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09:01, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

The Prisoner of Olbia.

Posted by BenFor group 0
Ben
GM, 16722 posts
The Guy in Charge Here
Tue 28 Jul 2020
at 20:59
  • msg #1

The Prisoner of Olbia

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. 
Mystal Fortunata
player, 443 posts
Wed 29 Jul 2020
at 02:34
  • msg #2

The Prisoner of Olbia

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
player, 134 posts
Of Helvectia
Kaleidoscope Eyes
Wed 29 Jul 2020
at 15:52
  • msg #3

The Prisoner of Olbia

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?”
Mystal Fortunata
player, 446 posts
Wed 29 Jul 2020
at 23:09
  • msg #4

The Prisoner of Olbia

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.
Ben
GM, 16723 posts
The Guy in Charge Here
Fri 31 Jul 2020
at 00:21
  • msg #5

The Prisoner of Olbia

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
player, 137 posts
Of Helvectia
Kaleidoscope Eyes
Fri 31 Jul 2020
at 19:02
  • msg #6

The Prisoner of Olbia

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 Fortunata
player, 447 posts
Fri 31 Jul 2020
at 19:26
  • msg #7

The Prisoner of Olbia

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
player, 138 posts
Of Helvectia
Kaleidoscope Eyes
Fri 31 Jul 2020
at 19:49
  • msg #8

The Prisoner of Olbia

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.”
Mystal Fortunata
player, 448 posts
Fri 31 Jul 2020
at 22:32
  • msg #9

The Prisoner of Olbia

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
player, 1 post
Sat 1 Aug 2020
at 03:08
  • msg #10

The Prisoner of Olbia

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.
Ben
GM, 16724 posts
The Guy in Charge Here
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 01:07
  • msg #11

The Prisoner of Olbia

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 Fortunata
player, 449 posts
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 05:34
  • msg #12

The Prisoner of Olbia

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
player, 139 posts
Of Helvectia
Kaleidoscope Eyes
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 13:03
  • msg #13

The Prisoner of Olbia

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.
Greynull Nepris
player, 3 posts
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 19:28
  • msg #14

The Prisoner of Olbia

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.
Ben
GM, 16725 posts
The Guy in Charge Here
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 23:08
  • msg #15

The Prisoner of Olbia

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.
Greynull Nepris
player, 4 posts
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 23:52
  • msg #16

The Prisoner of Olbia

[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.
Mystal Fortunata
player, 450 posts
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 23:56
  • msg #17

The Prisoner of Olbia

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.
Mystal Fortunata
player, 451 posts
Tue 4 Aug 2020
at 00:49
  • msg #18

The Prisoner of Olbia

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
player, 140 posts
Of Helvectia
Kaleidoscope Eyes
Tue 4 Aug 2020
at 13:06
  • msg #19

The Prisoner of Olbia

Bryon woke up grinning, “Did it work? Did you see? Did I change colors?”
Mystal Fortunata
player, 454 posts
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 00:20
  • msg #20

The Prisoner of Olbia

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
player, 141 posts
Of Helvectia
Kaleidoscope Eyes
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 12:45
  • msg #21

The Prisoner of Olbia

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