Scribed by Theoclea
Spring 1317AD
There is a tradition for magi new to the council to reflect upon the events recorded in the journal and offer an introduction for themselves in the process. Having mostly grown up here, the journal records many of the events which have shaped me. Not only in my lifetime, but across the history of Severn Temple. The journal records much, most of it disconcerting, which might serve as an introduction.
It was in 1145 that the journal records the arrival of Theo and Astrius from Cad Gadu. Theo is described as light-hearted, a bard and magnificent storyteller, and it appears that his early life in the Covenant was focused on mundane interactions. There were troubles, not least the burgeoning corruption of Holy Isle and their determination to persecute members of Ex-Miscellanea; and many misadventures, for Theo was no battle magus and frequently ran into trouble investigating criminal gangs in Gloucester and an infernal cult called the Fells. Theo made frequent wanderings in the Dean and made some important discoveries, including the Myrddyn Stone and the secret methods it holds for transformation. He also led early negotiations with the werewolves which would eventually lead to our strong alliance.
He possessed the rarest ability to step physically into the Otherworld. Perhaps because of this talent, he attracted the attention of the faerie and pagan powers – and I wonder if this was the start of his undoing. He made study of books from Cad Gadu relating to the beliefs and practices of the pagans and frequently visited the Heart of the Forest to speak with the Anu (and harvested vis even when that site technically belonged to Blackthorn Covenant). He also spoke often with the Lladra, the spirit of the spring, who guided him to Nectan’s pool and told him of the visions it might grant. The spirit also encouraged him to learn more of pagan magic to gain control over the waters of the Severn. It was through these pagan and faerie powers that he started to discover some clues regarding his heritage and the origin of his unusual magical talent. However, perhaps because of the problem of Holy Isle, he appears to become increasingly secretive, rarely confiding in Astrius, his childhood friend. Quite quickly, his journeys start to take him deeper and deeper into faerie regios and the Otherworld beyond the veil. Through these travels and interactions with unworldly powers, Theo comes to believe that he is the reincarnation of an ancient line of bards, tracing back through Myrddyn and Taliesin, all the way back to Gwynbach.
It’s not clear from the journal precisely when Theo came into possession of the Crown of Math, however one can see its influence on his ambition. He came to believe that it was his destiny to become High King, an ambition Astrius firmly blamed on the Morrigan and the spirit of Ruaridh. Over time he gains some landholdings in England and in Wales, in his guise as the knight of Briavel, but there is evidence of his increasing estrangement from Astrius, and an increasing number of questions about his activities for which he will give no answer. Astrius eventually tries to force a promise from him – that he will not betray the spirit of the Oath – which Theo eventually agrees to, swearing on their friendship.
Fatefully, Theo becomes involved with the Cauldron of Bran – another of the ancient treasures hidden by Myrddyn – which he believes is under threat from Idris’ son, Ieuan. He recruits the aid of the Lladra and the Lady Nimue and they travel to meet Ceridwen. Theo strikes a deal with her to learn more about the cauldron’s secrets. However, he fails to complete this bargain, and in retaliation the Ceridwen kidnaps Dialectica’s son and apprentice, Aeddyn. This attack makes little sense to the magi until it is revealed that Aeddyn is also Theo’s son – and that the Anu had manipulated affairs, casting some enchantment upon him and Dialectica when they were in the Heart of the Forest.
Dialectia leaves the covenant and Aeddyn is eventually rescued. After her departure, Theo’s mood becomes increasingly gloomy and it’s clear that in seeking to resolve one problem, his actions merely create further troubles for him. For example, on one journey to the Otherworld, he accidentally releases three very powerful and dangerous entities, one of which goes on to attack Narwold covenant. This culminates in a case against him at Tribunal. Here the matter of his being ‘King’ is openly discussed before the assembled magi though it is clear from the account that House Merinita had knowledge of this secret for some time. It is only by striking an extortionate deal with Praeca Eloria that Theo escapes the full penalty of the code.
His troubles only escalated as it later turns out he imprisoned Dialectica within Mynyddor’s regio. After what were many years within the regio, she eventually affects her escape, turning up at a King’s Council and applying to rejoin the covenant the year after. Theo eventually agrees to this, but it is clear he has fallen into despair – the journal relates several times that he does not believe he has long left to live. He was justifiably paranoid that Dialectica meant to take revenge upon him and his relationship with Atrius was irrecoverably soured given he had broken the oath sworn against their friendship.
It appears Theo was correct in his predictions, as 1174 brings news of his demise. Having initially entrusted Aeddyn to the Court of Water, Theo decided to seek his return. However, the powerful and mysterious faerie maiden, Lady Nimue, used this exchange as bait – agreeing to return Aeddyn only if Theo met her in the crystal caves beneath Mynydd Myddyn. Despite many warnings, Theo agreed to this meeting and Nimue murdered him, trapping his spirit within the magical stones.
Aeddyn was young at the time, but the question of his inheritance looms from the season after Theo’s death. What is to become of the Crown of Math?
Despite Theo’s death, many of his ambitions were later fulfilled. His son went on to become King of England and Wales, and his lineage still occupies the throne generations later. However, none of his and Dialectica’s descendants enjoyed a long or peaceful life.
My mater, Hypatia, was the last to bear the crown. She perhaps represented the apogee of Theo’s lineage. Apprenticed to Lysimachus and tutored by the spirit of Myrddyn, she was able to wield magics believed lost to the world. Yet she was also wise and kind and did not appear to be corrupted by the powers she inherited. I saw the weight of it though, the Crown of Math, and the dark influence that another mythical treasure, the Pale Blade, had on her. Had she not sacrificed herself to save my brother and myself in London, perhaps those forces would have eventually broken her.
There then is my introduction. Like Aeddyn after Theo’s death, I am considered heir to these ancient treasures, but I have not yet been burdened with them.
The question of these treasures is still to be resolved. In the past, a delay in claiming the crown led to problems with the faerie. Though the fae have not yet made any demands on the matter, these treasures cannot be ignored – only last year the Covenant was attacked by forces loyal to ‘Brother Hadrian’ seeking to obtain the Crown. Whatever I may choose, or the Council decide, it seems my fate is bound up with these treasures.
Enough then, let me at last relate more recent events!
We met on the morning of the first day of spring, to discuss news and make plans for the season and the year. We began by discussing the cult of the ‘Broken Mirror’.
In Bristol, there is no sign of Lambert, and the other members of the cult have not resumed their practices since the destruction of the infernal circle. In Gloucester, Pyrrhus reported that our actions have met with the approval of the resident demon. It thanked us for our efforts and claimed we need not concern ourselves with the other scholars which took part in the cult – for they now ‘belong to him’. It appears that the force which attacked us may have been spotted making its way to the Covenant. Our mundane spies reported that an unfamiliar ship had docked in Chepstow, and a villager from Lydney had apparently spotted a group travelling by night close to the village. From London, Argentius reported no sign of ‘Brother Hadrian’. The magi of Eurus Aquilae continue to watch over the royal court, but the Primus believes it is unlikely that Hadrian will make a move now that the King has allowed them access again.
