical anti-aging potions.
Scolo says nothing more, he hums tunelessly for a moment. He begins to distract himself ... Feeling perhaps the need to move on for now. He gives Mimay some bit of advise as she cautiously inspects the quickiron.

It doesn't do anything to your health ... Unless it hits you while traveling at speed.

Oooh, I see you got it to seem formless ... How did you do that?

Scolo chuckles providing just a little hint that the quickiron responds to the observer. Surely she will take time to figure it out for herself.

Expecting they will meet again sometime Scolo will move on at some point. He wanders in the afternoon paying particular attention to the clouds.

At this point, are there any objects to fast forwarding Eadoin and Scolo to have them catching up with the rest of the plot?

I'd be happy to move forward.

By the way, was there a spell or anything Mimay gave Scolo? It's no big deal, but if there is something ill add it to my sheet.

Also - do you want me to pick things I'm good or bad at?

That would be grand.  As the first major portion of my fall projects wind down in a couple of weeks, I'm hoping my semi-exile shall come to an end.  It'd be good to catch up after our tour of Belgica.

Scolo and Eadoin hit the trail.

Melissa gets them back on the road the next day, and the head east towards Mos Trajectum.  The journey takes a few days, even though they make the trip with a minimum of distractions.  (How they manage this with Scolo is anybody's guess.)

As they travel, they draw a lot of attention... at least, the Centaurs do.  Eadoin actually has more than he started with, since Mayez and the others who joined at Hiricio haven't left yet.  Centaurs have a natural inclination towards travel, and they seem to think the journey isn't over yet.

Traveling with a group of Centaurs, Melissa and Scolo are virtually anonymous.
Scolo and Eadoin hit the trail.

Melissa gets them back on the road the next day, and the head east towards Mos Trajectum.  The journey takes a few days, even though they make the trip with a minimum of distractions.  (How they manage this with Scolo is anybody's guess.)

As they travel, they draw a lot of attention... at least, the Centaurs do.  Eadoin actually has more than he started with, since Mayez and the others who joined at Hiricio haven't left yet.  Centaurs have a natural inclination towards travel, and they seem to think the journey isn't over yet.

After crossing the countryside of eastern Belgica, the mob reaches Mos Trajectum.

Here, they were supposed to rendezvous with Theoderic and the others.  But.. something has gone awry.  There is no sign of any of the others here.

And we have a Mos Trajectum visitor's guide:

http://europa512adgame.pbworks...5235/Mos%20Trajectum

Somewhat befuddled by what seems to be the king's inability to follow his own plan, Scolo, Eadoin, Melissa and the others try to figure out what's happened.

After making some inquiries in the town, they find out two things:  First, a nobleman named Heolstor was here with a sizable war band, and they left for the east, across the Mos Trajectum bridge, headed into “Hun Country”.  But no king with them.  That much was certain.

They also find, in the marina on the north end of town, an Elven boatman, who handles one of the Swan boats that frequently travel up and down the Meuse.  His is a smaller boat, typically used for routine trading runs, and he has recently come from the nearby Elven town of Lutosa.  Eadoin knows the Elven boats- he’s ridden in a few.  There are more than one that come this way, and he’s never met this particular boatman, but there’s some overlap in the names they know.

The Elf reports that a large party crossed the river south of here, at Lutosa, and traveled east.  He doesn’t know if that was the king, but from his description it certainly sounds like the kind of party Theoderic would be in.

Eadoin and Scolo know of only one Elf woman who travels with a Unicorn.

OOC- Huh while I was traveling there must have been a problem posting this message.
FYI I rolled sanity for Scolo on arrival to Montiacum it was BAD

He is totally nuts highly magical and shooting at shadows and ranting on about the consequences of letting his organs enter into a collective bargaining agreement. It was a really good post but I don't have time to rewrite all of it now. Needless to say he may be a bit of a burden and not a help for figuring out where Theoderic is.

Damn it all lets go east! There's a scrum of lumfruckers schlanking that way -
I'LL GET YOU ! GAMSCHMAKIT!
Never let a lumfrucker sit on your gravity well - they skient. And it deGauses your Thaumetic field. I feel so hollow ... No helmet!

Scolo grabs his cooking pot and puts it over his head. He launches a fryer ball producing several succulent fried doves for dinner and continues shouting curses at the Lumfruckers.
...

