31 Negara
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14/07/2021-11/08/2021

Faced with the prospect of re-entering the tomb with uncertain rewards or descending the stair to the underground city, the group decides to check out the stair (with some protests from Henry). Down it goes, past archaic inscriptions until it goes not further, broken and fallen while below an ominous red glow pulses. Ninevah offers a magical solution and her first spell goes well – everyone descends to a grand gateway without mishap or discovery.

The second portal does not work as well, as she appears unannounced before the Queen of Nagara. The remaining members are brought before her and a deal is agreed. Perform a simple reconnaissance on some prominent nobles at a party and report back. In return the queen will facilitate a sale of Labyrinthium for Jack’s project. More remarkably, the spirits that accompany Jack and Percy have gained flesh, something Jack is quick to take advantage of. It seems to be a side-effect of this fleshy realm in the depths of a colossus’ womb.

The local champion shows up at the place where everyone is staying and challenges Henry to a fight which he gleefully accepts. Despite his opponent’s extra arms Henry prevails with style. Sieb Evers relinquishes his crown, much to his shame. He agrees to accompany the newcomers on their tour.

The group have plenty of time before the party, so take in the sights of the noble quarter, checking out House Keddah and Justinian, who are due to be joined in matrimony. All seems well, and they are treated with respect wherever they go. Intriguingly rubies are found here and there along the path, but having been warned by the queen not to take them they are left (mostly) alone.

After some time analysing the strange cathedral with its discomforting pile of bones (some of which Ninevah insists are demonic) they return to the lodgings where the three children, Bobby, Nancy and Bill are playing happily with the barmaid. They change, put on their best smiles and head out.

The party involves entertainment provided by the bard Aria Cavatina and mischief provided by the betrothed couple’s daughter Elzerina. She is being tormented by mischievous imps, and with the help of Kat and chums the matter is dealt with, though the real culprit behind the summoning remains unclear. The queen is satisfied enough with the outcome to provide the promised materials and the group prepare to head for the surface.

32 Purgatory
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18/08/2021-08/09/2021

Jack is disturbed to discover returning to the surface might mean his wife losing her new corporeal form, but the queen gives him a ruby and tells him to keep it safe, feed Tyche pomegranates and find the Orgone Accumulator. Tyche is pregnant and the device is required to stabilise her condition.

Percy agrees to leave the three children behind, thinking they will be happier here in their new bodies than becoming ghosts again in the world above.

The gateway gapes before them like a chasm. Fearless Kat strides through and the others follow with varying degrees of reluctance. Ninevah most reluctant of all, but eventually concedes she does not want the uncertainty of staying behind.

The journey to the surface is different for all, but there is a common theme of a great weight of earth and overwhelming heat and humidity. Underground this deep is not a good place to be. Kat emerges in Corjen unscathed and reviews the parade of wagons. Henry is less lucky, taunted by the ravages of age; Percy is taunted by *that* portrait of his Nan. Ninevah is torn by the claws of the undead and almost drowns in blood, but the others pull her out coughing and spluttering. For Jack, there is the great weight of failure as he makes it to the surface but Tyche doesn’t.

For the best part of a day Jack toils in the forge trying to forget his inner turmoil as the others discuss what to do. Ninevah comes up with a plan and holds forth a germ of hope for Jack; they seek the advice of the Alabaster Oracle and she gives them a ruby with which to attempt to bring Tyche back – but it must be completed by nightfall.

Mighty magics ensue, and with the assistance of those learned in the arts, Ninevah opens the pathway to the land beneath and Tyche is drawn from the gates of oblivion. There is much celebration, but soon enough thoughts turn to the next task and the Orgone Accumulator. The question hangs heavy in the air:

What do we do with the Baron?

33 Vlach
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08/09/2021-22/09/2021

A discussion about strategy eventually leads to a decision to journey to Duchess Morven’s castle and negotiate support for a raid into the Baron’s territory. Brother Andre and Esme will provide support, along with a skilled driver and cartographer. Tyche will remain with the Oracle, being tutored when she is not helping the fraught deputy director with his paperwork.

They consider taking some of the Port Royal troops but decide against it. Their approach to the Duchy of Vlach is lined with burned out cottages and piles of the dead, and the castle itself shows signs of battle. At their approach the guards gesture for the newcomers to enter, particularly keen to see Miss Ninevah escorted within. On either side refuges crowd, suspicious and destitute.

Ninevah is shown to the duchess’ chamber where she is lying in agony from a wound inflicted by the Baron’s lance. With careful spell casting the curse is lifted and she slips into a recuperative sleep, with Henry by her side holding her hand.

Meanwhile, a bell tolls to indicate an attack is coming, and everyone goes to man the walls. Except that is for Henry who stays by the lady’s side. In the event, his prowess in battle is not required as Jack, Kat and Ninevah throw back the enemy which slips back into the distant fog to lick its wounds. The daylight brings sombre council as the group decide to press on into the Baron’s lands even though the Duchess cannot spare any troops. The cartographer and driver will await their return, but Brother Andre will return to the land of his birth and Esme swallows her misgivings to act as guide.

Adventure in the Baron’s realm of Zenovia awaits...