Investigation last year points a finger west towards Hibernia, and there was some discussion of how we might best pursue Hadrian and his allies the Sons of Maon. Unfortunately, Gaines believes that there are no Red Caps operating within the Tribunal – and we were already aware of many tensions in the region: the actions of the English Crown in the north, and House Flambeau in the south. Thus, it appears we would have relatively little support in an investigation, though Gaines suggested approaching an old Merinitan, Eoghan at Glencoghlea, who might be sympathetic or provide a base of operation. Language might be another barrier to investigation. Whilst it bears many similarities with the Scottish Gaelic that Terentius and Jari picked up when investigating north of the border, it is likely that locals will be highly suspicious of anyone with a foreign accent sniffing around Dublin or its environs. I related that my brother was under strong pressure to resume the English invasion of Hibernia, therefore further mundane conflict in the region was likely. It seemed clear that an investigation would not happen straight away, and Terentius appeared particularly frustrated by this situation. There seemed an extraordinary urgency in him to pursue this investigation, perhaps driven by the trial at the Tribunal next season hanging over him, or maybe just the influence of his familiar.
I revealed my intention to travel to court this season – and Terentius asked to accompany me so that he could speak with members of his House keeping vigil in London. Other than this, Naevius announced that he would extract Vim from the Covenant’s aura this season as service.
Our trip to London was waylaid by a discovery upon route. Terentius and I stopped briefly in the vicinity of the dell – long associated with infernal magic – to see whether Hadrian’s men had interfered with the place in any way. With his gift for spotting spirits, Terentius perceived disturbed shadows around the dell. He determined to report back to the council and seek additional aid to investigate. We parted ways with me travelling on to London and Terentius returning to the dell with Jari and Pyrrhus.
It seems that two of the trees – grown from the magical acorns from the Heart of the Forest – had sickened and died. Speaking with one of the remaining trees, Jari was able to discover that something had emerged from this gap in the defences around the regio. It was as they were leaving that Meliorax spotted a shadow moving within the trees. Terentius and Pyrrhus investigated and were attacked by infernal beasts wearing the guise of monstrous wolves. The battle was joined by the Guardians of the Forest, the Old Ones now in the service of the Green Man. The infernal spirits were dispatched, though Terentius was grievously injured in the fight. For a moment there was concern that the Guardians might also attack the magi present. Fortunately, the Guardians appeared to recognise that the magi were contesting the fell influence of the dell and let them leave in peace.
Having fallen back to the Covenant to recover, Branwen agreed to go to speak with the Green Man about the situation in the dell and the threat of infernal corruption spreading into the wider forest. In the meantime, the others considered the prospect of removing the dead trees at the dell and replacing them with living trees, commanded into position through Rego magic. To this end, they sought the aid of Daedalus – whose magic of warding might afford some protection during this lengthy process.
This plan succeeded. Though it was slow going, the magi were able to replace the trees guarding the dell. The shadows there appear quiescent now, though whether this resolves the matter long-term is less clear. Jari suggested that this might only afford a temporary solution.
The Green Man, meanwhile, had decided to take matters into his own hands. Informing Branwen that he planned to extend his influence more fully across the part of the forest containing the dell. She returned with at least some good news. In recognition of the fact that this breaks the deal we made with him, the Green Man has agreed that the magi of our council may walk unmolested within the borders of the wild wood. Given that the travel into the deep regio had robbed her of much of the season, this venture was counted as Covenant service.
This extension of the wild wood meant that the Green Man’s influence would now spread perilously close to the mining settlement near Lydney. After some debate amongst them, our allies have reluctantly agreed to move their settlement to Blackney. This comes at a cost for them, for the hunting is less plentiful in the area east of the road. However, given the danger the Green Man poses to them, it appears there were a majority willing to take up the Covenant’s offer of a new home.
Summer
Our council business was brief, though the matter of the Tribunal and the case against Terentius weighed on many of our minds.
I reported back from my season away. The King will be returning to Hibernia with fresh troops to consolidate and extend his landholdings. Unsurprisingly, I was strongly against this move, but the realities of politics prevailed. With no prospect of taking back the land lost to France upon the continent, these ventures into Hibernia are probably the only thing shoring up his position amongst the nobility. I was relieved to discover that Quaesitor Pravia and Magus Tiberius, serving as Hoplite, will accompany the court. Pravia was also able to reveal that a splinter group of the ‘Broken Mirror’ cult operating in Cheapside has essentially disbanded following the destruction of the infernal circle there.
Whilst the Tribunal at Blackthorn dominated most people’s thoughts, there was little discussion at the council meeting. Pyrrhus agreed to remain behind to watch over the Covenant and Hypatia’s artefacts whilst the rest of us make the journey. Over the course of the season, Jari will try to pick up coordination of the mundane spy network given the recent death of our spymaster.
At mid-summer, the Tribunal was convened with Praeco Voressio calling for the senior Red Cap to relay news. Gaines related events of note:
Primus Praesulis of Bonisagus had completed negotiations with the Order of the East, securing a pact of non-aggression along the disputed border between East and West. This may be a relatively modest step forward, but it has staved off fears of open conflict, and it is hoped that this agreement will mark the start of greater cooperation and an eventual healing of the division within the Order. During these negotiations, the Order of the East revealed intelligence that a group of Templars had been detected travelling eastwards into the Levant. Their purpose was not clear, but subsequent investigation by Red Caps in Verdi suggest that this small group had been set to some sort of ‘sacred task’ by the Papacy (presumably in return for not being put to death as heretics). Given Branwen’s dire vision, we could not help but speculate whether these Templars were somehow involved in rise of this infernal presence which brings disease and death.
The military orders of the Church are also active in the North-East of the Order. The Teutonic Knights managed to bring down some covenants after the fall of Durenmar, and it appears they are determined to press the crusade against the Order. Speculation is that they may be planning to launch an attack upon Crintera, Domus Magnus Bjornear. Though, whether that prospect has any real chance of succeeding without the weapon of the Templars remains to be seen.
Closer to home, there was formal news of the sacking of Crannagh Tomb by members of Cliffeheart. Unsurprisingly, Prima Lluddwyn appeared incensed by the actions of House Flambeau and made it clear she would press for an investigation. Given Pyrrhus has admitted being involved, I suspect his long-term future in this Tribunal depends on that involvement being very limited (which is likely, given his age compared to the magi of Cliffeheart).
There was also news from Loch Leglean. It appears that after the attack upon the White Tower, the Unnamed House has resumed its more typical activity – haunting the complex coastlines of Loch Leglean and Hibernia. Their plans are not clear, but Holy Isle were able to report two new sigils: One of watery, yellow pus – with magic associated with Corporem and disease. Another with a sigil of burning blood, who appeared to have affinity with Ignem magics.
The issue of apparent inability of Holy Isle to contest the Unnamed House led to a series of – rather strange – motions put before the Tribunal by Voressio. A vote to disband the dedication of the covenant, then a motion to restore the dedication to House Tremere, both failed. Voressio’s motives weren’t entirely clear here. I believe his dissatisfaction with Ex-Miscellanea’s investment in the dedication was genuine enough, but perhaps part of this was also aimed at driving a wedge between Houses Ex-Miscellanea and Tremere. It’s possible he perceives the voting power of these two Houses to be a barrier to some long-term plan or threat to his authority as Praeco. The Tribunal, however, had no appetite for these motions. However, his final motion, to impose a Tribunal tithe of 14 pawns of vis per Covenant, was passed. I can’t believe he was happy with this outcome, as he’s always been loudly resistant to such ‘taxes’ in the past. It’s possible that his intention was to sharpen focus on Holy Isle and force Ex-Miscellanea to account. Having to pay a tithe may make some councils question Prima Lluddwyn’s commitment to the dedicated covenant if it continues to be under-resourced and having limited impact.