Despite the ramblings, Melissa gets the basic gist out it:  We’re going east.
She’d like to have a little time here to get some advance information about what lies “east” if she can, but today is not a good day to do it.  Scolo needs her attention.  It’s days like this… if he’s not watched, he’s liable to leave something magical just lying around, forgotten.

It prompts a thought:  stories are full of old magical things, lying around forgotten.  Did they have wizards like Scolo?  How strange is Scolo, after all?  Melissa hadn’t met all that many wizards, and those she knew who served the Blackguard were all somewhat “off” in their thinking.  Not in the way Scolo was, but definitely, a few crooked arrows in the quiver.  Maybe magic always did that to people, sooner or later.

So she gets the Centaurs to gather some information, as she gets Scolo ready to go.

 “Your slippers, where are they packed?  Are you sure?  Let me check.  No, no, this is breakfast, it won’t talk to you.  That’s toast.”

The way east, they learn, is the Mos Trajectum Bridge.

The Mos Trajectum bridge, around here simply called “The Bridge” is the reason the town exists- it is the only bridge over the Meuse for many miles, and across it, the Via Belgica connects all of Belgica to the northern Rhine area.

It is a great stone bridge, with multiple arches, wide enough for two lanes of wheeled traffic with pedestrians passing to the side.  Carvings of the Roman gods, and tributes to the emperors line the bridge, and there are still lamps on poles.  The ancient magic still works, and the lamps still have a soft- though reduced- glow.  .

On the Mos Trajectum side of the bridge, the west bank, the bridge entrance faces a large commercial plaza, the Mosae Forum. 

On the far side, the east bank, the bridge landing is surrounded by a maze of ruins, mostly just walls and tumbled piles of stone, brick, and moss.  This is the remains of the town that once occupied the east bank, across from Mos Trajectum.  It has been laid waste.  There is nothing to be looted here- these ruins have been fought over for years.  The ruins provide hiding places for the scouts of both sides, and those who have crossed the bridge … know that this is the first place one is likely to encounter some force of the enemy.  Since the battle, though, Huns have been few here- if anything, just scouts, here to observe the city.

The far side has been scouted often- Duke Gwalthus of Mos Trajectum sends regular patrols there.  But he knows he cannot hold the far side of the bridge, so he does not even try.  It is a “no man’s land”, patrolled, but not controlled, by both sides.

Scolo follows the Lumfruckers waving wildly until they come down on the bridge and he sees her, she looks angry and hurt and .... What is it?

He slows watching

Wait!
He says to the Centaurs

She works for him! It's an ambush -
He whispers with intensity and then He disappears.

760 feet looks a lot farther when you are falling than when you are running ... But it goes by so fast so very fast.

Scolo feels the wind in his hair and he sees his friends Melissa and the centaurs near the bridge. Yes the bridge there was something about that ... It's someone he could see a reason he was now falling toward it ... Falling ... That can hurt sometimes like when you fall really far.

Scolo looks at his hands ... The bridge looks empty ... But there was an idea ... An ambush on the bridge. But for whome?

He sees her now - Zerova. She works for him. It was her ambush he screams at her while falling a scream that does immense damage but she doesn't notice she is being killed attacked by someone else.

He looks around this was a good idea to attack from above but ... What was he missing .. Oh yeah! Feather fall!

He casts the spell and it slows his fall so fast his skirts go up and he can't see. He swings his bag randomly at the ghost of Zerova the quickiron making it as hard as an iron club. And he falls on the bridge swinging and sputtering with magic sparkles off his bag until he sees the shade of her dead body - does she speak ? He falls lying next to her on the bridge when the others come for him.

That'll teach you! I've still schlanked a trick or two!
He says breathing heavy.

Oh dear oh dear oh dear mutters Edgar.

Melissa takes a deep breath.  This is the moment  This bridge is the dividing line between “safe” land and the Huns' territory, and it is here that Scolo chooses to...

wait... he seems to be talking about what happened here.  In the past.

Wizards had strange senses, didn't they? Wizard sight, some said.  They could see forces and things that others couldn't.

Was he sensing something here?  Was he insane?  Or more sane?

