TURN 1

You arrived here 3 days ago. You were able to signal one of the few 
Grogs guarding the gate that you were here to join the covenant. They at
first seemed confused, then they called down and said someone would be 
down to meet you soon. The gates have yet to open. You and your 
companion have set up camp and gotten to know a little about the other 
mages here to join the covenant.


Briana is a mage of House Merinita. She has piercingly bright green and 
very curious eyes.  You can see her trying to take in everything around 
her.  She is very thin and about 5'3".  She has a heart shaped face, a 
pug nose, and she almost never stops smiling.  Her hair is long, 
brownish blonde, and extremely curly. Her clothes are bright colored.  
She is wearing durable leather boots that rise above her knees to meet 
the hem of her skirt.  Over her dress she wears Cuirass scale mail that 
gleams silverish.  She carries a staff that is about 2" taller than she 
is.  Over her shoulders is a small bag that is apparently bottomless.  
She looks to be in her 20's.  First impressions of her generally tend to
be that she is bright, charming,
friendly, and very faerie like.

Arthur is her companion. He is very apparently faerie. His eyes are 
gold, rimmed with green.  His hair is a shock of white.  Each strand 
seems to go in a different direction.  His clothes are the same bright 
colors as Briana's, but he wears pants instead of a dress.  His armor 
appears to be the same as Briana's.  He is only a few inches taller than
Briana, at 5'6", and he is nearly as thin as she.  Although if you watch
him closely you can see him change shape.  When you first meet him, he 
will almost assuredly be wearing a sly grin on his face.  It is as if he
has some advantage over you.  He will also put himself between strangers
and Briana,  apparently guarding her.  His spear is attached to his 
back, and his hands are constantly fiddling with something.  If you talk
to him long enough he may seem to become distracted, as if he is hearing
something else.

Solomon is a mage of house Tytalus. He is a average height scrawny man 
sounded by a black robe.  He has hour glass yellow eyes and ghostly 
white hair..  His body is horribly scarred and the only thing you can 
see piercing from the darkness of his hood is his eyes. Solomon never 
says a word, unless it really needs to be said.  

Santiago is his companion. He is a swarthy well built man.  He has long 
jet black hair, a bright blue eye(eyepatch).  He is usually dressed in 
rich clothing and he has an air about him that says he is a scoundrel 
but there is just something about him people are attracted to.  His hair
is usually tied back with a silver or blue ribbon.  Anytime anyone
speaks 
he always has a witty rebuttal.


Phlome is tall, blonde, and his eyes are like pools of mercury. He is 
most assuredly a mage however which house is not clear.   He often 
carries a staff, but it is not necessary except as an impromptu weapon, 
or if he wishes to appear feeble.  Phlome's primary weapon is his magic,
and if that fails, his sword.

Malnin, Phlome's companion, is short and stocky.  He has lost much of 
his hair even though at 32, he is still young.  What hair is left hangs 
down his back in an unkempt ponytail. 

Hellious  Creed , a Quesitor, is around 6ft tall with a nice build that 
suggests he keeps in good shape. He wears his dark black hair long and 
full. He dresses in a leather top with a split-raised collar (preacher 
style) and blackened leather pants and long riding boots. He wears a 
fancy blackened Leather cape with a wide brimmed pilgrim hat. On his 
left had he wears a large gauntlet styled glove but his right hand is 
free. Although not unattractive, Hellious gives off an dark aura that 
sends common folk along different paths (that and the 10-ft giant 
companion help) Hellious carries a finely crafted great sword in a 
leather scabbard on his back. 

Grond is his companion. He is of giant lineage and there for extremely 
large.  he is around 8 foot tall and he is extremely fit and muscular. 
Those that see him immediately aware he is not a normal man. His hair is
fashioned in a traditional Chinese style braided ponytail. On the end of
the tail is a razor sharp blade. He wears an old tattered brown  
loincloth and thick wolf skin boots. he carries 2 giant metal gauntlet 
claws witch he wears on his belt when not in battle. Around his neck he 
wears an ancient holy symbol. During travels he wears a simple tattered 
brown cloak with hood. Grond gives off a magical air about him and it is
unknown if he carries any magical ability at all.

Domongart is a mage of House Bjornaer. He is a fairly small man, about 
5ft 7in tall and weighs around 150 pounds.  His is wiry and lean, and 
moves quickly and assuredly.  His has long, black wavy hair.  He is 
wearing a scale-mail cuirass under a long, flowing dark-green hooded cloak.  
Black, baggy pants (with many pockets) tucked into tall, black leather boots 
complete his outfit.  He carries his wooden staff everywhere he goes.

Sithec is his companion. He is a sturdy individual, standing about 6 feet tall 
and weighing about 230 pounds, mostly muscle.  His slightly homely face is made 
worse by the fact that his throat bears a horrid scar.  His head is shaved bald 
save for a long brown ponytail at the base of his skull.  Sithec wears a ring 
mail hauberk with brown leather pants and boots.  His sole weapon is the 
greatsword strapped to his back for quick access.

What do you do now?

This starts the first turn.

**Domongart and Sithec

Dom is sitting with his back against a large rock, casually studying the
gathering. His left hand is toying with his necklace, while his right hand is
 idly scratching between the ears of the large wolf lying on the ground next to 
him.  His eyes come to rest on the giant's wolfskin boots, and he sighs, then 
continues evaluating the rest of his future companions.  His staff is propped 
up on the wall next to him.

Sithec stands near Domongart, polishing his greatsword and looking around.

**Solomon and Santiago

Solomon reaches into his pack and pulls out a leather bound book.  He pulls
his robe in closer to himself to keep the chil of the air away from him, and
then he begins to read.

Santiago, stands and walks before Briana .  He bows and says " My lady would
you care to join me for a stroll?"
"I could tell you of the wonderous lands I've seen and you can tell me about
fairys because I have never met one before in my life."  He then smiles
charmingly and waits for and answer.

**Phlome and Milnan

Milnan speaks quietly with Phlome for a few minutes while the 
two share drinks from a wineskin.  
After a few minuts, Milnan strips himself of his weapons and
heavy armors, and heads towards the Covenant walls

As he watches Milnan head for the walls, Phlome sighs, and takes
another pull from his wineskin.  He then turns to the group and
offers a drink to them.
  "Milnan is going to attempt to gain entry inside the walls 
and find someone to let us in.  I have grown weary of this 
infernal waiting.  Until he succeeds, I fear we must wait a 
little while longer.  All are welcome to drink with me while
we wait..."
 Phlome offers his skin to Solomon as he his standing nearest.


**Briana and Arthur

Briana and Arthur have spent the last three days surveying the land,
plants, and animals around the covenant.  They have kept mainly to
themselves, occasionally joining in the conversation of the other mages
and their companions.  Currently, Arthur is apparently conversing with
himself while Briana watches on in amusement.  This ends abrubtly,
however, when Santiago asks Briana to go for a walk.  Arthur glares
balefully at Santiago.  Briana smiles impishly and says "I would love to
join you in your stroll."

**Grond and Hellious

Grond Glances in Domongarts direction aware of the magis inspection of 
his attire. He glances breifly at the wolf and seems about to speak when 
Hellious whispers somerthing in his ear. Grond looks down to the ground 
and nods his head softly. He takes a seat down beside the wizard and 
pulls out his great axe and begins sharpening it, Occasionaly glancing 
at the companions with a weak smile.

Hellious  studies each magi carefully, as if searthing for something.His 
eyes come to rest on Solomon who he studys a little longer then the 
others. He smiles a sly smile then takes a seat and, following Solomons 
action, he pulls his grimiore  from his satchel and is soon lost to 
study.

----------TURN 2

**GM

As Milnan begins to climb the wall (not a dificult task as there are 
many cracks in it), one of the grogs calls down.


   "Oi, ifn you really want in maybe you can help us open the gate!
We haven't opened it in 10 years and it's a little rusted!"

    "Ethier that or you can go through the big hole in the west wall..we 
don't go over there anymore the wall might fall on us."

As Santiago and Brianna begin there stroll they realize that the entire 
castle is surrounded by a pretty nasty swamp.

(Gosh what a lovely place you discovered.)

**Soloman and Santiago

When Phlome offers Solomon the wine, Solomon does not look up and replies in a
raspy voice " I do not drink."  He then stands, putting his book away.  He
grabs his horses reins and heads towards the gate.

Santiago looks at his surroundings, then looks at Briana and says " Not a very
cheery place is it?"  " Oh look over there its a pretty bird, nope something
just ate it."  He then says " well it looks as though my companion is heading
towards the gates."  "I better go see what he is up to."  He then takes
Briana's hand gently and looks into her eyes and says " Thank you for the
delightful stroll we must do it again sometime." and then he gently kisses her
hand.  He then turns and starts sprinting towards  Solomon saying " Wait up
you crotchty bastard the rest of us are coming to!" 

**Phlome and Milnan

After retreiving his equipment from Phlome, Milnan heads towards
the West wall so that he can inspect the damage for himself.  He
will enter there if he thinks it safe enough.

Phlome meanwhile gathers up the rest of their belongings and
heads to the front gate to inspect it's condition. 
  "Wonderful place to call home, don't you think, Solomon???"

**Domongart and Sithec

Dom shakes himself as if coming out of a trance, stands and 
grabs his staff (huh, huh), and heads toward the gate.

The wolf stays at Domongart's side, never leaving.

Sithec fluidly slides his greatsword into the sheath on his back
and follows Dom, whistling quietly to himself.

**Briana and Arthur

Briana follows Santiago back to the others, smiling the whole time.
Arthur, who has been juggling, waits for her.  When she approaches, he
whispers something in her ear then they both laugh.  They go to the gate
to see if they can help open it.

**Grond and Hellious

Grond walks up to the gate. After sizing it up for a moment he cuts his 
axe into the ground and grabs below the gate. He attempts to pull the 
gate upwards.

Hellious rises from his spot and dusts him self off. He takes gronds 
side at the gate and also attempts to lift. In a strained voice he yells 
at the grogs watching from above the gate
" don't just sit there you lazy mundane sheep, Help pull the chains!!!"

----------TURN 3

**GM

The grogs on the wall look surprised that soneone has actually spoken to 
them.  They give each other a questioning look that almost says

"Chains?"

They then scuttle off the wall and out of sight.

The gate is a large rusted iron portcullis. In its heydey is was nearly 
impossible to lift .(Hence its value in protecting the castle.)
Nowdays its also rusted in place. Strong as he is Grond cannot lift it 
with brute strength alone.