The following day saw the presentation of legal cases before the Tribunal. The first returned to the attack upon Crannagh Tomb and called for a motion of censure against House Flambeau. There were questions regarding the evidence which informed the House ruling. Certainly, the evidence relayed against Crannagh Tomb was not enough to sway our Tribunal – and a majority vote secured the motion of formal censure. My understanding is that this probably serves only a symbolic purpose. In times past, such a motion would secure debate and probably a House Guernicus investigation at a Grand Tribunal. However, in these times, it will probably serve as little more than vocal protest.
Indeed, despite the motion of censure, a second motion calling for a Tribunal led investigation into the deaths at Crannagh Tomb was deemed beyond the authority of the meeting by Senior Quaesitor Romanus. I could tell from Romanus’ expression that he took no delight in over-ruling the motion, however this merely highlights the current impotence of the Order to reign in the worst excesses of magi.
That afternoon heard the case against Terentius. The circumstances surrounding his part in the death of the Abbot of Tintern are recorded here in the journal, so I shall not detail the case. Perhaps the only thing worth mentioning is that Naevius, against Terentius’ wishes, argued for Covenant culpability for the offense. I do not know if this act swayed much opinion, but at the very least it meant that penalties like Wizard’s March or the stripping of the gift could not be applied as sanctions.
The Accusator offered a harsh penalty for the breach of the Primary Code: Terentius would suffer the loss of his familiar and be bound over to the Covenant for 7 Years, with the threat of Wizard’s March if he failed to comply with the punishment or committed a similar offence.
The Patronus offered a significant, but more moderate penalty: A fine of 50 pawns of vis to be paid by the Covenant by the next Tribunal. A restriction upon Terentius not to enter the surrounds of Tintern, and a punishment of 4 seasons of service for the dedicated Covenant of Holy Isle. Fortunately, it was the latter of these sanctions the Tribunal voted for.
The relief in Terentius was almost tangible.
After these weighty events, the following day saw only some announcements. The magi Cyrillus of Ex-Miscellanea and Severo of Bjornear will join the council of Holy Isle. Primus Argentius announced that it had been agreed with Prima Lluddwyn that two members of his House, currently resident in Transylvania, would also seek membership of the council next year. For all the shenanigans on the morning of the first day, it appears at least Geddyn and MacKiedh will have some assistance and more resources soon.
There were also a number of new magi joining the Tribunal – all of whom had completed their gauntlet since the last Tribunal: Adina, filia Romanus, of Guernicus will join the council of Blackthorn; Durans, filius Nitoria, of Mercere will join as a Red Cap for the council of Eurus Aquilae; and two new magi will join the council of Cad Gadu, Siobhan, filia Beatrix and Tancred, filius Frioc, both of Ex-Miscellanea.
Autumn
Our council met to discuss news and make plans for the season. There were some titbits of information following the Tribunal. Firstly, it appears that Gaines was able to find Quaesitor Hadrianus’ sigil in the Tribunal record – it’s the subtle sound of church bells. Terentius also spoke with MacKiedh, who takes seriously the prospect that Brother Hadrian may be a member of the Unnamed House and hopes, with the fresh blood joining them, that they will be able to make some further investigation into his activities. Of other news, Jari reported that Cyrillus is hoping to complete the copying of a text on the rites and practices of the occult for the end of 1320. Whilst he has asked for a modest recompense of 10 pawns of vis, he warned that the completion of the work might depend on his duties at his new covenant. Jari was also able to strike a deal with Minaxia of Tytalus at Borri-Tor for a new potential spy master. We are expecting the individual to arrive for our assessment at the end of this season.
I’m not quite sure how the discussion of these conversations at Tribunal turned suddenly sour. I think Jari riled Pyrrhus when he revealed that he had told Drusilla about the Flambeau killing the Bursar of the College of Gloucester some years ago. Pyrrhus accused him of revealing his private business and challenged him to certamen on the matter. They fought a contest based around the arts of Creo and Herbam. Pyrrhus won the contest and therefore Jari is bound not to talk about Pyrrhus’ outside of council. At least, that’s how things are supposed to work in theory – whether Jari feels any obligation to the outcome of certamen remains to be seen.
As covenant service, Pyrrhus will travel to Cliffeheart to see what aid they may afford in the investigation of Brother Hadrian. Terentius will travel to Bridgewater for at least the first part of the season, to further investigate the Barony following the attack upon Races-the-Wind two years ago, and the disappearance of one of our mundane agents. It appears that one of our mundane agents got a little muddled, for initially reports were that the Baron was named Cyril. This caused some consternation, as Cyril was a known associate of the Templars and Terentius, Pyrrhus and Captain Merrick slew him during a desperate battle on board a ship in 1302. It seemed unlikely that he had a son of the same name who could have taken his title, and the prospect Cyril had somehow survived appeared and resumed his position in court appeared utterly improbable.
After the council meeting, we received some welcome clarification regarding the situation in Bridgewater. The current Baron is Cyril’s cousin, named Cecil, and inherited the Barony about a year after Cyril’s death. There’s no evidence that Cecil was involved in the Templar conspiracy, though some of the circumstances around him lean to a source of trouble none-the-less. It seems that he has not travelled with the King’s retinue to Hibernia. He was granted dispensation following the death of his wife and newborn son, the tragic outcome of complications during birth. He has been in seclusion with his sorrow, and the atmosphere in the castle has taken a darker turn. Some of the servants in the castle report hearing an infant crying at night, and there have been ghostly sightings of a woman wearing a white, bloodied gown.
The presence of these unquiet spirits, along with the infernal entity which attacked Races-the-Wind, potentially points to some infernal cult activity in the town. However, whether the Baron is directly involved is unclear. The mundane agent who went missing was apparently investigating the activities of a criminal gang within Bridgewater and given that we know cults often use such gangs to generate income, it is possible that Cecil is merely a victim of dark influences within the town rather than an instigator.
I shall record events of the season after I am back from London.
Winter
The council started with some news from the previous season.
Pyrrhus reported that Cliffeheart claimed to have no mundane spies in the region around Dublin. However, they gave him a man who could speak both English and Irish – who might act as a teacher for one wishing to learn more of the tongue, or perhaps as a translator.
It appears Gaines had delivered the news I had heard at court last season. Edward Bruce, brother of King Robert of Scotland, has travelled to Hibernia with an army and the intention of forging a ‘Celtic alliance’ to contest English forces. We have no intelligence on the numbers raised in Scotland, but the prospect looks certain to escalate the fighting across the Irish Sea. Given that members of Loch Leglean have travelled with Scottish armies in the past, one prospect is that this may escalate fighting amongst magi as well as mundane forces.
Terentius was asked to report on his investigations and revealed the most terrible news. His familiar, Meliorax, has been slain by a demon within Bridgewater.
