Through considerable social effort and some small amount of luck,  Titus, Druk, Bryon and Gondioque unearthed a remarkable secret the Visigoth Orcs had been hiding.

Really, with Orcs, almost any secret is remarkable.  They aren't the most subtle creatures in the world and tend to think in direct terms.  Perhaps not as direct as Ogres* but indirect plans challenge their views on courage and glory.  One way to assuage Orcish values is to convince them it is necessary, "to counter Elven perfidy".

As they have learned, the great mobilization of the Visigoths for war with the Ostrogoths is a lie.  It is a ruse, designed to cover the movements of the chosen agents of Harridog, the  Overtyrant of Massilia.  Simply put, he needed to send his minions on a mission.  Without the distraction of thousands of Orc soldiers marching east, this might be noticable:  "Hey, look, all of Harridog's minions are meandering around the Alpes Maritimes east of Massilia!  I wonder what they are doing!".  This way, everyone would assume, they are just there as part of the general army movement.

It's a very expensive ruse.

But what are they doing?  The party has not much in the way of clues, and Gondioque and Titus, at least, will stay in Massilia looking for more.  What they do know is this: Someone called "the prisoner of Olbia"  finally talked, and that started the Visigoths off.

What did this prisoner say?  No one knows.  But it was important, to launch what it did.  But it's known that this prisoner is still alive- to be punished if the tale was a lie.

Where is Olbia?

On the coast, east of Massilia.  There are many towns and settlements along the coast.   It's a pleasant, productive land, very populous in the time of the Empire.  But now, ruled by Visigoths as far east as Monoikos, which is a "neutral ground" between Ostrogoth and Visigoth.  Olbia is unremarkable.  A small coastal town, not even heavily garrisoned by Orcs.  They hold a small coastal fortress here, and keep order with the classic "step out of line and we kill you all" system.  No one even knew, until now, that this quiet, little known coastal place was the holding place for an important prisoner.

It needs investigation.


*Ogres are notoriously bad at strategy because strategy is built on deception, and as stupid as they are, Ogres are prone to believing their own deceptions.  Thus, an Ogre trying to lay an ambush by camouflaging itself as  bush may lose the opportunity to attack, as it tries to remember that it is not actually a bush, despite being motionless and covered with leaves, things bushes generally are. 

Her flight South was a mix of events, what with avoiding the cat wearing slippers that were far too big for it, or they may have been boots. Then there was the incident where she was chased by the dishy spoon only to learn they were running away from a leaping cow. Eventually she reached the spot where the long legged's were supposed to be.

Weaving her way from Mannor to Mannor Mystal located them. Aliting on the shoulder of the longest legged, long legged she rested contentedly there catching her breath, before greeting
This message was last edited by the player at 20:20, Wed 29 July 2020.

Bryon saw the wonderful fey creature appeared. She bounced on her toes the way she always did when genuinely excited. ”Hello. I am Bryon. You are a Fairie! Fairies are wonderful. I have many in my time. I don’t know how long that is, I think twenty winters. What’s your name? Do you like flying? I’ve never flown. Can you make me grow wings?”

Delighted by the Red haired long legged's action Mystal sprang up; clapping as she glanced around. Realising her vantage point should mirror that of the long legged, Mystal glided across to hover over the long legged Byron's head, and glanced about the area looking for the Fairy...

One doth hopeth our Kinsfairy be not frightened away... Mysyal stated, flipping over to peer into the long legged Byron's eye.

Well met Mistress Byron. We beith Mystal Fortunata oft yon Sprite Sea North. she introduced, extending her hand in greeting.

Hath Thee hath many a Fairytale gleaned from The association's which Thee wouldns't share with an SeSpri adventureressess...
This message was last edited by the player at 00:32, Fri 31 July 2020.

The party is currently ensconced in the Cabreus House Inn, in the "Old Forum" area of Massilia.  It's a safe place, quiet, unassuming.  Safer now that so many of the top Orcs and their allies have left to go Evil Questing.

We will assume that characters who weren't here before are not random strangers appearing.  Somehow, they have been contacted or recruited or otherwise guided here.

Bryon nodded happily. ”Oh yes, I know many Fairie stories. My mother is a Nymph. Nymphs are part of the fey too. You have beautiful wings. I want wings too. How did I get wings too?”

Mystal's brow furrowed as she lowered her hand, these long legged greeting methods were a puzzle. In response to the long legged Byron's comment Mystal backflipped three times displaying her wings. how delightful a Nimpfling... I've heard for some they grow later in life Feykin; like the antlers on the elusive great Moosess except they are moreso, or like the Frill of the Grand Gecko or their tail.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Fri 31 July 2020.

Bryon squealed in delight, bouncing on her toes and shaking. ”Wheeee! Did you hear that Princess Gondioque? I will be growing wings and antlers. I hope that do not clash with each other. Maybe I should begin planning my wardrobe now.”

