Session 41

**Previously...**

## And Now...

### Gar gets lost

Wandering the streets in a haze of gloom and indignation, Gar hears what sounds like a cowbell. Again. Definitely a cowbell. Following the sound, he sees a cat on a roof staring at him before it takes off. He clambers up some boxes and gives chase across the rooftop. The cat's almost within Gar's grasp when a roof gives way beneath his feet and he plunges into a shop, scattering stock everywhere. Leaping to his feet, he tosses a handful of silver at the shopkeeper before darting out into the street and looking about frantically.

But the cat is gone. Dejected, he begins looking about and starts trying to figure out how to get back when he sees the cat again. It seems to be wounded, as it's leaving bloody paw-prints in its wake. This time, Gar follows at a more modest pace, keeping pace with the cat. He notices the cat isn't trying to outpace him, so he just lets the cat lead him to where it wants him to go.

The trail leads through the most decrepit slums in the city and eventually emerges on a vacant area of rough land surrounded by makeshift shacks and inhabited by members of the city's homeless. He hears a noise and looks down find the cat sitting next to his feet. It has a pair of horns and is wearing a cow-bell. Gar reaches down, though whether it's to pet the cat or just to confirm the creature isn't some strange vision, not even he is sure.

And doubts as to the reality of the situation are immediately dispelled as the cat savagely bites down on Gar's hand, drawing blood.

Gar absently 'feeds' the blood to Fluffy...

### News from the University

As this is happening, the others have gathered at ‘Ferry Cakes’, a novelty patisserie where tiny, exquisitely-crafted cakes and pastries float by on tiny wooden boats. They also have a magical coffee machine. The cafe is owned by an orc baker who is working on his social skills.

Archmagus Loramys arrives with an offer of rewards for the heroes' actions in exposing Archmagus Isabel Bridewell defending the university against her and her associates. He also mentions they would like to have a ceremony in the party's honor. The group is enthusiastic about that, so they arrange an appropriate time. They also invite the owners of ‘Ferry cake’ owners to cater.

Loramys takes the team's wards, so they can be re-presented at the ceremony, and sheepishly apologises for his behaviour during the emergency. In addition he offers a potion of TOTAL healing as a personal thanks.

Duke asks if the potion can fix his tail, Archmagus says it’s possible, but would need epic components (requiring a quest) to do so. Duke privately asks for Dragon's Heart to get an invite, not advising Loramys that there could be hostility involved. Loramys agrees.

They learn Loramys is going to be assuming the role of Grand Archmagus. Though there is no specific news about what this means for Ruffus.

### A Brief, but Bloody Paws

As Gar watches, dumbfounded, the cat uses its bloody paw to draw a constellation. Bloody line, meat. Lastly, it Indicates Gar's sword. He deduces he needs to return that night to make an offering to the Cow God.  Looking around at the assembled homeless people in the pit, he offers bribes for them to be gone that night.

### A Clash of Steel, A Clink of Gold

Some time later, the party have gathered at a place which. in trades in exquisitely-crafted and magically enchanted weapons and armour. There is a brief flurry of trading as the party gets rid of some no longer needed items. With their new-found wealth, they request certain items and, much to their surprise, themerchant is able to provide some fairly specific items at request. Duke asks for a ‘Good Sword’. The merchant warns him it will be expensive, and contacts a friend, who presents such a blade.

Just at that moment, Archmage Chester Sparkes appears in a cloud of smoke amongst them, accidentally knocking several displays over. He informs them that the University is interested in buying the Eye of the Beholder back, and offers 10 gold, Some bartering ensues, and Chester departs to consult over the counter-offer of 15Gold\*

*(\* - 1 Gold = 1000 Silver)*

Solly investigates the beholder eye, curious about which effect it generated. She is immediately turned to stone for her efforts.

Chester returns, with another Magus to assist with the bartering. Eventually, the matter is settled for 11 gold, paid immediately, and a cure for Solly. The mages agree and Solly is taken to the university where she can be revived.

Returning to the matter of the 'Good Sword', the owner informs them that, “only the truly virtuous may touch it freely" (The party take note that the seller keeps the sword wrapped and keeps the clothing between his hands and the weapon itself). Duke suggests that Gar might trade Fluffy for this ‘Sword of Valour’. Gar checks the sword, but it makes him uncomfortable. Duke touches it and immediately receives a vivid flash of powerful guilt over his brother's death. He falls to his knees crying.

After this, the group takes a break (with no decision on sword yet) and repair to a nearby pub, 'Timmoran's Tankard'. Duke tells them the story of how he and his brother worked for Dragon's Heart before they slaughtered his brother and took his tail (tragic Backstory).