Having made his way there by barge and taken a room at an inn at the south end of the small town, Terentius ventured out late in the afternoon to assay the area where Races-the-Wind was attacked. Heading a little way west, he passed a fair-sized cemetery just outside the town and beyond that, a patch of woodland where Jari’s familiar had been assailed. Unfortunately, it appears the dark spirit was still haunting the area, as Meliorax was attacked in the air by a winged shape with sharp claws. Like the entity in Bristol, it appeared to have the ability to step sideways – moving as a spirit, then taking physical form only a moment before it struck. This spirit was also difficult to track in the otherworld, according to Terentius, appearing as an indistinct shadow as it swiftly moved. Having attacked and injured Meliorax, the creature slipped away back towards the town.
Meliorax took to the branches of one of the trees in the wood as the hour turned to twilight. However, the threat had not passed as our Tremere spied a group of figures making their way towards them, but also some unquiet shadows starting to move within the wood. These shadows grew ever more restless as the sun sank in the west. Eventually Meliorax was forced to take to the wing as a smoky tendril of darkness snaked up the tree to test Terentius’ shared parma magica. The group of figures consisted of two castle guards and four fellows bearing weapons and armour who struck him as mercenaries. Terentius was able to snatch an arcane connection to the leader of the guards and remain hidden. They appeared to be searching for him but, finding no trace, eventually gave up and headed back into town.
It is not clear precisely what happened to Meliorax, but Terentius – who shares a sense of pain or injury across the bond – twice felt him assailed. After the sun set and he reweaved his parma magica and spells, Terentius resumed his search for the imp-like demon. Eventually he found it wheeling about, high above the marketplace. Close to the church, there was some gaggle of citizenry gathered, but the Tremere kept his eyes on his quarry. He used magic to levitate himself onto a roof top and attempted to target it with an arrow enchanted with ‘Demon’s eternal oblivion’. However, despite several attempts, he was unable to strike it with an arrow.
This aerial demon was following this group of citizens. Leaving the marketplace, they appeared to be making their way up to the entrance of the castle. Terentius determined to follow them to discover more, climbing down off the roof and moving invisible through the streets in pursuit. By the time he caught up, most of the citizens in the group had stopped around at the base of the short rise leading to the castle gate. But further on he could see two of the castle guard approaching the gate.
As he started to catch up to them, he spied the demon in the air once again and stopped to loose an arrow at it. Unfortunately, the shot missed its mark and – worse still – the arrow came back to earth not very far from the retreating group of soldiers. They responded with alarm, drawing their weapons, and calling for support. One of them dropped a bundle as they reached for their sword. Terentius realised that this bundle contained the form of his unconscious familiar.
Discarding all caution, he raced up the approach to the gatehouse. More men spilled out of the gate to reinforce the two guards at the entrance, including the member of the guards Terentius had seen earlier leading the group by the wood. To our Tremere’s horror, whilst the rest of these men took up positions around the gatehouse, this guard did not hesitate to gather up the bundle containing Meliorax and return quickly into the castle grounds.
Invisible, Terentius had no difficulty evading the uniformed men at the gate, but as he tried to enter the courtyard one of the mercenaries appeared to see him and attack. Terentius described some fell enchantment upon the man’s eyes as he reacted to the assault. Thankfully, Terentius’s armour and spells held true, but this mercenary was joined by another as he raced past to catch up with his familiar.
Unfortunately, the guard got the keep door before Terentius could catch up. The heavy door slammed shut, and a moment later he was forced to defend himself. Whilst they could see our Tremere, their weapons were no match for Terentius skill. He managed to deeply wound one of them, who ran off, and slew the other on the stairs of the keep. However, just as the second man fell back clutching his throat, Terentius was struck by the most terrible sensation – someone or something had murdered Meliorax!
Using a spell to bypass the wooden door into the keep, Terentius entered the castle and down a winding staircase into the cellars, picking up a subtle smell of sulphur which grew stronger as the stairs descended. A few moments later he found himself transported into a regio.
The stairs and walls now slick with blood, Terentius eventually emerged into a chamber resembling something of a dungeon or a charnel house. Almost the moment he stepped within, his lantern was snuffed out, and he could hear a whispering voice from the dark. Not pausing, Terentius used the diamond-tipped wand to summon a ward and re-lit his lantern. Whilst the light filled the area of the ward, beyond this lay only pitch darkness. He sensed perhaps tendrils of shadow just at the edge of the ward, reminiscent of those in the woodland earlier.
After a minute or so, Terentius heard some movement in the dark and a figure approached the edge of the ward. Haggard in appearance and wearing rags, this figure appeared to be the prisoner of whatever demon was down here. Speaking indirectly through this man, the demon told him that his familiar had been consumed and there was nothing for him here but death. The man revealed that a similar fate had befallen his wife and child, and Terentius suggested this figure might have been Baron Cecil imprisoned within his own dungeons.
Utterly exhausted and with no light to find this demon, Terentius determined to use magic to cut a path back to the mundane realm and escape. Fortunately, he was able to extricate himself from the regio – and from the castle courtyard, apport to the covenant. As is often the case, time moved strangely while he had been within the regio. Whilst for Terentius only a day had passed, he found the season all but gone by the time he returned.
It was evident from Terentius’ story is that some of the mercenaries, at least, have been granted infernal gifts which allow their eyes to penetrate our illusions. There is also an uncanny similarity in the powers of this imp and the creature that Terentius, Jari and Daedalus fought in Bristol. Whether this foe is related to the Templars, the unnamed House or Brother Hadrian (or some combination) is not clear – but they appeared extremely well prepared for an encounter with wizards of the Order.
Terentius’ made no secret of his intention to return – to retrieve the body of his familiar and take righteous revenge. However, he recognised he had no way to fight the demon in that absolute darkness and had commissioned Pyrrhus to make a magical lantern this season. We appealed to the Tremere not to undertake this alone, but initially he appeared unwilling for anyone to share the risk. However, he agreed to discuss this again at the Spring council, Naevius making it plain that the covenant would not stand idly by against this enemy.
With these dark tidings shared, there was little left to discuss.
Later in the season, following a sudden, wintery turn in the weather, the covenant was visited by the Tegid Foel. Jari swiftly organised the kitchens to prepare to entertain him, and the Faerie knight feasted – as he has done before – until late in the evening. Having finally sated his appetite and thirst, the Tegid Foel revealed to Jari that he sensed a terrible shadow was approaching the lands of the faerie – a threat so great, that he was actively considering returning to the lands beyond the silver gate and never returning. Surprised at this news, Jari quizzed our guest for more detail – though details were scant, the Tegid Foel suggested that his spies overheard members of the Seelie court discussing the matter of this threat. He believes that whilst some of the fae are also intending to leave, perhaps Gofannon and Nynniaw were planning some way to resist this mysterious threat. However, the Tegid Foel was pessimistic that they would find any method to contest this corrupting shadow – that its influence would penetrate even to the heart of the regios within the wood.
The Tegid Foel departed – leaving an unusual gift. A large man, speaking only Welsh and clearly faerie-blooded, has been granted to Jari’s service. It appears the Tegid Foel would not take this fellow with him beyond the gate and believed he should be returned to his kind before he departed.
Discussing at an informal council, we speculated that perhaps this ‘shadow’ is the same threat perceived by Branwen in her visions. Given we believe the origin of this force is both powerful and infernal, it seems possible that it poses a threat to the fae – along with the disease and death it will wreak in the mundane world. Jari wondered whether some of the lords of the faerie might have greater insight – perhaps even a way to protect ourselves from it. He suggested that he would undertake at least one trip into the faerie realm next year.
The remainder of the season passed without event.