In reply to Bryon (msg # 8):

Mystal was delighted by the long legged Byron declared heritage, flew around the her, examining her thoroughly as she did Thee be the first Feykin, Grand Geco, Moosess, Offspring One hath opportune to meet... Canst Thee change colour; ast One hath been toldeth?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:07, Sat 01 Aug 2020.

Greynull Nepris, a servant, brings up the rear with one or more pack horses...a hairless, ugly man who is along because Gondioque assured Bryon that he was knowledgeable and competent and might be useful in unexpected, though mundane, ways.

A map showing the immediate area of Massalia, including Olbia to the east.

 



The landscape along the sea east of Massilia is exceptionally rough and part of it looks like this.

The towns on the map are mostly small and tucked into the pockets between the ridges.

Travel is virtually impossible unless you use the road inland, use a boat, fly, or are otherwise specially prepared.

Or have a guide.  There are supposedly trails, but finding the right ones without guides can be tricky.

  <>

Mystal found an excellent vantage point  to survey the surrounding area. Taking in the scenery she admired the Natural terrain delighting  at its weathered appearance.

Bryon grew excited about the fairie’s question. “Yes I can. Watch.” She held her breath until she turned blue and passed out.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:30, Mon 03 Aug 2020.

While the women have stopped and are dong whatever it is they're doing, Greynull is (if possible) letting the horses crop some grass and have a drink if fresh water is around.

GM's Note:  We are still in Massilia until the characters decide to leave, and how to leave.  the map and picture is available because even though they are in the city, the characters understand what the local geography is like.

There is water available, as you are still in Cabreus House.

Being able to gain some altitude, Mystal CAN see the local terrain, but here it is all city and surrounding fields and groves (olives, fruit).  Beyond that, she can see the mountains, but in the distance.

[Oh] Greynull is one of Gondioque's servants, efficient enough but silent and no pleasure to be around. The Princess explains He was a helper in my father's library and has an interest in manuscripts. My father took a strange fancy to him as an oddity and desired he gain a wider acquaintance with the world. You can relax around him; he doesn't bite.

ooc Bother posted an IC which changed to a PM
This message was last edited by the player at 03:36, Tue 04 Aug 2020.

Descending to the roof Mystal popped back into the huge building the long legged's occupied, just in time to see the change in long legged Byron's skin colour had changed to blue. Noting she collapsed from the effect. Concerned for the females welfare Mystal alighted on the woman's brow keeled and grasped the point of Byron's button nose; feeling the coldness Mystal began vigorously rubbing it's peak.  Bee Thee Welleth youngling, be Thee Welleth. she commented glancing about for possible cause of Byron's condition or assistance to help.

Bryon woke up grinning, “Did it work? Did you see? Did I change colors?”

Thee changeth from Pinketh throughet Pale blue unto White thenst back to Pinketh. One hath concern about such an endeavour; ast Thee wast overcommeth by Thy changeth. Be Thy changing a natural ability or an acquired talent. 
This message was last edited by the player at 12:53, Wed 05 Aug 2020.

Bryon grinned, “I don’t know. That was the first time I tried?”

In reply to Bryon (msg # 21):

Methinkest such ability doth not agreeth with Thee. Or perhap it be one that be oft the reclusivess variety.

Bryon nodded, ”Yes. Do you change colors?”

In reply to Bryon (msg # 23):

Ney Mistress Byron oft the long legged's; One be not a Feykin Grand Geco Mooseses Offspring. 
This message was last edited by the player at 22:29, Thu 06 Aug 2020.

Bryon did not understand. She did what she always did when she didn’t understand, she smiled and nodded.

In reply to Bryon (msg # 25):

Mystal mirrored Byron's smiling nodes adding clapping her hands for emphasis. Hath Thee seen other Feykin hereabouts?

Bryon thought for a moment. She seemed to try and find something in her memory. ”No. Not that I know of.”

In reply to Bryon (msg # 27):

Mystal's brow furrowed momentarily, quickly replaced by a chuckle.
Curiouser & curiouser... Mayhap they be about hideth en finda

One thing Mystal would have observed on multiple occasions now:

When the Orcs are in charge, the "Feykin" are most definitely in hiding, or gone.  Except some few who are on the "dark side" and willingly use their skills to hunt other Fey, in return for reward and privilege.

As Mystal might recall from previous adventures, the Orcs, be they Hun or Visigoth or what-have-you, are not very magical on their own.  Their shamans  correct this imbalance by stealing the magic of more magical beings.  The process is not pleasant.

Fey are very natural beings.  Magic is in their blood!  In fact, it can be bottled.

If there is a friendly Fey creature in Massillia, it would not be easy to find.

The business of message delivery is going very well for Druk...too well.

He visits the Princess Gondique after their adventure with the Bacchanal and the treasures of Minerva.

Druk must leave Massila he says. Orcs know I am Ook and some know my disguises. They will catch me because of the messenger business, and because most Orcs are gone, I cannot hide. I should go for now

Player is hoping Gondique recomends Druk to her servant and he can leave for a while that way.

Ast Feykin oft goodly outlook t'would be best if we undertook to keepest unto ourselves, being circumspect inst any dealings with locals hereabouth

Bryon continued to smile and nod passively.