**Milnan and Phlome

Milnan goes thru the hole in the West wall and quickley hurries back to
the gate.  He chuckles at the site of Hellious and Grond stuggling on the other
side, and wonders where the Grogs have gone.

Milnan catches Phlome's eye and makes a slight circling gesture with his
finger.

Phlome is grinning at the stuggling giant when he sees Milnan approach
on the other side of the gate.  Noticing Milnan's gesture, Phlome quickly heads
to the West side of the wall to enter there.

**Soloman and Santiago

Solomon turns to Sithtec and Grond and in a raspy voice says "Sithtec, Grond
grab hold of the gate."  He then  looks at Santiago ,who moves to grab hold of
the gate.
Solomon begins incanting a spell.

**Grond and Hellious

Hellious wonders with his incredible intelligance why he didnt notice 
the gate had no chains to pull up on. He then moves out of the way to 
give solomon room for his spell while dumping his bag of hallucegenic 
mushrooms into the swamp    
sheesh

Grond Holds the gate as instructed and awaits the mages spell. more than 
a  little worried that hes about to be hit by a great wooshing firebolt 
he clenches his eyes shut.

**Domongart and Sithec

Sithec looks at Solomon, then looks back at Domongart.  At Dom's slight
nod, Sithec walks up to the gate, plants his feet, and grabs hold.

Dom stands a bit off to one side, watching Solomon intensely.

The wolf scratches.

**Briana and Arthur

Briana looks at Solomon closely.  She raises her eyebrows and smiles in
anticipation, wondering what spell he is going to cast.

Arhtur, noticing that Briana is not doing anything, decides to juggle
some more.


----------TURN 4

**GM

Solomon incants a spell to enhance the warriors strength and with a 
mighty heave the gate moves up with a loud CLANG.

You hear the faint cries of grogs flying off the rusted chain as it 
begins to move. 

Milnan watches from all this commotion from inside the courtyard.

As the dust clears evryone notices that standing behind Milnan is

....Milnan?

He says "Welcome. I'm glad you could get the gate open."

**Soloman and Santiago
After the spell has been cast Solomon  stops to catch his breath and Santiago
steps to his side to see if he is okay.  Solomon says something in a whisper
to Santiago and then Santiago turns to Milnan and says " THere there my
balding friend lets put the sword away."  It would be really emberrassing for
him to turn you into a toad or something worse don't you think?"



**Milnan and Phlome

Upon hearing the strange voice, Milnan whirls around.
Seeing himself, he carefully, but quickly, begins to draw
his sword...

As Phlome goes to the gate, he see the developing situation and quickly
barks to Milnan,
"PUT THAT SWORD AWAY, bloody fool"

Then turns to the second Milnan, and bows
    "Salvete sodales.
     I am Phlome.  Whom do I have the honor of addressing?"

**Briana and Arthur

Briana walks up to the stranger and introduces herself saying,
"Greetings, my name is Briana.  I am of House Merinita.  This is my
companion Arthur.  We understand that your house is in need of mages.
We wonder if we would be welcome?"  She smiles her most charming smile.
Arthur rolls his eyes at the diplomacy, and tries not to look too bored.

**Domongart and Sithec

Sithec dusts the rust off his hands, and moves to stand between the
newcomer and Domongart, who has begun to play with his necklace again.
The wolf bristles upon noticing the second Milnan, but quiets and sits 
at a gentle word from Domongart.  The three wait patiently for someone 
to invite them in.

**Hellious and Grond
Grond stares in awe at the second milnan. He points at the newcomer then 
points at Milnan. "two Milnans!!!!"

Hellious rolls his eyes at gronds shock and joins the other mages near 
the newcomer. 


---------------TURN 5

**GM

The new-Milnan turns to Briana his shape shifting to that of Briana.

"Joining ere covenant ey!"

"Dinnae new why but ye welcome ta come inside"

(He is speaking latin heavily accented by gaelic.)

"I meself hardly visit dis palce."

"Arsineous!" he yells.

An anceint man stumbles out of the main building.

"What do you want you crazy old scot!" The man says.
(He doesn't even blink at the fact that the person he is addressing is 
an exact duplicate of Briana.)

" Shew em the meeting all. And 'epare rooms fer em. Methinks e'll be 
stayin'"

With that he transforms into a large eagle and flies into a window in 
the main building.

You now get your first idea of the shape the covenant is in. It appears 
that most of the fortress  is dilapidated.  Most of the grogs and coven 
folk have built huts in the courtyard to live in.

Arsineous turns to ya and says

"Follow me to the meeting hall."

"You'll have to prepare your own rooms"

"An old man like me can't be moving rubble."

**Grond and Hellious

Hellious Whispers something to Grond, then follows the elderly man to 
the meeting hall.

Grond puts his and hellious's things aside and goes into the building 
then heads in an opposite direction as the others

**Milnan and Phlome

Milnan, shakily laughs off the encouter with himself.
  "Damn, why didn't someone tell me I was that ugly???"
He then speaks quietly with Phlome before heading toward the
grog huts spread throughout the inner courtyard.

Phlome watches Milnan go.  He then looks towards the
sky, and at the sun, as if searching for something.  Phlome
carefully wipes a small tear from his eye with a white cloth
before following the old man inside.

**Briana and Arthur

Briana laughs and claps her hands together with enthusiasm.  She loved
the show.  Arthur even looks somewhat impressed.  He makes note of the
room that the eagle flew into.

Briana bubbling with joy starts toward the meeting hall when Arthur
pulls her aside and whispers something in her ear.  She draws her
eyebrows together slightly in consternation, then smiles cheerily.
Arthur now starts toward the hall with Briana in tow.

**Soloman and Santiago

Solomon peers around the inside of the keep.  Then turns to follow the other
mages towards the meeting hall.  He stops and hands the reins of  his horse to
Santiago and then walks on.

Santiago looks up and says " Guess I'll go find a stable." He then turns and
walks towards the grog camp.

**Domongart and Sithec

After entering the keep, Dom turns to Sithec and makes a series of hand
signs.  Sithec responds with a questioning look and some more signs.
Dom nods, turns, and follows the rest of the mages into the meeting
hall, wolf trailing along a pace or so behind him.

Sithec turns and heads further into the keep.

----------TURN 6

**GM

First a short recap as people have split-up:

Grond has headed off into the covenant as has Sithec. 

Milan is in the Grog village and Santiago is headed there.

Everyone else is heading toward the meeting hall. 


As you walk through the covenant it is in better shape than you 
imagined. There is rubble in some rooms but not all and the buliding 
looks structural sound. It fact it looks as if most of the rubble came 
from walls being somehow intetionally demolished rather than structural 
decay of the builiding. 

The covenant look to have been decorated in eraly Death. There are 
skulls everywhere. On wall, on tables, adoring the chandlier.  In fact 
as you walk to the meeting room at no time is a skull out of sight. 

As you reach the meeting room, Arsineous turns to Arthur and says

"Gentle sir, I do not wish to offend but I am an old man and the 
nicities of conversation have left me long ago. The meeting hall is for 
magi only. You may not enter."

**Domongart and Sithec

Dom glances down at the wolf.

"Does that include my companion as well?" he asks.

The wolf sits down, cocks her head, and seems to wait for
the old mage's reply.

**GM 2

Arsineious glances down at the wolf as if seeing it for the first time.

"If you wish the wolf to enter, Magus  he may. The covenant bylaws 
provide for the entrance of familiars into the hall. Your wolf is close 
enough for me magus."

He reaches down and scratches the wolf behind the ears.

**Domongart and Sithec 2

Dom smiles, inclines his head toward Arsineous (the temptation to leave
off the "us" is amazing), and proceeds cautiously into the meeting hall.

The wolf gives the magus a half-wag, and gets up and follows Dom.

**Briana and Arthur

Briana turns to Arthur and whishpers something in his ear.  He glares
briefly at her, then heads off into the covenant.  Briana smiles at
Arsenious, and says "Pardon me, kind sir.  I will meet with my companion
later."

**Milnan and Phlome

Phlome nods his head slightly towards Arsineous.
  "Thank you, kind sir.  Perhaps later you will be
availible to speak with me?  As there is much I
wish to know of this place...

Phlome then turns, and begins to gather his thoughts
as he goes into the meeting hall.

**Grond and Hellious

Hellious just walks in the Meeting Hall.

**Soloman and Santiago

Solomon walks past Arsineous nods slightly then walks over to one of the
skulls and rubs his fingers lightly across it.  He then sits down at a seat
and folds his hands in front of him.  If anyone looks long enough at him it
looks like you can see a grin coming from within the shadows of his cloak. 

----------TURN 7

**GM

Arsineous  looks at Pholme and shrugs
 "If it pleases you." he says

You file into the meeting hall. It is immense and well furnished 
befitting a rich a powerful covenant. There is a large ornate oaken 
table surrounded by 12 large plush chairs.

You assume the man curled up in a chair is the shapechanger in his true 
form. He looks like a combination of some kind of man and beast. He 
looks very old but still has a look of speed and power about him. 

The other man sitting in a chair appears to be asleep. He is the 
stereotype wizard, long flowing beard, big robes, a large oaken staff,
except his entire body is covered with strange arcane tattoos.

As you all take your seats one of the skulls floats from a table in the 
corner moves to hover over an empty chair. 

"I am Abaddon of House Tytalus. Why don't we all introduce ourselves."

**Soloman

Solomon  seems to shift inside his cloak.  He then looks at the skull and says
" I am Solomon of House Tytalus and I wish to join your covanent and bring it
back to the power it once held."  He then shifts back in his seat and folds
his hands in front of him.

**Domongart

Domongart studies the floating skull intently, and says,

"I wish to continue my studies of the art.  I would like to pledge
my skills to this covenent, in exchange for a place to study and
learn."

Then, turning to the shapeshifter, he adds,

"And there are other things I believe I could learn here, too."

Finally, addressing Arsineous, he finishes,

"I believe I have much to offer your group, and little to offer
the rest of the world.  I would like to be a part of this covenant."

**Phlome

Phlome looks again at each of the three elder mages, nods his
head, and smiles.
 "I am Phlome.  I have come to refine my arts, learn new skills,
and help return this covenent to the glory it deserves.

**Briana

Briana smiles merrily at the floating skull.

"My name is Briana, I am of House Merinita.  I would like to learn from
you wise and obviously adept mages.  I have little to offer you, other
than my meager skills as a mage, and my devotion to protecting this
covenant."

She smiles demurely at the skull, then inclines her head slightly.  She
repeats this with the other mages as well.