Spring 1317AD
There is a tradition for magi new to the council to reflect upon the events recorded in the journal and offer an introduction for themselves in the process. Having mostly grown up here, the journal records many of the events which have shaped me. Not only in my lifetime, but across the history of Severn Temple. The journal records much, most of it disconcerting, which might serve as an introduction.
It was in 1145 that the journal records the arrival of Theo and Astrius from Cad Gadu. Theo is described as light-hearted, a bard and magnificent storyteller, and it appears that his early life in the Covenant was focused on mundane interactions. There were troubles, not least the burgeoning corruption of Holy Isle and their determination to persecute members of Ex-Miscellanea; and many misadventures, for Theo was no battle magus and frequently ran into trouble investigating criminal gangs in Gloucester and an infernal cult called the Fells. Theo made frequent wanderings in the Dean and made some important discoveries, including the Myrddyn Stone and the secret methods it holds for transformation. He also led early negotiations with the werewolves which would eventually lead to our strong alliance.
He possessed the rarest ability to step physically into the Otherworld. Perhaps because of this talent, he attracted the attention of the faerie and pagan powers – and I wonder if this was the start of his undoing. He made study of books from Cad Gadu relating to the beliefs and practices of the pagans and frequently visited the Heart of the Forest to speak with the Anu (and harvested vis even when that site technically belonged to Blackthorn Covenant). He also spoke often with the Lladra, the spirit of the spring, who guided him to Nectan’s pool and told him of the visions it might grant. The spirit also encouraged him to learn more of pagan magic to gain control over the waters of the Severn. It was through these pagan and faerie powers that he started to discover some clues regarding his heritage and the origin of his unusual magical talent. However, perhaps because of the problem of Holy Isle, he appears to become increasingly secretive, rarely confiding in Astrius, his childhood friend. Quite quickly, his journeys start to take him deeper and deeper into faerie regios and the Otherworld beyond the veil. Through these travels and interactions with unworldly powers, Theo comes to believe that he is the reincarnation of an ancient line of bards, tracing back through Myrddyn and Taliesin, all the way back to Gwynbach.
It’s not clear from the journal precisely when Theo came into possession of the Crown of Math, however one can see its influence on his ambition. He came to believe that it was his destiny to become High King, an ambition Astrius firmly blamed on the Morrigan and the spirit of Ruaridh. Over time he gains some landholdings in England and in Wales, in his guise as the knight of Briavel, but there is evidence of his increasing estrangement from Astrius, and an increasing number of questions about his activities for which he will give no answer. Astrius eventually tries to force a promise from him – that he will not betray the spirit of the Oath – which Theo eventually agrees to, swearing on their friendship.
Fatefully, Theo becomes involved with the Cauldron of Bran – another of the ancient treasures hidden by Myrddyn – which he believes is under threat from Idris’ son, Ieuan. He recruits the aid of the Lladra and the Lady Nimue and they travel to meet Ceridwen. Theo strikes a deal with her to learn more about the cauldron’s secrets. However, he fails to complete this bargain, and in retaliation the Ceridwen kidnaps Dialectica’s son and apprentice, Aeddyn. This attack makes little sense to the magi until it is revealed that Aeddyn is also Theo’s son – and that the Anu had manipulated affairs, casting some enchantment upon him and Dialectica when they were in the Heart of the Forest.
Dialectia leaves the covenant and Aeddyn is eventually rescued. After her departure, Theo’s mood becomes increasingly gloomy and it’s clear that in seeking to resolve one problem, his actions merely create further troubles for him. For example, on one journey to the Otherworld, he accidentally releases three very powerful and dangerous entities, one of which goes on to attack Narwold covenant. This culminates in a case against him at Tribunal. Here the matter of his being ‘King’ is openly discussed before the assembled magi though it is clear from the account that House Merinita had knowledge of this secret for some time. It is only by striking an extortionate deal with Praeca Eloria that Theo escapes the full penalty of the code.
His troubles only escalated as it later turns out he imprisoned Dialectica within Mynyddor’s regio. After what were many years within the regio, she eventually affects her escape, turning up at a King’s Council and applying to rejoin the covenant the year after. Theo eventually agrees to this, but it is clear he has fallen into despair – the journal relates several times that he does not believe he has long left to live. He was justifiably paranoid that Dialectica meant to take revenge upon him and his relationship with Atrius was irrecoverably soured given he had broken the oath sworn against their friendship.
It appears Theo was correct in his predictions, as 1174 brings news of his demise. Having initially entrusted Aeddyn to the Court of Water, Theo decided to seek his return. However, the powerful and mysterious faerie maiden, Lady Nimue, used this exchange as bait – agreeing to return Aeddyn only if Theo met her in the crystal caves beneath Mynydd Myddyn. Despite many warnings, Theo agreed to this meeting and Nimue murdered him, trapping his spirit within the magical stones.
Aeddyn was young at the time, but the question of his inheritance looms from the season after Theo’s death. What is to become of the Crown of Math?
Despite Theo’s death, many of his ambitions were later fulfilled. His son went on to become King of England and Wales, and his lineage still occupies the throne generations later. However, none of his and Dialectica’s descendants enjoyed a long or peaceful life.
My mater, Hypatia, was the last to bear the crown. She perhaps represented the apogee of Theo’s lineage. Apprenticed to Lysimachus and tutored by the spirit of Myrddyn, she was able to wield magics believed lost to the world. Yet she was also wise and kind and did not appear to be corrupted by the powers she inherited. I saw the weight of it though, the Crown of Math, and the dark influence that another mythical treasure, the Pale Blade, had on her. Had she not sacrificed herself to save my brother and myself in London, perhaps those forces would have eventually broken her.
There then is my introduction. Like Aeddyn after Theo’s death, I am considered heir to these ancient treasures, but I have not yet been burdened with them.
The question of these treasures is still to be resolved. In the past, a delay in claiming the crown led to problems with the faerie. Though the fae have not yet made any demands on the matter, these treasures cannot be ignored – only last year the Covenant was attacked by forces loyal to ‘Brother Hadrian’ seeking to obtain the Crown. Whatever I may choose, or the Council decide, it seems my fate is bound up with these treasures.
Enough then, let me at last relate more recent events!
We met on the morning of the first day of spring, to discuss news and make plans for the season and the year. We began by discussing the cult of the ‘Broken Mirror’.
In Bristol, there is no sign of Lambert, and the other members of the cult have not resumed their practices since the destruction of the infernal circle. In Gloucester, Pyrrhus reported that our actions have met with the approval of the resident demon. It thanked us for our efforts and claimed we need not concern ourselves with the other scholars which took part in the cult – for they now ‘belong to him’. It appears that the force which attacked us may have been spotted making its way to the Covenant. Our mundane spies reported that an unfamiliar ship had docked in Chepstow, and a villager from Lydney had apparently spotted a group travelling by night close to the village. From London, Argentius reported no sign of ‘Brother Hadrian’. The magi of Eurus Aquilae continue to watch over the royal court, but the Primus believes it is unlikely that Hadrian will make a move now that the King has allowed them access again.