Mystal swoops around the room to get a feel for it and checking for exits she can use if needed. Alighting on a rafter she considers the City and the evil that inhabits it.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:16, Mon 24 Aug 2020.

Leaving the city can be accomplished several different ways.

There is the overland route, straight east towards Olbia.  This is very difficult terrain- obviously not for Mystal, who would be more than at home, but for everyone else.  The advantage is that it is considered ridiculous to do a thing like that by the Orcs, who are basically lazy when it comes to anything but fighting.  (Even when fighting, many observers have noted that the most important Orcs are veterans of many battles, which have a high death rate for Orcs, so they have obviously mastered how to fight just enough to come home with glory).

There is the water route, which means you will have to obtain a boat and use it.  Orcs generally do not go out on the water, but it would be more difficult to approach unseen in a boat.

You could get passage on a larger vessel.  Olbia is not a normal stop, but for reward, they'll go anywhere.  Fast.  Downside:  the most obvious way of getting there.

You could take the Roman road.  This was once the Via Julia Augusta, until it was changed to the Via via Aurelia. The Emperor who changed the name was coincidentally, Emperor Aurelian.  You get to do things like that when you are Emperor.  This is fairly direct.  It has a lot of traffic, especially with the Visigoth Army mobilized for "war".  Not only are there lots of Orcs, but supplies have to be moved.  This is on top of the normal traffic, which despite the Visigoths and Ostrogoths is still moderate- Orcs have learned that commerce, if it is to be taxed instead of merely plundered, must continue.  Merchants are free to travel, but others are not.  The Orcs see no value in pilgrimages, or tourists.

This is the sort of decision Bryon leaves to others. She goes to pack her things and make her goodbyes.

VERY MUCH A DRAFT

Gondioque meets with Bryon, Drak, and Mystral. "Thank you for being here. It's  been discovered that this 'war' is an excuse for the Visigoths to look for something. They are hold somebody prisoner in the fortress of Olbia, a person who9 knows about this something. For some reason, the prisoner is tortured. The orcs in Oblia are not seemingly there in greater numbers than usual; they don't want to tip off the Ostrogoths. Rumors also have been heard about each of you. If you stay in Massalia, your lives will be in increasing danger.

"We ask that you undertake to free this prisoner and either induce (her/him) to divulge the secret—unlikely—or conduct (her/him) to Mertran, an innkeeper in Turrem."

[Description of prisoner. Fortress details?]

"If you undertake this mission, Burgundy will be grateful. I suggest that, if you trace openly, Bryon poses as Drak's mistress and that you Mystral, be inconspicuous. You could say that you, Drak, are humoring Bryon by taking her to Alconis to see her family. My servant, Greynull, has mounts available...donkey, horses, mules...you choose if you want any. Here is a fat purse to help you on your way. Mystral, one of a set of saddle bags has holes in it for you to breathe and look out.

"By the way, Greynull will pose as your slave/servant, Drak. You will find him talented in useful ways. Oh , and Bryhn and Drak, you may wish to assume traveling names. .

"What say you?"

Bryon was lost amind all the details. She nodded to the Princess, she would do anything for the wonderful woman. ”Yes, Princess.”

Gondioque smiles. You are important, Bryon. When the time comes, may you abilities serve you all well. But be careful. If you abilities are suspected, your life would be in grave peril. So far, you've been lucky.

In reply to Gondioque Bourgogne (msg # 36):

Perched on roof bottom cord Mystal peered down at the long legged people as they chatted. The mention of Rumpleumpler being held prisoner and questioned was concerning, especially since she was the third cousin of the sixth father of their families namesake's. Tis uncalled for anst a travesty oft dire consideration. We shouldst Sally forth anst liberate the poor one. Quickly we shouldst maketh hasteth.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:40, Thu 03 Sept 2020.

Bryon was unable to come up with a good name so she just decided to be Bryon. She knew about hiding her powers, though. She hadn’t actually used them in a long time.

ahha ......
This message was last edited by the player at 07:18, Thu 03 Sept 2020.

Druk considers the Princess a moment, and for that moment he looks like himself the Ook Druk, servant she has always known him to be - shy and uncertain but clever and kind hearted. He nodds.

This will help that I can go ...

I can be Rognik ... trader.

As he says the name his stature shows pride and arrogance of an Orc...then he switches back.

I must get clothing and change.

When Druk returns from having changed he is a different person altogether

http://www.yunshan.info/wp-con...s/2015/02/119701.jpg

His hair is oiled as is his fine leather armor and staff (no longer hidden) He clearly has a beautiful Longbow on his back and a long coat.

Rognik chooses a warmblood or a large mule to ride when offered and readies himself and his team to leave.

Druk has disguise self as an alternate class feature - he appears very convincing as Rognik

Bryon smiled sweetly, ”May I ride with you, Druk?”

Mystal leaps into the air.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:24, Fri 04 Sept 2020.

The group goes to a new thread!

The Via Aurelianorum!