**Hellious and Grond

From high above the castle Gronds booming voice is heard "Hellious I 
found us a pretty room!!!  I start cleaning it for us, ya??? Where are 
you Hellious!!!!!! Hellious!!!!!!!

Hellious Bows slightly, "I am Hellious of House Guernicus."  He lowers 
his head and smiles "My apologies for the outburst, please excuse me for 
one second" out side Helious snaps a few words off in russian then once 
again takes his seat, bowing for the interruption. He shakes his head 
and appears to be cursing slightly under his breath.

**Milnan

Milnan goes and speaks with the grogs in the courtyard.

To the Older ones, Milnan is inquiring about what history they know
of the convenant.  Friends, enemies that may still exist, nearby resources,
etc.  ' Hail, and well met, friend.  Please, share some wine with me.  I have
just arrived with my mage companion, and we wish to restore this place
to it's former glory.  What can you tell me of the local countyside, and
the folk who live in the area?  Do they know that mages still live here?  And
do they care?  And what do you know of the old man Arsineous, and the
old mages who live here already?  Here, have another drink of my wine..."

 To the younger, and middle aged, Milnan tries to get an impression of
the current feelings toward the old mages, and the arrival of new ones.
The old mages may be remembering better times to give to accurate a
portrayal of the state of things.

    "Hail, friend, name's Milnan.  My friends and I have come here to
rebuild this castle into a glorious fortress.  You're a stout lad, perhaps 
you and your friends would be interested?  We will be needing many men to assist in
rebuilding, and then in defending our new home.  And my master says that soon, the
swamp will be drained, and much farmland will be created, and we must
have people to farm that land, now, mustn't we?  You scoff at draining the
swamp?  I would not, for it will be done.  So, if you know anyone possibly
looking for future glory, or perhaps just a small plot of land, come see
ole Milnan.  A little hard work, and we will all soon prosper.  Here, drink
with me to our newfound friendship.

**Sithec

Sithec begins assessing the state of the NW
tower, as well as sifting through the rubble.

If there is no immediate work to be done on the tower, Sithec props 
himself up against the outside wall of the tower next to the door, 
and waits for Dom's return.  He amuses himself by polishing his 
sword and watching the antics of the stooges.

If there is immediate work to be done, he begins clearing out rubble
or whatever.

**Santiago
Santiago walks into the grog camp and nods to Milnan. He then looks at the
grogs and says "Where can I stable this horse?"
One of the grogs shrugs and says

"We don't have any horses. There's an old stable by the eastern wall though."

One of the older men stands up and says 

"Oi boy 'ere ye manners take this mans horses to the stable feed,water, and brush em!  Now boy! Move!"

The young man who first spoke jumps up a grabs the horses leading them to the stable

-----TURN 8

**GM

The shapeshifter chukles at Grond's out burst.

"Can't make a fire without any wood can ye?"

"I'm MacGruder of ....I don't recall what ouse I joined it was so long 
ego and I'vn ever eard from im. ah who cares! Ye gots me vote to join!
All of ye! We need some new blood!" 

He glints a curious glint in his eye when he mentions blood.

A shimmering image appears in front of the sleeping mage. It looks like 
the sleeping mage only younger.

"Welcome fellow travelers, I am Lumistus of House Criamon. I am so glad 
your essence could come to mingle with ours."

With that the shimmering image of the wizards forms into a picture of 
you standing outside the gate.

"The enigma told me of your arrival, of course, stay become one with 
all."

The shimmering image now shows the covenant as it must have been at the 
height of its power.

Abaddon speaking through the skull interupts him

"BAH! Here to steal our Vis and our secrets they are! I see I'm out 
voted again! Well just you stay out of the underground areas! Those are 
mine!"

The skulls eyes glow red.

"And stay away from my sanctum! You know the law!"

The skull floats right up to Solomon. And in a calm nearly opposite tone 
he says:

"Except you brother, you show promise, come and visit with me when you 
have a moment."

The skull then drops into Solomons's lap.

"Crazy git" MacGruder says "Don't mind him, he hasn't got to yell at 
anyone in years."

"Weel I'll eave he covnant stuff to the young. If wish to contact me ask 
the wolf." 

He points at Dom's wolf. He then shapechanges into a bird and flies out 
the nearest window.

The image in front of Lumistus shifts to that of no-nonsense autocrat.

"Well I guess we'd better start then. We'll dispense with old business 
since this is the first meeting. What new buiness is there?"

**Solomon

Solomon picks up the skull and studies it for a moment and then puts it into
the folds of his cloak.  He then says in a crackling voice " The first couple
of things we should do is figure out what kind of money its going to take to
rebuild this place. Then send some people to a town to hire workers that will
stay and not be afraid of some of us. I will stay hidden so we won't get a bad
reputatuion plus mudanes make me ill.  Third we should see what other
covanents are in the area and fourth check to see what Vis sources are
avalible in the area.  Other than that I would like to explore this covanant
and see what is avalible here.  Does anyone else have any suggestions?"  He
then sits back in his seat and starts looking at the skulls around the room. 

**Phlome
As Solomon returns to his seat, Phlome stands and takes a drink from his 
wineskin before speaking. 

    "Anyone feel free to take a drink if you feel parched. 
    "I doubt there is any real need for you to hide from the mundanes, Solomon. 
If we get people to work for us, they will know for whom they are working, and 
will either ignore, or not care about, what they see.  Though, perhaps you would 
not be best for hiring help in the beginning..."  Phlome smiles slightly as he says 
this. 
  
    "In the meantime, I agree with your suggestions.  I think that on nearby 
covanents, and sources of Vis, perhaps Lumistus can give some enlightenment, 
as well on what type of monetary resources may be currently avalible to us," 
Plome looks at the old mage sleeping in his chair, and continues. 
  
    "The only additions I would make would be that we need to restore the 
Aegis for the covanent, and drain the swamp that surrounds us.  If we drain 
the swamp, good farmland will be created, and people will come to us wanting 
to live on it.  They can be a source of food and grogs.  And hopefully we can 
get the grogs moved out of the inner courtyard before to long. 
  
    "Otherwise, I think the only thing left is everyone finding a room and laboratory 
for themself.  And, judging by the earsplitting outburst earlier, it would seem that 
Hellious has already managed to secure his new room..." 
    Phlome looks as if he is about to say something more, but instead just grins 
at Hellious as he sits back down in his chair. 

**Hellious

Hellious stands
"hrmppph"
i agree with the mage and phlome(BG)also i think that we that are of a 
greater age could use time to research a longvity elixer or two so i 
think the Vis is of great importance  I say we should split teams for 
the different needs at hand. Some of our companions could quest for new 
soliders and workers as well as those with a more mild look to them ( he 
looks at Phlome) And some of us should set the motion of securng and 
gathering Vis immeditly. Which should leave a few for any other tasks we 
can think of.
Also i claim the hole in our great wall as my responsablity to fix and 
the grounds of my future tower of study. It seems my good friend has 
already found us a sutable room while we await the construction.
A good inventory would also be a wise thing to conduct......soon

*Domongart
Dom seems to ponder the suggestions for a moment, then says

"I do not believe we should drain more of the swamp than is 
necessary.  The swamp provides us with a certain amount of
defense and security that makes it easier for us to pursue
our vocation, and I believe it has much to do with the magical
aura of this area.  Not to mention the fact that a task like that
would be immense, and we have more important matters to
deal with.  As far as farms and villages of mundanes 
surrounding the keep, I can't think of anything I would like less."

Dom shudders, and sits back in his chair.

"Other than that, I agree with all suggestions.  We need to
complete and rebuild the walls, and ensure the structural
stability of the entire keep.  Once our external defenses our
assured, we need to begin hiring and training grogs to defend
it.

Masters of the arcane arts are not well-loved in this world, and 
we would do well to protect ourselves from it."

Then he seems to mumble under his breath

"And as far as staying away from the underground areas, do not
worry.  I am close enough to hell as it is."

**Briana
Briana sits quietly listening to everyone's suggestions.  When they all
finish, she stands and addresses herself to the elder mages.  
	"Sirs, I believe many of the suggestions have merit.  It is 
apparent that work needs to be done to repair the covenant, we 
should put the grogs we have now to work immediately.   Also,
Vis does need to be collected.  I have been made aware that a 
Unicorn lives in the vicinity.
My companion and I would like to try and make contact.  If this is
permissable.  I volunteer also to take an inventory, if one needs 
to be taken.  As far as draining
the swamp, it is unpleasant, but I agree with Domongart that it 
should not be drained.  It protects us currently, while we have 
no protection, and may offer up some Vis."
Briana inclines her head to the elder mages and sits.


**Milnan (speaking to the grogs) (At this point Milnan and Santiago got into a dicussion 
with the grogs outside the normal turn sequence.)

"What has happened to cause this place to fall into such disrepair?

**Grogs
 "Well no ones fixed anything or done any repairs in a long time. Barley
 enough time in the day to get food on the plates let alone fix the walls
 some crazy mage blasted down."

 One of the older grogs speaks up

 "That crazy mage was what they call a flame-bo. He blasted away at
 anything that got in his way. Walls, doors, you name he blew it up.
 The west tower got in his way one day and it blew up right on top o'
 him. Thats what append to im and that why theers a big ole in de west
 wall."

**Milnan

Milnan gives the grog a startled look, and turns to Santiago,
"I've never known a violent mage.  Up to a few days ago, I
had only met one other than Phlome.  And that was his master.
Im sure he wasn't, but he seemed less harmless than Phlome.
I've never seen Phlome do anything worse than make wine
turn bad, and that was an accident..."

Milnan turns his attention back to the grog.
"Do you happen to know why the flame-bo mage might have
blasted the tower and wall?  Perhaps you can recall his name,
and how long ago this was?"

**Grogs

"I think the tower was just in his way...."

**Santiago
Santiago sighs.
Then says " mages come in all sorts of shapes sizes colors and
insaniities."  " Wizards do pretty much what they want when they want,
 at least thats what I've picked up from Solomon." "By the way did
 anybody try to dig the wizard out of the rubble?"

**Grogs
 "Why tried but there was too much rubble. I figured that a pile o'tower
 was as good a burial mound as any."

**Milnan

Milnan nods at the old grog.
    "Yeah, it might be a good burial mound, but he's gonna get dug out
of it just as soon as we start rebuilding that tower.  And we've got
to fix the tower before we can get on to repairing any of the rest of
the wall."

Milnan takes a drink from his wineskin, and looks towards the fallen
tower.  He offers the wineskin to Santiago.