There are people here who know more about what happened than she does... but Melissa cannot leave Scolo now.  So she sends back a pair of the Centaurs, with instructions.

And she takes Scolo's hand.

“It's me, Melissa,:” she says, just in case.  “Walk with me, across the bridge. What are you seeing?”

Scolo looks up - Melissa yes
Well - right here they've got her hmmmm don't you see her and her enemies?

He stands looking around he had spent a lot of magic and is beginning to clear - the Lumfruckers are gone ...

I see Zerova - wicked girl - she was with the emperor .... Hmmm she died here I think. Left a big psi vector.

He stands up stretching his back and smacking his lips.
That was a long fall - it would have worked I think.

Hmmmmm .... Okay lets go!

He looks at the grisly scene as it fades... Then he moves on.

On the far side, the east bank, the bridge landing is surrounded by a maze of ruins, mostly just walls and tumbled piles of stone, brick, and moss.  This is the remains of the town that once occupied the east bank, across from Mos Trajectum.  It has been laid waste.  There is nothing to be looted here- these ruins have been fought over for years.  The ruins provide hiding places for the scouts of both sides, and those who have crossed the bridge… such as Leanna… know that this is the first place one is likely to encounter some force of the enemy.  Since the battle, though, Huns have been few here- if anything, just scouts, here to observe the city.

They watch warily as the move through the decaying remnants of what was once the east side of Mos Trajectum.  This area was built low to the river plain, and parts of it close to the water actually appear to be slowly sinking.  (That is, on a year by year scale, not like you're going to see it!)

It's the kind of place where imagination can play tricks- the creaking of old beams, a stone occasionally skittering down from a pile of rubble, a rat running through shadows.  But as yet, no real signs of opposition.

The Centaurs notice the tracks first.

"Hooves, but pairs, not fours!" says one.

"Too large and too deep for Satyrs.  Minotaurs," says another.

"But going away... east, where we are going," the first concludes.

Scolo wanders in following and wonders at bits of trivia as they talk.
Are miniatures vegetarians? Oh Minotaurs, yes that's right ... I suppose they are, hmmm because the teeth are like a cow ... But the belly is like a man? And legs like a cow or just the feet? Seems unstable do they trip easy?
What about thier stools? They can't get as much roughage as a cow with a mans belly - are they privy users or do they just drop as they walk?

The Centaurs gather closer, and keep their weapons at the ready.

"What's going on?" Melissa asks.

"We do not know if they are near," Mayez explains.  "Minotaurs are brutish but cunning. They can lay traps and ambushes, and coupled with their strength makes them dangerous.  The tracks seem straightforward, but they might simply have put them here to be followed, and intend to lead us into a trap."

"You know much about them, I think."  Melissa says.

"They share some of our history.  In ancient days, when the light of mankind was on the shores of the Aegean and Rome not yet a village, Centaurs and Minotaurs lived on the fringes of Human civilization.  A great Human king captured a legendary Minotaur and imprisoned him, and used him as a living torture device.  He would have subject peoples send victims to be killed by the Minotaur.  Yet, the Minotaur was a prisoner.  Minotaurs have always hated Humans."

"Are we following the tracks?"  Melissa looked around.  Whatever subtle marks the Centaurs had spotted, she was oblivious to.

She tried Scolo.

"Scolo... is there a spell you might have that would reveal the presence of enemies?"

Hmmmm ... Yes I could call on a cattle dog to round them up. Big fella maybe a thousand pounds of hair and teeth wit a super sniffer.
But that would lead to a fight for sure ... They are a herd - you are a herd. They hate people and for good reason. Hiding is logical for them.
Maybe Eadoin should talk first? Invite a parlay and ask for terms to pass their territory? Or ask about the king hmmm?

If they don't talk I can call the dog.

Scolo is looking down and figuring as he talks

Melissa watches Scolo worriedly as they walk along.

"I don't know what he's doing." she tells Mayez the Centaur worriedly.  "But it is something... he is looking for something.  Wizards have special sight."

The Centaur has figured out by now the woman's "cover for Scolo" mode.  Why such commitment, though.. that is less obvious.

Mayez points out a few obvious marks.  She is not one of the more experienced trackers, but the Centaurs are wilderness nomads, and almost everyone has some experience with "reading" the forest floor.  ”It is not only Minotaurs, Melissa, many others have passed this way.  Humans, some with horses.  And Elves."