Investigation last year points a finger west towards Hibernia, and there was some discussion of how we might best pursue Hadrian and his allies the Sons of Maon. Unfortunately, Gaines believes that there are no Red Caps operating within the Tribunal – and we were already aware of many tensions in the region: the actions of the English Crown in the north, and House Flambeau in the south. Thus, it appears we would have relatively little support in an investigation, though Gaines suggested approaching an old Merinitan, Eoghan at Glencoghlea, who might be sympathetic or provide a base of operation. Language might be another barrier to investigation. Whilst it bears many similarities with the Scottish Gaelic that Terentius and Jari picked up when investigating north of the border, it is likely that locals will be highly suspicious of anyone with a foreign accent sniffing around Dublin or its environs. I related that my brother was under strong pressure to resume the English invasion of Hibernia, therefore further mundane conflict in the region was likely. It seemed clear that an investigation would not happen straight away, and Terentius appeared particularly frustrated by this situation. There seemed an extraordinary urgency in him to pursue this investigation, perhaps driven by the trial at the Tribunal next season hanging over him, or maybe just the influence of his familiar.
I revealed my intention to travel to court this season – and Terentius asked to accompany me so that he could speak with members of his House keeping vigil in London. Other than this, Naevius announced that he would extract Vim from the Covenant’s aura this season as service.
Our trip to London was waylaid by a discovery upon route. Terentius and I stopped briefly in the vicinity of the dell – long associated with infernal magic – to see whether Hadrian’s men had interfered with the place in any way. With his gift for spotting spirits, Terentius perceived disturbed shadows around the dell. He determined to report back to the council and seek additional aid to investigate. We parted ways with me travelling on to London and Terentius returning to the dell with Jari and Pyrrhus.
It seems that two of the trees – grown from the magical acorns from the Heart of the Forest – had sickened and died. Speaking with one of the remaining trees, Jari was able to discover that something had emerged from this gap in the defences around the regio. It was as they were leaving that Meliorax spotted a shadow moving within the trees. Terentius and Pyrrhus investigated and were attacked by infernal beasts wearing the guise of monstrous wolves. The battle was joined by the Guardians of the Forest, the Old Ones now in the service of the Green Man. The infernal spirits were dispatched, though Terentius was grievously injured in the fight. For a moment there was concern that the Guardians might also attack the magi present. Fortunately, the Guardians appeared to recognise that the magi were contesting the fell influence of the dell and let them leave in peace.
Having fallen back to the Covenant to recover, Branwen agreed to go to speak with the Green Man about the situation in the dell and the threat of infernal corruption spreading into the wider forest. In the meantime, the others considered the prospect of removing the dead trees at the dell and replacing them with living trees, commanded into position through Rego magic. To this end, they sought the aid of Daedalus – whose magic of warding might afford some protection during this lengthy process.
This plan succeeded. Though it was slow going, the magi were able to replace the trees guarding the dell. The shadows there appear quiescent now, though whether this resolves the matter long-term is less clear. Jari suggested that this might only afford a temporary solution.
The Green Man, meanwhile, had decided to take matters into his own hands. Informing Branwen that he planned to extend his influence more fully across the part of the forest containing the dell. She returned with at least some good news. In recognition of the fact that this breaks the deal we made with him, the Green Man has agreed that the magi of our council may walk unmolested within the borders of the wild wood. Given that the travel into the deep regio had robbed her of much of the season, this venture was counted as Covenant service.
This extension of the wild wood meant that the Green Man’s influence would now spread perilously close to the mining settlement near Lydney. After some debate amongst them, our allies have reluctantly agreed to move their settlement to Blackney. This comes at a cost for them, for the hunting is less plentiful in the area east of the road. However, given the danger the Green Man poses to them, it appears there were a majority willing to take up the Covenant’s offer of a new home.
Summer
Our council business was brief, though the matter of the Tribunal and the case against Terentius weighed on many of our minds.
I reported back from my season away. The King will be returning to Hibernia with fresh troops to consolidate and extend his landholdings. Unsurprisingly, I was strongly against this move, but the realities of politics prevailed. With no prospect of taking back the land lost to France upon the continent, these ventures into Hibernia are probably the only thing shoring up his position amongst the nobility. I was relieved to discover that Quaesitor Pravia and Magus Tiberius, serving as Hoplite, will accompany the court. Pravia was also able to reveal that a splinter group of the ‘Broken Mirror’ cult operating in Cheapside has essentially disbanded following the destruction of the infernal circle there.
Whilst the Tribunal at Blackthorn dominated most people’s thoughts, there was little discussion at the council meeting. Pyrrhus agreed to remain behind to watch over the Covenant and Hypatia’s artefacts whilst the rest of us make the journey. Over the course of the season, Jari will try to pick up coordination of the mundane spy network given the recent death of our spymaster.
At mid-summer, the Tribunal was convened with Praeco Voressio calling for the senior Red Cap to relay news. Gaines related events of note:
Primus Praesulis of Bonisagus had completed negotiations with the Order of the East, securing a pact of non-aggression along the disputed border between East and West. This may be a relatively modest step forward, but it has staved off fears of open conflict, and it is hoped that this agreement will mark the start of greater cooperation and an eventual healing of the division within the Order. During these negotiations, the Order of the East revealed intelligence that a group of Templars had been detected travelling eastwards into the Levant. Their purpose was not clear, but subsequent investigation by Red Caps in Verdi suggest that this small group had been set to some sort of ‘sacred task’ by the Papacy (presumably in return for not being put to death as heretics). Given Branwen’s dire vision, we could not help but speculate whether these Templars were somehow involved in rise of this infernal presence which brings disease and death.
The military orders of the Church are also active in the North-East of the Order. The Teutonic Knights managed to bring down some covenants after the fall of Durenmar, and it appears they are determined to press the crusade against the Order. Speculation is that they may be planning to launch an attack upon Crintera, Domus Magnus Bjornear. Though, whether that prospect has any real chance of succeeding without the weapon of the Templars remains to be seen.
Closer to home, there was formal news of the sacking of Crannagh Tomb by members of Cliffeheart. Unsurprisingly, Prima Lluddwyn appeared incensed by the actions of House Flambeau and made it clear she would press for an investigation. Given Pyrrhus has admitted being involved, I suspect his long-term future in this Tribunal depends on that involvement being very limited (which is likely, given his age compared to the magi of Cliffeheart).
There was also news from Loch Leglean. It appears that after the attack upon the White Tower, the Unnamed House has resumed its more typical activity – haunting the complex coastlines of Loch Leglean and Hibernia. Their plans are not clear, but Holy Isle were able to report two new sigils: One of watery, yellow pus – with magic associated with Corporem and disease. Another with a sigil of burning blood, who appeared to have affinity with Ignem magics.
The issue of apparent inability of Holy Isle to contest the Unnamed House led to a series of – rather strange – motions put before the Tribunal by Voressio. A vote to disband the dedication of the covenant, then a motion to restore the dedication to House Tremere, both failed. Voressio’s motives weren’t entirely clear here. I believe his dissatisfaction with Ex-Miscellanea’s investment in the dedication was genuine enough, but perhaps part of this was also aimed at driving a wedge between Houses Ex-Miscellanea and Tremere. It’s possible he perceives the voting power of these two Houses to be a barrier to some long-term plan or threat to his authority as Praeco. The Tribunal, however, had no appetite for these motions. However, his final motion, to impose a Tribunal tithe of 14 pawns of vis per Covenant, was passed. I can’t believe he was happy with this outcome, as he’s always been loudly resistant to such ‘taxes’ in the past. It’s possible that his intention was to sharpen focus on Holy Isle and force Ex-Miscellanea to account. Having to pay a tithe may make some councils question Prima Lluddwyn’s commitment to the dedicated covenant if it continues to be under-resourced and having limited impact.