Milnan looks quizzically towards some nearby chickens, and turns
back to the grog,
    "Is it my imagination, or do some of your chickens have three legs???"

** Santiago
Santiago takes a swig out of the wineskin and then looks towards the chickens.
He shrugs and then asks " So are there any other strange creatures about
besides the shapeshifter?

**Grogs

"Hrmm Yeah well them chickens sure are good etin."

"There's lots o' nasty beasties in ther swamp. Nother good reason not to 
leave the castle."

"With the mages and magic and evrthin lots o' weird stuff goes on round 
here."

---TURN 9

**GM

"Hmm all worthy and valid suggestions. In addition to the unicorn there 
is a shrine nearby that produces much vis that would also be a worthy 
find.  The covenant itself prodices much vis a system needs to be 
devised to gather. It to bad really that all the aprentices have left 
they really were good at such things as gathering raw vis....."

The image of the Autocrat in front of Lumistus chages into a scene of a 
young boy, who you assume must have been Lumistus's apprentice, working 
in a lab.

"....Ah days gone..." He trials off.


A skull floats up from the corner of the room.

"Hee Hee Hee kinda of a oroborus at work eh! Can't drain the swamp 
because it defends us and hides us but we can't get more grogs unless we 
drain the swamp and plant some food....you youngins got yer work cut out 
fer ya hee hee hee"  

The skull then goes back to rest on the table.

The image in front of Lumistus is now that of the actual Lumistus who 
appears to be sleeping.

**Solomon
Solomon leans forward and says" I think one or two magi and a couple of
companions should go to one of the nearer villages and towns and look for
workers.  We need to leave the swamp alone, no telling how many creatures live
in it and they could probally be helpful.  We also need to reastablish
ourselves with the order so we can have some contact.  But we might wait to do
this until we've built ourselfs up a bit.  Next can anyone cast Ageis of the
hearth?  Lastly we should probally send the rest of the mages and a couple of
companinons to gather some Vis.  

**Phlome
 Phlome rises again to speak.
    " I think that, except for the swamp, we all agree on things that
need to be done.  Personally, I don't think that the swamp gives us all that
much protection.  We all made it through without apparent problems.
However, to fully man the keep with over a hundred grogs will require
more food than we can produce, or bring across the swamp daily.

    "Yes, draining the swamp is a huge undertaking, and we will lose
some of our defense from mundanes; are we really that concerned with
them?  By the time the swamp is drained, I am sure that the rest of the
keep will have been completely rebuilt.

    "Domogart, I am sorry you have such an aversion to mundanes living
so close.  But they will give us a ready supply of shield grogs and food
which we need.  So, again, I put forth the issue of draining the swamp

    "Otherwise, I think we need to assign, or volunteer for tasks
determining our actual resources.  Be they books," and Phlome nods at Briana at
this, "money for rebuilding, or currently availible Vis.  Not so much what we
can gather later..."
    Phlome returns to his seat.

**Domongart


"In the interest of progress, I move that for the moment, the issue
of the swamp be put off.  There is no point in hiring and feeding
a horde of grogs when, as of yet, we really have nothing defendable.

The issues at hand should be getting the keep repaired, which
means setting up some sort of relations with the outlying villages,
training the grogs we do have to do something more than trip over
each other, verifying what money we do have and establishing a
source of income for the covenant, and establishing regular sources
of vis and gathering from those sources what we can.

If we are in agreement about these basic items, we can proceed.
To that end, my companion and I will go with another mage in 
search of labor to repair the keep.  I am not much of a diplomat, and
my companion isn't much of a conversationalist; who will accompany
me?"

**Hellious

we seem to be outvoted on the swamp but i wish to discuss it more after 
more important matters are worked out so lets put it under the table for 
now. we have have neither the man power nor the training for a task of 
that size right now anyhow.
i think another small point we should talk of is the librarys books  
with so many books but none of the same i think we should discuss some 
sort of schedule for study.Or should it just be first come first seved?
I have bussiness to attend to at the Tribunal in the next few months so 
i can, if all permitt, See about tracking down a redcap to add us to his 
or her visits. This will give us contact and news of the order.

ok that said i would not do well to go visit the mundane town so i will 
volunter to collect Vis. Im sure Grond would be happy to stay clearing 
rubble from the grounds so ill leave him to that.

**Solomon

Solomon turns to Domongart and says " Santiago will go with you from what I've
seen since I met him he gets along with people really well and I think he
mentioned working for a merchant a some point in his life."

**Phlome

    "If you wish, Domogart, I can go with you in search of labor and
mundane relations.  They dont generally act disfavorably towards me
and I have spent much time in their taverns.
   "And, though I do not wish to leave him behind, I think that Milnan
should stay and help with repairs.  I know that he has at least some
small building skills, as I've seen him repairing a wall back home.

    "I think that leaves an inventory of books, and vis sources to
determine?  Hellious has agreed to collect Vis, which means he can't
watch the rebuilding process to closely as he had mentioned earlier,"
Phlome grins slightly at Hellious as he says this,
    "So I think maybe one more mage to help with the Vis, and one to
start a general inventory is what is needed.  I suspect that Arsineous
could be helpful in determining what is availible.

**Domongart
Dom looks at Arsineous:

"It would do well to find out what resources we have to draw
upon before we attempt to hire artisans to repair the keep.
What do we have to offer?  If we can establish what we can
afford to pay workers, Sithec, Santiago, and I will leave
tomorrow morning for the nearest village capable of providing
us with the skills we need."

**Hellious

hellious grins slightly 
"yes i shall stay at the castle and gather the Vis i can from the 
grounds and the swamp if others would like to search further for vis. I 
can then set a lab up for extracting the vis. maby one of the elder 
mages could assist on this."
He glances at the sleeping mage then frowns a little
"But my dear Phlome, No i never intended to babysit the grogs...just 
start them off in right direction....prehaps Hedge studys allow the time 
for such things but in real magic we must stay busy with studys if we 
are to learn" He grins a slightly larger grin at phloem waiting for the 
hedge remark to kick in then continues...
"But I agree ...lets put of things not of importance till after weve all 
rejoined for another meeting. Now i am anxious to get started so if 
there is not anything else to disscuss i shall begin my work...."

**Phlome


    "I think we still have the issue of the Aegis of the Hearth to contend with. 
As no one spoke up earlier, should it be assumed that no one can cast the 
spell?  That is something I would like to accomplish before it becomes 
widely known that there are new mages here.  If none of us know it, perhaps 
we can intrude on the elder mages for assistance..." 
    Phlome looks hopefully at the sleeping Lumistus. 

**Solomon

Solomon looks at the other mages and says " I will stay here and start
researching ageis of the Hearth and getting my Vim Form up so we will have a
good ageis.  I will also help Hellious collect Vis around the covanent if he
needs it."  Besides I have some matters that I need to discuss with him
concerning the Laws of Hermes."  Solomon then looks at Hellious and grins. 
  
**Domongart

Dom stands up, and picks up his staff:

"So, I guess for the moment at least we have some plans of action.
Phlome, you and I have to figure out what we have to spend.  If its
acceptable to you, and providing we find enough of value in this old
keep to offer skilled artisans, we can leave in the morning."

Dom turns to Soloman:

"I assume that will be acceptable to Santiago, as well?"

"I move the meeting be adjourned, and, under the circumstances,
we re-adjourn in three weeks to discuss our various achievements.
All in favor?"


---Santiago,Milnan, and the Grogs

**Santiago
Santiago start looking the grogs over and then say" Are any of you very good
with a sword?"  " Would anyone care to spar with me?"  " Oh yes and are there
any good looking women around here?"

**Milnan
 Milnan looks at Santiago, "Hmm, perhaps later I will take you
up on that sparring offer.  And maybe find a woman for myself
later as well.  In the meantime, I think Im going to go do a little
more exploring and get familiar with everything.. "
    Milnan takes another drink from his wineskin,
    "You're welcome to accompany me..

**Grog

"Well I was wondering when we could see what that fancy sword can do!"

**Santiago

Santiago draws his rapier and dagger, he grins menacingly and then says " En
Garde"  and taps the rapier to his forhead (blunt side) .  

**GM

The grog lunges forward. Santiago waves the grogs attack away with his dagger 
and gives hima sharp rap on the wrist in an attempt to disarm him. 

The grog winces in pain but keep hold of his sword.

**Santiago
Santiago says " Well good sir how bout a small wager on our duel?"

**Milnan

Milnan watches the fight closely and speaks to the older grog
nearby, "Are you sure you dont want to wager on the outcome of the fight?
Ifn those chickens are as good eating as you say, i might like to try a
couple myself.  Dont know what I have to wager with other than a silver coin or
two, and I think the silver is worth much more than a couple chickens.
What do you think?"
    Milnan quickly looks around the grog camp for something else that he
might want to wager for...

**GM
The grog moves to atttack again but Santiago catches the grogs blade in a 
cross with his dagger and sword and flips it out of the grogs hand.

**Santiago

Santiago will step on top of the man's sword and say " Would any one else like
a try or would you like to learn how I did that?"  " YOu all look like you
haven't had any training in years."  " That is about to change."  " Who wants
to learn how to use a sword as a skill instead of just as a threatening
weapon?" Step forward.
With that Santiago will sheath his dagger then put his foot under the sword on
the ground and flip it up into his hand.  Then he smiles menacingly.

---TURN 10

**GM

(Okay at the end of the meeting here the situation as I see it.
Dom,Phlome,Santiago, Sithec and some grogs  Going to town.
Hellious,Soloman,Briana,Arthur,Milnan,Grond. Going to find vis. Let me 
know what your doing now.)

Lumistus is still asleep in his chair so he'll probably be of little 
help. 

Looking out across the courtyard you can see that Santiago is dueling 
with one of the grogs.

**Phlome

 Phlome looks out the window at Santiago, and sees Milnan standing
among the gathered group.
    "If we are done here, I wish to attend to a couple more things
before it gets to late."
    Phlome then leaves the meeting room and heads out of the covanent
towards the southeast end of the courtyard.


**Domongart

"I guess I'll just wander aimlessly around the keep
looking for the treasury.  Unless someone might
be able to give me some idea as to where it is?"

He looks around hopefully for a moment.

**Arsineous

Arsineos sounds almost bored,as he addresses you:

"Magus, if you would prepare a list of what you intend to purchase. 
I will provide you with sufficent local coinage to purchase for our needs. 
Please have some grogs acommpany you they will be able to aid you in 
interacting with the locals."