”Do you think they were following the Minotuars, or the Minotaurs following them?"

"I doubt they were traveling together.  But no doubt the Minotaurs felt this was too great of a force to defeat.  They do not have the same mindless rage as some others.  I think it was Theoderic.  He was supposed to be going this way."

They walk eastwards, following the tracks in part because it is the only sensible way to go.  By early afternoon, they are approaching a prominent rocky bluff with an old ruined fort atop it.  The tracks split up.  The Minotaurs went straight for it.  Everyone else wheeled around but at a respectful distance.

The Centaurs think they ought to do the same.

One may recall in the heady days of the longboats, when Scolo was or seemed for time to be completely sane. He enjoyed then taking walks with Melissa and discussing her interests and future. He made several hints about his own fears and dreams at that time and promised to bring back his sanity, even if only for a time periodically as they go forward. His to do list reminds him of this promise as they ride along - following the centaurs. After a good long time of talking to himself as his mule walks slowly Scolo seems to awake as if from a trance. He takes off his hat and runs fingers through his hair and beard.

Hmmmm I could use a trim. He wonders.

He looks at his list and smiles then looks up at Melissa. Hello my dear, it has been a few days since I recall talking. hmmmm look - it seems we are straggling behind the king yes? And with Minotaurs of uncertain disposition at the fort.

He remains with the bulk of the force wheeling around away from the fort. He conjures his dog- dire wolves to keep nose and ears alert for other company or any strangers as they

One of the Centaur warriors trots up to Melissa and Scolo.

"We are unmatched in running battles through trees or meadow," he says.  "But as we have just discussed with Eadoin, we are noticeably lacking when it comes to storming hilltop forts.  Or most adventures involving a steep climb."

The Centaur Consensus holds that skirting around, where the non-Minotaur tracks are, is in fact the wiser thing to do.

"Probably caves up in there anyway," the Centaur comments, with a suspicious eye cast towards the rocky hilltop.

There is another surprise involving tracks.

Just past the rocky hilltop, the road they have been following- the main road that connects Belgica to the Rhine River (the very reason for the existence of Mos Trajectum) continues straight ahead.  As it has for centuries.  It's supposed to do that.  But all the tracks veer south, into a broad, gentle looking valley.  There's no road there, but there is a wide brook flowing down through the middle, and lots of trees.

"If they went that way, it's a very pleasant way," Mayez says.

Wouldn't think of it. Old forts are best left alone eh? But fluffy here will cover our backs.
Scolo says whimsically as he indicates the fiendish dire wolf the he just summoned.

Fluffy looks vicious, and eager and is larger than many of the centaurs.

Ooooh a pretty meadow ... Yes I agree lets go.

Edgar takes flight for some exercise, and also to remain out of fluffys reach.

Ill er ... Watch from up here then. Says Edgar.

As they walk, Scolo uses his new sanity to talk with Melissa. Remembering the places they've seen and wondering if there is a city she could imagine living in. When he is feeling sane Scolo really enjoys talking wit Melissa. He wants to be seen as a real person and not a dangerous ward.

In the intervening days, Eadoin would allow that he has been somewhat fey.  At times, he's seemed perhaps as distracted as Scolo.  In the young Centaur's case, it's far more about gathering wool than wandering in far realms in contemplation of the identifiable patterns within chaos.

Rather, he's been lost in his own head, travelling the border road between his own tendency to daydream and his periodic reverie with his Epona.  After long weeks of saying nothing at all about the goddess he calls the "White Mare", more than once along the way through Belgica, others might catch him staring at nothing more than a leaf falling or a bird flying, giving rapt attention to the garter snakes that make their presence known in spring or to the sound of wind through dry grass.

What he doesn't say aloud is that for weeks he's not heard his goddess.  The voice that held him rapt from his earliest memories was silent, the rustling of leaves nothing more than a movement of wind.  He's begun to hear Her voice again, feel the occasional warmth of breath on mornings that's still cool.  The young Centaur seems to find himself again in the regard of his goddess.

Outside the city and east into wilder lands, he says quietly, "Sorry, did someone say something about minotaurs?"