The following day saw the presentation of legal cases before the Tribunal. The first returned to the attack upon Crannagh Tomb and called for a motion of censure against House Flambeau. There were questions regarding the evidence which informed the House ruling. Certainly, the evidence relayed against Crannagh Tomb was not enough to sway our Tribunal – and a majority vote secured the motion of formal censure. My understanding is that this probably serves only a symbolic purpose. In times past, such a motion would secure debate and probably a House Guernicus investigation at a Grand Tribunal. However, in these times, it will probably serve as little more than vocal protest.
Indeed, despite the motion of censure, a second motion calling for a Tribunal led investigation into the deaths at Crannagh Tomb was deemed beyond the authority of the meeting by Senior Quaesitor Romanus. I could tell from Romanus’ expression that he took no delight in over-ruling the motion, however this merely highlights the current impotence of the Order to reign in the worst excesses of magi.
That afternoon heard the case against Terentius. The circumstances surrounding his part in the death of the Abbot of Tintern are recorded here in the journal, so I shall not detail the case. Perhaps the only thing worth mentioning is that Naevius, against Terentius’ wishes, argued for Covenant culpability for the offense. I do not know if this act swayed much opinion, but at the very least it meant that penalties like Wizard’s March or the stripping of the gift could not be applied as sanctions.
The Accusator offered a harsh penalty for the breach of the Primary Code: Terentius would suffer the loss of his familiar and be bound over to the Covenant for 7 Years, with the threat of Wizard’s March if he failed to comply with the punishment or committed a similar offence.
The Patronus offered a significant, but more moderate penalty: A fine of 50 pawns of vis to be paid by the Covenant by the next Tribunal. A restriction upon Terentius not to enter the surrounds of Tintern, and a punishment of 4 seasons of service for the dedicated Covenant of Holy Isle. Fortunately, it was the latter of these sanctions the Tribunal voted for.
The relief in Terentius was almost tangible.
After these weighty events, the following day saw only some announcements. The magi Cyrillus of Ex-Miscellanea and Severo of Bjornear will join the council of Holy Isle. Primus Argentius announced that it had been agreed with Prima Lluddwyn that two members of his House, currently resident in Transylvania, would also seek membership of the council next year. For all the shenanigans on the morning of the first day, it appears at least Geddyn and MacKiedh will have some assistance and more resources soon.
There were also a number of new magi joining the Tribunal – all of whom had completed their gauntlet since the last Tribunal: Adina, filia Romanus, of Guernicus will join the council of Blackthorn; Durans, filius Nitoria, of Mercere will join as a Red Cap for the council of Eurus Aquilae; and two new magi will join the council of Cad Gadu, Siobhan, filia Beatrix and Tancred, filius Frioc, both of Ex-Miscellanea.
Autumn
Our council met to discuss news and make plans for the season. There were some titbits of information following the Tribunal. Firstly, it appears that Gaines was able to find Quaesitor Hadrianus’ sigil in the Tribunal record – it’s the subtle sound of church bells. Terentius also spoke with MacKiedh, who takes seriously the prospect that Brother Hadrian may be a member of the Unnamed House and hopes, with the fresh blood joining them, that they will be able to make some further investigation into his activities. Of other news, Jari reported that Cyrillus is hoping to complete the copying of a text on the rites and practices of the occult for the end of 1320. Whilst he has asked for a modest recompense of 10 pawns of vis, he warned that the completion of the work might depend on his duties at his new covenant. Jari was also able to strike a deal with Minaxia of Tytalus at Borri-Tor for a new potential spy master. We are expecting the individual to arrive for our assessment at the end of this season.
I’m not quite sure how the discussion of these conversations at Tribunal turned suddenly sour. I think Jari riled Pyrrhus when he revealed that he had told Drusilla about the Flambeau killing the Bursar of the College of Gloucester some years ago. Pyrrhus accused him of revealing his private business and challenged him to certamen on the matter. They fought a contest based around the arts of Creo and Herbam. Pyrrhus won the contest and therefore Jari is bound not to talk about Pyrrhus’ outside of council. At least, that’s how things are supposed to work in theory – whether Jari feels any obligation to the outcome of certamen remains to be seen.
As covenant service, Pyrrhus will travel to Cliffeheart to see what aid they may afford in the investigation of Brother Hadrian. Terentius will travel to Bridgewater for at least the first part of the season, to further investigate the Barony following the attack upon Races-the-Wind two years ago, and the disappearance of one of our mundane agents. It appears that one of our mundane agents got a little muddled, for initially reports were that the Baron was named Cyril. This caused some consternation, as Cyril was a known associate of the Templars and Terentius, Pyrrhus and Captain Merrick slew him during a desperate battle on board a ship in 1302. It seemed unlikely that he had a son of the same name who could have taken his title, and the prospect Cyril had somehow survived appeared and resumed his position in court appeared utterly improbable.
After the council meeting, we received some welcome clarification regarding the situation in Bridgewater. The current Baron is Cyril’s cousin, named Cecil, and inherited the Barony about a year after Cyril’s death. There’s no evidence that Cecil was involved in the Templar conspiracy, though some of the circumstances around him lean to a source of trouble none-the-less. It seems that he has not travelled with the King’s retinue to Hibernia. He was granted dispensation following the death of his wife and newborn son, the tragic outcome of complications during birth. He has been in seclusion with his sorrow, and the atmosphere in the castle has taken a darker turn. Some of the servants in the castle report hearing an infant crying at night, and there have been ghostly sightings of a woman wearing a white, bloodied gown.
The presence of these unquiet spirits, along with the infernal entity which attacked Races-the-Wind, potentially points to some infernal cult activity in the town. However, whether the Baron is directly involved is unclear. The mundane agent who went missing was apparently investigating the activities of a criminal gang within Bridgewater and given that we know cults often use such gangs to generate income, it is possible that Cecil is merely a victim of dark influences within the town rather than an instigator.
I shall record events of the season after I am back from London.
Winter
The council started with some news from the previous season.
Pyrrhus reported that Cliffeheart claimed to have no mundane spies in the region around Dublin. However, they gave him a man who could speak both English and Irish – who might act as a teacher for one wishing to learn more of the tongue, or perhaps as a translator.
It appears Gaines had delivered the news I had heard at court last season. Edward Bruce, brother of King Robert of Scotland, has travelled to Hibernia with an army and the intention of forging a ‘Celtic alliance’ to contest English forces. We have no intelligence on the numbers raised in Scotland, but the prospect looks certain to escalate the fighting across the Irish Sea. Given that members of Loch Leglean have travelled with Scottish armies in the past, one prospect is that this may escalate fighting amongst magi as well as mundane forces.
Terentius was asked to report on his investigations and revealed the most terrible news. His familiar, Meliorax, has been slain by a demon within Bridgewater.