(Great the covenant is falling down around his ears and this guy wats a requsition form)

**Briana

Briana stands and inclines her head formally to each of the elders.
"Sirs, if you have nothing to say to us concerning the inventory of the
covenant, I shall go find my companion and see about getting some rest."

**Solomon

Solomon stands and says "Well if were going to go try and find the Vis sources
we might want to research them a little."  He then heads of to look for the
library.  He stops and looks at  Hellious and says "Why don't you join me."
Then heads out the door.

**Domongart (speaking ti Arsineous)

Sir, we only wish to hire artisans to rebuild the keep
at this time.  We should probably buy some weapons and
food for us and our existing grogs as well.  The people
we wish to hire will have to provide for themselves
while they work here, so they will probably cost a
little more than usual.

So, for an approximate list;

- Contract 20-30 skilled builders (Or 1 skilled builder
  and a bunch of guys good at manual labor and following
  orders)

- Supplies for existing grogs including new equipment
  (depending on what we have already) and food

- Food for the mages (You guys do eat, don't you?)

Beyond that, I was hoping to be able to take advantage
of whatever deals we find while we're there.

**Arsineous

Artisans Eh Well you're not likely to find any of those in the 
highlands. You'll have to go into the lowlands. I will get the money you 
will need. Come let me show you to the storage area and you can equip 
yourself for your journey. Also, Unless you and you'r friends like 
cooking for themselves you might want to hire a few servants."

He leads you to the storage area which looks like it once contained 
anything you might need  for a journey. Now you'll have to rummage 
through it to find stuff that's not broken.

"I shall retire now but find me in the morning and I will provide you 
with coinage suffcient for your needs."

**Domongart

Well, I rummage through the debris for a while, and while I know
that I don't have any innate magic sensing ability, I look for anything
arcane-looking.  While I rummage, I keep my eyes open for stuff
that our grogs could use while on a trip to town.

Then, I go outside and look for Santiago, with the intention of asking
him to organize a small (4-5) group of grogs for the trip tomorrow.

**Solomon

Ah, I think Santiago is already sizeing up the grogs in the courtyard.  So you
should be able to find him there.  
Solomon will turn to Arssineous and say "I could really use your help becasue 
it would be a shame for me to half to look through all those books my self 
and maybe mess stuff up or get them out of order"  He then grins slightly.

----The Grog Camp

**GM

One of the grogs steps forward. 

"I'll take ye on."

This one looks like he knows which end of the sword is pointy.

**Milnan

Milnan looks at the new grog addressing Santiago.

    "Looks like he might be a good one, Santiago, let me lay down a
wager or two before you start.  Don't let me down..."

Milnan then speaks to the assemblage, "I've got a silver pence or
two to wager on my friend here, anyone got anything they want to bet, speak
up now.  I'm tired of gruel, so I might bet for a couple o' your
chickens, but if ya got any money, armor, 
or nicknacks laying around that you dont know what to do with, 
I may consider that as well.  Any takers???"

    Milnan reaches into a pouch and pulls out a couple pieces of silver.
He then walks over and whispers to Santiago, "I haven't got much of
this, so Im hoping you win.  We might at least get a decent meal outta it.

Btw, you want me to lay a couple bets for you if we can get some takers???"

**Santiago


Santiago whispers to Milnan "no money wagers see if they have any daughters."
He then laughs a hearty laugh.  He tosses the grogs sword that he took away
back to the grog.  He then draws his dagger  taps his sword to his forhead and
says "En Garde!"  (Just going to try and disarm this one also)

**GM

The grog closes with Santiago. They dance around for a second and the grog puts a quick
 stab to santiago's dagger hand. Not expecting this Santiago crosses his sword and dagger
 to deflect the strike. The grog then quickly tries to push Santiago off balance with his
shield. Being an experienced dueler Santiago is not put off balance  ducks the grogs shield 
charge and plants a firm punch to his chest with the gaurd of his sword. Both fighters back 
off and begin circling again.

---Turn 11

**GM
Everyone is spread out so I'll just recap for everyone with this turn.

Domongart is gathering equipment,grogs and money for a trip to town.

Solomon is poking around in the library with Arsineous looking for 
information on vis sources.

Hellious is helping Grond out for the moment and will then help Solomon 
with researching Vis Sources.

Briana is inspecting her new quarters in the caslte.

Phlome is inspecting his quarters in the sw tower (or se) 
 
Sithec is inspecting/cleaning the nw tower for Dom.

Santiago is dueling one the grogs in the courtyard.

Milnan is watching Santiago duel the grog.

Grond is with Hellious moving rubble in thier quarters.

Arthur is with Brianna in thier quarters helping to arrange it.

**Phlome and Milnan

 Phlome goes into the gathered crowd and finds Milnan.
    "We're going to be in the Southwest tower from now on.  Set camp up
there until we can get moved into it.  Tomorrow morning, I will be
leaving with Domongart, Sithec, and Santiago here to go into town to recruit
workers.  Before we go, I want you to find 4 grogs to go with us.  Im
not expecting much, but they need to know one end of a sword from the other.
    
"You are to stay here at the covanent while I am gone and protect
the other mages when they go out to gather vis.  You also need to start
thinking about rebuilding the walls.  We're bringing back workers to help with
that.

    "I also expect the tower to be inhabitable when I get back.
    "So, now, go set up camp, and find some grogs to go with me to town.

    Ill meet you at the tower later this evening."

    Milnan attempts to argue that he should be allowed to go to town to
protect Phlome, but quickly concedes.  He takes a last glance at the
duel, then trots off to the southwest.

    Phlome watches Santiago duel for only a moment before heading
back to the keep to find Domongart.

**Briana

Briana notes what she needs in the way of immediate furniture, then goes
in search of the library (which, hopefully, Arthur saw when he was
looking for quarters) to look up vis sources.

**Domongart


Domongart approaches Santiago in the coartyard.  He
leans on his staff casually and watches the duel,
waiting for a pause in the excitement so that he can
speak to Santiago.  When such a pause occurs, he
attempts to catch Santiago's attention, and says:

"Since we'll be traveling to the lowlands tomorrow,
I'd very much like it if you could pick out 4-5
grogs to come with us.  Obviously the more training
the better, and any with hunting skills would be a
plus, so that we can provide for ourselves on the way.  
There is a meager selection of equipment in the storage
room; I can show you where it is."

Once his business with Santiago is completed, Dom will
retire to his tower, work on cleaning things up for a
while, then sleep until tomorrow.

**Santiago

While santiago is still dueling he will say " Sounds good to me we'll probably
take this grog with us and i'll have him tell me which of the other ones are
half way decent.  

**Hellious and Grond


Hellious walks in the library Bows to anist and sol "sorry for my 
tardiness.....Oh my...what a fine selection of books sir...ive never 
seen a library of this magnitude...with so many fine books  is this a 
book on occult lore???  amazing...

Grond races to the court yard to see whats going on

**GM

Santiago feints with his dagger causing the grog to bring his shield up in defense.
Santiago then plants a firm hit on the grogs sword arm causing him to drop his sword 
and reel backwards.

**Santiago
Santiago points his sword at the man he just defeted and says " You pick 3
grogs and get them outfitted you will be leaving with us tomorrow for a little
venture into town."

---TURN 12

Briana, Hellios, and Solomon are searching the library for information 
on sources of vis.

Briana finds a book on Hermes Lore that speaks of the Hermetic shrine. 
Apparently when the Romans first invaded England some original Hermetic 
mages were with them. The shrine was built as a place to cast spells. 
All hermetic magic in those days had to be cast as rituals so it helpded 
greatly to have a focal point. At the height of a powerful spell 
something went wrong and all the mage (10 or more as the story goes) 
were killed.  They were attenpting to interupt a druidic ritual that was 
being cast on All Hallows eve. Now every year on All Hallows eve a drop 
of blood appears at the apex of the fountain on the shrine. In order to 
keep hermetic mages from reclaiming this shrine the druids cast a 
powerful masking spell so tht the shrine only appears on All Hallow's 
Eve. Also, the God Hermes, in order to prevent the druids from claming 
the shrine, made it so that anyone wanting to enter the shrine must pass 
a test. The test always requires a high degree of knowledge in Hermetic 
knowledge, whether it be Hermetic Lore, History, Law, or magic.

Solomon discovers a book on Legends and learns much about the Celtic 
Legend of the Unicorn.   In Celtic legend the Unicorn is a evil beast, 
who skewers men on its horn and eats their flash. Apparenlty the current 
legend, presenting the Unicorn as a creature of purity is a "reformed" 
version written by Roman Historians. According to the legend the 
favorite food of the unicorn was young female virgins. The unicorns horn 
is made of gold so many men often tried to capture the beast and get its 
horn. As the legend goes if one can capture the unicorn its horn will 
drop off and the unicorn will become docile. The horn will then regrow 
within a year. Celtic warriors would often be forced to hunt the beast 
down and take its horn as it became more and more dangerous as the horn 
grew. 

Hellios finds a book on the area lore of Scotland.  Will not as 
interesting historically as the first two it contains a small diary of 
past vis collectiosn from the two sites, as well as the location of the 
shrine, and the area where the unicorn is known to roam. 

It mentions that the Unicorn can only be captured by magic, a true 
virgin, or an annoited celtic warrior.

It also records some of the past tests of the shrine:

Answering a Criamon riddle

Presenting a case of Hermetic law 

Relating a particular point of hermes history.

Casting a specific spotaneous spell.

Defeating a powerful creature of magic.

Domongart and Phlome have both retired to thier quarters for the 
evening. 

Milnan and Santiago are gathering and equipiing grogs.

Sithec and Arthur are preparing thier quarters.

Grond rushed out to the courtyard to see the end of the duel and 
surprises everyone by launching into a discussion of Hand to Hand Combat 
Tactics. (...it's been so long since I fought just one person..)

**Solomon

Solomon looks up from his book and says " Unicorns are vicious little
bastards."
Yes when is all hallows eve and does any of the books say were the unicorn
usually roams?

**GM

It is the middle of September.

**Phlome and Milnan

I think Phlome is pretty much done for the day.  Presuming that it
is near evening, he will stay in camp and rest for tomorrow.  He will
not start cleaning the tower until he gets back from town.  As soon
as it is dark, he will go to bed.  Probably no more real actions from
Phlome unless something happens.

    Milnan is trying to find decent grogs for Phlome and Domongart.
I guess that santiago is doing the same thing.  Not sure.  Looking
for at least 4 with reasonable fighting skills.  Maybe 3 fighters and
1 hunter.