He looks somewhat confusedly at the summoned wolf Scolo creates, then up at the ruined hill fort, then back to those assembled.  "Umm…Is there something we're after up there?"

Scolo smiles at the wistful dreamer.

It's all right nothing to bother with. Just enjoy the walk

Edgar moans in the air dramatically.

As if one needs to tell Eadoin to enjoy a walk in the early spring!  It's certainly a fine time of year with clear and cold mornings, everything holding its breath against the final graspings of winter as it departs.  Some druids pay homage to this faerie court or to the seasons, to this wood or to that field.  Others, follow a path that leads from birth to death, circling around in endless cycles of renewal.

Eadoin's calling, though, is generation, the coming together that leads to children of all kinds.  Autumn is his season, and spring!  They dance togther as equal partners between equinox and solstice, though never touch.  His omens are the harvest, the hooved stock both wild and domestic in the rut, courting swans, and nesting swallows.  Fledglings and the fox with her kits herald in his holy days.  There is little reason to tell the young Centaur to enjoy a single thing.

While inexperienced as a scout, he's well-trained and quite talented.  Whether its tracking the army or just finding lunch, Eadoin is in his element, his season, and in the renewed graces of his goddess.

Easily, he comments, "I'm torn, really.  If there's something watching the road, we should at least let others know."

The Minotaurs? I'm sure they'll be okay.

The army already came through we are following them.

Scolo walks along occasionally chatting as he goes comepletely ignouing the beast he has watching their backs.

“We are behind them, and not them behind us,” Mayez says.  “So yes, we should let the others know of the Minotaurs and their lair on the hill, but the only way to do it is to catch up with them.  We should keep moving, and camp out of sight of that hill, and then move again as soon as we can.  “

“It's been a long day of travel,” Melissa says.  And it has.  But it's nothing unusual for Centaurs.  Other than Eadoin, they were raised doing this.

“Not too much longer,” Mayez says.  “But we must be out of sight of the hill when we camp.”

It takes until early evening, with the sun already setting, before the Centaurs are confident of a place.  They are in a wide, gentle valley, lush and green with spring growth, with a swift moving brook running down the middle of it.

Despite the danger, Eadoin's beside himself, as if the rising sap of the green world coming alive moves his soul in similar fashion.  He's grown quite a bit in the last few months, but is still all legs and knees and angles, hinting he's years yet to go before he fills out that frame.

The young Centaur takes the time to circle the little valley, sticking to shadows and copses along the way.  He leaves no trail as he goes, but he spends some time looking along the trails at the edge of the wood and where they cross the little stream, endeavoring to see which creatures call this vale home and which ones have simply passed through.

When a Fiendish Dire Wolf is summoned from the depths of hell by a powerful wizard and forced to obey, it can expect many things to happen. In all the imaginings of such a beast, the idea they would be so terribly coerced into an afternoon of prancing through the countryside with a pack of Centaurs smelling flowers and a couple of mules with dull riders smelling like rabbit and just chatting away in the sunshine .. well ... it must have been quite unexpected. With no battle and no blood eventually the creature winks back where it came from. Undoubtedly this particular fiendish dire wolf will never admit to this debasement, and he will be changed by it in some way.

Scolo remains a pleasant and witty, albeit nerdy conversationalist and even helps make dinner.

21:17, Today: Scolo rolled 18 using 1d20+9. craft cooking . +2 with Edgar's help for an even 20!

hmmmm fresh rolls, ham and wild veggie stir fry
This message was last edited by the player at 02:20, Wed 23 Oct 2013.

Despite their various antics, and exploratory diversions, the party makes good time.  The Centaurs see to it.  Places to go, things to see… and nothing to be gained from lollygagging along the way.  Things went slowly back in Belgica, but now.. they are in “hostile territory” and the Centaurs take it seriously.

It’s something of a push for Melissa, who has never been used to long marches.  She seems winded.

But in the afternoon of the second day out of Mos Trajectum, the drive forward has paid off.  The trails… at least some of them… get fresher and fresher.  At one point, one of the Centaurs notes, “Where the grass is broken, the blades still bleed, they were here within an hour.”

And then at last, contact!  Eadoin and Scolo and the others can see the group traveling ahead of them.  Mostly Elves, and a Unicorn, and a few others.

They can meet up in the other thread; The Water Garden.