Having made his way there by barge and taken a room at an inn at the south end of the small town, Terentius ventured out late in the afternoon to assay the area where Races-the-Wind was attacked. Heading a little way west, he passed a fair-sized cemetery just outside the town and beyond that, a patch of woodland where Jari’s familiar had been assailed. Unfortunately, it appears the dark spirit was still haunting the area, as Meliorax was attacked in the air by a winged shape with sharp claws. Like the entity in Bristol, it appeared to have the ability to step sideways – moving as a spirit, then taking physical form only a moment before it struck. This spirit was also difficult to track in the otherworld, according to Terentius, appearing as an indistinct shadow as it swiftly moved. Having attacked and injured Meliorax, the creature slipped away back towards the town.
Meliorax took to the branches of one of the trees in the wood as the hour turned to twilight. However, the threat had not passed as our Tremere spied a group of figures making their way towards them, but also some unquiet shadows starting to move within the wood. These shadows grew ever more restless as the sun sank in the west. Eventually Meliorax was forced to take to the wing as a smoky tendril of darkness snaked up the tree to test Terentius’ shared parma magica. The group of figures consisted of two castle guards and four fellows bearing weapons and armour who struck him as mercenaries. Terentius was able to snatch an arcane connection to the leader of the guards and remain hidden. They appeared to be searching for him but, finding no trace, eventually gave up and headed back into town.
It is not clear precisely what happened to Meliorax, but Terentius – who shares a sense of pain or injury across the bond – twice felt him assailed. After the sun set and he reweaved his parma magica and spells, Terentius resumed his search for the imp-like demon. Eventually he found it wheeling about, high above the marketplace. Close to the church, there was some gaggle of citizenry gathered, but the Tremere kept his eyes on his quarry. He used magic to levitate himself onto a roof top and attempted to target it with an arrow enchanted with ‘Demon’s eternal oblivion’. However, despite several attempts, he was unable to strike it with an arrow.
This aerial demon was following this group of citizens. Leaving the marketplace, they appeared to be making their way up to the entrance of the castle. Terentius determined to follow them to discover more, climbing down off the roof and moving invisible through the streets in pursuit. By the time he caught up, most of the citizens in the group had stopped around at the base of the short rise leading to the castle gate. But further on he could see two of the castle guard approaching the gate.
As he started to catch up to them, he spied the demon in the air once again and stopped to loose an arrow at it. Unfortunately, the shot missed its mark and – worse still – the arrow came back to earth not very far from the retreating group of soldiers. They responded with alarm, drawing their weapons, and calling for support. One of them dropped a bundle as they reached for their sword. Terentius realised that this bundle contained the form of his unconscious familiar.
Discarding all caution, he raced up the approach to the gatehouse. More men spilled out of the gate to reinforce the two guards at the entrance, including the member of the guards Terentius had seen earlier leading the group by the wood. To our Tremere’s horror, whilst the rest of these men took up positions around the gatehouse, this guard did not hesitate to gather up the bundle containing Meliorax and return quickly into the castle grounds.
Invisible, Terentius had no difficulty evading the uniformed men at the gate, but as he tried to enter the courtyard one of the mercenaries appeared to see him and attack. Terentius described some fell enchantment upon the man’s eyes as he reacted to the assault. Thankfully, Terentius’s armour and spells held true, but this mercenary was joined by another as he raced past to catch up with his familiar.
Unfortunately, the guard got the keep door before Terentius could catch up. The heavy door slammed shut, and a moment later he was forced to defend himself. Whilst they could see our Tremere, their weapons were no match for Terentius skill. He managed to deeply wound one of them, who ran off, and slew the other on the stairs of the keep. However, just as the second man fell back clutching his throat, Terentius was struck by the most terrible sensation – someone or something had murdered Meliorax!
Using a spell to bypass the wooden door into the keep, Terentius entered the castle and down a winding staircase into the cellars, picking up a subtle smell of sulphur which grew stronger as the stairs descended. A few moments later he found himself transported into a regio.
The stairs and walls now slick with blood, Terentius eventually emerged into a chamber resembling something of a dungeon or a charnel house. Almost the moment he stepped within, his lantern was snuffed out, and he could hear a whispering voice from the dark. Not pausing, Terentius used the diamond-tipped wand to summon a ward and re-lit his lantern. Whilst the light filled the area of the ward, beyond this lay only pitch darkness. He sensed perhaps tendrils of shadow just at the edge of the ward, reminiscent of those in the woodland earlier.
After a minute or so, Terentius heard some movement in the dark and a figure approached the edge of the ward. Haggard in appearance and wearing rags, this figure appeared to be the prisoner of whatever demon was down here. Speaking indirectly through this man, the demon told him that his familiar had been consumed and there was nothing for him here but death. The man revealed that a similar fate had befallen his wife and child, and Terentius suggested this figure might have been Baron Cecil imprisoned within his own dungeons.
Utterly exhausted and with no light to find this demon, Terentius determined to use magic to cut a path back to the mundane realm and escape. Fortunately, he was able to extricate himself from the regio – and from the castle courtyard, apport to the covenant. As is often the case, time moved strangely while he had been within the regio. Whilst for Terentius only a day had passed, he found the season all but gone by the time he returned.
It was evident from Terentius’ story is that some of the mercenaries, at least, have been granted infernal gifts which allow their eyes to penetrate our illusions. There is also an uncanny similarity in the powers of this imp and the creature that Terentius, Jari and Daedalus fought in Bristol. Whether this foe is related to the Templars, the unnamed House or Brother Hadrian (or some combination) is not clear – but they appeared extremely well prepared for an encounter with wizards of the Order.
Terentius’ made no secret of his intention to return – to retrieve the body of his familiar and take righteous revenge. However, he recognised he had no way to fight the demon in that absolute darkness and had commissioned Pyrrhus to make a magical lantern this season. We appealed to the Tremere not to undertake this alone, but initially he appeared unwilling for anyone to share the risk. However, he agreed to discuss this again at the Spring council, Naevius making it plain that the covenant would not stand idly by against this enemy.
With these dark tidings shared, there was little left to discuss.
Later in the season, following a sudden, wintery turn in the weather, the covenant was visited by the Tegid Foel. Jari swiftly organised the kitchens to prepare to entertain him, and the Faerie knight feasted – as he has done before – until late in the evening. Having finally sated his appetite and thirst, the Tegid Foel revealed to Jari that he sensed a terrible shadow was approaching the lands of the faerie – a threat so great, that he was actively considering returning to the lands beyond the silver gate and never returning. Surprised at this news, Jari quizzed our guest for more detail – though details were scant, the Tegid Foel suggested that his spies overheard members of the Seelie court discussing the matter of this threat. He believes that whilst some of the fae are also intending to leave, perhaps Gofannon and Nynniaw were planning some way to resist this mysterious threat. However, the Tegid Foel was pessimistic that they would find any method to contest this corrupting shadow – that its influence would penetrate even to the heart of the regios within the wood.
The Tegid Foel departed – leaving an unusual gift. A large man, speaking only Welsh and clearly faerie-blooded, has been granted to Jari’s service. It appears the Tegid Foel would not take this fellow with him beyond the gate and believed he should be returned to his kind before he departed.
Discussing at an informal council, we speculated that perhaps this ‘shadow’ is the same threat perceived by Branwen in her visions. Given we believe the origin of this force is both powerful and infernal, it seems possible that it poses a threat to the fae – along with the disease and death it will wreak in the mundane world. Jari wondered whether some of the lords of the faerie might have greater insight – perhaps even a way to protect ourselves from it. He suggested that he would undertake at least one trip into the faerie realm next year.
The remainder of the season passed without event.