**Briana
So, shall we go find the unicorn, since it is another month and a half
till All Hallow's
Eve.

**Solomon and Santiago
Solomon says  " Sure lets go find the unicorn."  and then looks to hellious.

Solomon heads out to get his horse. ( He's ready to go)
ready.

Santiago waits for the older grog to choose three other grogs and then he is
ready.

**Grogs

"You, You, and you. Get your gear and get ready. Milord, I don't knew how it 
is where you come from but hear only a noble can carry a fancy weapon like that
(he points at santiago's rapier)
We'll equip ourselves with spears so there won't be any trouble."

**Sithec (OOC)

I didn't know that.  Should Sithec try to disguise his weapon then?
(Neat trick with a greatsword.)  If he can't do that, then he should
probably go with the other party.  He's master of the greatsword, but
isn't much good at much else.

**GM
It's not illegal for him to have the blade just to carry it within a
 city. You're right he can also hide it.  Wear a very large robe. Or you
 could take a creative approach....only nobility can carry a sword in
 public but whose to say you're not nobility.....or a nobles guard.

 Now who could look..and act like a noble....:)

**Phlome (OOC)
Phlome was planning on carrying a sword.  He is more inclined to wear a cloak than
a robe, so the sword would be noticable.  Perhaps Phlome could pose as
nobility.  Or Phlome and Domongart both.  I dont know if Domongart
typically carries a sword, but Im sure that Santiago does, so each mage
could possibly pretend to be noble, and each have a personal guard.  I
guess the grogs would just camp outside town.  No need to have them
in the town with us.  Unless we plan on brawling.  Probably couldn't get
them all in town with weapons...

**Santiago (OOC)

Santiago looks like a noble and he is from spain so they will never know.  The
wizards can be his advisors and the grogs our servants and Sithtec a
bodygurard.

**GM

The problem is swords not weapons in general. Swords are a nobles 
weapon. If you wear a sword and don't look like you're a noble people 
will think your a bandit or an outlaw. The grogs will have no problems 
if they carry spears or even short swords since those aren't really
 considered swords.  While we're on the subject does any wear chain? 
People don't much care about leather armor but chain mail is usaully 
only worn by soldiers going to war. It's not illeagal like the swords 
but it would be like wearing a flak jacket and helmet into Mcdonalds, 
people will look at you very strange.

Also this only matters in larger cities or cities where a noble resides 
in smaller villages in towns they'll probably be so afraid of a group of 
armed men that they won't give you any trouble. The reason I'm bringing 
it up is that to find an artisan you will proabably have to go to a 
large city.

**Domongart/Sithec (OOC)

Santiago's idea sounds good.  He acts out the part of the noble, which he 
pretty much looks like anyway, Phlome and Dom are 'advisors', 
which won't work at close inspection, but will work to get us around in 
town (Phlome, you'll have to conceal your sword), and Sithec can be a bodyguard.
  He makes people uncomfortable anyway, and that can be a good quality in a bodyguard.
The grogs can carry either spears or short swords (yes?) and will just
look like part of Santiago's entourage.

**Phlome

Phlome will just leave his sword at home and bring his staff.
My question is, are we trying to conceal our being mages?  I can
understand not wanting to flaunt it, but we're going to have to tell
anyone we hire who we are, and I doubt we can keep it secret if
we hire many people.  If we try to hide our nature to much, people
might be more suspicious.
I don't have a problem being an 'advisor, but I wonder if the subterfuge
is necessary?  I thought this was initially a problem of carrying swords.
Now it sounds like we're trying to conceal the party somewhat.  I don't
know for sure, I didn't get anything from Grady/Santiago, so I haven't
much to go on.
Again, Phlome will leave his sword at home.  And wear basic traveling
clothes.

**Dom/Sithec (OOC)
My general impression is that mundanes, as a general rule, don't like
mages, don't trust mages, and would be perfectly happy if all mages
everywhere simultaneously faded into twilight.  To this end, my belief
is that we should conceal our true nature as long as possible, and then
reveal it only to those we have to.  For example, we pretend to be
advisors until we actually contact the artisans we wish to hire, and
then reveal ourselves (heh) to those artisans.  Eventually, everyone
will know who/what we are, but maybe if we control the rate at which
they know, there won't be a problem.

The only problem with this is that from what I've read, mages art
usually fairly obviously mages, due do aura of magic, etc.  Don't know.

**GM

"The Gift" that gives you magic makes mundanes uneasy. They don't know 
why they feel uneasy the just do.Mages with the blatant gift make people 
more uneasy and mages with the gentle gift make people less uneasy. Most 
likley no one is going to jump up and down sreaming your a mage just on 
that basis but it does make interaction harder. BTW a mundane that has 
ecountered mages before may recognize the uneasy feeeling that mages 
give people

**Phlome/Milnan (OOC)
 Perhaps we could try a plan like this...
    Presuming that we go to a moderate to large city, Domongart and
Phlome takes rooms in an Inn.  Santiago plays a noble, and Sithec his
personal guard.  Phome and Domongart stay at the inn, and have the
artisans brought to them there.  No need to pretend to be advisors, we
can just stay in the room, and send out summons to the local builders.
There is no need to tell them of our nature before they meet us, since I
doubt many would refuse a 'nobles' summon anyway.  This way, we
are able to stay at the inn, and have little contact with lots of 
mundanes.  The word would quickly get out, at least among artisans, 
that a couple mages were in town looking to hire workers.  
That could be beneficial or detrimental depending on the people.
    I think this would cut down on having to interact with to many mundanes.

And would give us more control over our meetings.  And we wouldn't
have to pretend so much.

------Turn 13

**GM

Dom,Phlome,Santiago,Sithec, and 4 grogs are going into the lowlands to 
find builders/artisans to repair the castle.

Briana,Arthur,Solomon, Hellious are going to try and find the unicorn 
and haverst it's vis. 

I've made a separate mailing list for each group since they will be 
sepearate. 

The vis group is making preparations to leave.

The town group is discussing how to present themselves to the mundanes. 
(A useful thing in my opinion.)

In reference to what you might need remember that permanent healing 
cannot be done with out raw vis. I realize that the covenant has no vis 
to speak of right now but you might consider trying to wheedle some out 
of the elders or gather some from the local covenant. 

**Milnan
Milnan is availible to the vis seeking group if they feel the need for an
extra sword.  Otherwise he will just be in the keep cleaning rubble
and preparing to rebuild the wall.
He may also take some time to start organizing the grogs there under
a miltary command structure if the clan lords don't protest to much.

**Grond/Hellious
grond will stay behind and clear rubble unless we think we wil need 
him.... but the watch tower needs to be repaired soon and he can start 
by clearing the rubble and keeping the good bricks   plus we wil be 
leaving the castle unprotected 8)

Hellious gathers his traveling gear and searches for any rations he may 
find in the kitchen then meets the others inthe court yard Before he 
leaves his chambers he chips of a loose stonme fromthe wall and sticks 
it in his pouch

**Briana
Briana has left the courtyard a gone to find Arsenious in the hopes of
obtaining some corporem vis.

Okay, so does Briana find Arsenious?
If so, then she asks if he could spare some vis so that if anything
happened to them while they are attempting to get the unicorn horn 
that they would be able to heal themselves.  
She promises that he would get his share of the unicorn vis in return.
*smile*  (charm maybe?)

[Coversation from Ariseous lost to the Ethernet winds]

Briana thanks Arsenious for the information and asks where
Vancastums lab is located.
Assuming that he will tell her, she then goes to the lab to retrieve
whatever vis she can.

Arsineous gives you directions to the lab. 

** Arsineous
"My lady, Vancastium, was shall we say protective and er ...paranoid in 
the extreme. I have not approached his lab for this reason. I would be 
careful if I were you."



**Solomon

In a raspy voice solomon says " I am looking for Donald 

Then look around.

Solomon looks at the boy and says " I have heard that you know where the
unicorn roams."  " I would like you to accompany us on our quest to find
it" "
Do you have a problem with this

**Donald
"No, Magus, I will gather my gear and join your companions."


** Milnan /Phlome
 If Domongart is ready to leave for town, so is Phlome.  We should
have enough food and provisions for the eight of us (2 mages, 4 grogs,
2 companions) to get to town.  The only thing we might be lacking is
vis that we could use if we need healing on the way.  We could stay
and try to collect some from around the covanent, but that might delay
us a couple weeks more.  If Domongart thinks we can leave without
vis, (we're not expecting trouble, so it would merely be 'just in case')
then, let's go.  Otherwise Phlome will happily assist in vis extraction.

We can work on how to present ourselves on the way if we haven't
figured that out yet.  We should be on the road a few weeks.

    Milnan is at the Keep.  When the other mages are ready to go
into the swamp, he will accompany them.  Milnan will generally
stay closest to Solomon, hoping that his new friend, Santiago, will
do the same with Phlome.  When not in the swamp, Milnan will
be cleaning Phlome's tower, clearin

**Briana (Talking to Phlome and Hellious)
Briana says, "I think I may have found some vis, however, it is in
Vancastiums lab.  Although he is dead, he may have left some 
surprises.  Arthur and I are going to see if we can find it.
  "Would either of you like to join me?"

**Solomon
Solomon says " I will join you as soon as I get done talking to 
one of the grogs, he has seen the unicorn before." 
 " One other thing be careful about getting the vis that is still 
the wizards sanctum."

---Turn 14

**GM (Town Group)
The four grogs you have chosen are gathered in the courtyard with your 
horses.  They are wearing leather and carying spears. Two of them are 
armed with shortbows.  The older grog who Dueled with Santiago earlier 
carries a crossbow.  While they may not be very skilled they have taken 
good care thier equipment.

"Can't be to careful now can we? I am Roger. These two, (he points to 
the two with bows) are my sons, Gavin and Ian. This is Robert, he can 
act as our scout and hunter. (Robert inclines his head.)"

Robert says "How far do ye wish to travel my lords? Once we get out of 
the swamp we could make our way to a village and try and catch a boat to 
a city."

**Santiago
Santiago says" The city sounds good to me."

**Phlome

    Phlome nods at Santiago.
    "Yes, we should go to a city.  A larger city
will give us a better selection of artisans.
    "And a ride on the river sounds rather fun..."

**Dom

Dom shrugs.

"One way is as good as another."

Sithec nods, and finishes preparing for the journey.

I'm assuming that my wolf can keep up with us along the river?  (Wolves
are supposedly very good at walking/running for long periods of time.)
Of course, this is based on the fact that I'm assuming we'll be
stopping each evening.  If not, then maybe I can secure a place aboard
a boat for my companion.

