Session 76

## And Now...

The group's attempts to infiltrate the bank and discover information on the nature of the Innominate's activities in Pelgate have yielded unexpected fruit. The mysterious bank overseer, Rufius, has offered our heroes invitations to a private dinner meeting at Daelroch Repose,a fortified manor house outside of Lempkin. Knowing that it's a trap, our heroes prepare to attend anyway, making hasty plans to save their work in their absence. As they approach the manor, they are rejoined by their uncertain ally, Lady Jayne, who has brought a small group of loyal soldiers with her. The now-reunited group make plans on how to approach their almost certain doom as the manor house looms into view in the distance...

### Said the Spider to the Fly.

The group splits in two, with those who have received invitations - Hugh/Evie, Jayne/Jon, Leo and Rast - riding onward toward the Manor, leaving Bug and the retinue of soldiers behind in reserve.

As the first group approaches, both Leo and Rast are assailed by a grim miasma of dread. Rast feels his connection to the divine light of Kellos begin to gutter and dwindle, while Leo is gripped with grim portents that one of our number is plotting to betray us. In the growing shadows around us, we become aware of a number of barely visible, formless shapes following us. Pausing briefly, Rast makes a crow call, beckoning a nearby bird closer, but as it nears us, it is suddenly gripped in some unseen force which twists and folds it until it resembles a kind or origami, which then folks itself into nothingness.

On arrival at the Manor, the party is met by a grim-faced servant who neglects to give us his name. He guides us to a large, high-ceilinged meeting hall. Within the manor, the atmosphere appears to grow even more chilly and unwelcoming.

### Means of Access.

As this is happening, Bug and the soldiers make their plans to evade the various wards and protections on the Manor. After studying the various pieces of magical jewelry, Bug is able to replicate its effect but only has material enough to cover two thirds of the retinue of fifteen. The five remaining soldiers are left in reserve in case they are needed to cover an escape or carry word back, while Bug and the remaining ten push onward and search for a way into the Manor.

The groups with mixed success. Two soldiers lowered into a disused and concealed well return gibbering madly and babbling about darkness. They are returned to the Reserve where, hopefully, their condition will be able to be treated. The second attempt is marginally more successfully as the group moves around to survey the cliffside to the rear of the Manor house. Spotting a dimly flickering light near a precipitous ledge, Bug makes their way towards it. Unfortunately, they slip at the last moment, awakening the sleeping guard who had been stationed at a hidden doorway atop the ledge.

### After-Dinner Conversation.

Looking around, the inside group see that the Hall they are in has been decked out for a lavish dinner. Four suits of armour decorate each corner and a sumptuous spread is set forth on the table. Rast extends his supernatural senses. He pushes through resistance and discerns that not only are the four suits of armour magical, but that there is a very potent source of magical energy directly beneath the room.

Moments later, two figures enter, flanked by a coterie of attendants. The first is a barrel-chested man with a military bearing and demeanour and the second is a pale, noble figure immediately identifiable as Emricht Pryor. He confirms his identity and assures everyone that the meals aren't poisoned. During the conversation, Emricht also mentions that he had a near-death experience (which he describes as a face-to-face meeting with Nordross) early on in life, the result of which is his pallid, sickly complexion. He seems curious about Jayne/Jon, but Hugh's skill with disguise and Bug's potions hold firm.

The deliciousness of the meal is somewhat marred by the awkwardness of the conversation. Eventually, Emricht asks questions about Jayne and refuses to be put off. The frustration proves too much for Hugh/Evie, who blurts out, "For the love of Kellos, he's your blasted sister, you ninny!" before attempting to spear Emricht with a serving fork. This attempt is unsuccessful as the fork is intercepted by the military man, who seems to be acting as Emricht's bodyguard.

Jayne and Emricht are both momentarily stunned, with Jayne saying, "I thought you were dead."

Without pausing, Leo idly fills both siblings in on what had happened. After the Innominate realized the Emricht held an equal, or perhaps even greater hold over his mother's heart, they insisted that Jayne be replaced as hostage. He explains to Jayne that Emricht had been put through much the same 'training' as she had, but unlike her, had failed to shake it off. Still, he explains, he's young. Give him time.

Beginning to recover from his surprise, Emricht sputters out that we know nothing. He immediately demands to know who we work for, and when Hugh prevaricates, sneers at him and says, "Remember, when you die, that you were given the chance to co-operate." At this point, he stands and, much like the crow Rast had spotted earlier, is enveloped in shadow before folding himself out of existence. Before vanishing, he makes a gesture and the various attendants scattered about the room draw weaponry...

### Continued in Session 77...

*10xp*

*(360xp Total)*