** GM (Vis Group)

You are standing at the door to Vancastum's lab. It's quite an imposing 
site. A large wrought iron door with the circle in the sqaure motif 
emblazened on it as well as the symbol of House Flambeau. 


A deer head on the wall begins to speak....

"Raiding ole Vancastum's lab are ye....well don't get burned..hee hee 
hee..."

**Solomon

Solomon will smirk and then attempt to cast a Intellogo vim 
spell to see if there is a magic trap on the door.

** GM 

Solomon intones a spell to detect the magic present on the door. 
The spell succeeds but you aren't sure if you are detecting 
magic present on the door or just the strong magic aura of the covenant
.  There is definatley magic on the door but you don't know what kind.

**Solomon
Solomon using his spell for mindspeech will tell santiago to send a 
grog up here to vancastums sanctum.

**Grog
One of the grogs comes trotting up the stairs. 

"Santiago said you might need some help."

** Solomon
Solomon tells the grog to open the door.

**GM

The grog looks at the door then looks at you. 

"Umm I'd rather not if its all the same to you."

(BTW If he does try where are you standing in relation to him and the 
door.)

**Solomon
Solomon says " Oh hell" then opens the door.

--Turn 15

**GM (Town Group)
You and the grogs venture down the hill and into the swamp. It's even 
more pleasant than you remember. It's very slow going and you have to 
lead your horses. The scout attempts to find solid patches to walk on 
but to no avail. 


"I suggest we push on past dark unless you relish the idea of camping 
in the swamp." The scout says.

**Santiago
Santiago says "Lets' keep moving I really don't want to sleep in the 
swamp."

**Dom/Sithec
Dom says "Agreed.  I relish not the thought of sleeping in muck."

Sithec nods.

**Phlome

Phlome agrees with the others.

"I see no reason why we should not press on through the swamp."



**GM (Vis Group)

As Solomon touched the door a force pushes him back. The symbols of 
Vancastum and House Flambeau begin to move and flow and form in to a 
face. 

"Well, You're Definately not Vancastum. Well go on speak what do you 
want?"

**Solomon

Solomon looks at the door and says " I am Solomon, Your master vancastum
 is dead and we need items from within his sanctum to try and bring him 
back, let us pass."

**Door

"Well I know he's dead.and as for bringing him back..isn't that like one 
of those magical whosiwhatsits...laws..no bringing back people from the 
dead..blah blah blah.."

**Solomon

Solomon says " no not at all , This is my third life.  Let us pass
, " and if you know he is dead why do you care if we go in, 
besides we could stick you in a diffrent spot where you 
 get more action and maybe burn a couple of people." 
Solomon then smiles menacingly.

**Door

"Burn People! Oh my no!..I just keep the door shut. Vancastum or his 
familiar do all the burning. As for moving I'd love to but I'm bound 
here for a year and day. "

**Solomon
Solomon says " Why are you bound?"

**Door

"I made a wager with Vancastum and I lost. Now I must serve him for a 
year and day,even if in the meantime he has died I'm afraid." 

**Solomon

Solomon says " Well then why don't you just open  the door?"

**Door
I'm bound here to keep anyone out but vancastum or his familiar. Even 
if he is dead."

**Solomon

Solomon looks at the door and says " What exactly are you?"

**Briana

Briana asks "When is your year and day term over?"

Briana asks "How do you know it is Vancastum who is entering the door?"

**Door

I am a wood nymph but I belive that you would call me a fairie."

"Oh well I don't rightly know. I don't have much concept of time but I 
took an oath and I will know when my oath has been fufilled. Except for
being stuck in this door this really isn't all that bad place. Very 
strong Aura you know."


"Well Vancastum and I have known each other for a long time, I know him
very well, I usaully just let him in, If I think he's acting 
suspiscious I ask him a few questions. YOu know he actually 
lost the last bet and had to defend my forest for a year and day!"

**Briana

"Oh, I should have known that you were a wood nymph, and so should
Arthur.
My name is Briana, I am of house Merinita, and I am part fairy.  I
imagine it has been sometime since you experienced the Feast of
Delights.  Is there a way that you might let us in?"

**Door

"Oh! Hello Lady! Hmm well you could wait till I leave and the end of a 
year and a day but I'm guessing you want in sooner than that. You could
of course remove me from the door forcibly but who knows what magic of 
Vancastum's that would trigger. Hmm Hey! I've got what about his 
familiar he wasn't killed I've seen him around latley. He could get you
in! Or even set me free! Yes! Please find him!"

**Briana
"What does the familiar look like, and do you know where we might find
him?"

Briana asks the wood nymph, "May I enquire as to your name, or what
would you liked to be called?"

**Door 

My name is Gwferndwil, Lady.A

**Briana
Briana says "Thank you for your help, Gwferndwil.  Do 
you know where the crow normally stays?  
Also, could you tell us what he is called?"

**Door

Hmm, He actually lives here. I just haven't seen him in a few days. I 
think he likes to roost on the roof. His name is Ignacious.

**Briana

"Well, then.  Why don't we go see what we can find on the roof?
Solomon?"

**Briana (OOC)
Arthur has the ability to speak with animals, I assume that it is only
animals that he can see.  Am I correct or can he send out 
messages to any animals?

**GM
He has to actually speak to them.

**Solomon

Solomon says " I think I have a better idea"  
( TO GM : can we create a spell to talk to the familoar from a distance)  
I really don't want to go climbing around on a roof.

**GM
Solomon tries to cast the Intelligo Animal spell.

To your amazement the spell suceeds. What do you want to say? (or rather 
think)

**Solomon
Lets try  "Hey (insert ravens name) could I speak with you?"

Solomon says " This is Solomon one of the new  mages and I ned to speak with
you."

**Raven

"New Mages!?! Well I guess you're not crazy then....all right."

The biggest blackest crow you have ever seen flies down and come to rest 
on the nearest window. 

"Well what do you want..."

**Briana
Briana says, "Ignacious, we could use your help.  My name is Briana.  We
need to get into Vancastum's lab to get some vis.  Since he is dead he 
has no need for it.  However, we can not get into the lab due to the 
wood nymph.  Gwferndwil said we could enter if you allowed it.  
Will you please help us?"

**Solomon

Solomon looks somewhat impressed with the bird and says "We need to get into
your dead masters lab and were wondering if you would let us in?"

--Turn 16

**GM
The crow looks at both of you and then the door. 

"Well go ahead and let them in Gwfern-whatever-the-hell your name is. No 
sense keeping people out when the old coot has gone and kiced off. I 
certainly don't want any of that shit. And so we won't have this problem 
again you can piss off to wherever it is that fairies live."

"Oh Thank You! Thank You!"

"Yeah Whatever. Go away."

At this point Gwiferndil's face dissappears and the door swings open.

Vancastum Sanctum looks like a crash between a teenagers room and a 
warzone. From the damage to certain parts of the room it looks like 
whenever an experiment went bad he just moved his lab to another part of 
the room.

**Solomon
Solomon steps into the lab.

**Briana/Arthur
Briana steps in, and looks at the mess, wondering where the vis is.

Arthur follows her in.

When arthur steps in he starts searching (if he can)

**GM (Town Group)

You stumble out of the swamp exhausted. You set up camp thinking only 
about how nice any ground that doesn't go squish will be. 

The scout says he will take first watch so the other grogs can rest.

**Dom/Sithec

Domongart sits up with a jolt, looks around nervously, then slumps and
sighs, heavily.

"I'll take the next watch," he says.

Sithec wakes and sits up a bit, frowns a moment, and lays back down.

**Phlome
 Phlome looks around the camp, and finds a spot
of fine dirt, clear of any grass.  As he lays down, he
says,  'Oh, mmm, wake me when it's my turn."

--Turn 17
**GM (Town Group)
First watch passes uneventfully. The scout was able to hunt down some 
rabbit for food. Domongart and one of the older grogs sons are taking 
second watch. (Well and the wolf you guess he went off into the woods 
earlier.)


The scout, and the two other grogs go to beds, and Phlome is already 
alsleep. What is Santiago doing?

**Santiago
Snoring soundly.

**GM  (Message to Dom)
 Dom and one of the grogs are keeping watch on the camp. The wolf begins 
 to get agitated and as you peer in the night you can see four figures 
 moving toward you. They don't appear to be trying to approach by
stealth as the clinking of thier chain mail would alert anyone who was not 
 asleep, however they have also not made any kind of greeting.
 
 They are definatley headed for your camp, and do not appear to have
seen Dom yet. The grog who is in watch hears them but does not yet see
them. 

**Dom
I whisper quietly to the wolf, and tell him to go and wake up Sithec.
(I'm hoping maybe my association with the wolf plus my Animal Ken will
enable me to get my request across.)  If the wolf seems to understand,
I call out in a normal voice:

"Hold!  What is your business in our camp at this late hour?"

If the wolf does not seem to understand, I say the same sentence, I
simply say it louder in an attempt to wake the rest of the group.

I bring my staff up in front of me and mentally run through my attack
spells.


**GM
Dom has encountered someone on second watch. Everyone but Phlome is 
awakend by his call for them to indentify themselves. 

The grogs are up and moving as fast as they can. Santiago is awake but 
will be groggy for one turn so cannot act. Phlome is not used to combat 
situations and was not woken by Dom's challenge.

You hear someone reply from the darkness, 

"I am Cyrus Macdonald of Clan MacDonald, Who are ye?"

**Dom
Dom says "We are travelers, on our way to the lowlands.  We wish nothing
but peaceful passage through these lands.  My name is Domongart.  If
you are friend, please, come forward and share our fire.  I would
recommend against choosing to be our foe."

Sithec begins pulling on his hauberk, as quickly as he can.

**Santiago
Santiago after awakening from his stupor will grab his swords.  and then
starts swearing something in spanish.

**Phlome
Phlome rolls over in his sleep and smiles
as his stormy dreams of typhoons continue.

**GM

"What Clan be ye? Did ye come out of the swamp?"

(They are still crouched and semi-hiding.)

The grog that was on watch with Dom whispers. 

"These are probably cattle raiders from Clan MacDougal. They're probably 
suprised to find anyone here. Everyone thinks the swamp is haunted."

**Dom
"I am of clan Colquhoun, my companions are of others.  We have just
passed through the swamp, and are awaiting daylight before we proceed
further."

"If you wish to converse further, I suggest you come forward;
otherwise, let us be and be on your way.  We mean no harm to anyone, as
long as they mean no harm to us."

As soon as Sithec finishes putting on his hauberk, he picks up his
sword (still in its sheath) and walks toward Dom.

**Santiago

After grabbing his swords Santiago will move to cover.  He will wisper to
Sithtec and dom that if they have crossbows or bows we are pin cushions next
to the fire.

**GM

"We will approach."

The two other men that you saw as well as two that you hadn't noticed 
move away from the camp.

The two men approach.

"I am Renekot fo Clan MacDougal. I haven't seen anyone in this area in 
years."

**Dom

Greetings, Renekot.  As I said, my name is Domongart.  This is Santiago,
Sithec, and ***insert Grog's name here***.  Our sleepy friend over there
is Phlome.  What brings you out traveling this late?

**Santiago
SAntiago is going to scan the are and see if how many more people he can see.

**GM
Dom and Sithec and the grog that was on watchare speaking with the 
Clansmen.

Phlome is sleeping.

Santiago is wherever he was sleeping  looking around for anyone else 
hiding.

The other grogs are awake and waiting to see what happens.

Renekot says "We were patroling the area and saw your fire.What brings 
you to this area of Scotland? I know your clan by name only.

**Dom
Dom looks at Santiago and says,

"We're on a bit of a quest, actually.  The noble Santiago here has come
from distant lands in search of a lost relative.  He's hired the rest of
us for our knowledge of the local surroundings.  Our quest is taking us
into the lowlands."

He then changes the subject;

"As I said, you and your men feel free to share our fire.  We must rest
now, as we've traveled long today, and have further to go tomorrow."

Domongart peers into the night, looking for the rest of the raider band.

**GM

When you begin talking about nobles and quests his eyes kind-of glaze 
over. "Uh Thanks for the offer but we must move on and be back at our 
Clanhome by morning. Be careful in the lowlands, there are no stalwart 
clansmen down there to keep the roads safe. He winks."

"Good luck to ye on your quest Sir Santiago."

(BTW if you wondering you probably have nothing to fear from them since 
you don't have any cows.)



**Dom
Dom nods and says

"Good travels, friend.  We'll take your warning under advisement."

He then resumes his watch.

Sithec waits until he is sure the cow-burglers are definitely leaving or
gone, then goes back to lay down.  I believe someone else was going to
take second watch, but he is available to take third watch, and Dom will
pass this information to whomever was taking second watch.

**Santiago
Santiago gives a devilish grin and says " Good travells to you sir."  " then
points to a grog  and says " You there get me some water."

**GM
The clansman waves goodbye. The grog rolls his eyes waits till the 
clansmen is out of sight and throws his waterskin at Santiago.

**GM (vis group)
You search the lab carefully, VERY CAREFULLY, and are able to find the 
following:

You are able to gather up a set of good quality (+1) lab equipment.

An Ingnem 25 book. 
A Perdo 19 Book.
A Coporum 17 Book.

A book that at first glance appears to contain many perdo,corporum, and 
ignem spells. In fact you're resonalby sure it contains every ignem 
spell known to exist.

20 Pawns of ignem vis (extracted and ready to use)

20 Pawns of Corporem Vis (extracted and ready to use)

10 Pawns of Perdo Vis (again ready to use)

30 or more odd pawns of vis that could be extracted in a lab.

2 weird Magic items that will have to be reasearched to tell what they 
do. (But probably having to do with ignem or perdo magic)

**Solomon (OOC)
Has someone already clamied the Flambeu mages sanctum?  If not I'm taking it.

**GM
Its yours.

**GM (Answering a question)
Vis works like this: The vis used must match the form or technique of 
the spell you are casting. Each pawn of vis adds 5 to your casting and 
pentration rolls, however if you botch you roll 1 extra botch die for 
each pawn of vis spent. Also if you look in he ars magic book most of 
the spells have two durations listed. The first is the normal duration 
and the second is if you power the spell with vis. When you power a 
spell with vis you don't add any to your roll and you must spend an 
amount of vis equal to the spell level divided by 5. In this way 
corporeum vis is valuble because the only way a healing spell can be 
made  permanent is by using vis. 




--Turn 18

**Gm (Town Group)

The rest of the night passes uneventfully. In the morning you continue 
on toward the nearest village. In the village you can hopefully board a 
boat or raft that will take you into the lowlands. 

**Phlome
 Phlome yawns as camp breaks.
    On the journey to the village, he occassionally
    stops and picks up some rocks.  Some he puts
    into a bag, and the rest he throws away.


**Dom/Sithec
Sithec passes gas violently, startling his horse.

Domongart snickers.

**GM
 After Many boring days of walking through the scottish highlands, you 
finally arrive at a small village.  (The breathtaking scenery gets 
really old when you actauly have to walk down it.) 

As you approach the village, women grab thier children and run inside. A 
group of men stop working in thie fields or tending cattle and begin 
walking toward you.

"I am Horatio, Factor of our small village, what be yer business here."

**Santiago
Santiago looks at the man and says " I am Santiago De Castrenegro and me and
my entrage are looking to get a boat to take us up to the city."  He then
looks strenly at the man and says " Do you know where we can find one friend?"

**Phlome
 Phlome looks at Horatio, "Yeah, a boat.  Mmm, for the river.
Oh, and maybe you have some wine to spare?  I seem to be a
might parched..."  He looks hopefully at the Factor.
    Phlome then takes a smooth, egg shaped rock from within
his cloak and starts rubbing it with his thumb.

**GM
When Santiage mentions hiring a boat the town's leader gets a gleam in 
his eye thats seems to say "MONEY!"

"Beggin' your lordships pardon but we `ave no boatmen ere for `ire but I 
could surley seel ye one of ar fine boats."

**Santiago

Santiago " Looksa t the man and says we just need  to hire a boat to take us
down to the city.

**GM (Thanks to Phlome for forwarding this message to me)

"Of Course my Lord, We are but poor farmers and herders here, we have no 
boats to hire, but I would gladly..."

He stops in midsentence and holds his hand up and seems to be listening 
to something. Then as if some unspoken command was uttered the villagers 
scatter into thier homes.  


As you look around exspecting to see a dragon or worse you begin to hear 
the faint clip-clop of hooves and the clink of armor. A group of 
horsemen followed by two groups of footmen round a stand of trees and 
head toward the village.

One of the grogs looks up and sighs. "Normans."


**Dom/Sithec
***Um, my history is a little rusty (read nonexistent).  Are Normans
bad ***guys?  (I'm assuming my character would know.)

Anyway, Sithec positions himself between Dom and the advancing party. 
If he is on foot, he draws his weapon, and assumes a defensive stance.
 Otherwise, he waits for some sign that the other side is aggressive.

Upon sighting the Normans, Dom's hand goes to the necklace he wears.

**Santiago
Santiago starts counting how many there are.

**GM

5 Horsemen One appears to be the leader.

5 Archers on foot.

10 Footmen 

**Phlome
On seeing the armed men approach,
    Phlome slids behind Santiago somewhat, and
begins studying his surroundings.
    Phlome is specifically wondering how far it is
to the river from where he stands...

**Dom

** Jesus.  I do _not_ like these odds.  Two mages, two fighters, and a
** handful of putz's against that?  Hope they don't want to fight!

Dom whispers "Maybe if we just moved on before they got here, they'd
ignore us?"

Then he adds "Unlikely, I suppose."

**Santiago

Santiago, says hey there is only Twenty of them we can take em.  He then
smirks and looks at sithtec.

(Vis Group)
**Brianna
Briana is carrying 10 pawns of corporem vis.
Along with her normal equip.  Arthur also has his normal equip.

We are ready to go.

Is Malnin ready to go?

**Solomon
Yeah I'm ready and I took 5 ignem vis.

**Milnan

    Yah, Milnan is ready.  He's out in the courtyard with the grogs where he 
has spent most of his time.  He's got his sword, his wine, and his cheese, so he's
all set.



-- Turn 19

**GM
Seeing Sithec draw his sword, the soldiers assume a fighting stance and 
the archers begin to spread out. For all their clumsiness earlier the 
grogs instanlty take position in front of the mages and bring up thier 
shield in preparation for arrow defense. Before anythig can really 
happen the lead rider shouts "HOLD!" and raises his arm. He and one of 
the other riders ride out from the group and stop halfway between his 
soldiers and you.

**Dom

Dom says,

"They'll want to talk to a fighter; they'll not respect anyone else. 
Santiago, if you would, take Sithec and see if you can get us out of
this without any bloodshed."

Dom signs to Sithec, who looks at his sword, nods, sheaths it, and
looks to Santiago expectantly.

**Santiago

Santiago nods his head and motions for Sithtec to follow, he then says "
bloodshed" and smirks.  Santiago and sithtec ride out.

**Phlome

     Phlome moves stays behind the grogs, and moved 
closer to Dom.  
     "How about a great big mud-pie?", he says quietly, 
and grins at Dom.

--Turn 20

**GM
You ride out halfway and meet the two other riders. They both appear to 
be battle hardend serious soldiers. 

 The Leader greets you "We are in the area looking for a group of rebel 
Saxons. You are not them, however, I would like to know your intentions. 
Eventhough I loathe these lowland scots they are under my protection so 
I hope your intentions in that village are honest."


**Santiago

Santiago gives the man a stearn look and says " I am Santiago De Castrengro  a
noble from Spain, and this is my my friend Sithtec.  We are here seeking
passage to the city down the river."  (Question did we every find out if the
Normans were a bad influence in Scotland?)  We would not dream of harming
these poor folk, and it seems that protection is the least of there worries if
they run when you arrive."  He then gives a slight grin ( and prepares to
dodge if the man reaches to strike).

**Phlome

    Phlome listens intently to the conversation between Santiago and The
Leader, and smiles slightly at Santiago's verbal jab.  Lacking any real definate
course of action for the moment, he studies the soldiers that stayed back.

**GM

The knight roars with laughter at your comment about the villagers.

"You're all right spanaird! About three miles down the road is a ferry 
station that will take you into the city. It's supposed to be for 
millitary use only but if you give them a gold coin they'll take you. 
Good Luck to you!"

**Santiago

Santiago says "THank you sir and good travels to you."
He then looks at Sithtec and heads back towards the group.

**Sithec
Sithec shrugs, grins at the Normans, turns, and follows
Santiago back.

**Phlome
Phlome smiles as Sithec and Santiago return to the group.
    "Nice work, Santiago, but next time give some advance notice
befor you try to pick a fight.  And unles anyone objects, i say we
head on down, and get on the boat as soon as possible."

(Vis Group)

**Solomon
Solomon is standing in the courtyard.  Contimplating wether or not Milnan has
actually ever seen a ball of abysmal flame.